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JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Russia, China and South Africa are set to begin naval drills off South Africa’s Indian Ocean coast Friday in a demonstration of the three countries’ close ties amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s tense relationship with the West.
The 10 days of exercises, named Mosi II, will coincide with the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.
A Russian frigate, the Admiral Gorshkov, arrived in Cape Town earlier this week sporting the letters Z and V on its sides, letters that mark Russian weapons on the front lines in Ukraine and are used as a patriotic symbol in Russia.
In protest, a small yacht flying Ukraine’s flag sailed by the Russian frigate in Cape Town’s harbor. South African protesters opposed to the exercises are expected to demonstrate at the Russian Consulate in Cape Town on Friday.
The arrival of the Admiral Gorshkov has stirred considerable controversy because it is armed with the latest Zircon hypersonic missiles, a weapon that Russia says can penetrate any missile defenses to strike targets at sea and on land.
The warship is set to test-fire a Zircon missile during the joint naval drills, according to Russian state news agency Tass. The test will be the first launch of the missile in an international exercise.
In addition to the Admiral Gorshkov, other ships participating in the maritime exercises will include a Russian oil tanker for refueling, a South African frigate and three Chinese ships – a destroyer, a frigate and a support vessel, according to a South African military statement.
The joint naval exercises also come as China’s relations with Washington are tense after its balloon sailed across the U.S. and was eventually shot down by the U.S.
The maritime exercises will be staged from Durban and Richards Bay, ports in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
Media coverage of the drills has been restricted.
South Africa has faced domestic criticism for participating in the drills. The opposition Democratic Alliance said it shows South Africa is not neutral in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The South African National Defence Force has described the naval exercises with China and Russia simply as “a multinational maritime exercise.” The naval drills will “strengthen the already flourishing relations between South Africa, Russia and China” with the aim of sharing “operational skills and knowledge,” the military said in a statement.
At least 350 members of South Africa’s navy and other military branches are expected to participate in the exercise, the government has said.
The three countries previously held the Mosi I naval drills in Cape Town in 2019.
South Africa is among many African countries that have friendly relations with Moscow and abstained from voting on a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Russia and the United States have courted support from South Africa since the war in Ukraine started, indicating Pretoria’s influence as a strategic partner on the continent. The two super powers have vied for influence in Africa, sending top officials on diplomatic missions to the continent in recent months.
High-ranking U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, recently visited South Africa to deepen diplomatic, political and economic ties. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the White House in September 2022.
During a visit to South Africa last month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the West’s actions in support of Ukraine and emphasized Russia’s strong ties with South Africa and other nations on the continent.
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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | 2023-02-17T21:20:06+00:00 | wivb.com | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/ap-russia-to-test-missile-in-drills-with-china-and-south-africa/ |
Neighbors first noticed the colorful animals — some based on realistic creatures, some whimsical — popping up on the cinderblock wall of an alleyway earlier this week.
Wolves. Fish. Turtles. A bunny. A frog sticking its tongue out. And perhaps most unusual of all, a winged unicorn — an Alacorn — said the little girl who made it. (Google confirmed she was right.)
The spray-painted animals were set against a prepainted backdrop of different environments — outer space, underwater, a wintry mountain pass, a lake — to make up a new community mural that turns a decades-old concrete walkway into a public art exhibition.
The children who made the mural under the watchful eye of professional artists said it's a work of joy, of hope, something to make people smile.
"I really hope it just brightens their day, to see this beautiful art work in a public place," said teen artist Myles Leonard, one of some 40 students participating in the nearby Dragonfly Art Studio's summer art classes.
The roughly 350-foot long mural, which covers most of one wall on the walkway off Monterey Drive in the Casa Linda neighborhood, started coming to life Monday. The artists finished their work on Friday.
Oceanna Holton, director of Dragonfly Art Studio, said she got the idea to create the mural about two months ago as a way to engage her students in street art projects. As part of the process, she and other professional artists taught the students about the history of community murals and the difference between legal and illegal — that is, murals vs. graffiti — street art.
"We always connect our projects to art history," she said.
She worked with her brother, artist Gabriel Holton, retired Santa Fe High School art teacher Gary Myers and noted New York mural artist Pablo Ancona to prepare and mentor the students for the project.
Myers said the children working on the mural could "get a sense of community, of adding something positive" when neighbors come by to look and and comment on the piece.
He said at first sight the wall was full of "pretty nasty graffiti, so the kids see if you approach it the right way you can call it art."
Holton said she obtained permission from homeowner Kim Pang, whose property borders much of the wall, to create the mural on the back side facing the street.
"I just thought it was great," Pang said. "The alleyway is heavily used but it's been so bare and kind of dreary and often gets tagged with graffiti. I have a 5-year-old and he got excited about it, too."
Watching the mural grow day by day over the past week, Pang said "it really makes the alley come alive and feel more like a community place, like it's cared for ... it's actually a destination now."
Watching the children at work Thursday, neighbor Rosemary Romero, spokeswoman for the Casa Linda Neighborhood Association, said members of the group had been painting over graffiti on the wall for years.
She recalled using the walkway — one of four similar concrete walkways in the neighborhood — as a child to go to nearby Johnny's Market and other places. She doesn't recall seeing that many public murals as a child in the area, but she's aware of Santa Fe's history with the street art form.
Perhaps the most well-known Santa Fe mural in recent years was the 40-year-old mural on Guadalupe Street showcasing local cultures and landmarks created by Gilberto Guzman and a cadre of artists.
That one's gone now. Guzman and the state Department of Cultural Affairs a year ago came to an agreement to allow the department to remove the large painting on the state-owned Halpin Building as part of the agency’s plan to build the Vladem Contemporary museum on that site. Guzman has agreed to create a scaled-down version of the mural for display inside the lobby of the Vladem Contemporary.
But if one mural gets covered up or goes down, another can pop up, as the Dragonfly Art Studio project proves.
Romero said she hopes local property owners who see the mural are inspired to donate their outside walls for similar art initiatives.
Isabella Miranda, one of the art students who helped paint the mural, said murals "can share a message, whether it's political or just to make you smile."
Teen artist Leonard, who was adding plastic bottles to the mural scene depicting ocean life, was trying to insert a message about the negative impacts plastics have on the environment.
"I want to still make a statement without distracting from the beautiful imagery of the mural," he said. "I hope — with the plastic bottles — it will make a statement." | 2022-07-09T02:36:30+00:00 | santafenewmexican.com | https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/mural-mural-on-the-wall-young-artists-brighten-a-santa-fe-neighborhood/article_5bc82e4a-fe30-11ec-8cd6-c74b5116609a.html |
Public schools and state agencies in North Dakota would be prohibited from referring to students and employees by any pronouns that don’t reflect the sex assigned to them at birth, under a bill approved by the legislature.
The House approved the bill 60-32 on Wednesday. It passed the Senate last month and now awaits the signature of Republican Gov. Doug Burgum.
In 2021, Burgum vetoed a bill that would have restricted transgender students from participating in public elementary and secondary school sports. But Burgum has not said publicly if he supports this latest measure.
The bill is among hundreds nationwide that are taking aim at nearly every facet of transgender existence, from pronouns to bathroom use to health care to athletics. In North Dakota, similar bills to restrict transgender athletes have passed the House this session with veto-proof majorities. The Senate has not yet voted on them. Last week, Wyoming became the 19th state to ban transgender athletes from playing on girls or women’s sports teams.
“It’s another week of a legislative session, and we have another bill that’s telling certain people that they have value or don’t have value in our state,” Democratic Rep. Josh Boschee of Fargo said as he urged lawmakers to vote against the pronoun bill.
Right before the vote, Republican Rep. SuAnn Olson of Baldwin countered: “Five years ago, this whole pronoun thing wasn’t a thing. It puts teachers in the very difficult position” of keeping up with students who switch their pronoun, she said. “It’s just a common-sense bill that deserves a green vote.”
The bill would not criminalize teachers or state employees. And if a teacher received approval from a student’s parent or guardian — and from the school administrator — the teacher would be allowed to use the pronouns a student prefers.
Although the measure also affects state employees outside the schools, Wednesday’s debate focused mostly on educational staff who would be affected. Supporters said the bill would ease burdens on teachers and create better learning environments for students
The bill would allow teachers to “rest with relief that they only need to remember one name and (one) set of historically recognized biological pronouns,” Republican Rep. Lori VanWinkle, of Minot, said in support. She added that the bill would instill confidence in parents that their kids are safe at school and create learning environments without “social distractions.”
Opponents including Democratic Rep. Mary Schneider of Fargo cited the testimony of countless people who argued the bill would harm LGBTQ youth: mental health therapists, school counselors, social workers, suicide prevention advocates, church leaders and more.
Schneider noted that these experts said the bill would not protect kids or promote learning, because “the real threats to children are poverty, hunger, lack of health care, gun violence, bigotry, social pressures, mental health and bills like these.”
Democrats and Republicans voted against the bill.
A survey by The Trevor Project in 2022 found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year, but that those who were supported socially or at school reported lower rates.
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Trisha Ahmed is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow her on Twitter: @TrishaAhmed15 | 2023-03-23T13:07:55+00:00 | wcia.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/national/ap-us-news/north-dakota-house-passes-school-gender-pronoun-prohibition/ |
Amid what already is a hectic schedule for the Miami Heat, forward Jimmy Butler finds himself in the midst of a three-games-in-three-days stretch, after a crosscourt side trip on Tuesday.
In the wake of going for 26 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in Monday night’s victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Miami-Dade Arena, Butler traveled to Los Angeles to be a Crypto.com Arena for Tuesday night’s Lakers’ retirement of Pau Gasol’s jersey. Butler and Gasol spent two seasons as teammates with the Chicago Bulls.
Butler then jetted back to South Florida for Wednesday night’s game against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, the start of a run of three games in four nights for the Heat, who host the Cavaliers again Friday night before playing Saturday night on the road against the Orlando Magic.
Holding up a Gasol Lakers jersey, Butler was asked by the NBA’s promotional wing about the appearance.
“What’s this guy’s name? Pau?” Butler said with a smile. “I’m here because of Pau, obviously. Congrats to my brother Pau. I love you man. Much deserved, Hall of Fame coming soon. We all know it. Appreciate you for having me my brother.”
The Heat did not practice Tuesday, other than a developmental session for the team’s younger players.
Butler spent time with Gasol and Gasol’s family courtside during the Lakers’ victory over the Memphis Grizzlies before exiting the arena.
Butler has become used to such whirlwinds, including a visit to Argentina during the recent NBA All-Star break.
Despite being listed on recent Heat injury reports with knee pain, Butler has not missed a game since Jan. 24.
() | 2023-03-08T16:09:46+00:00 | denverpost.com | https://www.denverpost.com/2023/03/08/jimmy-butler-uses-day-off-between-heat-games-to-jet-to-l-a-for-pau-gasol-jersey-retirement/ |
Updated February 24, 2023 at 3:00 PM ET
A coalition of state attorneys general is suing the Food and Drug Administration, accusing the agency of excessively regulating the abortion pill mifepristone.
Mifepristone was approved in 2000 to induce first-trimester abortions in combination with a second drug, misoprostol. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington state by a dozen Democratic state attorneys general, asks the FDA to lift additional layers of regulation above and beyond those for typical prescription drugs.
It accuses the FDA "singling out mifepristone...for a unique set of restrictions," and asks the court to declare the drug to be safe and effective, and invalidate the additional regulation, known as a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy.
The suit comes as a federal judge in a separate case in Texas is considering whether to overturn the FDA approval of the abortion drug, setting up the possibility of conflicting rulings by different federal judges.
An FDA official says the agency does not comment on ongoing litigation.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2023-02-24T20:59:42+00:00 | nepm.org | https://www.nepm.org/national-world-news/national-world-news/2023-02-24/democratic-state-attorneys-general-sue-biden-administration-over-abortion-pill-rules |
Good morning, Early Birds. Our colleague Maxine Joselow, who writes The Climate 202, helped report and write the top of today's newsletter. Subscribe to The Climate 202 here. And send us your tips: earlytips@washpost.com. Thanks for waking up with us.
In today's edition … The Post's Hannah Knowles, David Weigel and Paul Kane on why GOP prospects are narrowing in the House as Democrats overperform in early contests … Poll Watch: Emily Guskin on the voters who are down on Biden but not on Democrats … DeSantis flexes influence with ‘anti-woke’ school board victories, Tim Craig and Lori Rozsa report … but first …
On the Hill
Manchin delivered for Democrats. Can they return the favor?
Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.) is accustomed to being a kingmaker in Washington, with Democrats ready to offer him almost anything to secure his elusive vote.
But Manchin's latest effort to overhaul the rules for approving new energy infrastructure is testing the bounds of his once-limitless influence on Capitol Hill.
To gain the centrist senator's vote for an ambitious law to tackle climate change and lower the deficit, top Democrats and the White House promised to pass a separate bill this fall to speed up the permitting process for new energy projects, an important issue in Manchin's home state.
Manchin is hoping to attach the permitting package to a stopgap funding bill that must pass by Sept. 30 to prevent a government shutdown.
- “It either keeps the country open, or we shut down the government. That’ll happen Sept. 30, so let’s see how that politics plays out,” Manchin told West Virginia MetroNews this week.
But it's unclear whether the gambit will work.
For one thing, liberal House Democrats have said they have serious concerns about potentially undermining the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions.
“Destroying NEPA has long been on Republicans' wish list,” Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), the House Natural Resources Committee’s chairman, said in a recent interview. “But now, in a bizarre twist of history, Democrats are in a position to deliver on that agenda.”
And GOP lawmakers might be loath to help Democrats pass the legislation weeks after Manchin angered Republicans by announcing that he’d negotiated a secret deal with Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) to pass a climate bill they thought was dead.
Chris Treanor, a Democratic lobbyist at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, said it might take some time for Republicans “to meaningfully engage in negotiations over policies that have been a priority of theirs for a decade or more, just given the bad blood.”
The bill would need the votes of at least 10 Republican senators — or more if any Democrats or independents refuse to support it — to overcome a filibuster. Whether Republicans ultimately agree to back it could depend on whether the bill is as aggressive as they want.
If the final bill is similar to a recently leaked draft, “it’ll be hard to get Republican votes to support it,” said one GOP lobbyist, who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to be candid. “It doesn’t really have any teeth.”
Policy details
The leaked draft of the bill, which bears the watermark of the American Petroleum Institute, would shorten environmental reviews under NEPA and require President Biden to designate 25 energy projects of “strategic national importance,” among other provisions. (API didn't draft the bill, according to a person familiar with the matter; the draft was shared with API and other trade groups for comment.)
A second person confirmed the authenticity of the leaked draft and said it was about a month-and-a-half old.
A closely held new draft has been circulating in recent days, according to three people familiar with the matter. A two-page summary of the legislation obtained by The Washington Post has also made the rounds among Senate Democrats.
The bill would expedite not only fossil fuel projects such as natural gas pipelines but also the transmission lines needed to carry clean electricity, according to the summary.
- “The proposed Senate Permitting Package would help expedite the nationwide buildout of power sector transmission infrastructure that is critical to deploying the cleaner generation needed to hit President Biden's climate goals of a 50-52% reduction in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 beneath 2005 levels,” the document says.
Neither the leaked draft nor the two-page summary mentions the Mountain Valley Pipeline, a project under construction that Manchin has championed to transport Appalachian shale gas about 300 miles from West Virginia to Virginia.
But a person familiar with the matter said the permitting package would still help the pipeline, which has been mired in litigation and other delays, by expediting permitting and licensing under the Clean Water Act.
One of the companies behind the pipeline, Equitrans Midstream, and two other natural gas companies hired Larry Puccio, Manchin’s former chief of staff and longtime friend, last year to lobby on their behalf. Puccio and another lobbyist, Angel Moore, have lobbied the Senate and the Energy Department on permitting issues, according to a disclosure filing.
Reached by phone, Puccio said he wasn’t lobbying on the permitting bill.
“I’ve done nothing on permitting,” he said.
Equitrans Midstream declined to comment.
Green angst
API is preparing to lobby lawmakers to support the permitting bill if the final version garners the powerful trade group's approval.
“If the bill is worthy of our support, you should expect us to put a full-throated effort into advancing the legislation,” Mike Sommers, API's president and chief executive, said in an interview on Wednesday.
But the proposal has put environmental groups in a tough spot. While many environmentalists have voiced serious concerns about the side deal, others privately concede that it was necessary to secure Manchin's vote for the biggest climate bill in U.S. history.
A coalition of 650 climate groups on Wednesday sent a letter to Democratic leadership expressing “strenuous opposition” to the deal. Earthjustice, an environmental law organization, has also circulated an analysis of how the permitting proposal could accelerate the approval of fossil fuel projects, according to a copy of the analysis obtained by The Post.
- “There's a misconception right now that we won't be able to build out the clean energy infrastructure we desperately need unless we roll back environmental laws,” said Abbie Dillen, Earthjustice's president.
Sen. Thomas R. Carper (D-Del.), the chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, said in a statement that agreeing to overhaul permitting rules was essential to passing the climate bill.
“Most of us believe we can improve the federal permitting process for energy projects in a way that doesn’t strip away critical protections for our environment and our health,” he said.
The campaign
GOP prospects narrow in House as Democrats overperform in early contests
The red ripple: “Republicans are facing dimming prospects for an overwhelming sweep in the House this fall, according to independent analysts and strategists across parties, as Democrats defy a long-predicted red wave in early contests by capitalizing on abortion’s rise as a campaign issue and a renewed focus on former president Donald Trump,” our colleagues Hannah Knowles, David Weigel and Paul Kane report.
- “Democratic candidates now have outperformed President Biden’s 2020 margins in four special elections held since the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to abortion enshrined in Roe v. Wade. The starkest example came Tuesday in New York’s 19th Congressional District, where Democrat Pat Ryan — who made abortion access central to his campaign — defeated Republican Marc Molinaro by just over two percentage points. Biden won the district by little more than one percentage point in 2020.”
- “The nonpartisan Cook Political Report on Wednesday revised its projections for GOP gains in the House, with editor Dave Wasserman saying on Twitter that it is ‘not out of the question’ for Democrats to maintain control of the chamber. The group, which once predicted Republicans would pick up 20 to 35 seats, is now projecting a more modest increase of 10 to 20 seats. And Republicans say they have dialed back their expectations even as they remain confident they will retake the House.”
- Why it matters: “A path has opened up toward political victories in November that would hand liberals a chance at sweeping legislative wins that might eclipse the major Democratic agenda items signed into law this summer,” our colleague Paul Kane writes. If Democrats hold the House and gain two seats in the Senate, it will pave “the way for more-expansive liberal wish-list items through passage of party-line budget bills.”
Poll Watch
A poll showing high Biden disapproval also has good news for Democrats
From Post polling analyst Emily Guskin: A Pew Research Center poll released Tuesday found that 60 percent of Americans disapproved of Biden while 37 percent approved, terrible ratings that would usually mean big losses for his party in midterm elections.
In 2018, national exit polls found 54 percent of voters disapproved of former president Trump, and 90 percent of them supported Democrats for Congress. Last November, disapproval of Biden in Virginia helped Republican Glenn Youngkin win his election as governor in a state Trump lost by 10 points in 2020.
But the Pew poll shows that despite anemic ratings for Biden, Republicans have no advantage in overall support for Congress: 44 percent of registered voters said they’d support the Democratic candidate and 42 percent were in favor of the Republican candidate.
Pew found 93 percent of voters who approved of Biden “very strongly” supported Democrats for Congress, as did 86 percent of voters who approved of Biden “not so strongly.”
The poll found a wide disconnect among voters who disapproved of Biden. Voters who disapproved of him “very strongly” supported Republican candidates for Congress by a margin of 82 percent to 6 percent for Democrats. But among the 17 percent of voters who disapproved of Biden “not so strongly,” Democrats led by 43 percent to 29 percent over Republicans, with 28 percent saying they would support another candidate or weren’t sure.
That means a group of voters are leaning toward supporting Democrats this fall despite their frustrations with Biden’s performance. There are other signs of Democratic candidates outperforming Biden’s approval rating as well.
A Marquette Law School Poll of registered voters in Wisconsin this month found Biden was 15 percentage points underwater — but Democratic Gov. Tony Evers was running about even with Republican Tim Michels. In the Senate race, Democratic candidate Mandela Barnes had a six-point lead over Republican Sen. Ron Johnson.
Tuesday’s special election in New York’s 19th Congressional District also suggested Democrats are holding their own in competitive congressional elections. Voters who are down on Biden — but not strongly — may still favor his party’s candidates in midterm elections and could save the Democrats from a midterm washout like many presidents’ parties have experienced in the past.
The campaign
DeSantis nets big wins in school board races
The other kingmaker: “Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis saw big wins Tuesday night in nearly two dozen school board races where he endorsed conservative candidates backing his education agenda, underscoring his influence as he uses local races to build his voter base and showcase his national platform,” our colleagues Tim Craig and Lori Rozsa report. “Conservatives say they now have new majorities on school boards in Miami-Dade, Duval, Sarasota and Brevard counties, potentially reshaping policies for more than half a million students and thousands of teachers.”
- “In a sign of how DeSantis is energizing Florida Republicans, more than 100,000 registered Republicans voted Tuesday compared with Democrats — even though both DeSantis and Sen. Marco Rubio (R) were running unopposed in the primary.”
What we're watching
Biden is in Rockville, Md., today to stump for fellow Democrats at a Democratic National Committee event. The rally, which kicks off the White House’s midterm push, is likely to be in support of best-selling author and political newcomer Wes Moore, a Democrat who would be the state’s first Black governor if elected in November; and Rep. Anthony G. Brown (D), who would be the state’s first Black attorney general.
Also happening today: The Justice Department will submit their proposed redactions to the affidavit that led to this month’s search of Mar-a-Lago. Federal Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart, who last week said he is “inclined” to unseal some of the affidavit, is expected to make a final decision today.
The Media
Early reeeads
- Jackson Hole: Where Fed officials gather, and workers can’t afford to stay. By The Post’s Rachel Siegel.
- Millions in covid aid went to retrain veterans. Only 397 landed jobs. By The Post’s Lisa Rein and Yeganeh Torbati.
- People across the U.S. share how exorbitant gas prices have hurt them. By The Post’s Rachel Lerman.
- Biden to cancel up to $10,000 in student loans, $20K for Pell recipients. By The Post’s Danielle Douglas-Gabriel and Jeff Stein.
- Archives asked for records in 2021 after Trump lawyer agreed they should be returned, email says. By The Post’s Josh Dawsey and Jacqueline Alemany.
- Twitter whistleblower to testify in Congress about security failures. By The Post’s Cat Zakrzewski.
- House panel: Trump sought to pressure FDA on covid vaccines, treatment. By The Post’s Dan Diamond.
- Women — particularly women of color — stand to benefit most from Biden’s student loan relief plan. By the 19th*’s Nadra Nittle.
- Homeland Security scraps disinformation board attacked by GOP. By Bloomberg’s Maria Curi and John Harney.
- RNC chief on tape to donors: We need help to win the Senate. By Politico’s Alex Isenstadt.
- Biden administration issues final rule on protections for ‘Dreamers.’ By Roll Call’s Caroline Simon.
Viral
(It had been a couple weeks since he took questions and it seems like he did not miss the pleasure of it!) https://t.co/6mwyXwCg5R
— Josh Wingrove (@josh_wingrove) August 24, 2022
Thanks for reading. You can also follow us on Twitter: @theodoricmeyer and @LACaldwellDC. | 2022-08-25T11:50:36+00:00 | washingtonpost.com | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/08/25/manchin-delivered-democrats-can-they-return-favor/ |
Miami Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead was upgraded to limited participation at the team’s Thursday practice after he was a non-participant on the Wednesday injury report, despite performing light drills on the side.
“We’ve just been working, trying to get back right, give myself a chance to play,” he said Thursday after practice at UCLA before the Dolphins face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night. “I feel better than I did last week.”
Ahead of the loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Armstead was deemed doubtful after participating in a limited Friday practice. He returned to closer to a regular routine he’s had to nurse his toe ailment with Thursday participation.
Armstead described the play where he got hurt toward the end of the first half in the Nov. 27 win over the Houston Texans.
“Fairly routine,” he said. “Guy was rushing off the edge, outside arm kind of went across his body and, going to the ground, it just felt a rip. I kind of knew immediately what I was dealing with.”
Armstead feared it was a possible tear instead of the milder strain.
“The severity was hard to tell,” he said. “I didn’t have any power in my left side. I couldn’t lift my arm. It wasn’t a situation where I could tape up and try to go back out.”
The injury to the chest muscle is vital for a blocker.
“Every movement, every block to execute, you need to have strength and power in those ranges,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill was the only player on the active roster to miss Thursday drills. He was out with an illness.
Fellow wideout Jaylen Waddle (fibula) was upgraded to full participation after being limited on Wednesday, as was defensive tackle Raekwon Davis (knee). Wide receiver River Cracraft popped up on the injury report as limited with a calf ailment.
Five Dolphins were limited for a second consecutive practice: Quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa (ankle) and Teddy Bridgewater (knee), safety Eric Rowe (back), tight end Durham Smythe (quadriceps/knee) and defensive tackle Justin Zimmer (back).
For the Chargers, cornerback Bryce Callahan (groin) was downgraded to non-participant after being limited Thursday. Safety Derwin James (quadriceps), defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day (knee) and tackle TreyPipkins III (knee) also missed Thursday drills, while lineman Will Clapp (shoulder) was downgraded from full participation to limited.
Gesicki’s usage
Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki’s nine snaps played at the San Francisco 49ers were a career low.
Miami tight ends coach Jon Embree said it had to do with the game plan for the 49ers.
“None of the tight ends played in some of the situations,” said Embree, alluding to the number of two-running back looks the Dolphins gave the 49ers. “That was a good personnel for us against those guys because there were some things we could dictate defensively.”
Embree believes the Dolphins could get back to getting Gesicki more involved in games to come.
“That’s just how the game plan is,” he said. “There’s going to be game plans where they’re going to both get more [opportunities] and Trent Sherfield’s not going to get as many reps, or Alec [Ingold]. We’re going to do whatever we have to do to try to win, and it just worked out this past week that that personnel group gave us some ops and some things.”
Fellow tight end Durham Smythe saw 27 snaps, which was 59 percent of the team’s offensive plays, the greatest percentage he had seen since Week 4 at Cincinnati. Gesicki’s 9 snaps accounted for 20 percent of offensive plays, which was also a career low by percentage in any game he has played.
Gesicki, nonetheless, found himself at the heart of a crucial late play at San Francisco where his fourth-down catch called on the field was overturned upon review for a turnover on downs. Embree said he “no doubt” believed it should’ve been called a catch for Gesicki.
Mum on Jones
When Dolphins cornerbacks coach Sam Madison was asked if cornerback Byron Jones has been involved in meetings with players at his position as he’s remained on the physically-unable-to-perform list since before the season, the assistant coach directed questions on Jones to either coach Mike McDaniel or defensive coordinator Josh Boyer.
“Right now, we’re just working with the guys that we have here,” Madison said. “I’ll just let Coach Mike and Coach Josh talk about him, and that’s where we are right now.”
Madison was critical of the two pass interference calls against the Dolphins at the 49ers on Xavien Howard and Kader Kohou, calling them “phantom calls.”
This and that
Former Patriots outside linebacker Willie McGinest was seen at Dolphins practice at UCLA, assisting outside linebackers coach Ty McKenzie with drills at his position group.
McGinest, a two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher and three-time Super Bowl champion is a Long Beach, California native and currently works as an analyst for NFL Network.
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ORANGE, Va. (AP) — Several staffers who were previously fired or suspended during recent turmoil at former President James Madison’s Montpelier estate in Virginia have been reinstated to their jobs.
Montpelier’s recently appointed Interim President and CEO Elizabeth Chew opted to bring back four staff members who were let go in April by previous leadership, the Culpeper Star-Exponent reported. Chew also expressed optimism in an email to supporters that the estate will recover from the recent controversy over how it would, or would not, share governance with the descendants of people once enslaved there.
Earlier this year, the board that manages the estate was criticized for moving to reverse a 2021 commitment to share authority equally with the descendants.
More than 11,000 people, including Montpelier visitors and donors, signed a petition protesting the decision and the firing or suspension of pro-parity staff members with decades of professional experience.
Dozens of organizations also expressed outrage about the board’s retreat. The groups ranged from an organization of descendants of Japanese American citizens interned during World War II to an international association of “sites of conscience” that includes Holocaust museums.
In May, in another reversal, the board elected 11 new members representing descendants of people once enslaved there. The vote created full parity for the descendants in the foundation’s leadership, The Washington Post reported.
Chew herself had previously been terminated from a role as the plantation’s executive vice president and chief curator, but the estate’s board appointed her to the new leadership position in late May. She then reinstated the four staffers who were removed or terminated in April.
“The entire staff has been through so much these past few months, and their return has done much to boost morale and generate hope that as an organization, Montpelier will continue in the right direction,” Chew wrote. | 2022-06-06T16:44:53+00:00 | wivb.com | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/madison-estate-rehires-staff-let-go-during-recent-turmoil/ |
- Consolidated revenue up 3.5%, while adjusted EBITDA1 declined 1.8% reflecting one-time retroactive media revenue adjustment in Q1 2022 and higher operating costs, including inflationary cost pressures and higher TV programming costs
- Net earnings of $788 million, down 15.6%, with net earnings attributable to common shareholders of $725 million, or $0.79 per common share, down 17.7%; adjusted net earnings1 of $772 million generated adjusted EPS1 of $0.85, down 4.5%
- Cash flows from operating activities down 27.3% to $1,247 million; free cash flow1 decreased to $85 million on timing of capital expenditures and working capital
- Wireless operating momentum continues: 43,289 mobile phone postpaid net subscriber activations2, up 26.5%; 70,742 mobile connected device net activations, up 44.7%; low postpaid churn rate2 of 0.90%; eighth consecutive quarter of mobile phone blended ARPU3 growth, up 0.9%, contributed to 5.4% higher wireless service revenue
- Retail Internet net activations up 4.8% to 27,274; 47,757 new net fibre customer activations, up 24.2%, drove strong 10% consumer Internet revenue growth
- Bell Media digital revenue4 up 2%; total media revenue and adjusted EBITDA down due to one-time retroactive subscriber revenue adjustment in Q1 2022
- Reconfirming all 2023 financial guidance targets
MONTRÉAL, May 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today reported results for the first quarter (Q1) of 2023.
"Bell has delivered a solid start to the year with results that were on plan and that reflect our consistently strong execution," said Mirko Bibic, President and CEO of BCE and Bell Canada.
"Our strategy to build the best networks and our compelling products and services are clearly resonating with customers, as is our customer-first approach. I'm particularly proud of the gains we've made to champion customer experience as evidenced in the 2022-23 CCTS mid-year report. Bell was the only national service provider to experience a decrease in complaints during a period when complaints were up 12% year-over-year across the industry.
Overall, our performance in wireless and Internet helped to drive strong 3.5% consolidated revenue growth, offsetting the impacts of an advertising slowdown within our Bell Media segment. Our mobile phone postpaid net subscriber activations were up 26.5%, with 5.4% higher wireless service revenue. We also added nearly 48,000 new FTTH customers in Q1, up 24% over last year, with consumer Internet revenue up 10%.
In line with our broadband network buildout plan, we invested close to $1.1 billion in capital expenditures in Q1, and remain on pace to expand our fibre footprint by 650,000 locations and cover 85% of the population with our 5G service by the end of 2023. While we're currently experiencing an uncertain economic environment amid headwinds, inflationary cost pressures and regulatory uncertainty, we remain committed to our corporate purpose to advance how Canadians connect with each other and the world. As we look ahead to the remainder of 2023, we are confident in our ability to continue delivering results with consistent, strong execution."
KEY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS
Champion customer experience
In the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS) 2022-23 mid-year report, Bell was the only national service provider to experience a decrease in complaints during a period when complaints were up 12% year-over-year across the industry. Bell experienced a 6% reduction in complaints, reducing its overall share of complaints to less than 15%. Overall, Bell's share of complaints have decreased by 16% year over year, and an impressive 55% since the 2017-2018 mid-year report was published. Bell won a Webby award5 for its MyBell app, recognized by both a panel of expert judges and the voting public. The app was judged among 14,000 applicants across criteria including user experience, design, innovation and overall usability. Bell additionally introduced a new Wi-Fi checkup feature for the app, which is now available for customers in Ontario and Québec.
Building the best networks
Bell, in partnership with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, is expanding the province's public safety radio network, improving communications for first responders throughout the region and enabling inter-operable communications throughout the Atlantic provinces, the first such inter-provincial public safety network in North America. In Manitoba, Bell is expanding fibre Internet to six rural communities, reaching an additional 7,500 locations starting this summer, and is expanding its 5G+ wireless service in Winnipeg. Bell is also expanding fibre Internet access to homes and businesses in the Ontario communities of Leamington, Lincoln, and Essex Centre and Harrow. Bell continued to work closely with governments on projects to bring broadband access to remote and other hard to serve areas, including in Northern Ontario, and in Newfoundland and Labrador with the Universal Broadband Fund.
Accelerate cloud strategy for Canadian businesses
Bell has completed the sale of its 63% majority stake in Pinewood Toronto Studios to focus on its core services for residential and business customers. The cash proceeds from the sale will help accelerate Bell's core growth strategy, including the acquisition of FX Innovation, a Montréal-based IT services and consulting company providing business clients with cloud-focused managed and professional services and workflow automation solutions. The acquisition is the latest building block in positioning Bell as a tech services leader for its enterprise customers, and is expected to close in late Q2 – early Q3, 2023, subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
In addition, Bell introduced two new cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP) cybersecurity solutions with Palo Alto Networks, Cloud Security Posture Assessment (CSPA) and Cloud Security Posture Protection (CSPP), to help businesses identify threats to enterprise data in the cloud and provide managed services to protect data across multi-cloud environments.
Drive growth with innovative services
Bell has entered a multi-year strategic agreement with Air Canada, which includes premier sponsorship of its in-flight Wi-Fi, free in-flight messaging for Aeroplan members and the distribution of complimentary SIM cards on board to enable newcomers and visitors arriving in Canada to activate a wireless SIM while still in the air.
Delivering the most compelling content
Bell Media announced a long-term, exclusive licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery. The agreement includes content from Warner Bros. Discovery's vast portfolio including HBO Originals, Max Originals, Warner Bros. films, the DC universe, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, new cable and library television series, and pay and post-pay window rights for Warner Bros. films and library films. French-language rights secured include HBO and Max Originals, Pay 1 films, Friends, and the Harry Potter collection of films, among other content.
In Q1, TSN and RDS were the number one English and French non-news specialty channels respectively in the A25-54 age group, according to Numeris.6 Super Bowl LVII was the most-watched broadcast in Canada this past quarter, with an average audience of 8.67 million viewers on CTV, TSN and RDS, up 6% compared to last year and reaching over 17.5 million Canadians.7 Other sports highlights included the 2023 NCAA March Madness tournament and the 2023 IIHF Women's World Championship, both on TSN, and the 2023 Masters Tournament on CTV, TSN and RDS. Season one of The Last of Us is the number one show in Crave history for the first seven-day streams season average. The premiere of Survivor Québec on Noovo was the top-watched show of the day (April 2) on French Québec television among the A25-54 age group.8
Bell for Better: Better World, Better Communities, Better Workplace
Bell has been named one of Canada's Greenest Employers9 for the seventh consecutive year by Mediacorp. Bell was also named a Top Employer for Young People9 for the sixth consecutive year, a Top Family-Friendly Employer9 for the fourth consecutive year, and a Montréal Top Employer9 for the 11th year in a row by the organization. Bell ranked third among telecom companies and 42nd overall in the Corporate Knights' Global 100 most sustainable corporations for 202310, and ranked 65th in the 2023 Clean20011 list of global companies that put sustainability at the core of their business. Bell received an A- score (leadership band) for its 2022 CDP12 disclosure overall, and ranked A for the Supplier Engagement portion of the disclosure – the only Canadian telecom company to be ranked A, and in the top 8% of all reporting companies. Bell announced a $15 million commitment to the Kids Help Phone Feel Out Loud campaign to expand access to its e-mental health services.
BCE RESULTS
Financial Highlights
"A positive start to the year with Q1 operating metrics and financial results that were delivered on budget and, in fact, slightly ahead of plan in some instances. BCE revenue grew a strong 3.5%, despite an economic environment that continues to impact media advertising and our business markets sector. However, adjusted EBITDA declined 1.8%. This result was expected given the favourable one-time retroactive revenue adjustment at Bell Media last year, ongoing inflationary impacts, and other near-term cost pressures, all of which were built into our 2023 financial plan," said Glen LeBlanc, Chief Financial Officer of BCE and Bell Canada.
"BCE's fundamentals and competitive position remain as strong as ever. With financial results that were right on our internal plan for Q1, together with continued operating momentum across the business, our consistent proven execution in a competitive marketplace as well as substantial annual free cash flow generation that is reliable and well protected from economic uncertainty, I am reconfirming all our financial guidance targets for 2023."
- BCE operating revenue increased 3.5% over Q1 2022 to $6,054 million. This was the result of 0.9% higher service revenue of $5,222 million and a 23.6% increase in product revenue to $832 million, driven by growth at Bell Communication and Technology Services (Bell CTS), partly offset by a year-over-year decline at Bell Media.
- Net earnings decreased 15.6% to $788 million and net earnings attributable to common shareholders totalled $725 million, or $0.79 per share, down 17.3% and 17.7% respectively. The year-over-year declines were due to increased interest expense, higher depreciation and amortization expense, lower adjusted EBITDA, higher severance, acquisition and other costs and higher asset impairment charges related to office spaces we ceased using as part of our real estate optimization strategy due to Bell's hybrid work policy. These factors were partly offset by lower income taxes and higher other income which included gains from the sale of land related to our real estate optimization strategy. Adjusted net earnings were down 4.8% to $772 million, resulting in a 4.5% decrease in adjusted EPS to $0.85.
- Adjusted EBITDA was down 1.8% to $2,538 million, reflecting a 36.5% decrease at Bell Media, partly offset by a 1.3% increase at Bell CTS. BCE's consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin13 declined 2.3 percentage points to 41.9% from 44.2% in Q1 2022, due to lower year-over-year media revenue attributable mainly to a favourable one-time retroactive adjustment to subscriber revenue in Q1 2022 related to a contract with a Canadian TV distributor, higher low-margin product sales, as well as operating cost pressures related to inflation, strategic initiatives, higher TV content costs and the normalization of our cost structure to pre-COVID levels.
- BCE capital expenditures were $1,086 million, up 13.2% from $959 million last year, corresponding to a capital intensity14 of 17.9%, compared to 16.4% in Q1 2022. The year-over-year increase in capital spending was due mainly to significant ongoing investment in expanding Bell's pure fibre network, including connecting more homes and businesses to Bell Internet services.
- BCE cash flows from operating activities were $1,247 million, down 27.3% from Q1 2022, reflecting lower cash from working capital attributable to the timing of supplier payments, higher interest paid, increased cash taxes due mainly to the timing of instalment payments and lower adjusted EBITDA, partly offset by lower contributions to post-employment benefit plans.
- Free cash flow decreased 88.1% to $85 million from $716 million in Q1 2022, due to lower cash flows from operating activities excluding acquisition and other costs paid, and higher capital expenditures.
OPERATING RESULTS BY SEGMENT
Bell Communication and Technology Services (Bell CTS)
- Total Bell CTS operating revenue increased 4.9% to $5,367 million, driven by both higher service and product revenue.
- Service revenue grew 2.1% to $4,535 million, mainly the result of strong mobile phone, mobile connected device and retail Internet subscriber base growth, higher mobile phone blended ARPU as well as the financial contribution from the acquisitions of Distributel and EBOX in 2022. This was partly offset by ongoing declines in legacy voice, data and satellite TV services, lower sales of international long distance minutes to wholesale customers and the sale of Createch on March 1, 2022.
- Product revenue was up 23.6% to $832 million, driven by higher telecom data equipment sales to large enterprise customers reflecting the timing of sales and improved availability compared to significant global supply chain disruptions experienced last year, as well as a greater sales mix of higher-value mobile phones and more mobile device transactions.
- Bell CTS adjusted EBITDA was up 1.3% to $2,406 million. This was driven by the flow-through of higher year-over-year service revenue, despite 8.1% higher operating costs that contributed to a 1.6 percentage-point margin decline to 44.8% from 46.4% last year. The increase in operating costs this quarter was mainly the result of higher cost of goods sold from increased product sales, higher TV content costs, increased labour costs, as well as the acquisitions of EBOX and Distributel.
- Postpaid mobile phone net subscriber15 activations totaled 43,289, up 26.5% from 34,230 in Q1 2022. The increase reflected 18.2% higher gross subscriber activations attributable to higher retail traffic as pandemic-related restrictions were still in place intermittently last year, immigration growth, continued 5G momentum, higher business customer demand and effective promotions. This was moderated by an 11 basis-point increase in mobile phone postpaid customer churn to 0.90%, reflecting greater overall market activity compared to Q1 2022.
- Bell's prepaid mobile phone customer15 base declined by 16,654 net subscribers, compared to a net loss of 2,054 in Q1 2022. The year-over-year decrease was driven by higher customer churn, which increased to 5.28% from 4.61% last year, reflecting more customer deactivations due in part to attractive promotional offers on postpaid discount brands.
- Bell's mobile phone customer base totalled 9,902,492 at the end of Q1 2023, a 4.3% increase over last year, comprised of 9,039,947 postpaid subscribers, up 4.3%, and 862,545 prepaid customers, up 4.3%. In Q1 2023, we adjusted our mobile phone subscriber base by 73,229 to remove older non-revenue generating postpaid business subscribers.
- Mobile phone blended ARPU16 was up 0.9% to $58.15, reflecting higher outbound roaming revenue. This was moderated by lower overage revenue from customers subscribing to unlimited and larger capacity data rate plans, competitive pressures on base rate plan pricing in the current and prior periods, as well as the financial impact from the ongoing shift by customers to equipment installment plans.
- Mobile connected device net activations increased 44.7% to 70,742 from 48,877 in Q1 2022, driven by continued strong customer demand for Bell IoT services, including connected car subscriptions, and fewer data device deactivations. At the end of Q1, mobile connected device subscribers15 totalled 2,509,983, a 9.2% increase over last year. In Q1 2023, we adjusted our mobile connected device subscriber base by 12,577 to remove older non-revenue generating business subscribers.
- Bell added 27,274 net new retail Internet subscribers,15 up 4.8% from 26,024 in Q1 2022, driven by the rapid expansion of Bell's fibre footprint and increased customer penetration of bundled service offerings. These factors were partly offset by higher customer deactivations, particularly in our copper service areas, attributable to aggressive promotional offers by cable competitors and lower deactivations last year due to the pandemic. Within Bell's all-fibre footprint, retail Internet net activations were 47,757, 24.2% higher than Q1 2022.
- Retail Internet subscribers totalled 4,278,497 at the end of Q1, an 8.2% increase from last year. In Q1 2023, subsequent to a review of customer account records, our retail high-speed Internet subscriber base was reduced by 7,347 subscribers.
- Bell TV added 10,899 net new retail IPTV subscribers,15 down 11.1% from 12,260 in Q1 2022. The year-over-year decrease was due mainly to higher customer deactivations attributable to more customers with expired promotional offers and higher churn on our app streaming service following the end of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. At the end of Q1, Bell served 1,999,080 retail IPTV subscribers, a 5.0% increase over last year.
- Retail satellite TV net subscriber15 losses were 24,848, up 20.5% from 20,621 in Q1 2022, due to fewer gross activations and higher customer churn driven by increased competitor promotional offer intensity. Bell's retail satellite TV customer base totalled 738,469 at the end of Q1, down 11.2% from last year.
- Retail residential NAS15 net losses were 46,881 compared to 42,345 in Q1 2022. The higher year-over-year net losses reflect higher customer deactivations due mainly to the substitution to mobile and internet-based services as well as lower customer deactivations during the pandemic. Bell's retail residential NAS customer base totalled 2,143,890 at the end of Q1, down 5.1% from last year.
Bell Media
- Media operating revenue decreased 5.5% to $780 million, due mainly to lower year-over-year advertising and subscriber revenues. The result in Q1 2022 included a one-time retroactive adjustment to subscriber revenue related to a contract with a Canadian TV distributor.
- Advertising revenue was down 4.7%, reflecting softer overall TV and radio advertiser demand due to the impact of unfavourable macroeconomic conditions. This was partly offset by the continued recovery in out-of-home as well as continued digital growth.
- Subscriber revenue decreased 4.1%, due to the one-time retroactive adjustment from Q1 2022 referenced above.
- Digital revenues grew 2%, the result of continued Crave and TSN streaming direct-to-consumer growth and increased bookings from Bell Media's strategic audience management (SAM) TV media sales tool. Total Crave subscriptions increased 6% from last year to more than 3.2 million customers.
- Adjusted EBITDA was down 36.5% to $132 million, resulting in an 8.3 percentage-point margin decline to 16.9%. This was driven by the year-over-year decline in revenue and a 5.0% increase in operating costs, driven by contractual increases for sports programming and other premium content as well as the normalization of hockey schedules in 2023.
- TSN remained Canada's number one sports network and was the top specialty channel overall in Q1; RDS remained the top-ranked French-language sports network.17
- Bell Media was ranked number one overall and in primetime viewership in the French-language specialty market among adults aged 25-5418 in Q1.
COMMON SHARE DIVIDEND
BCE's Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.9675 per common share, payable on July 17, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 15, 2023.
OUTLOOK FOR 2023
BCE confirmed its financial guidance targets for 2023, as provided on February 2, 2023, as follows:
For 2023, we expect lower tax adjustments, higher depreciation and amortization expense and increased interest expense to drive lower adjusted EPS compared to 2022. For 2023, we expect growth in adjusted EBITDA, a reduction in contributions to post-employment benefit plans and payments under other post-employment benefit plans, and lower capital expenditures will drive higher free cash flow.
Please see the section entitled "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" later in this news release for a description of the principal assumptions on which BCE's 2023 financial guidance targets are based, as well as the principal related risk factors.
CALL WITH FINANCIAL ANALYSTS
BCE will hold a conference call for financial analysts to discuss Q1 2023 results on Thursday, May 4 at 8:00 am eastern. Media are welcome to participate on a listen-only basis. To participate, please dial toll-free 1-800-806-5484 or 416-340-2217 and enter passcode 1142910#. A replay will be available until midnight on June 1, 2023 by dialing 1-800-408-3053 or 905-694-9451 and entering passcode 3970985#. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on BCE's website at BCE Q1-2023 conference call.
NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES
BCE uses various financial measures to assess its business performance. Certain of these measures are calculated in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS or GAAP) while certain other measures do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP. We believe that our GAAP financial measures, read together with adjusted non-GAAP and other financial measures, provide readers with a better understanding of how management assesses BCE's performance.
National Instrument 52-112, Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure (NI 52-112), prescribes disclosure requirements that apply to the following specified financial measures:
- Non-GAAP financial measures;
- Non-GAAP ratios;
- Total of segments measures;
- Capital management measures; and
- Supplementary financial measures.
This section provides a description and classification of the specified financial measures contemplated by NI 52-112 that we use in this news release to explain our financial results except that, for supplementary financial measures, an explanation of such measures is provided where they are first referred to in this news release if the supplementary financial measures' labelling is not sufficiently descriptive.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
A non-GAAP financial measure is a financial measure used to depict our historical or expected future financial performance, financial position or cash flow and, with respect to its composition, either excludes an amount that is included in, or includes an amount that is excluded from, the composition of the most directly comparable financial measure disclosed in BCE's consolidated primary financial statements. We believe that non-GAAP financial measures are reflective of our on-going operating results and provide readers with an understanding of management's perspective on and analysis of our performance.
Below are descriptions of the non-GAAP financial measures that we use in this news release to explain our results as well as reconciliations to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures.
Adjusted net earnings – Adjusted net earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure and it does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. Therefore, it is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
We define adjusted net earnings as net earnings attributable to common shareholders before severance, acquisition and other costs, net mark-to-market losses (gains) on derivatives used to economically hedge equity settled share-based compensation plans, net equity losses (gains) on investments in associates and joint ventures, net losses (gains) on investments, early debt redemption costs, impairment of assets and discontinued operations, net of tax and NCI.
We use adjusted net earnings and we believe that certain investors and analysts use this measure, among other ones, to assess the performance of our businesses without the effects of severance, acquisition and other costs, net mark-to-market losses (gains) on derivatives used to economically hedge equity settled share-based compensation plans, net equity losses (gains) on investments in associates and joint ventures, net losses (gains) on investments, early debt redemption costs, impairment of assets and discontinued operations, net of tax and NCI. We exclude these items because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Excluding these items does not imply they are non-recurring.
The most directly comparable IFRS financial measure is net earnings attributable to common shareholders.
The following table is a reconciliation of net earnings attributable to common shareholders to adjusted net earnings on a consolidated basis.
($ millions)
Free cash flow – Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure and it does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. Therefore, it is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
We define free cash flow as cash flows from operating activities, excluding cash from discontinued operations, acquisition and other costs paid (which include significant litigation costs) and voluntary pension funding, less capital expenditures, preferred share dividends and dividends paid by subsidiaries to NCI. We exclude cash from discontinued operations, acquisition and other costs paid and voluntary pension funding because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Excluding these items does not imply they are non-recurring.
We consider free cash flow to be an important indicator of the financial strength and performance of our businesses. Free cash flow shows how much cash is available to pay dividends on common shares, repay debt and reinvest in our company. We believe that certain investors and analysts use free cash flow to value a business and its underlying assets and to evaluate the financial strength and performance of our businesses. The most directly comparable IFRS financial measure is cash flows from operating activities.
The following table is a reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities to free cash flow on a consolidated basis.
($ millions)
Non-GAAP Ratios
A non-GAAP ratio is a financial measure disclosed in the form of a ratio, fraction, percentage or similar representation and that has a non-GAAP financial measure as one or more of its components.
Below is a description of the non-GAAP ratio that we use in this news release to explain our results.
Adjusted EPS – Adjusted EPS is a non-GAAP ratio and it does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. Therefore, it is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
We define adjusted EPS as adjusted net earnings per BCE common share. Adjusted net earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure. For further details on adjusted net earnings, refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures above.
We use adjusted EPS, and we believe that certain investors and analysts use this measure, among other ones, to assess the performance of our businesses without the effects of severance, acquisition and other costs, net mark-to-market losses (gains) on derivatives used to economically hedge equity settled share-based compensation plans, net equity losses (gains) on investments in associates and joint ventures, net losses (gains) on investments, early debt redemption costs, impairment of assets and discontinued operations, net of tax and NCI. We exclude these items because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Excluding these items does not imply they are non-recurring.
Total of Segments Measures
A total of segments measure is a financial measure that is a subtotal or total of 2 or more reportable segments and is disclosed within the Notes to BCE's consolidated primary financial statements.
Below is a description of the total of segments measure that we use in this news release to explain our results as well as a reconciliation to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure.
Adjusted EBITDA – Adjusted EBITDA is a total of segments measure. We define adjusted EBITDA as operating revenues less operating costs as shown in BCE's consolidated income statements.
The most directly comparable IFRS financial measure is net earnings. The following table is a reconciliation of net earnings to adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated basis.
($ millions)
Supplementary Financial Measures
A supplementary financial measure is a financial measure that is not reported in BCE's consolidated financial statements, and is, or is intended to be, reported periodically to represent historical or expected future financial performance, financial position, or cash flows.
An explanation of such measures is provided where they are first referred to in this news release if the supplementary financial measures' labelling is not sufficiently descriptive.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)
We use adjusted EBITDA margin, blended ARPU, capital intensity, churn and subscriber (or customer or NAS) units to measure the success of our strategic imperatives. These key performance indicators are not accounting measures and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.
CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking statements. These statements include, without limitation, statements relating to BCE's financial guidance (including revenues, adjusted EBITDA, capital intensity, adjusted EPS and free cash flow), BCE's 2023 annualized common share dividend, our network deployment plans and anticipated capital expenditures as well as the benefits expected to result therefrom, the proposed acquisition of FX Innovation and the benefits expected to result therefrom, BCE's business outlook, objectives, plans and strategic priorities, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by the words assumption, goal, guidance, objective, outlook, project, strategy, target and other similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as aim, anticipate, believe, could, expect, intend, may, plan, seek, should, strive and will. All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws and of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements, by their very nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements and that our business outlook, objectives, plans and strategic priorities may not be achieved. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or events, and we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations as of May 4, 2023 and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We regularly consider potential acquisitions, dispositions, mergers, business combinations, investments, monetizations, joint ventures and other transactions, some of which may be significant. Except as otherwise indicated by us, forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any such transactions or of special items that may be announced or that may occur after May 4, 2023. The financial impact of these transactions and special items can be complex and depends on the facts particular to each of them. We therefore cannot describe the expected impact in a meaningful way or in the same way we present known risks affecting our business. Forward-looking statements are presented in this news release for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding certain key elements of our expected financial results, as well as our objectives, strategic priorities and business outlook, and in obtaining a better understanding of our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
Material Assumptions
A number of economic, market, operational and financial assumptions were made by BCE in preparing its forward-looking statements contained in this news release, including, but not limited to the following:
Canadian Economic Assumptions
Our forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions concerning the Canadian economy. In particular, we have assumed:
- Slow economic growth, given the Bank of Canada's most recent estimated growth in Canadian gross domestic product of 1.4% in 2023, down from 3.4% in 2022
- Easing, but still elevated, consumer price index (CPI) inflation due to lower energy prices, improvements in global supply chains and moderating effects of high interest rates on demand for goods and services
- Ongoing tight labour market
- Slow growth in household spending as the effects of high interest rates work their way through the economy
- Slow growth in business investment due to slowing demand and high financing costs
- Prevailing high interest rates expected to remain at or near current levels
- Higher immigration
- Canadian dollar expected to remain near current levels. Further movements may be impacted by the degree of strength of the U.S. dollar, interest rates and changes in commodity prices.
Canadian Market Assumptions
Our forward-looking statements also reflect various Canadian market assumptions. In particular, we have made the following market assumptions:
- A higher level of wireline and wireless competition in consumer, business and wholesale markets
- Higher, but slowing, wireless industry penetration
- A shrinking data and voice connectivity market as business customers migrate to lower-priced telecommunications solutions or alternative over-the-top (OTT) competitors
- The Canadian advertising market is experiencing a slowdown consistent with trends in the global advertising market, with improvement expected in the medium term, although visibility to the specific timing and pace of recovery is limited
- Declines in broadcasting distribution undertaking (BDU) subscribers driven by increasing competition from the continued rollout of subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) streaming services together with further scaling of OTT aggregators
Assumptions Concerning our Bell CTS Segment
Our forward-looking statements are also based on the following internal operational assumptions with respect to our Bell CTS segment:
- Maintain our market share of national operators' wireless postpaid mobile phone net additions and growth of our prepaid subscriber base
- Increased competitive intensity and promotional activity across all regions and market segments
- Ongoing expansion and deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) and 5G+ wireless networks, offering competitive coverage and quality
- Continued diversification of our distribution strategy with a focus on expanding direct-to-consumer (DTC) and online transactions
- Moderating growth in mobile phone blended ARPU, driven by growth in 5G subscriptions, and increased roaming revenue from the easing of travel restrictions implemented as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, partly offset by reduced data overage revenue due, among others, to the continued adoption of unlimited plans
- Accelerating business customer adoption of advanced 5G, 5G+ and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions
- Improving wireless handset device availability in addition to stable device pricing and margins
- Further deployment of direct fibre to more homes and businesses within our wireline footprint
- Continued growth in retail Internet and IPTV subscribers
- Increasing wireless and Internet-based technological substitution
- Continued aggressive residential service bundle offers from cable TV competitors in our local wireline areas, moderated by growing our share of competitive residential service bundles
- Continued large business customer migration to IP-based systems
- Ongoing competitive repricing pressures in our business and wholesale markets
- Continued competitive intensity in our small and medium-sized business markets as cable operators and other telecommunications competitors continue to intensify their focus on business customers
- Traditional high-margin product categories challenged by large global cloud and OTT providers of business voice and data solutions expanding into Canada with on-demand services
- Increasing customer adoption of OTT services resulting in downsizing of TV packages
- Growing consumption of OTT TV services and on-demand video streaming, as well as the proliferation of devices, such as tablets, that consume large quantities of bandwidth, will require ongoing capital investment
- Realization of cost savings related to operating efficiencies enabled by a growing direct fibre footprint, changes in consumer behaviour and product innovation, digital adoption, product and service enhancements, expanding self-serve capabilities, new call centre and digital investments, other improvements to the customer service experience, management workforce reductions including attrition and retirements, and lower contracted rates from our suppliers
- No adverse material financial, operational or competitive consequences of changes in or implementation of regulations affecting our communication and technology services business
Assumptions Concerning our Bell Media Segment
Our forward-looking statements are also based on the following internal operational assumptions with respect to our Bell Media segment:
- Overall revenue expected to reflect continued scaling of our Strategic Audience Management (SAM) TV and demand-side platform (DSP) buying platforms, as well as DTC subscriber growth contributing towards the advancement of our digital-first media strategy
- Continued escalation of media content costs to secure quality programming
- Continued scaling of Crave through broader content offering, user experience improvements and expanded distribution
- Continued investment in Noovo original programming to better serve our French-language customers with a wider array of content on their preferred platforms
- Leveraging of first-party data to improve targeting, advertisement delivery and attribution
- Ability to successfully acquire and produce highly-rated programming and differentiated content
- Building and maintaining strategic supply arrangements for content across all screens and platforms
- No adverse material financial, operational or competitive consequences of changes in or implementation of regulations affecting our media business
Financial Assumptions Concerning BCE
Our forward-looking statements are also based on the following internal financial assumptions with respect to BCE for 2023:
- An estimated post-employment benefit plans service cost of approximately $210 million
- An estimated net return on post-employment benefit plans of approximately $100 million
- Depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $4,900 million to $4,950 million
- Interest expense of approximately $1,375 million to $1,425 million
- Interest paid of approximately $1,400 million to $1,450 million
- An average effective tax rate of approximately 26%
- Non-controlling interest of approximately $65 million
- Contributions to post-employment benefit plans of approximately $60 million
- Payments under other post-employment benefit plans of approximately $75 million
- Income taxes paid (net of refunds) of approximately $800 million to $900 million
- Weighted average number of BCE common shares outstanding of approximately 914 million
- An annual common share dividend of $3.87 per share
Assumptions underlying expected reductions in contributions to our pension plans
Our forward-looking statements are also based on the following principal assumptions underlying expected reductions in contributions to our pension plans:
- At the relevant time, our defined benefit (DB) pension plans will remain in funded positions with going concern surpluses and maintain solvency ratios that exceed the minimum legal requirements for a contribution holiday to be taken for applicable DB and defined contribution components
- No significant declines in our DB pension plans' financial position due to declines in investment returns or interest rates
- No material experience losses from other unforeseen events such as through litigation or changes in laws, regulations or actuarial standards
The foregoing assumptions, although considered reasonable by BCE on May 4, 2023, may prove to be inaccurate. Accordingly, our actual results could differ materially from our expectations as set forth in this news release.
Material Risks
Important risk factors that could cause our assumptions and estimates to be inaccurate and actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, our forward-looking statements, including our 2023 financial guidance, are listed below. The realization of our forward-looking statements, including our ability to meet our 2023 financial guidance targets, essentially depends on our business performance, which, in turn, is subject to many risks. Accordingly, readers are cautioned that any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on our forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the negative effect of adverse economic conditions, including a potential recession, and related inflationary cost pressures, higher interest rates and financial and capital market volatility; the negative effect of adverse conditions associated with geopolitical events and the COVID-19 pandemic; a declining level of business and consumer spending, and the resulting negative impact on the demand for, and prices of, our products and services; regulatory initiatives, proceedings and decisions, government consultations and government positions that affect us and influence our business including, without limitation, concerning mandatory access to networks, spectrum auctions, the imposition of consumer-related codes of conduct, approval of acquisitions, broadcast and spectrum licensing, foreign ownership requirements, privacy and cybersecurity obligations and control of copyright piracy; the inability to implement enhanced compliance frameworks and to comply with legal and regulatory obligations; unfavourable resolution of legal proceedings; the intensity of competitive activity and the failure to effectively respond to evolving competitive dynamics; the level of technological substitution and the presence of alternative service providers contributing to disruptions and disintermediation in each of our business segments; changing customer behaviour and the expansion of cloud-based, OTT and other alternative solutions; advertising market pressures from economic conditions, fragmentation and non-traditional/global digital services; rising content costs and challenges in our ability to acquire or develop key content; higher Canadian smartphone penetration and reduced or slower immigration flow; the inability to protect our physical and non-physical assets from events such as information security attacks, unauthorized access or entry, fire and natural disasters; the failure to implement effective data governance; the failure to evolve and transform our networks, systems and operations using next-generation technologies while lowering our cost structure; the inability to drive a positive customer experience; the failure to attract, develop and retain a diverse and talented team capable of furthering our strategic imperatives; the failure to adequately manage health and safety concerns; labour disruptions and shortages; the failure to maintain operational networks; the risk that we may need to incur significant capital expenditures to provide additional capacity and reduce network congestion; the inability to maintain service consistency due to network failures or slowdowns, the failure of other infrastructure, or disruptions in the delivery of services; service interruptions or outages due to legacy infrastructure and the possibility of instability as we transition towards converged wireline and wireless networks and newer technologies; the failure by us, or by other telecommunications carriers on which we rely to provide services, to complete planned and sufficient testing, maintenance, replacement or upgrade of our or their networks, equipment and other facilities, which could disrupt our operations including through network or other infrastructure failures; events affecting the functionality of, and our ability to protect, test, maintain, replace and upgrade, our networks, information technology (IT) systems, equipment and other facilities; the complexity of our operations; the failure to implement or maintain highly effective processes and IT systems; in-orbit and other operational risks to which the satellites used to provide our satellite TV services are subject; our dependence on third-party suppliers, outsourcers, and consultants to provide an uninterrupted supply of the products and services we need; the failure of our vendor selection, governance and oversight processes, including our management of supplier risk in the areas of security, data governance and responsible procurement; the quality of our products and services and the extent to which they may be subject to defects or fail to comply with applicable government regulations and standards; reputational risks and the inability to meaningfully integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into our business strategy and operations; the failure to take appropriate actions to adapt to current and emerging environmental impacts, including climate change; pandemics, epidemics and other health risks, including health concerns about radio frequency emissions from wireless communications devices and equipment; the inability to adequately manage social issues; the failure to develop and implement strong corporate governance practices; various internal and external factors could challenge our ability to achieve our ESG targets including, without limitation, those related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; the inability to access adequate sources of capital and generate sufficient cash flows from operating activities to meet our cash requirements, fund capital expenditures and provide for planned growth; uncertainty as to whether dividends will be declared by BCE's board of directors or whether the dividend on common shares will be increased; the inability to manage various credit, liquidity and market risks; the failure to reduce costs, as well as unexpected increases in costs; the failure to evolve practices to effectively monitor and control fraudulent activities; new or higher taxes due to new tax laws or changes thereto or in the interpretation thereof, and the inability to predict the outcome of government audits; the impact on our financial statements and estimates from a number of factors; and pension obligation volatility and increased contributions to post-employment benefit plans.
We caution that the foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect our results. We encourage investors to also read BCE's 2022 Annual MD&A dated March 2, 2023 and BCE's 2023 First Quarter MD&A dated May 3, 2023 for additional information with respect to certain of these and other assumptions and risks, filed by BCE with the Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities (available at Sedar.com) and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (available at SEC.gov). These documents are also available at BCE.ca.
About BCE
BCE is Canada's largest communications company,19 providing advanced Bell broadband wireless, Internet, TV, media and business communications services. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.
Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities. This includes the Bell Let's Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.
Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
1-888-482-0809
Ellen.murphy@bell.ca
Investor inquiries:
Thane Fotopoulos
514-870-4619
thane.fotopoulos@bell.ca
View original content:
SOURCE Bell Canada | 2023-05-04T12:35:01+00:00 | wymt.com | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2023/05/04/bce-reports-first-quarter-2023-results/ |
Make Video on iPhone From Anything Including Screenshots
TORONTO, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- vidThat is on a mission to transform, simplify and inspire visual communication towards achieving better understood messaging with easy short videos made superfast on the iPhone. Turn any image(s) on the iPhone into instant video and quickly synchronize with a user's voice: then send the message on the vidThat instant messenger. Imagine video made with still images looking like it originally started as quality video.
Click here to download vidThat to an iPhone.
James Tran, Founder and CEO of vidThat says; "our users can make video and story-tell like never before by spontaneously combining ideas stored in their photos and very quickly converting it to video."
Your voice is automatically shown as a text caption on any video you make with vidThat. If you choose, you can make slight or major changes to the sound of your recorded voice. To get the best representation of your video message inside the vidThat Video Messenger; you can quickly select from the many pre-set filters and apply to your video image thumbnail which is shown in the vidThat Video Messenger.
Our proprietary video file system lets your friends and teammates, immediately video-reply to your video messages that you sent them through vidThat. This automatically deploys the same visual assets (still images and/or a variety of short video clips) from the video that you originally sent. Your contact can use these assets for their own instant video reply. This back-and-forth video sharing will inspire you and your friends to collaborate more easily on anything and in addition, effortlessly cocreate any video.
Our save to draft system automates your video creation, where the same visual content is a requirement for multiple voice recordings. Your productivity will transform as you effortlessly scale your personal touch with all your contacts.
vidThat is currently free in the App Store, and vidThat will help everyone use visual and audio storytelling in the fastest and easiest way possible inside what is believed to be the world's first instant videoization messenger. vidThat iOS is grateful to be funded and supported by the Canada Media Fund.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE vidThat | 2022-08-02T17:39:15+00:00 | wcjb.com | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/vidthat-create-video-instantly/ |
LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – A woman was arrested after she allegedly shot and killed a man on Facebook Live in Mississippi on Saturday.
Officials with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) said deputies responded to a domestic violence call in Columbus shortly before 8 a.m.
They found that a 28-year-old man, who lived at the home, had died from a single gunshot wound.
According to LCSO officials, the victim and 28-year-old Kadejah Michelle Brown were in an argument that turned physical. Brown then allegedly shot the victim, which officials said was captured on Facebook Live.
They said evidence was found at the scene, including a handgun.
Authorities confirmed the man was Brown’s husband, who was trying to leave the home.
Brown was arrested and charged with murder. She was booked into the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center.
A bond wasn’t set for Brown Saturday.
“There was a history of domestic violence between Brown and the victim. This was a tragic and senseless murder, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the victim. Fortunately, Brown is in custody, and we look forward to the criminal justice system holding her accountable,” said Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins. | 2023-03-27T18:29:33+00:00 | pix11.com | https://pix11.com/news/mississippi-woman-accused-of-killing-husband-on-facebook-live/ |
MLB Games Tonight: How to Watch on TV, Streaming & Odds - Thursday, June 22
The Atlanta Braves versus the Philadelphia Phillies is a game to see on a Thursday MLB schedule that features a lot of compelling matchups.
If you're searching for how to watch today's MLB play, we have you covered. Take a look at the links below.
Watch MLB games and tons of other live sports without cable! Use our link to get a free trial to Fubo..
How to Watch Today's MLB Games
The Washington Nationals (28-45) play host to the Arizona Diamondbacks (45-30)
The Diamondbacks will take to the field at Nationals Park versus the Nationals on Thursday at 1:05 PM ET.
How to Watch
Hitters to Watch
- WSH Key Player: Lane Thomas (.290 AVG, 11 HR, 36 RBI)
- ARI Key Player: Corbin Carroll (.302 AVG, 16 HR, 40 RBI)
Check out the latest odds and place your bets with BetMGM Sportsbook. Use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
The Philadelphia Phillies (38-35) play host to the Atlanta Braves (47-26)
The Braves will hit the field at Citizens Bank Park versus the Phillies on Thursday at 1:05 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: MLB Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 1:05 PM ET
Hitters to Watch
- PHI Key Player: Nicholas Castellanos (.315 AVG, 8 HR, 43 RBI)
- ATL Key Player: Ronald Acuña Jr. (.327 AVG, 15 HR, 46 RBI)
Check out the latest odds and place your bets with BetMGM Sportsbook. Use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
Watch live MLB games on all your devices! Sign up now for a free trial to Fubo!
The Cleveland Guardians (35-38) play host to the Oakland Athletics (19-57)
The Athletics will take to the field at Progressive Field against the Guardians on Thursday at 1:10 PM ET.
How to Watch
Hitters to Watch
- CLE Key Player: José Ramírez (.290 AVG, 11 HR, 44 RBI)
- OAK Key Player: Esteury Ruiz (.271 AVG, 1 HR, 31 RBI)
Check out the latest odds and place your bets with BetMGM Sportsbook. Use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
The Minnesota Twins (37-38) take on the Boston Red Sox (39-36)
The Red Sox hope to get a road victory at Target Field against the Twins on Thursday at 1:10 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: MLB Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 1:10 PM ET
Hitters to Watch
- MIN Key Player: Carlos Correa (.215 AVG, 9 HR, 35 RBI)
- BOS Key Player: Alex Verdugo (.303 AVG, 5 HR, 31 RBI)
Check out the latest odds and place your bets with BetMGM Sportsbook. Use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
Buy gear from your favorite teams and players NOW at Fanatics!
The San Francisco Giants (42-32) host the San Diego Padres (35-39)
The Padres hope to get a road victory at Oracle Park against the Giants on Thursday at 3:45 PM ET.
How to Watch
Hitters to Watch
- SF Key Player: LaMonte Wade Jr (.280 AVG, 9 HR, 28 RBI)
- SD Key Player: Juan Soto (.264 AVG, 13 HR, 37 RBI)
Check out the latest odds and place your bets with BetMGM Sportsbook. Use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
The Miami Marlins (42-33) take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (34-39)
The Pirates will take to the field at LoanDepot park versus the Marlins on Thursday at 6:40 PM ET.
How to Watch
Hitters to Watch
- MIA Key Player: Luis Arraez (.398 AVG, 2 HR, 35 RBI)
- PIT Key Player: Bryan Reynolds (.279 AVG, 8 HR, 40 RBI)
Check out the latest odds and place your bets with BetMGM Sportsbook. Use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
The Tampa Bay Rays (52-25) host the Kansas City Royals (20-54)
The Royals hope to get a road victory at Tropicana Field against the Rays on Thursday at 6:40 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: MLB Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 6:40 PM ET
Hitters to Watch
- TB Key Player: Wander Franco (.287 AVG, 8 HR, 35 RBI)
- KC Key Player: Bobby Witt Jr. (.246 AVG, 12 HR, 36 RBI)
Check out the latest odds and place your bets with BetMGM Sportsbook. Use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
The New York Yankees (41-33) face the Seattle Mariners (35-37)
The Mariners will look to pick up a road win at Yankee Stadium against the Yankees on Thursday at 7:05 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: MLB Network
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 7:05 PM ET
Hitters to Watch
- NYY Key Player: Gleyber Torres (.253 AVG, 12 HR, 30 RBI)
- SEA Key Player: Julio Rodríguez (.239 AVG, 12 HR, 39 RBI)
Check out the latest odds and place your bets with BetMGM Sportsbook. Use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | 2023-06-22T12:35:34+00:00 | mysuncoast.com | https://www.mysuncoast.com/sports/betting/2023/06/22/mlb-odds-how-to-watch/ |
NAME: Dereck A. Scott
POLITICAL PARTY: Republican
OCCUPATION: Self employed
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Albuquerque
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Worked in two different sheriff’s departments, private security, and protection services, please refer to my website for more information.
EDUCATION: Attended college in Colorado and in New Mexico
AGE: 42
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: bigdforsheriff.com or www.bigd4sheriff.com
1. What is the biggest crime challenge in Bernalillo County, and how would you address it?
If you want me to identify the most serious criminal threats, they would be murder, abuse of drugs such as fentanyl and cybercrimes or cybertheft. If I can make a positive impact by arresting and bringing these criminals to the prosecutor, I will be satisfied with my term as sheriff.
2. What differentiates you from your opponents?
As you see in the answers to these questions I have a wealth of experience, knowledge and ideas to bring about the success of the sheriff’s department by implementing new solutions and out of the box ideas to resolve the broken pieces of our law enforcement process.
3. Do you have a law enforcement officer certification? In Bernalillo County, sheriffs are not required to have a law enforcement officer certification.
Yes, I was certified through the state in Sandoval County. I’ve worked in both the private and the public sectors of law enforcement and security.
4. What was the most important moment during your law-enforcement career? Or, if you have not previously served in law enforcement, a moment in your career that would speak to the way you would conduct yourself as sheriff?
Being asked to work and rewrite the Standard Operating Procedures for Sandoval County detention center. This enabled me to look at different ways to solve current issues, see situations differently and address them in ways that might be unique.
5. What changes would you make to the Sheriff’s Office?
I want to make changes to the reserve deputy program and in the academy. My team and I want to bring new technology into the department, to help in response and overall efficacy. We plan to add more training in the law and psychology.
6. Should the Sheriff’s Office release information about homicides, shootings by deputies, and critical incidents as they occur? Why or why not?
I think it will always be dependent on each case and in each case, I do believe in more transparency. But, I also believe that some groups have used isolated bits of information to rouse dissent without the whole story and all the information, including dash-cam and body-cam video.
7. What do you think should be the relationship between the Albuquerque Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office and how would you foster that relationship?
It is time for the sheriff’s office to step in and help in any way it can. Both departments will need to work together to deal with the crime wave. It is up to all of us to bring the pieces back together for justice. I intend to lead that fight.
Personal background
1. Have you or your business, if you are a business owner, ever been the subject of any state or federal tax liens?
No.
2. Have you ever been involved in a personal or business bankruptcy proceeding?
No.
3. Have you ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of drunken driving, any misdemeanor or any felony in New Mexico or any other state? If so, explain.
No. | 2022-05-17T03:36:19+00:00 | abqjournal.com | https://www.abqjournal.com/2499877/qa-bernalillo-county-republican-sheriff-candidate-dereck-a-scott.html |
The agency had a 200% growth rate in two years with growing client relationships for such brands as Sun-Maid, DC, Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney+
NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- UNFOLD, a digital creative agency, has been named to the 2022 Adweek list of fastest-growing agencies. The Los Angeles-based agency, a Conspiracy Theory partner, is number 26 on the list overall.
The shop experienced a 200% two-year growth rate from 2019 to 2021. Since its founding in 2012, Unfold has grown to more than 150 people, with full-service capabilities in media, digital advertising, social media, website development and production services.
"We are an agency born in digital and obsessed with over-delivering," says Daniel Weisinger, president and cofounder of UNFOLD. "Anyone who works with us will tell you that we have no ego, are never afraid of the meticulous dirty work—and will do anything for our clients. From the quality of our strategy and creative to our kick-ass delivery team, it's in our nature to relentlessly seek perfection in all that we do."
UNFOLD works with brands like Warner Bros Discovery, Disney, Amazon, DC, Hulu, FX, Netflix, Ubisoft, Activision, TaylorMade, Plum Organics and Sun-Maid Growers of California.
"This vote of confidence from some of the most compelling brands in the CPG and entertainment world is a testament to the power of our team and success of our model," adds Brick Rucker, cofounder and ECD of UNFOLD. "These aren't brands that sit idly by; they expect to be driving cultural conversation."
Because UNFOLD has service hubs in Los Angeles and Jakarta, Indonesia, and community management and creative resources in every time zone in the continental U.S., it can deliver creative solutions on 24-hour cycles, which allows its clients to meet the demands of the modern marketplace.
Digital marketing requires nonstop attention. It changes every month as new features, platforms and generations are introduced. This requires an evolving understanding of how each algorithm-related nuance in every video, meme, and every community in-joke must be harnessed to power a brand's presence.
"Working with some of the biggest story-tellers in the world, we understand the importance of building the right brand narrative and using data to guide our understanding of what is resonating in the market, so we can continue to refine how we're telling the story through organic social," says Zihla Salinas, founder and CEO at Conspiracy Theory. "We do all of this while providing best-in-class creative."
UNFOLD is a best-in-class digital creative agency for top brands and the largest entertainment companies in the world. Since its founding in 2012, the agency has grown to more than 150 people with full-service capabilities in media, digital advertising, social media, website development and production services. For more information, visit unfoldagency.com.
Conspiracy Theory, founded in 2021, is a solutions-oriented network of agencies and businesses that work together toward similar goals. Combined, Conspiracy Theory shops will bring together a robust suite of specialty services offered by best-in-class talent across disciplines. The group's motto: "Amazing alone. Powerful together." For more information, visit https://www.conspiracytheory.co/
Adweek is the leading source of news and insight serving the brand marketing ecosystem. First published in 1979, Adweek's award-winning coverage reaches an engaged community across platforms including print, digital, events, podcasts, newsletters, social media and mobile apps. As a touchstone of the advertising and marketing community, Adweek is an unparalleled resource for leaders across multiple industries who rely on its content to help them do their jobs better.
Contact:
Steve Sapka
steve@sapkacomm.com
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SOURCE UNFOLD | 2022-10-31T09:46:22+00:00 | witn.com | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/10/31/unfold-named-adweeks-fastest-growing-agency-list/ |
Bryce Harper takes on-field BP for 1st time since surgery
NEW YORK (AP) — Bryce Harper has taken on-field batting practice for the first time since Tommy John surgery last fall.
The Philadelphia Phillies said Harper hit on the field before Tuesday night’s game at Yankee Stadium.
Harper, a two-time National League MVP, was operated on last Nov. 23 and was projected to return as a designated hitter by the All-Star break. He appears to be on track for an earlier return, and Philadelphia has Harper on the 10-day injured list rather than the 60, which would have ruled him out until May 29.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | 2023-04-05T18:53:50+00:00 | kaaltv.com | https://www.kaaltv.com/sports/national-sports/bryce-harper-takes-on-field-bp-for-1st-time-since-surgery/ |
We’ve finally reached the Knockout Rounds on “The Voice” Season 22. Episode 14 starts off Monday night, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m. Eastern with two more hours of head-to-head competition. Watch pop sensations Camila Cabello and Gwen Stefani, John Legend and Blake Shelton in the coach chairs as the latest batch of hopefuls look to advance.
WATCH LIVE FOR FREE: DirecTV Stream (free trial) | FuboTV (free trial) | Hulu + Live TV (free 7-day trial)
As the Knockout Rounds begin, the coaches group three of their artists to perform individually against each other, then select a winner to move on to the Live Playoffs.
How to stream “The Voice” Season 22 online
While the show will broadcast live on NBC starting at 8 p.m. Eastern, free online options are available for cord cutters too. DirecTV Stream and FuboTV have free trials for new subscribers. Hulu + Live TV also offers a free 7-day trial to new subscribers. While not live, you can also see the show the next day on Peacock. Are you on Tinder? If so, users on the app can access a special discount on Peacock between now and Halloween. See the app for details.
What channel is NBC on?
You can find which channel NBC is on by using the channel finders here: Cox, WoW, Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV and Dish. | 2022-10-31T20:05:38+00:00 | cleveland.com | https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2022/10/the-voice-season-22-episode-14-how-to-watch-the-knockouts-free-live-streaming-options-103122.html |
CLEVELAND (AP) — A federal judge in Cleveland awarded $650 million in damages Wednesday to two Ohio counties that sued CVS, Walgreens and Walmart over the way the national pharmacy chains distributed opioids to their communities.
U.S. District Judge Dan Polster said in his ruling that the money will be used to the fight the opioid crisis in Lake and Trumbull counties outside Cleveland. Attorneys for the counties put the total price tag at $3.3 billion for the damage done.
The judge admonished the three companies, saying they “squandered the opportunity to present a meaningful plan to abate the nuisance” after proceedings last spring to determine what the counties were owed.
Lake County is to receive $306 million over 15 years. Trumbull County is to receive $344 million over the same period. Polster ordered the companies to immediately fork over nearly $87 million to cover the first two years of payments, but it was unclear whether they had to pay that money during their appeals.
“Today marks the start of a new day in our fight to end the opioid epidemic,” Lake County Commissioner John Hamercheck said in a statement.
A jury in November returned a verdict in favor of the counties after a six-week trial. It was then left to the judge to decide how much the counties should receive. He heard testimony in May to determine damages.
The counties convinced the jury that the pharmacies played an outsized role in creating a public nuisance in the way they dispensed pain medication.
It was the first time pharmacy companies completed a trial to defend themselves in a drug crisis that has killed a half-million Americans since 1999.
The decision on damages came on the same day that attorneys general from numerous states announced they had reached an agreement with opioid maker Endo International to pay as much as $450 million over 10 years. The payments settle allegations the company used deceptive marketing practices “that downplayed the risk of addiction and overstated the benefits” of opioids.
Attorneys for the pharmacy chains insisted they had policies to stem the flow of pills when pharmacists voiced concerns and would notify authorities about suspicious orders from doctors. They also said it was doctors who controlled how many pills were prescribed for legitimate medical needs, not pharmacies.
Walmart issued a statement Wednesday saying the counties “sued Walmart in search of deep pockets, and this judgment follows a trial that was engineered to favor the plaintiffs’ attorneys and was riddled with remarkable legal and factual mistakes.”
Walgreens spokesperson Fraser Engerman said: “The facts and the law did not support the jury verdict last fall, and they do not support the court’s decision now.”
He said the court “committed significant legal errors in allowing the case to go before a jury on a flawed legal theory that is inconsistent with Ohio law and compounded those errors in reaching its ruling regarding damages.”
CVS spokesperson Michael DeAngelis said the company strongly disagreed with the court’s decision on damages as well as the underlying verdict.
CVS is based in Rhode Island, Walgreens in Illinois and Walmart in Arkansas.
Two chains — Rite Aid and Giant Eagle — settled lawsuits with the counties before trial. The amounts they paid have not been disclosed publicly.
Mark Lanier, an attorney for the counties, said during the trial that the pharmacies were attempting to blame everyone but themselves.
The opioid crisis has overwhelmed courts, social-service agencies and law enforcement in Ohio’s blue-collar corner east of Cleveland, leaving behind heartbroken families and babies born to addicted mothers, Lanier told jurors.
Roughly 80 million prescription painkillers were dispensed in Trumbull County alone between 2012 and 2016 — equivalent to 400 for every resident. In Lake County, some 61 million pills were distributed during that period.
Prescriptions for pain medications such as oxycodone and hydrocodone rose as medical groups began recognizing that patients have the right to be treated for pain, Kaspar Stoffelmayr, an attorney for Walgreens, said at the opening of the trial.
The problem, he said, was that “pharmaceutical manufacturers tricked doctors into writing way too many pills.”
The counties said pharmacies should be the last line of defense to prevent pills from getting into the wrong hands.
The trial was part of a broader constellation of about 3,000 federal opioid lawsuits consolidated under Polster’s supervision. Other cases are moving ahead in state courts.
Kevin Roy, chief public policy officer at Shatterproof, an organization that advocates for solutions to addiction, said in November that the verdict could lead pharmacies to follow the path of major distribution companies and some drugmakers that have reached nationwide settlements of opioid cases worth billions of dollars. So far, no pharmacy has reached a nationwide settlement.
The agreement with Ireland-based Endo calls for the $450 million to be divided between participating states and communities. It also calls for Endo to put opioid-related documents online for public viewing and pay $2.75 million in expenses to publicly archive those documents.
Endo can never again market opioids, according to the agreement. It filed Tuesday for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The company, which has its U.S. headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania, did not respond Wednesday to telephone and email requests for comment about the agreement.
Endo produces generic opioids and name brands such as Percocet and Endocet. The company’s Opana ER opioid was withdrawn from the market in 2017.
The attorneys general say Endo “falsely promoted the benefits” of Opana ER’s “so-called abuse deterrent formulation.” The attorneys general said the formulation did not deter abuse of the drug and led to deadly outbreaks of hepatitis and HIV resulting from people injecting it. | 2022-08-17T22:56:51+00:00 | mytwintiers.com | https://www.mytwintiers.com/news-cat/national/judge-pharmacies-owe-2-ohio-counties-650m-in-opioids-suit/ |
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Grief blanketed the campus of the University of Virginia on Monday after a shooter took the lives of three student-athletes and injured two more students Sunday night.
“It's just been kind of eerie," said Syrell Grier, a student at UVA.
"Just feel like the energy is really off," added another UVA student, Ivy Armstrong.
UVA Police said fellow student, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., shot the five students in a parking garage on school grounds after a charter bus with the students on it had just returned from a trip to Washington D.C.
Jones was arrested in Henrico County after an extensive manhunt.
UVA President Jim Ryan identified the slain student-athletes as D'Sean Perry, Lavel Davis Jr., and Devin Chandler. The two other students shot have not been identified.
Ryan announced classes and other activities on campus would be canceled on Tuesday.
Just down the street from this crime scene, St. Paul's Memorial Church was “open for prayer."
Mark Wastler, an episcopal chaplain at the church, said, "Our first impulse as a clergy staff was to open the building so that young people and the entire community had a place that they could come that was safe, and that they were able to express their grief and to pray.”
It was a comforting sight for students like Grier.
"That helps me knowing that, you know, their support, like they're like that out there. I'm not personally that religious but still, just to know that there are people out there who are willing to help us through these trying times is really good to know," Grier said.
Armstrong said, "I feel like no one really knows how to go about this normally, like, I walked outside, and I feel like you just kind of stare at people and you know, everyone's gone through the same thing. She added, "I’ve been saying prayers in my head.”
"This kind of grief is not something that's going to go away overnight. It's going to take a community to heal. We will never be over it. The families that have lost those that they love will never get over this," said Wastler.
St. Paul's held a memorial service at 5:30 Monday night.
Students and other citizens of Charlottesville have started to lay flowers at Scott Stadium as a makeshift memorial for the students who were killed.
A candlelight vigil was held Monday night on UVA's South Lawn. Hundreds attended to pay their respects.
This article was written by Laura French for WTVR. | 2022-11-15T14:13:19+00:00 | tmj4.com | https://www.tmj4.com/news/national/uva-students-process-campus-tragedy-we-will-never-be-over-it |
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Labor shortages are impacting businesses all over Richmond. To limit short staffing, one River City coffee shop owner is considering following a business model that he hopes limits turnover.
Although The Lady by Alchemy Coffee shop is fully staffed, owner Eric Spivack wants to follow the Employee Co-op model.
“It’s a higher form of unionization. It’s where they’re partial owners,” explains Spivack.
Spivack says the model will allow his staff to share the work and have the same profits.
“The employees have already been doing a lot of heavy lifting to begin with. I’ve seen potential they have to run the operation, and when we think of different ways to reward them from a compensation standpoint, ownership to me is that highest level of compensation,” says Spivack.
The coffee shop owner has been in the business for ten years. This is the first time he plans to follow the Employee Co-Op model.
“We’ve never had any form of employee ownership in the past. We’ve had some tries or attempts as bonus structures that didn’t always workout. This is like a higher-level version of it but never close to what we wanted it to be,” Spivack tells 8 News.
Spivack doesn’t know when his coffee shop will be following the Employee Co-Op model but hopes it does within the year. | 2022-11-02T15:01:47+00:00 | wric.com | https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/richmond-coffee-shop-embraces-co-op-model-to-fight-short-staffing/ |
NEW YORK, July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Okta, Inc. ("Okta" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: OKTA) of a class action securities lawsuit.
CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Okta investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between March 5, 2021 and March 22, 2022. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:
OKTA investors may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500.
CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that defendants made false statements and/or concealed that: (i) Okta had inadequate cybersecurity controls; (ii) as a result, Okta's systems were vulnerable to data breaches; (iii) Okta ultimately did experience a data breach caused by a hacking group, which potentially affected hundreds of Okta customers; (iv) Okta initially did not disclose and subsequently downplayed the severity of the data breach; (v) all the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to have a material negative impact on Okta's business, financial condition, and reputation; and (vi) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Okta during the relevant time frame, you have until July 19, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you are a class member, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket costs or fees. There is no cost or obligation to participate.
WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
55 Broadway, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10006
jlevi@levikorsinsky.com
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
www.zlk.com
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SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP | 2022-07-14T10:38:29+00:00 | kcrg.com | https://www.kcrg.com/prnewswire/2022/07/14/okta-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-okta-inc-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ |
BEIJING, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In the early summer, the Yangtze River is lush with greenery along its banks, with fish swimming in the crystal clear waters.
For a long time in the past, however, the Yangtze River scenery had been quite different. Due to overfishing and other human activities, numbers of rare and endemic species in Yangtze River waters declined, with several fish species favored for commercial purposes close to depletion.
That was until a 10-year fishing ban went into full effect on January 1, 2021. From then on, the 10-year fishing moratorium in all natural waterways along the Yangtze River came into effect, with some 231,000 fishermen handing in nearly 111,000 boats in a dozen provincial-level regions, leading to a comprehensive green transformation of the economic and social development of the Yangtze River Basin.
The 10-year fishing ban in the Yangtze River is a strategic initiative mainly aimed at restoring the ecology of the Yangtze River. We will see the results in 10 years, said Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, when he inspected local efforts in improving the overall environment along the shoreline of the Yangtze River, as well as the enforcement of fishing-ban policies, in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu Province in November 2020. Nantong is a city along the Yangtze River.
The 19th Central Committee of the CPC has attached greater importance to the protection of the Yangtze River. With such a goal in place, CPC members have strengthened their responsibility and commitment to working on the frontlines in the strict implementation of the fishing-ban initiative, which is of great significance to the promotion of the Yangtze River Economic Belt green development, safeguarding the interests of people along the river, and guaranteeing national ecological security.
Forty-six-year-old Mo Hongyuan, deputy chief of the Yichang Fishery Supervision Detachment in Central China's Hubei Province, is one of the strivers. Mo's daily work is fighting illegal fishing activities and providing advice to fishermen who have returned ashore.
"As a CPC member, I feel very honored to participate in the 10-year fishing-ban campaign on China's mother river and actually see positive results," Mo told the Global Times.
Thunder Action
In order to save the life of a Yangtze finless porpoise, passage of ships along the Yichang section of China's "Golden Waterway" was halted for 12 minutes. Four months ago, the successful conclusion of a thrilling rescue operation was the most fulfilling thing Mo has done by far this year.
On February 9, Mo received a warning that a Yangtze finless porpoise was ensnared in abandoned ropes in the river. He immediately rushed to the porpoise's location while contacting the Three Gorges Navigation Command Center to request for a ship slowdown so as not to risk injury to the porpoise.
After having received emergency instructions from the command center, all the vessels waiting to cross the lock at the Gezhouba Dam on the river did not hesitate to comply.
In the end, with the coordinated efforts of Mo and members from a rescue team, it took 20 minutes to free the porpoise. According to observations made later, the porpoise also gave birth successfully in the Yangtze River.
"We all treasure the Yangtze finless porpoise, which is a unique endemic species to the Yangtze River. At present, in Yichang, people can see them. This reflects the effectiveness of the national fishing ban and other ecological management measures taken on the river in recent years," Mo said.
Mo, who had served in the PLA Air Force for 16 years, joined the CPC during a military exercise in 2000. In his eyes, party membership is synonymous with responsibility and commitment.
In 2011, Mo retired from the army and was assigned to the Yichang Fishery Supervision Detachment to take up the responsibilities of fisheries ecological environmental protection and law enforcement supervision. At the time, he was worried about the status of the endangered Yangtze finless porpoise.
Feeding on small fish and shrimp, porpoises had gradually disappeared following a sharp decline in fishery resources in the Yangtze River. Before 2015, the number of finless porpoises in the Yichang section of the Yangtze River was only two to three. But in 2018, data showed that about 1,012 Yangtze finless porpoises remained, Mo noted.
Mo said that Yichang used to be hard hit by overfishing because it is located at the junction of the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River and the heart of the Three Gorges Dam reservoir area. These factors, combined with an abundance of fishery resources, made it ripe for illegal fishing.
"Driven by economic interests, fishermen working illegally are highly organized and difficult to detect. However, we always take a zero-tolerance approach toward illegal fishing and never ignore any clues." he noted.
"Fisheries law enforcement is dangerous and stressful, but fortunately, our law enforcement team listens to the Party command and has a strong sense of duty and responsibility. Party members always commit to the task at hand on frontline," Mo noted.
The day before his interview with the Global Times, Mo had just concluded a nighttime patrol mission.
In June, which is fish breeding season, fish go near the shore to spawn where a handful of criminals lurk. Mo said that at present, their law enforcement team works on a 24-hour rotating duty schedule, and not only conducts patrols along the river , but also carries out unannounced inspections and visits to restaurants that sell freshwater fish.
Since 2018, Yichang has taken the lead in banning fishing and in setting up a natural reserve for the Chinese sturgeon. Mo has dealt with 39 cases of illegal fishing and has seized 347 kilograms of illegally caught fish.
Mo said that the central government's fishing-ban policies not only took out a thunderous force, but also consolidated the results with a series of long-term scientific regulatory mechanism.
"The central government has integrated maritime, public security, river waterway and market supervision authorities to establish a round-the-clock, full coverage law enforcement and supervision network, demonstrating China's determination to ban overfishing and forming a strong deterrent," he said.
Extensive mobilization
Through the joint efforts of the provinces and municipalities along the river and the relevant departments, the current Yangtze River fishing ban has achieved phased results.
Mo and his teammates realized that their next stage's work should to be carried out to a higher standard.
"From regulating fishing activities in natural waterways to ensuring the resettlement of fishermen, all aspects of the work have to be meticulously implemented to achieve an increase in fish stocks, better water quality, and people's greater happiness," Mo said.
In Mo's view, the resolute implementation of the 10-year fishing ban along the Yangtze River reflects the courage and boldness of the CPC rather than a series of arbitrary, one-size-fits-all initiatives.
Mo noted that since 2016, agricultural authorities in Yichang have carried out several surveys of fishing-ban measures to better understand the sentiments and urgent needs of fishermen, which has laid a foundation for local fishermen to transition to work on land after giving up fishing.
By the end of March 2022, Hubei Province had raised 5.885 billion yuan ($874 million) in compensation and subsidies for those who have quit fishing. At the same time, through employment services, skills training, entrepreneurial support, and other initiatives, 23,396 fishermen have made a successful switch to other fields of work.
Some of the retired fishermen were recruited as river rangers, with each person receiving an additional government subsidy of 10,000 yuan a year.
"I was once worried about how the livelihoods of these fishermen would be secured after they have given up fishing, because the reality of survey results in some areas showed that more than half of the fishermen had less than a junior high school education. But now that I see them living and working happily, I am glad that the starting point and the foothold of the ruling Party's policies are the interests of the people," Mo said.
Mo believes the 10-year fishing ban is a publicity campaign, in which monitoring is the main objective, but the change in public opinion is key.
In order to get more people to join the ranks in protecting the Yangtze River. Mo often distributes brochures in the community to disseminate information on the dangers that illegal fishing could cause to the ecology of the Yangtze River. With calls from people like Mo, more and more enterprises, organizations, and individuals are joining the fishing-ban campaign. Straw Circle and The Three Gorges Antworks Team are two of them.The Straw Circle, an NGO, has long been committed to protecting the Yangtze finless porpoise, and The Three Gorges Antworks Team has regularly organized volunteers to clean up garbage from both sides of the river.
Mo, and millions of other Chinese people who care about the Yangtze River, are confident about the future ecological restoration effect.
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SOURCE Global Times | 2022-07-20T14:42:50+00:00 | kalb.com | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/global-times-resolute-implementation-10-year-yangtze-fishing-ban-reflects-cpcs-determination-restore-ecology-commitment-people/ |
Iconic ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ car involved in crash on the highway
Published: Feb. 28, 2023 at 1:06 PM CST|Updated: 22 minutes ago
TANEY COUNTY, Mo. (KY3/Gray News) – A familiar-looking orange Dodge Charger was involved in a crash on a highway in southern Missouri Sunday.
The “General Lee” was among hundreds made for the hit TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
According to the Western Taney County Fire Protection District, the crash happened on Historic 165 Highway around 1:30 p.m.
Two people in the car at the time of the crash were evaluated and taken to the hospital.
There’s no word on their conditions or what caused the crash.
The fire department said there were 308 “General Lees” built for the TV show and another 26 made for the 2005 movie.
Copyright 2023 KY3 via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | 2023-02-28T19:29:44+00:00 | kcbd.com | https://www.kcbd.com/2023/02/28/iconic-dukes-hazzard-car-involved-crash-highway/ |
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) — Toymaker Hasbro said Thursday it is cutting about 1,000 jobs as part of moves announced last year to save up to $300 million annually by 2025.
The nearly century-old Rhode Island-based company behind Monopoly, Play-Doh and My Little Pony toys said the layoffs amount to 15% of its global full-time workforce.
Eric Nyman, president and chief operating officer, is also departing the company, Hasbro said in a statement.
Hasbro Inc. Chief Executive Chris Cocks said the toymaker will “focus on fewer, bigger brands; gaming; digital; and our rapidly growing direct to consumer and licensing businesses.”
In last year’s third quarter, Hasbro reported 15% decline in revenue compared to the same period a year earlier.
Cocks said Hasbro’s consumer-products division performed poorly in the final three months of 2022 “against the backdrop of a challenging holiday consumer environment.”
He said, however, its role-playing game unit Wizards of the Coast, digital gaming, Hasbro Pulse and its licensing business posted strong fourth-quarter growth. Hasbro is due to report fourth-quarter and full-year results in mid-February.
Its stock fell about 7% in extended trading after the layoffs announcement. The shares are down 29% in the last 12 months thorough the close of Thursday’s regular trading day on Wall Street. | 2023-01-27T20:32:57+00:00 | wwlp.com | https://www.wwlp.com/business/ap-business/ap-toymaker-hasbro-laying-off-1000-to-cut-costs/ |
OCALA, Fla. (AP) — Authorities came under pressure Tuesday to arrest and charge a white woman who fired through her front her door and killed a Black neighbor in a case that has put Florida’s divisive stand your ground law back into the spotlight.
About three dozen mostly Black protesters gathered outside the Marion County Judicial Center to demand that the shooter be arrested in the country’s latest flashpoint over race and gun violence. The chief prosecutor, State Attorney William Gladson, met with the protesters and urged patience while the investigation continues.
“If we are going to make a case we need as much time and as much evidence as possible,” Gladson said. “I don’t want to compromise any criminal investigation and I’m not going to do that.”
Ajike Owens, a 35-year-old mother of four, was killed in the Friday night shooting that Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said was the culmination of a 2½-year feud between neighbors. The women lived in the rolling hills south of Ocala, a north Florida city that is the heart of the state’s horse country.
Woods said Monday detectives are working with the State Attorney’s Office and must investigate possible self-defense claims before they can move forward with any possible criminal charges. The sheriff pointed out that because of the stand your ground law he can’t legally make an arrest unless he can prove the shooter did not act in self-defense.
On Tuesday, a stuffed teddy bear and bouquets marked the area near where Owens was shot. Nearby, children were riding bikes and scooters, and playing basketball. Protesters chanted “No justice, no peace” and “A.J. A.J. A.J” using Owens’ nickname. They carried signs saying: “Say her name Ajike Owens” and “It’s about us.”
Outside, the Rev. Bernard Tuggerson said the Black community in Ocala has suffered injustices for years. “Marion County is suffering and needs to be healed completely,” he said. “If we don’t turn from our wicked ways of the world, it’s going to be an ongoing problem. We want answers.”
The sheriff said Owens was shot moments after going to the apartment of her neighbor, who had yelled at Owens’ children as they played in a nearby lot. He also said the neighbor, who has not been identified by police, had thrown a pair of skates that hit one of the children.
Deputies responding to a trespassing call at the apartment Friday night found Owens suffering from gunshot wounds. She later died at a hospital.
Before the confrontation, the shooter had been yelling racial slurs at the children, according to a statement from civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Owens’ family. He also represented Trayvon Martin’s family in 2012, when the Black teenager was killed in a case that drew worldwide attention to the state’s stand your ground law.
The sheriff’s office hasn’t confirmed there were slurs uttered or said whether race was a factor in the shooting.
Lauren Smith, 40, lives across the street from where the shooting happened. She was on her porch that day and saw one of Owens’ young sons pacing, and yelling, “They shot my mama, they shot my mama.”
She ran toward the house, and started chest compressions until a rescue crew arrived. She said there wasn’t an altercation and that Owens didn’t have a weapon.
“She was angry all the time that the children were playing out there,” Smith said. “She would say nasty things to them. Just nasty.” Smith, who is white, described the neighborhood is family friendly.
The sheriff said that since January 2021, deputies responded at least a half-dozen calls in connection with what police described as feuding between Owens and the woman who shot her.
“There was a lot of aggressiveness from both of them, back and forth,” the sheriff said the shooter told investigators. “Whether it be banging on the doors, banging on the walls and threats being made. And then at that moment is when Ms. Owens was shot through the door.”
“I’m absolutely heartbroken,” Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, told The Associated Press. She described the fatal shooting as “so senseless.”
“We’ve seen this again and again across this country,” she said, adding that “it’s really because of lax gun laws and a culture of shoot first.”
Ferrell-Zabala said stand your ground cases, which she refers to as “shoot first laws,” are deemed justifiable five times more frequently when a white shooter kills a Black victim.
In 2017, Florida lawmakers updated the state’s self-defense statute to shift the burden of proof from a person claiming self-defense to prosecutors. That means authorities have to rule out self-defense before bringing charges. Before the change in law, prosecutors could charge someone with a shooting, and then defense attorneys would have to present an affirmative defense for why their client shouldn’t be convicted.
In fact, stand your ground and “castle doctrine” cases — which allow residents to defend themselves either by law or court precedent when threatened — have sparked outrage amid a spate of shootings across the country.
In April, 84-year-old Andrew Lester, a white man, shot and injured 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager who rang his doorbell in Kansas City after mistakenly showing up at the wrong house to pick up his younger siblings. Lester faces charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action; at trial, he may argue that he thought someone was trying to break into his house, as he told police.
Missouri and Florida are among about 30 states that have stand your ground laws.
The most well-known examples of the stand your ground argument came up in the trial of George Zimmerman, who fatally shot Trayvon Martin.
Zimmerman, who had a white father and Hispanic mother, told police that Martin attacked him, forcing him to use his gun in self-defense. He was allowed to go free, but was arrested about six weeks later after Martin’s parents questioned his version of events and then-Gov. Rick Scott appointed a special prosecutor.
Before trial, Zimmerman’s attorneys chose not to pursue a stand your ground claim, which could have resulted in the dismissal of murder changes as well as immunity from prosecution. But during the trial, the law was essentially used as part of his self-defense argument. Jurors found him not guilty.
At a vigil Monday, Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, said that she was seeking justice for her daughter and her grandchildren.
“My daughter, my grandchildren’s mother, was shot and killed with her 9-year-old son standing next to her,” Dias said. “She had no weapon. She posed no imminent threat to anyone.”
___
Frisaro in Fort Lauderdale contributed to this report. | 2023-06-07T19:29:42+00:00 | kxnet.com | https://www.kxnet.com/news/national-news/sheriff-probes-self-defense-claim-of-white-woman-who-fatally-shot-black-neighbor-in-front-of-kids/ |
Serena Williams plans to retire from tennis after U.S. Open to focus on family, business
NEW YORK - Tennis superstar Serena Williams is saying farewell to tennis in her own words, according to Vogue Magazine.
The 40-year-old champion announced her plans to retire following this month's U.S. Open to focus on her family and business.
Williams didn't use the word retirement but referred to it as a "transition" and "evolution." She went on to say that she's evolving away from tennis toward things that are important to her.
"I’m turning 41 this month, and something’s got to give," Williams wrote in an essay released Tuesday.
The American has won more Grand Slam singles titles in the professional era than any other woman or man. Only one player, Margaret Court, collected more, 24, although she won a portion of hers in the amateur era.
Earlier this year, Williams partnered with Nike and fashion designer Virgil Abloh for the Serena Williams "Queen" Collection. Williams will wear her Queen Collection this month at the U.S. Open in New York where she looks to tie Court's record.
"I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want that record. Obviously I do. But day to day, I’m really not thinking about her. If I’m in a Grand Slam final, then yes, I am thinking about that record," Williams said. "Maybe I thought about it too much, and that didn’t help. The way I see it, I should have had 30-plus Grand Slams."
But, Williams went on to write, "These days, if I have to choose between building my tennis resume and building my family, I choose the latter."
She and her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, have a daughter, Olympia, who turns 5 on Sept. 1.
"Believe me, I never wanted to have to choose between tennis and a family. I don’t think it’s fair," said Williams, who was pregnant when she won the 2017 Australian Open for her last Grand Slam trophy. "If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labor of expanding our family."
In June, Williams began — and ended — her comeback at Wimbledon after 364 days out of singles competition. She returned to the site of her last singles match, which she had to stop after less than a set because of an injury in 2021. Williams bowed out with a 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) loss to 115th-ranked Harmony Tan of France.
RELATED: Wimbledon 2022: Serena Williams loses 1st match in a year
After that defeat, Williams was asked whether she would compete again.
"That’s a question I can’t answer," she said at the time. "I don’t know. ... Who knows? Who knows where I’ll pop up?"
Williams hints in the essay that the U.S. Open will be her last tournament but does not say so explicitly.
"I’m not looking for some ceremonial, final on-court moment," Williams wrote. "I’m terrible at goodbyes, the world’s worst."
RELATED: Serena Williams launches fashion line with Nike
FOX 5 New York, FOX 5 Atlanta, and the Associated Press contributed to this story. This story was reported from Washington, D.C. | 2022-08-09T15:14:23+00:00 | fox35orlando.com | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/serena-williams-hints-retirement-tennis |
Manuel Margot Player Prop Bets: Rays vs. White Sox - April 23
Published: Apr. 23, 2023 at 12:28 PM EDT|Updated: 42 minutes ago
The Tampa Bay Rays and Manuel Margot, who went 0-for-4 last time out, battle Lucas Giolito and the Chicago White Sox at Tropicana Field, Sunday at 1:40 PM ET.
He had a hitless performance in his previous game (0-for-4) against the White Sox.
Manuel Margot Game Info & Props vs. the White Sox
- Game Day: Sunday, April 23, 2023
- Game Time: 1:40 PM ET
- Stadium: Tropicana Field
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo!
- White Sox Starter: Lucas Giolito
- TV Channel: MLB Network
- Hits Prop: Over/under 0.5 hits (Over odds: -167)
- Home Runs Prop: Over/under 0.5 home runs (Over odds: +875)
- RBI Prop: Over/under 0.5 RBI (Over odds: +260)
- Runs Prop: Over/under 0.5 runs (Over odds: +175)
Looking to place a prop bet on Manuel Margot? Check out what's available at BetMGM and sign up with this link!
Manuel Margot At The Plate
- Margot has two doubles, two home runs and three walks while hitting .200.
- Margot has picked up a hit in 10 games this season (52.6%), including one multi-hit game.
- In 19 games played this year, he has gone deep in two of them.
- Margot has driven in a run in six games this season (31.6%), but has had no multiple-RBI games.
- In five games this year (26.3%), he has scored, including multiple runs twice.
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Manuel Margot Home/Away Batting Splits
White Sox Pitching Rankings
- The pitching staff for the White Sox has a collective 10.5 K/9, the first-best in the league.
- The White Sox have a 5.48 team ERA that ranks 28th among all MLB pitching staffs.
- The White Sox rank 22nd in baseball in home runs given up (29 total, 1.4 per game).
- Giolito (1-1) gets the starting nod for the White Sox in his fifth start of the season. He has a 4.29 ERA in 21 2/3 innings pitched, with 23 strikeouts.
- In his most recent time out on Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies, the righty threw six scoreless innings without surrendering a hit.
- The 28-year-old ranks 52nd in ERA (4.29), 49th in WHIP (1.238), and 23rd in K/9 (9.9) among qualifying pitchers in MLB play this season.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | 2023-04-23T17:10:26+00:00 | mysuncoast.com | https://www.mysuncoast.com/sports/betting/2023/04/23/manuel-margot-mlb-player-prop-bets/ |
What’s the best Nike windbreaker?
A Nike windbreaker might look like an ordinary windbreaker, but the brand’s line steps far beyond the basics by combining protection and breathability with technologically advanced construction and materials.
The best ones, such as the Nike Men’s Windrunner Jacket, are lightweight, come with a hood and drawcords to keep the wind out and help you stay warm with vents at the back to prevent it from trapping moisture.
What to know before you buy a Nike windbreaker
About Nike windbreakers
A windbreaker is a thin woven jacket with little to no stretch that prevents your body’s heat from escaping as it protects you from the wind. Windbreakers are key active gear because they provide significant protection without adding bulk or weight.
While they are not traditionally waterproof, Nike typically adds water resistance and heat protection fabrics to its activewear apparel.
Therefore, many of the brand’s windbreakers are labeled Windrunner, Therma-Fit, Storm-Fit or All Conditions Gear. However, the look and primary windbreaking benefits remain the same.
The perfect windbreaker fit
It might be difficult for some to find a Nike windbreaker that fits them perfectly in every area. However, it is easier to pay a tailor a small fee to take in certain parts of your jacket, such as the sleeves and overall length, than it is to let them out. So, opt for the larger option if you are in between sizes.
There are four areas to consider as you evaluate your jacket’s fit:
- Body: You should be able to easily wrap your arms around your shoulders without putting too much stress on the jacket’s hems.
- Shoulders: The shoulder seams should land at the tips of your shoulders.
- Length: Raise your hands above your head. If your skin is exposed, it is too short to keep the cold air out.
- Sleeves: The cuffs should land at the base of your hands. If your wrists are exposed, then you should size up.
Sustainable materials
Many of Nike’s windbreakers are made with sustainably sourced polyester. Apparel items with a “sustainable materials” label is made with at least 55% recycled content.
To create the polyester used to make its windbreakers, the brand takes cleaned plastic bottles that have been shredded, converted into pellets and spun into high-quality yarn. As a result, Nike reduces waste and lowers carbon emissions by up to 30% compared to working with virgin polyester.
What to look for in a quality Nike windbreaker
Vents
While the primary task of a Nike windbreaker is to keep the wind out, it also needs to be breathable so you do not overheat while working out.
Nike increases airflow in its jackets by strategically placing vents in the back, sides and hood. These vents have a lip to prevent wind from directly hitting your skin while increasing your range of movement and circulating air.
Hood
A hood is essential on a windbreaker because it helps protect you from bad weather. The best hoods enable you to create a tight seal around your face to prevent a strong gust from entering your jacket. They should also land high on your neck to maximize your wind defense.
Drawcord
Drawcords prevent strong wind blasts from getting into your windbreaker. You can typically find them on the hood and waist unless the waist is secured with a snug elastic band.
Pockets
Bad weather conditions can wreak havoc on your essentials, which is why pockets are critical for a Nike windbreaker. The best ones are placed at the hips, interior or chest and close with a zipper to ensure they are secure.
Note that unless your windbreaker is waterproof, you should seal your items in something that will protect them if you plan to go out in the rain.
How much you can expect to spend on a Nike windbreaker
Depending on the jacket’s materials and features, you can find them for $50-$150 with an average price of $100.
Nike windbreaker FAQ
Can you use fabric softeners on technical apparel?
A. No, fabric softeners coat fabrics with a thin layer of chemicals that can prevent water-resistant and moisture-wicking materials from working.
Can you wear a windbreaker in the winter?
A. Yes, it depends on how cold it is, but you can always layer a fleece sweatshirt under your windbreaker for added insulation.
What’s the best Nike windbreaker to buy?
Top Nike windbreaker
What you need to know: It has an internal mesh lining and vent at the back for added breathability.
What you’ll love: This lightweight windbreaker has a hood with a drawstring and a high neck to keep the wind out. It also has ribbed elastics at the waist and wrists with zippered pockets at the hips.
What you should consider: Some said this jacket runs a bit big for their taste.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Top Nike windbreaker for the money
Nike Windrunner Men’s Trail Running Jacket
What you need to know: This lightweight windbreaker keeps the cold air out with added details, such as an internal drawstring in its hood.
What you’ll love: This jacket is wind- and water-resistant. It has a vent in the hood with attached mittens that can be stored in the sleeve compartment and secured with a zipper. It also has hip pockets with zipper closures and drop-in pockets at the chest.
What you should consider: Some customers said this jacket runs a bit small and suggested sizing up.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon, Backcountry and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Worth checking out
Nike Women’s Shield Trail Running Jacket
What you need to know: This simple but effective jacket keeps the wind out as it prevents your body’s heat from escaping.
What you’ll love: This hip-length jacket has a lightweight and relaxed fit. It zips up to the chin and fits snugly on the wrists, and its hood has an internal drawstring. It also has zippered pockets at the hips.
What you should consider: Some customers complained that this jacket fit a bit tight in the chest region.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | 2022-11-18T20:07:34+00:00 | wdtn.com | https://www.wdtn.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/outerwear-br/best-nike-windbreaker/ |
A woman was shot multiple times and killed Saturday night on the West Side.
San Antonio police said the woman and a suspect got into an argument around 6 p.m. in a parking lot of a store on the 900 block of Guadalupe Street.
The woman was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | 2022-10-23T16:20:37+00:00 | expressnews.com | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Woman-shot-killed-Saturday-night-on-West-Side-17528538.php |
NetBase Quid® real-time insights discloses the top performing commercials during the big game as well as viewer reactions to the halftime show, according to social media conversations
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NetBase Quid®, a global leader in AI-powered consumer and market intelligence, revealed social media data identifying the top performing commercials aired during Super Bowl LVII® and viewer reactions to the halftime show performance. NetBase Quid unveiled data that analyzed the regions and demographics from the total number of 5.8 million social media posts and 331 billion impressions around the big game.
The big game is the hottest event of the year for advertisers to gain yards closer to their customers in just a minute or less. The top five commercials from this year ranked by mentions and sentiment included:
Top 5 by Mentions
Top 5 by Sentiment
Winners tap into current consumer and social trends
During the big game this year, fans were treated to dozens of star-studded commercials that were a predominant driver of the majority of online conversations throughout a thrilling high-scoring, nail-biting game. Brands that utilized the star power of some of today's biggest names saw some of the largest returns in terms of buzz and social chatter while theatrical previews barely broke the top ten. Sweepstakes were also a noticeable trend this year and continue to be a critical opportunity to draw attention and interest in a brand.
The outlier, and the top-mentioned commercial, He Gets Us, took viewers by surprise and was further amplified by prominent public figures driving conversations about the commercial on social media.
Halftime Hashtag Bonanza
The big game is a cultural phenomenon not only in the sports world, but also in the advertising and music industries. The halftime spectacle is one of the biggest draws each year for a world-renowned performer and this year's performance didn't fall short. Leading up to the big game's halftime performance, social media was buzzing about the song list and potential guest collaborators, and Rihanna's halftime show led the hashtag tally used in social conversations before and after the game.
Following the game, Rihanna's performance, songs, and surprise pregnancy reveal kept conversations circulating long after the show.
To read the full data breakdown and list of commercial winners, please visit https://netbasequid.com/blog/ad-winners-super-bowl-lvii/.
Methodology
NetBase Quid analyzed global public conversations throughout the entirety of Super Bowl LVII® Sunday.
About NetBase Quid®
We make the world make sense™.
We deliver AI-powered consumer and market intelligence to enable business reinvention in a noisy and unpredictable world.
Our platform uses advanced artificial intelligence to process billions of indexed resources across all forms of structured and unstructured data, empowering brand, agency, and consulting services customers to make smart, data-driven decisions accurately, quickly, and efficiently.
We are the trusted partner of Ogilvy, T-Mobile, Lufthansa, Yum! Brands, Walmart, Hyundai, Wunderman Thompson, BCG, Gopuff and Dotdash Meredith. Learn more at www.netbasequid.com
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SOURCE NetBase Quid | 2023-02-14T00:26:02+00:00 | wcjb.com | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/02/13/netbase-quid-reveals-social-medias-reaction-super-bowl-lvii/ |
Justice Samuel Alito has a theory: “Religious liberty is fast becoming a disfavored right.”
With a conservative majority on the supreme court, a new view of the separation of church and state is taking shape.
“I don’t understand why religious liberty would be seen as a different kind of civil Liberty,” Stanford law professor Michael McConnell says. “When people are able to speak more or exercise any other rights, we don’t get all upset that the government is favoring them.”
But where does that leave Americans of other faiths and none?
“What about secular Americans who think that this is a country without an established religion of any kind?” Yale Law’s Linda Greenhouse says.
Today, On Point: the un-separation of church and state.
Guests
Linda Greenhouse, journalist-in-residence and lecturer in law at Yale Law School. Former Supreme Court reporter for the New York Times. Author of “Justice on the Brink.”
Michael McConnell, professor at Stanford Law School and Director of the Stanford Constitutional Law Center. Former judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Co-author of the upcoming book “Agreeing to Disagree: How the Establishment Clause Protects Religious Diversity and Freedom of Conscience.”
Michelle Boorstein, religion reporter at the Washington Post. (@mboorstein)
Also Featured
Ismail Royer, director of the Religious Freedom Institute’s Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team. (@IslamRFI)
Show Transcript: Conversation with Ismail Royer
KIMBERLY ATKINS STOHR: When we look at the separation of church and state, it’s sometimes framed as a question of protecting the free exercise of Christianity, by far the nation’s largest religious group. But that’s not how all non-Christian groups see it.
Ismael Royer is director of the Islam and Religious Freedom Action Team at the Religious Freedom Institute. His group has aligned itself with conservative Christian groups in many cases. He filed a brief to the Supreme Court in favor of Coach Joe Kennedy’s right to pray on the football field.
ISMAIL ROYER: I think that it’s a gross slander and an enormous slur, really, to label this, you know, legal initiative to restore a more original understanding of the establishment and free exercise clauses as somehow nearly, you know, advancing some sort of radical Christian agenda. If you look at the actual reasoning of the court in their opinions, and you look at the reasoning of the advocates, they’re citing cases, and they’re arguing from principles that go back to the time of the founding.
ATKINS STOHR: Ismail thinks those who advocate for strict secularism are missing the point and are ignorant about the roots of these doctrines.
ROYER: It’s true that there was a period — a long period — of quite secular interpretations of the free exercise clause. And some of these opinions, by the way, were upholding laws that actually had been implemented and driven in state legislatures by anti-Catholic sentiment. And some of these laws that the Ku Klux Klan even supported. For example, the Blaine Amendment. For example, religious garb statutes in public schools, which the Kennedy v. Robertson case explicitly renders those garb statutes now unconstitutional.
ATKINS STOHR: Those garb statutes mean state employees cannot wear clothing that their religion obliges them to wear. Ismael says it’s laws like that rather than Christian prayer on a football field, which are the greater threat to Muslims’ religious freedom in the U.S.
ROYER: The court’s majority opinion said, if we were to adopt the Ninth Circuit opinion in this case, then that would mean that a Muslim woman wearing hijab, a religious head covering … could be fired for doing so. They explicitly intended that their opinion would apply to people of all faiths. And not just prayer, but also religious expression in general.
ATKINS STOHR: Even though the movement is being driven by the religious right. Ismael thinks it’s of benefit to every faith group in America.
ROYER: This is good for religious minorities. Religious minorities have much more to fear from a court that would drive the religious expression out of the public square than from a court, which approves of religious expression by everyone in the public square.
This article was originally published on WBUR.org.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2022-07-19T17:20:14+00:00 | nepm.org | https://www.nepm.org/2022-07-19/the-un-separation-of-church-and-state |
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29 PHOTOS | 2023-02-10T21:57:47+00:00 | montgomeryadvertiser.com | https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/picture-gallery/sports/2023/02/10/aisa-basketball-edgewood-academy-girls-vs-lakeside-school/11228753002/ |
SPRINGFIELD — In the final hours of their spring session last week, lawmakers approved a controversial measure that would give existing power companies in downstate Illinois, notably Ameren Illinois, the first crack at installing new transmission lines.
The measure applies to companies that already own or operate electric transmission lines under the purview of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, the grid operator for a wide swath of the Midwest, including much of downstate and parts of northwestern Illinois.
This “right of first refusal” would empower those companies to choose whether they want to build the new lines, replacing the current system of competitive bidding for such construction. This provision is temporary and would sunset at the end of 2024.
Critics of the proposal said that it would reduce competition, leading to higher costs for construction projects and ultimately higher costs to energy consumers. But proponents said that it will streamline the billions of dollars of construction planned for the coming years while creating union jobs for Illinoisans.
The proposal was in a broader piece of energy legislation, House Bill 3445, which was introduced in its final form last Thursday night and passed in the early hours of Saturday. It passed in the Senate 41-9 with a single member voting “present” and in the House 63-32, with two “present” votes.
While it needs only a signature from Gov. J.B. Pritzker to become law, he vowed last week to veto the bill. Pritzker spokesperson Alex Gough said the governor opposes the bill because it “puts corporate profits over consumers.”
The legislature could override Pritzker’s potential veto, but it would require three-fifths majorities in both chambers, a margin that it earned in the Senate, but not the House.
Bill sponsor Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Loves Park, defended the proposal as a job-saving measure and emphasized it would be temporary.
“This is an 18-month temporary right of refusal,” Stadelman told Capitol News Illinois on Thursday. “I just want to make sure that over that time period, there is certainty to our grid and that the jobs are Illinois jobs. I don’t want these jobs going out of state.”
The right of first refusal provision is supported by both Ameren Illinois and labor unions, such as IBEW Local 51, IBEW Local 134 and the Midwest region of Laborers’ International Union.
The bill’s house sponsor and the House Public Utilities Committee chair, Rep. Larry Walsh, D-Elwood, said that the proposal came to him from the union. In a Friday evening committee, Walsh said it would streamline the process of expanding the grid.
“If you have an entity that controls the transmission of our electric power throughout whatever region you’re in … it’s easier for them to do this type of work, interconnecting their system,” Walsh said.
The measure’s opponents, however, include a mix of environmentalists, business groups, renewable energy companies and the state’s attorney general.
Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling said the proposal will make it more difficult for the state to build out renewable energy resources.
“We need two to five times more transmission to be able to meet our clean energy goals in the state,” Walling said. “This is going to make it expensive and hard to achieve those goals when we could save money and have better systems through a competitive procurement.”
Energy companies that build transmission lines, such as NextEra Energy, echo Walling’s concern. Those firms contend the proposal will stifle competition and increase consumer prices, according to Jonathan Feipel, a representative of the industry group American Clean Power.
Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, the chair of the House Energy and Environment committee, pointed to the significant cost of transmission line projects that have recently been approved by MISO.
“Right of first refusal is definitely problematic and when you’re talking about $10 billion — with a ‘B’ — dollars, that’s certainly a great concern,” Williams said during debate over the measure late Friday before voting against it.
Lawmakers of both parties, including Williams, took issue with the process of the proposal’s introduction. It was introduced as an amendment and passed through both houses within 36 hours.
Utilities having the right of first refusal has turned into a political hot topic in other states recently. In March, the Iowa Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction against a law in that state granting incumbent utilities the right of first refusal for transmission lines, noting that the Iowa law was “quintessentially crony capitalism.”
Clean energy studies
In addition to the right of first refusal provisions, HB 3445 would direct the Illinois Power Agency to study several potential developments in the state’s energy sector. That includes a potential offshore wind farm pilot program off the coast of Lake Michigan, dubbed the “Rust Belt to Green Belt” project.
Even the notion of commissioning a study on the subject drew criticism from some Democrats. Sen. Laura Murphy, D-Des Plaines, said she was concerned about developing a wind farm on Lake Michigan — northern Illinois’ main source of drinking water.
“Without any parameters on how this study is conducted, I am an absolute ‘no’ on this portion of this bill,” Murphy said during a Senate hearing on the measure Thursday.
Those studies were supported by the environmental groups that opposed the right of first refusal portion of the bill.
A bill outlining a funding scheme for the project was put forward earlier in the year. It passed in the House but stalled when it arrived in the Senate.
Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, an advocate for the offshore wind project, said that he will continue to push for its passage.
“There’s so much information worldwide about the benefits of wind energy that we’re not taking advantage of,” Evans said in a Friday interview. “We’re not going to meet our clean energy goals at the rate we’re going. We have to expedite.”
The bill would also require the IPA to study the implications of another proposal from earlier this year, the consideration of a renewable credit system to support deploying grid-scale energy storage, a longtime goal of renewable energy advocates. The agency would also be required to study the implications of a proposed high-voltage electricity transmission project.
Nuclear construction
Lawmakers also approved a measure, Senate Bill 76, that would allow for the construction of “advanced” nuclear reactors in the state.
A state law dating back to the 1980s placed a moratorium on building those power plants until the federal government designates a repository for nuclear waste, something the federal government has yet to do.
SB 76 was approved with bipartisan support earlier in May, passing on an 84-22 vote in the House and a 36-14 vote in the Senate.
The measure initially lifted the ban on construction for all nuclear plants, although debate on the bill focused primarily on the latest generation of nuclear technology. That includes prefabricated small modular nuclear reactors and microreactors.
That intention was eventually codified in an amendment and the final bill would only allow the construction of “advanced nuclear reactors” as defined in federal law.
The bill’s chief Senate sponsor, Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said that those types of reactors are valuable to provide reliability to the grid as the state shifts toward renewables.
“The value of the modular and the small advanced nuclear reactors are that we can drop them on coal plants that are shuttered,” Rezin said in an interview shortly after the bill passed last week. “We can drop them right on site and build them out there and tie them right into their transmission line or their grid system which they already have built into the plant.”
The proposal drew criticism from both environmental groups like the Sierra Club and anti-nuclear advocates like David Kraft, the head of the Chicago-based Nuclear Energy Information Service.
“The legislature has opened the door for more reactors and more waste,” Kraft said in an interview. | 2023-05-31T05:46:35+00:00 | news-gazette.com | https://www.news-gazette.com/lawmakers-approve-measure-giving-utilities-control-over-new-downstate-transmission-lines/article_ec57f055-361e-5d6c-9569-38b16b181c5a.html |
New vulnerability discovery in common CAN-FD vehicle communication protocol
YPSILANTI, Michigan, June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CYMOTIVE Technologies, the leading provider of smart mobility cyber solutions, today announced its participation in the international automotive security event ESCAR USA taking place on June 15 -16, 2022. CYMOTIVE's Principal Cyber Security Researcher, Matan Ziv, will present his research on the first day at 9:45 am EST entitled "CAN-in-CAN Attack for Bypassing Security", revealing a new potential attack on the CAN-FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate) vehicle communication protocol. Matan has named the vulnerability "CANCAN", referring to an ancient proverb on looking inside a person for hidden truth.
Vulnerabilities in these common communication protocols carry significant ramifications for the cybersecurity readiness of many vehicle models. The CANCAN vulnerability allows one CAN-FD message to hide inside another. As the encapsulating message hiding the other will appear as valid, the CANCAN vulnerability may be used for circumventing various security measures.
"We applaud Matan Ziv and the CYMOTIVE cybersecurity research team for this milestone in securing the automotive eco-system," said Tsafrir Kats, CEO and Co-founder of CYMOTIVE Technologies. "The CANCAN vulnerability may affect any vehicle component implementing the CAN-FD protocol and those protocols currently in development, such as CAN-XL, unless specifically addressed. We encourage all car manufacturers and their suppliers to take note and consider mitigation of this vulnerability."
CYMOTIVE is also a sponsor of the ESCAR USA event taking place in the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. If interested in meeting the CYMOTIVE cyber experts attending ESCAR, please contact us here.
For full details of the ESCAR USA, the program may be found here.
For the full research paper, "CAN-in-CAN Attack for Bypassing Security", click here.
About CYMOTIVE Technologies
Founded in 2016 by top tier Israeli security experts, CYMOTIVE Technologies designs, develops and deploys cybersecurity solutions to solve the most complex challenges in the smart mobility market. With teams working from Israel, Germany, Sweden, and the U.S, CYMOTIVE offers a full lifecycle platform of solutions for secured development to post-production stages in the smart mobility ecosystem. The company's customers include several manufacturers, smart cities and top tier suppliers of vehicles, fleets and other embedded solutions. For more information, visit www.cymotive.com
Media inquiries:
susan.becker@cymotive.com
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SOURCE CYMOTIVE Technologies | 2022-06-14T11:44:17+00:00 | wagmtv.com | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/06/14/cymotive-technologies-present-new-vulnerability-automotive-cyber-escar-usa/ |
State troopers shot, killed cow running loose on I-81
Pennsylvania State Police are under scrutiny after troopers shot and killed a cow that was found running loose Thursday on I-81 in Franklin County.
Troopers from Troop H in Chambersburg discovered a cow running in the median between the north and southbound lanes on I-81, state police said.
After an attempt to corral the animal with their cars failed, troopers used a taser to slow down the animal and then used their firearms to incapacitate it. Using a firearm to euthanize an animal is an approved method per American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines, according to the state police.
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The interaction was caught on video and making the rounds on social media, raising questions from the public about the authorities' handling of the situation.
“A large animal running freely near vehicles travelling at interstate speeds, by its very nature, presents a serious danger to the motoring public,” a state police statement read.
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State police said it has extensive guidance in place for how and when euthanasia of an animal should take place.
“That guidance also requires certain administrative review processes that are currently being undertaken to determine if applicable policy was adhered to,” the statement continued. “It is noted that Pennsylvania State Police policy does allow for the destruction of farm animals under certain conditions.”
It's not the first time state troopers dealt with loose livestock on I-81.
In February 2022, three cows fell off a trailer near Carlisle in Cumberland County, resulting in the interstate being closed for a period of time. In that incident, troopers were able to corral the livestock into a fenced-in area. | 2023-06-16T18:09:24+00:00 | yorkdispatch.com | https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2023/06/16/state-troopers-shot-killed-cow-running-loose-on-i-83/70329864007/ |
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Take a ride through Daytona International Speedway’s main tunnel and photos of some of the most celebrated events in track history line the walls.
One can’t be missed.
It shows Cale Yarborough, helmet in hand, ready to unload on Bobby Allison and ignite a muddy, bloody slugfest in the 1979 Daytona 500 that turned the highly anticipated first live flag-to-flag broadcast of a race into a spectacle that stamped NASCAR on the national sports map.
Who were these good ol’ boys on TV fighting instead of racing?
The seminal moment legitimized the Daytona 500 in a flash — more like in a punch — and suddenly even traditional stick-and-ball fans were buzzing over NASCAR and the brawl that changed it all.
The fight was a viral clip before such a term was even a thing and it's stood for 44 years near the top of the short list of most talked about, dissected and still-can’t-believe-it days over NASCAR’s first 74 years.
As part of the celebration of NASCAR’s 75th season, The Associated Press interviewed 12 veteran contributors to the industry on topics ranging from the greatest drivers to key challenges ahead.
With big names, a throwdown and a nation of viewers, the 1979 Daytona 500 was the winner in the AP survey as the most memorable race for its role as perhaps the most pivotal industry-changer in NASCAR history.
“While there are dozens of potential honorable mentions, this one seems to be replayed in highlight films more than any other, which helps it qualify as most memorable in addition to most pivotal,” said longtime Motor Racing Network announcer Winston Kelly.
Among the other races mentioned were Dale Earnhardt’s breakthrough 1998 Daytona 500 victory and Richard Petty’s 200th win in 1984 in the July Daytona race attended by President Ronald Reagan. Heck, Edsel Ford, long-time executive at the company that bears the name of his great-grandfather Henry Ford, couldn't narrow it down to just one.
“I would say that any race that a Ford Motor Co. product won is my most memorable race,” Ford said.
All suitable nominees. But the 1979 Daytona 500 race — it was Petty’s sixth win in the crown jewel race — was something special. More than 15 million people watched the race and all its aftermath. It stood as the highest-rated NASCAR race until 2001.
The mayhem was triggered early in the race when Yarborough came up on brother Bobby and Donnie Allison and tapped Bobby’s rear bumper, sending all three cars careening through a muddy infield. All three drivers recovered, and Yarborough and Donnie Allison eventually battled for the lead before spinning out.
Yarborough later said Bobby Allison had slowed down to block him, then claimed Donnie knocked him into the grass. Bobby Allison had stopped his car near the crashed cars to see if Donnie needed a ride back to the garage. Yarborough confronted him through his window.
“He ran toward me and started yelling at me,” Bobby told the AP in 2019 for a 40th-anniversary remembrance. “And then he hit me in the face with his helmet, which really surprised me. I still had my seatbelts on. I had my helmet on, and that shielded me a little bit, but it cut my nose and my lips.
“By then, blood was dripping in my lap. I’ve either got to get out of the car and handle this or run from him the rest of my life. So I got out of my car and he went to beating on my fists with his nose.”
While Yarborough and Allison traded haymakers in the Florida sun, it was actually a snowstorm that helped broaden the race’s exposure.
The Daytona 500 was broadcast live in its entirety for the first time, reaching markets that knew little, if anything, about stock car racing. There was a blizzard that forced a large portion of the country inside. Cities were shut down, and TVs were turned on.
Deb Williams, an AP panelist now in her fourth decade of racing coverage, was pressed into service in her first year writing for UPI. She watched the race on TV at her parents' home in North Carolina — snow blanketed the house outside — and later wrote the story from the Raleigh bureau about fans that had banded together to pay Donnie Allison’s $6,000 fine.
“There was just so much raw emotion of elements that people saw for the first time,” said Williams, who is covering her 29th Daytona 500 this year, for Autoweek.
And not for the last.
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AP NASCAR at 75 voting panel: Edsel Ford, long-time Ford executive; Tony Gibson, retired NASCAR crew chief; Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR champion; Denny Hamlin, three-time Daytona 500 champion; Rick Hendrick, founder of Hendrick Motorsports; Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR champion; Winston Kelley, executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame; Steve O’Donnell, Chief Operating Officer for NASCAR; Richard Petty, NASCAR Hall of Fame driver; Lyn St. James, one of nine women who have qualified for the Indianapolis 500; Deb Williams, award-winning NASCAR journalist; Eddie Wood, co-owner of Wood Brothers Racing.
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An AP Images blog on Daytona’s history: https://apimagesblog.com/historical/2020/1/31/from-sand-to-speedway-motor-racing-at-daytona
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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2023-02-17T16:33:16+00:00 | ourmidland.com | https://www.ourmidland.com/sports/article/1979-daytona-500-picked-as-nascar-s-most-17790849.php |
NAIROBI – Africa’s public health agency says the continent of 1.3 billion people still does not have a single dose of the monkeypox vaccine, but “very advanced discussions” are underway with at least two partners.
The acting director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ahmed Ogwell, told journalists on Thursday that he could not give details, but he said the partners are “largely multilateral institutions and non-African governments.”
There are no discussions with the private sector because all available doses have already been bought by countries, he said.
More monkeypox deaths have been reported on the African continent this year than anywhere in the world. Since May, nearly 90 countries have reported more than 31,000 cases.
At least 2,947 monkeypox cases have been reported in 11 African countries this year, including 104 deaths, but most of the cases reported are suspect ones because the African continent also lacks enough diagnostic resources for thorough testing, the Africa CDC director said.
The lack of vaccine doses and shortage of diagnostics is an echo of the challenges that Africa’s 54 countries faced for months during the COVID-19 pandemic as richer countries elsewhere raced to secure supplies.
The Africa director spoke as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on the final leg of a three-country Africa visit, where he articulated Washington’s new strategy for engaging with sub-Saharan African nations as “equal partners.” Earlier this week Blinken was in Congo, which has many of the 136 new monkeypox cases reported across Africa in the past week.
The World Health Organization classified the escalating outbreak of the once-rare monkeypox disease as an international emergency in July; the U.S. declared it a national emergency last week.
Outside of Africa, 98% of cases are in men who have sex with men. With a limited global supply of vaccines, authorities are racing to stop monkeypox before it becomes entrenched.
Monkeypox spread typically requires skin-to-skin or skin-to-mouth contact with an infected patient’s lesions. People can also be infected through contact with the clothing or bedsheets of someone who has monkeypox lesions.
Most people infected with monkeypox recover without treatment, but it can cause more severe symptoms like brain inflammation and in rare cases, death. The version of monkeypox spreading in Europe and North America has a lower fatality rate than the one circulating in Africa, where people have mostly been sickened after contact with infected wild animals like rodents and squirrels. | 2022-08-11T11:03:33+00:00 | clickorlando.com | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/world/2022/08/11/africa-cdc-in-advanced-talks-to-obtain-monkeypox-vaccines/ |
Backstreet Boys pay tribute to Aaron Carter during London concert
LONDON (CNN/Gray News) – Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys cried at the boy band’s Sunday night concert in London during a tribute to his brother, Aaron Carter.
Aaron Carter died Saturday at the age of 34.
Note: In the video, Aaron Carter’s age is accidentally announced as 43 instead of 34.
The band performed “No Place” as photos of Nick Carter and the “I Want Candy” singer played on screen.
The 42-year-old was visibly emotional, sobbing as bandmates A.J. McLean, Brian Littrell and Howie Dorough hugged him.
“Tonight we got a little bit of heavy hearts because we lost one of our family members yesterday,” Kevin Richardson said. “We just wanted to find a moment in our show to recognize him.”
Dorough said they were dedicating their next song, “Breathe,” to Aaron Carter.
“May you rest in peace,” he said.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. TMX contributed to this report. | 2022-11-08T01:36:30+00:00 | wnem.com | https://www.wnem.com/2022/11/08/backstreet-boys-pay-tribute-aaron-carter-during-london-concert/ |
DENVER (KDVR) – Early Tuesday morning, three thieves used a truck and rope to pull a bolted-down ATM out of Spot Bar and Grill in Denver.
“It’s just violating,” Meagan Maly, the bar’s general manager, said.
Security video shows one of the suspects breaking the glass door to get into the bar. The thief never hit the lock on the door, which Maly said is why the alarm wasn’t originally triggered.
The suspect inside went straight to the ATM and attempted to pick it up before appearing to realize the ATM was bolted to the ground. While that was happening, a red truck backed up onto the curb just outside the front door and another suspect brought a rope inside.
“He put a little lasso on our ATM and hooked up to the truck and pulled it right out through our door, breaking the door,” Maly said.
From there the video shows the suspects dragging out the ATM and lifting it into the back of the red truck.
“It was a different-looking truck with a lot of flood lights on it. It’ll have a lot of dings on it after hitting that stop sign several times,” Maly said. “So hopefully that narrows it down.”
Right now, they don’t know the exact amount of money that was in the ATM during the theft.
“I’m hoping nothing. That would be the silver lining, but we don’t know yet,” Maly said.
She said the bar has had small break-ins in the past, but nothing this elaborate or what appeared to be planned. She said she believes the thieves had been in the bar before.
“They knew exactly where it was. Police lifted prints off the handle, so we are waiting to see if it’s someone we recognize,” Maly said.
Spot Bar and Grill has been open for 27 years.
“Things like this shouldn’t happen, especially at a neighborhood bar in a nice area. Washington Park is a nice area. It just sucks something like this would happen,” she said. | 2023-05-03T18:53:43+00:00 | wdtn.com | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/watch-thieves-use-a-little-lasso-to-pull-atm-out-of-bar/ |
Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you there’s something you’d like to comment on in Elgin or beyond, send an email to ksorensen@tribpub.com. Please include “speak out” in the subject line.
Biden to blame: I think it’s funny these mayors in sanctuary cities are crying about illegal aliens in their cities and blaming the Texas and Arizona governor’s office. If Biden would have closed the border, this would not be happening. I unfortunately live in Illinois and us down-staters will be taxed to bail out Chicago with again.
We all get to speak: The First Amendment gives us freedom of speech, not freedom to silence others when they offend you!
MAGA not extreme: So, what are the positions of the so-called “extreme” MAGA agenda? For those who are wondering, it’s secure borders, fair elections, energy independence, being tough on crime, saving babies, stop genital mutilation on children, putting parents first, school choice, protecting our Constitutional rights and putting America first, among others. What part is extreme?
Overrated 49ers: Now that da Bears have won their home opener, the time has come to address the elephant in the room: just how overrated are the San Francisco 49ers?
Too much queen coverage: I get it, already, Queen Elizabeth was the longest-serving monarch in the history of Great Britain. But she was never our leader and all the media attention caused by her passing is more than a little gratuitous.
Weather before fossil fuels: Is there a theory out there that there wasn’t a climate on this planet until fossil fuels? I am not a scientist, but I believe there were floods, fires, droughts, hurricanes, snowstorms and other major weather events before industrialization. Human ingenuity has improved life on this planet for billions. People can get out of the way with warnings, flooding can be alleviated with city planning, water systems deliver water to drought prone areas, and so on. Sometimes the easiest solutions are the best.
Here’s a way to stop crime: All the complaints about crime in Chicago from Republicans like Darren Bailey fail to mention that the weapons used are usually purchased in the Republican dominated states surrounding Illinois, where all you need is cash to purchase a military style weapon. If Republicans were really concerned about crime, they would support common-sense gun control legislation, ban assault weapons and stop accepting donations from the NRA. | 2022-09-13T15:54:11+00:00 | chicagotribune.com | https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/elgin-courier-news/opinion/ct-ecn-speak-out-st-0914-20220913-6c2ilj3jijg2jb57q63bzyirly-story.html |
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly dividend payment of $0.98 per share on the Company's outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable on September 2, 2022, out of surplus to shareowners of record at the close of business on August 12, 2022.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
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SOURCE Honeywell | 2022-07-29T16:38:01+00:00 | wagmtv.com | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/07/29/honeywell-announces-quarterly-dividend/ |
This story is part of a series looking at transgender inmates in the U.S. and the challenges they face in confinement and upon release. The series focuses on topics such as being incarcerated in prisons that do not reflect the inmate's gender identity, the medical hurdles faced behind bars and rehousing after being released. The series includes dozens of interviews with inmates, experts and public officials.
Chelsea Manning has been described as many things in her life: Soldier. Hacker. Criminal. Whistleblower. Traitor.
The 35-year-old is perhaps best known for leaking hundreds of thousands of military and diplomatic records about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to WikiLeaks in 2010. It's believed to be the largest unauthorized leak of classified material in U.S. history.
She spent seven years in prison for that leak.
And while incarcerated, she transitioned. Regardless of her high profile at the time, Manning faced many of the same struggles that other transgender prisoners in the U.S. deal with.
Manning told NPR that she and her attorneys dealt with a complex assortment of administrative parties, such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the U.S. Defense Department, a federal prison, a local jail and various courts. All of this opened her eyes to a system that is set up for prisoners of all stripes to fail, she said.
"How do you navigate these sometimes Byzantine administrative structures to get to understand who to go to and who to complain to?" Manning said. "The average person doesn't stand a chance. That's the frank truth."
Manning was housed with men at the Midwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. When she began transitioning, she requested gender-affirming care. She was refused.
That exacerbated Manning's diagnosed gender dysphoria and mental health problems while incarcerated, she and her attorneys maintained at the time. Despite knowing what would help alleviate these symptoms, Manning said, prison officials for her case did nothing. That's what many other prisoners, trans or not, deal with on a regular basis.
Prison officials "just don't care. They're there to protect the prison, and the workers, the employees — not the inmates. They're not there to advocate for an inmate," Manning said.
Studies have shown that incarcerated individuals are more likely than the general population to deal with chronic health problems. Access to proper treatment is unreliable. In Manning's case, she received gender-affirming care only after a lawsuit.
Manning's first lawsuit against the U.S. was filed in September 2014. Since then, not much has changed for trans inmates trying to get treated for gender dysphoria. Manning was even forced to advocate for access to proper care while incarcerated a second time in 2019 for a separate case.
A look back at Manning's legal fight
In July 2013, Manning was convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison for her leak of government records.
A month later, she publicly announced she is trans, and she sought hormone therapy. She also requested permission to grow her hair out and to get access to items that would help her express her gender identity, such as cosmetics.
In Manning's case, because she was in the military, the Pentagon and not the Federal Bureau of Prisons was ultimately responsible for her care in custody.
Manning said she encountered outright hostility from the very top of the Defense Department. Then-Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel would deadname Manning and referred to her using he/him pronouns, she wrote in her memoir, README.txt.
The Defense Department did not respond to NPR's request for comment.
The military's own doctors diagnosed Manning with gender dysphoria. And yet the American Civil Liberties Union said the military's response to Manning's request to treat this diagnosis was to say that it does "not provide hormone therapy or sex-reassignment surgery for gender identity disorder."
If an incarcerated person has a complaint over how they were treated, their first step is usually to file a grievance. There is generally an internal appeals process within each facility. That process must be exhausted before a person can pursue a lawsuit.
"These administrative methods slow things down. And they're used as an excuse before you can go to the courts," Manning said. "And they often weigh heavily in the direction of prisons and the carceral system."
Many of the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals who spoke with NPR echoed Manning's remarks, saying this process was exhausting and confusing and often resulted in no changes.
Manning wrote of this fight in her memoir:
In December 2014, I successfully demanded access to cosmetics. The Pentagon ultimately made the decision about whether I'd be allowed to use lipstick, a surreal moment. And yet it still felt like a humiliating compromise, a stopgap measure that didn't address the fundamental, underlying issue.
In 2015, after a year of litigation, the U.S. government relented and allowed Manning to begin hormone therapy. According to the ACLU, this made Manning the first individual to get health care pertaining to gender transition while in military prison.
Manning told NPR she knew the federal government's opposition was futile because the precedents, regulations and doctors were on her side.
"The hang-up wasn't with the medical authorities. The hang-up wasn't the regulatory infrastructure. The hang-up was, they just didn't want to do it," she said.
Once word came down that Manning won her legal battle, she found that the men incarcerated alongside her were ecstatic that "one of their own" was successful in her fight against the system.
"Inmates were just thrilled to see an inmate asked for something, fought for it and won. Very rarely does that happen," she said.
After that, Manning said, she saw fellow inmates start requesting that the prison address their own medical needs that they were being denied care for.
"They started to fight for that. It was very encouraging for inmates, and it was very much a positive," she said.
Manning said her case was also a "watershed moment for the military."
But she's quick to note that she wasn't the first transgender person overall to fight for, and win, access to health care and some gender-affirming treatment in prison.
She points to the 1989 U.S. Supreme Court case of Dee Farmer, a trans woman who was imprisoned in a men's facility. That decision has been frequently used by prisoners challenging their treatment.
Hurt by the legal system — again
Manning's legal conflicts with the U.S. government and the military in 2014 wouldn't be the last time she would have to push officials to address her health care needs as a trans woman.
Two years after her 2017 release from prison, after President Barack Obama commuted her sentence, Manning was jailed again. This time it was over her refusal to testify before a federal grand jury in a case involving WikiLeaks and its founder, Julian Assange.
Manning said at the time of this case that she had just undergone gender-affirming surgery. While incarcerated at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center in Alexandria, Va., for nearly a year, she says, her medical care was disrupted early on and subsequently affected post-surgical care.
"Despite the Department of Justice saying that there wouldn't be this issue, it became immediately an issue the second that we were in jail," she said.
Dr. Fan Liang, the medical director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health, said it's critical for any patient receiving gender-affirming surgeries to maintain good follow-up care.
"It's especially critical that they are in an environment in which they have adequate resources for post-operative follow-up care and a safe, supportive situation," Liang said.
The fight to get the Alexandria jail to address Manning's needs was one that also involved the Justice Department and the U.S. Marshals Service, under the custody of which she was remanded.
Her attorneys addressed their concerns to a judge during a hearing in May 2019, according to court documents. They said that the jail staff was ill-equipped to address the health needs of a trans woman and that Manning wasn't getting the right care fast enough.
"The source of the complications that Chelsea has experienced seem to have been at least in part due to the questionable hygiene of the jail and the lack of control that Chelsea herself has over her daily post-surgical regimen," Moira Meltzer-Cohen, the attorney representing Manning at that time, told the court.
Manning's lack of control over her post-surgical health care was something authorities were unwilling to change, Meltzer-Cohen said then.
The Alexandria Sheriff's Office, which is in charge of the facility where Manning was housed, told NPR that it is confident Manning "received the necessary and appropriate medical care" while in its custody.
The office said that all inmates' medical treatments and medications have to first be reviewed by the facility's health care team. Federal inmates, like Manning, may also require additional review by the U.S. Marshals Service, or a judge may order specific treatment for those individuals.
"The Alexandria Adult Detention Center's healthcare practices are consistent with and in compliance with national standards. Most recently, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care reaccredited our facility after finding it to be in 100% compliance with all applicable mandatory standards," the office said in a statement.
The U.S. Marshals Service did not respond to NPR's request for comment.
Manning said the delays she encountered while jailed in Alexandria until 2020 were eventually handled, but it left longer-term health impacts on her.
Manning said she does know that her treatment, including the lack thereof, as a trans woman is an example of how poorly jails and prisons are equipped to deal with the medical needs of all prisoners.
"Prisons just don't prioritize medical care in prison, period," she said.
She noted that she had strong legal representation, but it was still incredibly difficult for her and sometimes her lawyers to navigate confusing regulations and policies.
She asked, how can someone without formal education or the right support fight back?
Manning said her experience shows how "there needs to be a lot more robust protections for prisoners and prisoners' access to care in general, not just in terms of trans care. Because that will immediately benefit a larger group of people who are being harmed, while also benefiting trans people."
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2023-04-09T12:38:58+00:00 | wyomingpublicmedia.org | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2023-04-09/chelsea-manning-had-to-fight-to-transition-in-prison-she-wants-better-for-others |
New this week: Taylor Swift, ‘Descendant’ and ‘Ghostwriter’
By The Associated Press
This week’s new entertainment releases include albums from Babyface, Arctic Monkeys and a Taylor Swift original, a documentary about the last known ship to bring African captives to the American South for enslavement and “Doc Martin” gets a proper farewell on Acorn TV. Young viewers are in luck this week when “Ghostwriter” returns on Apple TV+ with new stars Princess Mapp, Nour Assaf and Daire McLeod attempting to solve an ongoing ghostly mystery. And in Rodrigo Garcia’s “Raymond & Ray” also on Apple TV+, Ethan Hawke and Ewan McGregor play half-brothers reunited for their father’s funeral. | 2022-10-14T20:20:39+00:00 | localnews8.com | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national/2022/10/14/new-this-week-taylor-swift-descendant-and-ghostwriter/ |
Free new roof complete for 73-year-old woman who worked on own repairs
HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ/Gray News) – When 73-year-old Sharon Harris felt water dripping on her arm while she was sitting in her living room, she repaired her roof herself because she couldn’t afford to hire someone to fix it.
A roofing company in the area heard about her story and offered to give her a new roof at no charge – saving Harris a total of $9,700.
The general manager for Cenvar Roofing said Harris did a great job with her repairs on the roof.
“She had everything installed properly,” Collin Murphy said. “She said it took her days of going up there, throwing up two shingles at a time, and then walking herself up the ladder with her hammer going for it. It’s just an inspirational story of someone who went for it on her own and put on her own roof, which is incredible.”
A roofing crew from Cenvar Roofing completed the new roof for Harris Monday.
They are also going to replace her gutters.
Copyright 2023 WDBJ via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | 2023-07-19T14:08:28+00:00 | kcrg.com | https://www.kcrg.com/2023/07/19/free-new-roof-complete-73-year-old-woman-who-worked-own-repairs/ |
Lilly Moreland of Gila Ridge High School has come a long way on the tennis court in a relatively short time.
When Moreland was about eight years of age, she was initially introduced to the sport by her grandparents. From that time up to her middle school years, Moreland would casually play tennis for fun, not necessarily for the competition. It was at that point in her life where she credits former Cibola tennis coach Duncan Phillips for encouraging her to pursue the sport with more passion and intensity.
“He gave me lessons and really saw the potential in my game.” Moreland tells The Yuma Sun. “He really helped me focus and pushed me to get better. Before him, I basically just thought of tennis as a hobby.”
Armed with a greater sense of purpose, Moreland unfortunately did not have a chance to fully showcase her talents as a freshman at Gila Ridge as the sports schedule was interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But by the time her sophomore year rolled around in 2021, Moreland managed to work her way up to the top of the depth chart as Gila Ridge’s No. 1 singles player.
Living up to those lofty expectations as her team’s top player, she went undefeated in city competition that year. She repeated that feat this past season as a junior and compiled a 29-2 overall record which includes a 15-1 mark in singles play. According to Gila Ridge head coach Travis Bogart, Moreland is one of the top girls tennis players the city of Yuma has seen in recent memory.
“She is the most dominant player in the city in at least the last 10 years,” Bogart revealed. “She has never lost a match in the city in her three years and continues to get stronger and more skilled each year. Her effort and athleticism are always apparent and appreciated.”
When asked what the best aspect of her game is, Moreland believes it is her serve that separates her from other players in the region. She estimates that her serve can reach speeds of about 90 miles per hour. As for her favorite part about tennis, Moreland says it makes for quite the stress reliever.
“It the main physical activity that I like to do, so I get to stay in shape and relieve stress at the same time,” Moreland reveals.
Despite her success thus far, Moreland believes there is room for improvement. A two-time state qualifier for the Arizona Interscholastic Association Division I State Singles Tournament, Moreland won her first round match this past season due to forfeit. Then in the second round, she was defeated by eventual semifinalist Sydney Schnell of Desert Vista 1-6, 0-6.
Heading into her senior year, Moreland has aspirations of advancing further at the individual state tournament. Additionally, she would also like to be a part of a Gila Ridge team that maximizes its full potential in 2023.
“It was crazy to see all the top players at state competing in person, they looked perfect. Playing at that level was an unreal experience, but I would definitely like to make it past the second round next year,” she adds. “And as far as team goals are concerned, I’d like to get a closer bond with my teammates and put our best effort out there on the court next year.” | 2022-05-16T06:07:48+00:00 | yumasun.com | https://www.yumasun.com/sports/moreland-enjoys-rapid-ascent-as-regions-best/article_fa064efa-d32b-11ec-8baf-1fe3d6b15e94.html |
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- It's no strange(r) thing that philanthropists Shawn and Serena Levy will be taking center stage alongside comedian Hasan Minhaj and Dr. Beena Patel Minhaj at the Laughter Is the Best Medicine 2022 gala on Monday, December 5, at the Beverly Wilshire, hosted by global health nonprofit Jhpiego.
An extraordinary storyteller and prolific filmmaker, Shawn explored communication with extraterrestrials in the multi-Oscar-nominated "Arrival," shared the supernatural adventures of a group of teens in the award-winning Netflix series "Stranger Things," and directed hit movies "Free Guy," "The Adam Project," and highly anticipated "Deadpool 3"and the upcoming limited series "All the Light We Cannot See." His wife Serena, who has practiced as an early childhood development specialist privately and at Cedars Sinai Medical Center Early Childhood Center, also serves on the Board of Trustees for A Sense of Home.
The couple will receive Jhpiego's Elyse Bila Ouedraogo Award, named for a Burkina Faso nurse who screened hundreds of women for cervical cancer—the preventable disease that ultimately took her life. This award is given to honorees who exemplify Ouedraogo's selfless determination to make a difference.
"The work that Jhpiego does, the ways in which this organization is changing lives, is bettering lives, aligns with the values that Serena and I hold," said Shawn. "Through this award, we hope to amplify the work of Jhpiego, their empowerment of women, to ensure that the people they serve receive the quality health care all of us want for our families."
Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins University affiliate, will present its Visionary Award the same evening to Hasan, a two-time Peabody Award-winning comedian, and his wife, Beena, Executive Director of Vituity Cares Foundation. The Visionary Award recognizes leaders who use their public platforms for activism aligned with the work and mission of Jhpiego – women's empowerment, education and access to health care. The Minhajs are passionate advocates for equitable health care for women, men and their families wherever they live.
Beena, who holds advanced degrees in public health, previously developed a nationally recognized and replicated model of patient-centered health care for homeless veterans. Hasan is the co-founder and chief executive officer of 186K Films, which will produce its first feature, "For the Culture," with Amazon Studios. His second comedy special, "The King's Jester," premiered on Netflix on October 4, 2022.
"We're honored to be able to bring awareness to public health initiatives through both creative and grassroots mediums," said Beena. "Empowering people, especially women, to advocate for improved and expanded health care access leads to better overall public health. We hope to continue our work in this space in a way that exceeds the significant expectations of the Visionary Award."
Laughter Is the Best Medicine, which this year takes place during Jhpiego's 50th anniversary year, highlights the work of Jhpiego's staff all over the world, in addition to the philanthropic and humanitarian contributions of the honorees. An evening of celebration and inspiration, the evening features performances from top comedians and special guests from Jhpiego's country offices.
100% of gala proceeds go toward improving the health and well-being of women and their families in the developing world.
Working for the past half century in 155 countries to ensure equity, quality and respect in health care services, Jhpiego insists that where a woman lives should not determine if she lives.
For more information about Jhpiego and its annual gala, visit www.jhpiego.org or contact Ann LoLordo, 443.831.3834, ann.lolordo@jhpiego.org.
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SOURCE Jhpiego | 2022-11-08T22:48:26+00:00 | wagmtv.com | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/11/08/jhpiego-present-global-humanitarian-awards-shawn-serena-levy-hasan-minhaj-dr-beena-patel-minhaj/ |
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — The Latest from Wimbledon (all times local):
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2:41 p.m.
Ons Jabeur has won the first set of the women’s final at Wimbledon 6-3.
Jabeur is facing Elena Rybakina in the title match on Centre Court.
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2:25 p.m.
American junior player Liv Hovde has won the girls’ singles title at Wimbledon.
Hovde beat Luca Udvardy of Hungary 6-3, 6-4 on No. 1 Court to become only the second American girl to win the title at the All England Club in the last 30 years.
Claire Liu won the title in 2017.
In the girls’ doubles final, Angella Okutoyi of Kenya and Rose Marie Nijkamp of the Netherlands beat Kayla Cross and Victoria Mboko of Canada 3-6, 6-4 (11-9).
In the boys’ doubles final, Sebastian Gorzny and Alex Michelsen of the United States defeated Gabriel Debru and Paul Inchauspe of France 7-6 (5), 6-3.
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2:08 p.m.
The women’s final at Wimbledon between Ons Jabeur and Elena Rybakina has started.
Jabeur is looking to become the first Arab woman and first African woman to win a major tennis title. Rybakina, who was born in Russia but switched nationalities to Kazakhstan in 2018, would become the first Grand Slam champion from her adopted country.
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1:15 p.m.
Diede de Groot has won her seventh straight Grand Slam title in women’s wheelchair singles and her fourth at Wimbledon.
The top-seeded Dutch player beat Yui Kamiji of Japan 6-4, 6-2 on No. 3 Court.
De Groot started her run at the 2021 Australian Open. She won all four major titles last year and has won the first three so far this year.
De Groot also won the singles title at the All England Club in 2017 and 2018. She won doubles titles in 2018 and 2019.
The Dutchwoman has also reached the doubles final this year and will team with Aniek van Koot against Kamiji and Dana Mathewson of the United States.
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12:55 p.m.
The women’s final at Wimbledon will produce a first-time Grand Slam champion.
Ons Jabeur of Tunisia and Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan will play on Centre Court for the title.
Jabeur is looking to become the first Arab woman and first African woman to win a major tennis title. Rybakina, who was born in Russia but switched nationalities to Kazakhstan in 2018, would become the first Grand Slam champion from her adopted country.
The men’s doubles final will follow the women’s singles on Centre Court. Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell of Australia will face Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic of Croatia.
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More AP Wimbledon coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/wimbledon and https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | 2022-07-09T16:32:25+00:00 | wtmj.com | https://wtmj.com/sports/2022/07/09/jabeur-wins-1st-set-6-3-in-womens-final-wimbledon-updates-2/ |
(The Hill) – After President Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) signed off on a final budget agreement and a raise of the debt ceiling, the two sides moved onto a difficult task: selling the legislation to their respective parties to get it passed through Congress.
Conservative Republicans and progressive Democrats have been quick to voice concerns with certain aspects of the deal, with each side expressing worry that their leadership gained too little or conceded too much in negotiations.
White House officials and McCarthy’s team spent much of Sunday working to spin the deal as a victory for their own side and assure members that it was the other party that ultimately caved on certain priorities.
“Right now the Democrats are very upset,” McCarthy said on “Fox News Sunday,” asserting that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffires (D-N.Y.) told him “there’s not one thing in the bill for Democrats.”
In remarks Sunday evening, Biden said the final agreement “protects key priorities and accomplishments and values that congressional Democrats and I have fought long and hard for.”
Asked what he would say to members who believe Biden made too many concessions, the president responded, “They’ll find I didn’t.”
The White House has focused on reassuring Democrats about the bill largely by pointing to ways that it is significantly watered down from the Republican legislation that passed the House in late April, dubbed the Limit, Save, Grow Act.
While the 99-page bill does include changes to work requirements for government assistance programs, White House officials argued the agreed upon language would have “much less severe consequences” than the House GOP legislation.
The White House has also argued that the overall spending agreements are ultimately a win for Democrats. A White House source argued the deal would help avert “enormous cuts to key programs and investments.”
And officials were also quick to point to key priorities that were left untouched in the final legislation, including that there are no changes to Medicare work requirements and that veterans medical care will be fully funded.
Perhaps the broadest argument the White House will make to persuade Democrats to back the agreement is that passing the bill would mean raising the debt ceiling and averting a default that experts warned could have triggered a recession and sunk the economy that will be central to any reelection campaign for Biden.
While some conservatives had pushed for the debt ceiling to be pushed into 2024, making it an issue in next year’s election, the agreed upon bill would suspend the debt ceiling into 2025.
“We think taking the threat of default off the table into 2025 is a significant upside for the economy, a significant accomplishment,” a White House official said.
Republicans have painted a similarly rosy picture of how the agreed upon text amounts to a victory for their side.
Some in the GOP argued the fact that Republicans pulled the White House to the negotiating table over the budget in order to pass a debt ceiling increase was a win in itself, because it allowed the party to extract some concessions in the process.
“We have something, right? We negotiated,” Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), House GOP conference secretary, told reporters. “Is it what we wanted or what I wanted? No. I wish we would’ve gotten more. It’s clearly better than a clean debt ceiling, that’s for sure.”
But there are also specific policies in the bill that Republican leadership has been keen to highlight to members.
The agreement includes changes to work requirements for food stamps and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
A document distributed to Republican offices about the agreement highlights a rollback of non-defense discretionary spending to fiscal year 2022 levels, while limiting topline federal spending to 1 percent annual growth for six years.
The same document highlighted an agreement to cut a fiscal year 2023 funding request for new IRS agents and a deal to claw back billions of dollars in unspent COVID-19 relief funds, two priorities for Republicans.
In a nod to the GOP’s conservative wing, the deal includes a measure to cap continuing resolution to fund the government at 99 percent of current levels until Congress passes all 12 appropriations bills, an idea that has been backed by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.).
“The American people elected House Republicans to stop the out-of-control inflationary spending that has broken family budgets,” members of House Republican leadership said in a joint statement on Sunday night. “Today, we secured a historic series of wins worthy of the American people.”
Ultimately, both the White House and Republican leaders only need to convince enough of their respective parties to back the budget agreement so that it gets a majority in the House and 60 votes in the Senate.
The rhetoric from Biden and McCarthy on Sunday simultaneously reflected two leaders seeking to portray themselves as having gotten the better side of negotiations, while acknowledging that working in a divided government often means settling for a final product that doesn’t contain every single priority.
“Maybe it doesn’t do everything for everyone, but this is a step in the right direction that no one thought that we would be able to today,” McCarthy told “Fox News Sunday.”
Speaking Sunday evening at the White House, Biden said the deal “represents a compromise, which means no one got everything they want. But that’s the responsibility of governing.”
–Mychael Schnell contributed | 2023-05-29T16:27:11+00:00 | kfor.com | https://kfor.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/how-white-house-and-gop-leaders-are-working-to-sell-the-budget-deal/ |
She is America’s most decorated boxer, amateur or pro, male or female. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, an undefeated, unified champion in not one, but two divisions.
Claressa Maria “T-Rex” Shields is preparing for her seventh total title defense against Maricela Cornejo (16-5 with six knockouts) from Prosser, Washington on June 3 in Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, home to the NBA Pistons and NHL Red Wings and streaming on DAZN.
Cornejo replaces Hanna Gabriels who flunked a pre-fight drug test this month.
The 28-year-old Shields (13-0 with two kayos), headlines the card less than 70 miles from where she grew up.
Behind her in-the-ring greatness are two members of her team on the outside pushing all the right buttons: manager Mark Taffet, a former HBO executive and former boxer turned promoter Dmitriy Salita, an orthodox Jew from Ukraine.
THE CHAMPION
She is the WGOAT.
Just ask her.
“I am the greatest,” she says, though not as loud as the original author, but Claressa Shields is the face of women’s boxing, and she has the resume.
She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2012 London, 2016 Rio), has been the undisputed junior middleweight champ, and is the current undisputed middleweight boss. She also captured the super middleweight championship in her fifth pro fight, and she’s dabbled in MMA (1-1) with a bout scheduled this winter.
She says she can go up to 168, down to 154 and maybe even 147 for just one fighter.
“Katie Taylor,” she announces about the undisputed lightweight champion from Ireland who defeated Brooklyn’s Amanda Serrano last year in the women’s Fight-of-the-Year. “That’s the biggest mega fight that could ever happen.”
All her goals are in reach because of her team of manager (Mark Taffet) and promoter (Dmitriy Salita).
“Mark and Dmitriy are the brains,” states Shields. “Mark is the bigger brain. He can sit in a room with anybody and see things from a different perspective.
“He’s not so smart that he’s dumb. He knows how to listen.”
Salita sees other things from inside the ring.
“Him being a [former] fighter, he knows how much we have to focus and how we have to train,” she says. “He understands the competitive part about boxing.”
First she has to get past Cornejo, but she doesn’t feel she has hit her peak yet.
“I don’t think so,” she declares. “Sometimes I just feel like, can I get any stronger or any faster than what I am? I’m always shocked to see, “Yep, sure can.’”
She’s delighted to headline the first ever fight card at the Little Caesars Arena which is “down the street from my hometown [Flint] in front of 15,000 fans.”
Shields wants to show she has a following, a brand and a message:
“You can be a young, Black, poor girl and you can make it to where I’ve made it just through hard work, dedication and prayer.”
And a good team.
THE MANAGER
“Claressa Shields has God-given abilities that are once in a lifetime,” says Mark Taffet, Shields’ manager, and president of Mark Taffet Media. He also headed HBO’s Pay-Per-View entity.
“I always tell people she is one of the three greatest fighters that I ever saw: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Roy Jones, Jr. being the other two,” he boasts. “Her boxing IQ, her natural abilities are something to behold, and she just continues to get better and better beyond imagination and description.”
So, she hasn’t hit her ceiling yet?
“No. She loves to learn and every fight she shows us new things that amaze me. She’s quite the prodigy,” says Taffet who spent 32 years at HBO with the last 25 in sports.
He’s seen a lot of boxers not represented properly, but he likes what he sees in Shields’ manager Dmitriy Salita.
The first time he saw Salita he was naked in the sauna at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas.
“He was trying to lose a few ounces to make 140 pounds, but he was surrounded,” recalls Taffet with a laugh. “I saw a ring of about 15, 20 men all wearing black, head to toe in black robes and [yarmulkes] which is the religious garb of Orthodox Jews.
“He was fighting on HBO, and I wanted to wish him luck.”
Years later they became friends and partners, and Taffet loves his moxie.
“He is a fighter’s promoter. He understands the fighters innately because he was a fighter himself,” states Taffet. “He connects with the fighters in a way that few promoters do. He shows them an understanding from the fighter’s side of the table.
“He listens to his fighters with a fighter’s ear. It makes him different, special and very much appreciated by the fighters.”
THE PROMOTER
Now, what is a nice Jewish boy like you doing in the world of boxing?
Dmitriy “Star of David” Salita has been asked that countless times.
It’s a simple answer.
“I love the sport of boxing,” says Salita, 41, a practicing Orthodox Jew who does not work on the Sabbath and keeps Kosher. Yet, he gets the job done with his company Salita Promotions which started in 2011.
Not bad for an emigrant who promotes the face of women’s boxing, Claressa Shields.
“My family emigrated from Ukraine in 1991,” states Salita who posted a 35-2-1 record with 18 kayos as a pro in 12 years. He captured a New York Daily News Golden Gloves title in 2001 at 139 pounds and he was also the U.S. National Under 19 Champion. “I grew up in Brooklyn and spent our first few years on welfare, food stamps and public assistance.
“When you went to the store and your [late] mother has to take her wallet and pay with food stamps, it’s humbling and a bit of an embarrassing experience.”
Imagine when he first walked into the rugged Starrett Boxing Gym in East New York.
“I was different than everybody else, from a different community,” recalls Salita. “Different in every way.”
His long-time trainer the late Jimmy “Jimmy O” O’Pharrow believed in the kid as he always stated, “He looks Russian, prays Jewish and fights Black.”
Salita loved boxing so much that when he retired he refocused his endeavors outside the ring. His company has promoted over 80 boxing cards including Showtime starting in 2016. He also fought and promoted fights on HBO.
Which brings us to his prized fighter, Claressa Shields, who has many options. On June 17, unified super middleweight champ Franchon Crews-Dezurn defends her crown against Savannah Marshall. Shields defeated Marshall in her last fight, and she beat Crews-Dezurn in their pro debuts.
It’s a win-win for Shields no matter who is victorious but it’s Salita’s job to make the right deal.
He found out about Shields by reading a short story about her in the Wall Street Journal. There was a lukewarm or no response at first, but that didn’t deter him.
He knew the timing was perfect.
“Hilary was running for president, women’s empowerment was at a real significant level,” recalls Salita, married with two daughters. “There is no better fighter male or female coming out of these Olympic Games.”
With a victory over Cornejo on June 3, Salita will have promoted the first fight — with a female headliner no less — at Little Caesars Arena. Plus, he has a TV deal with DAZN joining other heavys in promoting on the streaming service along with Matchroom and Golden Boy.
“Claressa was the first woman to headline on Showtime and was on the last HBO fight card,” Salita says. “For the boxing business to grow, you have to be inclusive not exclusive.”
Regardless of who wins between Crews-Dezurn and Marshall, it doesn’t concern Salita.
“It’s a big story no matter who wins,” he declares, but Salita has bigger worldwide plans that all three team members agree on.
“I would love for Claressa to fight in Africa following in the steps of Muhammad Ali and in the Middle East,” Salita hopes. “She’d be a crossover [star].”
() | 2023-06-13T08:40:51+00:00 | denverpost.com | https://www.denverpost.com/2023/06/12/claressa-shields-and-her-winning-committee-3/ |
VANCOUVER, BC, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Media.io, a leading AI tools provider, is thrilled to announce the launch of AniEraser, an advanced cross-platform software solution designed to assist content creators in deleting unsuitable or undesired components from their media files such images and videos.
As the demand for a tool capable of correcting media files continues to soar, with increased usage of search terms such as "photo remover" and "video remover", platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have seen a surge in personalized or commercial content creation. Users require a reliable solution to remove distracting elements from their media files to attract more views. AniEraser was created to cater to the needs of content creators, such as YouTube influencers or SME marketers.
"AniEraser allows you to erase any unwanted part of your videos and photos with a single click," said product director, Kai Yong, "AniEraser's goal was to ensure that everything the user displays and expresses is clean and complete in a time everyone has been encouraged to express themselves through digital material."
AniEraser offers several features, including effortlessly removing people and other items from photo files. Users can refine their images by removing text, glare, cluttered items, logos, timestamps, and other objects. Shadows, creases, and skin defects from the subject can also be eliminated. Similarly, users can remove people, logos, power lines, birds, and other elements from video files with ease. AniEraser also enables users to remove subtitles from video files without compromising quality.
Furthermore, the software's multiplatform support, including native iOS, Windows/Mac, and web-browser compatibility, and its availability in ten languages, including English, Italian, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish, make it accessible to a broad audience. Given its advanced features, AniEraser is expected to benefit content creators significantly.
Compatibility and Price
AniEraser is accessible on desktop (Mac, Windows), mobile (iOS), and online (via any web browser). Users will purchase on any device and get access to all 3 ends. This 3-in-1 purchase solution consists of the following three plans - a Free trial, a Monthly plan of USD 31.99, or an Annual plan of USD 47.99. For more information and a free trial, you can visit the AniEraser website.
About Media.io
Media.io is a promising software development company with a wide global potential audience. We focus on creating and delivering AI solutions for business and personal use related to media types such as video, images, audio, etc. In fact, the company enables the development of new ideas in the market and contributes to the growth of content creators and businesses.
Media Contact:
Frank Zhang
pr@media.io
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SOURCE Media.io | 2023-03-21T10:45:13+00:00 | kfyrtv.com | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/03/21/anieraser-10-unveiled-effective-media-object-removal/ |
Republican and White House negotiators agreed to claw back approximately $27 billion in funding to federal agencies intended to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The federal COVID emergency officially ended earlier this month, and the unspent funds were an early area of agreement for negotiators trying to avoid a debt default after President Biden said publicly he would be open to looking at what could be given back.
Pulling back funds that have already been appropriated is what's known in budget-speak as "rescission." Based on a document being circulated by the White House to congressional Democrats and obtained by NPR, these rescissions focus on funds that had not been spent by agencies on their respective pandemic-era programs.
Unspent COVID dollars have long been a target of Republicans who questioned administration's requests for more funds, arguing the nearly $5 trillion spent on pandemic relief was excessive and helped drive inflation.
Some of these programs were "largely concluded," others will only see partial rescissions, while others were taken because there are "no immediate demands," according to the White House spreadsheet.
"The appropriators will use some of that money to spread around, how they see fit," said White House Budget Director Shalanda Young, who was a key negotiator on the deal. "We didn't get into the individual line items in this bill."
In other words, these unused COVID funds will be redistributed by Congress during this year's budget process to other parts of the federal budget, reducing overall government spending.
House members are expected to vote as soon as Wednesday on the full package.
At least 8 federal agencies would see money pulled back
As recently as late last year, the White House was asking Congress for an additional $10 billion in COVID funds. That money never came through. Now the administration has agreed to give $27 billion back, including a significant portion of what remained in the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for emergency preparedness and response.
Notably, though, the document the White House is circulating says the administration was able to preserve funds for developing a next generation of vaccines that could rapidly adapt to new or changing viruses, as well as for research into long COVID.
The money clawed back is only a tiny fraction of the total $4.6 trillion spent on pandemic response and recovery. As of Jan. 31, $4.2 trillion had already been spent, according to the Government Accountability Office.
Here's a breakdown, as described in the White House document, of the funds being clawed back:
The document notes that rescissions of "extremely small amounts" — those under $150 million — total $1.6 billion. These are spread across different agencies and include $1.2 million for Housing and Urban Development's Housing for Persons with Disabilities program, $610,000 for USDA's rural broadband program and $40 for the DOT's Essential Air Service related to air travel access in small communities.
Some unspent COVID money was left alone
Negotiators did not rescind all unspent COVID funding.
Money allocated by Congress for Indian Health Services, Indian Education programs, DOT transit grants, the Veterans Medical Care and Health Fund, and Housing and Urban Development's tenant base rental assistance will stay put, according to the document.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2023-05-31T17:21:35+00:00 | delawarepublic.org | https://www.delawarepublic.org/npr-headlines/npr-headlines/2023-05-31/debt-limit-deal-claws-back-unspent-covid-relief-money |
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian soccer great Pelé is improving, doctors said Tuesday.
The 82-year-old Pelé has been hospitalized for a week to treat a respiratory infection aggravated by COVID-19. He is expected to leave the hospital when he fully recovers from the infection.
“(He has) stable vital signs, is conscious, and with no new complications,” the Albert Einstein hospital said in a statement.
Pelé, a three-time World Cup winner, is also fighting cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy.
In Qatar, the image of a young Pelé celebrating goals and lifting trophies with Brazil’s national team appeared on the shirts, flags and banners of Brazilian fans gathering Monday before a World Cup match against South Korea.
Pelé had said he would be watching the match from the hospital. Brazil won 4-1 to reach the quarterfinals.
___
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2022-12-06T20:15:00+00:00 | myfox8.com | https://myfox8.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-doctors-say-pel%C3%A9s-health-improving-remains-in-hospital/ |
Dear Abby: Man struggles amid changes after close friend's passing
Dear Abby,
I'm a gay man. A friend of more than 20 years, "Marci," passed away eight months ago after battling cancer for four years. Just a month after the funeral, her wife, "Julia," started dating. She was engaged four months later and married "Leslie" seven months after that. When they started dating, Leslie was still legally married. My husband and I are godfathers to the one child Marci and Julia had.
I don't trust Leslie. I think she took advantage of a person who was grieving. She's a nurse and should know better. I don't like Leslie, and I don't like her kids either. They moved into the house Marci and Julia had built together just a few months after Marci's funeral.
I have pretty much removed myself from the situation. I no longer go to dinners or social gatherings with them. Seeing them together makes my heart hurt and stomach ache. My husband still goes out with them and seems to have no issue with it. It has caused problems between us at times. He doesn't understand my feelings, and I can't understand how he can support them. Can you help me cope with this or tell me how I can get him to see my side and end the friendship?
— Still Mourning Marci
It might help your husband be more sympathetic to your feelings if you explain you're still in deep mourning over the loss of a beloved friend, and it affects you physically when you see Julia and Leslie together. He is able to "support them" because, even though their relationship may seem premature, he recognizes they have continued on with their lives.
A way to cope with your pain would be to make a conscious effort to forgive them for their haste AND KEEP FOREMOST IN YOUR MIND THAT YOU PROMISED MARCI YOU WOULD BE A GODPARENT TO HER CHILD. The most effective way for that to happen would be to be present in her child's life in a way that doesn't always involve the parents.
Dear Abby,
I have a co-worker — and great friend — who washes her hair maybe once a week and uses dry shampoo in between. (One day, I thought she had gray roots because the dry shampoo was so thick.) I know many people do this, but her hair is excessively oily, and it looks unsightly and unprofessional when she comes to work. It has reached the point that several co-workers (and even an ex-boyfriend of hers) have asked me why she doesn't wash her hair more often because it looks so dirty.
I feel embarrassed for her, but I don't know how to bring it up and suggest that maybe shampooing more often would be better. Even when we have a night out on the town and she has all day to get ready, she still shows up with her hair a greasy mess, slicked back in a clip. Maybe she doesn't realize the impression she is giving. Do I say something to her?
— Friend who cares in Missouri
Good friends take care of each other and watch each other's backs. If the situation were reversed, wouldn't you want to hear it from someone you know cares about you?
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. | 2022-06-10T09:59:58+00:00 | providencejournal.com | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/lifestyle/advice/2022/06/10/man-struggles-amid-changes-after-close-friends-passing-dear-abby/9943158002/ |
STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Caroline Ducharme’s return after missing 13 games with a concussion came at just the right time for the UConn Huskies.
The sophomore guard scored all 10 of her points in the fourth quarter, including the winning free throws with just under 5 seconds left, and No. 6 Connecticut came from behind to beat Creighton 62-60 on Wednesday night.
Ducharme, playing for the first time this calendar year, was 0 for 6 from the floor before her late scoring surge helped UConn (23-4, 15-1 Big East) overcome an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit.
“And it wasn’t an easy 10,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. “But they’re the kind of points we’re used to seeing Caroline get in those moments. So, she’s back just in time. It’s a great Valentine’s Day gift.”
Lou Lopez Senechal scored 17 points to lead the Huskies, Aaliyah Edwards had 12 and Dorka Juhasz added 10 points.
Morgan Maly had 15 points for Creighton (18-7, 12-5), which lost for the first time in seven games. Rachael Saunders and Lauren Jensen each had 13.
Creighton trailed by two points at the half, but opened the second half with 3-pointers from Maly and Saunders — part of a 19-1 run that stretched back into the first half.
The Bluejays held UConn without a point for the first five minutes of the third quarter, turning a 30-21 deficit into a 40-31 lead. They led 48-39 after three quarters.
Saunders’ 3-pointer in the fourth quarter made it 50-39 before the Huskies began chipping away.
A three-point play by Ducharme drew the fifth foul on Saunders and cut UConn’s deficit to 57-54.
Edwards made a layup to make it 57-56, and Lopez Senechal’s layup gave the Huskies a 58-57 lead. But Morgan Maly responded with a 3-pointer to put Creighton back up with 1:07 left in the game.
Lopez Senechal responded with a jumper to tie it at 60, then drew an offensive foul on Maly off the ball with 16 seconds remaining.
Ducharme drove into the lane with 4.8 seconds left, drawing a foul on Carly Bachelor and calmly hit the two foul shots to give UConn the winning points.
“Just being out on the floor was a big step for me and just being able to handle everything that goes with being in the game — the lights, the noise all of that and still being able to play basketball,” Ducharme said. “So, then I think once I was able to settle in and adjust to that, I think going through the game, I think we all knew that we all needed to step up and hit shots.
“So I think that was all that was really on my mind is that we needed some offense.”
Edwards fouled Lauren Jensen on a drive with 0.7 seconds left. But the junior guard missed both foul shots, the second intentionally, and Edwards grabbed the rebound to secure the win.
“It sucks to lose the way we lost tonight, but it also should give us confidence if we see these guys in 2 1/2 weeks,” Creighton coach Jim Flanery said. “We’d have a great chance and this is a kinda team that we are going to see in the NCAA Tournament. So from that standpoint, we’ve given ourselves a great look at what it’s going to take to be successful and tonight we were one basket short.”
UConn won the first meeting this season in December, 72-47, in Omaha.
BIG PICTURE
Creighton: The Bluejays fell to 11-3 on the road, matching the most road wins in Flanery’s 21 seasons at the school. … The Bluejays hit 12 of 33 3-point attempts after shooting just 3 of 28 in the loss in December.
UConn: The Huskies had nine players available for the first time since Dec. 21… G Azzi Fudd, who had been the Huskies leading scorer, has missed 17 games this season after twice injuring her right knee. Auriemma said he still has no timeline for her return.
KEY STATS
Creighton outrebounded the bigger Huskies 39-31, but UConn outscored the Bluejays in the paint 22-14.
DOG DAY
One other Husky returned from the disabled list Wednesday. Jonathan XIV, the team’s canine mascot, made his first appearance at a game since undergoing surgery to remove his spleen on Jan. 20. The dog received a standing ovation.
UP NEXT
Creighton: The Bluejays return home to face Georgetown on Saturday.
UConn: UConn travels to Philadelphia to take on No. 14 Villanova on Saturday.
____
AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 | 2023-02-17T06:42:16+00:00 | kdvr.com | https://kdvr.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-behind-ducharme-no-6-uconn-rallies-past-creighton-62-60/ |
Atlanta-Based EnviroSpark wins GSA contract to install EV charging stations across Southeastern U.S., earns highest overall technical ranking among 10 vendors selected
ATLANTA, Oct. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia-based electric vehicle (EV) charging company EnviroSpark was awarded a federal government contract to design and install EV charging stations at locations run by federal agencies throughout the Southeast region of the United States. The contract, which includes a $500 million dollar budget ceiling for the region, came from the General Services Administration (GSA) amid a nationwide push for expanded EV infrastructure.
EnviroSpark earned the highest technical ranking among the 10 small business vendors awarded contracts in the region, which includes 13 states and Puerto Rico. Additionally, EnviroSpark is the only selected vendor that received the overall technical ranking of "excellent," due to their extensive prior experience and past performance on relevant projects. EnviroSpark is also the only vendor selected in the southeast whose business specialization is exclusively focused on building and installing EV infrastructure.
"It is an honor to be selected to serve on such an important and high-profile project," said EnviroSpark Co-founder and CEO Aaron Luque. "Being named the highest-rated company among all the applicants is truly a testament to all of the hard work and dedication the EnviroSpark team has put in over the last 8 years, and I couldn't be prouder of them."
As part of GSA's "one-stop shop" initiative to support the transition of the federal fleet to a 100 percent zero-emission vehicle fleet, GSA established the government-wide Design/Build and Construction Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts to support Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) installation and related infrastructure improvements at federal locations nationwide.
"We are thrilled to be part of this federal push for improved EV infrastructure in the region and country," EnviroSpark Co-founder and Chief Government Affairs Officer Stephanie Luque said. "In order to increase EV adoption rates and reap the benefits of lower carbon emissions, we must first build out charging infrastructure. EnviroSpark is committed to that mission, and we are proud to be partnering with the GSA to bring EV access to federal agencies."
The GSA contracts are designed to be innovative, flexible and easy to use. Services under these IDIQ contracts include:
- Electric vehicle supply equipment installation
- Feasibility studies and site assessments
- Construction and design-build services
- Utility company coordination
- Electrical infrastructure upgrades (e.g., switchgear, transformers, etc.)
- Site work services (e.g., trenching, bollards, signage, pavement markings, etc.)
- Equipment testing and commissioning
As a selected contractor, EnviroSpark, who specializes in turnkey EV solutions, will conduct a host of studies, tests and inspections to design, construct, and implement infrastructure improvements and install charging stations at federal agency locations across the region.
To date, EnviroSpark is responsible for more than 5,500 charging ports for customers such as Georgia Power, Tesla and Electrify America in addition to partnering with government entities such as cities and municipalities, but this marks the organization's first federal contract.
Founded in 2014, EnviroSpark is an industry leader in the turnkey design, installation, and operation of EV charging solutions. The company was founded with two missions: to raise awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles and to increase the availability of EV charging infrastructure. The company is responsible for the installation of more than 5,500 charging ports to date. EnviroSpark addresses the pain points of property owners and drivers from coast to coast by enhancing EV accessibility in a customer-friendly way.
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SOURCE EnviroSpark | 2022-10-10T13:17:49+00:00 | kxii.com | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/10/10/envirospark-awarded-federal-contract-serve-500-million-ev-infrastructure-rollout/ |
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Princess Märtha Louise, the daughter of Norway’s King Harald, said Tuesday she no longer will officially represent the Norwegian royal house following “many questions relating to me and my fiancé’s role.”
The 51-year-old princess, who is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne, got engaged in June to Durek Verrett, an American who describes himself as a shaman and a healer on his website.
At least one foundation for which Märtha Louise served as a patron subsequently ended its connection with the princess.
“I have decided that at the present time I will no longer carry out official duties for the royal household,” she said in a statement issued by the palace, adding that the decision was made in coordination with her parents “to create peace around the royal household.”
The princess will retain her title, but the palace said she informed the organizations where she still served as patron that she was relinquishing the role.
Her younger brother, Crown Prince Haakon, 49, is the heir to the throne.
“I am sorry that the princess will no longer represent the royal house,” Harald said during a press conference about the issue. The 82-year-old king said that “we agree to disagree.”
“We have looked at this process from all sides,” his wife, Queen Sonja added. “This has been a unanimous decision.”
Harald said Verret “probably thought he could do anything without it affecting us.”
“He must also take into account what we stand for,” Sonja said.
The palace statement said the couple would “clarify the distinction between their own activities and the royal household” and will not use the title of princess or refer to royals in social media or commercial activity.
Bo Gleditsch, secretary-general of the Norwegian Rheumatism Association, told Norwegian news agency NTB it was “an orderly and wise decision from our patron.”
“She has resolved this on her own initiative, and that’s good,” Gleditsch told NTB.
Norwegian media have accused Märtha Louise and Verrett of allegedly using her royal title for commercial gain along with promoting alternative health care methods.
On Instagram, Märtha Louise said “I believe that alternative methods can be an important supplement to the established medicine.”
Verrett, 47, will not have a title or represent Norway’s royal house when he and Märtha Louise marry, according to the statement. The pair, who have been together since May 2019, according to Norwegian media, will attend family-related occasions and traditional royal events.
Märtha Louise has three daughters from her first marriage, which ended in 2016. According to Norwegian media, she plans to relocate to California with them. The palace did not say whether the change for Märtha Louise would have any effect on her daughters.
Alongside her royal duties, the princess has written books in which she claimed to have contact with angels.
A poll published by Norway’s Dagbladet newspaper last month had 68% of respondents saying they wanted to keep the monarchy. When Norwegian broadcaster NRK asked the same question in 2017, support for the royal house stood at 81%.
___
This story corrects the age of Märtha Louise to 51 and corrects that Crown Prince Haakon is her younger, not older, brother. | 2022-11-09T01:12:42+00:00 | kdvr.com | https://kdvr.com/news/entertainment/ap-entertainment/ap-norway-princess-gives-up-royal-duties-amid-fianc%C3%A9-questions/ |
Newest Product Streamlines Health Plan RFP Process and Increases Efficiencies
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Analytics, the leader in provider network management solutions and services, today launched the company's newest software innovation, Quest Enterprise Services (QES) Access Reporting, at AHIP 2022 in Las Vegas. Designed to simplify the health plan response for proposal (RFP) process for employer groups, QES Access Reporting provides sales teams with a cloud-based, self-service environment that cuts report generation time by 50% and increases volume by 37% with no change to staffing. Not only does QES Access Reporting streamline the RFP reporting process, but it also quickly demonstrates how the network meets the requestor's business needs, increases response time and transparency of the network, and enhances cross-team collaboration to get information to decision-makers sooner.
"Responding quickly and efficiently to employer group RFPs with optimal and differentiated networks is vital to a health plan's growth and success," said Barbara Dumery, Chief Product Officer, Quest Analytics. "We created QES Access Reporting to empower health plan sales teams to create these network reports in a self-service environment with a quick turnaround time to increase the number of selling opportunities as well as improve win rates and drive success."
At AHIP 2022, Quest Analytics will demonstrate the benefits and functionality of QES Access Reporting at the Company's booth #306. In addition, Quest Analytics' Chairman Roger Holstein will speak about health equity and what health plans can do to ensure that access to care is, in fact, equal access. The session entitled, "Can we transform health plan networks into health equity networks," will take place on Wednesday, June 22, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. PT as part of the Data, Analytics, and Actionable Intelligence track. For more information, or to book a session with a Quest Analytics representative onsite at AHIP, click here.
Quest Analytics' software platform and services are trusted by more than 400 clients, including all eight of the nation's largest health plans, regulators, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and multiple state regulatory agencies, and many of the nation's leading health systems and provider groups to manage, measure and monitor health plan network performance. The company helps 90% of all healthcare networks deliver differentiated member experiences, thereby impacting 90% of Americans' ability to access quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.questanalytics.com.
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SOURCE Quest Analytics | 2022-06-22T11:38:36+00:00 | ksla.com | https://www.ksla.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/quest-analytics-launches-qes-access-reporting/ |
DECATUR — Timothy A. Trostle, already out on bail after denying charges he burglarized his mother’s church, is now accused of burglarizing two Decatur car washes.
Sworn affidavits from Decatur police credit eye-witnesses with helping to catch Trostle during the car wash burglaries when they saw him drilling out coin box locks at one business at 3615 E. William Street Road, just after 6 a.m. Aug. 17.
The affidavit said the witnesses followed the 44-year-old defendant to his home where police later found and arrested him.
Trostle, who has yet to enter a plea on two counts each of burglary and criminal damage, is due in Macon County Circuit Court on Tuesday for an arraignment hearing. Previously free on bail of $20,000 after his earlier church burglary charge, Macon County Jail records show he is free again after posting a $3,000 bond on bail of $30,000.
Officer Michael Claypool, who signed the affidavits, said the owner of the car wash said he found three locks on coin boxes had been drilled out and up to $200 in quarters had been stolen.
“(The owner) advised he also owns the car wash at 1331 East Eldorado Street… he had already been to this location and found that two locks that protect the coin deposit boxes… appeared to have been drilled out,” said Claypool.
Claypool said a search of Trostle’s garage revealed a large stack of quarters on a workbench and a coin tub holding quarters and two drills had been recovered from an adjacent yard.
“In a Mirandized interview, Timothy admitted to using the drills recovered at the scene to burglarize the two car washes,” Claypool said. “Timothy advised that he took about four total coin tubs with quarters in them.”
The earlier church burglary charge filed against him accuses Trostle of targeting the Prairie Avenue Christian Church in February and stealing more than $5,000 worth of entertainment equipment. Police said he copied the door pass code after giving his mother rides to the church building.
Trostle has pleaded not guilty to a charge of burglary and is due back in court for a pretrial hearing Oct. 13.
A Decatur man charged as an accomplice in the church burglary, Andrew T. Anderson, 37, took a plea deal in August and was sentenced to 24 months probation after admitting a charge of theft.
Updated mugshots from the Herald & Review
Joseph A. Williams
William A. Hosea
Randolph Hayes
Byron D. Theus
Jetrevius O. Jarrett
Phillip Gehrken
Emmanuel White
Aaron L. Hand
Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid | 2022-09-19T21:44:21+00:00 | herald-review.com | https://herald-review.com/news/local/public_safety/accused-church-burglar-now-charged-with-targeting-decatur-car-washes-police-say/article_f7fb9e04-3851-11ed-847f-e705dc830f7a.html |
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BRUSSELS (AP) — Italy’s European Union partners are signaling discomfort, even vigilance, after Italy, one of the bloc’s founding members, swung far to the political right. The result of Italy's latest election raises troubling questions about whether Rome will maintain its commitments to EU principles, laws and ambitions.
The French prime minister on Monday said her government, along with EU officials, would be watching to ensure that basic human rights are guaranteed in Italy after Giorgia Meloni’s neo-fascist far-right Brothers of Italy Party topped the vote count in Sunday’s parliamentary election.
“In Europe, we uphold some values and obviously we will ensure, and the president of the commission will ensure, that these values — on human rights, the respect of other people, especially the respect of the right to abortion — will be respected by all (member states),” Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne told French broadcaster BFM TV.
Such statements among the longtime EU partners are highly unusual and follow European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s pre-election warning that Europe “has the tools” to deal with any country — and that means Italy too — if things go “in a difficult direction.”
The 27-nation European Union is already beset by challenges, including rising inflation and energy costs, and it does not need the threat that a far-right Italian leader might joint a strident nationalist bloc, including Hungary and Poland, that has repeatedly assailed EU democratic standards.
European leaders will be watching to see which Meloni emerges: the firebrand who has railed against LGBT rights, Islamist violence and mass migration as well as Brussels’ bureaucrats, or the one who has toned down her rhetoric in recent weeks and has backed EU support for Ukraine.
“It is too early to tell what will change for the EU and its balance of power,” said Arturo Varvelli, from the European Council on Foreign Relations think tank.
On the one hand, Varelli said, Meloni’s focus on Italy's national interests will not help strengthen European sovereignty.
“However, Meloni has also changed her political line in recent months, for example, with regard to policy toward Russia," he said. "This contributes to the unpredictability of the pro-European line of the future Italian government.”
The likelihood that a euroskeptic will head Italy, the EU’s third-largest economy, is a potential blow for a European project already struggling with nationalism. It also comes just weeks after a party founded by extremists became the second-largest one in Sweden’s parliament.
Predictably, right-wing parties across Europe were fortified by the result.
“Sweden in the north, Italy in the south: Left-wing governments are so yesterday," tweeted Beatrix von Storch, a leading member of the Alternative for Germany party.
Portugal’s populist Chega said Italy’s shift to the right heralds a “political reconfiguration” in Europe. After the election outcome in Sweden, the party said, it is “Italy’s turn to send a clear signal that the European continent is undergoing deep change.”
Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders tweeted an image of the Italian flag with the words: VIVA ITALIA and a heart emoji.
But of most immediate concern at EU headquarters in Brussels is probably whether Meloni will link with Hungary and Poland to target one of the key pieces of European legal architecture: that EU treaties and law must have primacy over national law.
Hungary and Poland have used Europe’s top court to challenge the EU’s legitimacy on issues including migration policy and judicial independence. Hungary, notably, is blocking sanctions against Russia, but is also a thorn in the EU’s side in many other areas ranging from tax policy to foreign policy statements.
With Italy on board, things could be far more complex for the EU, given the routine need for unanimous votes from the 27 member countries.
“One of the EU’s basic dilemmas — unity versus ambition — has become much more difficult following the Italian elections,” tweeted Janis Emmanouilidis at the Brussels-based European Policy Centre think tank.
There has also been concern about whether Meloni’s likely coalition partner, right-wing League leader Matteo Salvini, will return to Italy’s interior ministry, from where he once led a crackdown on migrant arrivals from northern Africa and any charity groups that might try to help them. Meloni herself has called for a naval blockade to prevent migrant boats from leaving African shores, and both she and Salvini want Europe to screen potential asylum-seekers in Africa.
But even without a shift in position in Italy, the EU is already deeply divided over asylum policy and focused on outsourcing its migration challenges to the countries people leave or transit to get to Europe.
Meloni also has suggested that she wants to renegotiate parts of the pandemic economic recovery package agreed with Brussels, which is worth close to $200 billion to Italy — a significant amount given its massive debt problem. Political opponents at home have raised concerns about her ability to properly administer the funds, a perennial issue for Italy.
In Brussels, the EU commission declined to comment on the election result or the fact that many voters had chosen anti-European parties. “We of course hope that we will have constructive cooperation with the new Italian authorities,” spokesman Eric Mamer said.
___
Barry reported from Milan. Sylvie Corbet in Paris, Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin and Barry Hatton in Lisbon contributed to this story. | 2022-09-26T15:34:27+00:00 | ourmidland.com | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Italy-s-EU-partners-vigilant-as-far-right-set-to-17467303.php |
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, August 7, 2022
_____
HEAT ADVISORY
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
303 AM EDT Sun Aug 7 2022
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
7 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Heat index values of 95 to 100 expected.
* WHERE...Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga,
Oswego, Genesee, Livingston, and Ontario counties.
* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 7 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | 2022-08-07T07:48:20+00:00 | sfgate.com | https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/NY-WFO-BUFFALO-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17357199.php |
Man accused of stealing from tornado victim busted for growing marijuana
MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A man accused of stealing from a tornado victim is also busted for growing marijuana.
57-year-old Angelo Kelly is charged with grand larceny, manufacturing marijuana, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Monroe County Sheriff Kevin Crook said deputies were called to the Prairie home Monday after a neighbor spotted Kelly on the property.
Deputies found some stolen items on Kelly’s trailer when they arrived at the damaged house.
The next day, investigators went to Kelly’s house on Davidson Line Road and found 13 marijuana plants in grow tents.
Those tents were found in an outbuilding.
For 24/7 news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter | 2023-02-02T05:12:42+00:00 | wcbi.com | https://www.wcbi.com/man-accused-of-stealing-from-tornado-victim-busted-for-growing-marijuana/ |
Survey finds travelers rapidly booking cruise travel one year after the return of sailing from the United States.
WILMINGTON, Mass., July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruiseline.com and Shipmate released the findings of their 2022 Member Survey. These results come just on the heels of the first anniversary of the return of cruising from the United States. Questions in this survey center on participants' cruise history, intent to cruise within the next year, and preferred travel booking preferences.
This survey presented a unique data set as we look ahead at cruising next year, with most major lines having all the vessels in their fleet back at sea. In addition, it provides insight into consumer confidence in cruising at this pivotal time for the industry and traveler purchase and planning habits.
The majority of participants who took this survey were frequent cruisers, with 69% percent reporting they have previously been on at least seven or more sailings, 17% with four to six cruises, 8% have taken two to three cruises, and 3.5% had taken at least one cruise. Over 60% of all participants have reported previously cruising with Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, over 40% have sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line, and over 30% with Princess Cruises. 89% of participants have cruised in the Caribbean region, with other previously-cruised destinations being Alaska, Pacific Coast (Mexico), and Europe.
Of the travelers participating in this survey, 91.4% reported they plan to take a cruise within the next year, 2.5% said they would not cruise in the next year, and 6.1% are currently undecided if they will cruise in the next year.
"The numbers from our survey clearly show that travelers are feeling comfortable in cruising once again and are taking the next steps of researching and booking upcoming voyages," said Jamie Cash, General Manager of Cruiseline.com. "Despite many obstacles, the cruise industry has come a long way in the last year, and this data provided by our community shows that the consumer demand for cruising is strong."
Of the 91.4% who marked they intend to cruise within the next year, respondents shared more data on upcoming travel plans:
- When Are Travelers Cruising? Over 34% of participants will cruise within the next two to four months, 30% will cruise in the next five to twelve months, and under 30% have cruises booked within the next 60 days. 46% of these travelers have between two and four upcoming sailings booked.
- Which Cruise Lines? 37.9% will sail with Carnival Cruise Line, 35.9% with Royal Caribbean International, 21.45% with Norwegian Cruise Line, 17.5% with Celebrity Cruises, and 17% with Princess Cruises. Coming in just behind these lines in booking/intent was Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and Virgin Voyages.
- What Duration of Cruise Booked? 13.4% indicated they are booking four to six day cruises and 42.5% of travelers will cruise on a 7-night voyage. 31.5% will sail between 8 and 14 days, and 10% report they will cruise for 15+ days. Short cruises of 3 days or less only accounted for 2.6% of future cruises booked.
- Where Will You Cruise To? 54.6% plan to cruise in the Caribbean, 36.1% in Europe, 31% in Alaska, and 21.7% will cruise in Hawaii, other intended cruise destinations include Canada/New England, Mexico (Pacific Coast), Bermuda, and Australia/New Zealand.
- How Many Future Cruises Do These Travelers Have Booked? 46% of this group have two to four cruises booked, 28.5% have one cruise booked, 13% have zero booked, 8.6% have 5-7 booked, 3.6% have eight or more booked, and the remaining .3% responded with varying numbers booked.
This survey also studied the 6.1% of those who reported they were undecided about cruising and the 2.5% who said they would not cruise in the upcoming year. This group was labeled the 'Cruise Sideliners.'
Over 38% said the vaccine requirements stopped them from cruising this year. Additionally, 18.2% of travelers reported they were 'Not Ready to Cruise Yet (but May in the Future).' Over 16% reported that finances were limiting them from cruising at this time, 10% of travelers said that they do not feel safe cruising, and 9.5% reported time as a limiting factor for not cruising. The remaining percentage listed other health and safety protocol, finance-related, and previously booked year-plus voyages as reasons they did not intend to cruise this year.
A large majority of this group said that as an alternative to cruising, they plan on: vacationing at a hotel/resort (55.5%), flying/driving to see friends/family (50.4%), having a staycation (36%), or traveling via RV/camper (18.2%).
The growing segment of river cruising was also surveyed. 90.7% of participants reported they had never taken a river cruise; however, 61.2% said they would consider river cruising in the future. The most considered river cruise lines include Viking River Cruises (78.9%), with other line interests for AmaWaterways, Avalon, and Emerald Waterways.
Respondents were asked about cruise booking preferences to learn about travel purchasing trends. 43.8% reported they book cruises six to twelve months ahead of sailing, 29.1% book 12-18 months out, 16.5% book 3-5 months out, 7.4% book 18+ months in advance, and only 3.2% report they book less than three months out from cruising.
The bulk of responders book using a travel agent or direct with the cruise line, with 32.3% booking with a travel agency in person or via phone, and another 9.4% book via a travel agency website. For those that prefer direct with the cruise line, 26.5% prefer phone or PVP, while another 28.6% prefer online.
View and Download Photo Assets
Finding the right cruise is not an easy task so Cruiseline.com is here to simplify the process. Everyone from first-time cruisers to seasoned sailors can find their dream vacation using Cruiseline.com's reviews, cruise advice articles, advanced deal search features, user-submitted photos, and an authentic community ready to talk about all things cruising.
What sets Cruiseline.com apart? The 214,000+ verified reviews from community members – that means real reviews by real people. These reviews cover every aspect of their cruise experience, from onboard dining to service, entertainment, and ports. Through a partnership with major cruise agencies, Cruiseline.com is able to gather real reviews from actual cruisers who have sailed on the ships they are reviewing. For more information visit: Cruiseline.com.
Powered by Cruiseline.com, Shipmate is the #1 cruise App with over 2 million downloads. Shipmate is the only cruise app that travelers can use before, during, and after a voyage. Features of the app include the ability to meet fellow cruisers with roll calls for specific sailings, a cruise countdown clock, deck plans and photos, port tips, deck cams, ship tracking, cruise price alerts, future cruise credit trackers, and excursion booking. The forums of Shipmate are packed with fellow cruisers eager to share reviews, tips, and photos of recent voyages to help other travelers plan their future sailings. To download or learn more about Shipmate visit: Cruiseline.com/shipmate.
Media Contact
Brooke Franco
Public Relations & Community Manager, Cruiseline.com and Shipmate
bfranco@cruiseline.com
877-958-7447
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SOURCE Cruiseline.com | 2022-07-26T08:08:16+00:00 | wymt.com | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/travelers-intend-cruise-upcoming-year-reports-cruiselinecom-shipmate-survey/ |
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), the nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing climate action in fashion, today announced that The PVH Foundation is joining the catalytic $250M Fashion Climate Fund as a lead funder. This advances the Fund's aim to drive industry-wide convergence to modernize the fashion industry supply chain and meet the industry's ambition to halve carbon emissions by 2030.
The PVH Foundation, which leads the global philanthropic efforts of PVH Corp. (NYSE: PVH), is the newest addition to the Fashion Climate Fund. PVH, which owns iconic brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, joins Lululemon, H&M Group, H&M Foundation, and The Schmidt Family Foundation as a lead funder, with each committing $10M. This investment underscores PVH Corp.'s enduring trust and belief in Aii as a critical partner and intellectual clearinghouse that will help reach the fashion industry's 2030 climate goals.
The first-of-its-kind Fashion Climate Fund is strategically designed to leverage industry treasury and philanthropic funds to execute foundational supply chain improvements; these include transitioning to renewable electricity, improving energy efficiency, eliminating coal in manufacturing, scaling sustainable materials and practices, and accelerating next-generation materials. In doing this work, the Fashion Climate Fund will also derisk investment opportunities, allowing the industry to engage larger financial institutions to unlock an estimated $2B in additional asset classes, including debt and equity.
"The leadership shown by PVH Corp., a long-time partner to Aii, represents a big step forward in our work to tackle fashion's supply chain emissions," says Lewis Perkins, Aii President. "The PVH Foundation is helping to fuel the Fashion Climate Fund's unique grantmaking engine to accelerate proven programs, solutions, and innovations into the supply chain to lower carbon emissions."
"Our company purpose, to power brands that drive fashion forward for good, is at the core of our multiyear growth plan and has guided us for many years," says Stefan Larsson, PVH Corp. CEO. "We know that collaboration and funding are critical to driving solutions that address the fashion industry's contributions to climate change and are proud to be supporting the Fashion Climate Fund in this work."
Since the Fashion Climate Fund and first round of lead funders were announced in June 2022, Aii has made strides in developing the Climate Solutions Portfolio, an online registry of initiatives that tackle supply chain carbon emissions; finalizing the strategy and approach for the Fund's blended capital approach; and building the framework for onsite carbon data collection.
In the coming months, Aii will continue to deploy funding into supplier carbon target-setting and prioritization projects, Clean By Design efficiency programs, and renewable energy pilots, and build the "use of funds" strategy for 2023, while it convenes more partners into this Fund and grows strategic relationships with investment capital, both commercial lending and private equity, looking toward the $2B capital unlock.
Apparel Impact Institute (Aii) is a nonprofit collective founded in 2017 by NGO leaders: the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) and Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC), alongside industry leaders Target Corporation, Gap Inc., PVH and HSBC. The organization emerged organically as a result of a real need that apparel brands and retailers self-identified.
Aii identifies, funds, and scales proven quality solutions to accelerate positive impact in the apparel and footwear industry. Aii programs focus on areas that result in positive environmental impact from the production of apparel and footwear products to improve the industry. To learn more about Aii and its new Fashion Climate Fund, visit apparelimpact.org and fashionclimatefund.org.
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SOURCE Apparel Impact Institute | 2022-09-22T12:06:57+00:00 | kcbd.com | https://www.kcbd.com/prnewswire/2022/09/22/apparel-impact-institute-announces-pvh-foundation-newest-lead-funder-250m-fashion-climate-fund/ |
WFO PENDLETON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, September 7, 2022
_____
RED FLAG WARNING
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Pendleton OR
910 PM PDT Tue Sep 6 2022
...HEIGHTENED FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS TODAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY
EVENING...
...HEIGHTENED FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS AGAIN FRIDAY AND
SATURDAY...
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PDT WEDNESDAY
FOR DRY AND UNSTABLE CONDITIONS FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES OR642,
OR643, OR644, OR645, WA692, AND WA693...
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 642 Southern Blue and
Strawberry Mountains, 643 Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon,
644 Central Blue Mountains, 645 Wallowa District, 692 Blue
Mountains of Washington and 693 Southeast Washington Grande
Ronde Valley.
* WINDS...Southwest 5 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 11 percent.
* HAINES...As high as 6.
* IMPACTS...Poor humidity recovery combined with instability
overnight may cause existing fires to burn actively through
the night, especially at high elevations. Unstable, dry, and
gusty winds Wednesday could cause current fires to spread.
Additional fire starts are possible Wednesday afternoon and
evening as well due to a slight chance of dry thunderstorms.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 10 PM PDT
WEDNESDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FIRE WEATHER
ZONES OR610, OR639, OR641, WA690, AND WA691...
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING
THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR
FIRE WEATHER ZONES OR610, OR639, OR641, WA690, AND WA691...
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 610 East Slopes of Central
Oregon Cascades, 639 East Slopes of the Northern Oregon
Cascades, 641 Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon, 690 Kittitas
Valley and 691 Lower Columbia Basin.
* WINDS...North 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 percent.
* IMPACTS...Unstable, dry, and gusty winds could cause enhanced
fire weather behavior and allow existing fires to more easily
spread.
A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.
FIRE WEATHER ZONE WA695...
* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zone 695 East Washington South
Central Cascade Mountains.
* WINDS...East 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 18 percent.
* IMPACTS...Winds and low relative humidities could cause
enhanced fire weather behavior and allow existing fires to
more easily spread.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | 2022-09-07T04:53:57+00:00 | expressnews.com | https://www.expressnews.com/weather/article/WA-WFO-PENDLETON-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17423736.php |
PARIS (AP) — India is close to buying new French warplanes and submarines and played a starring role in France’s Bastille Day celebrations Friday. But for all the camaraderie on display this week between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, their two countries remain sometimes-awkward allies.
Macron skirted around concerns about threats to rights and freedoms under Modi’s Hindu nationalist government.
Modi called for peace efforts in Ukraine to end Russia’s war and resulting grain shortages, and India has increased imports of sanctioned Russian oil; Macron’s France is boosting weapons supplies to Ukraine for its counteroffensive.
During a two-day visit that included a banquet at the Louvre, Indian troops marching down the Champs-Elysees and a high-octane speech by Modi to Indians from around Europe, the two countries released a raft of agreements tightening cooperation in areas where they agree.
The biggest step is a preliminary Indian accord to buy 26 more Rafale fighter jets and three more Scorpene French- and Spanish-made submarines, on top of a prior deal for 36 Rafales and six Scorpenes. Price details still need to be worked out.
“Cooperation in defense is the basic pillar of our relationship,” Modi said ahead of meetings with Macron. “Be it a submarine or a navy ship, we want to work jointly not only for ourselves but other friendly nations too.”
Macron is keen on tightening alliances in the Indo-Pacific against an increasingly assertive China, and his office unveiled a ‘’roadmap” with India for cooperation in the region.
“This convergence stretches to our strategic interests,” he said. ‘’We are defending together the same vision of the Indo-Pacific, an area that must remain open and free from all forms of hegemony.”
Modi said India also wants to increase cooperation with France in space, after India launched a spacecraft toward the far side of the moon Friday. France houses the European Space Agency’s main launch site, in French Guiana.
The two leaders also announced new initiatives to cooperate on renewable energy, hydrogen projects, artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
A small clutch of activists held a rally in Paris against Modi’s visit on Thursday, accusing him of eroding Indian democracy and encouraging discrimination against religious minorities. Modi, who governs the world’s largest population, has said that “democracy runs in our veins” and insisted that there is ”absolutely no space for discrimination.”
Modi was welcomed by U.S. President Biden last month, and heads next to the United Arab Emirates. | 2023-07-15T09:52:32+00:00 | qcnews.com | https://www.qcnews.com/business/ap-indias-modi-and-frances-macron-agree-on-defense-ties-but-stand-apart-on-ukraine/ |
The Sparkling Water Brand Helps Consumers Save Time, Money and The Planet
PURCHASE, N.Y., June 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Just ahead of National Hydration Day, SodaStream, the world's leading sparkling water brand, announces the introduction of its new direct to consumer subscription program for its CO2 service. The new program offers even more convenience, flexibility, and value for its users, enabling them to build healthier hydration habits while creating endless beverage possibilities with their at-home sparkling water maker.
Hydration is crucial to our wellness, and with SodaStream consumers can fully customize their sparkling water to their liking, from carbonation level to flavor enhancements. SodaStream users can now similarly tailor their subscription to their unique needs with the ability to personalize the cadence of deliveries as well as the amount needed based on usage, with the option to change or pause their plan at any time. Plus, with the new subscription program, consumers will be assured they will never run out of bubbles.
SodaStream recently announced its new Push for Better global positioning and brand purpose, inspired by the power of a simple push of a button and the stream of change that it sets in motion – for both consumers and the planet. This new service aligns with the brand's sustainability mission, doing even more to promote reusability with its closed loop CO2 system while offering value and convenience for SodaStream users. Once consumers exchange their CO2, the cylinder is cleaned, filled, and sealed, then comes back into the supply to be used again. The focus of SodaStream's circular system is reusability and regeneration through every step of the supply chain, and the new subscription service makes it even easier for consumers to participate.
"Consumers are looking for ways to simplify and streamline their life, and with our CO2 Subscription, they can take one thing off their plate and enjoy frictionless, automated refills," said Christina Eisenberg, Global Marketing Vice President of SodaStream U.S. "We're thrilled to offer our users a best-in-class consumer experience by providing regular, scheduled CO2 exchanges so they never have to worry about running out of bubbles."
SodaStream continues to revolutionize the beverage industry and change the way the world drinks by delivering elevated experiences to consumers and empowering them to make better choices for themselves and for the planet. For more information on the new CO2 Subscription program, please visit https://sodastream.com/products/subscription.
About SodaStream
SodaStream, a PepsiCo subsidiary, is the world's leading sparkling water brand. Operating in over 47 countries across the globe, SodaStream empowers consumers to create perfect personalized sparkling beverage experiences with just a push of a button. By allowing its users to make better choices for themselves and the planet – SodaStream is revolutionizing the beverage industry and changing the way the world drinks. To learn more about SodaStream visit corp.sodastream.com and follow SodaStream on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Media Contact:
Alison Brod Marking + Communications
Dara Schopp Helitzer
sodastream@abmc-us.com
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SOURCE SodaStream | 2023-06-22T14:12:57+00:00 | live5news.com | https://www.live5news.com/prnewswire/2023/06/22/sodastream-announces-new-direct-consumer-co2-subscription-program/ |
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Every day for the past two weeks, the routine was the same: Argentina’s powerful Vice President Cristina Fernández was met by a crowd of feverish supporters who wanted to touch their leader. And every day she obliged and approached them.
But on Thursday the routine pressing of the flesh took a sinister turn when a man in the sea of supporters pointed a handgun inches from the vice president’s face and pulled the trigger with a distinct click.
The loaded .38-caliber semiautomatic weapon evidently jammed, and the suspect was arrested. Now the apparent assassination attempt is raising questions about whether the most influential woman in Argentine politics for the past two decades should change her relationship with the many loyal followers who constantly seek a handshake or autograph.
“Cristina was cornered,” said Silvana Venegas, a 43-year-old woman who witnessed the event. “She was easy prey, very easy.”
For a few minutes afterward, Fernández continued signing autographs and waving. Her security detail seized the gunman but did not remove her from the area.
Argentina media have reported that Fernández told the investigating judge she was unaware a gun had been pointed at her until she got inside her apartment. She also confirmed speculation that when she appeared to duck, she was actually crouching to pick up a book that had fallen to the ground.
Jorge Vidal, a public security expert who used to work for the Buenos Aires city government, said the security response to the incident was “far from being a professional performance.”
While security teams must do as they are told by those they guard, he said, “politicians must understand that not all the hands that are stretched out to touch or greet them are to caress or shake.”
No politician awakens more passion in Argentina than Fernández, 69, who is revered by some for her left-leaning social welfare policies and reviled by others as corrupt and power-hungry, and she has long derived political strength from her closeness to the crowds that venerate her.
Supporters compare her to Eva Perón, the wife of Juan Domingo Perón, a military officer elected president in 1946. As First Lady, Perón espoused women’s rights and was known as a benefactor of the poor. After her early death in 1952, she became enshrined in Argentina’s national mythology.
Outpourings of devotion to Fernández have intensified recently after a prosecutor sought to send her to prison for 12 years over corruption allegations involving public works while she was president from 2007 to 2015.
Fernández and her backers say the case is an act of political revenge, and the front of her apartment building in the downtown Buenos Aires neighborhood of Recoleta has become a sanctuary for hundreds of followers outraged by the accusations against her.
As she left and returned each day, she clasped the hands of men and women who shouted “Cristina, I love you!” She also signed dozens of copies of her political autobiography, titled “Sinceramente,” or Spanish for “sincerely.”
A young man who was in the crowd Thursday night said he was right in front of Fernández when the handgun emerged.
“I tell Cristina that I loved her, and she caresses me. I see an arm sticking out … with a gun,” the man, who was identified only as Javier for security reasons, told reporters Friday after giving his account to the investigating judge.
The only previous incident occurred last Saturday, when tension developed between Fernández followers and police who sought to remove them due to neighbors’ complaints.
The vice president complained about the treatment of her supporters and accused Buenos Aires Mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta of keeping her under siege, and security around the building was soon relaxed.
“We noticed that there were fewer police officers. I saw two from the federal (police). It was full of people,” Venegas said.
Javier, the young witness, declared in court that he and other supporters detained the suspect, not the police.
“I grab him, and also others,” he said.
The vice president has not spoken publicly since the incident. Some friends and political allies have been able to see her.
“Cristina is shocked, shocked,” said Sen. Oscar Parrilli, who is close to the vice president. “She is fine, luckily, because she has her spirit and her temper intact.”
The attempted shooting shook Argentina, a country that has a history of political violence but has not seen a similar attack since democracy was restored in 1983 after years of dictatorship.
President Alberto Fernández, who is not related to the vice president, has said that the weapon was loaded with five bullets and that for “a reason not yet technically confirmed, it was not fired.”
The suspect has been identified as Fernando André Sabag Montiel, a 35-year-old street vendor from Brazil who has lived in Argentina since 1998 and has no prior criminal record. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Authorities have shed no light on a possible motive and are investigating whether the gunman acted alone or as part of a larger plot.
The day after the incident, Fernandez’ supporters demonstrated throughout the country under the slogan “Everybody with Cristina.”
Buenos Aires’ central Plaza de Mayo filled with people of all ages brandishing handwritten signs with messages such as “Always with Cristina, the people do not forget” and “Cristina is of the people and no one touches her.”
At her home, meanwhile, dozens of federal agents stood guard.
Fernández emerged and approached a group of supporters to greet them, then got into a car to go to an unknown destination. | 2022-09-03T21:49:23+00:00 | wdtn.com | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-international/ap-attack-raises-doubts-about-argentine-vps-security-protocols/ |
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7 Days | 2023-01-12T05:52:09+00:00 | krgv.com | https://www.krgv.com/gallery-videos/as-human-trafficking-cases-double-willacy-county-da-s-office-hold-awareness-event |
LIANE HANSEN, host:
In the weeks since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast and caused widespread flooding in New Orleans, there's been considerable discussion about what would be required to upgrade the city's flood control system to withstand a Category 4 or a Category 5 storm. A plan proposed in Congress would set aside $40 billion to protect the city from the most severe hurricanes, but as NPR's Greg Allen reports, water management experts around the country are raising questions about how flood control projects are planned and paid for.
Ms. KARIN JACOBI (Manager of Waterways, Kansas City, Missouri): So this is the Turkey Creek tunnel.
GREG ALLEN reporting:
Kansas City's manager of waterways Karin Jacobi looks down into what at first appears to be a deep canyon. Turkey Creek is a shallow but fast-moving tributary that narrows here at the tunnel. When it rains hard, water spills out of the creek into nearby neighborhoods. To fix that problem, Jacobi says the city recently began working with the Army Corps of Engineers on a project that will add levees and other measures aimed at keeping Turkey Creek within its banks.
Ms. JACOBI: So what this project will do is it'll increase the size of the channel so it'll contain the water in the channel and it'll help it to get here to the tunnel without causing damages.
ALLEN: Here in Kansas City, as in communities around the country, water management officials like to say that every dollar spent saves $8 in damages from potential flooding. This is an $80 million project, with some two-thirds of the funding coming from the Army Corps of Engineers. But the future of the project, and several others on the drawing board in Kansas City, depends on how the Corps and Congress decide to spend federal dollars. Jacobi worries that the sudden and pressing needs of New Orleans may divert funds from important flood control projects.
Ms. JACOBI: That's always a concern when something new pops up, that when there becomes a national need for billions of dollars, everybody carries a little bit of concern on what is the impact going to be.
ALLEN: Across the country, the Army Corps of Engineers is working with many communities on badly needed and often long overdue flood control projects. And for every project currently under way, dozens more sit approved and on the shelf waiting for Congress to appropriate funding. Steve Ellis of Taxpayers for Common Sense says the Army Corps of Engineers currently has a $58 billion backlog of projects and each year receives from Congress about $1 1/2 billion to pay for them.
Mr. STEVE ELLIS (Taxpayers for Common Sense): Now that's not to say that we just need to bump up the Corps' appropriations so that they can build more projects and reduce the backlog. It really is more of an indication that our country lacks priorities in how it approaches its water resources infrastructure and what to construct and what not to.
ALLEN: Politics play a big role in setting priorities. Since Congress appropriates the money, members have a say in which projects go to the top of the list. But another problem is that the fast pace of development often outstrips efforts of local, state and federal authorities to protect residents in flood-prone areas. Joseph Corrigan was with the Army Corps of Engineers for more than 20 years. He says in the Southeast where he was based, levee constructions simply couldn't keep up with development.
Mr. JOSEPH CORRIGAN: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has a history of flooding in parts of town, and we were not able to ever develop a project that could protect that area. So periodically, when a hurricane comes through or a big rain event, they'd get flooded out, roads would be damaged, bridges would be damaged, railroads would be damaged and people's houses would be flooded and businesses.
ALLEN: In some cases, Corrigan says, badly needed projects sit on the shelf because poor communities can't come up with their share of project funds. The Corps subjects all of its projects to an analysis that weighs the costs against the potential benefits. The problem, Corrigan says, is that those tallies often favor wealthy neighborhoods with highly valued real estate over poor ones. And cost-benefit analyses have a hard time putting a value on a human life.
Mr. CORRIGAN: It's difficult to value. And my guess is when we're done with this, they'll decide it was not properly valued. And there's also an equity issue: Should you be able to get better flood protection from your government if you live in a rich neighborhood than in a poor neighborhood?
ALLEN: The experience of Hurricane Katrina may change that. The Army Corps of Engineers says improving New Orleans' levee system to withstand a storm as powerful as Katrina would have cost $2.5 billion. Weigh that against another cost: $60 billion in expected insurance losses, and in Louisiana, more than 800 people killed. Greg Allen, NPR News, Kansas City. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | 2022-06-01T16:38:48+00:00 | knkx.org | https://www.knkx.org/2005-09-24/along-the-mississippi-levees-demand-attention |
Missing high schoolers found dead with gunshot wounds on NC trail
MEBANE, N.C. (WRAL) - Authorities in North Carolina are investigating the deaths of two missing high schoolers as homicides after bodies believed to be theirs were found on a trail in the woods.
A red cross with flowers surrounding it marks the site where 18-year-old Devin Clark and 14-year-old Lyric Woods were found dead Sunday afternoon. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said two men riding four-wheelers discovered the bodies about 2.5 miles from Woods’ home.
David White lives just feet from where the two friends were found dead with gunshot wounds. He says he heard about 20 gunshots Friday night.
“I heard about close to 10 shots going off, like an automatic gun, and then, a pause for a little bit and five more shots went off,” he said.
The sheriff’s office is investigating the deaths as homicides.
Clark’s mother, Tiffany Concepcion, filed a police report about an hour before her son’s body was found.
“He’d never hurt nobody, and for him to get done like this is… I have to have answers,” she said. “He was an athletic person. He was a good person. He was a good friend. He had a good heart.”
Woods’ family reported her missing Saturday afternoon. An incident report says the teen’s stepfather last saw her at home around 11 p.m. Friday. He went to wake her up Saturday morning, but she was gone.
Authorities checked hunting stands and backwoods trails and used a K-9 to search for Woods, her scent leading the dog into the woods.
A report states a neighbor said they saw Woods riding in a vehicle around 3 a.m. Saturday near where her body was found. Deputies believe the teen got a ride from someone in that car.
Conception also says she believes a third person was involved in the high schoolers’ disappearances and is responsible for their deaths.
“Where’s the other person? Who’s the other person that picked either one of them up? Who is the person or people that dropped them off?” she said.
The sheriff’s office has not provided any information about who might be responsible for the high schoolers’ deaths.
The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office is still confirming the victims’ identities and causes of death.
Copyright 2022 WRAL via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | 2022-09-20T07:06:15+00:00 | live5news.com | https://www.live5news.com/2022/09/20/missing-high-schoolers-found-dead-with-gunshot-wounds-nc-trail/ |
GREELEY, Colo., Aug. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- JBS USA Lux S.A. (the "Company") today announced that it has amended certain terms of its previously announced offers to exchange (each, an "Exchange Offer" and, together, the "Exchange Offers") any and all outstanding (i) 2.500% Senior Notes due 2027 and (ii) 3.625% Sustainability-Linked Senior Notes due 2032 (together, the "Existing Notes") issued by JBS USA Food Company (originally issued by JBS Finance Luxembourg S.à r.l.) for (1) up to U.S.$2,000.0 million aggregate principal amount of new notes (the "New Notes") to be issued by the Company, JBS USA Food Company and JBS USA Finance, Inc. (collectively, the "Issuers") and (2) cash, and related consent solicitations (each, a "Consent Solicitation" and, together, the "Consent Solicitations") to adopt certain proposed amendments to each of the indentures governing the Existing Notes (the "Proposed Amendments").
Given the high level of participation rate that the Company has already achieved in the Exchange Offers and at the request of certain Eligible Holders of the Existing Notes who were unable to tender their Existing Notes at or prior to the Early Tender Date due to logistical or other reasons, the Company has agreed as a one-time accommodation to (i) extend the expiration date for the Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations to 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on September 12, 2022, unless extended by the Company (such date and time, as the same may be extended, the "New Expiration Date") and (ii) make the applicable Total Exchange Consideration available to all Eligible Holders that tender Existing Notes for exchange in the Exchange Offers and deliver consents to the applicable Proposed Amendments in the Consent Solicitations at or prior to the New Expiration Date.
The "Settlement Date" for Eligible Holders who tender Existing Notes for exchange in the Exchange Offers after the Early Tender Date and at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 30, 2022 (such time and date, as the same may be extended, the "Fungibility Tender Date") will occur on August 31, 2022, unless otherwise designated by the Company (such date and time as the same may be amended, the "Fungibility Settlement Date").
The "Final Settlement Date" for Eligible Holders who tender Existing Notes for exchange in the Exchange Offers after the Fungibility Tender Date and at or prior to the Expiration Date is expected to occur three business days after the Expiration Date, or as promptly as practicable thereafter (the "Final Settlement Date").
Any Existing Notes tendered after the Fungibility Tender Date and at or prior to the New Expiration Date may not be fungible for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the New Notes issued on the Early Settlement Date and the Fungibility Settlement Date. In addition, any New Notes issued after the Fungibility Tender Date and at or prior to the New Expiration Date may have different CUSIPs and ISINs than the New Notes issued on the Early Settlement Date and the Fungibility Settlement Date.
As of 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on August 29, 2022, the following principal amounts of each series of the Existing Notes have been validly tendered:
A supplemental indenture with respect to each series of Existing Notes giving effect to the Proposed Amendments has been executed. The Proposed Amendments became operative with respect to each series of Existing Notes on August 19, 2022.
Holders who validly tendered their Existing Notes at or prior to the date of the press release do not need to take any action.
The New Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state or foreign securities laws. Therefore, the New Notes may not be offered or sold absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws or applicable foreign securities laws. However, holders of the New Notes will benefit from the registration rights set forth in the registration rights agreement entered into by the Company pursuant to which the Company agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) file an exchange offer registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to allow holders to exchange New Notes of each series for the same principal amount of exchange notes of the same series, which will have terms identical in all material respects to such series of New Notes, except that the exchange notes will not contain transfer restrictions, and (ii) consummate such exchange offer within 365 days of entering into the registration rights agreement.
The Exchange Offers and the Consent Solicitations are being made pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement, dated August 2, 2022 (as supplemented by the supplement to the offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement, dated August 11, 2022 and as amended as described herein, the "Offering Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement"). Other than the amendments described above, the other terms of the Exchange Offers and the Consent Solicitations remain as set forth in the Offering Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement. All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Offering Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement.
Documents relating to the Exchange Offers and the Consent Solicitations will only be distributed to eligible holders of Existing Notes who complete and return an eligibility form confirming that they are either (a) a "Qualified Institutional Buyer," as that term is defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or (b) a person that is outside the "United States" and is (i) not a "U.S. person," as those terms are defined in Rule 902 under the Securities Act and (ii) a "non-U.S. qualified offeree." The complete terms and conditions of the Exchange Offers and the Consent Solicitations are described in the Offering Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement, copies of which may be obtained by contacting D.F. King & Co., Inc., the exchange agent and the information agent in connection with the Exchange Offers and the Consent Solicitations, at (800) 967-7574 (toll free) or (212) 269-5550 (banks and brokers). The eligibility form is available electronically at www.dfking.com/jbs.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, or the solicitation of tenders or consents with respect to, any security. No offer, solicitation, purchase or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful. The Exchange Offers and the Consent Solicitations are being made solely pursuant to the Offering Memorandum and Consent Solicitation Statement and only to such persons and in such jurisdictions as is permitted under applicable law.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our perspectives and expectations, are forward looking statements. The words "expect", "believe", "estimate", "intend", "plan" and similar expressions, when related to the Company and its subsidiaries, indicate forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the current view of management and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions and factors, including general economic, market, industry, and operational factors. Any changes to these assumptions or factors may lead to practical results different from current expectations. Excessive reliance should not be placed on those statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made.
JBS USA Lux S.A. is one of the world's largest producers of beef, pork, chicken and packaged food products. In terms of daily production capacity, JBS USA Lux S.A. is among the leading beef producers and the second-largest pork and chicken producer in the United States. In Australia, JBS USA Lux S.A. is the leading producer of beef, lamb and packaged foods and the second largest producer of salmon. JBS USA Lux S.A. prepares, packages and delivers fresh, value-added and branded beef, pork, chicken, and lamb products to customers in more than 150 countries on six continents. JBS USA Lux S.A. is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of JBS S.A., the largest protein company and the largest food company in the world in terms of net revenue.
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SOURCE JBS USA Lux S.A. | 2022-08-29T12:46:25+00:00 | wbrc.com | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/08/29/jbs-usa-lux-sa-announces-amendments-exchange-offers-consent-solicitations-jbs-usa-food-companys-2500-senior-notes-due-2027-3625-sustainability-linked-senior-notes-due-2032/ |
WFO LUBBOCK Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Friday, April 29, 2022
_____
RED FLAG WARNING
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Lubbock TX
344 AM CDT Fri Apr 29 2022
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO
9 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY
FOR THE FAR SOUTHERN TEXAS PANHANDLE, SOUTH PLAINS, AND ROLLING
PLAINS...
* Timing...10AM CDT to 9PM CDT.
* Wind...West at 15-25 mph gusting to 35 mph.
* Humidity...5 to 10 percent.
* Fuels...Extremely dry.
* Impacts...Any fires that develop can spread rapidly. Outdoor
burning is discouraged.
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING...
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.
* WHERE...Kenedy Island, Willacy Island and Cameron Island
Counties.
* WHEN...Through Saturday evening.
* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | 2022-04-29T10:19:11+00:00 | sfgate.com | https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-LUBBOCK-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17135835.php |
On January 1, 2023 Ohio Residents can Register, Deposit, Place Bets and Enjoy New Player Promotions & Daily House Specials at BetRivers.com
CHICAGO, Dec. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rush Street Interactive, Inc. (NYSE: RSI) ("RSI"), a leading online sports betting and casino company in the United States, plans to go live for online and mobile wagering in Ohio with its award-winning sportsbook at BetRivers.com, as soon as legalized sports betting starts on January 1, 2023. Starting New Year's Day, sports fans across the Buckeye State aged 21 and over can place bets quickly and securely from the BetRivers app and website.
The BetRivers online sportsbook features thousands of betting options and the opportunity to wager on numerous leagues across the globe, including all major U.S. collegiate and professional leagues like the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL. BetRivers is one of the only operators offering multi-game same game parlays, where players can combine same game parlays from numerous sporting events to build perfect jackpot tickets. Other core features of the BetRivers online platform include live streaming on a wide variety of sports from around the world, its fun and unique loyalty and bonusing features for qualifying players, intuitive yet innovative user interface, strong transactional performance and speed for in-play and pre-game bets, and automated withdrawal approvals. These features are all supported by a professional, friendly and trustworthy customer service that has been named the best in the industry at the EGR North America Awards.
"We are really excited to offer Ohio's nearly 12 million residents betting action on the upcoming college bowls and the NFL's big game, and expect our BetRivers sportsbook to be very popular as bettors come to appreciate and trust our high-quality and innovative product that we are known for in other states," said Richard Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer of RSI. "In addition to football, BetRivers offers our customers endless entertainment with countless other sports and betting options available for their pleasure, including an exciting range of bets on NBA and NCAA basketball."
Mr. Schwartz added, "At RSI we are constantly striving to provide a more trusted betting experience by emphasizing usability, responsibility, and transparency. Our mission is to always put the player experience first – focusing on earning and retaining player trust through our array of proprietary betting options, fast and easy payouts, and best-in-class customer service. We can't wait for Ohioans to experience all that BetRivers offers."
To celebrate the arrival of the BetRivers Sportsbook in Ohio, BetRivers will be offering a suite of 'Daily House Specials' where bettors can expect a rotating lineup of value on the Bengals playoff push, the Cavaliers rise in the Eastern Conference, and all Ohio hometown favorites. Players can login daily for new 'Props & Boosted Odds Specials' on the biggest stars & storylines in the NFL, NBA and more.
BetRivers is offering those who sign-up a '$500 Second-Chance Bet Promotion.' New players can claim a second-chance bet worth up to $500 when they use the bonus code.
BetRivers also has a unique loyalty program with a Bonus Bank, Bonus Store and a 'Refer a Friend' program where customers who refer a friend to sign-up and bet will receive a scratch card with a chance of winning from $50 to $500.
RSI is a trusted online gaming and sports entertainment company focused on markets in the United States, Canada and Latin America. Through its brands, BetRivers, PlaySugarHouse and RushBet, RSI was an early entrant in many regulated jurisdictions. It currently offers real-money mobile and online operations in thirteen U.S. states: Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Michigan, Indiana, Virginia, Colorado, Iowa, West Virginia, Arizona and Louisiana, as well as in the regulated international markets of Ontario, Canada, Colombia and Mexico. RSI offers, through its proprietary online gaming platform, some of the most popular online casino games and sports betting options in the United States. Founded in 2012 in Chicago by gaming industry veterans, RSI was named the 2022 EGR North America Awards Operator of the Year, Customer Services Operator of the Year and Social Gaming Operator of the Year, and the 2021 SBC Latinoamérica Awards Sportsbook Operator of the Year. RSI was the first U.S.-based online casino and sports betting operator to receive RG Check iGaming Accreditation from the Responsible Gaming Council. For more information, visit www.rushstreetinteractive.com.
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. RSI's actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, RSI's expectations about its launch of its online, mobile and retail sports betting in the State of Ohio, including the anticipated timing of launch of its online and mobile sports betting in the state. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside RSI's control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation, changes in applicable laws or regulations, unanticipated product or service delays, and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in RSI's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including those under "Risk Factors" therein, and in RSI's other filings with the SEC. RSI cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. RSI cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. RSI does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
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SOURCE Rush Street Interactive | 2022-12-30T14:42:45+00:00 | wlox.com | https://www.wlox.com/prnewswire/2022/12/30/betrivers-go-live-with-online-mobile-sportsbook-wagering-ohio-new-years-day/ |
USDA begins monetary relief for struggling farmers
The federal government announced Tuesday a program that will provide $1.3 billion in debt relief for about 36,000 farmers who have fallen behind on loan payments or face foreclosure.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the farm loan relief program funded from $3.1 billion set aside in the Inflation Reduction Act allocated toward assisting distressed borrowers of direct or guaranteed loans administered by USDA. The law was passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in August.
The USDA provides loans to about 115,000 farmers and livestock producers who cannot obtain commercial credit. Those who have missed payments, are in foreclosure or are heading toward default will get help from the USDA. Financial difficulties for farmers may be caused by a variety of issues including drought and transportation bottlenecks.
“Through no fault of their own, our nation’s farmers and ranchers have faced incredibly tough circumstances over the last few years,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The funding included in today’s announcement helps keep our farmers farming and provides a fresh start for producers in challenging positions.”
About 11,000 farm borrowers delinquent on direct or guaranteed loan payments for 60 days or longer are receiving automatic electronic payments to get them current on their loans. Each farmer with a direct loan received about $52,000 and those with guaranteed loans received about $172,000. The total cost for this group is nearly $600 million. Farmers who received this help will get a letter informing them that their payments have been made and they will remain current until their next annual payment is due in 2023, Vilsack said.
Another $200 million has been used to immediately help 2,100 farm borrowers after their loans had been foreclosed but who still owed money and had their tax refunds and other resources taken by the U.S. Treasury. The money will be used to pay the money these farmers owe to give them a fresh start, Vilsack said. The USDA said farmers in this category received an average of $101,000.
Another $571 million will be used help several additional groups including:
—7,000 farmers who during the COVID pandemic delayed loan payments to the end of their loans. This will cost $66 million.
—1,600 farmers that face bankruptcy or foreclosure will get help on a case-by-case basis with individual meetings to assess their problem and find solutions at a cost of $330 million.
—14,000 financially distressed farm borrowers facing cash flow problems who ask for help to avoid missing a loan payment will receive additional assistance. Vilsack said these issues could be brought on by drought or by low levels on the Mississippi River that is slowing barge traffic causing grain transportation issues. Up to $175 million will be available for this program.
The money announced Tuesday is the first round of payments designed to help insure the farmers stay in business or re-enter farming.
The remainder of the $3.1 billion will be used to help relax unnecessary loan restrictions and provide further assistance to be announced later, the USDA said.
Farmers assisted by the program have been found by the USDA to be distressed borrowers hard hit by pandemic-induced market disruptions exacerbated by more frequent, more intense, climate-driven natural disasters, the USDA said.
President Joe Biden and his administration continue to endure criticism for enacting a program to forgive some college loans but some of the Republican politicians who have criticized that program did not respond to questions about whether they support the farm loan help.
The USDA also provided $31 billion to help nearly a million farmers offset lower sales, prices and other losses due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2021 and 2022, the U.S. Government Accountability Office has said. | 2022-10-19T02:51:37+00:00 | kcci.com | https://www.kcci.com/article/usda-begins-monetary-relief-for-struggling-farmers/41699347 |
‘Awesome’ solar eclipse wows viewers in Australia, Indonesia
By MADDIE BURAKOFF
AP Science Writer
Around 20,000 eclipse chasers gathered under a cloudless sky in the northwest Australian coastal town of Exmouth to enjoy a rare total solar eclipse that plunged the region into darkness for about a minute late Thursday morning.
The remote tourist town with fewer than 3,000 residents was promoted as one of the best vantage points in Australia to see the eclipse that also crosses remote parts of Indonesia and East Timor.
An international crowd had been gathering at Exmouth for days, camping in tents and trailers on a red, dusty plain on the edge of town with cameras and other viewing equipment pointed skyward.
In Indonesia’s capital, hundreds came to the Jakarta Planetarium to see the partial eclipse, obscured by clouds.
Azka Azzahra, 21, came with her sister and friends to get a closer look by using the telescopes with hundreds of other visitors.
“I am still happy to come even though it is cloudy. It is happy to see how people with high enthusiasm come here to see the eclipse, because it is rare,” Azzahra said.
The call to prayer resounded from the city’s mosques when the eclipse phase began as Muslims said eclipse prayers as a reminder of God’s greatness.
NASA astronomer Henry Throop was among those at Exmouth loudly cheering the eclipse in the darkness.
“Isn’t it incredible? This is so fantastic. It was mind-blowing. It was so sharp and it was so bright. You could see the corona around the sun there,” the visibly excited Washington resident told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
“It’s only a minute long, but it really felt like a long time. There’s nothing else you can see which looks like that. It was just awesome. Spectacular. And then you could see Jupiter and Mercury and to be able to see those at the same time during the day — even seeing Mercury at all is pretty rare. So that was just awesome,” Throop added.
The hybrid solar eclipse tracked from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and was mostly over water. The lucky few people in its path either saw the darkness of a total eclipse or a “ring of fire” as the sun peeked from behind the new moon.
Such celestial events happen about once every decade: The last one was in 2013 and the next one isn’t until 2031. They occur when Earth is in the “sweet spot” so the new moon and the sun are almost the exact same size in the sky, said NASA solar expert Michael Kirk.
At some points, the moon is a little closer and blocks out the sun in a total eclipse. But when the moon is a little farther away, it lets some of the sun’s light peek out in an annular eclipse.
“It’s a crazy phenomenon,” Kirk said. “You’re actually watching the moon get larger in the sky.”
Several other upcoming solar eclipses will be easier to catch. An annular eclipse in mid-October and a total eclipse next April will both cross over millions of people in the Americas.
___
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. | 2023-04-20T05:17:54+00:00 | keyt.com | https://keyt.com/news/2023/04/19/rare-solar-eclipse-to-cross-remote-australia-indonesia/ |
Thieves use forklift to steal ATM from bank, police say
Published: Oct. 26, 2022 at 1:23 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
GARDENDALE, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) - Police in Alabama are working to track down an ATM that was stolen by thieves with the use of a forklift early Wednesday morning.
According to Gardendale Police Chief Scott Banks, the suspects used the forklift to steal the ATM from a Regions Bank.
Banks said the theft happened around 5 a.m.
Police were able to recover the machinery used in the heist but the ATM remains missing.
Copyright 2022 WBRC via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | 2022-10-26T18:36:30+00:00 | wcjb.com | https://www.wcjb.com/2022/10/26/thieves-use-forklift-steal-atm-bank-police-say/ |
HOUSTON (AP)Jalen Green had 26 points and Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 as the Houston Rockets never trailed in a 111-97 win over the slumping Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.
The Rockets led by as many as 23 and held a comfortable lead for most of the night in the return of coach Stephen Silas, who was back after missing the previous game following the death of his father, longtime NBA player and coach Paul Silas.
”It was definitely great to be back,” Silas said. ”I love these guys. I love this team. I kind of didn’t want the game to end because now it’s like real life starts up again.”
It was the second straight victory for the Rockets, who beat Milwaukee on Sunday night.
Silas was asked if returning to work made things easier for him.
”I don’t know if it makes it easier or not, but my dad was a coach and he would tell me to coach,” Silas said. ”Get your butt out there and coach. So that’s what I did.”
Already playing without Devin Booker, the Suns, who dropped their fifth straight, didn’t have Deandre Ayton and Cameron Payne in the second half after both were injured before halftime. Ayton injured his left ankle and Payne sustained a right foot injury.
Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 18 points but shot a horrific 4 of 24 from the field and 2 of 10 from 3-point range. He made all eight free-throw attempts.
”Mikal was 4 for 24,” coach Monty Williams said. ”That’s going to be a tough recipe when you don’t have Book and all the other guys that are out.”
Chris Paul had 16 points on 5-of-17 shooting, including 2 of 10 on 3s.
Paul said he isn’t worried about things snowballing for the Suns.
”Not really,” he said. ”As long as the locker room stays positive and understands that it’s a long season. We went on … an 18-game winning streak (last season) and lost in the second round. You know what I mean? In this league you can’t get too high or too low.”
The Rockets scored the game’s first seven points and led 54-35 after a first half where the Suns made just 11 of 50 shots, including 4 of 24 3-pointers.
A 7-2 run by the Suns got them within 11 with about 7 1/2 minutes left in the game. Houston scored the next five points, capped by an off-balance tip-in for a three-point play by Garrison Mathews, to stretch the lead to 98-82.
Phoenix entered the game ranked fifth in the league in 3-point shooting at 38.3% but made just 13 of 51 (25.5%) on Tuesday night.
TIP-INS
Suns: Booker missed a second straight game with tightness in his left hamstring. … Torrey Craig had 12 rebounds. … Paul had seven assists.
Rockets: Alperen Sengun had 10 points and 16 rebounds. … Jabari Smith Jr. received a flagrant-1 foul after a collision with Bridges in the third quarter. He had 14 points and eight rebounds. … Tari Eason had 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench.
REMEMBERING DAD
Silas was emotional when speaking about his father before the game. He said he’s been moved by the outpouring of support he’s received since Paul Silas’ death Sunday at 79.
”I’m very proud to be my dad’s son,” Silas said. ”I’m very proud that people see him in me. And I want that to continue. Whenever it is my time comes, I want people to say the same things that they said about him over the last couple of days about (me). And hopefully they’ll do that.”
UP NEXT
Suns: Visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
Rockets: Host Miami on Thursday night.
—
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports | 2022-12-15T02:37:21+00:00 | siouxlandproud.com | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/sports/nba/green-scores-26-rockets-beat-slumping-suns-in-silas-return/ |
Record-breaking 125 veterans competing in this year's tournament on more than 50 sportfishing Yachts
Community lined the banks of Newport Harbor to cheer on our nation's heroes during patriotic boat parade
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The highly anticipated 2022 War Heroes on Water (WHOW) sportfishing tournament for combat-wounded veterans kicked off Saturday. Returning for its stunning fifth year, the transformative sportfishing tournament off the coast of Southern California helps combat-wounded veterans recover from the physical and emotional wounds of war through the creation of deep and meaningful relationships forged through the thrill of a world-class sportfishing competition.
Veterans received a hero's welcome when they arrived at the kick-off reception in Newport Beach yesterday, where they gathered with captains, crews and supporters. At the event, Tom Kilgannon, President of Freedom Alliance, WHOW's philanthropic partner and WHOW founder Anthony Hsieh shared inspiring words about our nation's heroes before country music star Tyler Rich performed a special acoustic set, returning to show his appreciation for the third year.
In reflecting on this year's events, WHOW founder Anthony Hsieh shared, "All of this is for these brave men and women—all the spirit, all the effort, all the donations—it's all for you. In harnessing the healing power of the open ocean, as well as of the close friendships formed on board, we hope to continue making an impact on the lives of our veterans and their families."
Following the speeches and music, Tournament Director Rod Halperin joined Hsieh on the dock to send off a record breaking 125 veteran participants, many of whom have received some of our nation's highest military decorations including the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medals, and the Purple Heart. This year's WHOW fleet includes more than 50 of the west coast's finest sportfishing vessels, each donated to the tournament by generous SoCal patriots, some participating for the fifth straight year.
Giving the veterans a proper send-off, Freedom Alliance scholarship recipient Haley Nicole Taylor sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem as the Orange County Honor Guard presented the American flag. Before heading out to sea, the WHOW fleet paraded around the harbor in a stirring display of patriotism.
"The enduring connections we've seen come out of WHOW are truly irreplaceable, as the collaborative nature of this on-water event is supportive of healing and growth for all involved – it saves lives," said Tom Kilgannon, president of Freedom Alliance. "Beyond directly serving veterans on the water, the money raised by WHOW allows us to support thousands more heroes and their families through therapeutic services and programs such as the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund."
A silent auction was also held Saturday, brought to life by generous volunteers and donors. The auction generated more than $200,000, meaning WHOW raised well over $1 million this year and $5 million total since its inception, supporting thousands of veterans through Freedom Alliance's year-round therapeutic services and scholarships for combat-wounded service members and their families.
Aboard the boats, SoCal's finest fishermen will share their knowledge of local waters and expert fishing techniques to get their veterans on fish as they vie for ranking points and trophies across a variety of categories.
The WHOW fleet will gather again on Monday, September 26 at 5pm outside Avalon Harbor for the tournament's closing ceremonies, which include a flyover of vintage WWII aircrafts. Yachts with catches over 100 pounds will head to Catalina's iconic Green Pier to participate in the Tournament's weigh in celebration, which will be live streamed from 5pm to 10pm. Once the catches are weighed, the fleet will return to Newport Beach for a heartfelt awards ceremony at the Lyon Air Museum Tuesday, September 27.
About War Heroes on Water
War Heroes on Water (WHOW) is an annual sportfishing tournament of unprecedented scale that supports combat-wounded veterans' programs. It was created by Anthony Hsieh, who is also the owner and leader of Team Bad Company, a world-class, record-holding competitive sportfishing fleet. Through Hsieh's deep connections with the Southern California sportfishing and business communities, WHOW has grown exponentially over five years and is now the largest nonprofit sportfishing tournament in the US.
About Freedom Alliance
Freedom Alliance is a charitable organization which provides help and support to wounded troops and military families. Freedom Alliance has awarded more than $20 million in college scholarships to the children of military heroes killed or disabled in military service and has spent millions more helping injured veterans and military families with outdoor recreational therapy trips, Heroes Vacations, care packages for deployed troops, mortgage-free homes, all-terrain wheelchairs and much more. To learn more, visit www.FreedomAlliance.org or Facebook.com/FreedomAlliance.
Contact
Jonathan Fine
781.248.3963
jfine@loanDepot.com
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SOURCE War Heroes on Water | 2022-09-26T00:58:50+00:00 | wlbt.com | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2022/09/26/fifth-annual-war-heroes-water-charitable-sportfishing-tournament-kicks-off-newport-beach/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — An unexpected and potentially ominous pullback in customer spending ahead of the holiday shopping season pushed third-quarter profits at Target down 52% after it was forced to slash prices with Americans feeling the squeeze of inflation.
The Minneapolis retailer voiced caution about its sales and profit during the fourth quarter because of what it’s seen from its customers in recent weeks. They’re waiting for sales rather than buying goods at full price, and finding ways to cut down on spending in other ways as well.
Shares of Target tumbled 11% and other retailers slid as well. Macy’s and Kohl’s fell more than 8% and Nordstrom slumped more than 10%. Walmart’s shares were flat.
Target said that will be slashing expenses with a goal of saving $2 billion to $3 billion over the next three years. Those cost cuts will not include widespread layoffs or hiring freezes, executives said.
Target’s dour quarter arrives amid a backdrop of resiliency from American consumers.
The U.S. on Wednesday reported that retail sales rose 1.3% in October from September, though there was some noise in that report. The increase was led by car sales and higher gas prices, but those car sales may have been supercharged by the arrival of Hurricane Ian in late September, which destroyed up to 70,000 vehicles, according to economists at TD Securities.
Still, excluding autos and gas, retail spending rose 0.9% last month.
What has become clear is that spending by the American consumer is shifting, with many trading down to cheaper options, and to stores where they think they can save money. That was evident at Walmart, which reported better-than-expected earnings Tuesday. One factor: more than 50% of Walmart’s U.S. business comes from groceries; that number is 20% at Target. With inflation all around, households take care of needs like food and shelter first.
Lowe’s and Home Depot both reported higher sales in their third quarter as shoppers keep spending on home projects. T.J. Maxx parent released on Wednesday solid results, noting “treasure hunting” for bargains is resonating with customers.
Mixed signals are playing out as retailers head into the unofficial start of the holiday season, the most critical period of the year for them.
Target’s sales weakened significantly in the weeks leading up to November, with more customers cutting back on discretionary items, said Chairman and CEO Brian Cornell. They’re also buying smaller packages and trading down to instore brands. That trend pushed quarterly profit far below the expectations of both Target, and Wall Street.
Many Target customers have begun to lean on credit cards or have dipped into savings to shop, Christina Hennington, the company’s chief growth officer, told analysts Wednesday.
Target has built a reputation as being tuned into fashion and a place to outfit your home smartly, areas where shoppers may now be cutting back. But other retailers are not immune to customers anxious about rising prices.
“With its exposure to a lot of discretionary spend, Target will feel the chill first, but it will not be the only retailer to catch a cold,” said Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail.
Kohl’s and Macy’s report quarterly results on Thursday, which should offer more insight into the mindset of the American consumer.
“It’s an environment where consumers have been stressed,” Target’s Cornell said. “We know they are spending more dollars on food and beverage and household essentials. And as they are shopping for discretionary categories … they are looking for that great deal.”
Cornell expects that trend to continue through the holidays.
The disappointing quarter follows Target’s nearly 90% profit slide in the second quarter and a 52% drop in the first. In early June, Target warned that it was canceling orders from suppliers and aggressively cutting prices because of a pronounced spending shift by Americans.
Retailers were blindsided by the lightening-fast shift from pandemic spending on things like TVs and kitchen appliances, to dinners out, movies and vacations. Now, inflation has created less wiggle room for a new flat screen or a smart blender.
Target posted quarterly net income of $712 million, or $1.54 per share. That compares with $1.49 billion, or $3.04 per share in the year ago period. Analysts had expected $2.16 per share in the latest quarter, according to FactSet.
Revenue rose 3.4% to $26.52 billion compared with the year ago quarter, which edged out Wall Street expectations, according to FactSet.
Comparable sales increased 2.7% — those that come from stores and online — on top of a 12.7% growth last year.
Cosmetics, food, beverage and household essential drove sales, offsetting weakness in discretionary items. Target did gain market share across all five of its key merchandise categories based on the number of items sold.
And Cornell said shoppers are ready to spend when it comes to such events as Halloween and the back-to-school season.
The quarterly operating income margin rate was 3.9% in 2022, compared with 7.8% in 2021 as markdowns hit profits, on top of rising theft and merchandise and freight costs.
Target said theft is a growing problem, with the number of thefts rising 50% so far this year.
Because of softening sales and profits toward the end of the reporting period, Target said it’s planning for a “wide range of sales outcomes in the fourth quarter.”
The company expects a low-single-digit decline for comparable sales for the fourth quarter with an operating margin rate of around 3%.
Target’s shares fell $20.91 to $158.07 Wednesday.
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Follow Anne D’Innocenzio: http://twitter.com/ADInnocenzio
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AP Economics Writer Chris Rugaber in Washington contributed to this report. | 2022-11-16T20:37:37+00:00 | valleycentral.com | https://www.valleycentral.com/news/business/ap-business/ap-targets-3q-profit-drops-52-as-shoppers-force-discounts/ |
Astros fourth. Kyle Tucker homers to right field. Yuli Gurriel pops out to shallow left field to Ryan Kreidler. Trey Mancini doubles to deep center field. Christian Vazquez strikes out swinging. Chas McCormick called out on strikes.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Astros 1, Tigers 0.
Astros fifth. David Hensley walks. Jose Altuve walks. David Hensley to second. Jeremy Pena out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Jeimer Candelario to Harold Castro. Jose Altuve to second. David Hensley to third. Alex Bregman out on a sacrifice fly to deep center field to Riley Greene. Jose Altuve to third. David Hensley scores. Kyle Tucker grounds out to shallow infield, Ryan Kreidler to Harold Castro.
1 run, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Astros 2, Tigers 0.
Tigers seventh. Harold Castro strikes out swinging. Javier Baez homers to left field. Kerry Carpenter strikes out swinging. Eric Haase grounds out to shortstop, Jeremy Pena to Yuli Gurriel.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Astros 2, Tigers 1. | 2022-09-14T21:31:22+00:00 | lmtonline.com | https://www.lmtonline.com/sports/article/Houston-Detroit-Runs-17442104.php |
Novak Djokovic broke the record for the most time spent at No. 1 in the professional tennis rankings by a man or woman, beginning his 378th week in the ATP’s top spot on Monday to surpass Steffi Graf’s 377 leading the WTA.
He already held the men’s mark, eclipsing Roger Federer’s old ATP standard of 310 weeks in March 2021.
“I’m flattered, obviously. Extremely, extremely proud and happy for this achievement,” Djokovic said in a video posted on social media, in which he referred to Graf as “one of the greatest, most legendary, tennis players.”
After Djokovic and Graf on the all-time No. 1 weeks list are Martina Navratilova, with 332, and Serena Williams, with 319, followed by Federer. The computerized rankings began in the 1970s.
Djokovic has finished seven years atop the ATP, another men’s record.
The 35-year-old from Serbia returned to No. 1 this time by winning the Australian Open in January, jumping up from No. 5 to overtake Carlos Alcaraz. That title was Djokovic’s 22nd at a Grand Slam tournament, equaling Rafael Nadal for the most by a man in tennis history.
Djokovic is 12-0 so far in 2023, heading into this week’s tournament in Dubai.
He managed to get back to the top of the rankings despite not being able to enter a handful of big tournaments in 2022, including the Australian Open and U.S. Open, because is not vaccinated against COVID-19. Djokovic was able to compete at Melbourne Park this year after Australia relaxed its pandemic-era rules; his status for two key events in the United States that begin in March — at Indian Wells and Miami — is still in doubt, and he’s asked for permission to be allowed to travel to the country.
Djokovic also did not get any boost from his championship at Wimbledon in 2022, because no rankings points were awarded there. The ATP and WTA both withheld points in response to the All England Club’s decision to bar players from Russia and Belarus from competing as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. It is still not known whether those athletes will be allowed to play at Wimbledon this year.
Alcaraz, the 19-year-old from Spain who won last year’s U.S. Open, remained at No. 2 on Monday, followed by Australian Open runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas and two-time major finalist Casper Ruud. Taylor Fritz rose two places to a career-best No. 5, making him the first American man in the ATP’s top five since Andy Roddick in 2009.
Nadal, who hasn’t competed since injuring his left hip flexor during a loss at the Australian Open, slid two spots to No. 8 on Monday.
There were no changes Monday in the WTA’s top 10, where Iga Swiatek still holds a substantial lead at No. 1, with Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka at No. 1. Barbora Krejcikova, the 2021 French Open champion who beat Swiatek in the final at Dubai on Saturday, soared from No. 30 to No. 16.
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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2023-02-28T12:01:22+00:00 | siouxlandproud.com | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-novak-djokovic-breaks-record-for-most-weeks-ranked-no-1/ |
DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Cameron Smith believes he is playing the best golf of his life, and it shows. He is in the lead at Memorial, a tournament where the Australian doesn’t have a great history.
Smith elicited one of the loudest cheers of a glorious afternoon Friday at Muirfield Village — another anomaly for this weather-plagued tournament — when he holed out with a downhill chip from beyond the green on the par-3 12th that carried him to a 3-under 69.
He kept his one-shot lead over Denny McCarthy and K.H. Lee the rest of the day by doing what Smith does best. He holed a 15-foot putt for par on the next hole and twice made 6-foot par putts for bunker saves down the stretch.
“I think I’m just happy with the way I stuck in there,” Smith said. “Really happy with where my short game’s at. I feel like I’m rolling the ball really good. Just need to sort out that longer stuff.”
As for his history at the Memorial?
In six previous appearance, Smith only made the cut twice and both times and finished outside the top 60. His best round was a 71.
But this is a new Smith, the winner of The Players Championship and the Sentry Tournament of Champions, the No. 3 player in the world ranking.
So his rounds of 67-69 to reach 8-under 136 and be in the lead going into the weekend is hardly a surprise, even at Muirfield Village.
“I think my game’s in a good spot. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t be,” he said. “I’m playing some of the best golf of my life, and I feel I’m getting more consistent with the longer stuff. So just looking forward to everything coming up.”
Billy Horschel putted for birdie on every hole and made four of them for a 68 that left him in the group two shots behind with Torrey Pines winner Luke List, PGA Tour rookies Cameron Young and Davis Riley, and Jhonattan Vegas.
Rory McIlroy had a 69 and was three shots behind. Defending champion Patrick Cantlay closed with two big par putts for a 69 and was at 3-under 141.
The cut was at 2-over 146. Among those missing out on the weekend were Bryson DeChambeau and Harris English, both returning from injuries. DeChambeau (hand surgery) had not played since the Masters. English (hip surgery) had not played since the Sony Open in January.
Also missing the cut were Hudson Swafford, Matt Jones, Jed Morgan of Australia and U.S. Amateur champion James Piot, giving them two extra days to pack for London and the first Saudi-funded LIV Golf Invitational next week that puts PGA Tour membership at risk, at least for Swafford and Jones.
McCarthy’s name was mentioned prominently even before the Memorial began, and then he lived up to the praise. He took only 25 putts Friday — he only had 24 putts the day before — for a 3-under 69 that put him one shot behind.
For those who don’t pore over the litany of statistics available on the PGA Tour, it was a little surprising when McIlroy was asked earlier in the week whom he considered the better putters in today’s game. He mentioned Jordan Spieth. Everyone knows him. He was impressed with Sam Burns, a three-time winner over the last eight months.
And he mentioned McCarthy.
Told of McIlroy’s comments earlier in the week, McCarthy smiled and said, “I would like to drive it like Rory.”
“Everyone has the best part of their game. Obviously, putting is part of mine,” said McCarthy, who is No. 5 in the key putting statistic for the season. “Driving the ball is the best part of his game. I’m no slouch around the course, like putting is not the only thing I do well. Everyone brings up my putter; yes, I’m a good putter. But I need to do good things to get to those putts.”
McIlroy, meanwhile, has been picking up a little momentum since his closing 64 at the Masters for a runner-up finish. He finished four shots behind at the Wells Fargo Championship and three shots out of a playoff at the PGA Championship.
McIlroy surged into the mix at the Memorial with a fairway metal that was high and true and into a freshening breeze to 6 feet for eagle on the par-5 fifth toward the end of his round. His momentum was slowed by a bogey from the bunker on the par-3 eighth, but his 69 left him in reasonable shape going into the weekend.
Jon Rahm overcame a shank on the second hole — he made birdie on the next one — to scratch out a 70 without his best iron game. He was at 2-under 142, six shots behind. Rahm won in 2020. He was six shots ahead after three rounds last year until his positive COVID-19 test knocked him out of the final round.
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More AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2022-06-04T11:22:06+00:00 | wnct.com | https://www.wnct.com/sports/mccarthy-rides-his-good-putting-to-early-lead-at-memorial/ |
PARIS, June 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PARIS AIR SHOW -- RTX (NYSE: RTX) has conducted a successful lab test of its Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS), developed by its Collins Aerospace business. EPACS is designed to support F-35 Block 4 modernization and future upgrades. The company anticipates EPACS will achieve Technology Readiness Level 6 in 2023 and be ready to begin an Engineering & Manufacturing Development program as early as 2024.
Through its more efficient thermodynamic cycle, EPACS provides significantly more cooling capacity to the platform and requires less energy from the engine, thus helping to unlock improved engine performance and durability. The system will deliver more than twice the current cooling capability to support additional growth beyond Block 4 and is expected to provide enough cooling capacity for the life of the aircraft. In addition, EPACS fits within the existing envelope and is intended to be compatible with all three F-35 variants.
Engineered to supply cooling, main engine start and emergency power functionality for the F-35, EPACS includes an air cycle system, electric power generator and controller from Collins along with an auxiliary power unit from Pratt & Whitney.
"By leveraging proven technologies already in service on commercial and military aircraft, EPACS is a mature system that will help maximize F-35 performance for decades to come," said Ira Grimmett, vice president, Environmental & Airframe Control Systems for Collins Aerospace. "Using our state-of-the-art test lab in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, we have begun demonstrating the system's capacity to deliver more than twice the current cooling capability, validating EPACS as the best solution for Block 4 and beyond. We are excited for the opportunity to work with Lockheed Martin and the Joint Program Office to bring this solution forward."
About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace is a business of RTX, the largest aerospace and defense company in the world. Our global team of 73,000 employees dreams, designs and delivers smarter, more connected solutions for passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration, and operational efficiency and sustainability. We make the most powerful concepts in aerospace a reality.
About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. Our global team of 180,000 employees pushes the limits of known science and redefines how we connect and protect our world. We are advancing aviation, building smarter defense systems and creating innovations to take us deeper into space. Effective July 1, the company will complete its realignment into three customer-focused business units — Collins Aerospace, Raytheon and Pratt & Whitney. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
Media Contact
Al Killeffer
+1 980-322-5087
alexander.killeffer@collins.com
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SOURCE Raytheon Technologies | 2023-06-19T05:09:33+00:00 | wsfa.com | https://www.wsfa.com/prnewswire/2023/06/19/rtx-conducts-successful-lab-demonstration-epacs-power-thermal-management-system-f-35/ |
"Diamonds in the Ruff" to Occur October 2nd, Event to Support U.S. Military Veterans + Animal Rescue Groups
LIVONIA, Mich., Sept. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A bid to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Largest Dog Wedding Ceremony will take place on Sunday, October 2 at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva, IL. Named "Diamonds in the Ruff," the event is sponsored by Pet Supplies Plus, the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise in the United States.
The current record stands at 178 married dog couples and was set 15 years ago in Littleton, CO. "Diamonds in the Ruff" will support non-profit organizations and raise awareness about military veterans who struggle with mental health. The goal is to raise $100,000 for K9 for Warriors and a dozen service animal organizations and local pet adoption groups. K9 for Warriors is a non-profit that provides trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury and other trauma.
Pet parents and attendees can expect a real-life ceremony that features a wedding processional song with each dog couple walking down a red carpet. Pet Supplies Plus and The Honest Kitchen, a family-owned company that makes healthy pet food, will provide a goat's milk "champagne toast" for each dog couple following the ceremony. "Diamonds in the Ruff" will be emceed by world-renowned magician and five-time Guinness World Record Holder, Martin Rees. Pet Supplies Plus will host interactive activities with giveaways, and the event will also have live music, photo opportunities, vendor partners and more to enjoy after the ceremony.
"This event is a perfect fit for Pet Supplies Plus and gives us an opportunity to build awareness about our brand, while raising money for local non-profits and rescues," said George Lennon, Franchise Owner of Pet Supplies Plus. "Anytime we are able to contribute or give back to our communities is a plus – and what better way than a fun event to wed dog couples!"
Event organizers include Kane County Cougars Baseball Foundation and Robust Promotions, an Illinois-based firm with extensive promotional and marketing expertise.
"Pet Supplies Plus has been a fantastic partner in our Largest Dog Wedding Ceremony event," said Greg Seei, CEO and co-founder of Robust Promotions. "Their team has brought a warmth and enthusiasm to the initiative which has made this a special collaboration. Their mission and vision align with ours, and we're thankful for their support in this worthy cause."
To register your dog(s) for "Diamonds in the Ruff," visit https://www.largestdogwedding.com/Register.
Pet Supplies Plus offers a wide array of natural pet foods and a variety of made-in-the-USA pet consumables, including food, treats, rawhide and chews. Set in welcoming neighborhood environments, Pet Supplies Plus team members get to know their neighbors and pets by name at every store. Full-service grooming, self-serve pet wash stations and fresh bakery treats are also available in-store at many locations. Neighbors can now fill prescriptions online and receive home delivery for quality medications and specialty diets. Whether shopping in-store or online, Pet Supplies Plus makes choosing local easy. For more information, visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.
About Pet Supplies Plus
Your neighborhood Pet Supplies Plus has everything you need for your furry, scaly and feathery friends. Our shelves are stocked with the right products, including a wide selection of natural and made in the USA products. Easily find all their favorites at prices you love, whether you shop with us in store or online using free curbside pickup, same-day delivery or Autoship. To help keep your pets happy and healthy, pet prescriptions can be filled online and delivered directly to your door. As the nation's largest independent pet store with over 630 locations in 40 states and counting, we make shopping local simple. For more information visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.
Media Contact: Marisa Beaumont, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300 or mbeaumont@fishmanpr.com
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SOURCE Pet Supplies Plus | 2022-09-21T14:31:54+00:00 | wagmtv.com | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/09/21/bid-break-guinness-world-record-largest-dog-wedding-ceremony-supported-by-pet-supplies-plus/ |
WASHINGTON – After an epic 15-ballot election to become House speaker, Republican Kevin McCarthy faces his next big test in governing a fractious, slim majority: passing a rules package to govern the House.
The drafting and approval of a set of rules is normally a fairly routine legislative affair, but in these times, it's the next showdown for the embattled McCarthy.
To become speaker and win over skeptics, McCarthy had to make concessions to a small group of hard-liners who refused to support his ascension until he yielded to their demands.
Now those promises — or at least some of them — are being put into writing to be voted on when lawmakers return this week for their first votes as the majority party.
On Sunday, at least two moderate Republicans expressed their reservations about supporting the rules package, citing what they described as secret deals and the disproportionate power potentially being handed out to a group of 20 conservatives.
The concessions included limits on McCarthy's power, such as by allowing a single lawmaker to initiate a vote to remove him as speaker and curtailing government spending, which could include defense cuts. They also give the conservative Freedom Caucus more seats on the committee that decides which legislation reaches the House floor.
They also raise questions about whether McCarthy can garner enough support from Republicans, who hold a 222-212 edge, on a critical vote in the coming months to raise the debt limit, given conservatives' demand that there first be significant spending cuts, over opposition from the White House and a Democratic-controlled Senate.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., a strong McCarthy supporter, said she currently is “on the fence” about the proposed rules.
“I like the rules package,” Mace said, in reference to what has been released publicly. “What I don’t support is a small number of people trying to get a deal done or deals done for themselves in private, in secret.”
She said it will be hard to get anything done in the House if a small band is given a stronger hand compared with the larger number of moderates. “I am concerned that commonsense legislation will not get through to get a vote on the floor," she said.
Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, said was an outright “no” against the rules package, decrying an “insurgency caucus” that he said would cut defense spending and push extremist legislation, such as on immigration.
Democrats are expected to be united against the package.
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a member of the Freedom Caucus who is expected to lead the House Judiciary Committee, defended the concessions McCarthy made and said he believes the rules package will get enough Republican support to pass. He insisted that the agreements will help ensure broader representation on committees and will curtail unfettered government spending.
“We'll see tomorrow,” he said, but “I think we’ll get the 218 votes needed to pass the rules package."
In the coming months, Congress will have to work to raise the debt limit before the government reaches its borrowing cap or face a devastating default on payments, including those for Social Security, military troops and federal benefits such as food assistance. Lawmakers will also have to fund federal agencies and programs for the next budget year, which begins Oct. 1.
“Our general concern is that the dysfunction — that was historic — that we saw this week is not at an end, it’s just the beginning,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.
The White House has rejected Republican calls to slash spending in return for an increase in the federal government’s borrowing authority. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre went so far on Sunday as to call House Republicans’ likely demands “hostage taking” that would risk default, an event that could trigger an economic crisis.
“Congress is going to need to raise the debt limit without — without — conditions and it’s just that simple,” Jean-Pierre told reporters aboard Air Force One as President Joe Biden flew to Texas. “Attempts to exploit the debt ceiling as leverage will not work. There will be no hostage taking.”
Yet the White House also said it had no plans to sidestep the needed congressional approval through possible budget gimmicks such as the minting of a coin to help cover a deficit that could be roughly $1 trillion this fiscal year.
“We’re not considering any measures that would go around Congress,” Jean-Pierre said. “That’s not what we’re doing. This is a fundamental congressional responsibility, and Congress must act.”
Jordan argued that “everything has to be on the table” when it comes to spending cuts, including in defense, in light of the government's $32 trillion debt. “Frankly we better look at the money we send to Ukraine as well and say, how can we best spend the money to protect America?” he said.
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, one of the 20 who initially voted against McCarthy before throwing his support behind the Californian, said he and other conservatives will be holding their position that there should be spending cuts in a debt ceiling bill. Asked whether he would exercise members' new authority and unilaterally initiate a vote to remove the speaker if McCarthy doesn't ultimately agree, Roy offered a warning.
“I’m not going to play the ‘what if’ games on how we’re going to use the tools of the House to make sure that we enforce the terms of the agreement, but we will use the tools of the House to enforce the terms of the agreement,” Roy said.
Mace and Gonzales appeared on CBS' “Face the Nation,” Jordan spoke on “Fox News Sunday,” Jeffries was on NBC's “Meet the Press,” and Roy was on CNN's “State of the Union.”
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Associated Press writer Josh Boak contributed to this report. | 2023-01-09T00:42:01+00:00 | ksat.com | https://www.ksat.com/news/politics/2023/01/08/mccarthys-next-big-task-win-gop-support-for-house-rules/ |
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department has asked a court to unseal the warrant the FBI received before searching the Florida estate of former President Donald Trump, Attorney General Merrick Garland said Thursday, acknowledging the extraordinary public interest in the case.
The request was striking because such documents traditionally remain sealed during a pending investigation. But the Justice Department appeared to recognize that its silence since the search had created a vacuum for bitter attacks from the former president and his allies, and Garland felt it wise to respond to the widespread demands for details about what the led to the FBI action.
“The public’s clear and powerful interest in understanding what occurred under these circumstances weighs heavily in favor of unsealing,” said a motion filed in federal court in Florida on Thursday seeking the the unsealing.
Garland also cited the fact that Trump himself had provided the first public confirmation of the FBI search, and the attorney general said that disclosing information about it now would not harm the court's functions.
Garland also said he personally approved the search warrant, which was part of an ongoing Justice Department investigation into the discovery of classified White House records recovered from Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, earlier this year.
It was not immediately clear when — or if — the unsealing request might be granted or when the documents could be released. Trump will also have a chance to object.
The attorney general condemned verbal attacks on FBI and Justice Department personnel over the search.
“I will not stand by silently when their integrity is unfairly attacked,” he said, calling them “dedicated, patriotic public servants.”
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Associated Press writers Zeke Miller and Lindsay Whitehurst in Washington contributed to this report. | 2022-08-11T20:06:42+00:00 | wthr.com | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/nation-world/attorney-general-merrick-garland-first-comments-since-trump-search/507-00a131a7-684b-43ff-b125-d8e306318eba |
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A cholera outbreak sweeping through Haiti is claiming a growing number of children amid a surge in malnutrition, UNICEF announced Wednesday.
The deadly combination means that about 40% of cholera cases in the impoverished country of more than 11 million inhabitants now involve children, with 9 out of 10 cases reported in areas where people are starving, according to the United Nations agency.
“We have to plan for the worst,” Manuel Fontaine, director of UNICEF’s Office of Emergency Programs, told The Associated Press on Tuesday during a visit to Haiti.
Cholera has killed at least 216 people and sickened more than 12,000 since the first deaths were announced in early October, according to the Haitian Health Ministry and Pan American Health Organization. They say about 9,300 people are currently hospitalized with the disease. Experts believe the number is much higher due to underreporting.
UNICEF and Haiti’s government are seeking at least $28 million to help feed, hydrate and care for 1.4 million people affected by the crisis, with that number expected to increase as malnutrition worsens, especially in urban areas such as the Cite Soleil slum in the capital of Port-au-Prince, something that hasn’t been seen before.
“Cholera and malnutrition are a lethal combination, one leading to the other,” Fontaine said.
On a recent morning at the Gheskio medical clinic in Port-au-Prince, nurses, doctors and social workers tended to malnourished children who also were fighting cholera.
“This is a challenge for us,” said Dr. Karine Sévère, who runs the clinic’s cholera department. “When the children are malnourished, it takes more time for them to recover.”
She estimates that malnutrition cases have increased by at least 40% in recent weeks, with nurses feeding children soup in the morning and rice, beans, meat and vegetables in the afternoon to help them gain weight.
It’s food that not many parents can afford in a country where about 60% of the population earns less than $2 a day.
Roselord David, 40, says she and her five children had to flee Cite Soleil after warring gangs set her house on fire. They temporarily lived in a public park and then moved in with her sister as she continues to struggle to find food for her children.
A social worker who spotted her emaciated 5-year-old daughter at the park urged David to take her to the clinic.
“They told me she was suffering from malnutrition,” David said in a quiet voice, embarrassed to confide her family’s problems in the clinic packed with patients.
Nearby, a 15-year-old teenage boy was sleeping, an IV in his thin arm.
His friend, Island Meus, said she was taking turns with his mother to care for him.
“He sometimes goes without food,” she confided, adding that he occasionally eats a bowl of rice with plantains when his family can afford it.
Haiti’s government recently requested cholera vaccines, but there’s a worldwide shortage of them and 31 countries are reporting outbreaks, so it’s unclear if and when they will arrive. However, Fontaine said Haiti would be given priority.
The country’s first brush with cholera occurred in 2010 after U.N. peacekeepers from Nepal introduced the bacteria into the country’s largest river by sewage. Nearly 10,000 people died, and more than 850,000 became ill.
This time, the situation is more complicated, said Boby Sander, Haiti director for Food for the Hungry. Nearly half of those sick with cholera are now younger than 15, and they are struggling to survive given the deepening malnutrition crisis, he said in a phone interview.
The situation also is worsening because gang violence has spiked, preventing aid groups from reaching those who need it the most.
“It’s really complex,” he said. “We have to act right now.”
___
Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico. | 2022-11-24T00:23:49+00:00 | wcia.com | https://www.wcia.com/health/ap-health/ap-un-children-in-haiti-hit-by-cholera-as-malnutrition-rises/ |
BUCHANAN COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — Officials in Buchanan County, Virginia, revealed during a press conference Wednesday that there have not been any fatalities reported following widespread floods Tuesday night. However, roughly three dozen people remain missing.
“We are currently following up on approximately 40 missing persons as a result of this flood,” Chief Deputy Eric Breeding of the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office told media Wednesday.
Officials said that number is expected to decrease as cell service in the area improves and operations continue.
According to Breeding, authorities began responding to the reports of damage and rising water Tuesday night in Buchanan County, located along Virginia’s border with Kentucky and West Virginia. After the severity of the situation became more apparent overnight and through the morning, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VEMA) was contacted to assist.
Breeding said that as of 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, search and rescue operations remained ongoing. Roads heading into the area are closed except to emergency personnel, and the public is asked to avoid the area.
The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone who had previously reported a person missing and later found or contacted them to inform the sheriff’s office. Anyone who needs to contact the BCSO hotline to report a missing person is asked to call 833-748-1424.
As of Wednesday afternoon, authorities were asking people to refrain from sending unsolicited donations until a full stock of the situation can be taken.
Authorities say the flooding has damaged more than 100 homes. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency to aid in the rescue and recovery efforts.
More scattered showers could hit the region on Wednesday.
Buchanan County also suffered serious flooding damage last year, when the remnants of a hurricane hit the area in August, washing away homes and leaving one person dead.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. | 2022-07-14T01:33:23+00:00 | wivb.com | https://www.wivb.com/news/national/officials-40-missing-following-widespread-flooding-in-southwest-virginia/ |
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ST. LOUIS (AP) — Christian Dvorak had his first NHL hat trick and the Montreal Canadiens scored three times in a 4:50 span in the second period to rally for a 7-4 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night.
Dvorak completed the hat trick into an empty net with 1:35 remaining in the third period. He broke through after 13 two-goal games.
Cole Caufield added two goals and Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkofsky also scored to help the Canadiens win for the second straight game.
Former Blues netminder Jake Allen made 26 saves for his first win in St. Louis since being traded to Montreal in 2020.
Jordan Binnington allowed six goals on 24 shots as St. Louis dropped its fourth straight after starting 3-0-0.
Jordan Kyrou scored twice to break a four-game scoreless streak, and Noel Acciari and Vladimir Tarasenko each had a goal for St. Louis.
Dvorak scored his first goal of the season 41 seconds into the third period on a pass that deflected off Blues defenseman Nick Leddy. Dvorak added another 40 seconds later to make it 6-3.
Caulfield’s second goal of the game and seventh of the season put Montreal ahead 4-3 for its first lead of the game with 4:14 remaining in the second period.
Caufield scored from the slot with 9:06 remaining in the second period, and Slafkovsky tied it 2:09 later on a power play.
BUCHNEVICH RETURNS:
St. Louis activated F Pavel Buchnevich (lower body injury) off injured reserve and assigned F Josh Leivo to Springfield of the AHL. Buchnevich had missed the last five games after recording a goal and an assist in the Blues’ opener against Columbus Oct. 15. Blues F Brandon Saad missed his fourth straight game with an upper body injury.
UP NEXT:
Canadiens: At Minnesota Tuesday night in the third game of a four-game trip.
Blues: Host Los Angeles on Monday night in the second game of a three-game homestand.
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2022-10-30T02:25:22+00:00 | lmtonline.com | https://www.lmtonline.com/sports/article/Christian-Dvorak-has-1st-hat-trick-Canadiens-17544330.php |
The New York Mets are paying Texas $35.51 million over the next 14 months as part of the Max Scherzer trade, leaving the Rangers in effect responsible for $22.5 million owed to the three-time Cy Young Award winner, according to details of the deal obtained by The Associated Press.
New York, just 50-55 despite a record-high payroll, has cut costs by nearly $26 million in pay and luxury tax this year by getting rid of Scherzer and reliever David Robertson ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline. The Mets have offloaded just over $13.5 million in salary, resulting in an additional tax saving of about $12.15 million.
Texas acquired Scherzer on Sunday for minor league infielder Luisangel Acuña, a brother of Atlanta All-Star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. Scherzer’s cost to the Rangers is $10 million this year and $12.5 million in 2024.
The Rangers assumed responsibility for the 39-year-old right-hander’s salary on Monday, when he was owed $58.01 million for the remainder of a $130 million, three-year contract he agreed to before the 2022 season.
Of the $14.67 million left of Scherzer’s $43.33 million salary for this season’s final 64 days, the Mets will pay Texas $4.67 million in four installments of $1.16 million on Aug. 15 and 31 and Sept. 15 and 30.
Scherzer gets a $43.33 million salary next season in the final year of the deal. The Mets will pay the Rangers $30.83 million in 12 installments of $2.56 million on the 15th and final day of each month from April 2024 through September 2024.
New York’s payroll rose to a projected $365 million after it acquired reliever Trevor Gott from Seattle on July 3, and the Mets’ luxury tax payroll increased to about $385 million. That was on track for a tax of about $95 million.
When the Mets traded Robertson to Miami last week, the Marlins assumed $3.54 million remaining of Robertson’s $10 million salary.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2023-07-31T20:23:50+00:00 | kfor.com | https://kfor.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-scherzer-costs-texas-22-5m-with-mets-to-pay-rangers-just-over-35-5m-through-2024/ |
LONDON — Britain's longest-reigning monarch may be gone, but she'll certainly never be forgotten. And now, if you want, you can get that printed on a t-shirt.
Royal souvenirs have been around almost as long as the British monarchy itself — people have been shelling out for Jubilee memorabilia since the 1600s, according to Buckingham Palace. The Platinum Jubilee marking Queen Elizabeth's 70 years on the throne in June was no exception, producing all sorts of celebratory collectibles.
In recent days, they've been joined on window displays and store shelves with a new, more somber category of merchandise, honoring the late queen with tote bags, t-shirts, sweatshirts, posters, mugs, magnets and more.
Selections at the gift shop Cool Britannia included t-shirts with pictures of the queen at different ages of her life, overlaid with the words "Forever in Our Hearts," as well as mugs inscribed with the years she was born and died and a message of gratitude.
The store is right near Buckingham Palace and Green Park, where droves of mourners have descended in recent days to lay down flowers, flags, stuffed animals and handwritten notes as far as the eye can see. And lots of people passing by are stopping in for merchandise, according to an employee who agreed to an interview. (NPR is not naming her because she is a minor.)
She says the current bestsellers are pretty much anything with the queen's face on it, including souvenirs from the Platinum Jubilee and merchandise produced since the queen's death — an occasion the country has long planned for out of necessity.
The shop worker says as soon as the queen's death was announced, suppliers reached out to the store letting them know that memorabilia to mark the occasion was now available. A colleague had to drive to Liverpool — a roughly four-hour cross-country trip — overnight to retrieve them in time for the next day.
The store predicted that demand would be high, she added, so they're not exactly selling out. But the shop's manager, who identified himself as Wahid KVC, says some popular items are running out — especially a commemorative tote bag with the queen's face on both sides.
Notably missing from the shelves was much of any King Charles III swag, but the manager says people have started to ask. While the new monarch may have had decades to prepare for his new job, at least this one gift shop still needs a bit more time.
He says the store is definitely planning to start selling those items soon, but hasn't gotten them from suppliers yet, likely because of delays caused by the 10-day national mourning period.
That window is very much in progress, as London is still bursting with locals and visitors lining up to pay their respects to the queen as her body lies in state at Westminster Hall.
A few streets away, mourner Maria Donderici was heading from the line to the pub dressed in a blue t-shirt with pictures of the queen young and old, wrapped in the outline of a heart. "You will stay in our hearts," it read.
Donderici says she ordered it from Amazon to wear on that day specifically. She waited in line for some eight hours, all told.
"Plus I love the royal family," she added, "so I wanted to have something as a keepsake."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2022-09-18T15:10:37+00:00 | kgou.org | https://www.kgou.org/business-and-economy/business-and-economy/2022-09-18/people-are-mourning-queen-elizabeth-and-buying-lots-of-commemorative-merchandise |
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday doubled down on his proposal to turn Turkey into a gas hub for Europe after deliveries to Germany through the Baltic Sea’s Nord Stream pipeline were halted.
Putin floated the idea of exporting more gas through the Turk Stream gas pipeline running beneath the Black Sea to Turkey as he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of a regional summit in Kazakhstan.
It’s the second unlikely energy proposal that Putin has pitched in as many days, with European leaders calling Russia’s cuts in natural gas a political bid to divide them over their support for Ukraine. It’s created an energy crisis heading into winter that has fueled inflation, forced some industries to cut production and sent utility bills soaring.
“This is just another attempt by Russia to use gas as a geo-strategic tool to weaken EU and NATO countries,” said Simone Tagliapietra, an energy policy expert at the Bruegel think tank in Brussels.
Russia was “tempting Turkey to becoming an energy hub — a long lasting strategic aim of the country — while trying to create new divisions among European countries,” the analyst said, adding that Putin’s strategy was not likely to succeed.
A day earlier, Germany rejected Putin’s proposal to step up gas flows to Europe via a link of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline under the Baltic Sea – a pipeline that has never been operational. Moscow has cut off the parallel Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline over what it claimed were technical problems.
The Russian leader first voiced the proposal on Wednesday, saying that Russia could increase the volume of its gas exports to Turkey through the Black Sea pipeline.
“We could … make the main routes for the supply of our fuel, our natural gas to Europe through Turkey, creating in Turkey the largest gas hub for Europe — if, of course, our partners are interested in it,” Putin told a Moscow energy forum.
On Thursday, he said the hub could help regulate “exorbitant” prices. “We could easily regulate (prices) at a normal market level, without any political overtones,” Putin said.
“Putin is in a desperate situation. Nord Stream 1 and 2 are not operational and are unlikely to be operational for a long while,” said Mehmet Ogutcu, chairman of the London Energy Club. “Europe has made clear that it will not enter an engagement (with Russia) as long as the war in Ukraine continues.”
“Turkey remains Putin’s only option,” he said.
Ogutcu said Turkey was likely to tread carefully, wary of further increasing its dependence on Russia.
“There is a delicate balancing act (by Turkey). If the balance tilts too much toward Russia this will damage (Ankara’s) relations with the West,” Ogutcu said.
Erdogan did not comment publicly on the proposal but Putin’s spokesman, Dimitry Peskov said Turkey has reacted positively to the idea. Officials from Erdogan’s office could not immediately be reached for comment.
Turkey’s state-run news agency however, quoted Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez as saying on Wednesday that it was “too early to assess” the proposal.
“Technically it is possible,” Anadolu Agency quoted Donmez as telling reporters at the same Moscow energy forum. “For such international projects, technical, commercial and legal evaluation and feasibility studies need to be conducted.”
NATO-member Turkey, which is depending on Russian for its energy needs and tourism, has criticized Moscow’s actions in Ukraine but has not joined U.S. and European sanctions against Russia. It has maintained its close ties with both Moscow and Kyiv and positioning itself as a mediator between the two. Ankara recently helped broker key deals that allowed Ukrainian to resume grain exports and led to a prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia.
Although Russia is still conveying gas to Europe via Ukraine, the amount has plummeted drastically with the two Baltic pipelines out of commission.
The Nord Stream 2 pipeline never came on stream because Germany blocked its operation just before Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.
—-
Litvinova reported from Tallinn, Estonia. David McHugh contributed from Frankfurt. | 2022-10-13T23:07:56+00:00 | cenlanow.com | https://www.cenlanow.com/business/ap-putin-suggests-turning-turkey-into-gas-hub-for-europe/ |
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Three people were killed in a confrontation in Oakland and the dead included the suspect who initially opened fire and a bicyclist who was run over as the suspect tried to get away, officials said.
The East Bay Times reported that a man was shot and killed Friday night in the city's West Oakland neighborhood and that the suspect tried to flee in a vehicle.
Friends of the victim fired at the suspect, killing him. Then the vehicle he was in crashed into the bicyclist, killing him, the newspaper reported.
Oakland police did not immediately respond Saturday to an email seeking more details. | 2022-08-27T21:47:08+00:00 | lmtonline.com | https://www.lmtonline.com/news/article/2-people-fatally-shot-and-bicyclist-killed-in-17402544.php |
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Wimbledon quarterfinalist Nick Kyrgios is due in court back home in Australia next month, and a lawyer representing him said Tuesday the “precise nature of” the allegations “is neither certain at this moment nor confirmed by either the prosecution or” the 27-year-old professional tennis player.
Kyrgios practiced at the All England Club on Tuesday, and the All England Club confirmed he is scheduled to play his match against Cristian Garin of Chile on Wednesday.
“While Mr. Kyrgios is committed to addressing any and all allegations once clear, taking the matter seriously does not warrant any misreading of the process Mr. Kyrgios is required to follow,” attorney Pierre Johannessen wrote in a statement emailed to the media.
Johannessen wrote that “the allegations are not considered as fact” by the court, and Kyrgios is not “considered charged” with an offense until a first appearance in court.
Wednesday’s match against Garin is the third Grand Slam quarterfinal of the Australian’s career — he is 0-2 in the others — and first in 7 1/2 years.
“We have been made aware of legal proceedings involving Nick Kyrgios in Australia, and as they are ongoing, we are not in a position to offer a comment,” an All England Club spokesperson said Tuesday. “We are in touch with Nick’s team and he remains scheduled to play his quarterfinal match tomorrow.”
The Canberra Times reported that Kyrgios is supposed to appear in court on Aug. 2. The newspaper cited local police as saying that a 27-year-old Australian man is involved in a case about “common assault following an incident in December 2021.”
Canberra police did not immediately respond to an after-hours request for comment emailed by The Associated Press.
A spokesperson for the ATP men’s tennis tour wrote in an email: “The ATP is aware of the Australian case involving Nick Kyrgios but as legal proceedings are ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
___
More AP Wimbledon coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/wimbledon and https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2022-07-06T00:25:40+00:00 | wnct.com | https://www.wnct.com/sports/wimbledon-quarterfinalist-kyrgios-due-in-court-in-australia/ |
GENEVA (AP) — A Swiss railway company claimed the record for the world's longest passenger train Saturday with a trip on one of the most spectacular tracks through the Alps.
The Rhaetian Railway company ran the 1.9-kilometer-long (1.2-mile-long) train composed of 100 coaches along the Albula/Bernina route from Preda to Berguen.
The route was designated a UNESCO World Heritage in 2008 and leads through 22 tunnels, some of which spiral through mountains, and across 48 bridges, including the curved Landwasser Viaduct.
The entire journey took over an hour. Rail enthusiasts lined the valley to watch the train's 25 sections wind their way about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) through the Alps.
Rhaetian Railway director Renato Fasciati said the record attempt was intended to highlight some of Switzerland's engineering achievements and to celebrate 175 years of Swiss railways.
Credit: GIAN EHRENZELLER
Credit: GIAN EHRENZELLER
Credit: GIAN EHRENZELLER
Credit: GIAN EHRENZELLER
Credit: YANIK BUERKLI
Credit: YANIK BUERKLI
Credit: YANIK BUERKLI
Credit: YANIK BUERKLI
Credit: GIAN EHRENZELLER
Credit: GIAN EHRENZELLER | 2022-10-29T16:39:41+00:00 | daytondailynews.com | https://www.daytondailynews.com/nation-world/swiss-claim-record-for-worlds-longest-passenger-train/VJW6R72PVVCHXJQFR5K3HTHZY4/ |
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ The winning numbers in Saturday evening's drawing of the Iowa Lottery's "Pick 4 Evening" game were:
3-8-8-6
(three, eight, eight, six)
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ The winning numbers in Saturday evening's drawing of the Iowa Lottery's "Pick 4 Evening" game were:
3-8-8-6
(three, eight, eight, six) | 2022-07-10T04:54:21+00:00 | sfgate.com | https://www.sfgate.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Evening-game-17295121.php |
Leading aerospace supplier and Hyundai Motor Group's Advanced Air Mobility company to collaborate on lightweight aerostructures and electrical wiring interconnection systems—laying foundation for scaled manufacturing
PARIS, June 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Supernal LLC (the Company) and GKN Aerospace announced today a partnership on the design and build of major aerostructures and Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) for Supernal's electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle. The companies will also mature high-rate manufacturing technologies to produce these parts and assembly methods. This marks the second established aerospace manufacturer agreement Supernal has announced at the Paris Air Show, as the Company works to develop a novel high-rate manufacturing process that will enable the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry to meet expected demand in the coming decades.
GKN will work with Supernal to apply its broad portfolio of design capabilities and manufacturing technologies to the development of the Company's eVTOL vehicle. GKN will supply lightweight aerostructures and high-voltage, high-power electrical wiring systems for Supernal's full-scale technology demonstrator, which the Company will begin flying in 2024. The partnership aims to improve the business case—and process—for introducing advanced materials and rate-enabling assembly processes to the AAM industry. In working with GKN to mature these innovative processes from the outset, Supernal will develop volume ramp-up capabilities that enable the Company to rapidly scale production as aircraft order demand grows.
"Manufacturing is crucial to the success of Advanced Air Mobility and Supernal is pleased to partner with leading suppliers, such as GKN Aerospace, to industrialize existing processes," said Jaiwon Shin, president of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal. "Instead of focusing on 'time to market,' Supernal is prioritizing 'time to scale.' Our work with GKN Aerospace will lay the foundation for producing eVTOL vehicles at scale and will be bolstered by Hyundai Motor Group's high-tech manufacturing processes."
As part of Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), Supernal is working to integrate the automotive leader's expertise—including supply chain management, logistics and distribution, and manufacturing—throughout the AAM ecosystem. In the manufacturing realm, HMG is helping Supernal to develop a scalable digital factory model that will industrialize aerospace material and assembly advancements. Supernal's work with leading aerospace manufacturers, such as GKN Aerospace, is an important first step toward the Company's ability to reduce the cost and time of aircraft production.
GKN Aerospace is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of lightweight aerostructures and EWIS, across global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the growing AAM market. Supernal and GKN Aerospace's design and manufacturing activities have begun at GKN Aerospace's Global Technology Centre in Bristol and across sites in Europe.
"We are excited to collaborate with Supernal and to support the development of this all-new eVTOL," said John Pritchard, president, civil airframes, GKN Aerospace. "Supernal's eVTOL can play a key role in the transition to zero-emissions flight, and we are delighted to be collaborating on the platform, in line with our mission to be the most trusted and sustainable partner in the sky. GKN Aerospace is proud to bring to this project its wealth of experience in design and high-rate manufacturing, in conjunction with key technological innovations and expertise."
Supernal's partnership with GKN Aerospace is part of the Company's "open ecosystem" approach to address the niche technology needs of AAM. The Company plans to grow its portfolio of manufacturing partners across other vehicle components and assemblies, in addition to airframe.
Supernal and GKN Aerospace held a signing ceremony for the partnership at the Paris Air Show today.
About Supernal
Supernal (Su·per·nal) is a U.S.-based mobility service provider on a mission to redefine how people move, connect, and live. We are developing an Advanced Air Mobility eVTOL vehicle and working to responsibly co-create the supporting ecosystem and integrate it into existing transit options. As part of Hyundai Motor Group, we are both a new business and an established company, with plans to harness our automotive manufacturing heritage to make Advanced Air Mobility accessible to the masses. Visit www.supernal.aero for more information and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
About GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace is the world's leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier, with a mission to be the most trusted and sustainable partner in the sky. As a global company serving the world's leading aircraft manufacturers, GKN Aerospace designs, manufactures and delivers an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems, components and technologies – for use in commercial and defence aircraft ranging from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes and advanced air mobility vehicles to the most advanced fighter aircraft. In line with its mission, GKN Aerospace is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Lightweight composites, additive manufacturing, electrical wiring interconnection systems and innovative engine systems help to reduce emissions and weight on today's aircraft, while it collaborates with global partners to accelerate the development of zero-emission aircraft technologies, including hydrogen-powered propulsion and all-electric flight. GKN Aerospace is market leading in aerostructures and engine systems, with 15,000 employees across its 38 manufacturing locations in 12 countries.
Contacts:
Jennifer Darland
Supernal
jennifer.darland@supernal.aero
Marianne Mulder
GKN Aerospace
marianne.mulder@fokker.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Supernal | 2023-06-19T11:17:14+00:00 | wsfa.com | https://www.wsfa.com/prnewswire/2023/06/19/supernal-gkn-aerospace-announce-agreement-evtol-vehicle-aerostructures-electrical-wiring-systems-manufacturing-innovation/ |
DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Greg Moklestad traded his Dubuque Senior High School classroom for an office in the Millwork District this summer.
The computer science and engineering teacher spent the past month working with DMI LLC and Design Mill Inc., two Dubuque sister companies that focus on emerging technology, digital engineering and software development, among other professional services.
His employment is part of the Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program, offered through the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. Educators in the program spend six weeks in science, technology, engineering and math-oriented workplaces, receiving a stipend and graduate credit for their work.
“I like getting back into the work field to help keep my content relevant for students,” said Moklestad, who previously completed an externship with John Deere in 2018. “It also helps me see what employers want and need.”
The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports that 80 teachers participated in the statewide externship program this summer. The program launched in 2009, and since that time, nearly 800 teachers have worked as externs with businesses and nonprofits in a variety of industries.
Area teachers participating in the program said they gained a wide range of skills and techniques to implement in their classrooms, while businesses touted the new insights that the externs have brought to the workplace.
“It’s always interesting to get a different perspective on what we do,” said Jasmine Nobis-Olson, creative content manager with DMI. “In our field, there’s so much innovation and things move so quickly, … so any fresh ideas are welcome in emerging technologies.”
Moklestad has spent his externship working with advanced LIDAR technologies, which use laser imaging and scanning to create digital environments. He said he plans to integrate more software engineering and computer science coding into his classes at Senior after learning about the importance of those skills at DMI.
Roger Poling teaches business administration, computer science and personal finance at Hempstead High School. He is wrapping up his externship in MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center’s marketing and communications department.
Among other duties, Poling has worked on a marketing plan for the retail pharmacy portion of MercyOne, which he will bring back to his classroom this fall as a project-based learning task for his students to help complete.
“What I’m hoping to get out of this, personally, is keeping the information I’m teaching my kids about marketing current,” he said. “... The project-based learning allows them to internalize and experience that, and it’s something that they can see going beyond the classroom.”
The Dubuque hospital also welcomed two Senior science teachers, Kelly Giesemann and Stephanie Monahan, who worked as externs on the clinical side.
Christina Schauer, the hospital’s director of clinical and professional development, said the two teachers observed multiple departments to create a list of available career opportunities at MercyOne. They also conducted a study to gather quantitative data on how nurses spend their time and helped create and update materials for staff professional development.
“It was really nice to have people there who were experts at teaching to help us find the best way to help educate our staff,” Schauer said, later adding, “They really came in ready to hit the ground running, and they tackled some of those things that we’ve been wanting to do for a very long time.”
Claire Molony will enter her first year as a science teacher at Cascade (Iowa) High School this fall. She completed an externship with Jackson County (Iowa) Conservation. She led educational and outdoor recreation programs for students and completed invasive-species removal and wildlife surveys.
“I definitely came back with a lot of knowledge about Iowa, about eastern Iowa and about native plants and native animal species in Iowa that I think will be really good to take back to my classroom and relate to the kids,” she said. “I also saw and developed a lot of communication and critical-thinking skills, and that was good for me to see so I can make sure I’m helping my kids develop those skills, too.”
Jessica Wagner, environmental education coordinator for Jackson County Conservation, said Molony was the organization’s sixth extern in the past five years.
“It’s been a huge benefit for us to have another person on staff during our busy time in the summer, as well as just connecting with those teachers in our area and building relationships,” Wagner said. | 2022-08-06T05:52:12+00:00 | sfgate.com | https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Iowa-teachers-gain-experience-through-summer-17345388.php |
HIALEAH, Florida (AP) — A few days after selling all she had to flee Cuba with her three children on a crowded boat, Daneilis Tamayo raised her hand in praise and sang the rousing opening hymn at Sunday worship in this Miami suburb.
“The only thing that gave me strength is the Lord. I’m not going to lose my faith, whatever I might go through,” she said. The family has been sleeping in Iglesia Rescate’s improvised shelter since the promises of help made by her contact in the United States turned out to be “all lies.”
In the past 18 months, an estimated 250,000 migrants and asylum-seekers like Tamayo have arrived in the Miami area after being granted only precarious legal status that often doesn’t include permission to work, which is essential to building new lives in the U.S.
This influx is maxing out the migrant social safety net in Miami’s faith communities, long accustomed to integrating those escaping political persecution, a lack of freedoms and a dearth of basic necessities. Cubans were the first to arrive during the island’s communist revolution 60 years ago, and they’re still fleeing here alongside Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans.
“The Lord says to welcome the stranger. It’s the saddest thing, the quantity of people who come and we can’t help them,” said the Rev. David Monduy, Iglesia Rescate’s pastor.
Miami’s faith leaders and their congregations remain steadfast in their mission to help settle new migrants. But they’re sounding the alarm that the need is growing unmanageable.
“We can get a call on a Saturday that 30 migrants were dropped off, and two hours later all have been picked up,” said Peter Routsis-Arroyo, the CEO of Catholic Charities in Miami. “But the challenge is at what point you reach saturation.”
The number of arrivals, by sea directly to Florida and from those heading here from the US-Mexico border, surged earlier this winter. For most newcomers, the best hope to settle in the U.S. is to win asylum, but immigration courts are so backlogged migrants can be in limbo for years, ineligible to get a job legally.
Advocates say that makes them vulnerable to criminals, puts an impossible financial burden on existing migrant communities that try to help, and slows down integration into U.S. society.
“It’s completely irrational that they’re not giving out work permits,” said Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, whose Catholic archdiocese has long helped welcome migrants. “Because of that, the government can make a situation that’s not too bad yet, become worse.”
Many migrants are already homeless due to soaring rent and motel rates.
“Every day, people knock on the doors of our parishes, saying they have no place to sleep,” said the Rev. Marcos Somarriba, rector at St. Agatha Catholic Church on Miami’s outskirts.
In addition to providing food, clothes and some housing relief, churches are helping educate migrants about their legal options.
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church put together a migration forum with Catholic Legal Services in mid-February about a new humanitarian parole program that allows 30,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans into the U.S. each month if they have a sponsor who assumes financial responsibility for them for two years.
Parishioner Dalia Marrero attended to learn about sponsoring an uncle in Nicaragua, where many are fleeing President Daniel Ortega’s crackdown on opponents.
“I don’t want to fail him or U.S. law,” she said, worried about how long she’d be required to support her relative.
Miami’s established diaspora communities know all too well the hardships that migrating entails, and that motivates many to help. But there also is mistrust among some old timers who remain active in opposition to autocratic regimes like Cuba’s and view some new arrivals’ politics with suspicion, said Jorge Duany, director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University.
That underscores the potentially crucial role for faith leaders — to preach forgiveness and build a sense of shared experience.
“That’s it — to unite,” said the Rev. Elvis González, pastor at St. Michael the Archangel, a historically Cuban church that welcomes faithful from across Central America. “They have seen the church as the only institution that can give some hope.”
A few miles south on the seashore stands La Ermita, a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Charity that’s long been a beacon for Cuban exiles.
Migrants from all over Latin America come to bring sunflowers to the Virgin, to cry in gratitude for having made it and to ask for help with food and clothing, said Sister Consuelo Gómez.
“Jesus also was a migrant,” said Gómez, who helps many newcomers find jobs and decent housing, often with the aid of diaspora members. “We try to help so that they can get ahead on their own.”
Among them were two Venezuelan sisters Gómez helped get their own place as well as jobs that allow them to send money back to their ailing mother.
“Here I motivate myself, even though, yes, I miss my family,” said older sister Daniela Valletero, who works two jobs, six days a week. “Here I feel that I’ll make it.”
That’s the kind of faith that motivates Marylin Rondon, an attorney originally from Venezuela whose weekly prayer group of professionals from Latin America prepares hundreds of sandwiches for the nuns to distribute to migrants and the homeless.
“As a Catholic, you can’t stop at sadness,” Rondon said. “The biggest faith is that of the one who is arriving. He has to depend 100% on providence.”
Outside the Ermita shrine, a couple stood under the palms, their homeland of Cuba some 200 miles across the sea. Roberto Sardiñas came seven years ago, and in December managed to get his wife, Dadiana Figueroa, to immigrate legally through family reunification.
Asked about the influx of new arrivals, Sardiñas said it would be selfish to argue anything but that “all who can come, let them come.”
“The ideal would be that freedom existed in Cuba,” Figueroa added.
————-
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. | 2023-03-05T14:39:43+00:00 | seattletimes.com | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/miami-faith-community-strains-to-help-new-exiles-migrants/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all |
— COO Kenneth D. Knight named CEO succeeding Sean George; Dr. George to continue as member of Board of Directors —
— Co-Founder and former CEO Randy Scott returns as chairman —
— Current chairman Eric Aguiar to serve as lead independent director —
SAN FRANCISCO, July 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Invitae (NYSE: NVTA), a leading medical genetics company, today announced executive leadership and Board changes to help ensure the company realizes the full potential of its industry-leading genetics testing platform and delivers tangible and sustainable value for stockholders. Specifically, Kenneth D. Knight, who has served as Invitae's chief operating officer since 2020, is succeeding Sean George, Ph.D., as CEO and is joining the Board of Directors. Additionally, Randy Scott, Ph.D., Invitae's co-founder, former CEO from 2012 to 2017, and former executive chairman from 2017 to 2019, is returning to the company as chairman of the Board. Eric Aguiar, who has served as Invitae's independent chairman since 2019 and a member of the Board since 2010, is now serving as lead independent director. The changes are effective immediately.
Dr. George, co-founder and CEO of Invitae since 2017, will serve as a consultant to the company through a transition period and will retain his role as a member of the Invitae Board.
Mr. Knight is a growth-oriented business leader and operations executive with more than three decades of multi-industry experience at Invitae, Amazon, Caterpillar and General Motors. Immediately prior to joining Invitae as COO in June of 2020, he spent four years overseeing Amazon's transportation services, global delivery services and global fulfillment human resources and operations. Since joining Invitae, Mr. Knight has guided the realignment of the company's go-to-market strategy, led efforts to improve revenue quality and driven steady increases in variable cost productivity. His immediate priorities as CEO will include a sharpened focus on Invitae's core, more profitable business lines and accelerated work to right-size the company's cost structure. Success on these fronts will, in turn, lead to sustainably higher margin growth and an extension of Invitae's cash runway ahead of cash flow positivity.
Dr. Aguiar commented, "Invitae's competitive advantages are well-established: an industry-leading genetics testing platform, excellent relationships with patients and providers alike and a relentless focus on lowered costs and accessibility. Ken understands these attributes incredibly well and is the ideal leader to harness them in an accelerated drive towards positive cash flow. We have seen firsthand during Ken's tenure as COO – and in his prior experience at diversified, large-scale enterprises – that he will deliver operational execution and cost discipline while preserving the innovation-first culture that is at the heart of the Invitae model. The company will unquestionably benefit from his leadership as CEO, his deep understanding of Invitae and its growth drivers and his commitment to securing a successful, sustainable operating platform for the long term.
"At the same time, Randy's return as chairman will allow Invitae to continue to benefit from cutting-edge science, deep industry leadership and unparalleled institutional knowledge," Dr. Aguiar continued. "The combination of Ken and Randy brings together two highly complementary leaders committed to capitalizing on Invitae's exceptional opportunities and delivering value to our stakeholders."
Dr. Scott helped lead Invitae through its inception and continued growth both as an executive of the company and member of the Board through 2019. Dr. Scott has a distinguished history as a pioneer in the genomics industry and has played a founding role in a number of successful life sciences companies.
Dr. Aguiar concluded, "On behalf of the Board, we thank Sean for his visionary leadership as Invitae's co-founder and CEO. His commitment to Invitae's mission, and the successful build-out of the company's genetic testing capabilities has established Invitae's place at the forefront of the industry in shaping the future of medicine."
Mr. Knight said, "I am honored to take on the CEO role and lead Invitae forward at this important inflection point, as we expand our critical efforts to focus on our most promising, profitable aspects of our businesses, drive increased operating efficiency and successfully navigate the current macro environment. It has been a privilege to work side by side with Sean, and I look forward to partnering with Randy and our team to build upon our strong foundation and further position Invitae for a bright future – advancing our mission of bringing the power of genetic information to mainstream medicine."
"We are in the early stages of a genomics revolution that will transform medicine," said Dr. Scott. "Invitae is a special organization with talented team members, powerful growth drivers and a visionary path to deliver innovative genomics to the world. I'm excited to work together with the Board and management team to help accelerate Invitae's next phase rooted in disciplined execution, delivering for our shareholders and stakeholders and achieving our promise as a transformational platform for genomic medicine."
"When we recruited Ken to Invitae as our COO, we did so with the expectation that his experience and skill set would be ideal in leading the company through its next phase to execute on our long-term strategy and achieve our distinctive vision," Dr. George added. "With the timing now right for this transition, I am honored to pass the baton to Ken and look forward to continuing to support Invitae at the Board level. It has been tremendously rewarding bringing Invitae to life while achieving so many successful milestones over the years with our amazing team."
Kenneth Knight Bio
Kenneth D. Knight has served as Invitae's chief operating officer since June 2020. Prior to joining Invitae, Mr. Knight most recently served as vice president of transportation services at Amazon.com, Inc. from December 2019 to June 2020, and as vice president of Amazon's global delivery services and worldwide fulfillment human resources from April 2016 to December 2019. Prior to his time at Amazon, from 2012 to 2016, Mr. Knight served as general manager of the material handling and underground division, a global business with $6 billion in annual revenue, at Caterpillar Inc. Prior to that, Mr. Knight served in various capacities at General Motors Company for 27 years, including as executive director of global manufacturing engineering and as manufacturing general manager. Since June 2021, Mr. Knight has served as a director and a member of the audit and finance committee of Simpson Manufacturing Co. Inc. Mr. Knight holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an M.B.A from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Randy Scott Bio
Randy Scott, Ph.D. is a co-founder of Invitae Corporation, where he served as chair of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer from August 2012 to January 2017 and executive chair from January 2017 to August 2019. Prior to Invitae, Dr. Scott co-founded Genomic Health, Inc., where he served as chair of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer from 2000 to 2009 and executive chair from 2009 to 2012. Dr. Scott has served on the boards, including as chairman, of numerous public and private life sciences companies, and he is the author of more than 40 scientific publications, the holder of 20 patents and the recipient of numerous awards. Dr. Scott received a B.S. in Chemistry from Emporia State University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Kansas.
About Invitae
Invitae Corporation (NYSE: NVTA) is a leading medical genetics company whose mission is to bring comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medicine to improve healthcare for billions of people. Invitae's goal is to aggregate the world's genetic tests into a single service with higher quality, faster turnaround time, and lower prices. For more information, visit the company's website at invitae.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the company's beliefs regarding the impact that the organizational restructuring will have on the company's business and financial results; the company's expectations regarding the impact of the leadership changes on the company's business; the company's expectations regarding business priorities, objectives, future growth and industry positioning; and the company's beliefs regarding its vision and business model. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the continued service and success of Mr. Knight and Dr. Scott; the company's ability to successfully alter its course in response to events; the success of company's efforts to achieve operational efficiency and sustainable operating cash flows, and decrease cash burn; the company's history of losses; the impact of inflation and the current economic environment on the company's business; the company's ability to compete; the company's ability to manage growth effectively; the company's need to scale its infrastructure in advance of demand for its tests and to increase demand for its tests; the company's ability to use rapidly changing genetic data to interpret test results accurately and consistently; laws and regulations applicable to the company's business; and the other risks set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Invitae Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Contacts for Invitae:
Investor Relations:
Hoki Luk
ir@invitae.com
Public Relations:
Amy Hadsock
pr@invitae.com
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SOURCE Invitae Corporation | 2022-07-18T21:40:06+00:00 | wafb.com | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2022/07/18/invitae-announces-leadership-transition/ |
Bunting ceremony honors FDNY Firefighter William Moon, who suffered fatal injury during drill
By Christina Fan
Click here for updates on this story
NEW YORK CITY (WCBS) — Bunting now hangs across the firehouse where FDNY Firefighter William Moon spent his final hours.
He was critically hurt while preparing for a drill on Dec. 12, and now sources tell CBS2 he will be taken off life support on Monday.
His colleagues are paying tribute to a man who is giving back, even in death.
It was a somber morning at Rescue 2, as firefighters remembered Moon, 47, by putting up purple bunting at the fire house where he fatally fell.
Moon’s 8-year-old son draped his father’s bunker jacket, alongside his mother and sister, hugging one another as the chaplain led them in prayer.
“He will be an inspiration for all of us for years to come,” the chaplain said.
Moon was preparing for a drill when he fell 20 feet and suffered serious head injures. His family made the selfless decision to donate his organs when it became clear he would not survive.
On Saturday night, hundreds of FDNY members, including Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, lined the streets and saluted Moon as he was taken from Kings County Hospital to NYU Langone for the procedure.
“We’ve lost the perfect human being. Billy was a selfless warrior who gave the gift of life in this life and the hereafter. The ultimate Santa Claus, bringing life to people at Christmas,” said Rescue 2 Captain Liam Flaherty.
Moon, who is from Long Island, started volunteering at the Islip Fire Department at 19. Later, he served the Queens community for 21 years out of Ladder 133.
Earlier this year, he was recruited to join Rescue 2, a highly elite force specializing in emergency rescues.
Flaherty said Moon quickly won everyone’s respect.
“As far as a firefighter, I would describe Billy as a lion on the fire grounds. If you were having the worst day of your life, you would want Billy Moon riding on that fire truck over there,” said Flaherty. “If I was trapped in a building during a collapse, I would want Billy coming for me.”
Now in death, Moon continues to uphold his oath to lay down his life for others, giving hope to those who had little this holiday season.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform. | 2022-12-20T00:28:27+00:00 | krdo.com | https://krdo.com/news/2022/12/19/bunting-ceremony-honors-fdny-firefighter-william-moon-who-suffered-fatal-injury-during-drill/ |
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