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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The jurors who will decide whether Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz is sentenced to death or life without parole began their deliberations Wednesday as the three-month trial nears its conclusion.
Cruz, 24, pleaded guilty last year to the murders of 14 students and three staff members at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, 2018. The trial has only been to determine his sentence.
Cruz’s massacre is the deadliest mass shooting that has ever gone to trial in the U.S. Nine other people in the U.S. who fatally shot at least 17 people died during or immediately after their attacks by suicide or police gunfire. The suspect in the 2019 massacre of 23 at an El Paso, Texas, Walmart is awaiting trial.
The jurors are being sequestered during their deliberations, which could take hours or days — no one knows. They have been told to pack for at least two nights.
Here is a look at the case, how the 12-person jury will come to a decision and what will happen after that.
WHAT DID CRUZ DO?
Cruz, by his own admission, began thinking about committing a school shooting while in middle school, about five years before he carried it out. He purchased his AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle almost exactly a year before the shooting and his planning became serious about seven months in advance. He researched previous mass shooters, saying he tried to learn from their experience. He bought ammunition, a vest to carry it and a bag to hide it. He picked Valentine’s Day to make sure it would never be celebrated at the school again.
He took an Uber to the school, arriving about 20 minutes before dismissal. He went inside a three-story classroom building, shooting down the halls and into classrooms for about seven minutes. He returned to some wounded to kill them with a second volley. He then tried to shoot at fleeing students from a third-floor window, but the thick hurricane glass thwarted him. He put down his gun and fled, but was captured about an hour later.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE TRIAL?
Lead prosecutor Mike Satz kept his case simple. He played security videos of the shooting and showed gruesome crime scene and autopsy photos. Teachers and students testified about watching others die. He took the jury to the fenced-off building, which remains blood-stained and bullet-pocked. Parents and spouses gave tearful and angry statements.
Cruz’s lead attorney Melisa McNeill and her team never questioned the horror he inflicted, but focused on their belief that his birth mother’s heavy drinking during pregnancy left him with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Their experts said his bizarre, troubling and sometimes violent behavior starting at age 2 was misdiagnosed as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, meaning he never got the proper treatment. That left his widowed adoptive mother overwhelmed, they said.
WHAT’S REQUIRED FOR CRUZ TO GET A DEATH SENTENCE?
The jurors will be voting 17 times — once for each victim. For the jurors to recommend a death sentence for a specific victim, they first must unanimously agree that the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the killing involved at least one aggravating circumstance as proscribed under Florida law.
This part should not be difficult — the listed aggravating circumstances include knowingly creating a great risk of death to numerous people, committing murders that were “especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel” or committed in a “cold, calculated, and premeditated manner.” They then must unanimously agree that the aggravating factors warrant consideration of the death penalty.
They then must determine whether the aggravating circumstances “outweigh” the mitigating factors that the defense argued such as his birth mother’s drinking, his adoptive mother’s alleged failure to get him proper psychiatric care and his admission of guilt.
If they do, the jurors can then recommend a death sentence — but that’s not required. A juror can ignore the weighing exercise and vote for life out of mercy for Cruz.
A death sentence recommendation requires a unanimous vote on at least one victim. If one or more jurors vote for life on all victims, that will be his sentence.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE JURY RECOMMENDS A DEATH SENTENCE?
Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer will schedule a sentencing hearing, likely months from now. Cruz’s attorneys will have an opportunity to persuade her to override the jury and impose a life sentence, but that rarely succeeds. If sentenced to death, he will be sent to Florida’s Death Row while his case goes through appeals. It will be years before he is executed, assuming the death sentence isn’t overturned and a retrial required.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE JURY IMPOSES A LIFE SENTENCE?
If the jury cannot unanimously agree that Cruz should be executed for at least one victim, he will be sentenced to life without parole — Scherer cannot overrule the jury. She could sentence him immediately or schedule a future hearing.
After he is sentenced, the Florida Department of Corrections would assign him to a maximum security prison where he would be part of the general population. McNeill, in her closing argument, alluded that could be an exceedingly dangerous place for someone like Cruz. | 2022-10-12T20:29:30+00:00 | wivb.com | https://www.wivb.com/news/ap-explainer-what-next-in-the-florida-school-shooter-trial/ |
To some, he is the most trusted man in medicine. But to others, he is one of the most polarizing.
Dr. Anthony Fauci's tenure in public health is marked with major triumphs, but also controversy, especially as he was thrust into the middle of the political debate swirling around COVID-19.
He's worked for more than half a century at the National Institutes of Health, served under seven different administrations, and even earned a Presidential Medal of Freedom - even though Fauci has ascended to what many would consider being the peak of public health careers, he says his humble beginnings are really what shaped him, even to this day.
"You learn that growing up on the mean streets of New York and it still serves me well," Fauci told Scripps station KNXV.
In his more than 50 years of government service, Fauci has had his hand in treating many diseases that have altered life as we know it, like HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, the Ebola crisis in 2014, and now, COVID-19, which would catapult him into the spotlight -- and the hot seat.
KNXV asked him if there was anything he would have done differently looking back when it comes to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Of course," he said. "To say there is nothing you would have done differently means you are perfect and nobody is perfect -- certainly not I...of course, there are things we would have done differently. If we would have known then what we know now. And that's what we have to make sure the public understands, when you have an evolving outbreak, the science gives you info that is present and current at the time and when that changes, you need to change. Some people call that flip-flopping, but it's not flip-flopping. It's keeping up with the evidence."
Fauci also says he would have recommended masks sooner if we would have had more of the science readily available.
"Had we known it was aerosol spread and that a lot of the transmission was from asymptomatic people and there was asymptomatic spread going on then, of course, we would have recommended masking up sooner," he said.
Fauci was also the topic of much criticism, with Republicans vowing to have him testify before Congress when they take control of the House in January. Fauci says he welcomes it and has testified before Congress hundreds of times.
But it wasn't just politicians; there were everyday people who took out their anger on Fauci, even personally blaming him for schools and businesses shutting down.
Fauci was asked what it was like to be the subject of so much anger and hostility throughout the pandemic.
"It certainly wasn't pleasant but what I was able to do and still do is compartmentalize and focus like a laser on what my job is and what my purpose is," he said.
But there is something Fauci says he can't ignore and doesn't want us to either - it was the unexpected enemy of the pandemic: misinformation.
How would Fauci combat that?
"That is not an easy task," he said. "Because the people who are spreading misinformation and disinformation seem to be doing it with an extraordinary amount of energy and purpose. The only way I can see that we counter it is by flooding and flooding the system with correct science-based, evidence-based information...We have to keep our foot to the pedal and press it to the floor when it comes to continuing to give out evidence-based information so people can do the right thing when it comes to public health."
When it comes to if we are ready for another pandemic or a large-scale health crisis in this country, Fauci says scientifically, we were able to demonstrate we can achieve milestones in short periods of time and referenced how quickly the U.S. developed COVID vaccines, but he did mention the U.S. needs to do better when it comes from a public health standpoint.
Fauci insists he is not retiring. Instead, he plans to write and is hoping to have a job where he can mentor young medical professionals and help groom the next generation of public health experts.
This article was written by Nick Ciletti for KNXV. | 2022-12-14T19:09:48+00:00 | ktvq.com | https://www.ktvq.com/news/national/dr-fauci-talks-misinformation-what-he-would-have-done-differently-during-covid-19-pandemic |
A roundup of the week's most newsworthy auto and transport industry press releases from PR Newswire, including tips and products to promote safe driving.
NEW YORK, May 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists covering the auto and transportation industries stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a roundup of stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.
The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.
- Driving Impaired Cannot Be an Option This Memorial Day
The National Safety Council estimates nearly 470 people in America will die in preventable traffic crashes from 6 p.m. on Friday, May 26 to 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 29. "For the safety and wellbeing of yourself, and the people around you, designate a sober driver or arrange alternate transportation, drive distraction-free and slow down," said Mark Chung, executive vice president of roadway practice at NSC. - HondaJet Elite II Makes its Public Debut at EBACE2023
With a range of up to 1,547 nautical miles, the Elite II bolsters the HondaJet's position as the most fuel-efficient jet, flying farther than any other aircraft in its class and with lower carbon emissions. - Norfolk Southern and twelve labor unions commit to working together to enhance rail safety "We will collaborate, consult experts, review best practices, and listen to the people closest to the work. Working together – and broadening the conversation to ensure everyone plays a part – is the best way to achieve meaningful improvement," the letter reads.
- Kia America Provides New 2023 and 2024 Seltos SUV Buyers with the App to Adventure
Now through December 31, 2023, customers that purchase or lease a new 2023 or 2024 Seltos SUV are eligible to receive a promo code for a six-month trial of the AllTrails+ premium app. - Hyundai Mobis Develops Groundbreaking Headlamps that Prevent Nighttime Accidents
The HD Lighting System developed by Hyundai Mobis is a technology that visualizes road signs in text or shapes and projects them on the road surface. For example, the lamp shows there is road construction ahead by using relevant symbols to drivers, while projecting the crosswalk sign on the road surface with lamp lights to help pedestrians cross the road safely. - DXC's Luxoft Partners with Red Hat to Enable Car Manufacturers to Accelerate the Development of Software-Defined Vehicles
Through the partnership, the companies will build on the power of open source and the latest advances in automotive software, to accelerate new ecosystems, business models, and post-production revenue streams for the car industry. - Allegiant Pledges $1 Million to Boys & Girls Clubs of America to Develop Aviation Journey "The organization provides critical programs in many of the cities we serve, and we hope this partnership complements their efforts in a meaningful way. By connecting children to fulfilling opportunities in aviation, our goal is to inspire them to dream big while hopefully helping to build the necessary workforce of tomorrow," said Allegiant President Greg Anderson.
- Lectric eBikes Establishes National E-Bike Day
Lectric eBikes has initiated May 30 as the official National E-Bike Day. The new holiday, established and sponsored by Lectric, encourages riders everywhere to celebrate e-biking and to make the switch to electric transportation. - National Road Safety Foundation Partners with SADD and FCCLA To Help Young Drivers Make This "The Safest Summer Ever"
Leaders from both youth groups will participate in a virtual media tour and teens from SADD will be mounting a massive social media campaign to call attention to a range of safe driving issues from distracted and drowsy driving, impaired driving, speeding and seat belt usage, along with an effort to empower passengers to speak up when in a vehicle that's being driven dangerously. - DAHON boosts its e-Mobility program with Mopeds and Motorcycles
The three latest (non–folding) quality models from its motorcycle and moped categories are available at a more attractive price point than many other models currently on the market, and they have zero CO2 emission, offering an ideal eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to combustion engine-driven transportation. - 2024 Toyota Tacoma Makes Debut on the Big Island, Hawaii
"With even more off-road capability and the quality, durability, and reliability that our customers expect along with a host of options for every owner, we're confident that Tacoma will remain the top choice for mid-size pickup buyers when it arrives later this year," says Toyota group vice president and general manager Dave Christ.
Read more of the latest auto- and transportation-related releases from PR Newswire and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @PRNtrnsp on Twitter.
Can't-Miss Earnings
In addition to these popular releases, several must-read earnings reports crossed the wire this week, including the quarterly results for ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.
Catch up on all the latest earnings reports here.
Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News
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SOURCE PR Newswire | 2023-05-26T12:47:11+00:00 | waff.com | https://www.waff.com/prnewswire/2023/05/26/this-week-transportation-news-11-stories-you-need-see/ |
There is still time to get last-minute gifts
It’s the holiday weekend. If you still need to get gifts for friends or family members who may be coming in from out of town after Christmas, it’s not too late. Besides gift cards, you can choose from a wide selection of gifts ranging from stress-reducing items, such as an assortment of bath bombs, to high-tech devices, like a FitBit.
To help make sure you can quickly find the best gift, we’ve compiled a list of top products for you to peruse. This way, you can spend less time shopping and more time enjoying the holidays with your friends and family.
The best gifts for post-Christmas get-togethers
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Film Camera
This instant camera is a gift that can be used right away at your post-Christmas gathering. It has automatic exposure, so you can just snap and shoot in either macro mode or selfie mode.
Sold by Best Buy, Kohl’s and Target
Anova Culinary Nano Sous Vide Precision Cooker
Do you have a friend or family member who loves to cook? With the Anova Culinary Nano Sous Vide Precision Cooker, they will always make the perfect meal: no undercooking or overcooking.
Sold by Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot and Target
Sephora Collection Wishing You Blockbuster Multi-Use Makeup Palette
If you know someone who is into creating original looks, this large makeup palette from Sephora has 88 shades for eyes, cheeks, lips, and eyebrows.
Sold by Sephora
Melissa and Doug Rainbow Surprise Cake Play Set
Melissa and Doug understand what kids like. This wooden cake kit is colorful and fun. The 59-piece playset lets kids make a cake with icing, candles and a surprise inside.
Sold by Kohl’s
Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet and Fire TV Stick 4K Bundle
Have a fan of entertainment in your life? This Amazon bundle comes with a Fire Tablet and a Fire TV Stick: two great gadgets for one low price.
Sold by Amazon
This affordable entry-level telescope makes a great gift for a child or an adult who is interested in getting into stargazing. Use the included wireless remote to capture images of what you see.
Sold by Amazon
Anyone who loves casual style will appreciate this comfortable cardigan sweater. It has a V-neck with button-down front ribbed cuffs and long sleeves.
Sold by Target
Part furniture, part crate, this sleek and stylish item blends in with your decor. No more unsightly cage. Now your dog can sit right in the room with the family and not feel excluded from the festivities.
Sold by Wayfair
Ulta Beauty Collection Lip Glossary
With 16 lip products in this expansive collection, it is guaranteed to be a favorite for anyone who is a fan of beauty. The set includes oils, glosses, stains and lipsticks in a variety of shades.
Sold by Ulta Beauty
LifeAround2Angels Bath Bombs Gift Set
Give the gift of serenity. These 12 uniquely crafted bath bombs are made from natural ingredients and won’t stain your tub. Each bath bomb is individually wrapped to help them stay fresh until you use them.
Sold by Amazon
Caravan Sports Camo Infinity Zero Gravity Chair
Do you have an uncle who loves sitting outside? This zero-gravity chair will be his favorite gift. It reduces pressure and tension in the back while providing support for a luxury experience.
Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Ryobi OnePlus 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit
Got a friend or family member who is a DIY fan? This extensive power tool kit comes with a carry bag, a battery, a charger and six essential tools.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked Wild West Eyeshadow Palette
Urban Decay is paraben-free, gluten-free, vegan and cruelty-free. This Wild West eyeshadow palette ranges from terracotta to deep copper and turquoise green. California’s great outdoors inspired the colors.
Sold by Ulta Beauty
Soccer fans may need to wait another four years for a World Cup. However, to pass the time, they can play this hugely popular PS5 game.
Sold by Amazon, Best Buy and Target
Heritage Travelware Lincoln Park 28-Inch Check Size Luggage
Luggage is one of those special gifts that is always appreciated. This model has a spacious interior, 360-degree movement and a retractable push-button trolly handle for easy transport.
Sold by Amazon
Mattel Jurassic World 6-Pack Basic 12-Inch Figure and Dinosaurs
This is a Jurassic World playset that includes five dinosaurs and Owen. The dinosaurs are roughly 6 inches tall and 12 inches long, and they are sculpted with an impressive attention to detail.
Sold by Kohl’s
This bumper car is a toddler-friendly ride-on toy that has cushioned bumpers to protect from accidental collisions. It has two speeds, a five-point safety harness, music, lights and more.
Sold by Amazon
Hampton Bay 30-Inch Outdoor Steel Wood Burning Black Fire Pit
If you know someone who likes to spend time out on their patio, this is an excellent gift. This fire pit has a deep bowl and offers a 360-degree view of the fire, so no one has a bad seat. The included spark screen helps contain stray popping sparks for safety.
Sold by Home Depot
This value-packed wearable technology makes an ideal gift for anyone who wants to take their personal fitness goals seriously. The fast-charge feature gives you a full day of battery life after just 12 minutes.
Sold by Amazon
Solo Stove makes the best wood-burning stoves and fire pits in the business. This compact, lightweight model is large enough to cook for up to four people.
Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods and Solo Stove
Bushnell Wingman GPS Golf Speaker
If you have a golf enthusiast on your list, this innovative Bluetooth speaker makes a great gift. It is a waterproof device that can play your favorite tunes or feed you front/center/back GPS distances.
Sold by Amazon and Golf Galaxy
23andMe Ancestry and Traits Service
Do you want to learn even more about your friends and family members? Give this gift so they can discover their roots and share. This kit can estimate ancestry to the 0.1% across over 2000 geographic regions.
Sold by Amazon
Peacemaker really wants to be a hero. Or at least he says he does. With this collectable figure, you can decide exactly how heroic he is.
This luxury cat condo has three tiers for climbing and a secluded space for napping. The hidden storage areas let you stash all your cat accessories to keep your home looking neat.
Sold by Wayfair
Craftsman 230-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
If you know an aspiring mechanic, this 230-piece tool set from Craftsman can help them live their dream. It comes with a sturdy, locking case that keeps all parts neatly organized.
Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | 2022-12-25T05:14:44+00:00 | texomashomepage.com | https://www.texomashomepage.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/holiday-br/best-gifts-you-can-still-get-for-your-post-christmas-get-togethers/ |
RIPLEY- The Pontotoc Lady Warriors turned a once tight Division 2-4A matchup against Ripley last Tuesday into a lopsided win with a dominant second half, as PHS prevailed 66-31.
Pontotoc (13-1, 4-0 Division 2-4A) took an early four point lead before the Lady Tigers got on the board with a 3-pointer from Nevaeh Young. Kori Grace Ware grabbed a steal and raced downcourt for a layup, and after an answer from Ripley, Ware drove for another Lady Warrior bucket. Alayna Ball put PHS up 10-5 with a putback of a missed three before Young connected on another 3-pointer for Ripley. The Lady Warriors’ Channing Lane later connected on a 3-pointer of her own with 39 seconds left in the first quarter, which ended with Pontotoc holding a 15-10 edge.
Lane dished to Ball for a short jumper to start the second quarter. Ware slashed into the lane and connected on a floater to extend the lead to 19-10, but back-to-back Ripley threes from Young and Serena Adams trimmed the deficit to three. Baskets from Sadie Stegall and Lane gave PHS a 25-18 lead with two and a half minutes to play in the half. Stegall was then fouled putting up a shot. After Stegall made the first free throw, Ball crashed the glass for an offensive rebound. Stegall then came up with another offensive rebound after a missed shot, leading to a 3-pointer from Ella Hill that made it 28-18. Mackenzie McGuirt hit a jump shot to push the lead to 12, but the Lady Tigers cut the deficit to 30-23 at halftime after a jumper from Young and a 3-pointer at the buzzer from Paris Morgan.
However, that translated into zero momentum, as the Lady Warriors emphatically put the game away in the third quarter with crisp offense and relentless defense. Ball started things off with a 3-pointer, followed by a Ripley turnover and a fast break layup from Ware. Hill and Lane drilled additional 3-pointers, and Hill fired a long pass to a wide open Ware for two to push the lead to 20. Later in the quarter Pontotoc got buckets from Sarahia Hurd, Jasmine Cuellar and Ball. Pontotoc led 52-24 heading into the fourth quarter after outscoring Ripley 22-1 in the third.
Pontotoc continued to hold a big lead the rest of the way, outscoring the Lady Tigers 14-7 in the final period despite resting their starters.
Ware led the Lady Warriors with 16 points on the night, while Hurd finished with 10 after a strong fourth quarter.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | 2022-12-21T14:40:17+00:00 | djournal.com | https://www.djournal.com/pontotoc/lady-warriors-pull-away-rout-ripley/article_3eb23c69-588c-5f43-bb5e-618c88a72df1.html |
‘Pay or surrender him’: Woman forced to give up puppy over $10,000 veterinary bill
PORTLAND, Maine (WGME) - A woman is pleading to get her puppy back after she was forced to surrender him due to a medical bill.
Rachel Mullen said her puppy, Jaxx, needed emergency surgery to save his life, but the bill came to $10,000, an amount that she couldn’t afford.
A couple of weeks before the emergency procedure, Mullen said her 4-month-old German shepherd got curious and ended up with a wooden skewer in his belly.
Mullen said her vet recommended the Maine Veterinary Medical Center, a 24-hour emergency clinic, and Jaxx was admitted.
“The last thing I did was gave him a hug and a kiss and told him to go get better,” she said.
The following day, Mullen said the veterinary clinic informed her that the surgery cost more than $10,000.
According to the clinic’s website, half payment is due upfront, with the rest due upon completion of its services.
“You can’t come up with tens of thousands of dollars unless you have very big pockets in six hours,” Mullen said.
After looking into financing options all day, Mullen said she only qualified for a small fraction of the cost.
“I was given the option to pay or surrender him,” Mullen said.
She said the clinic told her that Jaxx needed urgent surgery, so the workers didn’t give her 30 minutes to come in person. So, she surrendered ownership electronically.
“I signed the paper so they would help him,” Mullen said. “It was still close to $3,000 after that.”
Mullen said she then started a GoFundMe account to get some financial help. With the help of friends, family, and the dog’s breeder, she said they got the money by that evening.
“I called and said, ‘I have the money, and I want to try and get my dog back.’ He’s gone; he’s not here,” Mullen said.
The Maine resident said she currently doesn’t know where Jaxx is or how he’s doing.
“My kids cry and ask about him every day,” Mullen said.
A spokesperson from the clinic’s corporate owner, Rarebreed Veterinary Partners, said when a person surrenders a pet, it’s a legally binding contract.
The spokesperson also said the clinic works with shelters and rescues.
Patsy Murphy, with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, calls this case unusual.
Murphy said the nonprofit gets calls from veterinarians in these situations and often has conversations about what the animal needs and the owner’s capacity to care for the pet.
“It’s a frequent conversation because of the financial impact families are experiencing now with the high cost of vet care,” she said.
Murphy said the nonprofit’s priority is to keep pets and owners together, but it was not contacted about this situation.
Meanwhile, Mullen said she isn’t giving up and has filed a police report and is bringing her concerns to the state’s board of veterinary medicine.
Copyright 2022 WGME via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | 2022-06-09T02:26:24+00:00 | wnem.com | https://www.wnem.com/2022/06/09/pay-or-surrender-him-woman-forced-give-up-puppy-over-10000-veterinary-bill/ |
A $1 million Iowa Lottery jackpot is weeks away from going unclaimed. More jackpots are in danger of doing the same, including ones sold in Dubuque and Burlington.
The lucky Mega Millions ticket was purchased at The Filling Station/Gateway Expresse, located at 2400 University Boulevard in Ames for the game’s drawing on Sept. 6, 2022. Iowa State won its 2022 football season opener at home against Southeast Missouri State that weekend, so the winner could be a Cyclone fan from out of town or even a Southeast Missouri fan who tried to turn their day around.
“This unclaimed prize is something that folks talk about every day in our store,” said Jeanette Mesecher, operations manager at The Filling Station/Gateway Expresse. “But we know a lot of people traveled to Ames that weekend. We keep telling people to check their tickets!”
“This is a real-world demonstration of why the Iowa Lottery reminds all players to always check their ticket results,” Iowa Lottery CEO Matt Strawn said. “We want all lottery prizes to be claimed by their winners – especially a potentially life-changing prize of $1 million.”
The winner or winners of the $1 million prize have until the close of business on September 6, 2023 year to claim it at Iowa Lottery headquarters in Clive. The winning numbers in the Mega Millions drawing on Sept. 6, 2022, were 6-17-46-59-68 and Mega Ball 2. The Megaplier number was 4. The Filling Station/Gateway Expresse received a $1,000 bonus from the Iowa Lottery for selling the $1 million-winning ticket.
There are nine other lottery jackpots waiting to be claimed from the Iowa Lottery.
All the prizes listed must be claimed at an Iowa Lottery office. If the winners have questions before claiming a prize, they can contact the lottery at (515) 725-7900 or wmaster@ialottery.com. | 2023-06-06T17:30:25+00:00 | ourquadcities.com | https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/time-running-out-to-claim-1-million-iowa-lottery-jackpot/ |
This year, for the first time NPR's Student Podcast Challenge offered a special prize for the best student podcasts about mental health. The finalists had important things to say.
Copyright 2023 NPR
This year, for the first time NPR's Student Podcast Challenge offered a special prize for the best student podcasts about mental health. The finalists had important things to say.
Copyright 2023 NPR | 2023-07-08T21:22:04+00:00 | mainepublic.org | https://www.mainepublic.org/2023-07-08/finalists-of-nprs-student-podcast-challenge-explore-mental-health |
Nexstar Founder’s Day of Caring will take place on June 16 in 2023. This year, WBOY is partnering with the United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties to help it raise money for its partner nonprofit agencies and complete projects in our community of Clarksburg.
Money raised for the United Way will benefit the following partner organizations in 2023:
- 4-H Leaders Association of Harrison County
- American Red Cross NEWV Chapter
- Bi-County Nutrition Program, Inc.
- Central WV Community Action, Inc.
- Family Service of Marion & Harrison Counties, Inc.
- Harrison County CASA Program, Inc.
- Harrison County Child Advocacy Center
- Harrison County YMCA
- Health Access, Inc.
- Healthy Grandfamilies Program
- HOPE, Inc. Domestic Violence Task Force
- Legal Aid of West Virginia, Inc.
- Literacy Volunteers of Harrison County
- Nazareth Farm
- People’s Hospice
- Stars & Strides Therapeutic Equine Center
- Susan Dew Hoff Memorial Clinic
- The Change Initiative: The Phoenix Recovery House
- The Gabriel Project
- WorkAble Industries, Inc.
- WVBHF: Kelly Miller Community Center
Last year, WBOY helped the United Way beautify Clarksburg near our station. This year, we are working on several projects with the United Way, including trail revitalization, painting, gardening, and city clean-up. So if you see us out in the community on June 16, you’re welcome to join us! | 2023-06-06T17:03:39+00:00 | wboy.com | https://www.wboy.com/founders-day-2023/ |
In 2011, Sean Duffy and Adrian James were sitting in San Francisco’s Dolores Park debating what to call some workers at the company they founded, Omada Health.
Omada, which launched that year, provides virtual treatment for chronic conditions. The company addresses the conditions through a team of employees — some traditional clinicians and others meant to give encouragement to patients as they manage the day-to-day of hypertension, prediabetes and other conditions. This second group was crucial, they thought. The founders ended up asking patients what title to use.
Was this person a “concierge”? Patients thought that sounded like someone who helped with their bills. A “guide”? To what destination? The founders settled on “coach.” Patients liked the term: It suggested someone who could give support and make them “feel less alone,” Duffy said, as they dealt with their health challenges.
This decision was an early marker in an eventual tech company trend. Since then, dozens of similar startups focused on health coaching have emerged, often backed by big bucks. A review by KHN — of news releases, the industry database Crunchbase, and sites like LinkedIn — found nearly 50 companies with almost $7 billion in venture capital funding.
These startups offer people or software to provide motivation, direction or moral support for managing what goes awry with the human body, including chronic conditions, musculoskeletal ailments, obesity — even attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and eczema. Business models vary. Some startups take payments directly from consumers; “anti-diet” app Wellory asks for $45 a month. Other startups get monthly per-member funding from companies to offer regular coaching for their employees. Some services tout 24/7 access and average connection times of 60 seconds. With some, coaches escalate serious issues to more highly credentialed clinicians.
The enthusiasm behind coaching is, on its face, a curious turn for an industry that likes to boast of its billion-dollar pills and spooky/sophisticated artificial intelligence.
“As these digital health startups got going, they realized technology is not enough to drive change,” explained Michael Yang, the managing partner at investors OMERS Ventures, who has invested in coaching startups. Patients might need to eat better, follow the physical therapy plan, talk through emotional turbulence, and more.
Coaches — whether people or software — can support patients between formal visits to the doctor. That kind of encouragement can be important for sticking to a care plan — a critical thing in a world where good habits mean a lot for keeping healthy. Whether a patient needs a team to assist with the physical aspects of recovering from orthopedic surgery or help avoiding triggers for behavioral health conditions, these coaching companies are an app or a website away.
“The model has become extremely de rigueur,” Yang said. At many startups, coaches are “doing the lion’s share of the labor.”
Still, many people in the health care industry are ambivalent about this trend. Some think it adds a human touch to a part of the economy that can be defined by brusque doctors and incomprehensible bills. Others wonder whether it’s simply a way to leverage cheap labor.
Supporters say coaches get deeply involved, even performing tasks that would go undone otherwise. “We need alternative workforces to fill in some of these gaps,” said Omada’s Duffy. At Omada, coaches wear a lot of hats: They review glucose data while tracking patients’ lifestyle changes and can provide empathy in a way that other people in the health care system aren’t providing. Coaches are “folks who ask questions before casting judgments,” Duffy said.
Giving by-the-book care to people with diabetes — or others with chronic conditions — requires many more workers than the health care system has, Duffy said. So a coach — whose salary is typically in the tens, rather than hundreds, of thousands of dollars — looks like a solution for many startups.
“‘Coaching’ is a way to avoid having to have clinical licenses or FDA approvals,” Bob Kocher, an investor at Venrock, wrote in an email. “It allows you to start serving patients way faster.”
Coaches already play a role in established institutions.
Dr. Pushpa Raja, a psychiatrist in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Greater Los Angeles system, said peers play a prominent role at the VA. Often, people with a given condition interact with veterans who have the same disease. “They can relate to patients in a different way,” she said. “They can cheerlead patients towards goals. They can coach patients in planning out and strategizing.”
They’re also integrated into a team with psychiatrists and primary care physicians, which means they can pass on observations — for example, if someone’s depression is getting worse over time.
Some observers of health coaching startups are concerned they don’t have the same ability. Coaches might be able to “do a lot of the minutiae that are annoying” to doctors, said Liz Chiarello, a sociologist at Saint Louis University in Missouri who studies medical organizations, but a surge in these workers could “fragment our health system even further.” A behavioral health coach at a given startup might need to elevate an issue to a psychiatrist or primary care physician — and whether the startups’ coaches have tight links with institutions that offer that next-level expertise is often unclear.
What’s more, coaches might not be trained well — and might be serving too many patients to do much good.
“I cringe when I get startups who are like, ‘We’re going to hire 100 people and train them for two weeks,’” said Yang. “You’re not going to learn anything in two weeks.” For some companies’ training, “it’s pretty scary, the lack of rigor and depth,” he said.
Coaching qualifications may not be all they appear, either.
Wellory promises to match users to a nutrition coach after they take a quiz. Those coaches, in turn, suggest healthy foods for users. But some quiz-takers — like Northwestern Medicine emergency room doctor Seth Trueger, or a KHN reporter — were matched with a coach who described herself as “RDE,” short for “registered dietitian eligible.” It’s a term for nutritionists who have completed most but not all of the requirements necessary to qualify as a registered dietitian.
But RDE is not a professional designation, according to the Commission on Dietetic Registration, and anyone using it should stop “immediately.” The commission is the credentialing agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the trade group for food and nutrition professionals. Wellory removed the reference after KHN contacted the company about the issue.
Yang said some startups think of coaches as almost a “call-center model,” with plans to hire dozens of coaches who support tens of thousands of patients.
Some startups are indeed using small teams. Take Homethrive, a new company fresh off raising $20 million to support caregivers for older adults or other patients. The company aims to use a combination of tech tools and social workers to provide caregivers with everything from emotional support and connections to recommendations for wheelchairs and walkers.
David Grabowski, a professor at Harvard Medical School who specializes in aging and long-term care, said there’s a huge opening for these companies to fill. Caregivers may be unsure about how to complete certain daily tasks, like bathing or picking up patients. But, just as much, “it’s the loneliness, it’s the feeling you’re in this by yourself,” he said.
Still, Homethrive is relying on a small workforce. The company serves about 20,000 members, co-founder Dave Jacobs said. It currently employs 40 social workers who deliver “episodic” support during the “most intense” situations, like deciding whether to move patients into homes, Jacobs said. For everyday situations, it relies on technology to connect patients to resources.
Grabowski has questions about such models. “I definitely wonder if 40 social workers is sufficient” to handle such situations, he said.
Coaching startups are an extremely heterogeneous field. Yang said that he has seen startups that do coaching well, but that he’s unsure how much benefit the public is deriving. “Are we doing the population a good service at the end of the day?” | 2022-07-05T13:40:44+00:00 | seattletimes.com | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/health-care-startups-turn-to-coaches-to-help-patients-cope-and-monitor-treatment/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_business |
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and fellow lawmakers are set to introduce legislation aimed at increasing the mandatory pilot retirement age.
The “Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act” would raise the mandatory commercial pilot retirement age from 65 to 67. It would also require pilots over 65 to maintain a first-class medical certification, which must be renewed every six months.
The bill comes at a time when airlines are struggling to maintain pilots and keep flights on track.
“With baby boomers making up half of the airline pilot population, roughly 5,000 fully qualified pilots are being forced to retire each year,” Sen. Graham said. “The wave of forced pilot retirements continues even as hundreds of flights are being canceled due to a shortage of available pilots and crews.”
The retirement age for pilots in the United States was raised from 60 to 65 in 2007 after medical reports concluded age had an “insignificant impact” on performance in the cockpit, and there were safety precautions already in place to prevent accidents in case of incapacitation.
Sen. Graham said this legislation does not change or alter any other qualification beyond the age to become a commercial airline pilot.
Under the bill, air carriers must continue using pilot training and qualification programs approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Cancellations and delays, meanwhile, are increasing in frequency as air travel in the U.S. returns to — and in some cases exceeds — pre-pandemic levels. Major airlines have also increased their efforts to hire and train new pilots to replace those that retired during the earlier stages of pandemic, when demand for air travel was at its lowest points.
Sen. Graham said he hopes the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act will draw bipartisan support, though Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg had already expressed concern over the idea earlier this month.
During an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” Buttigieg said the answer to the pilot shortage is not to keep the “Baby Boomer generation in the cockpit indefinitely,” but to attract new pilots to the commercial aviation field.
“These retirement ages are there for a reason, and the reason is safety,” Buttigieg said. “I’m not going to be on board with anything that could compromise safety.”
The Air Line Pilots Association, which represents 65,000 pilots in the U.S. and Canada, also opposes the act.
“This legislation is yet another attempt to distract the conversation from the real issue, which is that some U.S. airlines have clearly failed to plan for the industry’s comeback that we are experiencing today,” said Capt. Joe DePete, the president of ALPA, in a statement issued Monday. “ALPA strongly opposes this proposed legislation, as there is no reason to change the retirement age and doing so would only increase costs for airlines and introduce unnecessary risks to passengers and crew alike.” | 2022-07-26T19:32:52+00:00 | valleycentral.com | https://www.valleycentral.com/news/national-news/republican-lawmakers-want-to-increase-pilot-retirement-age-amid-airline-struggles/ |
MIAMI (AP) — Federal prosecutors have charged eight people with smuggling endangered monkeys, including a Cambodian wildlife official who was arrested in the U.S. while traveling to a conference on protecting endangered species.
The official plus a colleague in that country’s wildlife agency and six people connected to a Hong Kong-based company were involved with breeding long-tailed macaques for scientific and academic research, supplying them to labs in Florida and Texas. But the group is accused of illegally purchasing wild macaques for the business when they lacked supply from their breeding operations.
Long-tailed macaques, sometimes known as crab-eating macaques, are protected under international trade law and special permits are required to import the animals into the U.S.
Masphal Kry, the deputy director of Wildlife and Biodiversity in Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, was arrested Wednesday at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
Kry, 46, was traveling to Panama to attend an international meeting on regulating trade in endangered species, said a U.S. official on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.
Omaliss Keo, 58, director general of the Southeast Asian country's Forestry Administration is also charged in the eight-count indictment, along with the six Vanny employees. Officials didn't say whether anyone besides Kry had been taken into custody. They each face up to 145 years in prison.
“The macaque is already recognized as an endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature,” U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Juan Antonio Gonzalez said in a statement. “The practice of illegally taking them from their habitat to end up in a lab is something we need to stop. Greed should never come before responsible conservation.”
According to the indictment, Vanny Resources Holdings founder and owner James Man Sang Lau, 64, and Vanny Resources Holdings general manager Dickson Lau, 29, operating from Hong Kong, owned and managed several corporations that conspired with black market collectors and officials in Cambodia to acquire wild macaques and export them to the U.S., falsely labelled as captive bred.
The macaques were taken from national parks and other protected areas in Cambodia to breeding facilities where they were provided false export permits, officials said. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries officials received cash payments of $220 each in exchange for a collection quota of 3,000 “unofficial” monkeys.
“Wild populations of long-tailed macaques, as well as the health and well-being of the American public, are put at risk when these animals are removed from their natural habitat and illegally sold in the United States and elsewhere,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Edward Grace said.
The conference in Panama, bringing together delegates from 184 parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, includes a Nov. 23 event on threats to the very species the Cambodian officials are accused of trafficking.
The long-tailed macaque is the most heavily traded primate on the CITES database, almost exclusively for laboratory research. According to the CITES Trade Database, more than 600,000 were exported and declared born or bred in captivity from 2011 to 2020. Almost 165,000 live specimens were exported in 2020 alone. | 2022-11-16T23:33:49+00:00 | seattlepi.com | https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Cambodia-wildlife-official-jailed-in-NY-for-17590316.php |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Amazon will pay more than $30 million to settle alleged privacy violations involving its voice assistant Alexa and its doorbell camera Ring.
The Federal Trade Commission voted to file charges in two separate cases Wednesday that could also force the company to delete certain data collected by its popular internet-connected devices.
In the Alexa case, the FTC said Amazon had deceived users of the voice assistance service for years. It retained children’s recordings indefinitely unless a parent requested the information be deleted, the agency said, and even when it deleted those recordings, Amazon often kept the transcripts.
The FTC ordered the company to delete inactive child accounts as well as certain voice information and geolocation data.
In imposing a $25 million fine, the agency said Amazon had violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and FTC Consumer Protection Chief Samuel Levine accused the tech giant of sacrificing “privacy for profits” in “flouting parents’ deletion requests.”
FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya said Amazon kept kids’ data indefinitely to refine its voice recognition algorithm. In a separate statement, he said the Alexa ruling sends a message to all tech companies who are “sprinting to do the same” amid fierce competition in developing AI datasets.
“Nothing is more visceral to a parent than the sound of their child’s voice,” tweeted Bedoya, the father of two small children.
In the Ring case, the FTC accuses Amazon’s home security camera subsidiary of allowing its employees and contractors to access the private videos of consumers and providing lax security practices that enabled hackers to take control of some accounts.
Amazon bought California-based Ring in 2018, and many of the violations cited by the FTC predate the acquisition. The FTC’s order would require Ring to pay $5.8 million that would be used for consumer refunds.
Amazon said it disagreed with the FTC’s claims about the two devices and denied violating the law. But it said the settlements “put these matters behind us.”
“Our devices and services are built to protect customers’ privacy, and to provide customers with control over their experience,” the Seattle-based company said.
The proposed orders must be approved by federal judges.
FTC commissioners unanimously voted to file the charges against Amazon in both cases. In addition to the fine in the Alexa case, the proposed order prohibits Amazon from using deleted geolocation and voice information to create or improve any data product. The order also requires Amazon to create a privacy program for its use of geolocation information. | 2023-06-01T02:57:55+00:00 | wboy.com | https://www.wboy.com/news/national/amazon-charged-with-privacy-violations-over-alexa-and-ring-cameras-ftc/ |
In Ukraine, the New Year was met with more sheltering from aerial bombardment Published January 2, 2023 at 4:16 AM PST Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 3:25 Ukraine's government issued 15,000 air raid warnings in 2022, and it doesn't look like Russia is planning to let up this year. Copyright 2023 NPR | 2023-01-02T13:44:32+00:00 | klcc.org | https://www.klcc.org/2023-01-02/in-ukraine-the-new-year-was-met-with-more-sheltering-from-aerial-bombardment |
The suspect in the November slaying of four University of Idaho students may soon be in Idaho to face first-degree murder charges if — as expected — he doesn't challenge his extradition to the Gem State in a Tuesday hearing in Pennsylvania.Bryan Kohberger's state-appointed attorney has indicated his client plans to waive extradition from his home state and has called the hearing a "formality proceeding."All the commonwealth needs to prove is that his client resembles or is the person on the arrest warrant and that he was in the area at the time of the crimes, Monroe County Chief Public Defender Jason LaBar told CNN's Jean Casarez.Kohberger was arrested Friday in Pennsylvania, almost seven weeks after Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20, were found dead November 13 in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho.Kohberger was "shocked a little bit," LaBar told CNN a day after his client was arrested. Kohberger is presumed innocent until proven guilty, LaBar added in a statement. He "believes he's going to be exonerated." LaBar said in an interview on NBC's "Today" show Tuesday.Kohberger has been "very easy to talk to," is "in a calm demeanor" and understands the proceedings, including what to expect concerning his transport to Idaho and what to expect when he gets there, LaBar said.The 28-year-old suspect last month finished his first semester as a Ph.D. student in the criminal justice program at Washington State University's campus in Pullman, about a 15-minute drive west of Moscow.He drove home to Pennsylvania for the holidays, accompanied by his father, LaBar told CNN on Saturday. The two arrived in the commonwealth around Dec. 17.A white Hyundai Elantra authorities had been looking for in connection with the killings was found at Kohberger's parents' house, LaBar confirmed.Investigators focused on Kohberger as a suspect after tracing ownership of the Elantra, which had been seen in the area of the killings, to him, according to two law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation. Also, his DNA was matched to genetic material recovered at the home where the students were slain, the two sources said.An FBI surveillance team tracked Kohberger for four days before his arrest while law enforcement worked with prosecutors to develop enough probable cause to get a warrant, the two law enforcement sources said.Other than the DNA and the car, details such as whether Kohberger knew the victims — or a possible motive in the slayings -- are not publicly known. The probable-cause affidavit, which would contain information to justify the suspect's arrest, remains sealed until he appears in an Idaho court.With those details still unknown, much public interest has focused on Kohberger's criminal justice studies.He graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2020 and this year completed his Master of Arts in criminal justice at DeSales University in Pennsylvania, according to a spokesperson for the university.In a post removed from Reddit after his arrest was announced, a student investigator associated with a DeSales University study named Bryan Kohberger sought participants for a research project "to understand how emotions and psychological traits influence decision-making when committing a crime.""In particular, this study seeks to understand the story behind your most recent criminal offense, with an emphasis on your thoughts and feelings throughout your experience," the post read.Moscow Police Department Chief James Fry said after the arrest that the investigation of the complex, extensive case was not over.Investigators are still searching for pieces of evidence, Fry said, including the weapon used, believed to be a fixed-blade knife."We developed a clear picture over time," he said, "(but) be assured that the work is not done. This is just started."Kohberger is being held without bail in Pennsylvania, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson said Friday. Once Kohberger is in Idaho, he is expected to make an initial appearance before a magistrate, and further hearings will be scheduled.
The suspect in the November slaying of four University of Idaho students may soon be in Idaho to face first-degree murder charges if — as expected — he doesn't challenge his extradition to the Gem State in a Tuesday hearing in Pennsylvania.
Bryan Kohberger's state-appointed attorney has indicated his client plans to waive extradition from his home state and has called the hearing a "formality proceeding."
All the commonwealth needs to prove is that his client resembles or is the person on the arrest warrant and that he was in the area at the time of the crimes, Monroe County Chief Public Defender Jason LaBar told CNN's Jean Casarez.
Kohberger was arrested Friday in Pennsylvania, almost seven weeks after Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20, were found dead November 13 in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho.
Kohberger was "shocked a little bit," LaBar told CNN a day after his client was arrested. Kohberger is presumed innocent until proven guilty, LaBar added in a statement. He "believes he's going to be exonerated." LaBar said in an interview on NBC's "Today" show Tuesday.
Kohberger has been "very easy to talk to," is "in a calm demeanor" and understands the proceedings, including what to expect concerning his transport to Idaho and what to expect when he gets there, LaBar said.
Ted S. Warren / AP File Photo
Bare spots are seen on Nov. 29, 2022, in the snowy parking lot in front of the home where four University of Idaho students were found dead on Nov. 13, in Moscow, Idaho, after vehicles belonging to the victims and others were towed away earlier in the day.
The 28-year-old suspect last month finished his first semester as a Ph.D. student in the criminal justice program at Washington State University's campus in Pullman, about a 15-minute drive west of Moscow.
He drove home to Pennsylvania for the holidays, accompanied by his father, LaBar told CNN on Saturday. The two arrived in the commonwealth around Dec. 17.
A white Hyundai Elantra authorities had been looking for in connection with the killings was found at Kohberger's parents' house, LaBar confirmed.
Investigators focused on Kohberger as a suspect after tracing ownership of the Elantra, which had been seen in the area of the killings, to him, according to two law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation. Also, his DNA was matched to genetic material recovered at the home where the students were slain, the two sources said.
An FBI surveillance team tracked Kohberger for four days before his arrest while law enforcement worked with prosecutors to develop enough probable cause to get a warrant, the two law enforcement sources said.
Other than the DNA and the car, details such as whether Kohberger knew the victims — or a possible motive in the slayings -- are not publicly known. The probable-cause affidavit, which would contain information to justify the suspect's arrest, remains sealed until he appears in an Idaho court.
N/A
Booking photo for Bryan Kohberger
With those details still unknown, much public interest has focused on Kohberger's criminal justice studies.
He graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2020 and this year completed his Master of Arts in criminal justice at DeSales University in Pennsylvania, according to a spokesperson for the university.
In a post removed from Reddit after his arrest was announced, a student investigator associated with a DeSales University study named Bryan Kohberger sought participants for a research project "to understand how emotions and psychological traits influence decision-making when committing a crime."
"In particular, this study seeks to understand the story behind your most recent criminal offense, with an emphasis on your thoughts and feelings throughout your experience," the post read.
Moscow Police Department Chief James Fry said after the arrest that the investigation of the complex, extensive case was not over.
Investigators are still searching for pieces of evidence, Fry said, including the weapon used, believed to be a fixed-blade knife.
"We developed a clear picture over time," he said, "(but) be assured that the work is not done. This is just started."
Kohberger is being held without bail in Pennsylvania, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson said Friday. Once Kohberger is in Idaho, he is expected to make an initial appearance before a magistrate, and further hearings will be scheduled. | 2023-01-03T17:43:49+00:00 | 4029tv.com | https://www.4029tv.com/article/idaho-killings-suspect-court-extradition-hearing/42385994 |
NEW YORK (AP)Sebastian Aho had three goals for his sixth career hat trick and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the slumping New York Islanders 5-2 on Saturday night.
Jordan Staal and Jesper Fast also scored to help the Metropolitan Division-leading Hurricanes win for the fourth time in five games. Frederik Andersen made 25 saves.
Simon Holmstrom and Brock Nelson scored for the Islanders. who have dropped eight of their last nine. Ilya Sorokin had 21 saves.
Aho snapped a 2-2 tie with 3:20 left in the second period, tipping a pass from Teuvo Teravainen past Sorokin. Aho scored unassisted at 7:09 of the third to put the Hurricanes ahead by two and added an empty-net goal for his 17th to complete his second hat trick of the season with 22 seconds left.
FLYERS 2, RED WINGS 1
DETROIT (AP) – Scott Laughton and Noah Cates scored in the third period and Philadelphia beat Detroit.
Carter Hart stopped 30 shots to help the Flyers improve to 9-3-0 in their last 12 games.
Lucas Raymond scored for Detroit in the final minute to spoil Hart’s shutout bid. Ville Husso finished with 23 saves.
AVALANCHE 2, KRAKEN 1, SO
SEATTLE (AP) – Nathan MacKinnon scored the only goal of the shootout and Colorado got its season-high fifth straight win.
Alex Newhook scored in regulation for the Avalanche, and Pavel Francouz stopped 26 shots.
Ryan Donato scored for the Kraken, and Philipp Grubauer also had 26 saves.
Donato, Jordan Eberle and Daniel Sprong all failed to score in the tiebreaker for Seattle, which fell to 0-2 in shootouts. Evan Rodrigues missed with Colorado’s first chance, but MacKinnon put his shot past Grubauer on the Avalanche’s second attempt.
Colorado now has a league-best nine wins in games that go beyond regulation this season, including four shootout victories.
CANADIENS 3, MAPLE LEAFS 2
MONTREAL (AP) – Rem Pitlick whipped a wrist shot past goalie Ilya Samsonov 2:14 into overtime to lift Montreal.
Josh Anderson and Rafael Harvey-Pinard also scored as Montreal overcame a two-goal deficit. Samuel Montembeault made 36 saves.
Mark Giordano and Calle Jarnkrok scored for Toronto. Samsonov stopped 28 shots.
OILERS 4, CANUCKS 2
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) – Zach Hyman had a goal and three assists and Edmonton won its sixth straight.
Hyman has a career-high 56 points with 24 goals and 32 assists. He had 54 points last seasoon.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and two assists for the Oilers, Connor McDavid had his 40th goal and an assist and Leon Draisaitl scored his 28th goal. Stuart Skinner made 27 saves.
Andrei Kuzmenko and J.T. Miller scored for Vancouver, which has lost nine of 10. Quinn Hughes had two assists and Spencer Martin made 25 saves.
BLUE JACKETS 5, SHARKS 3
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Gustav Nyquist scored in the third period, and Columbus rallied from two goals down to beat San Jose and snap a two-game losing streak.
Nyquist joined Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine with a goal and an assist, Boone Jenner and Sean Kuraly also scored, and Kent Johnson and Nick Blankenburg each had two assists for Columbus. Joonas Korpisalo stopped 22 shots.
Timo Meier, Nick Bonino and Nico Strum scored for San Jose, which has lost four of its last five. Kaapo Kahkonen had 24 saves.
PANTHERS 5, WILD 3
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) – Alex Lyon made 29 saves for his second consecutive victory and Florida beat Minnesota.
Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, Carter Verhaeghe, Gustav Forsling and Sam Reinhart scored for the Panthers, who are 4-0-1 in their last five games.
Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek and Jared Spurgeon scored for the Wild, and Filip Gustavsson made 22 saves. Minnesota has lost two in a row.
The Panthers lost defenseman Aaron Ekblad in the first period to an upper-body injury, and center Sam Bennett left, also with an upper-body concern, in the second.
BLACKHAWKS 5, BLUES 3
ST. LOUIS (AP) – Rookie Jaxson Stauber recorded 28 saves in his NHL debut and Jason Dickinson had a goal and two assists to lead Chicago.
Sam Lafferty, Reese Johnson, Andreas Athanasiou and Max Domi also scored for the Blackhawks, who have won six of their last seven games.
Jordan Kyrou, Ivan Barbashev and Nick Leddy scored for St. Louis, which had won four straight against Chicago. Jordan Binnington started and gave up four goals on seven shots before he was pulled early in the second period. Thomas Greiss stopped 10 of the 11 shots he faced.
PREDATORS 5, KINGS 3
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Matt Duchene broke a tie with 6:26 left with his second goal of the game and Nashville beat Los Angeles.
Mikael Granlund and Ryan Johansen each had a goal and an assist, Cole Smith had his first NHL goal and Juuse Saros made 31 saves for the Predators, winners of three of four. Roman Josi had three assists and Cody Glass and Alexandre each had two assists.
Sean Durzi scored a goal and assisted on another and Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield also scored for Los Angeles. Anze Kopitar had two assists and Pheonix Copley and Jonathan Quick combined for 23 saves.
SABRES 6, DUCKS 3
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) – Victor Olofsson and Peyton Krebs each scored two goals to lead Buffalo.
Olofsson gave the Sabres a 4-3 lead at 2:12 of the third period when he finished off a 2-on-1 break with defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin. His career-best 21st goal of the season made it 5-3 at 8:07.
Dylan Cozens and Jeff Skinner also scored for Buffalo and Lyubushkin had three assists. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 34 saves.
Trevor Zegras scored twice and Simon Benoit also had a goal for Anaheim, which is 1-5-1 in its last seven games. John Gibson made 33 saves.
FLAMES 6, LIGHTNING 3
CALGARY, Alberta (AP) – Rasmus Andersson had a goal and two assists, leading Calgary to the victory.
Nazem Kadri, Tyler Toffoli, Dillon Dube, Jonathan Huberdeau and Blake Coleman also scored for the Flames. Dan Vladar made 21 saves to improve to 8-0-3 in his last 11 appearances.
Steven Stamkos, Vladislav Namestikov and Anthony Cirelli scored for Tampa Bay, which dropped both games in Alberta to finish 3-2-0 on its longest trip of the season. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 35 shots.
STARS 4, COYOTES 0
DALLAS (AP) – Radek Faksa had his first two-goal game in more than three years, captain Jamie Benn added a power-play goal and Western Conference-leading Dallas beat hapless Arizona.
Faksa scored both of his goals on rebounds in the first period, when the Stars went ahead 3-0, and rookie Wyatt Johnson scored his 12th goal in the second period. It was first multipoint game this season for Faksa, who had last scored two goals on Nov. 15, 2019.
Jake Oettinger had 33 saves in his fourth shutout this season.
Connor Ingram had 35 saves for the Coyotes, who lost for the 10th time in 11 games.
JETS 5, SENATORS 1
OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) – Mark Scheifele scored twice and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 25 shots to lead Winnipeg.
Nikolaj Ehlers, Blake Wheeler and Cole Perfetti also scored for the Jets. Ehlers, who missed 36 games with an abdominal injury, has four goals and eight assists in nine games since returning to the lineup.
Josh Norris scored for Ottawa and Anton Forsberg made 25 saves.
GOLDEN KNIGHTS 6, CAPITALS 2
LAS VEGAS (AP) – Paul Cotter scored twice and Vegas ended a three-game losing streak.
Nicolas Roy had a goal and two assists for the Knights, Alec Martinez a goal and an assist and Michael Amadio and Byron Froese also scored. Alex Pietrangelo and Chandler Stephenson added two assists apiece and Logan Thompson had 20 saves to improve his career record against Washington to 3-0.
T.J. Oshie and Marcus Johansson scored for the Capitals, who were without star forward Alex Ovechkin due to a lower-body injury.
Darcy Kuemper gave up four goals on 18 shots before being pulled with 7:55 left in the second. His replacement, Charlie Lindgren, allowed a goal just 1:34 later and finished with seven saves.
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AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL and https://www.twitter.com/AP-Sports | 2023-01-23T01:43:21+00:00 | kxnet.com | https://www.kxnet.com/scoreboard/olofsson-scores-twice-as-sabres-beat-ducks-6-3/ |
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC) today announced that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Rogers will speak at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in New York City.
A live audio webcast will be available the day of the event at ir.truist.com under Events & Presentations. A replay of the webcast will be available on the website for 30 days.
About Truist
Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Truist has leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country, and offers a wide range of products and services through our retail and small business banking, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, insurance, wealth management, and specialized lending businesses. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist is a top 10 U.S. commercial bank with total assets of $574 billion as of March 31, 2023. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com.
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SOURCE Truist Financial Corporation | 2023-05-11T15:03:58+00:00 | wsfa.com | https://www.wsfa.com/prnewswire/2023/05/11/truist-present-bernstein-strategic-decisions-conference/ |
JACKSON — Mandy Gunasekara, a former chief of staff at the Environmental Protection Agency, filed paperwork on Wednesday to seek the Republican nomination to be the Northern District Public Service commissioner.
Gunasekara, 37, told the Daily Journal at the Mississippi Republican Party headquarters in Jackson that she wants to become the next utility regulator in the northern part of the state to help Mississippians obtain affordable energy and internet to propel them forward in the modern economy.
“In the Northern District, unfortunately, this hasn’t been guaranteed to all the citizens,” Gunasekara said. “So, I am running to make that happen and to make sure that Mississippi continues to grow and prosper in the right direction.”
Gunasekara, a Republican, is a native of Decatur, and she’s lived in Oxford for several years. After graduating from Mississippi College and the University of Mississippi School of Law, she worked in Washington for the U.S. House, the U.S. Senate and the EPA.
The Public Service Commission is a three-member board that regulates telecommunications, electric, gas, water and sewer utilities. The three commission members are elected from different regions throughout the state.
The agency recently has adopted broadband internet expansion as a part of its core mission and has worked to connect rural parts of the state to wired broadband.
Broadband Now still ranks Mississippi near the bottom of access to quality, affordable broadband and estimates that 16% of the population remains without access to a high-speed wired broadband connection with the federal basic download speed.
Gunasekara said she believes making new technology, such as Elon Musk’s Starlight satellite internet that was recently deployed in Ukraine, more widely available to consumers in north Mississippi could bridge the digital gap.
“If they can do that in a country under attack from Russia, we can do that in Mississippi,” Gunasekara said.
The Lafayette County resident is so far the only person to file paperwork to run in the Republican primary for Northern District Public Service Commissioner.
Democrat Brandon Presley, the incumbent commissioner, has served as commissioner since 2008.
Presley is also rumored to be eyeing a run for governor, but as of Wednesday evening, he has not filed paperwork to run for a state office. If he were to file paperwork to run for governor, it would clear the way for a new candidate to become the utility regulator.
In a previous statement to the Daily Journal, Presley did not address which office he plans to seek, but he said that whatever he does next will be focused on “improving the lives of average Mississippians who can’t write a $1,000 campaign check.”
The last day for candidates to qualify for state offices is Feb. 1.
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | 2023-01-05T18:08:27+00:00 | djournal.com | https://www.djournal.com/news/state-news/former-epa-chief-of-staff-mandy-gunasekara-files-paperwork-to-run-for-utility-regulator-in/article_d3bf5a16-7e28-54c9-a18f-591b53d11b95.html |
NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, NSB, the musical moniker for North Star Boys, an Asian-American music group with over 55 million combined followers across social media platforms, released their debut hyperpop single "SUNSHINE".
Making their debut in the Hyperpop genre, North Star Boys release their new single "SUNSHINE".
"SUNSHINE" symbolizes perseverance and dedication to the ones you love, an overarching theme emphasized throughout the official music video. Each member has their own sunshine they drew inspiration from for this single, whether it's an ex, current lover, family member, or as NSB co-founder, Oliver Moy, says, his newfound friend group-turned-family. For NSB member Regie Macalino, this means shedding light on his heritage, with elements of his Filipino culture embedded throughout the music video.
"Being raised in the Philippines for half of my life, it's always been important to me to incorporate my roots in everything I do. My family and I came to the US like many other Asians to chase the American Dream. In the music video for SUNSHINE, it was a special moment for me and the boys to shine light on the country I grew up in and inspire my fellow Filipino friends and followers to embrace our culture and not be afraid of being different," said Regie Macalino.
The North Star Boys have taken the internet by storm not only through music but also through their captivating social media presence, unique personalities, and impromptu meet & greets. Their most recent transition into the web3 space has proved successful, selling out of their first NFT drop in an hour. The group of 7 boys aims to inspire and be the Asian representation in media that they didn't see growing up.
Stream SUNSHINE HERE
You can follow NSB on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
About North Star Boys
North Star Boys is the first Asian-American content group, founded in August 2021. Within their first six months as a group, they surpassed expectations gaining millions of followers across all platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. The 7-member group of best friends is composed of founders and brothers, Oliver and Sebastian Moy along with Regie Macalino, Ryan Nguyen, Justin Phan, Darren Liang, and Kane Ratan managed by Forbes 30 Under 30's Tyler Bray.
Contact
Juliana Martins
Eleven11 Media Relations
juliana@eleven11mediarelations.com
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SOURCE North Star Boys | 2022-08-12T14:10:46+00:00 | kwtx.com | https://www.kwtx.com/prnewswire/2022/08/12/nsb-asian-american-music-group-debuts-hyperpop-single-sunshine/ |
Some moments from the 2022-23 NBA regular season:
Oct. 18: Boston defeats Philadelphia and Golden State beats the Los Angeles Lakers on opening night. The Warriors received their championship rings from last season in a ceremony preceding their game.
Oct. 20: NBA referee Tony Brown, 55, dies of pancreatic cancer. He worked more than 1,100 games in a two-decade career.
Nov. 4: Nike suspends its relationship with Kyrie Irving and canceled plans to release his next signature shoe, part of the massive fallout caused by the Brooklyn Nets' guard tweeting a link to a film containing antisemitic material. Nike and Irving eventually part ways; Irving eventually apologizes and returns to the Nets.
Nov. 5: Sacramento's De'Aaron Fox hits from just inside the midcourt stripe at the buzzer of overtime, giving the Kings a 126-123 win in Orlando.
Nov. 8: To commemorate Election Day, the NBA plays no games. The league encourages its teams and fans to spend the day participating in civic engagement.
Nov. 11: The arena where the Miami Heat play starts the process of getting a new name, after the cryptocurrency exchange FTX collapses. FTX was in the early stages of a 19-year, $135 million naming rights deal with Miami-Dade County.
Nov. 13: Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid scores a career-best 59 points in a win over Utah. He adds 11 rebounds, eight assists and seven blocked shots.
Nov. 28: Andrew Nembhard hits a 3-pointer at the buzzer and Indiana stuns the Los Angeles Lakers 116-115. The Pacers trailed by 17 with 9:27 remaining; it was the biggest fourth-quarter comeback in the NBA this season.
Dec. 13: The NBA announces a rebranding of its MVP award, revealing a new trophy and a new name — The Michael Jordan Trophy.
Dec. 17: In Mexico City, Miami defeated San Antonio 111-101. It was the NBA’s first game in Mexico City since 2019.
Dec. 20: Mortgage billionaire Mat Ishbia strikes a deal to purchase embattled Robert Sarver’s share of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury in a deal that values the franchise at $4 billion.
Dec. 25: Philadelphia tops New York, Dallas beats the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston beats Milwaukee, Golden State tops Memphis and Denver edges Phoenix in the NBA’s Christmas quintupleheader.
Dec. 27: Dallas’ Luka Doncic has a 60-point triple-double in the Mavericks’ 126-121 win over New York. He added 21 rebounds and 10 assists in the first 60-20-10 game in NBA history.
Jan. 2: Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell scores 71 points in the Cavaliers’ 145-134 overtime win over Chicago. Mitchell was 22 of 34 from the field, 7 of 15 on 3-pointers and 20 for 25 from the foul line. He also had 11 assists, marking the first time anyone had more than 70 points and 10 assists in an NBA game.
Jan. 10: Miami goes 40 for 40 from the foul line in a one-point win over Oklahoma City. The 40-for-40 breaks the previous NBA record of 39-for-39 by Utah in 1982.
Jan. 13: At the Alamodome in San Antonio, the Spurs sell an NBA-record 68,323 tickets for a game against Golden State.
Jan. 19: With presumed 2023 No. 1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama sitting courtside, Zach LaVine scores 30 points and the Chicago Bulls ease past the Detroit Pistons 126-108 in Paris. France was the seventh different country to host an NBA practice or game this season.
Feb. 6: Brooklyn trades Kyrie Irving to Dallas, ending his up-and-down stint with the Nets that was more memorable for off-the-court challenges than actual play.
Feb. 7: LeBron James makes a 14-foot jumper late in the third quarter to break Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career NBA scoring record. Abdul-Jabbar held the mark since 1984 and was in Los Angeles to watch James’ record-breaker.
Feb. 9: Brooklyn trades Kevin Durant to Phoenix, a blockbuster on NBA trade-deadline day.
Feb. 16: Boston removes the interim title from 34-year-old coach Joe Mazzulla, the former assistant who took over the Celtics in September after now-former coach Ime Udoka was suspended by the team for having an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the organization.
Feb. 18: Philadelphia’s Mac McClung puts on a scintillating show to win the dunk contest at All-Star weekend. Portland’s Damian Lillard wins the 3-point contest and Utah players Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton combined to win the Skills Challenge.
Feb. 19: Boston’s Jayson Tatum scores a record 55 points and Team Giannis tops Team LeBron 184-175 to win the All-Star Game in Salt Lake City.
Feb. 24: Sacramento defeats the Los Angeles Clippers 176-175. The 351 combined points are the second-most in NBA history, behind only Detroit’s 186-184 win over Denver on Dec. 13, 1983.
Feb. 26: Portland’s Damian Lillard scores 71 points in the Trail Blazers’ 131-114 win over Houston. Lillard made 22 of 38 shots from the field, 13 of 22 from 3-point range and all 14 of his free throws. He also led Portland in assists, with six.
Feb. 27: Atlanta introduces Quin Snyder as its new coach, after firing Nate McMillan about a week earlier.
March 4: Memphis guard Ja Morant live-streams himself holding a gun while inside a Denver-area strip club. He quickly announces he was taking “some time away to get help” and ultimately was suspended for eight games by the NBA for his personal conduct.
March 17 and 19: A tale of two comebacks. San Antonio blew a 29-point lead on March 17 and lost to Memphis 126-120; two nights later, the Spurs rallied from a 24-point second-half deficit and beat Atlanta 126-118. It was the biggest second-half comeback for the Spurs under coach Gregg Popovich.
March 29: Jrue Holiday has 51 points, eight assists and eight rebounds, while Giannis Antetokounmpo adds 38 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists, and Milwaukee tops Indiana 149-136. It's the first time in NBA history two teammates have had at least 38 points, eight assists and eight rebounds in the same game.
April 1: In the early morning hours, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association strike a handshake deal on what, if approved by owners and players, will be a seven-year Collective Bargaining Agreement that will take effect in July and ensure labor peace in the league until at least 2029.
April 7: Dallas sits several regulars, including Kyrie Irving, and plays Luka Doncic for only about a quarter in a loss to Chicago. The loss eliminated the Mavericks from postseason contention and the team's motivation for losing catches the eye of the NBA, which opens an investigation the next day.
April 9: Udonis Haslem scores 24 points in his final regular season game, as his 20-year career with the Miami Heat draws to an end. At 42, he's nearly two years older than anyone else to have scored at least 24 points in an NBA game.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2023-04-10T17:49:37+00:00 | ksat.com | https://www.ksat.com/sports/2023/04/10/season-of-nba-moments-lebron-lillard-mitchell-and-more/ |
Freeways are the backbone of America’s transportation. The roads connect cities and towns and allow for commerce. But many residents were displaced to make way for freeways and the neighborhoods they run through, many of which are low-income communities of color, continue to suffer the consequences.
Andrew Bowen of KPBS’ podcast “Freeway Exit” brings us this excerpt which focuses on a longtime resident of a California neighborhood that was devastated by a freeway.
This article was originally published on WBUR.org.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2023-06-21T19:01:10+00:00 | klcc.org | https://www.klcc.org/2023-06-21/what-happens-when-a-freeway-divides-a-community |
JAKARTA – Myanmar’s prolonged civil strife, tensions in the disputed South China Sea and concern over arms buildups in the region are expected to dominate the agenda when Southeast Asia’s top diplomats gather for talks this week in Indonesia.
Russia's year-old invasion of Ukraine and the U.S.-China rivalry will also be under the spotlight as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang participate as dialogue partners of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta.
North Korea has yet to say whether its foreign minister, Choe Son Hui, will attend the ASEAN Regional Forum, an annual regional security meeting.
It's also unclear who among the key figures in the world’s most intractable conflicts will meet on the sidelines of the group's ministerial meetings.
The top diplomats of ASEAN, which includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, will meet Tuesday and Wednesday before their other Asian and Western counterparts join them in discussions on Thursday and Friday.
Founded in 1967, the often-unwieldy collective of democracies, autocracies and monarchies has been held together for decades by bedrock principles of non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs and consensus-based decision-making. But that approach has also prevented the 10-nation bloc from dealing swiftly with crises that spill across borders.
ASEAN's principles have been tested since Myanmar’s army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021 and plunged the country into deadly chaos. It has become one of ASEAN’s gravest crises since its establishment.
More than 3,750 civilians, including pro-democracy activists, have been killed by security forces and nearly 24,000 arrested since the military takeover, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a rights group that keeps tallies of such arrests and casualties.
Myanmar's military government has largely ignored a five-point plan by ASEAN heads of state that includes an immediate end to the violence and dialogue among all contending parties. That prompted the regional group to take an unprecedented punitive step by barring Myanmar’s military leaders from its top-level gatherings, including the ministerial meetings, that Indonesia will host.
Since assuming ASEAN’s rotating chairmanship this year, Indonesia has initiated some 110 meetings with various groups in Myanmar and provided humanitarian aid to build trust, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said, adding that continuing violence would hurt efforts to return the strife-torn nation to normalcy within ASEAN.
"ASEAN is still very concerned about the increasing use of violence in Myanmar which has resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of public facilities,” Retno said at a news conference on Friday. “This must stop immediately.”
Two months ago, an aid convoy with Indonesian and Singaporean embassy representatives on an ASEAN mission to provide help to displaced people came under fire from unknown attackers in a road ambush in Myanmar's eastern Shan State. A security team returned fire and a security vehicle was damaged, but no one in the convoy was injured, state-run television MRTV reported.
ASEAN has come under international pressure to effectively address the crisis in Myanmar. But ASEAN members appear to be divided over how to proceed, with some recommending to ease punitive actions aimed at isolating Myanmar’s generals and invite its top diplomat and officials back to the high-profile summit meetings.
Retno stressed the group would continue to focus on enforcing the ASEAN leaders’ five-point plan.
A draft of a post-meeting communique to be issued by the ASEAN foreign ministers remained blank on Myanmar, reflecting the difficulty of reaching agreement on the issue. Their concerns over other contentious issues, such as the South China Sea disputes, were already included in the draft, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press.
The non-recognition of Myanmar’s military government by ASEAN and Asian and Western countries has caused problems.
Myanmar is scheduled next year to assume the role of coordinating ASEAN’s engagements with the European Union. But the E.U., which has imposed sanctions on the military government, has opposed such a role for Myanmar, two Southeast Asian diplomats told the AP on condition of anonymity because they lack authority to discuss the issue publicly.
On the South China Sea conflicts, ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to renew a call for self-restraint “in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability,” according to the draft communique, repeating language used in previous statements that does not name China.
Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam have been embroiled in the long-simmering territorial conflicts with China and Taiwan for decades. ASEAN and China have been negotiating a non-aggression pact that aims to prevent an escalation of the disputes, but the talks have faced years of delay.
The disputed waters have emerged as a delicate front in the rivalry between China and the United States.
Washington has challenged Beijing’s expansive territorial claims and regularly deploys warships and fighter jets in what it calls freedom of navigation and overflight patrols that have incensed China.
Other Western and European nations have deployed navy ships on occasional patrols in the busy waterway, where a bulk of the world’s trade transits, with a similar call for unimpeded commerce and mobility.
China's increasingly aggressive actions have prompted other countries to boost their territorial defenses.
"We expressed concern about the growing arms race and naval power projection in the region, which could lead to miscalculation, increased tensions, and may undermine regional peace, security, and stability,” the ASEAN foreign ministers said without elaborating in their draft communique, whose wording is still subject to negotiations and could change.
"To ensure a more stable and predictable maritime sphere in the region, we underlined the importance of strengthening maritime governance,” they said.
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Associated Press journalist Edna Tarigan in Jakarta contributed to this report. Gomez reported from Manila, Philippines. | 2023-07-10T05:49:39+00:00 | ksat.com | https://www.ksat.com/news/world/2023/07/10/myanmar-violence-and-sea-disputes-to-dominate-asean-talks-joined-by-us-russian-and-chinese-envoys/ |
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(RNS) — The street protests that drove Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa from office last month brought together people from across the country’s diverse and sometimes warring ethno-religious groups: Tamils, Muslims, Christians and Sinhala Buddhists — including, unmistakably, the saffron-robed Buddhist monks who are fixtures of Sri Lanka’s political scene.
But with Rajapaksa in exile in Singapore and life returning closer to normal, decades-old questions are being raised about Buddhism’s role in Sri Lanka’s government.
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This content is written and produced by Religion News Service and distributed by The Associated Press. RNS and AP partner on some religion news content. RNS is solely responsible for this story.
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Political involvement by the monks — easy to spot in the protests against Rajapaksa’s inaction on Sri Lanka’s economic woes — also includes taking seats in Parliament and joining political parties. Last year, a controversial monk named Galagoda Atte Gnanasara was appointed to a presidential task force for legal reforms despite his vociferous anti-Muslim views.
“The role of monks is to help people improve their spirituality. During the last 10 years, their political involvement has become too much, I think. People don’t view them as religious leaders anymore,” said Venerable Mahayaye Vineetha, a Sri Lankan monk living in Kandy, a city in Sri Lanka’s central highlands.
The connection between monks and political figures has reportedly diminished some monks’ respectability. Moreover, hard-line political monks with ties to the Rajapaksas have turned out to join protests against their former allies alongside younger, more progressive monks.
One video taken from Batarramulla in April shows a monk, a former ally of Rajapaksa’s and leader of the nationalist Janasetha Peramuna party, being scolded and pushed out of the protests. A man in the video can be heard saying “It is because of the people like you, we suffer today like this.”
“This is one of several instances where people called out monks as being tools of the state and said they have contributed to the current situation, the maintaining of the political elite, and the supporting and abetting of violence and ethnic strife,” said Nalika Gajaweera, a research anthropologist at the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California.
Theravada Buddhist monks have been both spiritual and practical advisers to Sri Lankan political leaders for centuries, starting with the country’s kings. In the seven decades since Sri Lanka’s independence from Britain, the relationship has become more entangled as Sinhala Buddhism, marked by its nationalistic values, has proliferated in the nation’s monasteries.
Sinhala Buddhist nationalism can be traced back to Anagarika Dharmapala, an influential anti-imperialist and nationalist monk from the early 19th century. His speeches, filled with anti-Muslim and anti-Tamil rhetoric and aimed at creating a Buddhist dominated nation, are infamous in Sri Lanka.
Dharmapala’s goals were realized with the 1956 Sinhala Only Act and further enshrined in Sri Lanka’s 1972 constitution, which privileged Buddhism over other religions, essentially cementing an ethno-religious majoritarian state.
In recent years, the blatant racism and violent language of the first wave of Sri Lankan independence have reappeared. Hard-line monks with ties to politicians like the Rajapaksas have led to racist rowdyism among their followers; some monks have even committed violence themselves.
“People should be able to see that there is a weaponization of religion for political purposes, to promote a certain political agenda,” said Gajaweera.
In 2015, Venerable Akmeemana Dayarathana Thero, a close ally of the Rajapaksas, was arrested for threatening Rohingya refugees in Sri Lanka and encouraging people to throw rocks at them.
As the economic situation has devolved in Sri Lanka, monks have come to play an increasingly important role in day-to-day life. In rural areas, temples can be the sole resource for villagers who otherwise lack access to news on political developments. In urban areas, where the education system has largely collapsed, some temples run dharma schools for children.
Chamila Somirathna, a professor at the Colombo Institute of Research and Psychology and the mother of two young children, said her 5-year-old son has only been able to attend kindergarten in person for 30 days in the last two years after the government forcibly closed schools.
“It’s really important for temples to mediate in these kinds of cases. Kids should get the chance to associate with other kids their age, get education and get that school experience.”
As Sri Lanka’s economy has suffered, too, the monks provide much-needed aid through their redistribution of dana, or almsgiving. Despite a stark lack of resources and an increasing hunger crisis as the year goes on, dedicated lay Buddhists still show up to provide monks with food each morning.
“People do not have enough food for themselves, but bring the best thing for monks. I have so much lovingkindness for these people. They have a lot of faith, and they might have some problems with monks, but they’ve never stopped with alms,” said Vineetha.
Typically, food given to monks is either consumed or thrown away, but in the current hard times, many temples are reallocating extra food to families in need. Addressing this suffering “always comes first. Then we (monks) can think about other things,” according to Vineetha.
Despite the scenes of monks being booed at the protests, many of the young, predominantly Buddhist protesters welcome monks’ involvement in the popular uprising and politics at large, as long as it is done in limited measure.
“Some senior monks have merely spoken in support of the protest movement. They weren’t on the streets joining in, but just said, ‘Yes, we support this.’ For some protesters, that statement likely gives public legitimacy to the struggle, particularly among the wider Sinhala Buddhist public,” said Gajaweera.
But their presence at the protests has made even some other monks wary. Some activists who forced the former president out have accused these monks of being “opportunistic” — trying to save face by protesting despite previously supporting the Rajapaksa regime.
Many Sri Lankans are less than pleased that their new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, is a close ally of the former president. They expect the hard-line nationalist monks formerly aligned with Rajapaksa will back Wickremesinghe and the status quo.
“The constitution is still structured as the Sinhalese and the ‘other,‘” said Gajaweera. “Although everyone is ‘equal,’ there’s a special case for the Buddhists. These contradictions of the nation-state will continue to shape the future.”
The best route for monks, said Vineetha, is to use their position not to gain power for themselves, but to “help laypeople understand the political system. When there is an election and leaders come to villages promising this and that to the people, we can help them grasp the corrupt system.” | 2022-08-06T07:45:12+00:00 | expressnews.com | https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/Monks-role-in-Sri-Lanka-protests-raises-17354771.php |
Family’s dog dies after ingesting amphetamines
PALMER, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) - A family in Alaska is mourning the loss of one of their dogs after she died from ingesting amphetamines.
Krysta Voskowsky said she would whistle to her cat and two dogs to call them to bed every night.
“My partner and I would climb into bed and all of us would pile on the bed, and would do belly rubs and snuggles,” Voskowsky told KTUU.
She said her household of pets were like her family. Voskowsky and her husband adopted 4-year-old Mishka from their neighbor a little over a year ago to join their other dog, Ted, and their cat, Benjamin.
“Mishka felt part dog, part guardian angel, part long lost kid,” Voskowsky said.
Voskowsky said Mishka brought playful energy and light into their home. However, she said there is now a silence that lingers throughout their halls, and there’s one less fur baby to cuddle with the couple at night.
“I miss hearing her little paw at the door. I miss hearing the jingle of her collar as she follows the cat around the house,” Voskowsky said.
On March 1, Voskowsky left to go to a dentist appointment. Like she had done plenty of times before, she allowed her dogs to stay in the fenced backyard, figuring they would be safe, she said.
About two hours later, Voskowsky returned and noticed that something was not right with Mishka.
“She just looked kind of lethargic,” Voskowsky said. “But … I didn’t think anything was wrong right away.”
A few hours later, Voskowsky said Mishka started struggling to walk and began losing her balance.
Voskowsky and her partner took Mishka to the vet that night, where veterinarians tried to figure out what was wrong with their dog. Right before they tried to take a urine analysis, Mishka went into cardiac arrest.
Veterinarians attempted to bring her back for 30 minutes but were unsuccessful.
“The doctor came in and said she [Mishka] did pop positive for amphetamines,” Voskowsky said.
This is not the first case of a pet ingesting amphetamines the Palmer Police Department has seen this year. They said within the past two weeks, two other dogs had a similar experience.
In a statement, the department said they received a report from a resident on Ellen Street who took two of her pets to the vet “due to strange behavior.” One incident was on Feb. 25 and the other was on March 1.
“The vet drew blood from the first animal and had it tested. The vet allegedly determined there may have been amphetamines and THC in the blood,” the department said. “The second animal was not tested the same way, but the assumption was made it was the same prognosis due to similar behavior.”
Voskowsky said her own animal’s diagnosis has left her with fears and unanswered questions.
“I don’t leave the house much. I don’t let the dog out unattended,” Voskowsky said. “It’s all I can do but stand in the window and speculate.”
Palmer police and the Mat-Su Animal Shelter both said they are investigating the situation.
Copyright 2023 KTUU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | 2023-03-13T20:46:16+00:00 | kwtx.com | https://www.kwtx.com/2023/03/13/familys-dog-dies-after-ingesting-amphetamines/ |
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — A bomb blast by Somalia’s Islamic extremist rebels hit a popular seaside restaurant in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, killing at least six people, ambulance service officials say.
The explosion occurred Friday evening when many patrons gathered for an Iftar meal to break the Ramadan fast. The restaurant is frequented by government officials.
Those killed were mostly civilians and seven other people were wounded, the director of Aamin Ambulance Service, Abdulkadir Adan told The Associated Press by phone. The blast caused “huge damage,” he said.
Somalia’s al-Shabab Islamic extremist group has claimed responsibility for the explosion. | 2022-04-23T14:51:26+00:00 | fox44news.com | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/somalias-extremists-bomb-restaurant-in-the-capital-6-dead/ |
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s foreign policy chief said Tuesday that the U.S. green light to allow Ukrainian pilots to get training to fly F-16s has created an inexorable momentum that will inevitably bring the fighter jets to the Ukrainian battlefield.
“You know, it’s always the same thing: we discuss, at the beginning everybody is reluctant,” said Josep Borrell, giving the example of the long debate and initial opposition to the dispatch of advanced Leopard battle tanks to Ukraine.
“And at the end — with the Leopards, with the F-16 at the end — the decision comes to provide this military support because it is absolutely needed.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that the training decision was the exact thrust necessary toward making the jets available to Ukraine.
“Announcing clearly that they will start training — this is an important step that partly will enable us to deliver fighter jets at some stage,” Stoltenberg said before meeting with EU defense ministers. He said it also proved that the West wouldn’t stand down in the face of Russia, saying such a decision “is sending a very clear signal that we are there for the long term and that Russia can not wait us out.”
Borrell added that training for Ukrainian pilots had already begun in Poland and some other countries, though Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said that such training was still in the planning phase. The Netherlands and Denmark, among others, are also making plans for such training.
No decision on actually delivering fourth-generation fighter jets has been taken yet, but training pilots now — a process that takes several months — will help speed up battle readiness once a formal decision is made.
“We can continue and also finalize the plans that we’re making with Denmark and other allies to start these these trainings. And of course, that is the first step that you have to take,” Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said.
“We will continue discussing with our allies and with countries that might have F-16s available about that next step. But that’s not on the table right now,” Ollongren said.
Ukraine has long begged for the sophisticated fighter to give it a combat edge as it battles Russia’s invasion, now in its second year. And this new plan opens the door for several nations to supply the aircraft and for the U.S. to help train the pilots.
With the decision, the Biden administration has made a sharp reversal after refusing to approve any transfer of the aircraft or conduct training for more than a year because of worries that it could escalate tensions with Russia. U.S. officials also have argued against the F-16 by saying that learning to fly and logistically support such an advanced aircraft would be difficult and take months. | 2023-05-24T14:02:10+00:00 | kfor.com | https://kfor.com/news/international/ap-eu-welcomes-f-16-jet-decision-for-training-ukraine-pilots/ |
Jackson church works to donate to schools each month
JACKSON, Tenn. — Wanting to make a difference in their community, Love and Truth Church realized they had the funding to start a new project.
In October, Demark Elementary reached out to the church and asked them for some assistance with funding.
They delivered what they thought would be a one time donation of $1,000. However, after seeing the reaction from the Denmark Elementary staff, and how thankful they were, the church devised a plan to continue giving to schools in Jackson.
“Our youth pastor will make a donation to a high school, and then our children’s directors, Andrew and Brittany, will be making a thousand dollar donation to an elementary school. So we’re going to rotate from month to month. We’re going to give to a high school, and then we’re going to give to an elementary school, just rotate that each month,” said Chris Smith, the Campus Pastor for Love and Truth Church.
Since their first gift to Denmark, they have continued to do so to various schools in the Hub City. In November, they gave North Side High School the $1,000 check.
“So our vision here is changing lives, to change our world. And the people of Love and Truth Jackson campus here really embrace that vision, and they invest their time, their talent, and their treasure. And so people give faithfully to this house. And so as people give each and every week, that’s where part of this money’s coming from, from the giving of the people of the house,” Smith said.
In the future, they plan to give $1,000 checks to schools every month for 12 months. The next school on their list for the month of December is Lincoln Elementary.
“To see the response on the face of the principles and the teachers, and I mean let’s face it, right now society is going through some tough times. And so teachers are some of the most uncelebrated heroes in our communities, and so to be able to give them a financial blessing, to empower them to be better at what they do, it feels really good. But it’s only by the grace of God that we’re able to do that,” Smith said.
Love and Truth Church says that it is their goal to make an impact in the community. They feel as with their donations, they can change the lives of the youth in Jackson.
If you would like to donate to local schools as Love and Truth Church is doing, the Jackson-Madison County School System has their Education Foundation.
For more news in the Jackson area, click here. | 2022-12-01T00:40:38+00:00 | wbbjtv.com | https://www.wbbjtv.com/2022/11/30/jackson-church-works-to-donate-to-schools-each-month/ |
Dentist arrested in ‘heinous, complex and calculated’ poisoning death of his wife
KUSA, AURORA POLICE, FACEBOOK, CNN
By Rebekah Riess, CNN
A Colorado dentist was arrested early Sunday morning on murder charges in the poisoning death of his wife, according to a release from the Aurora Police Department.
Aurora police detectives launched an investigation into the woman’s suspicious death, after James Toliver Craig, 45, drove his wife, 43, to a hospital around 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, because she was having “severe headaches and dizziness.” The wife’s condition deteriorated quickly after arriving at the hospital, and she was placed on a ventilator in intensive care, where she was declared medically brain-dead a short time later, police said.
Police determined the woman had been poisoned and a warrant for first-degree murder was obtained after doctors made the decision to take her off life support early Sunday morning. Craig was arrested and booked into jail around 2 a.m. Sunday, according to the release.
“When the suspicious details of this case came to light, our team of officers and homicide detectives tirelessly worked to uncover the truth behind the victim’s sudden illness and death,” Division Chief Mark Hildebrand said in the release. “It was quickly discovered this was in fact a heinous, complex and calculated murder. I am very proud of our Major Crimes Homicide Unit’s hard work in solving this case and pursuing justice for the victim.”
As of Monday morning, CNN has been unable to determine if Craig has obtained an attorney.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. | 2023-03-20T14:37:13+00:00 | keyt.com | https://keyt.com/news/2023/03/20/dentist-arrested-in-heinous-complex-and-calculated-poisoning-death-of-his-wife-2/ |
Trump, reprising White House role, to tour train derailment
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is set to visit East Palestine, Ohio, on Wednesday to tour the site of a toxic train derailment amid growing frustration from residents and leaders about the federal government’s response to their safety concerns.
The trip comes as Trump and other Republicans have stepped up criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the Feb. 3 derailment, which led to evacuations and fears of contamination of the community’s air and drinking water after a controlled burning of the toxic chemicals aboard the rail cars.
Trump has seized on Biden’s decision to make a surprise visit to Ukraine this week when the president has yet to see the situation firsthand in East Palestine. Biden was traveling back from Poland on Wednesday after marking the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“You have people in Ohio that are desperate need of help,” Trump said Monday during a Presidents Day appearance in Florida. “Those are great people and they were abandoned. But now I think they won’t be abandoned any longer,” he added in an interview the same day with Real America’s Voice.
The trip offers an opportunity for Trump, who is running for the White House in 2024, to reprise the role he had as president, when he often surveyed disaster damage. Expected to be on hand were Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway and other state and local leaders. Trump was set to donate cleaning supplies and bottled water.
Almost three weeks after the derailment, the smell of chemicals that blanketed the village is mostly gone. Some residents close to the tracks say there’s still an odor inside their homes.
Before Trump’s arrival, excavators picked up charred chunks of the rail cars that have been piled alongside the tracks and scooped up contaminated soil. Trucks were hauling contaminated water to a makeshift “tank farm,” where it is being stored in metal containers before being taken to a hazardous waste site.
The village of just under 5,000 residents is near the Pennsylvania state line in Columbiana County, which has grown increasingly Republican in recent years. Trump won nearly 72% of the vote in the 2020 election, and signs of his popularity remain clear.
At a car dealership in town, where bottled water was being distributed, a photo of Trump leaned against a barricade, reading, “A Hero Will Rise.” Signs and flags around the village broadcast support both for Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a potential 2024 Republican presidential candidate.
The Biden White House has defended its response to the derailment, saying officials from the Environmental Protection Agency, National Transportation Safety Board and other agencies were at the rural site within hours of the derailment. The White House says it has also offered federal assistance and that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been coordinating with the state emergency operations center and other partners.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan visited the site last week and tried to reassure skeptical residents that the water was fit for drinking and the air safe to breathe.
“I’m asking they trust the government,” Regan said. “I know that’s hard. We know there’s a lack of trust.” Officials are “testing for everything that was on that train,” he said.
Shortly before Trump arrived in Ohio, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced he would be there on Thursday after also facing criticism for not coming earlier. Buttigieg has said the government will try to revive a proposed rule dropped by Trump’s administration that would have required upgraded, electronically controlled brakes on certain trains filled with flammable liquids that are designated “high-hazardous flammable trains.” He also has urged Congress to raise the $225,455 limit on railroad safety fines at least tenfold.
Since the derailment, residents have complained about headaches, irritated eyes and other ailments. Thousands of fish have been found dead, and residents have talked about finding dying or sick pets and wildlife. Residents are also frustrated by what they say is incomplete and vague information about the lasting effects from the disaster and have demanded more transparency from Norfolk Southern, the railroad operator.
The gas that spilled and burned after the train derailment — vinyl chloride, a chemical used to make hard plastics — is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers.
Environmental officials say that they monitored for toxins in the air during the controlled burn and that continuing air monitoring — including testing inside nearly 400 homes — hasn’t detected dangerous levels in the area since residents were allowed to return.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | 2023-02-22T19:29:44+00:00 | kmvt.com | https://www.kmvt.com/2023/02/22/trump-reprising-white-house-role-tour-train-derailment/ |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ivica Zubac scored a season-high 31 points and pulled down a career-best 29 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Clippers pulled away in the second half to beat the Indiana Pacers 114-100 on Sunday.
Zubac had the most rebounds in an NBA game this season and was one board away from the league’s fourth 30-point/30-rebound rebound game and first since 2018 when he fouled out with 3:40 remaining.
Norman Powell added 19 points and Terance Mann 14 for the Clippers, who are still without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
Jalen Smith scored a career-high 23 points for the Pacers, while Tyrese Haliburton added 15 and T.J. McConnell 14.
Zubac, a sixth-year center from Croatia, also is the first Clippers player since DeAndre Jordan in 2018 to have a game with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds. Zubac is the 12th player in franchise history with a 20/20 game.
It was the second-most rebounds in a Clippers game since 1981, according to SportRadar. Michael Cage had the most with 30 in a 1988 game against Seattle.
Zubac was 14 of 17 from the field, including three dunks, and 3 of 3 on free throws in 31 minutes. He had 14 points in the first quarter, which was a career high for him in any period.
Los Angeles led 59-57 at halftime and was up 65-62 with 8:28 remaining in the third quarter before going on a 16-3 run over a five-minute span to break it open. Marcus Morris Sr. had six points during the run and Zubac added four.
The Clippers’ largest lead was 20 early in the fourth quarter.
TIP-INS
Pacers: Buddy Hield, who came into the game second in the league with 69 3-pointers, was 1 of 9 beyond the arc and finished with 10 points.
Clippers: Morris scored 13 points while John Wall and Moses Brown added 10 apiece off the bench.
UP NEXT
Pacers: Remain in Los Angeles to face the Lakers Monday.
Clippers: Travel to Portland on Tuesday.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | 2022-11-28T15:25:52+00:00 | cenlanow.com | https://www.cenlanow.com/sports/ap-zubac-scores-31-pulls-down-29-boards-clippers-beat-pacers/ |
NEW YORK – A review by the NFL and its players association determined that Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa didn't need to go into concussion protocol during the team’s game against Green Bay because he wasn't showing signs of a head injury at the time.
Tagovailoa didn't report symptoms of a concussion until a day after his team's Christmas Day loss to the Packers, “at which time the team medical personnel appropriately evaluated and placed Mr. Tagovailoa in the concussion protocol,” according to a joint statement released Saturday.
Tagovailoa has been ruled out for Miami's game at New England on Sunday after suffering the concussion against Green Bay.
The 24-year-old was previously concussed in a Week 4 loss to Cincinnati on a play that knocked him unconscious and caused him to be stretchered off the field. That was four days after he was allowed to return to a game against Buffalo after he appeared disoriented following a hit.
Miami coach Mike McDaniel said Friday that Tagovailoa is day to day as he focuses on his health.
Teddy Bridgewater will lead the Dolphins in their critical division matchup against the Patriots, which will be a factor in whether Miami clinches its first postseason berth since 2016. The Dolphins make the playoffs with a win and a New York Jets loss to Seattle, or a tie combined with a Jets loss and a loss or tie by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | 2022-12-31T18:53:51+00:00 | clickorlando.com | https://www.clickorlando.com/sports/2022/12/31/review-tagovailoa-didnt-show-concussion-signs-vs-packers/ |
LOS ANGELES – When director Lee Cronin set out to make the latest installment of the “Evil Dead” franchise, he knew he wanted to bring a fresh angle to his version of the iconic horror series while still giving winks and nods throughout to his source material.
“I didn’t want to reboot a reboot or reboot something from before. So, I needed to find a new world, new characters,” he said.
After meeting with Sam Raimi, who created the original 1981 “Evil Dead,” Cronin walked away with two stipulations for his new movie, “Evil Dead Rise,” which hits theaters Friday.
He wanted to take the “'Evil Dead' lore” to an urban environment, unlike the traditional rural cabin setting, and he wanted the story to center around a family.
“The cogs started turning in my mind and I knew family and city and a kind of a world that maybe people could identify with,” he recalled. “I started to look at the construct of that family and then to look at some of the people in my own life.”
Those people included “powerful women figures,” which inspired the director to make the first “Evil Dead” installment with a cast primarily comprising women.
“Evil Dead Rise” follows two sisters, Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) and Beth (Lily Sullivan). After her children discover a strange book hidden beneath their Los Angeles apartment building, Ellie becomes possessed by a demon hellbent on destroying everything in its path, leaving Aunt Beth with the seemingly futile task of trying to escape with the kids.
That backdrop, Cronin said, was ripe for probing the psychological terrors that can stem from familial relationships and that would be compounded by the existential threat of a blood-lusting demon.
“That works quite well in horror storytelling because every single human carries baggage with them every day,” he said. “It just lent itself to this exploration of maternal affairs and what it might mean if you’re a mother or what it might mean if your mother was to turn on you.”
And although Cronin thought through his heady inquiry of maternal relationships and attachment theory, “Evil Dead Rise” is, like the other films in its franchise, at its core a terrifying and bloody 100 minutes of entertainment.
While the film asked a lot physically of both Sutherland and Sullivan, they said it was ultimately an enjoyable and cathartic project.
“To see a really horrific woman and play a horrific woman on screen, that was wonderful,” Sutherland said.
“I would love to say that it was like a real struggle to get to that place but I recognized that I am a little bit of a former people pleaser, and I had a lot of unexpressed rage and I just tapped into that,” she added, musing that a lot of women can probably relate.
And although Sullivan recalled some of the physical demands put on her, including being completely submerged in fake blood, as being a “form of torture,” she and Sutherland said their days were ameliorated by the fact that their contracts included a “self-care fund” — which they both spent on frequent massages. | 2023-04-21T15:32:49+00:00 | local10.com | https://www.local10.com/entertainment/2023/04/21/women-are-monsters-victims-and-heroes-in-evil-dead-rise/ |
LEILA FADEL, HOST:
In Atlanta, the fight over whether to build a new police training facility dubbed Cop City has gotten more dangerous. One activist was killed by police in January. And now officials are accusing others of being, quote, "domestic terrorists." The use of that charge is alarming civil liberties and human rights groups across the country. NPR's domestic extremism correspondent Odette Yousef reports.
ODETTE YOUSEF, BYLINE: Luke Harper finally left Georgia in early June. He had gone there for a music festival protesting Cop City. He figured it would just be a weekend. But on his second night, he and nearly two dozen others were arrested and accused of being domestic terrorists.
LUKE HARPER: I was released on Day 90, which is basically the last day that they could legally keep me incarcerated without an indictment.
YOUSEF: Atlanta's police chief claimed the arrests were related to vandalism that had happened earlier in the day. At the location of the proposed facility, a different site, some people had torched a construction vehicle and thrown Molotov cocktails at police. Harper says he had nothing to do with that and that over multiple bond hearings and a preliminary hearing, the state offered no evidence to connect him to those crimes. The Atlanta Police Department didn't make itself available for an interview. But even without formal charges or evidence, Harper has been called a domestic terrorist by law enforcement. And just going through the airport in Atlanta to leave, he noticed a change.
HARPER: I'm a person of color. I have been patted down many times at the airport. It was nothing necessarily new. But 40 to 45 minutes going through my things?
YOUSEF: It happened at security. It happened again at his gate and then again in Salt Lake City, where he had a layover. Harper noticed his boarding pass had something new in the lower corner, four S's - secondary security screening selection. The TSA doesn't say why someone is selected, but Harper thinks he's been flagged to local and federal agencies.
Atlanta officials who support the new construction say it's time to replace the city's deteriorating public safety training facilities. But when it became known that it would be more than twice as large as other police training campuses, that it would require razing 85 acres of old-growth forest, that it would cost tens of millions of dollars more than initially disclosed and that much funding would come from Atlanta-based multinational corporations, the ideological left was activated. Matt Scott is a journalist with the Atlanta Community Press Collective.
MATT SCOTT: You have the fight against environmental defense. You have the fight for racial equality. You have the fight against capitalism. And of course, you have the fight against police militarization or the fight for abolition.
YOUSEF: That last concern about how this massive campus might further militarize police has felt salient to many in the movement. In January, a Georgia state patrol officer killed an activist named Manuel Teran while clearing an encampment of Cop City protesters. Police claimed Teran had shot and injured an officer. But autopsy results from the DeKalb County medical examiner's office have called that into question.
(SOUNDBITE OF MACHINE WHIRRING)
YOUSEF: This past Saturday, activists gathered again to kick off a week of action against Cop City. As kids played on a bouncy house and people made protest art, the police cruisers in the area were conspicuous. That evening, uniformed officers appeared in the park. A couple dozen assembled in a line. And there was briefly a stunned silence as they walked toward the protesters.
UNIDENTIFIED POLICE OFFICER: Just a friendly reminder to let everybody know that the park will be closing at 11 o'clock. And everything has to be removed from the park at that time.
YOUSEF: But many said it didn't feel friendly. The police had been circling in their vehicles all day. And the very moment they appeared in the park was just when the vigil was starting for slain activist Manuel Teran, known to them as Tortuguita.
UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTER #1: Murderers.
UNIDENTIFIED POLICE OFFICER: Don't worry, folks. It's all under control.
UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTER #2: Murderers.
UNIDENTIFIED POLICE OFFICER: I'm with them.
UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: Viva, viva Tortuguita. Viva, viva Tortuguita.
YOUSEF: Atlanta has a history of activists whose ideas challenge the authority of the state. And as police tensely walked the length of the park surrounded by angry demonstrators, Keyanna Jones summoned some of that history.
KEYANNA JONES: (Singing) Ain't going to let nobody turn us around, turn us around, turn us around. Ain't going to let nobody.
Dr. King was labeled an outside agitator at some point. And he's born right here in the city of Atlanta, just like I am.
YOUSEF: Jones says Republican leaders in Georgia are invoking the same language now, describing demonstrators as outside agitators. But she says it's inaccurate. She herself lived right next to the training facility site and had to move away because the police were already using it for target training. The constant gunfire created chronic stress for her 8-year-old son. But Attorney General Chris Carr has leaned hard on the outside agitator narrative. Here he is in an interview on Atlanta TV station WANF.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
CHRIS CARR: If you come to this state, engage in acts of violence to destroy infrastructure and property with the intended effect of changing public policy, it is a domestic terrorism charge.
YOUSEF: But Lauren Regan of the Civil Liberties Defense Center says many states have terrorism statutes, and they can be misused.
LAUREN REGAN: They claim that they're passing these types of laws to deal with mass shooting and, like, mass murder of civilian populations. But yet legislators are using it as a cudgel against political activists and against people who dissent against state power.
YOUSEF: There may be signs that the prosecution is now struggling with how to charge Cop City defendants. So far, none of the 42 accused of domestic terrorism has been indicted. And late last week, one of the two offices prosecuting them abruptly recused itself from the case. One of the defendants is challenging the constitutionality of Georgia's domestic terrorism statute. Meanwhile, opponents of Cop City see one last legal avenue to stop the project. They're gathering signatures for a referendum that could potentially stop the plan altogether.
Odette Yousef, NPR News.
(SOUNDBITE OF THE FLASHBULB'S "PRECIPICE") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | 2023-06-28T16:58:09+00:00 | mainepublic.org | https://www.mainepublic.org/2023-06-28/rights-groups-are-alarmed-over-domestic-terrorist-charges-in-cop-city-protests |
TX Brownsville TX Zone Forecast for Tuesday, July 26, 2022
_____
663 FPUS54 KBRO 270857
ZFPBRO
Zone Forecast Product for Deep South Texas
National Weather Service Brownsville TX
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
TXZ253-272100-
Southern Hidalgo-
Including the cities of McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, Mission,
and Weslaco
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the upper 90s. Southeast
winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain
20 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 70s. Southeast winds
10 to 15 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Hot with highs around 100. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 70s. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 90s. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the
upper 70s. Highs in the upper 90s.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 90s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper
70s. Highs in the upper 90s.
$$
TXZ255-272100-
Inland Cameron-
Including the cities of Brownsville and Harlingen
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Partly sunny with a slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 90s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph
with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 70s. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph, diminishing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 90s. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Humid with lows around 80.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, diminishing
to 5 to 10 mph after midnight.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Humid with highs in the mid 90s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly
cloudy. Lows in the upper 70s.
.SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Highs in the mid
90s. Lows in the upper 70s.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 90s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 70s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 90s.
.MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 70s.
Highs in the mid 90s.
$$
TXZ355-272100-
Coastal Cameron-
Including the cities of Port Isabel and Laguna Vista
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms this morning. Highs around 90. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly
cloudy. Humid with lows in the upper 70s. Southeast winds 10 to
15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Humid with highs in the lower 90s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Humid with lows around 80.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Humid with highs in the lower 90s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly
cloudy. Lows in the upper 70s.
.SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Highs in the lower
90s. Lows in the upper 70s.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 90s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 70s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 90s.
.MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Lows around 80. Highs
in the lower 90s.
$$
TXZ455-272100-
Cameron Island-
Including the cities of South Padre Island and Boca Chica Beach
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms this morning. Near steady temperature in the lower
80s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance
of rain 20 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly
cloudy. Humid. Near steady temperature in the lower 80s.
Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Humid with highs in the mid 80s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Humid. Near steady temperature
in the lower 80s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to
30 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Humid with highs in the mid 80s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly
cloudy. Lows in the lower 80s.
.SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Highs in the upper
80s. Lows around 80.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower
80s. Highs in the upper 80s.
$$
TXZ252-272100-
Starr-
Including the cities of Rio Grande City and Roma
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Mostly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the upper 90s. Southeast
winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 70s. Southeast winds
10 to 15 mph.
.THURSDAY...Sunny, hot with highs around 101. Southeast winds
10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 70s. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph.
.FRIDAY...Sunny, hot with highs around 100. Southeast winds 15 to
20 mph. Heat index values up to 110.
.FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Hot. Lows in the
upper 70s. Highs around 100. Heat index values up to 110.
$$
TXZ254-272100-
Inland Willacy-
Including the city of Raymondville
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the mid 90s. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 70s. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph, diminishing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 90s. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Humid with lows in the upper
70s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph,
diminishing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Humid with highs in the mid 90s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the
upper 70s. Highs in the upper 90s.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 90s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper
70s. Highs in the upper 90s.
$$
TXZ354-272100-
Coastal Willacy-
Including the city of Port Mansfield
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 90s. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Humid with lows in the upper 70s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Humid with highs in the lower 90s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Humid with lows in the upper
70s. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny and breezy with highs in the lower 90s.
Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, increasing
to 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph in the afternoon.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly
cloudy. Lows in the upper 70s.
.SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Highs in the lower
90s. Lows in the upper 70s.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 90s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY...Mostly clear and breezy. Lows in
the upper 70s. Highs in the lower 90s.
$$
TXZ248-272100-
Zapata-
Including the city of Zapata
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Sunny this morning, then becoming partly sunny. Hot with
highs around 101. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph.
.TONIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming mostly
clear. Lows in the upper 70s. Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph with
gusts up to 25 mph.
.THURSDAY...Sunny, hot with highs around 103. Southeast winds
10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 70s. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY...Sunny, hot with highs around 103. Southeast winds 15 to
20 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Hot. Lows in the
upper 70s. Highs 100 to 105.
$$
TXZ249-272100-
Jim Hogg-
Including the city of Hebbronville
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the upper 90s. Southeast
winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain
20 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 70s. Southeast winds
10 to 15 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Hot with highs around 100. Southeast
winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 70s. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Hot with highs around 100. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Hot. Lows in the
mid 70s. Highs around 100.
$$
TXZ250-272100-
Brooks-
Including the city of Falfurrias
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the upper 90s. Southeast
winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain
20 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 70s. Southeast winds
10 to 15 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 90s. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 70s. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, diminishing to 5 to
10 mph after midnight.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 90s. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the
mid 70s. Highs in the upper 90s.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 90s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid
70s. Highs in the upper 90s.
$$
TXZ353-272100-
Northern Hidalgo-
Including the city of San Manuel
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the upper 90s. Southeast
winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain
20 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 70s. Southeast winds
10 to 15 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 90s. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming
partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 70s. Southeast winds 15 to
20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, diminishing to 5 to 10 mph after
midnight.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 90s. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the
mid 70s. Highs in the upper 90s.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 90s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid
70s. Highs in the upper 90s.
$$
TXZ251-272100-
Inland Kenedy-
Including the city of Sarita
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms this afternoon. Highs in the mid 90s. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Humid with lows in the mid 70s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph, diminishing to 5 to 10 mph after
midnight.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 90s. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Humid with lows in the upper 70s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, diminishing
to 5 to 10 mph after midnight.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny and breezy with highs in the mid 90s.
Southeast winds 10 to 15 mph, increasing to 15 to 25 mph in the
afternoon.
.FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear and breezy.
Lows in the mid 70s. Highs in the upper 90s.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 90s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 70s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 90s.
.MONDAY NIGHT AND TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 70s.
Highs in the upper 90s. Heat index values up to 110.
$$
TXZ351-272100-
Coastal Kenedy-
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Partly sunny with a slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s. Southeast winds 15 to
20 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear. Humid with lows in the upper 70s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Humid with highs in the lower 90s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Humid with lows in the upper 70s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny and breezy with highs in the lower 90s.
Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly
cloudy. Lows in the upper 70s.
.SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Highs in the lower
90s. Lows in the mid 70s.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 90s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper
70s. Highs in the lower 90s.
$$
TXZ454-272100-
Willacy Island-
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms this morning. Highs in the upper 80s. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly
cloudy. Humid with lows in the lower 80s. Southeast winds 15 to
20 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Humid with highs in the lower 90s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming
partly cloudy. Humid with lows in the lower 80s. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Humid with highs around 90. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly
cloudy. Lows in the lower 80s.
.SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Highs around 90.
Lows around 80.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower
80s. Highs around 90.
$$
TXZ451-272100-
Kenedy Island-
357 AM CDT Wed Jul 27 2022
.TODAY...Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and
thunderstorms this morning. Highs in the upper 80s. Southeast
winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly
cloudy. Humid with lows around 80. Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY...Mostly sunny. Humid with highs in the upper 80s.
Southeast winds 15 to 20 mph.
.THURSDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming
partly cloudy. Humid with lows in the lower 80s. Southeast winds
15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny and breezy with highs in the upper 80s.
Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear in the evening, then becoming partly
cloudy. Lows in the lower 80s.
.SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Highs in the upper
80s. Lows in the upper 70s.
.SUNDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower
80s. Highs in the upper 80s.
$$
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | 2022-07-27T09:40:46+00:00 | sfgate.com | https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/TX-Brownsville-TX-Zone-Forecast-17331592.php |
When greatness becomes pallid, when the extraordinary becomes extremely ordinary, it's almost always a hard story to tell.
The reason that Hans Christian Andersen's fable of "The Emperor's New Clothes" is still famous today, the one where the king loses sight of reality and is conned by weavers into wearing nothing at all yet the kingdom's subjects prolong his humiliation by saying nothing, isn't just to teach us a lesson about the societal urge to fawn at the feet of the high and mighty. One part of this morality tale also explains that it can feel awkward, ungrateful, even opportunistic, to shout "Take a look in the mirror!" when the once-majestic has become myopic, muddled and middling.
Which, of course, brings us to: the Madrid derbi, the state Atletico Madrid are in, the racism aimed at Vinicius Jr., how Emperor Diego Simeone is performing and how soon someone, like the brutally honest child in the Danish fable will shout out: "Cholo's got no clothes on!" Please don't be fooled by Madrid's single-goal victory margin from Sunday's heated, sometimes spectacular, but disturbing derbi Madrileno.
Atleti were largely atrocious. Again.
The short-sighted, the misguidedly loyal, those who fear change, and those who quake at paying off Simeone's eight figure annual salary multiplied by the 20 months remaining on his contract (approximately €33m if there's not a specified, lower, rescission clause amount) will point out that Atleti's two best defenders, Stefan Savic and Jose Maria Gimenez, were missing.
They'll bluster that Los Rojiblancos won this derbi at the Metropolitano only last May. That the home side had an energetic first 15 minutes on Sunday. They'll say: "Can't you see the beauty of his ermine and how finely tailored Cholo's robes actually are?" They'll say: "Can't you be satisfied with previous [trophy] magnificence?"
- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)
But calling out the current decrepit state of Atleti's match sharpness, match stamina, tactics, defending, attention to detail, competitiveness, mentality, creativity, injury prevention, playing system and player morale doesn't come solely from this defeat during which the 2021 champions were limp, bewildered, third best in a two-horse race and, ultimately, were even gifted their consolation goal.
This pallid attitude, this loss which already leaves them eight points behind Madrid after only six matches, is representative of an alarming decline. It requires to be a turning point. Cholo Simeone's postmatch assessment like many managers under pressure, bore little actual relationship to what happened.
The hard fact is that at no stage after Rodrygo ruthlessly scored Aurelien Tchouameni's brilliantly crafted pass for the opening goal in the 15th minute, did Atleti truly believe they could win. No urgency, no forcefulness -- scant self belief.
Simeone's hugely enjoyable, deeply significant and undeniably historic reign at Atleti has been predicated on aggressive self belief, talented players squeezing every last drop of effort out of themselves, red-and-white-striped footballers making it utterly horribly for opposition to play against them, ultra-stingy defending and a genuine, palpable, idea that "We fear nobody; blink for a second and we will haul you down whoever you are."
Compared to that, the central identity of the past 11 years of Atleti is completely unrecognisable. Rivals look on them as easy pickings. Last season almost half of LaLiga conceded fewer goals than them (including Getafe who finished a point off relegation). Atleti's players look confused, half-hearted, out-of-form and leaden athletically.
The coach appears both uncertain and frail tactically -- unsure of the personnel in his best XI, even more deeply unsure about which formation can make Atleti formidable again. (Simeone trained all week in a 5-3-2, started that way, then changed to a 4-4-2 five minutes into the match which was 12 minutes before Madrid sliced through them to go 1-0 up!)
Only five times in the past 59 competitive matches have Atleti gone one goal behind and still won. Hugely decreased ability to bounce back. Last season, they lost three consecutive matches (Madrid, Sevilla, Granada) for the first time since their Argentinian guru took over in December 2011.
This latest defeat means that they're in danger of losing three straight home matches for the first time in Simeone's previously admirable tenure. (The fact that the next home rival is lowly Girona would make that ultra-catastrophic if it came to pass).
These criticisms, and there are many more, need to be put in context of how talented, how deep and how expensively assembled a squad Atleti possess. To be fair to Simeone, in two ways, it shouldn't be forgotten that, last season, they beat the soon-to-be Italian champions away from home and also won at Old Trafford and in Porto.
Nor should it be thought that the general malaise is only Simeone's fault. His fitness coach guru, Oscar Ortega, isn't cutting the mustard, hasn't for a long time. The return to Madrid of Antonio Pintus, sparking Los Blancos' utterly amazing capacity to win or seal big games late on, has highlighted this.
It's clear that Simeone is unimpressed with some of the club's most recent signings. It's equally clear that El Cholo and Joao Felix enjoy what LaLiga TV's match commentator Pete Jenson called "a marriage of inconvenience." The club still love the talented Portuguese, but Cholo would much rather get rid of him and find a new version of the young Diego Costa.
In practical terms, what Atleti do about their coach's situation might eventually be heavily influenced by a board debate over "which horse do we back here? Our record €126m transfer investment who's still only 22 ... or the guy to whom we pay over €20m a season and who's currently serving up tepid football?"
One litmus test, for you, not just the men who rule at Atleti, is to consider: "If Simeone had come from a team showing the form, attitude and competitiveness which Atleti have shown over the last 16 months would he have been hired back in 2011?" Or: "Will Simeone's replacement, whenever that comes, get the job having shown the equivalent of Atleti's form over the last year and a half?"
If you're honest, the answer is crystal clear.
Recent witnesses at training have heard Simeone roaring at his players: "You earn big salaries ... work harder ... anyone who doesn't want to be here doesn't have to be here." Not cutting-edge stuff.
There's something else indicative of the great slough in which this usually vital, inspirational, likeable and ultra-hungry man finds himself. Look at his playing record. Not just what he won, but what those trophies and his arrival at the club signified. When Simeone was Rojiblancos' midfield enforcer, Atleti won the league and cup double in 1995-96 -- they'd never achieved that before and haven't since.
It was Atleti's first Spanish Liga title in 19 years. Something not repeated until he became coach. At Inter, he helped them lift the UEFA Cup -- only their third trophy in nine years. It took another 12 years for the Nerazzurri to win another European trophy. At Lazio, the Roman club had only won three trophies in the previous 25 years and they'd only won Serie A once. Simeone's arrival in midfield inspired Sven Erikisson's team to win four trophies in under a year. Lazio have neither won the title nor a European trophy since.
With Argentina in 1991, Simeone drove the Albiceleste to their first Copa America win for 32 years. As a coach, he won the Argentinian Apertura with Estudiantes -- their first trophy for 23 years.
Excuse the stats bomb, but with his historic achievements in charge of Atleti thrown in, you see the patterns don't you? Simeone, stripped down to his raw core, is a catalyst. Driven, ambitious, hungry, talented, inspirational -- successful.
Ferocious, insatiable, inspirational. Compare any of that information, that accurate characterisation, to the current squad's performances, its personality, the apathy, the confusion, the fallibility -- the Arsene Wenger-esque "top four will do fine, thank you." What's your conclusion?
Laurens: Close Atletico's stadium after racist chants
Julien Laurens calls for Atletico Madrid's next home game to be played without a crowd after fans shouted racist chants about Vinicius Junior during Sunday's Madrid derby.
It would be fantastic if Atleti could hold a summit with their coach -- reignite his fire, demand higher, more inspirational standards in daily work. Freshness, ferocity, renewed drive, ambition and, in short, an almost complete reset.
However, I fear that the beastly law of diminishing returns, between club, squad and coach, has set its steely claws and will not relinquish. If so, the key question for Atleti is, "What to do?"
The only unacceptable answer is: "head in the sand." The same one Atletico Madrid have applied to the atrocity of their "Ultra" fans who title themselves: "Frente Atletico."
Other people will have more direct, more sustained experience of this group that exhibits disgusting attitudes, but I can say, without question, the worst, most brutal racism I've ever witnessed across two decades living in Spain (or anywhere else for that matter) came from that sector of Atleti's fans.
It was a Copa Del Rey Madrid derbi, at the Bernabeu in February 2014. The two coaches were ... Diego Simeone and Carlo Ancelotti. Post Madrid's 3-0 win, Ancelotti's unused players were doing warm-down exercises on the pitch and Marcelo had his 4-year-old son with him while the away fans, for security purposes, were still locked in their section of the stadium.
What Atleti fans chanted and sang at Marcelo and his little son, simply because of their skin colour, was evil and unpardonable. I immediately phoned the TV station I worked with at the time to report that something horrific was taking place. Fair play -- they immediately devoted their news bulletin to it.
In the immediate aftermath, some Atleti fans and personnel were angered and denied that the situation had been so disgusting -- until Marcelo, late at night, tweeted a social media post about how he, and his son, heard it all but would never be daunted, changed or intimidated by such fools.
From then, until now, Atleti have done so little of meaning or effect that a sizable number of their fans felt able to racially abuse Vinicius Jr. in similar manner this weekend. It's an ultra-serious situation. It requires both severe punishment (for any club and or fan base, with stadium closure the only meaningful way to get the point across).
Still more crucially, racism in football requires deep, permanent and forceful education at all levels of Spanish society. In both sporting and social terms, it's time for all of us to tell Atletico that they are engaged in self-delusion.
The emperor is without clothes. | 2022-09-19T19:37:27+00:00 | espn.com | https://www.espn.com/soccer/real-madrid-espreal_madrid/story/4750303/is-atletico-madrids-diego-simeone-era-coming-to-an-end-after-derby-loss-spotlights-growing-problems |
BEVERLY, Mass., June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACLS), a leading supplier of enabling ion implantation solutions for the semiconductor industry, is scheduled to participate in the 14th Annual CEO Summit, being held July 13, 2022, at the St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco, CA.
The presentation material utilized during the CEO Summit will be made accessible on the investor page of the company's website at www.axcelis.com
About the 14th Annual CEO Summit
The CEO Summit is collectively hosted and funded by participating companies and features a "round-robin" format consisting of small group meetings with company management teams. During the event, investors and analysts will have the opportunity to meet with the majority of the 12 management teams during the small group meeting sessions, as well as opportunities to meet with management during the breakfast and lunch networking sessions. The 12 management teams collectively hosting the 14th Annual CEO Summit 2022 include: ACM Research (ACMR), Aehr Test (AEHR), Alpha & Omega Semiconductor (AOSL), Axcelis (ACLS), Camtek Ltd. (CAMT), Cohu (COHU), Everspin Technologies (MRAM), Ichor Systems (ICHR), Intevac (IVAC), Kulicke & Soffa (KLIC), Pivotal Systems (PVS.AX), and SkyWater Technology (SKYT).
This year's CEO Summit is being co-sponsored by Cowen & Co., Intro-act, Jefferies and Stifel. Attendance at the CEO Summit is by invitation only and is available to accredited investors and publishing research analysts. As space is limited, please RSVP early. Hosts reserve the right to limit attendance as necessary. Last day for registration is July 1, 2022.
RSVP Contacts for 14th Annual CEO Summit 2022
To RSVP for the CEO Summit, please contact either of the Summit's co-chairs.
About Axcelis:
Axcelis (Nasdaq: ACLS), headquartered in Beverly, Mass., has been providing innovative, high-productivity solutions for the semiconductor industry for over 40 years. Axcelis is dedicated to developing enabling process applications through the design, manufacture and complete life cycle support of ion implantation systems, one of the most critical and enabling steps in the IC manufacturing process. Learn more about Axcelis at www.axcelis.com.
CONTACTS:
Maureen Hart (editorial/media) 978.787.4266
Doug Lawson (investor relations) 978.787.9552
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SOURCE Axcelis Technologies, Inc. | 2022-06-22T12:48:38+00:00 | live5news.com | https://www.live5news.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/axcelis-participate-14th-annual-ceo-summit/ |
TROY, Mich., Nov. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Altair (Nasdaq: ALTR), a global leader in computational science and artificial intelligence (AI), announced that Ravi Kunju has been named Altair's chief product and strategy officer.
In this role, Kunju will be responsible for the strategy and vision of Altair products, which includes facilitating the development, sales, pricing, and marketing of Altair's solutions for industry verticals and business lines.
"For nearly 25 years, Ravi has been an indispensable member in so many areas of our organization, and I am certain that he will continue to play a vital role in this new position," said James R. Scapa, founder and chief executive officer, Altair. "As we compete fiercely across the globe, it is imperative to go to market with strategic solutions that help customers solve their toughest problems. We need to keep our foot on the pedal in thoughtful innovation that moves the needle and solves problems that might not even exist yet."
Prior to this role, Kunju has served in several leadership roles within Altair, including senior vice president of business strategy across all business lines, vice president of strategy for enterprise computing, managing director of enterprise computing for the Americas region, and managing director of the U.S. North Central region.
Kunju holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Osmania University in Hyderabad, India; a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Wayne State University; and a master's in business administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.
Altair is a global leader in computational science and artificial intelligence (AI) that provides software and cloud solutions in simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), data analytics, and AI. Altair enables organizations across all industries to compete more effectively and drive smarter decisions in an increasingly connected world – all while creating a greener, more sustainable future. For more information, visit https://www.altair.com/.
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SOURCE Altair | 2022-11-02T12:23:46+00:00 | wlox.com | https://www.wlox.com/prnewswire/2022/11/02/altair-appoints-ravi-kunju-chief-product-strategy-officer/ |
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RADNOR, Pa. , July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Oscar Health, Inc. (Oscar) (NYSE: OSCR). The action charges Oscar with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Oscar's materially misleading statements to the public, Oscar investors have suffered significant losses.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR OSCAR LOSSES. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK OR COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/oscar-health-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=oscar_health&utm_campaign=oscr&mktm=r
TO VIEW OUR VIDEO, PLEASE CLICK HERE
LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: JULY 11, 2022
CLASS PERIOD: PURSUANT AND/OR TRACEABLE TO OSCAR'S MARCH 2021 IPO THROUGH MAY 12, 2022
CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS YOUR RIGHTS:
James Maro, Esq. (484) 270-1453 or Toll Free (844) 887-9500 or Email at info@ktmc.com
Kessler Topaz is one of the world's foremost advocates in protecting the public against corporate fraud and other wrongdoing. Our securities fraud litigators are regularly recognized as leaders in the field individually and our firm is both feared and respected among the defense bar and the insurance bar. We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars for our clients and the classes of shareholders we represent.
In March, 2021, Oscar conducted its IPO, selling 36,391,946 shares of Class A common stock at a price of $39.00 per share. Oscar received net proceeds of approximately $1.3 billion from the IPO.
On August 12, 2021, Oscar disclosed that its Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) for the second quarter of 2021 was 82.4%, an increase of 2170 basis points year-over year, claiming that the increase was primarily driven by meaningfully lower utilization in 2Q20 as a result of COVID-19, as well as higher COVID-19 testing and treatment costs. Oscar also disclosed that its net loss for the quarter was $73.1 million, an increase of $32.1 million year-over-year.
Then, on November 10, 2021, Oscar disclosed that its third quarter 2021 MLR increased 920 basis points year-over-year, to 99.7%. Oscar claimed, again, that the MLR increase was primarily driven by higher net COVID costs, as well as several other purported reasons. Oscar also disclosed that its net loss for the quarter was $212.7 million, an increase of $133.6 million year-over-year.
Following this news, Oscar's share price fell $4.05 per share, or 24.5%, to close at $12.47 per share on November 11, 2021. At the time of the filing of the complaint, Oscar stock has traded as low as $5.76 per share, a more than 85% decline from the $39.00 per share IPO price.
Oscar investors may, no later than July 11, 2022 seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Oscar investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE
A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com.
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
James Maro, Jr., Esq.
280 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087
(484) 270-1453
info@ktmc.com
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SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP | 2022-07-07T00:25:31+00:00 | ksla.com | https://www.ksla.com/prnewswire/2022/07/06/kessler-topaz-meltzer-amp-check-llp-announces-securities-fraud-class-action-lawsuit-filed-against-oscar-health-inc-oscr-encourages-investors-with-significant-losses-contact-firm/ |
The Washington Commanders are playing in prime time tonight. While their play on the field has been poor, off the field things are going worse.
Last week, the D.C. attorney general’s office announced plans to sue the team, its owner Dan Snyder, and the NFL over allegations of lying about its quote “toxic culture of sexual harassment.” This is just the latest in a series of legal battles and scandals to engulf the franchise.
Dave Zirin, sports editor for The Nation, joins Here & Now‘s Eric Westervelt for more.
This article was originally published on WBUR.org.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2022-11-14T20:02:08+00:00 | kvpr.org | https://www.kvpr.org/2022-11-14/washington-commanders-mired-in-more-crises |
BISMARCK N.D. (KXNET) — North Dakota State tight end Josh Babicz has officially signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Carolina Panthers after going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Illinois native was named to the All-Missouri Valley Football Conference second team after finishing the season with 12 catches for 254 yards and 4 touchdowns in his senior year.
Known for his incredible blocking ability on offense, the NDSU tight end will look to make it in the NFL as he moves on to the next stage in his career.
Babicz joins fellow NDSU players Brayden Thomas, Christian Watson, and Cordell Volson in either being drafted or signing with an NFL team this week. | 2022-05-01T01:41:10+00:00 | kxnet.com | https://www.kxnet.com/sports/local-sports/ndsus-josh-babicz-signs-with-the-carolina-panthers/ |
CHICAGO (AP) — A 7-year-old boy was hospitalized in good condition after being grazed by a bullet when a gun accidentally discharged in a backpack at a school Tuesday, police said.
The bullet struck the ground and ricocheted by the second-grader, grazing his abdomen, at Disney Magnet Elementary School on Chicago’s North Side shortly before 10 a.m., police said.
Principal Paul Riskus sent a letter to parents saying “staff immediately intervened, secured the gun, and contacted the Chicago Police Department" and the Chicago Public Schools' Office of Safety and Security.
Edwina Watkins' 12-year-old grandson is a student at the school.
“It is shocking for one, for a little kid to have a gun, something that should be hard for an adult to have, in a school,” Watkins told WLS-TV. | 2022-05-17T23:01:51+00:00 | seattlepi.com | https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Boy-7-grazed-by-bullet-discharged-at-Chicago-17179947.php |
JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — Bel Fuse Inc. (BELFB) on Wednesday reported first-quarter net income of $14.6 million.
The Jersey City, New Jersey-based company said it had profit of $1.15 per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, were $1.25 per share.
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The maker of electronic products for circuits posted revenue of $172.3 million in the period.
Bel Fuse shares have decreased 7% since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Wednesday, shares hit $30.63, a rise of 96% in the last 12 months.
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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on BELFB at https://www.zacks.com/ap/BELFB | 2023-04-26T22:55:09+00:00 | seattlepi.com | https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/bel-fuse-q1-earnings-snapshot-17921011.php |
HELSINKI (AP) — Sweden's prime minister acknowledged Tuesday that it is likely that neighbor Finland will join NATO before his country does, due to Turkey's opposition to the Swedish bid.
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Ulf Kristersson said during a news conference in Stockholm on Tuesday that it has been clear since NATO’s Madrid summit in June that Finland’s road into membership has been smoother than Sweden’s, and that it is now increasingly likely that Finland will enter NATO first.
Turkey accuses both nations, but particularly Sweden, of being too soft on groups it deems to be terror organizations or existential threats to Turkey, including Kurdish groups. Last month, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Ankara has fewer problems with Finland joining.
Since they announcing their intention to join the military alliance in May last year, Finland and Sweden have consistently stressed that they would become members of the military alliance at the same time “hand in hand.”
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Now, however, Kristersson told reporters, "it’s not out of the question that Sweden and Finland will be ratified in different stages.”
All 30 existing members of NATO have to approve a new member. They all signed the accession protocols for Finland and Sweden last year, and 28 of them have ratified the texts for both countries. Hungarian lawmakers earlier this month started debating the Nordic duo’s membership bids and Budapest may ratify them by the end of March, leaving Turkey as the final holdout. It says it is still seeking guarantees and assurances from the two countries.
Kristersson said that the ultimate decision is in Turkey’s hands and that Sweden is ready to handle a situation where Finland enters NATO without Sweden.
He repeated what NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said previously, that it would only be a delay.
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"Basically, this is not about whether Sweden becomes a NATO member but about when Sweden becomes a NATO member,” Kristersson told reporters. | 2023-03-14T12:47:39+00:00 | seattlepi.com | https://www.seattlepi.com/news/politics/article/swedish-leader-finland-likely-to-join-nato-17838014.php |
NEW YORK (AP) — The wave of attempted book banning and restrictions continues to intensify, the American Library Association reported Friday. Numbers for 2022 already approach last year’s totals, which were the highest in decades.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” says Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. “It’s both the number of challenges and the kinds of challenges. It used to be a parent had learned about a given book and had an issue with it. Now we see campaigns where organizations are compiling lists of books, without necessarily reading or even looking at them.”
The ALA has documented 681 challenges to books through the first eight months of this year, involving 1,651 different titles. In all of 2021, the ALA listed 729 challenges, directed at 1,579 books. Because the ALA relies on media accounts and reports from libraries, the actual number of challenges is likely far higher, the library association believes.
Friday’s announcement is timed to Banned Books Week, which begins Sunday and will be promoted around the country through table displays, posters, bookmarks and stickers and through readings, essay contests and other events highlighting contested works. According to a report issued in April, the most targeted books have included Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir about sexual identity, “Gender Queer,” and Jonathan Evison’s “Lawn Boy,” a coming-of-age novel narrated by a young gay man.
“We’re seeing that trend continue in 2022, the criticism of books with LGBTQ subject matter,” Caldwell-Jones says, adding that books about racism such as Angie Thomas’ novel “The Hate U Give” also are frequently challenged.
Banned Books Weeks is overseen by a coalition of writing and free speech organizations, including the National Coalition Against Censorship, the Authors Guild and PEN America.
Conservative attacks against schools and libraries have proliferated nationwide over the past two years, and librarians themselves have been harassed and even driven out of their jobs. A middle school librarian in Denham Springs, Louisiana, has filed a legal complaint against a Facebook page which labeled her a “criminal and a pedophile.” Voters in a western Michigan community, Jamestown Township, backed drastic cuts in the local library over objections to “Gender Queer” and other LGBTQ books.
Audrey Wilson-Youngblood, who in June quit her job as a library media specialist in the Keller Independent School District in Texas, laments what she calls the “erosion of the credibility and competency” in how her profession is viewed. At the Boundary County Library in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, library director Kimber Glidden resigned recently after months of harassment that included the shouting of Biblical passages referring to divine punishment. The campaign began with a single complaint about “Gender Queer,” which the library didn’t even stock, and escalated to the point where Glidden feared for her safety.
“We were being accused of being pedophiles and grooming children,” she says. “People were showing up armed at library board meetings.”
The executive director of the Virginia Library Association, Lisa R. Varga, says librarians in the state have received threatening emails and have been videotaped on the job, tactics she says that “are not like anything that those who went into this career were expecting to see.” Becky Calzada, library coordinator for the Leander Independent School District in Texas, says she has friends who have left the profession and colleagues who are afraid and “feel threatened.”
“I know some worry about promoting Banned Books Week because they might be accused of trying to advance an agenda,” she says. “There’s a lot of trepidation.” | 2022-09-16T20:55:12+00:00 | nwahomepage.com | https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/entertainment-news/ap-book-ban-efforts-surging-in-2022-library-association-says/ |
South Milwaukee School District starts $4 million 'Launching A Legacy' fundraising campaign to improve athletic facilities
The South Milwaukee School District is embarking on a campaign to raise $4.4 million to improve South Milwaukee High School's athletic facilities.
The "Launching A Legacy Campaign" seeks funds to install synthetic turf at South Milwaukee's Spaltholz Field, where South Milwaukee High School's football team plays; and at the Galewski Baseball Diamond infield and Upper Softball diamond infield. A new standard, modern track surface will be installed at the surrounding track and field facilities.
The campaign's committee is made of community volunteers with support from the South Milwaukee School District's administration, according to an information sheet provided by district communications coordinator Dan Bader.
The district said the existing football and baseball fields suffer from poor drainage and poor soil conditions, meaning their use is limited.
Here's what each project will entail and when it is expected to be completed, according to the information sheet:
Football stadium, track and field improvements
- Excavate 18 inches of soil for a new stone base for the turf pad and field
- Remove existing track surface and replace with new surface
- Replace the scoreboard with a new one that works for soccer, track and football
- Replace field goalposts
- Install two pole vaults with a single runway in between and a double-lane long jump runway with two sand pits
- Replace the service road to the stadium
- Timeline of completion: Work is expected to begin in spring 2023 and to be completed in time for the fall 2023 season
Baseball and softball fields
- Remove topsoil and regrade
- Add synthetic infield base and turf
- Improve drainage system with storm sewer and rainwater collection pipes
- Replace concrete curbs
- New fencing
- Timeline of completion: Work is expected to be completed in spring 2024, contingent on funding
Fundraising
The efforts to raise funds for the projects started in 2021 when the Bucyrus Foundation donated $1 million to replace the turf on the football field. According to the district, the Launching A Legacy Committee was formed with the idea of using that donation as a starting point to address similar issues at the baseball and softball fields and to upgrade the track.
South Milwaukee High School's Oct. 14 home football game was the kickoff for the Launching A Legacy campaign. The goal is to raise the additional estimated $3 million cost for the improvements through grants, gifts and school district funding. Donors presented checks at the Oct. 14 game totaling $190,000 to South Milwaukee High School principal Bryan Terry and South Milwaukee High School athletic director Ante Udovicic, the district information sheet said.
"Them (Bucyrus Foundation) making that initial donation was really the thing that got the ball rolling. So then seeing some of the other businesses and community members really step up — it's an ongoing process, of course, and we're still building on that, but we have gotten some real positive feedback here in the last couple weeks," said John Galewski, one of the campaign's co-chairs.
To raise additional funds, the district is applying for National Football League and Major League Baseball community grants, as well as other grants.
The district has also made an initial commitment of $250,000 to $500,000 to the project. The Leave A Legacy Committee is seeking large donors for naming opportunities at the various fields and soliciting small-dollar donations at home games and through advertising in the community, the district information sheet said.
Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12. | 2022-10-26T15:59:17+00:00 | jsonline.com | https://www.jsonline.com/story/communities/south/news/south-milwaukee/2022/10/26/south-milwaukee-school-district-starts-athletics-fundraising-campaign/10533061002/ |
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced on Monday that he will not seek reelection for a fourth term next year.
“Serving the people as governor of Washington state has been my greatest honor. During a decade of dynamic change, we’ve made Washington a beacon for progress for the nation. I’m ready to pass the torch,” Inslee said in a statement.
“Now is the time to intensely focus on all we can accomplish in the next year and a half, and I intend to do just that,” he added. “I look forward to continued partnership with legislators and community leaders to address Washington’s homelessness crisis, speed our efforts to expand behavioral health services, continue our fight against climate change, and continue making Washington a beacon of progress for all.”
Inslee took the helm of the Evergreen State in 2013, and under his tenure, has seen it pass a number of liberal pieces of legislation, including measures that bar the sale of certain semi-automatic firearms and stop state patrol from aiding other states in probes related to out-of-state abortion access.
The Washington Democrat ran for president in 2020, making climate change a cornerstone of his campaign. While governor, he helped co-found the U.S. Climate Alliance in 2017; he also signed legislation aiming for 100 percent clean energy in the state by 2045 and to make electric vehicles in the state more affordable.
Before serving as governor in Washington state, he served in Congress between 1993 to 1995 and from 1999 to 2012.
Given the blue state’s leanings, the governor’s mansion is likely to remain in Democratic control. | 2023-05-01T19:58:47+00:00 | wboy.com | https://www.wboy.com/hill-politics/washington-gov-jay-inslee-says-he-wont-seek-a-fourth-term/ |
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- Highlands volleyball maintains playoff positioningOwls defeat Edison in four sets to stay in third place in District 27-5A.By David Hinojosa | 2022-10-05T14:36:08+00:00 | expressnews.com | https://www.expressnews.com/sports/article/New-England-Patriots-17488398.php |
HELSINKI (AP) — Sweden’s prime minister acknowledged Tuesday that it is likely that neighbor Finland will join NATO before his country does, due to Turkey’s opposition to the Swedish bid.
Ulf Kristersson said during a news conference in Stockholm on Tuesday that it has been clear since NATO’s Madrid summit in June that Finland’s road into membership has been smoother than Sweden’s, and that it is now increasingly likely that Finland will enter NATO first.
Turkey accuses both nations, but particularly Sweden, of being too soft on groups it deems to be terror organizations or existential threats to Turkey, including Kurdish groups. Last month, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Ankara has fewer problems with Finland joining.
Since they announcing their intention to join the military alliance in May last year, Finland and Sweden have consistently stressed that they would become members of the military alliance at the same time “hand in hand.”
Now, however, Kristersson told reporters, “it’s not out of the question that Sweden and Finland will be ratified in different stages.”
All 30 existing members of NATO have to approve a new member. They all signed the accession protocols for Finland and Sweden last year, and 28 of them have ratified the texts for both countries. Hungarian lawmakers earlier this month started debating the Nordic duo’s membership bids and Budapest may ratify them by the end of March, leaving Turkey as the final holdout. It says it is still seeking guarantees and assurances from the two countries.
Kristersson said that the ultimate decision is in Turkey’s hands and that Sweden is ready to handle a situation where Finland enters NATO without Sweden.
He repeated what NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said previously, that it would only be a delay.
“Basically, this is not about whether Sweden becomes a NATO member but about when Sweden becomes a NATO member,” Kristersson told reporters. | 2023-03-14T12:29:30+00:00 | nwahomepage.com | https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/international/ap-international/swedish-leader-finland-likely-to-join-nato-before-sweden/ |
LONDON, Oct. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockton, the world's largest independent insurance brokerage, is announcing the creation of a new, industry-leading custody insurance facility available exclusively to its digital asset clients.
Developed by Lockton's Emerging Asset Protection (LEAP) team in collaboration with leading global custody insurers, the facility is supported by Lloyd's syndicates, together with highly rated insurance companies. This provides Lockton clients with market-leading policy wording and full access to London market capacity, estimated today to be in excess of $850 million for custody coverage.
Key benefits of Lockton's new facility include:
- Efficiency, including access to full market capacity for custody coverage, without the need for third-party surveys.
- Flexibility, including the ability to secure bespoke programs, incorporating various limits and cost structures, designed to work alongside an insured's existing and future risk management planning as it onboards custody of digital assets.
- A clear route to entry via a streamlined custody insurance underwriting process, managed by Lockton's experienced LEAP team members.
Traditionally available through the London market, custody insurance (sometimes called "cold storage" coverage) provides indemnity in relation to private keys stored in secure locations, including those that are part of a multiparty computation (MPC) solution or entirely "offline." In addition to providing coverage for the loss of assets, custody insurance plays a sizable role in risk mitigation by adding an extra layer of protection beyond technical and physical security for companies involved in the care, custody and control of digital assets or those providing technology to support custody solutions.
"Custody insurance plays a vital role in protecting consumer assets stored by third-party custodians and is an essential tool in the successful operation of many digital asset companies. Historically, securing that coverage has been difficult, often requiring complicated underwriting processes and the involvement of third-party surveys," said Neil Daly, head of Lockton UK's LEAP team. "Our new custody insurance facility makes it easier for companies operating in the digital asset ecosystem to build robust custody insurance programs, enabling them to better protect valuable digital assets and effectively serve their customers," he said.
"This facility represents a step forward in insurance coverage for businesses in the digital asset custody space," said Sarah Downey, head of Lockton's global LEAP team. "Our LEAP team's deep partnerships with both insurers and clients and our continued investment in and focus on innovation in this space, further exemplifies Lockton's long-term commitment to helping the digital asset ecosystem continue to grow.
Lockton's Emerging Asset Protection (LEAP) team is a specialized, global group of more than 35 Lockton Associates with a deep understanding of companies operating in the blockchain and digital asset space. LEAP team members around the world — including in the U.S., U.K., Bermuda, Asia and Australia — have insurance brokerage and claims expertise spanning all financial and management liability lines of coverage, including directors and officers liability, crime, specie, cyber, employment practices liability and errors and omissions, among others.
What makes Lockton stand apart is also what makes us better: independence. Lockton's private ownership empowers its 9,500+ Associates doing business in over 125 countries to focus solely on clients' risk, insurance and people needs. With expertise that reaches around the globe, Lockton delivers the deep understanding needed to accomplish remarkable results.
For 14 consecutive years, Business Insurance magazine has recognized Lockton as a "Best Place to Work in Insurance." Lockton was named among the 2021 Best Managed Companies by Deloitte and the Wall Street Journal, a program that recognizes excellence and honors private companies for their strategy, execution, culture, and financials. For more information, visit www.lockton.com.
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SOURCE Lockton | 2022-10-12T16:16:15+00:00 | wymt.com | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/10/12/lockton-launches-new-digital-asset-custody-insurance-facility/ |
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. | 2023-01-18T06:17:36+00:00 | wtmj.com | https://wtmj.com/sports/2023/01/17/ap-top-sports-news-at-1058-p-m-est-4/ |
WASHINGTON – Paul Manafort, the former chairman of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, has agreed to pay $3.15 million to settle a civil case filed by the Justice Department over undeclared foreign bank accounts.
When the civil case was filed in April 2022, prosecutors alleged that Manafort had failed to disclose more than 20 offshore bank accounts he ordered opened in the United Kingdom, Cyprus, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The government sought an order for Manafort to pay fines, penalties and interest, alleging he had failed to file federal tax documents detailing the accounts and failed to disclose the money on his income tax returns. The government said false tax returns were filed from 2006-2015 and that the Treasury Department had notified Manafort of the fines and assessment in July 2020.
The settlement was detailed in court documents filed Feb. 22 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Manafort faced criminal charges as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation into Trump's associates. A jury convicted him in 2018 of eight financial crimes, including several related to his political consulting work in Ukraine, but the judge hearing the case declared a mistrial on 10 other counts when jurors could not reach a verdict.
Manafort was sentenced to more than seven years in prison. Trump pardoned his former campaign chairman in the final weeks of his presidency.
Manafort's ties to Ukraine led to his ouster from Trump's campaign in August 2016, less than a month after Trump accepted the Republican nomination. | 2023-03-06T03:11:26+00:00 | local10.com | https://www.local10.com/news/politics/2023/03/06/manafort-us-government-settle-civil-case-for-315-million/ |
A 5.1-magnitude earthquake shook the Bay Area on Tuesday morning.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter was in San Jose and could be felt in San Francisco. A series of aftershocks followed.
The San Jose Fire Department and San Jose Police Department said they hadn't received any reports of injuries or damage.
The San Francisco Fire Department also said it hadn't received reports of damage. However, the department encouraged people have a "go bag" ready in case of any type of emergency.
State officials said they are working with local officials to determine whether the earthquake caused any unforeseen problems.
The 5.1 earthquake is reportedly the largest to hit the bay area in eight years. | 2022-10-25T21:31:51+00:00 | ktvq.com | https://www.ktvq.com/news/national/5-1-magnitude-earthquake-rattles-bay-area |
America's Favorite Buns Brand is Stepping Up to the Plate to Help Renovate Community-nominated Little League® Fields Across the Country
HORSHAM, Pa., Feb. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its continued multi-year partnership with Little League® Baseball and Softball, Ball Park® Buns is bringing back its Ball Park of Dreams initiative for its third consecutive year, this time with a fun curveball. The Ball Park of Dreams initiative provides extensive field makeovers to help benefit local Little League programs in need. For the first time in Ball Park Buns history, deserving Little League programs across the country had the opportunity to submit stories of how a field renovation would positively impact their players and community.
After a rigorous review process, the Ball Park Buns team landed on fields to renovate at three worthy Little League communities in Houston, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Oakland, California ahead of the 2023 season. These leagues will be the recipients of makeover projects that will provide significant field renovations based on individual needs.
The Ball Park of Dreams program is part of Ball Park Buns' continued commitment to helping serve Little League Baseball and Softball teams across the country as the Official Hot Dog and Hamburger Bun of the Little League World Series. Projects slated to be completed this spring include:
- North Shore Little League (Houston, Texas): To help foster inclusivity and play for all players and assist with the development of the league's Little League Challenger Division program, Ball Park Buns is leveling two baseball fields to allow players in wheelchairs better access to play. Ball Park is also restoring the grass field and planting a tree for shade.
- Northwest Little League (Charlotte, North Carolina): The league uses sports as a positive mental health outlet and Ball Park Buns will help bring the field to a better playable condition by leveling the infield, reskinning, and shaping the diamond and providing new bases. A tree will also be planted to provide fans with shade.
- North Oakland/South Oakland Little League (Oakland, California): Pandemic shutdowns and torrential rainfall left the field in disrepair. To help with increased league registrations, Ball Park Buns is revitalizing the outfield, rebuilding the pitching mound, adding new netting and gravel within the batting cages, and planting a tree for shade.
"The Ball Park of Dreams initiative continues to be a success year after year, and this year has been even more special, knowing these submissions have come directly from communities across the country who are in genuine need of our support," said Annie Meehan, Director of Marketing, Ball Park Buns. "Our long-lasting partnership with Little League has been such a powerful one as we work together to improve Little League playing conditions across the country and offering the youth of America and their families the opportunity to create memories on these newly renovated fields for years to come."
Ball Park Buns will also support nearly 20 additional local Little League programs across the country through sponsorship funding, signage and coupons for enough Ball Park Buns and Rolls to stock their concession stands for the entire season.
As a proud sponsor and the Official Hot Dog and Hamburger Bun of the Little League World Series, Ball Park Buns will continue to feature the official Little League World Series logo on its packaging this summer, which will be available in over 40,000 stores across the United States. Additionally, Ball Park Buns will be on-site at this year's Little League Baseball World Series tournament in Williamsport, Pa., showcasing featured products at the concession stands and offering social activations at the complex.
Perfect for grilling, tailgating, parties and more, Ball Park hot dog and hamburger buns are America's favorite buns and deliver fresh taste and outstanding flavor. With many varieties of buns and rolls, it's easy to make Ball Park Buns part of your next meal – and watch the crowd go wild. Ball Park Buns is a part of Bimbo Bakeries USA. For a full list of Ball Park products and where to buy them, please visit www.BallParkBuns.com.
Bimbo Bakeries USA is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 20,000+ U.S. associates operates approximately 60 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold®, Artesano®, Ball Park®, Bimbo®, Boboli®, Brownberry®, Entenmann's®, Little Bites®, Marinela®, Mrs Baird's®, Oroweat®, Sara Lee®, Stroehmann® and Thomas'®. BBU is owned by Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world's largest baking company with operations in 34 countries.
Founded in 1939, Little League® is the world's largest organized youth sports program, with approximately two million players (ages 4-16) playing baseball and softball in communities across every U.S. state and more than 80 other countries. Operated by more than one million volunteers, Little League® believes in the power of youth baseball and softball to teach life lessons that build stronger individuals and communities. From professional athletes and award-winning celebrities, to public officials and other influential members of society, Little League® graduates have taken the lessons they learned, both on and off the field, to create the next chapter of the Little League® story. Each year, millions of people follow the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship that Little Leaguers® display at our seven baseball and softball World Series events, the premier tournaments in youth sports. For more information, visit LittleLeague.org, and follow Little League® (@LittleLeague) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
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SOURCE Bimbo Bakeries USA | 2023-02-27T15:15:46+00:00 | kwch.com | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2023/02/27/ball-park-buns-returns-third-annual-ball-park-dreams-initiative/ |
Williams is an energy infrastructure company that is fueling the clean energy economy. This spring, hundreds of Williams employees gave their own energy to complete more than 160 community projects across 18 states during the company’s inaugural volunteer week.
“Strong community involvement is at the heart of Williams, driven by our core value to be responsible stewards,” says Alan Armstrong, president and chief executive officer of Williams, which handles 30 percent of the nation’s natural gas. “By harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of our employees, we’re exemplifying our values by lending a hand to the nonprofits that work hard every day to improve our communities.
“Williams volunteer week builds on the company’s long tradition of being a good neighbor through employee volunteerism and financial support. Projects this year ranged from outdoor beautification to volunteering in elementary school classrooms to helping at food banks.In Houston, employees revitalized a community garden in an underserved area. Williams employee Jerry Fabian is on the board of directors for nonprofit Urban Harvest, which has a mission to increase access to fresh and local food. The Happy Place Garden serves a low-income population.
“This area is classified as a food desert, meaning many residents live away from a supermarket or grocery store with healthy food options. The goal is to revitalize this garden so that the neighborhood can once again plant and harvest nutritious foods from the allotted beds, plus also have a safe space for the neighbors to gather and build social cohesion.”Fabian, a supervisor of project controls at Williams, says employee volunteerism is not just a duty, but a privilege.
“While we are supporting the areas where we work, live and play, we are also helping to create a sustainable and safe community for everyone. Obviously, volunteering has a positive impact on the communities, but it also creates a positive and lasting feeling of achievement.”In North Carolina, Williams’ Coordinator of Maintenance Chad Dlugoszewski says it feels good to help a local nonprofit needing volunteers with skills in repairs and construction. At the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson, N.C., employees repaired roofs, sanded and painted walls, assembled pantry shelving and pruned trees.
“The center rarely has volunteers with the skills required for upkeep and repairs to their 85-year-old building,” Dlugoszewski says. “Partnering with Williams for the volunteer project allowed them to make repairs that have been needed for years.”In western Georgia, employees documented thousands of gravestones at a nearby cemetery. The project, in coordination with Billion Graves, will add to an online database of gravestones that can then be located by longitude and latitude, says Tina Kitchens, a senior field office administrator at Williams.
“There is a huge need to record all gravestones so that relatives and descendants can search for their loved ones,” says Kitchens. “Some of the gravestones date back decades and are too dirty to read, so we will carefully and respectfully wash them and load the images to the Billion Graves app.”Kitchens says Williams’ support of volunteer efforts is meaningful to both employees and those in need.”It makes us feel good to do something for others,” she says. “I hope if I was in need, there would be caring people out there to help.”These are just a few of the many volunteer projects completed across the nation by Williams employees in only one week. To learn more about Williams and see photos from its volunteer week, visit Williams.com. | 2022-05-11T02:13:25+00:00 | atlantadailyworld.com | https://atlantadailyworld.com/2022/05/10/massive-volunteer-effort-touches-18-states-2/ |
Ex-Minneapolis officers reject state plea deal in George Floyd killing
Ex-Minneapolis police officers J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao told a judge Monday they have rejected a plea deal offered by state prosecutors for their role in George Floyd's killing, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's deputy chief of staff said.
Their trial, set to begin Oct. 24, marks the latest chapter in a case that in May 2020 catalyzed a nation's anger over how some in law enforcement treat people of color.
Kueng and Thao — already awaiting sentencing on federal convictions — are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree unintentional murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter for their role in the fatal restraint of Floyd on a Minneapolis street. They have pleaded not guilty.
Kueng and Thao both were offered the same plea deal former officer Thomas Lane accepted earlier this year, said Ellison's deputy, John Stiles. Lane pleaded guilty in June to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter and is set to be sentenced on September 21, with the parties jointly recommending "a sentence of 36 months, which in Minnesota ... typically means 24 months-time actually served," Stiles said.
CNN has reached out to attorneys representing Kueng and Thao for further comment.
The charges stem from the former officers' actions — or lack thereof — as their colleague Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into the neck and back of Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man who was handcuffed and lying on his stomach, for over nine minutes on May 25, 2020.
During the arrest, Lane held down Floyd's legs, Kueng held down Floyd's torso, and Thao stood nearby and kept back a crowd of upset bystanders. Harrowing video taken by a bystander showed Floyd desperately pleading for them to let him breathe and calling for his mother before he lost consciousness and died.
Chauvin was convicted last spring of Floyd's murder in a state trial and was sentenced to more than 22 years in prison. He also pleaded guilty in federal court in December to violating Floyd's civil rights and has been sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Kueng, Lane and Thao were convicted in federal court in February of violating Floyd's civil rights. Kueng was sentenced to three years in prison; Thao was sentenced to 3-1/2 years in prison; and Lane was sentenced to 2-1/2 years in prison. | 2022-08-15T21:28:10+00:00 | wyff4.com | https://www.wyff4.com/article/ex-minneapolis-officers-reject-state-plea-deal-in-george-floyd-killing/40898667 |
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CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Former Defense Minister Peter Dutton was chosen Monday to lead Australia's conservative opposition following the party's election defeat nine days ago.
Defeated Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he would step down as Liberal Party leader after his loss to new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who leads the left-leaning Labor Party. Dutton was elected unopposed to become the new leader of the Liberal Party, and former environment minister Sussan Ley was elected his deputy.
Before entering Parliament, Dutton, 51, worked for a decade as a police officer and is known for his tough stances on immigration and law and order.
He said China's leadership under Xi Jinping was the “biggest issue our country will face in our lifetimes."
“That’s the assessment of the American, British, Japanese, Indians, and it’s our assessment as well. I will support policies which help to defend our country," he said. “I want us to have a productive relationship with China. I want it to be restored, but that is an issue for China."
He vowed to be true to the party’s values and represent Australia’s “forgotten people” in the suburbs and regional areas.
“Make no mistake, and Australians understand this, the next three years under Labor is going to be tough for the Australian people,” Dutton said. “Already they’re breaking promises and foreshadowing policy shifts.”
He said that before the next election “we will have presented a plan to the Australian people which will clean up Labor’s inevitable mess and lay out our own vision.”
Ley, meanwhile, pledged to earn back the trust and faith of female voters who deserted the party in the election.
“My message to the women of Australia is ‘We hear you’,” she said.
Morrison congratulated Dutton and Ley.
“They are incredibly experienced, well versed, deeply, deeply committed Australians to both the Liberal cause and, of course, the cause of the nation and I think they’ll do an outstanding job and I look forward to giving them all of my full support,” Morrison said.
Coalition partner the Nationals also chose a new leader, David Littleproud, a former banker who represents the Queensland district of Maranoa. He was elected in a party meeting on Monday after a three-way contest with former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Darren Chester.
New South Wales Sen. Perin Davey was elected as the Nationals deputy. | 2022-05-30T11:41:12+00:00 | ourmidland.com | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/New-Australian-opposition-leader-says-China-17207576.php |
Groundbreaking Collaborative Research Program Will Explore Common Characteristics of Glaucoma, Alzheimer's
SAN FRANCISCO, July 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF), a national non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for glaucoma, has launched the fourth phase of its flagship collaborative research program, Catalyst for a Cure.
The Catalyst for a Cure Initiative to Prevent and Cure Neurodegeneration will investigate the common characteristics of diseases that occur when key cells in the central nervous system — eye, brain, spinal cord — deteriorate and die, causing a loss of function. Neurodegenerative conditions include glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The Neurodegeneration Initiative was launched through a transformative $2.4 million gift to GRF from the Melza M. and Frank Theodore Barr Foundation. Philanthropist and former GRF board member Frank Theodore (Ted) Barr and his wife Melza have supported GRF for 40 years.
"We had been thinking about the challenge of neurodegeneration ever since the first Catalyst for a Cure initiative identified it as a factor in glaucoma, in 2006," says Mr. Barr. "We thought it was time to understand neurodegeneration in a fundamental way and develop solutions based on that knowledge."
The Barrs' gift will enable four talented investigators with diverse areas of expertise to collaborate for an initial period of three years. Consortium members are:
Sandro Da Mesquita, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Neuroscience
Meningeal Lymphatics and Neurological Disorders Lab, Mayo Clinic
Milica Margeta, MD, PhD
Physician and Surgeon, Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School
Karthik Shekhar
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Faculty Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory; Member, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute
University of California Berkeley
Humsa Venkatesh
Assistant Professor, Program in Neuroscience
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
With the Neurodegeneration Initiative under way, GRF is now funding two simultaneous Catalyst for a Cure consortia that could change the lives of people with glaucoma. Ongoing since 2019, the Catalyst for a Cure Vision Restoration Initiative has made enormous strides that could soon result in the ability to protect, preserve, and even regenerate retinal ganglion cells — optic nerve components that degenerate and die with glaucoma, causing blindness.
About Glaucoma Research Foundation
Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for glaucoma. To learn more, visit glaucoma.org/about-us/
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SOURCE Glaucoma Research Foundation | 2022-07-16T00:22:55+00:00 | kxii.com | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/15/glaucoma-research-foundation-launches-catalyst-cure-initiative-prevent-cure-neurodegeneration/ |
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U.S. women's national soccer team forward Mallory Swanson suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury in Saturday's friendly against Ireland.
The 24-year-old forward was carted off the field and taken to the hospital 40 minutes into the game after receiving medical attention on the field.
While there's no good time to injure yourself, this horrific collision happened just months before the upcoming World Cup.
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The USWNT did go on to win the game 2-0, but fans around the world are more concerned about Swanson and what the injury means for the talented star.
Here is what the internet is saying and how concerned her fans are about her fate at the World Cup in July.
Sports
The tournament will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, and is scheduled to take place from July 20 to August 20. | 2023-04-08T23:27:50+00:00 | nbcmiami.com | https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/sports/concerns-for-mallory-swanson-flood-internet-amid-collision-during-uswnt-friendly/3010833/ |
Assuming he starts at first base on Opening Day, Anthony Rizzo will become the first person since Mark Teixeira in 2015 and 2016 to be the Yankees’ Opening Day first baseman in back-to-back years.
In the intervening years, Greg Bird, Tyler Austin, Luke Voit and Jay Bruce have handled the role. Bird actually did so twice, but they were not in consecutive seasons. Since Teixeira retired following the 2016 campaign, the Yankees have employed 11 men that played at least half of their games in pinstripes as a first baseman. This means that people like DJ LeMahieu and Chase Headley, who moonlighted as first basemen but primarily played elsewhere, do not count for the purpose of this exercise.
According to Baseball-Reference, the most valuable of those 11 true first baseman was Voit. Rizzo, who only joined the team 17 months ago, is already second to Voit in Wins Above Replacement. The most shocking part is who comes next, though. Despite playing in a grand total of six games for the Yankees, Ji-Man Choi ranks as the Yankees’ third-best first baseman since the start of 2017, per Baseball-Reference’s version of WAR.
After Choi, the only other people to post a positive WAR total were Mike Ford and Garrett Cooper. Austin clocked in at exactly 0.0, with the likes of Bird, forgotten pandemic legend Chris Gittens and 2021 Opening Day starter Bruce all coming in below zero.
At such a talent-rich position, and one that does not require a high level of defense or athleticism, the Yankees have somehow struggled immensely to find any level of consistency. When you factor in the bandbox dimensions of Yankee Stadium, which reward home run hitters tremendously, it’s even more curious that the Yankees have had such a hard time finding a solid first baseman, a position flush with power hitters.
The hope is that the club can flush all of those putrid memories for now. Rizzo is, full stop, a much better player than anybody else the Yankees have trotted out in the post-Teixeira days. His professional approach at the plate, coupled with a level-headed demeanor born from years of big-game experience, make him a perfect running mate for Aaron Judge, who he has become very close with since joining the team. It’s not a stretch to say that if Rizzo had left in free agency this offseason, the chances of Judge doing so would have increased as well.
On the field, Rizzo has also ingratiated himself well. Over 179 games with the Bombers, he’s responsible for 40 home runs, 96 RBI, and an .804 OPS. Amongst the Yankee regulars, Rizzo was the second-best hitter on the team last season. His high on-base, low strikeout numbers are what the Yankees have hoped to get from LeMahieu, whose recent string of injuries have kept him out of the lineup and zapped much of his slugging percentage, something that Rizzo has had no issue keeping above .400. With the new rules about defensive shifting coming into effect in 2023, there will also be more room for Rizzo to find some additional base hits.
Not for nothing, Rizzo has also been very candid about his desire to be a Yankee. While many players are reluctantly thrown into the spotlight upon their New York arrival, Rizzo has handled the trappings of the Yankee lifestyle well, using the expertise he gained from a decade in the intense Chicago media market. During his virtual press conference in November welcoming him back to the Yankees, the 33-year-old admitted that he considered the Astros’ offer, but ultimately spurred them because he “loves being a Yankee”, noting that being “part of this iconic franchise is amazing.”
Rizzo now occupies a place in the Yankee ecosystem similar to Johnny Damon in the late-2000s. Both players arrived with a championship already in tow, and while neither were ever asked to be the superstar, the team elevates to an entirely different level when they’re playing well. While Damon supported Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez in a star-studded lineup, Rizzo is closer in skill level to Judge and Giancarlo Stanton than Damon was to his more famous teammates. A rejuvenated Rizzo — he said the back troubles that tripped him up last year were completely gone by the playoffs and have not affected his offseason workouts at all — has the potential to join Judge and Stanton in the 35-dinger club, a place where 2019 Gleyber Torres is the only person who’s been granted entry in the last ten years.
Health provided, there’s also no reason to believe Rizzo will slow down. He still finds himself in the 75th percentile or better of some very important modern offensive categories, including max exit velocity (91st), expected slugging percentage (81st), walk rate (79th) and barrel percentage (76th). Another great sign for Yankee fans is that Rizzo, as he should, made a concerted effort last season to start elevating the ball more often. In his 12th year in the bigs, Rizzo posted his highest ever fly ball percentage and lowest ever ground ball rate. He also pulled the ball more frequently than any other year of his career, save for the 49-game cup of coffee he got as a Padres’ rookie in 2011.
The results — unsurprisingly for a guy in the launch pad environments of the American League East — were 32 homers, tying his career high. Rizzo also had the highest isolated power (slugging percentage minus batting average) of his career. While selling out for power has doomed the Yankees in the recent past, Rizzo possesses enough of a varied skill set that the foundation of a great all-around hitter are still there. Now he’s just hitting more balls that have a potential to do serious damage.
With a fresh two-year extension in his pocket, Rizzo looks to finally be the guy to put a stop to the Yankees’ revolving door at first base. Like with Teixeira though, the last guy to bring any stability to the cold corner, Rizzo delivering a World Series to the Bronx is the best way to leave a truly meaningful legacy.
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We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. | 2022-12-19T21:09:47+00:00 | twincities.com | https://www.twincities.com/2022/12/19/anthony-rizzo-provides-stability-at-first-base-that-yankees-have-needed-for-years/ |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge temporarily blocked portions of a new Florida law championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis that bans transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers, saying in a Tuesday ruling that gender identity is real and the state has no rational basis for denying patients treatment.
Judge Robert Hinkle issued a preliminary injunction, saying three transgender children can continue receiving treatment. The lawsuit challenges the law DeSantis signed shortly before he announced a run for president.
“Gender identity is real. The record makes this clear,” Hinkle said, adding that even a witness for the state agreed.
Transgender medical care for minors is increasingly under attack — Florida is among 19 states that have enacted laws restricting or banning treatment. But it has been available in the United States for more than a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations.
Hinkle’s ruling was narrowly focused on the three children whose parents brought the suit. Simone Chriss, a lawyer for Southern Legal Counsel representing the parents, said she hopes health care providers and prosecutors see the ruling as applying statewide, like when Hinkle issued an injunction in 2014 declaring the state’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional as it applied to a single couple.
“The state no longer has any valid interest in enforcing something that’s unconstitutional,” Chriss said.
As she spoke, DeSantis’s office issued a statement saying the opposite, and the law will be enforced for all except the three children.
“We will continue fighting against the rogue elements in the medical establishment that push ideology over evidence,” press secretary Jeremy Redfern said.
“Wow! Jiminy Crickets! I have no words,” Chriss said. “I am always saddened by the things our state chooses to put out.”
She said her hope is that regardless of DeSantis’ position, state attorneys won’t prosecute doctors for providing care “that is aligned with every major medical organization — not a rogue few, but all of them.”
Attention on the new law has focused on language involving minors, and Hinkle’s ruling focuses on the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. The ruling doesn’t address other language that makes it difficult to near impossible for adults to receive or continue gender-affirming care.
Some Florida parents of transgender children have sought help leaving the state because of the law, including Kim, a Pensacola mother who didn’t want her last name used out of fear of her child becoming a political target. The narrow ruling doesn’t help Kim or other families who aren’t plaintiffs in the case, and she’s concerned the legal battle can stretch on for years.
In the meantime, her family is fundraising online and job-hunting to move to states that haven’t passed laws like Florida, said Kim.
“They’re moral policing,” said Kim. “Their claims are baseless, and that’s one of the hardest things to swallow — it’s based on Ron DeSantis’ personal beliefs.”
Hinkle, who was appointed by former President Bill Clinton, said people who mistakenly believe gender identity is a choice also “tend to disapprove all things transgender and so oppose medical care that supports a person’s transgender existence.”
Banning treatment for minors ignores risks patients might face, Hinkle said.
Research suggests that transgender youth and adults are prone to stress, depression and suicidal thoughts, and the evidence is mixed on whether treatment with hormones or surgery resolves those issues.
Even ahead of contemplating medical treatment, experts agree, allowing children to express their gender in a way that matches their identity is beneficial, such as letting children assigned male at birth wear clothing or hairstyles usually associated with girls, if that is their wish.
“There are risks attendant to not using these treatments, including the risk — in some instances, the near certainty — of anxiety and depression and even suicidal ideation. The challenged statute ignores the benefits that many patients realize from these treatments and the substantial risk posed by foregoing the treatments,” Hinkle said.
He also noted that hormone treatments and puberty blockers are often used to treat non-transgender children for other conditions, so the law makes their use legal for some, but not for others.
The three children in the lawsuit will “suffer irreparable harm” if they cannot begin puberty blockers, Hinkle said.
“The treatment will affect the patients themselves, nobody else, and will cause the defendants no harm,” Hinkle said.
___
This story has been corrected to remove an inaccurate reference to when DeSantis announced his run for president. | 2023-06-07T14:57:52+00:00 | wric.com | https://www.wric.com/news/u-s-world/us-judge-blocks-florida-ban-on-trans-minor-care-in-narrow-ruling-says-gender-identity-is-real/ |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — “The Avengers” star Jeremy Renner is being treated for serious injuries that happened while he was plowing snow, the actor’s representative said.
Renner, 51, is in critical condition although he is stable, the actor’s representative said Sunday. No further details on the extent of Renner’s injuries were available.
The actor has a home in Nevada. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that Renner was injured in Reno and was flown to a hospital. He was the only person involved, and the sheriff’s office is investigating, according to the release.
Renner plays Hawkeye, a sharp-shooting member of the superhero Avengers squad in Marvel’s sprawling movie and television universe.
He is a two-time acting Oscar nominee, scoring back-to-back nods for “The Hurt Locker” and “The Town.” Renner’s portrayal of a bomb disposal specialist in Iraq in 2008’s “The Hurt Locker” helped turn him into a household name.
“The Avengers” in 2012 cemented him as part of Marvel’s grand storytelling ambitions, with his character appearing in several sequels and getting its own Disney+ series, “Hawkeye.” | 2023-01-02T16:43:19+00:00 | pahomepage.com | https://www.pahomepage.com/news/jeremy-renner-seriously-injured-while-plowing-snow-in-nevada/ |
JERUSALEM (AP) — The leaders of two parties in Israel’s outgoing government coalition announced Sunday that they would run as political partners in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The announcement by Gideon Saar and Benny Gantz was the first shift in Israel’s political landscape since the Knesset voted to dissolve itself June 30 and send the country back to the polls to elect a new parliament.
Israel will hold its fifth elections in under four years in November after the government headed by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett collapsed last month. The previous four elections were largely referendums on longtime leader Benjamin Netanyahu’s fitness to serve as prime minister while under indictment for corruption.
Gantz, a former army chief of staff, heads the centrist Blue and White party and serves as Israel’s defense minister. Saar is a former member of the once-dominant Likud party who broke ranks and formed his hawkish New Hope party. He is currently justice minister.
Both were key members of the alliance of eight diverse parties that joined forces last year to oust Netanyahu after 12 years in office.
Gantz said that the two parties were joining forces in order to provide voters with a strong centrist option to help end the country’s protracted political crisis.
“Today, we are laying the foundation of the next government,” he said.
Saar said the aim was to break the political deadlock and form “a broad national unity government that is not dependent upon the fringes.” He said that Gantz was best suited to lead as prime minister. | 2022-07-11T13:54:32+00:00 | valleycentral.com | https://www.valleycentral.com/news/international/ap-international/israeli-ministers-to-run-as-partners-in-upcoming-elections/ |
DETROIT , Aug. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Little Caesars Love Kitchen, a big rig pizza kitchen on wheels, is partnering with the Special Olympics Unified Cup Detroit 2022 to provide fresh pizza meals to approximately 800 of its athletes, volunteers, and staff. The serving will take place during the Men's & Women's Division One Championship Match at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Michigan.
"Little Caesars is proud to help support the Special Olympics," said Greg Hamilton, senior vice president of marketing at Little Caesars. "The Unified Cup is such an exciting event, and we're excited to serve Little Caesars pizza to athletes from all over the world competing in the championship finals."
The Little Caesars Love Kitchen has served nearly 4 million people in the 48 contiguous states and four Canadian provinces. It has responded to natural disasters including the northern Michigan tornado in May 2022, as well as during national times of need, such as providing meals to first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Established by Little Caesars in 1985, the Love Kitchen exemplifies Little Caesars strong tradition of giving back to the community.
"Little Caesars is always looking for a way to make a difference," said David Scrivano, president and CEO of Little Caesars. "Whether the Love Kitchen is serving the less fortunate, responding to a disaster, or celebrating the global community of athletes competing in the Unified Cup, we are committed to continuously building on our legacy of serving others and supporting our communities.
Local Little Caesars franchise owners and company regional offices donate all food and labor costs for the Love Kitchen servings. An estimated 50,000 Little Caesars franchise owners and employees have volunteered their time over the years to support the program in their local communities.
Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, Little Caesars was founded by Mike and Marian Ilitch in 1959 as a single, family-owned restaurant. Today, Little Caesars is the third largest pizza chain in the world, with stores in each of the 50 U.S. states and 27 countries and territories.
Known for its HOT-N-READY® pizza and famed Crazy Bread®, Little Caesars products are made with quality ingredients, like fresh, never frozen, mozzarella and Muenster cheese and sauce made from fresh-packed, vine-ripened California crushed tomatoes. Little Caesars is known for unique product offerings and promotions such as the Pretzel Crust pizza, Detroit-Style Deep Dish pizza, and the Crazy Calzony®. Additionally, the chain now offers 33 percent more pepperoni on its Classic pizza.
An exceptionally high growth company with more than 60 years of experience in the $145 billion worldwide pizza industry, Little Caesars is continually looking for franchisee candidates to join our team in markets around the world. In addition to providing the opportunity for entrepreneurial independence in a franchise system, Little Caesars offers strong brand awareness with one of the most recognized and appealing characters in the country, Little Caesar.
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SOURCE Little Caesars Pizza | 2022-08-05T14:49:31+00:00 | wsfa.com | https://www.wsfa.com/prnewswire/2022/08/05/little-caesars-love-kitchen-serves-free-pizza-special-olympics-unified-cup-detroit-2022-athletes/ |
CLEVELAND (AP) _ The winning numbers in Tuesday evening's drawing of the Ohio Lottery's "Pick 4 Evening" game were:
7-7-7-2
(seven, seven, seven, two)
In Other News
1
Dayton brothers drown attempting to rescue child in Clark County pond
2
Gas prices today jump 11% to $4.79 a gallon at some area gas stations
3
Mother of Springfield woman killed in U.S. 35 shooting calls for change
4
Champaign County soldier who died in Korean War comes home
5
In wake of mass shootings, health experts warn of mental toll | 2022-06-01T01:01:40+00:00 | daytondailynews.com | https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/ohio/winning-numbers-drawn-in-pick-4-evening-game/E2YUWHCX6FAIVARAD4WRNXSJQE/ |
LOS ANGELES – If you’re stumped for how to spend this Mother’s Day, consider relishing a good scare. Since the genre's inception, horror movies have tapped into the psychological trauma and terror that can only come from a mother, and a number of recent films are embracing that time-honored tradition.
Take, for example, Brandon Cronenberg’s “Infinity Pool,” which became one of the buzziest films to come out of this year's Sundance Film Festival.
It’s no surprise it was replete with disturbing moments. The director, after all, has surely learned a thing or two from his filmmaker dad and giant of the genre, David Cronenberg.
In one talked-about scene, Gabi (Mia Goth) exposes her bare chest to James (Alexander Skarsgård) in an invitation to breastfeed, revealing a complicated tension between his actual mother and his understanding of Gabi as his new one.
While the genre has often been dismissed as low-brow, Adam Lowenstein, a film and media studies professor at the University of Pittsburgh who specializes in horror, said it is well-suited for grappling with these kinds of deep-seated, psychological issues.
“Horror is, at its core, a very primal genre,” he said. “It makes absolute sense that things like family, sex, death would all be things that the horror film is constantly mining because those are primal fascinations and experiences.”
Perhaps the seminal example of mommy issues in a horror film is Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” (1960).
In it, the infamous Norman Bates of the Bates Motel develops a split personality after killing his controlling mom and her lover out of jealousy. His grief and guilt cause him to keep her corpse stashed away, and assume her personality when he commits violence against women he becomes attracted to.
Part of what makes the maternal bond such a fertile one for exploring psychological trauma, Lowenstein said, is that it is so universal and freighted.
“We all have real mothers, just the way we have real constructs about motherhood that we subscribe to. And these things are very hard to separate,” he said. The gap between expectation and reality becomes fruitful territory for a good scare.
Zach Cregger’s “Barbarian” (2022) also turns breastfeeding into a spectacle, not from an inviting yet depraved sexual partner as in “Infinity Pool,” but from a monstrous maternal creature who forces her victims to feast.
Other films let the dynamic between mother and child carry the drama. “ Evil Dead Rise,” now available to rent on streaming services, plays with the fear-inducing extreme of a mom being possessed by a demon.
“I think it’s very terrifying to imagine somebody so familiar to you in your world becoming a subversion of that, and becoming something really dangerous and evil,” said director Lee Cronin. “It just lent itself to this exploration of maternal fears and what it might mean if your mother was to turn on you.”
In Ari Aster's new “Beau is Afraid,” the central theme is the fear and pain that can come from the mother-child bond. The movie – about a man trying to get to his mom’s house – is as much a surrealist epic as it is a horror movie.
And while Aster's third movie is admittedly less scary than his “Midsommar” or “Hereditary,” another film that exploits the terrors of family dynamics and mother-induced trauma, it is safe to conclude by the end that Beau’s fear of his guilt-inducing mother was warranted.
“When I left ‘Beau Is Afraid,’ I heard a teenage woman ahead of me walking out of the theater saying to her friends, ‘That just made me want to call my mom and say I’m sorry for everything,’” Lowenstein recounted. “We think horror and we think fear and dread and haunting, but we don’t necessarily think guilt, shame, humiliation. And Ari Aster clearly understands the connection between these things.”
It is not insignificant that almost all of these scary movies about protagonists’ relationships with their mothers are directed by men.
But Lowenstein maintains that the genre’s mommy issues began with a woman, and long before film: Mary Shelley's classic 1818 horror novel, “Frankenstein,” is often considered to be the inception of modern horror.
“Her story is about a man who wants to be God, but he also wants to be a mother. Really, he wants to create life without the intervention of women,” he said. “What Mary Shelley shows us is what a bad idea this really is, and how male hubris really does monstrous things with motherhood.” | 2023-05-11T17:09:25+00:00 | clickorlando.com | https://www.clickorlando.com/entertainment/2023/05/11/from-psycho-to-a-new-crop-of-horror-movies-the-genre-has-some-mommy-issues/ |
‘Happy Days’ actor Scott Baio leaving California due to homelessness, crime
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. (Gray News) – Actor Scott Baio announced he is leaving California, saying crime and homelessness has made the state no longer a place he wants to live.
Baio, best known for his role as Chachi on “Happy Days,” announced his plans to move in a tweet on Wednesday.
“After 45 years, I’m making my way to finally ‘exit stage right’ from California,” he wrote.
Baio then quoted a KTLA article, writing, “The most recent survey conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority found approximately 69,000 people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County and 41,000 in the city in 2022.”
In a follow-up tweet, Baio said the homeless crisis is bringing down property value.
“This brings down property value. Also no consequences for crime that is rampant, making things higher in price and it’s just not a safe place anymore. #ImFree,” he wrote.
The 62-year-old retired actor has just listed his Woodland Hills home for $3.85 million on Realtor.com.
Baio is not the first celebrity to announce a departure from California. Last fall, Mark Wahlberg announced he had moved his family to Nevada for “a better life.”
Copyright 2023 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | 2023-05-09T16:30:53+00:00 | kmvt.com | https://www.kmvt.com/2023/05/09/happy-days-actor-scott-baio-leaving-california-due-homelessness-crime/ |
(KVEO) — Sip on this: McDonald’s is testing new, strawless lids in an effort to reduce the use of small plastics.
The company’s marketing personnel told Nexstar the testing of strawless lids will take place in select U.S. markets. The lids are for cold beverages only.
McDonald’s is so far keeping a lid on which markets will see the new tops, but a staffer for Nexstar’s WGN said they received one in the Chicago area.
“These lids help optimize our packaging and eliminate the use of small plastics, just one example of the many solutions we’re reviewing as part of our ongoing global commitment to reduce waste across restaurants and advance recycling,” McDonald’s stated.
In September 2020, Starbucks announced after a successful year of trialing its strawless lids, that they would be rolled out to company-operated and licensed stores.
Starbucks stated the move was done in an effort to “eliminate one billion plastic straws globally per year.”
The transition to strawless lids is the latest effort by McDonald’s to reduce plastic waste. According to the McDonald’s website, 82.7% of their primary packaging material comes from recycled or certified sources. McDonald’s aims to have “100% certified, recycled or renewable materials” by 2025.
According to McDonald’s, the testing of the strawless lids are currently being conducted in select restaurants in the upper Midwest. | 2023-01-28T00:11:40+00:00 | wnct.com | https://www.wnct.com/news/national/mcdonalds-begins-testing-strawless-lids-in-select-markets/ |
NEW YORK, June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) announced today that Ray Barretto has joined the firm as a Director and Head ABS Trader.
Based in New York, Ray reports to Michael McCarthy, Head of Macro Trading. He will be responsible for building out MUFG's ABS trading platform with a specific focus on growing the esoteric business, and looking to increase the bank's market share in the flow ABS space.
"Ray's experience in trading consumer and esoteric asset-backed securities and establishing core relationships with top-tier asset managers, insurance companies, and hedge funds, will help support our ambitious FY 2022 business goals," said Michael McCarthy, Head of Macro Trading.
Ray brings nearly two decades of financial services experience to MUFG. Prior to joining the bank, Ray was a Vice President in ABS Secondary Trading at Barclays. Ray started his career in the Global Technology Services unit at Lehman, giving him a unique understanding of the front- and back-office relationship.
Press contact:
Oksana Poltavets
(646) 767-1326
opoltavets@us.mufg.jp
About Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.'s U.S. Operations including MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation
The U.S. operations of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG), one of the world's leading financial groups, has total assets of $332.4 billion at March 31, 2022. As part of that total, MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation (MUAH), a financial holding company, bank holding company, and intermediate holding company, has total assets of $159.2 billion at March 31, 2022. MUAH's main subsidiaries are MUFG Union Bank, N.A. and MUFG Securities Americas Inc. MUFG Union Bank, N.A. provides a wide range of financial services to consumers, small businesses, middle-market companies, and major corporations. As of March 31, 2022, MUFG Union Bank, N.A. operated 297 branches, consisting primarily of retail banking branches in the West Coast states. MUFG Securities Americas Inc. is a registered securities broker-dealer which engages in capital markets origination transactions, domestic and foreign debt and equities securities transactions, private placements, collateralized financings, and securities borrowing and lending transactions. MUAH is owned by MUFG Bank, Ltd. and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. MUFG Bank, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., has offices in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Canada. Visit www.unionbank.com or www.mufgamericas.com for more information.
About MUFG
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one of the world's leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with approximately 2,500 locations in more than 50 countries. The Group has about 170,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing. The Group aims to "be the world's most trusted financial group" through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG's shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges. For more information, visit https://www.mufg.jp/english.
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SOURCE MUFG | 2022-06-21T15:22:27+00:00 | live5news.com | https://www.live5news.com/prnewswire/2022/06/21/mufg-expands-sales-trading-team-with-key-abs-hire/ |
RICHMOND, Ind. (AP) — Authorities in eastern Indiana lifted a dayslong evacuation order late Sunday afternoon for an area near a plastics fire after they said it was determined air quality and other environmental concerns related to the fire were deemed safe.
Wayne County Emergency Management lifted the order for people within a half-mile (1 kilometer) radius of the fire scene after consulting with state, federal and local health officials, Matthew Cain, agency director, said at a news conference.
Testing of air debris would continue, he and Mayor Dave Snow said. At least 1,500 people live in the evacuation zone, though it is not known how many residents actually obeyed the call to evacuate after the fire began Tuesday afternoon.
“I feel very confident that people will be safe when they move back to their homes,” said Dr. David Jetmore, the Wayne County Health Department’s health officer.
Richmond Fire Chief Tim Brown said crews will remain at the 14-acre (5-hectare) former factory site to extinguish flareups. It was declared under control Thursday night when the last flames were extinguished.
He previously said fire officials will meet Monday morning to decide what their next steps will be at the site, where tons of recycled plastic stored for resale caught fire. The site is in Richmond, about 70 miles (115 kilometers) east of Indianapolis, near the Ohio border.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has said hydrogen cyanide and benzene were detected at the fire site. EPA contractors collected fire debris over the weekend that landed near schools or in parks and private yards. At least one sample has tested positive for asbestos, which can harm lungs.
The fire’s cause was not known. But it quickly became an inferno, destroying six run-down buildings holding recycled plastic and creating clouds of smoke so high and dark they cast a sprawling shadow over the city of 35,000 people.
The man operating the storage site was under a 2020 court order to clean up the site, which had no utilities and had been declared a serious fire hazard by inspectors. Richmond officials said they had barred him from accepting more plastics while he was working to get rid of the vast holdings. | 2023-04-17T23:09:12+00:00 | kxnet.com | https://www.kxnet.com/news/national-news/evacuation-order-lifted-in-area-near-indiana-plastics-fire/ |
Former President Donald Trump's legal team said Friday it did not object to the Department of Justice releasing the search warrant officials used to seize documents at his Florida residence on Monday.
The judge in the case had given Trump and his lawyers until 3 p.m. ET Friday to raise any objections to unsealing the warrant.
The filing came after Trump issued a statement late Thursday saying he did not object to the release. Trump's announcement came hours after Attorney General Merrick Garland said he requested a judge to unseal the search warrant. Generally, search warrants are sealed during ongoing investigations.
But Garland argued that because Trump had confirmed the search publicly and the immense public interest in the case, the public should examine the search warrant. Unsealing the search warrant could allow the public to see why the Federal Bureau of Investigations wanted to go into Trump's residence and what investigators were looking for at Mar-a-Lago.
To obtain a search warrant, investigators must display probable cause that they would get evidence of a crime.
"I have made clear that the Department of Justice will speak through its court filings and its works," Garland said.
The Associated Press reported that the DOJ is investigating whether Trump took classified documents after leaving office. The Washington Post reported the FBI looked for nuclear documents.
The FBI and DOJ have faced immense criticism from Republicans for seeking the search warrant. Garland said he personally signed off on the search warrant, which was executed on Monday. Trump has rallied Republican allies after being served with the warrant.
Trump said that the FBI opened his personal safe during the search.
"Not only will I not oppose the release of documents related to the unAmerican, unwarranted, and unnecessary raid and break-in of my home in Palm Beach, Florida, Mar-a-Lago, I am going a step further by ENCOURAGING the immediate release of those documents, even though they have been drawn up by radical left Democrats and possible future political opponents, who have a strong and powerful vested interest in attacking me, much as they have done for the last six years," Trump wrote.
Garland pushed back on criticism against officials.
"I will not stand by silently when their integrity is unfairly attacked," he said. "The men and women of the FBI and the Justice Department are dedicated, patriotic public servants. Every day, they protect the American people from violent crime, terrorism and other threats to their safety while safeguarding our civil rights. They do so at great personal sacrifice and risk to themselves."
Although Garland was appointed by current President Joe Biden, the head of the FBI, Christopher Wray, was appointed by Trump. | 2022-09-09T06:06:42+00:00 | denver7.com | https://www.denver7.com/news/national/trump-says-he-doesnt-object-to-doj-releasing-search-warrant |
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PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, and the Swinging Golfer design are registered trademarks.
The Korn Ferry trademark is also a registered trademark, and is used in the Korn Ferry Tour logo with permission. | 2023-07-02T01:41:25+00:00 | pgatour.com | https://www.pgatour.com/player/60547/tommy-kuhl |
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s polar research ship is preparing for its second voyage to Antarctica to investigate sea level rises and threats to marine biodiversity.
Jane Francis, director of British Antarctic Survey, which operates the ship named after naturalist David Attenborough, said Tuesday that scientists will study the melting of the west Antarctic ice sheet, how it impacts global sea level rise and when “the Earth goes into irreversible change.”
“If that ice sheet does melt, it holds about three to five meters (9.8 to 16.4 feet) of global sea level rise, so what happens in Antarctica won’t just stay in Antarctica, it will affect us all,” Francis said
The RRS Sir David Attenborough, billed as one of the world’s most advanced polar research vessels, completed its maiden voyage in November 2021. It is scheduled to set sail again on Sunday, from Harwich port, in eastern England, carrying around 45 crew members and scientists.
Plans call for the ship to reach Rothera Research Station, on the Antarctic Peninsula, by Christmas and to spend about six months in Antarctica. Along with delivering food, equipment and fuel to the British Antarctic Survey’s research stations, the mission calls for carrying out trials of polar science equipment and collecting data to understand how climate change is affecting the region and beyond.
“We need to understand what the water is doing, we need to understand how the air is warming, and we need to understand how the ice is reacting to all of those different factors,” Kelly Hogan, a marine geophysicist for the British Antarctic Survey, told reporters during a tour of the vessel on Tuesday.
“To do that, we need to measure lots of different parts of the system to get the big picture. And that’s why a ship like the David Attenborough is so important, because we actually have all of the tools and equipment to do all of those measurements in state of the art ways,” she added.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the climate and environment at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment | 2022-11-16T03:21:10+00:00 | keloland.com | https://www.keloland.com/science/ap-science/ap-uk-polar-research-ship-to-make-2nd-voyage-to-antarctica/ |
SECAUCUS, N.J. and FORT MYERS, Fla., Sept. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, and Lee Health, Southwest Florida's primary community-owned health system, are teaming up to enhance the quality and value of diagnostic services to patients and their doctors.
"We are excited to team up with Lee Health, a leading healthcare provider in Southwest Florida," said Steve Rusckowski, Chairman, President and CEO, Quest Diagnostics. "As people return to care and hospitals contend with post-COVID challenges, hospital systems like Lee Health are turning to Quest for help on executing their lab strategy, taking advantage of our expertise, innovation and scale so they can focus on what they do best, providing quality care to their patients."
Under the agreement Quest will provide supply chain expertise in laboratory equipment, supplies and procurement processes for five hospitals owned by Lee Health and selected outpatient centers. Quest will also continue to perform reference testing for Lee Health.
"We are pleased to partner with Quest Diagnostics to help us streamline our lab operations," said Dr. Lawrence Antonucci, M.D., MBA, president and chief executive officer of Lee Health. "The ability to leverage Quest's purchasing power for equipment and supplies and their expertise in supply chain logistics allows us to continue to provide high-quality care to our patients."
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world's largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors and improve healthcare management. Quest annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our 50,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com
About Lee Health
Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Staffed by caring people, inspiring health, services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.
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SOURCE Quest Diagnostics | 2022-09-15T11:49:54+00:00 | wbrc.com | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/09/15/quest-diagnostics-teams-up-with-lee-health-deliver-high-value-innovative-laboratory-services/ |
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) _ Mattel Inc. (MAT) on Tuesday reported third-quarter net income of $289.9 million.
The El Segundo, California-based company said it had net income of 80 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to 82 cents per share.
The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of five analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 73 cents per share.
The toy maker posted revenue of $1.76 billion in the period, also topping Street forecasts. Four analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.75 billion.
Mattel expects full-year earnings in the range of $1.32 to $1.42 per share.
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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on MAT at https://www.zacks.com/ap/MAT | 2022-10-25T21:58:21+00:00 | sfgate.com | https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Mattel-Q3-Earnings-Snapshot-17533977.php |
LONDON (AP) — Police in Northern Ireland said Friday that two officers escaped injury when their vehicle was damaged by a homemade bomb. The force said it was treating the attack as attempted murder.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the blast in Strabane on Thursday night “appears to have been a targeted attack on police.”
“Investigations are at an early stage, however, the attack, which is believed to have been caused by an improvised explosive device, caused damage to a police vehicle and is being treated as the attempted murder of two officers,” the force said.
Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said “a strong line of inquiry” was whether an Irish Republican Army splinter group known as the New IRA was responsible.
A 1998 peace agreement largely ended three decades of violence in Northern Ireland involving Irish republican and British loyalist paramilitary groups and U.K. security forces. IRA dissidents continue to mount occasional attacks on security forces, though none has been successful since 2019.
Strabane is about 80 miles (130 kilometers) west of Belfast, near the border with the Republic of Ireland.
Politicians on both sides of the border condemned the attack.
“I grew up with daily news reports of police officers being murdered. It was wrong then and it is wrong today,” Northern Ireland Assembly member Tom Buchanan, who represents the area where the attack occurred, said.
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said any “attempt to injure members of the security forces or the PSNI would be absolutely shocking and stands to be condemned.” | 2022-11-19T01:24:54+00:00 | cenlanow.com | https://www.cenlanow.com/international/ap-international/ap-northern-ireland-police-vehicle-hit-in-suspected-bomb-attack/ |
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Software engineer Jae Yang got a lot of questions from friends when he moved from Silicon Valley with plans to launch his cryptocurrency exchange not in the up-and-coming urban crypto hubs of Miami or Austin, Texas, but the windswept plains of southeastern Wyoming.
While the collapse of the massive FTX exchange and recent arrest of its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, have compounded concerns about crypto, Wyoming remains full-steam ahead in wooing the industry. It has enacted a suite of new laws — with possibly more to come — seeking to make the industry more regulated and reputable to attract businesses like Yang’s.
“FTX would not have happened if it was a Wyoming company,” said Steven Lupien, director of the 2-year-old Center for Blockchain and Digital Innovation at the University of Wyoming. “Wyoming got it right. We knew five years ago when we started down this path that appropriate regulation was the way to go.”
While Lupien contends the state’s agencies would have picked up on the “shenanigans” going on with the exchange, others aren’t so sure.
“There wouldn’t be anybody in Wyoming who’s sophisticated enough to audit something on the scale of FTX,” said Cheyenne attorney Larry Wolfe. “If you’re a true believer, of course you’ll say it could never happen here. But of course it could happen here.”
Cheyenne, Wyoming’s capital city of 65,000 people, is home to a U.S. Air Force nuclear missile base, an historic Union Pacific rail yard, abundant old diners and country bars, and sprawling cattle ranches in every direction.
So far, there’s little sign of the crypto industry that Wyoming has courted for the past five years. But Yang says fledgling exchanges like the one he’s hoping will open for business in 2023 could be the start of an influx in the state.
His Tacen Inc. business already has about a dozen employees, about one-third of the company’s global workforce, working in a downtown office building.
“We said, OK, what is the right place to locate out of? And Wyoming is the right place,” Yang said. “Basically they’ve passed a whole set of laws that makes it easier for me to do business.”
Even after the FTX collapse that wiped out potentially thousands of investors, Yang says he feels good about casting his lot with the least-populated state and its many new laws seeking to attract crypto and blockchain businesses.
Some of those new laws seek to discourage speculating with crypto bank customers’ digital assets, a suspected cause of FTX’s fall.
“Keeping customers safe is really what we’re doing,” Yang said. “You should have full access to your money. And if something goes wrong in the exchange, the default should be you get your money back — not having to worry about what the bankruptcy court is doing and all this nonsense.”
Wyoming officials remain bullish on crypto, the digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Etherium based on decentralized, encrypted ledgers called blockchain.
Much of crypto’s appeal is there’s no middleman: Money can move freely between people without the involvement of government or traditional banks. Transactions are instantaneous, although scant legal and regulatory oversight appeals to drug dealers and other criminals who need to move money discreetly.
All the while, the value of crypto — which skeptics say is rooted in nothing more than the say-so of its users — is by now famously unstable, with Bitcoin alone down in value by almost two-thirds in the past year.
Wyoming’s strategy amid all of this to attract the crypto industry with the respectability of regulation. Though many traditional banks help customers invest in crypto, Wyoming is among very few states, including Nebraska, allowing crypto banks called specific purpose depository institutions (SPDI’s or “speedies”).
Wyoming “speedies” can’t issue loans, can’t reuse customers’ funds without their approval and must back up 100% of customer deposits with liquid funds.
But while Wyoming has issued four state licenses for crypto banks since 2020, none has fully opened for business, if at all. That’s largely contingent on a federal lawsuit filed by one of the banks, Custodia, seeking access to Federal Reserve services, including its electronic payments system. Should it win authorization, Custodia and other banks would provide a massive financial boost to Wyoming because they would be required to pay the state 0.02% of their assets each year, CEO Caitlin Long said.
“When you start to get billions and billions of assets coming into Wyoming, that starts to add up,” Long said. “Traditional banks do not pay that.”
Wyoming has even set aside $4 million to help University of Wyoming students experiment with crypto staking, or establishing ownership in cryptocurrency.
“They have developed a comprehensive scheme of regulation that is much more advanced than any other state in the country is doing. They are encouraging companies to think about Wyoming,” said Mary Beth Buchanan, Americas president and global chief legal officer at corporate and government crypto consultant Merkle Science.
But Wolfe, the attorney, calls it a “crypto plague on the Wyoming Legislature.”
“They may tell you there’s some little business here,” Wolfe said. “But that’s not actually turning into anything that resembles how are we going to fund schools, how do we fund health care, how do we fund anything?”
Among Wyoming’s efforts to open its arms to crypto, the state now allows allows blockchain-based companies called decentralized autonomous organizations, or DAOs, which are based on “smart” contracts that act like computer code and automatically take effect when certain conditions are met.
The DAOs policy is reminiscent of when the state was first to allow the limited liability company in 1977. LLCs are now common form of business that shields the personal assets of small business proprietors, partners and investors from lawsuits. About 500 DAOs, which are a type of LLC, have been set up so far, according to the Wyoming secretary of state’s office.
By comparison, Wyoming now hosts over 17,000 businesses alone with “crypto” in their names, from “3 Guys Crypto LLC” to “YYZ Crypto Miners Inc,” according to the secretary of state. The vast majority still aren’t physically located in the state.
Considering Wyoming’s business license renewal rate starting at $60 a year, they bring in relatively little revenue compared to fossil fuels, which after a 2020 bust that forced steep budget cuts have now graced the state with a more than $900 million surplus.
Yang wants his Tacen exchange to stand out as an exception from the crowd of obscure businesses.
He already has hired about a dozen employees — including attorneys, software developers and a social media specialist — to work out of the company’s three-story brick building, bedecked with Western art and the company’s logo etched on glass doors. A cryptocurrency ATM stands just inside the entrance.
At Elite Mining, another new fintech company based in Cheyenne, contractor Micheal Weir recently unloaded equipment for its crypto mining rigs from a flatbed semitrailer.
He described crypto as a “wild, wild West” right now but but remains bullish.
“I say don’t be afraid. This is still a baby industry,” Weir said. “Some amazing things are going to come out of it.”
___
Associated Press reporters Geoff Mulvihill in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Thalia Beaty, in New York, contributed to this report. | 2022-12-21T18:55:45+00:00 | valleycentral.com | https://www.valleycentral.com/news/national-news/ap-us-news/ap-wyoming-bullishly-courts-crypto-even-after-collapse-of-ftx/ |
PHOENIX (AP) — Native American tribal members fighting plans for an enormous copper mine on land they consider sacred say they are increasingly worried U.S. officials will publish an environmental review paving the way for the project even as they await a federal appeals court ruling in the case.
A U.S. government attorney said during last month’s hearing of a full panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that the final environmental impact study for construction of the mine at Oak Flat, Arizona, could be published this spring.
San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler said during a visit last week that U.S. Forest Service officials confirmed plans to push forward on publication of the environmental analysis. That step would kick off a 60-day period culminating in a land swap allowing the project to go forward.
“Obliterating Oak Flat for a copper mine will be a grave human rights violation against Indigenous people and an environmental catastrophe,” Rambler said in a written statement this week. “The Biden Administration’s commitment to Indian Country will be seriously eroded if it approves this mine.”
Apache Stronghold, a group composed of San Carlos Apache members and others, wants to halt the land swap while the case plays out in court. The panel of 11 judges on the appeals court is expected to issue a decision in the next few months.
Apache Stronghold sued the U.S. government under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to protect the land known as Chi’chil Bildagoteel, an area of ancient oaks and traditional plants the San Carlos Apaches consider important for their ceremonies at Oak Flat in the Tonto National Forest about 70 miles (110 kilometers) east of Phoenix.
The Forest Service is now revising the environmental analysis, “which is expected to be completed in the coming months,” national press officer Wade Muehlhof said Friday in a written response to emailed queries about the agency’s plans.
He wrote that the Forest Service has “committed to providing at least 60 days’ notice before any future environmental analysis and Draft Record Of Decision (DROD) for the Land Exchange and Project is issued.”
Muehlhof also said consultation with tribal members is ongoing, including a planned April 25 meeting.
Representatives of the Resolution Copper mining company said they were unaware of the meeting or any plans by the agency.
U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, a Democrat who represents southern Arizona, has introduced legislation aimed at halting the project. He urged Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this week to continue withholding publication of the environmental review.
“If allowed to proceed, Resolution Copper would desecrate Oak Flat’s tribal cultural and religious heritage sites, deplete already scarce water resources in Arizona, adversely impact imperiled species, and create a crater up to 1,115 feet deep and roughly 1.8 miles across,” Grijalva wrote. “The destruction this mine would cause far outweighs its benefits.”
The swap was a provision included in a must-pass defense bill to give Resolution Copper 3.75 square miles (9.71 square kilometers) of national forest land for eight other parcels the company owns elsewhere in Arizona.
Publication of the environmental analysis will start the clock on the 60-day period for the Forest Service to transfer Oak Flat to Resolution Copper.
An earlier environmental survey was pulled back while the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Forest Service, consulted for months with Native American tribes and others about their concerns.
The mining company says it has been addressing concerns about the project. It notes there is broad local support for the mine, which could create thousands of jobs, add up to $1 billion annually to Arizona’s economy and potentially supply enough copper to meet up to one-quarter of U.S. demand.
Resolution Copper is a joint venture of global mining firms Rio Tinto, which has headquarters in Australia and the U.K., and BHP, which is based in Australia.
A smaller 9th Circuit panel previously ruled 2-1 that the federal government could give the Oak Flat land to Resolution Copper for the project. The court later agreed to let the larger panel hear the case. | 2023-04-08T17:58:17+00:00 | wric.com | https://www.wric.com/business/us-world-business/tribe-warns-us-government-against-moving-ahead-with-mine/ |
LAS VEGAS, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GreenBroz Inc., a pioneer in post-harvest cannabis processing technology, proudly unveils the latest enhancement to its revolutionary M+ Trimming System – the world's first fully automated cannabis trimmer with advanced data reporting capabilities. Building upon its reputation as the leader in automation, the M+ System now empowers cultivators with valuable data, enabling insights, precise tracking, and enhanced control over their trimming operations.
The M+ Trimming System, already acclaimed in the industry, now boasts the capability to load, cycle, and unload itself, optimizing the entire trimming process. With the introduction of data reporting, GreenBroz elevates the M+ System that will further streamline the growers work and use data to make better decisions and products.
"Our M+ is the first and only fully automatic trimmer, working autonomously from start to finish and provides data reporting on key metrics such as trim to flower percentage, total trim production, trim time, and total trimmed flower production." said Cullen Raichart, Founder and CEO of GreenBroz.
"We believe that automation and data-driven insights are the way forward, and this is a game-changer that will support our clients as they develop procedures and processes based information and analytics."
The M+ has been studiously designed to meet the demands of modern cannabis and hemp cultivators. By combining intelligent controls to automate the movement of cannabis through the machine with comprehensive data tracking, it allows cultivators to:
- Streamline the trimming process with true hands-free operation, eliminating touchpoints.
- Adjust the trim to flower ratio in real-time for consistent and quality products.
- Review total trim production records and plan for future demand and waste reduction.
- Measure trim time and enhance efficiency without compromising product integrity.
- Analyze total trimmed flower production for informed decisions and business growth.
For an enhanced experience, GreenBroz M+ reporting can be shared easily via email notifications, database entries, and central control station updates, providing users with convenient access to critical data in their preferred format.
"GreenBroz has always been committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in cannabis processing technology," said Eric Spendlove, GreenBroz Lead Engineer. "With the latest enhancement of data reporting for the M+ Trimming System, we strive to provide cultivators with the essential tools, providing them with data-driven insights for greater control and efficiency."
To learn more, go to https://www.greenbroz.com/mplus
Media Contact:
Jorden Blackwell
jorden.b@greenbroz.com
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SOURCE GreenBroz, Inc. | 2023-07-27T17:06:00+00:00 | kxii.com | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2023/07/27/greenbroz-unveils-industrys-only-fully-automated-cannabis-trimming-data-reporting-system/ |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California’s committee to study reparations for African Americans will meet in Oakland Wednesday to discuss what form reparations could take and eligibility requirements to receive possible payments.
The first-in-the-nation task force previously voted to limit reparations to Black California residents whose ancestors were living in the United States in the 19th century. This week, the group will talk about whether there could be additional eligibility requirements and what time frame reparations could hinge on.
The group will also discuss how the state may address its impact on Black families whose property was seized through eminent domain, a topic that garnered renewed attention after lawmakers last year voted to allow the return of a beachfront property known as Bruce’s Beach to descendants of Black residents from whom it was taken in the 20th century.
Kamilah Moore, the task force’s chair, doesn’t expect the group to come to any final decisions at this week’s two-day meeting.
“We’re still in the exploratory phase,” she said.
The task force has a July 1 deadline to complete its final report for the Legislature listing recommendations for how the state can address its legacy of discriminatory policies against Black Californians. The group’s work contrasts from similar efforts that have stalled in Congress.
Lawmakers in other parts of the country have pushed their states and cities to study reparations without much progress. But Evanston, Illinois became the first U.S. city last year to make reparations available for Black residents, and public officials in New York will try anew to create a reparations commission in the state.
Officials from Oakland, Sacramento, Los Angeles and other California cities will talk about local reparations efforts during a panel Wednesday.
That will include Khansa T. Jones-Muhammad, vice-chair of Los Angeles’ Reparations Advisory Commission, who said the commission — created last year under then-Mayor Eric Garcetti — doesn’t have a date set in stone to complete its work.
The goal of the commission is to advise the city on a pilot program for distributing reparations to a group of Black residents.
“A lot of our first year has really just been laying the groundwork to have a strong commission,” she said.
In September, economists started listing preliminary estimates for what could be owed by the state as a result of discriminatory policies. But they said they need more data to come up with more complete figures.
Moore said the task force has not decided on any dollar amounts or what form reparations could take, but the public’s interest in those estimates shows optimism about the group’s work. The group hasn’t discussed where money for reparations could potentially come from.
About 30 people gathered Saturday at a Black-owned coffee shop in Sacramento for a reparations information session led by the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California, said Chris Lodgson, an organizer for the group.
The coalition is focused on advocating for reparations for Black residents. It has been supportive of reparations largely targeted at the descendants of enslaved African Americans.
“Generally speaking, Black folks can support other Black folks in the things that they want and need even if not everybody is benefitting equally from it or directly from it,” Lodgson said.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, a former assemblywoman, authored the bill that created the state’s task force, and the group began its work last year. The bill was signed into law in September 2020 after a summer of nationwide protests against racism and police brutality following the killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a white police officer in Minnesota.
In June, the task force released a 500-page report describing discriminatory policies that drove housing segregation, criminal justice disparities and other realities that harmed Black Californians in the decades since the abolition of slavery.
___
Sophie Austin 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 Austin on Twitter: @sophieadanna | 2022-12-14T10:13:55+00:00 | kron4.com | https://www.kron4.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-california-reparations-task-force-to-talk-eligibility/ |
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Chemical manufacturer 3M Co. will pay at least $10.3 billion to settle lawsuits over contamination of many U.S. public drinking water systems with potentially harmful compounds used in firefighting foam and a host of consumer products, the company said Thursday.
The deal would compensate water providers for pollution with per- and polyfluorinated substances, known collectively as PFAS — a broad class of chemicals used in nonstick, water- and grease-resistant products such as clothing and cookware.
Described as "forever chemicals" because they don't degrade naturally in the environment, PFAS have been linked to a variety of health problems, including liver and immune-system damage and some cancers.
The compounds have been detected at varying levels in drinking water around the nation. The Environmental Protection Agency in March proposed strict limits on two common types, PFOA and PFOS, and said it wanted to regulate four others. Water providers would be responsible for monitoring their systems for the chemicals.
The agreement would settle a case that was scheduled for trial earlier this month involving a claim by Stuart, Florida, one of about 300 communities that have filed similar suits against companies that produced firefighting foam or the PFAS it contained.
3M chairman Mike Roman said the deal was "an important step forward" that builds on the company's decision in 2020 to phase out PFOA and PFOS and its investments in "state-of-the-art water filtration technology in our chemical manufacturing operations." The company, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, will halt all PFAS production by the end of 2025, he said.
The settlement will be paid over 13 years and could reach as high as $12.5 billion, depending on how many public water systems detect PFAS during testing that EPA has required in the next three years, said Dallas-based attorney Scott Summy, one of the lead attorneys for those suing 3M and other manufacturers.
The payment will help cover costs of filtering PFAS from systems where it's been detected and testing others, he said.
"The result is that millions of Americans will have healthier lives without PFAS in their drinking water," Summy said.
Earlier this month, three other companies — DuPont de Nemours Inc. and spinoffs Chemours Co. and Corteva Inc. — reached a $1.18 billion deal to resolve PFAS complaints by about 300 drinking water providers. A number of states, airports, firefighter training facilities and private well owners also have sued.
The cases are pending in U.S. District Court in Charleston, South Carolina, where Judge Richard Gergel is overseeing thousands of complaints alleging PFAS damages. A trial of a complaint by the city of Stuart, Florida, had been scheduled to begin this month but was delayed to allow time for additional settlement negotiations.
Most of the lawsuits have stemmed from firefighter training exercises at airports, military bases and other sites around the U.S. that repeatedly used foams laced with high concentrations of PFAS, Summy said.
The 3M settlement is subject to court approval, he said.
3M's website says the company helped the U.S. Navy develop foams containing PFAS chemicals in the 1960s.
"This was an important and life-saving tool that helped combat dangerous fires, like those caused by jet fuel," the company said.
3M said its participation in the settlement "is not an admission of liability" and said if it was rejected in court, "3M is prepared to continue to defend itself."
The cost of cleansing PFAS from U.S. water systems eventually could go much higher than the sums agreed to in the settlements, Summy acknowledged.
"I'm not sure anyone knows what that ultimate number will be," he said. "But I do think this is going to make a huge dent in that cost ... and you don't have to litigate for the next decade or longer."
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2023-06-23T15:12:53+00:00 | klcc.org | https://www.klcc.org/npr-science-environment/npr-science-environment/2023-06-22/3m-reaches-10-3-billion-settlement-over-contamination-of-water-systems |
MIAMI, Nov. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Digitalzone just concluded its Quarterly Business Review in Miami, Florida, the entire US and India management team were at this event. The figures are now public — and they are impressive.
Impressive Growth In Each Quarter Of 2022
Digitalzone surpassed most of the goals they had set for all three quarters. Here are the numbers:
- Q1' 2K22: 700% growth from Q4 2021
- Q2' 2K22: 200% growth from Q1 2022
- Q3' 2K22: 125% over the second quarter
Awards, Ascent, Acquisition And More:
The Digitalzone team revels in getting results for B2B Tech companies.
Backing this endeavor is a dedicated and growing team of 350+ professionals spurred by a management team that inspires and rewards action.
Growth brings promotions. In this quarter, there were a few outstanding performers. Three, rose to the position of Vice President. Five were crowned Directors. Salesforce, AWS, HPE, and Flexera were some of the companies that were added to the client list.
Due to customer success and the operation team's diligent, innovative and excellent efforts, the renewal rate was a staggering 96%.
As a result of this growth, awards were presented to employees who strongly contributed to the success this quarter.
Given all this revenue growth, success, and close rates, Digitalzone is scaling fast. Which means they have to add more arms to their army. 81 new team members were the closing figures.
Rishikkes Pawar, CEO, Digitalzone said, "All employees at Digitalzone should stay aligned with our Vision of Delivering growth while performing their daily activities. We are on mission to deliver growth to our customers by providing them with excellent service. To our employees via new training, knowledge sharing, and new opportunities. To the global society by sharing some profits by contributing to education, health, and the environment."
Aspirations For Q4
At the end of the Quarterly Business Review, Rishikkes inspired the team: "Digitalzone is looking to undertake International Expansion in the EMEA and APAC markets in Q4 2022. We look forward to harnessing the new markets and driving more growth this last quarter."
Looking back at the quarter, Digitalzone was the platinum sponsor of the B2B Marketing Exchange [#B2BSMX] at Boston, in August this year. The event was a resounding success with BMC Software presenting a case study on the Content Syndication success achieved for them by Digitalzone.
BMC Software Case Study
BMC Group wanted quality leads with particular titles, job descriptions, and locations for their global sales team. BMC Software wished to address new business pipeline growth and DCP targets. After a thorough reconnaissance, BMC chose Digitalzone as its lead generation partner.
BMC Software Earns 17x ROI
Digitalzone helped BMC earn $2 million for its Demand Centre Pipeline. BMC produced over 5,000 leads and 2,561 MQLs, with 49.5% lead-to-MQL conversion. All this translated to 17x ROI for BMC software.
BMC was elated with the results and presented this case study at the B2BXMS on 8th Aug 2022.
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1943660/DigitalZone_Team.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1943661/Digitalzone_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Digitalzone | 2022-11-14T14:56:42+00:00 | wlox.com | https://www.wlox.com/prnewswire/2022/11/14/digitalzone-aims-international-expansion-after-three-record-breaking-quarters-2022/ |
LAKE MARY, Fla. – A 28-year-old man was arrested after arriving at a predetermined location to meet with a minor, who was an undercover law enforcement officer, reports show.
[TRENDING: Orlando police release new video, seek info after chaos erupts at Lake Eola | Midwest favorite Skyline Chili opening 1st Central Florida store | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!)]
Edwin Nazer was arrested for traveling to meet with a minor for sex and solicitation of a minor to engage in sexual activity in Lake Mary on Tuesday, according to a Seminole County Sheriff’s Office report.
Nazer had been messaging an undercover law enforcement officer who was under the persona of 14-year-old girl on a dating app from June 30 through July 5, deputies said. He agreed to meet with the minor on Tuesday but was met by SCSO agents.
According to the SCSO report, Nazer confessed to acknowledging the “minor’s” age and sex act, but he said he was only going to “see how the 14-year-old looked and was going to leave right after.”
According to the report, an officer asked Nazer why he messaged “sex” and specified “without protection,” and Nazer responded that he made a mistake, reports showed.
Nazer faces two charges with a total $80,000 bond. | 2022-07-06T16:55:27+00:00 | clickorlando.com | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/07/06/man-arrested-for-meeting-with-minor-who-was-undercover-officer-reports-show/ |
AIQ recognized in Best First-Party Data Strategy category
NEW YORK, July 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ActionIQ, the leader in customer experience (CX) solutions, today announced that it won the 2022 Digiday Media Award in the Best First-Party Data Strategy category. AIQ was selected for its work helping a global media company deliver personalized customer experiences across all its brands as it shifted from advertising to subscription business model. The Digiday Media Awards recognize companies working to modernize digital media.
"We're very excited to win the Digiday Media Award in the Best First-Party Data Strategy category," said Tasso Argyros, Co-Founder and CEO at ActionIQ. "With the death of the third-party cookies, first-party data has become the most essential brand asset. It's critical for brands across every industry to develop solid first-party data strategies and transform their business models to adapt to the future of CX."
Improving its first-party data strategy with ActionIQ enabled this company to successfully shift to a subscription revenue model while unlocking new revenue pockets. The data unification and capabilities of the platform resulted in improved operational efficiency and lower costs. The platform has allowed the company to create over 5,000 customer audiences to enable personalization at scale and over 100 customer journeys that connect points across brands to identify opportunities across business units.
The complete 2022 Digiday Media Awards Winners Guide, featuring a rundown of the campaigns and insights into why they won and what marketing teams can learn from them can be downloaded here.
The ActionIQ CX Hub, powered by a customer data platform, empowers organizations to flexibly and securely leverage their first-party data to power personalized experiences at scale. With the AIQ CX Hub, technology teams maintain complete control of their data governance while giving business users direct access to explore the customer data they need to orchestrate both real-time experiences and omnichannel customer journeys.
Details about the 2022 Digiday Media Award winners can also be found here.
AIQ brings order to CX chaos. Our Customer Experience Hub empowers everyone to be a CX champion by giving business teams the freedom to explore and action on customer data while helping technical teams extend and enhance existing technology investments to manage data governance, costs and performance. Enterprise brands such as Autodesk, M&T Bank, The New York Times, Neiman Marcus, Hertz and many more use our CX Hub to drive growth through extraordinary customer experiences. Learn more at actioniq.com.
Dusya Broytman
dusya.broytman@actioniq.com
+1-201-707-2334
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SOURCE ActionIQ | 2022-07-07T14:32:32+00:00 | witn.com | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/07/07/actioniq-wins-2022-digiday-media-award/ |
BURLINGAME, Calif. and KALAMAZOO, Mich., Aug. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Infinome™ Biosciences, a next generation biomanufacturing company, and Kalsec® Inc, a leading global producer of natural spice and herb extracts for the food and beverage industry, today announced a new partnership to develop and commercialize multiple precision fermentation products. The partnership will deliver naturally produced, highly innovative ingredients with superior quality and consistency, in the most sustainable way possible.
Infinome's GenoScaler™ is a proprietary, ultra-high-throughput, CRISPR-enabled strain engineering platform designed to rapidly optimize microbial strains with vastly improved traits and productivities. Infinome will employ GenoScaler™ to develop ingredient-producing strains and provide Kalsec with these ingredients to validate their performance in food applications.
Kalsec's long history and expertise in creating natural products and solutions for the food and beverage industry will enable it to maximize the benefits of Infinome's microbial strain engineering platform. By working closely with their customers, the development team at Kalsec has identified multiple large product opportunities. R&D teams at Infinome will work with Kalsec to develop sustainable biomanufacturing processes through accelerated strain engineering and process development.
"The lens used to select projects include sustainability, efficiency, and enabling the use of more natural products through new production practices. We have already embraced using Infinome's ground-breaking technology to develop more products in our pipeline to deliver sustainable improvements for our customers," says Dr. Scott Nykaza, Kalsec CEO.
"Infinome's GenoScaler™ is a complete, end-to-end microbial manufacturing platform based on several breakthrough technology developments," said Dr. Richard Fox, Infinome co-founder and CEO/CTO. "Our goal at Infinome is to enable more companies to access the bioeconomy by accelerating the development and reducing the risk and complexity of biomanufacturing. Through advanced technology, strategy, and processes, we are helping to create sustainable solutions with long-term partners like Kalsec."
Kalsec® Inc provides innovative taste and sensory, natural food protection, natural colors and advance hops solutions to the food and beverage industries. We capture the best nature has to offer and utilize the skills, experience and knowledge of our employees to make products look better, taste better and last longer. Kalsec has remained family owned and provides localized support to our global customers. Trusted since 1958, Kalsec is committed to providing value to the food and beverage industry for the next 100 years. Headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S., Kalsec has regional offices, laboratories and sales teams in North America, Europe, and Asia. As a certified B Corp, Kalsec makes ethical and sustainable decisions that serve our customers, employees, communities, and the environment. We are proud to be using our business as a force for good. For more information, visit www.kalsec.com.
Infinome™ Biosciences is developing cost-effective, sustainable solutions for a variety of biomanufacturing applications including food, feed, agriculture, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Infinome uses a proprietary next-generation microbial strain engineering platform, GenoScaler™, that is based on ultra-high-throughput CRISPR+ technologies and the principles of directed evolution, to manufacture and supply ingredients at scale. GenoScaler™ allows unprecedented speed, efficiency, and low development costs to substantially de-risk the process of developing biobased solutions. Founded in 2020, Infinome is headquartered in Burlingame, CA and operates as a subsidiary of Inscripta, Inc. For more information, visit www.infinomebio.com.
Infinome™ Biosciences Contact
Dipnath Baidyaroy
Head of Business and Alliances
Dipnath.Baidyaroy@infinomebio.com
510.709.8242
Kalsec Media Contact
Mark Staples
Executive Director of Global Marketing
mstaples@kalsec.com
269.339.4208
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SOURCE Infinome Biosciences | 2022-08-10T13:37:36+00:00 | kmvt.com | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2022/08/10/kalsec-partners-with-infinome-biosciences-sustainably-develop-manufacture-precision-fermentation-products/ |
- Report combines rich industry analysis, proprietary survey data from over 2,000 respondents, and unique insights provided by more than 100 creator educators (the class of creators producing content designed to share knowledge or drive impact).
- Key trends reveal the latest tactics creator educators are adopting to satisfy the evolving appetites of student customers.
- Report finds that today, over twice as many people are interested in creators making content for education than for entertainment purposes.
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Thinkific Labs Inc. ("Thinkific" or the "Company") (TSX: THNC) — the platform shaking up online education by empowering creator educators to build, market and sell digital learning products, announced today the release of its new Digital Learning Trends Report 2023.
The in-depth report provides a unique look into the current state of digital learning, backed by consumer survey findings from over 2,000 respondents and invaluable insights from more than 100 creator educators. With this comprehensive, first-hand data, the report outlines forward-looking industry trends that are paired with actionable tips for anyone looking to launch or grow their own successful digital learning business.
Some top industry trends include:
- The shifting tide from creator entertainers to creator educators
- The emergence of microlearning as a solution for life-on-the-go
- The rise of community-first digital learning
- The diversification of income streams offering financial security in uncertain economic times
Other key findings include:
- Today, more than twice as many people are interested in creators making digital content for education than for entertainment purposes.
- 53% of people say they're more likely to buy a product if it's recommended to them by a member of a community that they belong to.
- More than 60% of people learn new things from content on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok.
- 71% of people are currently considering pursuing additional income streams, and 43% already have a side hustle.
"Researching and developing our annual Digital Learning Trends Report gives us an invaluable pulse check on our industry, as well as the opportunity to hear directly from creator educators and their own student customers," said Greg Smith, Co-Founder & CEO of Thinkific. "We're excited to be able to translate this knowledge into actionable insights that empower our creators to understand and leverage key trends that will supercharge their digital learning businesses."
A host of successful creator educators also contributed to the report, sharing their own learnings on how they've monetized their expertise to build successful businesses. For example:
- Jill Koziol, Co-Founder and CEO of Motherly, a wellbeing destination with an inspiring community of over 30 million moms learning to navigate the ups and downs of motherhood, together.
- Debbie Rosas, Co-Creator and Founder of internationally acclaimed fitness program and lifestyle company, Nia Technique, Inc. As a pioneer in the body-mind fitness industry, Debbie has used her experience to build a thriving, global fitness company with a 7-figure revenue.
For more trends in digital learning, key research findings, or insights from expert creator educators, you can access Thinkific's full, free Digital Learning Trends Report 2023 here.
Additional visuals showing top research findings are here.
Thinkific (TSX: THNC) makes it simple for creator educators and established businesses of any size to scale and generate revenue by teaching what they know. Our platform gives businesses everything they need to build, market, and sell digital learning products—from courses to communities—and run their business seamlessly under their own brand, on their own site. Thinkific's 50,000 active creators earn hundreds of millions of dollars in direct course sales while teaching tens of millions of students. Thinkific is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada and has a distributed team.
For more information, please visit www.thinkific.com.
This news release includes forward-looking statements and forward–looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Often, but not always, forward–looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "trends", "plans", "is expected", "expects", "scheduled", "intends", "contemplates", "anticipates", "believes", "proposes" or variations (including negative and grammatical variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this report include statements regarding industry trends; growing demand for online learning, growth in our industry; addressable markets for our solutions; capturing market share; advances in and expansion of our offered platform service and the anticipated benefits of Communities and their features for the Company's customers. Such statements and information are based on the current expectations of Thinkific's management, and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Although Thinkific's management believes that the assumptions underlying these statements and information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this report, including, among other factors, the risk factors described in additional detail under "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Information Form, and in our other filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, all of which are available under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward–looking statements and information speak only as of the date on which they are made and Thinkific undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward–looking statement or information contained in the report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The report should not be relied on and is not a substitute for the skill, judgment and experience of the user, its management, employees, advisors and/or clients when making purchase, investment and other business decisions. While Thinkific has obtained information from sources it believes to be reliable, Thinkific does not perform an audit and undertakes no duty of due diligence or independent verification of any information it receives.
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SOURCE Thinkific Labs Inc. | 2023-01-09T12:30:52+00:00 | uppermichiganssource.com | https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/prnewswire/2023/01/09/thinkific-releases-new-digital-learning-trends-report-data-reveals-how-creators-are-rising-challenge-2023/ |
TEL AVIV, Israel and BEIJING, July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ADAMA Ltd. (the "Company") (SZSE 000553), today provided an estimate regarding its financial performance for the second quarter and first half of 2022.
Sales
ADAMA is expecting to report sales growth of approximately 22% in USD terms (24% in RMB terms) in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the same quarter last year.
Sales in the first half of 2022 are expected to grow approximately 25% in USD terms (25% in RMB terms), compared to the same period last year.
The expected strong growth over the quarter and first half period was primarily driven by a significant, double-digit increase in prices, a trend which started in the third quarter of 2021, complemented by volume growth and despite the negative impact of exchange rates and supply challenges. This growth is a reflection of the robust demand in the market resulting from the elevated global crop prices during the first half of 2022. The Company's performance was particularly strong in Brazil, where the Company continues to work to strengthen its position within this growing market, while the Company's sales of raw material and intermediates in China continued to grow strongly.
Adjusted EBITDA
In the second quarter and first half period, the Company is expecting to report an increase in adjusted EBITDA and its margin, in comparison to the corresponding periods in 2021. The strong top-line growth more than compensated for the impacts of higher procurement, production and logistics costs, exchange rate impacts as well as higher operating costs, which were impacted amongst other factors by higher inflation.
It should be noted that certain relocation and upgrade charges have significantly declined since Q1 2022, as the relocation and upgrade of the manufacturing Jingzhou site in China has been completed and is now at a high level of operation.
Net Income
The Company is expecting to report an increase in Adjusted & Reported Net Income in the second quarter and first half period, compared to the same periods last year following achieving higher Operating Profit and despite a significant increase in financial expenses due to the high Israeli CPI, elevated securitization expenses attributed to increased exposure to Brazil and higher hedging costs on exchange rate.
Adjusted Net Income excludes the impact of transitory or non-operational and non-cash items, mainly including:
i. Non-cash amortization charges in respect of Transfer assets received from Syngenta related to the 2017 ChemChina-Syngenta acquisition;
ii. Non-cash amortization net charges related to intangible assets created as part of the Purchase Price Allocation (PPA) on acquisitions, with no impact on the ongoing performance of the companies acquired;
iii. Incentive plans: ADAMA granted certain of its employees, a long-term incentive (LTI) in the form of 'phantom' awards linked to the Company's share price. As such, the Company records an expense, or recognizes income, depending on the fluctuation in the Company's share price, regardless of award exercises. To neutralize the impact of such share price movements on the measurement of the Company's performance and expected employee compensation and to reflect the existing phantom awards, in the Company's adjusted financial performance, the LTI is presented on an equity-settled basis in accordance with the value of the existing plan at the grant date. During Q2 2022 the Company recorded expenses due to an increase in the Company's share price;
iv. Manufacturing facilities relocation & upgrade-related costs: certain extraordinary charges related largely to a temporary disruption of the production of certain products, were adjusted in H1 2021. These charges have significantly declined in H1 2022, as the relocation and upgrade of the manufacturing Jingzhou site in China has been completed and is now at a high level of operation.
These estimations are preliminary and have not been audited or reviewed by the Company's auditors. These estimations may change, inter alia, as a result of the further processing and analysis of the financial data that the Company will perform for the preparation of its financial statements which will be released on August 29, 2022.
Investors are reminded to exercise caution when making investment decisions.
About ADAMA
ADAMA Ltd. (SZSE: 200553) is a global leader in crop protection, providing solutions to farmers across the world to combat weeds, insects and disease. ADAMA has one of the widest and most diverse portfolios of active ingredients in the world, state-of-the art R&D, manufacturing and formulation facilities, together with a culture that empowers our people in markets around the world to listen to farmers and ideate from the field. This uniquely positions ADAMA to offer a vast array of distinctive mixtures, formulations and high-quality differentiated products, delivering solutions that meet local farmer and customer needs in over 100 countries globally. For more information, visit us at www.ADAMA.com and follow us on Twitter® at @ADAMAAgri.
Contact
Rivka Neufeld Zhujun Wang
Global Investor Relations China Investor Relations
Email: ir@adama.com Email: irchina@adama.com
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/799829/Adama_Agricultural_Solutions_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE ADAMA Ltd. | 2022-07-14T14:12:43+00:00 | kwch.com | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2022/07/14/adama-provides-net-income-estimate-q2-first-half-2022/ |
HOUSTON, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BMC, a global leader in software solutions for the Autonomous Digital Enterprise, will host a private conference call to discuss its Q3 FY2023 business with registered holders of the Company's 7.125% Senior First Lien Notes due 2025, 6.500% Senior First Lien Notes due 2025, 9.125% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2026 and 8.375% Senior Notes due 2026, as well as certain other prospective and eligible investors. Interested parties may obtain further details from their Venue account.
About BMC
BMC works with 86% of the Forbes Global 50 and customers and partners around the world to create their future. With our history of innovation, industry-leading automation, operations, and service management solutions, combined with unmatched flexibility, we help organizations free up time and space to become an Autonomous Digital Enterprise that conquers the opportunities ahead.
BMC, BMC Software, the BMC logo, and other BMC marks are the exclusive properties of BMC Software, Inc. and are registered or may be registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or in other countries. ©Copyright 2023 BMC Software, Inc.
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SOURCE BMC Software, Inc. | 2023-02-07T16:10:28+00:00 | wsfa.com | https://www.wsfa.com/prnewswire/2023/02/07/bmc-hosts-private-briefing-eligible-investors/ |
HELSINKI (AP) — Hundreds of people marched through the Norwegian capital on Saturday in an LBGT solidarity event to honor the Pride parade that was canceled in June after a deadly shooting outside a popular gay bar.
Marchers in “The Rainbow Train” passed the central Oslo nightlife district where a man identified as Zaniar Matapour shot and killed two men and injured several others outside the London Pub on June 25, just hours before the planned start of the Pride parade.
Norwegian citizen Matapour is being held on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and terrorism. His motive for the shooting remains unclear but police say hate crime is a possibility.
Organizers stressed the event Saturday wasn’t meant to be a substitute for the original Pride parade but rather a show of solidarity to Norway’s LBGT community.
“It is absolutely fantastic,” Oslo Pride spokesman Dan Bjoerke told Norwegian news agency NTB. “There is a sea of people who will show everyone that it is love that wins. We must have diversity, we must have a society where people can be allowed to be themselves without fear.”
Prime Minister Jan Stoere Gahr was among the several Norwegian politicians who took part.
“We are taking back the streets. It’s not the Pride parade we had planned for June but this is a celebration that is important for people to be able to express these important values,” Stoere told NTB.
Saturday’s event culminated in a concert in Oslo. | 2022-09-10T15:01:19+00:00 | nwahomepage.com | https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-lgbt-solidarity-march-in-norway-for-canceled-pride-parade/ |
It's going to get even more volatile in energy markets – and hence for gasoline prices.
Crude prices jumped on Wednesday after the European Union proposed a ban on oil imports from Russia as part of a new round of sanctions targeting the country after its invasion of Ukraine.
The details are still being hammered out, and the proposal needs to be unanimously agreed upon by the 27 members of the bloc before going into effect.
Brent crude, the global benchmark for oil, jumped more than 4% on the news and was trading at around $110 a barrel.
Here's what the proposed EU ban could mean for global oil markets and gasoline prices in the U.S.
How much impact will there be on oil markets?
Crude prices will likely go even higher still after already surging following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Europe is hugely dependent on Russian oil imports. It gets about a quarter of its oil from Russia, by far the biggest single source of oil imports into the continent.
Though Russia could find other buyers like India for the crude, it's unlikely that Russia will be able to sell the entire allotment that would usually go to Europe.
Heavy sanctions have made some traditional buyers reluctant to deal with Russia. And as part of its latest proposal, the EU is also seeking to ban European ships from transporting Russian oil.
Ultimately it's expected that an EU ban on Russian oil imports will result in a loss of 2 million barrels a day from Russia.
In fact, the U.S. has been urging Europe to be cautious when the region was considering its oil ban given that Russia could make up the loss of revenue from sales to the EU through higher crude prices.
There are factors that could contain oil prices, however.
Lockdowns in China to deal with an outbreak of Covid-19 cases are expected to reduce global demand for crude, though it's hard to say how long the measures will last.
What does the EU ban mean for gasoline prices?
European citizens will be hit hard for sure, but even in the U.S., it's hard to see any relief in sight to gas prices.
After all, what consumers pay at the pump is most directly affected by the global price of crude.
When the price of oil spiked following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the average price of gasoline in the U.S. shot up above $4 a gallon and has remained there since, according to data from the American Automobile Association.
The U.S. is also approaching the summer season, when traditionally more people take to the road.
Something that has tempered gas prices, however, is the Biden administration's release of emergency oil from the strategy oil reserve. The U.S. is releasing about a million barrels a day and will tap up to 180 million barrels.
Al Salazar, senior vice president with Enverus Intelligence, says if it hadn't been for the emergency oil release, gasoline prices would have jumped even higher than they already are.
"You've basically alleviated any chance of ridiculous oil prices for the summer," says Salazar.
But there are obvious big question marks about what happens after the U.S. reaches its planned 180 million barrel limit. A lot will depend on the conditions in crude markets at the time.
Can other oil producers step up production?
It's complicated.
The oil cartel OPEC and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, is in the best position to make up for lost supply, but that's unlikely.
For one, Russia is a member of OPEC+. Any moves against Russia risks jeopardizing the alliance that has long been important to stabilizing the global price of oil.
A bigger concern is that some members of OPEC+ are struggling to meet their current quotas due to political strife and underinvestment.
OPEC+ countries have been gradually increasing production by about 430,000 barrels per day since last summer, in a steady effort to get back to pre pandemic levels of production.
OPEC+ meets again on Thursday and is largely expected to maintain its current plans to increase production only gradually.
What about U.S. producers?
The U.S. is the world's biggest producer of oil, but most of that oil is consumed domestically.
Drilling more is a lot easier said than done. It takes months for even the fastest producers to build a new well. And labor challenges and supply chain problems are lengthening that timeline.
Oil companies are still proceeding cautiously. These companies are beholden to their investors, and those investors don't want to invest in further drilling.
They lost a ton of money in the oil crash at the beginning of the pandemic, and growing concerns about environmental impact are making them hesitant to invest further.
That said, U.S. producers aren't completely dragging their feet.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that U.S. producers will increase output by an average of 800,000 barrels a day this year.
But it's hard to go faster than that, and that simply doesn't make up for the expected loss of Russian oil.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2022-05-05T01:35:39+00:00 | kcbx.org | https://www.kcbx.org/npr-top-news/2022-05-04/what-europes-ban-of-russian-oil-could-mean-for-energy-markets-and-your-gas-prices |
NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 5WPR, one of the largest independently-owned PR firms in the U.S., is pleased to announce its client work has been announced as a finalist in Ragan's Media Relations Awards 2022.
The Parenting team's work for client Lansinoh has been named a finalist in the Use of a Celebrity or Personality category, for coordinating partnership details with actress Mandy Moore's team, to support the campaign around highlighting a real and unfiltered representation of a woman's postpartum journey.
"The Parenting team is passionate about elevating Lansinoh and their work, ensuring the right audiences have access to their products and resources," said 5WPR Co-CEO, Dara A. Busch. "The team exceeded client expectations and continues to raise the standard."
5W's Technology team and its work with client Samsung's SmartThings, which worked to illustrate the real-world applications of 'SmartThings Build' - a partnership solution designed to help builders, property management companies, and real estate developers create and manage connected living experiences across properties and homes at scale, has been named a finalist in the Traditional & New Media Integration category.
The Corporate team has been recognized as a finalist in the Innovation in Media Relations category for their work with Sinclair Broadcast Group, supporting the announcement of the company's new streaming app as a major rebrand and partnership with Bally Sports.
"We are thrilled to be recognized for our media relations work at a time when competition for media attention is at an all-time high," said 5WPR Co-CEO Matthew Caiola. "Our teams went above and beyond, finding creative opportunities to capture and hold consumer attention, and this is a well-deserved recognition for our teams."
Winners will be announced at Ragan's PR Daily Awards luncheon on Monday, December 12, in New York City.
5W Public Relations is a full-service PR agency in NYC known for cutting-edge programs that engage with businesses, issues and ideas. With more than 300 professionals serving clients in B2C (Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Nonprofit), B2B (Corporate Communications and Reputation Management), Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and Digital Marketing (Social Media, Influencer, Paid Media, SEO). 5W was named to Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces 2022 list, awarded 2020 PR Agency of The Year, and brings leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results-driven approach to communication.
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SOURCE 5W Public Relations | 2022-10-31T17:26:50+00:00 | kcrg.com | https://www.kcrg.com/prnewswire/2022/10/31/5wpr-named-3x-finalist-ragans-media-relations-awards-2022/ |
GILBERT, South Carolina (WJW) – More than a dozen children are recovering after their school bus collided with a tanker in Gilbert, South Carolina, on Thursday.
The accident sent 18 people, 17 of them children, to the hospital, according to local news outlet WIS-TV.
Footage captured by a nearby surveillance camera shows the bus coming to a stop at an intersection while the tanker approaches from the left. The bus then pulls into the intersection and is struck by the tanker.
Bystanders are soon seen running toward the site of the crash.
Emergency crews later responded to the scene and transported the injured children and the adult to the Lexington Medical Center for treatment. All have since been released, a spokesperson told the Associated Press.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.
Gilbert is about 30 miles (49 kilometers) southwest of South Carolina’s capital of Columbia. | 2023-05-27T18:50:15+00:00 | localsyr.com | https://www.localsyr.com/news/national/school-bus-collides-with-tanker-in-south-carolina-video-shows/ |
In the shadow of L.A.'s art deco City Hall, musicians jammed onstage, kids got their faces painted, and families picnicked on lawn chairs. Amid the festivity, people waved flags, sported T-shirts and sold buttons — all emblazoned with a familiar slogan: "My Body, My Choice."
This wasn't an abortion rights rally. It wasn't a protest against the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gutted Roe v. Wade. It was the "Defeat the Mandates Rally," a jubilant gathering of anti-vaccine activists in April to protest the few remaining COVID-19 guidelines, such as mask mandates on mass transit and vaccination requirements for health care workers.
Similar scenes have played out across the country during the pandemic. Armed with the language of the abortion rights movement, anti-vaccine forces have converged with right-leaning causes to protest COVID precautions.
And they're succeeding. Vaccine opponents have appropriated "My Body, My Choice," a slogan that has been inextricably linked to reproductive rights for nearly half a century, to fight mask and vaccine mandates across the country — including in California, where lawmakers had vowed to adopt the toughest vaccine requirements in the U.S.
As the anti-vaccine contingent has notched successes, the abortion rights movement has taken hit after hit, culminating in the June 24 Supreme Court decision that ended the federal constitutional right to abortion. The ruling leaves it up to states to decide, and up to 26 states are expected to ban or severely limit abortion in the coming months.
Now that anti-vaccination groups have laid claim to "My Body, My Choice," abortion rights groups are distancing themselves from it — marking a stunning annexation of political messaging.
"It's a really savvy co-option of reproductive rights and the movement's framing of the issue," said Lisa Ikemoto, a law professor at the University of California-Davis Feminist Research Institute. "It strengthens the meaning of choice in the anti-vaccine space and detracts from the meaning of that word in the reproductive rights space."
Framing the decision to vaccinate as a singularly personal one also obscures its public health consequences, Ikemoto said, because vaccines are used to protect not just one person but a community of people by stopping the spread of a disease to those who can't protect themselves.
Celinda Lake, a Democratic strategist and pollster based in Washington, D.C., said "My Body, My Choice" is no longer polling well with Democrats because they associate it with anti-vaccination sentiment.
"What's really unique about this is that you don't usually see one side's base adopting the message of the other side's base — and succeeding," she said. "That's what makes this so fascinating."
Jodi Hicks, president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, acknowledged that the appropriation of abortion rights terminology has worked against the reproductive rights movement. "In this moment, to co-opt that messaging and distract from the work that we're doing, and using it to spread misinformation, is frustrating and it's disappointing," Hicks said.
She said the movement was already gravitating away from the phrase. Even where abortion is legal, she said, some women can't "choose" to get one because of financial or other barriers. The movement is now focusing more heavily on access to health care, using catchphrases such as "Bans Off Our Bodies" and "Say Abortion," Hicks said.
The growth of the anti-vaccination movement
Vaccination hasn't always been this political, said Jennifer Reich, a sociology professor at the University of Colorado-Denver, who has written a book about why parents refuse vaccines for their kids. Opposition to vaccines grew in the 1980s among parents concerned about school vaccine requirements. Those parents said they didn't have enough information about vaccines' potential harmful effects, but it wasn't partisan at the time, Reich said.
The issue exploded onto the political scene after a measles outbreak tied to Disneyland sickened at least 140 people in 2014 and 2015. When California lawmakers moved to prohibit parents from claiming personal belief exemptions for required childhood vaccines, opponents organized around the idea of "medical choice" and "medical freedom." Those opponents spanned the political spectrum, Reich said.
Then came COVID. The Trump administration politicized the pandemic from the outset, starting with masks and stay-at-home orders. Republican leaders and white evangelicals implemented that strategy on the ground, Reich said, arguing against vaccine mandates when COVID vaccines were still only theoretical — scaring people with rhetoric about the loss of personal choice and images of vaccine passports.
They gained traction despite an obvious inconsistency, she said: Often, the same people who oppose vaccine requirements — arguing that it's a matter of choice — are against abortion rights.
"What's really changed is that in the last two or so years, it's become highly partisan," Reich said.
Joshua Coleman leads V is for Vaccine, a group that opposes vaccine mandates. He said he deploys the phrase strategically depending on what state he's working in.
"In a state or a city that is more pro-life, they're not going to connect with that messaging, they don't believe in full bodily autonomy," Coleman said.
But in places like California, he takes his "My Body, My Choice" rhetoric where he thinks it will be effective, like the annual Women's March, where he says he can sometimes get feminists to consider his perspective.
Co-opting the slogan
Perception of the word "choice" has changed over time, said Alyssa Wulf, a cognitive linguist based in Oakland, Calif. The word now evokes an image of an isolated decision that doesn't affect the broader community, she said. It can frame an abortion seeker as self-centered, and a vaccine rejector as an individual making a personal health choice, Wulf said.
Beyond linguistics, anti-vaccination activists are playing politics, intentionally trolling the abortion rights groups by using their words against them, Wulf said. "I really believe there's a little bit of an 'eff you' in that," Wulf said. "We're going to take your phrase."
Tom Blodget, a retired Spanish-language instructor from Chico, Calif., sported a "My Body, My Choice" shirt — complete with an image of a cartoon syringe — at the Defeat the Mandates Rally in Los Angeles. It was "an ironic thing," he said, meant to expose what he sees as the hypocrisy of Democrats who support both abortion and vaccine mandates. Blodget said he is "pro-life" and believes that COVID vaccines are not immunizations but a form of gene therapy, which is not true.
For Blodget, and many other anti-vaccination activists, there is no inconsistency in this position. Abortion is not a personal health decision akin to getting a shot, they say: It is simply murder.
"Women say they can have an abortion because it's their body," Blodget said. "If that's a valid thing for a lot of people, why should I have to take an injection of some concoction?"
About a week later and nearly 400 miles to the north in Sacramento, state lawmakers heard testimony on bills about abortion and COVID vaccines. Two protests, one against abortion and one against vaccine mandates, converged. Truckers from the "People's Convoy," a group that opposes COVID mandates that had been touring the country with its message of "medical freedom," testified against a bill that would stop police from investigating miscarriages or stillbirths as murders. Anti-abortion activists lined up to oppose a bill that would update reporting requirements to the state's vaccine registry.
"My Body, My Choice" was ubiquitous: Kids petting police horses in front of the Capitol wore T-shirts with the slogan, and truckers watching a sword dance toted signs above their heads.
At the time, two tough legislative proposals to mandate COVID vaccines for schoolchildren and most workers had already been shelved without a vote. One controversial vaccination proposal remained: a bill to allow children 12 and older to get COVID vaccines without parental consent.
Lawmakers have since watered down the measure, raising the minimum age to 15, and it awaits crucial votes. They have shifted their attention to the latest political earthquake: abortion.
KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. It is an editorially independent operating program of KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation).
Copyright 2022 Kaiser Health News. To see more, visit Kaiser Health News. | 2022-07-04T10:55:01+00:00 | wlrn.org | https://www.wlrn.org/news/2022-07-04/my-body-my-choice-how-vaccine-foes-co-opted-the-abortion-rallying-cry |
By BEN FINLEY and HOLLY RAMER (Associated Press)
A rescue operation was underway deep in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean on Monday in search of a technologically advanced submersible vessel carrying five people to document the wreckage of the Titanic, the iconic ocean liner that sank more than a century ago.
The vessel was reported overdue Sunday night about 435 miles (700 kilometres) south of St. John’s, Newfoundland, according to Canada’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Lt. Cmdr. Len Hickey said a Canadian Coast Guard vessel and military aircraft were assisting the search effort, which was being led by the U.S. Coast Guard in Boston.
Rear Adm. John Mauger, a commander for the U.S. Coast Guard, said additional resources would arrive in the coming days.
“It is a remote area — and it is a challenge to conduct a search in that remote area,” he said. “But we are deploying all available assets to make sure we can locate the craft and rescue the people on board.”
According to the Coast Guard, the craft submerged Sunday morning, and its support vessel, the Canadian research icebreaker Polar Prince, lost contact with it about an hour and 45 minutes later.
The Polar Prince will continue to do surface searches throughout the evening and Canadian P8 Poseidon aircraft will resume their surface and subsurface search in the morning, the Coast Guard said on Twitter.
The submersible was operated by OceanGate Expeditions.
David Concannon, an adviser to OceanGate, said the submersible had a 96-hour oxygen supply starting at roughly 6 a.m. Sunday. In an email to The Associated Press, Concannon said he was supposed to be on the dive but could not go due to another client matter. He said officials were working to get a remotely operated vehicle that can reach a depth of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) to the site as soon as possible.
OceanGate’s expeditions to the Titanic wreck site include archaeologists and marine biologists. The company also brings people who pay to come along, known as “mission specialists.” They take turns operating sonar equipment and performing other tasks in the five-person submersible. The Coast Guard said Monday that there was one pilot and four “mission specialists” aboard.
OceanGate said its focus was on those aboard and their families.
“We are deeply thankful for the extensive assistance we have received from several government agencies and deep sea companies in our efforts to reestablish contact with the submersible,” it said in a statement.
U.K. businessman Hamish Harding was one of the mission specialists, according to Action Aviation, a company for which Harding serves as chairman. The company’s managing director, Mark Butler, told the AP that the crew set out on Friday.
“There is still plenty of time to facilitate a rescue mission, there is equipment on board for survival in this event,” Butler said. “We’re all hoping and praying he comes back safe and sound.”
Harding is a billionaire adventurer who holds three Guinness World Records, including the longest duration at full ocean depth by a crewed vessel. In March 2021, he and ocean explorer Victor Vescovo dived to the lowest depth of the Mariana Trench. In June 2022, he went into space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket.
Harding was “looking forward to conducting research” at the Titanic site, said Richard Garriott de Cayeux, the president of The Explorers Club, a group to which Harding belonged.
“We all join in the fervent hope that the submersible is located as quickly as possible,” he said in a statement.
The expedition was OceanGate’s third annual voyage to chronicle the deterioration of Titanic, which struck an iceberg and sank in 1912, killing all but about 700 of the roughly 2,200 passengers and crew. Since the wreckage’s discovery in 1985, it has been slowly succumbing to metal-eating bacteria. Some have predicted the ship could vanish in a matter of decades as holes yawn in the hull and sections disintegrate.
The initial group of tourists in 2021 paid $100,000 to $150,000 apiece to go on the trip.
Unlike submarines that leave and return to port under their own power, submersibles require a ship to launch and recover them. OceanGate hired the Polar Prince to ferry dozens of people and the submersible craft to the North Atlantic wreck site. The submersible would make multiple dives in one expedition.
The expedition was scheduled to depart from St. John’s, Newfoundland, in early May and finish up at the end of June, according to documents filed by the company in April with a U.S. District Court in Virginia that oversees Titanic matters.
CBS journalist David Pogue, who went on the trip last year, noted his vessel got turned around looking for the Titanic.
“There’s no GPS underwater, so the surface ship is supposed to guide the sub to the shipwreck by sending text messages,” Pogue said in a segment aired on CBS Sunday Morning. “But on this dive, communications somehow broke down. The sub never found the wreck.”
The submersible, named Titan, is capable of diving 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) “with a comfortable safety margin,” OceanGate said in its court filing.
It weighs 20,000 pounds (9,072 kilograms) in the air, but is ballasted to be neutrally buoyant once it reaches the seafloor, the company said.
The Titan is made of “titanium and filament wound carbon fiber” and has proven to “withstand the enormous pressures of the deep ocean,” OceanGate stated. OceanGate told the court that Titan’s viewport is “the largest of any deep diving submersible” and that its technology provides an “unrivaled view” of the deep ocean.
In a May 2021 court filing, OceanGate said the Titan had an “unparalleled safety feature” that assesses the integrity of the hull throughout every dive.
At the time of the filing, Titan had undergone more than 50 test dives, including to the equivalent depth of the Titanic, in deep waters off the Bahamas and in a pressure chamber, the company said.
During its expedition in 2022, OceanGate reported that the submersible had a battery issue on its first dive, and had to be manually attached to its lifting platform, according to a November court filing.
“In the high sea state, the submersible sustained modest damage to its external components and OceanGate decided to cancel the second mission for repairs and operational enhancements,” the filing stated.
More missions, however, followed. The company reported that 28 people visited the wreck site last year.
Experts said Monday that rescuers face steep challenges.
Alistair Greig, a professor of marine engineering at University College London, said submersibles typically have a drop weight, which is “a mass they can release in the case of an emergency to bring them up to the surface using buoyancy.”
“If there was a power failure and/or communication failure, this might have happened, and the submersible would then be bobbing about on the surface waiting to be found,” Greig said.
Another scenario is a leak in the pressure hull, in which case the prognosis is not good, he said.
“If it has gone down to the seabed and can’t get back up under its own power, options are very limited,” Greig said. “While the submersible might still be intact, if it is beyond the continental shelf, there are very few vessels that can get that deep, and certainly not divers.”
Even if they could go that deep, he doubts they could attach to the hatch of OceanGate’s submersible.
___
AP reporters Danica Kirka, Jill Lawless and Sylvia Hui in London, Robert Gillies in Toronto, Olga R. Rodriguez in San Francisco, and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report. | 2023-06-20T06:13:16+00:00 | denverpost.com | https://www.denverpost.com/2023/06/20/deep-sea-craft-carrying-5-people-to-titanic-wreckage-reported-missing-search-underway/ |
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian state television on Friday offered an extended defense against an accusation attributed to international inspectors that it enriched uranium to 84% purity, with an official calling it part of a “conspiracy” against Tehran amid tensions over its nuclear program.
The comments by Behrouz Kamalvandi, a spokesman for Iran’s civilian nuclear program, sought to portray any detection of uranium particles enriched to that level as a momentary side effect of trying to reach a finished product of 60% purity — which Tehran already has announced it is producing.
However, uranium at 84% is nearly at weapons-grade levels of 90% — meaning any stockpile of that material could be quickly used to produce an atomic bomb if Iran chooses. Tehran has long insisted its program is for peaceful purposes, though the International Atomic Energy Agency, Western intelligence agencies and nonproliferation experts say Iran pursued a secret nuclear weapons program up until 2003.
The allegation that IAEA inspectors found 84% enriched uranium threatens to further escalate tensions between Iran and the West. Already, Israel’s recently reinstalled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened military actions against Tehran. Meanwhile, Iran faced continued unrest Friday amid months of protests.
Bloomberg first reported Sunday that inspectors had detected uranium particles enriched up to 84%. The IAEA, a United Nations nuclear agency based in Vienna, has not denied the report, saying only “that the IAEA is discussing with Iran the results of recent agency verification activities.”
In an interview with Iranian state television’s English-language arm, Press TV, highlighted on Friday, Kamalvandi dismissed what inspectors may have found as “a particle of an atom that cannot be seen even under a microscope.” He described Iran’s uranium centrifuge cascades as producing particles at varying purity that later form a final product of 60% enriched uranium.
“It doesn’t matter because the end product is what matters,” Kamalvandi said. “If we really want to enrich 20% more, we will announce it very easily. So it is clear that there is a conspiracy here.”
Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal limited Tehran’s uranium enrichment to 3.67% — enough to fuel a nuclear power plant. The United States unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018. Since then, a shadow war between Israel and Iran has erupted across the wider Middle East.
Iran now produces uranium enriched to 60% purity — a level for which nonproliferation experts already say Tehran has no civilian use. Any accusation of enrichment higher than that further ratchets up tension over the program, something Iran has appeared to acknowledge through a series of comments this week about the allegation attributed to the international inspectors.
However, many questions remain over the allegations attributed to IAEA inspectors and Iran’s explanation.
“There are variances in enrichment levels but usually not the the degree Iran is claiming,” said Daryl G. Kimball, the executive director of the Washington-based Arms Control Association. “Until the IAEA provides more information, including on the sampling and the methods of their analysis, we cannot be sure.”
“It may also be possible that Iran is testing the political response to enrichment of very small amounts of uranium at higher levels, and closer to bomb grade, or, less likely, they got caught experimenting with new centrifuge cascade configurations and how quickly they could enrich uranium to higher levels.”
While the IAEA’s director-general has warned Iran now has enough uranium to produce “several” nuclear bombs if it chooses, it likely would take months more to build a weapon and potentially miniaturize it to put on a missile. As recently as last March, the U.S. intelligence community assessed Iran “is not currently undertaking the key nuclear weapons-development activities that we judge would be necessary to produce a nuclear device.”
Meanwhile late Thursday night, online videos showed explosions and anti-aircraft fire in Karaj, a city about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of the Iranian capital, Tehran. Tracer rounds lit up the night sky, with the thud of blasts heard in the videos.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency later attributed the activity to an unannounced drill at a base for the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. In 2021, a suspected Israeli strike drone damaged a centrifuge assembly facility in Karaj.
Also Friday, online videos showed weekly protests resuming around the city of Zahedan in Iran’s restive southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported “significant” disruptions to the internet around Zahedan as a prominent Sunni cleric issued a statement saying a live stream of his Friday sermon was disrupted.
In his sermon, the cleric Abdolhamid Ismaeelzahi told those in Iran’s government “if you cannot solve the people’s problems, leave and let someone come who can,” activists said. | 2023-02-25T00:28:16+00:00 | kron4.com | https://www.kron4.com/news/world/ap-international/ap-iran-calls-84-uranium-enrichment-allegation-a-conspiracy/ |
SOLON, Ohio, Oct. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- HDT Global (HDT), a leading manufacturer and integrator of highly-engineered unmanned, platform, and expeditionary solutions across defense, aerospace and government markets, announced today the acquisition of Federal-Fabrics-Fibers, Inc. (3F), a manufacturer of advanced woven and non-woven air-supported products for the US government located in Lowell, MA.
In operation for 85 years, HDT is the world leader in the design and production of expeditionary solutions for austere locations. Known for our state-of-the art, rapidly deployable rigid wall and soft wall shelter systems, HDT's mobile infrastructure solutions are used by the US armed forces and allied foreign military. With this completed transaction, HDT adds Federal-Fabrics-Fibers' line of 2- and 3-D shaped woven technology (AirBeam) shelter systems to its already impressive line-up of folding frame and air-supported soft wall shelters.
"HDT is pleased to welcome the Fed-Fab employees to our team," stated Juan A. Navarro, HDT Global President and CEO. "Founded in 1991, Federal-Fabrics-Fibers has a proud history of service to the warfighter, and we look forward to integrating their people, products and processes with our team of customer-focused employees."
"3F's rapid prototyping capabilities and three decades of experience with lightweight specialty fabrics perfectly complements our robust offering of expeditionary shelter solutions," added Michael J. Silvestro, SVP and Sector General Manager, Expeditionary Systems. "With today's acquisition, HDT - already the leading provider of both inflatable AirBeam and framed shelter systems to customers focused on rapid set up and strike capabilities - further expands our ability to deliver leading-edge solutions for multidomain operations worldwide."
About HDT: Headquartered in Solon, Ohio, USA, HDT Global is widely recognized for its industry-leading production of state-of-the-art, fully integrated unmanned, platform, and expeditionary solutions, including robotics, specialty transport vehicles, shelters, power generation equipment, environmental control systems, air filtration devices and other engineered technologies currently used by U.S. and allied military worldwide, as well as civilian government and commercial customers. Proven solutions for extreme environments. We're there with you. For more information, visit www.hdtglobal.com.
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SOURCE HDT Global | 2022-10-04T18:24:23+00:00 | wcjb.com | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2022/10/04/hdt-global-announces-acquisition-federal-fabric-fibers-inc/ |
Salesforce appexchange provider leverages capital infusion to expand event management and payments processing platform and double down on employee retention and growth
NEW YORK , June 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackthorn.io, the wizard of event management, payment processing, and SMS apps on Salesforce, today announces $16 million in funding — $15M in debt financing with nearly $1M in primary financing. Fueled by its capital raise, Blackthorn.io expects to grow its customer base by 40% by the end of the year.
With a valuation of $75 million, this investment will enhance Blackthorn.io's evergreen stability initiatives to provide a reliable events and payments experience on Salesforce by bolstering its engineering teams and making significant upgrades to its technology. Additionally, with the increased demand for its suite of applications, Blackthorn.io plans to expand its platform functionality and bring new, innovative apps to market alongside mitigating operations in the event of uncertain times.
"Taking an unconventional route for funding has enabled Blackthorn.io to stay focused on our core mission, delivering simple applications that allow our customers to focus on business outcomes rather than cumbersome administrative processes," said Chris Federspiel, CEO and co-founder of Blackthorn.io. "This investment allows us to not only invest in and grow our team but also invest in and grow the solutions we provide for our customers."
Blackthorn.io has hired industry veteran Brett Waters as Senior Vice President of Global Sales to fuel its continued growth. With more than 20 years of sales experience, Waters brings deep expertise from OwnBackup, Conga, SMS Media, and other software companies to Blackthorn.io. In his new role, Waters will lead and motivate the sales team to strengthen and expand business operations, driving a strong breadth of performance across multi-functional teams and addressing diverse market segments. Additionally, Stuart Croft will transition into the new role of Chief Operating Officer, where he will lead initiatives to position the business for growth to $50M ARR.
Blackthorn.io is working to bridge the gap between perception and reality with CRM-native technologies that build upon the digital investment already made by Salesforce users. With 66% of organizations shifting to data-first decision making, Blackthorn.io's Salesforce-native tools, enhanced by technology partners like AWS and Heroku, empower modern organizations to think beyond their immediate goals and provide their constituents with personalized engagement.
For more information on how Blackthorn.io empowers organizations with personalized engagement, visit www.blackthorn.io.
About Blackthorn.io
Blackthorn.io provides companies the freedom to focus on customers instead of processes with award-winning native-Salesforce applications. As the 2021 Salesforce.org ISV Cross-Industry Partner of the Year in AMER & EMEA, Blackthorn is committed to providing the best product functionality across all industries. So whether you're looking to adopt a Return on Event mindset through live and digital events, mitigate compliance risks, or ensure your organization can take payments quickly and securely from anywhere, Blackthorn is the ISV partner for your #digitalacceleration.
Media Contact
Jaclyn Pullen
BLASTmedia for Blackthorn.io
Blackthorn@blastmedia.com
317-806-1900 ext. 143
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SOURCE Blackthorn.io | 2022-06-29T12:51:23+00:00 | wbrc.com | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/06/29/blackthornio-secures-16-million-structured-capital-drive-product-engineering-development-enhance-risk-mitigation-efforts/ |
LONDON (AP) — A drug dealer who killed a 9-year-old Liverpool girl when he tried to gun down a rival was sentenced to life in prison Monday for murder during an emotional hearing he refused to attend.
Thomas Cashman, 34, who declined to appear in Manchester Crown Court because he said the proceedings were “turning into a circus,” was convicted of murder in the Aug. 22 death of Olivia Pratt-Korbel. At the time, the child’s mother had tried to prevent Cashman’s intended target from barging into their home.
Cashman was trying to kill Joseph Nee over a drug debt when he opened fire on a street in Liverpool. Nee ran from the gunman and tried to force his way into Cheryl Korbel’s home. Cashman continued to fire as Korbel blocked the door and one bullet passed through her wrist and struck her youngest child in the chest.
Because of her own injury, the mother was helpless to aid her dying daughter.
“My worst nightmare was being separated from her when she needed me the most,” Cheryl Korbel said from the witness stand where she sat with a teddy bear named “Liv” made from her daughter’s pajamas. “I was the first person to hold my baby and I should have been the last.”
Justice Amanda Yip said the shooting that shocked the nation was a “planned execution” and even if the girl was not Cashman’s target he’d shown no regard to who might be struck by gunfire.
“The real gravity is that a young child was shot and killed in her own home,” Yip said.
Under the sentence, Cashman must serve a minimum of 42 years before being eligible for parole.
Cashman, who claimed he wasn’t the killer, was convicted by a jury Thursday of murder in the girl’s death, attempted murder for shooting Nee and for wounding Cheryl Korbel.
Cashman refused to appear because he heard prosecutors sang “We Are The Champions” after his conviction, defense lawyer John Cooper said.
Yip said Cashman’s no-show was disrespectful and she proceeded to sentencing without him.
His absence prevented the girl’s family who were wearing pink — her favorite color — from addressing him in person as they shared their grief.
Her father, John Pratt, told the court in a statement directed at Cashman and read by prosecutor Henry Riding that he had seen his daughter the day before she was killed for the first time in two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now she was forever frozen in time as a 9-year-old, deprived of a future and all the joys that would have lay ahead.
“I am heartbroken. Sometimes I just want to end it so that I can be with Olivia again,” he said. “I want to visit Olivia, and I sometimes sit outside the cemetery but I can’t go in because if I do it’ll all seem too real.” | 2023-04-04T12:13:57+00:00 | wnct.com | https://www.wnct.com/news/international/drug-dealer-gets-life-for-killing-9-year-old-liverpool-girl/ |
ROCK SPRINGS -- Members of Epsilon Chapter Alpha Delta Kappa, a women’s honorary teaching organization, met on Saturday, April 1, for their regularly scheduled meeting at the Santa Fe Southwest Grill. Hostesses Marlene Kramer, Terri Hueckstaedt and Janelle Parton had decorated the tables for spring including treat filled carrot-themed holders.
President Marguerite Russold conducted the business portion of the meeting. Chaplain Marlene Kramer read the thought for the day which detailed the believed origins of April Fool’s Day along with a message on the power of laughter and humor.
Fraternity Education Chairman Alissa Ekdahl provided a crossword puzzle using Alpha Delta Kappa terms and members worked in small groups to complete the puzzles while enjoying breakfast.
Various committee reports were presented along with updates on altruistic projects conducted in the past month.
Susan Magnuson reported that she and member Joy Christain took the funds donated by members and shopped for various items needed by residents at the local safe House. Members had also donated requested items such as notebooks, socks, various puzzles and games.
Scholarship chairman Cheryl Notman reported that there had been two applicants from Western Wyoming Community College for the Epsilon education scholarship. Members heard a presentation of the applicants’ requests and voted to fund both students as they continue their college careers in pursuit of education degrees. The candidates will be informed and presented at next month’s meeting.
Three members of Epsilon chapter plan on attending the International Convention which will be held July 13-16. State president Joy Christain, Susan Magnuson and Dena Lyon along with other Wyoming members from Casper and Cheyenne plan on attending the convention which will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, the headquarters of the international organization.
As the meeting concluded, Amanda Buel won the scholarship basket filled with spring and Easter items. Members ended the meeting by singing “The Lamp of ADK.” The next meeting is scheduled for May 6.
Additional members present included Brie Westbrook, Kari Lowinske, Mandy Sewell, Amanda Buel and guest Nadine Lovell. | 2023-04-06T14:45:17+00:00 | wyomingnews.com | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/epsilon-chapter-helps-students-pursue-education/article_a48c2be8-d483-11ed-aa20-8b5b3e69f8db.html |
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