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25 states Americans visit the most
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25 states Americans visit the most
A palm tree and colorful chairs on the beach.
U.S. travelers are expected to visit U.S. destinations more in 2023 than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council. Thanks in part to rising inflation rates, which make international travel far more difficult to budget for a family, along with the general public’s desire to freely move about now that COVID-19 restrictions are fully lifted. Combining that with the plethora of places to choose from when it comes to making your way across America, domestic travel rates went up 30.1% in 2022, and it seems to be on trend to continue its ascent.
With so much to do, however, who could blame someone for wanting to get in the car and leave their cares behind during an epic road trip? For booking that last-minute flight on a whim because the mood seems to strike. The U.S. is home to 424 National Parks, 620 amusement parks, over 35,000 museums, and don’t even get us started on how many restaurants there are to try!
As summer approaches, and many are beginning to plot out their itineraries for the road, we wondered—which states are the most popular to visit by U.S. tourists? Using data from YouGov to determine what states Americans are visiting, Stacker has ranked the top 25 by the percentage of U.S. adults who have already made a visit. Check the rankings to see if your next destination is among these popular choices, or find your next adventure as you scroll.
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#21. Oklahoma (tie)
An aerial view of downtown Tulsa.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 30%
In a state full of early American history, Oklahoma City visitors can take the opportunity to learn about the state’s 39 Native American nations in Oklahoma by visiting the First Americans Museum. Tulsa’s museum Greenwood Rising tells visitors about the city’s Black neighborhood, Greenwood, a once-historic space known as a freedom colony after slavery was abolished. The area, lauded as Black Wall Street, was infamously bombed in 1921 during an incident known as the Tulsa Race Massacre.
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#21. New Mexico (tie)
Taos Pueblo village in New Mexico.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 30%
Travelers who like visiting the cultural landmarks listed among the bevy of UNESCO World Heritage sites can see more here than in any other U.S. state. In order to achieve UNESCO World Heritage status, a place must be a work of human genius, contain superlative natural phenomena, or any of the eight other requirements on the qualifications list. The sites located in New Mexico, such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, and Taos Pueblo all manage to fit the criteria!
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#21. Missouri (tie)
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 30%
While Missouri may be most well known for the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, many are unaware upon first glance that the museum housed beneath the landmark is full of history about the “Show Me State” including how it got the nickname. Don’t be fooled though, Missouri offers so much more. Branson, for example, is known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” per their tourism site because of the amount of entertainment that is accessible at any given time, and the state has six national parks you can visit.
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#21. Michigan (tie)
Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 30%
Michigan offers a mixture of natural beauty, history, and culture all wrapped up in one state. Visitors often make their way to Detroit to visit the Motown Museum, where curators pay homage to a form of music that, in essence, created the blueprint for all other music to follow. Home to four of the Great Lakes (Erie, Superior, Huron, and Michigan) travelers can also enjoy a car-free adventure—including a side trip to Mackinac Island, home to Arch Rock. On top of that, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor offers a huge list of attractions from the University of Michigan Museum of Arts, to the Museum of Natural History Planetarium.
LuvAlisa // Shutterstock
#21. Indiana (tie)
Boat races at White River State Park.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 30%
Indiana’s White River State Park includes many attractions for sports fans, history buffs, and fans of the outdoors—such as the NCAA Hall of Champions in Indianapolis and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. The Indiana Dunes National and State Parks offer outdoor fun on the southern shore of Lake Michigan with everything from campsites to bike trails, to an interactive geocaching hunt.
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#20. Louisiana
Oak Alley Plantation.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 31%
There are some places that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time and Louisiana is one of them. It is known for having a multitude of plantations, with at least 14 still open to visit, but they also represent a painful chapter of enslaved people in the state’s history. New Orleans is home to the French Quarter, known for jazz on Bourbon Street, shimmery beads during Mardi Gras, and some of the best beignets you can find. Grand Isle is known as a “sportsman’s paradise” with amazing fishing spots that offer unencumbered views of the Gulf of Mexico. Plus, if you’ve always wanted to delve a little deeper into understanding Voodoo, an African diasporic religion, there are plenty of places to dive in.
Ko Zatu // Shutterstock
#18. Kentucky (tie)
Sun rays coming through an opening in Mammoth Cave National Park.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 34%
Travelers can walk through part of the world’s longest-known cave system in Mammoth Cave National Park. With more than 400 miles of explored caves and nearly 53,000 acres of land to explore, you can spend a whole day there and not even notice. If you’re in more of a sporty mood, you can head north to Louisville for river cruises, horse racing at Churchill Downs, and baseball nostalgia at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.
Joseph Sohm // Shutterstock
#18. Massachusetts (tie)
A crowded Fenway Park during a game.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 34%
Massachusetts is the kind of state where the kid in you can come out and play! Baseball fans will feel right at home in Boston’s Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox and the oldest ballpark of any Major League Baseball team. Fans can surround themselves with the peanuts and Cracker Jacks as the stadium is open for tours all year round. In the fall, Salem, Massachusetts, becomes the state’s focal point as a popular destination to celebrate Halloween—and no wonder, considering the town’s history! The infamous Salem Witch Trials took place in the state, a time when religious persecution and fear allowed women to be burned at the stake if they were found to be witches. Speaking of American history, you can also visit Plymouth Rock, known as the landing spot of the Mayflower.
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#17. Colorado
People snowboarding on the mountain in Vail.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 36%
Winter sports are definitely the draw when it comes to the popularity of Colorado, or at least one of the big ones thanks to the Rocky Mountains as the state’s backdrop. Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge are some of the most well-known ski towns in the country. Colorado is also home to one of the most amazing outdoor amphitheaters, Red Rocks, which gets world-class musical acts on a constant basis and is housed within a natural rock formation. For history fans, the Chicano Movement was a heavy influence on the landscape of the state, and you can visit the Chicano Humanities and Art Council Gallery to learn about the rich history of the 60s and 70s.
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#15. South Carolina (tie)
An aerial view of colorful umbrellas and people on Myrtle Beach.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 38%
When you think of white sand beaches you might not necessarily think of anywhere stateside—but that’s where South Carolina comes in to prove you wrong. The state has a bevy of beaches, including the popular family tourist attraction Myrtle Beach, which offers 60 miles of white sand and a fantastic boardwalk full of carnival rides, games, and delicious food. Speaking of the cuisine, culinary tourists can head to Charleston, which is known for making a killer bowl of shrimp and grits. For a sweet treat, the brown sugar and butter explosion known as Charleston chewies is the local favorite. Both of these borrow heavily from the influence of the Gullah Geechee, descendants of West and Central Africa forced upon the lands during the trade of enslaved people, and who have been well known for preserving and maintaining their cultural heritage.
P. Dorman // Shutterstock
#15. Maryland (tie)
Steamed crabs on a restaurant table with people in the background.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 38%
Maryland is another state well-loved for its seafood dishes, but here crab is king. Travelers will find plenty of unique local dishes, including Maryland Crab Soup, Smith Island Cake, and stuffed ham. Travelers can also make their way to Baltimore, where you can find everything from the National Aquarium, to the Baltimore Museum of Art, and Oriole Park to spend a day traversing.
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#13. Nevada (tie)
Fremont East District in Las Vegas lit up with neon.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 39%
Lucky be a lady in Nevada, or at least she does in its most famous city, “Sin City” Las Vegas, Known as the kind of destination where what happens there, stays there, you can hit the Strip for gambling, fine dining and residency shows that alternate throughout the season. If the bright lights of the big city aren’t your thing, Nevada also has spectacular natural attractions like Red Rock Canyon and Lake Tahoe.
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#13. Ohio (tie)
Cleveland Botanical Garden.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 39%
Ohio is full of family-friendly stops, like Cleveland’s Great Lakes Science Center and the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Tourists can head out of town to learn about a different way of life with a visit to Amish country, where you can learn about what life is like without technology.
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#11. Tennessee (tie)
Crowds of people on the streets of lit up Nashville.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 40%
Nashville, Tennessee, is where country music and bachelorette parties meet in the lively downtown honky-tonks. Head west to Memphis for the soulful sounds of blues music on Beale Street. If you’re looking for a strong drink, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is home to at least 30 distilleries open for a visit.
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#11. New Jersey (tie)
Pastel bicycles on the boardwalk at the beach.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 40%
Boardwalk and beach lovers get both along the Jersey Shore, which is far more entertaining than what the MTV series made it seem like. In fact, it’s known for being a well-loved family destination, especially in Ocean City, which is known as an alcohol-free city. Gamblers can try their luck by heading north to the casinos in Atlantic City, home to the first boardwalk built in the world.
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#10. Arizona
A woman overlooking the Grand Canyon North Rim.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 41%
The natural red-rock formation known as the Grand Canyon may be Arizona’s top stop, but Arizona has many natural feats to admire. Saguaro National Park protects the state’s majestic cacti, as well as the petroglyphs left behind by the Hohokam tribe. Guided tours in Antelope Canyon can feel like hiking through another world, with canyons and formations that look more like they belong on Mars than in America.
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#8. North Carolina (tie)
A curved road going through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during fall with fog rising up to the road.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 42%
North Carolina is a regular pit stop for racing fans. Charlotte’s NASCAR Hall of Fame not only tells the history of the sport but puts visitors in the driver’s seat in its racing simulators. Those who want off the roads and into the great outdoors can make their way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, full of lush forests, wildflowers, and waterfalls as far as the eye can see.
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#8. Virginia (tie)
An aerial view of the boardwalk along Virginia Beach.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 42%
Outdoor lovers have plenty to choose from between Virginia’s Atlantic Ocean beaches and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Literary fans can enjoy the Poe Museum in Richmond, dedicated to one of the United States’ most famous writers and a tragic tale in literary history, Edgar Allen Poe. Fans of history can visit the sites for the Battle of Yorktown, the last battle of the Revolutionary War, as well as the colonial town of Williamsburg known as the world’s largest living history museum.
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#7. Illinois
The Chicago skyline with a Ferris wheel and yachts on the water.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 43%
Foodies have many options in Illinois’ biggest city, Chicago, from the city’s deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs to upscale dining from award-winning chefs. Tourists and locals alike flock to the lakefront in the summer, when the weather is ideal. The state is also known for playing a heavy role in the Underground Railroad, and in Alton, you can partake in either driving or walking tours that guide you along some of the most important landmarks.
Christopher V Jones // Shutterstock
#6. Georgia
People biking and rollerblading on the beltline in Atlanta.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 46%
Atlanta’s film and music industries make Georgia’s capital city an entertainment hub. You can take a tour of Tyler Perry’s massive production studio, or catch a glimpse of The Dungeon, the studio where Outkast recorded their albums. Tourists who want a more relaxing pace choose Savannah’s historic downtown and coastal living.
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#5. Pennsylvania
People walking on the Warhol bridge in Pittsburgh.
Percentage of U.S. adults who have been: 48%
Head to Philadelphia to bring a U.S. history lesson to life, with visits to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Art lovers can hop over to Pittsburgh to The Andy Warhol Museum, home to the largest collection of Warhol art and archives. You can also get your fill of chocolate as Pennsylvania is the home of Hershey’s Chocolate World.
PiercarloAbate // Shutterstock
#4. Texas
A street musician playing the trumpet in Austin.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 52%
Trips to Texas leave a lot of ground to cover, from Space Center Houston for NASA lovers, to the Alamo in San Antonio for history buffs, and Big Bend National Park’s limestone cliffs in the western part of the state. Fans of live entertainment can also make their way to Austin for SXSW every March for a week-long festival and conference centering around music, arts, technology, and culture.
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#3. California
A star on the street in Hollywood.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 54%
Considering this state can take nearly 12 hours to drive the full length of it, it comes as no surprise that there are tons of sights to see in California. Los Angeles is known as the home of Hollywood, the rich and famous, and of course the neighbor to Anaheim’s Disneyland. San Francisco offers a wealth of culture with the de Young Museum, Museum of the African Diaspora, and the Mission Cultural Center of Latino Arts. Sacramento, the state’s capital, is a burgeoning city recently voted by Forbes as the top place to live in the state and is home to the California State Fair. That doesn’t include the nine state parks like Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and more.
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#2. New York
A busy street in Times Square.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 55%
The city that never sleeps is also the city that brings the most visitors to the state of New York. First-time U.S. and international tourists love to visit Times Square, catch a Broadway show, and eat a New York slice of pizza. Music lovers can take walking tours that show you the birthplace of punk in Greenwich Village and the East Village or the birthplace of hip-hop in Harlem. Not to mention the city’s countless museums, galleries, live music venues, and more.
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#1. Florida
An aerial view of Clearwater Beach.
Percentage of US adults who have been: 61%
For countless families, a visit to Orlando’s Disney World makes a childhood, or adulthood, dream come true. Florida’s pristine beaches also make it the top-ranked state for a trip in the U.S. Everglades National Park offers a great day trip for families, and if you happen to have a birdwatcher in your family, the wetlands in the park are home to the largest breeding ground for tropical wading birds in North America.
Data reporting by Lucas Hicks. Story editing by Olivia Monahan. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. | 2023-06-01T18:56:23+00:00 | krdo.com | https://krdo.com/stacker-travel/2023/06/01/25-states-americans-visit-the-most/ |
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The performance didn’t come close to matching the hype for the 2021 quarterback class.
With QBs going 1-2-3 for third time ever in the common draft era and five going off the board in the first round for the fourth time, expectations were high for Trevor Lawrence and Co.
But whether it was from lack of opportunity, lack of support or normal rookie struggles, the six rookie quarterbacks who made multiple starts last season were mostly underwhelming with the exception of New England’s Mac Jones and Houston’s Davis Mills.
Now headed into year two with all six — Lawrence in Jacksonville, Zach Wilson on the Jets, San Francisco’s Trey Lance, Chicago’s Justin Fields, Jones and Mills — projected as starters, the class will have the opportunity to live up to the billing.
“That’s the goal: to make a significant jump in year two,” Jaguars first-year coach Doug Pederson said about Lawrence. “I think building off of last year, the fact that he played the entire season, we can build off that and really expect a sky’s-the-limit mentality with him.”
That’s also the goal in New York, Chicago, New England and Houston where their rookies also all started at least 10 games, marking the second time since the merger that five rookie QBs made double-digit starts in the same season.
But the group that did it in 2012 had much more early success than last year’s crew with Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson all leading their teams to the postseason as rookies.
Only Jones did that last year, leaving questions about the others on whether they will live up to their pre-draft billings.
“I’m not really worried about showing the league anything,” Fields said. “I’m just worried about winning games. I’m not trying to prove myself to anybody. I’m not trying to do this and that, take opinions into account. My job is to win games.”
Here’s a look at the six QBs who started multiple games last season as rookies as they head into year two:
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars:
Lawrence entered the NFL as the most heralded QB prospect since Luck in 2012 after being picked first. The results weren’t there as a rookie as he played on perhaps the NFL’s most dysfunctional franchise with Urban Meyer at coach and an overmatched roster.
Lawrence struggled at times in 2021, finishing with 12 TD passes and 17 interceptions while going 3-14 as a starter. He fumbled nine times, was plagued by drops (33) and hampered by sacks (32), steady pressure and a porous defense that had him playing from behind early and often.
“I had a lot of turnovers last year,” Lawrence said. “Finding that balance of being myself and making plays, but also being smart and putting our team in the best situation to win. I think that’s important.”
Zach Wilson, Jets:
Wilson had a rough go of it as a rookie as he struggled to make the adjustment from playing behind a stacked offensive line at BYU to an offense with many holes on the Jets.
Wilson ranked last among qualifying quarterbacks in passer rating (69.7) and completion rate (55.6%), but feels both will improve with increased comfort level.
“When you understand where to go with the ball and you have that confidence and understanding within the offense, you’re able to be accurate because you’re confident where you’re going with the ball,” Wilson said.
Trey Lance, 49ers:
Lance got by far the least time as a rookie among last year’s first-round picks, starting just two games when starter Jimmy Garoppolo was hurt. But the 49ers have no hesitation turning the offense to the unproven Lance, who brings a new element to San Francisco’s offense with his running ability and the arm to stretch the field.
Lance also has the most advantageous situation among the second-year QBs with a loaded roster that has almost all the key pieces back from a team that went to the NFC title game last season.
“Last year, I was definitely in a different spot mentally,” Lance said. “Just feeling a lot more confident this year, coming in, knowing what I’m doing, knowing the offense a lot better, knowing the guys a lot better. … I think it’ll be a great thing.”
Justin Fields, Bears:
Fields went from a loaded college team at Ohio State to an NFL team that was deficient on the offensive line, receiver and scheme in Chicago. The results reflected that as Fields completed only 58.9% of his passes with a 73.2 rating.
But he believes the struggles were a teaching tool and he can build on that this year under a new staff led by coach Matt Eberflus, who is using a more QB-friendly system.
“I don’t love failing, but you just have to be able to know how to bounce back, know how to get back in that mindset and get back rolling,” Fields said. “Drop it or whatever, learn from your mistakes, this and that and just keep on going each and every day.”
Mac Jones, Patriots:
The rookie with the most success last season was the one picked fifth among the first-rounders. It didn’t hurt that he stepped into the most stable situation with a solid roster and strong coaching staff led by Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
McDaniels is gone and Jones is ready to carry a much bigger load offensively then he did a year ago when he memorably earned one of his wins despite throwing only three passes on a windy night in Buffalo.
“He’s made tremendous strides,” Belichick said. “He did a great job last year but he’s starting it from a much much higher point this year than where he started last year. His offseason work has been significant.”
Davis Mills, Texans:
Mills was a pleasant surprise as a rookie after being taken in the third round. He took over the starting job in Week 3 and showed some promise in 11 starts on an overmatched Texans team. He had 11 TD passes and just three interceptions over his final six starts, including back-to-back December wins over the Jaguars and Chargers.
“I think I’ve developed a lot since the end of last season,” Mills said. “I think I felt the progression at the end of last year and then really taking it into the offseason, big momentum and stacking on it has allowed me to come out here and start playing really fast at the start of training camp.”
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AP Pro Football Writers Mark Long and Dennis Waszak Jr., and AP Sports Writers Kyle Hightower and Andy Seligman contributed to this report
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More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | 2022-08-11T11:46:09+00:00 | ourquadcities.com | https://www.ourquadcities.com/sports/heralded-2021-qb-class-looks-for-more-success-in-year-2/ |
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Tuesday evening's drawing of the Washington Lottery's "Hit 5" game were:
03-12-14-17-24
(three, twelve, fourteen, seventeen, twenty-four)
Estimated jackpot: $110,000
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Tuesday evening's drawing of the Washington Lottery's "Hit 5" game were:
03-12-14-17-24
(three, twelve, fourteen, seventeen, twenty-four)
Estimated jackpot: $110,000 | 2022-09-28T05:14:47+00:00 | sfgate.com | https://www.sfgate.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Hit-5-game-17471705.php |
WASHINGTON — Now that WNBA star Brittney Griner has been convicted of drug possession and sentenced to nine years in prison, attention turns to the prospect of a prisoner swap between the United States and Russia that could get her home.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken went public with that possibility last week, revealing in an unusual announcement that the U.S. had made a “substantial proposal” aimed at securing the release of Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan.
With her court case concluded and her sentence pronounced, such a deal — assuming one can be reached with the Russians — is Griner's best chance of being freed early.
Though the guilty verdict was seen as a foregone conclusion, the imposition of a sentence her lawyers decried as far longer than average could give the U.S. extra impetus to strike a deal palatable to Russia as soon as possible. And the formal end of the court case could be the opening both sides need to forge a diplomatic resolution, too.
A look at what's at stake:
WHAT DID THE U.S. OFFER?
Blinken did not specify the terms other than to describe the offer as substantial and something that he intended to discuss with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
A person familiar with the situation said that the U.S. offered to release Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms dealer serving a 25-year prison sentence on charges that he conspired to sell tens of millions of dollars in weapons to Colombia’s former FARC guerrilla army. At the time of his conviction, the group was classified by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization, though that designation was lifted last year.
The officials did wind up speaking by phone last Friday, the highest-level known contact between the two sides since Russia invaded Ukraine. They are also in Cambodia for meetings involving foreign ministers of Southeast Asian countries.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE RUSSIAN RESPONSE?
Minimal, at least in public. Blinken did not provide details after his call with Lavrov about his response. The Russians gave no hint about their interest in the offer, other than a statement chiding the U.S. to pursue the Americans’ freedom through “quiet diplomacy, without releases of speculative information.”
On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the Russian government had responded in a “bad faith” manner with an offer that U.S. officials did not regard as serious. She did not elaborate, though CNN reported last week that Moscow also wanted the release of a former colonel from one of its spy agencies who was convicted of murder in Germany last year.
WOULD THERE BE A PRECEDENT FOR A PRISONER SWAP?
In many ways, yes — and a recent one too. In April, Russia traded Marine veteran Trevor Reed, convicted of a physical altercation with police in Moscow, for Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot imprisoned for a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Yet that involved a Russian with far less notoriety than Bout, a former Soviet air force officer who once inspired a Hollywood movie and who earned the nickname the “Merchant of Death” over allegations that he supplied weapons used for civil wars in countries around the globe. He has adamantly maintained his innocence.
But there's not much recent precedent, at least by the U.S. government, for public discussions of prisoner swaps until after the deal is done and planes are in the air. That's what made Blinken's announcement from the State Department briefing room all the more striking.
On one hand, it seemed intended to communicate to the public that the administration will do whatever it needs to do to bring home wrongfully detained Americans.
But such a public overture also risks weakening the administration's negotiating hand to the extent it makes the U.S. look overly desperate for a deal, or signals to other countries that it is willing to meet potentially unreasonable demands.
SO WILL THE DEAL TAKE PLACE?
It's hard to say, but the contact between Blinken and Lavrov does suggest more progress than has been made before. It also reinforces the idea that the two countries are willing to maintain communication despite extraordinary tensions related to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Griner is the most prominent American detained by a foreign country. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist detained since February when police said they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage at an airport in Moscow. And though some Republicans including former President Donald Trump have expressed opposition to a deal, the conviction and sentence will only ramp up pressure on the administration to reach an agreement that can get her out soon.
“Today’s sentencing of Brittney Griner was severe by Russian legal standards and goes to prove what we have known all along, that Brittney is being used as a political pawn,” Lindsay Kagawa Colas, Griner's agent, tweeted Thursday.
She said getting a deal done for Griner and Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive imprisoned on an espionage conviction he and his family says is baseless, may be difficult but it is “urgent” and the “right thing to do.” The U.S. government also regards Whelan as wrongfully convicted.
For their part, Russian authorities have suggested that they regard a conviction as basically a prerequisite for a prisoner swap.
On Thursday, President Joe Biden again urged Russia to release Griner immediately.
“My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible,” he said in a statement. | 2022-08-04T23:47:25+00:00 | wcnc.com | https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/nation-world/getting-brittney-griner-home/507-a2488609-e39d-42f6-9d30-4c093a4337a1 |
UN to vote on resolution calling for Russia to leave Ukraine
United Nations — Ukraine's supporters urged the U.N. General Assembly to vote Thursday for a resolution that calls for Russia to end hostilities and withdraw from its neighbor on the eve of the first anniversary of Moscow's invasion.
The draft resolution is all but certain to pass later in the day but is nonbinding. Diplomats from Ukraine's allies seek to win over more nations that have been ambivalent toward the war in previous votes, including China.
Foreign ministers and diplomats from more than 75 countries addressed the assembly during two days of debate, with many urging support for the resolution that upholds Ukraine's territorial integrity. The war, which began on Feb. 24, 2022, has killed tens of thousands on both sides and has reduced entire cities to ruins.
Venezuela’s deputy ambassador addressed the council on behalf of 16 countries that either voted against or abstained on almost all of five previous resolutions on Ukraine: Belarus, Bolivia, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Laos, Mali, Nicaragua, North Korea, St. Vincent, Syria, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
While other countries focused on Russia's actions, Deputy Ambassador Joaquín Pérez Ayestarán said Wednesday that all countries without exception “must stringently comply with the United Nations Charter.”
He said the countries in his group were against what he called divisive action in the General Assembly, and for "a spirit of compromise.”
In his own appeal, Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau said Ukrainians deserve “not only our compassion, but also our support and solidarity.”
The General Assembly has become the most important U.N. body dealing with Ukraine because the Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security, is paralyzed by Russia’s veto power. The assembly’s five previous resolutions on Ukraine are not legally binding, unlike Security Council resolutions, but serve as a barometer of world opinion.
There are no vetoes in the assembly, so the resolution is certain to be approved. The big question was how many “yes” votes it would get.
An Oct. 12 resolution condemning Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four Ukrainian regions and demanding its immediate reversal got the highest vote of the five resolutions — 143-5 with 35 abstentions. | 2023-02-23T21:18:48+00:00 | detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/world/2023/02/23/united-nations-russia-ukraine-war/69937305007/ |
Several students bitten by bats inside resident halls of Ohio college
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) – Nearly a dozen students at the College of Wooster in Ohio have come into contact with bats inside the resident halls since the start of the semester, according to school officials.
Some students have been bitten by the bats, WOIO reports.
“I guess I didn’t think it would get this serious,” said freshman Mave Switalla, who lives in one of the dorms where bats have been found.
She is shocked the school hasn’t done more about the issue.
“I just am kind of frustrated that like the institution that has a lot of money isn’t doing more for its students that are paying for it,” Switalla said.
Senior student Alyssa Hunt said bats have been an ongoing problem at the college.
“These problems are not normal. They are out of control,” Hunt said.
All of the students who were bitten by bats are being monitored by the Wayne County Health Department for possible rabies infections.
Meanwhile, both Switalla and Hunt hope more will be done about the bats sooner than later.
“They have volunteers making bat boxes, sometimes it’s been students, but it’s not fun,” Hunt said.
The College of Wooster released the following statement in light of the events:
Over the course of the last few weeks we have received reports of bats within some of our older residential spaces and approximately 11 instances of students coming into contact with bats, either brushing up against them or experiencing bites. Bats tested in Wayne County have a less than 1 percent chance of carrying rabies and none of the bats tested from our spaces were found to be carrying rabies. Despite this, we are working with our local hospital and Health Department to ensure students who were in the vicinity of a bat have access to prophylaxis treatment.”
Facilities staff also are proactively monitoring exterior windows and screens of residential spaces regularly and replacing any screens that are damaged and sealing any entry points. And while the College is focused on addressing the immediate issues at hand during this time of high bat prevalence, we have a long-standing nuisance wildlife program that includes Ohio DNR trained professionals on staff, 25 on-campus bat houses meant to attract bats there instead of our buildings, a regular practice of identifying and sealing building envelopes, and this summer we covered chimneys in all campus buildings.
Copyright 2022 WOIO via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | 2022-09-06T15:35:52+00:00 | kfyrtv.com | https://www.kfyrtv.com/2022/09/06/several-students-bitten-by-bats-inside-resident-halls-ohio-college/ |
Sadly, it's not unusual for things to be dumped in New Jersey. But a recent case brought a new twist: hundreds of pounds of pasta left along a local brook and a mystery about who did it and why.
Workers in Old Bridge Township found 15 wheel-barrow loads of "illegal dumped pasta along a creek in a residential neighborhood," Old Bridge Business Administrator Himanshu Shah told NPR.
The pasta came in a variety of shapes, from spaghetti to macaroni — mounds of it sitting along a wooded bank of Iresick Brook. Photos from the scene set off a range of reactions, from pasta puns to bafflement over who would do such a thing — and why?
But for residents like Nina Jochnowitz, the noodles' unexplained appearance was the last straw.
"At this point, I do know who did it," she told NPR. "But this story is not about that."
A local activist blames a missing town service
For her, it's not who dumped the pasta, but why. While people fixate on the "pasta-gate" aspect of the story, Jochnowitz said, "The story really is about the fact that in Old Bridge, we do not have bulk garbage pickup. It has been a point of contention for the entire time I've lived in this town — 23 years."
When Jochnowitz, an environmental activist and former township council candidate, posted images of the dumped pasta on Facebook a week ago, it set off an uproar of interest and questions. She estimated the pasta to weigh 300 or 400 pounds.
"My initial reaction is exactly what yours was," Jochnowitz told NPR. "It was funny and humorous and mortifying. It's funny because it's pasta and not garbage; it's humorous because you could make a lot of jokes. ... and then I'm horrified because of course it is a potential contamination" for the nearby stream and river.
Was it cooked or raw?
There have been conflicting reports about whether the pasta was cooked and then dumped, or if it merely grew soft and limp from rainfall. Shah says the city believes "several hundred pounds of uncooked pasta" was taken out of its packaging and dumped on the ground.
"It looks like it was only there for a short time but moisture did start to soften some of the pasta," he said.
Two workers from the city's public works department were able to clean up the area in less than an hour, Shah said.
Jochnowitz thanked the city's public works agency for the rapid response to what was dubbed "Mission Impastable," saying that when the crew removed the pasta, they also cleaned out all the garbage tossed in the basin.
But she also urged the township's leaders to start offering public trash services. The government's website says residents can contract with private trash companies, noting that "Old Bridge does not provide sanitation services for household solid waste or bulk items."
Those private firms often charge hundreds of dollars to remove large items like couches and mattresses, Jochnowitz said, and the township doesn't have a dump.
"Some people take to throwing their trash in remote parts of the town," she said. "My neighborhood happens to be a pretty remote neighborhood, so it's a common place for dumping."
As for the other part of the mystery — the who — local media outlets cite neighbors who believe the pasta came from a house that was recently cleared out ahead of being put on the market. A man's mother had died, the reports state, leaving her son to clear out pasta from her pantry.
The city says the police department is looking into who is responsible for the pasta dump.
Fernando Alfonso III contributed to this story. contributed to this story
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2023-05-05T19:45:51+00:00 | kosu.org | https://www.kosu.org/u-s-news/news/2023-05-05/a-massive-dump-of-pasta-in-new-jersey-sets-off-a-fury-of-interest-and-also-a-fury |
- Johnson Controls demonstrates continuing support of environmental sustainability with program designed to increase accessibility of higher-efficiency home comfort equipment
- New Inflation Reduction Act provides opportunity for homeowners to save on upfront costs of higher-efficiency HVAC equipment in addition to financing options, tax incentives and state and manufacturer rebates
MILWAUKEE, Sept. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, is making residential energy efficiency more affordable and accessible for homeowners through robust financing options and rebates intended to maximize newly announced savings available through the Inflation Reduction Act. With higher-efficiency HVAC equipment from Johnson Controls, homeowners can reduce their heating and cooling costs by as much as 50% compared to low-efficiency systems.
Signed into law on August 16, the federally funded Inflation Reduction Act consists of a record $370 billion reserved spending for climate and energy initiatives. It offers homeowners an opportunity to save on the cost of replacing or upgrading their HVAC systems with higher-efficiency equipment that can lower their energy consumption and utility bills while working toward the goal of reducing Americans' carbon footprint by 40% by 2030.
With support from a trusted HVAC contractor and Johnson Controls brands such as YORK®, Luxaire®, Coleman®, Champion® and Fraser-Johnston®, homeowners can combine financing options, tax incentives and Johnson Controls rebates to achieve considerable savings and a reduced carbon footprint with a higher-efficiency home comfort system.
"The Inflation Reduction Act provides an unprecedented opportunity for homeowners to significantly reduce carbon emissions while lowering the financial burden of increasing energy costs," said Katie McGinty, vice president and chief sustainability and external relations officer, Johnson Controls. "Energy costs are spiraling, wars are being fought with energy being used as a weapon and severe weather events show the destructive power of climate change. At this difficult time, Johnson Controls is stepping up to support our customers with solutions that cut costs while helping to reduce emissions."
Since 1885, sustainability has been at the heart of the company's business. In 2021, Johnson Controls announced a commitment to reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions by 16% and Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 55% before 2030. The company has also committed to invest approximately 75% of new product R&D in climate-related innovation to develop sustainable products and services, such as transitioning to low-GWP refrigerants and innovations in electric heat pump technology. In addition to helping customers achieve their net zero goals, Johnson Controls is continuing to take significant steps to further its long-standing leadership, including by pledging to achieve net zero carbon by 2040.
To help homeowners take advantage of the clean energy incentives available, Johnson Controls has compiled the latest available resources to help reduce upfront costs and provide savings during tax season.
Programs to Maximize Savings on Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems:
- Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Credit: The 25C tax credits, which expired on December 31, 2021, have been extended through December 31, 2022, at the previous credit levels and requirements. Beginning with products installed on January 1, 2023, and extending through the end of 2032, new energy tax credits will be available for qualifying equipment, including tax credits up to 30% of eligible expenses or up to $600 per appliance and $1,200 per year (up from 10% and $500 lifetime) and up to $2,000 per year for heat pumps.
- High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program: $4.3B will be available for grants to states to provide rebates for qualified home electrification projects. The grants will provide up to 100% of eligible expenses or up to $8,000 in rebates for eligible households to install heat pumps. Funds will be administered through state energy offices and will run through September 30, 2031.
- State and Local Rebate Programs: Rebates offered through state legislation, local municipalities and utility companies can vary. It's best for homeowners to speak to their local HVAC professional about these rebates or use a zip code-based HVAC savings database as a point of reference.
- Manufacturer Rebates and Financing Options: With high-efficiency equipment rebates from Johnson Controls, more than 30 consumer financing options through Synchrony® Financial, factory-backed warranties and new Inflation Reduction Act incentives, there has never been a better time to upgrade to a new home comfort system.
Eligible products include high-efficiency air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps. For more information on these high-efficiency systems and savings, contact your local YORK®, Luxaire®, Coleman®, Champion®, Fraser-Johnston®, Guardian® or Evcon™ dealer.
Media Contact:
Ryan Nolan
Public Relations Program Manager
Building Technologies & Solutions, Johnson Controls
Mobile: +1 414-378-9641
Ryan.P.Nolan@jci.com
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.
Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.
Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.
Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @JohnsonControls on social platforms.
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SOURCE Johnson Controls International plc | 2022-09-22T18:54:28+00:00 | ksla.com | https://www.ksla.com/prnewswire/2022/09/22/johnson-controls-helps-homeowners-maximize-higher-efficiency-hvac-savings-including-inflation-reduction-act-incentives/ |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Is non-English language music the future of the music business? Perhaps.
The global music industry surpassed 1 trillion streams at the fastest pace, ever, in a calendar year, Luminate's 2023 Midyear Report has found. The number was reached in three months, a full month faster than 2022.
Global streams are also up 30.8% from last year, reflective of an increasingly international music marketplace.
Additionally, Luminate found that two in five — or 40% — of U.S. music listeners enjoy music in a non-English language. And a whopping 69% of U.S. music listeners enjoy music from artists originating outside of the U.S.
According to the report, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Italian, German, and Arabic are the most popular languages for non-Anglophonic music among U.S. music listeners, with Latin genres and K-pop leading the charge.
“Specifically, our streaming data shows that Spanish and Korean language music are the most popular when taking a look at the top 10,000 most streamed songs (audio and video combined) during the first half of 2023,” says Jaime Marconette, Luminate's senior director of music insights and industry relations.
“Furthermore, Spanish-language music’s share of that top 10,000 has grown 3.6% since 2021, while English-language music’s share has dropped 4.2% in that same time,” he says.
That is reflected in Luminate's 2023 Midyear Top Albums chart, where Bad Bunny 's spring 2022 album "Un Verano Sin Ti" still breaks the top 10 a year later (the chart factors in a combination of album sales, on-demand audio/visual sales, and digital track sales). When "top albums" are defined by physical and digital sales exclusively, K-pop dominates, taking up six of the top 10 spots.
“K-pop fans are, unsurprisingly, some of the most enthusiastic fans across physical formats,” Marconette says.
Luminate found that K-pop fans are 69% more likely to purchase vinyl and 46% more likely to purchase CDs than the average U.S. music listener in the next 12 months. One in four K-pop fans has purchased a cassette in the last 12 months. | 2023-07-12T15:01:27+00:00 | springfieldnewssun.com | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/music-streams-top-1-trillion-at-the-fastest-pace-yet-reflecting-more-global-industry-report-finds/SCB7UERQKZHGJAWTHG2ZSOD5PI/ |
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Tiger Woods was one college kid who got everyone's attention on the PGA Tour.
Retired commissioner Tim Finchem recalls being in the players' dining room at Firestone during the old World Series of Golf in 1996 when Woods, the NCAA champion at Stanford, was going after a third straight U.S. Amateur.
“The television was on the U.S. Amateur and players were gathered around watching. That hasn't happened since,” Finchem said in an interview 10 years later, and it still holds true. "Everybody wanted to watch every move he made because they knew he was going to be good. The only question was how good.”
It didn't take long to find out, but not without Woods having to prove it in Milwaukee, Canada, the Quad City Classic and the B.C. Open. It was his tie for third in the rain-shortened B.C. Open — now a PGA Tour Champions event — that gave Woods enough money for limited status and unlimited exemptions.
He won his next PGA Tour event, and then 81 more after that. He was good.
It's easier now for the best in college to get a PGA Tour card immediately, and they have the threat of Saudi-funded LIV Golf to thank for that.
PGA Tour University was launched in the fall of 2020, back when “LIV” was only associated with the Super Bowl played that year. The program had been in the works for a few years. The carrot was access to the Korn Ferry Tour.
But then LIV Golf started picking off a few college kids — Eugenio Chacarra, David Puig, U.S. Amateur champion James Piot — along with Turk Pettit, an NCAA champion who was playing developmental tours.
And now the PGA Tour is paying a lot more attention to the pipeline, which it probably should have done years ago. And even now, it's worth asking if the tour is doing enough.
For all the PGA Tour offers — money, history, tradition — it's hard to compete against a rival league offering guaranteed riches ($120,000 for last place even without a signing bonus, against a 48-man field). Chacarra surely got everyone's attention when he took home $4 million for winning a LIV event in Bangkok.
Would that have appealed to Woods in 1996? He was a different cat in so many ways, starting with that $40 million Nike contract — unheard of back then — that his late father, Earl, once referred to as chump change (he was right).
But now?
“I'm not going to lie. If you asked me in 2016 and offered me $50 million to play LIV, I don’t know if I could go to my dad and say, ‘We’re going to turn this down.’ I don’t know if I can tell you I wouldn’t have taken it,” Jon Rahm said. "And a lot of players are going to do the same thing when you have nothing and get offered that as a guarantee.”
Rahm's advice to the PGA Tour was to “start looking at college players and offer them more than you do now.”
PGA Tour University offered the leading five college seniors Korn Ferry Tour cards from June until the end of the season, and the next 15 could go to Canada or Latin America.
That's why when Rahm was asked what the tour offered, he replied, “Nothing.”
“There's a lot of lost talent out there in Canada and Latin America,” he said. “Every other major sport has a direct path to the major leagues from college except golf.”
That's about to change. The PGA Tour board is expected to give final approval Monday to a plan in which the top college senior will get a PGA Tour card after the NCAAs in June. He could play as many as eight events, and if he doesn't make the postseason, as many as seven more in the fall.
This will be the first time a college player has a direct path to the PGA Tour, much like college stars going straight to the NFL or NBA.
That's just for seniors. The tour also is planning an “accelerated” university program for top underclassmen who earn enough points through performance (college, tour, elite amateur events), awards and the world amateur ranking.
The idea is to create a path to the tour but keep the bar high enough to avoid getting someone who gets hot. Over the last decade or so, the tour figures players like Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Sam Burns — all among the top 12 in the world — would have been eligible.
The balancing act is providing the right amount of cards to college stars for a tour where it's already tough to get into tournaments. A year ago, the tour had 201 members who played at least 15 times. The typical field in the summer is 156 players. And it's about to get tighter in 2024.
But if the tour lost market shares when players defected to LIV Golf, and the best way to replenish them is through the college ranks, the tour should consider going further.
Only the top college senior gets a PGA Tour card. The next five can go to the Korn Ferry Tour, and the next 13 go to either Latin America or Canada.
Is there room to offer the top five college seniors a PGA Tour card without squeezing the membership? This is what the tour has to contemplate.
Perhaps one solution is to dedicate four sponsor exemptions to the previous year's PGA Tour University ranking, instead of being for current PGA Tour members or unrestricted.
The Travelers Championship and John Deere Classic are among tournaments that were ahead of the curve in looking after college stars. That needs to be a stronger focus for the PGA Tour, and its “University” ranking system is a start.
It's better than nothing.
___
AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2022-11-08T20:41:24+00:00 | seattlepi.com | https://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/Column-Replenishing-PGA-Tour-pipeline-starts-in-17568429.php |
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Rail advocates are dusting off a proposal for passenger train service between Montreal and Boston, riding a renewed interest in train travel to bolster a concept that has been around for more than a decade.
“It’s not a hard sell at all. A lot of people want this,” said Francois Rebello, a former national assembly member in Quebec and a consultant on the project.
Hundreds of travelers would ride a privately operated, overnight train each day if obstacles can be overcome to make the service a reality in coming years, according to a ridership study.
It wouldn’t be a high-speed affair. Promoters envision a different experience — a relaxed ride with a meal and sleep before arriving bright-eyed at the destination. The 14-hour ride would travel through Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Quebec.
The proposal comes against a backdrop of a rail revival, and more than $100 billion in railway infrastructure funding approved by Congress.
Maine State Sen. Richard Bennett, a Republican who lives in a district where the train would pass, said there’s much work to be done.
“I’m both excited and skeptical,” he said. “I certainly support the concept and I think it has a lot of promise. I think this can be done.”
A market study suggests about 4,000 people travel daily between Montreal and Boston, and about 1,000 of them would opt for rail service if it’s available, Rebello said. The service would be profitable with only 200 riders, he said.
But the proposal is in the early stages and the obstacles are many.
The track on the Canadian side of the border requires more than $100 million in upgrades and repairs. The track is in good shape through northern New England but the speed is limited to about 35 mph (56 kph) for a long stretch, and there’s little hope of securing additional funding to boost the speed.
Operators would have to negotiate agreements with several private owners of the rail — the Saint Lawrence and Atlantic, CSX and others — and there could be multiple crews required for the train. Then there’s the question of clearing customs with people coming and going at multiple train stops, and finding scarce equipment.
The idea for restoring Montreal-to-Boston passenger rail service for the first time since the 1960s has been bounced around for more than a decade, and several different rail routes have been floated over the years.
This time, the proposed route would follow Canadian Pacific Railway track from Montreal to Sherbrooke, Quebec, and then the St. Lawrence and Atlantic across Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, where a CSX-owned rail passes through Old Orchard Beach, a popular Maine tourist destination for Canadians. The final stretch is operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority.
Carl Fowler, a member of the Vermont Rail Advisory Council, is a rail advocate who likes the idea of expanded passenger rail service. But he said people have to be realistic about the proposal’s challenges.
“There are a lot of loose ends to be resolved,” he said.
Proponents have engaged with the Canadian Pacific Railway and the corporate parent of St. Lawrence and Atlantic, and the Canadian government already has considered investing in railway upgrades, Rebello said. Montreal real estate entrepreneur Nikolai Ray has signed on an investor.
About 60 rail advocates, legislators, tourism officials and others gathered recently in Coaticook, Quebec, to discuss the vision promoted by Montreal-based Fondation Trains De Nuit, or Night Train Foundation, and view a proposed map. Notably absent were state transportation officials from Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
But the project won’t start anytime soon. The most optimistic view is that the project would need at least two years to become a reality, he said. However, it could take longer to secure funding and rail agreements.
A motorist could get from Boston to Montreal twice as fast but rail advocates say riders would get there in style. People could have dinner, be entertained and sleep in a comfortable bed, proponents say. They’d also be spared the cost of a hotel fee, since they’d be sleeping and showering on the train, supporters said.
The project holds appeal both for older riders who are nostalgic about trains and a younger generation that’s less enthralled with cars, Rebello said.
Rail enthusiast Sarah LeBaron von Baeyer, who lives outside Boston and doesn’t drive, said she “wholeheartedly” embraces mass transit that would allow her to visit family and friends in Canada several times a year.
“I love train travel. I lived in Japan for many years. It was absolutely the best way to get around,” she said.
___
Associated Press writers Wilson Ring in Montpelier, Vermont, and Holly Ramer in Concord, New Hampshire, contributed to this story.
___
Follow David Sharp on Twitter @David_Sharp_AP | 2022-09-22T23:33:37+00:00 | qcnews.com | https://www.qcnews.com/news/national-news/ap-advocates-make-push-for-montreal-to-boston-passenger-rail/ |
CRAFTSMAN®'s V-Series™ metal storage includes a mobile workstation, rolling tool chests and cabinet combinations
TOWSON, Md., June 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CRAFTSMAN®, a Stanley Black & Decker brand (NYSE: SWK), today announced the expansion of its premium V-Series™ line to include metal tool storage. Built for the pro, new V-Series™ metal storage includes a mobile workstation, rolling tool chests and cabinet combinations.
"At CRAFTSMAN®, we understand that tool storage is more than just a necessity—it's a reflection of one's commitment to craftsmanship," said Eric Bernstein, Vice President, Product Management, Hand Tools & Storage at Stanley Black & Decker. "Our new V-Series™ line of metal storage is purpose-built to deliver quality and performance for those who demand nothing but the best from their tool storage."
CRAFTSMAN®'s premium V-Series™ line launched in November of 2021 with the release of various professional grade hand tools, including hex keys, T-Handles, ratchets, wrenches, socket sets and screwdrivers all backed by CRAFTSMAN's full lifetime warranty.
Throughout the year, CRAFTSMAN® will roll out V-Series™ metal storage offerings, starting with the 63-In. Wide 11-Drawer Mobile Workstation (now available in stores and online), followed by 41-In. and 52-In. rolling tool chests and cabinet combinations available this Fall.
CRAFTSMAN® V-Series™ 63-In. Wide 11-Drawer Mobile Workstation
CRAFTSMAN®'s new V-Series™ 63-In. Wide 11-Drawer Mobile Workstation (CMSTVS6311BK) is a workstation-storage system suitable for a master mechanic and backed by a 10-year limited warranty. Featuring heavy-gauge steel and industrial quality casters, the mobile workstation has up to a 3,000-pound load rating. Additional features include:
- Full-extension soft-close, ball-bearing drawers capable of supporting 150-200 pounds
- A full-grip tubular side handle for mobility
- 6-In. x 2-In. suspension-loaded casters
- A large 2/3-In. thick butcher block workspace
- A six-outlet power strip with two USBs for convenient charging
- A keyed internal tubular locking system to help protect tools when not in use
- Pre-cut embossed drawer liners
CRAFTSMAN® V-Series™ products are available in select stores and online where CRAFTSMAN® products are sold. To learn more about these products and the entire line of CRAFTSMAN® tools and solutions, visit www.CRAFTSMAN.com.
Media Contacts:
Lindsay Fennell
Senior Public Relations Manager
724-205-0640
lindsay.fennell@sbdinc.com
About CRAFTSMAN®
CRAFTSMAN® is an American icon that homeowners, home builders, auto enthusiasts and master mechanics have trusted since 1927 – and today's CRAFTSMAN® continues that legacy. With a focus on reliable, high-performance tools, storage and equipment, CRAFTSMAN® has revived its long-established pride in superior quality. Now it's easier than ever to get the tools trusted for generations at more places than ever. For more information visit www.craftsman.com or follow CRAFTSMAN® on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Stanley Black & Decker Headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in tools and outdoor operating manufacturing facilities worldwide. Guided by its purpose – for those who make the world – the company's more than 50,000 diverse and high-performing employees produce innovative, award-winning power tools, hand tools, storage, digital tool solutions, lifestyle products, outdoor products, engineered fasteners and other industrial equipment to support the world's makers, creators, tradespeople and builders. The company's iconic brands include DEWALT®, BLACK+DECKER®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, CUB CADET®, HUSTLER® and TROY-BILT®. Recognized for its leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG), Stanley Black & Decker strives to be a force for good in support of its communities, employees, customers and other stakeholders. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com
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SOURCE CRAFTSMAN | 2023-06-20T19:02:32+00:00 | kalb.com | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2023/06/20/built-pro-craftsman-expands-premium-v-series-line-include-metal-tool-storage/ |
Which Doja Cat merch is best?
Doja Cat is an American rapper, singer and songwriter who has had multiple top-10 hits on the Billboard charts since 2020. She’s created songs alongside megastars including Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande and The Weeknd. Her most popular songs include “Say So” and “Kiss Me More,” the latter of which went viral on TikTok. Luckily for Doja Cat fans, sometimes known as Kittenz, there is plenty of merchandise to show support for the singer.
The best piece of Doja Cat merchandise is the Planet Her T-shirt. This officially licensed shirt comes in black and features the cover of the “Planet Her” album sprawled across the front.
What to know before you buy Doja Cat merch
Doja Cat albums
Doja Cat has released three full-length studio albums since 2018. The first was titled “Amala,” which some fans will recognize as the artist’s real name. This album included a few hit singles including the TikTok viral hit “Candy.” It wasn’t until the album “Hot Pink” dropped the next year that Doja Cat began to jump into the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the world. “Say So,” the biggest single from the album, featured rap superstar Nicki Minaj and reached the #1 spot on the Billboard charts. “Planet Her” is Doja Cat’s newest album and includes a slew of merchandise to go with its release. Most of the Doja Cat merchandise that you will find is from her latest album and singles.
Clothing types
Usually the clothing types offered for artists are standard T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts. These are the most popular items because they can fit most body types and styles. Doja Cat offers four T-shirt styles and two hoodies on her official Amazon store. The current offerings are from her latest studio album “Planet Her.” The cover art features Doja Cat floating in space and painted in vibrant colors and glitter. There are T-shirts and hoodies that feature the same cover art and others that show the title of her latest single “Kiss Me More.”
Other merch
Among the clothing in Doja Cat’s store are two smartphone cases. These cases are designed for the iPhone 12 and the Galaxy S20, among others. They come in all black with an image of Doja Cat covered in pink from the “Kiss Me More” single. They also include the artist’s name in bright blue and pink bubble lettering. You can even purchase her album directly from the store in an MP3 format or download it to stream from Amazon Music.
What to look for in quality Doja Cat merch
Officially licensed
If you’re buying a Doja Cat CD, it’s guaranteed to be officially licensed. That is to say, it’s straight from the artist herself and not a ripoff. For merchandise, this can be a little tricky. There are many third-party sellers that offer Doja Cat merchandise that are not authentic items. Officially licensed merchandise is always of a higher quality. Plus, it directly supports the artist. If you’re unsure if an item is officially licensed, check with the official Doja Cat website or her official page on Amazon.
Materials
There’s nothing worse than buying merchandise from your favorite artist and realizing you can’t wear it because the materials are uncomfortable. Doja Cat merchandise uses 100% cotton for solid colors such as black and white. The heathered varieties are made of soft material made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester.
Sizes and styles
High-quality Doja Cat merchandise comes in a wide variety of sizes. Officially licensed clothing from her store on Amazon includes adult T-shirts ranging from small sizes up to 3XL. All come in various widths and lengths. There is also youth sizing for small children that range from size 2 all the way up to size 12.
How much you can expect to spend on Doja Cat merch
Doja Cat merch ranges from $20 to $45.
Doja Cat merch FAQ
Does Doja Cat merch ship worldwide?
A. Some Doja Cat merch will ship worldwide if you are purchasing from her official Amazon store. Be sure to read all instructions during check out to ensure the item can ship to your country internationally.
Is Doja Cat merch true to size?
A. Yes. Doja Cat merch is labeled as “classic fit,” which means it is designed to be true to size. Be mindful if you are purchasing a product that is 100% cotton as it may shrink after washing.
What’s the best Doja Cat merch to buy?
Top Doja Cat merch
What you need to know: Designed with the stunning “Planet Her” album cover, this all-black T-shirt is officially licensed.
What you’ll love: This T-shirt is 100% cotton, making it lightweight and comfortable. The black background of the shirt makes the graphics colors very vibrant.
What you should consider: Wash this shirt with dark colors because the black dye may bleed.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Doja Cat merch for the money
Doja Cat “Kiss Me More” iPhone case
What you need to know: With this iPhone case, you can show your love of one of Doja Cat’s biggest singles.
What you’ll love: Protect your phone in style with this two-part protective case that includes a scratch resistant polycarbonate shell and a shock absorbent liner to keep your phone safe.
What you should consider: There are a lot of sizes for this phone case, so be sure you’re purchasing one that matches your phone model.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Doja Cat “Kiss Me More” pullover hoodie
What you need to know: Doja Cat’s name is front and center on this all black hoodie that features vibrant accent colors and a large logo on the back.
What you’ll love: This cold weather hoodie is perfect for the fall and winter seasons because it’s made with 80% cotton to keep you warm and 20% polyester to keep you comfortable.
What you should consider: The “Kiss Me More” hoodie comes in unisex sizes for more generic fits.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | 2022-10-23T17:04:50+00:00 | krqe.com | https://www.krqe.com/reviews/br/apparel-br/shirts-tops-br/best-doja-cat-merch/ |
GUELPH, ON, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. ("Canadian Solar" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CSIQ), today announced it signed an agreement with SPIC Brasil, a leading power generation company in Brazil, to sell 70% stake in the Company's 738 MWp solar projects, Marangatu and Panati-Sitia.
The Marangatu and Panati-Sitiá projects, 446 MWp and 292 MWp each in size, are located in Piauí and Ceará, the Northeastern states of Brazil, covering an area of 2,200 hectares. Both projects are at advanced stage of development and are expected to begin construction in late 2022 and reach commercial operation in late 2023.
Once in operation, Marangatu and Panati-Sitiá are expected to be two of the largest solar power plants in Brazil and the clean electricity generated will be equivalent to powering over 900,000 households in Brazil annually. Around 75% of Marangatu and Panati-Sitiá's assured energy is already committed through long-term PPAs (power purchase agreements), and the remaining will be sold in the free market.
Dr. Shawn Qu, Canadian Solar Chairman and CEO, commented, "We are pleased to partner with SPIC Brasil in this transaction for the Marangatu and Panati-Sitiá projects, which will meaningfully contribute towards Brazil's goal of obtaining 23% of its energy from non-hydro renewable energy sources by 2030. With the completion of this sale, Canadian Solar will have successfully monetized 2.3 GWp of utility-scale solar projects in Brazil. We will continue to execute and monetize our remaining backlog of 1.6 GWp of high-quality, contracted solar projects in Brazil. Canadian Solar is a leader in the Brazilian market, and we will expand our leadership across more Latin American markets, including Colombia and Chile".
Adriana Waltrick, CEO of SPIC Brasil, provided the following comment, "We know that solar energy is a fundamental source for the energy transition towards a low carbon economy. SPIC group already has an extensive experience in implementing solar projects, being one of the main competitors in the sector worldwide. This acquisition marks the company's first solar investment in Brazil and the partnership with Canadian Solar is strategic, given Canadian Solar's experience and pioneering spirit on solar projects implementation and manufacturing."
The closing of this transaction depends, among other precedent conditions customary for this kind of deal, on the approval of the competent anti-trust regulatory agencies.
About Canadian Solar Inc.
Canadian Solar was founded in 2001 in Canada and is one of the world's largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. It is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules, provider of solar energy and battery storage solutions, and developer of utility-scale solar power and battery storage projects with a geographically diversified pipeline in various stages of development. Over the past 20 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered over 71 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Likewise, since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built and connected over 6.6 GWp in over 20 countries across the world. Currently, the Company has around 800 MWp of solar projects in operation, 5.3 GWp of projects under construction or in backlog (late-stage), and an additional 18.5 GWp of projects in pipeline (mid- to early- stage). Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.
About SPIC Brasil
SPIC Brasil is a company that invests in safe energy generation with respect for the communities where it operates, enhancing energy throughout the country. It invests in innovation, generation and solutions focused on renewable sources and contribute to the energy transition, guided by a commitment to people and the environment. Globally, the Group has US$ 202.3 billion assets and a total installed capacity of 187 GW. With assets totaling more than 3 GW in Brazil, the company operates the São Simão Hydroelectric Power Plant, on the border between the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás; two wind farms in Paraíba – Millennium and Vale dos Ventos – and has a stake in the largest natural gas complex in Latin America, the GNA (Gás Natural Açu), in São João da Barra (RJ). It employs more than 235 professionals located in São Paulo (SP), Natal (RN), São Simão (GO) and Mataraca (PB). For more information, access the SPIC Brasil Annual Report available at www.spicbrasil.com.br.
Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include general business, regulatory and economic conditions and the state of the solar and battery storage market and industry; geopolitical tensions and conflicts, including impasses, sanctions and export controls; volatility, uncertainty, delays and disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic; supply chain disruptions; governmental support for the deployment of solar power; future available supplies of high-purity silicon; demand for end-use products by consumers and inventory levels of such products in the supply chain; changes in demand from significant customers; changes in demand from major markets such as Japan, the U.S., China, Brazil and India; changes in effective tax rates; changes in customer order patterns; changes in product mix; changes in corporate responsibility, especially environmental, social and governance ("ESG") requirements; capacity utilization; level of competition; pricing pressure and declines in or failure to timely adjust average selling prices; delays in new product introduction; delays in utility-scale project approval process; delays in utility-scale project construction; delays in the completion of project sales; continued success in technological innovations and delivery of products with the features that customers demand; shortage in supply of materials or capacity requirements; availability of financing; exchange and inflation rate fluctuations; uncertainties related to the CSI Solar carve-out listing; litigation and other risks as described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 28, 2022. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today's date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
Canadian Solar Inc. Investor Relations Contacts
Isabel Zhang
Investor Relations
Canadian Solar Inc.
investor@canadiansolar.com
David Pasquale
Global IR Partners
Tel: +1-914-337-8801
csiq@globalirpartners.com
View original content:
SOURCE Canadian Solar Inc. | 2022-06-06T12:35:48+00:00 | kcrg.com | https://www.kcrg.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/canadian-solar-sells-spic-brasil-70-stake-738-mwp-solar-projects/ |
CLEVELAND (AP) — Nobody has had a first half of the season like Ronald Acuña Jr.
Atlanta’s four-time All-Star outfielder made history Monday night by becoming the first player to reach 20 home runs, 40 stolen bases and 50 RBIs before the All-Star break.
“Special player,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said after Atlanta extended its winning streak to nine straight and moved 30 games over .500 by beating the Cleveland Guardians 4-2.
The 25-year-old Acuña is also just the third player to hit 20 homers and steal 40 bases in the first 84 games, joining Rickey Henderson (1990) and Eric Davis (1986).
Before the game, Acuña was named NL Player of the Month for June, the second time he’s won the award this season.
In the third inning, Acuña extended his hitting streak to 14 games before swiping his 40th base, the most he’s had in a season. He stole 37 in 2019.
Acuña appeared to injure his right shoulder while making a headfirst slide. He stayed on the ground for a few moments before being helped to his feet and checked by a Braves trainer. Acuña stayed in the game and scored moments later on a single.
Snitker said Acuña was “stung a little bit” but felt fine.
There doesn’t seem to be anything the speedy Acuña can’t do.
“You go out and get a drink or go to the bathroom you might miss something you’ve never seen before,” Snitker said. “I’m just glad to have him on our team and be able to watch him every say.”
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2023-07-04T15:51:52+00:00 | wearegreenbay.com | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-braves-star-ronald-acuna-jr-is-first-to-hit-20-homers-steal-40-bases-and-drive-in-50-before-break/ |
An arrest has been made in connection with the death of a 23-year-old woman in Portland in November.
Fredrick Johnson, 46, of Portland was arrested on Tuesday and accused of murder in the death of Bethany Kelley on Nov. 18, 2022, according to Interim Assistant Chief Robert Martin of the Portland Police Department.
Kelley, who did not have a permanent residence, was found laying on the ground on Kennebec Street near Chestnut Street at around 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 18. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Johnson was already in custody at the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton on unrelated charges, officials said. He was issued a warrant charging him with murder on Tuesday.
The circumstances of Kelley’s death remain under investigation. Anyone with information about the investigation can contact the Portland Police Department at 207-874-8575. | 2023-02-21T23:34:12+00:00 | bangordailynews.com | https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/02/21/news/portland/portland-woman-homicide-arrest/ |
PORTLAND, Maine — Vessels off the East Coast must slow down more often to help save a vanishing species of whale from extinction, the federal government said Friday.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration made the announcement via new proposed rules designed to prevent ships colliding with North Atlantic right whales. Vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are the two biggest threats to the giant animals, which number less than 340 and are falling in population.
Efforts to save the whales have long focused on fishing gear, especially that used by East Coast lobster fishermen. The proposed vessel speed rules signal that the government wants the shipping industry to take more responsibility.
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“Changes to the existing vessel speed regulation are essential to stabilize the ongoing right whale population decline and prevent the species’ extinction,” state the proposed rules, which are slated to be published in the federal register.
The new rules would expand seasonal slow zones off the East Coast that require mariners to slow down to 10 knots (about 12 miles per hour). They would also require more vessels to comply with the rules by expanding the size classes that must slow down. The rules also state that NOAA would create a framework to implement mandatory speed restrictions when whales are known to be present outside the seasonal slow zones.
Federal authorities spent a few years reviewing the speed regulations used to protect the whales. The shipping rules have long focused on a patchwork of slow zones that require mariners to slow down for whales. Some of the zones are mandatory, while others are voluntary.
Environmental groups have made the case that many boats don’t comply with the speed restrictions and that the rules need to be tighter. Environmental organization Oceana released a report in 2021 that said noncompliance was as high as nearly 90 percent in voluntary zones and was also dangerously low in the mandatory ones.
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“The government is proposing a significant improvement in protections for North Atlantic right whales today, which are constantly at risk from speeding vessels,” said Gib Brogan, a campaign director at Oceana. “It’s no secret that speeding vessels are rampant throughout North Atlantic right whales’ migration route, all along the East Coast.”
Many members of the shipping industry were keenly aware the new speed rules were on the way. The London-based International Chamber of Shipping, which represents more than 80 percent of the world merchant fleet, has been working with the International Maritime Organization and other stakeholders to better protect the right whales, said Chris Waddington, the chamber’s technical director.
The chamber's members are used to complying with speed limits in whale zones, he said.
“The shipping industry takes the protection of whales seriously and has undertaken measures to safeguard them, from engaging stakeholders to reducing speed and rerouting,” Waddington said. “There is always more that can be done, and that is why we are working with the IMO and conservationists on reviewing maritime guidelines.”
The whales were once numerous off the East Coast, but their populations plummeted due to commercial whaling generations ago. Although they've been protected under the Endangered Species Act for decades, they've been slow to recover.
More than 50 of the whales were struck by ships between spring 1999 and spring 2018, NOAA records state. Scientists have said in recent years that warming ocean temperatures are causing the whales to stray out of protected areas and into shipping lanes in search of food.
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Environmentalists have said that's a good reason to tighten protections. The proposed shipping rules will be subject to a public comment process before they can become law.
“This proposal is a step in the right direction, but it won’t help a single right whale until it’s actually finalized,” said Kristen Monsell, an attorney for environmental group Center for Biological Diversity.
The whales give birth off the coast of Georgia and Florida and head north to feed off of New England and Canada. They’re popular with whale watching tours that leave from places such as Provincetown, Mass. and Portland, Maine, in the summer.
Members of New England's lobster fishing industry have made the case that too many rules designed to save the whales focus on fishing and not on vessel strikes. Some characterized the new vessel speed rules as overdue.
Fishermen are unfairly being held accountable for whale deaths that occur due to vessel strikes, said Patrice McCarron, executive director of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, which is the largest fishing industry association on the East Coast.
“MLA believes the federal government should apply the law equally among all sectors that might pose a risk to the endangered right whale and that its efforts have been disproportionately and unfairly focused on lobster fisheries,” McCarron said. “Addressing the threat posed by ship strikes with new rules and strict enforcement is an important and long overdue first step.”
Advertisement | 2022-07-29T20:36:51+00:00 | bostonglobe.com | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/29/nation/ships-plying-east-coast-waters-must-slow-down-more-often-save-whales-us-government-says/ |
LONDON (AP) — Former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone on Tuesday formally pleaded not guilty to a fraud charge over his alleged failure to declare millions of dollars held in a trust in Singapore to Britain’s government.
The 92-year-old billionaire, who wore a dark suit and dark glasses, confirmed his name at London’s Southwark Crown Court before entering a not guilty plea to fraud between July 2013 and October 2016.
He faces trial in November following a worldwide investigation by Britain’s tax office into his finances.
Prosecutors allege he failed to declare a trust in Singapore with a bank account containing around $650 million when he was asked about any trusts abroad that he was involved in.
They allege that Ecclestone claimed he had set up “only a single trust” in favor of his three daughters, and that he was “not the settler nor beneficiary of any trust in or outside the U.K.” Prosecutors say he acted “dishonestly” and intended to make a gain from the claims.
Ecclestone headed Formula One racing and controlled the sport for for four decades from the 1970s to 2017, when he stepped down as chief executive and Liberty Media took over the series.
The business magnate denied the fraud charge last summer and formally entered the not guilty plea on Tuesday. | 2023-06-07T11:05:55+00:00 | wcia.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/business/ap-business/ex-formula-one-boss-ecclestone-pleads-not-guilty-to-fraud-charge/ |
AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 44) — Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources as severe storms move across the state beginning Wednesday through Friday.
Gov. Abbott has also directed TDEM to increase the readiness level of the State Operations Center (SOC) to Level II (Escalated Response) to support any requests for assistance from local officials.
The National Weather Service is forecasting baseball-sized hail (approximately three inches), wind gusts of up to 75 miles per hour or greater and a threat of tornadoes reaching EF-2 strength or greater across large portions of North, Central, and East Texas.
At the Governor’s direction, TDEM has activated the following state emergency response resources to support severe weather response operations:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Urban Search and Rescue Teams, swiftwater boat squads
- Texas Department of State Health Services: Texas Emergency Medical Task Force Severe Weather Packages including ambulance buses and emergency medical service personnel
The following state agencies have been requested by TDEM to report to the SOC:
- Texas Department of Transportation
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
- Texas A&M Forest Service
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- Texas Animal Health Commission
- Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service
- Public Utility Commission of Texas
- Railroad Commission of Texas
- Texas Department of Public Safety
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
- Texas Military Department
- Texas Department of Information Resources
- Texas Department of Insurance
- Texas Education Agency
Texans are urged to make an emergency plan, monitor local weather forecasts, and to heed warnings of local and state officials. You can visit texasready.gov for severe weather safety information. | 2023-04-26T21:58:53+00:00 | texomashomepage.com | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/texas-politics/state-emergency-resources-to-be-activated-ahead-of-severe-storms/ |
The life of Cleopatra VII Philopator, Queen of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC, is still captivating even centuries after her rule.
Starting from the young age of 18 up until the mysterious circumstances surrounding her rumored death by suicide at 39, Cleopatra carried on the Ptolemaic dynasty with strength and the respect of her people for just over two decades. It’s probably for that reason and a plethora of others that her life story has been the subject of multiple Hollywood film projects, including one of the first six-reel feature films ever produced in the U.S. back in 1912. The most notable of course is probably the 1968 version with late Hollywood siren Elizabeth Taylor in the lead role.
Yeah, you heard that right: the Queen of Egypt was notoriously played by a white actress whose lineage is of British-American roots by way of London and Kansas. Far from the Northeast African empire that Cleopatra once ruled, no?
Well, it appears the Queen’s ethnicity is the topic of discussion once again following the recent announcement of Netflix’s upcoming docuseries, Queen Cleopatra, which cast Black British actress Adele James as its coveted lead.
Narrated by Jada Pinkett-Smith, the series will be the first of an anthology that aims to tell the stories of prominent African queens. Sounds great on paper, but Cleopatra’s race has unfortunately made casting her a topic of high debate for as long as many can remember. On one hand, there’s the cold hard fact that Egypt is in Africa, which would make it quite likely that she has some African lineage. On the other hand, she’s believed to have been born to the Macedonian Greek dynasty of the Ptolemies located in Ancient Greece, which some historians believe means she has little to no Egyptian ancestry. Still, there are many who believe wholeheartedly that she was Persian.
The theories surrounding Cleopatra being Black derive from her mother and maternal grandmother, who both were ironically erased from the history books. Sound familiar? As the race of Cleopatra gets heavily debated, take a look below at what director Tina Gharavi had to say in regard to the controversy surrounding her upcoming show, via Variety:
“Born in Iran, I am a Persian, and Cleopatra’s heritage has been attributed at one time or another to the Greeks, the Macedonians, and the Persians. The known facts are that her Macedonian Greek family — the Ptolemaic lineage — intermarried with West Asian’s Seleucid dynasty and had been in Egypt for 300 years. Cleopatra was eight generations away from these Ptolemaic ancestors, making the chance of her being white somewhat unlikely. After 300 years, surely, we can safely say Cleopatra was Egyptian. She was no more Greek or Macedonian than Rita Wilson or Jennifer Aniston. Both are one generation from Greece.
Doing the research, I realized what a political act it would be to see Cleopatra portrayed by a Black actress. For me, the idea that people had gotten it so incredibly wrong before — historically, from Theda Bara to Monica Bellucci, and recently, with Angelina Jolie and Gal Gadot in the running to play her — meant we had to get it even more right. The hunt was on to find the right performer to bring Cleopatra into the 21st century.
Why shouldn’t Cleopatra be a melanated sister? And why do some people need Cleopatra to be white? Her proximity to whiteness seems to give her value, and for some Egyptians, it seems to really matter.”
The last sentence is an extremely hot take that got many Egyptians talking on social media. With the series set to begin airing in just a matter of weeks on May 10, now’s definitely the time to be having these type of cultural conversations.
Watch the trailer for Netflix’s upcoming docuseries Queen Cleopatra below, and afterwards keep scrolling to tap into the great race debate going down on social media:
The ‘Cleopatra’ Complex: Netflix Made Its Lead Actress Black, Leading To Egyptian Outrage was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
1. After the success of Cleopatra, Netflix brings you:
via @moviecynicYT
2. The Iranian Director of Queen Cleopatra, Tina Gharavi doubles down and describes Egyptians as “Black Arabs”. And then she went on blabbing about “Arab Invasions” Pathetic.
via @xumas_iq
3. The entire narrative around Cleopatra being black is nothing more than American academics and media lying to America’s black population to make them feel better about themselves.
via @MorgothsReview
4. How do we tell Netflix that Egypt was politically irrelevant at the time of Cleopatra and Rome was the great power in the world?
via @HMBoehmond
5. This is getting beyond a joke now. Cleopatra was Macedonian Greek, known for their Nordic appearance. Why depict her as black? Bizarre 🤯
via @BFirstParty
6. You’re making a documentary. Cleopatra’s ethnicity was not some irrelevant factor. Her first language was greek and she was the first of her royal line to even try and learn egyptian. She grew up culturally Greek in a majority Greek city.
via @39ori_chan
7. Well, it seems Jada Pinkett Smith has folks all uptight because of her upcoming documentary on Netflix. It’s called #QueenCleopatra and it airs on May 10. The issue is, Cleopatra is shown as Black woman and some don’t like it. Personally, I can’t wait to see it! 👸🏾👸🏾👸🏾
via @KimWrites4U
8. According to archaeological research, this is what Cleopatra VII looked like.
via @sergileonardo23
9. The real Queen Cleopatra , Cleopatra and the ancient Egyptians are not black
via @yasminmohyelden
10. Cleopatra is so overdone too, like if you want to tell a story about a black queen, here’s a list. -Amina- Warrior Queen of Zaria Nigeria -Kandake- Warrior Empress of Ethiopia -Yaa Asantewa- Ashanti Kingdom, Ghana -Queen Moremi– Ile-Ife Kingdom, Nigeria And many more.
via @AmberTheFantasy
11. Yes she was black and I stand on that!!! Stop trying to say Cleopatra was white because she was not!
via @ModestyQueen19
12. I don’t wanna talk about this shit but i am sorry but what do expect us to do, clapping to you damn actions You can’t ruin the Egyptian history, cleopatra wasn’t black, ancient Egyptians weren’t black Fuck off Netflix
via @EgyptianEgle24
13. But y’all upset over Cleopatra being black, c’mon now 😂
via @JAAY_ROCK_
14. No one speaks about how gal gadot is playing cleopatra and she’s not Greek or Egyptian either ?
via @afr0samucry
15. At the age of 17, Cleopatra became Queen of Egypt and ruled until she was 39 years old. She was a polyglot, as she spoke nine languages, including Ancient Egyptian and the languages of the Parthians, Hebrews, Medes, Troglodytes, Syrians, Ethiopians, Kushite (Nubian) and Arabs. This meant that she was able to read any book in the world. She was also very knowledgeable in various subjects such as geography, history, astronomy, international diplomacy, mathematics, alchemy, medicine, zoology, economics, and more. Despite her many books being destroyed in a fire, some of her herbal remedies and beauty tips have survived. Additionally, her knowledge of languages allowed her to have access to numerous papyri that are now lost. Her influence on the sciences and medicine was highly esteemed in the early centuries of Christianity, making her an unparalleled figure in human history. #Africa
via @Joe__Bassey | 2023-04-26T05:40:01+00:00 | wtlcfm.com | https://wtlcfm.com/playlist/the-cleopatra-complex-netflix-made-its-lead-actress-black-leading-to-egyptian-outrage/ |
2 newborns found dead in day care center bathroom
CHICAGO (WLS) - An investigation continues into the death of two baby girls delivered unexpectedly by a 29-year-old woman who works at the Bernice Lavine Early Childhood Education Center in Chicago.
Sources close to the investigation say the woman was found in a first-floor bathroom covered in blood.
Sources also say janitorial services then came into the bathroom to clean and found two newborn girls in a plastic bag on top of a cabinet.
The mother was taken to Northwestern Hospital which is affiliated with the day care. Her condition is unknown.
The newborn twins were pronounced dead at Lurie Children’s Hospital.
While the circumstances behind the death of the twins are still in question, local organizations are hoping to raise awareness about Illinois Baby Safe Haven Law.
Executive Chairperson at Save Abandoned Babies Foundation Dawn Geras led efforts in creating the law more than 20 ago, allowing more than 150 newborns to be saved legally in the state since then.
“The law is so simple. A parent who feels they can’t keep the baby for whatever reason can simply hand that baby over to staff at a hospital, police or fire station. No questions they remain anonymous,” she said.
The day care issued a statement saying that none of the enrolled children were involved in this incident and they are providing resources to staff and families who need help right now.
All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico have enacted safe haven legislation, according to Child Welfare Information Gateway.
Copyright 2023 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | 2023-07-09T15:27:55+00:00 | wfsb.com | https://www.wfsb.com/2023/07/09/2-newborns-found-dead-day-care-center-bathroom/ |
LONDON (AP) — People wanting to pay their final respects to Queen Elizabeth II as she lies in state at the Houses of Parliament in London need to be prepared for a long wait.
The government has published guidelines for people wishing to file past the late queen’s closed coffin as it lies in state at the Palace of Westminster from 5 p.m. (1600 GMT) Wednesday until 6:30 a.m. (0530 GMT) on Sept. 19. Thousands are expected to want to pay tribute to the only monarch that many in the United Kingdom have ever known.
The rules were made public a day after thousands of people lined roads and bridges Sunday as a hearse carried the queen’s coffin across the Scottish countryside from her beloved Balmoral Castle to Edinburgh.
“If you wish to attend the Lying-in-State, please note that there will be a queue, which is expected to be very long. You will need to stand for many hours, possibly overnight, with very little opportunity to sit down as the queue will be continuously moving,” the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said in its guidelines.
The closed coffin of the monarch who died Thursday at 96 will rest on a raised platform called a catafalque in Westminster Hall at the Houses of Parliament.
“Large crowds are expected, and there are likely to be delays on public transport and road closures around the area,” the ministry warned.
Visitors will have to pass through airport-style security and can only bring one small bag with one zipper opening. Larger bags can be stowed at a special facility — but only if there is space available.
The ministry advises people to bring essentials for a potentially long wait exposed to whatever elements an early fall day in London can throw at them — an umbrella or sunscreen, a cell phone power bank and any needed medication.
No food or liquids will be allowed past security screening at the Houses of Parliament. Nor will flowers or other tributes such as candles, toys or photographs.
“Please respect the dignity of this event and behave appropriately. You should remain silent while inside the Palace of Westminster,” the advice says, adding that people must dress appropriately and turn off their mobile phones before going through security.
Included in a list of things not to do: “Film, photograph, use mobile phones or other handheld devices in the security search area or within the Palace of Westminster. Bring or erect gazebos or tents. Light barbecues and fires.”
And a long list of prohibited items includes fireworks, smoke canisters, flares, whistles, laser devices and other items that could be used to cause a disturbance as well as any banners, placards, flags, advertising or marketing messages. | 2022-09-12T12:13:15+00:00 | ksn.com | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/rules-issued-for-those-wanting-to-pay-respects-to-the-queen/ |
The New York Jets are running out of time in their race for a playoff spot.
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They blew an opportunity to keep pace in the AFC hunt on Sunday when they gave up a late touchdown to Detroit and then coach Robert Saleh mismanaged the clock in the final moments of a 20-17 loss.
“I think I got about a half-hour's worth of sleep last night,” Saleh said Monday. “Not from a justification standpoint, but there's stuff that I definitely could've done better.”
He's not the only one. Far from it.
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The Jets are 7-7 and on a three-game skid, with their once-promising postseason hopes now teetering on the brink of vanishing. And they have a quick turnaround, with a Thursday night showdown against the surging Jacksonville Jaguars (6-8).
“We’re not making the plays in the fourth quarter to win,” Saleh said. “The good news is that we’re in these games and we’re putting ourselves in position to win. We’ve got to go back and find a way to recapture what we were doing in the first half of the season over the next stretch of games and and hopefully extend it.”
Zach Wilson, who had an up-and-down day in his return as the starting quarterback, completed an impressive drive with a 1-yard touchdown toss to C.J. Uzomah to give New York a 17-13 lead with 4:41 left.
But then the defense, which had been solid all game, blew it. With the Lions facing fourth-and-1, Jared Goff found a wide-open Brock Wright short and the tight end rumbled 51 yards to give Detroit the lead again with 1:49 remaining.
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“It's something that we should have had covered,” Saleh said. “And if we do our job, we win the football game.”
The Jets still had a chance, though, especially with all three of their timeouts remaining.
On the fifth play of the drive, Wilson completed a 10-yard pass to Garrett Wilson to get to the Jets 48 with 49 seconds left — but Saleh let the clock run.
“This is the one where I definitely overthought the situation,” Saleh said. “Felt like we got the better end of a spot and I was trying to beat New York (the NFL's instant replay command center) on a challenge. ... It didn’t matter. We’re not playing for downs at this situation. We’re playing for time. And when you look at it, I definitely probably cost us one more snap."
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The next play — an incompletion deep to Braxton Berrios — wasn't snapped until there were 31 seconds remaining. Following a sack, Saleh finally called his first timeout. After another incompletion, Zach Wilson completed a 20-yard pass to Elijah Moore on fourth down, and Saleh called his second timeout — with 1 second left.
Kicker Greg Zuerlein was wide left on a potential tying 58-yarder, sending Saleh and the Jets to a frustrating loss.
“The biggest thing you want to do is give your guys a chance to make plays and just to give them — do your job, do your job — to give everybody a chance to make a play and just be the best version of themselves,” Saleh said. “And in that situation, I definitely could have been better.”
WHAT’S WORKING
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The cornerbacks. The play of rookie Sauce Gardner and veteran D.J Reed has been arguably the Jets' brightest spot this season, regularly shutting down teams' best receivers. Gardner, the No. 4 overall pick, was not targeted once by Detroit.
WHAT NEEDS HELP
The offensive line. It was another shaky performance for the big guys up front, who have been rocked by injuries and inconsistency. They're not providing much time or protection for the QB the last few weeks, and the running game couldn't get going Sunday.
“I can give you the empathetic woe-is-me card, but nobody cares," Saleh said. "We’ve got to be better.”
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STOCK UP
Uzomah. The veteran tight end had his best game with the Jets, catching his first two touchdown passes of the season.
STOCK DOWN
RB Zonovan Knight. After three terrific games to start his NFL career, the undrafted rookie was held to 23 yards on 13 carries. Saleh said he's questionable for Thursday with an ailing ankle, but "his arrow is pointing up.”
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INJURIES
Saleh said QB Mike White is still being evaluated for his fractured ribs and has “a lot of hurdles that he would have to go through” to be able to play Thursday night. While Saleh wasn't prepared to announce a starter, he said it would be Zach Wilson — and not Joe Flacco — if White can't go. ... The Jets are hopeful DT Quinnen Williams (calf) will be able to play after missing Sunday's game. ... WR Denzel Mims is in the concussion protocol, while WR Corey Davis might be cleared in time to play. ... WR Jeff Smith (knee) and S Lamarcus Joyner (hip) will be questionable, while CB Brandin Echols (quadriceps) is out.
KEY NUMBER
67 — That's how many receptions Garrett Wilson has this season, breaking Wayne Chrebet's franchise record for rookies (66) set in 1995.
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NEXT STEPS
The Jets have to push the loss aside quickly and prepare for Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars, who have won their last two games to get into the AFC playoff race. The game could be a showdown between last year's No. 1 overall pick (Lawrence) and the No. 2 selection (Zach Wilson).
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | 2022-12-19T22:15:21+00:00 | seattlepi.com | https://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/Time-a-big-factor-as-Jets-playoff-hopes-are-17664920.php |
MARQUETTE, Mich. (WJMN) – The beginning of November means hunters around the U.P. have two weeks until they head to camp in hopes of bringing home their deer for the year. Ahead of the November 15 start of firearm season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are sharing advice to help avoid common violations and mistakes.
“Most of the violations conservation officers encounter during firearm deer season are simple mistakes people make when they get caught up in the excitement of the hunt or forget to put safety first,” said F/Lt. Jason Wicklund, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “Our top priority is keeping people safe, so they have a good story to tell friends and family about their successful hunt.”
According to the DNR, here are 10 best practices for hunters to remember:
1 – Properly tag your deer
Before field-dressing or moving a deer, kill tags should be filled out (including the month and date the deer was taken and the deer’s gender and number of antler points) and properly placed on the deer. Conservation officers often see the wrong kill tag on game – such as fish or turkey licenses on deer. Often, this is a simple mistake made in the dark and can be corrected by re-tagging the deer as soon as you notice the error.
Remember, too, that reporting your deer within 72 hours of harvest is just as important as tagging it. Everything hunters need to know is available on the DNR’s harvest reporting webpage.
2 – Know your firearm and how it functions
Take the time to familiarize yourself with your firearm and make sure it is properly sighted and functioning before you go hunting. If it’s been a while since you used your firearm, consider visiting a local shooting range to shoot some live rounds. Safely handling your firearm is an important part of being a responsible hunter.
3 – Know your target and what’s beyond it
Know the area you’ll be hunting, including nearby buildings and properties. No one may hunt with a firearm within 450 feet of an occupied structure (including buildings, dwellings, homes, residences, cabins, barns or structures used for farm operations) unless they have permission from the landowner.
Each year, conservation officers investigate property damage caused by firearms. Rifle rounds travel long distances – hunters are responsible for where bullets end up.
4 – Respect landowner rights
Always respect posted trespassing signs and property boundaries. If a deer runs onto private property, the hunter cannot retrieve it without the landowner’s permission. Conservation officers usually are contacted when trespass disagreements escalate and a resolution cannot be reached.
If you’ll be hunting near someone else’s property, contact the landowner ahead of time; don’t wait until you’re tracking game. Most of the time, a friendly call or visit to your neighbor will remedy the situation.
5 – Share public land
Research and scout the land you plan to hunt before opening day. State-managed land is a popular place to hunt. Confrontations over hunting spots, or the illegal posting of trespassing or hunting signs on state-managed public land, do occur. Conservation officers, who are often asked to help resolve disputes, say the main reason for these situations is usually last-minute hunters who randomly pick a spot.
Brush, constructed blinds and tree stands on public land are just that – public. Regardless of who constructed, purchased or tends to these blinds, when they’re on state-managed public land, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Public land cannot be posted or reserved.
Tree stands used on public land must be portable and have the hunter’s name, address and Michigan driver’s license number or DNR sportcard number affixed in legible English that can easily be read from the ground. Hunting platforms cannot be affixed or attached to any tree by nails, screws or bolts.
6 – Leave the land better than you found it
Practice the “leave no trace” ethic and don’t litter. Whatever is brought into the woods must be taken back out. It is the responsibility of all hunters to be good environmental stewards and clean up after themselves.
Leaving propane bottles, hand-warmer wrappers, food wrappers, bottles and other trash is illegal and may result in a fine.
7 – Wear hunter orange
Hunters are required by law to wear hunter orange as the outermost layer of clothing at all times. Hunter orange garments, including camouflage, must be at least 50% hunter orange and be visible from all directions. Clothing options include a cap, hat, vest, jacket or raincoat and must remain on even if you are in a hunting blind. The DNR recommends wearing as much hunter orange as possible to increase visibility to other hunters.
8 – Know and follow baiting regulations
Baiting and feeding are banned in the entire Lower Peninsula and in the core chronic wasting disease surveillance area in the Upper Peninsula (portions of Delta, Dickinson and Menominee counties) except for hunters with disabilities who meet specific requirements.
In approved U.P. baiting areas, 2 gallons of bait can be spread in an area that measures 10 feet by 10 feet. On commercial forest land, bait must be brought in each night, unless the landowner has given permission. Use bait sparingly to help curb the spread of diseases like bovine tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease.
9 – Hunt in-season, during legal hours
During firearm season, a hunter may legally shoot game starting 30 minutes before sunrise and until 30 minutes after sunset. Anyone who witnesses or suspects hunting outside of legal hours should immediately call or text the DNR’s Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800. Fast reporting makes it more likely that a conservation officer will identify the suspect.
10 – Be respectful to other hunters
Michigan law prohibits anyone obstructing or interfering with the lawful taking of animals. Hunter harassment – when a person or organization intentionally sabotages another hunter’s quality opportunity to take game – is a misdemeanor offense. Examples include spraying repellent around a hunter’s blind, creating loud noises and/or barriers that prevent or deter a hunter or game from accessing an area, or destroying other hunters’ equipment such as trail cameras and blinds.
Anyone who feels targeted by hunter harassment or who witnesses a natural resource violation should immediately call or text the Report All Poaching Hotline line at 800-292-7800. Information can be left anonymously; monetary rewards may be offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of violators.
More information on the firearm deer season, hunting safety, lands open to hunting, hunting digests and more is available at Michigan.gov/Hunting. | 2022-11-02T20:18:59+00:00 | upmatters.com | https://www.upmatters.com/outdoors/michigan-dnr-10-things-to-know-for-deer-season/ |
(KTLA) — The Los Angeles Dodgers are in Milwaukee this week for a three-game series with the NL Central-leading Brewers, and while team unity is important during long road trips, one Dodger star is keeping his distance from the rest of the team “just in case.”
According to Orange County Register reporter Bill Plunkett, outfielder Mookie Betts rented an Airbnb with some friends while the rest of his Dodger teammates stayed in a legendary 130-year-old hotel in Milwaukee.
The reason, Betts said, is due to long-rumored reports of hauntings and other creepy happenings at the Pfister Hotel.
The Pfister Hotel is one of the most historic buildings in Milwaukee. The famed luxury hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has hosted billionaires, diplomats and more — it’s also rumored to be home to an intrepid spirit or two.
Betts, 30, who has stayed at the hotel in years past, said he opted for the modern setting instead of the historic grounds “just in case” rumors of the specters and spirits turned out to be true.
“You can tell me what happened after,” he joked with Plunkett. “I just don’t want to find out myself.”
An eight-year MLB veteran, Betts has stayed at his fair share of hotels, resorts and high-rises over the years, but the Pfister Hotel has affected his sleep schedule in recent stays.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Betts told the OC Register. “Every noise, I’d be like, ‘Is that something?'”
The Pfister Hotel has been the subject of haunting rumors for decades, and it’s one of the oldest hotels that MLB teams regularly visit for road trips. It’s led to many reports of strange and creepy occurrences from the players brave enough to stay overnight.
Michael Young, former seven-time MLB All Star and one-time Dodger, told ESPN the Magazine that he heard footsteps “stomping” around in his room. He recalled telling his ghostly visitor to “make yourself at home” but keep the noise down.
Bryce Harper, a two-time National League MVP, said he had a strange experience when staying in the historic hotel, claiming that his clothes he had laid out the night before ended up on the floor and a table was moved across the room.
“I honestly thought there might be someone in my room. I had no idea what the hell just happened, so I actually looked around, and then I checked to see if the door was still latched, and it was,” Harper said. He told reporters that he thought he may have been the victim of a prank by one of his teammates.
In 2018, Cardinals players Carlos Martinez and Marcell Ozuna bunked up together after allegedly spotting one of the Pfister’s unaccounted for guests. Martinez, a pitcher, started the next day’s game against the Brewers and was hammered by Milwaukee’s batters and was pulled after giving up seven runs in only four innings.
So maybe Betts’ extra precautions aren’t that crazy, even if the change of venue simply promises a sounder sleep. If the Dodgers want to maintain their spot near the top of the National League, he and his teammates will probably need to be well-rested.
Let’s just hope Betts and his friends didn’t mistakenly book a stay at one of Airbnb’s most haunted hangouts.
The Dodgers dropped their first game of their series against the Brewers in Milwaukee, but were on their way to winning the second game on Tuesday. The series concludes Wednesday. | 2023-05-10T13:12:15+00:00 | keloland.com | https://www.keloland.com/news/national-world-news/dodgers-mookie-betts-rents-airbnb-to-avoid-haunted-hotel-in-milwaukee/ |
LONDON, UK — Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest Monday in a full day of funeral proceedings, capping more than a week of national mourning for Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
The late queen's coffin will continue lying in state in Westminster Hall until early Monday morning, when it will be moved in procession to nearby Westminster Abbey on a gun carriage pulled by 142 Royal Navy sailors.
The funeral, which begins Monday at 6 a.m. Eastern, will be attended by 2,000 guests. President Joe Biden and various other heads of state will attend, making it the biggest gathering of world leaders for years. In a statement after Elizabeth's death, Biden called her "a stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy" who strengthened ties between her country and the U.S.
Monday has been declared a public holiday in the United Kingdom, and the funeral will be broadcast to a huge television audience worldwide and screened to crowds in parks and public spaces across the country.
According to the BBC, Elizabeth's funeral will be the first held for a monarch in the historic Abbey since the 18th century, though her mother's was held there in 2002.
After the ceremony, people across the United Kingdom will observe two minutes of silence to pay their respects.
Elizabeth's coffin will be carried through the historic heart of London, from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch near Buckingham Palace on a horse-drawn gun carriage with King Charles III and other royals walking behind.
From London, the queen's coffin will then be driven in the state hearse to Windsor for a committal service at St. George's Chapel near Windsor Castle, attended by 800 people, including members of the queen's household and Windsor estate staff.
At the end of the service, the coffin will be lowered into the Royal Vault. The sovereign’s piper will play a lament, the Archbishop of Canterbury will pronounce the blessing and the congregation will sing “God Save The King.”
Members of the royal family will then hold a private burial service at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, where the queen will be interred with her late husband, Prince Philip, who died last year at 99.
St. George's is a center of royal life events in Britain, with many of the royal family having been baptized, married and buried there. It is the resting place for 10 past sovereigns, along with Elizabeth's mother, father and sister. | 2022-09-18T23:44:49+00:00 | 11alive.com | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/nation-world/queen-elizabeth-funeral/507-a73d64f5-ac0c-4a76-9f24-ab5cbed9f75b |
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military on Wednesday confirmed one of its worst-kept secrets, publicly acknowledging for the first time that it uses unmanned aerial vehicles to carry out attacks.
Israel is a world leader in UAV technology. But until Wednesday, the military censor barred official confirmation of the use of attack drones.
In a statement, the censor’s office said that after a lengthy review, it had concluded that acknowledging the use of the weapons was not a security risk.
“There is no prohibition on publishing the use of attack drones as part of the Israeli military’s operational activity,” it said.
Israel has used drones to attack targets in Gaza for well over a decade, with human rights groups and international media reporting on the practice. Experts say the weapons can be identified based on the explosions, which are much smaller than airstrikes carried out by warplanes, and the buzzing sound of the unmanned aircraft flying overhead. | 2022-07-21T00:44:46+00:00 | keloland.com | https://www.keloland.com/news/national-world-news/israel-acknowledges-use-of-attack-drones-for-1st-time/ |
Sunshine and warm May weather are kicking off the week in central Pennsylvania.
The National Weather Service is calling for clear, sunny skies and 75-degree highs on Monday.
Although rain could fall after 4 p.m. Tuesday, forecasters said most of the day will be sunny, with highs in the upper 70s.
Forecasters said winds could gust up to 30 mph on Wednesday, amid sunshine and mid-60-degree highs.
Winds will die down Thursday, forecasters said. Temperatures will likely peak in the upper 60s, then rise into the low 70s on Friday, according to the NWS.
Forecasters said rain is possible all weekend. Temperatures could peak in the mid 70s Saturday and Sunday.
Today
Sunny, with a high near 75.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 47.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 65.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 39.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 67.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 43. | 2023-05-15T12:08:10+00:00 | pennlive.com | https://www.pennlive.com/weather/2023/05/mostly-sunny-warm-spring-week-ahead-for-central-pa.html |
A new study finds a majority of online pharmacies selling the chronic myeloid leukemia therapy imatinib are uncertified and could be operating unsafely.
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Patients seeking to purchase chemotherapy drugs online face a confusing array of websites, over half of which potentially operate unsafely or illegally, finds a new study in the July 2022 issue of JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. A survey of online pharmacies claiming to sell the oral chemotherapy drug imatinib found that only three of the 44 identified English-language sites that shipped within the United States were certified through the LegitScript online pharmacy monitoring service. A full 52% were classified as "rogue" pharmacies that might operate without a license, sell counterfeit or expired products, steal users' payment information, or reject important safety precautions like requiring a prescription for potentially hazardous medications.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib have made chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) a manageable condition rather than a fatal one. Yet to work optimally, the drug must be taken for the rest of a patient's life and with high compliance. While a generic version of imatinib became available in 2016, high prices (averaging more than $700/month at brick-and-mortar pharmacies) have remained a barrier for many patients, who then may turn to online pharmacies in the hope of finding discounts. The authors recommend physicians be aware of the marketplace to which their patients may turn, and advise patients to use LegitScript, www.legitscript.com, to check URLs and identify certified online pharmacies.
"We were struck by just how easy it is to buy an oral chemotherapy medication online, as imatinib is not a benign drug," said study co-author Sachiko Ozawa, PhD, MHS, Associate Professor, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy. "By simply searching Google, Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo, we found 44 websites that sold and shipped imatinib in the U.S.; 13 of these websites sold imatinib without a prescription, and more than three-quarters did not offer a way for patients to speak with a pharmacist. This is a significant concern for patient safety."
Taking imatinib requires monitoring and frequent dosage adjustments. Even if an online pharmacy provides the medication as ordered, "patients bypassing provider interactions are likely to face much greater risks of nonadherence, discontinuation, treatment failures, and adverse events," Dr. Ozawa said.
In addition, rogue or unclassified pharmacies may not be providing patients with the real medication at all, and could even be stealing patients' medical or payment information. These sites are difficult to regulate, as they often originate abroad. The authors note that the online marketplace for drugs like imatinib is likely larger than represented in the study, as they only analyzed the first 10 pages of search engine results. "We also found it deceiving how well some illegitimate websites mimic legitimate sites," said Dr. Ozawa.
But how to address the reason patients would be using these under-regulated online pharmacies in the first place? Patients should be encouraged to speak with their pharmacist, financial counselor, or other members of their healthcare team if they can't afford their medications, said Benyam Muluneh, PharmD, BCOP, CPP, Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, who was also a study co-author. "Cancer drugs are very expensive; however, there are some resources such as third party foundation grants that may be able to help. If a medication is not affordable through regular channels, patients could also discuss alternative medication options with their providers rather than look for discounts online."
"The exorbitant price of oncology drugs is a major barrier to optimal therapy of many malignancies, including CML," commented Bernard Marini, PharmD, BCOP, Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Michigan Medicine, who treats patients with leukemias and other hematologic malignancies. Dr. Marini was not involved in the research. "As this eye-opening study found, the problem has become so bad that there is a major illegitimate online marketplace for generic oral oncology drugs. Healthcare providers need to be aware that many of these rogue and unapproved pharmacies do not even require a prescription or have access to pharmacist consultations, putting patients at high risk for adverse drug events. While patient-directed NCCN Guidelines for CML can be a great tool for reinforcing patient education, this study reminds us of the need to fully recognize the dangers of illegitimate online pharmacies and ensure our patients have appropriate financial support when prescribing high cost medications."
To read the entire study, visit JNCCN.org. Complimentary access to "Online Pharmacy Accessibility of Imatinib, An Oral Chemotherapy Medication" is available until October 10, 2022.
About JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
More than 25,000 oncologists and other cancer care professionals across the United States read JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. This peer-reviewed, indexed medical journal provides the latest information about innovation in translational medicine, and scientific studies related to oncology health services research, including quality care and value, bioethics, comparative and cost effectiveness, public policy, and interventional research on supportive care and survivorship. JNCCN features updates on the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®), review articles elaborating on guidelines recommendations, health services research, and case reports highlighting molecular insights in patient care. JNCCN is published by Harborside. Visit JNCCN.org. To inquire if you are eligible for a FREE subscription to JNCCN, visit NCCN.org/jnccn/subscribe. Follow JNCCN on Twitter @JNCCN.
About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care so all patients can live better lives. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services; they are the recognized standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer management and the most thorough and frequently-updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients® provide expert cancer treatment information to inform and empower patients and caregivers, through support from the NCCN Foundation®. NCCN also advances continuing education, global initiatives, policy, and research collaboration and publication in oncology. Visit NCCN.org for more information and follow NCCN on Facebook @NCCNorg, Instagram @NCCNorg, and Twitter @NCCN.
Media Contact:
Rachel Darwin
267-622-6624
darwin@nccn.org
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SOURCE National Comprehensive Cancer Network | 2022-07-28T13:32:43+00:00 | wlbt.com | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/chemotherapy-drugs-rogue-online-pharmacies-could-endanger-leukemia-patients-suggests-research-jnccn/ |
Before November, election officials prepared for the possibility that Republicans who embraced former President Donald Trump’s lies about voter fraud would challenge the verdict of voters by refusing to certify the midterm results.
Three weeks after the end of voting, such challenges are playing out in just two states, Arizona and Pennsylvania, where Democrats won the marquee races for governor and Senate.
Legal experts predict the bids are doomed because local governmental agencies typically don’t have the option to vote against certifying the results of their elections. But experts also say the delays are a signal that the United States must brace itself for similar disruptions in the next presidential contest.
“It is one of the few places where election deniers have a lever of power,” Rick Hasen, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, said of the local political authorities responsible for certifying election results in most states. “It’s a good test run for 2024, showing state courts they’re going to have to step in.”
For now, the certification delay in a smattering of rural counties in just two states reflects the limited ability of election conspiracy theorists to disrupt the midterms. One rural Arizona county has drawn court challenges after its refusal to certify, but a second one that was flirting with blocking certification backed off amid legal threats.
In Pennsylvania, a handful of the state’s 67 counties have delayed certification because of recounts demanded by local conspiracy theorists in scattered precincts. But in most states, certification has gone smoothly.
“Before Election Day, I thought Republicans would exploit the certification process to undermine election results,” said Marc Elias, a Democratic lawyer who has sued to compel the lone Arizona county to certify.
That there’s only one county delaying so far in that important battleground state, where Republican candidates who denied Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential race ran unsuccessfully for governor and secretary of state, is “good news, and a bit of a surprise,” Elias said.
In Wisconsin, where Trump pressured Republican lawmakers to decertify the 2020 results, the chair of the state elections commission certified the results of the midterm election during a quick meeting Wednesday without fanfare. Minnesota, where the failed Republican secretary of state candidate had cast doubt on the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election, the state canvassing board certified this year’s results without drama on Tuesday.
The smooth outcome in most of the country is a reflection of the diminished opportunities election conspiracy theorists have to control elections after a number of their candidates were routed in statewide elections for positions overseeing voting. They’re largely left with a footprint in conservative, rural counties. Still, that’s enough to cause headaches for having the election results certified on a statewide basis, raising concerns about how rural counties might respond after the next presidential election.
The movement that embraces Trump’s lies about voting hoped it would have many more levers after November. Candidates who backed Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election ran for top posts with power over state voting — including secretary of state, which in most states is the top election position — in five of the six swing states that were key to Trump’s 2020 loss. They lost every race in each of those states.
Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs defeated Trump-backed Republican Kari Lake in the race for Arizona governor, flipping it out of the GOP category, and a Democrat also won the race to replace Hobbs. A Democrat defeated an election conspiracy theorist running for Nevada secretary of state, shifting another swing-state election office from the GOP.
On the local level, the picture is blurrier.
There are more than 10,000 local election offices in the country that follow guidelines set by secretaries of state or other agencies that their states designate as the top election authorities. That’s where conspiracy theorists won at least some new offices and still have the power to disrupt proceedings.
During the June primary in New Mexico, rural Otero County refused to certify the results of its election, preventing the state from making the winners official until the state Supreme Court ordered it to act. That set a template that election lawyers feared would be vastly replicated in the weeks after the midterms. But this time, even Otero County certified its winners without a delay. New Mexico’s canvass board certified the statewide results Wednesday.
In Michigan, where a GOP slate of election conspiracy theorists was defeated in statewide races, the Republican candidate for secretary of state, Kristina Karamo, implored the state’s bipartisan board of canvassers not to certify the election during a hearing this week. Karamo insisted there had been widespread fraud, even though she lost her race against Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson by more than 13 percentage points.
Tony Daunt, the Republican chair of the certification board, responded by blasting candidates who “feed into this nonsense” by making “claims that fire everybody up because it’s a short-term gain for them, and that’s dangerous to our system.” The board unanimously certified the election.
In Pennsylvania, the most prominent certification hiccup has come in Luzerne County, north of Philadelphia, which voted for Trump by 14 percentage points in 2020. County commissioners delayed certifying the election on Monday after one Democrat abstained from voting following an Election Day fiasco in which the election office ran out of ballots.
The Democrat, Daniel Schramm, joined the two other Democratic commissioners on the five-member board Wednesday to certify the vote after telling reporters he was confident no citizen was unable to vote. Certification is being delayed in a few other counties after local Republican committees and voters requested recounts.
In Arizona, the two Republicans on Cochise County’s three-member county commission blew past Monday’s certification deadline, saying they needed more information on the certification of vote tabulators, even though there have been no problems with voting or ballot counting in their county.
The secretary of state’s office has sued, saying that it must certify the state’s elections by Dec. 8.
“The only legal effect this has is to disenfranchise all their voters,” said David Becker of the Center for Election Innovation.
The efforts to delay certification are dangerous even if they’re doomed to fail, Becker and others said. They continue to sow discontent and distrust of voting and democracy.
David Levine, a former election official who is a fellow with the Alliance for Securing Democracy, noted that conspiracy theories about elections have reached such a fever pitch in Arizona that Bill Gates, the Republican chair of the county commission in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix. has been given additional security by the local sheriff.
“When you give legitimacy to baseless accusations about the election process, there is a concern that more of that will occur,” Levine said.
Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, certified its election results on Monday, after dozens of attendees demanded the board not do it. Some complained about printer malfunctions in the county, the state’s most populous, that led to confusion and long lines on Election Day — even though Maricopa officials said everyone had a chance to vote and that all legal ballots were counted.
In other counties, activists also spoke out against certification, though unsuccessfully. In Yavapai County, north of Phoenix, a woman who gave her name as Nancy Littlefield, wearing a hoodie patterned on the American flag, made clear that part of her objections were because she simply didn’t like the outcome of the election.
She urged Yavapai board members not to certify the vote because “I moved from California so I could be free and live my life and have my voice heard.”
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Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti in Lansing, Michigan; Jonathan J. Cooper and Anita Snow in Phoenix; Christina A. Cassidy in Atlanta; and Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, contributed to this report.
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2022 midterm elections at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections | 2022-12-01T04:44:33+00:00 | cbs42.com | https://www.cbs42.com/news/politics/ap-politics/ap-election-certification-delays-few-but-a-test-run-for-2024/ |
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) has named Steven Martin vice president, Infrastructure Engineering, IT Operations & Support, effective May 30. He reports to Therace Risch, executive vice president and chief information & technology officer.
Martin is responsible for the technology planning and delivery for infrastructure technologies including compute, network, storage and end-user tools. He also oversees technology operations and support.
"AEP continues to transform the way our employees work and implement new technologies to streamline our business, while enhancing the customer experience," Risch said. "Steven's focus on providing reliable, cost-effective, and an easy user experience, as well as his deep expertise in operations and infrastructure engineering, make him a valuable addition to our team. We welcome his leadership and insights as we deliver technology solutions that support AEP's efforts to provide clean, reliable and affordable energy."
Martin joins AEP from JCPenney, where he was vice president of Technology Enterprise Services and led information technology infrastructure, operations, support, and cyber functions and carried the dual role of managing director, JCPenney Services India. Prior to JCPenney, he served as senior director of the Technology Operations Center and senior director of Application Support for Target Corp. Martin also worked at Dell for nearly 13 years in roles of increasing responsibility. He received his bachelor's degree in management information systems from Texas Tech University.
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP's approximately 16,700 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 31,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 7,100 megawatts of renewable energy. The company's plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2030. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2000 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2050. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP's family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.
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SOURCE American Electric Power | 2022-05-31T18:23:55+00:00 | kswo.com | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2022/05/31/aep-names-martin-vice-president-infrastructure-engineering-it-operations-support/ |
(NEXSTAR) – What in DiGiorno is going on in Wisconsin?
Hundreds of Twitter users are stone-cold mystified by a viral video of the frozen pizza selection at a Wisconsin supermarket, which appears to show a seemingly endless freezer section filled with thousands upon thousands of pizzas.
It all started last week, when Milwaukee resident Michael Bradley tweeted out a video he filmed while leisurely strolling through the frozen foods section of a local supermarket chain. In the minute-long clip, he passed by over a dozen display freezers — and then an aisle-length island freezer, and a few end caps — each filled to the brim with hundreds of varieties of frozen pizza.
“A frozen pizza section in Wisconsin,” he captioned the video.
A week later, the clip had generated over 6 million views, as well as numerous questions from confused Twitter users outside of Wisconsin.
“What’s going on down there?” one demanded to know.
“Wisconsin, I have questions,” another surprised Twitter user said.
Twitter users from the region quickly identified the supermarket as a location of Woodman’s, a local chain with larger-than-average grocery stores in Wisconsin and northern Illinois. But even if Woodman’s has a bigger frozen section than most (one store has a “separate section JUST FOR BREAKFAST PIZZAS,” one user claimed), many users seemed to suggest that lots of Wisconsin supermarkets were well-stocked with pizza, though perhaps not to the extent as the one in the video.
“Wait, this isn’t normal?” one Wisconsin native asked.
“I was yesterday years old when I found out frozen pizza sections don’t look like this in other states,” another said.
The reasoning for such expansive frozen-pizza sections, some theorized, were Wisconsin’s cold, long winters which make ordering pizza more difficult than in warmer parts of the country. But it’s also likely that Wisconsin’s residents enjoy a larger selection because Wisconsin is home to the companies that produce national brands including DiGiorno and Tombstone, among others.
“Wisconsin is a frozen pizza kingdom,” the Appleton Post-Crescent once explained in a 2019 article.
Chris Zelch of Nestle’s frozen pizzas division further told the Post-Crescent that Wisconsin is the largest per-capita consumer of the brand’s frozen pizzas, which include DiGiorno and Tombstone as well as Jacks, Stouffer’s and California Pizza Kitchen, among others.
Lots of the cheese and meat used for the pizzas also comes directly from the state, Nick Fallucca, an executive at Milwaukee-based Palermo’s Pizza told Spectrum News the same year. He also echoed Zelch’s findings that indicated Wisconsinites eat more pizza, per capita, than anyone else in the U.S.
“It’s highly unlikely that any other state is going to take over from pizza production,” Fallucca said. “Wisconsin I think has that covered. | 2022-10-18T18:12:58+00:00 | wwlp.com | https://www.wwlp.com/news/video-of-wisconsin-supermarkets-massive-frozen-pizza-section-goes-viral-whats-going-on-down-there/ |
Dealer pleads guilty in death of actor Michael K. Williams
NEW YORK (AP) — A Brooklyn drug dealer pleaded guilty Wednesday to providing “The Wire” actor Michael K. Williams with fentanyl-laced heroin, causing his death.
Irvin Cartagena’s plea to a charge of conspiring to distribute drugs was entered in Manhattan federal court. Sentencing was set by U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams for Aug. 18, when Cartagena will face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and the possibility of as many as 40 years.
The famed actor, who also starred in films and other TV series including “Boardwalk Empire,” overdosed in his Brooklyn penthouse apartment in September 2021. Authorities said he died hours after buying the heroin from Cartagena on a Brooklyn sidewalk in a deal that was recorded by a security camera.
Cartagena, 39, signed a plea agreement with prosecutors stipulating that the mix of heroin and fentanyl he sold Williams resulted in his death. His lawyer, Sean Maher, declined comment.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, who is not related to the actor, said in a statement that the sale occurred in “broad daylight in New York City, feeding addiction and causing tragedy.”
“In doing so, he dealt the fatal dose that killed Michael K. Williams,” Williams said.
Prosecutors said Cartagena and his alleged co-conspirators continued to sell fentanyl-laced heroin around residential apartment buildings in Brooklyn and Manhattan even after they learned of the actor’s death. Another defendant in the case pleaded guilty Tuesday.
Williams’ death came despite an investigation by the New York Police Department that placed a paid informant making controlled heroin buys on the same block where Williams bought drugs.
The day after, the informant went back to buy more drugs from the same group and recorded a conversation in which some of them talked about Williams’ overdose. One denied selling any drugs containing fentanyl.
Williams’ “stick-up boy” character Omar Little on “The Wire” — a fictionalized look at the underpinnings of Baltimore that ended in 2008 but remains popular in streaming — was based on a real-life figure.
He created another classic character as Chalky White in HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” and also appeared in “12 Years a Slave,” “Assassin’s Creed” and other films.
In interviews, Williams had spoken about his battles with addiction.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | 2023-04-05T23:29:42+00:00 | kttc.com | https://www.kttc.com/2023/04/05/dealer-pleads-guilty-death-actor-michael-k-williams/ |
HERNDON, Va., Oct. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ePlus inc. (NASDAQ NGS: PLUS – news) today announced that ePlus chief financial officer, Elaine Marion, has been named the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Awardee by the George Mason University School of Business.
The School of Business Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes those who have demonstrated a high level of professional achievement in the for-profit, not-for-profit, or public sectors. Presented each fall, the award is selected by the dean's office and a committee appointed by the dean.
"The School of Business is honored by Elaine Marion's distinguished dedication and service to our community. Her exemplary personal service as chair of the Dean's Advisory Council, inspiration to students, and contributions to our region's technology community epitomize the ideals of the Mason Graduate," says Dean Ajay Vinzé.
"The George Mason School of Business provided me with a phenomenal foundation from which to learn, grow and succeed in my career," said Elaine Marion. "I am proud and grateful to be recognized with this honor and look forward to my continued involvement with the students, council, and alumni of the school."
Ms. Marion holds a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Accounting from George Mason University and is chair of the School of Business Dean's Advisory Council.
ePlus has an unwavering and relentless focus on leveraging technology to create inspired and transformative business outcomes for its customers. Offering a robust portfolio of solutions, as well as a full set of consultative and managed services across the technology spectrum, ePlus has proudly achieved more than 30 years of success, carrying customers forward through adversity, rapidly changing environments, and other obstacles. ePlus is a trusted advisor, bringing expertise, credentials, talent and a thorough understanding of innovative technologies, spanning security, cloud, data center, networking, collaboration and emerging solutions, to organizations across all industry segments. With complete lifecycle management services and flexible payment solutions, ePlus' more than 1,700 associates are focused on cultivating positive customer experiences and are dedicated to their craft, harnessing new knowledge while applying decades of proven experience. ePlus is headquartered in Virginia, with offices in the United States, UK, Europe, and Asia‐Pacific. For more information, visit www.eplus.com, call 888-482-1122, or email info@eplus.com. Connect with ePlus on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. ePlus, Where Technology Means More®.
ePlus®, Where Technology Means More®, and ePlus products referenced herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of ePlus inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of other companies, products, and services mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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SOURCE ePlus inc. | 2022-10-28T13:31:08+00:00 | kxii.com | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/10/28/elaine-marion-named-2022-distinguished-alumni-awardee-by-george-mason-university-school-business/ |
Experience a historical retrospective as we present a visual journey through time with the “Top Stories Of The Week.” Witness a mosaic of moments that occurred this week, offering a glimpse into the news that made headlines. Take a weekly dive into a collection of events that range from awe-inspiring to disturbingly shocking, delivered straight to you.
Sunday, March 19
After being confined indoors due to the pandemic, many Black families are looking forward to spring and summer travel. According to Mandala Research, African American travelers spent $68 billion in 2018, with those seeking cultural experiences spending an average of $2,078. St. Lucia has emerged as a popular destination among Black travelers. However, those who are drawn to the island’s rich Caribbean culture, scenic landscapes, and exciting events.
Read more here for additional international and local destinations for Black Travelers.
Monday, March 20
Conservative Twitter is ablaze with white nationalist outrage as the impending criminal indictment of former President Donald Trump draws near. Despite the charges stemming from accusations that he paid off porn star Stormy Daniels to remain quiet. About a sexual encounter, they had during his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump himself took to social media over the weekend to announce his anticipation of arrest this Tuesday, leading his MAGA supporters to rally in support of their fallen leader.
Read More Here
Tuesday, March 21
A group of hospital employees and seven sheriff’s deputies in Dinwiddie, Virginia, are facing second-degree murder charges for allegedly smothering 28-year-old Black man Irvo Otieno to death. However, the incident occurred after he was taken into custody over a mental health episode. Surveillance video shows as many as 10 deputies and hospital staffers at Virginia’s Central State Hospital piling on top of Otieno for approximately 11 minutes while he was shackled and until he had completely stopped moving. While the family of Otieno and their attorneys, including civil attorney Ben Crump, viewed the video footage, Dinwiddie County Commonwealth’s Attorney Ann Cabell Baskervill said additional charges and arrests are pending.
Read More Here
Wednesday, March 22
Fox News is facing criticism for claiming that the word “woke” has been redefined to mean intolerance and racism. While many social media users and activists have pointed out that the term actually originated as a way to promote awareness and social justice, particularly for marginalized communities. However, critics accuse Fox News of trying to twist the meaning of the word to suit their own political agenda.
Read More Here
Thursday, March 23
The latest sensation on Amazon Prime Video is “Swarm,” a dark and intense series created by Donald Glover and Janine Naber. However, the show has been captivating audiences worldwide, thanks in part to Dominique Fishback’s outstanding performance and the involvement of Chloe Bailey and Damson Idris’ special scene.
Read More Here
Friday, March 24
Sen. Steve Drazkowski (R), a Minnesota Republican senator is trying to block a state bill that would require Holocaust and indigenous genocide lessons in schools. Additionally, he justifies his stance by drawing comparisons between the extermination of native populations and the supposed victimization of European settlers. Meanwhile, the senator especially uses a Trump-like narrative of “very fine people on both sides” to support his argument.
Read More Here
Saturday, March 25
R&B/jazz legend Bobby Caldwell died at the age of 71, due to Fluoroquinolone toxicity after taking an antibiotic back in 2017. Bobby is undeniably a pioneer of soul music, is mourned by many who acknowledge his contribution to laying the foundation for the genre that has influenced all others. This article highlights the 10 songs in honor of the legend’s decades of music. The list includes both popular and lesser-known songs that are sure to get play at any cookout.
Stay in the know with the Top Stories Of The Week.
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The post NewsOne’s Top Stories Of The Week: Trump, Black Travelers, Woke Culture & More appeared first on NewsOne.
NewsOne’s Top Stories Of The Week: Trump, Black Travelers, Woke Culture & More was originally published on newsone.com | 2023-03-29T07:49:47+00:00 | hot1009.com | https://hot1009.com/3595415/newsones-top-stories-of-the-week-trump-black-travelers-woke-culture-more/ |
(The Hill) – NASA on Tuesday said its historic planetary defense mission was successful after a spacecraft that purposefully smashed into a tiny asteroid called Dimorphos last month altered its orbit by 32 minutes.
At a press conference, NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) team explained that before the impact, Dimorphos orbited a larger asteroid called Didymos in 11 hours and 55 minutes. After the strike, astronomers observed the orbital period is now 11 hours and 23 minutes.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson noted that the DART mission captured the attention of the entire world and “felt like a movie plot.”
“But this was not Hollywood,” Nelson said. “We showed the world that NASA is serious as a defender of the planet.”
Spacecraft hits asteroid at more than 14,000 mph
The DART spacecraft struck Dimorphos, an asteroid that weighs about 5 billion kilograms and is roughly 7 million miles from Earth, on Sept. 26 at more than 14,000 miles per hour.
The spacecraft launched into space in November, so its impact completed a 10-month journey.
DART’s success earned a round of applause from NASA officials and members of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory team, who had worked together on the program for years.
While Dimorphos never posed a threat to Earth, DART served as a key test to deflect a potential future threat to the planet. DART marks the first time humanity has ever hit another object in space with a kinetic strike.
Giorgio Saccoccia, the president of the Italian Space Agency, called in to the NASA conference Tuesday to congratulate the team on its successful and historic mission.
“It’s something that we can really be proud of at the international level,” said Saccocia, whose agency contributed to the project and snapped images of the asteroid.
Lori Glaze, NASA’s director of the Planetary Science Division, said the minimum requirement to change the asteroid’s orbital period was 73 seconds, calling the 32-minute alteration “remarkable.”
“It’s really fascinating stuff, and the learning is going to continue for a long time to come,” she said at the press conference.
More analysis ahead for NASA
Glaze said observations of the impact have poured in across the world from ground-based telescopes.
The James Webb and Hubble space telescopes also captured images, with Webb detailing a stream of material from Dimorphos trailing the asteroid from the center of the impact.
NASA still has work to do, including more observations and analysis of the strike and a model development of Dimorphos.
The European Space Agency has a follow-up mission called Hera, which will launch a spacecraft toward Didymos in 2024. The spacecraft should arrive in 2026 and provide even greater detail about the collision with Dimorphos.
The next priority mission for NASA in the coming decade is to inventory asteroids or other space objects in the solar system that are at least 140 meters in diameter.
Those could pose a threat to Earth, and only about 40 percent of the large space objects are estimated to have been identified.
NASA will also explore a “rapid response” mission that would be able to detect threats faster. A swift reconnaissance would theoretically give the space agency and world leaders enough time to deflect the object.
But for now, Glaze said the world should celebrate the historic planetary defense mission.
“It’s just been so cool. The whole world has been watching this,” Glaze added. “Let’s all just take a moment to soak this in.” | 2022-10-11T23:56:07+00:00 | kdvr.com | https://kdvr.com/news/nasa-says-asteroid-mission-was-successful-altered-orbit-by-32-minutes/ |
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Rockingham County Schools is working to put more school resources officers in elementary schools.
The district will get $1.2 million in grants from the Noth Carolina Center for Safety School at the North Carolina of Public Instruction.
RCS is receiving a $599,900 grant for new SROs and $587,978 for school safety equipment.
The school safety equipment grant will allow for more school security, cameras, reunification kits, school radios and WiFi hotspots for reunification sites.
RCS will be meeting and collaborating with local law enforcement in the coming months to detail this agreement.
The district said it would allow them to hire more officers, giving them the resources to put one SRO on each elementary school campus.
Right now, the district has three SROs covering 13 elementary schools around the district.
“Just having an officer at every single one of our schools just really reinforces that message that there is trained law enforcement at all of our schools. And if any incident happens whatsoever, we will have a trained professional there to handle it,” said Public Information Officer for RCS Adam Powell.
Powell said the three officers work in zones to cover the school, and the new grant will allow them to have more help to protect the students.
Powell said in the coming months, the district will meet with the sheriff’s office to put more plans in place for SROs.
“The school system above all wants to provide a safe environment for our children, and I do believe that it requires a level of vigilance as far as knowing something could happen,” Powell said. | 2022-11-01T04:15:58+00:00 | myfox8.com | https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/piedmont-triad/rockingham-county-schools-get-1-2-million-in-grants-for-school-security-improvements/ |
Senate poised to vote on repeal of Iraq war powers
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate is poised to vote Wednesday to repeal the 2002 measure that greenlighted the March 2003 invasion of Iraq, which would end more than 20 years of authorization for U.S. presidents to use force in that country and return those war powers to Congress.
The Iraq War ended years ago and the repeal is not expected to affect any current troop deployments. About 2,500 U.S. troops remain in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government and assist and advise local forces.
The bipartisan legislation would also repeal the 1991 measure that sanctioned the U.S.-led Gulf War.
Lawmakers in both parties are increasingly seeking to claw back congressional powers over U.S. military strikes and deployments, and some lawmakers who voted for the Iraq War two decades ago now say it was a mistake.
Iraqi deaths are estimated in the hundreds of thousands, and nearly 5,000 U.S. troops were killed in the war after President George W. Bush’s administration falsely claimed that Saddam Hussein was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction.
“Americans want to see an end to endless Middle East wars,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, adding that passing the repeal “is a necessary step to putting these bitter conflicts squarely behind us.”
Supporters, including almost 20 Republican senators, say the repeal is crucial to prevent future abuses and to reinforce that Iraq is now a strategic partner of the United States. Opponents say the repeal could project weakness as the U.S. still faces conflict in the Middle East.
“Our terrorist enemies aren’t sunsetting their war against us,” said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who is at home recovering from a fall earlier this month and will miss the vote. “When we deploy our servicemembers in harm’s way, we need to supply them with all the support and legal authorities that we can.”
While it is expected to easily pass the Senate on Wednesday, the repeal’s future is uncertain in the House, where 49 Republicans joined with Democrats in supporting a similar bill two years ago. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has suggested he is open to supporting a repeal even though he previously opposed it, but Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has indicated he would like to instead replace it with something else. It is unclear what that would be.
Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Todd Young, R-Ind., said they believe that a strong bipartisan vote would send a powerful message to Americans who believe their voices should be heard on matters of war and peace. The two men have been pushing to repeal the measures for several years.
“I think that the more time goes by the more people realize that a whole lot of mischief can happen with authorizations that just stay on the books,” Kaine said. “And so it’s been slow, but I’ve always felt like I was picking up more bipartisan support every year, slowly.”
President Donald Trump’s administration cited the 2002 Iraq war resolution as part of its legal justification for a 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani, but the two war powers resolutions have otherwise rarely been used as the basis for any presidential action. A separate 2001 authorization for the global war on terror would remain in place under the bill, which President Joe Biden has said he will support.
The October 2002 votes to give Bush broad authority for the invasion were a defining moment for many members of Congress as the country debated whether a military strike was warranted. The U.S. was already at war then in Afghanistan, the country that hosted the al-Qaida plotters responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, something Iraq played no part in.
The Bush administration had drummed up support among members of Congress and the American public for invading Iraq by promoting what turned out to be false intelligence claims about Saddam’s weapons of mass destruction. And after the initial March 2003 invasion, American ground forces quickly discovered that the allegations of nuclear or chemical weapons programs were baseless.
The U.S. overthrow of Iraq’s security forces precipitated a brutal sectarian fight and violent campaigns by Islamic extremist groups in Iraq. Car bombings, assassinations, torture and kidnapping became a part of daily life in Iraq for years.
Some GOP senators opposing the repeal, including McConnell, raised concerns about recent attacks against U.S. troops in Syria. A drone strike last week killed an American contractor and wounded five troops and another contractor, then a rocket attack wounded another service member. Iranian-backed militants are believed responsible for the attacks.
Biden and his administration have argued that the repeal would not affect any response to Iran. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, both said at a Senate hearing last week that American troops are authorized to protect themselves and respond to attacks, including under Article 2 of the Constitution, which gives the president the authority to protect troops from attack.
The pushback from McConnell comes amid a growing rift in the Republican Party on the U.S. role in the Middle East, with some echoing Trump’s “America First” message to argue against military intervention abroad. Other Republicans are concerned Congress is giving too much leeway to the president in matters of war.
“I think a lot of lessons have been learned over the last 20 years,” said Young, the Indiana senator who is the lead Republican sponsor of the repeal. He said that those supporting the legislation “want to ensure that the American people can hold us accountable, rather than delegating those important authorities to an executive branch and then lamenting the unwitting wisdom of the executive branch if things don’t go well.”
___
Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | 2023-03-29T10:21:54+00:00 | uppermichiganssource.com | https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2023/03/29/senate-poised-vote-repeal-iraq-war-powers/ |
Playmakers — Week 10 1 hour 35 minutes 18 seconds ago Wednesday, November 02 2022 Nov 2, 2022 November 02, 2022 8:42 PM November 02, 2022 in Sports- Playmakers Share: Channel 5 Sports is recognizing the top Valley high school football players from last week's games. Part 2 below: Report a Typo
PSJA Memorial Wolverines turning program around PSJA Memorial Wolverines turning program around More >> Share: | 2022-11-03T03:20:01+00:00 | krgv.com | https://www.krgv.com/news/playmakers-week-10 |
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — There are plenty of perks that come from being the reigning Masters champion.
You have a year to don that cherished green jacket wherever you want. You can nab a tee time at Augusta National without any hassles. You get to select the menu for the champions dinner.
And getting to do it all over again?
Well, that’s a truly exclusive club.
Every year, the previous winner is sure to be reminded that only three players have ever won two straight Masters.
What a group it is.
Jack Nicklaus. Nick Faldo. Tiger Woods.
It was no different Tuesday for Scottie Scheffler, the latest player with a chance to join that illustrious trio.
The second question — and several others that followed — focused on what it would mean to go back to back.
“Any time you can get mentioned in the same breath as a Tiger and a Jack and a Nick Faldo is really special,” Scheffler said.
But, he was quick to add, “It’s not a motivating factor for me.”
Scheffler knows it’s tough enough to put together two straight shots that go where you want, so the odds of syncing up four stellar rounds at Augusta National — then four more a year later — are steep indeed.
That said, the 26-year-old Texan is the betting favorite — along with Rory McIlroy, according to FanDuel Sportsbook — as he sets his sights on another green jacket.
With good reason.
Scheffler is ranked No. 1 in the world. He’s already got a pair of victories this year. He’s finished inside the top 12 of his last nine events.
Not since Jordan Spieth in 2016 has a player arrived at the Masters with such heightened expectations of a repeat.
Doing his best to make it feel like any other week — or at least a week before he won the Masters — Scheffler came out early Sunday and got a round in with his sister, Callie, on his bag.
“I tried to get a little bit of the memories and stuff from last year out of the way as early as I could,” he said.
But those memories — and reminders — linger at every turn.
“It’s a bit different, when you see the list of guys when they get in the tournament and how they qualify,” Scheffler said, “and you see ‘Lifetime Exemption’ by your name I think is really cool. Hopefully I’ll have the opportunity to be coming back to this place for many years.”
Woods, who went back to back in 2001-02, was asked what it takes to accomplish such a rare feat.
Familiarity with the course, and all its idiosyncrasies, was at the top of his list.
“What has allowed some of us to defend the title is understanding how to play it,” Woods said. “Scottie knows how to play this golf course.”
It helps to have a guy like Ted Scott on the bag. He was the caddie for Bubba Watson during his two Masters victories, and he was at Scheffler’s side a year ago.
“I think the teamwork of player and caddie is so important here because there’s so many variables that go on,” Woods said. “The lies, the wind, the gusts, and knowledge of the golf course. There’s so many things that can happen, and talking through each and every shot. We just don’t go out there and say, ‘Yeah, you know, I have 152 yards, just go ahead and hit it.’”
A year ago, Scheffler took command with a second-round 67 that sent him to the weekend with a five-shot lead.
He wavered a bit on a windy Saturday, but bounced back for a 71 that kept his lead at three strokes. The final round was largely a victory lap as Scheffler wasn’t seriously threatened after the first couple of holes.
He won by three shots — a victory that actually was more comfortable than that because he took a double-bogey at the 18th.
Since then, Scheffler said his life hasn’t changed all that much.
He’s still got the same car, a 2012 Yukon X with about 190,000 miles on it. He still lives in the same house with his wife, Meredith.
“I bought a cold tub. That was a pretty big indulgence,” Scheffler said. “Still not running at home, but we bought it.”
He also likes to buy a high-end bottle of tequila after each win, but that’s about as extravagant as it gets.
“I’m sure eventually — maybe — I’ll get a new car,” Scheffler said. “I don’t know. I’m not huge on that kind of stuff.”
Come Sunday evening, he’d love to be in position to add to his tequila collection.
But if Scheffler needs a reminder that previous wins and world rankings don’t mean all that much. look no further than Spieth’s bid for a repeat in 2016. It looked like a lock when the world’s hottest player built a five-shot lead with nine holes to play.
Then, inexplicably, Spieth turned in a collapse for the ages. After two straight bogeys, he dunked two balls in the water at the 12th and took a quadruple-bogey that handed the lead — and the green jacket that should’ve been his — to Danny Willett. Spieth finished three shots back.
Instead of a repeat, it’s seven years on, and he’s still at one green jacket.
Which brings us back to Scheffler, who calls the No. 1 ranking nothing more than “a math algorithm.”
He did concede that “No. 1 is better than being No. 2 in the algorithm,” and he certainly knows it puts the focus squarely on his bid for consecutive titles.
No sooner had he grabbed a chair for his pre-Masters news conference than the moderator, Augusta National member Ron Townsend, reminded him of the significance.
“You know, last year at this time, you were sitting in that same chair, wearing a green jacket for the first time. Do you remember that?” Townsend asked.
“I do recall,” Scheffler said, breaking into a big smile.
___
AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2023-04-05T20:37:41+00:00 | ourquadcities.com | https://www.ourquadcities.com/sports/scheffler-looks-primed-for-rare-masters-double/ |
Federal marijuana changes could make state laws mostly irrelevant, American Bar Association says
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Legal marijuana could be coming to five additional states after the midterm elections.
NORML, which advocates for legalization and follows the issue around the country, said measures that make it onto the ballot usually pass.
“State level ballot initiatives have largely been very successful when it comes to ending prohibition at the state level,” NORML Political Director Morgan Fox.
Federal changes could be coming as well. The Biden administration is considering removing marijuana from schedule one drug status, which is reserved for the most dangerous drugs.
Attorney Lisa Pittman says that would overhaul how marijuana works in the country because companies could operate across state lines.
“Why wouldn’t you just grow in the Carolinas or wherever it’s cheaper for you, and extract somewhere else and retail somewhere else,” American Bar Association member Lisa Pittman said.
Pittman, who formerly chaired the American Bar Association’s Cannabis Law and Policy Committee, said that could make marijuana operate much like the beer industry, where a few large companies taking charge.
“We’re going to have the pharmaceutical companies step in, and then the medical marijuana movement as we know it today with all these state siloed markets is just going to go away,” Pittman said.
Pittman said it is a tall order for the administration to change policy so quickly.
“I would be shocked if in a mere year, or a year and a half during the remainder of this administration, they are going to come up with a new scheduling.”
Biden will pardon those with federal marijuana possession charges, but the ABA said that only applies to about 6500 people nationwide.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | 2022-10-22T00:51:21+00:00 | newschannel6now.com | https://www.newschannel6now.com/2022/10/21/federal-marijuana-changes-could-make-state-laws-mostly-irrelevant-american-bar-association-says/ |
- Will be available online as an over-the-counter test for qualitative (i.e., positive, or negative) detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus antigen.
- At home test using self-collected (individuals aged 14 years and older) or adult-collected (individuals aged 2 years and older) anterior nasal swab samples with results in 15 minutes.
- Can be used as a serial test (repeated twice over the course of three days, with a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 48 hours between each test) for individuals with or without COVID-19 symptoms.
IRVINE, Calif., May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MP Biomedicals, LLC today announced an agreement to distribute the non-prescription home use Boson™ Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Card. The partnership was formed soon after the U.S. FDA granted Xiamen Boson Biotech Co, Ltd. (Boson™) Emergency Use Authorization for the test card, intended for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid protein antigen from SARS-CoV-2 for individuals with symptoms or suspecting COVID-19.
MP Biomedicals is a global company with headquarters in California and regional offices across the globe. The company offers a diverse portfolio of life science products, fine chemicals, and diagnostics used in industries ranging from basic research to clinical diagnostics and pharmaceuticals. Over the last 50 years, MP Biomedicals has aided the scientific community by providing quality tools and expert services that assist its customers in making breakthrough discoveries and achieving scientific excellence. Visit our website, and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
Contact
Naiwei Chi, Ph. D.
Phone: +1-440-561-7473
Email: naiwei.chi@mpbio.com
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SOURCE MP Biomedicals, LLC | 2022-05-19T13:26:01+00:00 | waff.com | https://www.waff.com/prnewswire/2022/05/19/mp-biomedicals-llc-distribute-new-lateral-flow-kit-boson-rapid-sars-cov-2-antigen-test-card-authorized-by-fda-under-emergency-use-authorization-rapid-home-covid-19-testing/ |
Colorado authorities do not believe Taco Bell employees added rat poison to a customer's meal.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office released a statement Friday in response to a customer's claim that he was poisoned after eating food from the restaurant.
Deputies said they initially responded to a report of a disturbance at the Taco Bell in Aurora on Jan. 15. The customer had apparently complained after he ordered food and a drink and was told that the soda machine was not working. The customer reportedly wanted the employees to give him a burrito in place of the drink. Initially, they told them they couldn't do that, but deputies said they eventually gave him a burrito.
The deputies left the scene after determining no criminal activity occurred.
Several hours later, deputies were called to a hospital where a patient told staff that he ate food with rat poison in it. The deputies determined it was the same person who got into a dispute with the Taco Bell employees.
The man told deputies he immediately felt a burning sensation in his mouth and began to vomit after eating one of the tacos from Taco Bell.
Deputies said they discovered a "greenish-gray" substance in the taco the man bit into. A lab test confirmed it was rat poison, the sheriff's office said.
The Taco Bell was immediately shut down and investigated. The sheriff's office said the restaurant turned over all of its videos from inside the building.
"Over the last several days, investigators have been going through the Taco Bell video and found no evidence that the employees were responsible for placing the rat poison in the food given to the customer," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
The sheriff's office says they can't account for how the rat poison got into the food.
Investigators have been trying to contact the customer, but they report that he is not answering his phone or door.
They are asking for the customer or anyone else with knowledge about the incident to provide them with information. The case will remain open for the time being, the sheriff's office said. | 2023-01-20T22:45:45+00:00 | koaa.com | https://www.koaa.com/news/national/authorities-do-not-believe-taco-bell-employees-put-rat-poison-in-customers-food |
INDIANAPOLIS — A 23-year-old Indianapolis man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the 2020 fatal shooting of U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Angela Summers.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana said Tony Cushingberry entered the guilty plea on Wednesday and will be sentenced on a later date.
According to court documents, Cushingberry was upset about the lack of mail delivered to his home because of an aggressive dog.
On April 27, 2020, Cushingberry approached the 45-year-old mail carrier to ask about their mail status.
Cushingberry pursued Summers onto a neighbor’s porch, causing her to reach for a can of defensive spray and spray Cushingberry.
Prosecutors said that Cushingberry removed a handgun from his waistband and shot Summers in the chest.
Summers collapsed on the porch and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Cushingberry faces a maximum of life in prison. | 2022-07-08T02:48:15+00:00 | kgun9.com | https://www.kgun9.com/news/national/indianapolis-man-pleads-guilty-to-2020-killing-of-mail-carrier |
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Nominate a Remarkable Woman in Your Life | 2022-11-09T18:47:35+00:00 | wwlp.com | https://www.wwlp.com/remarkablewomen/ |
Thursday, July 6th 2023, 1:32 pm
The upper air pattern remains from the Northwest and will bring several storm systems into the area for the next few days.
One such system is already underway this morning and will be moving across our region the next several hours. The potential remains for a few strong and severe thunderstorm warnings due to the potential of winds gusting near 55 to 60 mph with some hail, but higher probabilities for severe weather should remain slightly west and southwest of the Tulsa metro due to yesterday's showers and storms across portions of northern Oklahoma.
Some pockets of locally heavy rainfall will be likely with this morning's complex that could result in low water crossing issues. This pattern should keep daytime highs well below seasonal averages. Temperatures will peak out in the lower 80s across part of Northern Oklahoma, with a few locations remaining in the upper 70s. Areas to our south may rebound slightly higher later this afternoon with highs nearing 85.
Another complex is expected to develop across portions of southwestern Kansas and far northwestern Oklahoma late tonight and move into our immediate area early Friday morning.
Once again, the threat of strong or severe storms will be near our region early Friday morning with damaging wind threats possible. Overall severe threats will be determined on a day-by-day basis and is greatly influenced by what happens on previous days.
This is what makes a northwest flow pattern somewhat tricky and unstable and usually results in a series of quick updates and nowcasts based on short term trajectories and instabilities. Our forecast basically revolves around the pattern of late night and early morning complexes through the weekend and even into early next week.
The overall impact of temperatures for the weekend will remain below seasonal averages with afternoon highs staying in the upper 80s north and near 90 south. Most data support a mid-level ridge expanding northward and strengthening slightly into the middle part of next week.
This will keep shower and storm chances lower, but still mostly focused across far northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas as the upper airflow may remain slightly from the northwest during this period.
Temperatures by the middle of the week will reach above normal, with highs in the mid to upper 90s possible Wednesday through Friday of next week.
Thanks for reading the Thursday morning weather discussion and blog.
Have a super great day!
July 6th, 2023
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July 7th, 2023
July 7th, 2023 | 2023-07-07T14:33:52+00:00 | newson6.com | https://www.newson6.com/story/64a6c522d5b5c8072bc6b9e3/more-rainfall-expected-around-green-country-this-weekend |
HOUSTON (AP) — Dusty Baker wins 1st World Series as manager, Houston Astros beat Phillies for team's 1st title since cheating scandal.
- Someone drowns in a tub nearly every day in America
- Washington knocks off No. 24 Oregon State 24-21 on late FG
- Michael J. Fox part of B.C. Parkinson's 'cluster'
- 22 iconic Seattle bars, restaurants that are no longer around
- Seahawks believe successful shift on defense is permanent
- Expedia, Starbucks rise; Carvana, Syneos Health fall
- US appeals court: Beauty pageant can bar trans contestants
- Biden's alliance with the left has worked, but will it last? | 2022-11-06T04:44:23+00:00 | seattlepi.com | https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Alert-Dusty-Baker-wins-1st-World-Series-as-17561909.php |
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)– The Champaign Police Department is expanding it’s free wheel lock program to include Kia and Hyundai owners who live in other communities.
The goal is to minimize the number of car thefts after an internet trend went viral about how to break into these cars.
Anyone who wants a lock can get one for free. All you need to do is bring proof of ownership of a Kia made between 2011-2021 or a Hyundai made between 2013-2021 to the Champaign Police Department. | 2023-07-02T01:56:10+00:00 | wcia.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/champaign-police-expand-free-wheel-lock-program/ |
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine officials began evacuating thousands of villagers, shut down schools and offices and imposed a no-sail ban Monday as Typhoon Mawar approached the country's northern provinces a week after battering the U.S. territory of Guam.
The typhoon is packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kpm (96 mph) and gusts of up to 190 kph (118 mph) but is forecast to spare the mountainous region a direct hit. Current projections show the typhoon veering northeast toward Taiwan or southern Japan.
Although it's expected to slow down considerably, authorities warned of dangerous tidal surges, flash floods and landslides as it blows past the northernmost province of Batanes from Tuesday to Wednesday. Disaster-preparedness officials said the typhoon's course could change abruptly and there was no room for complacency.
"Even if the sun is up, the weather is so unpredictable nowadays and could change anytime so we should always stay on the side of safety," Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro of the Office of Civil Defense told The Associated Press. "We're talking here of potential threats to lives."
Mawar tore through Guam last week as the strongest typhoon to hit the U.S. Pacific territory in over two decades, flipping cars, tearing off roofs and knocking down power.
"These typhoons, earthquakes and natural calamities have been a part of our lives," Batanes Vice Gov. Ignacio Villa told the AP by telephone. "We cannot afford not to prepare because that would potentially mean the loss of lives and major damage."
Army troops, police, firefighters and volunteer groups were standing by for search and rescue operations in northern provinces and more than a million food packs have been prepared for any contingency, officials said.
More than 4,800 people have been evacuated to emergency shelters in Cagayan, Batanes and other provinces, Alejandro said. He added that the number of the displaced was expected to rise given the precautionary evacuations that were underway Monday in flood- and landslide-prone regions.
Classes and office work, except those involved in disaster-preparedness, have been suspended in most of Cagayan and Batanes provinces, where occasional downpours and gusty wind were reported Sunday night. Flights to and from the provinces have been canceled and fishing and passenger vessels prohibited from sailing.
In at least one province, officials imposed a liquor ban.
Villa said the local government lent ropes to villagers living in high-risk communities to strengthen their houses as the typhoon approached.
About 20 typhoons and storms each year batter the Philippine archipelago, which also lies on seismic faults where volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur, making the Southeast Asian nation one of the world's most disaster-prone.
In November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan left more than 7,300 people dead or missing, flattened entire villages, swept ships inland, demolished about a million shanties and houses and displaced more than 5 million in one of the country's poorest regions in the central Philippines.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2023-05-29T19:59:49+00:00 | lakeshorepublicmedia.org | https://www.lakeshorepublicmedia.org/npr-news/npr-news/2023-05-29/thousands-evacuated-as-typhoon-mawar-approaches-the-philippines |
Oracle continues rapid expansion with the opening of 40th cloud region
Public and private organizations across healthcare, financial services, education, and retail will benefit from Oracle Cloud Infrastructure's enterprise-grade performance and security, powerful data and analytics, and multicloud capabilities
Thousands of customers across Spain and Europe are innovating on OCI, including BBVA, Grupo EULEN, Día, Grupo Piñero, and Barcelona Health Hub
Oracle now operates 10 European cloud regions that run on 100 percent renewable energy
AUSTIN, Texas and MADRID, Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle today announced the opening of the first Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) region in Spain to meet the rapidly-growing demand for enterprise cloud services in the country. The new region in Madrid will give Oracle's Spain-based public and private sector customers and partners access to a wide range of cloud services to modernize their applications, innovate with data and analytics, and migrate mission-critical workloads from their data centers to OCI.
"Local organizations and public institutions are taking firm steps to establish Spain as a country focused on technology-driven innovation," said Albert Triola, general manager, Oracle Spain. "With the opening of the Oracle Cloud Madrid Region, we're reinforcing our commitment to help our customers take advantage of the best cloud technologies while enabling the highest security standards, availability, and performance."
The new Madrid region is Oracle's 40th cloud region worldwide and will offer over 100 OCI services, including the unique converged database capabilities of Oracle MySQL HeatWave and Oracle Autonomous Database. This complete set of cloud services provided by OCI can help organizations in Spain improve IT and operational efficiency, get faster insights from their data, and build and deploy cloud-native applications.
The Madrid region is Oracle's seventh cloud region in the European Union (EU). It will enable organizations to deploy resilient applications in multiple locations to provide disaster protection without sensitive data leaving the EU. OCI plans to offer new sovereign cloud regions for the EU in Spain and Germany in 2023.
Underscoring its ongoing focus on sustainability, Oracle has committed to powering all worldwide Oracle Cloud regions with 100 percent renewable energy by 2025. Several Oracle Cloud regions, including regions in North America, South America, and—with the addition of Madrid—10 regions in Europe, are already powered by 100 percent renewable energy.
OCI's extensive network of more than 75 global and regional OCI FastConnect partners offer organizations dedicated connectivity to Oracle Cloud regions and OCI services. FastConnect provides an easy, flexible, and cost-effective way to create a dedicated, private network connection with higher bandwidth, lower latency, and more consistent performance versus public, Internet-based connections. Interxion, a Digital Realty Company, is the host partner for the new Oracle Cloud Madrid Region's FastConnect location. Partners available at launch for the Oracle Cloud Madrid Region include Colt, DECIX, Equinix, and Interxion.
"The opening of the Oracle Cloud Madrid Region is excellent news for our BELA project, allowing us to safeguard the valuable data we handle even more securely than before, and it helps us facilitate regulatory compliance, data sovereignty, and data protection," said Álvaro Gaviño, behavioral economics global leader, BBVA.
"For our information systems to align with business objectives, it is key to deliver them globally while ensuring the best local experience. The Oracle Cloud Madrid Region is fundamental as it will allow us to achieve higher application performance, improve connectivity with end users, and accelerate interconnection with other clouds in Spain and Southern Europe," said Alejandro Las Heras Vázquez, chief technology officer, Grupo EULEN.
"We believe that the opening of the Oracle Cloud Madrid Region is key to supporting communications and regulations that help us implement IT solutions in the Iberia region," said Antonio de la Torre, database manager, DIA.
"Due to the nature of our sector, our group's businesses require a variety of capabilities that can only be achieved in the cloud. Our journey to the cloud with Oracle was completed in less than a year, enabling us to maintain security and business continuity. A local cloud region will further benefit our strategy, helping us reduce service latencies, secure the regulatory framework for data, and combine a variety of cloud services to meet our business challenges," said Mateo Ramón, CIO, Grupo Piñero.
"Oracle's cloud platform is key to the development of our hub, our overall growth, and the onboarding of future members and partners. It is important for BHH to have an IT platform that ensures stable, efficient, and effective data security and operations. Oracle is part of our digital health ecosystem. We collaborate and we have full trust in their cloud services," said
Eva Rosell, general director, Barcelona Health Hub (BHH).
"One of the key drivers for success in the cloud market is to help our customers embrace the cloud to grow their businesses, offering a complete and differentiated portfolio with the support of reference partners. Our partnership with Oracle will allow us to expand our cloud services and strengthen our strategic positioning in PaaS, as well as reinforce our database and middleware applications' value proposition with one of the market leaders," said María Jesús Almazor, CEO cybersecurity and cloud, Telefónica Tech.
"The opening of an Oracle Cloud region in Spain is more than good news. We congratulate Oracle for this decision, which will greatly contribute to the innovation of new products and services in the cloud. This is a great opportunity for our joint customers and, without a doubt, a great boost for their cloud journeys," said Ramón Pérez, chief sales and portfolio officer, Capgemini.
"The expansion of Oracle's cloud offerings in Spain is a reason to celebrate, and further proof of growing demand for cloud migration as a fundamental axis of business growth in the country. Oracle's commitment to Spain is a driver of technological progress across Europe," said Noel Bravo, director, cloud and alliances, Kyndryl Spain and Portugal.
"We congratulate Oracle for opening its Oracle Cloud Madrid Region, which brings some of the most advanced cloud technology to Spain. This will be a powerful lever to help advance the business strategies of Spanish organizations and public sector entities, including Spain's universities, which rely heavily on new technologies in their pursuit of innovation," said Santos Pavón de Paula, managing director, UNIVERSITAS XXI.
Oracle provides a broad and consistent set of cloud services across 33 commercial regions and seven government regions, in addition to multiple dedicated and national security regions that span 22 countries on five continents.
Currently available Oracle Cloud regions:
- Asia Pacific: Tokyo (Japan), Osaka (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), Chuncheon (South Korea), Mumbai (India), Hyderabad (India), Sydney (Australia), Melbourne (Australia), Singapore (Singapore)
- Americas: San Jose (United States), Phoenix (United States), Ashburn (United States), Toronto (Canada), Montreal (Canada), São Paolo (Brazil), Vinhedo (Brazil), Santiago (Chile), Querétaro (Mexico)
- Europe: Frankfurt (Germany), London (United Kingdom), Newport, Wales (United Kingdom), Zürich (Switzerland), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Marseille (France), Stockholm (Sweden), Milan (Italy), La Courneuve, Paris (France), Madrid (Spain)
- Middle East: Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi and Dubai (U.A.E), Jerusalem (Israel)
- Africa: Johannesburg (South Africa)
- Government: Two general U.S. Government regions, three U.S. Department of Defense specific Government regions, several U.S. National Security regions, and two United Kingdom Government regions (London and Newport, Wales)
- Learn more about the Oracle Cloud Regions
- Learn more about Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
Oracle offers integrated application packages and secure and autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), visit us at www.oracle.com.
Trademarks
Oracle, Java, and MySQL are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation.
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SOURCE Oracle | 2022-09-13T12:42:54+00:00 | kxii.com | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/13/oracle-opens-first-cloud-region-spain/ |
___
BofA CEO: Struggling Americans feel they are in a recession
NEW YORK (AP) — The CEO of Bank of America said the recent debate over whether the U.S. economy is technically in a recession or not is missing the point. What matters is that current economic conditions are negatively impacting those who are most vulnerable. Brian Moynihan told The Associated Press that higher gas prices and rising rents are of particular concern when he looks at the health of the U.S. consumer. While gas prices have come down a bit recently, rents are still going up. But overall, the BofA CEO said he believes the American consumer is in good shape and able to withstand the economic turbulence.
___
Fed saw evidence of a slowing economy at its last meeting
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve officials saw signs that the U.S. economy was weakening at their last meeting but still called inflation “unacceptably high’’ before raising their benchmark interest rate by a sizable three-quarters of a point in their drive to slow spiking prices. In minutes from their July 26-27 meeting, released Wednesday, the policymakers said they expected the U.S. economy to expand in the second half of 2022. But many of them suggested that growth would weaken as higher rates take hold. The officials noted that the housing market, consumer spending, business investment and factory production had already decelerated after having expanded robustly in 2021.
___
US retail sales were flat in July as inflation takes a toll
WASHINGTON (AP) — The pace of sales at U.S. retailers was unchanged last month as persistently high inflation and rising interest rates forced many households to spend more cautiously. Retail purchases were flat in July after having risen 0.8% in June, the Commerce Department reported. America’s consumers, whose spending accounts for nearly 70% of economic activity, have remained mostly resilient even with inflation near a four-decade high, economic uncertainties rising and mortgage and other borrowing rates surging. Still, their overall spending has weakened, and it has shifted increasingly toward necessities like groceries and away from discretionary items like home goods, casual clothes and electronics.
___
Judge: Pharmacies owe 2 Ohio counties $650M in opioids suit
CLEVELAND (AP) — A federal judge in Cleveland has awarded $650 million in damages to two Ohio counties that sued pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens and Walmart saying their opioid distribution policies created a public nuisance. U.S. District Judge Dan Polster released the award amounts in a ruling issued Wednesday. A jury returned in November ruled in favor of Lake and Trumbull counties outside Cleveland after a six-week trial. Polster then conducted a hearing to determine how much the counties should receive. The damage awards are meant to help the counties abate a continuing opioid crisis. Their counties’ attorneys said it would take $3.3 billion total for the counties to abate the crisis.
___
Return of the meme stock: Bed Bath & Beyond shares skyrocket
NEW YORK (AP) — After a quiet first half of 2022, the meme stock is back. Beyond and back, in fact. Shares in Bed Bath & Beyond jumped another 12% Wednesday afternoon on huge trading volume. The mall-based home goods retailer’s stock has quadrupled in a little more than two weeks. For a while on Wednesday, it was on pace to close a fourth straight day with a gain of more than 20%. The inexplicable recent rise — a hallmark of so-called meme stocks — comes as Bed Bath & Beyond continues to lose money on plummeting sales as it struggles to navigate the post-pandemic retail landscape.
___
Target takes a hit after heavy discounts to clear inventory
NEW YORK (AP) — Target has reported solid sales for the fiscal second quarter but its profits plunged nearly 90% because it slashed prices to clear unwanted inventories of clothing, home goods and other discretionary items. The weaker-than-expected profit came two months after Target warned it was canceling orders from suppliers and aggressively discounting due to a pronounced spending shift by Americans that left the Minneapolis retailer with bloated inventory. Retailers were blindsided by consumers’ lightening-speed switch from pandemic spending on things like TVs and appliances, in favor of dinners out or travel. Inflation has only intensified that shift.
___
Musk tweet joking about buying Manchester United causes stir
LONDON (AP) — Elon Musk has caused a stir by tweeting that he was buying the English soccer team Manchester United. But several hours later on Wednesday, he said it was a joke. It comes as the billionaire Tesla CEO faces a legal battle in the U.S. after backing out of a deal to buy Twitter for $44 billion. With his billions and seemingly unlimited potential to buy the best soccer players in the world, Musk would have been a welcome prospect for many Man United fans who want to see the club back at the top of the game. Many fans oppose the current owners.
___
Yellen tells IRS to develop modernization plan in 6 months
WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has directed the IRS to develop a plan within six months outlining how the tax agency will modernize its technology, customer service and hiring. With Democrats’ big climate, tax and health care bill now law, the tax agency is set to receive nearly $80 billion over 10 years. Yellen’s memo outlines the importance of modernizing IRS computer systems and making sure the agency has an adequate workforce. She says the IRS must “end the two-tiered tax system, where most Americans pay what they owe, but those at the top of the distribution often do not.” Her memo Tuesday to IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig was obtained by The Associated Press.
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The S&P 500 fell 31.16 points, or 0.7%, to 4,274.04. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 171.69 points, or 0.5%, to 33,980.32. The Nasdaq fell 164.43 points, or 1.3%, to 12,938.12. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies fell 33.22 points, or 1.6%, to 1,987.31. | 2022-08-17T23:25:10+00:00 | expressnews.com | https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/Business-Highlights-Recession-fears-flat-retail-17380551.php |
Achieved Record Growth for Education Business with Revenue Up 71.2% YoY
HONG KONG, Aug. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited ("NetDragon" or the "Company"; Hong Kong Stock Code: 777), a global leader in building internet communities, today announced its financial results for the first half of 2022. NetDragon's management team will hold a webcast at 10:00am Hong Kong time on 31st August 2022 to discuss the results and recent business development.
Dr. Dejian Liu, Chairman of NetDragon, commented, "We continued to make significant progress across our business in the first half of 2022 as our revenue increased by 26.3% YoY to RMB4.2 billion and net profit attributable to owners of the Company increased by 31.2% YoY to RMB565.1 million. Our achievement is made possible by solid commercial execution, as well as years of investment in our product R&D, global sales network and most importantly our people to maintain our overall operational competencies at the highest level."
"Our education business delivered a record growth performance in the first half. We continued to see countries around the world accelerating their adoption of edtech with an ever-growing emphasis on blended learning in K12 classrooms. As the global market leader, we continued to innovate and drive positive, sustained impact on teachers and students. As a result, we further expanded our leadership position by increasing our market share in the first half, and delivered an exceptional performance with 71.2% YoY growth in education revenue. In addition, we stepped up our effort in pursuing partnerships and potential M&A opportunities to monetize our Promethean platform with software and SAAS applications."
"In China, the resurgence of Covid-19 cases has led to challenges in the economy which inevitably affected consumer sentiment and spending power, and as a result impacted our gaming revenue during the first half. Despite the near-term challenges, we continued to focus on executing our long-term growth plan by actively building our pipeline of new games, driving players' engagement level and expanding our base of paying users of our existing games. We are also excited by the quality of our pipeline. We are developing several new games under the Eudemons IP that will continue to drive the long-term revenue growth of this legendary IP, and we are also actively expanding into new IPs, new genres, and the overseas markets."
"We are committed to following through on our capital return commitment to maximize value for our shareholders. To that end, we are pleased to announce that the Board declared a special interim dividend of HK$0.50 and an interim dividend of HK$0.40 per ordinary share for the first half of 2022. Meanwhile, we will continue to operate our business with a strong financial position with RMB3.5 billion in net cash as of June 30, 2022, which will enable us to capitalize on future acquisition, investment and strategic opportunities."
2022 First Half Financial Highlights
- Revenue was RMB4.2 billion, representing a 26.3% increase YoY.
- Revenue from the education business was RMB2.4 billion, representing 56.8% of the Group's total revenue and registering a 71.2% increase YoY.
- Revenue from the games business was RMB1.8 billion, representing 41.9% of the Group's total revenue and registering a 3.9% decrease YoY.
- Gross profit was RMB2.3 billion, representing a 4.0% increase YoY.
- Core segmental profit[1] from the games business was RMB1.0 billion, representing a 6.2% decrease YoY.
- Core segmental loss[1] from the education business was RMB35.7 million, representing an 86.1% improvement YoY.
- Operating Profit was RMB744.6 million, representing a 7.7% increase YoY.
- Non-GAAP operating profit[2] was RMB854.4 million, representing a 13.3% increase YoY.
- EBITDA was RMB877.5 million, representing an 1.6% decrease YoY.
- Non-GAAP EBITDA[2] was RMB1.0 billion, representing an 11.2% increase YoY.
- Profit attributable to owners of the Company was RMB565.1 million, representing a 31.2% increase YoY.
- Non-GAAP profit attributable to owners of the Company[2] was RMB815.8 million, representing a 44.0% increase YoY.
- The Company declared a special interim dividend and an interim dividend of HK$0.50 and HK$0.40 per ordinary share respectively, for the six months ended 30 June 2022.
Segmental Financial Highlights
Education Business
Our education business achieved a record growth rate as its revenue in the first half increased by 71.2% YoY, reaching RMB2.4 billion. Core segmental loss narrowed to RMB35.7 million as we benefit from strong operating leverage and disciplined cost management measures.
We continued to benefit from the accelerating global trend of edtech adoption and the growing emphasis on blended learning. And it has become increasingly clear that IFPD (interactive flat panel displays) is a necessity in every K12 classrooms, without which blended learning is not possible. As a result, the industry saw a phenomenal 71.5% YoY growth in shipment volume of IFPD in the international market during the first half of 2022[4]. As the global market leader in IFPD, we continued to capitalize on the market momentum by delivering 82.5% YoY and 46.9% HoH growth in our volume shipment of IFPD. Not only did we hold the number-one market share globally, we also expanded our market share by 4.1 ppts HoH to 26.0% in the first half[5]. We continued to win in the market as we increased our market share in all of our Top 5 countries by revenue contribution, namely the U.S., Italy, the U.K., Germany and France.
Our gross margin for the education business saw a decline from 30.6% to 25.3% YoY due to higher material and freight cost, and a 4.3% YoY reduction in ASP as we sold down inventory of ActivPanel 7 in anticipation of our new ActivPanel 9 product launch in June. Since the second half of 2021, we have seen materials cost and freight cost trending down as global supply chain challenges started to ease, and as we continued to implement best practice measures on cost management, we have seen margin improvement on a sequential basis. Excluding the tariff impact, our adjusted gross margin for our key subsidiary Promethean increased by 1.3 ppts HoH from 28.6% to 29.9% in the first half of 2022.
We reached a major milestone in product innovation during the first half as Promethean introduced the all-new ActivPanel 9 in June to deliver transformational user experience with enhanced simplicity, connectivity, security, adaptability, and longevity to address the key needs of the educators in a hybrid learning environment. Shipment has started since the official launch, and we expect the new model to continue to drive our future revenue growth. We also stepped up our effort in exploring for software monetization opportunities for our Promethean platform. In June, Promethean entered into a US-based exclusive distribution agreement with leading education AI technology company Merlyn Mind as our first step to leverage our sales network to expand beyond hardware sales into SaaS solutions. At the same time, we are actively pursuing M&A opportunities with the intention to plug in ready-to-monetize software tools into our Promethean platform.
We continued to develop traction with our B2G country-rollout strategy. In Egypt, shipment for the definitive contract signed in Q1 (to supply 94,000 Promethean panels to K-12 schools around the country) is expected to commence in the second half of this year. In China, our priority is focused on our partnership with the National Center for Education Technology ("NCET"), a unit directly under the National Ministry of Education in China, in building the National K-12 Smart Education Platform. Since the launch of this platform on 1st March, the average daily page-view exceeded 40 million and number of registered users reached 21 million, as more and more regions within China are starting to adopt the platform.
Looking forward, we expect 2022 to be a year of exceptional growth. With our new ActivPanel 9, our expanded market leadership position and our operational capability, we believe we are in a strong position to capitalize on the opportunities ahead.
Gaming Business
Revenue of our gaming business decreased by 3.9% YoY to RMB1.8 billion in the first half of 2022, as the macro-economic impact in China has led to more conservative players' spending across our domestic games. Revenue from our PC games decreased by 5.2% YoY due to a relatively larger high-spending players' cohort, while revenue from our mobile games increased by 3.1% YoY.
Revenue from our flagship IP Eudemons decreased by 0.6% HoH and 3.8% YoY. While players' spending has been affected in the short term, we put our focus on driving players' engagement and expanding our paying user base. We launched four expansion packs for our Eudemons games during the first half, and have conducted multiple in-game events and campaigns to drive activities, leading to YoY increase in both MAU and APA (Average Paying Accounts) for the IP. In particular, despite the macro impact on revenue, our Eudemons PC game registered a 34% YoY increase in MAU and a 65% YoY increase in APA. Eudemons Pocket Version, our game with the highest mobile revenue contribution, also delivered a resilient performance with a 7.8% YoY increase in revenue. In addition, we continued to make progress with expanding the influence of the Eudemons IP on the pan-entertainment front by launching its first ever stage play Eudemons Light of Yate in August.
Our Conquer IP delivered stable revenue growth on the back of two expansion packs launched in the first half and our continuous effort to innovate with new gameplay and contents. We continued to focus on expanding the overseas markets for the Conquer IP, and while we maintained a 20.8% YoY gross billings growth in our core market in Egypt, our gross billings from outside of Egypt increased by 57.7% YoY.
We continued to make progress with our new gaming pipeline. In July 2022, we achieved a key milestone for our Under Oath IP as we reached agreement with a renowned global 3A game publisher to launch the overseas game version of this IP in multiple countries starting next year. In addition, we are also excited about the alpha launch of our first Web3 game Neopets Metaverse in August, as we stay on track to bring this popular IP with over 150 million registered users to the Web3 space.
Looking forward, we expect to beta-launch Eudemons Mobile 2 and Neopets Faerie's Hope in the second half of this year, and on top of those, we have a solid pipeline of new games lining up for 2023 and beyond. On the macro side, as China inevitably recovers from the Covid-related economic slowdown and as the gaming industry in China continues to trend towards a positive direction, we believe our gaming business is well positioned to achieve long-term sustainable growth.
Management Conference Call and Webcast
NetDragon's management team will hold a conference call and webcast at 10:00am Hong Kong time on 31st August 2022 to discuss the results and recent business developments.
Details of the live conference call are as follows:
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of NetDragon's website at http://ir.nd.com.cn/en/category/webcast. Participants in the live webcast should visit the aforementioned website 10 minutes prior to the call, then click on the icon for "2022 Interim Results Conference Call and Webcast" and follow the registration instructions.
About NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited
NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 0777) is a global leader in building internet communities with a long track record of developing and scaling multiple internet and mobile platforms that impact hundreds of millions of users, including previous establishments of China's first online gaming portal, 17173.com, and China's most influential smartphone app store platform, 91 Wireless.
Established in 1999, NetDragon is one of the most reputable and well-known online game developers in China with a history of successful game titles including Eudemons Online, Heroes Evolved, Conquer Online and Under Oath. In recent years, NetDragon has also started to scale its online education business on the back of management's vision to create the largest global online learning community, and to bring best-in-class integrated blended learning solutions to every school around the world.
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SOURCE NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited | 2022-08-30T12:40:38+00:00 | wymt.com | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/08/30/netdragon-announces-2022-interim-financial-results/ |
WATSONVILLE, Calif. (AP) — Wet, miserable weather continued across huge swaths of California on Sunday as an atmospheric river that caused major flooding flowed eastward, while a new storm threatened another onslaught of rain, snow and gusting winds as soon as Monday.
The National Weather Service said the next system could exacerbate severe flooding that overwhelmed the area in recent days, prompting a levee failure and widespread evacuations Saturday in farming communities near the state’s central coast.
The new storm is not expected to bring as much rain, but forecasters warned that “considerable flooding” could occur at lower elevations from additional rain and creeks and streams swollen with snowmelt.
“Definitely prepare for some more flooding impacts. The ground is very saturated. We’re already seeing some impacts from some light amounts,” National Weather Service forecaster Eleanor Dhuyvetter said.
A tornado briefly touched down in Tuolumne County during severe thunderstorms Saturday that also dumped an inch (2.5 centimeters) of hail, the weather service office in Sacramento said. Tornadoes were possible again Sunday afternoon, forecasters warned.
Monday’s incoming rain and snow is expected to extend from central California to Oregon and northern Nevada. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph (80 kph) are expected in some places and could damage power lines and snap tree branches.
But the new storm is moving fast, meaning it won’t have time to dump as much rain.
Over the past two days, more than 20 inches (50 centimeters) of snow fell at a measuring station in the Sierra Nevada, and more is expected. The snowpack is now nearly twice the average, and the highest in about four decades, according to UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Lab.
The snowpack stores much-needed water for a state seeking to emerge from a three-year drought.
As much as a foot (30 centimeters) of rain fell in the Big Sur area of the state over a two-day period, weather data.
Authorities suggest that residents have a plan in case further evacuations orders are issued.
Across Monterey County, more than 8,500 people were evacuated Saturday, including roughly 1,700 residents — many of them Latino farmworkers — from the unincorporated community of Pajaro.
“We are still in disaster response mode,” said Monterey County spokesman Nicholas Pasculli on Sunday. He said the county is staging high water rescue teams around the county and opening more shelters in anticipation of more flooding.
Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, is closed at several points along Big Sur as well as near Pajaro due to flooding.
The atmospheric river, known as a “Pineapple Express” because it brought warm subtropical moisture across the Pacific from near Hawaii, was melting lower parts of the huge snowpack in California’s mountains.
Because of the massive flooding over the early weekend, more than 50 people had to be rescued by first responders and the California National Guard. One video showed a Guard member helping a driver out of a car trapped by water up to their waists.
The extent of property damages was still uncertain but Luis Alejo, chair of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, sought help from the state and federal governments.
“The need will be great! Will take months for our residents to repair homes!” he wrote in a tweet Saturday.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared emergencies in 34 counties in recent weeks, and the Biden administration approved a presidential disaster declaration for some on Friday morning. President Joe Biden spoke with Newsom on Saturday to pledge federal support for California’s emergency response, the White House said.
Weather-related power outages affected more than 17,000 customers in Monterey County late Saturday, according to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. By late Sunday morning, about 7,000 were still without electricity.
The governor’s office said it was continuing to monitor the situation in Pajaro.
The Pajaro River separates the counties of Santa Cruz and Monterey. Officials had been working to shore up parts of the river’s levee system when it was breached around midnight Friday into Saturday. Crews began working to fix the levee around daybreak Saturday as residents slept in evacuation centers.
Built in the late 40s to provide flood protection, the levee has been a known risk for decades with several breaches in the 1990s. Emergency repairs to a section of the berm was undertaken in January. A $400 million rebuild is set to begin in 2025.
This week’s storm marked the state’s 10th atmospheric river of the winter, storms that have brought enormous amounts of rain and snow to the state and helped lessen drought conditions. State reservoirs that had dipped to strikingly low levels are now well above the average for this time of year, prompting state officials to release water from dams to assist with flood control and make room for even more rain.
___
Dazio reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers Martha Mendoza in Santa Cruz, California, and Bobby Caina Calvan in New York contributed. | 2023-03-13T01:08:07+00:00 | kron4.com | https://www.kron4.com/news/national/ap-us-news/as-atmospheric-river-exits-another-awaits-to-hit-california/ |
Registration is now open for Open Mainframe Summit with IBM TechXchange
SAN FRANCISCO, July 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Open Mainframe Project, an open source initiative that enables collaboration across the mainframe community to develop shared tool sets and resources, today announced the schedule for the 4th annual Open Mainframe Summit. This year, the premier mainframe event will be co-located with two industry conferences - IBM TechXchange Conference 2023, hosted in Las Vegas on September 11-14; and Open Source in Finance Forum, hosted in New York City on November 1.
The IBM TechXchange Conference offers technical breakout sessions, hands-on experiences, product demonstrations, instructor-led labs, and certifications tailored to your interests and learning style. Open Mainframe Summit will be featured as part of the Community Day on September 11 at the MGM Grand Hotel. Community Day unites diverse IBM user groups and technical communities to foster collaboration, networking and learning.
The schedule for the Las Vegas event includes keynotes about open source, Zowe use cases, diversity in the mainframe community and mentorships. Session presentations include overviews for the COBOL Check, COBOL Programming Course, Feilong, Galasa, the Linux Distributions Working Group and Mainframe Open Education as well as deep dives into Zowe and z/OS open tools.
Some of the sessions include:
- Easy and Modern - Learn COBOL Today - Sudharsana Srinivasan, Advocacy Manager at IBM
- Feilong: The Open Source API for z/VM Automation - Mike Friesenegger, Solutions Architect at SUSE
- Mapping the Face of the Modern Mainframe Workforce: Roles, Skills and Resources - John Lovett, Head of Education and Customer Engagement, Mainframe Division at Broadcom
- Shift Left and Beyond with COBOL Check - Joe Winchester, Senior Technical Staff Member at IBM
- Software Management Automation using Zowe and Ansible - Jan Prihoda, Product Owner at Broadcom
- The z/OS Open Tools Initiative - Mike Fulton, Distinguished Engineer, IBM Z Application Foundation at IBM
- Togetherness of Linux Distributions on the Whole Open Source Software Development Life Cycle - Sarah Julia Kriesch, Senior Consultant at Accenture
- Positioning Legacy ISPF Tools for Tomorrow - Michael Fontanetta, Distinguished Technologist, Senior Director zSystems Product Innovation Engineering at Ensono
- Demystified: Put your Web App on the Zowe Desktop in a Flash - Robert Blum, Senior Software Developer at Phoenix Software International
- Deploying Zowe CLI Configuration throughout your Organization - Gene Johnston, Principal Software Engineer at Broadcom
See the full conference schedule here.
Open Mainframe Project would like to thank this year's Open Mainframe Summit planning committee including Alan Clark, CTO Office and Director for Industry Initiatives, Emerging Standards and Open Source at SUSE; Donna Hudi, Chief Marketing Officer at Phoenix Software International; Elizabeth K. Joseph, Global Head of the OSPO for IBM zSystems at IBM; Len Santalucia, CTO at Vicom Infinity, A Converge Company; Mike Siemasz, Product Marketing Director at Rocket Software; and Rose Sakach, Offering Manager, Mainframe Division at Broadcom, Inc.
Open Mainframe Summit aims to connect and inform all those interested in growing the use of mainframes and related technology in dynamic technical and educational sessions. It is open to students, developers, corporate leaders, users and contributors of projects from around the globe looking to learn, network and collaborate. It will feature content tracks that tackle both business and technical strategies for enterprise development and deployment.
To attend Open Mainframe Summit Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Hotel, register for IBM TechXchange. One registration will give attendees access to all the events for Community Day. Register here.
To learn more about Open Mainframe Summit New York, happening on November 1, click here.
For more about Open Mainframe Project, visit https://www.openmainframeproject.org/.
About the Open Mainframe Project
The Open Mainframe Project is intended to serve as a focal point for deployment and use of Linux and Open Source in a mainframe computing environment. With a vision of Open Source on the Mainframe as the standard for enterprise class systems and applications, the project's mission is to build community and adoption of Open Source on the mainframe by eliminating barriers to Open Source adoption on the mainframe, demonstrating value of the mainframe on technical and business levels, and strengthening collaboration points and resources for the community to thrive. Learn more about the project at https://www.openmainframeproject.org.
About The Linux Foundation
The Linux Foundation is the world's leading home for collaboration on open source software, hardware, standards, and data. Linux Foundation projects are critical to the world's infrastructure including Linux, Kubernetes, Node.js, ONAP, PyTorch, RISC-V, SPDX, OpenChain, and more. The Linux Foundation focuses on leveraging best practices and addressing the needs of contributors, users, and solution providers to create sustainable models for open collaboration. For more information, please visit us at linuxfoundation.org.
The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see its trademark usage page: www.linuxfoundation.org/trademark-usage. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
Maemalynn Meanor
The Linux Foundation
maemalynn@linuxfoundation.org
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SOURCE Open Mainframe Project | 2023-07-13T11:48:53+00:00 | kwch.com | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2023/07/13/open-mainframe-project-announces-schedule-open-mainframe-summit-las-vegas-september-11/ |
(WWLP) – If you are planning to travel this holiday weekend, it’s going to be busy. Air travel is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels.
An estimated 17.7 million travelers are expected to fly to their destinations this fourth of July weekend. The TSA expects nearly 3 million screenings on Friday. That would beat the previous record of nearly 2.8 million set on June 16, and would surpass 2019 numbers.
The TSA says they are staffed and prepared for higher summertime passenger volumes. Along with having technologies resources for improved security effectiveness, efficiency and passenger experience at security checkpoint.
“This is largely due to the funding we received in FY23 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which places all TSA employees on the same pay scale as most other federal employees. With the new pay implementation plan for all TSA employees starting in July, attrition levels at TSA have dropped to historic lows, which means our increased employee retention has resulted in sufficient staffing levels to meet the increased passenger demand throughout the country,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We expect that passenger volumes will continue to grow, and we will continue to work with our industry partners in the transportation network to meet our passenger throughput standards of 30 minutes or less in standard lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck® lanes. We met these standards over 98% of the time so far this year.”
According to TSA, TSA PreCheck will help you to avoid lines at the airport. TSA suggests the following tips for using TSA PreCheck:
- Make sure your boarding pass has the TSA PreCheck mark.
- It’s important for passengers to make sure their Known Traveler Number (KTN) and date of birth are in their airline reservations.
- Teenagers 17 and under can now accompany their parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening if they have TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass.
- When traveling through the TSA PreCheck lanes, children 12 and under can still accompany an enrolled parent or guardian.
Dan Velez, Spokesman for TSA New England told 22News, passengers should also consider what they pack in their bags, because some things are not allowed. “We seen an increase in fireworks. This time of year, probably two weeks leading up to fourth of July is when start to see those things, said Dan Velez, Spokesman for TSA New England. “Fireworks can not fly in your carry on bag or checked bag. They’re considered hazardous material.”
Additionally, firearms and ammunition aren’t allowed in carry-on bags, but they’re allowed in checked bags if they’re properly packed and declared. When traveling with a firearm, passengers must declare it at the airline ticket counter as checked baggage. Travelers should also check their airline’s firearm and ammunition carriage policies before arriving at the airport, since there may be additional requirements.
TSA says passengers with firearms found in carry-on bags will lose TSA PreCheck eligibility for five years, which includes current PreCheck members. Additional screening may be done on those passengers to make sure there aren’t any other threats. Late last year, TSA raised the maximum civil penalty for firearms violations to $14,950. TSA checkpoints may also cite or arrest passengers with firearms in their carry-on bags, depending on city or state laws.
To avoid accidental prohibited items, Velez suggests starting with an empty suitcase. As packing with an empty bag means you’re less likely to get stopped at the security checkpoint for prohibited items. The most common prohibited items at the TSA checkpoint are drinks and food.
TSA also encourages you to be aware of the new checkpoint screening technology. In order to keep the transportation systems secure, the TSA uses a variety of security methods and technologies. Based on available technology and the current threat environment, screening protocols can vary from airport to airport.
- New CT scanners: Some airports have installed state-of-the-art CT scanners that significantly improve threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags and reduce physical searches for prohibited items.
- CT units let Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) view a 3D image of passengers’ bags and reduce physical searches for prohibited items.
- When passengers are screened with CT units, they don’t have to remove their 3-1-1 liquids or laptops, but they have to put their carry-on items in a bin. You should place light items at the bottom of the bin so nothing falls out and causes a bag jam. Because the X-ray tunnel opening on a CT unit is a little smaller than on a traditional X-ray unit, the TSA advises travelers not to force larger items through the tunnel.
- Security screening only allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. TSA encourages passengers to make sure they don’t leave anything behind at the checkpoint if they have more than one bin. Passengers will have to get used to this new screening technology as with any new technology. TSA asks passengers to be patient while the new CT scanners are being installed at some airports.
- Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT): Before passengers go through the AIT, they have to take off everything. An outer layer of clothing with a zipper or buttons to fasten it is considered light outerwear, excluding button-up shirts. Examples include windbreakers and vests, suit/sport coats, blazers, and light jackets. All standard and TSA PreCheck passengers are included.
- Make sure you’ve got an acceptable ID. Adults 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. BThe TSA may use these technologies to verify your identity.
- Credential Authentication Technology (CAT): To strengthen identity verification, TSA deployed CAT units to verify a passenger’s identification credential, flight details, and screening status – without scanning a boarding pass. Passengers just need to show the TSO their acceptable photo ID.
- CAT-2: This is the second generation of CAT, which is now deployed at 25 airports and adds a camera and smart phone reader. The camera takes a real-time photo of the traveler at the podium and compares it with the traveler’s photo on the identification credential.
- CAT-2 confirms the match, TSO verifies and directs traveler for appropriate security screening without exchanging boarding passes. Depending on the situation, TSOs might need to verify more passengers. The photos taken by CAT units are never stored or used for anything else.
- If you don’t want to do facial matching, you can choose an alternative identity verification process instead. TSA explores identity verification technologies, it’s committed to protecting passenger privacy, civil rights, civil liberties, and ensuring the public’s trust.
In TSA PreCheck lanes at 25 airports, you can use your mobile driver’s license (mDL) or digital ID.
June 29 and July 5 are predicted to be the busiest, at all six New England airports. TSA advises passengers to give themselves plenty of time to park, return a rental car, take a shuttle to the airport, check-in with the airline, check bags, and prepare for security. Instead of putting items straight into bins at the conveyor belt, passengers can remove items from pockets and put them in their carry-on bags. It’s best to arrive 90 minutes to two hours before departure. | 2023-06-28T03:22:56+00:00 | wwlp.com | https://www.wwlp.com/news/tsa-expects-busy-july-4th-travel-17-7-million-expected-to-fly-this-weekend/ |
The 2023 Barracuda Championship Odds & Preview: Maximilian Kieffer
The Barracuda Championship is underway, and Maximilian Kieffer is currently in fifth place with a score of -6.
Looking to bet on Maximilian Kieffer at the Barracuda Championship this week? Read on for all the stats and odds you can use before you make your picks.
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Maximilian Kieffer Insights
- Kieffer has finished below par on five occasions, completed his day bogey-free once and finished seven rounds with a better-than-average score over his last 13 rounds played.
- He has recorded a top-five score twice and a top-10 score three times in his last 13 rounds.
- Over his last 13 rounds, Kieffer has finished within three strokes of the best score of the round three times, and within five strokes of the top score of the day on four occasions.
- Kieffer has finished in the top five in one of his past five appearances.
- He has qualified for the weekend in three of his past five events.
- Kieffer has finished with a score better than the tournament average in two of his past five tournaments, including one finish within three shots of the leader.
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Over the last year
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Barracuda Championship Insights and Stats
- Kieffer last competed at this event in 2023 and finished fifth.
- The Tour has played courses with an average length of 7,030 yards in the past year, while Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood) is set for a longer 7,480 yards.
- The average course Kieffer has played i the last year (7,400 yards) is 80 yards shorter than the course he'll be playing this week (7,480).
Kieffer's Last Time Out
- Kieffer finished in the 27th percentile on the 20 par-3 holes at the Genesis Scottish Open, with an average of 3.10 strokes.
- He averaged 3.98 strokes on par-4 holes (of which there were 40) at the Genesis Scottish Open, which was strong enough to place him in the 73rd percentile of the field on par 4s (the tournament average was 4.03).
- On the 12 par-5 holes at the Genesis Scottish Open, Kieffer shot better than 39% of the field (averaging 4.67 strokes).
- Kieffer recorded a birdie or better on two of 20 par-3s at the Genesis Scottish Open (the other participants averaged 1.8).
- On the 20 par-3s at the Genesis Scottish Open, Kieffer had four bogeys or worse (more than the tournament average of 2.4).
- Kieffer carded more birdies or better (six) than the tournament average of 4.9 on the 40 par-4s at the Genesis Scottish Open.
- At that last competition, Kieffer's par-4 showing (on 40 holes) included a bogey or worse three times (better than the field's average, 5.6).
- Kieffer ended the Genesis Scottish Open with a birdie or better on four of the 12 par-5s, more than the field average of 3.6.
- The field at the Genesis Scottish Open averaged 0.6 bogeys or worse on the 12 par-5s, but Kieffer finished without one.
Barracuda Championship Time and Date Info
- Date: July 20-23, 2023
- Course: Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood)
- Location: Truckee, California
- Par: 71 / 7,480 yards
- Kieffer Odds to Win: +5500 (Bet now with BetMGM!)
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All statistics in this article reflect Kieffer's performance prior to the 2023 Barracuda Championship.
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | 2023-07-21T06:49:35+00:00 | wcjb.com | https://www.wcjb.com/sports/betting/2023/07/22/maximilian-kieffer-barracuda-championship-pga-odds/ |
CRANBURY, N.J. (AP) _ Rocket Pharmaceuticals Inc. (RCKT) on Thursday reported a loss of $57.8 million in its third quarter.
The Cranbury, New Jersey-based company said it had a loss of 87 cents per share.
The results fell short of Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of seven analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for a loss of 77 cents per share.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on RCKT at https://www.zacks.com/ap/RCKT | 2022-11-03T22:01:01+00:00 | seattlepi.com | https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Rocket-Pharmaceuticals-Q3-Earnings-Snapshot-17556698.php |
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) began the Animas City Mountain prescribed burn in Durango, Colorado, on Monday, May 8. According to the BLM, 171 acres were successfully burned, and 494 acres are in the planned burn area as ignitions move forward.
Smoke levels will be monitored throughout the burn; for up-to-date air quality reports, visit airnow.gov. Burns will only continue when weather conditions fall within a ‘desirable’ area to continue ignitions safely.
Certain areas will be closed to the public during the ignitions, including all trails, trailheads, and parking lots of the Animas City Mountain, Dalla Mountain Park, Tanque Verde, and X-Rock. | 2023-05-09T18:03:42+00:00 | krqe.com | https://www.krqe.com/news/wildfires/animas-city-mountain-prescribed-burn-to-continue/ |
“The Last of Us” becomes one of HBO Max’s top debuts
Less than a week ago, HBO Max premiered “The Last of Us,” a new TV series based on the bestselling third-person video game released a decade ago for PlayStation 3. The first episode attracted 4.7 million viewers, making it the streaming service’s third-highest debut ever.
While this is great news for HBO Max, it’s hardly a first. Video games have been source material for TV shows and movies since the last millennium. Some of these ventures were wildly successful, while others are best if forgotten. Here is a rundown of some of the iconic video games that made the leap to another screen.
What makes a story idea marketable?
Story ideas can come from anywhere at any time. You could think of one while you are in the shower, walking, driving, reading a short story, reading a comic book, playing a video game or even while watching another movie or TV show. To be marketable, however, that story needs to contain a few specific elements. Ideally, it’s a high-concept story with a well-defined conflict and relatable or intriguing characters with a satisfying conclusion. Beyond that, it needs to fit cleanly in a genre and have a target audience.
Why Hollywood is interested in video games
Entertainment is an investment. TV shows and films are made primarily because someone believes they can make money off of them. Popular video games have already cleared many of the most important marketability hurdles. Namely, they have established an audience in a particular genre. In short, the target audience has already spent money on the game, so it’s a good bet they will flock to a well-made movie or become engaged with a quality TV series.
Why video games are great source materials for movies and TV shows
Besides the financial elements, such as a built-in audience, video games are uniquely suited for transitioning into film and TV shows for creative reasons. Video games have an established storyline with a specific quest or goal. Players are familiar and sympathetic to the character’s plight, especially after having been the character themselves. Also, the style, fashion and other creative details have already been established — a wise creative team won’t change a thing, like giving a hedgehog creepy teeth. In short, all the creative elements are there, so making a TV show or movie from a video game gives a production team a huge head start.
Best video games that became TV shows or movies
Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Kollection
While the movies have been uneven, Mortal Kombat games have always been killer. In this outing, you get to play as Sheeva, Fujin, RoboCop, Spawn, Joker and more. There are also all-new iconic fatalities and stages. Sold by Best Buy and Target
The film starred Milla Jovovich and Tony Jaa, who must battle giant creatures with fearsome powers to survive. The game is set in Kamura Village, and players can hunt solo or at a party to earn rewards to become the ultimate hunter. Sold by Amazon, Best Buy and Target
The 2022 Halo TV series was a hit. And why wouldn’t it be? It was based on the classic first-person shooter game. In the Halo Infinite game, players get to don the armor of the greatest hero to help save humanity. Sold by Amazon, Best Buy and Target
There are so many Resident Evil films and TV shows that it’s hard to keep track of the problems that nasty T-virus is causing. In the latest game, the eighth major installment in the series, players face new challenges, discover familiar faces and have new mysteries to solve. Sold by Amazon, Best Buy and Target
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
While you might not have ever seen it, there was a TV series that aired way back in the late 80s. With the newest game, you can explore Hyrule like never before. Players can live off the land, scavenge weapons, make their own choices and face the consequences. Sold by Amazon, Best Buy and Target
Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet Double Pack
While it seems like the Pokemon anime series has been on TV forever, the video game actually came out one year before the series started. With the newest versions, Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet, you can take classes with teachers or embark on an independent study to gain new experiences and find treasure. Sold by Amazon, Best Buy and Target
Not only has Sonic inspired several animated shows, but there have also been two huge movies. In Frontiers, players race across five massive overworld islands that are filled with secrets and new challenges. The open zone platforming allows you to experience the game in a variety of new ways. Sold by Amazon, Best Buy and Target
The series just started on HBO Max, yet it’s already a hit. Part II is a complex emotional story that will have you rethinking the difference between good and evil. Besides new groups of survivors, this game features horrifying evolutions of the infected. Sold by Amazon, Best Buy and Target
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection
2022’s blockbuster, Uncharted, starred Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg in a thrilling treasure hunter adventure. This video game collection combines cinematic storytelling with highly immersive sights and sounds. You will feel as if you are living the experience. Sold by Amazon, Best Buy and Target
Super Mario 3D World and Bowser’s Fury
With the new Super Mario Bros. Movie coming out in just a few months, excitement for this stalwart from Nintendo is high. To get in the spirit, try this two-pack of popular games: Super Mario 3D World and Bowser’s Fury. Sold by Amazon, Best Buy and Target
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Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | 2023-01-22T19:34:12+00:00 | wboy.com | https://www.wboy.com/reviews/br/sports-fitness-br/recreational-sports-br/video-games-that-were-transformed-into-shows-or-movies/ |
Atlanta Braves hosts 2023 Braves Fest at Truist Park
Published: Jan. 20, 2023 at 10:57 PM EST|Updated: 1 hour ago
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The Atlanta Braves presented by Delta Air Lines hosted the Braves Fest Gala in Truist Park on Friday.
Over 900 Braves fans enjoyed the live entertainment, photo opportunities with the 2021 and 1995 World Series trophies, and auctions to raise funds for the Atlanta Braves Foundation.
The Braves Fest will continue tomorrow with free activities for the entire family throughout Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta.
A full schedule of events for tomorrow’s Braves Fest can be found at www.Braves.com/BravesFest.
Copyright 2023 WANF. All rights reserved. | 2023-01-21T05:05:57+00:00 | atlantanewsfirst.com | https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2023/01/21/atlanta-braves-hosts-2023-braves-fest-truist-park/ |
CANBERRA, Australia — Australia has reversed a previous government's recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel's capital, the foreign minister said Tuesday.
The center-left Labor Party government Cabinet agreed to again recognize Tel Aviv as the capital and reaffirmed that Jerusalem's status must be resolved in peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.
Australia remained committed to a two-party solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, and "we will not support an approach that undermines this prospect," Wong said.
Former conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison formally recognized West Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December 2018, although the Australian embassy remained in Tel Aviv.
The change followed then-U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to shift the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. President Joe Biden has kept the embassy in Jerusalem as the U.S. steps back from its once-intense mediation between the Israelis and Palestinians, who have not held substantive peace talks in more than a decade.
Wong described Morrison's move as out of step internationally and a "cynical play" to win a byelection in a Sydney locale with a large Jewish population.
Morrison's Liberal Party ran Jewish candidate Dave Sharma who was defeated in the byelection but won the seat in the next general election.
Morrison's government was elected out of office in May after nine years in power.
Nasser Mashni, vice president of the human rights group Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, thanked the government for "differentiating itself from the dangerous political posturing of the previous government."
"This reversal brings Australia back into the international consensus — Australia must not pre-empt the final status of Jerusalem," Mashni said in a statement.
"Israel asserts that the entire city is exclusively theirs, denying Palestinian connection to their ancient spiritual, cultural and economic capital," Mashni added.
Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Simon Birmingham did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2022-10-18T05:33:51+00:00 | iowapublicradio.org | https://www.iowapublicradio.org/news-from-npr/2022-10-17/australia-says-it-will-end-its-recognition-of-jerusalem-as-israels-capital |
– Latest accomplishment marks a decade of partner success achieved through Commvault's Partner Advantage Program –
TINTON FALLS, N.J., March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Commvault, an enterprise data protection leader for the complex and mission critical hybrid environments of today's global businesses today announced its prestigious 5-star rating for the Commvault Partner Advantage program in the 2023 Partner Program Guide from CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company.
According to CRN, Commvault earned the 5-star rating for going "above and beyond" in its "commitment to nurturing strong, profitable, successful channel partnerships." Knowing which partners you can trust is critical for the channel community, especially when assessing which IT manufacturers, service providers, and distributors to do business with. Partnering with vendors like Commvault brings with it world-class technology solutions with unmatched breadth and depth, strong financial incentives, sales and marketing assistance, training and certification, technical support, and more – all important elements that can set a vendor apart and play a key role in boosting partners' long-term growth.
In the 2023 CRN Partner Program Guide, vendors were evaluated based on program requirements and offerings such as partner training and education, pre- and post-sales support, marketing programs and resources, technical support, and communication.
Commvault's Partner Advantage program has received a 5-star rating in the CRN Partner Program Guide for the last 10 years. Key tenants of the program center around Commvault's dedication to helping its partners simplify their offerings, solve high-value customer problems to stay competitive, and evolve their business for exponential growth. Through the Commvault Partner Advantage program, partners can leverage Commvault's world-class technology, in-depth tools, and tactical support needed to level up every one of their customer engagements and achieve next-level success—on-prem, in the cloud, at the edge, and everywhere in between.
"I am thrilled to be leading Commvault's Global Partner Organization as we celebrate a decade of 5-star ratings in the CRN Partner Program Guide," said Alan Atkinson, Chief Partner Officer, Commvault. "Our partners are a critical component of our ecosystem, and their feedback is a big part of what drives Commvault forward. We value the caliber of their insight and continue to work side by side with our partners to refine and grow a mutually exclusive world-class partner program."
"In today's world, the need for innovation is greater than ever," said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. "Solution providers seek vendors that can keep pace with their developing business and evolving client needs. CRN's 2023 Partner Program Guide delivers deep insight into the strengths of each program, spotlighting the vendors dedicated to supporting their partner community and pushing positive change throughout the IT channel."
The 2023 Partner Program Guide will be featured in the April 2023 issue of CRN and online at www.CRN.com/PPG.
About Commvault
Commvault (NASDAQ: CVLT) liberates business and IT professionals to do amazing things with their data by ensuring the fundamental integrity of their business. Its industry-leading Intelligent Data Services Platform empowers these professionals to store, protect, optimize, and use their data, wherever it lives. Delivering the ultimate in simplicity and flexibility to customers, its Intelligent Data Services Platform is available as software subscription, an integrated appliance, partner-managed, and software as a service—a critical differentiator in the market. For 25 years, more than 100,000 organizations have relied on Commvault, and today, Metallic is accelerating customer adoption to modernize their environments as they look to SaaS for the future. Driven by its values—Connect, Inspire, Care, and Deliver—Commvault employs more than 2,800 highly-skilled individuals around the world. Visit Commvault.com or follow us at @Commvault.
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SOURCE Commvault | 2023-03-27T21:22:15+00:00 | wsfa.com | https://www.wsfa.com/prnewswire/2023/03/27/commvault-earns-5-star-rating-2023-crn-partner-program-guide/ |
Missing man found dead after camping with friends along Idaho-Oregon border
STECK PARK, Idaho - A Washington man, who vanished during a camping trip with friends, has been found dead near the Idaho-Oregon border.
The Baker County Sheriff's Office said they were notified that 40-year-old Lan Hung Nguyen of Vancouver was found deceased last week. Authorities said an Idaho Power employee located the body in the water near Steck Park.
Investigators said Nguyen walked away from his campsite on May 19 in the late evening hours and did not return.
Volunteers and Nguyen's friends searched for him but were unable to find him.
RELATED: 2 brothers presumed dead in Oregon after raft flips on river
It's believed Nguyen had fallen down an embankment and into the water.
This story was reported from Los Angeles. | 2023-05-30T20:42:18+00:00 | fox6now.com | https://www.fox6now.com/news/missing-man-found-dead-after-camping-with-friends-along-idaho-oregon-border |
Divers in search of cold case closure discover unrelated car in Youghiogheny River
Two YouTubers travel the country searching for closure in cold cases, and dive for lost property or to remove junk and hazards from the waterways.
Two YouTubers travel the country searching for closure in cold cases, and dive for lost property or to remove junk and hazards from the waterways.
Two YouTubers travel the country searching for closure in cold cases, and dive for lost property or to remove junk and hazards from the waterways.
Two divers who search for answers in cold cases led first responders to recover a car from the Youghiogheny River in McKeesport on Wednesday.
See the underwater video: Click the video player above to watch.
They traveled from out of state to dive the river in search of answers in a cold case they said dates back about 50 years.
Jeremy Sides and Adam Brown travel the country searching for closure in cold cases, and dive for lost property or to simply remove junk and hazards from the waterways. Sides’ YouTube channel is “Exploring with Nug,” and Brown’s channel is “Adventures of Adam Brown.”
“We were in town today searching for an old cold case, William Higgins,” Brown said.
Sides and Brown said Higgins went missing in the McKeesport area around 50 years ago.
“We were out here searching the waterways, using sonar technology, trying to find the vehicle, specifically his truck, and it was a longshot because it’s such an old case,” Brown said.
Their find wasn't the '50s model truck they were hoping for.
“Ninety-five percent of the time, we just find stolen vehicles, but it’s still something that’s polluting the waterways. It could be damaging to someone’s boat. It could be harmful to someone swimming, so it’s always good to get,” Brown said.
McKeesport police and local dive teams were called in. Sky 4 with Action Cam captured the effort to pull the car out of the river.
Car pulled from Yough River: See the Sky 4 video above.
“They like us. We like them. We all work together, so it’s a nice big growing team,” Sides said.
Sources said there was no body was found inside the car.
They loaded up their rafts and diving gear, then it’s off to the next search.
“You know there’s a chance that it could be something related to something more serious, a missing person, a murder, anything like that. So, you definitely get a rush,” Sides said.
“It may not be our vehicle. It may be, but it may be linked to some other crime. You don’t know,” Brown said.
Sides and Brown said when they do make a discovery relevant to a cold case, they inform the victim’s family.
McKeesport has not yet shared any information indicating how or why the car ended up in the river. | 2022-07-21T04:08:28+00:00 | wtae.com | https://www.wtae.com/article/mckeesport-youghiogheny-river-divers-find-car/40671669 |
Top Canadian brands continue to deliver more emotionally positive experiences
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Forrester's (Nasdaq: FORR) Canada 2022 Customer Experience Index (CX Index™) reveals that customer experience (CX) quality among Canadian brands has dropped following three years of stability. At the pandemic's start, Canadian brands were able to adapt quickly and transform digital experiences in response to changing customer needs. However, 24% of Canadian brands in this year's CX Index struggled to maintain CX quality over the past 12 months, based on Canadian customers' perceptions of 101 brands surveyed.
While investment firms and retailers both dominated the 2022 elite brands — the top 5% of brands in the entire CX Index — both industries declined in this year's rankings. CX Index data for Canada further reveals that emotion is the most important dimension of CX quality across industries as it shapes customer trust and engenders brand loyalty. This year's elite brands — IG Wealth Management, Well.ca, Etsy, RBC Dominion Securities, and CAA Insurance — delivered more than three times as many emotionally positive experiences for customers compared to other brands. In contrast, customers in the mass market automobile, multichannel bank, credit card, investment firms, and retail industries reported slightly fewer instances of feeling respected, valued, and appreciated — the most impactful positive emotions. Of the six companies that improved most in CX quality, five are in financial services.
"Factors such as supply issues, staffing shortages, and rising costs are contributing to Canadian brands' problems providing customer experiences at the same level as prior years," said Rick Parrish, VP and research director at Forrester. "One of the key reasons for the decline in CX quality across Canadian brands is a drop in delivering emotionally positive experiences. To cement brand loyalty, leaders must put their customers at the forefront of their strategy and operations to prioritize their emotional needs."
Conducted for the seventh year in a row, Forrester's Customer Experience Benchmark Survey, which collects data to calculate Forrester CX Index scores, is based on more than 41,000 Canadian customers across 101 brands and nine industries. Forrester's proprietary Customer Experience Index methodology provides the data and insights needed to assess CX quality, understand how CX impacts loyalty intentions, and prioritize improvements that drive revenue. Even a minor improvement to a brand's customer experience quality can add tens of millions of dollars of revenue by reducing customer churn and increasing share of wallet. Forrester's Customer Experience CX Index rankings and results reports are accessible within the Forrester Decisions portfolio of research services. Clients of Forrester Decisions for Customer Experience and Forrester Decisions for B2C Marketing Executives have access to the CX Index Extended Data Benchmark to help prioritize improvements based on industrywide trends and impact on customer loyalty.
- Read more about the results of Forrester's Canada 2022 CX Index.
- Download Forrester's The Canada Customer Experience Rankings, 2022 report (client access required).
- Learn about Forrester Decisions for CX leaders.
- Check out how to revitalize CX measurement and prioritization.
Forrester (Nasdaq: FORR) is one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world. We help leaders across technology, marketing, customer experience, product, and sales functions use customer obsession to accelerate growth. Through Forrester's proprietary research, consulting, and events, leaders from around the globe are empowered to be bold at work — to navigate change and put their customers at the center of their leadership, strategy, and operations. Our unique insights are grounded in annual surveys of more than 700,000 consumers, business leaders, and technology leaders worldwide; rigorous and objective research methodologies, including Forrester Wave™ evaluations; 70 million real-time feedback votes; and the shared wisdom of our clients. To learn more, visit Forrester.com.
Media Contact:
Ira Kantor
Public Relations
Forrester Research, Inc.
ikantor@forrester.com
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SOURCE Forrester | 2022-06-14T14:47:34+00:00 | kalb.com | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2022/06/14/forresters-canada-2022-customer-experience-index-nearly-25-brands-struggled-maintain-cx-quality-over-past-year/ |
This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Right Attorney Ryan Kiesel about supporters of abortion access dropping the initiative petition on the day they were supposed to start gathering signatures, a judge ruling against Oklahoma in the transfer of a federal inmate for the state to execute and a multitude of changes at Oklahoma City's Western Heights school.
The trio also discusses the ban of TikTok on state-issued devices by Gov. Kevin Stitt and a Mexican consulate for Oklahoma City sometime next year. | 2023-01-05T06:33:47+00:00 | kosu.org | https://www.kosu.org/show/this-week-in-oklahoma-politics/2022-12-16/abortion-access-petition-western-heights-schools-tiktok-ban-and-more |
CHICAGO (AP) — Four years ago, Paul Vallas finished toward the bottom of the pack in a crowded race for Chicago mayor. Trying again, focused this time on crime, he was the top vote getter Tuesday, toppling the incumbent mayor and advancing to an April runoff to lead one of the country’s largest cities.
His new campaign message, concentrated on citizens’ safety and support for the police, resonated with voters in this Democratic city in a way it might not have before the COVID-19 pandemic, when rates of violent crime spiked.
“Public safety is the fundamental right of every American. It is a civil right,” Vallas told a cheering crowd at his victory party. “We will have a safe Chicago. We will make Chicago the safest city in America.”
That would be a tall order. But Vallas, a moderate Democrat endorsed by the police union, is promising what many voters want to hear, including plans to hire hundreds more police.
Those voters will have a choice. In the April runoff, Vallas will face Brandon Johnson, a progressive who is backed by the Chicago Teachers Union and says more money for police and incarceration isn’t the answer to making the streets safer.
Both of them finished ahead of Mayor Lori Lightfoot — 34% for Vallas, 20% for Johnson and 17% for Lightfoot, who was criticized for her response to the increased crime and will depart as the first one-term mayor in Chicago in 40 years.
The city’s election is the latest example of a churn in urban politics in the pandemic’s aftermath. Crime was a top concern for voters in races to lead both New York and Los Angeles, and in San Francisco, a district attorney was recalled after frustration about public safety. Perceptions that Democrats were soft on crime also might have hurt the party during the November midterms in House races in places like New York, where Republicans scored surprisingly strong wins in suburban districts.
It’s an issue that the GOP has hammered on and that has divided Democrats for years, particularly after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in 2020 sparked protests and calls to “defund” the police.
Even as Joe Biden won the presidency in 2020, some moderates complained that the party wasn’t quick enough to denounce the “defund” rhetoric coming from progressive activists.
Biden was able to largely neutralize that line of political attack by declaring to bipartisan applause in his first State of the Union: “The answer is not to defund the police. It’s to fund the police.”
Although his comment drew criticism from some Black Lives Matter activists and others who argue that larger problems with law enforcement persist, national Democrats have mostly been able to put that issue behind them.
But Chicago’s results showed that concern about crime is continuing to resonate down-ballot, especially in urban centers, where steadfast support for Democrats is strongest.
Joe Trippi, a veteran Democratic strategist who is working with Vallas’ campaign, said that in years of working on mayoral races he’s never seen a contest where crime was so overwhelmingly the top issue for voters. Vallas was the only candidate who made it his core focus, he noted, and his success could be a message to other Democrats.
“I think that is important, for Democrats to make clear that you can be a progressive Democrat and make crime and public safety a top priority,” Trippi said, noting that other goals can’t be achieved if people don’t feel safe.
The intraparty debate will be on full display in Chicago’s April 4 mayoral election, with Vallas and Johnson making very different cases to voters.
Like many U.S. cities, Chicago saw violent crime increase during the pandemic, recording a 25-year high of 797 homicides in 2021, though the number decreased last year and the city has a lower murder rate than others in the Midwest, such as St. Louis. There are still major concerns about an increase in robberies and carjackings and a sense that criminals seem to have grown bolder, striking in neighborhoods that haven’t historically been high targets.
Vallas, the only white candidate, performed best Tuesday in predominantly white neighborhoods that are home to large numbers of police officers and other city workers. Johnson, who is Black, did well in white, liberal areas on the city’s north side and got just enough support everywhere else to stay in second, while Lightfoot won areas with higher Black populations on the south and west sides.
Johnson, 46, is a former teacher and union organizer who sits on the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Speaking to supporters Tuesday, he recalled teaching at a school in Chicago’s Cabrini Green, a former downtown public housing complex where students could see through their windows one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city, and having a student tell him he “should be teaching at a good school” instead.
Johnson argues for investing more in mental health care, schools and affordable housing, not more police. He avoided using the word “defund” during the race, and his campaign said he does not want to cut the number of Chicago officers. But after the protests over Floyd’s death, he said on a radio show that defunding is “an actual real political goal,” not just a slogan. He also sponsored a nonbinding resolution on the county board to redirect money from policing and jails to social services.
“We are going to finally retire this tale of two cities,” Johnson said at his own victory party. “No matter where you live, no matter what you look like, you deserve a better, stronger, safer Chicago.”
Vallas, 69, is the former CEO of the Chicago Public Schools and led school districts in New Orleans and Philadelphia. The son of Greek immigrants, he has two sons who were police officers — one of whom is now a firefighter — and was a consultant to the Fraternal Order of Police when the union was negotiating a new contract.
He has called for hiring hundreds more officers, and says many who retired or went to work elsewhere out of frustration with Lightfoot will return if he’s mayor. He wants to return to a community policing strategy, with officers assigned to patrol each of the city’s nearly 300 police beats, and keep schools open on evenings, weekends and holidays so kids have safe places to gather.
Vallas said he wants to rebuild trust between the community and the Chicago Police Department, which is under a federal consent decree to reform its practices after a long history of abuse, particularly in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods.
“I will support our law enforcement officers, but I will also support and have a zero tolerance when it comes to violating the law or violating the Constitution,” he said.
Vallas has dismissed criticism that he is too close to the police union and its controversial leader, who equated Lightfoot’s vaccine mandate for city workers to the Holocaust and voiced support for Jan. 6 insurrectionists. Vallas contends that his endorsement comes from the rank-and-file.
Will Marshall, president and founder of the moderate Progressive Policy Institute, said crime is a vulnerability that Democrats must address, and that avoiding talk of it plays into Republicans’ hands. He said progressives nationally are focused on fighting systemic racism and not making people feel safer.
“These mayors don’t have that luxury,” he said.
___
Weissert reported from Washington. AP chief elections analyst Chad Day contributed from Washington. | 2023-03-02T15:31:45+00:00 | wivb.com | https://www.wivb.com/news/political-news/ap-politics/ap-chicago-mayors-race-shows-impact-of-crime-in-covids-wake/ |
BOKSBURG, South Africa (AP) — The death toll from a toxic gas leak that authorities blamed on an illegal gold processing operation in South Africa rose to 17, including three children, as police removed canisters from a community of closely packed shacks and sifted through evidence Thursday.
The leak of what authorities said was a toxic nitrate gas happened Wednesday night in the informal Angelo settlement in Boksburg, a city on the eastern outskirts of Johannesburg.
The three children who died were ages 1, 6 and 15, police said. At least 10 people were hospitalized, including a 2-month-old baby, two 4 year olds and a 9 year old, according to Panyaza Lesufi, the premier of Gauteng province, who gave an update Thursday.
A statement from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said it was a “devastating and tragic loss of innocent lives.”
Bodies remained on the ground, some of them covered in sheets or blankets, for hours after the gas leak was reported around 8 p.m. Wednesday as emergency service responders waited for forensic investigators and pathologists to do their work.
“It’s not a nice scene at all. … It’s painful, emotionally draining and tragic,” Lesufi was quoted as saying in news reports as he visited the settlement on Wednesday night.
An Associated Press journalist saw a forensic investigator covering the body of a small child with a blanket. Another body, covered in a white cloth with a shoe sticking out, lay under a strip of yellow police tape cordoning off the area. The bodies eventually were removed.
Search teams combed the area deep into the night looking for other possible casualties. Authorities didn’t say if the people engaged in the illegal gold processing thought to have caused the gas leak were among the dead, but police opened a criminal case.
Investigators made their way through narrow alleys between shacks and other makeshift homes that were dark due to a lack of streetlights, a common situation in the deeply impoverished informal settlements found in and around South Africa’s cities.
Emergency services spokesman William Ntladi said the deaths were caused by the inhalation of nitrate gas that leaked from a gas cylinder being kept in a shack where illegal miners were separating gold from rock and dirt. He said the leak had emptied the canister.
Lesufi, the Gauteng premier, tweeted videos that showed the dusty inside of the shack and at least four gas cylinders on metal stands. The footage included what Lesufi said was the cylinder that leaked lying on the floor next to the shack’s entrance.
The search teams concentrated on an area stretching out 100 meters (yards) from the cylinder to check for more dead or injured people, Ntaldi said.
Police later began tearing down the shack, and Lesufi said all gas cylinders were removed from the site.
Illegal mining is rife in the gold-rich areas around Johannesburg, where miners go into closed off and disused mines to search for any deposits left over. They then attempt to process some of that gold in secret, often in makeshift and highly dangerous facilities.
Mining fatalities underground are also common and the South African government department responsible for mining announced recently that at least 31 illegal miners were believed to have died in a gas explosion in a disused mine in the city of Welkom in central South Africa in May. The cause was methane gas, the mining department said.
Wednesday’s tragedy was likely to stoke more anger at illegal miners, who are often migrants from neighboring countries, operate in organized gangs and are blamed for bringing crime into neighborhoods.
Violence against illegal miners erupted last year and raged for days in an area west of Johannesburg after a group of 80 men, some of whom were believed to be illegal miners, were charged with gang raping eight women who were working on a TV shoot at a disused mine.
Boksburg is the city where 41 people died after a truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas got stuck under a bridge and exploded on Christmas Eve.
___
Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa.
___
More AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa | 2023-07-06T18:10:00+00:00 | wboy.com | https://www.wboy.com/news/world/ap-the-death-toll-from-a-south-africa-gas-leak-blamed-on-illegal-gold-processing-has-risen-to-17/ |
One of the auto industry’s worst kept secrets is finally being revealed. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the M performance division, BMW M has created first and only standalone M model since the M1. Oddly, it’s a high-performance plug-in hybrid crossover SUV.
On Tuesday after multiple leaks, the 2023 BMW XM became official with 644 hp, 30 miles of electric driving range, a new V-8 engine, and the automaker’s latest design language. The flagship will cost $159,995 when it arrives in the first fourth quarter of 2023. With its performance and pricing, the XM is aimed squarely at high-performance hybrid versions of the Porsche Cayenne.
New plug-in hybrid powertrain
The XM is powered by a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain producing a combined output of 644 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. A new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 produces 483 hp, while an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission adds 194 hp. The XM will sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph, according to BMW. An optional M Driver’s Package will increase top speed to 168 mph, and in pure electric mode the XM can hit up to 87 mph.
All-wheel drive is standard, but it has a rear power bias via a multi-plate clutch distribution system. The system has 4WD, 4WD Sport, and 4WD Sand modes, with 4WD as the default. The 4WD Sport mode sends even more power to the rear wheels to heighten the rear-wheel bias. The 4WD Sand mode, which can only be turned on with stability control deactivated, engages a traction-optimization program that locks the differential for low-traction situations. The electronically locking rear differential can vary power from side to side to help push the XM around a corner and help curb understeer.
The electrified powertrain was created for real-world motorsports use as the same concept is employed by the automaker’s M Hybrid LMDh race car. The XM will have 30 miles of electric range based on preliminary testing using the EPA test cycle. Official EPA ratings have not been submitted yet. The 25.7-kwh (usable energy) battery pack can be recharged from 0% to 100% in 3.3 hours on a 240-volt outlet via a 7.4-kw onboard charging system.
Drivers will choose from Hybrid, Electric, and eControl driving modes. Hybrid mode, which is the default, will provide full system power and mix the electric motor and gas engine as needed. Electric mode will keep the powertrain running on electricity until the juice runs out, but the gas-powered engine will fire when the transmission is flipped into manual mode or the driver plants the accelerator pedal. The eControl mode will lock out the battery and maintain its state of charge so it can be used for pure-electric driving in urban areas or for later when called upon.
BMW XM: Red Label, but no air suspension
BMW said an XM Red Label model will be the first in a series of limited-edition Red Label models for the XM. Power output increases to 735 hp and 735 lb-ft of torque. Each of the XM Red Label models will feature model-specific paint, wheels, upholstery, and trim. The first will cost $185,995 when production begins in the summer of 2023.
The XM will employ steel springs and adaptive dampers instead of an air suspension. Aluminum components for the double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle will help save weight. BMW noted the XM has near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and high degrees of front and rear wheel camber to aid with handling. However, that is likely offset by the massive 6,062-lb curb weight.
An electromechanical anti-roll bar system is standard. Powered by a 48-volt electric motor and supercapacitors, the system can decouple the fixed connection between each axle’s wheels while driving in a straight line. Around corners the active system can couple to suppress body lean and counteract the forces from the road.
The XM marks the first time an M-badged model features a rear-axle-steering system. The rear wheels turn in either the same or the opposite direction as the fronts depending on road speed. BMW hasn’t detailed the speeds or degrees at which the wheels can turn.
BMWXM: American-made, on sale in late 2023
The XM solidifies BMW’s design direction with the split front lighting design that first debuted on the 2023 7-Series and recently the refreshed 2023 X7. Looking nearly identical to the XM Concept, the XM features massive kidney grilles lit with LED lipstick. Active safety sensors are integrated into the lower front bumper.
Large 23-inch wheels fill the wells, and the rear features a quad exhaust. A depression in the top middle of the tailgate and etched BMW logos at the top of the rear glass pay homage to the M1.
The XM’s cabin will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in a recent BMW. The spartan dashboard features a curved wall of screens and the latest iDrive infotainment system controller on the center console. The two-row XM features seating for five with generous amounts of room for rear seat passengers, according to BMW. Vintage Merino leather trim can be ordered.
The XM will be built the automaker’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
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- Audi teases updated E-Tron | 2022-09-28T03:55:05+00:00 | wnct.com | https://www.wnct.com/automotive/internet-brands/bmw-pays-homage-to-m1-with-uh-ok-644-hp-159995-xm-phev-suv/ |
What happened To Tyre Nichols?
Tyre Nichols, 29, died Jan. 10 — three days after he was pulled over at a traffic stop for “reckless driving.” Authorities said the incident occurred shortly after six officers from the department walked over to the young motorist’s vehicle and demanded he step out of the car.
Bodycam footage captured Preston Hemphill, the only white officer present during the fatal arrest, grabbing Nichols out of the vehicle before he was forced to the ground and given conflicting demands. Hemphill fired a stun gun at Nichols after he managed to escape from the police.
Sadly, the five Black officers caught the young motorist just steps away from his mother’s home. As they fought to detain the father of one, officers used a baton to beat him repeatedly. They used pepper spray and kicked him several times during the violent arrest. Nichols, an aspiring photographer, succumbed to his injuries three days later.
Since the arrest, Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis said her office has found no proof to substantiate claims of Nichols’ “reckless driving.”
On Feb. 1, an emotional funeral service was held to honor Nichols’ life and legacy at the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis. Social justice activist Tamika Palmer, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Rev. Al Sharpton were some of the notable figures that attended the tearful service.
Before his death, Tyre Nichols had worked with his stepfather at FedEx for about nine months, his family said. Relatives described the young motorist as an avid skateboarder who loved photographing sunsets and spending time with his mother.
What happened to the officers involved?
Shortly after the brutal arrest video surfaced, the five Black officers involved; Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, Desmond Mills, and Justin Smith, were fired and charged with second-degree murder, official misconduct, and official oppression.
Hemphill was also terminated from the department for making several violations, including “personal conduct, truthfulness, compliance with regulations concerning a taser and compliance with regulations concerning equipment and inventory,” according to a tweet posted by the Memphis Police Department on Feb. 3.
All the officers were part of a specialized unit called the SCORPION unit. It was swiftly disbanded after news of Nichols’ death made headlines.
Who else was held responsible for Nichols’ death?
Three emergency medical technicians and another lieutenant were fired for failing “to conduct an adequate patient assessment” of Nichols after they arrived at the scene to find Nichols battered and bruised. Authorities said officials waited over 20 minutes to render aid to the young Memphis resident before calling medical assistance.
SEE ALSO:
DOJ To Participate In Independent Review Of Memphis P.D. After Tyre Nichols’ Deadly Attack
Black Caucus Meets With White House On Police Reform In Wake Of Tyre Nichols Murder
The post The Murder Of Tyre Nichols: A Timeline Of Events appeared first on NewsOne.
The Murder Of Tyre Nichols: A Timeline Of Events was originally published on newsone.com | 2023-02-08T18:14:19+00:00 | hot1009.com | https://hot1009.com/3555828/the-murder-of-tyre-nichols-a-timeline-of-events/ |
NEW YORK, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of AbbVie Inc..
Shareholders who purchased shares of ABBV during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.
CONTACT US HERE:
CLASS PERIOD: April 30, 2021 to August 31, 2021
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) safety concerns about Pfizer Inc.'s drug Xeljanz extended to Abbvie's drug Rinvoq and to other Janus kinase enzyme inhibitor drugs; (2) as a result, it was likely that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would require additional safety warnings for Rinvoq and would delay the approval of additional treatment indications for Rinvoq; and (3) therefore, defendants' statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis.
DEADLINE: June 6, 2022 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/abbvie-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=27898&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of ABBV during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is June 6, 2022. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.
WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com
Phone: (646) 453-8903
View original content:
SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | 2022-06-01T10:31:59+00:00 | kalb.com | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-abbvie-inc-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-june-6-2022-nyse-abbv/ |
Nearly a half million people crowded into camps after losing their homes in widespread flooding and the climate minister warned Monday that Pakistan is on the “front line” of the world's climate crisis after unprecedented monsoon rains wracked the country since mid-June, killing more than 1,130 people.
The rains stopped more than two days ago, and floods in some areas were receding. But Pakistanis in many parts of the country were still wading through waters that filled their homes or covered their town's streets as they struggled with how to deal with the damage to homes and businesses.
Climate Minister Sherry Rehman and meteorologists told The Associated Press that new monsoons were expected in September. Monsoons have hit earlier and more heavily than usual since the start of summer, officials say — most recently with massive rains last week that affected nearly the entire country.
Pakistan is accustomed to monsoon rains and flooding, Rehman said, but not like this.
“What we saw recently in the last eight weeks is unrelenting cascades of torrential rain that no monsoon has ever brought with it ever before,” she said.
The heavy rains are the latest in a series of catastrophes that Rehman said are exacerbated by climate change, including heatwaves, forest fires and glacial lake outbursts. The damage reflects how poorer countries often pay the price for climate change largely caused by more industrialized nations. Since 1959, Pakistan is responsible for only 0.4% of the world’s historic CO2 emissions. The U.S. is responsible for 21.5%, China for 16.5% and the EU 15%.
“Climate knows no borders and its effects can be disproportionately felt," Rehman said. "When you see low-pressure systems coming from the Bay of Bengal, they hit us before anyone is. So we’re on the front line of a global crisis.”
The National Disaster Management Authority said floods this summer have killed more than 1,136 people and injured 1,636 as well as damaging 1 million homes. At least 498,000 people in the country of 220 million are in relief camps after being displaced, it said. Many more displaced are believed to be living with relatives, friends or outside.
International aid was starting to flow into Pakistan, and the military was helping distribute aid to remote areas and evacuate those who had lost their homes. Authorities were starting the long effort of rebuilding roads and restarting railways. The floods destroyed more than 150 bridges and numerous roads have been washed away, making rescue operations difficult.
In the southeastern town of Shikar Pur not far from the Indus River, Rehan Ali dug up bricks from the collapsed walls of his home, nearly completely destroyed by lashing storms and waters that raged through. His family’s possessions were strewn around outside.
The 24-year-old laborer said he cannot rebuild without government help and can’t work now because of the turmoil. “I don’t even have anything to feed my family. I lost everything. I don’t know where to go. God help me,” he said.
Arif Ullah, an official at the Pakistan Meteorological Department, told the AP that more rains will continue to lash parts of Pakistan next month.
Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif on Monday said the rains so far have been the heaviest Pakistan has seen in three decades.
“I saw floodwater everywhere, wherever I went in recent days and even today,” Sharif said in the town of Charsadda in the northeast of the country. Some 180,000 people in the town have been evacuated after the Swat River overflowed and swamped nearby communities.
Sharif has said the government would provide housing to all those who lost their homes.
But many of the displaced have lost not just homes, but also crops and businesses.
“I am sitting with my family in a tent, and how can I go out to work? Even if I go out in search of a job, who will give me any job as there is water everywhere,” asked Rehmat Ullah, a flood victim in Charsadda.
Zarina Bibi said soldiers evacuated her by boat. She broke down in tears as she recounted how her house collapsed in the floods.
“We were given a tent and food by soldiers and volunteers,” she said. “Floodwater will recede soon, but we have no money to rebuild our home.”
At least 6,500 soldiers were deployed to help, and authorities said they were using military planes, helicopters, trucks and boats to evacuate people from marooned people and deliver aid to them.
However, many displaced complained they were still waiting for help. Some said they got tents but not food.
Pakistani authorities say this year’s devastation is worse than in 2010, when floods killed 1,700 people. Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, Pakistan’s military chief, said Sunday that his country may take years to recover. He appealed to Pakistanis living abroad to generously donate to the flood victims.
Cargo planes from Turkey and the United Arab Emirates began the flow of international aid, landing in Islamabad on Sunday with tents, food and other daily necessities. The United Nations will launch an international appeal for Pakistani flood victims on Tuesday in Islamabad.
The flood wreckage has hit Pakistan at a time when the country faces one of its worst economic crises, narrowly avoiding a default. Later on Monday, the International Monetary Fund’s executive board approved the release of a much-awaited $1.17 billion for Pakistan, Pakistan's Information Minister Maryam Aurangez told the AP. The announcement was a big relief for the country. | 2022-08-29T19:39:34+00:00 | kjrh.com | https://www.kjrh.com/news/national/pakistan-floods-leave-wrecked-lives-half-million-in-camps-over-1-000-dead |
Veterans and Military Families for Progress (www.vmfp.org) endorses these candidates in the upcoming 2022 Elections
Published: Oct. 31, 2022 at 3:15 PM CDT|Updated: 45 minutes ago
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Military members reintegrating into the civilian job market need access to educational benefits and job training opportunities. Support of legislation addressing these goals is critical.
Veterans, active duty, and military families will be well-served with their election to the offices of President, US Senate or Representative, and State Governor.
Veterans and Military Families for Progress is a 501(c)(4) non-partisan, not-for-profit, tax-exempt Veterans' organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.
SOURCE Veterans and Military Families for Progress
The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc. | 2022-10-31T21:00:56+00:00 | kwch.com | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2022/10/31/veterans-military-families-progress-wwwvmfporg-endorses-these-candidates-upcoming-2022-elections/ |
LINVILLE, N.C. – Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is welcoming guests to celebrate the beauty of this season by partaking in the Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble, a series of guided strolls that showcase the park’s blossoming rhododendron and other native species.
The rambles take place at 1 p.m. daily May 27 through June 3. These short, guided strolls are led by the park’s naturalists and are included with the price of admission. If the rhododendrons continue to bloom beyond early June, Grandfather Mountain naturalists will extend the event dates.
“The Rhododendron Rambles are a great way for guests to see where the various species are currently blooming here while also learning about the ecological significance of these plants and ways to identify them,” said Lauren Farrell, interpretation and education programs manager for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “They provide a unique opportunity to take in the sights of this scenic season and to delve deeper into the mountain’s diverse flora.”
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The daily rambles culminate on Sunday, June 4 with an all-day ramble from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. that includes children’s activities and educational programming on the mountain’s rare blossoms.
The full schedule of the day’s events is listed below:
• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Interpretive Tables in the Wilson Center and Top Shop
• 12 p.m.: Guided Ramble Starting at the Wilson Center
• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Rhododendron Naturalist Talk in the Sun Room
• 1 p.m.: Guided Ramble Starting at the Wilson Center
• 2 p.m.: Guided Ramble Starting at the Wilson Center
• 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: Children’s Programming in the Wilson Center
• 3 p.m.: Guided Ramble Starting at the Wilson Center
The annual blooms bring out some of the most colorful hues that guests can see on the mountain. Many of the pink-purple blossoms come courtesy of the Catawba rhododendron, a species that is common across the Blue Ridge Mountains but is accentuated when viewed against Grandfather’s immense backdrop.
Catawba rhododendron flourish at higher elevations and cooler temperatures. This native species generally blooms from late May to mid-June, based on its location within the park, and is currently lining several trails with its natural splendor.
A much rarer species, the pink-shell azalea, reached its peak bloom earlier in May. Its cousin, the flame azalea, appears to glow in vibrant shades of yellow and orange and can be seen now blooming alongside Split and Sphinx Rocks.
The rosebay rhododendron with its light-pink flowers is the last to bloom in June and may be in its early stages toward the lower elevations in the park during the Rhododendron Ramble. To learn more about the park’s rhododendron, visit www.grandfather.com/the-remarkable-rhododendron-ramble.
Due to its wide range of elevation – a nearly 1,000-foot change from base to peak – Grandfather Mountain provides viewers with a longer window of opportunity to see the beautiful rhododendron in bloom. That said, once they bloom, this species’ flowers can be here one day and gone the next, especially if a heavy rain rolls in.
Fortunately, the Rhododendron Rambles take place when many of the park’s wild rhododendron are blossoming and offer guests the chance to learn something unexpected.
Grandfather Mountain is operating under its extended summer hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with last entry at 5:30 p.m. and trails closing at 6 p.m. Guests are strongly encouraged to book their visit in advance at www.grandfather.com/tickets.
The nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation strives to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com. | 2023-05-28T23:58:50+00:00 | greensboro.com | https://greensboro.com/community/rockingham_now/news/the-remarkable-rhododendron-ramble-to-kick-off-at-grandfather-mountain-on-may-27/article_a4dbb8de-fda5-11ed-9006-9b0719677920.html |
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tyus Jones, filling in for Ja Morant, had 24 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 16 and the Memphis Grizzlies withstood a second-half San Antonio rally to beat the Spurs 121-113 on Monday night.
Tre Jones led the Spurs with 18 points while Josh Richardson added 16 points. Romeo Langford and Jakob Poeltl finished with 13 points each as the Spurs lost their second straight and fifth in the last six.
San Antonio, which trailed by 16 in the first half, made a dent in the Memphis advantage in the third quarter, pulling withing six points on several occasions. The Spurs would erase the lead early in the fourth on consecutive baskets from Richardson. Turnovers were hurting Memphis as the Spurs extended the lead to five points. From there, the two teams exchanged leads.
After the game was tied at 109 near the midway point of the fourth, Memphis clicked off an 11-2 rally to create enough of a buffer for its seventh straight win.
San Antonio shot well in the first half, connecting at almost 50%, including making 5 of 12 from outside the arc. The problem was, Memphis was hitting at a 60% clip, including 7 of 13 from 3-point range, resulting to a 72-61 lead at the break.
TIP-INS
Spurs: Keldon Johnson missed his second game with left hamstring tightness. ... Have lost six straight on the road.
Grizzlies: Have won eight straight in the series. ... Jackson had five blocks in the game.
SPURS TIME FOR DANNY GREEN
Grizzlies forward Danny Green, who played eight seasons with the Spurs, has not seen action this season as he recovers from left knee surgery after an injury suffered in last season’s playoffs. Asked what he remembered about Green’s time with the Spurs, coach Gregg Popovich replied: “He played more then, that’s for sure.” Then he added that Green was the “consummate pro.”
“He was a big part of what we did,” Popovich added of the time Green was in San Antonio. “He was always one of the team favorites. ...He’s easy to be around. Got a great sense of humor. Just a good guy.”
UP NEXT
The two teams play the second game of the series on Wednesday.
___
More AP NBA coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports | 2023-01-10T04:41:00+00:00 | washingtonpost.com | https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nba/grizzlies-withstand-late-rally-to-defeat-spurs-121-113/2023/01/09/f6887026-9097-11ed-90f8-53661ac5d9b9_story.html |
LOS ANGELES — Robbie Anderson walked out of the locker room wearing a jacket that said “Lover Boy” on the back. When it comes to matters between the Carolina Panthers wide receiver and his coaches, things appear to be far from hunky-dory.
Anderson was sent off the field and into the locker room by coach Steve Wilks during the second half of the Panthers' 24-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Wilks, named the team's interim coach after Matt Rhule was fired last Monday, did not elaborate on why he made the decision to end Anderson's day early.
“It was a sideline-type situation and that's something we will discuss as we further get into the week,” Wilks said.
Anderson was close with Rhule. The seventh-year receiver played for Rhule in college at Temple, and signed with the Panthers in 2020 when Rhule became coach.
During the first half, Anderson got into an argument with receivers coach Joe Dailey. He was on a stationary bike early in the third quarter before sitting alone on a cooler.
Anderson came off the field late in the third quarter when he again exchanged words with Dailey. That was the last straw for Wilks, who got between the two and banished Anderson to the locker room.
Anderson said he wasn't happy being taken out on third down and expressed his displeasure.
“It's third down, it's a money down. I don’t think I should be okay with that (being taken out),” Anderson said. “So I made a comment on why I was taken out.
“Honestly, I was confused because I have never been told get out of the game. And, you know, upset by that. Nobody that is a true competitor would be OK with that."
Instead of quickly leaving the locker room or refusing interviews, Anderson decided to address things from the podium in the postgame interview room. Both Wilks and Anderson said they had not talked after the game.
“I don’t want anyone to have misconceptions. I’ve had moments of controversy where I didn’t speak up for myself,” Anderson said.
Anderson had been in for 89% of the Panthers' plays during the first five games, second most among the team's receivers. After having five catches for 102 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown, in the opener against Cleveland, Anderson had only eight catches for 104 yards.
Anderson though was a non-factor against the Rams. He was not targeted on any of his 23 snaps as Wilks devoted most of his game plan to getting running back Christian McCaffrey involved since third-string QB PJ Walker got the start due to an ankle injury to Baker Mayfield.
McCaffrey, who along with Anderson has been the subject of trade rumors, did not address what happened on the sidelines because he said he did not see it.
Wilks tried to keep shift focus back on the rest of his team. He did not address Anderson's future when asked if the receiver would play next week against Tampa Bay.
The Panthers (1-5) have dropped three straight.
“You know everybody is being evaluated, as well as myself. So we've got to figure out what’s going to be the right chemistry to put out on the field,” Wilks said. “And, most importantly as coaches, we got to come up with the right game plan.”
Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. | 2022-10-18T02:52:23+00:00 | wcnc.com | https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nfl/panthers/robbie-anderson-carolina-panthers-los-angeles-rams-steve-wilks-joe-dailey-argument/275-b9a50c68-d26f-4d15-a819-42f6a66cdef7 |
WFO MIDLAND/ODESSA Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, September 1, 2022
_____
AREAL FLOOD ADVISORY
Flood Advisory
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
419 PM CDT Thu Sep 1 2022
...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 730 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
* WHERE...A portion of western Texas, including the following
counties, Borden and Scurry.
* WHEN...Until 730 PM CDT.
* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Water over roadways.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 419 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to
thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly in the advisory area. Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of
rain have fallen.
- This includes the following streams and drainages...
Mooar Creek, Clear Fork, Grape Creek, Little Bull Creek, Glen
Creek, Mesquite Creek, Bull Creek, Canyon Creek, Deep Creek,
Sulphur Creek, Gavett Creek, Tobacco Creek, South Fork Deep
Creek, Colorado River, Bluff Creek, Crooked Creek, Hullem
Creek, Dry Run, Fivemile Creek and Gopher Creek.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Snyder, Gail, Fluvanna, Randalls Corner, Knapp, Winston Field
and Hermleigh.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law
enforcement and request they pass this information to the National
Weather Service when you can do so safely.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | 2022-09-01T22:20:36+00:00 | seattlepi.com | https://www.seattlepi.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-MIDLAND-ODESSA-Warnings-Watches-and-17413683.php |
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TUPELO • Writers in Northeast Mississippi have a new opportunity to hone their craft with a community of fellow wordsmiths.
The Mississippi Writers Guild recently opened a new Tupelo-based chapter, the first of its kind in the area. The chapter will meet on the first Saturday of every month at the Lee County Library.
Meetings are free to attend and are open to all writers or those interested in writing.
Meredith Biesinger, head of the Tupelo chapter, said the nonprofit Mississippi Writers Guild has never had a Tupelo chapter. She’s excited to spearhead efforts to form a community of writers within the city.
“It’s a really neat opportunity to open that up to writers in our area,” she said.
During each of the chapter’s hour-long meetings, attendees will have opportunities for workshopping, networking, and sharing ideas with fellow community members. Meetings also include a new guest speaker each month, ranging from local authors and publishers to yoga instructors to help with writing posture.
Biesinger emphasized the community building aspects of the guild. Meetings allow writers a place to connect and bounce off each other and a place to network with people who have hands in many projects.
“I think when we go through that creative process we go through, it’s great to have people around you who are like-minded and support you,” Biesinger said.
The guild also holds an annual Mississippi Writers Guild Conference, which Biesinger says they plan to begin again in spring of 2023.
The Guild’s Board of Directors comprises renowned Mississippi writers, as well as a Board of Advisors which is composed of the chapter heads. Members of each board are involved with different writing projects across the state.
The Mississippi Writers Guild began in 2005 and currently has nine chapters across the state. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Chapters range from the south, the Jackson area, the Hattiesburg area, as well as, now, more of north Mississippi.
“Our goal is for there to be a Mississippi Writers Guild chapter in every area of the state,” Biesinger said. “Writers need other writers — a dedicated community to celebrate (and commiserate) with.”
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | 2022-08-09T09:26:27+00:00 | djournal.com | https://www.djournal.com/lifestyle/arts-entertainment/pen-pals-mississippi-writers-guild-opens-tupelo-chapter/article_810356c3-39b8-5ffb-9e61-6280142859a6.html |
Travel company pledges support and activates platform for online donations
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announced a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross as the nonprofit provides critical disaster relief to communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
In addition, the Las Vegas-based company activated an online giving platform to empower anyone wishing to make an immediate donation to the American Red Cross. To donate, please visit HERE.
The nonprofit has more than 500 volunteers in the hardest-hit areas in Florida, providing lifesaving assistance including shelter, food, water and other relief supplies for more than 60,000 victims. Hundreds of evacuation centers are open, providing shelter to more than 10,000 people displaced by the hurricane.
"Our hearts are with everyone grappling with the destruction carved out by Hurricane Ian," said John Redmond, Allegiant's CEO. "As we confront difficult days ahead, we cannot forget the incredible resiliency that has been demonstrated by the people of Florida. Time and time again, we have seen first responders, volunteers, Allegiant team members and entire communities step up to help. With this donation, we hope to make a difference to Florida residents impacted by this storm."
In addition to serving 10 airports throughout Florida, Allegiant is building Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, near Punta Gorda Airport. The community was among those hardest hit by the storm. Other Allegiant communities impacted by the storm include St. Pete-Clearwater, Orlando-Sanford, Sarasota Bradenton, Key West and Jacksonville.
"The Red Cross is thankful for Allegiant's generous donation, which enables us to provide shelter, food and comfort to families and communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian," said Elizabeth Penniman, vice president of communications at the American Red Cross.
The greatest needs during these times are funds, blood donations and volunteers, according to the American Red Cross. However, monetary donations are the most efficient way to make a difference immediately. For that reason, Allegiant and the American Red Cross activated a "microsite," an online platform for disaster relief donations. To donate, please visit HERE. Through this initiative, Allegiant has previously raised hundreds of thousands of dollars after hurricanes wreaked havoc on communities where Allegiant employees live and work.
The American Red Cross anticipates a great need for additional volunteers in the next 30 to 60 days. For more information, please visit this website. Additionally, people are asked to participate in community blood drives during this time of urgent need for donors. Click here to schedule an appointment to give blood.
Anyone affected by Hurricane Ian needing a safe place to go can find information for open Red Cross shelters on redcross.org, the Red Cross emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with the people, places and experiences that matter most. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant's fleet serves communities across the nation, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information, including photos, is available at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF
Media Contact
Phone: 702-800-2020
Email: mediarelations@allegiantair.com
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SOURCE Allegiant Travel Company | 2022-09-30T23:35:30+00:00 | wsfa.com | https://www.wsfa.com/prnewswire/2022/09/30/allegiant-gives-100000-american-red-cross-hurricane-relief/ |
COMPTON, Calif. — Irene Arce isn't proud of her past. She served time for armed robbery, grand theft auto, and assault and battery.
“I don’t believe in that way of life. And I haven’t for a long time. You know, it’s time to make a change," she said.
Approximately 77 million Americans, 1 in 3 adults, have a criminal record. At any given time, 2 million people sit in prison. Every year, nearly 600,000 are released, but within three years, more than half of them are arrested again.
RELATED: From convict to computer coder
Gina Boyer, a program manager for Second Chance San Diego, said there are different paths to success outside of jail.
“People, I think, equate success to going back to work or going to school, getting a job. We’re not really addressing some of the other root causes of the dysfunction in their lives," she said.
Second Chance San Diego is among the growing number of programs nationwide that combine job training with support for healing.
Alma Backyard Farms sits on the edge of Compton. Its small staff consists of those with criminal records.
Richard Garcia, the farm's co-founder, wanted to grow produce in a well-known food desert. But he also wanted to show how it looks when those reentering society are given the space to do so with grace.
“Time hasn’t really stopped in the outside world, and I think we overlook kind of the gentleness with having to help people adjust,” Garcia said.
Arce is more than a decade removed from her past. She still attends therapy and support groups. Even on a day when wind gusts hit 30 mph, she seeks peace on the farm.
“I'm not ashamed to admit that I need therapy. I'm not ashamed to admit that sometimes I need to be in a therapeutic setting. Sometimes I need to just shut my brain off and I need to just do something positive,” Arce said.
California is blazing a path for many. The state just received clearance to provide those who are set to be released with benefits and a care package funded by Medicaid. Under federal law, Medicaid can’t be used on those in jail. California is the first of 15 states to apply for a waiver. It will help roughly 200,000 people annually.
But the farm is its own example of an evolving understanding of a massive community. There will always be paths from Compton to the coast. There will always be paths from one’s past to peace.
“I can just take a walk through here. I can prune something. I can harvest something. And that will instantly help change my around and impact my mood,” Arce said, “To hang on to hope, even if it's with your last finger, you hang on to hope. You know, hope will work itself out for you.” | 2023-04-06T19:14:27+00:00 | kgun9.com | https://www.kgun9.com/news/national/two-americas/formerly-incarcerated-individuals-find-mental-health-solace-in-unusual-setting |
1955 warrant in Emmett Till case found, family seeks arrest
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A team searching the basement of a Mississippi courthouse for evidence about the lynching of Black teenager Emmett Till has found the unserved warrant charging a white woman in his 1955 kidnapping, and relatives of the victim who initiated the hunt want authorities to finally arrest her nearly 70 years later.
A warrant for the arrest of Carolyn Bryant Donham — identified as “Mrs. Roy Bryant” on the document — was discovered last week inside a file folder that had been placed in a box, Leflore County Circuit Clerk Elmus Stockstill told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Documents are kept inside boxes by decade, he said, but there was nothing else to indicate where the warrant, dated Aug. 29, 1955, might have been.
“They narrowed it down between the ‘50s and ‘60s and got lucky,” said Stockstill, who certified the warrant as genuine.
The search was started by the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation and included two members of Till’s family: Cousin Deborah Watts, head of the Foundation; and her daughter, Teri Watts. They want authorities to use the warrant to arrest Donham, who at the time of the slaying was married to one of two white men tried and acquitted just weeks after Till was abducted from a relative’s home, killed and dumped into a river.
“Serve it and charge her,” Teri Watts told the AP in an interview.
Donham set off the case in August 1955 by accusing the 14-year-old Till of making improper advances at a family store in Money, Mississippi. A cousin of Till who was there has said Till whistled at the woman, which flew in the face of Mississippi’s racist social codes of the era.
Evidence indicates a woman, possibly Donham, identified Till to the men who later killed him. The arrest warrant against Donham was publicized at the time, but the Leflore County sheriff told reporters he did not want to “bother” the woman since she had two young children to care for.
Now in her 80s and most recently living in North Carolina, Donham has not commented publicly on calls for her prosecution. But Teri Watts said the Till family believes the warrant accusing Donham of kidnapping amounts to new evidence.
“This is what the state of Mississippi needs to go ahead,” she said.
District Attorney Dewayne Richardson, whose office would prosecute a case, declined comment on the warrant but cited a December report about the Till case from the Justice Department, which said no prosecution was possible.
Contacted by the AP on Wednesday, Leflore County Sheriff Ricky Banks said: “This is the first time I’ve known about a warrant.”
Banks, who was 7 years old when Till was killed, said “nothing was said about a warrant” when a former district attorney investigated the case five or six years ago.
“I will see if I can get a copy of the warrant and get with the DA and get their opinion on it,” Banks said. If the warrant can still be served, Banks said, he would have to talk to law enforcement officers in the state where Donham resides.
Arrest warrants can “go stale” due to the passage of time and changing circumstances, and one from 1955 almost certainly would not pass muster before a court, even if a sheriff agreed to serve it, said Ronald J. Rychlak, a law professor at the University of Mississippi.
But combined with any new evidence, the original arrest warrant “absolutely” could be an important stepping stone toward establishing probable cause to initiate a new prosecution, he said.
“If you went in front of a judge you could say, ‘Once upon a time a judge determined there was probable cause, and much more information is available today,’” Rychlak said.
Till, who was from Chicago, was visiting relatives in Mississippi when he entered the store where Donham, then 21, was working on Aug. 24, 1955. A Till relative who was there at the time, Wheeler Parker, told AP that Till whistled at the woman. Donham testified in court that Till also grabbed her and made a lewd comment.
Two nights later, Donham’s then-husband, Roy Bryant, and his half-brother, J.W. Milam, showed up armed at the rural Leflore County home of Till’s great-uncle, Mose Wright, looking for the youth. Till’s brutalized body, weighted down by a fan, was pulled from a river days later in another county. His mother’s decision to open the casket so mourners in Chicago could see what had happened helped galvanize the building civil rights movement of the time.
Bryant and Milam were acquitted of murder but later admitted the killing in a magazine interview. While both men were named in the same warrant that accused Donham of kidnapping, authorities did not pursue the case following their acquittal.
Wright testified during the murder trial that a person with a voice “lighter” than a man’s identified Till from inside a pickup truck and the abductors took him away from the family home. Other evidence in FBI files indicates that earlier that same night, Donham told her husband that at least two other Black men were not the right person.
___
Reeves reported from Newnan, Georgia.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | 2022-06-29T21:03:48+00:00 | wlbt.com | https://www.wlbt.com/2022/06/29/1955-warrant-emmett-till-case-found-family-seeks-arrest/ |
The Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling in Murphy vs. NCAA ushered in a new era of legalized sports betting in the U.S., allowing states to establish their own sports wagering laws.
Despite opposition from the major sports leagues, the high court overturned a federal law – the 1992 Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act – that had barred betting on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states.
With the ruling came a new approach to how the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL associate with the industry.
Each league prohibits its employees and players from betting on their own games. But there are variations.
Here’s a look at how the leagues operate:
IS ANY FORM OF GAMBLING BY PLAYERS PERMITTED BY THE LEAGUES?
Yes, but with caveats.
In the preamble of its 2018 gambling policy the NFL states, “Gambling, particularly on NFL games or other sports, presents potential risks to the integrity of our competition and can negatively impact team cohesion.”
But that same policy goes on to outline that, “All NFL Personnel other than Players are further prohibited from placing, soliciting, or facilitating bets on any other professional (e.g., NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA, USTA, MLS), college (e.g., NCAA basketball), international (e.g., World Baseball Classic, World Cup), or Olympic sports competition, tournament or event.”
NFL players and personnel are not allowed to engage in gambling in NFL facilities, disclose any nonpublic NFL information, enter a sportsbook during the NFL season, or maintain any social, business or personal relationships with sports gamblers.
But they can place non-sports wagers at legally operated casinos and horse or dog racing tracks on their personal time, including during the season.
The NBA constitution doesn’t expressly forbid players from betting on other sports.
According to Major League Baseball’s 2019 policy on sports betting, “Baseball personnel may place legal bets on sports other than baseball or softball in jurisdictions in which sports betting is legal, provided that the person placing the bet is eligible under applicable law to place the wager.”
The NHL only prohibits players from gambling on league games.
WHAT ARE THE PUNISHMENTS FOR VIOLATORS OF LEAGUE GAMBLING RULES?
Anyone associated with MLB found to have violated its Rule 21, which prohibits bets placed on baseball games that don’t involve their teams, faces fines and a yearlong suspension. A permanent ban — like the one infamously given to Pete Rose — is imposed on anyone associated with the league who bets on a game they are involved in.
A person also could face penalties for failing to report any attempted gambling rule violations, including attempts by anyone who tries to solicit them to manipulate or fix a game.
The NBA’s constitution and bylaws give broad authority to the league commissioner to punish any player who “directly or indirectly, wagers money or anything of value on the outcome of any game played by a team in the league operated by the Association.” After the accused has had a chance to answer the charges, “the decision of the Commissioner shall be final, binding and conclusive and unappealable.”
The penalties could include a fine, suspension, expulsion and/or perpetual disqualification from further association with the NBA.
In its most recent collective bargaining agreement, the NHL only mentions gambling once, saying, “Gambling on any NHL Game is prohibited.” That same document also empowers the commissioner to discipline players for off-ice conduct. Potential penalties for those violations include fines, suspension, expulsion or cancellation of the player’s contract.
The NFL outlines in its gambling policy that the commissioner or his designee will decide violations of policy “on a case-by-case basis.” Violations deemed detrimental to the league could also subject the involved team or person to penalties including fines, termination of employment or banishment from the NFL for life.
HAVE ANY ATHLETES BEEN DISCIPLINED SINCE THE 2018 SUPREME COURT DECISION?
Yes, and the list is growing.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus, Lions safety C.J. Moore and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney are sidelined for the entire 2023 season for placing bets on NFL games. Lions wide receivers Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams each received six-game suspensions for wagering on non-NFL games in NFL-operated facilities.
In December, New York Jets receivers coach Miles Austin was suspended for a year for betting on non-NFL sports.
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season for gambling on NFL games; he was later traded from Atlanta to Jacksonville and was reinstated. In November 2019, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Josh Shaw was suspended for gambling on an NFL game; he has not played in the league since.
WHAT PARTNERSHIPS DO THE LEAGUES HAVE WITH GAMBLING COMPANIES?
Each of the four major North America sports leagues has partnerships with technology companies and sportsbooks which allow them to use official league data in their betting products as well as use the leagues’ various logos and branding in advertisements.
NHL and MLB players are also now allowed to enter ambassador roles with gambling companies, with restrictions limiting agreements to the players engaging in promotional or marketing appearances for the brands.
Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid became the first player to sign such a pact in 2022 and appeared in an advertisement for BetGM alongside hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.
Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies signed a similar deal with MaximBet last year, but the company has since gone defunct.
The NBA Players Association allows players’ images and likenesses to appear in sportsbook advertising.
NFL personnel are prohibited from using or allowing others to use their name or image directly “to promote, advertise, or publicize gambling-related enterprises” or “making personal, promotional appearances on behalf of any entity in a casino gaming area or sportsbook.”
DO PLAYERS RECEIVE MONEY FROM THE LEAGUES’ ASSOCIATIONS WITH GAMBLING?
In an open letter on Oct. 27, 2021, NFL Players Association President JC Tretter defined the revenues players are entitled to under the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement, saying they included all television deals, ticket sales, concessions, league sponsorships, local media deals and “yes, even gambling revenues are included as part of our share of revenue.” Under CBA terms, players receive a minimum of 48% of all league revenue.
Prior to the NBA Players Association’s recent agreement with the NBA on a new collective bargaining agreement, players were entitled to a 50-50 split in revenue. But that excluded revenues from gambling on NBA games or those generated by casinos or gambling businesses.
It’s unclear how or if those terms will change in the new pact agreed to in April.
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2023-04-26T12:10:30+00:00 | seattletimes.com | https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/college/a-look-at-sports-gambling-rules-among-big-4-pro-leagues/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all |
National Subscription Meal Delivery Service Adds Customizable Keto Meal Plan to Impressive Selection of Doctor-Designed, Chef-Prepared Meals
NAPLES, Fla., July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned meal delivery service, bistroMD, added a Keto program to their robust offerings of nutritious, scientifically-supported meal plans. Joining the company's Signature (Men's/Women's), Heart Healthy, Gluten Free, Diabetic Friendly, and Menopause plans, the Keto Flex plan offers users weight loss without the confines of a highly restrictive diet or the time constraints of meal prep and cooking. All bistroMD programs are designed by Chief Medical Officer and co-founder, Dr. Caroline Cederquist to meet the unique nutritional foundation she developed throughout 30 years of working with patients to achieve holistic health, weight loss, and overall wellness.
The ketogenic (keto) diet is a high-fat diet with severely restricted carbohydrate intake. While the traditional keto diet is highly restrictive, bistroMD's Keto Flex plan offers a happy medium. It's the company's lowest carbohydrate plan with entrees averaging 15-20 grams of net carbohydrates per meal. This doctor-approved program is both flexible and effective at improving blood sugar, heart health, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as well as detoxing from sugar and managing cravings. On bistroMD's Keto Flex plan, positive health benefits are accomplished while avoiding common, unsettling side effects of the traditional keto diet, such as the keto flu, constipation, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
"For many who try keto, the diet is a dramatic shift in eating habits that asks us to give up a lot. Restrictive diets like these are not necessary and they negatively impact our long-term health. Recent research shows that moderate carbohydrate diets, like bistroMD's Keto Flex, are just as effective as ultra-low-carb diets," says Dr. Cederquist. "Ultimately, healthy eating is about finding the right eating habits for you and your lifestyle. If people want to try keto, we would like them to do so in a more sustainable way that supports, not hinders, their long-term health and wellness goals."
BistroMD's Keto Flex plan is available in the contiguous United States. A full meal program consisting of seven breakfasts, seven lunches, and six dinners starts at $220. Access to dietitians and an online support community is included in membership. For more information about bistroMD and the Keto Flex plan, please visit bistromd.com.
BistroMD is a subscription service that provides prepared ready-to-eat, gourmet meals, specifically designed for optimal weight loss and long-term weight management. Founded in 2005 by physician, Dr. Caroline Cederquist, bistroMD is consistently ranked #1 in diet meal delivery. Operating with the belief that "food is medicine," it is bistroMD's passion to provide consumers with delicious, good-for-you food to cure their weight-related ailments. BistroMD's meal programs allow for customization and can accommodate special dietary needs including diabetic, gluten free, heart healthy, keto, and low sodium diets. With over 150 meals to choose from, bistroMD is the best weight loss program for individuals who are looking to lose weight but do not want to compromise on good quality food.
Media Contact: Melissa Cederquist, melissa.cederquist@bistromd.com
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SOURCE BistroMD | 2022-07-06T09:41:10+00:00 | wafb.com | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2022/07/06/bistromd-announces-new-keto-flex-meal-program/ |
Request unsuccessful. Incapsula incident ID: 262000921317919260-2903558549659850501 | 2023-01-10T12:44:16+00:00 | bizjournals.com | https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2023/01/10/louisville-housing-market-stability.html |
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas’ power grid operator asked residents Tuesday to voluntarily cut back on electricity due to anticipated record demand on the system as a heat wave kept large swaths of the state and southern U.S. in triple-digit temperatures.
On the last day of spring, the sweltering heat felt more like the middle of summer across the South, where patience was growing thin over outages that have persisted since weekend storms and tornadoes caused widespread damage.
In the Mississippi capital, some residents said Tuesday that they had been without power and air conditioning for almost 100 hours, which is longer than the outages caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Entergy Mississippi, the state’s largest electric utility, said its crews had worked 16-hour shifts since Friday, but some officials expressed doubts about its preparedness.
High temperatures in the state were expected to reach 90 degrees (32 degrees Celsius) on Tuesday.
“The delay in restoring power has caused significant hardship for their customers and it is unacceptable,” said Brent Bailey, a member on the Mississippi Public Service Commission, the state’s energy regulator.
The request by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which serves most of that state’s nearly 30 million residents, was its first of the year to cut energy consumption. ERCOT said it was “not experiencing emergency conditions,” but it noted that the state set an unofficial June record on Monday for energy demand.
In the oil patch of West Texas, temperatures in San Angelo soared to an all-time high of 114 degrees (46 degrees Celsius) on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Many Texans have been skeptical of the state’s grid since a deadly 2021 ice storm knocked out power to millions of customers for days. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has said improvements since then have made the grid more stable, but those improvement efforts continue to draw scrutiny.
In neighboring Oklahoma, more than 100,000 customers were eagerly awaiting the restoration of power and air conditioning following weekend storms that downed trees and snapped hundreds of utility poles. Officials say at least one person in Oklahoma has died because of the prolonged outages, which could last into the weekend for some residents.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Tuesday declared a state of emergency because of the weekend’s storms, citing damage from the weather and “numerous” downed power lines.
In Louisiana, more than 51,000 electricity customers were still without power Tuesday because of the storms that damaged more than 800 structures around Shreveport alone, according to Mayor Tom Arceneaux. Officials said more than a dozen major transmission lines were still awaiting repairs.
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Associated Press writers Michael Goldberg in Jackson, Mississippi, and Andrew DeMillo in Little Rock, Arkansas, contributed to this report. | 2023-06-21T09:58:02+00:00 | wate.com | https://www.wate.com/news/national/ap-us-news/texas-power-grid-asks-customers-to-cut-electricity-use-as-heat-wave-scorches-southern-us/ |
BEIJING, May 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zhihu Inc. ("Zhihu" or the "Company") (NYSE: ZH; HKEX: 2390), a leading online content community in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.
First Quarter 2023 Highlights
- Total revenues were RMB994.2 million (US$144.8 million) in the first quarter of 2023, representing a 33.8% increase from the same period of 2022.
- Net loss was RMB179.0 million (US$26.1 million) in the first quarter of 2023, narrowed by 70.9% from the same period in 2022.
- Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP)[1] was RMB120.2 million (US$17.5 million) in the first quarter of 2023, narrowed by 67.3% from the same period of 2022.
- Average monthly active users (MAUs)[2] reached 102.4 million in the first quarter of 2023, compared with 101.6 million in the same period of 2022.
- Average monthly subscribing members[3] reached 14.9 million in the first quarter of 2023, representing a 116.0% increase from the same period of 2022.
"We are pleased to report a strong first quarter of 2023, with impressive revenue growth and another quarter of significantly narrowed loss. Our user growth reaccelerated during this quarter, and in March our MAUs surpassed 110 million, driven by our diverse content formats and enriched consumption scenarios. Our paid membership revenue reached the historical high while vocational training revenue continued to grow rapidly, as we extended our user coverage beyond the Zhihu community and deepened our services along the industry value chain. Our outstanding performance is a testament to our continued innovation in content community development and integration of cutting-edge AI technology." said Mr. Yuan Zhou, chairman and chief executive officer of Zhihu.
Mr. Henry Sha, chief financial officer of Zhihu, added, "We outperformed this quarter by beating market consensus in terms of both top line and bottom line. Our total revenues for the quarter increased by 33.8% year over year to RMB994.2 million, driven by robust growth in both paid membership and vocational training businesses, and our gross margin expanded to 51.5% from 45.1% in the same period last year. We also achieved RMB59.9 million operating cash flow during the first quarter. It is the first time that Zhihu generates positive operating cash flow since its initial public offering. We will continue to focus on our core business development and remain prudent in exploring potential opportunities."
First Quarter 2023 Financial Results
Total revenues were RMB994.2 million (US$144.8 million) in the first quarter of 2023, representing growth of 33.8% from RMB743.2 million in the same period of 2022.
Marketing services revenue[4] was RMB392.1 million (US$57.1 million), compared with RMB444.1 million in the same period of 2022. The decrease was primarily due to the challenging macroeconomic environment.
Paid membership revenue was RMB454.8 million (US$66.2 million), representing a 105.2% increase from RMB221.7 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to the continued growth of our average monthly subscribing members which reached 14.9 million from 6.9 million in the same period of 2022.
Vocational training revenue was RMB107.0 million (US$15.6 million), representing a 170.6% increase from RMB39.5 million in the first quarter of 2022. The significant increase was primarily attributable to our further enriched online course offerings and the revenue contributions from our recently acquired businesses in the period.
Other revenues were RMB40.3 million (US$5.9 million), representing a 6.3% increase from RMB37.9 million in the same period of 2022. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to the increased sales of our private label products and book series.
Cost of revenues increased by 18.2% to RMB482.0 million (US$70.2 million) from RMB407.7 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in content and operating costs to enhance our content attractiveness, as well as an increase in payment processing costs in connection with our revenue growth, partially offset by the decrease in cloud services and bandwidth costs resulting from our improved technology efficiency.
Gross profit was RMB512.2 million (US$74.6 million), representing a 52.7% increase from RMB335.5 million in the same period of 2022. Gross margin expanded to 51.5% from 45.1% in the same period of 2022, primarily attributable to our enhanced monetization efforts and the improvement of cloud services and bandwidth utilization efficiency.
Total operating expenses decreased by 25.9% to RMB729.0 million (US$106.1 million) from RMB983.7 million in the same period of 2022.
Selling and marketing expenses decreased by 12.0% to RMB445.6 million (US$64.9 million) from RMB506.6 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to more disciplined promotional spending and decrease in salaries and welfare expenses.
Research and development expenses increased to RMB183.0 million (US$26.6 million) from RMB166.5 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in the salaries and welfare of research and development personnel, as well as the increased spending in technology innovation.
General and administrative expenses decreased by 67.7% to RMB100.4 million (US$14.6 million) from RMB310.6 million in the same period of 2022, primarily due to lower share-based compensation expenses recognized and the decrease in professional service fees.
Loss from operations decreased by 66.6% to RMB216.7 million (US$31.6 million) from RMB648.2 million in the same period of 2022.
Adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP)[1] decreased by 60.7% to RMB157.3 million (US$22.9 million) from RMB400.7 million in the same period of 2022.
Net loss decreased by 70.9% to RMB179.0 million (US$26.1 million) from RMB614.3 million in the same period of 2022.
Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP)[1] decreased by 67.3% to RMB120.2 million (US$17.5 million) from RMB367.4 million in the same period of 2022.
Diluted net loss per American Depositary Share ("ADS") was RMB0.30 (US$0.04), compared with RMB1.02 in the same period of 2022.
Cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and short-term investments
As of March 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and short-term investments of RMB6,257.7 million (US$911.2 million), compared with RMB6,261.5 million as of December 31, 2022.
Share Repurchase Program
The Company announced a share repurchase program in May 2022 under which the Company may repurchase up to US$100 million of Class A ordinary shares or ADSs for a 12-month period, which was approved by shareholders at the Company's annual general meeting held on June 10, 2022. As of March 31, 2023, approximately 6.9 million Class A ordinary shares (including Class A ordinary shares underlying the ADSs) had been repurchased on both the New York Stock Exchange and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the program for a total price of US$17.8 million.
The board of directors of the Company has approved to extend the share repurchase program until June 10, 2024, which is subject to the shareholders' approval for granting a general mandate to the board of directors to repurchase shares and/or ADSs of the Company not exceeding 10% of the total number of issued shares of the Company as of the date of such approval at the forthcoming annual general meeting of the Company.
Conference Call
The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 7:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on May 24, 2023 (7:30 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong time on May 24, 2023).
All participants wishing to join the conference call must pre-register online using the link provided below. Once the pre-registration has been completed, each participant will receive a set of dial-in numbers, a passcode, and a unique registrant ID which can be used to join the conference call. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time.
Participant Online Registration: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10179092/f976dce55c
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.zhihu.com.
A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately one hour after the conclusion of the live call, until May 31, 2023, by dialing the following telephone numbers:
About Zhihu Inc.
Zhihu Inc. (NYSE: ZH; HKEX: 2390), a leading online content community in China where people come to find solutions, make decisions, seek inspiration, and have fun. Since the initial launch in 2010, we have grown from a Q&A community into one of the top comprehensive online content communities and the largest Q&A-inspired online content community in China. For more information, please visit https://ir.zhihu.com.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure
In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjusted loss from operations and adjusted net loss, to supplement the review and assessment of its operating performance. The Company defines non-GAAP financial measures by excluding the impact of share-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions and the tax effects of the non-GAAP adjustments, which are non-cash expenses. The Company believes that the non-GAAP measures facilitate comparisons of operating performance from period to period and company to company by adjusting for potential impacts of items, which the Company's management considers to be indicative of its operating performance. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating the Company's consolidated results of operations in the same manner as it helps the Company's management.
The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. The use of the non-GAAP measures has limitations as an analytical tool, and investors should not consider it in isolation from, or as a substitute for analysis of, our results of operations or financial condition as reported under U.S. GAAP. For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the tables captioned "Unaudited Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release.
Exchange Rate Information
This announcement contains translations of certain Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars were made at a rate of RMB6.8676 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of March 31, 2023 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to," or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China:
Zhihu Inc.
Email: ir@zhihu.com
Piacente Financial Communications
Helen Wu
Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
Email: zhihu@tpg-ir.com
In the United States:
Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Phone: +1-212-481-2050
Email: zhihu@tpg-ir.com
View original content:
SOURCE Zhihu Inc. | 2023-05-24T10:39:43+00:00 | kalb.com | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2023/05/24/zhihu-inc-reports-unaudited-first-quarter-2023-financial-results/ |
COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cult-favorite bag brand The Brown Buffalo, founded by renowned designer Douglas Davidson, has announced their first-ever collaboration. They will be joining forces with the popular men's gear brand and retailer Huckberry to produce a limited edition collection.
For those that don't know, The Brown Buffalo was originally founded as a design and consulting firm in 2005 by Douglas Davidson. Although they now produce their own line of beloved products, they still do much consulting and design work for a variety of brands, including major companies such as Nike, Adidas, Head Porter, Burton, Bellroy, HydroFlask, and The North Face, among others. The Brown Buffalo's designs are focused on timelessness, functionality and high-quality, rather than seasonal trends.
The Brown Buffalo is also responsible for the creative community Canvasworker, which teaches creative classes in beginner and intermediate bag making to encourage and educate a new generation of designers. The classes are taught by Davidson and fellow designer Marc Schatalow. Canvasworker is also the new name and identity for Doug Davidson's design studio.
Huckberry is a combination men's gear store and online adventure magazine, founded by Andy Forch and Rich Grenier. The pair opened the brand in 2011 after they realized there was a gap in the market for what they described as, "25-year-old guys who lived in the city but lived for the outdoors." They offer a curated selection of outdoor and everyday gear targeted toward male audiences and presented side-by-side with informative and inspirational content in a variety of categories for the modern man, including adventure, gear, wellness, and even food and drink.
The collaboration between The Brown Buffalo and Huckberry will feature a 3-piece collection including some of The Brown Buffalo's most popular products. Among these will be a limited Huckberry edition of The Brown Buffalo's flagship backpack, the "Concealpack." All three pieces in this collection will be constructed with the water-resistant DWR-Coated X50 Dimension-Polyant® fabric beloved by fans of the brand and will feature the MULTICAM® Tropic design typically used for U.S. Military Special Forces gear.
Like all of The Brown Buffalo's hand-crafted products, this limited edition collection was produced in the US, at their Costa Mesa, CA manufacturing facility, and will be subjected to the same rigorous testing and design standards that make the brand beloved by Veterans, Active Duty Operators, Athletes, Photographers, and Every-Day Carry Professionals. The Brown Buffalo's products are designed for versatility and durability, as well as timeless aesthetic appeal, and this collection will be no different. The collaboration between The Brown Buffalo and Huckberry has also teased a variety of innovations and unique details introduced just for this collection.
The cultish following of The Brown Buffalo combined with the carefully curated style of Huckberry is sure to lead to a collaboration that fans of both brands will love. "We're really excited to partner with Huckberry; one of our favorite retailers, and arguably an important brand in its own right," says Douglas Davidson, Brown Buffalo Founder. "This is our first official collaboration, and we couldn't have picked a better partner. What a fun project."
This limited edition collaboration will release exclusively on Huckberry.com on September 6.
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SOURCE The Brown Buffalo | 2022-09-01T15:37:19+00:00 | kxii.com | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/01/brown-buffalo-partners-with-huckberry-an-ultra-limited-edition-collection/ |
China's communist party is choosing its leaders for the next five years. The party faces extraordinary challenges both inside and outside China — particularly when it comes to the U.S. and Taiwan.
Copyright 2022 NPR
China's communist party is choosing its leaders for the next five years. The party faces extraordinary challenges both inside and outside China — particularly when it comes to the U.S. and Taiwan.
Copyright 2022 NPR | 2022-10-21T09:51:49+00:00 | upr.org | https://www.upr.org/2022-10-21/taiwan-is-caught-in-the-middle-of-escalating-tensions-between-the-u-s-and-china |
Starbucks illegally withheld wages and benefits from unionized baristas, the National Labor Relations Board alleged in a complaint Wednesday.
“We’ve been clear in that we are following NLRB rules when it comes to unilaterally giving benefits,” Reggie Borges, a Starbucks spokesman, wrote in an email.
The NLRB seeks back payments and benefits for unionized workers since May and to require Schultz to read a statement to workers about their union rights.
This is a developing story. It will be updated. | 2022-08-25T01:09:43+00:00 | washingtonpost.com | https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/08/24/starbucks-raises-nlrb-complaint/ |
Gas prices spiked up.
Looks as though gas companies want us to vote the straight Republican (sometimes called white nationalist, misogynistic) ticket.
— Edgar Ross, Scotts Valley
The Sentinel welcomes your letters to the editor. Letters should be short, no more than 150 words. We do not accept anonymous letters. Letter-writers should include their full name as well as a street address and telephone number. We don’t publish those details in the newspaper, but need the information for verification purposes. Occasionally, we reject letters simply because we’ve had so many on the same subject. Submit your letters online at www.santacruzsentinel.com/submit-letters. | 2022-10-02T15:31:28+00:00 | santacruzsentinel.com | https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2022/10/02/letter-another-gas-price-spike-a-political-ploy-for-gop/ |
LOS ANGELES, June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SESAC Performing Rights hosted its annual Film & Television Composer Awards at the Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, California, on Thursday, June 2. The invitation-only event was attended by some of the industry's top executives, publishers, and composers. The awards dinner honored SESAC's top composers in the categories of film, network television, local television, cable television, and streaming media.
"This year seems particularly special, as we join together to celebrate the achievements of our writers," said Erin Collins, SESAC's Vice President of Film, Television, and Developing Media. "We're thrilled to have some new faces and honored to represent our legacy composers. We are always humbled by the incredible talent and accomplishments of our composers and grateful we can come together as a community to celebrate their successes."
Christophe Beck was honored for his film composition of Free Guy, while Andy Grush and Taylor Stewart – The Newton Brothers – were honored for The Forever Purge. In other categories, several television composers including Danny Lux, Gabriel Mann, and Jon Ehrlich, took home awards, recognizing the compositions to some of the industry's most popular shows to include A Million Little Things, Grey's Anatomy, Manifest, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Drew Barrymore Show, and many more.
For a fill list of honorees, click here.
SESAC Performing Rights is the second oldest PRO in the U.S. It drives efficiency in licensing for music users and enhances value for its affiliated writers, publishers, and composers by providing timely, efficient royalty collection and distribution. SESAC represents thousands of top-tier songwriters and film composers from a broad range of genres including artists such as Adele, Christophe Beck, Rosanne Cash, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Lalah Hathaway, Kesha, Gabriel Mann and many more. SESAC Music Group is a leader and innovator in music licensing that administers public performance, mechanical, and other rights through SESAC Performing Rights and its affiliates including The Harry Fox Agency, Rumblefish, and Mint Digital Services. SESAC Music Group has offices in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, London and Munich.
Media Contact:
Jenna Smith
SESAC Inc.
jsmith@sesac.com
615.932.7905
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SOURCE SESAC Music Group | 2022-06-07T14:43:05+00:00 | wymt.com | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/sesac-honors-music-composers-publishers-annual-event/ |
Woman missing from Ohio found dead in Pittsburgh, officials say
PITTSBURGH (WOIO/Gray News) – A missing woman from Cleveland, Ohio, was found dead in the backyard of a home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Police officials said 23-year-old Adrianna Taylor died from a gunshot wound to the head, WOIO reported.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office launched an investigation Saturday into the woman’s death. Officials have not said when or how Taylor got to Pittsburgh at this time.
According to WOIO, Taylor was officially listed as missing by Cleveland police on Nov. 13. Her family previously said they hadn’t heard from her since Oct. 8.
Police officials had previously said she was living with her boyfriend in Cleveland.
Officials said the investigation will be in the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cleveland and the Cleveland Division of Police.
Copyright 2022 WOIO via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | 2022-11-28T18:50:06+00:00 | witn.com | https://www.witn.com/2022/11/28/woman-missing-ohio-found-dead-pittsburgh-officials-say/ |
Mahalo for supporting Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Enjoy this free story!
A new ocean cargo container terminal at Honolulu Harbor long deemed a crucial state project supporting economic growth is on track for completion in early 2024 after nearly two decades of work that has included major delays.
The $526 million project on 84 acres of state land that was once an Army shipping and warehouse base known as Kapalama Military Reservation is expected to expand container handling capacity by 40% at the state’s largest commercial port to address overcrowding and improve efficiency in maritime commerce critical to Hawaii’s economy.
All the work, being done by construction firm Kiewit under two contracts with the state Department of Transportation, is being paid for by the state using bonds and recouped through harbor user fees.
However, state officials are being encouraged to seek federal funding for other potential harbor improvements that typically don’t receive federal transportation funding, like state airports and highways.
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono got a tour and update of the container terminal project Monday and encouraged DOT officials to compete for grants available through two federal spending bills recently enacted by Congress, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. “We are all working together to make that happen,” she said at the container terminal site to an audience of state officials, Kiewit representatives and others.
Jade Butay, DOT director, said he appreciates Hirono’s support and the availability of federal funding for state harbor work. “We are grateful for the discretionary grant opportunities,” he said.
Hawaii historically has had a difficult time winning such grant awards because of cost-benefit analysis that tends to favor projects in other states with bigger populations and lower costs.
The need for a new container cargo facility was identified as early as 1989 in the Honolulu Waterfront Master Plan, though earnest planning for the current project began in 2005.
Work to date has included environmental studies,
planning, permitting and relocating roughly 80 commercial tenants that had leased property on the site from the state, which acquired the area shortly after the Army ceased most military operations there in the late 1980s.
In 2014, after a key environmental review had been completed, DOT anticipated being able to finish the terminal project in 2016.
Later, after a contract
was awarded in 2017 for the project’s first phase, completion of the new terminal in two phases was projected for this year.
The initial phase of construction on inland areas, which have been raised
by 3 feet to protect against sea level rise, was finished about eight months ago
at a cost of $174 million.
A second phase with piers along the water’s edge along the Ewa end of Honolulu Harbor is costing
$352 million.
The new terminal and pier space are being built to alleviate severe congestion on Sand Island where Hawaii’s two main domestic ocean cargo transportation firms, Matson Inc. and Pasha Hawaii, share 130 acres of pier and terminal space.
Relocating Pasha to the new Kapalama Container Terminal also will accommodate business growth as Hawaii’s economy expands. About 80% of everything consumed in the state is
delivered by ship.
Another benefit from the project will allow Pasha to move containers needing neighbor island delivery to interisland cargo transportation firm Young Brothers on adjacent land without driving containers down Sand Island Access Road and Auiki Street. This new connection is expected to service about 50,000 truckloads per year, according to state officials.
State officials once projected that existing cargo terminal space at Honolulu Harbor would begin to
constrain economic growth by 2020 if not expanded, though two economic downturns over the past 20 years reduced the project’s urgency somewhat. | 2022-10-04T10:28:08+00:00 | staradvertiser.com | https://www.staradvertiser.com/2022/10/04/hawaii-news/harbor-cargo-capacity-expansion-slated-for-2024-completion/ |
UNITED NATIONS — The U.S. and its Western allies clashed with Russia at the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday over responsibility for a deadly missile strike in Poland near the Ukrainian border, an event the U.N. political chief called “a frightening reminder of the absolute need to prevent any further escalation” of the nine-month war in Ukraine.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the council: “This tragedy would never have happened but for Russia’s needless invasion of Ukraine and its recent missile assaults against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure.” Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia countered, accusing Ukraine and Poland of trying “to provoke a direct clash between Russia and NATO.”
The U.S. and Albania had called for a council update on the situation in Ukraine last week, and the meeting was dominated by Tuesday’s missile strike in Poland that killed two farm workers.
Nebenzia pointed to statements by Ukraine’s president and Polish officials initially indicating Russia was responsible. NATO’s chief and Poland’s president said Wednesday there is no indication it was a deliberate attack, and was likely a Soviet-era projectile launched by Ukraine as it was fending off Russian missiles and drones that savaged its power grid and hit residential buildings.
U.N. Undersecretary-General for political affairs Rosemary DiCarlo told the council that it was Russia’s “most intense bombardments” since its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, and the impact “can only worsen during the coming winter months.”
She reiterated that attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international law, noted that “heavy battles” are continuing in eastern Donetsk and Luhansk and told council members “there is no end in sight to the war.” She also warned that “as long as it continues, the risks of potentially catastrophic spillover remain all too real.”
Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. envoy, called the barrage of more than 90 missiles that rained down on Kyiv and other cities and targets devastating civilian infrastructure “a deliberate tactic” by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“He seems to have decided that if he can’t seize Ukraine by force, he will try to freeze the country into submission,” she said.
Poland’s U.N. Ambassador Krzysztof Szczerski told the council “those innocent people would not have been killed if there had been no Russian war against Ukraine.” And Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward said: “We should be clear that this is a tragedy that indisputably stems from Russia’s illegal and unjustified invasion. And it’s inhumane assault on civilians across Ukraine.
But Russia’s Nebenzia said he wanted to remind those blaming Russia that what Moscow calls its “special military operation” wouldn’t have been needed if the Minsk agreements after the upheaval in Ukraine in 2014 that called for a degree of self-rule for the Russian-backed separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in the east had been fulfilled, and hadn’t led to an eight-year war.
Addressing the West, Nebenzia also said there would be no military action “if you had not interfered and did not supply Ukraine with weapons and ammunition” and encouraged Ukraine “to strive for peace on realistic terms rather than fuel its feverish fantasies about the possibility of victory over Russia, for the sake of which the Zelenskyy regime is senselessly throwing tens of thousands of its soldiers into the meat grinder.”
As for the missile attacks, Nebenzia said, “If you reacted to the terrorist actions of the Ukrainian special forces against Russia, we would not be forced to conduct precision strikes on infrastructure.”
“But since you’re acting as you’re acting, while the Kyiv regime is taking credit for non-existent military prowess, we are forced to achieve the goals set for the special military operation by weakening the military potential of Ukraine,” he said.
Britain’s Woodward strongly disagreed, telling the council, “We are in no doubt that Ukraine will prevail in the face of Russia’s aggression.”
Pointing to the Russian withdrawal from the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, she said, “The liberation of Kherson shows the strength, courage and determination of the Ukrainian people to defend their right to sovereign equality and territorial integrity guaranteed under the U.N. Charter.”
“It is and remains a war of choice, a pure act of unprovoked aggression and the attempt to grab territory. This war must end not expand, and Russia started it, Russia must put an end to it,” Hoxha said. | 2022-11-17T00:58:59+00:00 | washingtonpost.com | https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/us-and-russia-clash-over-responsibility-for-missile-strike/2022/11/16/fb3d1944-660f-11ed-b08c-3ce222607059_story.html |
Surfer ‘having nightmares’ following shark bite requiring 50 stitches
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (WPTV) - A surfer in Florida says a shark bit him while in the water near Pepper Park Beach over the previous weekend.
“It was a big animal, and it took a chomp out of my foot,” Matt Picarelli said. “And it immediately left.”
Picarelli said he rushed out of the water as others helped him.
“It was bleeding everywhere. So, I had a bunch of strangers helping me out, giving me water and putting pressure on the wound,” Picarelli said.
The Florida surfer said his wound needed 50 stitches once at the hospital. He also suffered a broken tendon.
“It didn’t look good,” Picarelli said.
Now, he’s recovering from the physical wounds but said the bite keeps replaying in his mind.
“I’ve been having nightmares about it with sharks coming towards me and biting me, attacking me,” Picarelli said.
The surfer said everyone in the ocean knows about the dangers of sharks but he is staying optimistic while planning to return to the water.
“I’ve surfed my entire life. I love the ocean. So, I don’t see myself not going back in after this,” Picarelli said.
Copyright 2023 WPTV via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | 2023-03-18T20:51:10+00:00 | wnem.com | https://www.wnem.com/2023/03/18/surfer-having-nightmares-following-shark-bite-requiring-50-stitches/ |
WFO LOS ANGELES Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, December 15, 2022
_____
FROST ADVISORY
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
753 AM PST Thu Dec 15 2022
...FROST ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 8 AM PST THIS MORNING...
...FREEZE WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 9 AM MST /8 AM PST/ THIS
MORNING...
Freezing conditions are no longer expected in the warned areas.
Thus, the Freeze Warning will be allowed to expire.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | 2022-12-15T16:44:47+00:00 | ourmidland.com | https://www.ourmidland.com/weather/article/CA-WFO-LOS-ANGELES-Warnings-Watches-and-17656322.php |
NEW YORK (AP) — Singer-songwriter Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” is about New England — a topic the Vermont native says he could write about for the rest of his life — but it’s also largely about in-between spaces.
When resentment lingers but forgiveness feels possible. When a broken friendship is just beginning to mend. When homesickness clashes with a desire to leave. Or, in the case of the album’s title track, when fall hasn’t yet turned to winter.
Writing the folk-pop album, he told The Associated Press, felt “like breathing.”
Kahan revisits those themes through a new lens on the recently released “Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever),” a deluxe version of the album that adds six new tracks and an extended version of fan-favorite “The View Between Villages.” The additions also see Kahan reflect on the eight months between the original album’s release and now.
“I’m speaking about the highs and the lows,” Kahan said of reconciling the version of home he’d written about with reality. “And the truth is it’s always somewhere in the middle when you really go back.”
“Stick Season,” the song, went viral last year, earning millions of streams fueled largely by social media. It wasn’t his first big release — at 26, Kahan has already put out three studio albums and two EPs. But it was one with momentum: Fans had latched onto the song long before its release, having heard Kahan perform it on pandemic-era Instagram livestreams and at shows that followed. When the single came out last July, Kahan called it “his favorite song ever” in a tweet.
Viral TikToks followed. Among them was a cover by two sisters seated at a piano, harmonizing.
“We’re Canadian. We’re very Canadian. At that point, we had never left the country,” Moira MacMullin, 24, one-half of the indie folk-pop duo Moira & Claire, told the AP. “But somehow we got into the emotions of it … there’s just something about his writing.”
Their TikTok video, posted the day after the song’s release, now has nearly 3 million views. Kahan commented on the TikTok: “Better than the original.” Moira MacMullin’s first trip outside Canada would be to see Kahan perform in Vermont.
“Everyone in the crowd is from Vermont, and I’m like (singing) ‘I love Vermont,’ and I’m not even from there,” she said. “It was so loud, and … just wild.”
Seeing fans connect with the song’s lyrics and themes has been “the coolest thing,” Kahan said, especially because “Stick Season” also marked his wholehearted embrace of the folk genre and childhood influences like The Avett Brothers and Paul Simon.
“When I would write songs that were more pop-y in a studio, I would go home and write a song that was more folk-y just for me because I felt like I was accessing that inner child,” Kahan said of previous projects. “Being able to finally explore that in this record and really lean into those inspirations and those feelings was really freeing.”
Moments of humor throughout the album reflect Kahan’s personality. But the topics he dissects are heavy — along with heartbreak, isolation and homesickness, there are references to substance abuse, death, depression and divorce. Kahan’s narrators aren’t perfect, but that’s the point.
Making the album about home, he said, felt like home. But watching it explode in the months that followed was challenging emotionally and creatively.
“I wanted to kind of show people who I was and continue to do that in the context of ‘Stick Season,’ but also explain this journey I’ve been on in the past year, with touring all the time and trying to be creative and feeling like I was a fraud,” Kahan, who has long been open about his mental health, said as he described the motivation behind the deluxe album.
That meant introducing some acceptance and grace, to counter some of the resentment he said imbued the original release: “In a lot of ways I wrote this record as a letter to myself to say it’s okay to feel these things and it’s okay to go on this journey.”
At a sold-out concert at New York’s Radio City Music Hall two days before the deluxe album’s release, Kahan encouraged “even the happiest person in the room” to be in therapy. He sang his lyrics, with their open references to depression, medication and therapy, and invited the audience to scream his words back to him.
Dressed in deep greens, browns, plaid and blue denim overalls, the crowd obliged, rendering the atmosphere at Radio City one you’d find at summer camp — and not just because the show fell on a day when the air outside smelled of bonfire smoke.
“Songwriting for me has always been a way to process my emotions. Sometimes I’m not great at processing them in a very logical way. Sometimes it takes me sitting down and writing a song to remember that I was feeling that way,” Kahan told the AP. “But for me the question is always can this help somebody get through their own discomfort … or problem or struggle?”
That’s part of why it felt like a natural step for him to launch The Busyhead Project, an initiative aiming to raise $1 million for organizations that specialize in mental health resources and awareness. Launched last month, the project named for his 2019 album has already raised over $340,000, with Kahan donating a portion of his tour ticket sales.
Joy Oladokun, Kahan’s tour opener, acknowledged her own mental health struggles during her set. Her latest album, “Proof of Life,” features a collaboration with Kahan, the dark-but-also-kind-of-funny “We’re All Gonna Die.”
“For me, music has always been about bridge building,” Oladokun told AP.
Acknowledging hard things in her songs or on stage before performing them “is very much central to my values,” like Kahan’s, she added. “That is the reason I leave my house and go on tour in the first place.”
But honesty can be brutal. These songs aren’t always easy to sing — or to sing along to.
“A lot of these songs talk about shame and about substance abuse and about parental flaws and family trauma. And those are tricky things,” Kahan said. “They’re tricky for me to write, and it’s tricky (for fans) to own that in a show and to sing it. But it’s a beautiful, beautiful thing to see.”
One song that’s been unexpectedly embraced is “Orange Juice.” Kahan has said the track, which alludes to sobriety, is about two friends who reunite after their relationship fell apart in the wake of shared trauma.
“That’s a song that I was almost not going to play because it felt so personal and so vulnerable,” Kahan said. Watching people own it on social media and at shows makes him proud.
“We are writing about heavy things and we are dealing with heavy things, and we are two sensitive people,” Oladokun said. But she also tries to keep some humor at the forefront of her projects. In the lyric video for “We’re All Gonna Die,” animated versions of the duo race coffins, parodying Mario Kart (which they also play together before soundcheck).
“We also like to have fun, you know?” she said. | 2023-06-15T17:14:43+00:00 | seattletimes.com | https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/noah-kahan-writes-songs-about-new-england-his-vulnerability-has-far-wider-appeal/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_business |
Frozen fruit recalled from Walmart, Target, Aldi, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s for potential listeria contamination
(Gray News) – Frozen fruit is being recalled from several stores, including Walmart, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Target and Aldi, for potential listeria contamination.
According to the FDA, Sunrise Growers Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of specific frozen fruit products linked to pineapple that was provided by a third-party supplier.
Numerous frozen fruits sold nationwide are subject to this recall.
The recalled products were sold at the following retailers:
- Walmart: Great Value Mixed Fruit, Great Value Dark Sweet Cherries, and Great Value Mango Chunks sold from Jan. 19, 2023 to June 13, 2023
- Whole Foods: 365 Organic Tropical Fruit Medley, 365 Organic Pineapple Chunks, 365 Pineapple Chunks, 365 Organic Whole Strawberries, 365 Organic Slice Strawberries and Bananas, and 365 Organic Blackberries sold from Nov. 1, 2022 to June 21, 2023
- Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend sold from March 28, 2023 to April 11, 2023
- Target: Good & Gather Organic Cherries and Berries Fruit Blend, Good & Gather Dark Sweet Whole Pitted Cherries, Good & Gather Mango Strawberry Blend, Good & Gather Mixed Fruit Blend, Good & Gather Mango Chunks, Good & Gather Blueberries, and Good & Gather Triple Berry Blend sold from Oct. 14, 2022 to May 22, 2023
- Aldi: Season’s Choice Tropical Blend sold from Oct. 11, 2022 to May 22, 2023
- AWG (Associated Wholesale Grocers): Best Choice Pitted Red Tart Cherries Unsweetened sold from April 5, 2023 to May 4, 2023
The recalled products have specific lot codes and expiration dates on the packaging. To see the full list of codes for which to look, visit the FDA’s recall alert.
Consumers are urged to check their freezers for the recalled products, not to eat it and either throw away the product or return it to the store for a full refund. The affected retail stores have been notified of this recall and instructed to remove any recalled product from retail store shelves and inventories.
According to the FDA, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall.
Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Healthy people may suffer short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Listeria infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
Anyone concerned about listeria infection is urged to contact their healthcare provider.
Copyright 2023 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | 2023-06-22T16:38:44+00:00 | uppermichiganssource.com | https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2023/06/22/frozen-fruit-recalled-walmart-target-aldi-whole-foods-trader-joes-potential-listeria-contamination/ |
CA Marine Warnings and Forecast for Friday, September 23, 2022
_____
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY
URGENT - MARINE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
146 AM PDT Tue Sep 20 2022
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM WEDNESDAY TO 3 AM PDT
FRIDAY...
* WHAT...Hazardous sea conditions.
* WHERE...Point Piedras Blancas to Point Sal from 10 to 60 NM.
* WHEN...From 3 PM Wednesday to 3 AM PDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...See the Coastal Waters Forecast (CWFLOX).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.
* WHERE...Waters from Pt. Sal to Santa Cruz Island CA and
westward 60 nm including San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands.
* WHERE...Outer waters from Santa Cruz Island to San Clemente
Island to 60 NM offshore including San Nicolas and Santa
Barbara Islands.
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO
3 AM PDT WEDNESDAY...
* WHERE...Inner waters from Point Mugu to San Mateo Pt. CA
including Santa Catalina and Anacapa Islands.
* WHEN...From 3 PM this afternoon to 3 AM PDT Wednesday.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | 2022-09-20T10:13:24+00:00 | lmtonline.com | https://www.lmtonline.com/weather/article/CA-Marine-Warning-and-Forecast-17453530.php |
NEW YORK — A woman who was rescued by firefighters as she dangled from a 20-story window during a Manhattan building fire would not have escaped the flames without the heroics of the FDNY, she gratefully told the Daily News on Sunday.
“I would have died without them,” Christina Foti said from a hospital bed. “I thought I was going to die.”
The fire broke out around 10:30 a.m. Saturday when a lithium-ion battery attached to an e-bike exploded by the front door of a 20th-floor apartment in the building on E. 52nd St. between First Ave. and Sutton Place, FDNY officials said.
“I was sleeping,” Foti recounted. “It’s not my bike. It’s a neighbor’s bike that he won and I don’t know anything about it.”
A couple on the 21st floor noticed smoke pouring out of their closet, but as they investigated, it was clear it was coming from downstairs.
Firefighters told the couple to stay put, move as far away from the smoke as possible and to lay wet towels at the base of their door.
“We were in the bedroom watching the smoke and watching the crowd from down there,” said Lucas Leblanc, 22. “It seemed a lot longer when you’re in the thick of it.”
Meanwhile, the apartment Foti was in became so engulfed in smoke that she had no choice but to hang from the window for what fire officials said was five minutes.
Firefighter Belvon Koranteng from Ladder 16 was lowered down to the apartment with a rope — a rescue technique described Saturday as “a last resort in the FDNY” by FDNY Chief Frank Leeb — where he discovered Foti was stuck on a window guard.
Firefighter Artur Podgorski, also from Ladder 16, was then lowered down. He grabbed Foti and freed her from the guard.
The firefighters and the woman were lowered down to an open window, where more members of the department were waiting.
“They saved my life,” Foti said of the firefighters. “I’m very, very grateful.”
She was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she is still recovering.
“I don’t remember much,” Foti said, her eye swollen shut and bandages covering both hands. “I just remember that it was horrible and I feel awful. I’m lucky I have my family [come] in from outside the city.”
The blaze injured 38 people, including five firefighters, FDNY officials said.
Inside the burned-out apartment where the fire was sparked were at least five e-bikes, according to Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn. The tenant ran a business repairing e-bikes and scooters.
Fires caused by lithium ion batteries, like those most commonly seen in e-bikes and smartphones, have killed six people so far this year, Flynn said. | 2022-11-07T17:46:08+00:00 | seattletimes.com | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/woman-who-dangled-from-20th-floor-in-nyc-fire-recalls-harrowing-rescue/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
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