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(NerdWallet) – Wedding bells are ringing, and if you’re heading off to get hitched, it’s time to talk money with your spouse-to-be.
A new NerdWallet survey on financial infidelity found that more than 2 in 5 Americans who have a significant other (43%) say they have withheld or lied about financial information in discussions with their partner. Start your marriage off on the right foot with these five financial conversations before saying “I do.”
1. Money lessons you grew up with
No one wants to feel judgmental of their significant other, but if you’re side-eyeing the way your partner spends money, it’s worth sitting down and talking about the financial lessons you each learned growing up. Even if you come from a family that never discussed money, you may have witnessed money habits that helped define your financial worldview.
Ask your partner how their parents spent money, what the narrative about debt was in their home, and whether money was treated as abundant or scarce. If your partner comes from a different culture or socioeconomic background than you, this is especially important because it’s likely you grew up with different money norms.
After this conversation, you still might not agree with how they save and spend, but you might better understand how their money psychology was formed — in other words, why they save and spend the way they do.
2. Outstanding debt
Among Americans with a significant other — whom we’ll refer to as “partnered Americans” — about 1 in 12 (8%) — say they’ve lied to or withheld information from their partner about how much debt they have.
A spouse typically isn’t legally responsible for debt their partner accumulated prior to marriage, but that debt can still have a profound effect on the couple’s finances. If you’re combining your money or just working toward shared goals, your debt payments influence how you can save and spend.
Each partner should write down their debt balances, interest rates and payment terms. Then, as a couple, you can decide how to pay the debt off. Two popular debt payoff strategies are the debt snowball and the debt avalanche. With the snowball method, you focus on paying off debts from the smallest balance to the largest. The idea is that knocking out small balances quickly provides motivation. With the avalanche, you focus on paying off your debts from the highest interest rate to the lowest, which is more cost-effective.
The best debt payoff method is the one you’ll stick to, so discuss your options with your partner so you can start working together to attack the debt.
3. Income and spending
The survey found that 14% of partnered Americans have lied to or withheld information from their partner about their income. And nearly a quarter of partnered Americans (23%) have lied to or withheld information from their partners about how much they spent on a purchase. Your earning and your spending affect how much money is available for you and your spouse to build your life together. Lay out your current income and expenses and ask your partner to do the same so you can decide together whether there’s enough money to go around and, if not, what to do about it.
Not all couples agree on discretionary expenses. A good way to remedy this is by allotting each partner an equal amount of personal spending money per month. So even if a particular purchase isn’t to your taste, the amount of spending is agreed on by both parties.
4. Credit scores
According to the survey, 12% of partnered Americans have lied to or withheld information from their partners about their credit scores. Credit scoring doesn’t take marital status into account, and spouses’ scores aren’t linked or combined in scoring formulas. But your scores can still affect each other. For example, if you decide to buy a home, both of your credit scores will likely be taken into account for a mortgage. If your credit isn’t good, it could mean a higher interest rate — if not outright rejection — and if you lied about it, your spouse may be resentful.
Each of you should check your credit scores to see what your starting point is. If one or both of you have scores that need help, make a plan together to start building credit. This might mean paying down debt, setting up automatic payments to make sure every bill is being paid on time, or requesting your credit reports and disputing any errors.
5. Financial goals
Money can be stressful when there’s not enough of it, but it can also be really fun to make future plans with your money. Maybe as a couple, you want to buy a home (median price in 2023: $342,000, according to Zillow), take a dream vacation or open a business. Talk about everything you’d each like to do in the future that will cost money. It might not be realistic to do everything on both of your lists, but try not to shoot down any ideas just yet. Pick a goal or two and come up with a tangible first step to start achieving your financial dreams together.
The most recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau say that nearly 60% of American adults live with a spouse or partner. Honesty and openness about finances — even if it’s a little uncomfortable — can help build a firm foundation for those households. | 2023-07-08T14:10:33+00:00 | kdvr.com | https://kdvr.com/news/nationalworld-news/marriage-and-money-5-truths-to-tell-before-you-tie-the-knot/ |
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Ten years ago, the Texas Republican Party used its platform to oppose teaching critical thinking in schools. In 2014, it declared homosexuality a chosen behavior contrary to God and endorsed “reparative therapy” to reverse it. By 2020, the party was ready to remind the world that “Texas retains the right to secede from the United States.”
But now the GOP platform in the country's largest red state — long an ideological wish list that even the most conservative Texans knew was mostly filled with pipe dreams that would never become policy — has broken new ground in its push to the far right.
Approved by 5,000-plus party delegates last weekend in Houston during the party's biennial convention, the new platform brands President Joe Biden an “acting” commander-in-chief who was never “legitimately elected.”
It may not matter who the president is, though, since the platform takes previous language about secession much farther — urging the Republican-controlled legislature to put the question of leaving the United States to voters next year.
The platform also says homosexuality is “an abnormal lifestyle choice” and rejects bipartisan legislation in Congress seeking to raise the minimum age to buy assault weapons from 18 to 21, saying Texans under 21 are "most likely to be victims of violent crime and thus most likely to need to defend themselves.”
Though non-binding, the platform illustrates just how far Texas Republicans have moved to the right in the past decade — from championing tea party ideals in 2012 to endorsing former President Donald Trump's continued lies about nonexistent widespread fraud costing him an election he actually lost by more than 7 million votes.
“The platform reflects the direction that party activists believe the party should take,” said Matt Mackowiak, a Republican strategist based in the Texas capital of Austin. He said that, rather than deciding elections or dictating legislative action, the platform is more relevant as a signal of "where primary voters are and what they care about.”
Mackowiak said items like considering succession won't be taken seriously, but “Trump’s policy agenda is here to stay.” He said that, as the former president continues to question 2020 election results, he will continue to find a receptive audience in the Texas GOP.
“Are people really in doubt that Republicans have concerns about how the election was conducted?” Mackowiak asked.
Matt Rinaldi, a former state lawmaker who now chairs the Texas GOP, said state Republicans “rightly have no faith in the 2020 election results and we don’t care how many times the elites tell us we have to.”
“We refuse to let Democrats rig the elections in 2022 or 2024,” Rinaldi said in a statement.
Democrats haven't rigged anything. An Associated Press r eview of every potential case of voter fraud in the six battleground states disputed by Trump has found fewer than 475 — a number that would have made no difference in the 2020 presidential election.
Meanwhile, Texas' 2020 election was a romp even by the standards of Republicans who have dominated the state for decades. The party's candidates topped Democrats in key congressional and statehouse races as Trump easily carried its electoral votes.
But that didn't stop the former president from praising the party's 2022 platform, posting Tuesday: “Look at the “Great State of Texas and their powerful Republican Party Platform on the 2020 Presidential Election Fraud.”
“Such courage,” he wrote, “but that’s why Texas is Texas.”
Trump was cheering language declaring, “We reject the certified results of the 2020 presidential election, and we hold that acting President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was not legitimately elected." That was a departure from as recently as 2014, when the Texas GOP platform questioned Barack Obama's “commitment to citizens' constitutional rights," but at least recognized him as president.
This year's platform also says that “Texas retains the right to secede from the United States, and the Texas Legislature should be called upon to pass a referendum consistent thereto.”
Ed Espinoza, executive director of the advocacy organization Progress Texas, said some of the adherence to open discriminatory language might have receded if not for the rise of Trump — who has demonstrated “he could double down on the crazy and not suffer a consequence yet.”
“Normally what happens is, when there’s crazy in a party, people try to soften it,” said Espinoza, former Western States Director of the Democratic National Committee. “In this case, they saw it worked for Trump so they think it’ll work for them.”
Texas was an independent republic for nearly a decade until 1845. With the coronavirus pandemic raging, the 2020 Texas Republican Party convention was held virtually and degenerated into a leadership struggle. But it also featured platform language declaring, “Texas retains the right to secede from the United States should a future president and congress change our political system from a constitutional republic to another system."
That caveat about governmental system was dropped in the 2022 edition, which seeks a referendum for voters "to determine whether or not" their state "should reassert its status as an independent nation.”
Texas' rightward push was clear in ways beyond the party platform. Delegates booed Republican Sen. John Cornyn — who has held his seat for 20 years and got more 2020 votes statewide than Trump did — for working on bipartisan legislation seeking to impose modest limits on guns. Those efforts began following last month's mass shooting in the Texas town of Uvalde, which killed 19 elementary students and two teachers.
Still, such state convention outbursts also aren’t new. Republican Gov. Rick Perry was booed in 2012 for praising fellow GOPer and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who was then locked in a primary battle for an open Senate seat with Ted Cruz. Some delegates also in the past walked out of a speech by then-Republican Texas House Speaker Joe Straus.
“It shows you how much QAnon may not be an outlier in the Republican Party," Espinoza said. “Some people are very susceptible to conspiracy theory, and that appears to be a higher percentage the deeper you go into the Republican Party of Texas.” | 2022-06-21T19:42:06+00:00 | ourmidland.com | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Texas-GOP-s-swing-to-far-right-cemented-with-17255945.php |
Jaylen Brown NBA Playoffs Player Prop Bets: Celtics vs. 76ers - May 5
Jaylen Brown and the rest of the Boston Celtics take the court versus the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Playoffs on Friday, at 7:30 PM ET.
Below we will dive into Brown's stats and trends, helping you make good predictions on prop bets.
Jaylen Brown Prop Bets vs. the 76ers
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Celtics vs 76ers Additional Info
Jaylen Brown Insights vs. the 76ers
- This season, he's put up 19.0% of the Celtics' attempted field goals, as he's averaging 20.6 per contest.
- Brown is averaging 7.3 three-point field goal attempts per game this season, which is 13.9% of his team's shots from beyond the arc.
- Brown's Celtics average 101.9 possessions per game, which ranks 16th among NBA teams, while the 76ers are one of the league's slowest with 99.8 possessions per contest.
- Giving up 110.9 points per game, the 76ers are the third-ranked squad in the NBA on defense.
- The 76ers allow 41.2 rebounds per contest, ranking second in the league.
- Giving up 24.2 assists per game, the 76ers are the sixth-ranked squad in the league.
- Looking at 3-pointers, the 76ers are ranked fifth in the NBA, allowing 11.6 makes per contest.
Jaylen Brown vs. the 76ers
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | 2023-05-05T20:31:03+00:00 | wfsb.com | https://www.wfsb.com/sports/betting/2023/05/05/jaylen-brown-nba-playoffs-player-prop-bets-celtics-vs-76ers/ |
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A man discretely texted family and friends as he was being held at gunpoint Sunday during a carjacking, the St. Petersburg Police Department said.
According to arrest documents, the man’s vehicle was carjacked by two people around 10 p.m. following an accident.
Authorities said 23-year-old Cortiz Flowers, of St. Petersburg, Florida, got into the victim’s two-door vehicle and pointed a gun at his abdomen, demanding he drive to pick up 25-year-old Alisiya Webb, of Pasadena, Florida.
After they picked up Webb, they continued driving as Flowers kept the gun on his lap, authorities said.
According to the documents, Flowers mentioned going to a “mechanics shop” to take care of the vehicle. The victim, who later told police he kept driving out of fear of being shot, said he believed the two intended to kill him and dismantle the vehicle.
As Flowers and Webb talked together, officers said, the victim began texting family members and friends that he was being held at gunpoint.
Flowers, who was wearing an ankle monitor, later got out of the vehicle and fled on foot, police said. Webb ordered the victim to continue driving, telling him to “keep going forward,” police said.
The victim told police he feared Webb was also armed. He added that she kept “fidgeting” in the front seat.
Webb later got out of the vehicle as well and was arrested by St. Petersburg police.
Webb later admitted to being inside the vehicle with the victim and knowing that Flowers had a firearm. She also admitted she threw a backpack containing a firearm from the vehicle, police said. | 2022-10-11T14:37:39+00:00 | krqe.com | https://www.krqe.com/news/national/man-texts-family-while-held-at-gunpoint-during-carjacking-florida-police-say/ |
Native Solution for Data Deletion Streamlines Data Rights Fulfillment and Data Minimization Initiatives
NEW YORK, Sept. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BigID, the leading data intelligence platform that enables organizations to know their enterprise data and take action for privacy, security, and governance, today announced native data deletion capabilities that make it easy for organizations to quickly and effectively delete personal and sensitive data across their data stores - including Snowflake, AWS S3, mySQL, Google Drive, Teradata, and more.
In addition, this new application allows customers to meet several privacy regulation requirements, reduce attack surfaces, and improve data security posture while taking the necessary steps to protect their data and achieve compliance.
In light of evolving privacy regulations like the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), organizations face a daunting task in meeting consumers' data "right to erasure" or "right to be forgotten," which amplifies a consumer's right to request their data be deleted - and the necessity for organizations to be able to do exactly that.
With BigID's data deletion capabilities, organizations can:
- Accelerate data minimization initiatives by purging any duplicate, similar, and redundant data
- Reduce cloud data risk by reducing data before a cloud migration or digital transformation
- Fulfill data deletion requests with integrated end-to-end data rights management
- Initiate data deletion workflows based on data retention policies and automatically address policy violations
"Data deletion is typically an 'I'll do that later' project - but as data volume explodes, it's more critical than ever to be able to delete the right data at the right time - from the right systems and storage." said Tyler Young, CISO at BigID. "BigID's data deletion app changes the game, enabling data lifecycle management in a single platform, so that companies can minimize their attack surface, achieve compliance, and improve their data hygiene."
- Read: Data Deletion: Only Keeping the "Left Overs"
- Watch: An on-demand product workshop- Data Deletion: Make the Right Data Disappear
- See it in action: Get a 1:1 expert demo
BigID's data intelligence platform enables organizations to know their enterprise data and take action for privacy, security, and governance. Customers deploy BigID to proactively discover, manage, protect, and get more value from their regulated, sensitive, and personal data across their data landscape. BigID has been recognized for its data intelligence innovation as a 2019 World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, named to the 2021 Forbes Cloud 100, the 2021 Inc 5000 as the #19th fastest growing company and #1 in Security, a Business Insider 2020 AI Startup to Watch, and an RSA Innovation Sandbox winner. Find out more at https://bigid.com.
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SOURCE BigID | 2022-09-28T13:59:28+00:00 | wagmtv.com | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/09/28/bigid-introduces-industry-first-data-deletion-capabilities-accelerate-compliance-reduce-risk/ |
LGBTQ harassment, slurs abound on social media, report says
WASHINGTON (AP) — Social media platforms including Facebook and TikTok are failing to stop hate and threats against LGBTQ users, a report issued Wednesday from advocacy group GLAAD found.
Those are some of the internet’s most vulnerable users, with a majority of LGBTQ people saying they’ve faced menacing posts or comments when they’re scrolling through social media. But it’s unclear how social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube are handling those threats.
Instead of protecting their users, GLAAD says in the report, the tech companies are safeguarding information about how they respond to those attacks, revealing few details about how often they take down posts or accounts that push hate speech or harass LGBTQ users.
“The reality is, there’s very little transparency and very little accountability,” said Jenni Olson, GLAAD’s director for social media safety and author of the report. “And people feel helpless.”
Los Angeles resident Peter Sapinsky, a gay musician who said he has faced harassment in the online gaming community, shared screenshots with The Associated Press of dozens of messages he’s sent to YouTube about users and videos that use racist and homophobic slurs. YouTube has responded to only some of the messages, he said.
Sapinsky, 29, said some use YouTube to livestream themselves harassing people at Pride parades. They quickly delete those live videos once they’ve wrapped to evade being detected by YouTube for violating its policies against hate speech, he said. He listed a series of homophobic slurs he’s heard in videos posted by users who are still operating on the site.
“YouTube doesn’t do anything about it,” Sapinsky said. “For someone who says they don’t allow hate on the website, they sure do.”
Hateful or violent speech directed at members of the LGBTQ community is prohibited on the platform, YouTube spokesperson Jack Malon said.
“Over the last few years, we’ve made significant progress in our ability to quickly remove hateful and harassing content,” Malon said. “This work is ongoing, and we appreciate the thoughtful feedback from GLAAD.”
A Twitter spokesperson said in a statement that the company was discussing the report’s findings with GLAAD. A statement from TikTok did not directly address the report but said the company is working to create an “inclusive environment.”
GLAAD recommended that the platforms start releasing the training methods for content moderators as well as the number of accounts and posts the companies remove for violating rules designed to protect LGBTQ users.
GLAAD’s report examines the policies and actions Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Twitter have implemented around LGBTQ issues.
All of the social media platforms have outlined policies that are designed to prevent LGBTQ users from being harassed, threatened or discriminated against by other users because of their identity.
Only Twitter, however, has a specific policy against intentionally misgendering, using the wrong pronoun to describe someone, for example, or deadnaming, which involves reviving a transgender person’s name from before the person transitioned to a new identity. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said it removes similar posts upon request.
Some users bully LGBTQ people on social media by misgendering or deadnaming them. One example came last month, when a conservative social media pundit sent a swarm of Twitter users to harass transgender actor Elliot Page with the wrong pronoun and name. That Twitter user was suspended under the company’s hateful conduct policy.
“The idea that these figures with millions of followers are bullying and harassing trans people, for being trans, is just wrong,” Olson said.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of social media platforms at https://apnews.com/hub/social-media.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | 2022-07-13T13:53:26+00:00 | mysuncoast.com | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/07/13/lgbtq-harassment-slurs-abound-social-media-report-says/ |
Dr. Roach: How to avoid calcium when taking thyroid medication
Dear Dr. Roach: I had a thyroidectomy, and I take levothyroxine. Instructions for the medication say not to take it within four hours of having calcium. No discussion of the drug has clearly stated whether this only refers to calcium supplements or whether this also includes high-calcium foods.
I usually take levothyroxine when I wake up, between 2 a.m. and 3:30 am, to avoid breakfast dairy products (i.e. yogurt, cheese and soy milk) and dinner foods (broccoli, leafy greens, dairy and soy). I go to bed fairly early. I eat mainly plant-based, plus dairy.
I have asked some doctors and pharmacists only to have them answer with the question: “Doesn’t that apply only to supplements?” I don’t know! That’s why I’m asking. I want my thyroid prescription to work as it is supposed to. Can you shed light on this issue?
— E.G.
Dear E.G.: Large amounts of elemental calcium do decrease the absorption of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine (Synthroid and others). If you were to take thyroxine at the same time as a large calcium pill, you could expect the thyroid medicine to be about 7% to 8% less absorbed. (Iron and caffeine also decrease thyroid hormone absorption.) A glass of cow’s milk taken at the same time decreases thyroid hormone absorption. Soy milk has not been studied, but I would expect calcium-fortified soy milk to be similar to milk, yogurt and perhaps some high-calcium cheeses, in their ability to reduce thyroxine absorption.
However, I think you may be taking things too far. One hour is probably adequate enough to separate calcium from thyroxine. Further, if you are consistent, your dose will be adjusted to the correct level. I doubt that vegetables have any effect on absorption.
Finally, in a study of people who took thyroxine sometimes with and sometimes without their calcium, although the levels were definitely affected, the change was not enough to get them out of the desirable range. The dose of thyroid hormone has a little bit of leeway in most people, although some people, such as those with a history of thyroid cancer who are now on replacement therapy after surgery, need to have a very exact dosing. So, being careful about avoiding calcium, iron and caffeine in those cases is critical.
Dear Dr. Roach: I am a 72-year-old woman who, over my adult years, has developed allergies to Tylenol and all NSAIDs. Just this week, I developed a rash after taking aspirin, which was my last resort for pain. I was given a prescription for tramadol, but I really don’t want to take a narcotic for aches and pains I only have periodically. I use ice, heat, stretching and exercise, which keep me pain-free most of the time.
— T.W.
Dear T.W.: I have rarely seen a person allergic to so many classes of medicines, but it can occasionally happen. It’s unfortunate, but I certainly agree with you that an opioid (the term narcotic isn’t used any more) is too powerful a medication to use lightly. There are serious side effects that can happen with tramadol, like any other opioid, and even appropriate use of opioids can lead to opioid use disorder. Misuse of prescription drugs is a huge problem in North America, and not prescribing them in the first place is a good way to prevent problems. (People who misuse opioids commonly get them from a friend or relative.)
Nonprescription ways of treating pain seem like a very good way to treat the occasional pains we all get. Topical treatments, like menthol, camphor-based creams or even topical NSAIDs like diclofenac, may not cause allergic responses, so you might have success trying those.
Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. | 2023-06-06T04:31:49+00:00 | detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/advice/2023/06/06/dr-roach-how-to-avoid-calcium-when-taking-thyroid-medication/70289534007/ |
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A public memorial service for Lisa Marie Presley will be held next weekend at Graceland, the famed Memphis home of her father, Elvis Presley.
The memorial for Lisa Marie Presley will be held on the front lawn of the mansion at 9 a.m. on Jan. 22, according to a representative of her daughter and actor Riley Keough.
Presley, 54, died Thursday, hours after being hospitalized for a medical emergency.
It was previously announced that Presley will be buried at Graceland next to her son, Benjamin Keough, who died in 2020. Elvis and other members of the Presley family are also buried at Graceland.
A singer-songwriter herself, Lisa Marie did not live in Memphis, where she was born. But she made trips to the city for celebrations of her father’s birth anniversary and commemorations of his death, which stunned the world when he was found dead in Graceland at age 42 on Aug. 16, 1977.
Lisa Marie became the sole heir of the Elvis Presley Trust, which — along with Elvis Presley Enterprises — managed Graceland and other assets until she sold her majority interest in 2005. She retained ownership of the mansion itself, the 13 acres around it and items inside the home.
She is survived by her mother, Priscilla Presley, and three children. | 2023-01-17T02:54:04+00:00 | ourmidland.com | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Memorial-for-Lisa-Marie-Presley-to-be-held-at-17721713.php |
Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez honors Tampa General with award for its commitment to providing the safest care to mothers and their babies in the Tampa Bay region and for exceeding national goals.
TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital has been recognized for exceeding national goals for reducing the number of unnecessary cesarean deliveries for first-time mothers with low-risk pregnancies and instead promoting vaginal deliveries.
Tampa General is one of just 26 delivery hospitals in Florida to achieve the distinction in 2022.
Florida has one of the highest cesarean section (C-section) rates in the U.S., leading to state and national efforts to promote safe vaginal deliveries. Tampa General achieved a C-section rate of 21.4 percent – exceeding the goal of 23.6 percent set by Healthy People 2030, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services women's and children's health initiative. The current national cesarean delivery rate is 32 percent. The initiative is focused on preventing pregnancy complications and maternal deaths and helping women stay healthy before, during and after their pregnancies.
Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez visited Tampa General today to present the hospital with an award for its continuing efforts to reduce unnecessary C-section deliveries and promote safe vaginal deliveries. She was joined by Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Florida's Surgeon General, and officials from the state Agency for Health Care Administration and the Florida Department of Health.
"Exceeding national goals for reducing unnecessary C-sections for two straight years is a tremendous recognition for all of those working with the Women and Children's Institute at Tampa General," said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. "We are honored to receive this award from Lt. Governor Nuñez and Surgeon General Ladapo as we continue on our journey to provide the safest and highest quality care in the country to mothers and their babies."
In all, only 26 of 114 hospitals in Florida – or 29 percent of those participating – exceeded the national goals and are being recognized by the state.
"We are honored to see our primary hospital partner receive this recognition from the state," said Dr. Charles J. Lockwood, executive vice president of USF Health, dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, and a maternal-fetal medicine expert. "Obstetrician-gynecologists across the state are working together to safeguard women's and children's health by preventing unnecessary surgeries that carry increased risk."
Cesarean deliveries can prevent injury and death in women who are at higher risk of having complicated deliveries or unexpected complications, including prevention of injury and death in their newborns. But C-sections are also linked to an increased risk of severe bleeding, infections, blood clots, and complications in future pregnancies. Some women who aren't at higher risk for delivery complications may have unnecessary C-sections that lengthen their recovery times. That has prompted efforts at hospitals and by medical providers to help reduce the number of C-sections performed on low-risk mothers.
"The success in reducing the number of unnecessary C-sections is the result of ongoing close teamwork between Tampa General, OB/GYN physicians, and midwives who deliver patients at the hospital," said Dr. Karen Bruder, associate professor and director of the Division of Specialists in General OB/GYN, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and medical director of OB/GYN, Genesis Health at Tampa General. She also credited the ongoing work of the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative at the USF College of Public Health, which has initiatives that focus on providing evidence-based perinatal care, education and training.
"Collaboration among our partners and our relentless emphasis on following best practices leads to better health care for women and children as reducing C-section rates for first time mothers impacts their health and safety throughout their lifetime," Bruder said. "I am delighted for the entire team who share in this award, but even more so for the impact we're having on providing the safest care to mothers and their babies in the Tampa Bay region."
Tampa General delivers more babies than any other hospital in Tampa Bay, with about 6,500 births at the hospital since Oct. 1, 2021, noted Dr. Judette Louis, James M. Ingram Professor and Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and medical director of the Women's Institute at Tampa General Hospital. "Our success in preventing unnecessary C-sections in low-risk women once again underscores our commitment to the safety of our patients and sends a message to expectant mothers that where you choose to receive your prenatal care and deliver your baby really does matter."
Along with this latest recognition, Tampa General Hospital has been ranked #1 in Florida and Top 50 in the nation in Obstetrics and Gynecology by U.S. News & World Report's 2022-23 Best Hospitals, named a Best Maternity Hospital in 2022 by Newsweek, and was one of only 15 hospitals in Florida recognized in 2021 for exceeding the national Healthy People 2030 goals for reducing unnecessary C-sections, and was also named a Best Maternity Hospital by Newsweek and the Leapfrog Group in 2020.
Tampa General Hospital, a 1,040-bed, not-for-profit, academic medical center, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-23 Best Hospitals, and is tied as the third highest-ranked hospital in Florida, with seven specialties ranking among the best programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic medical center's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings – first nationally in the 2022 America's Best Employers for Women and sixth out of 100 Florida companies in the 2022 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2020, provided a net community benefit worth more than $182.5 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed Level IV neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Brandon Healthplex, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging powered by Tower outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics, and they can even receive home visits in select areas through TGH Urgent Care at Home, powered by Fast Track. As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to https://www.tgh.org.
Media Contact: Karen Barrera
Assistant Director of Communications & Partnerships
(813) 844-8725 (direct)
(813) 928-1603 (cell)
kbarrera@tgh.org
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SOURCE Tampa General Hospital | 2022-09-14T20:08:21+00:00 | wafb.com | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/tampa-general-hospital-is-recognized-reducing-unnecessary-cesarean-section-deliveries-first-time-mothers/ |
Gio Reyna started in his first match with the U.S. after his parents disparaged then-coach Gregg Berhalter for his lack of playing time at the World Cup, a 7-1 rout of 173rd-ranked Grenada in the CONCACAF Nationals League on Friday night at St. George’s.
Ricardo Pepi and Weston McKennie had two goals each and Alejandro Zendejas scored his first international goal. Christian Pulisic and Brenden Aaronson also scored for the No. 13 Americans, who had never won by a 7-1 score.
Pepi ended a 10-match international scoreless streak when he put the U.S. ahead with a fourth-minute header off Pulisic’s cross. Pulisic and Luca de La Torre had two assists each for the Americans, who for the first time since Major League Soccer launched in 1996 failed to field at least one MLS player.
Berhalter used Reyna sparingly at the World Cup and the 20-year-old nearly was sent home by Berhalter for lack of hustle in training. The player’s parents, former U.S. captain Claudio Reyna and former women’s player Danielle Egan Reyna, notified the U.S. Soccer Federation of a 1992 domestic violence incident involving Berhalter and the woman he later married — Danielle Egan’s former college roommate.
The USSF commissioned a law firm to investigate and appointed Anthony Hudson interim coach after Berhalter’s contract expired Dec. 31. The law firm said there was no legal impediment to retaining Berhalter, who remains a candidate, and the USSF put off a coaching decision until after a new sporting director is hired, probably this summer.
In the first competitive U.S. match since the World Cup, Reyna started in central midfield rather than his wing role under Berhalter. He played until the 64th minute.
Auston Trusty made his U.S. debut, paired in central defense with Mark McKenzie, who got his first start since October 2021. Forward Taylor Booth made his debut in the 64th.
Right back Bryan Reynolds made his first start since December 2021. The U.S. starting lineup included goalkeeper Matt Turner and, left back Joe Scally, McKennie along with Luca de la Torre, Pulisic, Reyna and Aaronson in midfield, and Pepi at striker following his omission from the World Cup roster.
The U.S. improved to 5-0 against Grenada with a 22-3 (15-2) goals advantage.
Pepi scored from 7 yards in the fourth minute, his first international goal since October 2021. Aaronson scored in the 20th minute off Pulisic’s feed, his seventh international goal. and McKennie Aaronson’s Leeds teammate, scored in the 31st, getting a head to Pulisic’s angled free kick and volleying with his weaker left foot.
Myles Hippolyte scored in the 32nd minute for Grenada in his international debut, beating Turner from 16 yards. McKennie got his 11th international goal in the 34th after Trusty headed down a cross. knocking the ball in with his right foot from short range.
Pulisic scored his 23rd international goal in the 49th minute with a shot that bounced in off goalkeeper Jason Belfon, and Pepi got his fifth international goal in the 53rd, scoring from 6 yards after running onto de la Torre’s through ball. Zendejas, who committed to the U.S. over Mexico, made his American competitive debut in the 64th minute and scored from 23 yards following a turnover in the 72nd minute.
Johnny Cardoso entered in the 76th in his American competitive debut, tying him to the U.S. program.
The Americans complete group play Monday in Orlando, Florida, against El Salvador, which has five points. and would advance to the semifinals in June with a win or draw. Grenada finished last in the group with one point.
Notes: After meeting with the U.S. team in Orlando, Reims midfielder Folarin Balogun visited New York Yankees camp in Tampa. The 21-year-old midfielder, on loan from Arsenal, is eligible to play for England, the U.S. and Nigeria. … D Miles Robinson, who hasn’t played for the U.S. since tearing his left Achilles on May 7, was a healthy scratch.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2023-03-25T12:21:57+00:00 | ktalnews.com | https://www.ktalnews.com/sports/reyna-starts-1st-match-for-us-since-berhalter-flap-7-1-rout/ |
MINNETONKA, Minn. (AP) — MINNETONKA, Minn. (AP) — Northern Oil and Gas Inc. (NOG) on Thursday reported fourth-quarter earnings of $145.1 million.
On a per-share basis, the Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company said it had profit of $1.63. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring gains, were $1.43 per share.
The results missed Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of 10 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.65 per share.
The independent oil and gas company posted revenue of $370.4 million in the period. Its adjusted revenue was $445.6 million, beating Street forecasts. Nine analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $399.7 million.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on NOG at https://www.zacks.com/ap/NOG | 2023-02-23T23:02:25+00:00 | lmtonline.com | https://www.lmtonline.com/business/article/northern-oil-and-gas-q4-earnings-snapshot-17802243.php |
The annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest began in Key West Thursday, marking the 123rd anniversary of Ernest Hemingway’s July 21 birth.
This year’s competition attracted 135 portly, bearded men, who are endeavoring to prove their likeness to the famed American author. The contest is a highlight of Key West’s annual Hemingway Days festivities, staged to celebrate the creative talent and colorful lifestyle of the man who lived and wrote on the island for most of the 1930s.
Thursday night’s entrants paraded across the stage at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where Hemingway and his cohorts often met for drinks, before a judging panel of former contest winners.
Most had full beards and wore sportsman’s attire, seemingly emulating the “Papa” persona adopted by Hemingway in his later years.
On Thursday morning, a group of look-alikes helped release a 185-pound (83-kilogram) rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtle, coincidentally dubbed “Papa” when it was rescued after being entangled in fishing line, off the Florida Keys’ Sombrero Beach in Marathon.
The look-alike contest’s second preliminary round is set for Friday, and the 2022 winner is set to be chosen Saturday night.
Late Wednesday, Nick Henke of St. Louis, Missouri, was named the winner of the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition. His entry, “A Lot of Carrefours,” triumphed over 775 other American and international submissions, judged by Ernest Hemingway’s author granddaughter.
Hemingway Days continues through Sunday with events including an offbeat “Running of the Bulls” spoof and the Key West Marlin Tournament.
While living in Key West during most of the 1930s, Hemingway wrote classics including “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “To Have and Have Not.” | 2022-07-22T18:23:45+00:00 | wlrn.org | https://www.wlrn.org/news/2022-07-22/the-annual-hemingway-look-alike-contest-begins-in-the-florida-keys |
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BANGKOK (AP) — Asian shares advanced Monday after Wall Street ended a rare winning week, capped by a 3.1% gain on Friday for the benchmark S&P 500. U.S. futures and oil prices also were higher.
Optimism over China’s progress in controlling coronavirus outbreaks, as schools and businesses reopen, was also fueling buying, analysts said.
Stocks climbed last week as pressure from rising Treasury yields let up somewhat and investors speculated the Federal Reserve may not have to be as aggressive about raising interest rates as earlier thought as it fights to control inflation. That gave Wall Street a reprieve from its recent tumbles.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index led regional gains, surging 2.8% to 22,326.53, while the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo gained 1% to 26,768.77. In South Korea, the Kospi climbed 1.9% to 6,706.40.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 added 1.9% to 6,706.40 while the Shanghai Composite index rose 1.2% to 3,388.38.
The future for the S&P 500 was 0.3% higher while that for the Dow industrials was up 0.2%.
Markets seemed unfazed by the possibility that Russia might default on its foreign debt for the first time since the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, further alienating the country from the global financial system amid its war in Ukraine.
Russia faces a Sunday night deadline to meet a 30-day grace period on interest payments originally due May 27. But it could take time to confirm a default.
Positive news about inflation helped push stocks in New York higher on Friday, but the boost to sentiment may prove ephemeral, “largely because the downward trend for equity indices remains intact and we have seen previous instances of a single event pertaining to inflation, economic outlook and central banks’ policies bringing back market jitters and reversing dip-buying sentiments," Jun Rong Yeap of IG said in a commentary.
The S&P 500 notched a 6.4% gain for the week, erasing the brutal loss it took a week earlier, though it’s still close to 20% below its record set early this year. On Friday, it gained 116.01 points to 3,911.74
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.7% to 31,500.68, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq ended 3.3% higher, at 11,607.62.
Smaller company stocks also rallied. The Russell 2000 rose 3.2% to 1,765.74.
To beat down punishingly high inflation, central banks are raising interest rates and taking other measures that hurt prices for investments and could slow the economy enough to cause a recession.
But pressure from rising Treasury yields has abated somewhat as investors speculate the Federal Reserve might be able to take a lighter touch in raising interest rates than earlier thought.
A report on Friday confirmed sentiment among American consumers sank to its lowest point since the University of Michigan began keeping records, hurt in particular by high inflation. Other data suggest the U.S. manufacturing and services sectors aren’t as strong as economists thought.
That's helped yields in the Treasury market recede. The yield on the two-year Treasury, which tends to move with expectations for the Fed’s actions, dropped back to 3.06% from more than 3.40% in the middle of last week.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury, the bedrock for the world’s financial system, rose to 3.13% on Friday from 3.07% late Thursday. But it also has moderated after hitting 3.48% last week.
It started the year just a bit above 1.50%.
A separate economic report on Friday showed sales of new homes unexpectedly accelerated last month. But the trend for housing has largely been downward because it's at the leading edge of the Fed's hikes.
More expensive mortgage rates are hurting the industry, and a separate report earlier this week showed sales of previously occupied homes slowed last month.
In other trading, the price of U.S. benchmark crude oil rose 51 cents to $108.13 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It gained $3.35 on Friday to $107.62.
Brent crude oil, the pricing standard for international trading, gained 56 cents to $109.67 per barrel.
The dollar slipped to 134.90 Japanese yen from 135.11 yen on Friday. The euro edged higher, to $1.0558 from $1.0554. | 2022-06-27T04:39:14+00:00 | lmtonline.com | https://www.lmtonline.com/news/article/Asian-shares-rally-after-Wall-Street-logs-rare-17267379.php |
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. | 2022-12-19T00:29:58+00:00 | wtmj.com | https://wtmj.com/sports/2022/12/18/ap-top-sports-news-at-538-p-m-est-2/ |
ELYRIA, Ohio — Heavy downpours over the weekend led to flooding issues in parts of Elyria and prompted some neighbors to call for future solutions.
No one was injured during the Sunday evening storms, but Elyria officials reported police and fire departments responded to a number of weather-related emergencies, like cars stranded in floodwaters, homes struck by lightning and downed power lines.
By Wednesday, the city’s wastewater department was still fielding calls about the damage left behind from street and basement flooding. Crews responded to more than 80 homes and businesses, some of which flooded due to foundation or drainage issues. Others experienced backup flooding from the extreme weather overwhelming the wastewater system.
“It was a phenomenal amount of rain,” said Terry Korzan, the Superintendent for Wastewater Pollution Control. “The storm sewers and sanitary sewers couldn’t keep up with it all.”
He explained an estimated 3-5 inches of rain fell in some areas in less than an hour Sunday evening, which was among the heaviest downpours he’d seen in his tenure.
Parts of the city’s South Side were the hardest hit by heavy rainfall.
“It had been raining all day. My son looked out the door and called me and said, ‘Mom, it’s flooding,’” recalled Brenda Carter, who lives in Ely Village.
Neighbors there shared video of children playing and debris floating in flooded streets. Carter said the water nearly reached the threshold of her front door.
“I was hoping it wasn’t coming into the house, garbage cans were all on their sides, flooding in my yard, garbage bags - with garbage everywhere in my front yard,” she said.
Carter said parts of the neighborhood often flood during heavy rainfall, but it was the highest she’d ever seen the water rise.
“That was a lot of water and I can’t swim,” she said.
Korzan explained his team is as proactive as it can be when it comes to preventing overflowing storm sewers. He said crews will clear out storm drains monthly and ahead of forecasted heavy rain. They also cycle through a sweep of the entire sewer system over a three year period to prevent buildup and obstructions. Following major storms, the department meets with city leaders to discuss the events.
“Every time we get storms like this, we do a good dissection of what happened to see where it happened, why it happened, how it happened and see what else we can do,” he said.
He explained simply adding larger pipes would create issues with water flow.
“Under normal flow conditions, when people flush their toilets, that stuff is just going to drop into the pipe and stay there,” he said.
The city is planning to build an additional pipeline to handle overflow from excessively wet weather. Korzan expects climate change to bolster a need for longterm solutions.
“All the climatologists are telling us, and as I’ve seen in my 27 years here, the storm events are getting more intense. And it’s predicted to continue in that trend,” he said.
Leaders from Elyria’s Wastewater and Engineering Departments plan to answer residents’ concerns during a virtual roundtable discussion on Wed., Aug. 31 at noon. You can watch live on the city’s Facebook page by clicking on this link.
Residents can submit questions via Facebook messenger or email them to pio@cityofelyria.org.
The wastewater department recommends reporting basement or street flooding as soon as it happens. Residents can call (440) 366-2211 for flood reports and crews will continue to survey damage.
The department also suggests disinfecting any areas in the home affected by floodwater.
Download the News 5 Cleveland app now for more stories from us, plus alerts on major news, the latest weather forecast, traffic information and much more. Download now on your Apple device here, and your Android device here.
You can also catch News 5 Cleveland on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV NOW, Hulu Live and more. We're also on Amazon Alexa devices. Learn more about our streaming options here. | 2022-08-24T22:32:49+00:00 | news5cleveland.com | https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/city-leaders-to-address-flooding-concerns-in-elyria-after-recent-downpour |
BILLINGS — Highs 10 to 20 degrees above seasonal averages persist for the work week. But the weekend is much colder and somewhat wetter with rain showers and some snow.
Dry and warm conditions under a clear sky persist through the middle of this week. Winds will be light.
Low temperatures will be in the 30s to 40s through Sunday morning. High temperatures will be in the 60s and 70s through Saturday.
Ahead of a cold front, Thursday will have breezy west winds and could boost some areas from Billings to the east near 80 degrees and threaten daily high records.
The wind, heat, and low humidity will cause a heightened fire risk. Use care with sparks or an open flame.
By Saturday, we will start to see a transition to cooler temperatures with wind, rain and higher-elevation snow. With the opening of general hunting season, keep this big change in the weather in mind.
Saturday near the mountains, winds could gust to 45-50 mph. There is a good chance of rain showers over the weekend and snow could develop in the mountain foothills Sunday morning.
Highs will suddenly be in the 40s to low 50s over a wide area by Sunday. Lows are aiming toward the 20s to low 30s with widespread freezing.
Some reinforcing shots of cold and wetter air could easily keep us colder than average with at least scattered showers well into next week. | 2022-10-18T00:55:24+00:00 | ktvq.com | https://www.ktvq.com/weather/todays-forecast/q2-weather-holding-steady-for-now-but-a-doozy-of-a-change-ahead |
Mental health advocates say there’s a cruel quirk in abortion bans in several states: There are exemptions for life-threatening emergencies, but psychiatric crises don’t count.
It makes no sense to an Arizona mother of three who became suicidal during her fourth pregnancy and says an abortion saved her life. Or to researcher Kara Zivin, who nearly died from a suicide attempt in pregnancy and whose work suggests these crises are not uncommon.
Zivin had a healthy baby, but she sympathizes with women facing mental health emergencies who believe their only option is to end a pregnancy.
“People often try to treat mental health as distinct from physical health, as if your brain is somehow removed from the rest of your body,” said Zivin, a University of Michigan professor of psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, and health management.
Abortion crackdowns enacted or enforced since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June illustrate the dichotomy. In at least eight states that allow exemptions for life-threatening conditions, physical health is the focus. The mother’s mental health is not included.
Some of these exemptions are murkily written. Others are explicit. Laws in Georgia, Nebraska and West Virginia specify that medical emergencies don’t include suicide threats. A county judge’s ruling overturning Georgia’s law on Tuesday is being appealed. Florida’s exemption includes life-threatening illnesses “other than a psychological condition.”
Some abortion foes say the laws are intended to keep women from faking mental illness to get doctors to end their pregnancies.
Patricia, who is 31, married and “your average neighborhood Chicana,” says her agony was painfully real. The Phoenix woman spoke to The Associated Press on condition that only her first name was used, citing safety concerns and privacy.
She says a wave of severe depression hit her the summer of 2018 and broke “not only my mind, but my heart and soul.” She couldn’t eat, sleep or properly care for her three young daughters. Panic and suicidal thoughts bombarded her. When she learned a few weeks later that she was pregnant again, she knew she was in no shape to mother another one.
Her abortion was legal in Arizona at the time. The state recently enacted a near-total ban, though it is temporarily on hold.
Postpartum depression is well-recognized — U.S. studies show it affects about 1 in 8 women — but evidence suggests depression during pregnancy may be even more common.
Mental health conditions including suicide and substance use became the leading underlying cause of pregnancy-related deaths in 2017-2019, ahead of bleeding, heart conditions and infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a September report.
Zivin co-authored a study published last year that found that suicidal thoughts and behavior among commercially insured U.S. individuals before, during and after pregnancy were rising. The rates were low, but they increased among those with anxiety or depression from 1 per 10,000 in 2006 to almost 3 per 10,000 in 2017.
Zivin did not consider ending her pregnancy 10 years ago but said she understands why a woman who becomes suicidal would feel that abortion is her only option. She called the limited exemption laws “unfortunate” and said politicians who wrote them “don’t appreciate or understand the burden of mental illness.”
Observers note that before the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, a mental illness diagnosis enabled some women to get abortions and some states required psychiatrists to certify the diagnosis.
Abortion foes contend that many women pre-Roe faked mental illness and that psychiatrists became their accomplices.
The old laws “essentially forced psychiatrists to stretch the truth,” said Carole Joffe, a OB-GYN professor at the University of California, San Francisco.
She noted that California once required two psychiatrists to sign off on such abortions.
“It was like everything else having to do with health care and abortion pre-Roe. It was class-based.” she said. “Most of these psychiatrists didn’t do it for free. You had to have the money.”
The laws banning mental health exceptions show indifference “to the very real mental illness that some pregnant people have” and shows “how inappropriate it is for politicians to make health care policy,” Joffe said.
Rep. Ed Setzler, a Georgia Republican who sponsored that state’s law, argued that “a claim of stress or mental anguish just doesn’t rise to the level that the legislature was persuaded that the life of the child should be ended as a result.”
Eric Johnston, president of Alabama Pro Life Coalition, wrote that state’s near-total abortion ban and said a suicide exemption was included at the request of the state medical association. The narrowly drawn measure only exempts suicidal women who are diagnosed by a psychiatrist and requires that the abortion be performed at a hospital.
“If you put it in there and don’t closely define it, it’s a hole big enough to drive a truck through,” he said
The National Right to Life Committee, an anti-abortion group that has lobbied for these measures, defended the restrictions.
“A mother facing serious mental health issues should receive counseling and mental health care. Having an abortion will not mitigate mental health issues,” said spokeswoman Laura Echevarria.
According to the American Psychological Association, there is evidence that being denied an abortion may cause mental distress.
Michelle Oberman, a Santa Clara University law professor and expert in reproductive health ethics, said abortion bans that make no exception for severe mental illness are cruel and misguided.
Even if targeting women attempting to fake mental illness is among reasons behind these measures, the laws will inevitably affect those who are truly suffering, she said.
The mindset behind these laws “doesn’t really think through what it would look like to be facing patients with severe mental illness,’’ Oberman said. “What mental health emergencies look like is sort of jaw-dropping,’’ she said. “They’re real and they’re life-threatening.’ | 2022-11-17T16:16:20+00:00 | fox59.com | https://fox59.com/news/national-world/mental-health-crises-are-excluded-from-some-state-abortion-exemptions/ |
NEW YORK, Oct. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PulsePoint, a technology company revolutionizing health decision-making in real-time, announced the launch of Authenticated NPI™ today. This provides clients access to 3.2 million US NPIs who are first-party validated Medscape audiences and 100% opted in. This workflow incorporates a first-party relationship with the HCP through Medscape along with a series of AI-driven technology to understand every HCP's digital touchpoint along their journey.
Unlike other platforms reaching NPIs based on email addresses sourced from third parties, campaigns served by PulsePoint's programmatic media platform, Life by PulsePoint™, are now utilizing Authenticated NPI™ technology and are guaranteed to reach verified HCPs.
Through PulsePoint, marketers can confidently know which HCPs they are communicating with, giving them complete control over audience quality and enabling them to better manage HCP relationships, eliminate waste in media spend, and improve ROI.
Medscape is the leading online global destination for healthcare professionals. Medscape and PulsePoint are both owned by Internet Brands. Medscape has the largest number of opted-in HCPs, who are then verified through PulsePoint's proprietary multi-dimensional authentication process, PulsePoint can serve advertising on behalf of health brands in a direct and mutually beneficial way.
PulsePoint sees this exclusive and forward-thinking approach as the only way to truly identify which HCP you're communicating with. Advertisers using this solution know exactly who is in front of the device and can linearly measure and optimize in real time how that touchpoint impacts physician behavior.
"We're entering a new era of privacy, and therefore a new era of validation," said Ezra Suveyke, Chief Technology Officer at PulsePoint. "The public is demanding that marketers know where their customer data is sourced from for measurement and advertising. Customer-centric brands understand that to succeed, they need to pursue new levels of transparency and authentic interactions to meet the needs of the customer more precisely."
"With Authenticated NPI™, we are able to respect and serve the one-to-one needs of each individual HCP, while simultaneously helping health brands meet their advertising goals," said Andrew Stark, Chief Revenue Officer of PulsePoint. "Our solution enables us to deliver the most reliable HCP insights and an unprecedented level of confidence in audience quality."
PulsePoint's Authenticated NPI™-powered HCP targeting and reporting solutions are available for self-service implementation on the Life platform.
This release is another step in PulsePoint's mission to build health first solutions that deliver engaging, dynamic, and AI-powered health messaging, transcending the limitations of traditional advertising and channel-based marketing to HCPs.
PulsePoint is a leading technology company that uses real-world data in real-time to optimize campaign performance and revolutionize health decision-making. Leveraging proprietary datasets and methodology, PulsePoint targets healthcare professionals and patients with an unprecedented level of accuracy—delivering unparalleled results to the clients we serve. The company is now a part of Internet Brands, a KKR portfolio company and owner of WebMD Health Corp. For more information, visit pulsepoint.com.
Contact:
Sanwari Gupta
sagupta@pulsepoint.com
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SOURCE PulsePoint | 2022-10-18T12:38:48+00:00 | wymt.com | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/10/18/pulsepoint-launches-authenticated-npi-with-medscape-data-becomes-first-only-platform-offering-access-100-verified-opted-in-hcps/ |
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The Arkansas Children’s Northwest Auxiliary is hosting a la Carte, an event that features food and beverages from dozens of local restaurants, and all proceeds benefit Arkansas Children's Northwest.
The Arkansas Children’s Northwest Auxiliary is a volunteer organization that raises funds to bring care close to home and help children have a better today and a healthier tomorrow. A la Carte is a sampling event and silent auction, bringing together a night filled with food and fun.
The featured restaurants include:
- Arkansas Children's Northwest Café
- Bonefish Grill
- Briar Rose Bakery
- Café Rue Orleans
- Cheers at the OPO
- Conifer
- Crabby's Seafood
- Damon's BBQ
- Ella's Table
- Gooseberry Handmade Pies
- The Hive
- Marketplace Grill
- Oven and Tap
- Ozark Natural Beer
- Pressroom
- Summer Moon Coffee
- Sunny's
- Superfine Sweets Shoppe
- Table at the Hickory Inn
- Table Mesa
- Tavola Trattoria
- Tyson Foods
The event is being held on Thursday, May 4 in downtown Bentonville at Ledger.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
No event ticket is required to participate in the online silent auction that opens for bidding on April 27. | 2023-04-30T16:49:43+00:00 | 5newsonline.com | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/life/food/a-la-carte-event-local-benefit-arkansas-childrens-northwest/527-3eef8501-e91d-4651-bc71-3326852c1425 |
A former Texas police officer was convicted of manslaughter Thursday for fatally shooting Atatiana Jefferson through a rear window of her home in 2019, a rare conviction of an officer for killing someone who was also armed with a gun.
Jurors also considered a murder charge against Aaron Dean but instead convicted him of manslaughter. The conviction comes more than three years after the white Fort Worth officer shot the 28-year-old Black woman while responding to a call about an open front door.
Dean, 38, faces up to 20 years in prison, with the sentencing phase of his trial set to begin Friday. He had faced up to life in prison if convicted of murder. Dean, who had been free on bond, was booked into the Tarrant County jail following the verdict.
Jurors deliberated for more than 13 hours over two days before finding him guilty of manslaughter. The primary dispute during the six days of testimony and arguments was whether Dean knew Jefferson was armed when he shot her. Dean testified that he saw her weapon; prosecutors alleged the evidence showed otherwise.
Lesa Pamplin, an attorney and friend of the Jefferson family, said she was glad that jurors took their time.
“These folks gave a good, hard look at the evidence and they didn’t rush it. And I’m happy, not pleased, but I’m happy that they got the manslaughter,” Pamplin said.
Another friend of the Jefferson family, Cliff Sparks, told The Dallas Morning News that he thinks the verdict will give other officers the message that they “can shoot and kill somebody in his own backyard and get the lesser charge.”
“It’s not right,” Sparks said. “None of this is right.”
Family members of both Jefferson and Dean left the courtroom without commenting.
Dean shot Jefferson on Oct. 12, 2019, after a neighbor called a nonemergency police line to report that the front door to Jefferson’s Fort Worth home was open. She had been playing video games that night with her nephew and it emerged at trial that they left the doors open to vent smoke from hamburgers the boy burned.
The case was unusual for the relative speed with which, amid public outrage, the Fort Worth Police Department released video of the shooting and arrested Dean. He’d completed the police academy the year before and quit the force without speaking to investigators.
Since then, the case had been repeatedly postponed amid lawyerly wrangling, the terminal illness of Dean’s lead attorney and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Body camera footage showed that Dean and a second officer who responded to the call didn’t identify themselves as police at the house. Dean and Officer Carol Darch testified that they thought the house might have been burglarized and quietly moved into the fenced-off backyard looking for signs of forced entry.
There, Dean, whose gun was drawn, fired a single shot through the window a split-second after shouting at Jefferson, who was inside, to show her hands.
Dean testified that he had no choice but to shoot when he saw Jefferson pointing the barrel of a gun directly at him. But under questioning from prosecutors he acknowledged numerous errors, repeatedly conceding that actions he took before and after the shooting were “more bad police work.”
Darch’s back was to the window when Dean shot, but she testified that he never mentioned seeing a gun before he pulled the trigger and didn’t say anything about the weapon as they rushed in to search the house.
Dean acknowledged on the witness stand that he only said something about the gun after seeing it on the floor inside the house and that he never gave Jefferson first aid.
Jefferson’s 8-year-old nephew, Zion Carr, was in the room with his aunt when she was shot. Zion testified that Jefferson took out her gun believing there was an intruder in the backyard, but he offered contradictory accounts of whether she pointed the pistol out the window.
On the trial’s opening day, the now-11-year-old Zion testified that Jefferson always had the gun pointed down, but in an interview that was recorded soon after the shooting and played in court, he said she had pointed the weapon at the window. | 2022-12-16T20:58:51+00:00 | wate.com | https://www.wate.com/news/national-world/ap-us-news/ap-texas-officer-convicted-of-manslaughter-in-window-shooting/ |
German officials arrested 22 suspected members and three suspected supporters of a far-right terrorist organization across the country on Wednesday on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government.A former far-right member of the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, is connected to the plot, according to reporting by German public broadcaster ARD.In a statement, the German federal prosecutor's office said an estimated 50 people were suspected to have been part of the group called Reich Citizens movement, founded no later than November 2021, who were plotting to overthrow the government and replace it with their own order."The accused are united by a deep rejection of state institutions and the free democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany, which over time has led to their decision to participate in their violent elimination and to engage in concrete preparatory actions for this purpose," the statement said."The members of the group follow a conglomerate of conspiracy myths consisting of narratives of the so-called Reichsbürger as well as QAnon ideology."The statement said the suspected members of the organization were German nationals. Two of the suspected supporters were German and one was Russian, it added.The prosecutor's statement identified one of the suspects as Birgit M.W., and ARD's Tagesschau news reports that the individual's full name is Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, who served as a member of the Bundestag representing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party from 2017 to 2021. Since the beginning of this year, she has been working as a judge at the Berlin district court, according to ARD's Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg.Germany's federal prosecutor's office wouldn't confirm ARD's reporting. CNN has reached out to Malsack-Winkemann for comment.'Suspected terrorist network' under investigationGerman Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann said on Wednesday that "democracy is defensible," adding a "major anti-terror operation" has been underway since this morning."The Federal Public Prosecutor is investigating a suspected terrorist network from the Reich citizen milieu," Buschmann said on Twitter."There are suspicions that an armed attack on constitutional organs was planned."The federal prosecutor's office said the raids are continuing and are directed against a further 27 suspects.German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser thanked the 3,000 police personnel involved in the raids and said the Reichsbürger movement was "united by their hatred of democracy."Germany has struggled to get a grip on far-right extremism in recent years. In June 2020, an elite German military unit known as the KSK was partially disbanded after it was found to have a build-up of right-wing extremists. The KSK embark on operations such anti-terror campaigns and hostage situations, according to Agence France-Presse news agency.Earlier that year, in February 2020, a mass shooting left nine people dead at two shisha bars in the city of Hanau, near Frankfurt. Then-Chancellor Angela Merkel said the gunman had acted out of "right-wing extremist, racist motives." The incident was the third deadly attack attributed to right-wing suspects in the country in one year.Experts linked Germany's increasingly frequent violent right-wing attacks with the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which in 2017 became the first far-right party to win seats in Germany's parliament in nearly 60 years.In March 2021, the AfD was formally placed under surveillance by Germany's BfV domestic intelligence service on suspicion of trying to undermine the country's democratic constitution.
German officials arrested 22 suspected members and three suspected supporters of a far-right terrorist organization across the country on Wednesday on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the government.
A former far-right member of the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, is connected to the plot, according to reporting by German public broadcaster ARD.
In a statement, the German federal prosecutor's office said an estimated 50 people were suspected to have been part of the group called Reich Citizens movement, founded no later than November 2021, who were plotting to overthrow the government and replace it with their own order.
"The accused are united by a deep rejection of state institutions and the free democratic basic order of the Federal Republic of Germany, which over time has led to their decision to participate in their violent elimination and to engage in concrete preparatory actions for this purpose," the statement said.
"The members of the group follow a conglomerate of conspiracy myths consisting of narratives of the so-called Reichsbürger as well as QAnon ideology."
CHRISTIAN MANG
Police secured the area after 25 suspected members and supporters of a far-right group were detained during raids across Germany, in Berlin, Germany Dec. 7, 2022.
The statement said the suspected members of the organization were German nationals. Two of the suspected supporters were German and one was Russian, it added.
The prosecutor's statement identified one of the suspects as Birgit M.W., and ARD's Tagesschau news reports that the individual's full name is Birgit Malsack-Winkemann, who served as a member of the Bundestag representing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party from 2017 to 2021. Since the beginning of this year, she has been working as a judge at the Berlin district court, according to ARD's Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg.
Germany's federal prosecutor's office wouldn't confirm ARD's reporting. CNN has reached out to Malsack-Winkemann for comment.
'Suspected terrorist network' under investigation
German Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann said on Wednesday that "democracy is defensible," adding a "major anti-terror operation" has been underway since this morning.
"The Federal Public Prosecutor is investigating a suspected terrorist network from the Reich citizen milieu," Buschmann said on Twitter.
"There are suspicions that an armed attack on constitutional organs was planned."
The federal prosecutor's office said the raids are continuing and are directed against a further 27 suspects.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser thanked the 3,000 police personnel involved in the raids and said the Reichsbürger movement was "united by their hatred of democracy."
Germany has struggled to get a grip on far-right extremism in recent years. In June 2020, an elite German military unit known as the KSK was partially disbanded after it was found to have a build-up of right-wing extremists. The KSK embark on operations such anti-terror campaigns and hostage situations, according to Agence France-Presse news agency.
CHRISTIAN MANG
Police lock down the area after suspected members and supporters of a far-right group were detained during raids across Germany, in Berlin, Germany Dec. 7, 2022.
Earlier that year, in February 2020, a mass shooting left nine people dead at two shisha bars in the city of Hanau, near Frankfurt. Then-Chancellor Angela Merkel said the gunman had acted out of "right-wing extremist, racist motives." The incident was the third deadly attack attributed to right-wing suspects in the country in one year.
Experts linked Germany's increasingly frequent violent right-wing attacks with the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which in 2017 became the first far-right party to win seats in Germany's parliament in nearly 60 years.
In March 2021, the AfD was formally placed under surveillance by Germany's BfV domestic intelligence service on suspicion of trying to undermine the country's democratic constitution. | 2022-12-07T23:04:58+00:00 | koat.com | https://www.koat.com/article/germany-far-right-extremists-plotting-overthrow-government/42174723 |
CHICAGO, Jan. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2022 holiday season is winding down, but the Ladder Up office is just beginning to buzz with a flurry of activity. However, these workers aren't of the toy-making variety. They are financially minded staff and volunteers, and their purpose is to put money back in the pockets of hard-working, low-income Chicagoans (families earning up to $60,000 a year and individuals earning up to $32,000 a year) in the form of free tax returns.
Founded in 1994, Ladder Up has served 750,000 clients and returned $1.42 billion to them. During the 2022 tax season, the nonprofit organization assisted over 15,000 individuals to secure over $21.8 million in refunds. Ladder Up serves families and individuals often marginalized by today's financial systems due to race, gender, and class identifications. The clients are less able to understand how to prepare an accurate tax return and are most at risk of making costly mistakes. Without Ladder Up's support, clients are more likely to be taken advantage of by predatory financial providers charging unnecessary fees.
Executive Director Phyllis Cavallone-Jurek said the organization's impact is connected to the number of volunteers.
"Currently, we know approximately one in every five Chicagoans live at or below the poverty line. We want to be able to serve as many individuals as possible, but to do so means we need more volunteers to help us," she said.
Ladder Up operates pop-up sites in hard-to-reach areas to making their programs more accessible and serve more clients. Volunteers can aid in a variety of capacities at Tax Assistance Program (TAP) sites from trained tax preparers, case and quality reviewers, site support and greeters. For more information or to register to be a Ladder Up volunteer this tax season click HERE.
Volunteers make real-life impacts for Ladder Up clients. At a previous tax preparation session for a family of five, volunteer Roxanne Chow was able to file a $9,000 tax refund. "Everyone was hugging and crying happy tears," Chow said. "It really cemented that we are helping people in a very specific way."
2022 Tax Season by the Numbers:
- On average, a single volunteer helped generate a total of $54,270 in refunds and returns.
- The average volunteer session at a TAP site delivered $2,872 back to the community in tax refunds.
Media Contact: Cat Donovan
Email: cat@bigbuzzideagroup.com
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SOURCE Ladder Up | 2023-01-06T21:03:12+00:00 | ksla.com | https://www.ksla.com/prnewswire/2023/01/06/volunteers-needed-ladder-up-prepares-biggest-tax-season-ever/ |
Request unsuccessful. Incapsula incident ID: 8080000390007156569-6444714921298375 | 2022-06-27T15:36:08+00:00 | bizjournals.com | https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2022/06/27/historic-mount-auburn-flatiron-rehab-complete.html |
Teen who lost both her legs in horrific crash graduates high school
ST. LOUIS (KMOV/Gray News) – A teenager who lost both her legs after she was hit by a car in February has now graduated high school.
Janae Edmondson, a 17-year-old from Tennessee, was visiting St. Louis for a volleyball tournament on Feb. 18 when she was hit by a car while walking on a sidewalk.
Her father said one of his daughter’s legs had been immediately severed and the other was only partially attached. He said he recalled his first aid training from the military and started gathering belts from eyewitnesses to use as tourniquets.
Edmondson underwent multiple surgeries and lost both her legs.
While her days are still filled with doctor appointments and rehabilitation, she attended her senior prom at the end of April, and she graduated high school last weekend.
Her family shared updates to a GoFundMe page.
“Through all of this, she has fought hard to do the things she originally set out to do this senior year,” her mother wrote in an update. “These moments help us to keep stepping forward, but the road is still really hard each day.”
Edmondson plans to attend Middle Tennessee State in the fall. The school will be honoring the athletic scholarship it extended to her before the crash.
The driver who hit Edmondson was identified as 21-year-old Daniel Riley. Last month, he pleaded not guilty to three counts of assault and driving without a license.
Officials said Riley was out on bond at the time of the crash on a robbery charge, and he was not supposed to be driving because he did not have a valid license.
Officials also said Riley was under house arrest and had violated the conditions of his bond more than 100 times.
Copyright 2023 KMOV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | 2023-05-18T21:08:09+00:00 | wlox.com | https://www.wlox.com/2023/05/18/teen-who-lost-both-her-legs-horrific-crash-graduates-high-school/ |
Andrew Berry didn't enter the 2022 NFL Draft with intentions of selecting multiple players from any designated school.
The draft board is simply too tough to predict to formulate such a plan. The Browns, though, departed the draft with three players from one school — Oklahoma — out of their nine-man draft class, in DT Perrion Winfrey (108th overall), WR Michael Woods II (202) and DE Isaiah Thomas (223). Each player from the Sooners, who went 11-2 last year and finished the season ranked 10th in the nation, addressed one of the top three positional needs the Browns appeared to have on their roster heading into the draft.
Berry, the Browns' Executive VP of Football Ops and GM, said he didn't realize the Browns had pegged three Sooners until he walked from his office on the second floor of CrossCountry Mortgage Campus downstairs to the Dino Lucarelli Media Room for his post-draft press conference.
"Someone mentioned it to me when I was coming down," he said with a chuckle. "I don't even think it necessarily hit my brain at that time. It just happens to be an interesting coincidence."
Check out photos of Browns front office staff and coaches working during the 2022 NFL Draft at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus
Training camp will reveal how each of the Oklahoma draftees will fit into the roster, but it's a safe bet that Winfrey — one of the top-ranked defensive tackles of the draft class — will have the best opportunity at carving the biggest rookie role.
Winfrey collected six sacks in two seasons while in Norman, including 5.5 last season, and has the tools to at least capture a rotational role early in the season. At 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, he plays with the kind of reckless abandon that fares well for interior linemen looking to shove their way to the quarterback or end a run play behind the line of scrimmage.
He certainly has no shortage of energy, either. That was evident in his introductory Zoom call.
"I expected to go early, but to be honest, I needed this," Winfrey said. "This was a wake-up call, and this gave me all of the fuel and all of the fire I needed to come into the league and dominate, so I would not change a thing."
The Browns appreciated that energy as they conducted their pre-draft evaluations of Winfrey, and they expect it to help him grow as he enters a competition with Taven Bryan, Tommy Togiai, Jordan Elliott and Sheldon Day for snaps in the rotation.
"Perrion is an extremely passionate guy," Director of Player Personnel Dan Saganey said. "I think you guys are going to love him. I think the Dawg Pound is going to love him. He is a high-energy player all day, and he loves football. We are really excited to add him to the room, to the roster and to see him out there at practice every day."
Check out photos of Browns 2022 fourth round pick Perrion Winfrey
Woods and Thomas, two late Day 3 picks, arrive in Cleveland under slightly different circumstances — they don't quite have as short of a path toward a role with consistent snaps, but they were still drafted for a reason. The Browns believe they can eventually become quality depth pieces as they attain snaps at the NFL level.
Woods, a three-year starter at Arkansas before he transferred to Oklahoma his senior year, totaled 1,648 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He caught 35 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns as a senior and earned an invite to the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler ranked Woods as the 44th best receiver of the draft class in his annual draft guide, "The Beast."
"Woods has a long, slender frame with some build-up speed to stack coverage on vertical patterns," Brugler wrote. "He uses his length to reach back or snatch the ball outside of his frame, but focus drops plagued him during his career."
Thomas, the second edge rusher the Browns picked after they drafted Alex Wright in the third round, positioned himself to be drafted after leading the Sooners in sacks the last two seasons. He accrued 8.5 in 2020 and eight in 2021, leading him to Second Team All-Big 12 honors the last two seasons. At 6-foot-4 and 266 pounds, Thomas also has the size and frame needed at the position at the NFL level.
Another notable tidbit about Thomas: He's the oldest player Berry has selected of the 23 players he's drafted so far as a Browns GM. Thomas is only 23 and far from "old," but Berry's front office has made a habit of drafting younger players.
"Age is important, but it's not the only thing," Berry said with a laugh. "It all factors into it. We are not age purists as everyone may believe. We really do want good football players."
The Browns believe they received a crop of them from one spot — Norman. | 2022-05-04T02:59:56+00:00 | clevelandbrowns.com | https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-bullish-on-three-oklahoma-draft-picks |
(WKBN) – Skywatchers are in for quite the sighting later this week as the full moon – and the year’s last supermoon – rises alongside a meteor shower.
The next full moon will occur Thursday night. This moon will also be a “supermoon,” meaning it will appear bigger and brighter in the sky than a standard full moon due to the distance of the moon from the earth.
What is a supermoon?
NASA defines a supermoon as a full moon occurring at the same time as the moon’s perigee. The perigee is the closest point of the moon’s 27-day orbit to the earth. During each orbit is a perigee, or point where the moon is closest to the earth, and an apogee, or point where the moon is farthest from Earth.
To be considered a supermoon, the full moon has to occur when the moon is within 90% of the closest distance at the most recent perigee.
NASA says roughly three to four supermoons occur each year and they usually happen back-to-back. This month’s full moon is the fourth and final “supermoon” of 2022. When a full moon occurs during the moon’s perigee or closest point, the moon will appear about 17% bigger and about 30% brighter.
When is the moon at perigee and how far from Earth is the moon?
The moon reached perigee early Wednesday afternoon. At that time, the moon reached the closest point in the current orbit cycle, coming within 223,587 miles of Earth.
Of the 14 different perigees to happen in 2022, this most recent perigee is the fifth closest distance this year. The closest pass of the year occurred last month for the Buck Supermoon.
What is the August full ‘supermoon’ moon called?
According to NASA, the August full moon is called the “Sturgeon Moon.” The name was first published in the 1930s in the Maine Farmer’s Almanac, along with other Native American names for the full moons.
That publication stated the Algonquin tribe gave the August full moon the name because it was easier to catch sturgeon during this time of year.
Some also refer to the full moon as the “Green Corn Moon,” according to NASA.
When can you see the Sturgeon Moon, the last supermoon of 2022?
The full “Sturgeon” supermoon will appear in the southeastern sky as twilight ends Thursday evening, shortly after 9 p.m. ET, according to NASA. It will reach its fullest stage at around 9:36 p.m. ET. The moon will continue to appear full through Saturday morning.
While it is expected to be a stunning sight, the Sturgeon Supermoon could hamper your ability to see the Perseid meteor shower that will be nearing its peak around the same time. | 2022-08-11T05:15:37+00:00 | texomashomepage.com | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/final-supermoon-of-the-year-happening-this-week-heres-when-to-see-it/ |
A U.S. musician who helped produce music for Russian bands has been arrested in Moscow on suspicion of drug trafficking, according to reports by Russian state media on Saturday.
The Khamovniki District Court of Moscow accused Travis Michael Leek of organizing a drug trafficking business "involving young people," according to Russia's Interfax news agency. Russian media reported that he is suspected of selling the drug mephedrone — an offense for which he could face as much as 20 years in prison.
Social media accounts associated with the singer refer to him as "Travis Leake," and his mother told CNN that his name was Michael Travis Leake. CNN reported that Leake appeared in court on June 10 and will remain in custody until Aug. 6 in pre-trial detention.
The general court of jurisdiction in Moscow identified Leake as a former paratrooper with the U.S. military, Interfax said.
According to LinkedIn, Leake has been the lead vocalist and producer of the Moscow-based group, Lovi Noch, for over five years. He was also a lyricist and back-up vocals for multiple Russian punk rock bands.
Leake's LinkedIn also showed that he was the president of Red Decades Records, a company looking to identify and cultivate "new and existing talent in the Russian marketplace for wider distribution in a world market."
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said officials were aware of reports that a U.S. citizen was detained in Moscow, adding that the department "has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad." The agency declined to provide further details, citing privacy considerations.
Leake's detention comes less than three months since Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested on suspicion of espionage. Gershkovich is slated to remain in a Moscow prison in pre-trial detention until at least Aug. 30. Both he and the Wall Street Journal have vehemently denied the allegations against him, noting that Gershkovich was an accredited journalist working in Russia when he was arrested.
Last year, WNBA star Brittney Griner was also arrested in Moscow on drug-related charges and sentenced to nine years in prison after Russian authorities found cannabis vape canisters in her luggage. Griner had a medical marijuana card in Arizona to help her cope with injuries sustained over years of competition, and told a Russian court the incident was "an honest mistake." She spent 10 months in Russian detention until she was released in a prisoner swap in December.
NPR's Joe Hernandez contributed reporting. contributed to this story
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2023-06-12T13:53:43+00:00 | wbfo.org | https://www.wbfo.org/2023-06-11/u-s-citizen-and-musician-michael-travis-leake-has-been-detained-in-russia |
NEW YORK (AP) — The first thing you hear is a familiar voice over the sound of thousands of screaming fans.
“Hello, Syracuse and the world. My name is Prince and I’ve come to play with you.”
The Purple One soon arrives, rising up through the stage — wearing an animal print jumpsuit with a ruffled white frock, a guitar slug across his back — as “Let’s Go Crazy” starts. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…” he says.
It’s the electric beginning of a high-energy concert in upstate New York held more than three decades ago, reworked and re-released on video and audio capturing Prince & The Revolution at their peak.
“It was as amazing as I remember it was,” says Lisa Coleman, a Revolution member who was there that night singing and playing keys. Adds drummer Bobby Z: “The next generation needs to see this because this is what it was all about.”
The March 30, 1985, concert at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York, included the songs “Delirious,” “1999,” “Little Red Corvette,” “Take Me Home,” “Let’s Pretend We’re Married,” “Computer Blue,” “When Doves Cry” and “I Would Die 4 U,” among others.
It closes with a sensual, knock-out “Purple Rain,” with Prince in a shimmering cloak delivering a solo that lasts several minutes and shows off an immensely talented guitarist.
“You can tell that he knows what he’s doing there — he is lighting up the world. He always played it like there was no tomorrow. But that one is especially moving,” says Bobby Z.
“Prince and The Revolution: Live” will be released June 3 in a variety of formats, including digital streaming platforms, a three-LP vinyl version, a two-CD version and a Blu-ray of the concert film.
There’s also a limited edition box set featuring three colored LPs, two CDs, the Blu-ray video, a 44-page book with never-before-seen photos of the Purple Rain Tour, and new liner notes penned by all five members of the Revolution.
“I was so proud of him and the band we put together and everything at that moment and the fact that it lives on and that this beautiful project is coming out is something special,” says Bobby Z, a Prince friend since they met in 1976. “That band is cooking like a freight train.”
Prince fans have another reason to be happy this summer: “Prince: The Immersive Experience” makes its worldwide debut on June 9 in Chicago. It offers visitors the chance to explore his wardrobe, music influences and hits.
The Syracuse concert came at the end of a 100-odd date tour and Prince and the band are by this time a tight and sleek machine, piggybacking off the wild success of the film “Purple Rain.”
“I do feel like it was a pearl amongst a really great necklace,” says Wendy Melvoin, a guitarist and singer in the Revolution. “The only difference was that it was being televised worldwide. And there was a bit more pressure on us to kind of up our game.”
Over the course of the performance, Prince makes several costume changes, jumps around the set’s scaffolding, strips down to just pants and necklaces, writhes suggestively in a bathtub and drives the crowd crazy with such lines as: “Do you want me?”
The gig was an early pay-per-view event and was nominated for a Grammy Award for best longform music video. The concert was later put out on VHS but the quality of the audio and visuals were poor.
“I’m really excited for a next generation of Prince fans to see what it was all about. He wasn’t, you know, just some average guy. This was a seriously talented, unbelievable dancer, singer, bandleader, showman, composer, musician. This was a one-in-a-billion individual,” says Bobby Z.
Melvoin says die-hard Prince fans may have already seen bootleg versions but hopes that the new album and film can inspire other artists.
“I think the people that I’d want to have see it are people that want to learn how to put on a really great show,” she says. “Other artists should see it.”
Melvoin and Coleman say they recently rewatched the two-hour concert and found themselves saying “wow!” periodically.
“We were sitting next to each other watching a big screen version of it, and we both had forgotten certain parts of it, and it was really quite something to behold,” says Melvoin. “I think one of the things that I said to Lisa was, ‘Jesus, we were really good!’” | 2022-05-23T16:58:44+00:00 | ksn.com | https://www.ksn.com/entertainment/when-purple-reigned-a-1985-prince-concert-finds-a-new-life/ |
For the Miami Heat, only a change in the math will alter a season that again has Erik Spoelstra’s team two games below .500.
When Tyler Herro was out with his sprained left ankle, the Heat went 3-5.
With Jimmy Butler out with his sore right knee these past two weeks, the Heat have gone 3-4.
Now, with Butler scheduled to return to the team Thursday and expected for Friday night’s rematch against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, the hope is for a change in the team’s overall equation.
“He’s one of the best players in the league. How can you not want him on the floor with us?” guard Max Strus said. “Hopefully, he can come back. We’re all excited for him to come back, and we can use him out there, for sure.”
And yet, still, when the Heat had their preferred projected starting lineup on the floor for the season’s first seven games – the lineup of Butler, Herro, Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry and Caleb Martin – the Heat went 3-4.
With Butler and Herro in the same starting lineup, the Heat are 3-5.
All of that said, at 10-12 and 11th in the Eastern Conference, Spoelstra see promise for better days ahead.
“I’m not wondering about our toughness or resiliency or grit,” he said. “We’ve been developing that. And this has already been happening for the last few weeks. Even on that road trip, our previous road trip, when we were 0-4, we showed incredible resiliency. And that’s when I started to think, ‘Alright, we’ve got something here, we do.’
“Our record may be this, but we’re developing some requisite toughness, some collective grit, some collective resiliency to be able to deal with runs and deal with crowds, deal with all that kind of stuff.”
The same hope is perceptible within the locker room.
“We’re growing. I think we’re growing every day,” said guard Gabe Vincent, who returned in Wednesday night’s 134-121 road loss to the Celtics after missing five of the previous six games with a swollen left knee. “Obviously you don’t want to grow while you’re losing. But we’re growing and we’re getting better as a team. And we’re going to continue to grow.”
Why Haslem
The 9:15 played Wednesday night by 42-year-old Heat captain Udonis Haslem were the first minutes for the veteran big man since the Oct. 29 road loss to the Sacramento Kings.
Haslem’s minutes, the most in his three appearances this season, came with backup center Dewayne Dedmon sidelined by plantar fasciitis in his left foot and with rookie big man Nikola Jovic having sat out the previous game due to plantar fasciitis of his own, now also with a groin injury.
“Niko could have given us good minutes, as well,” Spoelstra said. “But UD just gives you that veteran presence. Each possession is so important against a team like this, and all the guys trust UD. And he has a way of making everybody play a little bit harder and a little bit tougher.”
Haslem closed scoreless on 0-for-2 shooting, with one rebound and one steal.
In a zone
Heat players acknowledged that their zone defense might have played into the hands Wednesday night of Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, who scored 49 points, shooting 8 of 12 on 3-pointers.
“I thought he was too comfortable,” Herro said. “A lot of his threes were standstill threes, which are easy shots for good players. So I think we need to try to make him a little bit more uncomfortable.”
Vincent agreed.
“We played a lot of zone,” he said. “So a lot of his shots were spot-ups.”
()
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BEIJING (AP) — Genetic material collected at a Chinese market near where the first human cases of COVID-19 were identified show raccoon dog DNA comingled with the virus, suggesting the pandemic may have originated from animals, not a lab, international experts say.
Other experts have not yet verified their analysis, which has yet to appear in a peer-reviewed journal. How the coronavirus began sickening people remains uncertain. The sequences will have to be matched to the genetic record of how the virus evolved to see which came first.
“These data do not provide a definitive answer to how the pandemic began, but every piece of data is important to moving us closer to that answer,” World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Friday.
He criticized China for not sharing the genetic information earlier, telling a press briefing that “this data could have and should have been shared three years ago.”
The samples were collected from surfaces at the Huanan seafood market in early 2020 in Wuhan, where the first human cases of COVID-19 were found in late 2019.
Tedros said the genetic sequences were recently uploaded to the world’s biggest public virus database by scientists at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
They were then removed, but not before a French biologist spotted the information by chance and shared it with a group of scientists based outside China that’s looking into the origins of the coronavirus.
The data show that some of the COVID-positive samples collected from a stall known to be involved in the wildlife trade also contained raccoon dog genes, indicating the animals may have been infected by the virus, according to the scientists. Their analysis was first reported in The Atlantic.
“There’s a good chance that the animals that deposited that DNA also deposited the virus,” said Stephen Goldstein, a virologist at the University of Utah who was involved in analyzing the data. “If you were to go and do environmental sampling in the aftermath of a zoonotic spillover event … this is basically exactly what you would expect to find.”
The canines, named for their raccoon-like faces, are often bred for their fur and sold for meat in animal markets across China.
Ray Yip, an epidemiologist and founding member of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control office in China, said the findings are significant, even though they aren’t definitive.
“The market environmental sampling data published by China CDC is by far the strongest evidence to support animal origins,” Yip told the AP in an email. He was not connected to the new analysis.
WHO’s COVID-19 technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhove, cautioned that the analysis did not find the virus within any animal, nor did it find any hard evidence that any animals infected humans.
“What this does provide is clues to help us understand what may have happened,” she said. The international group also told WHO they found DNA from other animals as well as raccoon dogs in the samples from the seafood market, she added.
“There’s molecular evidence that animals were sold at Huanan market and that is new information,” Van Kerkhove said.
The coronavirus’ genetic code is strikingly similar to that of bat coronaviruses, and many scientists suspect COVID-19 jumped into humans either directly from a bat or via an intermediary animal like pangolins, ferrets or racoon dogs.
Efforts to determine the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic have been complicated by factors including the massive surge of human infections in the pandemic’s first two years and an increasingly bitter political dispute.
It took virus experts more than a dozen years to pinpoint the animal origin of SARS, a related virus.
Goldstein and his colleagues say their analysis is the first solid indication that there may have been wildlife infected with the coronavirus at the market. But it is also possible that humans brought the virus to the market and infected the raccoon dogs, or that infected humans simply happened to leave traces of the virus near the animals.
After scientists in the group contacted the China CDC, they say, the sequences were removed from the global virus database. Researchers are puzzled as to why data on the samples collected over three years ago wasn’t made public sooner. Tedros has pleaded with China to share more of its COVID-19 research data.
Gao Fu, the former head of the Chinese CDC and lead author of the Chinese paper, didn’t immediately respond to an Associated Press email requesting comment. But he told Science magazine the sequences are “nothing new. It had been known there was illegal animal dealing and this is why the market was immediately shut down.”
Goldstein said his group presented its findings this week to an advisory panel the WHO has tasked with investigating COVID-19’s origins.
Mark Woolhouse, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Edinburgh, said it will be crucial to see how the raccoon dogs’ genetic sequences match up to what’s known about the historic evolution of the COVID-19 virus. If the dogs are shown to have COVID and those viruses prove to have earlier origins than the ones that infected people, “that’s probably as good evidence as we can expect to get that this was a spillover event in the market.”
After a weeks-long visit to China to study the pandemic’s origins, WHO released a report in 2021 concluding that COVID-19 most probably jumped into humans from animals, dismissing the possibility of a lab origin as “extremely unlikely.”
But the U.N. health agency backtracked the following year, saying “key pieces of data” were still missing. And Tedros has said all hypotheses remain on the table.
The China CDC scientists who previously analyzed the Huanan market samples published a paper as a preprint in February suggesting that humans brought the virus to the market, not animals, implying that the virus originated elsewhere. Their paper didn’t mention that animal genes were found in the samples that tested positive.
Wuhan, the Chinese city where COVID-19 was first detected, is home to several labs involved in collecting and studying coronaviruses, fueling theories that the virus may have leaked from one.
In February, the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. Department of Energy had assessed “with low confidence” that the virus had leaked from a lab. But others in the U.S. intelligence community disagree, believing it more likely it first came from animals. Experts say the true origin of the pandemic may not be known for many years — if ever.
___
Cheng reported from London. | 2023-03-17T18:53:42+00:00 | kdvr.com | https://kdvr.com/news/nationalworld-news/ap-international/new-covid-origins-data-suggests-pandemic-linked-to-animals/ |
The 2023 Acura Integra returns for the first time in more than 20 years, and has earned a spot on our list of finalists for The Car Connection Best Car To Buy 2023.
The latest Integra honors the sporting character of Acura’s entry-level car that made its debut in the 1980s, and went away when the nameplate gave way to the tepid RSX and forgettable ILX. A lot has changed since the Integra left, but the car returns as a sharp ride light on power but full of charm.
With a starting price of about $32,000, and with a range we expect to cap at less than $50,000 in the forthcoming 2024 Acura Integra Type S, it hits the sweet spot as one of our five finalists.
The five-door hatchback distinguishes itself from the related Honda Civic Si by adopting Acura’s sharper creases and pointed nose fronted by a broad shield grille. It looks like a sedan or fastback more than a hatch, yet still has the full cabin utility afforded by the hatchback body style. There’s no mistaking it for a Civic, and with its rounded rear it takes on traits of the larger Kia Stinger and some European performance sedans.
The power won’t impress on paper, with a familiar 1.5-liter turbo-4 rated at 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. Neither quick nor slow, it teams up with a CVT with seven simulated gear shifts to send power to the front wheels. The 6-speed manual on top A-Spec with Technology Package models better taps into the character of the Integra, which can best be described as natural. That A-Spec model includes a front limited-slip differential and adaptive dampers on the Integra’s independent suspension. It’s a calm highway cruiser as much as a hawk around mountain curves. It feels planted and balanced, even more so than some all-wheel-drive cars we tested in Georgia’s Blue Ridge mountains.
Even with Sport mode firming up the suspension, it retains its assured balance between comfort and capability. Precise steering travels from the small diameter steering wheel to the road, and linear clutch pedal travel complements the short throws of the manual to extend this natural feeling. Acura channels Buddha in making the driver feel one with the car.
It’s not a track car, however, and lacks the visceral power to even be considered a performance car. But its dual nature makes it an excellent everyday car.
Even though the Integra is nearly seven inches longer that Civic Si, it’s not that much roomier inside. Rear seat passengers have 37.4 inches of legroom, but the seats sit low and fitting three friends in the back might strain the relationship. Behind the rear seats, the hatch holds 24.3 cubic feet of cargo, good enough to accommodate a party of four on a long weekend getaway. With the seats folded down, the possibilities for a party of two stretch as long as the day is long.
Acura equips the Integra with smart features and good technology, and it avoids the clumsy console touchpad infotainment interface on the MDX and RDX crossover SUVs. Standard gear includes synthetic leather upholstery, an 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.
Every Integra comes with modern driver-assist systems that mitigate the impacts of a crash and help out with driver fatigue. It has standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and other helpful features.
We prefer the $36,895 A-Spec with Technology Package, with the 6-speed manual and limited-slip differential, as well as the adaptive dampers. The tech upgrades include a 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, a head-up display, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio audio system. That’s a good deal, and about $10,000 less than the average transaction price paid by new car shoppers.
We’ll announce the winner of our Best Car To Buy 2023 award on Jan. 4, 2023, when we also crown the champs at Motor Authority and Green Car Reports.
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- Test drive: 2022 Toyota Tacoma lives off its reputation | 2022-12-13T03:42:53+00:00 | kxnet.com | https://www.kxnet.com/automotive/internet-brands/acura-integra-the-car-connection-best-car-to-buy-2023-finalist/ |
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. (WNCN) — A Rocky Mount high school teacher was arrested after he was accused of sexual activity and indecent liberties with two students, according to the Rocky Mount Police Department.
Officers said they are investigating allegations of inappropriate contact between 28-year-old Marquis Johnson, of Wilson, and two 17-year-old students at Rocky Mount High School.
They said Johnson has been a teacher there for two years.
Investigators said they were working closely with the high school and the District Attorney’s Office to resolve the matter swiftly.
Johnson is charged with:
- 2 counts of sexual activity with a student
- 2 counts of taking indecent liberties with a student
He was issued a $10,000 secured bond and placed in Nash County Jail.
Police said the case remains under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Rocky Mount Police Department. | 2023-03-12T01:29:26+00:00 | wnct.com | https://www.wnct.com/on-your-side/crime-tracker/teacher-charged-with-sexual-activity-indecent-liberties-with-students-rocky-mount-police-say/ |
STOCKHOLM, Dec. 2, 2022 ASSA ABLOY has entered into binding agreements with Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. (NYSE: FBHS) or ("Fortune Brands") for the sale of Emtek and the Smart Residential business in the U.S. and Canada to fully resolve all the alleged competitive concerns surrounding the proposed acquisition of the Hardware and Home Improvement division ("HHI") of Spectrum Brands.
On September 8, 2021, ASSA ABLOY announced it had signed an agreement to acquire the HHI division of Spectrum Brands (NYSE: SPB) for a purchase price of MUSD 4,300 on a cash and debt free basis. On September 15, 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") announced that it will seek to block the proposed acquisition of HHI.
ASSA ABLOY has entered into binding agreements with Fortune Brands for the sale of Emtek and the Smart Residential business in the U.S. and Canada to fully resolve all the alleged competitive concerns surrounding the proposed acquisition of HHI. Residential businesses outside of the U.S. and Canada are not in scope to be divested.
These businesses represented sales of about MUSD 350 in 2021.The selling price for the divested business is MUSD 800 on a cash and debt free basis.
"With Fortune Brands our excellent US and Canadian residential businesses will get a good and strong home with an experienced owner. While keeping these residential businesses in the US and Canada would have been preferred, we are confident that we have now fully eliminated all competitive concerns alleged by the DOJ and that the acquisition of HHI is in the long-term interest of our shareholders," says Nico Delvaux, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY.
The divestiture is dependent on the successful defense against the DOJ regarding the planned acquisition of HHI. ASSA ABLOY will remain fully committed to these well-performing businesses during the process and all the businesses will continue to operate as normal.
Both the proposed acquisition of HHI and the divestiture are expected to close during the second quarter 2023 after the successful defense against the DOJ.
For more information, please contact:
Nico Delvaux, President and CEO, tel. no: +46 8 506 485 82
Erik Pieder, CFO and Executive Vice President, tel. no: +46 8 506 485 72
Björn Tibell, Head of Investor Relations, tel. no: +46 70 275 67 68, e-mail: bjorn.tibell@assaabloy.com
About ASSA ABLOY
The ASSA ABLOY Group is the global leader in access solutions. The Group operates worldwide with 51,000 employees and sales of SEK 95 billion. The Group has leading positions in areas such as efficient door openings, trusted identities and entrance automation. ASSA ABLOY's innovations enable safe, secure and convenient access to physical and digital places. Every day, we help billions of people experience a more open world.
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SOURCE ASSA ABLOY | 2022-12-02T07:36:13+00:00 | kcbd.com | https://www.kcbd.com/prnewswire/2022/12/02/assa-abloy-sells-emtek-smart-residential-business-us-canada-furtherance-proposed-acquisition-hardware-home-improvement-division/ |
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Three men have been arrested in South Africa for stealing a 2.5-meter (8-feet) long Nile crocodile worth about $1,300 from a farm in the North West province, police said Monday.
The men, who are all aged between 20 and 35, are believed to have used a pick-up truck to take the animal from a crocodile farm in the Hartbeesfontein area about 200 kilometers (124 miles) west of Johannesburg.
The crocodile was found tied up with rope and wire in an abandoned farmhouse. The men had covered it up with tree branches in an attempt to hide it, police said. Police also found the pick-up truck. The men were arrested last week and are due to appear in court on Monday.
Police are investigating how they managed to get the large crocodile out of the farm, which had secure fencing, police spokeswoman Col. Adele Myburgh said.
“How did they slip this animal out?” she said. “It’s not a baby crocodile by any means.”
Myburgh said the crocodile was badly dehydrated when it was found by a team of police officers and animal conservation officials.
The crocodile has been “returned to its rightful owner,” police said. They released a photo of it swimming in its pool at the farm.
While South Africa has a problem with poaching, crocodiles are not normally targeted because of how dangerous they are.
Myburgh said that the motive of the theft was still under investigation but crocodile body parts like the skin, nails and teeth do have value and the men might have been planning to kill the animal and sell its parts.
___
More AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa | 2023-04-24T17:29:10+00:00 | wearegreenbay.com | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/international/ap-international/3-men-arrested-in-south-africa-for-stealing-large-crocodile/ |
What are the best indoor/outdoor thermometers?
Mark Twain famously said, “Everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” Forecasters on TV tell you the weather, but only on their schedule and not when you need it. Online weather tells you what’s going on outside, but only in your general area.
An indoor/outdoor thermometer tells you the exact temperature and humidity inside and outside your home. Full-featured weather stations give you data on wind direction, precipitation and more.
What to know before you buy an indoor/outdoor thermometer
What is an indoor/outdoor thermometer?
An indoor/outdoor thermometer is one with an outdoor sensor and an indoor display with its own sensor. The sensors measure ambient temperature, humidity and more.
What is a weather station?
A weather station is an indoor/outdoor thermometer that provides you with much more weather information than just the temperature and humidity. People really interested in the weather prefer more complete devices that can measure the wind speed and direction, forecast the weather and alert you when bad weather is on the way. It is a common practice of sellers of weather stations to list them as indoor/outdoor thermometers.
Base station display screen
Indoor/outdoor thermometers feature two types of display screens, LCD and LED, and there are pros and cons to each.
- LCD screen: They are less expensive and use less power, but have a narrower viewing angle and are often only monochrome.
- LED screen: They offer long life, high efficiency and no heat. But they are more costly.
Where to place your outdoor sensor
Most manufacturers advise you to consider several things when choosing a place to mount sensors.
- Direction: The north side of your home is the best place for most sensors.
- Height: Your sensor needs to be at least 4 feet above the ground to prevent thermal radiation from giving you false readings. It also needs to be at least 1 foot below any overhang to prevent trapped heat from giving you inaccurate temperatures.
- Sun: Avoid direct sun in favor of indirect sun or mild shade, because thermometers in direct sunlight deliver inaccurate temperatures.
- Ventilation: Accuracy improves when your sensor is in an area where the air moves about freely without restrictions or swirling.
- Windows, doors and vents: Never put a sensor above any of these. Heat or cold escaping from your home will give you false temperature readings.
- Rain: Keep your sensor out of the rain but open to the air. The exception is sensors with rain gauges that need their collectors to be placed out in the open, at least 10 feet from walls and trees, and where the wind does not swirl.
- Eaves: For most purposes, a great place for your outdoor sensor is 1 foot below the eaves on the north side of your house.
Best indoor/outdoor thermometers
Top indoor/outdoor thermometers under $50
Unni Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Weather Station
The sensor has a 330-foot range and the liquid crystal display shows dew point, heat index and mold index along with the temperature and humidity.
Sold by Amazon
Newentor Wireless Digital Indoor/Outdoor Weather Forecast Station
The 7.5-inch LCD screen on this device is backlit for easier viewing and supports up to three remote sensors. In addition to indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, it forecasts the weather for the next 10 days and shows the moon phase.
Sold by Amazon
Vauno Wireless Indoor/Outdoor Temperature and Humidity Monitor
The manufacturer says the outdoor sensor should be located in the shade, away from objects heated by direct sunlight and within 200 feet of the base station. You can hook up three remote sensors to the 4.5-inch-tall base unit with an LCD touchscreen.
Sold by Amazon
Top indoor/outdoor thermometers for $50-$100
Baldr Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer and Wireless Weather Station
Data from three different sensors update every 30 seconds and are used to forecast the weather for the next 12 to 24 hours. The LED screen is bright and colorful, and the backlight can be set at four different levels.
Sold by Amazon
Ambient Weather Wireless Indoor/Outdoor 8-Channel Thermo-Hygrometer
This set comes with four remote sensors and can support four more. The monochrome LCD display shows current, minimum and maximum temperature and humidity, and includes visual and audio alarms you can preset.
Sold by Amazon
Top indoor/outdoor thermometers over $100
Logia 5-in-1 Indoor/Outdoor Remote Monitoring System
The sensor unit sits on a pole or railing up to 492 feet away from the LED color base station. In addition to temperature and humidity, you get barometric pressure, rainfall and rain rate, wind speed and direction, time, temperature and date.
Sold by Amazon
Acurite Smart Weather Station with Remote Monitoring
This device works with Amazon Alexa. It collects and stores temperature, humidity, rainfall and wind speed and direction data. It delivers 24-hour forecasts on demand and allows you to share data with online communities, including Weather Underground.
Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | 2023-03-21T05:23:21+00:00 | cenlanow.com | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/smart-home-br/7-best-indoor-outdoor-thermometers/ |
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Videos released Thursday of this week’s deadly rampage in northwest New Mexico recorded a voice said to be the shooter urging police to “kill me” and officers rushing toward the 18-year-old gunman before fatally shooting him outside a church.
“He is yelling on the Ring footage, ‘Come kill me,'" Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe said of Beau Wilson, the high school senior who authorities say killed three older women during the attack.
“He’s making a stand, he has opportunities to run off, he does not use those opportunities,” Hebbe said. "So yes it’s my belief that ultimately in his head, he has made the decision that he is going to stand and fight it out until he is killed.”
Three older woman were killed Monday by the shooter, including a mother and daughter who happened to be driving through the neighborhood. The victims were identified as longtime Farmington residents Gwendolyn Schofield, 97, her 73-year-old daughter, Melody Ivie, and 79-year-old Shirley Voita.
At least six other people were wounded in the shootings, which sent waves of grief rippling through the community of 50,000 people. They included two police officers, who have been released from medical care as they recover.
Hebbe's comments mirrored an account from witness Candi Brammell, who lives next to the church and told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday that the gunman seemed to be egging police on, saying: “Come on!”
Brammell said she couldn’t believe what she was seeing as Wilson opened fire. Within an instant, he was exchanging shots with the police and then was down in the grass.
Wilson lived with his father in a home that contained an arsenal of weapons and ammunition, apparently legally owned, according to law enforcement authorities. He bought an assault-style rifle last year after he turned 18.
On Monday, police say, he began shooting indiscriminately with the rifle from the front porch area of the home.
The first person hit was Voita, a retired nurse who was driving by. Video released by police showed her car rolling down the street with the door open after she managed to get out. Video also showed the path of a vehicle carrying Schofield and Ivie, who stopped to help.
“They see something in the road, which turns out to be (Voita), and they’re in the process of pulling over” when another hail of gunfire erupts, Hebbe said, narrating the images. “At that time we believe all those rounds are fired from (the rifle).”
Police say Wilson soon dropped the weapon into some bushes even though it still held more live ammunition.
Wilson then walked down the street for about a quarter mile, spraying bullets indiscriminately using two pistols. He discharged a .22-caliber gun and then depleted rounds from a 9-mm weapon in the final shootout with police, during which he let off at least 18 rounds.
He wore what appeared to be a modified protective vest with steel plates, but authorities say he discarded the vest before the shootout with police.
Police body camera video showed the perspective of one officer walking and running down the middle of the residential streat, readying an assault rifle in one hand while barking commands into a radio in the other. On the run, he takes cues from a local resident and a dog runs beside them.
That video is later partially obscured, but a shadow on the ground shows the officer bracing in firing position for the final confrontation.
A note was later found in the pocket of the discarded vest that said, “If your reading this im the end of the chapter.”
Police said earlier this week that they couldn't say how many gunshot wounds the victims had suffered and were waiting on the medical investigator's report, which had not been made public as of Thursday.
Neighbor Bryan Brown, who was among those who ran to render first aid, told AP that Voita had gunshot wounds to the leg and the head.
The gunman's body was left in the grass for a time as investigators worked the scene, and it was unclear then how many times he was shot.
Efforts were underway by authorities to access medical and school records that might shed light on Wilson’s mental history.
New Mexico enacted a so-called red flag law in 2020 that can be used to seize guns from people who pose a danger to themselves or others. Judicial records show the Farmington Police Department has petitioned successfully for the removal of guns in other instances, most recently in February.
Police have been probing for motivations behind Monday's rampage, which took place the day before Wilson was due to graduate from high school, amid some indications from relatives of prior mental health issues.
Located near Four Corners where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado meet, Farmington is a supply line and bedroom community to the region’s oil and natural gas industry.
___
Montoya Bryan reported from Albuquerque and Snow reported from Phoenix.
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Credit: AP | 2023-05-18T23:07:57+00:00 | springfieldnewssun.com | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/videos-show-gunman-saying-kill-me-to-onrushing-officers-in-new-mexico-rampage-that-killed-3/PEN66LTS7ZGIHCIANV5YIH7W4U/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — For the uninitiated, outfitting a college dorm room can be a dizzying experience. Doing it at a time of high inflation can make it even more daunting.
The first step: Meticulously go over what the school allows and provides. If you want a microwave and minifridge, are the energy-saving combo models required? Do you need foam pool noodles to avoid hitting your head under an upper bunk, and if so, might the school provide them? Exactly how thick can a mattress topper be?
“You can see the look of terror on parents’ faces,” said Marianne Szymanski, an independent product researcher who has sent two kids to college. “You know, did I get the right mattress pad? It’s crazy.”
Etsy’s trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson, said self-expression is top of mind for dorm-bound kids in such things as faux headboards and unique dresser knobs.
“Two of my favorite dorm trends right now are mood-boosting hues that incorporate bright and energetic colors like neon tones, and heritage styles, a nostalgic trend that embodies the traditional collegiate look with items like plaid linens, wood-toned furniture and monograms,” she said.
There’s no end to help out there, from parents swapping tips in social media groups to seasoned college students offering hacks on TikTok.
Some suggestions:
LIGHTING & CHARGING
Dorm rooms have notoriously bad light, and notoriously few electrical outlets in convenient spots. Many schools don’t allow extension cords. For power strips, which are almost always permitted, consider going vertical with a tower that offers surge protection, USB ports and outlets that can accommodate a range of differently shaped plugs.
It may be time to get a three-way charger. Storage carts, headboards and stands with charging capability are plentiful.
Use double-sided tape or hook-and-loop strips to fasten a power strip to the frame of an elevated bed for easy access.
For students so inclined, putting on makeup can be a problem that a lighted makeup mirror can solve. A desk or clip-on lamp is a must for studying. Consider a shared floor lamp. Neon signs are also popular as decorative lighting.
BEDDING & LAUNDRY
Think extra-long twin sheets, mattress protector and thick, cozy mattress pad, but do know some schools don’t allow certain types of gel toppers, Szymanski said. As for all those throw pillows, where do they go when it’s time to sleep? Usually on the perhaps-not-so-clean floor, so maybe buy fewer. Better yet, take along a body pillow.
Buying two or three sets of sheets does mean using up some already limited storage, but students not terribly laundry-responsible won’t go into crisis when the dirties pile up. And if beds are elevated for storage, get curtains to cover the clutter.
What type of laundry hamper to get is a hot topic, and depends on how far from the room the washers and dryers live. There are rolling hampers, compact mesh hampers and all manner of bags. For trekking up and down stairs, huge laundry backpacks (some with padded shoulder straps) are perfect.
A hack: Invest in a clothing steamer or wrinkle release fabric spray rather than an iron.
SHELVING & HOOKS
Extending storage with shelving is a dorm-size jigsaw puzzle. Is there room for over-the-bed shelving? Does the school permit hutches on top of desks, or provide them?
Pro tip: Not a great idea to swap sturdy shelving for an over-the-toilet bathroom version that might not be able to handle something heavy, like a microwave. Also, if a bed will be elevated but not all the way up, a tall bedside stand with extra shelves or drawers might be useful.
Ask the school: Can shelving or stands of any kind be placed in front of windows?
And remember those locker shelves from high school? Use them to extend space in a nightstand or desk.
Those Command stick-on hooks? Bring oh so many, along with the removable poster strips made not to damage walls. Also pick up a couple of over-the-door hangers for bags, coats, robes and hoodies.
CLOSETS & OTHER STORAGE
For the closet, consider sturdy vertical hanger extenders and hanging shoe and clothing storage. Yes, such storage takes up space and adds weight. Can an extra rod be installed?
Storage cubes can triple as seating and step stool, as opposed to a decorative pouf that is simply pretty and comfy.
Under-bed or in-closet storage drawers are essential, along with extra baskets, or at least a bowl for random, easily lost smaller items. Medium plastic baskets for scarves, socks and the like can be used on the top closet shelf.
CLEANING & COOLING
Vacuum cleaners are often available, but they’re usually heavy and must be lugged back and forth. Szymanski has a hack for that. Not your run-of-the-mill portable vacuum but an ultra-mini handheld and battery-operated version called the Ayla. It’s tube-like and just 11 inches tall.
Some students recommend a duster with cling power, along with a dehumidifier or air purifier.
Portable fans are tiny but mighty. Woozoo, a cult favorite, makes oscillating and remote-controlled versions.
Another Szymanski hack: A roll of Rakot75 towels for cleaning. They’re 100% bamboo, come in a 75-count roll, and each sheet can be reused up to six months. Just rinse and reuse.
Don’t forget small trash cans for the bathroom and sleeping area, after coordinating with roommates, of course, on this and other shared items.
DECOR & STYLE
Style is everything for some dorm dwellers.
“People really take pride and they really strive for a sophisticated, grown-up space,” said Adar Kirkham, a DIY designer and star of the new digital series “Freestyled” on HGTV.com. “It’s now considered cool to decorate your room.”
The pros are mixed on whether removable, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a good idea. Some schools may not allow it and it might not adhere to textured walls. Kirkham suggests using it to decorate desk drawers or other storage units.
Some kids bring along decorative mirrors to hang, rather than the usual all-body vertical kind, or they hang strings of twinkle lights.
The site Dormify.com is full of design inspiration and products. This year’s freshmen are more confident than last year’s about personalizing their dorm room, said Amanda Zuckerman, Dormify’s co-founder and CEO.
“More saturation and color is really popular, so bringing in bright pink, bright orange, bright green and turquoise,” she said.
According to Pinterest, searches are up for hippy and preppy dorm styles.
“People are increasingly searching for things like funky mirror ideas, which have tripled since last year. Indoor plant styling is also on the rise. Searching for preppy dorm room has increased 80%. Pink and blue are some really strong colors for that preppy aesthetic,” said Pinterest’s data insights lead Swasti Sarna.
BATHROOM & MISCELLANEOUS
Consider getting some scented Steripod toothbrush protectors. Dorms are dusty. Bathrooms get gross. Toothbrushes might have to be toted around. It should be changed every three months.
Bathrooms are often shared, and stuff gets mixed up. An organizer is essential. Pro tip from the trenches: Use an over-the-door organizer for bathroom stuff. Dormify sells one with a small face mirror built in.
Kirkham suggests a rolling bathroom caddy with just the essentials for quick trips in and out.
Minifridge tip: If allowed leeway on what kind to use, pick one with a separate freezer compartment. It might just guard against freezing food below. Some kids forgo the freezer completely to get more fridge space.
Kirkham, whose show premieres July 24, suggests a minifridge stand that elevates the unit and includes additional storage.
“Everything in a dorm room has to have multiple functions,” she said.
A small, portable, battery-operated blender could be useful. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and it helps students eat healthy options stored in room fridges. Szymanski likes the Blendi.
A tool kit comes in handy, as does a first aid kit. To help elevate a bed, Szymanski said, bring along a rubber mallet.
And rather than a bedside canvas caddy, try an attachable bunk bed tray table. It can hold a drink, a phone and more.
Last but not least: a permanent marker good for labeling fabric as well as plastic. | 2022-07-20T14:24:11+00:00 | nwahomepage.com | https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/national/heading-to-college-what-to-bring-leave-at-home/ |
NARSSA and Avantax to Collaborate on Social Security Education and Training for its Network of Financial Professionals
MELVILLE, N.Y., July 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts (NARSSA), the leader in technology-driven expert Social Security education, training, and analysis fulfillment for Financial Advisors, has announced a partnership with Avantax®. Avantax Wealth Management provides its community of Financial Professionals, CPAs, and tax professionals with the support, training and tools supporting tax-advantaged financial planning and wealth management services to their clients.
The demand for expert Social Security advice is unprecedented. With 10,000 people a day reaching retirement age, financial advisors with tax expertise are a natural resource for clients looking for help in navigating the complex Social Security rules and optimizing and maximizing their benefits. In NARSSA's five-module course, advisors learn to generate technology-driven analyses often resulting in tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars of additional benefits throughout their clients' lifetimes. Advisors frequently see clients underestimating both the amount of Social Security income they are entitled to, as well as the complexity of the Social Security rules that determine how much they can receive.
NARSSA and Avantax plan to collaborate on several initiatives to promote Social Security education to affiliated firms that make up the Avantax Community. These initiatives include webinars, articles, workshops, and other program benefits. Avantax Financial Professionals who complete NARSSA's Social Security education course will have the opportunity to earn their RSSA® credential and be recognized by clients as a Social Security expert.
"We are delighted to establish a partnership with Avantax," said Todd S. Whiton, CEO of NARSSA. Avantax's focus on Tax-Smart investment planning naturally aligns with optimizing a clients Social Security benefit." Whiton continued, "Tax planning is such a critical component of financial planning in general and retirement planning specifically. And Avantax's advisors are uniquely qualified to support their clients with their Social Security income planning needs."
Andy Watts, Avantax Vice President, Investment Solutions said: "This partnership with NARSSA will benefit our Financial Professionals and the clients they serve. It's a great fit because clients seek and expect expert advice on all aspects of retirement planning from their Financial Professional. The expertise Financial Professionals gain from earning their RSSA credential will further differentiate them in the market for retirement planning services which are in such high demand."
Founded in 2017, the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts provides financial professionals with a 5-module online training program approved by the IRS, the CFP Board and NASBA for professional continuing education. Passing the online program is a prerequisite for taking the National RSSA Competency Exam and earning the RSSA certificate credential. The RSSA credential demonstrates that accredited financial professionals have been educated in a foundation of Social Security advanced concepts and trained to use analytical software to provide specific Social Security claiming options for clients, resulting in financially beneficial retirement strategies. For more information, visit www.narssa.org or www.rssa.com. Follow NARSSA on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Media Contact:
Pamela Kweller
Pkweller@narssa.org
646.504.9229
Avantax Wealth Management® offers a tax-advantaged approach for comprehensive financial planning. Avantax's Tax-Smart approach helps clients leverage taxes to create financial growth opportunities. Most financial companies treat taxes as an afterthought, or not at all, even though taxes are one of life's most complex and costly expenses. Avantax technology, tax and wealth management insights are used by Avantax Financial Professionals to uncover and tailor opportunities across their clients' financial lifecycles to help enable better long-term outcomes. The wealth management segment of Blucora, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOR), which includes the Avantax Wealth Management® and Avantax Planning Partners℠ brands, had a collective $86 billion in total client assets as of March 31, 2022. For more information, please visit us at www.avantax.com or on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Media Contact:
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pr@avantax.com
(972) 870-6654
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SOURCE National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts | 2022-07-11T12:40:02+00:00 | wsfa.com | https://www.wsfa.com/prnewswire/2022/07/11/narssa-announces-partnership-with-avantax/ |
(NEXSTAR) – Harrison Wagner, the son of “General Hospital” stars Jack Wagner and Kristina Wagner, died in Los Angeles on Monday, according to records from the Los Angeles County medical examiner-coroner.
Harrison Wagner, 27, was found dead in a parking lot, online records show. His cause of death was not disclosed.
Jack and Kristina Wagner, who divorced in 2006, are also parents to his older brother, Peter Wagner, 31. In recent months, Harrison Wagner had shared posts on Instagram with both parents, including one in which he’s pictured alongside his dad, with a caption reading, “Like father like son.”
His mother had also shared a photo alongside their two sons two weeks ago, lamenting the family’s move from a property they called “Wagner Ranch.”
Online records show Harrison Wagner’s cause of death is under investigation, though a spokesperson for the medical examiner-coroner’s officer told E! News that no foul play is suspected. Jack Wagner, in a previous Twitter post from 2016, had revealed that his younger son had “struggled w drugs & alcohol just as I did.”
Jack, Kristina or Peter Wagner have not yet commented publicly on Harrison Wagner’s passing. Harrison Wagner also had a half-sister, Kerry, from one of his father’s previous relationships. | 2022-06-08T16:53:02+00:00 | wric.com | https://www.wric.com/news/u-s-world/harrison-wagner-son-of-general-hospital-stars-jack-wagner-and-kristina-wagner-dies-at-27/ |
Buttigieg tests positive for COVID after Michigan visit
U.S. Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, he wrote on Twitter Monday.
Buttigieg spoke at the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island last Wednesday and traveled Thursday to Saginaw for an announcement about rail investment.
"I plan to work remotely while isolating according to CDC guidelines, and look forward to when I can safely return to the office and the road," he tweeted.
Buttigieg was in close contact with several of Michigan's leading state and federal officials during the annual policy conference at Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel, where masks were not required and sparsely used indoors.
It is unclear whether Buttigieg caught COVID from the conference, and a spokesperson for Buttigieg said they are not aware of anyone he came in close contact with testing positive for the virus.
The Detroit Regional Chamber said Monday that 15 of the conference's 1,347 attendees have tested positive for COVID in the days immediately following the event. Those 15 are experiencing mild or no symptoms. Proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test were required to attend the conference, and only 14 people used the test option, the chamber said.
Kerry Ott, a spokesperson for the LMAS District Health department encompassing Mackinac County, said Monday that Mackinac Island's wastewater tested "fairly high" for COVID during the most recent test right before Memorial Day weekend.
The secretary hosted a press conference with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, Michigan Transportation Director Paul Ajegba and others; was interviewed on stage by WDIV anchor Devin Scillian; and met privately with Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township and likely other officials.
Whitmer took a rapid test Monday morning that came back negative, spokesperson Bobby Leddy said, adding "she is fully up to date on her vaccinations, and is not currently experiencing any symptoms."
State Rep. Julie Brixie, D-Meridian Township, said Monday she tested positive for the virus Saturday after spending a few days last week at the Mackinac Policy Conference.
"I'm grateful to have protection from my vaccines because my symptoms do not require hospitalization," Brixie said. "And I am thankful for the antiviral medication that is helping me recover quickly."
On Thursday, Buttigieg headed to Saginaw, where he unveiled $368 million in funding for rail infrastructure and safety. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, appeared at the announcement with the transportation secretary. Kildee had a breakthrough COVID case in January.
Staff Writer Beth LeBlanc contributed.
rbeggin@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @rbeggin | 2022-06-06T17:56:15+00:00 | detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2022/06/06/buttigieg-tests-positive-covid-after-michigan-visit/7531554001/ |
Which way to keep your puppy entertained is best?
Puppies are tiny bundles of pure energy and when you don’t keep them occupied, they end up getting into mischief. If you don’t want your sofa scrabbled and your shoes chewed, learn how to keep your puppy entertained.
Not only will they be happier and more mentally stimulated when you find different ways to entertain them, some of these activities help you cement your bond with your new canine companion.
Play games with your puppy
Puppies love to play, so you can keep them entertained and promote bonding by playing together. If you’re looking for an easy way to play, consider a tug toy or a ball that you can play fetch with. However, you can also get more imaginative with your games.
Hide-and-seek is fun to play with a canine partner. Tell your puppy to sit and stay while you hide — or get someone to hold onto your puppy if they don’t yet know “stay.” Once you’ve hidden, call your puppy and wait for them to come and find you. Reward them for finding you with a treat.
Teach your puppy simple tricks or commands
Starting your puppy young with trick and obedience training sets them in good stead for future learning. Almost as soon as you get your puppy home (after giving them a few days to settle in), you can start with this kind of training. Start with simple tricks and commands, such as “sit” and “shake” and work up to more complex ones, such as “stay” and “speak.”
Keep training sessions short (no more than five to 10 minutes at a time for young puppies) and have plenty of treats on hand as rewards when your pup gets it right.
Create a canine scavenger hunt
Hide treats and toys around your home or in an enclosed yard to create a scavenger hunt for your puppy pal. If they aren’t particularly good at finding, drag treats along the floor before tucking them away, making a scent trail to their hiding spot. If your puppy picks up the trail, they should be able to follow it to where their treats are hidden.
Make your puppy’s mealtimes more interesting
You can keep your puppy entertained and make them work a little more for their food by making their mealtimes more interesting. If they eat dry puppy food, you can put their meal inside a treat-dispensing ball or other puzzle toy. If they eat wet food, extend their meal times with a lick mat, which will force them to slow down, licking their food out from the crevices of the mat.
This is an especially good idea for puppies who wolf down their food and then spend the next half an hour looking for more. That said, you shouldn’t feed all your puppy’s meals in this way because they should learn how to use a standard dog bowl.
Try the basics of scentwork with your pup
Scentwork is where your dog uses their nose to find things. Ultimately, dogs experienced at scentwork can find anything they’re trained to find, but you should start out with food, because most dogs are already highly motivated to find food and will put in the work to do so.
The simplest introduction to scentwork for puppies is the “guess which hand” game. Hold a treat in one closed fist (don’t let your puppy see which one you put it in) and hold out both fists to your dog. They should naturally start smelling your hands and become more interested in one, indicating that’s the hand they think the treat is in. Open your fist and give your dog the treat if they chose the right hand or try again if they didn’t.
Once your puppy has mastered this game, try slightly more complicated scentwork games, such as hiding a treat under one of several upturned paper cups.
Give your puppy fun toys
You probably don’t have the time to play, train and interact with your puppy every waking moment. Choosing an array of fun toys for them to play with keeps them happy and occupied while you’re otherwise engaged. There are many types of puppy toys to choose from, including teething toys, plush toys and chew toys.
Some chew toys have hollow centers that you can stuff with peanut butter, meat pastes and other foods of a similar consistency. This means your puppy has to work to get the tasty substance out from inside, keeping them occupied for longer. It’s a great solution for puppies who seem to get into trouble as soon as you take your eyes off them.
What you need to buy to keep your puppy entertained
This smaller, softer version of the classic Kong toy can provide hours of fun for your pup. Not only can it be chewed and fetched, you can stuff it with treats and pastes such as peanut butter.
Sold by Amazon
Nylabone Teethe ‘n’ Tug Puppy Toy
This is a great interactive toy for playing tug-of-war with your puppy. It also has a ridged surface that can help your puppy with teething discomfort.
Sold by Amazon
Perfect for entertaining puppies indoors, this ball is soft and padded so it’s more difficult to damage your belongings if your aim is off.
Sold by Amazon
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Treat Tumble Ball Interactive Puzzle Dog Toy
This treat-dispensing ball can be filled with treats or your puppy’s kibble to extend their meal times and keep them busy. It’s great for food-motivated puppies.
Sold by Amazon
West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Treat-Dispensing Dog Puzzle Toy
Another treat-dispensing toy, this one wobbles around when your puppy knocks it with their nose or paw, ultimately causing treats to fall out from a small hole in the side.
Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | 2023-04-11T19:29:56+00:00 | fox59.com | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/pets-br/training-br/how-to-keep-a-puppy-entertained/ |
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s film and TV industry has hit a new peak, with record spending by video production companies in a state that drew projects including the Netflix series “Stranger Things.”
Production companies directly spent a record $855 million on films, TV series and other media in the fiscal year that ended on June 30, New Mexico’s governor announced Thursday. Industry executives have been attracted to New Mexico’s unique landscapes since the success of AMC’s long-running series “Breaking Bad” and a generous increase of incentives passed by state lawmakers in 2019.
In-state spending by the industry increased about 36% from nearly $627 million the previous fiscal year.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a first-term Democrat running for reelection, also touted an increase in spending beyond major cities such as Santa Fe and Albuquerque, fueled by expanded state incentives for rural and small-town film production.
Local production spending in those outlying areas jumped more than six-fold to $49.5 million amid an industry rebound, state economic development officials told a legislative panel gathered in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
It was unclear how much the state will eventually spend on corresponding film incentive payments. New Mexico offers a rebate of between 25% and 35% of in-state spending for video production that helps filmmakers large and small underwrite their work.
Incentive payments crested at $148 million in 2019 before falling to about $40 million for the year ending in June 2021. While the state general fund is awash in income linked to federal pandemic aid along with a surge in oil and natural gas prices and production, some lawmakers have criticized the rebates as being too costly.
State economic development officials say conversations are underway with lawmakers to revisit terms of the state film tax rebate program when the Legislature meets again in January 2023, possibly redrawing the boundaries for bonuses in rural areas and exploring new incentives linked to lower emissions of climate-warming pollution by the energy-intensive industry.
Fiscally conservative legislators have questioned for years whether New Mexico may be spending too much on the film industry in comparison with the employment it sustains. But Lujan Grisham pointed to state data that showed an increase in the number of industry worker hours and new highs for the number of film and television productions overall at nearly 110 for the year.
“Due to the work we’ve done to foster a successful environment for production and build a thriving base of talented local crews, film and television productions from around the world are putting money directly into New Mexico communities, supporting our small businesses and creating jobs for thousands of New Mexicans,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement.
After the success of “Breaking Bad” and spinoff “Better Call Saul,” other notable recent productions in New Mexico include portions the fourth season of the Netflix series “Stranger Things” and AMC’s “Dark Winds,” based on the the mystery book series from Tony Hillerman and daughter Anne Hillerman.
Both Netflix and NBCUniversal have set up permanent production hubs in Albuquerque in recent years, adding to millions of dollars in investments and promises of more jobs.
Legislative reforms in 2019 opened up greater incentives to film production companies that demonstrate long-term commitments to New Mexico through a 10-year contract on a qualified production facility. Netflix and NBCUniversal have secured that “film partner” status that lifts the cap on annual production rebates.
Spending by the industry had been trending upward before the pandemic brought a halt to work due to public health mandates and industry protocols, resulting in a precipitous drop in 2020. As restrictions were eased, spending rebounded in 2021 as work ramped up.
Record-setting activity took place amid allegations of workplace safety violations on the set of “Rust,” where actor and producer Alec Baldwin fatally shot a cinematographer in October 2021. No criminal charges have been filed in the case and Baldwin has denied wrongdoing.
Rust Movie Productions is challenging the basis of a $137,000 fine against the company by state occupational safety regulators who say production managers on the set of the Western film failed to follow standard industry protocols for firearms safety.
The Legislature this year allocated $40 million to help establish a collaborative media academy to bolster training for the industry. Economic Development Secretary Alicia Keyes said the headquarters of the academy will be located in Albuquerque. | 2022-07-15T11:42:42+00:00 | wboy.com | https://www.wboy.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/new-mexico-stranger-things-backdrop-hits-production-peak/ |
NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with Rachel Chason, West Africa bureau chief for The Washington Post, about the coup unfolding in Burkina Faso — the second in the country in eight months.
Copyright 2022 NPR
NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with Rachel Chason, West Africa bureau chief for The Washington Post, about the coup unfolding in Burkina Faso — the second in the country in eight months.
Copyright 2022 NPR | 2022-10-04T10:34:01+00:00 | nepm.org | https://www.nepm.org/2022-10-04/in-burkina-faso-military-officers-have-taken-control-of-the-government |
Chiefs' do-over play in 4th quarter of AFC Championship enrages NFL fans
Many NFL fans were absolutely stunned when the Kansas City Chiefs were given the opportunity to redo third down in a pivotal moment of the AFC Championship on Sunday night.
On 3rd down with a little more than 10 minutes to play in the game, the Cincinnati Bengals stopped the Chiefs to bring up what was thought to have been fourth down. However, officials determined that a whistle was blown before the ball was snapped and instead of the Chiefs getting ready to punt they got another chance to try and convert on third down.
Head coach Zac Taylor of the Cincinnati Bengals talks with referees during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin
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The noise in Arrowhead Stadium apparently prevented the other officials from hearing the whistle. Bengals coach Zac Taylor was irate on the sideline. On the next play, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was sacked for an 8-yard loss, but Bengals cornerback Eli Apple was called for holding on the play.
NFL fans burst into anger on social media.
NFL STAR JOEY BOSA GOES ON EXPLICIT TIRADE TOWARD HECKLING EAGLES FAN: 'YOU F---ING LOSER!'
Luckily, for the Bengals, the defense was able to hold strong against the Chiefs and force them to punt after three extra plays.
The Cincinnati Bengals offense huddles during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Jan. 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
On Cincinnati’s next drive, Joe Burrow threw an interception. The score stayed tied 20-20 for the time being with less than 7 minutes to play.
Officiating issues also took hold of the NFC Championship between the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. | 2023-01-30T14:13:46+00:00 | fox29.com | https://www.fox29.com/sports/chiefs-do-over-play-in-4th-quarter-of-afc-championship-enrages-nfl-fans |
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and his allies are trying to change the narrative about a campaign that is widely seen as having underperformed so far.
DeSantis has faced criticism for early missteps — notably a glitch-ridden Twitter Spaces launch event and comments downplaying the war in Ukraine. His numbers have drifted down from just months ago.
As of Friday afternoon, he lagged former President Trump by 29 points in the weighted national polling average maintained by FiveThirtyEight. DeSantis is drawing the support of about 1-in-4 Republican voters; he was backed by around 1-in-3 in mid-March.
But the candidate and his campaign are making the case that forecasts of failure are vastly premature — and based on a misunderstanding of their long-term strategy.
As they seek to shift perceptions onto a more favorable footing, they stress a number of points, including that the campaign is at a very early stage; DeSantis is showing strength in fundraising; he has withstood a barrage of attacks from Team Trump with his favorability intact; and his record in Florida, both electorally and policy-wise, provides a template that can be replicated in the national race.
All of those threads get woven together in support of their overall argument that DeSantis is the only Republican who can beat Trump, and the best Republican to beat President Biden in the general election.
“Ron DeSantis has been underestimated in every race he has won, and this time will be no different,” said DeSantis campaign press secretary Bryan Griffin. “Donald Trump has to explain to Republican voters why he didn’t do the things he is now promising in his first term as president. Governor Ron DeSantis over-delivered on his promises as governor and has the national vision we need to restore our country, clean out D.C. and lead our Great American Comeback.”
Griffin added a sentiment that has become a rallying cry for DeSantis and his supporters recently: “This campaign is a marathon, not a sprint; we will be victorious.”
An official for Never Back Down, the main super PAC supporting DeSantis, made the argument that the contest for the GOP nomination is essentially at two-person race.
The official contended that, even if other contenders at times edged up slightly in the polls, they lacked the infrastructure or on-the-ground investment to be truly competitive with the former president.
There is, to be sure, some truth in that observation. No other Republican candidate is in double-digits as yet in national polling averages.
But that could change in unpredictable ways once debate season gets underway. The first clash between the GOP candidates is set for Aug. 23 in Milwaukee.
For the moment, the Florida governor is defending himself from critiques.
In a Thursday interview on Fox News, DeSantis told host Will Cain, “I’m running to win in January and February. I’m not running to juice polling now.”
Asked about a perceived failure to connect, DeSantis sought to turn the focus to his fundraising and his favorability numbers:
“I’ve also been attacked more than anybody, as you know,” he told Cain. “Donald Trump has spent over 20 million [dollars] attacking me — that’s more than he spent supporting Republican candidates in last year’s midterm elections.”
An Economist/YouGov poll released earlier this week indicated that 73 percent of Republicans have a favorable view of DeSantis, and 15 percent have an unfavorable view. For Trump, the equivalent figures are 75 percent and 23 percent.
Those statistics bear out the DeSantis team’s argument that the initial wave of Trump attacks hasn’t fundamentally damaged the Florida governor.
But he still needs to best Trump, not just be seen in a broadly positive light by Republican voters. And the battle between the two men looks set to become nastier.
On Friday, Trump told a crowd in Council Bluffs, Iowa, that DeSantis was a “lousy candidate” who had only won the Florida governorship in 2018 thanks to the then-president’s endorsement. Trump suggested, as he has done on a number of occasions, that DeSantis is being disloyal in challenging him.
Trump also attacked DeSantis as “a globalist sellout and Paul Ryan and Karl Rove acolyte,” referring to the former Speaker, a relative moderate, and the well-known Republican strategist.
Never Back Down shot back rapidly with a video compilation of past clips of Trump praising Ryan.
Last week, DeSantis allies tweeted a highly controversial video that suggested Trump was too liberal on LGBTQ+ issues. The video was criticized as homophobic, including by some Republicans.
DeSantis, in his Fox interview, stayed away from such contentious terrain and instead took a thinly veiled shot at Trump’s electability.
Referring to a general election, he said: “You can’t win with just Republican voters. I think we showed in Florida, you know, if you want a big victory, you’ve got to win independent voters, you’ve got to win people who haven’t voted for our party in the last several cycles.”
“I’ve shown I can do that. And I think we can do it nationally,” he added.
DeSantis at least seems sure to have sufficient money to wage a drawn-out war with Trump for the nomination.
His campaign has said it raised $20 million between the time he declared his candidacy in late May and the end of June. Meanwhile, Never Back Down says it has raised $130 million since its formation in March.
Republican insiders say there is no mistaking the problems DeSantis faces — but that he has time to right the ship.
“Poll numbers drive the narrative in presidential politics, and DeSantis’s poll numbers haven’t been moving in the right direction,” said GOP strategist Alex Conant.
Conant said Trump’s dominance of the media was one reason for that. But he said DeSantis had also made unforced errors.
“He failed to have a good launch — campaigns can capture some attention with a good launch, and he missed. Having a clear position on Ukraine, in contrast to Trump, was also a missed opportunity.”
But Conant said the debates — “when more can happen in one night than in the previous three months” — were the most obvious opportunity for DeSantis to turn the page.
As for DeSantis himself, he is arguing that he is ready to grind out a win over the long haul.
“We’re in the process of building out a great organization And I think we’re going to be on the ground in all these early states,” DeSantis told Fox, adding a well-known football metaphor: “It is a, ‘3 yards and a cloud of dust’-type situation.”
For now, his supporters just want to see some sign that he’s making any progress in moving down the field.
The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage. | 2023-07-08T13:16:26+00:00 | upmatters.com | https://www.upmatters.com/hill-politics/the-memo-desantis-tries-to-shift-narrative-after-campaign-criticism/ |
BOERNE — The stage is set for the latest round in the fight over Boerne's future.
The Boerne City Council is set to consider a resolution to adopt the new Boerne Mobility Master Plan during its meeting tonight, which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
City leaders say the plan is needed to guide responsible development in the rapidly growing Kendall County city. But some residents say the plan and its map of potential roads are setting the stage for even more growth and development, and they worry about the possibility of new roads cutting through their private property
The Boerne Mobility Master Plan, presented to Boerne’s Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 6, is intended to offer a “safer, more accessible, and more efficient transportation network that improves the quality of life for Boerne residents,” according to the presentation.
The plan's stated goals are wide-ranging: To improve troublesome intersections by adding roundabouts; to increase the availability of “multimodal” forms of transportation like bikes and scooters; and to improve existing roadways. The plan seeks to accomplish all that while keeping Boerne’s “rural character” in place and minimizing environmental impact.
That conflict between maintaining the city's character and dealing with its swift growth is at the heart of the debate over the new mobility plan.
On Express-News.com: How Boerne's rapid growth has created traffic problems
Boerne’s population grew 70 percent from 2010 to 2020 and now has close to 20,000 residents, according the U.S. Census Bureau, while Kendall County grew 33 percent during that same period and is nearing 50,000 residents.
City leaders say that with such growth a reality, a plan is needed to guide the development.
The city hosted several community forums in recent months to provide progress reports on on the mobility plan. The mere mention of the plan brought in droves of concerned residents, and the public comment portions of city meetings where residents could speak for three minutes could last over an hour.
Tuesday night's council meeting could draw another full house, as multiple posts on the area’s most popular Facebook group implored residents to attend and voice their displeasure.
Following a public hearing Tuesday night on the mobility plan, a public hearing is also scheduled over whether the city should replace and repeal its existing thoroughfare plan. The proposed new thoroughfare plan is intended "to provide for future connectivity if development occurs... and to provide the ultimate function of roadways as arterials or collectors in the city's transportation network," according to documents posted on the city's website. A second public hearing on the thoroughfare plan is scheduled for April 11.
Boerne-area residents saw a finalized version of the Mobility Master Plan during a Jan. 25 open house held by the city at the Kronkosky Place, a senior center just outside city limits.
Dozens showed up to the event, where a ring of easels propped up posters with plan details and maps.Near the center of the presentation area was a table with a map of the thoroughfare plan. Atop the map was a stack of sticky notes residents could use to air grievances or suggest changes to the .
A pair of pink and purple sticky notes placed on a map of Boerne’s thoroughfare plan summed up the state of the city’s infrastructure discourse.
“NEEDS ROUNDABOUT,” read the purple note, a drawn arrow pointing to the intersection of Johns Road and Adler Road in Boerne.
“NO ROUNDABOUTS,” read the underlined text on the pink note stuck next to it. | 2023-03-28T14:42:46+00:00 | expressnews.com | https://www.expressnews.com/hill-country/article/boerne-battle-transportation-mobility-plan-17863032.php |
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BEIJING, Oct. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn
Xi Jinping delivered a report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on Sunday.
The following are some highlights from the report:
Momentous five years
The five years since the 19th National Congress of the CPC have been truly momentous and extraordinary.
The Party Central Committee has pursued a strategy of national rejuvenation amid global changes of a magnitude not seen in a century, with major strategic plans made for advancing the cause of the Party and the country.
Historic achievements over past decade
The CPC has taken China on a new journey toward building a modern socialist country in all respects.
Under the leadership of the Party Central Committee, the entire Party, the military, and the Chinese people have been brought together to carry out a great struggle with many new features of the times.
Opening new chapters in adapting Marxism to Chinese context
It is the solemn historic responsibility of today's Chinese Communists to continue opening new chapters in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.
Since the 18th CPC National Congress, with the courage to make theoretical explorations and innovations, the CPC has, from an entirely new perspective, deepened its understanding of the laws that underlie governance by a communist party, the development of socialism, and the evolution of human society.
CPC's central task on the new journey of the new era
From this day forward, the central task of the CPC will be to lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in a concerted effort to realize the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and to advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization.
The CPC aims to basically realize socialist modernization by 2035, and build China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful from 2035 through the middle of this century.
New development pattern and high-quality development
To build a modern socialist country in all respects, we must, first and foremost, pursue high-quality development.
We must fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, continue reforms to develop the socialist market economy, promote high-standard opening up, and accelerate efforts to foster a new pattern of development that is focused on the domestic economy and features positive interplay between domestic and international economic flows.
Role of education, sci-tech, and talent in modernization drive
Education, science and technology, and human resources are the foundational and strategic pillars for building a modern socialist country in all respects.
We must regard science and technology as our primary productive force, talent as our primary resource, and innovation as our primary driver of growth.
Whole-process people's democracy
Whole-process people's democracy is the defining feature of socialist democracy; it is democracy in its broadest, most genuine, and most effective form.
We will improve the system of institutions through which the people run the country.
Rule of law
China must strive to build a modern socialist country in all respects under the rule of law.
The comprehensive advancement of law-based governance has been a profound revolution in China's governance. Law-based governance is important for the Party's success in governing and rejuvenating the country, for the wellbeing of the people, and for the long-term stability of the Party and the country.
Building cultural confidence
To build a modern socialist country in all respects, we must develop a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics and be more confident in our culture.
In the efforts to turn China into a country with a strong socialist culture, the CPC will focus on upholding socialism with Chinese characteristics, rallying public support, fostering a new generation of young people, developing Chinese culture, and better presenting China to the world.
Improving people's wellbeing
Working for the people's wellbeing is an essential part of the Party's commitment to serving the public good and exercising governance for the people.
The CPC will work hard to resolve the pressing difficulties and problems that concern the people most, improve the basic public service system to raise public service standards and make public services more balanced and accessible, so as to achieve solid progress in promoting common prosperity.
Advancing Beautiful China Initiative
Respecting, adapting to, and protecting nature is essential for building China into a modern socialist country in all respects.
China will prioritize ecological protection, conserve resources and use them efficiently, and pursue green and low-carbon development.
Safeguarding national security, social stability
National security is the bedrock of national rejuvenation, and social stability is a prerequisite for building a strong and prosperous China.
The Party will take coordinated steps to ensure external and internal security, homeland and public security, traditional and non-traditional security, as well as its own security and common security.
Modernizing defense, military
Achieving the goals for the centenary of the People's Liberation Army in 2027 and more quickly elevating the people's armed forces to world-class standards are strategic tasks for building a modern socialist country in all respects.
The CPC will intensify troop training and enhance combat preparedness across the board, strengthen all-around military governance, and consolidate and enhance integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities.
'One country, two systems' and national reunification
The policy of "one country, two systems" is a great innovation of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It has proven to be the best institutional arrangement for ensuring sustained prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao after their return to the motherland
The CPC will implement its overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, and unswervingly advance the cause of national reunification.
Promoting global community with shared future
China has always been committed to its foreign policy goals of upholding world peace and promoting common development.
China remains firm in pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace. It has always decided its position and policy on issues based on their own merits, and it has strived to uphold the basic norms governing international relations and safeguard international fairness and justice.
China stands firmly against all forms of hegemonism and power politics, the Cold War mentality, interference in other countries' internal affairs, and double standards.
Full, rigorous Party self-governance an unceasing endeavor
As the largest Marxist governing party in the world, the CPC must always stay alert and determined to tackle the special challenges that a large party like the CPC faces, so as to maintain the people's support and consolidate its position as the long-term governing party.
The CPC must meet the overall requirements for Party building in the new era, improve the systems for exercising full and rigorous self-governance, and comprehensively advance its efforts to purify, improve, renew, and excel itself.
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SOURCE China Daily.com.cn | 2022-10-18T00:40:38+00:00 | kfyrtv.com | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2022/10/17/xi-emphasizes-chinese-path-modernization-central-task/ |
LONDON (AP) — As Britain swelters through a roasting summer, and braces for a cold financial reckoning in the fall, calls for the Conservative government to act are getting louder.
But the Conservatives are busy choosing a new leader, through a prolonged party election whose priorities often seem remote from the country’s growing turmoil.
Britons’ energy bills have soared — and further hikes are coming — as the war in Ukraine squeezes global oil and gas supplies. The Bank of England is predicting a long, deep recession later this year alongside 13% inflation. Meanwhile, temperatures in Britain hit 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in July for the first time ever, and millions are facing limits on water use as England’s green and pleasant land dries to a desiccated brown.
There is little sense of crisis among Conservatives as Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak crisscross the country wooing the 180,000 party members who will choose a successor to departing Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Under Britain’s parliamentary system, the winner of the Tory leadership race — to be announced Sept. 5 — will also become prime minister, without the need for a national election.
Conservative members are largely middle-aged or older, mostly middle-class or affluent, and their views don’t always reflect those of the country as a whole.
“I’d like to see some true Conservative policies,” said Helen Galley, a lawyer and local Conservative official attending a candidates’ meeting in the English seaside town of Eastbourne. “Low taxation, smaller state, less regulation, freeing industry and commerce from EU regulations. … Some self-reliance and sense of responsibility for yourself.”
Those priorities are mirrored in the campaign pitches of Truss and Sunak, who say they will tackle the cost-of-living crisis through long-term measures to boost the economy. Truss says she would cut individual and corporate taxes rather than give people “handouts.” Sunak says he’ll tackle inflation before lowering taxes, and will offer unspecified help to people struggling to pay their bills.
Critics say neither candidate is grasping the scale of the crisis. Millions of households face a financial squeeze in October, when a cap on household energy bills tied to wholesale prices is next raised. Consulting firm Cornwall Insight forecasts the average household will then be paying over 3,500 pounds ($4,200) a year for gas and electricity, more than double the amount a year earlier — with a further hike due in the new year.
Martin Lewis, a consumer champion who runs the popular Money Saving Expert website, has warned that “we are facing a potential national financial cataclysm,” with millions unable to heat their homes this winter.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who led the U.K. during the global financial crisis of 2008, called for Johnson, Truss and Sunak to get together and draw up an emergency budget in preparation for a “financial time bomb” in October.
“It’s not just that they’re asleep at the wheel — there’s nobody at the wheel at the moment,” Brown, a member of the opposition Labour Party, told broadcaster ITV.
Brown’s call was echoed by Tony Danker of business group the Confederation of British Industry, who said “we simply cannot afford a summer of government inactivity while the leadership contest plays out.”
But with Parliament adjourned for its summer recess and Johnson whiling away his last weeks in office, big policies are on hold. The few government announcements in recent weeks have been decidedly modest — one was a plan from a “Chewing Gum Task Force” to get sticky stains off city streets.
Johnson’s spokesman, Max Blain, said the outgoing leader is barred from making “major fiscal interventions” during the transition period, and any new cost-of-living remedies must be for the next prime minister to decide.
“The Conservative Party — and therefore the government — is having a completely different conversation to the public,” said Alan Wager, a research associate at the U.K. in a Changing Europe think-tank. “And it’s quite a serious time to be having this very big disjuncture.”
Anti-poverty and environmental protesters have dogged Truss and Sunak at campaign events — a reminder of the world outside the Conservative bubble. In Eastbourne, several climate activists who had infiltrated the crowd stood to heckle Truss for failing to tackle the climate crisis. They were removed to chants of “Out, out, out” from the Conservative audience.
The environment has scarcely featured in the contest. Both Truss and Sunak say they will keep the government’s target of cutting Britain’s carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, while offering policies that would make that harder.
Truss supports fracking and renewed North Sea oil and gas extraction and says she will suspend green levies used to fund renewable energy projects. Sunak wants to ban new onshore wind farms, though he supports offshore wind and more nuclear power to cut Britain’s carbon footprint.
Party polls suggest Truss likely has an unassailable lead in the contest. Sunak is regarded with suspicion by some Tories for quitting the scandal-plagued government last month, a move that helped bring Johnson down. The former finance minister has been painted by opponents as a high-taxing, high-spending near-socialist because of the billions he spent to prop up the economy during the coronavirus pandemic.
Truss styles herself as a disruptor who will “be bold” in slashing taxes and ripping up red tape — a message many Tories are keen to hear.
Party member Robbie Lammas, part of a “Liz for Leader” contingent at the Eastbourne event, said he likes Truss’s “more optimistic view” of the economy.
“It’s good to be bold and good to challenge orthodoxy,” he said.
Another audience member, Wilhelmina Fermore, said she was “on the fence,” but leaning toward supporting Truss because “she’s more engaging and I think that she relates to people on the street.”
Yet what appeals to the Conservative Party does not necessarily appeal to the country. And Chris Curtis, head of political polling at research company Opinium, says the candidates’ economic promises will soon collide with stark reality.
“Liz Truss can believe all she likes that she’s going to be able to solve this thing through tax cuts, but there’s a big chunk of the population that’s about to get hammered,” he said.
“Talking about how you are going to help those people is not the kind of thing that will appeal to Conservative Party members … (but) there is going to have to be a new massive intervention to help people this autumn.” | 2022-08-11T03:36:04+00:00 | keloland.com | https://www.keloland.com/news/national-world-news/in-race-to-win-uk-conservatives-accused-of-ignoring-crises/ |
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – People can fall for a scheme very easily on Valentine’s Day, whether you are buying someone a gift or looking for a new date.
This Valentine’s Day, which falls on Tuesday, is going to be big, according to projections by the National Retail Federation, which says that consumer spending will reach nearly $26 billion, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
As you prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, there are a few common schemes that you need to be aware of. Whether you’re hoping for a new relationship or buying gifts for loved ones, beware of these schemes that are regularly reported to BBB:
Imposter websites
Consumers should always be on the alert for impostor websites because schemers can easily copy official photos, sale promotions, and logos directly from the website of a popular jewelry brand. Those real visual elements can make a scammer’s website look like the real deal.
Other methods include fake online dating platforms crafted to steal personal data and credit card information. Some red flags to look out for are: products available at extreme discounts, a seller request that customers pay with cash transfer apps or cryptocurrency and unreachable customer service representatives.
Romance schemes
Some of the people most vulnerable to a romance scam are those who have recently suffered a breakup or some other hardship, according to the BBB. Schemers leverage that pain to establish a connection and to gain sympathy. Once they’ve created a bond with their victim, they begin pursuing the true goal, money.
A romance scam can be particularly devastating because victims not only lose thousands of dollars, but they are once again crushed emotionally. Some red flags are: the relationship moves very fast, you never actually meet the person and they ask for money.
Wrong number scam
It might even seem like the responsible thing to do when a strange text message pops up on your phone, but responding to say the other person has the wrong number might be just what a crook on the other side of the conversation is hoping for. Text messages could be the bait to lure you into a conversation. If you keep chatting with this person, they eventually try to get your personal information by directing you to sign up for an adult site, for example, the BBB says.
Red flags to look out for with this scam are: the messages don’t stop, the sender directs you to sign up for a website and they try to get your personal information.
Fake florist scam
The BBB has received several reports of shoppers who thought they were ordering flowers from an online florist, but either got nothing at all or a disappointing arrangement.
If you’re running late ordering that bouquet this year, don’t let panic lead you to overlook warning signs from a potentially sketchy “florist.”
Some other red flags to look out for are: the business has no or bad reviews, there’s no return policy, there’s no satisfaction guarantee and the deal is “too good to be true.”
If you encounter a Valentine’s Day scheme, cut off all contact with the perpetrator by blocking their accounts and phone number. Then, report your experience to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Dating site users should also report suspicious activity to the platform, so they can take action against the schemer account. | 2023-02-12T14:20:50+00:00 | wwlp.com | https://www.wwlp.com/news/national/tips-to-avoid-common-schemes-on-valentines-day-2/ |
NEW YORK, May 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Veniam, the market leader in the intelligent edge for the Internet of Moving Things and Single Digits, a leading provider of Wi-Fi network experiences, announced a partnership that makes it easy for mobile IoT devices and connected vehicles to transfer data over Wi-Fi access points on the move.
Although mobile IoT devices such as dashcams, telematics units and connected cars come with different wireless interfaces (Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, etc.), their data transfers are often limited to the available cellular links. To save on data costs, mobile IoT companies end up sending shorter and lower quality videos, performing fewer over-the-air updates and ultimately reducing the quality of experience of their end users.
By combining Veniam's ability to make the most out of all the wireless interfaces in mobile IoT devices with Single Digits' expertise in automated, seamless wireless connectivity –this new partnership enables auto OEMs, telematics providers and application platforms to expand 4G/5G with access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots across the United States and internationally. Instead of manual logins and cumbersome business processes, customer devices connect easily and automatically to the available Wi-Fi networks subject to global policies defined in the Cloud.
"By partnering with Single Digits we are making it even simpler and cost effective for Veniam customers to get more and better data," said João Barros, CEO and founder of Veniam. "Ultimately, it is about providing all moving IoT devices and their specific applications with the best options for edge connectivity at any location and at any time."
"We're thrilled to enable on-the-move connectivity between cars and mobile IoT devices over wireless networks through our work with Veniam. " said John Haspil, VP of the BSGW Business Unit at Single Digits. "Our roaming hub and powerful suite of services and software for Wi-Fi authorization, authentication, and accounting are essential tools for companies incorporating Wi-Fi Offload into their overall network footprint."
ABOUT VENIAM
Veniam is accelerating future mobility and making places more human by delivering intelligent networking software for delivery fleets, dash-cams, telematics providers, connected cars, autonomous vehicles and other mobile IoT devices. With an IP portfolio of more than 130 issued patents, Veniam makes the most out of all available networks (4G/5G, Wi-Fi, V2X, etc.), moving massive amounts of data between vehicles and the cloud – all with lowest GB price, quality of service and security profiles. Best known for its mobile Wi-Fi offload solution and city-scale vehicle mesh networks, Veniam works closely with the world's largest fleets, Auto OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. For more information, please visit www.veniam.com.
ABOUT SINGLE DIGITS
Single Digits, Inc. is a leading provider of intelligent managed networks, delivering comprehensive connectivity services to nearly 4,000 customers across mobile IoT, retail, transportation, education, healthcare, multi-family housing, senior living, hospitality, smart city, and large venues. Since its acquisition of BSG Wireless in 2020, Single Digits has become a recognized leader in Wi-Fi roaming, providing complete solutions for roaming & offload, identity management, authentication services, financial settlement, location services, and data & analytics. For more information, please visit www.singledigits.com.
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SOURCE Veniam | 2022-05-26T13:09:56+00:00 | kfyrtv.com | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/26/veniam-single-digits-connect-mobile-iot-devices-millions-wi-fi-hotspots/ |
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Kay’Ana Adams wears her tattoos with pride, just as she used to wear her fire-rescue uniform with pride, until she was fired over a tattoo on the back of her head.
Adams worked at the Maryvale station of the Mobile Fire Department in Alabama for nine months until new ink on the back of her head changed everything.
When she got the head tattoo in June 2022, she believed it adhered to the fire department’s policy, which then prohibited “tattoos on the face or neck.”
“Hiring people before, during and after me — with neck tattoos more prominent than mine — was also kind of impactful in that as well,” said Adams. “I figured mine could be done in decency and order. I could also, based off the rules, cover it up.”
But that was not the case.
“Somebody put in a complaint in regard to my tattoo, and the next thing I knew I was being investigated for it, interrogated behind it, and then they made their decision that I was in violation of policy,” said Adams.
The city gave Adams the option to grow her hair out to hide the tattoo and she did it, according to Adams.
Weeks later, a different complaint was made regarding her hair being grown out and not being in compliance with the city’s policy, according to Adams.
“We have different textures of hair,” said Adams, a Black woman. “So, you have no idea how long it takes for my hair to grow.”
Three months after Adams got her tattoo, the department changed its policy to also prohibit head tattoos above the neckline.
On Nov. 10, a captain at the Maryvale station took a photo of the back of Adams’ head. The tattoo was no longer visible. Despite her attempts to comply with the previous and updated tattoo policies, Adams says she was fired that same day.
“Definitely blindsided. I never thought it would come to this, especially considering I was in compliance. I’m not necessarily out here trying to be disobedient and I’m not breaking any laws or anything like that, it’s just a tattoo,” said Adams. “What’s behind me shouldn’t affect the work that’s in front of me.”
In a written statement provided to Nexstar’s WKRG, Public Safety Director Lawrence Battiste wrote, “I can confirm a former firefighter was terminated earlier this year (2022) during their working test period for failing to meet MFRD standards.”
The working test period is six months. Adams says hers was extended by an additional six months.
WKRG asked if any other currently serving Mobile firefighters had tattoos that violated department policy.
“Yes,” said the Mobile City Spokesperson, who explained that at least one other firefighter has a neck tattoo. He was not terminated for policy violation, according to the city, but instead is being allowed to cover the tattoo until its required removal.
Adams believes she was fired not just because of her head tattoo and her hair, but because she spoke up about things she experienced and observed during her time as a trainee and new firefighter.
“How else [was] I supposed to feel, you know, especially coming to work every day on time, doing exactly what I was supposed to do, trying to go above and beyond, helping out where I can. What else … could assume?” asked Adams.
Adams says she filed one grievance about the tattoo complaint against her.
She also alleges she observed and then filed two complaints, each describing multiple instances of what she says was harassment and antagonization. Some, she alleges, were sexist statements by two male firefighters at her station including disparaging remarks she says a male firefighter made about “feminism and women’s rights.”
“Statements in regard to, you know, ‘I don’t want to work with women,'” said Adams. “It just, it definitely impacts you.”
Her termination for the tattoo came just days before Adams expected to get a response on the grievance she filed in response to the complaint about her hair.
Though she did not file a formal complaint, Adams says she also witnessed and “spoke up about” what she called a disturbing incident at the training academy.
“It was rope week and a decent amount of people and the other half of the classroom were discussing, trying to tie nooses.” said Adams. “And, you know, instinctively, I guess I just kind of stood up and said, ‘You know, if you want to learn how to do that, I think that it’s best you do that on your free time.'”
Adams says she confided in two fire captains at her station, Captain Jason Craig and Captain Rodrick Shoots, about her concerns.
Adams, Shoots, and Craig are members of the Black Progressive Firefighters Association.
“Without them, I don’t know how bad it could’ve been. You know I’ve had people yelling at me in my face, and me as a woman and these being men,” said Adams. “I just, I don’t know what would’ve happened if they weren’t there for me. So, it is good that I had people in my corner, willing to stand up for me and you know, have my best interests at heart.”
Adams says Captain Shoots and Captain Craig were both disciplined after they spoke up to defend her on several occasions during the process of dealing with the complaints against her about the tattoo on her head. Captain Jason Craig was suspended. Captain Rodrick Shoots was fired.
In a written statement, Public Safety Director Lawrence Battiste said Shoots was terminated for “attempting to obstruct a valid order from a superior officer, ignoring orders and using disrespectful and defiant language to a superior officer.” And Craig was suspended for 30 days for “insubordination, failure to follow orders from a superior officer and failure to investigate, document and report a violation of MFRD policy.”
Captain Shoots will appeal his termination during a hearing scheduled for January 17, 2023. Captain Craig will appeal his suspension during a hearing scheduled for January 19, 2023.
Adams has filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint against the department.
Through a spokesperson, Mobile Fire Chief Jeremy Lami and Mayor Sandy Stimpson refused requests for on-camera interviews about the disciplinary actions taken against the three firefighters, saying these are personnel matters subject to litigation. | 2023-01-06T16:38:10+00:00 | pix11.com | https://pix11.com/news/alabama-firefighter-terminated-over-tattoo-on-back-of-head/ |
Borsch without a ‘t’: Kyiv chef uses food to reclaim culture
By J.M. HIRSCH
Associated Press
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Don’t tell Ievgen Klopotenko that borsch is just food. For him, that bowl of beet-and-meat soup is the embodiment of everything Ukraine is fighting for.
“Food is a powerful social instrument by which you can unite or divide a nation,” said Klopotenko, Ukraine’s most recognizable celebrity chef and the man who in the midst of a bloody war spearheaded what would become an unlikely cultural victory over Russia.
“It’s our symbol,” Klopotenko said. “Borsch is our leader.”
If that seems hyperbolic, you underestimate how intrinsic borsch (the preferred Ukrainian spelling) is to this country’s soul. More than a meal, it represents history, family and centuries of tradition. It is eaten always and everywhere, and its preparation is described almost reverentially.
And now, at the one-year mark of the war with Russia, Klopotenko uses the dish as a rallying call for preserving Ukrainian identity. It’s an act of culinary defiance against one of Moscow’s widely discredited justifications of the war — that Ukraine is culturally indistinct from Russia.
Thanks to a lobbying effort that Klopotenko helped lead, UNESCO issued a fast-track decision last July declaring Ukrainian borsch an asset of “intangible cultural heritage” in need of preservation. Although the declaration noted borsch is consumed elsewhere in the region, and that no exclusivity was implied, the move infuriated Russia.
A Russian foreign ministry spokesperson accused Ukraine of appropriating the dish and called the move an act of xenophobia and Nazism.
But in Ukraine, where until a year ago Russian was as widely spoken as Ukrainian, the declaration legitimized a notion that many had struggled to express.
“People started to understand that they are Ukrainians,” Klopotenko said recently while preparing borsch at his Kyiv apartment. From his living room window, the husk of a high-rise gutted by Russian missiles dominated the view.
“A lot of people started to eat Ukrainian food. A lot of people began to discover Ukrainian traditions,” he said.
Klopotenko, 36, is an unlikely figure to grab headlines during a war that has left hundreds of thousands from all sides dead or wounded. But the television chef and restaurateur — recognizable by an unruly head of curls, rapid-fire dialogue and lively fashion sense — began his mission to elevate Ukrainian food years before Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Though born in Kyiv, Klopotenko had by age 5 spent months at a time living with his grandmother, who had moved just outside Manchester, England. He’d been raised on bland Soviet-era cuisine, and this was a culinary awakening. He encountered waves of new flavors and ingredients, experiences that set him on a path to restaurant work.
His break came in 2015 when he won the television competition “MasterChef Ukraine.” He parlayed that into study at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and later a successful campaign to overhaul the Soviet-influenced cafeteria menus in Ukrainian schools.
Always in the background was his sense that Ukrainian food — ditto the country’s culture writ large — wasn’t being true to itself. Much of Ukraine’s identity, he felt, from language and food to fashion and architecture, had been subjugated to Russian influences. Before the start of Soviet rule in 1917, Ukrainian cuisine was more diverse and robustly seasoned. That was quashed in favor of a more uniform palate with socialist sensibilities.
Even after the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, Ukraine’s cuisine didn’t quite bounce back. But Russia’s invasion and annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 was a trigger. Trying to identify and hold onto Ukrainian heritage, Klopotenko and others began researching pre-Soviet Ukrainian cooking, hoping to return it to the mainstream and give people another toehold for reclaiming their culture.
In 2019, he opened his Kyiv restaurant, 100 Rokiv Tomu Vpered (100 Years Ago Ahead), a reference to what Ukrainian cuisine was before Soviet rule, and what it could be again. The menu draws heavily on flavors and ingredients many have forgotten.
Roasted parsnips with smoked sour cream. Buckwheat bread flavored with chamomile. Banosh, a sort of corn porridge topped with cottage cheese, mushrooms and apples.
And, of course, borsch seasoned with the traditional smoked pears. Written records tie the recipe to Ukraine over many centuries. The effort to have it declared a cultural asset began in 2018, when Klopotenko enlisted the help of Maryna Sobotiuk, an adviser to the Ukrainian Ministry of Information Policy and co-founder of the Institute of Culture of Ukraine.
They assembled a dossier that would become the country’s application to UNESCO. Their work took on greater urgency after Russia’s invasion a year ago and received the blessing of Ukraine’s government.
Like Klopotenko, Sobotiuk said it’s a cause much deeper than dinner.
“Our neighbors want to not just take our territory, but also our culture and our history,” she said, calling culinary heritage a soft power with tremendous potential to motivate and inspire. “It is important to give people something they can align with Ukraine except war.”
Darra Goldstein, a food historian and expert in Eastern European cuisines, agreed, noting that the difficulty of delineating culinary boundaries doesn’t diminish the cultural import of the dishes.
“It’s not simply a matter of claiming ownership of a dish, since the precise origins of any given dish are often difficult to trace. Instead, food goes to the heart of national belonging, how people define who they are,” she said.
Borsch, of course, was just the start for Klopotenko. As more Ukrainians have rejected Russian culture since the war began, and consumption of traditional Ukrainian foods has spiked, he and others see an opening for codifying and celebrating more of their own.
Though UNESCO is unlikely to grant similar status to other Ukrainian dishes — chicken Kyiv, garlicky pampushky bread and latke-like deruny enjoy similar popularity — Klopotenko said the next step is to raise the profile of the country’s cuisine as a whole, at home and abroad.
To that end, his cookbook, “The Authentic Ukrainian Kitchen,” which offers modern takes on traditional Ukrainian cooking, will be released this fall in the U.S.
“The war accelerated the growth of Ukrainian culture,” he said. “Russia wanted to kill the culture with the huge invasion, but it’s worked the other way.”
It’s a sentiment shared widely on the streets of the nation’s capital, where restaurants have revamped menus to replace Russian dishes with Ukrainian ones. They’ve been rewarded with packed dining rooms despite rolling blackouts and frequent air-raid warnings.
At Kyiv’s bustling Volodymirsky market — a warren of stalls offering beets, smoked seafood, caviar and mounds of the local, crumbly cottage cheese — Tetyana Motorna has sold pickled fruit and vegetables for decades. She held back tears as she discussed the war and why Klopotenko’s work to secure borsch as a national treasure for her country matters.
“Borsch is everything for Ukrainians,” she said. “The war has made borsch even more important. … With borsch, we prove that we are a separate nation. It confirms us as a nation.”
—-
J.M. Hirsch is the editorial director of Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street and the former food editor of The Associated Press. This reporting was a collaborative effort between AP and Milk Street. Hirsch can be followed @jm_hirsch.
—-
For more AP stories about Ukraine, go to https://apnews.com/hub/ukraine. | 2023-02-26T08:49:50+00:00 | keyt.com | https://keyt.com/news/2023/02/25/borsch-without-a-t-kyiv-chef-uses-food-to-reclaim-culture/ |
WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen notified Congress on Monday that the U.S. could default on its debt as early as June 1, if legislators do not raise or suspend the nation's statutory borrowing authority before then.
In a letter to House and Senate leaders, Yellen urged congressional leaders “to protect the full faith and credit of the United States by acting as soon as possible” to address the $31.4 trillion limit on its legal borrowing authority. She added that it is impossible to predict with certainty the exact date of when the U.S. will run out of cash.
“We have learned from past debt limit impasses that waiting until the last minute to suspend or increase the debt limit can cause serious harm to business and consumer confidence, raise short-term borrowing costs for taxpayers, and negatively impact the credit rating of the United States," Yellen said in the letter.
Also Monday, the Congressional Budget Office reported that it saw a greater risk of the U.S. running out of funds in early June. CBO Director Phillip L. Swagel said because of less-than-expected tax receipts this filing season and a faster IRS having processed already received returns, “Treasury’s extraordinary measures will be exhausted sooner than we previously projected.”
In January, Yellen sent a letter to congressional leaders, stating that her department had begun resorting to “extraordinary measures” to avoid a federal government default.
The Treasury said Monday it plans to increase its borrowing during the April to June quarter of this year, even as the federal government is close to breaching the debt limit.
The U.S. plans to borrow $726 billion during the quarter. That’s $449 billion more than projected in January, due to a lower beginning-of-quarter cash balance and projections of lower-than-expected income tax receipts and higher spending.
While Russia's invasion of Ukraine remains a burden on U.S. economic growth, Treasury officials say the debate over the debt ceiling poses the greatest risk to the U.S. financial position.
Eric Van Nostrand, acting assistant secretary for economy policy, said in a statement that “even if Congress ultimately raises the debt limit before a default occurs, the ensuing uncertainty could raise borrowing costs and induce other financial stress that would weaken our labor market and our standing in the world."
“There is no time to waste,” said Shai Akabas, director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, which forecasts the so-called X-date when the government exhausts its extraordinary measures. His organization will also provide an updated X-date projection in the coming days, he says.
“The U.S. government is again within mere months or even weeks of failing to make good on all its obligations. That is not a position befitting of a country considered the bedrock of the financial system, and only adds uncertainty to an already shaky economy.”
Democrats and the White House are pushing for Congress to increase the federal debt limit. President Joe Biden wants the cap raised without negotiation. The House Republican majority has most recently passed a bill to secure spending cuts in exchange for a debt limit increase.
Yellen said last week, at the Cap-to-Cap policy conference in Washington that “Congress must vote to raise or suspend the debt limit, and it should do so without conditions and it should not wait until the last minute. I believe that is a basic responsibility of our nation’s leaders to get this done.” | 2023-05-01T22:58:01+00:00 | 11alive.com | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/nation-world/debt-ceiling-nears-timeline-janet-yellen-estimate/507-9f66c1ca-f8e8-41db-bdba-1f91dba2e309 |
BERLIN (AP) — It’s a sunny May morning as the early crowd arrives for a dip at Berlin’s Prinzenbad outdoor pool, but the air is still crisp and the water isn’t much warmer — one of many small impacts that Germany is currently feeling from the war in Ukraine.
“Berlin’s pools have decided to heat the water a little bit less, to contribute to reducing the dependence on Russian gas supplies,” said Martina van der Wehr, a spokeswoman for the German capital’s public baths.
The regulars don’t seem to mind.
Sabine Gutenmueller, a physiotherapist with an annual pool pass, said she was skeptical at first when she heard the water would be about 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) cooler than usual. That took it to 20 C (68 degrees Fahrenheit), about 5 degrees Celsius higher than the air temperature.
“The temperatures outside aren’t really warm yet,” Gutenmueller said. “But it wasn’t as cold as I expected.”
Klaus, an 84-year-old swimmer who declined to give his last name, said he was fine with the cooler water as well, considering the sky-high cost of energy these days and the looming risk that Russia might cut off supplies to countries it deems hostile — such as Germany.
“I think it’s really good the temperatures are a bit lower, because that way we’ll save a lot,” he said. “After all, we need the gas for other things.”
The German government recently urged citizens to cut back their energy use by turning down radiators, switching off the lights and working from home rather than driving to the office.
“As a rule of thumb I’d suggest: saving 10% is always possible,” Robert Habeck, Germany’s economy and energy minister said last month.
Aside from softening the blow of high energy prices, the appeal is also intended to help Germany wean itself off Russian oil, coal and gas.
Germany is estimated to have paid Russia more than 9.1 billion euros ($9.6 billion) since the war began more than two months ago. Critics claimed these imports help finance Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
Speaking Monday before heading to Brussels for talks about a possible European Union embargo on Russian oil, Habeck warned that consumers will likely have to bear the costs of higher energy prices passed on by companies — a factor that’s already spurring record inflation.
It is unclear whether the belt-tightening calls will have any impact on government officials themselves. None of the ministries contacted by The Associated Press were able to detail any new measures to reduce energy use in federal buildings since the start of the war.
Still, officials pointed to the government’s long-running efforts to cut back on fossil fuel as part of its plan to reduce the country’s emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gas.
Selma Nielsen, a 42-year-old theater agent taking an early-morning dip at the Prinzenbad on Monday, said the pool’s decision to lower the water temperature was overdue.
“I think it’s a good thing, not just because of Ukraine but for the climate,” she said. “As such, I think it’s a step in the right direction.”
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | 2022-05-02T18:53:00+00:00 | fox44news.com | https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/berlin-bathers-brave-cold-to-help-cut-russian-gas-dependence/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress held its first hearing in half a century Tuesday on unidentified flying objects. And no, there is still no government confirmation of extraterrestrial life.
Testifying before a House Intelligence subcommittee, Pentagon officials did not disclose additional information from their ongoing investigation of hundreds of unexplained sightings in the sky. But they said they had picked a director for a new task force to coordinate data collection efforts on what the government has officially labeled “unidentified aerial phenomena.”
Ronald Moultrie, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence, said the Pentagon was also trying to destigmatize the issue and encourage pilots and other military personnel to report anything unusual they see.
“We want to know what’s out there as much as you want to know what’s out there,” Moultrie told lawmakers, adding that he was a fan of science fiction himself. “We get the questions not just from you. We get it from family and we get them night and day.”
Lawmakers from both parties say UFOs are a national security concern. Sightings of what appear to be aircraft flying without discernible means of propulsion have been reported near military bases and coastlines, raising the prospect that witnesses have spotted undiscovered or secret Chinese or Russian technology.
But the sightings are usually fleeting. Some appear for no more than an instant on camera — and then sometimes end up distorted by the camera lens. The U.S. government is believed to hold additional technical information on the sightings that it has not disclosed publicly.
An interim report released by intelligence officials last year counted 144 sightings of aircraft or other devices apparently flying at mysterious speeds or trajectories. In all but one of the sightings investigated, there was too little information for investigators to even broadly characterize the nature of the incident.
A top Pentagon official on Tuesday briefly demonstrated the challenge. Scott Bray, deputy director of naval intelligence, stood next to a television to show a short video taken from an F-18 military plane. The video shows a blue sky with passing clouds. In a single frame — which it took several minutes for staff in the room to queue up — there is an image of one balloon-like shape.
“As you can see, finding UAP is harder than you may think,” Bray said, using the acronym for “unidentified aerial phenomena.”
Rep. André Carson, an Indiana Democrat who chaired the hearing, called on investigators to show they “are willing to follow the facts where they lead.”
Rep. Rick Crawford, an Arkansas Republican, noted that the investigations were not “about finding alien spacecraft but about delivering dominant intelligence.”
“The inability to understand objects in our sensitive operating areas is tantamount to intelligence failure that we certainly want to avoid,” he said. | 2022-05-17T19:34:09+00:00 | ourquadcities.com | https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/politics/ap-politics/congress-dives-into-ufos-but-no-signs-of-extraterrestrials/ |
As a result of long-term cooperation between Vrgineers and Razbam Simulations, the new F-15E Strike Eagle trainer will be showcased for the first time at the IT2EC in Rotterdam. The companies want to provide affordable reconfigurable COTS trainers to the U.S. Air Force, combining the Vrgineers' Portable Trainer and XTAL 3 Virtual Headset with the F-15E Strike Eagle model by Razbam.
PRAGUE, April 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This unique concept allows Air Forces to train cooperation and mission rehearsals using the most advanced and affordable solution currently on the market. Portable Trainers are easy to deploy and convenient to transport. The device offers the highest level of immersion thanks to the usage of XTAL, up to 180 degrees field of view, and a 4k resolution headset.
"The fidelity of the RAZBAM F-15E Strike Eagle is incredible. The level of detail of the cockpit and scale of the functions available in combination with our trainers allows practically anyone to become a skilled F-15 pilot," says Marek Polcak, CEO & co-founder of Vrgineers.
Growing demand for pilots, acceptance of virtual pilot training to ensure aviation safety, and the need to reduce the cost of pilot training are the major factors why we see a rapid increase in using these COTS trainers as a part of growing Pilot Next, RVCT, and other advanced training programs. We estimate that till 2030 every pilot will have one of these trainers at their disposal anytime and can use it from home, connecting to the centralized synthetic training environment using a secured VPN to continue exercise despite any restriction.
The current platform is not suitable for procedural training due to the lack of needed features for muscle memory training. However, Vrgineers is working on a mixed-reality version of the F-15E trainer, which aims to be presented for the first time at the I/ITSEC this year. The mixed reality setup will allow full 1:1 training.
"The integration we did with Vrgineers simulators enables all the features of our model to become an ultimate training solution and offers a cost-efficient solution to all F-15E air forces and operators," says Ronald Zambrano, CEO & founder of Razbam Simulations.
Moreover, the F-15E model integrates new TALON AI, a co-pilot AI handling tactical tasks. This advanced assistance is another step to increase the training curve and support the training of complex tasks before the mission.
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2051389/VRgineers_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Vrgineers | 2023-04-12T16:31:19+00:00 | kcrg.com | https://www.kcrg.com/prnewswire/2023/04/12/f-15e-strike-eagle-trainer-by-razbam-amp-vrgineers-arriving-2023/ |
TOKYO (AP) — A new Haruki Murakami novel will be published in April and the publisher is saying little about it except that the Japanese manuscript is around 1,200 pages and the plot involves “a story that had long been sealed.”
“The City and Its Uncertain Walls” will be released on April 13 in both print and digital formats, Shinchosha Publishing Co. said in a statement on Wednesday. The availability of an English translation is not yet known.
In a brief promotional and cryptic teaser, the publisher said: “Must go to the city. No matter what happens. A locked up ‘story’ starts to move quietly as if ‘old dreams’ are woken up and unraveled in a secluded archive.”
It added that the book is a “soul-stirring, 100% pure Murakami world.”
Staff at the publisher said details about the plot are being withheld because many Murakami fans say they prefer to start reading his books without knowing what they are about.
It is unknown if the new novel is related to Murakami’s 1980 story with the same title that was published in a literary magazine but never released as a book.
The novel is Murakami’s first since “Kishidancho Goroshi,” or “Killing Commendatore,” was released in February 2017.
A perennial candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature, Murakami, 74, published his debut book, “Hear the Wind Sing,” in 1979 while running a jazz bar in Tokyo. His 1987 romance “Norwegian Wood” became his first bestseller, establishing him as a young literary star. Known for his magical realism, Murakami has also penned bestsellers such as “A Wild Sheep Chase,” “The Wind-up Bird Chronicle” and “1Q84.” His latest, “Killing Commendatore,” sold more than a million copies.
A library devoted to Murakami’s writings, scrapbooks and record collection opened in 2021 at his alma mater, Waseda University, in Tokyo as a venue for literary research and cultural exchange and a gathering spot for his fans.
Murakami is an avid music collector who appreciates genres ranging from classical to jazz and rock, and music serves as an important motif in many of his stories. Since 2018, Murakami has hosted a “Murakami Radio” show on Tokyo FM in which he plays some of his favorite music and provides occasionally humorous commentary and music trivia. He has also sometimes spoken out against political leaders. | 2023-03-01T19:57:01+00:00 | kdvr.com | https://kdvr.com/news/entertainment/ap-entertainment/ap-murakamis-1st-novel-in-6-years-to-hit-stores-in-april/ |
- Kia earns two Best Value awards for the Sorento PHEV (Mid-Size SUV) and Rio (Subcompact)
- Rio identified as having the lowest cost of ownership in both the Subcompact and Subcompact Hatchback segments
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia's 2023 Sorento PHEV and 2023 Rio have been named the winners of the 2023 Vincentric Best Value in America award in the Mid-Size SUV and Subcompact categories, respectively. The Kia Rio was previously recognized in the Subcompact Hatchback segment in 2021 and 2022.
In addition to the Best Value in America awards, Vincentric has also identified the 2023 Kia Rio as having the lowest total cost of ownership in the Subcompact and Subcompact Hatchback segments for the second year in a row.
"Kia has a long-standing commitment to delivering vehicles that offer excellent value and quality, and these awards from Vincentric are a testament to that goal," said Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. "The Sorento PHEV and Rio are shining examples of Kia's engineering excellence and innovation, and we're proud to have them recognized for their exceptional value."
This is the 19th year of the Vincentric Best Value in America Awards, which celebrates the top vehicles based on value in each segment. Value is determined using a statistical analysis that incorporates the current market price and total cost of ownership of 2023 model year vehicles.
"Both the Sorento PHEV and the Rio had strong performances in this year's Vincentric Best Value in America Awards," said David Wurster, Vincentric President. "The Sorento PHEV had the best fuel economy ratings and the lowest operating costs in its segment, which helped it outperform 22 competitor models and claim victory for Mid-Size SUV. The Rio impressed by having the lowest insurance cost, repair cost, and total ownership costs in its segment. "
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
* The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
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SOURCE Kia America | 2023-02-08T12:04:28+00:00 | kalb.com | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2023/02/08/kia-wins-2023-vincentric-best-value-america-awards-2023-sorento-phev-rio/ |
The Walt Disney Co. will start cutting about 3% of its global workforce this week as part of a "strategic realignment" of the company.
Disney announced the layoffs in February as part of a targeted $5.5 billion cost-cutting initiative.
Disney CEO Bob Iger sent an internal memo this week to employees, saying the company plans to slash about 7,000 jobs over the next few months.
"This week, we begin notifying employees whose positions are impacted by the company’s workforce reductions," Iger said. "Leaders will be communicating the news directly to the first group of impacted employees over the next four days. A second, larger round of notifications will happen in April with several thousand more staff reductions, and we expect to commence the final round of notifications before the beginning of the summer to reach our 7,000-job target."
SEE MORE: Why is Gov. DeSantis ending Disney's special status?
The cuts affect several divisions of the company, including Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
The announcement cited "further deterioration" of economic conditions as one of the reasons for layoffs.
Disney, which owns Hulu, Marvel and Pixar, said it plans to focus more on its core brands.
"I am committed to positioning this company for a new era of growth," Iger said. "Our strategic restructuring will return creativity to the center of the company, increase accountability, improve results, and ensure the quality of our content and experiences.”
Disney reported an 8% growth in revenue, to $23.51 billion, in the final three months of 2022. | 2023-03-28T19:21:37+00:00 | tmj4.com | https://www.tmj4.com/news/national/disney-to-begin-laying-off-7-000-employees |
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday evening's drawing of the Iowa Lottery's "Pick 3 Evening" game were:
1-4-6
(one, four, six)
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday evening's drawing of the Iowa Lottery's "Pick 3 Evening" game were:
1-4-6
(one, four, six) | 2023-01-26T04:35:14+00:00 | expressnews.com | https://www.expressnews.com/lottery/article/winning-numbers-drawn-in-pick-3-evening-game-17742734.php |
ATLANTA — A former state House member and a former South Fulton city council member are heading to a runoff June 13 for Georgia House District 68.
The seat represents Atlanta suburbs in southern Fulton and northern Fayette counties. It’s open after Letitia “Tish” Naghise, who had won an election to replace Jackson, died in March from an illness.
Three other Democrats — Taiwo Idowu, Jane Williams and John Culbreth — trailed in the special election.
It’s the fifth special election to fill a vacant seat in the 180-member Georgia House this year.
Under Georgia law, because no candidate won a majority, a runoff election is required. | 2023-05-17T18:11:28+00:00 | washingtonpost.com | https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2023/05/17/georgia-special-election-state-house-runoff/e0d86c90-f4d3-11ed-918d-012572d64930_story.html |
Stenfeldt brings world-class enterprise software experience to lead inriver in sustained global growth
MALMÖ, Sweden and CHICAGO, Sept. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Inriver, a software company that empowers organizations to deliver revenue-driving product information management (PIM) across every customer touchpoint, is pleased to announce the appointment of Niels Stenfeldt as the company's new CEO, effective September 1. An experienced chief executive with deep domain and industry expertise in product data technologies, Stenfeldt will lead inriver in its next phase of global growth and capture the significant market opportunity for the PIM industry as a whole. He succeeds Thomas Zanzinger, who led the company through COVID and its recent majority growth investment from THL Partners. Zanzinger remains a senior advisor to inriver and its board of directors.
Stenfeldt brings to inriver over 20 years of experience growing B2B enterprise software companies and successfully leading go-to-market strategy. He most recently served as CEO of Stibo Systems, a leader in master data management (MDM), where he played an integral role in growing the company's global customer base. Prior to Stibo, Stenfeldt led a global growth strategy as the head of worldwide sales and services for Esko, a packaging software company. In addition, Stenfeldt has held leadership roles at Oracle, SAP, OpenText, and Evenex (acquired by HighJump). Stenfeldt currently serves as chairman of the board of directors for Boyum IT Solutions and has been a member of the board of directors for inriver since July.
"I am thrilled by the opportunity to lead this exceptional company and work alongside some of the industry's best professionals as we continue to better serve our customers' evolving needs and accelerate growth in new customers across the globe. Inriver has a truly special position in this space of managing product data, and I strongly believe this industry will continue to rise in importance over the next several years as commerce becomes increasingly digital," said Stenfeldt. "I want to commend Thomas for his leadership and accomplishments as CEO, who during his time elevated inriver into one of the world's leading SaaS-based PIM technologies. I am sincerely honored to have the opportunity to succeed him from this point forward."
"Building on our remarkable track record to date and looking toward the next set of growth opportunities still ahead, inriver is very well-positioned for the future. Niels brings valuable understanding of customer needs and go-to-market strategies, and I have the highest confidence that he will help drive the company to new levels of success, accelerating growth globally while continuing to provide excellent software and services to our customers and external partners," said Zanzinger. "I welcome Niels to the inriver family and look forward to continuing to contribute to our mission as a senior advisor."
About inriver:
Inriver empowers organizations to deliver revenue-driving product information at every touchpoint. Inriver's Digital-first PIM™ enables organizations to bring compelling product stories to life for highly customized purchases, obtain actionable guidance on what influences buying decisions, and then quickly adapt to put insights into action. Inriver helps B2B and B2C organizations turn product information into strategic assets to drive revenue for over 1,600 brands and 700 customers globally. Headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, inriver has offices in Amsterdam, Chicago, Davao, London, Manila, Munich and Stockholm. For more information, please visit www.inriver.com.
Press Contact
Inriver
Katja Doemer
Katja.doemer@inriver.com
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SOURCE inriver | 2022-09-06T11:33:45+00:00 | wlox.com | https://www.wlox.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/inriver-appoints-niels-stenfeldt-chief-executive-officer/ |
Thousands of migrants could be denied asylum if they pass through another country such as Mexico on the way to the U.S. border under a proposed regulation published by the Biden administration.
Copyright 2023 NPR
Thousands of migrants could be denied asylum if they pass through another country such as Mexico on the way to the U.S. border under a proposed regulation published by the Biden administration.
Copyright 2023 NPR | 2023-02-22T01:28:40+00:00 | delawarepublic.org | https://www.delawarepublic.org/2023-02-21/biden-administration-proposes-tougher-restrictions-on-asylum-at-u-s-mexico-border |
By T.A. DEFEO
THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR
(The Center Square) – The federal government is looking to dole out nearly $2.3 billion to “expand and modernize” intercity passenger rail across the country.
But a leading transportation analyst says that Amtrak, the nation’s passenger railroad, doesn’t have any plans to break even.
The Federal Railroad Administration announced the money in a Notice of Funding Opportunity published in the Federal Register. The money, part of the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program, is from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which some lawmakers call the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“This is a historic opportunity to modernize intercity passenger rail and Amtrak service to underserved communities across the nation,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said in a statement.
The FRA will administer the program. Federal officials noted that previous grants have funded rehabilitation projects, including the Piedmont Corridor in North Carolina and the Kalamazoo-to-Dearborn rail corridor in Michigan.
“Amtrak’s announced expansion and modernization plan for its national network isn’t surprising given the unprecedented funding Congress made available for this purpose,” Marc Scribner, senior transportation policy analyst for the Reason Foundation, told The Center Square.
“But it is important to remember that Amtrak does not anticipate to break even on any of these routes, which are forecasted to lose up to $514 per passenger by FY 2027 and which will require perpetual federal bailouts,” Mr. Scribner added. “This underscores that Amtrak’s primary customers are politicians in Congress, not American travelers.”
Recipients can use the money for various initiatives, including establishing or expanding passenger service. That includes privately operated intercity passenger rail service.
The money is available for projects not located on the Northeast Corridor. Officials said they plan to announce money for Northeast Corridor projects “later this year.”
In a statement, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called the grants “one of the two most significant investments in the past 50 years to modernize passenger train service across the country.” | 2022-12-14T06:29:33+00:00 | newspress.com | https://newspress.com/feds-doling-out-2-3b-to-expand-and-modernize-intercity-passenger-rail/ |
A recent report shows that white test takers are far more likely to pass the social work licensing exam than people of color or older test takers. The Association of Social Work Boards faces calls to re-examine the test and, at the very least, temporarily stop offering it.
Blaise Mesa of the Kansas News Service reports.
The Kansas News Service is a collaboration of KCUR, KMUW, Kansas Public Radio and High Plains Public Radio. It reports on health, the many factors that influence it, and their connection to public policy.
This article was originally published on WBUR.org.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2022-12-07T22:39:57+00:00 | nprillinois.org | https://www.nprillinois.org/2022-12-07/social-work-licensing-exam-report-reveals-large-disparities-in-pass-rates-among-age-racial-groups |
LONDON, UK, Jan. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Atlas Corp. ("Atlas") (NYSE: ATCO) plans to release its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, after the market closes on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
Atlas is a leading global asset management company, differentiated by its position as a best-in-class owner and operator with a focus on disciplined capital deployment to create sustainable shareholder value. We target long-term, risk-adjusted returns across high-quality infrastructure assets in the maritime sector, energy sector and other infrastructure verticals. For more information visit atlascorporation.com.
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SOURCE Atlas Corp. | 2023-01-25T13:48:28+00:00 | ksla.com | https://www.ksla.com/prnewswire/2023/01/25/atlas-announces-fourth-quarter-2022-earnings-release/ |
Frosty Overnight
Updated: 58 minutes ago
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - High pressure brings a clear and cold night. Overnight lows dip into the 20s tonight. You’ll want to cover sensitive vegetation. Clouds thicken tomorrow ahead of a Wednesday rain chance. Heavy rain is possible as highs stay in the 50s. The end of the week looks warmer with a strong storm chance on Saturday. Have a good night!
Copyright 2022 KCRG. All rights reserved. | 2022-04-18T23:58:05+00:00 | kcrg.com | https://www.kcrg.com/2022/04/18/frosty-overnight/ |
Request unsuccessful. Incapsula incident ID: 8223000590033373738-83116748816977611 | 2023-03-23T05:53:25+00:00 | bizjournals.com | https://www.bizjournals.com/triad/news/2023/03/22/ziggys-music-stock-grain-food-hall-high-point.html |
Fighting for Goleta Valley’s Good Land
Working to Reduce the Concentration of Housing
As many know, California’s effort to increase the supply of housing is requiring cities and counties to submit a state-mandated Housing Element identifying parcels that could be rezoned for housing. The state requires that unincorporated South Coast must zone for 4,142 new housing units. Santa Barbara County’s revised Housing Element will be submitted to the state by March 31 for the first round of review.
The county’s current draft is significantly improved from the initial draft circulated to county supervisors and the public for comment. The first draft drew ire throughout Goleta and much of the South Coast. The improvement is in large part from Supervisor Capps’s and my efforts to prevent so much valued farmland from being included for potential rezoning.
We both hustled to identify and include a far wider array of non-agricultural parcels. Our goal was to preserve agriculture and open space — Goleta’s Good Land — and reduce the concentration of housing proposed for the Goleta Valley.
We studied state requirements (https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housingelement/docs/sites_inventory_memo_final06102020.pdf), consulted with concerned residents and local housing experts, identified additional potential parcels, and collected the evidence of intent to develop that the state now requires.
Working together we’ve had considerable success. This will be highlighted at the April 4 Board of Supervisors meeting when the board will review proposed changes to the state-mandated Housing Element.
With these added parcels, the revised Housing Element now includes 19 new parcels for a total of 2,151 additional units. In addition, assumptions about the production of accessory dwelling units increased from 100 to 150 per year, further reducing the need for the county to do so many rezones. And an entire new section was added to the Housing Element — a “Second Sites List” — that serves as a placeholder for future conversion of commercial properties to mixed-use zones that would contribute more residential units. Between now and when the board must ultimately decide on rezones, if an owner of a property on the Second Sites List applies for a project that includes very low, low, or moderate units, those could be counted toward our required numbers.
Like the vast majority of people in Santa Barbara County, and especially those residing in the Good Land, I place enormous value on our county’s agricultural lands and heritage. Many have witnessed the loss of agriculture in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, which through the mid 1950s were the top producing agricultural counties in the U.S. I grew up in Southern California and watched as orange groves and vegetable farms were replaced by housing tracts and freeways.
Agriculture is our county’s largest economic sector, with a value of about $2 billion, up 5 percent between 2021 and 2022, despite issues related to labor, water, and climate. Our county ranks in the top one percent of all U.S. counties for the value of agricultural production. This includes the most nutritious foods such as nuts, berries, and salad bowl crops. Farm and ranch lands also provide us with many other valuable benefits, like creating fire breaks, water recharge areas, and connecting us to the systems that sustain us.
I began my political activism in Santa Barbara County in 2008 fighting a proposal to develop the farm and ranch lands surrounding Buellton. We passed Measure E, requiring a vote of the people before Buellton can expand its boundaries, the first such initiative in our county. It was followed by Goleta’s Measure G, similarly designed to protect Goleta’s farmlands.
I understand the acute need we have for housing, especially for those who already live and work in our county. However, I believe we can and must develop in a way that preserves our farm and ranch lands. That’s why I remain committed to doing everything within my power to resist rezoning our agricultural lands for housing.
Joan Hartmann is 3rd District supervisor for Santa Barbara County. | 2023-03-29T01:03:39+00:00 | independent.com | https://www.independent.com/2023/03/28/fighting-for-goleta-valleys-good-land/ |
Lakers vs. Grizzlies Injury Report Today - April 19
The Los Angeles Lakers (43-39) have three players on the injury report in their NBA playoffs opening round game 2 with the Memphis Grizzlies (51-31) at FedExForum on Wednesday, April 19 at 7:30 PM ET.
Watch Lakers vs. Grizzlies with Fubo!
The Lakers beat the Grizzlies 128-112 on Sunday when they last played. Rui Hachimura led the way with a team-leading 29 points in the win for the Lakers, while Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 31 points in the loss for the Grizzlies.
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Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report Today
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Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report Today
Lakers vs. Grizzlies Game Info
- When: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET
- Where: FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee
- TV: TNT, BSSE, and SportsNet LA
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Lakers Season Insights
- The 117.2 points per game the Lakers record are just 4.2 more points than the Grizzlies allow (113).
- When Los Angeles puts up more than 113 points, it is 34-16.
- On the offensive side of the ball, the Lakers have picked up their production a little bit over their last 10 games, scoring 123.2 points per contest over that stretch compared to the 117.2 they've racked up over the course of this season.
- Los Angeles connects on 10.8 three-pointers per game (24th in the league), 1.7 fewer than its opponents (12.5). It is shooting 34.6% from beyond the arc (24th in the NBA) while allowing opponents to shoot 34.4%.
- The Lakers put up 111.8 points per 100 possessions (19th in the league), while allowing 111.5 points per 100 possessions (14th in the NBA).
Grizzlies Season Insights
- The Grizzlies score an average of 116.9 points per game, just 0.3 more points than the 116.6 the Lakers give up.
- When it scores more than 116.6 points, Memphis is 34-7.
- The Grizzlies are compiling 118.2 points per game over their last 10 games, compared to their season average of 116.9.
- Memphis knocks down 12 three-pointers per game (16th in the league) compared to its opponents' 13. It shoots 35.1% from deep, and its opponents shoot 35.5%.
- The Grizzlies average 112.3 points per 100 possessions on offense (14th in league), and concede 108.3 points per 100 possessions (second in NBA).
Lakers vs. Grizzlies Betting Info
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | 2023-04-19T18:31:42+00:00 | wlbt.com | https://www.wlbt.com/sports/betting/2023/04/19/lakers-vs-grizzlies-nba-playoffs-injury-report/ |
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame quarterback Tyler Buchner is expected to miss the rest of the regular season with an injury to his nonthrowing shoulder that will require surgery.
Fighting Irish coach Marcus Freeman said Monday that Buchner has a severe AC joint sprain in his left shoulder. Buchner was injured in the fourth quarter of Notre Dame’s surprising loss to Marshall over the weekend and was scheduled to have surgery Tuesday.
“The expected recovery time is about four months,” Freeman said. “We can all do that math. That probably puts us somewhere in mid-January.”
Drew Pyne, who came off the bench after Buchner was hurt, was listed as the starter on Notre Dame’s depth chart for this Saturday’s home game against California. Against Marshall, he went 3 for 6 with a touchdown pass and an interception.
In August, Pyne entered training camp competing for the starting quarterback position but lost the job to Buchner after practice No. 7.
“As I said when we addressed the quarterback competition in fall camp, I had the utmost confidence in both of those guys to be able to lead our offense and lead our football team,” Freeman said. “We are still very positive and optimistic about our future moving forward.”
Pyne is 20 for 39 for 256 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in five career games. That includes a relief appearance against No. 18 Wisconsin in 2021, where Pyne threw a fourth-quarter touchdown in a late-game comeback victory.
Notre Dame is off to an 0-2 under first-year coach Freeman after beginning this season ranked fifth in the country.
Now Pyne is charged with orchestrating an in-season turnaround.
“You’re thrust into a leadership position when you’re the quarterback,” Freeman said. “You want people to be able to follow you, not just through your actions, but through your words and who you are as a leader. He’s a natural leader. He has a lot of the natural QB traits that you’re looking for.”
Notre Dame is trying to avoid going 0-3 for the first time since 2007.
With Buchner at quarterback, the Irish offense struggled in two games this season. Notre Dame ranks No. 117 among FBS teams in scoring offense with 15.5 points per game.
In addition to throwing for 378 yards and two interceptions, Buchner was Notre Dame’s leading rusher with 24 carries for 62 yards and two touchdowns.
Even with Buchner’s wheels, the Irish are 110th in rushing offense with 103 yards per game.
Freeman conceded Pyne doesn’t possess Buchner’s speed, but Pyne will still be called upon to run the ball.
“I don’t see the offense changing an extreme amount,” Freeman said. “We’re still going to be able to do some of the QB runs we did with Tyler. (With the) passing game, we’ll continue to enhance it and figure out more ways to be consistent in it and put him in a position to hopefully have more completions.”
___
More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 | 2022-09-13T09:47:18+00:00 | wivb.com | https://www.wivb.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-notre-dame-qb-buchner-expected-to-miss-season-with-injury/ |
Calliditas Therapeutics AB (publ.) publishes the nomination committee's composition for the AGM in 2023.
STOCKHOLM, Oct. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The nomination committee, which is appointed in accordance with the principles adopted by the extraordinary general meeting in 2017, consists of:
- Patrick Sobocki, appointed by Stiftelsen Industrifonden
- Karl Tobieson, appointed by Linc AB
- Jan Särlvik, appointed by Fjärde AP-fonden
- Elmar Schnee (chairman of the board of directors)
The nomination committee shall, before the annual general meeting 2023, prepare a proposal for the election of chairman and other members of the board of directors, the election of chairman of the annual meeting, election of auditors, the determination of fees and matters pertaining thereto.
For more information please visit:
https://www.calliditas.se/en/nomination-committee-2314/
Shareholders who wish to submit proposals to the nomination committee for the annual general meeting on May 17, 2023, can do so by e-mail to finance@calliditas.com. Proposals should be submitted to the nomination committee before March 29, 2023.
For further information, please contact:
Fredrik Johansson, CFO at Calliditas
Email: fredrik.johansson@calliditas.com
Telephone: +46 703 52 91 90
The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 10.00 a.m CET on October 21, 2022.
About Calliditas Therapeutics
Calliditas Therapeutics is a commercial stage biopharma company based in Stockholm, Sweden focused on identifying, developing and commercializing novel treatments in orphan indications, with an initial focus on renal and hepatic diseases with significant unmet medical needs. Calliditas' lead product, developed under the name Nefecon, has been granted accelerated approval by the FDA under the trade name TARPEYOTM and conditional marketing authorization by the European Commission under the trade name KINPEYGO®. KINPEYGO is being commercialized in the European Union Member States by Calliditas' partner, STADA Arzneimittel AG. Additionally, Calliditas is conducting a Phase 2b/3 clinical trial in primary biliary cholangitis and a Phase 2 proof-of-concept trial in head and neck cancer with its NOX inhibitor product candidate, setanaxib. Calliditas' common shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (ticker: CALTX) and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (ticker: CALT).
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SOURCE Calliditas Therapeutics | 2022-10-21T11:39:23+00:00 | wlox.com | https://www.wlox.com/prnewswire/2022/10/21/calliditas-therapeutics-nomination-committee-composition-agm-2023/ |
MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Oct. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- VENTI Group, the leader in DAS, Wi-Fi and IoT Wireless antenna design and manufacturing, announces today that it is utilizing 3M materials in the design of VENTI's low profile, unobtrusive transparent antennas. VENTI's Industry-leading innovation of proprietary and patented antenna designs and manufacturing techniques have achieved several critical breakthroughs in Wireless applications. VENTI's latest transparent technology can be found in their line of DAS antennas available through its tier 1 partners. The new VENTI transparent antennas support DAS, Wi-Fi and IoT applications and are designed to meet the increasing demand for Wireless antennas that are high performing and unnoticed.
"Achieving true transparency to the human eye has typically resulted in reduced antenna performance as the requisite materials were not available to match the advanced VENTI antenna designs. Now, our patented and innovative designs have resulted in the highest level of transparency possible without sacrificing the unique performance characteristics that all VENTI antennas are known for," said Henry Adamany, VENTI CEO.
Developing and perfecting VENTI's patented design and manufacturing techniques over its long history in Wireless has led to products that are in demand across numerous Wireless antenna applications. VENTI's new transparent antenna line combines a minimal form-factor with "human-eye transparency" for in-building DAS, Wi-Fi and IoT sensor and device antennas.
VENTI Group is a manufacturer of smart technologies for the Smart World. VENTI's broad portfolio of patented products is designed to improve the performance of Smart Devices, Structures and Networks. VENTI's patent portfolio also includes Coax RF Suppression and PIM Reducing Manufacturing Techniques to optimize Wireless Device Manufacturing and Performance. VENTI Group is committed to bringing our technologies to the Wireless World to enhance all communications with greater coverage and faster and more reliable data.
VENTI Solutions address The Future … Today!
For more information on VENTI Technology and our product portfolio, website: ventigroup.com, email: info@ventigroup.com, tel: (949) 264-3185
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SOURCE VENTI Group | 2022-10-06T18:30:38+00:00 | wlbt.com | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2022/10/06/venti-group-selects-3m-supply-chain-partner-use-its-advanced-line-transparent-antennas/ |
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Broadcasters were criticized by FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Saturday for what he called unacceptably low offers for rights to screen the Women’s World Cup next year.
Offers of just 1% of the value of men’s World Cup rights deals have been rejected, Infantino said, for the tournament that starts in July in Australia and New Zealand.
The men’s World Cup has driven FIFA’s expected overall income toward $7 billion for the four-year commercial cycle that ends in December after that tournament in Qatar.
“100 times less, even more than 100 times in some occasions, then this is not acceptable,” the FIFA leader said at a news conference ahead of the finals tournament draw. “I don’t want to mention them, but those who are there, they know it.”
The time zones in Australia and New Zealand mean many games, especially in the group stage, will be played in the nighttime hours in lucrative markets in Europe and the Americas.
“We are not going to accept this,” Infantino said of the broadcast offers, “because we know that the viewing figures for these broadcasters in some big footballing countries for the men’s World Cup or for the Women’s World Cup are actually very similar … meaning their commercial income is very similar for men and for women.”
Infantino took a further jibe at broadcasters who he said pushed FIFA to treat women’s soccer more equally on issues such as World Cup prize money.
The 32 teams at the men’s World Cup in Qatar will share $440 million in prize money, while a prize fund of $60 million was proposed for the first 32-team women’s edition in 2023.
“In some countries, they are quite good at telling us … that we should give more emphasis on equal opportunities, on equality, on non-discrimination, on treating men and women in the same way which is, of course, what we have to do, and we try to do that to the best of our ability,” Infantino said.
“It’s important that everyone puts actions, as well, behind words and we all start to treat women’s football the same way.”
FIFA has changed the commercial model for the Women’s World Cup to earn its own income instead of simply being packaged as an add-on for broadcasters and sponsors doing deals for the men’s tournament.
Infantino suggested a further push for equality for women’s soccer, noting that Olympic tournaments have 16 men’s teams and only 12 for women.
“Women should have 16 teams as well at the Olympic Games,” he said. “These are some discussions we are going to have.”
Adding four women’s teams would need more than 70 athlete quota places when the International Olympic Committee is asking some governing bodies to make cuts to help find space for new sports and control organizers’ costs.
___
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup | 2022-10-22T18:02:56+00:00 | kron4.com | https://www.kron4.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-fifa-slams-unacceptable-tv-deal-offers-for-womens-world-cup/ |
ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey’s interior minister on Saturday described a gun attack that killed a police officer in the country’s south as an “America-based” operation.
Two suspected Kurdish militants opened fire on security force lodgings in the Mediterranean province of Mersin late Monday, killing one officer and wounding a second officer and a civilian.
The female attackers, who Turkish authorities said were affiliated with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, later killed themselves by detonating suicide bombs.
“This action is an America-based action,” Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu told ruling party officials in the Black Sea province of Giresun, according to the private Demiroren news agency and other outlets.
Soylu also said U.S. authorities had requested the serial numbers of the firearms used in the attack from the Turkish police, without specifying which U.S. agency made the request.
Turkish government officials have previously accused Washington of supporting the PKK by arming and training the group’s Syrian branch, known as the YPG.
Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the 38-year on-off conflict between the PKK and the Turkish state. The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the European Union. The U.S. does not recognize the YPG, which helped combat the Islamic State group in Syria, as a terrorist entity.
Soylu last year alleged American involvement in a failed coup attempt in Turkey in 2016 that killed more than 250 people. In 2018, he was placed on a sanctions list by Washington over the arrest and detention of U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson.
The minister said Monday’s attackers, who targeted accommodations for security personnel in Mersin’s Mezitli district, had arrived in Turkey from the YPG-controlled Syrian city of Manbij by motorized parachute. | 2022-10-01T18:22:03+00:00 | wboy.com | https://www.wboy.com/news/world/ap-turkish-minister-says-deadly-gun-attack-was-america-based/ |
NEW YORK, June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kennedy Lewis Investment Management LLC today sent the following letter to the Board of Directors of Rapid Micro Biosystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPID):
To the Board of Directors:
Kennedy Lewis Investment Management LLC ("Kennedy Lewis") is interested in discussing a potential acquisition of Rapid Micro Biosystems, Inc. ("RPID"). Kennedy Lewis is an opportunistic credit manager founded in 2017 with approximately $10 billion under management across private funds and CLOs. Kennedy Lewis' private funds primarily focus on middle-market companies facing disruption, whether it be cyclical, secular or regulatory related. The firm also partners with high growth companies that are causing disruption, providing structured capital solutions to fit their needs. As of the date of this letter, funds affiliated with Kennedy Lewis own approximately 14.14% of the issued and outstanding Class A common stock of RPID (taking into account warrants to acquire Class A common stock that are held by such funds).
As you know, we have been a long-time supporter of the company, both as a lender (prior to RPID's IPO) and currently as RPID's second largest stockholder, and we believe that as a private company RPID would be in a stronger position to maximize its resources and realize strategic value that enhances its operations and supports its stakeholders. Accordingly, we propose that one or more of our funds would acquire 100% of RPID for $5.00 per share in cash, representing a substantial premium of approximately 57% to the closing share price of $3.18 on June 29, 2022, the last trading day before the date of this letter. We have the ability to fully finance this all-cash proposal, and the definitive transaction agreement will not include a financing condition.
The foregoing indicative terms are based solely on our review of publicly available information and are subject to completion of due diligence and execution of definitive documentation acceptable to Kennedy Lewis, and we reserve the right to withdraw this proposal or modify it in any manner. Following the review of additional information pursuant to a mutually acceptable nondisclosure agreement, we expect that we would complete our work, including the negotiation of definitive documentation, expeditiously. We have engaged an experienced team of advisors, including Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as legal counsel, and are prepared to commence work with respect to this proposed transaction immediately.
We are excited about the future business prospects of RPID and are interested in working constructively with the RPID Board of Directors (the "Board") with the goal of reaching agreement on a transaction that will provide all stakeholders with value, speed and certainty. We hope that the Board will work with us to maximize value and opportunities for all RPID stockholders and other stakeholders, and we look forward to receiving a response to this non-binding proposal promptly.
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SOURCE Kennedy Lewis | 2022-06-30T13:04:57+00:00 | mysuncoast.com | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/30/kennedy-lewis-investment-management-llc-announces-offer-acquire-rapid-micro-biosystems/ |
A true one-off Bugatti has set a record for the highest price paid for a new car at auction.
The car is the Bugatti Chiron Profilée that the French performance marque revealed last month. It went under the hammer on Wednesday at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Paris, where it sold for 9,792,500 euros (approximately $10.77 million), including the buyer’s premium.
The price is double the pre-auction estimate, and that’s a good thing as Bugatti plans to donate a portion of the proceeds to charity. It also smashes the previous record for a new car sold at auction, which was the $7 million paid in 2016 for the 500th Ferrari LaFerrari. When it comes to the highest price paid for any car at auction, the title goes to the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe that sold for 135 million euros ($148.5 million) in 2022.
Unike most one-off cars, the Chiron Profilée was developed with the view to offer multiple examples. It was developed in response to Bugatti customers seeking a tamer, more elegant version of the hardcore, track-focused Chiron Pur Sport launched in early 2020. However, higher than expected demand for the Chiron in general meant all 500 build slots for the hypercar were already accounted for before the Chiron Profilée could be brought to market.
The Chiron Profilée that was sold is actually a pre-production unit that has been made legal to drive on public roads in Europe. As a pre-production unit, it’s not included in the 500-unit build run for the Chiron.
Unique to the car is its small ducktail spoiler, which together with a revised front lip spoiler helps to generate sufficient downforce for the Profilée (the Chiron Pur Sport has a huge 6-foot-wide rear wing). The name of the car is derived from the rear spoiler. It’s a nod to one of Jean Bugatti’s first creations, the Type 46, which was nicknamed the Superprofilée and featured a rear section with its own flick in the tail.
Power comes from the familiar quad-turbo 8.0-liter W-16, tuned here to deliver the same 1,480 hp as the Pur Sport. It helps the Profilée accelerate from 0-62 mph in 2.3 seconds, from 0-124 mph in 5.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 236 mph, which is faster than the Pur Sport. It tops out at 217 mph.
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- Ferrari reportedly investigating sound generator for future EVs | 2023-02-02T13:24:05+00:00 | siouxlandproud.com | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/automotive/internet-brands/one-off-bugatti-chiron-profilee-sells-for-record-10-7m-at-auction/ |
Showing Up is the fourth movie that Kelly Reichardt and Michelle Williams have made together, and I hope there are many more to come. Their collaboration has given us some of Williams' most quietly memorable characters: a young drifter living out of her car in Wendy and Lucy, or a 19th-century pioneer heading west along the Oregon Trail in Meek's Cutoff.
Showing Up is a lighter, funnier piece of work; it's pretty much the first Reichardt movie that could be described as a comedy. But like all her films, it's a model of indie realism, made with a level of rigorous observation and rueful insight you rarely see in American movies.
Williams plays Lizzy, an introverted sculptor in Portland, Ore., who makes clay figures of women. She has a local show of her work coming up, and she's racing to finish her sculptures in time. But the universe isn't making it easy for her. She works full-time in the office at an art college, where her boss is none other than her mom, who, like almost everyone else, doesn't take Lizzy's creative pursuits too seriously. And so Lizzy has to do her sculpting in her spare time, in the apartment she rents out from her friend Jo, terrifically played by Hong Chau.
Jo is also an artist, and a more successful one: Her elaborate mixed-media installations have all the wow factor that Lizzy's lovely but modest sculptures don't. It only adds to the tension that Jo isn't the most attentive landlord.
Reichardt and her co-writer, Jon Raymond, perfectly nail the passive-aggressive vibe of Lizzy and Jo's relationship without overdoing it. There's real nuance to both characters: You can understand why Lizzy resents Jo's flakiness, and you can also see why Jo doesn't go out of her way for someone as frosty as Lizzy.
Things get a little more complicated — but also more poignant — when Jo rescues a wounded pigeon in their yard, and she and Lizzy take turns nursing it back to health. This isn't the first time Reichardt has given an animal a prominent role in her movies, as she did in Wendy and Lucy and First Cow. And we learn something about Lizzy from the careful, attentive way she looks after the bird, even while juggling her deadlines — namely, that she's used to making sacrifices for the sake of others.
Lizzy spends a fair amount of time checking in on her artist brother, who has mental health issues and who's treated by their mom as the tortured genius of the family. She also mediates tensions between her parents, who are divorced; her dad is a retired potter who's going through something of a late-in-life crisis. He's played by Judd Hirsch, who, as it happens, played the uncle of Williams' character in Steven Spielberg's recent The Fabelmans.
That movie would make a great double bill with this one. Williams' two characters could hardly be more different, but in each movie she plays a woman who essentially puts her art on hold for her family's sake. The fact that most of her family members in Showing Up are also steeped in the art world doesn't make as much of a difference as you might think.
Reichardt's movie is all about the challenge of finding the time, the space, the money and the energy to pursue your calling. It's also about how making art can be both a joy and incredibly hard work. Lizzy's story is interspersed with almost documentary-like sequences of the art college where she works; we see students painting, weaving, dancing and building installations. There's a nicely personal feel to these moments, informed by Reichardt's own years teaching at Bard College and other schools. But she lingers most of all in the scenes of Lizzy finally getting some time to herself at her workbench, molding her clay, setting her figures aside to dry and then filling in the details with paint.
Watching Lizzy lose herself in her craft for minutes on end, I was reminded of just how rarely the movies show us, really show us, an artist at work. We get a lot of biopics about creative geniuses, but nothing like the richness of texture and insight that Reichardt gives us. It hardly matters that Lizzy may not be destined for fame, because you believe in her and her work at every moment. She's a wondrous creation, and so is this movie.
Copyright 2023 Fresh Air. To see more, visit Fresh Air. | 2023-04-14T18:49:37+00:00 | mainepublic.org | https://www.mainepublic.org/npr-news/npr-news/2023-04-14/showing-up-is-a-rare-glimpse-of-an-artist-at-very-hard-work |
Zandon is 3-1 favorite for Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
By GARY B. GRAVES
AP Sports Writer
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Zandon and filly Nest are the morning-line favorites for the 148th Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky track will host both marquee races at full capacity for the first time since 2019. Zandon is trained by Chad Brown, drew 3-1 odds and will start Saturday from the No. 10 post among 20 horses for the $3 million marquee event for 3-year-olds. Nest drew the No. 4 post among 14 fillies for the Oaks and is the 5-2 favorite for Friday’s $1.25 million, 1 1/8th-mile race. | 2022-05-02T22:56:47+00:00 | keyt.com | https://keyt.com/news/2022/05/02/zandon-is-3-1-favorite-for-kentucky-derby-at-churchill-downs-2/ |
A dozen years after the night in Southern California that altered the course of college football history, the memory that endures is not Texas quarterback Colt McCoy standing on the sideline, stoic and helpless.
It’s not Alabama linebacker Eryk Anders, unblocked, walloping Garrett Gilbert and snuffing out a comeback attempt. It’s not even a triumphant Nick Saban lifting a crystal trophy, foreshadowing many more to come.
Instead, what always springs to mind is a scene from the day before. Inside a huge hotel ballroom, on a stage in front of a hundred or so cynical, bleary-eyed sports writers, Mack Brown delivered what might have been the most stirring pregame press conference of all time.
Long criticized for being too thin-skinned and too indecisive, the Longhorns coach was neither that morning. He was funny, he was relaxed, and he was engaging. During one of Brown’s many off-the-cuff, perfectly chosen anecdotes, an Alabama reporter turned to a colleague and said, “I’d vote for him.”
But above all, Brown was confident, as if heading into that national championship game in January 2010 against the top-ranked team in the country he knew something about his program the rest of the world — and even people at UT — didn’t.
“I’m not sure that we ever give ourselves enough credit,” Brown said. “We’ve got a good team, too.”
What happened the next night at the Rose Bowl — when Alabama knocked McCoy out of the game early and won 37-21 -- shattered more than Brown’s understated bravado. It wrecked the Longhorns’ sense of direction, and they haven’t found their bearings since.
The program Brown described in that press conference was one secure in its own stature. A bit cocky, perhaps, but with ample reason to be.
Twelve and a half years later? The Longhorns enter their next meeting against Alabama as underdogs again. But this time, convincing themselves they have a chance figures to require a lot more work.
To say UT and the Crimson Tide veered in opposite directions after their 2010 meeting would be an understatement, and it’s probably not worth rehashing too many of the details. Saban built one of the most powerful dynasties the sport ever has seen, while the Longhorns occasionally beat Kansas.
They’re three head coaches removed from Brown now. Not only do no players on the team have any memories of competing for national titles or winning conference championships at UT, few of them have any memories of even watching the Longhorns do those things. When McCoy led a last-minute drive to beat Nebraska to win the Big 12 in 2009 and set up that last showdown with Alabama, current UT quarterback Quinn Ewers was 6 years old.
So even though everyone from Brown to Charlie Strong to Tom Herman to Steve Sarkisian has signed Top 10 recruiting classes in Austin over the past decade, the on-field results have made it difficult to maintain the notion that UT’s roster is just as good as everyone else’s.
In fact, it’s gotten to the point where the head coach of one of the most storied programs in the sport — one renowned for having its pick of the premier prospects in the world — is starting to sound like the coaches of the plucky upstarts that used to have to face vaunted UT.
“Culture a lot of times can have an opportunity to beat talent when the culture is strong,” Sarkisian said Monday, speaking of this Saturday’s home game against the Crimson Tide, and let’s just take a moment to marvel at that. His message was well-intentioned, and it might be accurate.
But the tone is so far removed from the last time a Longhorns coach looked forward to facing Alabama, most people back then would have found it unrecognizable. And for the coach of a team coming off a 5-7 season to suggest that culture might decide a game against a program that has lost eight games combined in the last eight seasons?
Maybe so. But good luck with that.
Still, it’s hard to blame Sarkisian for grasping at anything motivational ploy that might work. The Crimson Tide are 20-point favorites this week for a reason, and it would be foolish to expect Sarkisian to carry himself the way Brown did at the end of a decade in which the Longhorns averaged more than 11 victories per season.
It's going to take a lot more than one big afternoon for UT to get that back. But if the Longhorns pull off the unthinkable Saturday, and then use an Alabama outcome to propel them in the opposite way the last one did?
Maybe someday Sarkisian will be able to say, “We’ve got a good team, too.”
And believe it the same way Brown once did.
mfinger@express-news.net
Twitter: @mikefinger | 2022-09-07T00:06:30+00:00 | expressnews.com | https://www.expressnews.com/sports/columnists/mike_finger/article/Once-shattered-by-Alabama-UT-still-searching-for-17423314.php |
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
© 2022 Good Karma Brands Milwaukee, LLC. | 2022-07-19T03:12:20+00:00 | wtmj.com | https://wtmj.com/sports/2022/07/18/ap-top-sports-news-at-554-p-m-edt-32/ |
A home that was a fixture of Bobby Fouther’s childhood is now a parking lot, the two-story, shingle-sided house having been demolished in the 1970s along with many other properties in a predominantly Black neighborhood of Portland, Oregon.
“Growing up there was just all about love,” Fouther said.
Fouther and his sister, Elizabeth Fouther-Branch, are now among 26 Black people who either lived in the neighborhood or are descendants of former residents and are suing Portland, the city’s economic and urban development agency and Legacy Emanuel Hospital, accusing them of the “racist” destruction of the homes and forced displacement.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in federal court in Portland, shines a light on how urban improvement projects and construction of the nation’s highways often came at the cost of neighborhoods that aren’t predominantly white.
“In many cases, city and state planners purposely built through Black neighborhoods to clear so-called slums and blighted areas,” according to a 2020 report by Pew Charitable Trusts, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit public policy group.
People who were part of racial minorities were often obligated to live in those neighborhoods because of “redlining” — banks discriminating against home loan applicants based on race — and even due to laws that maintained all-white neighborhoods.
In 1934, Fouther’s great-aunt and her husband bought a house, which he and his sister visited almost daily, in the Albina neighborhood of Portland, according to the lawsuit.
But even after buying homes and building lives in Albina, residents were forced to move by so-called urban renewal and highway building.
Albina had already been partially destroyed and carved up in the 1950s and ’60s by the building of Interstate 5 and Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the original home of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. But then a hospital expansion was announced.
Between 1971 and 1973, the Portland Development Commission demolished an estimated 188 properties, 158 of which were residential and inhabited by 88 families and 83 individuals. A total of 32 business and four church or community organizations were also destroyed, according to the lawsuit. Of the forcibly displaced households, 74% were Black.
A first phase, in the 1950s and ’60s, involved city officials secretly agreeing to compensate the hospital for the full cost of the purchases and demolitions, the lawsuit said. The homeowners were intimidated by hospital representatives and told that if they didn’t leave, the city would take their homes. They were not fairly compensated and in some cases not compensated at all, according to the lawsuit.
“This case is about the intentional destruction of a thriving Black neighborhood in Central Albina under the pretense of facilitating a hospital expansion that never happened,” the lawsuit says, adding that the loss of homes “has meant the deprivation of inheritance, intergenerational wealth, community, and opportunity.”
Much of the land that used to be a thriving neighborhood, where Black families felt safe and had social and spiritual connections, became parking lots or stood vacant.
“I was taken out of my safe and loving community. I was moved into a neighborhood that saw me as a nuisance and to a school where I was one of three Black children,” said Connie Mack, one of the plaintiffs.
The lawsuit said the defendants are benefiting from “unjust enrichment” from “this horribly racist chapter from Portland’s past.”
Legacy Health, which owns Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying it is evaluating it. Prosper Portland, formerly the Portland Development Commission, also said it is evaluating the complaint and had no additional comment. City officials didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Albina is now called the Eliot neighborhood, which boasts trendy shops, cafes and eateries.
“Our neighborhood, in the heart of the former city of Albina, is a great place to live, work and play,” the Eliot Neighborhood Association proclaims on its website.
Many of the plaintiffs’ homes, if they had not been destroyed, would have been worth more than $500,000 today, the lawsuit says.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages from defendants in amounts to be determined at trial. | 2022-12-10T21:58:06+00:00 | keloland.com | https://www.keloland.com/news/national-world-news/ap-oregon-lawsuit-spotlights-destruction-of-black-neighborhoods/ |
DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights again Tuesday in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S., and the federal government said it would investigate why the company lagged so far behind other carriers.
A day after most U.S. airlines had recovered from the storm, Southwest called off about 2,600 more flights on the East Coast by late afternoon. Those flights accounted for more than 80% of the 3,000 trips that got canceled nationwide Tuesday, according to tracking service FlightAware.
And the chaos seemed certain to continue. The airline also scrubbed 2,500 flights for Wednesday and nearly 1,400 for Thursday as it tried to restore order to its mangled schedule.
At airports with major Southwest operations, customers stood in long lines hoping to find a seat on another flight. They described waiting hours on hold for help, only to be cut off. Some tried to rent cars to get to their destinations sooner. Others found spots to sleep on the floor. Luggage piled up in huge heaps.
Conrad Stoll, a 66-year-old retired construction worker in Missouri, planned to fly from Kansas City to Los Angeles for his father’s 90th birthday party until his Southwest flight was canceled early Tuesday. He said he won’t get to see his 88-year-old mother either.
“I went there in 2019, and she looked at me and said, ‘I’m not going to see you again.’” Stoll said. “My sister has been taking care of them, and she’s just like, ‘They’re really losing it really quick.’”
Stoll hopes to get another chance to see his parents in the spring, when the weather is warmer.
In a video that Southwest posted late Tuesday, CEO Robert Jordan said Southwest would operate a reduced schedule for several days but hoped to be “back on track before next week.”
Jordan blamed the winter storm for snarling the airline’s “highly complex” network. He said Southwest’s tools for recovering from disruptions work “99% of the time, but clearly we need to double down” on upgrading systems to avoid a repeat of this week.
“We have some real work to do in making this right,” said Jordan, a 34-year Southwest veteran who became CEO in February. “For now, I want you to know that we are committed to that.”
The problems began over the weekend and snowballed Monday, when Southwest called off more than 70% of its flights.
That was after the worst of the storm had passed. The airline said many pilots and flight attendants were out of position to work their flights. Leaders of unions representing Southwest pilots and flight attendants blamed antiquated crew-scheduling software and criticized company management.
Casey Murray, president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, said the airline failed to fix problems that caused a similar meltdown in October 2021.
“There is a lot of frustration because this is so preventable,” Murray said. “The airline cannot connect crews to airplanes. The airline didn’t even know where pilots were at.”
Murray said managers resorted this week to asking pilots at some airports to report to a central location, where they wrote down the names of pilots who were present and forwarded the lists to headquarters.
Lyn Montgomery, president of the Transport Workers Union representing Southwest flight attendants, said she and other labor leaders have repeatedly told management that the airline’s scheduling technology is not good enough.
“This has been something we have seen coming,” she said. “This is a very catastrophic event.”
The airline is now drawing unwanted attention from Washington.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has criticized airlines for previous disruptions, said his agency would examine the causes of Southwest’s widespread cancellations and whether the airline was meeting its legal obligations to stranded customers.
“While we all understand that you can’t control the weather, this has clearly crossed the line from what is an uncontrollable weather situation to something that is the airline’s direct responsibility,” Buttigieg told “NBC Nightly News.” He said Southwest should at least pay cash refunds for canceled flights and cover stranded passengers’ hotel and meal costs.
In Congress, the Senate Commerce Committee also promised an investigation. Two Senate Democrats called on Southwest to provide “significant” compensation for stranded travelers, saying that the airline has the money because it plans to pay $428 million in dividends next month.
Bryce Burger and his family were supposed to be on a cruise to Mexico departing from San Diego on Dec. 24, but their flight from Denver was canceled without warning. The flight was rebooked through Burbank, California, but that flight was canceled while they sat at the gate.
“It’s horrible,” Burger said Tuesday by phone from Salt Lake City, where the family decided to drive after giving up the cruise.
The family’s luggage is still at the Denver airport, and Burger doesn’t know if he can get a refund for the cruise because the flight to California was booked separately.
The size and severity of the storm created havoc for many airlines, although the largest number of canceled flights Tuesday were at airports where Southwest is a major carrier, including Denver, Chicago Midway, Las Vegas, Baltimore and Dallas.
Spirit Airlines and Alaska Airlines both canceled about 10% of their flights, with much smaller cancellation percentages at American, Delta, United and JetBlue.
Kristie Smiley planned to return home to Los Angeles until Southwest canceled her Tuesday flight, so she waited at the Kansas City airport for her mother to pick her up. Southwest can’t put her on another plane until Sunday, New Year’s Day.
Smiley said the airline kept blaming the weather after the storm passed and didn’t tell passengers why planes couldn’t take off.
“They like acted like (Tuesday’s flight) was going to go until they started saying, ‘Oh, five more minutes. Oh, 10 more minutes.’ I’m not sure what’s up with them. It seems a little off,” she said.
Danielle Zanin vowed never to fly Southwest again after it took four days, several canceled flights and sleeping in the airport before she, her husband and their two young children got home to Illinois from Albuquerque, New Mexico. They made stops at airports in Denver and Phoenix and reached Chicago only after ditching Southwest and paying $1,400 for four one-way tickets on American Airlines.
“I remember saying, ‘Oh my God, we’re getting on a plane!’ I was honestly shocked because I thought we were stuck in airports forever,” she said.
Zanin plans to ask Southwest to be reimbursed for part of their original tickets plus the new ones on American, and extra spending on rental cars, parking, an Uber ride and food — about $2,000 in all.
“I don’t have good faith that they will do much of anything,” she said.
___
Associated Press writers Heather Hollingsworth in Kansas City, Missouri, Thalia Beaty in New York and Sophie Austin in Sacramento, California, contributed to this story. | 2022-12-28T13:23:55+00:00 | kdvr.com | https://kdvr.com/news/money/ap-dot-to-probe-southwest-cancellations-that-stranded-flyers/ |
Novel survey in collaboration with the COPD Foundation identifies opportunities and barriers to care for chronic disease management
NEW HAVEN, Conn., Nov. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- People living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are enthusiastic about the promise of care innovation, according to a survey released today by Wellinks, a digital healthcare company offering the first-ever integrated, virtual COPD management solution, in collaboration with the COPD Foundation. The research assessed patient perspectives on COPD care in the United States and findings suggest the status quo is failing people living with the disease.
A majority of survey respondents (59 percent) are interested in using technology to receive care for and manage their COPD, but of that group, only half are actually using such solutions currently. Additionally, 74 percent of those surveyed were interested in accessing pulmonary rehabilitation at home, and 72 percent of respondents agreed that it is very important to have a solution that enables access to devices used to check lung function and oxygen at home. Fifty-nine percent of those surveyed reported that it is very important to have a solution that provides educational resources about COPD.
These findings are especially significant as COPD is the third leading cause of death by chronic disease in the United States, and costs the health care system roughly $49 billion annually. Roughly 16.4 million Americans are diagnosed with COPD today, with millions more likely undiagnosed, and COPD cases are expected to grow over the coming years.
Findings from this survey show that existing paradigms of care for people with COPD are insufficient, leaving significant gaps in access that fail to empower patients to proactively manage their conditions. The survey found that 88 percent of respondents would like a better way to manage their condition. While pulmonary rehabilitation is an evidence-backed and effective treatment for people with COPD, 35 percent of survey respondents claimed that the treatment was not convenient for them to access. Moreover, the survey found that over the last two years, 32 percent of respondents were admitted to the hospital at least once, and 41 percent of respondents visited the emergency room at least once.
"Fragmented care has let too many people with COPD fall through the cracks with inadequate access to treatment resources and tools to support self-efficacy," said Dr. Abi Sundaramoorthy, Chief Medical Officer at Wellinks. "We know that patients are eager to engage with their health in meaningful ways. By integrating virtual care pathways into the COPD care model, we can empower patients with the solutions they need to manage their conditions to reduce hospitalizations and lower costs."
The survey was conducted in partnership with the COPD Foundation through the COPD360Social platform, an interactive online community and social network dedicated to connecting people living with COPD to evidence-based resources. The platform unites more than 48,000 individuals—including patients, friends, and caregivers—from 151 countries. This survey was restricted to U.S.-based patients only, and engaged 330 people with COPD.
"Ensuring that people with COPD feel seen, understood, and empowered is at the heart of the Wellinks approach to care delivery. We know that effective and lasting impact is only possible when individuals' needs are kept at the center," said Alex Waldron, CEO of Wellinks. "We hope this survey elevates the perspectives of people with COPD to provide the field with insights that improve the implementation of proactive, preventive, and personalized COPD care."
This survey marks the latest investment by Wellinks in a robust body of clinical research focused on understanding pain points in patients' COPD care journey as well as opportunities for transformation. Also in collaboration with the COPD Foundation, Wellinks recently concluded a 24-week study to evaluate the impact of its integrated, virtual solution for people with COPD, and looks forward to publishing the results in 2023. In March, Wellinks published peer-reviewed research finding high levels of engagement and satisfaction with the Wellinks solution among patients with COPD. In June, Wellinks announced the commencement of a study in partnership with Hartford HealthCare to examine the impact of its virtual management solution on reducing hospital readmissions for patients discharged following COPD exacerbations. Most recently, Wellinks joined UMass Chan Medical School to announce the start of a six-month study examining virtual care's ability to prevent acute care needs among patients with COPD.
Wellinks is on a mission to help those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) live fully and breathe freely. COPD is the third leading cause of death by chronic disease in the U.S. and the fifth most costly chronic disease. With its personalized, virtual-first COPD management system, Wellinks breaks down barriers for patients, providing the evidence-based care they need and deserve outside the four walls of the clinic. Wellinks supports patients through virtual care, including pulmonary rehabilitation, health coaching, and monitoring aided by connected devices and an easy-to-use smartphone app. Based in New Haven, Connecticut, Wellinks is led by a team of digital health veterans and backed by top investment firms including Morningside, HighCape Capital, Connecticut Innovations, and Benslie. For more information, visit www.wellinks.com and follow on Twitter (@WellinksHealth) and LinkedIn.
Press Contact:
Caitlin Krutsick
wellinks@crosscutstrategies.com
View original content:
SOURCE Wellinks | 2022-11-10T14:26:22+00:00 | wagmtv.com | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/11/10/people-living-with-copd-want-innovation-care-delivery-according-wellinks-survey/ |
Clifton Central's defense was a brick wall that stopped Fithian Oakwood cold, resulting in a 39-0 victory in an Illinois high school football matchup on September 9.
Clifton Central opened a lopsided 26-0 gap over Fithian Oakwood at halftime.
Clifton Central pulled to a 39-0 lead heading into the final quarter.
Neither squad could muster points in the first and fourth quarters.
You're reading a news brief powered by ScoreStream, a world leader in fan-driven sports results and conversation. Help us collect and deliver more game results from your favorite teams and players by downloading the ScoreStream app. Nearly a million users nationwide share team scores and player performance stats with this convenient free app. | 2022-09-10T04:06:12+00:00 | herald-review.com | https://herald-review.com/sports/high-school/football/boys/clifton-central-baffles-fithian-oakwood-39-0/article_a4405c0d-fc1a-5ce2-adf7-6376e3072436.html |
LIVE: Wisconsin Christmas parade attack defendant accused of killing 6 represents himself at trial
Updated: 7:28 AM PDT Oct 6, 2022
The man accused of intentionally driving his SUV through a crowd of Christmas parade attendees in Waukesha, Wisconsin, last year, killing six people and wounding dozens more, is set to represent himself at his homicide trial Thursday amid concerns over his mental health.Darrell E. Brooks, 40, was identified as the driver of a red SUV who plowed into a crowd of people celebrating the city's Christmas parade on Nov. 21, 2021, turning a joyous afternoon into a massacre.Brooks had been released from jail less than two weeks prior in a domestic abuse case, on a $1,000 bail that prosecutors recommended and have since said was "inappropriately low." In that case, he allegedly ran over a woman who said she's the mother of his child, according to court documents.Brooks is charged with six counts of intentional homicide with the use of a dangerous weapon, and more than 60 counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety and six counts of fatal hit and run, according to an amended complaint.The trial is particularly unusual because Brooks will be representing himself in court.He previously pleaded not guilty by insanity, but his public defenders withdrew the insanity plea in September. The attorneys later filed a motion to withdraw from the case, and the judge ruled to allow Brooks to represent himself at trial.However, his mother, Dawn Woods, wrote to the judge and spoke to CNN affiliate WTMJ about her concerns that her son was not stable enough to defend himself. "I hate to say this," Woods told the affiliate. "You're going to see manic, full-blown."Indeed, jury selection began Monday and quickly devolved into farce as Brooks repeatedly interrupted the judge, argued with her rulings and stated he did not have enough time to prepare, sister station WISN reported. Judge Jennifer Dorow ordered Brooks moved to a separate courtroom to participate remotely and kept him muted until it was his turn to speak."This court is on day one, it is 2:15 p.m., this court within five minutes of starting court this morning had to remove Mr. Brooks based upon his interruptions at that time," Dorow said, according to WISN.In the other courtroom, Brooks could be seen speaking to himself and making hand gestures while on mute. At one point, he put his head on the table and put the top of his suit jacket over his head.Witnesses to relive violence of paradeThe trial will feature a series of witnesses who will be expected to recount the violence and chaos of the day of the attack.The victims included an 8-year-old boy and three of Milwaukee's "Dancing Grannies" group that marched in the parade.A video of the parade recorded by Angela O'Boyle, who was watching from her fifth-story apartment balcony, shows the SUV hitting an individual in a marching band. The vehicle then continued forward, hitting and running over others in the band and crowd before driving away."It hit at least two people right away and rolled over them. And then continued down the road to People's Park which is at the end of the block -- and then kept going, it didn't stop," O'Boyle told CNN.One officer described the vehicle as driving in a zig-zag-like pattern, the complaint states.Angelito Tenorio, another witness, said at the time the scene was "absolutely chaotic.""Nobody knew if this was an attack or if this was an accident or if it was a deliberate attack on the people of the parade," he said in an interview with CNN. "People just started fleeing, running away from the scene, leaving behind their belongings, grabbing their children, calling, screaming, looking for their loved ones."And when the crowd cleared out, that's when it looked like I saw people, who appeared to be lying in the middle of the street, lying still, lying lifeless."After he allegedly ran over people and fled the scene, Brooks went to a stranger's home, asked for help and said he was homeless, a Waukesha resident said. Police eventually arrived to the home and took Brooks into custody.
The man accused of intentionally driving his SUV through a crowd of Christmas parade attendees in Waukesha, Wisconsin, last year, killing six people and wounding dozens more, is set to represent himself at his homicide trial Thursday amid concerns over his mental health.
Darrell E. Brooks, 40, was identified as the driver of a red SUV who plowed into a crowd of people celebrating the city's Christmas parade on Nov. 21, 2021, turning a joyous afternoon into a massacre.
Brooks had been released from jail less than two weeks prior in a domestic abuse case, on a $1,000 bail that prosecutors recommended and have since said was "inappropriately low." In that case, he allegedly ran over a woman who said she's the mother of his child, according to court documents.
Brooks is charged with six counts of intentional homicide with the use of a dangerous weapon, and more than 60 counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety and six counts of fatal hit and run, according to an amended complaint.
Scott Ash/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP, Pool
Darrell Brooks speaks to a bailiff (off screen) as he appears via video from an adjacent courtroom after being removed by Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Dorow for repeated interruptions in a Waukesha County Circuit Court during the third day of his trial in Waukesha, Wis., Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022.
The trial is particularly unusual because Brooks will be representing himself in court.
He previously pleaded not guilty by insanity, but his public defenders withdrew the insanity plea in September. The attorneys later filed a motion to withdraw from the case, and the judge ruled to allow Brooks to represent himself at trial.
However, his mother, Dawn Woods, wrote to the judge and spoke to CNN affiliate WTMJ about her concerns that her son was not stable enough to defend himself. "I hate to say this," Woods told the affiliate. "You're going to see manic, full-blown."
Indeed, jury selection began Monday and quickly devolved into farce as Brooks repeatedly interrupted the judge, argued with her rulings and stated he did not have enough time to prepare, sister station WISN reported. Judge Jennifer Dorow ordered Brooks moved to a separate courtroom to participate remotely and kept him muted until it was his turn to speak.
"This court is on day one, it is 2:15 p.m., this court within five minutes of starting court this morning had to remove Mr. Brooks based upon his interruptions at that time," Dorow said, according to WISN.
In the other courtroom, Brooks could be seen speaking to himself and making hand gestures while on mute. At one point, he put his head on the table and put the top of his suit jacket over his head.
Witnesses to relive violence of parade
The trial will feature a series of witnesses who will be expected to recount the violence and chaos of the day of the attack.
The victims included an 8-year-old boy and three of Milwaukee's "Dancing Grannies" group that marched in the parade.
A video of the parade recorded by Angela O'Boyle, who was watching from her fifth-story apartment balcony, shows the SUV hitting an individual in a marching band. The vehicle then continued forward, hitting and running over others in the band and crowd before driving away.
"It hit at least two people right away and rolled over them. And then continued down the road to People's Park which is at the end of the block -- and then kept going, it didn't stop," O'Boyle told CNN.
One officer described the vehicle as driving in a zig-zag-like pattern, the complaint states.
Angelito Tenorio, another witness, said at the time the scene was "absolutely chaotic."
"Nobody knew if this was an attack or if this was an accident or if it was a deliberate attack on the people of the parade," he said in an interview with CNN. "People just started fleeing, running away from the scene, leaving behind their belongings, grabbing their children, calling, screaming, looking for their loved ones.
"And when the crowd cleared out, that's when it looked like I saw people, who appeared to be lying in the middle of the street, lying still, lying lifeless."
After he allegedly ran over people and fled the scene, Brooks went to a stranger's home, asked for help and said he was homeless, a Waukesha resident said. Police eventually arrived to the home and took Brooks into custody. | 2022-10-06T14:35:34+00:00 | kcra.com | https://www.kcra.com/article/waukesha-wisconsin-christmas-parade-attack-trial-begins/41544278 |
WASHINGTON – The director of the federal Bureau of Prisons is defending her decision to rally behind a high-ranking agency official who climbed the ranks after beating Black inmates in the 1990s, saying Tuesday that she feels he's shown contrition and deserves a second chance.
Colette Peters, making her first comments since The Associated Press published an investigation chronicling Thomas Ray Hinkle’s sordid past and subsequent promotions, said she met with Hinkle soon after starting as director in August and came away convinced that he should keep his job.
"He openly shared some of his past and has shared with me that he’s a changed man, that he’s not the person he was 25 years ago, and that he wants to spend the remainder of his career helping people understand not to make those exact same mistakes,” Peters said.
“It’s that type of behavior change that we’re looking for in both those in our custody and who work for us. Some, they don't get a second chance. But he owned it.”
Peters spoke with the AP after testifying Tuesday before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which has spent months scrutinizing the Bureau of Prisons' inability to clamp down on rampant staff sexual misconduct.
Subcommittee Chairman Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., said the eight-month, bipartisan investigation — after the arrests of a warden and other workers at a federal women’s prison in Dublin, California — shows that the agency is “failing systemically” in its duty to protect female inmates from the “cruel and unusual punishment” of abuse at the hands of correctional workers.
The Bureau of Prisons’ inability to detect and prevent staff-on-inmate assaults has led to dozens of assaults and left some accused workers free to offend again, the subcommittee found. The findings echo common complaints about the agency's handing of sexual abuse and other staff misconduct, some of which has been detailed in AP reporting.
Among the subcommittee's other findings: Audits meant to ensure compliance with a federal prison rape prevention law have proven inadequate; inmates who report abuse often face retaliation; and the agency's internal affairs office is facing a backlog of 8,000 cases, including hundreds of sex abuse allegations. Peters said she's added 40 workers to the internal affairs office to process cases faster.
At the Dublin prison, the rape-prevention audits were being supervised by the former warden, Ray Garcia, who was convicted last week of abusing three inmates. At a prison in Coleman, Florida, where six have been accused of sexually abusing inmates since 2012, officials shipped all the female inmates away two days before they were to be interviewed by auditors.
“This situation is intolerable," Ossoff said. “Sexual abuse of inmates is a gross abuse of human and constitutional rights and cannot be tolerated by the United States Congress.”
Tuesday's hearing began with disturbing testimony from three victims of staff-on-inmate sexual abuse — women who say the Bureau of Prisons compounded their suffering by ignoring warning signs, enabling coverups and failing to equip prisons with practical tools, like functioning security cameras.
Carolyn Richardson recounted how a correctional officer at a federal lockup in New York City preyed on her visual impairment, sexually assaulting her after he brought her to medical appointments. Briane Moore, crying at times, said the prison captain who abused her had threatened to put her in solitary confinement or transfer her to another prison if she reported him.
Linda De La Rosa said the Bureau of Prisons “entirely failed” in allowing the correctional officer who attacked her and three other women in 2019 at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, to continue working despite previous allegations of sexual abuse. The officer, Christopher Goodwin, pleaded guilty in March and is serving 11 years in prison.
“The problem is the old boys club,” De La Rosa said. “Prison staff, managers, investigators, correctional officers — they all work together for years, if not decades. No one wants to rock the boat, let alone listen to female inmates. There is no objective, independent oversight.”
The AP does not typically identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they grant permission, as Richardson, Moore and De La Rosa have done. All sexual activity between a prison worker and an inmate is illegal. Correctional employees enjoy substantial power over inmates, controlling every aspect of their lives from mealtime to lights out, and there is no scenario in which an inmate can give consent.
Peters, who testified alongside Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz, has vowed to change the culture that has enabled officers to sexually assault inmates. She reiterated the Bureau of Prisons' zero-tolerance policy for staff sexual misconduct and said she's urged transparency throughout the agency, so that she's not kept in the dark on any incidents that occur.
A Justice Department working group issued recommendations last month for curbing staff sexual misconduct. Among them: starting an anonymous abuse reporting process, overhauling investigations, seeking longer prison sentences for workers convicted of abuse and potentially granting early release to victimized inmates.
Peters, who visited Dublin early in her tenure, said the crisis there shows some prisons have been infected with a “culture of abuse and a culture of misconduct" and that “when it’s high-level officials engaging in these egregious criminal acts there’s clearly a culture” of abuse.
“That culture needs to be reset in order to ensure the safety and security of those in our care and custody,” Peters testified. “And I think we do have systemic changes in the works that will help us reset that culture there and throughout the federal Bureau of Prisons.”
As for Hinkle, Peters will face more questions about him this week when she meets with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin. The Illinois Democrat tweeted that he was “very concerned about the allegations” in the AP's article about Hinkle "and whether BOP will address abuses, prioritize safety, and improve their flawed approach to misconduct investigations.”
On Monday, prison workers and union officials picketed outside the agency's regional office in Stockton, California, and called on Peters to fire Hinkle and his boss, Regional Director Melissa Rios.
__
On Twitter, follow Michael Sisak at http://twitter.com/mikesisak and send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/ | 2022-12-14T08:17:29+00:00 | clickorlando.com | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/politics/2022/12/14/prisons-chief-official-who-beat-inmates-deserves-2nd-chance/ |
DENVER (AP) — Colorado Democratic state Rep. Yadira Caraveo has defeated Republican state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer in a tight race to win a U.S. House seat in a new district that stretches north of Denver’s suburbs.
The Associated Press called the race in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District on Tuesday, although Caraveo claimed victory and Kirkmeyer conceded after voting ended on election night on Nov. 8. The swing district, evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans, was created during the once-a-decade redistricting process to reflect Colorado’s growing population.
Caraveo’s win comes as Republicans were on the cusp of taking control of the House in the midterm elections after Democrats retained control in the Senate.
Caraveo said in a statement last week claiming victory: “It’s the honor of my lifetime to receive this vote of confidence to serve working families from Greeley to Commerce City in Washington, D.C.”
Caraveo is a pediatrician and defender of abortion rights who voted for police accountability after protests that followed the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. Caraveo hoped her cultural lineage as the child of Mexican immigrants would attract support in a swing district where Latinos comprise nearly 40% of voters.
Kirkmeyer, a former Weld County commissioner, pledged to get tough on crime and unleash the oil and gas industry, which has a significant presence in the district. She once supported a blanket ban on abortion but now says she would respect exceptions if the mother’s life is in danger.
“While this is not the outcome we hoped for,” Kirkmeyer wrote on Twitter announcing her defeat, “I am proud of our team and our campaign.”
___
Jesse Bedayn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
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Follow AP’s coverage of the elections at: https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections | 2022-11-16T16:38:48+00:00 | denver7.com | https://www.denver7.com/news/politics/democrat-caraveo-wins-colorados-new-us-house-district |
There is another baby Mahomes on the way.
In a video posted to Brittany Mahomes’ Instagram Monday, it was revealed that they are expecting a boy.
In the video, friends and family of the couple made their gender guesses to the cameraman. Patrick and Brittany both guessed that they would have a baby boy. Ultimately, it made known that they would be welcoming a son via a water gun filled with blue ink. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback then celebrated by jumping into the pool.
BUY NFL TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETSMARTER, TICKETMASTER
Patrick and Brittany have one daughter, Sterling Skye, who is 16 months. The duo got married in March and announced their second pregnancy in May via an Instagram post that featured Sterling holding a sign that read: “Big sister duties coming soon.”
Patrick has been with the Chiefs since 2017. He led his team to victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV and he was awarded MVP of the game. As a part-owner of the Kansas City Royals and with a second child on the way, Mahomes appears to be digging roots in Missouri.
MORE NFL:
- How a guarantee to Texans’ rookie could be holding up Eagles’ Cam Jurgens deal
- Ex-Pro Bowl quarterback details daughter’s brain tumor battle, recovery from emergency surgery
- NFL Draft 2023: Giants land new franchise QB in latest 1st-round mock
- Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux updates injured hip, training camp availability
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Bridget Hyland may be reached at bhyland@njadvancemedia.com. | 2022-06-28T12:35:47+00:00 | nj.com | https://www.nj.com/sports/2022/06/boy-or-girl-chiefs-patrick-mahomes-and-wife-brittany-host-baby-gender-reveal-party.html |
BERLIN (AP) — Germany announced Friday that it was suspending its participation in a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali after the West African nation refused to grant a civilian aircraft carrying German troops permission to use its airspace.
The flight was part of a troop rotation, and German officials said it was not the first time Mali has denied overflight permission.
Germany's defense minister, Christine Lambrecht, alleged her Malian counterpart, Sadio Camara, had not adhered to agreements. German troops will now focus on ensuring their own security, her ministry said.
“Camaras' actions speak a different language than his words,” Lambrecht said “We must therefore take measures and suspend the operation of our reconnaissance forces and transport flights (with helicopters) until further notice.”
Germany announced earlier in the year that it was drawing down its participation in a European Union military mission in Mali after France pulled out. But Germany continued to provide troops to the U.N.'s MINUSMA peacekeeping mission in the West African nation.
Like France, Germany has expressed misgivings about the presence of Russian mercenaries in Mali.
German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said Berlin was willing to continue participating in the U.N. mission in Mali.
“But such a deployment only makes sense if it has the support of the government there," he said. | 2022-08-12T13:15:05+00:00 | lmtonline.com | https://www.lmtonline.com/news/article/Germany-suspends-participation-in-Mali-military-17369096.php |
Move positions Matrix Imaging Solutions, a portfolio company of Lakelet Capital LLC, as preferred partner for transactional, digital and customer communications.
SANBORN, N.Y., April 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Matrix Imaging Solutions (Matrix), a leading provider of data-driven document design, e-solutions, direct mailing and printing, announced its newest acquisition, DataProse, a company based in Dallas, TX.
"We are excited to add DataProse's expertise and capabilities to the Matrix family," said John Hartwell, CEO of Matrix. "This acquisition aligns with our strategic goals of expanding our reach and deepening our service offerings. We look forward to working with the DataProse team to continue delivering the high-quality service our clients have come to expect from us."
Since Lakelet Capital LLC's acquisition of Matrix in 2018, the company has completed four acquisitions and invested in technology and infrastructure to expand its footprint and customer solutions.
"This acquisition is another step forward for Matrix and a testament to our continued investment in the platform," said Randy Bianchi, Managing Partner at Lakelet Capital LLC. "We are proud to support Matrix and Dataprose as they grow and strengthen their position as leading providers of communication services."
About Matrix Imaging Solutions
Matrix Imaging Solutions is a leading provider of transactional, digital, and customer communication services. With nearly 35 years of experience, Matrix Imaging Solutions delivers exceptional value to its clients by providing the most effective and efficient solutions. For more information, visit www.matriximaging.com.
About DataProse
Located in Dallas, TX, DataProse, with over 25 years of experience, provides transactional business document design, output, and presentation services. DataProse clients effectively communicate with customers while lowering billing costs, accelerating payment cycles, and eliminating costly billing errors. For more information, please visit www.dataprose.com.
About Lakelet Capital LLC
Lakelet Capital LLC is a private equity firm specializing in growth-oriented investments. With a focus on technology-enabled businesses, Lakelet Capital LLC seeks to partner with companies with strong management teams and scalable business models. For more information, visit www.lakeletcapital.com.
Contact: Randy Bianchi
Managing Partner
Lakelet Capital
rbianchi@lakeletcapital.com
716.277.0502
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SOURCE Lakelet Capital | 2023-04-13T16:41:02+00:00 | kalb.com | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2023/04/13/matrix-imaging-solutions-secures-competitive-edge-through-dataprose-acquisition/ |
POST FALLS, Idaho — The Kootenai County Medical Coroner has released the identity of the 14-year old boy who drowned in the Spokane River near Corbin Park.
The victim has been identified as Henry Jack, who resided in Spokane. According to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, the investigation is still ongoing, but there is nothing suspicious to report regarding the incident.
Anyone with information on this drowning can contact Detective Chris Kerzman at (208) 446-1366 or at ckerzman@kcgov.us.
Jack died near Post Falls on Saturday after apparently drowning in the Spokane River at Corbin Park.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) responded to a report of a possible drowning near Post Falls on Saturday night. When deputies arrived at approximately 9:30 p.m., they learned a 14-year-old boy had been missing for more than an hour.
Deputies later found clothing near the water that was later identified as belonging to the teen.
The 14-year-old from Spokane was at the park with his family on Saturday. The teen was last seen playing near the shore of the Spokane River, according to the statement.
KCSO divers, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue (KCFR) and the KCSO Marine Division quickly began efforts to locate the teen.
After more than an hour of searching into the river, divers found the teen dead approximately 20 feet from shore in 10 feet of water.
This is a developing story and will be updated when more information becomes available.
DOWNLOAD THE KREM SMARTPHONE APP
HOW TO ADD THE KREM+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KREM in the Channel Store.
Fire TV: search for "KREM" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email webspokane@krem.com. | 2022-07-20T20:03:19+00:00 | ktvb.com | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho/teen-drowns-spokane-river-at-corbin-park/293-ac5b0ccb-c498-4ff3-8567-c451fd6d1ca6 |
(NewsNation) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency told residents near the toxic train derailment in eastern Ohio that it is safe to return home, but some are alarmed and have concerns, as fish in local bodies of water are dying.
About 50 cars of the Norfolk Southern freight train, including 10 carrying hazardous materials, derailed on Feb. 3 in the Ohio village of East Palestine. No one was injured in the derailment, which investigators said was caused by a broken axle.
Three days after the accident, authorities burned vinyl chloride inside five tanker cars, sending hydrogen chloride and the toxic gas phosgene into the air. They said that burn was preferable to the threat of a larger explosion if nothing was done.
Environmental regulators have been monitoring the air and water in surrounding communities and have said that, so far, the air quality remains safe and drinking water supplies have not been affected.
But some residents have complained about headaches and feeling sick since the derailment.
Authorities warned the burning vinyl chloride — which was in five of the derailed cars — could send hydrogen chloride and phosgene into the air. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that gases associated with vinyl chloride are known carcinogens. Breathing the gases over long periods of time could be connected to brain, lung, and blood cancers, according to the agency.
NewsNation spoke with Silverado Caggiano, a hazardous material specialist, who said some of the chemicals released are carcinogens.
“There’s a lot of ‘what ifs,’ and we’re going to be looking at this thing 5, 10, 15, 20 years down the line and wondering, ‘Gee, cancer clusters could pop up, you know? Well water could go bad,'” said Caggiano.
NewsNation also obtained video of dead fish in the Ohio river near East Palestine. Residents said they’ve also seen sick animals, and their homes and town are still covered in debris.
It’s possible the pollutants lowered dissolved oxygen levels in the water, basically suffocating the fish. But that hasn’t been confirmed, according to Wildlife Officer Supervisor Scott Angelo.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will still need to investigate the death of the fishes, which could take up to a month while the agency deals with the emergency response.
The EPA, meanwhile, says hundreds of tests have confirmed the water and air are in good condition.
“The vinyl chloride: I know that’s the most common thing heard right now. That was below the detectable limit,” said Scott Wolfe, superintendent for East Palestine Water and Wastewater.
Renowned consumer advocate Erin Brokovich told NewsNation said she doesn’t believe those tests, and residents should be taking pictures and videos of everything they see.
“After 30 years of what I’ve been through and what this community is going through, they know. Come on, it’s vinyl chloride, it’s in the air, the fish are dying. Really? Does that give you comfort that you should be in the area? Probably not,” said Brockovich.
East Palestine Police said they are going door to door to check at-risk homes — those that obtain their drinking water from wells in the area.
Meanwhile, residents have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to force Norfolk Southern to set up health monitoring for residents in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday by two Pennsylvania residents, calls for the rail operator to pay for medical screenings and related care for anyone living within a 30-mile radius of the derailment to determine who was affected by toxic substances released after the accident. The lawsuit also is seeking undetermined damages.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. | 2023-02-14T19:39:17+00:00 | qcnews.com | https://www.qcnews.com/news/national-news/ohio-train-derailment-health-concerns-mount-as-locals-complain-of-dead-fish-headaches/ |
NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Singularity Future Technology Ltd..
Shareholders who purchased shares of SGLY 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:
https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/singularity-future-technology-ltd-loss-submission-form/?id=35272&from=4
CLASS PERIOD: February 12, 2021 to November 17, 2022
ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company had misrepresented the true educational background of its former CEO, Yang Jie; 2) Yang Jie had an outstanding arrest warrant in China, had committed forgery, and was the largest shareholder and VP of Finance for a Nasdaq-listed lending company, China Commercial Credit ("CCC"), which failed after reporting massive losses; (3) there existed material related party transactions with SOS Information Technology New York Inc. (where Jie's wife was Vice President) and Rich Trading, whose CEO was defendant Lei Nie, the husband of Singularity CFO Tuo Pan; (4) Singularity director John Levy had been a director at CCC from January 2013 through December 2016 as CCC failed amidst detailed allegations that Jie, when he was an executive and shareholder in CCC, misappropriated assets; (5) the Company lacked adequate internal controls, and as a result had a heightened risk of scrutiny and was ultimately subject to a United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York and SEC investigation and action as well as a potential delisting by NASDAQ; and (6) as a result, the Company's statements during the class period about the historical financial and operational metrics and purported market opportunities did not accurately reflect the actual business, operations, and financial results and trajectory of the Company, and were materially false and misleading and lacked a factual basis.
DEADLINE: February 7, 2023 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/singularity-future-technology-ltd-loss-submission-form/?id=35272&from=4
NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of SGLY 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 February 7, 2023. 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
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SOURCE The Gross Law Firm | 2023-01-04T12:41:23+00:00 | ksla.com | https://www.ksla.com/prnewswire/2023/01/04/shareholder-alert-gross-law-firm-notifies-shareholders-singularity-future-technology-ltd-class-action-lawsuit-lead-plaintiff-deadline-february-7-2023-nasdaq-sgly/ |
Lancaster city is about to get a little more funky.
Lancaster Roots & Blues returns to the city this weekend for its eighth annual festival that brings local and national blues, Americana, rock, bluegrass and soul acts to local stages.
More than 50 artists will perform across nine venues during this year's festival. See the full lineup here. There will also be a free-to-visit art market called ArtPart featuring more than 35 artists.
If it feels like there was a Roots & Blues festival not too long ago, it's because the event returned last October after a two-year hiatus. The gap in festivals was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and so festival founder Rich Ruoff could spend time caring for his late wife, who died after a battle with cancer.
Lancaster Roots & Blues was regularly held in the early spring, though the past few years have also featured festivals in the summer and in fall.
"It really has to do with recovery from COVID, and picking a spot on the calendar that works," Ruoff says. Next year's festival dates are planned, though Ruoff was not ready to announce the dates.
Here's everything you should know before attending this year's Lancaster Roots & Blues festival.
The basics
Lancaster Roots & Blues will kick off, formally, on Saturday with bluegrass band Dillweed at 1:30 p.m. at the Front Porch Stage in the Lancaster County Convention Center's Freedom Hall.
It will continue through Sunday night, with blues singer Ana Popovic closing out the festival, who will perform from 7:30-9 p.m. at the main stage in Freedom Hall.
For those who are in Lancaster Friday night, there will be a VIP-only performance from the Paul Columbo Group and a cocktail party in Freedom Hall starting at 5 p.m. There will also be a free performance from Nina de Vitry in Southern Market from 8 to 11 p.m.
There are several ticket options for Roots & Blues. For general admission, a one-day pass costs $75 (or, $79.74 with service fee), or $135 ($142.74) for a two-day pass. VIP tickets cost $136 ($143.79) for a one-day pass, or $260 ($273.99) for a two-day pass.
There will also be separate tickets for events at Tellus360, the Village, Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse and The Elks Lodge, for those who don't want to buy the full pass. Those tickets are $25 per venue, per day.
Roots & Blues will be centrally located in Lancaster city with the Lancaster County Convention Center being the main hub to pick up tickets and find out event information.
Here are the participating venues:
- The Elks Lodge, 219 N. Duke St.
- Fulton Theatre, 12 N. Prince St.
- Holiday Inn Lancaster, 26 E. Chestnut St.
- Lancaster County Convention Center, 25 S. Queen St.
- Penn Square, intersection of King and Queen streets.
- Southern Market, 100 S. Queen St.
- Tellus360, 24 E. King St.
- The Village, 205 N. Christian St.
- Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse, 114 N. Water St.
There are no COVID-19 protocols for the event or any of its venues, a change from last fall when vaccination cards were required for entry.
"We figured, everybody understands what's going on, and it's a personal choice," Ruoff says. "If you want to wear a mask, go ahead."
Ruoff estimates a few thousand people will attend Roots & Blues this weekend. Pre-pandemic, the festival would bring roughly 8,000 to 10,000 people to the city.
What's new
For the first time, Roots & Blues will have musicians in the Fulton Theatre and Southern Market.
The art component of Roots & Blues, called ArtPart, has again expanded. This time, there will be more than 35 artists selling their wares in the Lancaster County Convention Center. Artists range from people who make balloon art to handblown glass makers.
"This is probably the biggest selection of quality artists we've put together," Ruoff says.
ArtPart is free and open to the public.
Several artists have donated items to be raffled off to raise money for Music for Everyone, a Lancaster nonprofit dedicated to bringing music to schools, fixing instruments and making instruments accessible, among several other goals.
Music for Everyone will also host five free, local acts on its stage in Penn Square. Performers include singer/pianist Tuck Ryan, Music for Everyone's ukulele chorus Ukulele Uprising, the Music dor Everyone Community Chorus, alternative surf rock band The Electives and the Benjamin Vo Blues Band.
Typically, the festival is reserved for those ages 21 and older, but this year the festival will be open for those 12 and older. Tickets for attendees under age 21 are only available in person at the box office at the convention center and cost $50 per day. People under 21 should be accompanied by their parent or guardian, and there will be special wristbands for those under 21.
People under 21 years old will not be allowed in the Village Nightclub. All other venues will let in someone under 21 years old if they have an event wristband, Ruoff says.
Fresh faces
There will be several new performers at this year's Roots & Blues. Here are the ones Ruoff says he's excited to see.
- Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind, an award-winning, openly queer harmonica player from Portland, Maine. He will play on the main stage of Freedom Hall Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
- Big Fat Meanies, a ska band from Lancaster that has won several local awards, including the best rock band award from the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame awards ceremony. They will play in the Grande Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Lancaster Saturday at 9:30 p.m.
- Bonerama, a New Orleans-based funk brass rock band known for its high-energy performances. They will play on the main stage of Freedom Hall Saturday at 10 p.m.
"It's really fun, high-energy New Orleans music," Ruoff says. "It's definitely a good Saturday night band."
- Session Americana, a Boston-based band stacked with musicians that have played with other artists, like singer-songwriter Aimee Mann, rock group Treat Her Right and "Hadestown" singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell. They will play at the Grande Ballroom in Holiday Inn Lancaster at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
"I think they're wonderful... If you go to see a major artist in a stadium, or arena, and you know the artist, but you don't necessarily know the people playing with them — these are those people," Ruoff says. "Musicianship is top shelf."
- Ana Popovic, a blues singer from Serbia who has performed since 1995. Several blues guitar players will accompany her for this performance. She will play on the main stage of Freedom Hall Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
Check out the photo gallery below for pictures of last years Roots & Blues festival.
Kevin Jenkins, left, and Willie Scandlyn back up Shemekia Copeland, as she performs in Freedom Hall in the Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
Kevin Jenkins backs up Shemekia Copeland, as she performs in Freedom Hall in the Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
A crowd gathered on the dance floor to listen to Shemekia Copeland perform in Freedom Hall in Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
Shemekia Copeland, Kevin Jenkins and Willie Scandlyn perform in Freedom Hall in the Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
Shemekia Copeland, Robin Gould and Kevin Jenkins perform in Freedom Hall in the Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
Kevin Jenkins, Shemekia Copeland and Willie Scandlyn perform in Freedom Hall in Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
Shemekia Copeland works to get the crowd to sing along as she performs in Freedom Hall in the Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
Lancaster Roots & Blues festival comes to a close after the three-day event [photos]
Lancaster's annual Roots & Blues music festival took place this weekend. Over 80 live concerts scheduled in Lancaster city over three days with both local and national acts performing. There were 8 locations where people could enjoy the live concerts. The Roots & Blues festival will be back in 2022, with the event being held July 9-10, and will feature over 50 acts next summer.
Kevin Jenkins, left, and Willie Scandlyn back up Shemekia Copeland, as she performs in Freedom Hall in the Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
Kevin Jenkins backs up Shemekia Copeland, as she performs in Freedom Hall in the Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
A crowd gathered on the dance floor to listen to Shemekia Copeland perform in Freedom Hall in Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
Shemekia Copeland, Kevin Jenkins and Willie Scandlyn perform in Freedom Hall in the Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
Shemekia Copeland, Robin Gould and Kevin Jenkins perform in Freedom Hall in the Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
Kevin Jenkins, Shemekia Copeland and Willie Scandlyn perform in Freedom Hall in Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
Shemekia Copeland works to get the crowd to sing along as she performs in Freedom Hall in the Lancaster Marriott during the Roots & Blues festival on Sunday, Oct., 17, 2021.
Support local journalism.Click here to learn more about the role the Lancaster County Local Journalism Fund plays in Lancaster County and to make a tax-deductible donation. | 2022-07-06T10:06:32+00:00 | lancasteronline.com | https://lancasteronline.com/features/entertainment/lancaster-roots-blues-2022-heres-everything-to-know-before-you-go/article_1f7828fa-f976-11ec-badb-6bb03822b578.html |
SYDNEY (AP) — Australia’s most decorated living war veteran unlawfully killed prisoners and committed other war crimes in Afghanistan, a judge ruled Thursday in dismissing the claims by Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith that he was defamed by media.
Federal Court judge Anthony Besanko ruled that the articles published in 2018 were substantially true about a number of war crimes committed by Roberts-Smith, a former Special Air Service Regiment corporal who now is a media company executive.
Besanko found Roberts-Smith, who was also awarded the Medal of Gallantry for his Afghan war service, “broke the moral and legal rules of military engagement” and disgraced Australia through his conduct.
Proven allegations included that Roberts-Smith, the son of a judge, killed a prisoner who had a prosthetic leg by firing a machine gun into the man’s back in 2009. He kept the man’s prosthetic as a novelty beer drinking vessel.
The accusations also included Roberts-Smith had kicked an unarmed, handcuffed farmer off a cliff into a riverbed where he directed a soldier under his command to shot the farmer dead in 2012.
On another occasion, Roberts-Smith pressured a “newly deployed and inexperienced” soldier to kill an elderly, unarmed Afghan to “blood the rookie,” the court found.
Accusations that Roberts-Smith, who stands 2.02 meters (6 feet, 7 inches) tall, bullied soldiers and assaulted Afghan civilians were also found to be true.
Two of six unlawful killings Roberts-Smith was accused of involvement in were not proven to the civil court standard of balance of probability, the judge found.
Reports of domestic violence allegedly committed by Roberts-Smith were also found to be unproven and defamatory. But the judge found the unproven allegations would not have further damaged the veteran’s reputation.
Had such war crime allegations been made in a criminal court, they would have had to be proven to a higher standard of beyond reasonable doubt.
Roberts-Smith, 44, had denied any wrongdoing. His lawyers had blamed “corrosive jealousy” by “bitter people” within the SAS who had run a “poisonous campaign against him.”
The civil case made claims of defamation against The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times over their articles.
Nick McKenzie, one of the reporters responsible for the contentious articles, praised the SAS veterans who had testified against the national hero.
“Today is a day of justice. It’s a day of justice for those brave men of the SAS who stood up and told the truth about who Ben Roberts-Smith is — a war criminal, a bully and a liar,” McKenzie told reporters outside court.
“Australia should be proud of those men in the SAS. They are the majority in the SAS and they stood up for what was right and they have been vindicated,” McKenzie added.
Roberts-Smith’s lawyer Arthur Moses asked for 42 days to consider lodging an appeal to the Full Bench of the Federal Court.
The case’s legal costs have been underwritten by billionaire Kerry Stokes, executive chairman of Seven West Media where Roberts-Smith is employed.
Roberts-Smith is one of several Australian military personnel under investigation from Australian Federal Police for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.
The first criminal charge for an alleged illegal killing in Afghanistan was made in March. Former SAS trooper Oliver Schulz was charged with the war crime of murder in the death of an Afghan who was shot in 2012 in a wheat field in Uruzgan province. | 2023-06-01T10:44:12+00:00 | qcnews.com | https://www.qcnews.com/news/world-news/decorated-australian-war-veteran-unlawfully-killed-prisoners-in-afghanistan-judge-says/ |
Candidates for governor square off in final debate
UNCASVILLE, CT (WFSB) - A few jabs were exchanged Tuesday night between the candidates for Connecticut governor.
The second and final debate was held with Democrat Gov. Ned Lamont, Republican Bob Stefanowski and independent Rob Hotaling.
The debate took place at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville.
With just a week to go before the election, it was the last chance for the three candidates to make their final pitches.
Stefanowski was the aggressor, Lamont fought back and Hotaling said he had the best plan.
On the economy, Lamont said Connecticut is in a better place.
“Four years ago, we were looking we were looking at a $2 billion budget deficit,” Lamont said.
Stefanowski strongly disagreed.
“I think Gov. Lamont is living in a different state than Rob and I are,” Stefanowski said.
Stefanowski said he wants to use half of the state’s $6 billion surplus to give more relief to taxpayers. He kept calling it a “slush fund.”
Hotaling agreed with Lamont to keep the rainy-day fund. Other governors spent the surplus, and then had to increase taxes.
“It would be irresponsible to spend it,” Hotaling said.
On taxes, Lamont highlighted his budget which cut $650 million. Stefanowski wants to cut more. Hotaling said the state needed restraint on spending and taxes.
On crime, which was the most heated topic by far, Stefanowski doubled down calling Lamont anti-police. He attacked a police reform bill Lamont signed, which limited qualified immunity and made officers liable in extreme cases of excessive force.
Connecticut and the country have a shortage of police. Stefanowski said cops don’t feel respected.
Lamont called out Stefanowski for not supporting a ban on assault weapons and ghost guns. Two Bristol police officers were killed last month in an ambush by a man waiting for them with an AR-15, an assault-style rifle.
“We absolutely need to hold people accountable in the police force who do something wrong, but I think it’s overreaching when you are down hundreds of cops and cops are now being shot at,” Stefanowski said.
“The assault-style weapons should not be grandfathered in Connecticut,” Lamont said. “I think they are killers. We found out they are cop-killers. And you’re not serious about crime if you leave them on the street.”
Hotaling said he was stopped and harassed by police. He supports accountability.
“I understand it’s a difficult job and you have to give them the best tools to do that, but for someone who has gone through that harrowing experience where someone has their hand on the holster and is shouting at you, it’s scary,” Hotaling said.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Copyright 2022 WFSB. All rights reserved. | 2022-11-02T12:37:36+00:00 | wfsb.com | https://www.wfsb.com/2022/11/02/candidates-governor-square-off-final-debate/ |
Judge allows Prince Harry’s snooping lawsuit against publisher of The Sun tabloid to go to trial
LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry’s lawsuit accusing the publisher of The Sun tabloid of unlawfully snooping on him can go to trial, but not on claims of phone hacking, a High Court judge ruled Thursday.
The Duke of Sussex alleged the publisher of The Sun and the now-defunct News Of The World had hacked his phone and used investigators and deception to unlawfully gather information on him dating back two decades.
News Group Newspapers (NGN), which is owned by Rupert Murdoch, argued that the suit should be thrown because the claims were brought after the six-year limitation to do so expired.
Justice Timothy Fancourt said Harry was well enough aware of the phone hacking scandal to bring those claims sooner, but could proceed on allegations about other unlawful information gathering (UIG), such as the use of private investigators hired to dig up dirt on him.
“There is no evidence currently before me that the Duke knew before the (deadline to file a suit) that NGN had done anything other than hack his mobile phone (at the News of the World),” Fancourt wrote. “Knowing or being on notice of a worthwhile claim for voicemail interception does not of itself amount to knowledge or notice of a worthwhile claim for other forms of UIG.”
A spokesperson for News Group Newspapers called the ruling a “significant victory” that “substantially reduces the scope of his legal claim.”
The ruling was similar to one Fancourt made in May in a companion case brought by actor Hugh Grant, that also tossed out phone hacking charges.
Harry’s lawyer had argued he was prevented from bringing his case because of a “secret agreement” between the royal family and the newspapers that called for a settlement and apology. The deal, which the prince said was authorized by the late Queen Elizabeth II, would have prevented future litigation from the royals.
The publisher denied there was any secret agreement and Fancourt said Harry failed to produce evidence of such a deal.
Harry had said the rationale for the secret agreement was to avoid putting members of the royal family on the witness stand to recount embarrassing voicemails intercepted by reporters.
The case is one of three phone hacking lawsuits Harry has brought against British tabloid publishers in his battles with the press.
The decision comes less than two months after Harry testified in his lawsuit against the publishers of the Daily Mirror. He became the first senior member of the royal family to testify in a court in more than a century.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | 2023-07-27T12:12:16+00:00 | uppermichiganssource.com | https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2023/07/27/judge-allows-prince-harrys-snooping-lawsuit-against-publisher-sun-tabloid-go-trial/ |
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was seen laughing among teammates in the Kansas City locker room Sunday, shortly after he sustained a concussion during a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars that raised questions about how to police helmet-to-helmet hits.
Smith-Schuster was coming across the middle to catch a pass from Patrick Mahomes when Cisco hit him high, drawing a flag from the officials. But while Smith-Schuster lay motionless on the Arrowhead Stadium turf, referee Brad Rogers picked up the flag and ruled that the hit was clean and there would be no penalty.
“After discussion on the field,” Rogers said, “the two officials came in and determined that the defender had set and braced for impact and hit shoulder-to-shoulder. They didn’t feel it was a use-of-helmet foul.”
Yet replays that were on the video boards at each end of Arrowhead Stadium clearly showed that Cisco’s helmet made contact with Smith-Schuster’s head, and that contact more than his shoulder inflicted the damage.
The wide receiver’s hands were initially frozen in a scene reminiscent of the concussion sustained earlier this season by Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, which raised questions about how to police roughing the passer.
“We were mad,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “I’ve had a lot of big hits and not once have I made helmet-to-helmet contact like that.”
Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney was more succinct: “That was illegal,” he said.
Mahomes clearly remember the hit — and another by Cisco on Marquez Valdes-Scantling later — after Travis Kelce beat the safety for a late touchdown toss. The fiery quarterback had a few words for Cisco on the way to celebrate.
“Obviously there was some helmet-to-helmet contact and we want to get that out of the league as much as possible, for player safety,” Mahomes said afterward. “These guys on defense are playing, too, but by rule, if it’s helmet-to-helmet it is supposed to be a flag. I know that guy wasn’t trying to. I know it’s a bang-bang play.”
Mahomes mentioned that perhaps helmet-to-helmet blows should be reviewed, much like targeting penalties are in college football, though he walked back that thought when asked to clarify what he meant.
“You want your guys to play hard, to play aggressive and play within the rules. That’s what we’ve got to do,” Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson said. “You don’t want to take the physicality away from anybody. This is a game where you have to play snap-to-whistle. You never want to hurt anybody, but you want to keep the aggressiveness.”
Smith-Schuster, who signed a one-year prove-it deal with Kansas City, had been on a tear over the past month as he became more familiar with Mahomes and the offense. He caught five passes for 113 yards and a touchdown against Buffalo, seven for 124 yards and a score against San Francisco and 10 for 88 yards last week against Tennessee.
He had two catches for 33 yards before leaving Sunday’s game.
“It was scary when you’re out there. We saw him after the game and he seemed perfectly normal,” Mahomes said, “giggling around, joking around, stuff like that. Just take precautions and get him back healthy as quickly as possible.”
The Chiefs already were missing wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who had scored in three straight games, because of an abdominal injury, and second-round draft pick Skyy Moore has struggled to make an impact all season.
They were helped out Sunday by the emergence of Toney, who caught his first NFL touchdown pass in his second game since a trade with the Giants. Toney finished with four catches for 57 yards along with 33 yards rushing.
“He’s a smart kid, and he does pick it up easy, and he’s willing to spend time at it, too,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “He’s very talented. We’re trying to give him some things that he’s done before and add one or two things he hasn’t done, so he can continue to grow, and obviously the quarterback has trust in him.”
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | 2022-11-14T16:54:49+00:00 | wearegreenbay.com | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-chiefs-wr-smith-schuster-placed-in-concussion-protocol/ |
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