text stringlengths 80 124k | date_download stringdate 2022-04-02 20:48:07 2023-07-31 23:59:06 | source_domain stringclasses 387 values | url stringlengths 21 528 |
|---|---|---|---|
Politics Hunter Biden agrees to plead guilty to federal tax charges By Carrie Johnson, A Martínez Published June 20, 2023 at 7:57 AM PDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Federal authorities also charged Biden, the surviving son of the president, with a felony firearm offense. Copyright 2023 NPR | 2023-06-20T15:35:05+00:00 | klcc.org | https://www.klcc.org/npr-politics/npr-politics/2023-06-20/hunter-biden-agrees-to-plead-guilty-to-federal-tax-charges |
Umicore to build industrial scale battery materials manufacturing plant in Loyalist Township, first of its kind in North America
KINGSTON, ON, July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Umicore plans to make a $1.5 billion CAD investment to build a first of its kind industrial scale cathode and precursor materials manufacturing plant, in eastern Ontario, Canada.
This investment would support Ontario's vision of building an end-to-end electric vehicle (EV) supply chain in the province and becoming a North American hub for building the cars of the future. Building the facility will provide employment for around 1,000 people in the construction phase and employment for several hundred in operations.
Umicore N.V., a multinational circular materials technology company based in Belgium, will build a near-carbon-neutral facility in Loyalist Township to manufacture cathode active materials (CAM) and precursor cathode active materials (pCAM). The components are critical in the production of EV batteries. The investment represents an important step forward on the path towards Ontario's goal to develop a vertically integrated battery supply chain in the province able to support large-scale EV production in North America.
Cathodes account for about 50% of the value of an EV battery and contain key critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium. This historic investment in eastern Ontario would further connect Northern Ontario's mineral sector to EV manufacturing in the south. Each component of the battery supply chain plays an important and interconnected role in the production of EVs.
"Today is another perfect example that our plan to rebuild Ontario's auto industry is gaining speed and will deliver huge wins for communities," said Premier Doug Ford. "Ontario has everything it needs, up and down our homegrown supply chain, to remain and strengthen its position as a North American auto manufacturing powerhouse. Umicore plans to bring this part of the EV supply chain to Ontario which will continue to transform our auto sector and create good jobs."
At full production, the plant will produce annual cathode material volumes sufficient to manufacture batteries for one million battery-electric vehicles – almost 20 per cent of all North American EV production at the end of the decade. Umicore's plant will leverage Ontario's clean electricity system, that was more than 90% emissions-free in 2021. Ontario is also developing a clean energy credit (CEC) registry that will enable companies like Umicore to voluntarily purchase CECs to demonstrate that all of their electricity has been sourced from non-emitting resources.
The Umicore plant would be the first of its kind industrial scale facility that combines production of precursor cathode active materials (pCAM) and cathode active materials at the same facility. Spanning about 350 acres, construction is targeted to begin in 2023 with operations planned for the end of 2025.
"This important investment by Umicore will turn Ontario into a North American leader in this high-value segment of the EV supply chain and further connect Northern Ontario's mineral sector to EV manufacturing in the south," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "With recent success attracting major investments to the province, our government is staking Ontario's claim to developing and building the batteries that will power vehicles of the future."
This investment in eastern Ontario accelerates the province's 10-year vision for the Driving Prosperity ― The Future of Ontario's Automotive Sector plan. Phase 2 of Driving Prosperity, announced in November 2021, demonstrates the government's ongoing commitment to transforming the province's automotive supply chain to build the cars of the future, including the production of hybrid and fully battery electric vehicles, EV battery and component production, and increasing exports of Ontario-made auto parts and innovations.
This project is also strategically aligned with the government's Critical Minerals Strategy announced in March 2022. This strategy will strengthen Ontario's supply chains, attract new investment in the mining and manufacturing sectors, and build economic development opportunities for Indigenous partners.
"Canada and Ontario have all it takes for Umicore to establish a full-fledged, sustainable supply chain for battery materials, all the way from the mine right to the end-market of electric vehicles. Once the key customer contracts are in place, this expansion in North America would complete our global rollout of regional supply chains for our automotive and battery cell customers to now three continents," said Mathias Miedreich, CEO of Umicore. "Moreover, we are most grateful to the Canadian and Ontario governments for their support and for their readiness to co-fund this planned project. The facility will help Canada and Umicore in their shared objective of achieving a carbon-neutral battery supply chain."
Since 2020, Ontario has attracted nearly $14 billion in transformative automotive manufacturing investments, with upgrades and new technology for facilities across the province. This includes more than $11 billion in electric vehicle (EV) and EV battery investments.
QUOTES
"Today's announcement is about creating jobs, cutting pollution, and building a stronger, cleaner economy for Canadians. Umicore's intention to establish its new facility in Loyalist Township is another major step forward as we make Canada a global leader in producing electric vehicles – from minerals to manufacturing. With over 1,000 good jobs to build the plant, and hundreds of permanent positions once it is up and running, this new facility will play an important role in Canada's clean automotive sector well into the future."
— The Rt. Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
QUICK FACTS
- Umicore is a circular materials technology company headquartered in Belgium. The company is a global leader in cathode active materials (CAM) used in lithium-ion batteries for electrified transportation and a frontrunner in battery recycling. Its strategy builds on the megatrends of mobility transformation, the growing need for advanced materials and the circularity for critical metals.
- Ontario has consistently ranked among North America's top auto-producing regions for more than a decade. In 2021, due to the global microchip shortage, Ontario built 1.1 million vehicles.
- The province is home to more than 300 companies and organizations pioneering connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.
- Ontario is the only jurisdiction in North America to have five major global automotive assemblers —Ford, General Motors, Honda, Stellantis and Toyota — as well as truck manufacturer Hino.
View original content:
SOURCE Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade | 2022-07-13T16:09:00+00:00 | kswo.com | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2022/07/13/eastern-ontario-canada-joins-provinces-ev-revolution-with-game-changing-battery-materials-manufacturing-investment/ |
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Dec. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- San Rafael-based ProMortgage had another banner year in 2021 as Marin County's top Mortgage Brokerage Firm as measured by closed loan volume and they are on pace to repeat in 2022 as they celebrate 25 years of service to Bay Area home buyers and investors. Co-founders Brenda Cantu and Eddy Rubinstein, along with Eddy's son, David, have weathered the many ups and downs of the mortgage marketplace. The celebration of their 25 years in business speaks to ProMortgage's laser focus on their customers, and their individualizing approach to fitting each borrower's specific needs and desired outcomes.
ProMortgage (known in the industry as Pro) is marking their 25th Anniversary with a refreshed logo, an update to promortgage.com, and a new tag line which speaks to their core value proposition: "Everything the Big Banks Offer and Everything They Can't."
Expanding on the new tagline, Cantu explains that "industry consolidation and the subsequent creation of mega-banks has led to a lending eco-system that demands high volume and highly standardized loan underwriting. As a result, customization and individual attention are not the focus of the big banks, which in-turn creates a tremendous opportunity for the concierge-level experience Pro delivers for our customers". David Rubinstein added, "many Bay Area borrowers have sophisticated financial situations which require a lending partner experienced with qualifying clients that may not fit the traditional big-bank criteria. Our commitment to individualized service, combined with Pro's access to dozens of lenders and literally hundreds of loan products, is the reason ProMortgage is the #1 mortgage brokerage in the county".
As engaged members of the community, the 15-member ProMortgage team live, raise their families, have personal ties to local schools and religious institutions, and of course, are proud to serve many of the most-loved local business owners in Marin. After celebrating the 25th anniversary of their award-winning restaurant, Insalata's, owners Heidi and Mark Krahling remarked: "What an absolute pleasure to work with such an outstanding company, Brenda and her team of experts always guide us expertly through the whole process. Congratulations on 25 years. A real milestone that few can achieve."
ProMortgage has also developed a stellar reputation with the realtor community, and prominent Marin broker, Bill Johnson of Coldwell Banker, had this to say about Pro: "The key to a smooth purchase or sale? It's all about the financing. In today's competitive housing market my customers require a mortgage partner who offers expert-level guidance, access to the top lenders, and the ability to navigate the financing industry's complexities to close the loan on time. I refer my clients to ProMortgage every time, every deal."
As they reflect on 25 great years, Cantu and Rubinstein are quick to express their gratitude to their team of expert loan officers and staff and invite industry professionals to consider joining the ProMortgage team as the Marin IJ's "Best of Marin" perennial winner looks to continue to grow and thrive in service to borrowers in Marin County and the greater Bay Area.
Lastly, and most importantly, the ProMortgage family thanks their loyal customers for their business, trust, and support.
Contact: David Rubinstein, david@promortgage.com, 415-755-6901
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE ProMortgage | 2022-12-06T18:15:38+00:00 | kcbd.com | https://www.kcbd.com/prnewswire/2022/12/06/marins-promortgage-celebrates-25-years/ |
WASHINGTON — (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday upheld the conviction of a man serving a life sentence for his role on an international "kill team" in a case about what happens when one person's confession might also implicate someone else on trial.
Adam Samia's lawyers had asked the court for a new trial in the killing of a real estate broker in the Philippines because they said he was convicted on the basis of a confession from another man with whom he was on trial.
The confession unfairly implicated Samia as the trigger man, in violation of his constitutional rights, Samia's lawyers said. The co-defendant did not testify in his own defense so there was no opportunity for Samia’s trial lawyers to question the man.
But the Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, said prosecutors had done enough to protect Samia's rights. The confession was altered to substitute "someone" or "the other person" every time Samia's name was mentioned. The jury also was told not to consider the confession in assessing Samia's guilt.
Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in his majority opinion that there was no violation of the constitutional provision that gives a defendant the right to confront his accuser.
Thomas said Samia did not deserve a new trial because the confession “did not directly inculpate the defendant and was subject to a proper limiting instruction.”
The court's three liberal justices dissented. Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the majority decision “undermines a vital constitutional protection for the accused.”
Samia was tried with two other men who carried out the attack on the orders of Paul LeRoux, a South African who led an international crime organization and cooperated with federal authorities after his arrest in 2012.
LeRoux ordered the killing of the broker, Catherine Lee, because he believed Lee had stolen money from him.
The Supreme Court has previously imposed limits on the use of a confession in these circumstances, including that the defendant’s name has to be removed and cannot simply be replaced with the notation “redacted.” In Samia’s trial, he was described in the confession as “someone” and “the other person.”
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | 2023-06-23T16:34:59+00:00 | wsbtv.com | https://www.wsbtv.com/news/politics/supreme-court/3OESWYX37LYMFSD4EE2YCV3URM/ |
One injured following rollover wreck on Hwy 90 in Waveland
WAVELAND, Miss. (WLOX) - One person is being treated for serious injuries following an accident on Highway 90 near Walmart in Waveland.
According to Waveland Fire Chief Tommy Carver, officials were contacted after the driver of a Ford F-150 flipped multiple times, causing the roof of the truck to cave in and trapping the victim. Two units and five firefighters arrived to the scene. First responders were forced to use the Jaws of Life to free the victim from the vehicle.
The victim was then taken to the nearby Ochsner Medical Center before being lifeflighted to an unknown hospital. Their status is unknown at this time.
We will provide more updates as they become available.
Want more WLOX news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Copyright 2023 WLOX. All rights reserved. | 2023-04-22T23:59:42+00:00 | wlox.com | https://www.wlox.com/2023/04/22/one-injured-following-rollover-wreck-hwy-90-waveland/ |
Public outrage is swift following mass shootings, such as the killing of six people at a Christian elementary school in Nashville. Sorrow and sympathy are widespread. But what comes next from policymakers is likely to depend on which political party is in charge of a state.
Don’t expect new gun controls in Republican-led states, such as Tennessee or Texas.
But when similar tragedies occur in Democratic-led states, more gun limits are likely — even if they already have restrictive laws.
Mass shootings generally don’t seem to change a state’s basic political makeup.
“Democratic-led states tend to focus more on firearm restrictions whereas Republican-led states do not and often emphasize lessening regulations on guns,” said Jaclyn Schildkraut, executive director of the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium at the Rockefeller Institute of Government.
The fact that responses seem predicated by Republican and Democratic labels is perhaps an indication of the nation’s political polarization — and of differing viewpoints that pin the problem primarily on violent individuals or their easy access to weapons.
TENNESSEE SHOOTING RESPONSE
Following Monday’s shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, tensions ran high among state lawmakers meeting across town in the state Capitol. Democrats called for action on gun control — and got their microphones cut off by Republican leadership for criticizing their GOP colleagues’ love of the Second Amendment.
“Prayers are good, but faith without works is dead,” Democratic state Sen. Raumesh Akbari implored with a biblical reference. “Let’s not let another preventable tragedy unfold without this legislature taking real action.”
Any action from Republican lawmakers, however, is more likely to move in a different direction. Republicans this year have introduced bills that would make it easier to arm teachers and allow college students to carry weapons on campus.
On the same day as the Nashville shooting, a federal judge approved a legal settlement lowering the minimum age to carry handguns without a permit in Tennessee from 21 to 18. That came just two years after a new law set the age at 21.
BLUE STATES
Michigan’s new Democratic legislative majority took its first steps earlier this month toward passing a sweeping gun safety package.
The Senate voted along party lines for a red-flag law that would allow guns to temporarily be removed from people with potentially violent behavior. It also passed measures requiring anyone purchasing a rifle or shotgun to undergo a background check, which is currently only required for handgun purchases, and to store guns safely where they cannot be accessed by minors.
Much of the package was crafted by Democrats nearly 15 months ago following a shooting at Oxford High School. But the bills saw little movement until Democrats won control of the Legislature from Republicans in last fall’s elections. They’ve gained momentum after a gunman killed three people last month at Michigan State University, not far from the state Capitol.
In Colorado, the Democratic-led Legislature was pursuing a variety of new gun restrictions after five people were killed last November at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs. After another shooting injured two administrators a Denver high school last week, Democratic majorities are pushing through hours of Republican filibusters to send several gun control bills to Democratic Gov. Jared Polis.
The bills would expand who can petition to temporarily remove a firearm from someone who poses a danger, raise the minimum age for purchasing a firearm from 18 to 21 and institute a three-day waiting period when buying a gun. While Polis supports those three bills, he has demurred from questions around a fourth bill that would ban semi-automatic firearms. That bill faces a steeper battle to become law.
RED STATES
Republican-led Florida responded to a 2018 shooting that killed 14 students and three staff members at a Parkland school by passing laws that raised the gun-buying age to 21, imposed a three-day waiting period for purchases and authorized red-flag laws to temporarily remove guns from people. But that marked a bit of an exception for Republican states.
In Texas, minority party Democrats have filed numerous gun-control bills after a shooter killed 19 children and two teachers last May at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Relatives of some of the victims have joined Democratic lawmakers at Capitol rallies urging action. Some proposals would raise the age for owning so-called assault weapons, limit firearm transfers among people and create requirements for safe firearm storage.
But GOP state leaders have made clear from the start that these bills do not have the necessary votes to pass.
Instead, Texas officials responded last summer with about $105 million for school safety and mental health initiatives. The Senate also passed a bill earlier this month that would require the reporting of court-mandated mental health hospitalizations to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System for people as young as 16. That bill now is pending in the House.
Students from Central Visual Arts and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, where a gunman killed two and injured seven others last fall, also have traveled to the Missouri Capitol to urge greater gun-control measures. But Democratic-sponsored bills to create a red-flag law allowing temporary gun removals have yet to receive a hearing in the Republican-led Legislature.
Instead, the Legislature approved $20 million for safety grants to schools across the state in response to the shooting, and is considering more money for the program. A House committee also recently endorsed budget amendments that would provide several hundred thousand dollars for mental health care, art supplies and musical instruments at the school.
___
Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri. Associated Press writers Jesse Bedayn in Denver; Joey Cappelletti in Lansing, Michigan; Acacia Coronado in Austin, Texas; and Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville contributed to this report. Bedayn and Cappelletti are corps members 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. | 2023-03-29T20:13:04+00:00 | myfox8.com | https://myfox8.com/news/national/ap-us-news/explainer-mass-shootings-seldom-shift-partisan-policies/ |
The new global platform, #NoFlavourLikeYourFlavour focuses on new design & digital innovation, reflecting the boldness and vibrancy of a generation of young creatives.
PURCHASE, N.Y., May 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mirinda® has today revealed its powerful new global brand platform, 'There's no flavour like your flavour', alongside a playful new visual identity system, which honours creativity and uniqueness in all generations. Placing boldness at the forefront of Mirinda's 'M'pactful new look, the fruit flavoured carbonated soft drink brand aims to provide the much-needed spark of inspiration that Gen Z is craving.
Mirinda's new direction and global brand tagline cements the brand as a representation of the next generation, celebrating and embracing these vibrant creators, who have the courage to express their creativity and bring their authenticity both in real life and online.
Coinciding with the #NoFlavourLikeYourFlavour launch, Mirinda has been given a striking new visual identity called "Making an M-pact", which was developed by PepsiCo Design and Innovation to ignite creativity. The Mirinda logo has been refreshed with a brighter green, along with sharper corners and cleaner lines to amplify its distinction. The iconic Mirinda 'M' serves as a canvas of creativity from which the brand is brought to life. The new visual identity features playful colour palettes which provide a burst of refreshment, while twirling spheres, fizzing bubbles and zesty fruit illustrations convey a sense of playfulness and energy throughout.
Each of the brand's 50+ irresistible fruit flavours, including fan favourites Green Apple, Orange, Pineapple, Strawberry, and Watermelon, will be given a corresponding colour palette, each with their own vivid, contrasting colourways. Mirinda's innovative flavour offerings are tailored to the unique palate of communities around the world, including Green Cream Soda and Orange Tamarind in Vietnam, and Acai Berry in Poland. The new visual identity will be visible on all Mirinda cans, merchandise, advertisements, retail displays, digital media and anywhere else you find Mirinda across its 200 markets.
Eric Melis, Vice President Global Brand Marketing at PepsiCo, commented, "We are pleased to unveil Mirinda's new global brand platform that inspires vibrant creativity, encouraging Gen Z to harness their uniqueness as a superpower. Through #NoFlavourLikeYourFlavour we have developed a refreshing new visual identity and platform, which Mirinda fans can identify with - one that empowers this generation to resist conformity and instead, embrace self-expression. This marks the first step for the brand as we continue to evolve and grow in line with the youth of today. We look forward to rolling out the exciting plans we have in the pipeline."
Mauro Porcini, SVP & Chief Design Officer of PepsiCo, said, "Mirinda's 50+ flavours are a treat for the senses, and we wanted the brand's visual identity to look and feel the same. PepsiCo Design and Innovation brought Mirinda to life with vibrant, contrasting colours and bespoke illustrations that create a sense of dynamic energy and playfulness. We know Mirinda fans engage with the brand digitally as much as they do physically, so we created a visual identity that retains its excitement and distinction across all platforms."
Mirinda's new visual identity will be rolled out across the leading 20 international markets from May 2023, with many featuring their native languages on the cans. Kicking off with Vietnam and Thailand, the new visual identity will then appear in Poland, Romania, Czechia, Ukraine, Hungary, Croatia, Gaza/Palestine, Mexico, Argentina, Egypt, Iraq, Uganda, Ethiopia, China, Pakistan, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates and much more to come.
Alongside the new brand platform and visual identity system, Mirinda is committed to inspiring better choices for its consumers by offering reduced sugar alternatives. As part of this commitment, and to support PepsiCo's pep+ initiative to accelerate the reduction of added sugar across its wider portfolio, the brand successfully launched its Zero Sugar Orange flavour in both Poland and Nigeria and will continue to expand its low and no sugar portfolio internationally.
Notes to Editors
For information, please contact: pepsicomediarelations@pepsico.com
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE PepsiCo | 2023-05-09T08:36:18+00:00 | wagmtv.com | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/05/09/mirinda-unveils-vibrant-new-visual-identity-amp-mpactful-global-brand-platform-inspire-creativity/ |
MIDLAND, Texas, Feb. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Imperative Chemical Partners, Inc. ("Imperative") and RSI Chemicals, (RSI) are joining to form one of the largest oil & gas production chemicals businesses focused on the U.S. land market. With complementary regional presence and natural cultural alignment, the combined company is well positioned for sustained growth and greater resilience in a dynamic market.
Ryan Havens, Imperative's Chief Operating Officer, will take the helm of the combined organization as Chief Executive Officer. Garrett Tucker, RSI's Chief Operating Officer, will continue to serve as COO leading the expanded sales and operations team. Curtis Bordelon, RSI's CEO, will be retiring after a distinguished career in the industry. Neil Harrop, Imperative's current CEO, will remain engaged with the company as a member of its Board of Directors. Neil commented, "The combination of these two exceptional companies will change the landscape in the U.S. land oilfield chemicals market with cultural alignment, a quality management team, a talented and motivated workforce that execute flawlessly, and a combined product line that spans the chain of custody for all chemical needs for completions, flowback, production and midstream operations."
Ryan and Garrett have worked closely together to make this transaction a reality and will work alongside the combined leadership team to seamlessly integrate the companies while remaining focused on service excellence across a customer base ranging from supermajor integrated to small independent oil and gas companies.
"With both companies' positive trajectories, Imperative has increasingly competed with RSI in the market. We have tremendous respect for their talented team, unique capabilities, and service philosophies. I am excited about the next chapter of combining our strengths, executing our plans, and growing our team as we build upon an exceptional customer base", said Ryan Havens, incoming CEO.
Garrett added, "This deal is about driving new growth, improving asset leverage, increasing strategic flexibility, and achieving non-labor synergies. The reality is this transaction will offer new internal opportunities to our current employees and create an attractive destination for those seeking opportunities in an organization well-positioned for market resiliency and continued success."
Imperative shareholders, including Hastings Equity Partners, are excited to partner with One Equity Partners in affecting this transaction. Ryan states "While the addition of One Equity alongside Hastings is a testament to each company's historical performance and the accretive value of the combined investment, it also broadens our foundation for continued growth and success."
Joe Conlon, Managing Director at Hastings, commented, "we are extremely proud of our partnership with management over the years and we are excited about this next phase of growth. The combined company will more effectively serve existing customers and its ability to compete with the largest players in the sector will be enhanced."
About Imperative Chemical Partners
Imperative Chemicals Partners, Inc. is a Midland, Texas- based provider of production and completion chemical, acid stimulation, and capillary injection solutions for upstream and midstream oil, gas, and water customers. While the company's origins date back to 2004, the Imperative brand was formed in 2019 with the merger of three commonly held Midland-based chemical businesses. Imperative has over 550 employees and 32 locations serving customers across 12 states. For more information, visit www.imperativechemicals.com
About RSI Chemicals (a/k/a Refinery Specialties, Inc.)
RSI Chemicals, is a Hempstead, Texas-based vertically integrated chemical services provider focused on manufacturing and supplying proprietary and custom solutions to its customers across the major producing basins. RSI was formed in 1989 and serves its upstream and midstream customers with over 270 employees working from 20 locations. For more information, visit www.rsichem.com
About Hastings Equity Partners
Founded in 2004, Hastings Equity Partners is a lower middle-market private equity firm. Hastings invests first institutional capital in North American founder-led companies within the industrial and business services sectors, where it has deep operating and investing experience. As a preferred capital partner, Hastings seeks to empower businesses to reach their full potential. For almost two decades, the firm has formed long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs while utilizing a hands-on approach to enhance operations, provide strategic support, and accelerate growth. For more information, visit www.hastingsequity.com
About One Equity Partners
One Equity Partners ("OEP") is a middle market private equity firm focused on the industrial, healthcare, and technology sectors in North America and Europe. The firm seeks to build market-leading companies by identifying and executing transformative business combinations. OEP is a trusted partner with a differentiated investment process, a broad and senior team, and an established track record generating long-term value for its partners. Since 2001, the firm has completed more than 300 transactions worldwide. OEP, founded in 2001, spun out of JP Morgan in 2015. The firm has offices in New York, Chicago, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. For more information, please visit www.oneequity.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Imperative Chemical Partners, Inc. | 2023-02-21T21:29:12+00:00 | wlbt.com | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2023/02/21/rsi-chemicals-combining-forces-with-imperative-chemical-partners/ |
Delta Air Lines soared to a record quarterly profit of more than $1.8 billion as summer vacationers packed planes, especially to international destinations, and the airline enjoyed a tailwind from falling fuel prices.
The results released Thursday beat Wall Street expectations, and Delta raised its forecast of full-year earnings.
Delta officials said strong demand for tickets has continued into the July-through-September quarter, when it expects revenue similar to the record second quarter.
“I think it’s going to be more of the same,” CEO Ed Bastian said in an interview. “International bookings, which traditionally start to trail off into the fall, are still going to be at a higher level than normal.”
Some analysts have urged caution after summer ends because business travel, which usually picks up in September, has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Bastian conceded that corporate travel “is off sizably,” especially considering recent economic growth. He remains confident, however, that it will grow steadily. At the same time, he said, some customers are taking advantage of hybrid work arrangements to take trips that combine work and pleasure.
A key part of Delta’s strategy involves pursuing high-income travelers, whom it says account for three-fourths of all spending on air travel. Drawing on government and private research, Delta says high-income households have accumulated $27 trillion in wealth since 2019.
“They have the means, and when we ask them where they are going to spend, their No. 1 priority is premium travel experience,” Bastian said. “That’s our bread and butter.”
In the second quarter, Delta’s revenue from sales of premium seats and services rose 25% — better than the 18% gain in the main cabin.
Airlines need more revenue to remain profitable in part because they are facing sharply higher labor costs. Earlier this year, Delta pilots won a new contract that their union says will boost average pay 34% over four years and cost Delta more than $7 billion.
Across the airline industry, companies have hired aggressively to rebuild work forces that they shrunk after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in early 2020. Industry officials say all that hiring should help airlines run better than they did last summer.
Canceled flights have returned closer to historical norms — 2% of all scheduled flights since June 1, according to FlightAware. Delta’s cancellation rate of 1.2% is better than average but well above Alaska and Southwest and slightly higher than rival American Airlines — and four times Delta’s rate during the same period before the pandemic.
Bastian said the figures mostly reflected disruptions caused by storms along the East Coast last month. He said operations should be smoother the rest of the summer. He declined to join others — notably, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby and JetBlue Airways President Joanna Geraghty — in blaming the Federal Aviation Administration, which is struggling to fix a shortage of air traffic controllers.
Entering the summer, he said, it was critical not to schedule too many flights. “You have to respect your resource capabilities, including those things you don’t control such as air traffic control.”
Delta’s profit compared with earnings of $735 million in the second quarter of 2022. The quarter broke Delta’s previous record for net income, set in the second quarter of 2016.
The airline said adjusted profit, which excludes some one-time items, was $2.68 per share. Analysts expected $2.40 per share, according to a survey by FactSet.
Delta raised its forecast of full-year earnings per share by $1, to between $6 and $7.
Revenue rose 13% to $15.58 billion. Adjusted revenue, which excludes the company’s oil refinery near Philadelphia, was $14.63 billion, enough to beat analysts’ prediction of $14.44 billion.
The average flight was 88% full in the second quarter, one point better than a year ago. Delta doesn’t provide figures for average fares, but passengers paid 2% more per mile. Delta’s revenue increased in every region, with international far outpacing the growth in domestic travel.
Labor was Delta’s biggest expense, at $3.7 billion, a one-year increase of nearly $740 million.
However, that was offset by lower fuel prices, which saved Delta a little more than $700 million even though its planes burned 16% more fuel. The airline paid $2.52 a gallon in the latest quarter, compared with $3.82 a year earlier.
Airline stocks struggled last year but have bounced back in 2023. Delta shares were up 46% so far this year at Wednesday’s closing price.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | 2023-07-13T14:29:08+00:00 | whio.com | https://www.whio.com/news/delta-air-lines-is/FLCNA2IHOHRIJXWPEIMWIPVKAE/ |
Fourteen children and a teacher are dead, according to the governor of Texas, after a shooting at a Texas elementary school in Uvalde earlier today.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Fourteen children and a teacher are dead, according to the governor of Texas, after a shooting at a Texas elementary school in Uvalde earlier today.
Copyright 2022 NPR | 2022-05-25T00:01:29+00:00 | upr.org | https://www.upr.org/2022-05-24/14-students-and-a-teacher-are-dead-after-shooting-in-an-elementary-school-in-texas |
Football provides outlet for ALA Ironwood lineman Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas didn't play football until this year. It's been a refuge that has allowed him to help forget his past, get through today and look forward to tomorrow.
At American Leadership Academy Ironwood, the senior two-way lineman, who has a chance to start, has an outlet to get out his aggression.
"I feel like I have been much more happier, much more energetic," Thomas said. "I've been wanting to do more things."
Four years ago, his mother died from cancer, and a year ago he moved from the San Francisco area to live with his uncle in the southeast Valley, where he feels family has given him stability.
Thomas, who turns 18 in February, said that his father has been in prison. The move to the Phoenix area to live with his uncle, Carlos Burgos, has helped.
"He deals with a lot of anger issues, and I guess the way he dealt with his anger in the past wasn't the best," Burgos said.
Burgos encouraged Thomas to play football.
"He's been here going on a year and a half and I know it's going to take some time for him to adjust," Burgos said. "The best advice I can give him is that he can be more, I guess understanding. His situation in the past was bad. But he can be more understanding and patient.
"He's got a better future. He's doing really well right now."
Coach Travis Epperson said that Thomas has potential in football, a sport that has helped him channel his aggression in a more positive way.
"He's figuring (the game) out, and the excitement with the guy around him is helping him enjoy it," Epperson said. "His technique is raw, but his desire is there. And that's the No. 1 thing."
Thomas has seen football offer positives in his life.
"I feel like I've found more than a way to get my aggression out," he said. "I feel like I have some friends here, family. That helps to be close to all of my teammates.
"I really appreciate them. They've been there for me."
Thomas will help lead the Warriors at home on Friday night against Phoenix Arizona Lutheran in The Arizona Republic's Week 2 High School Football Game of the Week.
Game of the Week: Arizona Lutheran, ALA Ironwood football a contrast in styles
Travis Mbuya, a senior who starts at linebacker and tight end, hadn't played a lot of football growing up. But he's an example of how hard work and the desire to play has helped him develop to become one of the team's top players. His parents came from Kenya. Travis was born in Mesa and grew up in the Valley.
"I've been playing football for five years now," Mbuya said. "Football was my first sport. I started with that, then shifted to wrestling. But football stuck the longest."
ALA Ironwood, which went 4-6 last season, is trying to reach elite status among the American Leadership Academy charter family. The success of both ALA Queen Creek (now in 5A) and ALA Gilbert North (4A) have led them to be promoted up conferences this year by the Arizona Interscholastic Association.
"Every year, we're more and more willing to work," Mbuya said. "I like the potential. I see a lot of young athletes here.
"It's been fun to see this team grow over the years. I think over the next couple of years, ALA Ironwood won't be known as the middle child or the little one."
Read more: Arizona Lutheran football moving up behind RB Gideon Enter
Epperson believes the program is turning the corner, even though he might start seven sophomores.
"They haven't dealt with the losing for four years," Epperson said of the younger players. "All they know as a freshman, they won four games. As a sophomore, they want to do more. It's kind of that youthful, they don't know what they don't know. I feel that's working in our favor. They just want to play hard and play the right way."
Read more: Arizona HS football Week 2 schedule, Obert's picks
To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today | 2022-08-26T00:38:45+00:00 | azcentral.com | https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2022/08/25/football-provides-outlet-american-leadership-ironwood-lineman/7895791001/ |
BERLIN (AP) — Local officials with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s party met Thursday to consider calls to expel former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, but reached no immediate decision.
Schroeder’s longstanding ties to the Russian energy sector and refusal to distance himself fully from President Vladimir Putin after Russia invaded Ukraine have left his political standing in tatters.
A arbitration committee of the center-left Social Democrats’ branch in Hannover, where Schroeder lives, considered 17 applications from party members for proceedings against him.
Schroeder didn’t attend the hearing and also didn’t have a lawyer represent him, German news agency dpa reported. Local party official Christoph Matterne said after the hearing ended without immediate results that a decision will be made in the next three weeks.
Expectations of the ex-chancellor being kicked out aren’t high. In Germany, expelling party members is a complicated, demanding and often lengthy process that frequently fails.
The 78-year-old Schroeder has shown no sign of heeding calls from senior party figures to leave of his own accord. He was chancellor from 1998 to 2005 and was the Social Democrats’ leader from 1999 to 2004.
In May, Russian state energy company Rosneft said that Schroeder planned to step down from its board of directors, which he had chaired since 2017. He also isn’t taking up a nomination, made public a few weeks before Russia’s war in Ukraine started on Feb. 24, to join Gazprom’s board of directors.
Schroeder has had other ties to the Russian energy sector, chairing for years the shareholders’ committee of Nord Stream AG — the company that runs the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea — and heading the board of directors of Nord Stream 2, a second pipeline that Scholz’s government halted in February. He has been a longtime friend of Putin.
In May, German lawmakers agreed to shut down Schroeder’s taxpayer-funded office.
Schroeder has shrugged off the pressure, saying in comments to the daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung published Monday that he “won’t give up my opportunities to speak to President Putin” and questioning a focus on delivering weapons to Ukraine.
“I don’t believe in a military solution,” he said. | 2022-07-15T02:43:32+00:00 | ourquadcities.com | https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/business/ap-business/scholz-party-mulls-bids-to-expel-german-ex-leader-schroeder/ |
Organization focused on decreasing health disparities and increasing healthcare access now a standalone non-profit with independent Board of Directors
WARSAW, Ind., June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE and SIX: ZBH), a global medical technology leader, today announced that the Company has created an independent 501(c)(3) for Movement is Life, Inc., a philanthropic, multi-disciplinary coalition founded by the Company in 2010, that seeks to decrease musculoskeletal health disparities among women, racial and ethnic minorities and women living in rural communities. The new non-profit organization will continue its focus on raising awareness of the impact of disparities on chronic disease management and quality of life through programs that focus on early intervention, education, behavior change and advocacy.
"We're excited to take this next step in the evolution of Movement is Life as we continue on our path to address disparities in underserved communities and populations," said Mary O'Connor, MD, Co-Founder, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, Vori Health, and Chair of the Movement is Life Board of Directors. "The inaugural Movement is Life Board of Directors shares my gratitude to Zimmer Biomet for their incredible support in our growth. We are excited and eager to work together as an independent organization to accomplish our goals."
The Zimmer Biomet Foundation has made a multi-year, multi-million dollar commitment to continue to support operating costs of the new organization, while enabling it to establish an independent coalition and scale its programs.
"Over the past 12 years, Movement is Life has been the premier organization addressing health disparities in orthopedics. This new nonprofit status will allow the organization to expand partnerships and develop new relationships to continue the important work of the coalition," said Keri P. Mattox, Zimmer Biomet Chief Communications and Administration Officer and Zimmer Biomet Foundation Board Member. "Zimmer Biomet and the Zimmer Biomet Foundation remain fully committed to ensuring equity in care in our communities and we are pleased to have the opportunity to continue to support Movement is Life in their growth as an independent organization."
Movement is Life has named the following distinguished leaders to the inaugural independent Board of Directors:
- Mary I. O'Connor, MD, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Vori Health; Professor Emerita of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic; Chair
- Carla Harwell, MD, Medical Director, University Hospitals Otis Moss Jr. Health Center; Associate Professor of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; Vice Chair
- Ramon Jimenez, MD; Co-founder and President, American Association of Latino Orthopaedic Surgeons; Treasurer
- Charla B. Johnson, DNP, RN-BC; System Director, Nursing Informatics, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System; Secretary
- Verona Brewton, Director of Minority Initiatives, Zimmer Biomet
- Michelle Leak, DEd, MBA, Operations Administrator, Mayo Clinic
- Chad Phipps, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Zimmer Biomet
- Rolf Taylor, Founder and Executive Director, Project Advocacy
Association management company Smithbucklin, in collaboration with Verona Brewton, Zimmer Biomet's Director of Minority Initiatives, has managed the transition process to ensure seamless execution and continuation of current Movement is Life programs. Millicent Gorham has been appointed as Executive Director to lead the Movement is Life organization. More information is available at www.movementislifecaucus.com.
Zimmer Biomet is a global medical technology leader with a comprehensive portfolio designed to maximize mobility and improve health. We seamlessly transform the patient experience through our innovative products and suite of integrated digital and robotic technologies that leverage data, data analytics and artificial intelligence.
With 90+ years of trusted leadership and proven expertise, Zimmer Biomet is positioned to deliver the highest quality solutions to patients and providers. Our legacy continues to come to life today through our progressive culture of evolution and innovation.
For more information about our product portfolio, our operations in 25+ countries and sales in 100+ countries or about joining our team, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com or follow Zimmer Biomet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/zimmerbiomet.
Media
Meredith Weissman
703-346-3127
meredith.weissman@zimmerbiomet.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | 2022-06-30T12:33:57+00:00 | ksla.com | https://www.ksla.com/prnewswire/2022/06/30/zimmer-biomet-announces-creation-independent-501c3-movement-is-life-coalition/ |
How to Watch the NBA on Friday: TV Channel, Game Times and Odds
Today's NBA slate features 11 games, including the matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Catch live NBA games, plus tons of other sports and shows, with a free trial to Fubo!
Today's NBA Games
The Charlotte Hornets take on the Houston Rockets
The Rockets take to the home court of the Hornets on Friday at 7:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- CHA Record: 26-54
- HOU Record: 20-60
- CHA Stats: 111.0 PPG (27th in NBA), 117.5 Opp. PPG (22nd)
- HOU Stats: 110.7 PPG (28th in NBA), 118.8 Opp. PPG (27th)
Players to Watch
- CHA Key Player: LaMelo Ball (23.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 8.4 APG)
- HOU Key Player: Alperen Sengun (14.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 3.9 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: HOU -4
- HOU Odds to Win: -178
- CHA Odds to Win: +151
- Total: 229 points
The Washington Wizards host the Miami Heat
The Heat go on the road to face the Wizards on Friday at 7:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- WAS Record: 34-46
- MIA Record: 43-37
- WAS Stats: 113.2 PPG (20th in NBA), 114.5 Opp. PPG (17th)
- MIA Stats: 109.3 PPG (30th in NBA), 109.7 Opp. PPG (second)
Players to Watch
- WAS Key Player: Daniel Gafford (8.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG)
- MIA Key Player: Max Strus (11.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.1 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: MIA -4
- MIA Odds to Win: -176
- WAS Odds to Win: +150
- Total: 217.5 points
Watch live NBA games on all your devices! Sign up now for a free trial to Fubo.
The Indiana Pacers face the Detroit Pistons
The Pistons hope to pick up a road win at the Pacers on Friday at 7:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- IND Record: 34-46
- DET Record: 16-64
- IND Stats: 116.0 PPG (10th in NBA), 119.2 Opp. PPG (29th)
- DET Stats: 110.5 PPG (29th in NBA), 118.8 Opp. PPG (27th)
Players to Watch
- IND Key Player: Buddy Hield (16.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.8 APG)
- DET Key Player: Jaden Ivey (16.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.2 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: IND -6
- IND Odds to Win: -252
- DET Odds to Win: +209
- Total: 232.5 points
The Atlanta Hawks play the Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers look to pull off a road win at the Hawks on Friday at 7:30 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
Records and Stats
- ATL Record: 41-39
- PHI Record: 52-28
- ATL Stats: 118.3 PPG (third in NBA), 117.9 Opp. PPG (24th)
- PHI Stats: 114.7 PPG (14th in NBA), 110.7 Opp. PPG (third)
Players to Watch
- ATL Key Player: Trae Young (26.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 10.0 APG)
- PHI Key Player: Tobias Harris (14.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.5 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: ATL -11.5
- ATL Odds to Win: -661
- PHI Odds to Win: +473
- Total: 235.5 points
Buy gear from your favorite teams and players NOW at Fanatics!
The Boston Celtics face the Toronto Raptors
The Raptors take to the home court of the Celtics on Friday at 7:30 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: NBC Sports Networks
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
Records and Stats
- BOS Record: 55-25
- TOR Record: 40-40
- BOS Stats: 117.9 PPG (fourth in NBA), 111.5 Opp. PPG (sixth)
- TOR Stats: 112.9 PPG (23rd in NBA), 111.3 Opp. PPG (fourth)
Players to Watch
- BOS Key Player: Jayson Tatum (30.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.6 APG)
- TOR Key Player: Pascal Siakam (24.3 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 5.9 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: TOR -2
- TOR Odds to Win: -130
- BOS Odds to Win: +109
- Total: 223 points
The Brooklyn Nets play host to the Orlando Magic
The Magic look to pull off a road win at the Nets on Friday at 7:30 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
Records and Stats
- BKN Record: 44-36
- ORL Record: 34-46
- BKN Stats: 113.6 PPG (18th in NBA), 112.6 Opp. PPG (eighth)
- ORL Stats: 111.8 PPG (26th in NBA), 114.0 Opp. PPG (16th)
Players to Watch
- BKN Key Player: Mikal Bridges (20.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.3 APG)
- ORL Key Player: Paolo Banchero (20.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: BKN -9.5
- BKN Odds to Win: -507
- ORL Odds to Win: +386
- Total: 221 points
The New Orleans Pelicans play the New York Knicks
The Knicks hope to pick up a road win at the Pelicans on Friday at 8:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- NO Record: 41-39
- NY Record: 47-33
- NO Stats: 114.5 PPG (15th in NBA), 112.6 Opp. PPG (eighth)
- NY Stats: 115.9 PPG (11th in NBA), 112.8 Opp. PPG (11th)
Players to Watch
- NO Key Player: CJ McCollum (20.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 5.8 APG)
- NY Key Player: Immanuel Quickley (14.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.4 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: NO -8.5
- NO Odds to Win: -354
- NY Odds to Win: +280
- Total: 223.5 points
The Milwaukee Bucks play the Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies go on the road to face the Bucks on Friday at 8:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- MIL Record: 58-22
- MEM Record: 50-30
- MIL Stats: 117.1 PPG (sixth in NBA), 112.9 Opp. PPG (12th)
- MEM Stats: 116.9 PPG (ninth in NBA), 112.9 Opp. PPG (12th)
Players to Watch
- MIL Key Player: Bobby Portis (14.1 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.5 APG)
- MEM Key Player: Ja Morant (26.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 8.1 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: MEM -7.5
- MEM Odds to Win: -321
- MIL Odds to Win: +253
- Total: 230 points
The Dallas Mavericks host the Chicago Bulls
The Bulls hope to pick up a road win at the Mavericks on Friday at 8:30 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: Bally Sports
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 8:30 PM ET
Records and Stats
- DAL Record: 38-42
- CHI Record: 38-42
- DAL Stats: 114.2 PPG (16th in NBA), 113.8 Opp. PPG (15th)
- CHI Stats: 113.2 PPG (20th in NBA), 112.2 Opp. PPG (seventh)
Players to Watch
- DAL Key Player: Luka Doncic (32.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 8.1 APG)
- CHI Key Player: Nikola Vucevic (17.7 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 3.3 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: DAL -5.5
- DAL Odds to Win: -223
- CHI Odds to Win: +188
- Total: 217.5 points
The Sacramento Kings play host to the Golden State Warriors
The Warriors take to the home court of the Kings on Friday at 10:00 PM ET.
How to Watch
- TV Channel: NBC Sports Networks
- Stream Live: Fubo (regional restrictions may apply)
- Game Time: 10:00 PM ET
Records and Stats
- SAC Record: 48-32
- GS Record: 42-38
- SAC Stats: 121.3 PPG (first in NBA), 118.2 Opp. PPG (26th)
- GS Stats: 118.5 PPG (second in NBA), 117.6 Opp. PPG (23rd)
Players to Watch
- SAC Key Player: Domantas Sabonis (19.2 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 7.3 APG)
- GS Key Player: Stephen Curry (29.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.3 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: GS -9
- GS Odds to Win: -414
- SAC Odds to Win: +326
- Total: 235 points
The Los Angeles Lakers face the Phoenix Suns
The Suns take to the home court of the Lakers on Friday at 10:30 PM ET.
How to Watch
Records and Stats
- LAL Record: 41-39
- PHO Record: 45-35
- LAL Stats: 117.0 PPG (eighth in NBA), 116.7 Opp. PPG (20th)
- PHO Stats: 113.7 PPG (17th in NBA), 111.4 Opp. PPG (fifth)
Players to Watch
- LAL Key Player: Anthony Davis (26.3 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 2.6 APG)
- PHO Key Player: Deandre Ayton (18.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.7 APG)
Vegas Odds and Betting Lines
- Spread: LAL -12.5
- LAL Odds to Win: -767
- PHO Odds to Win: +535
- Total: 224.5 points
See links for offer details, offers not available in all states and areas. Must be 21+ to gamble. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | 2023-04-08T00:58:14+00:00 | wfsb.com | https://www.wfsb.com/sports/betting/2023/04/07/nba-odds-how-to-watch/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL salary cap could get its first big increase since before the pandemic sooner than expected.
Commissioner Gary Bettman said there's a chance players could be finished paying off what they owe owners from pandemic revenue losses as soon as this season, which would mean the cap going up $4 million or more next summer.
Initial projects were for another modest $1 million bump and a bigger increase in the summer of 2024, but there's now more optimism about 2023 after Bettman said the league generated $5.4 billion in hockey-related revenue last season.
“Revenue’s pretty vibrant,” Bettman said Tuesday after a meeting of the NHL’s Board of Governors. “The business is good, and so things are looking possible for (players’ debt) being paid off this year. If we miss it, it’ll be close and it’ll be next year.”
The league and union agreed to keep the cap flat coming out of the pandemic and use escrow payments to make up for what players owed owners to split revenue 50/50. That meant the cap staying at $81.5 million for two seasons before going up to $82.5 million this year.
With new U.S. media rights deals and other revenue streams flowing, it could be over $86 million in the not-too-distant future.
WORLD CUP QUESTIONS
Discussions continue between the league, NHL Players' Association and the International Ice Hockey Federation over hosting a World Cup of Hockey in February 2024. Bettman conceded the parties involved are running out of time to meet that timeline.
“We’re getting close to whatever that deadline is,” Bettman said. “We’ve got to be a position in the foreseeable future to wrap up all the issues, otherwise it would delay the World Cup.”
Among the ongoing issues is what to do with Russia, given the war in Ukraine and how many Russia-born stars currently play in the NHL. One option is to have them play as an entity that is not Russia, but other countries that might be involved have made it known to the league that’s not enough and they don’t want Russian players participating.
“The conflict in the Ukraine makes it difficult to deal with the Russian issue, and we’ve certainly heard from some of the participating countries or countries who would participate would have objections to Russian participation in the World Cup,” Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said. “Obviously (it is) something that’s relevant and we’d take into consideration in connection with making decisions.”
Bettman emphasized: “We haven’t made any decisions. There’s still a lot of work that has to be done before we even would get to that issue.”
COLE FALLOUT
After a league investigation found nothing to substantiate allegations against Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole, Bettman said those conducting it exhausted every possible method to get in contact with the person who posted them anonymously on social media. He called it "pretty comprehensive."
“Tried everything that you can do off an anonymous tweet of a recently set-up account,” Bettman said. “There was nothing that was found that could substantiate those allegations.”
The Lightning suspended Cole with pay while the investigation was ongoing, something the NHLPA took issue with once he was reinstated. The union said in a statement last weekend: "Players should never be subject to suspension or discipline in response to unsubstantiated and anonymous accusations. Removing a player from his team under these circumstances is inappropriate and grossly unfair."
Bettman said he understood that point of view and deferred to the Lightning for what was a team decision to suspend Cole. Moving forward, the league will continue to handle similar situations on a case-by-case basis, as they have for several years.
“It depends on the circumstances,” Bettman said. “I don’t think I can give you a blanket rule as to how you deal with it, but we are sensitive to the issue.”
HOCKEY CANADA REVIEW
Bettman said the NHL's investigation into the ongoing scandal involving Hockey Canada is "closer to the end than the beginning."
The league began the process of holding its own review after news surfaced that Hockey Canada settled a lawsuit with a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by eight members of the country’s world junior team at a gala in 2018. Several players from that gold medal-winning team are currently in the NHL.
Bettman said the timing of the report, which he has vowed the league will release to the public, would depend on the review being done by police in London, Ontario.
“We can focus on what we need to do to feel that we have a comprehensive report, and that work is ongoing,” Bettman said
___
Follow AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SWhyno
___
More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2022-10-19T00:45:02+00:00 | daytondailynews.com | https://www.daytondailynews.com/nation-world/bettman-nhl-salary-cap-may-get-nice-bump-for-23-24-season/6MV2PJXBHFBO3AHC7OHEKUEY2E/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Whether it’s the fitness tracker on your wrist, the “smart” home appliances in your house or the latest kids’ fad going viral in online videos, they all produce a trove of personal data for big tech companies.
How that data is being used and protected has led to growing public concern and officials’ outrage. And now federal regulators are looking at drafting rules to crack down on what they call harmful commercial surveillance and lax data security.
The Federal Trade Commission announced the initiative Thursday, seeking public comment on the effects of companies’ data collection and the potential benefit of new rules to protect consumers’ privacy.
The FTC defines commercial surveillance as “the business of collecting, analyzing and profiting from information about people.”
In Congress, bipartisan condemnation of the data power of Meta — the parent of Facebook and Instagram — Google and other tech giants that have earned riches by aggregating consumer information used by online advertisers, has brought national data privacy legislation to its closest point ever to passage.
Around the country, parents’ concern has deepened over the impact of social media on children. Frances Haugen, a former Facebook data scientist, stunned Congress and the public last fall when she exposed internal company research showing apparent serious harm to some teens from Instagram. Those revelations were followed by senators grilling executives from YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat about what they’re doing to ensure young users’ safety in the wake of suicides and other harms to teens attributed by their parents to their usage of the platforms.
The Democratic members of the FTC said Thursday it’s imperative for Congress to pass a new law, but that the agency was taking action in the meantime by issuing the notice of proposed rules.
“Mass surveillance has heightened the risks and stakes of data breaches, deception, manipulation and other abuses,” the FTC said..
Agency officials noted that the FTC has brought hundreds of enforcement actions against companies over the last two decades for violations of privacy and data security. They included cases involving the sharing of health-related data with third parties, the collection and sharing of sensitive TV viewing data for targeted advertising, and failure to put in adequate security measures to protect sensitive data such as Social Security numbers.
However, the officials said, the FTC’s ability to deter illegal conduct is limited because it generally lacks authority to seek financial penalties for initial violations of law. That could change if the comprehensive privacy legislation were to clear Congress.
“Firms now collect personal data on individuals at a massive scale and in a stunning array of contexts,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said in an online news conference. “Our goal today is to begin building a robust public record to inform whether the FTC should issue rules to address commercial surveillance and data security practices, and what those rules should potentially look like.”
“We are very, very eager to hear from the public,” Khan said.
Topics of interest could include how companies use algorithms and automated systems to analyze the information they collect, and the potential effects of various data practices.
Khan, who was an outspoken critic of Big Tech as a law professor, was appointed by President Joe Biden last year to head the FTC — an independent agency that polices competition and consumer protection as well as digital privacy.
The rulemaking proposal was adopted in a 3-2 vote by the five FTC commissioners. Khan and the other two Democrats voted to issue it, while the two Republicans opposed it. | 2022-08-11T23:03:18+00:00 | texomashomepage.com | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/tech-news/ap-technology/ftc-looking-at-rules-to-corral-tech-firms-data-collection/ |
John is joined by Mindy Simons from the Hayward Lakes Visitor & Convention Bureau, and they discuss the many golf options in Hayward Lakes, plus drinks, dining, and upcoming events.
John is joined by Mindy Simons from the Hayward Lakes Visitor & Convention Bureau, and they discuss the many golf options in Hayward Lakes, plus drinks, dining, and upcoming events.
© 2022 Good Karma Brands Milwaukee, LLC. | 2022-07-09T16:33:15+00:00 | wtmj.com | https://wtmj.com/travel-wisconsin/2022/07/09/travel-wisconsin-7-9-22-hayward-lakes/ |
WONJU, South Korea (AP) — Lydia Ko won her 18th career title in the country of her birth after completing a 7-under 65 final round at the BMW Ladies Championship on Sunday.
Ko finished the South Korea-based tournament with a 21-under 267, four strokes ahead of Andrea Lee, who had a final round of 3-under 69.
“This is probably the best I’ve played, the most consistently I’ve played,” Ko said.
“I played the back nine really well in all four of my rounds, and I think that was the big key for me.”
Ko slipped to 15 under when she had a bogey at the No. 7 before firing in six birdies to leave the rest of the pack behind.
“Every time I come back to Korea, even though I play under the New Zealand flag, so many people support me … I think that is such a boost,” Ko said.
There was a three-way tie for third place with Hye-Jin Choi, Hyo Joo Kim and Lilia Vu all ending up at 16-under 272.
Atthaya Thitikul, who carded a tournament record 9-under 63 on the first day, ended up fourth following a disappointing round of 2-over 74 on Sunday with five bogeys and only three birdies.
___
More AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2022-10-23T12:53:48+00:00 | daytondailynews.com | https://www.daytondailynews.com/nation-world/ko-returns-to-country-of-her-birth-to-win-bmw-ladies/CUX4Y4XHCFBVNOTUAUIPT2GAKE/ |
Most of us do not think too much about how our cellphones work. That is, as long as they work.
But a bustling, beeping exhibi0tion that opened in June at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History teaches visitors all about the earth science that helps power our smartphones.
At Cellphone: Unseen Connections, kids dance in front of giant screens that turn them into child-sized emoticons and smash buttons on displays that explain how touchscreens respond. (Largely through a combination of electric charges inside our bodies and a mineral called iridium.)
"I just like electronics. I like mobile devices and PCs. I like learning about them," says 10-year-old Nimay Kallu. He's visiting from Virginia. Kallu was surprised to discover that some of what he thought he knew about cellphones was wrong. "We learned about how wireless networks aren't actually wireless," he says, still slightly taken aback.
"There's all these important wires that make a wireless network work," agrees exhibit writer and editor Laura Donnelly-Smith. Explaining infrastructure, spectrum, transmitters and frequencies to people of all ages seems daunting. But the secret, she says, is to marvel at how someone in Chicago can call someone in Madagascar.
"Light pulses!" she says. "Data travels in light pulses along fiber optic cables. It travels almost at the speed of light."
Immersed in the exhibit, Nimay Kallu immediately understands. "Light can travel seven and a half times around the world in one second!" he announces. "That's why you can't hear delays on your phone calls."
Cellphone: Unseen Connections is grounded, literally, in the earth, says curator and cultural anthropologist Joshua Bell.
"Here we have 55 mineral specimens, out of which are derived from the 65 elements that make your smartphone what they are," Bell says, gesturing towards a glass case filled with copper, potassium, quartz and tungsten.
Some of them may have been wrested from the earth by child laborers.
"We could not not talk about things like conflict minerals," Bell says. Still, the exhibit skates lightly over the violence and suffering that accompanies those extractions. Instead, it introduces visitors to a pair of artisan miners through photographs and stories. The point, Bell says, is to humanize the bottom of the supply chain. It's about bringing people in, not turning them off. It must be noted that Cellphone: Unseen Connections was funded in part by T-Mobile and by Qualcomm, a company that manufactures cellphone parts.
"Until we live in a country that funds science, this is what we have to do," Bell says. Smithsonian oversight, he says, determined that the show's corporate sponsors had little say in the final presentation.
Other metaphorical lightning rods in Cellphone: Unseen Connections? Try a (non-working) 5G tower in the middle of the exhibition. "We wanted to get into the Gs," Bell says. That might demystify the much-hyped technology for visitors wandering from the National Mall, including a reporter clueless about what the "G" in 5G stood for.
"I didn't even know that 'G' stood for 'generation,' I confessed to Laura Donnelly-Smith. "Most of our visitors don't," she responded. "It's important to talk about how this tech evolved."
And, she added, how it's evolving during grave environmental concerns.
"The exhibit explicitly says the most sustainable cellphone is the one you already own," Bell points out as he walks past a gleaming silver spiral made of obsolete cellphones. It's in a section of Cellphone: Unseen Connections dedicated to reusing and repairing. Exhibit writer Laura Donnelly-Smith reads from a wall text: "If everyone in America uses their phone a year longer on average, it would equal the emission reduction of taking 636,000 gasoline-powered cars off the road."
Ten-year-old visitor Nimay Kallu is on top of this already. "I use my dad's old phone," he says. "It's not technically mine."
One day, Kallu will have his own phone. And the way it will work — maybe using 10G or 30G towers? — is difficult to imagine.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2023-07-14T16:12:25+00:00 | kosu.org | https://www.kosu.org/arts-culture/2023-07-14/how-does-your-cellphone-work-a-new-exhibition-dials-into-the-science |
ArcBest LTL carrier offering hiring bonuses for full-time city drivers, forklift operators
FORT SMITH, Ark., Sept. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ArcBest® (Nasdaq: ARCB), a leader in supply chain logistics, announced today that its less-than-truckload carrier, ABF Freight®, will host a hiring event in the Seattle area on September 12 and 13, seeking candidates for full-time city drivers, full-time forklift operators who will participate in the company's Driver Development Program, and part-time city drivers. The company is offering $10,000 signing bonuses to full-time city drivers and $5,000 signing bonuses to full-time forklift operators, available on the first day of employment.
"There's never been a better time to join the ABF team," said Seth Runser, ABF Freight president. "Our people are at the heart of our success, and our values-driven culture has created an environment where people can grow and thrive — it's more than just a job, it's a career. If you live in the Seattle area and you're looking to join a company with excellent benefits, frequent home time and ongoing training opportunities, we hope to see you at the event."
On September 12 and 13, ABF will host interested candidates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at its service center, located at 7226 South 262 Street, Kent, WA, 98032. No appointment is necessary. Driver candidates should be at least 21 years old.
At the event, candidates can expect:
- Assistance with job applications
- Interviews with ABF recruiters
- Potential job offers made that day
ABF Freight is one of the nation's largest and most trusted less-than-truckload carriers, operating in both short- and long-haul markets across North America. ABF employs more than 10,000 people across over 240 locations, and over 53 percent of ABF drivers have been employed with the company for more than 10 years.
Full-time ABF drivers and dock workers receive Teamster Union Scale wages, 100 percent company-paid health insurance for employees and their families, personal days, sick leave and paid holidays, and they are covered by a pension plan at no expense to the employee.
For additional information on current job openings across the country or to apply for a job, please visit jobs.abf.com.
ABOUT ARCBEST
ArcBest® (Nasdaq: ARCB) is a multibillion-dollar integrated logistics company that helps keep the global supply chain moving. Founded in 1923 and now with over 15,000 employees across more than 250 campuses and service centers, the company is a logistics powerhouse, fueled by the simple notion of finding a way to get the job done. Through innovative thinking, agility and trust, ArcBest leverages its full suite of shipping and logistics solutions to meet customers' critical needs, each and every day. For more information, visit arcb.com.
Media Contact: Autumnn Mahar
Email: amahar@arcb.com
Phone: 479-494-8221
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE ArcBest | 2022-09-06T16:01:23+00:00 | wlox.com | https://www.wlox.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/abf-freight-host-seattle-area-hiring-event/ |
As word spread about the death of poet Rosemary Catacalos, her Facebook page filled with loving remembrances and poetry.
Catacalos, who was diagnosed with lung cancer more than seven years ago, died Friday.
Musician Lourdes Perez posted a short poem that begins “May your journey be in the company of words and music and all that was loved by you.” Fellow poet Jenny Browne posted part of Catacalos’ poem “Swallow Wings:” “swallows keep making their wings out to be commas on the sky/ world keeps saying and and and and and.”
“I think she was the soul of our city,” said fellow poet Naomi Shihab Nye, who knew Catacalos for 51 years. “She’s the most astonishing poet, and did so much work for community, and I think that’s something she would really want to have emphasized.”
Catacalos was the first Hispanic person to serve as the Texas Poet Laureate, a post to which she was named in 2013. “Again for the First Time,” the first full-length collection of her work, received the Texas Institute of Letters’ poetry prize in 1985. Her work also was included in two “Best American Poetry” anthologies.
She also spent much of her career in arts administration. She was executive director of Gemini Ink, the San Antonio literary organization, for a decade, and also spent time as the executive director of the San Francisco Poetry Center. Because of her focus on administration, she was “happily surprised” to learn she had been named the state’s poet laureate, she said in an interview with the Express-News in 2013.
“I was shocked, actually, because I’ve been a very hard-working arts administrator,” she said. “At the time I started doing arts administration, there weren’t that many people of color doing that kind of work, so it was very important for me to open doors. … my own work was not quite as important to me as opening those doors.”
Jazz musician Bett Butler, who worked for Catacalos at Gemini Ink and was a close friend, said she learned a lot from the poet.
“She always spoke of literature as a safe space to explore the hard questions,” Butler wrote in an email. “She insisted that we tell the story clearly and succinctly because no one has time to read words that just take up space. She insisted that we tell the truth, shun hyperbole, not make claims we couldn't back up. She insisted that it's about the story -- not the storyteller. And she said, most importantly, ‘Pay attention. Always pay attention.’”
dlmartin@express-news.net | Twitter: @DeborahMartinEN | 2022-06-21T18:32:27+00:00 | expressnews.com | https://www.expressnews.com/entertainment/article/San-Antonio-poet-Rosemary-Catacalos-17255696.php |
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The head of a lay committee looking into historic child sex abuse in the Portuguese Catholic Church said Tuesday the problem in the past had been “widespread” and on some occasions reached “truly endemic” proportions.
Pedro Strecht, a psychiatrist who heads Portugal's Independent Committee for the Study of Child Abuse in the Catholic Church, said his panel has compiled a list of 424 alleged victims. Before the committee started its work in January, senior church officials had claimed that only a handful of cases had occurred.
The panel, which was created by the Portuguese Bishops Conference, is looking into alleged abuse cases from 1950 to the present involving minors aged two to 17. It is due to publish a report on Jan. 31.
Information obtained so far indicates that “a significant number” of Catholic Church priests and members allegedly have committed sex abuses since 1950, Strecht told a news conference in Lisbon, adding that “the problem not only existed, it also became widespread.”
He said the further back in time his panel went, it found “serious situations that lasted for decades (and) in some places reached truly endemic proportions.”
The victims were both boys and girls, although most were boys, he said.
Some alleged abusers were named by more than one victim, and hundreds of abusers have been identified, Strecht said. The alleged abuse includes indecent exposure, penetration and images of abuse.
The statute of limitations has expired on most of the allegations. Apart from those, 17 complaints have been forwarded to the Portuguese attorney general’s office and another 30 may still be sent, Strecht said.
The panel is not publishing the names of the victims, the identities of the alleged abusers, or the places the abuses allegedly happened. However, its final report will include a separate — and confidential — annex of all the names of church members reported to the committee that will be sent to the Portuguese Bishops Conference and to the police.
Strecht said the panel had no information about any abuses committed by foreign priests.
The committee has interviewed all of Portugal’s bishops. Strecht praised the Portuguese Bishops Conference which, he said, had shown “pioneering courage” in setting up the study. | 2022-10-11T15:57:24+00:00 | lmtonline.com | https://www.lmtonline.com/news/article/Historic-Portugal-church-sex-abuse-truly-17501145.php |
NEW DELHI — Utkarsh Saxena and Ananya Kotia's love story began just like any other college romance. Except no one else knew about the gay couple's relationship.
It was 2008. Homosexuality was yet to gain a degree of acceptance in deeply conservative India, with many gay couples facing stigma and isolation. So Saxena and Kotia took their time, watching from a distance how people's acceptance of homosexuality was changing.
"We were actually quite scared about the consequences," said Saxena, a public policy scholar at the University of Oxford. "We were very fragile and vulnerable, a young couple figuring out ourselves, and didn't want, you know, something as drastic as this to break us in some sense."
Over the years, as Indian society became more accepting of homosexuality and much of the country's LGBTQ community began celebrating their sexuality openly, the couple decided to make their relationship known to their friends and family. Most of them were accepting.
Now, 15 years into their relationship, they have set out for a bigger challenge and filed a petition to India's Supreme Court that seeks the legalization of same-sex marriage. Three other gay couples have filed similar petitions that will be heard by the country's top court in March.
If legalized, India would become the second economy in Asia after Taiwan to recognize same-sex marriage, a significant right for the country's LGBTQ community more than four years after the top court decriminalized gay sex. A favorable ruling would also make India the biggest democracy with such rights for LGBTQ couples but run counter to the ruling Hindu nationalist government's position, which opposes same-sex marriages.
"Our relationship has been, in a social sense, undefined for so long that we would like it to now be embraced in the same way as any other couples' relationship," Saxena said.
Legal rights for LGBTQ people in India have been expanding over the past decade, and most of these changes have come through the Supreme Court's intervention.
In 2014, the court legally recognized non-binary or transgender persons as a "third gender" and three years later made an individual's sexual orientation an essential attribute of their privacy. The historic ruling in 2018 that struck down a colonial-era law that had made gay sex punishable by up to 10 years in prison expanded constitutional rights for the gay community. The decision was seen as a landmark victory for gay rights, with one judge saying it would "pave the way for a better future."
Despite this progress, legal recognition of same-sex marriage has been met with resistance by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
In a court filing last year it said same-sex marriages would cause "complete havoc with the delicate balance of personal laws in the country." Sushil Modi, a lawmaker from Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, told Parliament in December that such marriages would be "against the cultural ethos of the country" and a decision on that should not be left to "a couple of judges."
India's Supreme Court has, however, signaled it could challenge the government's position.
In January, its collegium — comprising the Chief Justice of India and two Justices — said the government was opposing a gay judge's nomination in part because of his sexual orientation. India's federal government did not respond to the allegations.
Gay couples and LGBTQ activists argue that by refusing to recognize same-sex marriage, the government is depriving homosexual couples of their right to equality enshrined in the constitution and opportunities enjoyed by married heterosexual couples.
"Basically, you need to be treated the same as any other citizen. It's not special rights that are being asked for, it's just the right that every other citizen has," said Ruth Vanita, an expert on gender studies and author of "Love's Rite: Same-Sex Marriage in India and the West."
In India, marriage is governed by a set of different laws tailored to the country's religious groups, and a secular law for interfaith couples called the Special Marriage Act. All limit marriage between men and women.
With no legal backing for same-sex marriages, many couples say they have faced a host of hurdles.
Indian law restricts owning and inheriting property to LGBTQ individuals. Gay and lesbian couples are not allowed to have children born with the help of an Indian surrogate mother. And LGBTQ persons can only apply for adoption as single parents.
Many such couples believe that legal recognition of same-sex marriage would not just be a vital step toward equality but also result in more people coming out as homosexuals and strengthening their relationship with the state.
"We would want the state to recognize marriage as an institution also for same-sex couples ... for acceptance at a social level," said Kotia, an economics scholar at the London School of Economics.
Homosexuality has long carried a stigma in India's traditional society, even though there has been a shift in attitudes toward same-sex couples in recent years. India now has openly gay celebrities and some high-profile Bollywood films have dealt with gay issues. According to a Pew survey, acceptance of homosexuality in India increased by 22 percentage points to 37% between 2013 and 2019.
But many same-sex couples continue to face harassment in many Indian communities, whether Hindu, Muslim or Christian.
In December, India's LGBTQ community found support from an unexpected quarter.
The head of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a Hindu nationalist group that is the ideological parent of Modi's party, said LGBTQ people are "a part of the Indian society" and that Indian civilization has traditionally acknowledged the community. Mohan Bhagwat's comments, which could force the government to reassess its position, were a departure from the group's long-held views on homosexuality, which has a tangled history in India, even though some of Hinduism's most ancient texts are accepting of same-sex couples.
"In the West, right up to the 19th century, people were executed for same-sex relations, or they were put in prison. India has, as far as we know, no such history. We have always written about it (homosexuality), talked about it, and discussed it," said Vanita.
Without the legal right to marriage, many LGBTQ couples have still been participating in commitment ceremonies, particularly in big cities. Such marriages are not legally binding under Indian laws, but it has not stopped them from having traditional Indian wedding rituals.
Saxena and Kotia said they were planning one as well, preferably if the court rules in their favor.
"I think we would like a big wedding. Our relatives and our family and friends would like an even bigger wedding," Saxena said.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2023-02-03T08:32:26+00:00 | kanw.com | https://www.kanw.com/npr-news/2023-02-03/in-india-couples-begin-their-legal-battle-for-same-sex-marriage |
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran on Thursday put the FIFA World Cup trophy on display for the first time, part of the trophy’s global tour ahead of the tournament that kicks off in neighboring Qatar in November.
The trophy display ceremony was held in Tehran’s Milad Tower hall in the capital, with hundreds of spectators looking on. They included city and football officials, veteran football players, and Dragan Skokic, the head coach of Iran’s national football team.
Ahmad Reza Abedzadeh, who captained Iran’s team in the 1998 World Cup in France, unveiled the trophy.
The trophy tour includes every nation that has qualified for the tournament.
Iran, the earliest qualifier, will start the World Cup as an underdog with both England and the USA ranked higher by FIFA. It will be the sixth time that Iran is present in the World Cup in the nation’s history. | 2022-09-02T00:30:58+00:00 | wdtn.com | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-international/ap-iran-puts-fifa-world-cup-trophy-on-display-for-1st-time/ |
CHEVY CHASE, Md. (AP) — Political commentator and columnist Mark Shields, who shared his insight into American politics and wit on “PBS NewsHour” for decades, died Saturday. He was 85.
Shields died at his Chevy Chase, Maryland, home, from kidney failure, “PBS NewsHour” spokesman Nick Massella said.
Shields was a regular on the show starting in 1987, the year the show began, and stepped down from his regular Friday night discussion segment in December 2020. He had collaborated with David Brooks since 2001 to provide analysis and commentary in their weekly Shields & Brooks segment and during election specials and conventions and before that with David Gergen and Paul Gigot, according to “PBS NewsHour.” His tenure there spanned six presidencies.
Brooks tweeted his 2020 tribute to Shields in The New York Times, calling it “an attempt to capture one of the finest and beloved men” he had ever known.
“We’ve had thousands of disagreements over the years, but never a second of acrimony,” Brooks wrote in the piece. “Mark radiates a generosity of spirit that improves all who come within his light.”
Judy Woodruff, “PBS NewsHour” anchor and managing editor, tweeted that she was ”heartbroken” to share the news and noted Sheilds’ wife Anne was at his side at his death.
“Mark Shields had a magical combination of talents: an unsurpassed knowledge of politics and a passion, joy, and irrepressible humor that shone through in all his work,” Woodruff said in a statement. “He loved most politicians, but could spot a phony and was always bold to call out injustice. Along with Jim Lehrer and Robin MacNeil, he personified all that’s special in the PBS NewsHour.“
For decades, she said, Shields “wowed us with his encyclopedic knowledge of American politics, his sense of humor and mainly his big heart.”
The Weymouth, Massachusetts, native graduated from the University of Notre Dame and served in the U.S. Marine Corps, according to “PBS NewsHour.” He began his career in Washington as a legislative assistant and speechwriter for Wisconsin Sen. William Proxmire in 1965, according to “PBS NewsHour.” Three years later, Shields joined New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign and later worked on numerous campaigns. In 1979, he began writing a column at The Washington Post that was later distributed by Creators Syndicate.
Shields was a moderator and panelist on CNN’s “Capital Gang” from 1988 to 2005 and a regular panelist on “Inside Washington,” which aired on PBS and ABC, from 2005 until 2013. He also wrote “On the Campaign Trail,” an account of the 1984 presidential campaign.
Niece Carolyn Ryan, managing editor of The New York Times, tweeted: “So sad to tell you that my uncle, Mark Shields, died this morning. He was a special guy: full of heart and wisdom and love. Love of politics, sports, and so many people.”
Knowing and working with Shields was a privilege, “PBS NewsHour” Chief Correspondent Amna Nawaz tweeted.
“Truly one of a kind. Mark’s intellect, wit, and heart were unmatched,” she wrote. “I left every single conversation I ever had with him smarter and smiling.” | 2022-06-19T13:39:59+00:00 | kron4.com | https://www.kron4.com/news/politics/ap-politics/political-commentator-and-columnist-mark-shields-dies-at-85/ |
Alabama schools were just starting a new venture to help students find mental health resources when COVID hit.
Mental health service coordinators are now working in nearly all of Alabama’s 138 school districts; they help smooth the path so more students can find resources. The new role came at a key time, officials say, and will help more communities wrestle with the best way to help students.
“We know first hand of several situations where had some people not been in place, we would have lost several children,” said Kay Warfield, of the Alabama Department of Education, who directs the coordinators from the state level.
Schools around the country are trying to staff up counselors and therapists, but experts say Alabama’s creation of a bridge role could be a promising model. Mental health service coordinators set up mental health awareness events, hold small group sessions with students and connect families with professional services.
“It’s not a competition. We have to collaborate,” said Emily Herring, a mental health service coordinator in Fairfield, a small district in the Birmingham metro area, of partnering with colleagues to help students find services.
“Someone who is focused on customizing and coordinating supports to better meet students’ evolving needs is an important function,” said Robert Balfanz, director of the Everyone Graduates Center for Johns Hopkins University’s School of Education.
“Too often districts and schools fall back on a one size fits all approach,” he said — for example, assigning every school a counselor or social worker. “But some schools may need this, and some other schools may need different types of student supports, and what schools need in the fall might be different from what they need in the spring.”
The role
The coordinator position started as a state-funded pilot in 102 school districts during the 2020-21 school year. Districts had to apply for a $40,000 grant for the coordinator’s salary and agree to provide the coordinator a space and the freedom to interact with students, teachers and parents.
During the 2021-22 school year, 114 school districts received a grant and Warfield cobbled together enough money to add a dozen more. Her office conducts all of the training, but districts must pay for coordinators to attend.
Students and schools really need the added focus on mental health after two years of COVID-related challenges, she said.
According to survey data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of high school students said they had poor mental health and just under half said they had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the past year.
The state is still gathering evidence to determine how well the program is working, Warfield said. Officials are looking at three measures — rates of absenteeism, rates of suspension and promotion and retention in third, sixth and ninth grades — to gauge the effectiveness of the coordinators.
During the 2018-19 school year, 11% of Alabama students were chronically absent, meaning they missed 18 or more days. Some student populations, including those who were economically disadvantaged, disabled, Black and American Indian, had rates higher than 12%. Some individual schools had absentee rates up to 48%.
Dorann Tanner, with Alabaster City Schools, a growing district south of Birmingham, said COVID restrictions and the uprooting of predictable routines were hard on everyone.
When it was time to come back to normal, she said, “I think we realized that it’s not just a light switch.”
“You can’t just go from being at home and all the precautions and all the anxiety and stress and worry that was just everyone was feeling and then just come back and be like, ‘Oh, hey, the doors open. I’m good.’”
Connecting students with mental health professionals
Tanner leads support services for Alabaster City’s 6,200-student district and has many years of experience as a social worker.
She said adding a mental health services coordinator was a natural progression so the district could ease connections between families and mental health resources.
Debbie Brinson started as the district’s mental health services coordinator in December 2020. “Miss Debbie,” as she is called, connects students and parents with mental health resources in the community.
“Navigating the mental health world can be confusing for all of us at times,” she said.
Brinson has been a part of the Alabaster community for a long time, so she is familiar with which practice or therapist might be the best fit.
If a student is referred to Brinson by a counselor or teacher, she’ll contact the child’s parent to see what type of resources they may need and whether they’re receptive to assistance with their mental health.
Parents sometimes need some help understanding how services could help their child. Connecting with parents is crucial, she said, for good outcomes for students.
“The value of being able to identify and get services earlier for a child helps with the outcome and is going to help them when they become an adult — learning those skills and how to deal with something,” she said.
“Our kids go through a lot,” Escambia County Schools mental health services coordinator Marlo Young said. “One of my main goals was making sure that even when our community mental health centers may not have someone [available], our students have a safe person that they can talk to.”
Improving mental health awareness in the greater community
Young, who just completed her second year as Escambia County’s mental health services coordinator, said she sees her role not only as a resource for the 4,000 students in the district but also as an advocate for raising awareness about the importance of taking care of your mental health in the greater community.
Escambia is a rural county in southern Alabama with just 36,000 residents where Young was born and raised. During her first year as a coordinator, she organized a mental health awareness walk in Atmore, and while turnout was good, this year, she said, was even better.
Knowing who’s who and where help and support are available is central to the job
“We had a lot of support from the mayor, the police department, the Sheriff’s Department,” she said, as well as local businesses.
Laura Bruce, who serves as coordinator for another small district, Ozark City Schools, organized a poetry night for students where they could share facts about mental health. She also coordinated an “Aware Fair on the Square” event, where she arranged for free inflatables, rides and outreach from local social service agencies.
“People got a chance to find out about resources they never knew existed around here,” she said.
Assisting teachers and students inside schools
Beyond connecting families with professional help and galvanizing support for mental health awareness in their communities, coordinators adapt their skills to what their local schools need.
Young holds programs in the schools, bringing in mental health organizations to talk with students about bullying and suicide prevention. She’s there if a crisis arises, helping coordinate care and resources to ensure a student gets the help they need. She also helps teachers talk through a situation.
But she can’t do the work alone. Rural community health centers in her area of south Alabama might not always have staff available when help is needed, and as service coordinators join systems, they also have advocated for additional staff to help them meet growing needs.
Young said she was happy district leaders hired three social workers at the start of the 2021-22 school year.
Historically, social workers have not been a part of Alabama’s schools, and only 51 of Alabama’s 138 school districts and two of eight charter schools employed a social worker during the 2021-22 school year.
No school district meets the National Association for School Social Workers’ recommendation to employ one social worker in every school building with a ratio of no more than 250 students per school social worker.
Ozark City has no school-based social workers, which means all adults are expected to help keep an eye on students, said Bruce, the district coordinator.
“A lot of times, the guidance counselors will call me to ask me, ‘Hey, do you just mind speaking to this young lady or this young man?’”
Bruce goes into each school at least once a week to hold small group workshops with students who have had discipline problems. “I’m there to encourage them to make better choices,” she said.
Alabama schools have also struggled to provide enough counselors. The statewide ratio is 389-to-1, well above the American Counseling Association’s recommended ratio of 250-to-1.
Just eight school districts met the recommended counselor ratio during the 2021-22 school year.
Looking to the future
Balfanz said tracking outcomes should help state leaders “figure out if the student supports are making a difference, and if not, then they get feedback that says perhaps a plan B is needed.”
COVID made it difficult to collect hard data on attendance, Warfield said, so she’s wary of using data from the past two school years to evaluate the coordinators’ effectiveness so far, but hopes to evaluate their efforts this fall.
Coordinators will be in every school district, charter school and statewide magnet school for the 2022-23 school year, Warfield said, with salaries funded by various pots of state money: $4.7 million in direct funding and the rest from money directed to improve school climate and culture.
Lawmakers also have funded district coordinators for the 2023-24 school year.
“We all have mental health,” Bruce said. “How do you cope with bad news, good news? How do you look at your day? Do you look at it half full? Half empty?”
AL.com education editor Ruth Serven Smith contributed to this story. | 2022-06-29T16:52:24+00:00 | seattletimes.com | https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/alabama-schools-offer-a-promising-model-for-improving-students-mental-health/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_seattle-news |
ENSCHEDE, The Netherlands, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mid-August, NovoServe will bring the first tranche of their New Jersey data center online. The US expansion of the bare-metal hosting specialist will allow users of its network to serve the US and Canadian East Coast with sub-20ms latency.
NovoServe, known for providing low-latency bare-metal hosting to the most demanding of clients, has always recognized the need for US expansion. Now, after years of rapid growth in Europe, the company – run from a 1930s mansion in the historic town of Enschede, the Netherlands – is taking its first step towards building a global infrastructure.
Serving the biggest market in the world
As Bill Schrader, CEO of NovoServe's US operation, says: "North America is the biggest market in the world. Serving that market from its own backyard has huge advantages, reducing latency and doing the heavy data processing right where the demand is. This will allow our customers to compete with anyone, in any vertical."
About NovoServe
Established in 2014, NovoServe is a Netherlands-based Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provider serving the gaming, streaming, iGaming and AdTech markets, as well as many infrastructure resellers. The NovoServe business model is built on co-creation with clients, closely aligning infrastructure development with market demands.
What's next for NovoServe in the US
After this first tranche, which the company expects to sell out in a matter of months, NovoServe will be rolling out additional tranches in the New Jersey data center, as well as new data centers in Northern California, Texas and the Northern US.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE NovoServe | 2022-08-09T18:44:55+00:00 | newschannel10.com | https://www.newschannel10.com/prnewswire/2022/08/09/netherlands-based-iaas-provider-novoserve-open-its-first-us-data-center/ |
Managed solution lets users browse the web or access SaaS applications without exposing enterprise data to risk; providing highly advanced security for native browsers, while ensuring user productivity
TEL AVIV, Israel, July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Perception Point, a leading provider of advanced threat prevention across digital channels, announced today the release of Perception Point Advanced Browser Security, a new web security solution which adds enterprise-grade security to native Chrome and Edge browsers. Perception Point Advanced Browser Security fuses patented browser security technology powered by Hysolate, a next-gen web isolation platform acquired by Perception Point in March 2022, and Perception Point's unmatched multi-layer detection engines. This combination delivers the unprecedented ability to isolate, detect and remediate all malicious threats from the web, including phishing, ransomware, malware, APTs, and more, while also securing access to sensitive corporate apps via an isolated, trusted Chrome or Edge browser - preventing data loss (DLP) by design on both managed and unmanaged endpoints.
Perception Point Advanced Browser Security can be simply deployed via a browser extension or a light agent on PC or Mac, and is easily managed from the cloud. There are no added cloud infrastructure or data center expenses.
Customers deploying the solution will experience fewer breaches and prevent data loss, while also providing their users with a better user experience as they will have the freedom to browse the web, use the SaaS applications that they require, and access privileged corporate apps, confidently, securely, and without added latency.
Perception Point customers also receive a fully managed Incident Response service that manages all incidents and optimizes detection engines. This all-included service drastically reduces the need for SOC team resources, reducing the time required to mitigate web-borne attacks by up to 75%.
"Our customers want to be able to leverage the latest standard browsers while significantly upgrading their web security to include better, deeper, and earlier threat detection, built-in data loss prevention, and strong threat isolation, all of which dramatically reduce the attack surface," said Tal Zamir, CTO of Perception Point and former founder and CTO of Hysolate. "Perception Point Advanced Browser Security transforms the security of organizations' Chrome and Edge browsers, while supporting full compatibility with the web and the Microsoft and Google ecosystems, all without changing the way people work and without slowing them down."
With the availability of Perception Point Advanced Browser Security, Perception Point has significantly advanced its overall product offering to become a one-stop-shop for isolating, detecting and remediating all threats across the organization's top attack vectors - email, web browsers, and cloud collaboration apps. This wide coverage consolidates multiple point solutions, and adds significant value by merging data from multiple sources to deliver unmatched security and advanced threat protection along with a seamless user experience and enterprise manageability.
"Digitization, hybrid work models, and the shift to SaaS and web-based applications have made the browser a prime target for attackers who use malicious websites and file downloads to breach organizations," said Yoram Salinger, CEO, Perception Point. "In parallel, malicious insiders and third parties can easily extract data from web-based enterprise apps which lack the necessary security controls. With the addition of Perception Point Advanced Browser Security, customers of all sizes can now protect their web browsers alongside email and other cloud collaboration apps from one platform, designed to provide the accuracy, speed and scale they require to reduce breaches, lower total cost of ownership, and provide the best user experience."
For more information about Perception Point Advanced Browser Security, see here.
About Perception Point
Perception Point is a Prevention-as-a-Service company for the fastest and most accurate next-generation detection and response to all attacks across email, cloud collaboration channels, and web browsers. The solution's natively integrated incident response service acts as a force multiplier to the SOC team, reducing management overhead, improving user experience and delivering continuous insights; providing proven best protection for all organizations.
Deployed in minutes, with no change to the enterprise's infrastructure, the patented, cloud-native and easy-to-use service replaces cumbersome legacy systems to prevent phishing, BEC, spam, malware, Zero-days, ATO, and other advanced attacks well before they reach end-users. Fortune 500 enterprises and organizations across the globe are preventing content-borne attacks across their email, web browsers, and cloud collaboration channels with Perception Point.
To learn more about Perception Point, visit our website, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
Perception Point Media Contact
Ben Crome
Headline Media
ben@headline.media
+1 914 336 4922
View original content:
SOURCE Perception Point | 2022-07-20T14:19:05+00:00 | wagmtv.com | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/perception-point-launches-advanced-browser-security-transformative-web-security-solution-eliminate-web-browser-threats/ |
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) — Celine Boutier posted a 2-under 69 in the second round of the Evian Championship to move to 7 under overall, giving her a one-shot lead on Friday.
But surprise overnight leader Paula Reto dropped down the leaderboard after a 4-over 75.
The 29-year-old Boutier, who was two shots back from Reto overnight, is looking to become the first Frenchwoman to win the tournament, which became a major in 2013.
“It’s really great to feel the support from the fans when you play some good shots and some good putts go in,” Boutier said. “This kind of support used to put me under pressure in the past, and I didn’t cope well with it, but this year I’m trying to stay very relaxed.”
Her solid round kept her narrowly ahead of Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit, who carded 67, and Japan’s Yuka Saso (69), in a tie for second.
They are one shot ahead of Nasa Hataoka of Japan (67), Mexico’s Gaby Lopez (68) and American Alison Lee (71).
Reto struggled badly on the back nine, with a double bogey on the 12th hole followed by three bogeys over the next four holes.
The 33-year-old South African ended the day in a tie for eighth at 3 under overall along with defending champion Brooke Henderson of Canada, who finished on 70.
Boutier was level with 2015 champion Lydia Ko of New Zealand overnight, but Ko drifted way back into a tie for 22nd after a dismal round of 76 at the Evian Resort Golf Club.
___
AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2023-07-29T01:27:56+00:00 | kron4.com | https://www.kron4.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-boutier-holds-a-1-shot-lead-after-2nd-round-of-evian-championship/ |
Wildflowers aren't just in bloom across California — the Golden State is experiencing a rare "superbloom" that's blanketing the ground with a variety of richly colored plants.
The lush growth comes after a particularly wet past few months in California, where a string of atmospheric rivers and snowstorms have dumped loads of precipitation on the state.
Superblooms occur in a wet year that's come after several drier years, because wildflower seeds are waiting around in the ground for the right conditions to bloom, UC Davis plant sciences professor Jennifer Funk said in a news release.
"A very wet year – like the year we are having now – could trigger germination of all of these seeds at once, leading to a superbloom," Funk added.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation expects this year's wildflower blooms to range from "good" to "better-than-average."
Typically, the picturesque vistas draw droves of tourists from nearby and far away. But some places are unaccustomed to the swarms of selfie-seeking sightseers, such as the city of Lake Elsinore, which has struggled to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of tourists angling to view its bright-orange poppy fields.
The state parks agency recommends a number of sites in Southern California and the Bay Area where nature lovers can go to glimpse the poppies, sand verbena, sunflowers, lilies and more.
Officials say those who venture into superbloom territory should check the forecast before they go, know their body's limits and respect the natural landscapes.
California also saw superblooms in 2017 and 2019.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2023-04-11T16:36:35+00:00 | wlrn.org | https://www.wlrn.org/npr-breaking-news/2023-04-11/photos-see-the-wildflower-superbloom-happening-across-california |
A grandson and heir of Walmart founder Sam Walton has purchased the late Paul Allen’s collection of vintage warplanes and armored tanks housed at the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum at Paine Field in Everett.
Rumors have circulated in recent months that the collection could be moved to Walmart’s home state of Arkansas, but that’s not happening. The museum will stay in Everett.
Steuart Walton, 40, who sits on the boards of both Walmart and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, will take over stewardship of the collection from Microsoft billionaire Allen’s estate.
The Everett museum has been closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Walton’s newly formed nonprofit, the Wartime History Museum, plans to reopen the museum at its current site “within the next year,” it announced Thursday.
The museum building is leased from Paine Field airport, owned by Snohomish County.
Adrian Hunt, the Everett museum’s executive director, said in a statement he’s “thrilled that the museum’s mission and impact will continue under the leadership of Steuart.”
Financial terms of the purchase were not disclosed.
The aircraft collection consists of 23 warplanes, mostly from World War II, including a British Spitfire, a Japanese Zero, a German Stuka dive bomber, a Soviet Ilyushin II and a U.S. P-51 Mustang.
The armor collection includes artillery guns and main battle tanks.
Sundry other military artifacts include a German Enigma machine, used to code military communications during World War II, and a Soviet Scud ballistic missile system.
The collection also includes a replica of SpaceShipOne, the spacecraft built by Scaled Composites that in 1996 was the first private spaceship to conduct a suborbital flight.
In a statement, Walton said: “We hope to share these important artifacts for generations to come and unearth inspiring stories to help fuel innovation, understanding, and exploration.”
Walton is a lawyer and co-founder of a private equity firm. As a philanthropist, he’s funded economic and cultural development projects in the region around Walmart headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, and promoted cycling and mountain biking. He is also a pilot, with his own collection of four vintage warplanes, a Super Corsair and three P-51 Mustangs.
In May 2020, he piloted one of those planes as all four did a formation flyover tour across 15 cities in Arkansas to honor front-line health care workers during the pandemic.
Allen’s will left most of his estate to a living trust, with his sister, Jody Allen, as trustee. Since his death in late 2018, the estate has sold off large pieces of his legacy.
Last week, it sold a cluster of Mercer Island properties for $67.1 million.
In all, the estate has sold off property worth nearly $350 million, Bloomberg reported, including a vast property in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking Los Angeles, two Manhattan apartments, a Spanish-style hacienda in Beverly Hills, and other properties in California and eastern Idaho.
The estate in 2021 sold off Allen’s superyacht.
In July, Jody Allen denied speculation that the estate’s two professional sports teams — the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers and the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks — are now up for sale.
However, she added that most of her brother’s assets will eventually have to be sold, “given Paul’s plans to dedicate the vast majority of his wealth to philanthropy.”
“But estates of this size and complexity can take 10 to 20 years to wind down,” she said. “There is no preordained timeline by which the teams must be sold.”
The sale of the Everett museum is a relatively small piece of the wind down. | 2022-08-04T17:43:26+00:00 | seattletimes.com | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/walmart-heir-acquires-everetts-flying-heritage-museum-from-paul-allens-estate/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_seattle-news |
By MICHELLE L. PRICE, Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — For the first time in history, a former U.S. president has appeared in court as a criminal defendant.
Donald Trump surrendered to authorities Tuesday after being indicted by a New York grand jury on charges related to hush-money payments at the height of the 2016 presidential election.
Trump, a 2024 presidential candidate, pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges in a Manhattan courtroom. He then flew home to Florida and spoke to a crowd of supporters at his home.
Here’s what to know about Trump’s day in court:
HUSH-MONEY PAYMENTS RELATED TO 2016 ELECTION
Prosecutors unsealed the indictment against the former president Tuesday, giving Trump, his lawyers and the world their first opportunity to see them. Trump was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Prosecutors said Trump conspired to undermine the 2016 presidential election by trying to suppress information that could harm his candidacy, and then concealing the true nature of the hush-money payments. The payments were made to two women — including a porn actor — who claimed they had sexual encounters with him years earlier, and to a doorman at Trump Tower who claimed to have a story about a child Trump fathered out of wedlock, according to the Manhattan district attorney’s office.
DONALD J. TRUMP, DEFENDANT
Trump was only seen briefly outside the district attorney’s office, where he surrendered to authorities and was booked and fingerprinted behind closed doors. Trump’s mugshot was not taken, according to two law enforcement officials who could not publicly discuss details of the process and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
As the former president entered the courtroom, he briefly looked at a huddle of news cameras but did not stop to speak to reporters.
Inside the courtroom, Trump sat at the defense table with his hands in his lap and his lawyers at his side. He looked right at photojournalists who were briefly allowed into the courtroom as they snapped his photo. During the rest of the proceeding, he stayed still with his hands together and looked straight ahead. Trump only spoke briefly in court, telling the judge he was pleading “not guilty” and had been advised of his rights. The judge warned Trump that he could be removed from the courtroom if he was disruptive. Trump made no comment when he left court just under an hour later.
Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche said during the hearing that Trump is “absolutely frustrated, upset and believes that there is a great injustice happening” in the courtroom.
A ‘SURREAL’ DAY IN THE CITY WHERE HE GAINED FAME
Before he appeared in court, Trump made posts on his social media network complaining that the heavily Democratic area was a “VERY UNFAIR VENUE” and “THIS IS NOT WHAT AMERICA WAS SUPPOSED TO BE!” As his motorcade carried him across Manhattan, he posted that the experience was “SURREAL.”
The Republican has portrayed the Manhattan case and three separate investigations from the Justice Department and prosecutors in Georgia, as politically motivated. In recent weeks, he has lashed out at Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, called on his supports to protest and warned about “potential death and destruction” if he were charged.
TRUMP ADDRESSES SUPPORTERS
Appearing in front of several hundred supporters at his Florida home, Mar-a-Lago, Tuesday night, Trump repeated his claims that the investigation was politically motivated. He and attacked Bragg and the judge in the New York case, the judge’s family and other prosecutors investigating him in other cases.
“The only crime that I have committed is to fearlessly defend our nation from those who seek to destroy it,” Trump said.
BRAGG SPEAKS BRIEFLY
Bragg, speaking publicly for the first time since the indictment last week, held a brief news conference after the court proceedings in which he said the hush-money scheme constituted “felony crimes in New York state—no matter who you are.”
“We cannot and will not normalize serious criminal conduct,” Bragg said. The Democratic prosecutor said accurate and true business records are important everywhere, but especially in Manhattan, because it’s the financial center of the world.
Bragg was asked at the news conference why he was bringing the case now and if the timing was political. The district attorney said his office had “additional evidence” that his predecessor did not.
“I bring cases when they’re ready,” he said.
WARNINGS AND POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
The judge on Tuesday did not impose a gag order but warned Trump to avoid making comments that were inflammatory or could cause civil unrest. If convicted of any one of the 34 felony charges, Trump could face a maximum of four years in prison, but he’d likely be sentenced to less.
TRIAL WHILE CAMPAIGNING FOR PRESIDENCY
Trump is due back in court in December, but his lawyers asked that he be excused from attending that hearing in person because of the extraordinary security required to have him show up. Prosecutors asked the judge to set a trial for January — weeks before the first votes will be cast in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Trump’s lawyers asked that it be pushed to the spring. The judge did not immediately set a date.
MIXED POLITICAL IMPACTS
Though he faces a swirl of legal challenges, Trump is running for president again and has sought to use the charges and other investigations to galvanize his supporters.
Most of the Republicans also running or eyeing campaigns have released statements supportive of Trump while slamming the investigations of him as politically motivated. Many Democratic elected officials have said little about the New York indictment, including President Joe Biden. Trump’s legal troubles are only expected to bolster Democratic voters’ opposition to him, but it’s unclear whether some Republicans and independent voters will see the legal problems as too much baggage.
A NEW YORK CIRCUS
A crowd of Trump supporters, thronged by journalists, gathered Tuesday outside the Manhattan courthouse. Republican Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and George Santos of New York, who is facing multiple investigations over lies he told while running for office, were swarmed by cameras and reporters when they arrived and spoke mid-morning. A band of anti-Trump protesters appeared with a large banner saying, “Trump Lies All the Time.”
___
This story has been updated to correct that no trial date has been set but prosecutors asked for it to start in January. Associated Press reporters Michael Balsamo and Colleen Long in Washington contributed to this report. | 2023-04-05T10:43:48+00:00 | pennlive.com | https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2023/04/donald-trumps-day-in-court-as-criminal-defendant-what-to-know.html |
(The Hill) – President Biden on Thursday said the Senate should carve out an exception to the 60-vote filibuster to codify abortion rights after the Supreme Court overturned the precedent set by Roe v. Wade.
“The most important thing to be clear about is I believe we have to codify Roe v. Wade in the law, and the way to do that is to make sure the Congress votes to do that,” Biden said at a press conference at the NATO summit in Spain.
“And if the filibuster gets in the way, it’s like voting rights, it should be we provide an exception for this, requiring an exception to the filibuster for this action to deal with the Supreme Court decision,” Biden added.
A change to the filibuster, which requires 60 votes in the Senate for most legislation to pass, would make it so that abortion rights or broader privacy rights like access to contraception and the right to same-sex marriage could be codified into law with a simple majority.
Democrats have sounded the alarm that striking down Roe could be the first in a series of court decisions rolling back precedents that protected access to contraception and same-sex marriage after Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in a concurring opinion that those precedents should be revisited.
Democrats hold the Senate majority with 50 senators, plus Vice President Harris acting as a tie-breaking vote.
But Biden’s previous call for a filibuster exception for voting rights legislation failed to gain traction, and there is unlikely to be enough support for a similar carve out for abortion. All 50 Democrats would need to support the change, and Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) have expressed concerns about altering the filibuster.
The White House has been under intense pressure by Democratic lawmakers and voters to take action after the Supreme Court last week struck down Roe v. Wade, eliminating the nearly 50-year-old constitutional right to abortion and handing states authority to drastically limit or ban the procedure.
The court’s ruling upheld Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban, which directly clashed with Roe’s requirement that states permit abortion up to the point of fetal viability, around 24 weeks, as well as Planned Parenthood v. Casey, a 1992 decision that reaffirmed Roe’s core holding.
The court decision sparked outcry across the country over the rolling back of women’s rights and access to reproductive health care. And the White House came under scrutiny for its lack of response given a draft of the court decision had leaked weeks earlier.
The White House has so far expressed frustration with the decision, but it has offered few tangible measures to try and protect abortion access in the immediate aftermath of the ruling.
The Pentagon said in a memo it will continue to provide abortions at military facilities in cases when the mother’s life is at risk or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.
The White House has knocked down talk from some lawmakers to protect abortion access on federal lands, arguing it would have too many unintended consequences.
Biden said Thursday he will meet with governors who have acted to protect abortion access once he returns to Washington, D.C.
“The one thing that has been destabilizing is the outrageous behavior of the Supreme Court the United States in overruling, not only Roe v. Wade, but essentially challenging the right to privacy,” Biden said. | 2022-06-30T15:50:43+00:00 | wboy.com | https://www.wboy.com/news/national/biden-calls-for-filibuster-carveout-to-protect-abortion-rights/ |
LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) — Firefighters in New Mexico’s Rocky Mountain foothills prepared Monday to excavate new firebreaks and clear brush to create more defensive lines aimed at preventing a massive wildfire from destroying more homes and tinder-dry pine forests.
The fire that is largest in the U.S. has burned nearly 300 structures including homes, commercial buildings and barns. The tally is likely to be higher since authorities have been unable to access some areas to survey the damage.
The fire jumped a highway late Sunday — taking hold in rugged areas difficult for firefighters to reach and prompting a warning for more residents of rural villages to be prepared to flee quickly.
Another New Mexico wildfire in the mountains surrounding one of the federal government’s key facilities for nuclear research prompted Los Alamos National Laboratory and community officials to prepare for possible evacuations. Officials stressed there was no emergency, but the fire was within about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of the lab and was growing.
“If you don’t have to be at work, it’s time to prepare to telework,” lab director Thom Mason told employees in a video. “Conditions can change quickly, it has been very dry, very windy, and we have to be respectful of that risk and ready for what comes next.”
There was no letup Monday to the gusty winds that complicated firefighting efforts over previous days. The wind has fanned the New Mexico fires for weeks with only brief interruptions and the most recent wave of consecutive days of extremely dangerous wildfire conditions are unprecedented, weather forecasters said.
Nearly 1,700 firefighters were battling the biggest blaze burning northeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico. It has charred more than 296 square miles (766 square kilometers), an area nearly the size of New York City. After fighting it for nearly a month, firefighters had contained almost half of the blaze by Monday, a feat that operations section chief Todd Abel said was significant given the challenges crews have faced.
The region’s largest population center — Las Vegas, New Mexico, home to 13,000 people — was declared largely safe from being burned after firefighters mostly stopped the fire on that front. But thousands of people living in smaller, outlying communities were still under evacuation orders.
The northern and southern flanks of the wildfire have proven trickier to contain as wind gusts over the weekend topped 50 mph (80 kph). On Monday, the wind was too strong to launch aircraft to help with the firefighting effort.
The aircraft are used to drop water directly on flames or lay retardant ahead of the blaze’s expected direction so that bulldozers and ground crews can dig firebreaks in places where there are no roads that function as firebreaks.
The National Interagency Fire Center has said more than 20,000 New Mexico structures were threatened by the fire.
Authorities late Sunday told residents in small villages on the northern front of the fire to evacuate, saying it was approaching quickly after jumping a road.
People who wait too long to leave could face life-threatening situations fleeing because of heavy smoke and congested roads, said Dave Bales, the incident commander of the team fighting the fire.
That sort of scenario makes the smoke “so thick you can’t see, you can’t drive, you can’t see the engine ahead of you,” he said.
The threatened communities are along roads that runs from Las Vegas, New Mexico, up to skiing and other resorts in far northern New Mexico. People in some parts Taos County were told to prepare for possible evacuations.
Nationwide, three new large fires were reported over the weekend — two in Arizona and one in Texas.
The National Interagency Fire Center reported Monday that a dozen uncontained large fires have burned more than 503 square miles (1,303 square kilometers) in four states so far this year. Ten of these large fires and nearly all of the acres burned are in New Mexico and Arizona.
Wildfires have become a year-round threat in the drought-stricken West and they are moving faster and burning hotter than ever due to climate change, scientists and fire experts have said.
Fire officials also have said that many forested areas have become overgrown and unhealthy and that the buildup of vegetation can worsen wildfire conditions.
___
Ronayne reported from Sacramento, California. Associated Press writer Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, and Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contributed to this report. | 2022-05-10T02:16:19+00:00 | cenlanow.com | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/strong-winds-batter-new-mexico-complicating-wildfire-fight/ |
How to Watch Men's French Open Today : Live Stream and More - June 3
Published: Jun. 3, 2023 at 1:45 AM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
Today's menu at the French Open features eight matches in the round of 32, among them Francisco Cerundolo (ranked No. 23) taking on Taylor Fritz (No. 8). How to watch, you ask? Go to Tennis Channel for the live stream.
Watch live tennis and tons of other sports and shows without cable on all your devices with a seven-day free trial to Fubo!
French Open Information
- Tournament: The French Open
- Round: Round of 32
- Date: June 3
- Live Stream: Watch on Fubo!
- Venue: Stade Roland Garros
- Location: Paris, France
- Court Surface: Clay
Watch the French Open Today - June 3
Watch live sports without cable! Sign up today for a free trial to Fubo and watch today's matches!
Today's Best Match Insights: Cerundolo vs. Fritz
- Cerundolo has not won any of his 13 tournaments so far this year, with an overall record of 21-12.
- Fritz is 25-10 through 11 tournaments so far this year, and he's secured one tournament title.
- Cerundolo has played 33 matches so far this year across all court surfaces, and 24.8 games per match.
- In his 24 matches on clay this year, Cerundolo has played an average of 24.3 games.
- Cerundolo has won 31.8% of his return games so far this year, and 75.6% of his service games.
- Fritz is averaging 25.1 games per match through his 35 matches played this year across all court surfaces, with a 55.0% game winning percentage.
- Fritz averages 23.9 games per match and 9.9 games per set in 14 matches on clay courts this year.
- Including all surfaces, Fritz's service game winning percentage is 84% (winning 367 of 437 service games) and his return game winning percentage is 24.5% (winning 105 of 428 return games).
Bet on Cerundolo or Fritz to win this match with DraftKings Sportsbook.
Yesterday's Match Results
Not all offers available in all states. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has developed a gambling problem or addiction, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | 2023-06-03T08:01:15+00:00 | newschannel10.com | https://www.newschannel10.com/sports/betting/2023/06/03/french-open-atp-tennis-preview-how-to-watch-today/ |
If you thought the season one finale of Next Level Chef lacked flavor, season two is even more bitter, depending on who you were rooting for.
Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay’s innovative cooking competition Next Level Chef is back, and season two brought the heat. Just like the first season, viewers saw 15 chefs who either display their cooking skills on social media, at home, or in restaurants compete against each other for the coveted titled Next Level Chef, which also comes with a $250K check and mentorship from the three judges, Chefs Gordon Ramsey, Chef Nyesha Arington, and Chef Richard Blaise.
The cooking action takes place in three kitchens. The bottom kitchen with out-of-date cooking utensils puts the contestant’s feet to the fire and honestly brings the best out of them.
The middle kitchen is not the bottom kitchen and features up-to-date but is far from the top kitchen’s state-of-the-art offerings.
Thursday, Next Level Chef held a 2-hour special showing the penultimate episode before leading into the season’s finale. At the start of the episode, five chefs were left standing from the original 15, Omallys “Omi” Hopper, Nuri Muhammad, Pilar Moega, Christopher Spinosa, and Tucker Ricchio.
The challenge was to make an original American fusion dish based on popular food items from different states. When the stoves cooled down, Nuri and Omi, both season two fan favorites, were eliminated, despite many believing they had some solid dishes.
Social Media Reacts To The Next Level Chef Season Two Finale
The finale featured Tucker, Chris, and Pilar flexing their cooking skills on each floor by preparing dishes promptly, which would determine how much time they had to prepare the last meal for the judges to critique.
The competition was intense, but many were rooting for Pilar, who many felt had the best performance during the finale delivering the best dishes.
In the end, the judges seemed to overlook things like Chris’ raw protein and Pilar’s unique dishes and went with some feel as Tucker’s basic dishes crowning her as the season two winner.
Now Tucker was one of the more consistent contestants this season, but so was Pilar and, to an extent Nuri.
Still, for the most part, people were happy Tucker didn’t win but felt it should have been Nuri, Pilar, or Omi who should have won.
We’ll have to hold out hope for seasons three and four of Next Level Chef that they will get it right and not give us false hope when Black and Brown chefs make it to the end.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
Photo: FOX / Getty
Did They Get It Right?: Twitter Reacts To ‘Next Level Chef’s Season 2 Finale was originally published on cassiuslife.com | 2023-05-16T18:47:54+00:00 | wtlcfm.com | https://wtlcfm.com/playlist/did-they-get-it-right-twitter-reacts-to-next-level-chefs-season-2-finale/ |
Did you lose money on investments in Veru? If so, please visit Veru Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com to discuss your rights.
NEW YORK, Jan. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the common stock of Veru Inc. ("Veru" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: VERU) between May 11, 2022 and November 9, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Veru is primarily an oncology-based biopharmaceutical company that develops drugs for the management of breast and prostate cancers. Veru also develops medicines for COVID-19 and other diseases related to viral and acute respiratory distress syndrome ("ARDS") and has two FDA-approved products for sexual health.
Veru "opportunistically" developed sabizabulin (VERU-111), an orally administered "microtubule disruptor" (a drug that inhibits a virus' ability to replicate itself) for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients at high risk for ARDS. Veru had originally developed sabizabulin with the intention of using it as a treatment for prostate cancer. In January 2022, however, the FDA granted Veru's COVID-19 program Fast Track designation. At the time, there was no authorized or approved treatment for hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 infections.
Plaintiff alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the data from the sabizabulin Phase 3 trial and the Company's interactions with the FDA. Specifically, Veru misled its shareholders to believe that the data from the Phase 3 trial was sufficient to support Emergency Use Authorization ("EUA") and the submission of a New Drug Application ("NDA") without any further studies. Thus, VERU's filings concealed the true risks faced by the Company in gaining approval for its EUA request.
Veru conducted a randomized, double-blind Phase 3 trial of sabizabulin's effectiveness in treating hospitalized adults with moderate to severe COVID-19 at high risk for ARDS. The Phase 3 study sought to enroll 210 patients and evaluate mortality after 60 days of treatment.
On April 11, 2022, Veru issued a press release announcing that the Company would be terminating sabizabulin's Phase 3 trial early on the basis of positive interim data, after Veru's Independent Data Safety Monitoring Committee conducted an interim analysis of the first 150 patients randomized into the study. Veru reported that sabizabulin "resulted in a clinically and statistically meaningful 55% relative reduction in deaths" relative to the placebo group (45% mortality at 60 days for the placebo group vs. 20% mortality for the sabizabulin-treated group).
On an investor call held that same day, Veru's CEO Mitchell Steiner ("Steiner") told investors that Veru had been in "constant dialogue with FDA" since receiving the Fast Track designation and that the Company "plan[ned] to meet with FDA to discuss the next steps", including submitting an application for EUA on the strength of the positive Phase 3 interim results. Steiner also addressed the placebo group's 45% mortality rate, stating that this death rate "underscores how sick these patients really are." Veru's share price more than doubled on April 11, 2022 to close at $12.28 per share.
On May 2, 2022, Veru announced that the FDA had granted the Company a pre-EUA meeting to discuss sabizabulin's Phase 3 results, to be held on May 10, 2022. Veru issued a press release on May 11, 2022, announcing that in the May 10, 2022 pre-EUA meeting the FDA "agreed that the efficacy and safety data from the completed Phase 3 clinical study in hospitalized COVID-19 patients at high risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome are sufficient to support the submission of a request for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)."
The May 11, 2022 press release further stated that the FDA had "agreed that the current safety data available for sabizabulin is sufficient to support the safety portion of a request for EUA submission" and that "additional safety data that would be collected during the use of sabizabulin under the EUA, if granted, will be sufficient to support an NDA submission, and furthermore, that no additional safety clinical studies are required."
On June 7, 2022, Veru submitted an EUA request with the FDA for use of sabizabulin to treat COVID-19. On September 7, 2022, the FDA scheduled an October 6, 2022 meeting of the Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee ("AdCom") to vote on whether sabizabulin should be granted EUA.
On November 9, 2022, the AdCom voted against granting Veru's EUA request by an 8-5 margin. One AdCom member who voted against approval explained that there was "no direct evidence to support [sabizabulin's] antiviral activity." On this news, Veru's stock price fell almost 54% to close at $6.97 per share.
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 6, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.
If you purchased or acquired Veru common stock, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Veru Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com.
Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. © 2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.
Contact Information:
Peter Allocco
Bernstein Liebhard LLP
https://www.bernlieb.com
(212) 951-2030
pallocco@bernlieb.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Bernstein Liebhard LLP | 2023-01-12T07:54:56+00:00 | wymt.com | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2023/01/12/veru-inc-nasdaq-veru-shareholder-class-action-alert-bernstein-liebhard-llp-reminds-investors-deadline-file-lead-plaintiff-motion-securities-class-action-lawsuit-against-veru-inc-nasdaq-veru/ |
LAURELTON, Queens (PIX11) — A 65-year-old man was struck by a hit-and-run driver while crossing a Laurelton street Sunday night, leaving him with serious injuries, police said.
The victim was crossing Merrick Boulevard between 232nd and 233rd streets around 6:50 p.m. when he was hit by a dark-colored sedan westbound on Merrick, according to NYPD and FDNY officials. The driver left the scene, police said.
First responders rushed the victim to an area hospital, where he was listed in what authorities described as serious condition.
No arrests had been made as of early Monday. Investigators asked that anyone with information on the collision contact police.
Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). | 2023-01-02T13:22:13+00:00 | pix11.com | https://pix11.com/news/local-news/queens/man-65-struck-by-queens-hit-and-run-driver-hospitalized-nypd/ |
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. >> A Massachusetts woman is facing multiple assault and battery charges for allegedly releasing a swarm of bees on a group of sheriff’s deputies, some of them allergic to bee stings, as they tried to serve an eviction notice, authorities said.
Rorie S. Woods, 55, pleaded not guilty at her arraignment on Oct. 12 in Springfield District Court and was released without bail, Masslive.com, citing court records, reported today.
Her lawyer did not immediately respond to a voicemail left by The Associated Press today.
The Hampden County Sheriff’s Department deputies went to a home in Longmeadow on the morning of Oct. 12 and were met by protesters, according to the official department report.
Woods, who lives in Hadley, soon arrived in an SUV towing a trailer carrying bee hives, the report said. She started “shaking” the hives, broke the cover off one, causing hundreds of bees to swarm out and initially sting one deputy, according to the report.
Woods, who put on a beekeeper’s suit to protect herself, was eventually handcuffed but not before several more sheriff’s department employees were stung, including three who are allergic to bees, the report said.
When Woods was told that several officers were allergic to bees, she said “Oh, you’re allergic? Good,” according to the report.
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi said Woods could have faced more serious charges if anything worse had happened to those stung.
“We had one staff member go the hospital, and, luckily, he was all right,” Cocchi said. | 2022-10-19T21:58:37+00:00 | staradvertiser.com | https://www.staradvertiser.com/2022/10/19/breaking-news/woman-charged-accused-of-freeing-swarm-of-bees-on-massachusetts-deputies/ |
Mail-in voting might keep election night from being results night. Supreme Court takes up Indian Child Welfare Act and adoption. Italy's new government is taking a hard line on Mediterranean migrants.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Mail-in voting might keep election night from being results night. Supreme Court takes up Indian Child Welfare Act and adoption. Italy's new government is taking a hard line on Mediterranean migrants.
Copyright 2022 NPR | 2022-11-08T10:25:31+00:00 | upr.org | https://www.upr.org/2022-11-08/morning-news-brief |
COLUMBIA, Md., Oct. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, the #1 largest1 HVAC service provider and franchisor in the United States, announced today the launch of its annual HVAC Entrepreneur Recruitment (HER) Contest to highlight women in the HVAC industry and find female entrepreneurs who are interested in owning their own business in a leading industry. The contest highlights One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning's ongoing dedication to diversity and encourages women in the trades to join the HVAC leader's team of strong, experienced franchise owners, technicians, managers, and executives.
To help combat the earnings gap in which women have earned 97% of what men earned in 20212, One Hour's HER contest will honor one grand prize winner with a complimentary set up and new franchise initial training fee to help her open her own One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning franchise in her community. Women holding an active HVAC license and certification in the United States or wishing to obtain licensing and certification can visit One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning's HER Contest landing page to download the entry form and enter for a chance to win. Entries are currently open and close at 5pm ET on January 31, 2023. The total prize is valued at approximately $43,000.
"At One Hour, we truly value the women in our HVAC family and the breadth of contributions they are responsible for within our franchise system and the dedication they show to their teams and customers. Currently 7% of women in the U.S. own an HVAC company3 and we would love to help that percentage skyrocket as we are dedicated to diversity and inclusion and pride ourselves on creating a space for women in the field," said Mark Dawson, CEO of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. "We are excited to unearth even more talented female entrepreneurs and open the door to many more women in HVAC."
For nearly two decades, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning has helped an expansive franchise network of qualified leaders and HVAC technicians achieve success while creating space for entrepreneurs to enter the trade space. The company's dedication to driving entrepreneurs to their highest potential and offering franchisees a solid network of support and the tools for success has led to One Hour bringing top-rated HVAC services to over 300 locations around the United States.
To learn more about the contest, view official rules, or to nominate a woman in HVAC, please visit https://marketing.onehourheatandair.com/oha-her-contest-1.To learn more about franchising opportunities with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in your area, visit https://www.onehourheatandair.com/franchise. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is part of the Authority Brands family.
About One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
With more than 370 locations, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is the #1 largest HVAC service provider in the United States. With comfort and convenience a top priority, the company offers an extensive line of products and services, including maintenance, installation and repair, that keeps HVAC units running at peak performance year-round. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is part of Authority Brands, the parent company to leading home service brands across the plumbing, HVAC, electrical services, residential cleaning, at-home care, swimming pool repair and maintenance, tree care, restoration, pet waste removal, and pest control services sectors. For more information, visit www.onehourheatandair.com and www.authoritybrands.com.
About Authority Brands
Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, Authority Brands' companies include 12 leading home service franchisors: America's Swimming Pool Company, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Cleaning Authority, Color World Housepainting, DoodyCalls, Homewatch CareGivers, Mister Sparky, Monster Tree Service, Mosquito Squad, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, STOP Restoration, and Woofie's. Together, these brands provide home services through more than 1,900 territories operated by more than 1,000 franchise owners. Authority Brands is dedicated to supporting individual franchise owner growth by providing strong marketing, technology, and operational support. See www.authoritybrands.com for more information.
1 Source: https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/hvac-service-franchises-industry/
2 Source: Women Earn 97¢ For Every $1 Earned By Men https://www.zippia.com/lead-hvac-technician-jobs/demographics/
3 Source: https://hvactraining101.com/women-of-hvac/?fbclid=IwAR1gR1sCnss_yeTZwIx3cRQZkIg4kYpCZWlzLXaXTWzjfoJGQOnRsIEQJdI
Contact:
Sarah O'Connor-Guffey
Fish Consulting
815-630-9557
sguffey@fish-consulting.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning | 2022-10-24T13:39:42+00:00 | kalb.com | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2022/10/24/one-hour-heating-amp-air-conditioning-celebrates-women-trades-with-hvac-entrepreneur-recruitment-her-contest-franchise-fee-giveaway/ |
SHANGHAI (AP) — Barely a month after granting himself new powers as China’s potential leader for life, Xi Jinping is facing a wave of public anger of the kind not seen for decades, sparked by his draconian “zero COVID” program that will soon enter its fourth year.
Demonstrators poured into the streets over the weekend in numerous cities including Shanghai and Beijing, chanting slogans and confronting police. A number of university campuses also experienced protests.
Such widespread demonstrations are unprecedented since the 1989 student-led pro-democracy movement centered on Beijing’s Tiananmen Square that was crushed with deadly force by the army.
Most people in the weekend protests focused their anger on rigid pandemic lockdowns, a form of virtual house arrest that can last for months and has been criticized as neither scientific nor effective.
But some also shouted for the downfall of Xi and of the Communist Party that has ruled China with an iron fist for 73 years, criticism that is deemed seditious and punishable by years in prison. Protesters expressed frustration over a system that is neither performing as promised or responding to their concerns.
So far, the response from the authorities has been muted. Some police in Shanghai used pepper spray to drive away demonstrators, and some protesters were detained and driven away in a bus. However, China's vast internal security apparatus is famed for identifying people it considers troublemakers and carting them off from their homes when few are watching.
Police in Shanghai also beat, kicked and handcuffed a BBC journalist who was filming the protests. Authorities said they arrested him for his own good “in case he caught COVID from the crowd," the BBC said in a statement.
“We do not consider this a credible explanation," it said.
The possibility of further protests is unclear, and government censors have been scrubbing the internet of videos and messages supporting the demonstrations.
The central government, meanwhile, reiterated its stance that anti-coronavirus measures should be “targeted and precise" and cause the least possible disruption to people's lives.
That doesn't appear, however, to be reflected at the local level. Cadres are threatened with losing their jobs or suffering other punishments if outbreaks occur in their jurisdictions, prompting them to adopt the most radical options.
Xi's unelected government doesn't seem to be overly concerned with the hardships brought by the policy. This spring, millions of Shanghai residents were placed under a strict lockdown that resulted in food shortages, restricted access to medical care, and harsh economic pain. Nevertheless, in October, the city's most powerful official, a longtime Xi loyalist, was appointed to the Communist Party's No. 2 position.
The party has long imposed oppressive surveillance and travel restrictions on those least able to oppose them, particularly Tibetans and members of Muslim minority groups such as Uyghurs, more than 1 million of whom have been detained in camps where they are forced to renounce their traditional culture and religion and swear fealty to Xi.
But this weekend's protests included many members of the educated urban middle class from the majority Han ethnic group.
That's exactly the demographic the party relies on to sustain an unwritten post-1989 agreement in which the public accepted autocratic rule and a lack of civil liberties in exchange for improvements in quality of life.
But now the party's implementation of its “zero COVID" policy shows it is reinforcing its control at the expense of the economy, meaning that the old arrangement has ended, said Hung Ho-fung of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
“The whole situation is reflecting that the party and the people are trying to seek a new equilibrium, and there will be some instability in the process,” he said.
To develop into something on the scale of the 1989 protests would require clear divisions within the leadership that could be leveraged for change, Hung said. Xi all but eliminated such threats at an October party congress, when he gave himself a new term and packed the seven-member Politburo Standing Committee with loyalists, sending two potential rivals into retirement.
“Without the clear signal of party leader divisions ... I would expect this kind of protest might not last very long,” Hung said.
It's “unimaginable” that Xi would back down, and the party is experienced in handling protests, Hung said.
With its “zero COVID” policy, imposed shortly after the coronavirus was first detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019, China is now the only major country still trying to stop all transmission of the virus rather than learning to live with it.
That has kept China’s infection numbers lower than those the United States and other major countries, but public acceptance of the restrictions has worn thin. People who are quarantined at home in some areas say they lack food and medicine. The ruling party faced public anger following the deaths of two children whose parents said anti-virus controls hampered their efforts to get medical help.
And the case numbers continue to rise, jumping in the past week from less than 30,000 per day to 40,273 on Monday. While China initially had a strong vaccination program, that has lost momentum since the summer.
The current protests erupted after a fire on Thursday killed at least 10 people in an apartment building in the city of Urumqi in the northwest, where some residents have been locked in their homes for four months. That prompted an outpouring of angry questions online about whether firefighters or people trying to escape were blocked by locked doors or other pandemic restrictions.
China has persevered with the policy despite criticism from the normally supportive head of the World Health Organization, who called it unsustainable. Beijing dismissed his remarks as irresponsible.
And on Sunday, White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci said measures such as shutdowns are only intended to be temporary.
“It seems that in China it was just a very, very strict extraordinary lockdown, where you lock people in the house, but without any seemingly end game to it,” Fauci said on NBC's Meet the Press.
Yet Xi, an ardent nationalist, has politicized the issue to the point that exiting the “zero COVID” policy could be seen as a loss to his reputation and authority.
“Zero COVID” was “supposed to demonstrate the superiority of the ‘Chinese model,' but ended up demonstrating the risk that when authoritarian regimes make mistakes, those mistakes can be colossal," said Andrew Nathan, a Chinese politics specialist at Columbia University who edited The Tiananmen Papers, an insider account of the government's response to the 1989 protests.
“But I think the regime has backed itself into a corner and has no way to yield. It has lots of force, and if necessary, it will use it," Nathan said.
“If it could hold onto power in the face of the pro-democracy demonstrations of 1989, it can do so again now."
___
Associated Press reporter Kanis Leung and researcher Alice Fung in Hong Kong contributed to this report. | 2022-11-28T09:34:03+00:00 | lmtonline.com | https://www.lmtonline.com/news/article/China-s-Xi-faces-public-anger-over-draconian-17614823.php |
Will Smith, Max Muncy drive Dodgers past Padres again, 8-3
By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Although the San Diego Padres made plenty of noise at the trade deadline, it’s already been drowned out by the relentless drumbeat of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ march toward October.
Will Smith homered and drove in three runs, and the Dodgers continued to pull away from the rest of the NL West with their seventh consecutive victory, 8-3 over the second-place Padres on Saturday night.
Max Muncy hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning for the Dodgers, who boosted their division lead to a season-high 14 1/2 games with their 16th win in the last 18 meetings with San Diego. A few days after the Padres signaled their World Series intentions by adding Juan Soto, Josh Bell and Brandon Drury to the lineup, Los Angeles has calmly outscored San Diego 16-4 in back-to-back big victories at Chavez Ravine.
“Tonight was a clinic, (a) team offensive clinic,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. ”Using the entire field, situationally, it’s as good as you can draw it up. … Just a good, professional way to approach a game in every facet.”
The Dodgers have won six consecutive series against the Padres, whose bold trade deadline moves haven’t yet overcome their powerhouse rivals’ everyday excellence. Los Angeles improved the majors’ best record to 74-33 with its 14th win in 17 games since hosting the All-Star Game last month.
“We’re a really, really good lineup,” said Muncy, who is on an upward surge after a largely dismal season. “Kind of seems like our lineup has been forgotten with some of the things that have been happening, and it feels good to go out and prove we have a really good lineup.”
Drury had an RBI double during a three-run fourth inning for the Padres, who have lost three straight. San Diego is 1-3 since adding three shiny new bats, and manager Bob Melvin is eager to see a return on his team’s big investments.
“We’ll play better than this, (but) unfortunately we didn’t get off to a good start,” said Melvin, whose club has 19 hits and no homers in its three straight defeats. “The first day was great, and we haven’t followed it up yet. These guys, we’ve got to solve (the Dodgers) at some point.”
Soto has a hit in every game with San Diego, but he managed only a soft single Saturday night. Bell went 0 for 4, while Drury’s double was his only hit.
“We brought (the new hitters) in here late in the season to do it now,” Melvin said. “After the first game, we haven’t been as good as we should be.”
Mike Clevinger (3-4) yielded seven hits and five runs while pitching into the fifth inning for San Diego. The Padres took a 3-2 lead into the fifth, but Muncy chased Clevinger by driving his 11th homer into the visitors’ bullpen.
“They’re good at capitalizing on mistakes, and I feel like two pitches cost us the ballgame,” Clevinger said.
Andrew Heaney lowered his ERA to 0.66 while pitching 4 2/3 innings of four-hit ball in his sixth start of the season for the Dodgers, his third since returning from three injury-plagued months. San Diego went ahead with three unearned runs in a rally abetted by second baseman Gavin Lux’s error on Bell’s easy one-out grounder.
Chris Martin (3-0) ended the fifth by striking out Manny Machado, earning his second victory in four games with his new club.
Smith led off the second with his 16th homer, extending his hitting streak to nine games. The slugging catcher, who had three hits in Friday’s series opener, then drove in Mookie Betts with a two-out single in the third.
Freddie Freeman and Smith had sacrifice flies in the seventh. Betts started the rally with a single before Machado made a key error — to the delight of the Dodgers fans who boo their former infielder relentlessly.
Cody Bellinger added an RBI double off the wall in the eighth.
KERSH’S HEALTH
Clayton Kershaw had an epidural injection for his lower back pain, and an MRI exam revealed nothing new, Roberts said. The team hasn’t decided when Kershaw will pick up a baseball again, but Roberts thinks “it’s going to be shorter-term, rather than longer-term.”
BIG TICKET
Dodger Stadium was packed for the second straight night, with 52,124 fans watching the Southern California rivals. One night earlier, the Dodgers’ celebration of Vin Scully was one of the hottest tickets in recent LA history.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Padres: RHP Robert Suárez returned from the 60-day injured list and yielded two hits and a run in the eighth. He had been out since June 5 after knee surgery.
Dodgers: Dodgers relievers Blake Treinen (shoulder) and Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) both threw an inning in a simulated game, and both came out “really good,” Roberts said. Graterol is still about 10 days from returning, and Treinen isn’t expected back until September.
UP NEXT
Dodgers All-Star Tyler Anderson (12-1, 2.89 ERA) looks to remain unbeaten since June in the series finale. Yu Darvish (10-4, 3.30) takes the mound against his old team for San Diego after going 6-1 in his last 10 starts.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2022-08-07T07:41:15+00:00 | kyma.com | https://kyma.com/news/2022/08/06/will-smith-max-muncy-drive-dodgers-past-padres-again-8-3-2/ |
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are failing to adequately monitor domestic extremists, according to a new Senate report that also faulted social media platforms for encouraging the spread of violent and antigovernment content.
The report, issued Wednesday by the Senate Homeland Security panel, called on federal law enforcement to reassess its overall response to the threat of homegrown terrorism and extremism.
The report recommends creating new definitions for extremism that are shared between agencies, improved reporting on crimes linked to white supremacy and antigovernment groups, and better use of social media in an effort to prevent violence, said Sen. Gary Peters, the Michigan Democrat who chairs the committee.
Growing domestic extremism has been linked to the country’s widening political divide and a rise in distrust of institutions. Critics of social media’s role in radicalizing extremists say that misinformation and hate speech spread online is fueling the problem, and in some cases encouraging acts of real-world violence like the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Participants in that effort to illegally stop the certification of the presidential election openly discussed online their plans to come to Washington for weeks ahead of time, with some discussing the possibility of using force, Peters noted.
“Folks who were looking at what was happening on social media should have known that something very bad could potentially go down on Jan. 6 here at the Capitol,” Peters said Wednesday on a conference call with reporters.
The FBI emailed a statement to The Associated Press defending its handling of domestic terrorism in response to the report. The agency has provided comprehensive reports to Congress on the threat of domestic extremism motivated by racism or antigovernment views and tracks it carefully, the agency said.
“They are among the FBI’s top threat priorities,” the agency said.
A DHS spokesperson responded similarly Wednesday, saying the agency uses a “community-based approach to prevent terrorism and targeted violence, and does so in ways that protect privacy, civil rights and civil liberties.”
The leaders of both agencies are scheduled to testify before Peters’ committee on Thursday, part of its annual hearing on domestic threats.
Both agencies have previously defended their work to combat domestic terrorism, as FBI Director Christopher Wray did last year when he told Congress that violent extremists pose a mounting threat.
Efforts by federal law enforcement to use social media to track domestic extremism have prompted questions about civil liberties and the targeting of communities of color. Republicans have accused tech platforms, meanwhile, of using content moderation to censor conservative opinions.
Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube were all singled out in the report for encouraging harmful content by using algorithms designed to increase user engagement. Those algorithms often prioritize clicks over quality, potentially sending users down a rabbit hole of increasingly provocative material.
The report noted that tech companies often use content moderation tools to remove or flag extremist content after it’s already spread. They should change their algorithms and products to ensure they aren’t encouraging the content in the first place, the report recommended.
“The rise in domestic terrorism can be partially attributed to the proliferation of extremist content on social media platforms and the failure of companies to effectively limit it in favor of action that increase engagement on their platforms,” the report concluded. | 2022-11-17T04:16:20+00:00 | wearegreenbay.com | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/top-stories/ap-feds-tech-fall-short-on-watching-extremists-senate-says/ |
PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. — A U.S. marshal was shot Sunday in a mobile home park in an Atlanta suburb, authorities said.
The shooting happened at a mobile home park in Peachtree City, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Atlanta.
The U.S. Marshals Service did not immediately return a phone call Sunday.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating. | 2022-07-24T17:28:56+00:00 | washingtonpost.com | https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/us-marshal-injured-in-shooting-in-atlanta-suburb/2022/07/24/8eff050c-0b6b-11ed-88e8-c58dc3dbaee2_story.html |
(The Hill) – U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon brushed aside an order from the special master in the Mar-a-Lago case requiring former President Trump to back his claims the FBI planted evidence in his home in an order that also extends the deadline for completing the review.
The order from Cannon comes after Trump’s legal team penned a letter to Judge Raymond Dearie, the special master, complaining his “management plan exceeds the grant of authority from the district court on this issue.”
In Thursday’s order, Cannon agreed with Trump’s team, saying his attorneys would not be required to affirm the accuracy of the FBI’s inventory from Mar-a-Lago before getting a chance to review the records themselves.
“There shall be no separate requirement on Plaintiff at this stage, prior to the review of any of the seized materials. … The Court’s Appointment Order did not contemplate that obligation,” Cannon wrote.
Her order also extends the timeline to review the roughly 200,000 pages Trump stored at his home from Nov. 30 until Dec. 16.
The shuffling of deadlines also allows other key filings from the Trump team to land after the midterms.
Cannon sided with Dearie, who required the Trump team to be more specific about what types of executive privilege he wishes to assert over the documents.
Trump’s team must now label each document to claim whether it could be covered by attorney-client privilege or executive privilege, as well as which presidential records he argues are his personal property.
But his team is not required to make those claims until shortly after the midterm elections. Dearie had required Trump’s team to make those claims on a rolling basis.
The order from Cannon comes after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the Justice Department, ruling the district court judge erred by failing to siphon off classified documents from the special master process so DOJ could continue with its national security review.
But that same ruling also indicated they believed Cannon largely erred in appointing the special master to begin with. | 2022-09-29T22:24:26+00:00 | valleycentral.com | https://www.valleycentral.com/news/national-news/judge-says-trump-can-hold-off-on-affirming-accuracy-of-fbis-mar-a-lago-inventory/ |
BURLINGTON, Mass. (AP) _ LeMaitre Vascular Inc. (LMAT) on Thursday reported third-quarter earnings of $5.5 million.
On a per-share basis, the Burlington, Massachusetts-based company said it had profit of 25 cents.
The results fell short of Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 28 cents per share.
The medical device maker posted revenue of $39 million in the period, also falling short of Street forecasts. Five analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $40.1 million.
For the current quarter ending in December, LeMaitre said it expects revenue in the range of $39.8 million to $42.2 million.
The company expects full-year earnings in the range of $1.02 to $1.08 per share, with revenue ranging from $160.5 million to $162.9 million.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on LMAT at https://www.zacks.com/ap/LMAT | 2022-10-27T22:27:36+00:00 | seattlepi.com | https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/LeMaitre-Q3-Earnings-Snapshot-17539770.php |
SEATTLE (AP) — Shohei Ohtani had an entire stadium asking him in unison to come to Seattle in free agency.
“Never experienced anything like that, but I definitely heard it,” the two-position star said through his interpreter. “But I was trying to focus on my at-bat.”
Ohtani was the biggest star of the All-Star Game on Tuesday night, even if his appearance was rather uneventful. Ohtani struck out and walked in his two at-bats as the American League saw its nine-game win streak come to an end with a 3-2 loss to the National League.
But it was what happened while Ohtani was in the batters’ box that became notable.
With the Seattle crowd aware of Ohtani’s pending free agency this offseason, the stadium broke out into loud chants of “Come to Seattle! Come to Seattle!”
“Every time I come here the fans are passionate, they’re really into the game. So it’s very impressive,” Ohtani said. “I actually spent a couple offseasons in Seattle. So I like the city. It’s beautiful.”
They were impossible to miss and a little different than the loud pop he received during pregame introductions that was only topped by Seattle’s three representatives.
“I did talk to him a little bit but nothing specific about him coming to Seattle, just asked him a couple questions,” Seattle star Julio Rodríguez said. “But that was cool. That was a pretty interesting thing to see how the whole city came (together).”
Ohtani’s free agency this offseason was the buzz of the All-Star Game with some pondering whether a deal in the $600 million range could be possible for the two-way star.
“I think a lot of people are lobbying for Shohei, to tell you the truth. And that was a sign of affection and that they wanted him,” AL manager Dusty Baker said.
His future could become a topic sooner than later if the Angels continue to fade with Mike Trout sidelined by injury. The Angels entered the All-Star break losers of five straight and nine of 10 to drop below .500. The Angels said they have no intention of dealing Ohtani prior to the trade deadline, but that could change over the next few weeks.
“I’m not really going to change anything personally, just keep it the same,” Ohtani said. “I know we have a lot of injuries right now and we’re in a tough spot, but we need to hang in there because we got guys coming back soon. So try to hang in there and get as many wins until all the guys come back.”
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2023-07-12T05:14:19+00:00 | krqe.com | https://www.krqe.com/sports/ap-shohei-ohtani-takes-note-of-seattle-crowd-asking-for-him-to-call-northwest-home/ |
New, unlimited subscription plans simplify complex pay-per-charge rates, remove hidden fees, and lower the total cost of ownership for high mileage commuters and gig drivers.
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- EVCS, one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging network operators on the West Coast, has today announced the expansion of its innovative EV subscription charging plan, with new tiers designed to meet the fast charging needs of high mileage commuters and gig drivers. Now all EV drivers can benefit from EVCS' simplified approach to public fast charging, which removes time of day surge pricing, location-based cost variations, and hidden fees allowing subscribers to predictably manage their monthly public EV charging budget.
The launch includes two new unlimited charging tiers with access opened to previously excluded commercial drivers including rideshare and package delivery. The new subscription plans directly address customer confusion around public charging costs, removing a key barrier to widespread EV adoption and supporting California's passenger vehicle and on demand transit sector decarbonization mandates. With plans to have over 700 direct-current fast chargers (DCFCs) installed by the end of 2023, EVCS' expansive carbon-neutral network allows customers to conveniently access their locations across 88 cities in California, Oregon, and Washington.
New EVCS subscription tiers include:
- Standard Anytime ($49.99/mo.): Geared towards standard mileage EV drivers commuting less than 1,150 miles per month. The Standard Anytime plan includes 200 kWh of charging with 24/7 access to the entire EVCS West Coast network of Level 2 and Level 3 DC fast chargers. This equates to about seven full charges (20% to 80% charge up) for a 50-kWh battery capacity. Upon surpassing this limit, subscribers flip to pay-as-you-go for the remainder of the month, at a discounted rate of $0.29/kWh (40% off the standard fast charging rate of $.49/kWh).
- Unlimited Off-Peak Pro ($99.99/mo.): Designed for higher mileage EV drivers - including rideshare and package delivery - the Unlimited Off-Peak Pro plan offers unlimited charging access through the entire EVCS network during the hours of 10pm to 6am.
- Unlimited Anytime Pro ($199.99/mo.): The new Unlimited Anytime Pro Plan provides high mileage EV drivers - including professional gig workers - unlimited 24/7 access to all EVCS Level 2 and Level 3 DC fast charging locations.
Current and prospective EV drivers can visit subscriptions.evcs.com and use the new cost comparison calculator to understand the potential costs and savings offered by EVCS subscriptions as compared to pay-per-charge DC fast charging and gasoline. The calculator allows visitors to enter their location, average mileage and preferred charging time of day and recommends the subscription plan that maximizes driver savings based on their unique profile
"Current and would-be EV drivers have been forced to navigate a complex array of DC fast charging pricing schemes and hidden fees that have at best led to confusion and at worst eroded customer trust in public EV charging slowing the pace of EV adoption," said Kirk Johnson EVCS Chief Growth Officer. "With EVCS' new subscription tiers and cost savings calculator we are simplifying EV fast charging with enhanced transparency and a predictable monthly subscription that could save the average EV driver upwards of $685 a year."
Existing EVCS subscribers will continue to maintain their unlimited plan entitlement with no change to pricing and no kWh caps. For customers who would prefer to pay as they go, EVCS will continue to offer industry leading pay-per-charge rates with no time-of-day surge premiums. Network-wide rates will remain at $0.29/kWh for Level 2 charging and $0.49/kWh for Level 3 DC fast charging.
The launch of EVCS' subscription tiers follows a $68.8 million funding raise with involvement from Spring Lane Capital, Abdo Partners, the Copulos Group, and Jett Capital Advisors. The capital raised will support EVCS' rapid expansion into 60+ new cities across California and Washington as well as increase charger density in its existing communities. EVCS has also announced an extension of its partnership with Tritium with plans to deploy 300 additional 50kW fast chargers in California, Oregon, and Washington.
For more information about EVCS and its subscription tiers, visit subscriptions.evcs.com.
EVCS was founded in 2018 and has quickly become one of the largest and fastest-growing electric vehicle charging networks on the West Coast. Powered by 100% renewable energy, EVCS is disrupting the mobility power industry through a turn-key approach that utilizes public and private funding sources to encourage the installation of fast-charging locations. EVCS has secured over $75M in government funding and engaged nearly 150 partner sites to build and grow its net zero carbon network. EVCS' mission is to cut emissions while simultaneously improving air quality by enabling the rapid adoption of zero-emission electric vehicles. For more information, visit www.evcs.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE EVCS | 2022-10-12T16:30:56+00:00 | kfyrtv.com | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2022/10/12/evcs-launches-new-subscription-charging-tiers-accelerate-ev-adoption-high-mileage-drivers-west-coast/ |
Best San Diego Hotel, Best Staycation Location and More
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sycuan Casino Resort and Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan received a total of 13 awards from this year's San Diego's Best 2022 Union-Tribune Readers Poll. The awards include Best San Diego Hotel, Best Staycation Location, Best Golf Course, Best Live Music Venue, Best Day Spa and more.
Each year, the San Diego's Best Readers Poll recognizes those who are doing the very best in more than 200 categories spanning a wide range of businesses and services. San Diego Union-Tribune readers vote to select the winners for each category. This year marks 26 years of the SD Best Readers Poll, the longest-running poll of its kind in the county.
- Best San Diego Hotel
- Best Staycation Location
- Best Out of Town Daytrip
- Best Place to Get Married
- Best Live Music Venue (under 3,000 people) – Live and Up Close
- Best Day Club / Pool Party – Retreat Pool & Cabanas
- Best Sushi – Elicit Restaurant & Lounge
- Best Brunch – Viewpoint Neighborhood Kitchen
- Best Massage – Spa Ritual
- Best Day Spa – Spa Ritual
- Hair Salon – Spa Ritual
- Best Golf Course
- Best Golf Shop
For more information about San Diego's Best 2022 Union-Tribune Readers Poll, please visit sandiegouniontribune.com/sdbest.
Sycuan Casino Resort began as a humble Bingo Palace in 1983. Now more than 38 years later, it has become a community landmark and one of San Diego's premier casino and resort destinations. Sycuan's newly expanded AAA Four Diamond-rated property includes a 12-story hotel tower with over 300 guest rooms and 57 luxury suites. Guests can enjoy a wide range of onsite amenities including a variety of restaurants and bars from fast-casual to fine dining, meeting and event space, a full-service spa, fitness center and a state-of-the-art outdoor pool deck with two pools, a lazy river and swim-up bar. Sycuan also boasts an expansive casino floor with more than 2,300 slot machines and 54 table games in a variety of gaming options. Sycuan is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, please visit www.sycuan.com, Facebook: @sycuancasinoresort, Instagram: @sycuan_casinoresort, Twitter: @sycuancasino and LinkedIn: company/sycuancasinoresort or call 619-445-6002.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Sycuan Casino Resort | 2022-08-02T16:12:25+00:00 | wymt.com | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/sycuan-wins-several-awards-san-diegos-best-2022-readers-poll/ |
TikTok fined $15.9M by UK watchdog for misusing children’s data
LONDON - Britain’s privacy watchdog hit TikTok with a multimillion-dollar penalty Tuesday for misusing children's data and violating other protections for users' personal information.
The Information Commissioner's Office said it issued a fine of 12.7 million pounds ($15.9 million) to the short-video sharing app, which is wildly popular with young people.
It's the latest example of tighter scrutiny that TikTok and its parent, Chinese technology company ByteDance, are facing in the West, where governments are increasingly concerned about risks that the app poses to data privacy and cybersecurity.
RELATED: TikTok under federal investigation for spying on Americans: reports
The British watchdog, which was investigating data breaches between May 2018 and July 2020, said TikTok allowed as many as 1.4 million children in the U.K. under 13 to use the app in 2020, despite the platform's own rules prohibiting children that young from setting up accounts.
TikTok didn't adequately identify and remove children under 13 from the platform, the watchdog said. And even though it knew younger children were using the app, TikTok failed to get consent from their parents to process their data, as required by Britain's data protection laws, the agency said.
"There are laws in place to make sure our children are as safe in the digital world as they are in the physical world. TikTok did not abide by those laws," Information Commissioner John Edwards said in a press release.
RELATED: TikTok banned on all Canadian government phones
TikTok collected and used personal data of children who were inappropriately given access to the app, he said.
"That means that their data may have been used to track them and profile them, potentially delivering harmful, inappropriate content at their very next scroll," Edwards said.
The company said it disagreed with the watchdog’s decision.
"We invest heavily to help keep under 13s off the platform and our 40,000-strong safety team works around the clock to help keep the platform safe for our community," TikTok said in statement. "We will continue to review the decision and are considering next steps."
TIkTok says it has improved its sign-up system since the breaches happened by no longer allowing users to simply declare they are old enough and looking for other signs that an account is used by someone under 13.
RELATED: FCC chairman: TikTok ban is not if but when
The penalty also covered other breaches of U.K. data privacy law.
The watchdog said TikTok failed to properly inform people about how their data is collected, used and shared in an easily understandable way. Without this information, it's unlikely that young users would be able "to make informed choices" about whether and how to use TikTok, it said.
TikTok also failed to ensure personal data of British users was processed lawfully, fairly and transparently, the regulator said.
TikTok initially faced a 27 million-pound fine, which was reduced after the company persuaded regulators to drop other charges.
U.S. regulators in 2019 fined TikTok, previously known as Music.aly, $5.7 million in a case that involved similar allegations of unlawful collection of children's personal information.
Also Tuesday, Australia became the latest country to ban TikTok from its government devices, with authorities from the European Union to the United States concerned that the app could share data with the Chinese government or push pro-Beijing narratives. U.S. lawmakers are also considering forcing a sale or even banning it outright as tensions with China grow. | 2023-04-04T22:11:17+00:00 | fox35orlando.com | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/tiktok-fined-misuse-kids-data |
Irvo Otieno died at a Virginia psychiatric hospital earlier this month. Ten people have been indicted in his death. NPR's A Martinez talks to his mother Caroline Ouko and attorney Ben Crump.
Copyright 2023 NPR
Irvo Otieno died at a Virginia psychiatric hospital earlier this month. Ten people have been indicted in his death. NPR's A Martinez talks to his mother Caroline Ouko and attorney Ben Crump.
Copyright 2023 NPR | 2023-03-31T09:20:38+00:00 | klcc.org | https://www.klcc.org/npr-top-stories/npr-top-stories/2023-03-31/mother-of-a-black-man-who-died-after-being-pinned-down-at-a-hospital-speaks-out |
GOP candidate for governor Heidi Ganahl faced particular scrutiny over her broad tax plan Friday at a forum hosted by a business-focused group.
Ganahl has made zero income tax and a halved gas fee a central part of her pitch to voters to re-right a Colorado she casts as overrun by crime, drugs and economic malaise. In turn, Gov. Jared Polis, the Democratic incumbent, has said his opponent’s plan would gut dedicated funding for state patrol and other state programs. Ganahl said she planned to publish her plan Friday afternoon, but her campaign manager said after the forum it might still be a couple of days.
Each candidate spoke separately at the Colorado Concern’s forum Friday morning.
The details of Ganahl’s economic plan, which hinges on making up for lost revenue through an audit to find waste and attracting new business and economic activity through lower taxes and fewer regulations, drew special scrutiny from moderator Dean Singleton. Singleton is the former owner and publisher of The Denver Post and founder of its parent company MediaNews Group.
“You still haven’t told us how you’re going to run the government with no state income tax and half the gasoline tax,” Singleton said while interviewing Ganahl. “It makes a good soundbite, but for most of us who understand state government, it’s just total bulls—.”
“Well, a lot of people across Colorado think the government’s total bulls— right now, Dean,” Ganahl responded, saying the state could recruit new economic activity, cut fraud and waste, end tax exemptions and move other fees into the general fund. “There’s a lot of ways we can chip away at this over eight years.”
It was the testiest exchange of the forum.
Polis has previously said he also supports zero income tax, but that it should be replaced with other taxes.
The candidates previously met for a debate in Pueblo on Wednesday, where they laid out starkly different visions of Colorado. Polis highlighted promises kept from his 2018 campaign, including launching free full-day kindergarten and starting to deliver on free preschool, capping insulin costs and programs aimed at lowering health insurance costs.
Ganahl, meanwhile, described a Colorado besieged by drug addiction and crime, with residents struggling economically against an undercurrent of inflation. She laid much of the blame at Polis’ feet.
A poll released Friday, meanwhile, shows 58% of likely voters have a favorable opinion of Polis and that he leads Ganahl with 51% of respondents to 34% backing the challenger. Eleven percent are undecided. The poll was a survey of 1,060 likely 2022 voters and conducted by Magellan Strategies and Keating Research on behalf of Healthier Colorado. It was conducted Sept. 18-26, and has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3 percentage points.
Ganahl denies being 2020 election denier
At Wednesday’s debate, and at Friday’s forum, Ganahl also faced accusations of being a 2020 election denier, or at least aligning with them. Questioning the legitimacy of President Joe Biden’s victory has become a central tenant among some conservatives, stemming from accusations by former President Donald Trump, even though dozens of lawsuits and intense scrutiny have turned up zero evidence of enough fraud to have any bearing on the results.
Ganahl denied she, or her running mate, is an election denier and said she accepted that Biden is president. Her running mate, Danny Moore, was removed from the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission in 2021 after posting to social media that Biden was not “elected by the people” but instead won due to “the Democrat steal.” After his selection, he wrote a guest commentary for the Colorado Springs Gazette to say “I believe, and have always believed, that Joe Biden was legitimately elected president and that he is our commander in chief,” and that he would not take further questions on the matter.
“This is America, where we get to question things, and he deserves the ability to question because he served in the Navy for 24 years,” Ganahl said when Singleton pressed her on the matter.
Ganahl began her campaign refusing to engage with reporters who asked if she believed the 2020 presidential election was legitimate. By June, she settled on responding that “Joe Biden is our president” — similar to her answer Friday — though she declined then to say whether she thinks he’s a legitimate president.
She also said she would accept the results of the gubernatorial election.
Candidates divide on water
There’s not much debate about the necessity of water, but the two candidates had differing messages about ensuring Colorado can stay hydrated.
Polis said the state needs to be cognizant of and work through the multi-state compacts governing water rights, as well as navigate its own domestic distributions. At the Wednesday debate, he went after Ganahl multiple times for not having stronger opposition to a proposal to pump water from the San Luis Valley to Douglas County.
“We cannot pit one area of Colorado against another,” Polis said.
“It’s a little late for that,” Singleton replied.
Polis said denser urban areas, and less exurban sprawl, will help with state water security by making water use more efficient.
Ganahl, meanwhile, promised to “do everything I can to protect the water that is rightfully ours.”
“That starts with storage,” she said. “Instead of continuing to study the problem, and adding another study, and this study and that study, let’s just act.”
She added that there does need to be awareness about the environmental and community impact of storage projects, typically reservoirs, but that “we desperately need to keep the water that is ours.”
Join the Conversation
We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. As of June 15, 2022, comments on DenverPost.com are powered by Viafoura, and you may need to log in again to begin commenting. Read more about our new commenting system here. If you need help or are having issues with your commenting account, please email us at memberservices@denverpost.com. | 2022-10-01T19:58:17+00:00 | denverpost.com | https://www.denverpost.com/2022/09/30/colorado-governor-heidi-ganahl-jared-polis-tax-plan/ |
Love More. # of songs : 1. Genre : Afro-Dancehall. Year : 2021. Type : Single. Country : MW. Subscribe to Malawi-Music Youtube Channel : …
Archives
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- October 2014 | 2023-05-02T06:06:42+00:00 | mw | https://www.mw/sean-mirror-malawi-music-com-2/ |
WARSAW (AP) — Poland to seek equivalent of $1.3 trillion from Germany for the Nazis' World War II invasion, occupation.
- Judge scolds Ranger who investigated embattled constable
- Development or blocking? Where H-E-B controls vacant lots in S.A.
- Pearl's newest restaurant, Carriqui, ready for anticipated debut
- 670-pound man charged in migrant tragedy denied bail
- Chuck Blount tests BBQ pork ribs 3 ways
- Photos: $1.2M S.A. mansion is built for Texas’ unreliable grid
- Amid backlash, board scraps new Texas social studies guidelines
- Liz Cheney brings her campaign against election deniers to Texas
MOST POPULAR
- Reader wonders if radial shake to blame for live oak’s appearanceMany live oaks experienced radial shake after the February 2021 freeze, but a certified arborist should be called in to examine the tree for any signs of weakening.By Neil Sperry | 2022-09-01T13:25:21+00:00 | expressnews.com | https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/Alert-Poland-to-seek-equivalent-of-1-3-trillion-17412256.php |
CLIFTON, N.J. — Minjee Lee flirted with posting the best round of the year on the LPGA Tour before settling for a 9-under-par 63 and took a three-shot lead halfway through the second round in the $3 million Cognizant Founders Cup Friday.
First-round leader Madelene Sagstrom of Sweden and Lexi Thompson shared second. Sagstrom, who had a late 63 Thursday, posted a 70 in failing to build off her momentum. Thompson, who has not won since 2019, had a 66 to finish at 11 under.
Sanna Nuutinen, a 31-year-old Finnish veteran playing her first season on the LPGA Tour, had a 68 and was alone in fourth at 135. Carlota Ciganda of Spain and Megan Khang, who was a shot behind Sagstrom after the opening round, were tied for fifth at 136.
Many of the first-round leaders had afternoon tee times Friday, including Nasa Hataoka of Japan (65), Bianca Pagdanganan (66) of the Philippines, Giulia Molinaro (66) of Italy and Ally Ewing (67).
Two-time defending champion Jin Young Ko had an opening-round 69.
While she has not won this year, the 25-year-old Lee has competed in six tournament, posting two top 10s and nothing worse than a tie for 23rd. She tied for second in the HSBA Women’s World Championship in March and shared third in the Los Angeles Open last month.
“Maybe this will be the first one and it’ll kick start the rest of the year,” Lee said.
Sagstrom got off to a slow start trying to go low again.
“A lot of things can happen,” Sagstrom said. “A lot of the things can happen to the golf course, the way they set it up and all that. So just giving myself a chance is all I can about myself, and my best today was 2 under, so I was really pleased.”
The 27-year-old Thompson has won 11 LPGA titles, including a major, but she has not won on tour since the ShopRite Classic in New Jersey three years ago.
She was not happy being asked about the drought.
“The talent out here is truly amazing. I mean, it’s tough to win,” she said. “All I can do is control my emotions and how much hard work I put in, and I know the amount of work that I put into it, so if it doesn’t happen, doesn’t happen. It’s not the end of my life.”
___
More AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2022-05-13T20:49:37+00:00 | washingtonpost.com | https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/golf/aussie-lee-has-3-shot-early-lead-after-36-at-founders-cup/2022/05/13/52b6176e-d2f6-11ec-886b-df76183d233f_story.html |
by: Dena Holtz Posted: Oct 19, 2022 / 10:26 AM CDT Updated: Oct 19, 2022 / 10:26 AM CDT SHARE (WFRV) – For more local, entertainment picks, head to the Frankly Green Bay Facebook page. | 2022-10-19T17:46:08+00:00 | wearegreenbay.com | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/local5live/frankly-green-bay-home-grown/ |
Marking its Twelfth Annual Campaign to Combat Food Insecurity, Grocery Outlet Exceed $16 Million Since 2011
EMERYVILLE, Calif., Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, extreme-value grocery retailer, today announced its twelfth annual Independence from Hunger® Food Drive campaign raised over $2.5 million—the equivalent of approximately 1.25 million meals—for families in need. From June 29 through July 31, more than 400 Grocery Outlet stores raised funds and collected monetary donations from customers, employees and Independent Operators to give back to local food agencies to help address critical food insecurities in their communities.
With inflation on the rise and supply chain backlogs, more families have been turning to food banks. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has estimated that as many as 30 million adults and 12 million children are living in food-insecure households. Recognizing this need, Grocery Outlet made a commitment over a decade ago with its Independence from Hunger campaign to find solutions that ensure all families have access to high-quality meals.
"We are so thrilled to have raised over $2.5 million to combat food insecurity through Independence from Hunger this year, equating to 1.25 million meals for families in need," said Eric Lindberg, CEO at Grocery Outlet Inc. "We couldn't have done it without the unwavering support and commitment from our local partners, allowing us to be one step closer to eliminating food insecurity for all families across the nation, especially during the inflation we are facing."
Since its launch in 2011, the Independence from Hunger campaign efforts have collected more than $16 million in total donations nationwide. Throughout the initiative, Grocery Outlet customers and employees were encouraged to contribute to the campaign through:
- Purchasing a pre-made food bags filled with an assortment of nonperishable items
- Give $5, Get $5 at the register. Donating $5 or more in a single transaction and receive a $5 coupon
- Contribution of a monetary donation through in-store and online platforms
"For the past 76 years we've upheld our commitment of giving back to our local communities in which we operate, and our annual Independence from Hunger campaign is an integral part of that promise," said Lindberg.
Each of Grocery Outlet's 400-plus stores identified local food agencies or nonprofits in their respective locations to partner with throughout the campaign. In addition, Grocery Outlet's San Francisco Bay Area partner, Alameda County Community Food Bank, received all donations completed online at GroceryOutlet.com/Donate. Grocery Outlet also partnered with regional area partners such as Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and Oregon Food Bank, who received generous donations from long-time supplier partners including Campbell's, Kellogg's, Sanderson Farms, MW Polar and Nature's Bakery.
No administration or collateral fees are deducted from the funds collected by Grocery Outlet.
For more information on the Independence from Hunger campaign and Grocery Outlet, visit GroceryOutlet.com.
Grocery Outlet, an extreme-value grocery retailer based in Emeryville, California, offers customers significant savings on brand-name products. The company has more than 400 locations throughout California, Idaho, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Stores are owned by Independent Operators based in the communities they serve.
Grocery Outlet offers a full range of products, including fresh produce, meat, deli, and dairy, along with a wide assortment of natural and organic choices. Grocery Outlet also carries a large selection of beer and wine, health and beauty care, and seasonal items. A third-generation, family-led company founded in 1946, Grocery Outlet provides local customers an exciting place to find WOW deals on name brands they trust.
For more information about Grocery Outlet, please visit www.GroceryOutlet.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. | 2022-08-09T12:52:16+00:00 | wafb.com | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2022/08/09/grocery-outlet-raises-over-25-million-local-food-agencies-during-2022-independence-hunger-campaign/ |
HOUSTON (AP)With both his shoulders covered in shaving cream from the postgame celebration, Pedro Grifol couldn’t stop smiling as he discussed his first win as a major league manager.
“Today was a fun day all the way around,” he said.
Andrew Vaughn’s tiebreaking, two-run double in the ninth inning lifted the Chicago White Sox to a 3-2 victory over the defending World Series champion Houston Astros in their season opener Thursday night.
Grifol won his managerial debut after spending the last 10 seasons as a coach in the Royals organization.
It snapped a streak of 10 straight wins for the Astros in openers, which was tied for the longest streak in major league history with the Boston Beaneaters from 1887-96.
Yasmani Grandal hit a tying homer for Chicago in the eighth. Ryan Pressly (0-1) walked Tim Anderson with one out in the ninth before a single by Luis Robert Jr.
Vaughn then belted a line drive that sailed over the head of leaping second baseman Mauricio Dubón and into center field to put the White Sox on top.
“It was a great game all the way around from the first inning to the last inning,” Grifol said. “There was a lot of moving parts to it, even though it was just three or four moves to make, there was a lot of moving parts in the mind.”
White Sox ace Dylan Cease allowed two hits and a run with 10 strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings in his first opening-day start. Kendall Graveman (1-0) worked a scoreless eighth for the win.
Reynaldo Lopez allowed a soaring solo home run to the second deck in right field to Yordan Alvarez with one out in the ninth but finished for the save.
Cease had retired 19 in a row, with Houston’s only baserunner coming on a leadoff single by Jeremy Peña, when he plunked Alvarez on the foot with one out in the seventh.
José Abreu, who spent his entire nine-year career with the White Sox before signing with the Astros this offseason, followed with a single to chase Cease.
He was replaced by Aaron Bummer, who walked Kyle Tucker to load the bases. A wild pitch with two outs allowed Alvarez to score, putting Houston up 1-0.
Cease, who finished second to Justin Verlander in last year’s AL Cy Young Award voting, said he felt locked in from the start.
“That was about as sharp as I’ve ever been,” he said.
Houston manager Dusty Baker raved about Cease’s performance.
“You’re not used to seeing breaking balls like that right out of spring training,” he said. “Usually, he would bounce more of them. He was getting strike one with that breaking ball. … He was on tonight. We usually don’t strike out that much but that guy was pretty good tonight.”
Yoán Moncada hit a ball that Abreu couldn’t handle at first base for an error to start the eighth. The ball rolled into right field, but Moncada was thrown out at third. Chicago challenged, but the call was upheld.
There were two outs when Grandal connected off Rafael Montero on a shot to the right-center seats.
Framber Valdez allowed six hits and struck out four in five scoreless innings in his second straight opening-day start for Houston.
The White Sox had chances to score early against Valdez, but he pitched out of trouble. He retired Eloy Jiménez with the bases loaded to end the fifth.
The Astros opened the season without star second baseman Jose Altuve, sidelined for at least two months after breaking his right thumb in the World Baseball Classic. Dubón filled in, marking the first time since 2011 that Altuve wasn’t the team’s starting second baseman on opening day.
TRAINER’S ROOM
White Sox: Placed LHP Garrett Crochet (left elbow surgery) and RHPs Matt Foster (right flexor strain) and Liam Hendriks (cancer treatment) on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to March 27.
Astros: Placed Altuve and OF Michael Brantley (right shoulder surgery) on the 10-day injured list. RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (right elbow strain), LHP Parker Mushinski (lumbar spine muscle spasm) and LHP Blake Taylor (left elbow strain) were put on the 15-day injured list.
CHAMPS
In a pregame ceremony, the Astros unveiled a gold pennant attached to a pole on the left-field wall commemorating their second World Series title in 2022. The ceremony also included team owner Jim Crane and his wife, Whitney, riding into the ballpark on a wagon pulled by Clydesdale horses while the couple held the team’s two World Series trophies.
OLD FRIENDS
Abreu talked about how strange it was to be facing his former team in his first game with a new club. He spent time on the field before batting practice catching up with many of his former teammates and hugged Grandal at the plate before his first at-bat.
The 2020 AL MVP signed a three-year $58.5 million contract with Houston to take over at first base this season for Yuli Gurriel.
UP NEXT
Houston RHP Cristian Javier opposes RHP Lance Lynn when the series continues Friday night.
—
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP-Sports | 2023-03-31T19:07:04+00:00 | siouxlandproud.com | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/mlb/vaughns-double-lifts-white-sox-over-astros-3-2-in-opener/ |
We’ve hit the stretch run of the 2022-23 girls basketball regular season.
The state tournament will be seeded on Monday, with teams knowing if they are in and who they will be matching up with in a couple of weeks.
Nominate your game changer now in one of 18 categories decided by fans.
• Learn more and make a nomination! | 2023-02-08T19:45:24+00:00 | nj.com | https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2023/02/girls-basketball-season-stat-leaders-in-the-super-essex-conference-through-feb-7.html |
Alabama softball team in OKC to compete in Women’s College World Series
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - The University of Alabama Softball team is in Oklahoma City getting ready to compete in the Women’s College World Series.
The team was all smiles as they prepared to board their plane Tuesday.
“This has been the most gratifying season of my career. This is group is selfless, servant leaders, filled with mulita. I just cannot say enough good things about this group,” said Coach Patrick Murphy.
Some diehard softball fans were waiting for the team at the airport to cheer them on and wish them well. The team shook hands, posed for pictures with fans, and thanked them for their support.
Suzette Hughes showed up at the airport to support the softball team more than an hour before they arrived.
“They’re awesome, everybody. The sisterhood, you feel it from the stands just how much they love each other. Murph and the whole staff, we’re just so supportive and so behind them. We want them to bring it all back. Roll Tide,” Hughes told WBRC.
This is Alabama’s 14th trip to the Women’s College World Series.
The Tide hits the field Thursday to play Tennessee at 11 a.m. in the Women’s College World Series.
Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.
Copyright 2023 WBRC. All rights reserved. | 2023-05-31T14:27:21+00:00 | wbrc.com | https://www.wbrc.com/2023/05/31/alabama-softball-team-okc-compete-womens-college-world-series/ |
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third consecutive year, Southwest Gas Corporation (Southwest Gas or Company), delivered award-winning customer satisfaction and ranked #1 in the West Large Segment by J.D. Power in the 2022 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study & the West Segment in the 2022 Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study.
"Our customers rely on us every day to deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to fuel their homes and businesses," said Karen Haller, chief executive officer of Southwest Gas. "We take that responsibility seriously and are committed to exceeding our customers' expectations and meeting their energy needs well into the future. We are honored to be ranked #1 by J.D. Power and humbled by our customers' recognition of our efforts to serve them with excellence."
"Our customers are at the center of everything we do at Southwest Gas, and we work diligently to deliver exceptional service and value every day," said Justin Brown, president of Southwest Gas. "We believe one cornerstone to elevating customer satisfaction is through effective communications. We know that our customers have different, unique preferences and we strive to provide them with a variety of ways to do business with us. Serving our customers is a privilege we do not take for granted, and we seek to continue to earn their business and trust by putting them at the center of everything we do as a company."
Highlights of our ranking:
- As part of the J.D. Power 2022 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study, Southwest Gas ranked number one in the West Large Segment in customer satisfaction with Residential Natural Gas Service. Southwest Gas received an overall score of 783; 45 points above the West Large Region. The Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study measures residential customer satisfaction across six study factors: price, safety and reliability, billing and payment, corporate citizenship, communications, and customer care. Southwest Gas ranked highest across all six factors.
- The 2022 Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from more than 57,239 online interviews conducted from January 2022 through October 2022 among residential customers of the 84 largest gas utility brands across the United States, which represent more than 64.6 million households.
- As part of the J.D. Power 2022 Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study, Southwest Gas ranked number one in the West Segment in customer satisfaction with Business Natural Gas Service. Southwest Gas received an overall score of 844; 43 points above the West Region. The Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study measures business customer satisfaction across six key factors — safety and reliability; billing and payment; corporate citizenship; price; communications; and customer contact. The Company was also recognized for delivering the best in safety and reliability, billing and payment, corporate citizenship, price and communications in the West Region of the J.D. Power 2022 Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study.
- The 2022 Gas Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study is based on responses from more than 9,220 online interviews of business customers in decision-making roles related to their utility company. The study was fielded from January to September 2022 with 59 brands included, each serving more than 25,000 business customers, representing more than 4.4 million business customers total.
For J.D. Power 2022 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards.
About Southwest Gas
Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California and Nevada by providing safe and reliable service while innovating sustainable energy solutions to fuel our communities' growth. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a sustainable energy future, please visit swgas.com/sustainability.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Southwest Gas Corporation | 2023-02-27T18:22:09+00:00 | wafb.com | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/02/27/southwest-gas-ranks-1-segment-three-consecutive-years-jd-power-gas-utility-customer-satisfaction-studies/ |
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Live updates from Sunday’s third and fourth round of the Masters (all times local):
7:25 p.m.
Jon Rahm shot 69 to capture his first Masters championship by four strokes over LIV golfers Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson, becoming the fourth player from Spain to win a green jacket.
Rahm finished at 12-under 276, pulling away from Koepka, who entered the final round with a two-stroke lead but struggled all day with his accuracy and shot 75.
Mickelson turned back the clock again, matching his best round ever at the Masters with a 65. The 52-year-old Mickelson had eight birdies as the sun replaced two days of steady rains on Sunday.
Jordan Spieth made a late push with nine birdies in the final round and was 7 under,
It’s Rahm’s fourth win of the season, and his second major championship after winning the U.S. Open in 2021.
Rahm surged into the lead on the par-3 sixth hole after Koepka made bogey, and he didn’t let up from there. As Koepka continued to struggle, Rahm built a four-shot lead after birdies at No. 13 and 14 and cruised to the win.
Rahm becomes the first Spaniard since Sergio Garcia to win the Masters in 2017. Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal, also from Spain, both won twice at Augusta National.
___
5:30 p.m.
Phil Mickelson has turned back the clock at Augusta National.
The 52-year-old Mickelson shot a 7-under 65 in the closing round of the Masters, sinking a 15-foot birdie putt at the final hole to give himself a shot at a fourth green jacket.
Lefty walked to the clubhouse with an 8-under 280 and trailing leader Jon Rahm by only two strokes. Brooks Koepka is also at 8 under.
Rahm and Koepka still have eight holes to play.
Mickelson can only sit back and watch, having matched his best round ever at the Masters and a score that might be good enough if the final group falters.
He already is the oldest major champion in golf history, winning the 2021 PGA Championship. Since then, he’s struggled with his game and become the face of the upstart LIV Golf tour, a role that has brought such controversy he skipped last year’s Masters.
5:15 p.m.
Jon Rahm is making the turn in the final round of the Masters with a two-shot lead over Brooks Koepka and Jordan Spieth.
Koepka began a long day at Augusta National with a two-stroke edge, but he’s now gone 19 holes without making a birdie.
Rahm made a brilliant pitch with his third shot at the par-5 eighth, leaving him with a tap-in birdie. Koepka could do no better than a par after yanking his tee shot into the trees.
Both players in the final group made a bogey at the ninth hole, dropping Rahm to 10 under and Koepka to 8 under.
Koepka hasn’t made a birdie since the eighth hole of the third round, which he played early this morning.
Spieth is at 8 under as he plays his 72nd hole, having made nine birdies in a brilliant round that brought him into contention,
Fifty-two-year-old Phil Mickelson also ias in the mix at 7 under, putting him among seven players within four shots of the lead.
___
.4:15 p.m.
Spain’s Jon Rahm has taken a one-shot lead at the Masters after yet another Brooks Koepka miscue.
Koepka bogeyed the par-3 sixth hole, allowing Rahm to take sole possession of the lead at 10 under. Koepka has now gone 4-over par over the last 16 holes while failing to make a birdie during that span. Koepka is 2 over over for the first six holes of the final round with bogeys on both of the par 3s.
Rahm is a three-time winner this year on the PGA Tour and is looking for his first Masters title.
Jordan Spieth has vaulted into a tie for third place at 6 under with seven birdies through 14 holes in the final round.
___
3:50 p.m.
Spain’s Jon Rahm has pulled into a tie with Brooks Koepka for the lead at the Masters with both players now at 10 under, setting up a potentially exciting finish to the weather-delayed tournament.
Rahm, who has a PGA tour-best three wins this season, began the final round two shots behind Koepka but drained a birdie putt on the par-4 third hole and then picked up another stroke when Koepka missed his par putt on the par-3 fourth.
Koepka has won four major tournaments in his career, but never the Masters.
Both players have 14 holes left to play.
Norway’s Viktor Hovland remains in contention two shot back at 8 under.
___
2:40 p.m.
Now the real action begins.
The final pairing has teed off at Augusta National with leader Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm both vying for their first Masters championship. Koepka, a two-time winner of both the U.S. Open and PGA Championship, is at 11 under for the tournament, two strokes ahead of Spain’s Rahm.
Viktor Hovland from Norway entered the final round three shots back of Koepka. He is playing alongside Patrick Cantlay in the group ahead of Koepka and Rahm.
After two days of rain, the sun has emerged and the course is playing easier despite gusts of wind.
Several players from the earlier groups are posting good numbers, including Sahith Theegala, who is 3 under for the round through eight holes, but still eights shots back of Koepka. Cameron Young is 3 under on the round through five holes. ___
12:45 p.m.
The final round of the Masters is underway, with twosomes going off both the first and 10th tees to ensure the weather-plagued tournament finishes on schedule.
Brooks Koepka is 11 under and maintaining a two-shot lead over Jon Rahm. Both players finished up the third round with matching 1-over 73s.
Koepka, a four-time major champion who now plays on the upstart LIV Golf tour, will tee off with the Spaniard in the final group at 2:33 p.m.
Norway’s Viktor Hovland is three shots back, while Patrick Cantlay will be looking to make up a four-stroke deficit.
It looks like there will be a first-time Masters champion. The only former winner in the top eight is Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, who is six shots off the lead.
There is no threat of rain, which forced suspensions the last two days. In fact, the sun has come out at Augusta National.
But the wind is whipping and the temperature has yet to reach 60 degrees.
___
11:55 a.m.
Brooks Koepka is 18 holes away from winning his fifth major championship and striking a blow for LIV Golf.
The 32-year-old Koepka holds a two-stroke lead over Spain’s Jon Rahm entering the final round of the weather-delayed Masters. Koepka shot 73 for the third round and is a 11 under for the tournament. Rahm also posted a 73 for the round that started on Saturday prior to being suspended because of weather.
The weather has improved with no rain in the forecast.
Norway’s Viktor Hovland made five straight birdies on the back nine to fight his way back into contention at 8 under, three shots back
Patrick Cantley is in fourth place at 6 under, one shot better than 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and Russell Henley.
Amateur Sam Bennett, who shot back-to-back 68s to open the tournament, has fallen off the pace after a 76 in the third round leaving him tied for seventh place with Collin Marikawa at 4 under.
Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods withdrew from the tournament before play resumed Sunday due to injury.
The fourth round begins at 12:30 p.m. with players going off holes No. 1 and 10 in twosomes. Koepka and Rahm will play together in the final pairing. ___
11:05 a.m.
Norway’s Viktor Hovland has climbed back into contention at the Masters following a birdie binge.
The world’s No. 9 player was able to string together five straight birdies on the back nine to climb to 8 under for the tournament, just four shots back of leader Brooks Koepka with two holes left to play in his third round.
Hovland became just the third player since the end of World War II to birdie holes 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 in the same round at the Masters, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The others are Tommy Nakajima in 1983 and Paul Casey in 2018. The streak ended when he made par on 16.
Hovland shared the first-round lead with Koepka and Jon Rahm after shooting 65 on Thursday but a 73 in the second round.
___
10:45 a.m.
Scottie Scheffler’s bid to repeat at the Masters is in serious jepardy.
The world’s No. 1 player finished his third round with a 71, leaving him tied for 18th place and 10 shots behind leader Brooks Koepka. The largest final round comeback at the Masters belongs to Jack Burke Jr., who battled back from eight strokes to beat amateur Ken Venturi in 1956.
Scheffler dominated the 2022 Masters, winning by three strokes over Rory McIlroy despite a four-putt for double-bogey at the final hole. He was looking to become the first repeat Masters champion since Tiger Woods accomplished the feat in 2001 and 2002. Scheffler was the betting favorite coming into the tournament.
___
9:25 a.m. It didn’t take long for things to get interesting at the Masters.
Jon Rahm is applying some early pressure on leader Brooks Koepka and trails by just two shots with 10 holes completed in the third round.
Koepka led by four strokes when play resumed Sunday morning with both players starting on the No. 7 green following the suspension of play Saturday due to heavy rains. Koepka misfired on his par putt while Rahm rolled in his birdie, representing a two-shot swing in a matter of minutes.
Koepka, who plays on the LIV tour, is at 13 under.
Patrick Cantley is in third place at 7 under, while amateur Sam Bennett is in fourth place at 6 under.
___
8:30 a.m.
Get set for a long day at Augusta National.
Players are back on the course at the weather-plagued Masters for the completion of the third round, with Brooks Koepka holding a four-stroke lead over Jon Rahm.
The tournament was suspended both Friday and Saturday because of inclement conditions, leading to a condensed schedule for the final day.
One player who won’t face the grueling day is Tiger Woods. He withdrew Sunday morning, noting on Twitter that he had reaggravated his plantar fasciitis.
After the third round is completed, the players will be re-grouped into pairings and sent off at 12:30 p.m. from both the first and 10th tees. That should provide enough time for the usual finish early Sunday evening.
It’s been 40 years since the Masters ended on a Monday.
Koepka’s fitness could be a factor since he’ll have to play 30 holes on Sunday. He’s still got 12 more holes left in the third round before he returns for the final round.
Play will go on without five-time champion Tiger Woods, who withdrew Sunday morning due to injury.
___
7:45 a.m.
Five-time champion Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the Masters due to injury.
Woods was in last place among the golfers who had made the cut at 9 over when play was suspended Saturday. He was injured in a car accident in 2021 that nearly cost him his leg, and he spent part of this week in obvious pain limping around the course at Augusta National. Still, he made the cut for the 23rd straight time, tying a tournament record.
When Woods returned to the course Saturday afternoon to begin his weather-delayed third round, he struggled mightily and was 6 over through seven holes when play was suspended again. He did not return to finish the round Sunday.
It’s the first time that Woods has not completed 72 holes at Augusta National as a professional. He withdrew prior to the final round of the PGA Championship last year amid similarly cold, wet conditions at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Brooks Koepka is the leader with playing resuming at 8:30 a.m. He is 13 under with 12 holes to play in his third round.
___
AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2023-04-10T00:11:57+00:00 | ksn.com | https://www.ksn.com/sports/ap-sports/masters-live-updates-tiger-woods-withdraws-from-masters/ |
(NewsNation) — Pennsylvania’s Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and his Republican challenger Dr. Mehmet Oz faced off in a high-stakes debate Tuesday evening. After it wrapped up, NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo asked voters at a watch party in Philadelphia to weigh in on the debate.
Juliana, a Conservative undergraduate student, says she came into the debate undecided and that abortion is an issue of importance for her.
“I do believe that life starts at conception. I do also want the least amount of federal government intervention in our public and private affairs as possible. But I also do believe that Oz is not mitigating the rights or beliefs based on his opinion in the debate,” Juliana said.
During the debate, Oz and Fetterman seemed to be split down party lines on the topic. Democratic candidate John Fetterman said he supports codifying Roe v. Wade, and his Republican challenger Mehmet Oz believes abortion restrictions should be left up to individual states.
Even with his comments in the debate, Juliana says Oz has her vote. Jessica, a Democrat, says she also focused on what candidates had to say about abortion restrictions.
“I want to have control over my own maternal health choices. Honestly, I was pleased to hear from Oz that he would vote against a federal abortion ban. That kind of surprised me and definitely drew a line in the sand between him and Mastriano, who I think is a very dangerous person to be in the governor’s seat in Pennsylvania,” Jessica said.
Another Democratic voter said she’s airing on the side of Fetterman.
“I thought it was really brave of him to come out there dealing with what he’s dealing with (…) I think it’s important that we see people in their human state. That is the human way to have struggles. I really felt what he was going through and felt like that was probably the best choice for me,” Najah, a podcaster and mother of three, said.
After Fetterman suffered his stroke, Najah believes what is in his head and in his heart is intact, and the way he was speaking in the debate was just a function of what he is dealing with right now.
Eric, an independent, said before the debate he was leaning toward Fetterman, but now he has changed to Oz’s side.
“I felt that Fetterman just looked like he didn’t have command of the facts. I do think his condition, unfortunately, is going to affect his ability to do the job. I thought Oz was pretty clear on the issues, and I thought he presented himself well. He definitely threw out some plans, where I didn’t see any plans coming out of Fetterman,” Eric said.
Fetterman has a narrow lead in the tight race with Oz. As of Monday, Fetterman had a 53% chance of winning the Senate seat over Oz’s 47%, according to Decision Desk HQ’s election model. Some analysts believe the polls could see a shift following the debate. | 2022-10-27T21:03:22+00:00 | wate.com | https://www.wate.com/news/pennsylvania-voters-react-to-fetterman-oz-debate/ |
DOVER, Del. (AP) — The Boys Scouts of America’s $2.4 billion bankruptcy reorganization plan took effect Wednesday. But more time will be needed before survivors of child sexual abuse at the hands of Boy Scout leaders and volunteers begin receiving compensation.
The plan became effective when the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request by the plan’s opponents to issue a stay while they appeal a federal district court’s approval of the plan. The denial of the stay means the plan can formally take effect, but opponents are expected to continue to pursue their appeal.
“This is a significant milestone for the BSA as we emerge from a three-year financial restructuring process with a global resolution approved with overwhelming support of more than 85% of the survivors involved in the case,” Boy Scouts CEO and President Roger Mosby said in a prepared statement.
Doug Kennedy, co-chair of the bankruptcy’s official committee of abuse claimants, said survivors can now “take an important step toward a degree of resolution for their abuse.”
The plan allows the Texas-based Boy Scouts to keep operating while compensating tens of thousands of men who say they were sexually abused as children. More than 80,000 men have filed claims. The plan’s opponents have argued that the staggering number of claims, when combined with other factors, suggests the bankruptcy process was manipulated.
With the plan taking effect, assets will begin flowing gradually into a settlement trust that will evaluate claims and distribute payments to abuse survivors. Retired Texas federal bankruptcy judge Barbara Houser, who will oversee the trust, can begin hiring advisers, but it likely will be at least several months before any abuse survivors begin receiving payments.
Meanwhile, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein held a hearing Wednesday to consider requests that the Boy Scouts be allowed to pay more than $20 million in legal fees and expenses of attorneys for a coalition of law firms representing those who claim to have been abused. Those law firms are expected to take roughly 40% of any payments to clients from the trust.
Nevertheless, attorneys for the Coalition of Abused Scouts for Justice argued that Silverstein should grant their “relatively modest” request that the Boy Scouts of America pay a portion of their fees because of the “extraordinary contribution” they made in developing a reorganization plan.
The coalition played a dominant role in the bankruptcy, despite the existence of the official committee. Coalition law firms represent nearly 18,000 claimants and are affiliated with more than two dozen law firms that collectively represent more than 60,000 claimants. The plan’s opponents have suggested that the huge number of claims was the result of a nationwide marketing effort by personal injury lawyers working with for-profit claims aggregators to drum up clients.
Silverstein in 2021 rejected a previous proposal for the Boy Scouts to pay millions of dollars in fees and expenses of attorneys hired by coalition law firms. The judge noted that any such payment would come out of the pockets of abuse claimants, a concern she reiterated Wednesday.
Silverstein noted that when the coalition was formed, she wanted to know who was funding it. “Is it coming of the claimants’ pockets, or is it coming out of the law firms’ pockets?” she recalled asking. “And the answer was, ‘It’s coming out of the law firms’ pockets.’ ”
The judge questioned whether the fee request isn’t simply a “surcharge” to abuse claimants, because the money would otherwise go to the settlement trust. She suggested that the coalition was essentially a “splinter group” from the official committee, and that its work was duplicative of the committee’s work.
“Should their fees be paid when I have a group, an official committee, that is charged and has a fiduciary obligation to the entire survivor constituency? I’m struggling with that,” said Silverstein, who did not immediately rule.
Under the plan, the Boy Scouts of America will contribute less than 10% of the settlement fund. Local Boy Scout councils, which run day-to-day operations for troops, offered to contribute at least $515 million in cash and property, conditioned on certain protections for local troop sponsoring organizations, including religious entities, civic associations and community groups.
The bulk of the compensation fund will come from the Boy Scouts’ two largest insurers, Century Indemnity and The Hartford, which reached settlements calling for them to contribute $800 million and $787 million, respectively. Those amounts represent a fraction of the billions of dollars in potential liability exposure they faced. Smaller insurers agreed to contribute about $69 million.
Other insurers, many of which provided excess coverage, have refused to settle. They contend that the procedures for distributing funds would violate their contractual rights to contest claims, set a dangerous precedent for mass tort litigation, and result in grossly inflated payments.
Under the plan, insurance companies, local Scout councils and troop sponsoring organizations will receive broad liability releases protecting them from future sex abuse lawsuits in exchange for contributing to the compensation fund. Some abuse survivors argue that releasing their claims against those non-debtor third parties without their consent violates their due process rights.
Such third-party releases, spawned by asbestos and product-liability cases, have been criticized as an unconstitutional form of “bankruptcy grifting,” in which non-debtor entities obtain benefits by joining with a debtor to resolve mass-tort litigation in bankruptcy. | 2023-04-20T00:15:54+00:00 | wivb.com | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/bsa-bankruptcy-plan-in-effect-but-appeals-likely-not-over/ |
(KTLA) – Some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities are accused of using too much water while the rest of southern California tries to conserve amid a drought emergency. But water resource officials say it’s not just the stars who are using more than their fair share – thousands are being warned about using too much water.
They’re some of the biggest names in Hollywood: Sylvester Stallone, Kevin Hart, and Kim and Kourtney Kardashian. They’re also apparently some of the biggest water wasters in the Hidden Hills neighborhood of Calabasas.
Las Virgenes Municipal Water District officials say the stars, some of which aren’t even home, are among some 1,600 customers who have surpassed 150% of their monthly water budgets at least four times since the agency declared a drought emergency last December.
Now water officials say they may install a device that will restrict their water usage to their properties.
“They are in line to get a flow restriction device put on their water meters in order to limit how much water they’re continuing to use,” said Michael McNutt of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.
McNutt says the device will cause indoor faucets to trickle out and outdoor sprinklers will go from flowing freely to sputtering to a stop.
He explains the only surefire way to avoid getting a flow restriction device is to contact the water district and sign a commitment form that you’ll work with the district to come into compliance. If you don’t, you’ll get a flow restriction device put on for two weeks straight.
“If, once it’s removed, they continue to exceed their water budgets by 150%, it’s put back on for a minimum of a month,” McNutt said.
Violators will also get hit with some pretty pricey fines for each violation.
Representatives for Stallone and retired NBA star Dwyane Wade say the are taking measures to reduce their water usage. Las Virgenes officials say all the stars who have been publicly outed are taking some of the necessary steps.
“The great thing about the celebrities is they’re all working with us to get to where they need to be,” McNutt said.
District officials say people need to do away with thirsty lawns and replace them with drought-tolerant landscaping and install drip irrigation, which sends the water straight to the root to help save things like trees.
In the meantime, water officials say they’d love to work with high-profile people to demonstrate how to create a more drought-tolerant California.
“What I would love for them to do is contact me and work with me to put out public service messages, not only about what they’re doing, but how people can be like them and be a part of the solution,” McNutt said.
Water officials say that they have installed about 50 of those flow restriction devices to different homes. McNutt says none of those homes belong to celebrities because all of them are cooperating to bring down their water usage. | 2022-08-24T02:26:22+00:00 | cbs42.com | https://www.cbs42.com/news/national/calabasas-celebrities-among-the-worst-water-wasters-water-officials-say/ |
Leading Duchenne Organization Expands Certification of Clinics that Provide Optimal Care for People with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy with 1st Clinic in Indiana
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), a nonprofit organization leading the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), announced the expansion of their renowned Certified Duchenne Care Center (CDCC) Program with the certification of the clinic at Riley Children's Health (Riley Children's), part of the Indiana University Health System in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is an exciting step for the CDCC Program as it brings standardized Duchenne care to a new region of the country with the first certification in the state of Indiana.
Rachel Schrader, MS, APRN, CPNP-PC, PPMD's Vice President of Clinical Care and Education and Director of the CDCC Program, acknowledges the significance of the program's expansion to include Riley Children's. "The neuromuscular team at Riley Children's has evolved significantly over the past several years to better serve their Duchenne and Becker population, and we are thrilled to include them in our network of certified centers. This certification comes after much advocacy and investment in the program, and we are delighted to recognize those efforts and the excellent level of care the team provides with their inclusion in our CDCC program," said Schrader.
Riley Children's Health is the largest provider of Duchenne care in Indiana and serves a population of over 120 patients living with "dystrophinopathy," the spectrum of muscle diseases that are caused by a change in the dystrophin gene. The center serves patients from throughout Indiana and the surrounding region.
Under the leadership of Dr. Marcia Felker, the clinic's director and lead neuromuscular neurologist, the team continues to grow with plans for expansion of their critical support network, including expanded nursing and social work services. This will further elevate the care they already provide to their patients, continuing to build upon the comprehensive, quality care they ensure their patients receive.
"Our Neuromuscular Center at Riley Children's Health is changing the lives of patients and families impacted by Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies, offering advanced treatments and compassionate care from a multi-disciplinary team of experts," said Felker. "This certification signifies our continuing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our patients and furthering pivotal research towards a cure."
PPMD's Certified Duchenne Care Center Program supports standardized, comprehensive care and services for all people living with Duchenne. Certification means centers maintain the highest standards in clinical and sub-specialty services, rapidly apply new evidence-based knowledge, minimize heterogeneity in clinical research outcomes, and comply with standards in clinical care that were established by the CDC's Care Considerations. As part of its ongoing mission to end Duchenne, PPMD continues to insist that all people with Duchenne receive comprehensive care.
Schrader is delighted to add Riley to the growing network of Certified Duchenne Care Centers and to expand the program to include its first center in the state of Indiana. "PPMD and the CDCC Certification Committee are truly impressed with the work the team at Riley is doing to provide and advance care for people living with Duchenne. It is clear that the clinic team, researchers, and hospital administration are deeply committed to contributing to the lives of people with Duchenne and Becker, and for that we are grateful. We are excited to see what good will come from this partnership for the Duchenne community, and look forward to a long and productive collaboration," said Schrader.
The program's expansion is due in large part to a recent generous $5 million gift to the Riley Children's Foundation from the Ackerman and Nicholoff families, who are Indiana natives and long-time supporters of the advancement of Duchenne care and research initiatives, with the goal of establishing Indiana's first Certified Duchenne Care Center. "Our families are very excited and look forward to the opening of this new CDCC, knowing that the most comprehensive care will be offered to all ages of those afflicted with Duchenne and Becker," said Brian Nicholoff.
To learn more about PPMD's Certified Duchenne Care Center Program, visit PPMD's website. Click here to learn more about the history of PPMD's Certified Duchenne Care Center Program and to access PPMD's first published article on the program.
About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy:
Duchenne is a fatal genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) fights every single battle necessary to end Duchenne.
We demand optimal care standards and ensure every family has access to expert healthcare providers, cutting edge treatments, and a community of support. We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of Duchenne patients and in research that will benefit future generations. Our advocacy efforts have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and won five FDA approvals.
Everything we do—and everything we have done since our founding in 1994—helps those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until we end Duchenne for every single person affected by the disease. Join our fight against Duchenne at EndDuchenne.org. Follow PPMD on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Riley Children's Foundation:
Riley Children's Foundation is Indiana's preeminent nonprofit dedicated to funding children's healthcare and the founding organization that opened Riley Hospital for Children in 1924. Today, Riley Children's Foundation inspires our communities to invest in world-class pediatric research and care at Riley Children's Health and Indiana University School of Medicine, and in programs like Camp Riley that support the well-being of kids and families.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) | 2022-11-10T17:29:42+00:00 | wagmtv.com | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/11/10/parent-project-muscular-dystrophy-announces-pediatric-certified-duchenne-care-center-riley-childrens-health/ |
FirstEnergy donating 650 trees as part of larger environmental initiative
WILLIAMSPORT, Md., Oct. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Employee volunteers from Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), will be planting 650 trees at planting events throughout the company's Maryland service area during the month of October.
Members of Potomac Edison's Green Team – a group of employees who volunteer their time and talents to support a wide variety of environmental initiatives – will plant approximately 150 trees at Shafer Park in Boonsboro on October 6, 200 trees at Monocacy National Battlefield in Frederick on October 13 and 250 trees along Toms Creek in Emmitsburg on October 25. The Green Team also will plant 50 trees at the Claud E. Kitchens Outdoor School at Fairview, located in Clear Spring, in late October to replace trees lost due to a storm.
FirstEnergy is donating the trees for the plantings as part of a larger company initiative to plant 20,000 trees in 2022. Nearly 16,000 trees have already been planted at parks and nature reserves throughout FirstEnergy's six-state service territory so far this year. Tree plantings and giveaways support FirstEnergy's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, promote the responsible use of natural resources and further the advancement of sustainable practices.
"The positive environmental impact achieved through the fall tree plantings is an important part of our commitment to building a brighter and more sustainable future for the communities where we live and work," said Michele Dellinger, a forestry specialist with FirstEnergy who organized the events.
FirstEnergy's 10 Green Teams consist of employees from Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and West Virginia. The groups plan to continue to partner with state park systems, watershed and recycling groups, garden clubs, schools and other environmentally focused organizations in the future to support FirstEnergy's commitment to building a brighter and more sustainable future.
For more information about FirstEnergy's commitment to environmental initiatives, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/environmental.
Potomac Edison serves about 275,000 customers in all or parts of Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington counties in Maryland and 151,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Follow Potomac Edison at www.potomacedison.com, on Twitter @PotomacEdison, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PotomacEdison.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.
Editor's note: Photos of FirstEnergy Green Team members at tree planting events are available for download on Flickr.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp. | 2022-10-05T16:07:21+00:00 | uppermichiganssource.com | https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/prnewswire/2022/10/05/potomac-edison-hosts-tree-planting-events-october/ |
ITTA BENA, Miss. (AP)Rayquan Brown and Kadar Waller scored 16 points apiece to help Mississippi Valley State end a 12-game losing streak with a 71-67 victory over Texas Southern on Monday night.
Brown had eight rebounds and three blocks for the Delta Devils (2-16, 1-3 Southwestern Athletic Conference). Waller was 7-of-11 shooting with a 3-pointer. Terry Collins recorded 13 points.
Davon Barnes finished with 18 points for the Tigers (4-13, 0-4). Zytarious Mortle added 13 points and John Walker III scored 10.
NEXT UP
Both teams next play Saturday. Mississippi Valley State visits Bethune-Cookman while Texas Southern hosts Alcorn State.
—
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. | 2023-01-10T21:53:49+00:00 | krqe.com | https://www.krqe.com/sports/ncaa-mens-basketball/mvsu-tops-texas-southern-71-67-to-end-12-game-losing-streak/ |
WASHINGTON – When Joe Biden was running for president three years ago, he flew on a white private jet with his campaign logo painted on the side.
Now he has a larger, more recognizable ride as he seeks a second term. Like his predecessors, he'll be crisscrossing the country on Air Force One.
Every president blends their governmental and political duties, but never more than when they're running for reelection. "Official” events can sound especially political, while “political” events can delve deeply into the policy initiatives of the day. And decisions on how to divvy up the costs of a president’s travels between taxpayers and the campaign is no simple task.
Biden made one such trip this week, his first since formally announcing his campaign, when he spoke about his economic agenda at an official event north of New York City before heading to Manhattan for a pair of fundraisers.
“I’m determined to finish the job,” Biden said to about two dozen donors in an Upper East Side townhouse. Then Biden zipped over to a Fifth Avenue apartment, where more wealthy supporters sat on couches and chairs in a grand living room surrounded by artwork.
“I want to thank everyone here for the help," he said. "Without you guys, I wouldn’t be standing here.”
The massive logistical and security apparatus that surrounds a president continues no matter where they are or whether they're on government or political business. Even mundane trips require an assortment of helicopters, armored cars and other vehicles and staff to ferry the president, aides, security personnel and journalists from place to place.
By longstanding practice, the vast majority of those costs are borne by taxpayers, a smaller amount picked up by Biden's campaign or the Democratic National Committee.
“It’s well established, and there’s a pretty intricate set of formulas," said Norm Eisen, who served as a White House ethics lawyer under President Barack Obama.
Yet piecing together how much taxpayers will be on the hook for to fund a president's campaign travel is far from clear-cut. Many of the true costs pertaining to transporting and securing the president are classified, and even the formulas used to determine how much the president's campaign has to reimburse the government are difficult to scrutinize.
Federal regulations guide the calculations, which look at the share of the president’s time spent on the ground devoted to political and official activities. And rules require that government flights like Air Force One are reimbursed at higher rates for a similar flight aboard a charter airfare instead of commercial flights.
For every trip, it's up to the White House counsel's office to determine what percentage is political and the amount of reimbursement, officials involved with the process said. And it’s a time-honored practice by presidents in both parties to tack official events onto political trips to defray the cost to their campaigns.
But even official events can get plenty political as presidents push their agenda. On Wednesday, Biden used his official event to criticize “MAGA Republicans” for “holding the economy hostage” in the standoff over the debt ceiling, which could lead to the country defaulting for the first time in history.
When it comes to paying back the government for travel, “it’s always somewhat of an opaque process for how it’s reimbursed," said Aaron Scherb, senior director of legislative affairs at the watchdog group Common Cause. “It’s a little bit more of an art than a science."
The Democratic National Committee has a special escrow account where it collects travel reimbursements that will eventually be sent to the U.S. Treasury. For example, after Biden went to Florida to attend a fundraiser for Charlie Crist’s ill-fated campaign for governor last year, Crist’s campaign deposited $27,726.95 into the account. Then-Senate candidate Val Demings' campaign kicked in another $23,610.51 for a joint rally that evening with Crist's campaign, which came after an official event meant to highlight his efforts to lower drug prices for seniors.
That combined sum was a small fraction of the cost to send Biden from Washington on Air Force One and by helicopter from near Fort Lauderdale to Miami Gardens.
The helicopters that operate as Marine One when the president is on board cost between $16,700 and nearly $20,000 per hour to operate, according to Pentagon data for fiscal year 2022. The modified Boeing 747s that serve as the iconic Air Force One cost about $200,000 per hour to fly. That's not to mention the military cargo aircraft that fly ahead of the president with his armored limousines and other official vehicles.
All told, more than $2.8 million has been deposited in the escrow account for travel since Biden took office in January 2021, according to Federal Election Committee records. However, because of the slow pace of government processing, only about $133,000 has been relayed to the government.
The current generation of Air Force One planes date back to President George H.W. Bush's administration, and two replacements are currently being built. Even if Biden wins a second term, he's unlikely to have an opportunity to fly on them before leaving office — they're scheduled to be delivered in 2027 and 2028.
Administration officials said that the Biden White House and the campaigns his travel benefits comply with all federal rules and precedents.
But the cost of presidential travel often becomes a target in an election year.
For example, then-House Speaker John Boehner complained after Obama spoke to college students during official events in battleground states while running for reelection.
“His campaign ought to be reimbursing the Treasury for the cost of this trip,” Boehner said.
President Donald Trump adhered to rules on reimbursements for campaign travel during his failed bid for a second term. However, he drew scrutiny for blurring the lines in other ways. For example, he used Air Force One and Marine One as backdrops for political events, and he would direct the plane to be flown over his rallies to energize supporters.
Trump also accepted the Republican nomination in a speech from the White House, a controversial use of federal property for political purposes.
___
Associated Press writer Seung Min Kim in New York contributed to this report. | 2023-05-12T05:21:23+00:00 | clickorlando.com | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/politics/2023/05/12/air-force-one-doubles-as-a-campaign-jet-for-bidens-reelection-run-who-pays-what/ |
San Diego State vs. Charleston (SC): Odds, spread, over/under and other Vegas lines - NCAA Tournament First Round
The No. 5 seed San Diego State Aztecs (27-6) and the No. 12 seed Charleston (SC) Cougars (31-3) will meet on Thursday at 3:10 PM in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. The contest airs on truTV.
See odds, spreads, over/unders and more from multiple sportsbooks in this article for the San Diego State vs. Charleston (SC) matchup.
San Diego State vs. Charleston (SC) Game Info
- When: Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 3:10 PM ET
- Where: Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
- How to Watch on TV: truTV
Click on our link to sign up for a free trial of fuboTV, and start watching select March Madness games and tons of other live sports without cable today!
San Diego State vs. Charleston (SC) Odds, Spread, Over/Under
Take a look at the odds, spread and over/under for this matchup at multiple sportsbooks.
San Diego State vs. Charleston (SC) Betting Trends
- San Diego State has covered 15 times in 32 matchups with a spread this season.
- Aztecs games have hit the over 14 out of 32 times this season.
- Charleston (SC) has compiled a 19-13-0 record against the spread this year.
- In the Cougars' 32 chances this season, the combined scoring has gone over the point total 14 times.
San Diego State Futures Odds
- Odds to win the national championship: +6000
- In terms of its odds to win the national championship (+6000), San Diego State is 18th-best in college basketball. It is way higher than that, 12th-best, according to computer rankings.
- In terms of winning the national championship, the Aztecs currently have the same odds, going from +6000 at the start of the season to +6000.
- San Diego State has a 1.6% chance of winning the national championship, based on its moneyline odds.
Charleston (SC) Futures Odds
- Odds to win the national championship: +40000
- With odds of +40000, Charleston (SC) has been given a 0.2% chance of winning the national championship.
Sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook using our link for a first deposit bonus.
Not all offers available in all states. Please gamble responsibly! Contact 1-800-GAMBLER if you or someone you know has developed a gambling problem or addiction.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | 2023-03-17T19:51:53+00:00 | wnem.com | https://www.wnem.com/sports/betting/2023/03/16/san-diego-state-charleston-sc-college-basketball-odds-spread-over-under-ncaa-tournament-first-round/ |
Tesla is ramping up efforts to open showrooms on tribal lands where it can sell directly to consumers, circumventing laws in states that bar vehicle manufacturers from also being retailers in favor of the dealership model.
Mohegan Sun, a casino and entertainment complex in Connecticut owned by the federally recognized Mohegan Tribe, announced this week that the California-based electric automaker will open a showroom with a sales and delivery center this fall on its sovereign property where the state’s law doesn’t apply.
The news comes after another new Tesla showroom was announced in June, set to open in 2025 on lands of the Oneida Indian Nation in upstate New York.
“I think it was a move that made complete sense,” said Lori Brown, executive director of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, which has lobbied for years to change Connecticut’s law.
“It is just surprising that it took this long, because Tesla had really tried, along with Lucid and Rivian,” she said, referring to two other electric carmakers. “Anything that puts more electric vehicles on the road is a good thing for the public.”
Brown noted that lawmakers with car dealerships that are active in their districts, no matter their political affiliation, have traditionally opposed bills allowing direct-to-consumer sales.
The Connecticut Automotive Retail Association, which has opposed such bills for years, says there needs to be a balance between respecting tribal sovereignty and “maintaining a level playing field” for all car dealerships in the state.
“We respect the Mohegan Tribe’s sovereignty and the unique circumstance in which they operate their businesses on Tribal land but we strongly believe that this does not change the discussion about Tesla and other EV manufacturers with direct-to-consumer sales, and we continue to oppose that model,” Hayden Reynolds, the association’s chairperson, said in a statement. “Connecticut’s dealer franchise laws benefit consumers and provide a competitive marketplace.”
Over the years in numerous states, Tesla has sought and been denied dealership licenses, pushed for law changes and challenged decisions in courts. The company scored a victory earlier this year when Delaware’s Supreme Court overturned a ruling upholding a decision by state officials to prohibit Tesla from selling its cars to directly customers.
At least 16 states have effectively changed their laws to allow Tesla and other direct-to-consumer manufacturers to sell there, said Jeff Aiosa, executive director of the Connecticut dealers association. He doesn’t foresee Connecticut changing its law, noting that 32 “original equipment manufacturers,” a list that includes major car companies like Toyota and Ford, currently abide by it.
“It’s not fair to have an unlevel playing field when all the other manufacturers abide by the state franchise laws and Tesla wants this exception to go around the law,” he said. “I would suggest their pivoting to the sovereign nation is representative of them not wanting to abide by the law.”
Tesla opened its first store as well as a repair shop on Native American land in 2021 in New Mexico. The facility, built in Nambé Pueblo, north of Santa Fe, marked the first time the company partnered with a tribe to get around state laws, though the idea had been in the works for years.
Brian Dear, president of the Tesla Owners Club of New Mexico, predicted at the time that states that are home to tribal nations and also have laws banning direct car sales by manufacturers would likely follow New Mexico’s lead.
“I don’t believe at all that this will be the last,” he said.
Tesla’s facility at Mohegan Sun, dubbed the Tesla Sales & Delivery Center, will be located at a shopping and dining pavilion within the sprawling casino complex. Customers will be able to test drive models around the resort. and gamblers will be able to use their loyalty rewards toward Tesla purchases.
Tesla also plans to exhibit its solar and storage products at the location. | 2023-07-29T10:26:22+00:00 | qcnews.com | https://www.qcnews.com/business/ap-automaker-tesla-is-opening-more-showrooms-on-tribal-lands-to-avoid-state-laws-barring-direct-sales/ |
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The head of NATO expressed worry that the fighting in Ukraine could spin out of control and become a war between Russia and NATO, according to an interview released Friday.
“If things go wrong, they can go horribly wrong,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in remarks to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
“It is a terrible war in Ukraine. It is also a war that can become a full-fledged war that spreads into a major war between NATO and Russia,” he said. “We are working on that every day to avoid that.”
Stoltenberg, a former prime minister of Norway, said in the interview that “there is no doubt that a full-fledged war is a possibility,” adding that it was important to avoid a conflict “that involves more countries in Europe and becomes a full-fledged war in Europe.”
The Kremlin has repeatedly accused NATO allies of effectively becoming a party to the conflict by providing Ukraine with weapons, training its troops and feeding military intelligence to attack Russian forces.
In comments that reflected soaring tensions between Russia and the West, President Vladimir Putin suggested Moscow might think about using what he described as the U.S. concept of a preemptive strike.
“Speaking about a disarming strike, maybe it’s worth thinking about adopting the ideas developed by our U.S. counterparts, their ideas of ensuring their security,” he said.
Long before the Ukraine war, the Kremlin expressed concern about U.S. efforts to develop the so-called Prompt Global Strike capability that envisions hitting an adversary’s strategic targets with precision-guided conventional weapons anywhere in the world within one hour.
Putin noted that such a strike could knock out command facilities.
“We are just thinking about it, they weren’t shy to openly talk about it during the past years,” he said, claiming that Moscow’s precision-guided cruise missiles outperform similar U.S. weapons and Russia has hypersonic weapons that the U.S. hasn’t deployed.
Putin also said he was disappointed with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s recent comments that a 2015 peace deal for eastern Ukraine negotiated by France and Germany had bought time for Ukraine to prepare for the 2022 war.
“I assumed that other participants of the process were sincere with us, but it turned out that they were cheating us,” he said. “It turned out that they wanted to pump Ukraine with weapons and prepare for hostilities.”
Putin argued that Merkel’s statement showed that Russia was right in launching what he calls the “special military operation” in Ukraine. “Perhaps we should have started it earlier,” he said.
He also said her comments further eroded Russia’s trust in the West, complicating any possible peace talks.
“Eventually we will have to negotiate an agreement,” he said. “But after such statements there is an issue of trust. Trust is close to zero. I repeatedly have said that we are ready for an agreement, but it makes us think, think about whom we are dealing with.”
In separate comments via video link to defense and security chiefs of several ex-Soviet nations, Putin again accused the West of using Ukraine as a tool against his country.
“For many years, the West shamelessly exploited and pumped out its resources, encouraged genocide and terror in the Donbas and effectively turned the country into a colony,” he said. “Now it’s cynically using the Ukrainian people as cannon fodder, as a ram against Russia by continuing to supply Ukraine with weapons and ammunition, sending mercenaries and pushing it to a suicidal track.”
Ukrainians say they are fighting for freedom against an unwanted invader and aggressor.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by phone Friday and both “agreed on the importance of preempting Russia’s insincere calls for a ceasefire,” Sunak’s office said. “The prime minister added that the Kremlin needed to withdraw its forces before any agreement could be considered.”
Heavy fighting continued Friday in eastern and southern Ukraine, mostly in regions that Russia illegally annexed in September.
Ukraine’s presidential office said five civilians have been killed and another 13 have been wounded by Russian shelling in the last 24 hours.
Donetsk regional Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said the Russians were pressing an offensive on Bakhmut with daily attacks, despite taking heavy casualties.
“You can best describe those attacks as cannon fodder,” Kyrylenko said in televised remarks. “They are mostly relying on infantry and less on armor, and they can’t advance.”
In neighboring Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, regional Gov. Serhiy Haidai said the Ukrainian military was pushing its counteroffensive toward Kreminna and Svatove.
He voiced hope Ukraine can reclaim control of Kreminna by year’s end, and then by the end of winter reclaim areas in the region that were captured by Russia since the war began.
In the south, Kherson regional Gov. Yaroslav Yanyshevych said eight civilians were wounded by Russian shelling in the last 24 hours, and in the city of Kherson that Ukraine retook last month, a children’s hospital and a morgue were damaged.
In the neighboring Zaporizhzhia region, Russian forces shelled Nikopol and Chervonohryhorivka, which are across the Dnieper River from the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Zaporizhzhia Gov. Valentyn Reznichenko said Russian shelling damaged residential buildings and power lines.
In the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine, Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said three civilians were wounded by Russian shelling, with one later dying.
___
Associated Press writer Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Jill Lawless in London contributed.
—-
Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | 2022-12-09T18:54:35+00:00 | wnct.com | https://www.wnct.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-nato-chief-fears-ukraine-war-could-widen-into-wider-conflict/ |
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — UCLA at Maryland is the type of game people point to when they talk about how unwieldy Big Ten geography will be after the next round of expansion.
On this night, however, Bruins coach Mick Cronin felt the schedule actually favored his team.
It certainly looked that way. Jaylen Clark scored 19 points, and No. 16 UCLA raced out to a 30-point lead in the first half before cruising to an 87-60 victory over No. 20 Maryland on Wednesday night.
“Obviously, we’re not that much better than Maryland,” Cronin said. “We had played four of our last five at home … and they’re coming off three straight bloodbaths.”
On the same day the University of California Board of Regents voted to affirm UCLA’s move to the Big Ten, the Bruins (9-2) had a chance to size up a future conference foe. It wasn’t much of a contest.
“The world has changed. You’ve got to embrace it and roll with it. They make nice planes for a reason,” Cronin said. “When you go anywhere else, everywhere is kind of far. It’s not like when we play Washington it’s a quick flight.”
Maryland (8-3) committed the game’s first six turnovers while falling behind 19-5, and a 3-pointer by David Singleton made it 26-7. The Terps used three of their timeouts in the first 15 minutes, and nothing seemed to help.
“To beat real teams like Maryland, you have to stay focused, stay locked in,” Singleton said.
After going 2 for 24 from 3-point range in a loss to Tennessee last weekend, Maryland missed its first eight shots from the field and nine of its first 10 from beyond the arc.
Singleton’s layup off yet another Maryland turnover made the score 47-17. It was 49-20 at halftime.
The Terps started new coach Kevin Willard’s tenure with eight straight wins, and the last of those was an impressive home victory over Illinois. Since then, they’ve dropped three straight. The first two were away from home against Wisconsin and Tennessee — by a combined eight points.
But this one was noncompetitive from start to finish.
“Getting a beatdown every once in a while is not the worst thing,” Willard said. “The five games in a row that we’ve played were difficult, just the timing. … Next year when we have the two league games, we can’t come back and play these games.”
Singleton scored 18 points for UCLA, which has won six straight.
Ian Martinez had 16 for the Terrapins, who trailed by as many as 38 in the second half.
BIG PICTURE
UCLA: This victory was as comprehensive as it gets. The cross-country trip and the Maryland crowd didn’t seem to bother the Bruins much. UCLA finished with only four turnovers to Maryland’s 16.
Maryland: The Terps had a great atmosphere for the win over Illinois, and the crowd Wednesday included Governor-elect Wes Moore. But the fans had a hard time staying energized in this one, and Maryland could probably benefit from some easier games now.
STATS AND FACTS
This was UCLA’s most lopsided win over a ranked opponent since beating Maryland 105-70 in the 2000 NCAA Tournament. The 29-point halftime lead was the largest for the Bruins since they led Nicholls State 60-29 on Nov. 18, 2014.
This was also the most lopsided defeat for the Terps in this arena, where they started playing in 2002.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
The losses to Wisconsin and Tennessee didn’t cost Maryland a spot in the Top 25, but the Terps seem likely to fall out after this blowout.
UP NEXT
UCLA: The Bruins face No. 13 Kentucky on Saturday in New York.
Maryland: The Terps have over a week off before hosting Saint Peter’s next Thursday night.
___
Follow Noah Trister at https://twitter.com/noahtrister
___
More AP college basketball: http://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 | 2022-12-15T05:50:59+00:00 | fox44news.com | https://www.fox44news.com/sports/ap-no-16-ucla-pulls-away-early-routs-no-20-maryland-87-60/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday finalized a rule change that broadens the availability of abortion pills to many more pharmacies, including large chains and mail-order companies.
The Biden administration partially implemented the change last year, announcing it would no longer enforce a long-standing requirement that women pick up the medicine in person. Tuesday’s action formally updates the drug’s labeling to allow many more retail pharmacies to dispense the pills, so long as they complete a certification process.
The change could expand access at both brick-and-mortar stores and online pharmacies. Women can get a prescription via telehealth consultation with a health professional, and then receive the pills through the mail, where permitted by law.
Still, the rule change’s impact has been blunted by numerous state laws limiting abortion broadly and the pills specifically. Legal experts foresee years of court battles over access to the pills, as abortion-rights proponents bring test cases to challenge state restrictions.
For more than 20 years, the FDA labeling had limited dispensing to a subset of specialty offices and clinics, due to safety concerns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA temporarily suspended the in-person requirement. The agency later said a new scientific review by agency staff supported easing access, concurring with numerous medical societies that had long said the restriction wasn’t necessary.
Two drugmakers that make brand-name and generic versions of abortion pills requested the latest FDA label update. Agency rules require a company to file an application before modifying dispensing restrictions on drugs.
Danco Laboratories, which sells branded Mifeprex, said in a statement the change “is critically important to expanding access to medication abortion services and will provide healthcare providers” with another option for prescribing the drug.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists called the update an “important step” forward.
“Although the FDA’s announcement today will not solve access issues for every person seeking abortion care, it will allow more patients who need mifepristone for medication abortion additional options to secure this vital drug,” the group said in a statement.
More than half of U.S. abortions are now done with pills rather than surgery, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.
The FDA in 2000 approved mifepristone to terminate pregnancies of up to 10 weeks, when used with a second drug, misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first to dilate the cervix and block the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy. Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later, causing the uterus to contract and expel pregnancy tissue.
Bleeding is a common side effect, though serious complications are very rare. The FDA says more than 3.7 million U.S. women have used mifepristone since its approval.
Several FDA-mandated safety requirements remain in effect, including training requirements to certify that prescribers can provide emergency care in the case of excessive bleeding. Pharmacies that dispense the pills also need a certification. | 2023-01-04T04:04:00+00:00 | wdtn.com | https://www.wdtn.com/nexstar-media-wire/fda-finalizes-rule-expanding-availability-of-abortion-pills/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is demanding that the State Department produce more information about the suspension of the U.S. special envoy for Iran’s security clearance.
Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican, said Friday the Biden administration owed Congress a full explanation for the suspension of envoy Rob Malley’s clearance and his being placed on unpaid leave.
Malley had led administration efforts to revive the faltering Iran nuclear deal. But he has not been active in his main job for weeks and until Thursday the State Department had told journalists and lawmakers that he was on extended personal leave for unspecified family reasons.
On Thursday, however, department officials said Malley was the subject of an investigation into the mishandling of classified information and had been placed on unpaid leave.
“These reports raise serious concerns both regarding Malley’s conduct and whether the State Department misled Congress and the American public,” McCaul said in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“While the suspension of Special Envoy Malley’s clearance is independently troubling, our concern is compounded by the State Department’s failure to respond to the committee’s efforts to conduct oversight of its negotiations with and policy toward Iran,” he said.
McCaul also noted that the initial explanation for Malley’s absence from the job, and his failure to appear at congressional hearings on Iran policy, turned out to be incorrect.
“Senior State Department officials informed the committee that Special Envoy Malley was unable to testify or brief because he was on personal leave due to the illness of a close family member, for which my staff expressed sympathy,” McCaul said.
“At no point did the department indicate that Special Envoy Malley’s security clearance was suspended or under review, or that he was being investigated for potential misconduct,” he added.
The State Department had no immediate comment on McCaul’s letter.
Malley said Thursday in a brief statement provided to several news outlets that he had been informed that his security clearance was under review.
“I have not been provided any further information, but I expect the investigation to be resolved favorably and soon. In the meantime, I am on leave,” he said in that statement.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Thursday that Malley officially remains in his post but is on leave and that his deputy, Abram Paley, is currently leading the Iran portfolio as the acting special envoy.
Malley’s whereabouts have raised questions since he skipped a classified congressional briefing on Iran on May 16. | 2023-07-01T02:04:48+00:00 | localsyr.com | https://www.localsyr.com/news/your-local-election-hq/ap-congress-demands-info-on-security-clearance-suspension-of-iran-envoy/ |
Arthur Giterman appointed to continue global growth and further strengthen leadership team
SEATTLE, May 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Promethean, a leading global education technology company, announced the appointment of Arthur Giterman as chief financial officer. Giterman joins the executive team leading the financial strategy, growth, and execution of the overall Promethean business worldwide. With the new merger agreement announced last month, Giterman will be instrumental in Promethean operating as a standalone public company.
Giterman has over 20 years of experience in financial, strategic, and operational leadership at high-growth global technology companies. He most recently held the role of CFO of Aptean, a global provider of targeted ERP, supply chain management, and compliance solutions. Prior to this, he held the position of SVP of Finance and Chief Accounting Officer at Nuance Communications, overseeing the company's finance operations, investor relations, and mergers and acquisitions.
"I'm excited to join a company with such an amazing mission. My passion lies in helping companies achieve successful outcomes, including accelerated growth, building scale, and driving a superior culture and experience for customers and employees," said Arthur Giterman, chief financial officer at Promethean. "I look forward to partnering with everyone to continue the momentum and bring transformative solutions to the market."
Over the last decade, Giterman has held various strategic roles at Nuance Communications, including SVP of Accounting and Finance Operations, VP of Corporate Controller, Accounting and Revenue Operations, and VP of Finance. Before Nuance Communications, he held operational roles at PwC, the Office of Inspector General, and the Art Technology Group.
"As we've seen major shifts in education over the last few years, Promethean has held strong on our commitment to helping classrooms and learning environments around the world create more collaborative and innovative learning spaces," said Vin Riera, chief executive officer of Promethean. "Arthur brings unparalleled experience to the role of CFO, which will be critical to our global growth strategy."
About Promethean
Promethean is a leading education technology company working to transform the way the world learns and collaborates. From our founding in Blackburn, England, more than 25 years ago to our global operations in 22 countries today, we've continued to explore, innovate, and inspire—designing learning and collaboration tools that are built for breakthroughs. Our award-winning interactive display, ActivPanel, and lesson delivery software, ActivInspire and ClassFlow, were designed to engage students, connect colleagues, and bring out the brilliance in everyone. With headquarters in Seattle, Washington, and offices worldwide, Promethean is a subsidiary of the NetDragon Websoft Holdings Limited (HKSE: 0777) group of companies. Visit us at PrometheanWorld.com.
©2023 Promethean. All Rights Reserved. Promethean, the Promethean logo, ActivPanel, ActivSync, ActivInspire, ActivConnect, ActivSound, ClassFlow, ActivPen, and Vellum are trademarks or registered trademarks of Promethean Limited in the United Kingdom, United States, and other countries around the world. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically identified as such, Promethean's use of third-party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship, or endorsement between Promethean and the owners of these trademarks.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Promethean | 2023-05-30T12:38:15+00:00 | wlbt.com | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2023/05/30/promethean-accelerates-global-growth-strategy-with-new-chief-financial-officer/ |
TX Houston/Galveston TX Zone Forecast for Wednesday, February 1, 2023
_____
150 FPUS54 KHGX 020912
ZFPHGX
Zone Forecast Product for Southeast Texas
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
TXZ211-022200-
Austin-
Including the cities of Sealy and Bellville
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Rain showers likely early this morning, then a slight
chance of rain showers this afternoon. Highs in the lower 40s.
North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds around
15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the lower 50s. North
winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Cold with lows in the lower 30s.
North winds 5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs around 60. East winds around
5 mph, becoming south in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows around 60.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the mid 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the mid
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s.
$$
TXZ237-022200-
Inland Brazoria-
Including the cities of Pearland, Alvin, and Angleton
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Showers likely early this morning, then a slight chance
of showers this afternoon. Highs in the mid 40s. North winds
10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s. North winds
10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Not as cool
with highs in the mid 50s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds
around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. East winds
around 5 mph, becoming southeast in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
upper 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the lower 70s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the upper 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the
upper 50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the lower 70s.
$$
TXZ196-022200-
Brazos-
Including the cities of College Station and Bryan
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST EARLY THIS
MORNING...
.TODAY...Rain showers early this morning, then a slight chance of
rain showers this afternoon. Highs around 40. North winds 10 to
15 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s. North winds
10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs around 50. North winds
around 10 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Cold with lows around 30. Northeast
winds around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Southeast winds
5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming
mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the lower 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the lower
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the mid 60s.
$$
TXZ195-022200-
Burleson-
Including the cities of Caldwell and Somerville
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST EARLY THIS
MORNING...
.TODAY...A slight chance of freezing rain late. Rain showers
early this morning, then a slight chance of rain showers this
afternoon. Ice accumulation around a trace. Highs in the upper
30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation
90 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Cold with lows in the lower 30s. North
winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the upper 40s. North
winds around 10 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Cold with lows in the upper 20s.
Northeast winds around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. South winds 5 to
10 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the mid 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming
mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the upper 50s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the lower 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the
lower 50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the mid 60s.
$$
TXZ214-022200-
Chambers-
Including the cities of Winnie, Mont Belvieu, Anahuac, Stowell,
and Old River-Winfree
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Showers early this morning, then a chance of showers
this afternoon. Near steady temperature in the lower 40s. North
winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
.TONIGHT...Cloudy. Near steady temperature in the lower 40s.
North winds around 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Not as cool
with highs in the upper 50s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the upper 30s. Northeast winds
5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. East winds 5 to
10 mph, becoming southeast in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
upper 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs around 70.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.
.TUESDAY...Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the
upper 50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the lower 70s.
$$
TXZ210-022200-
Colorado-
Including the cities of Columbus, Eagle Lake, and Weimar
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Rain showers likely early this morning, then a slight
chance of rain showers this afternoon. Highs in the lower 40s.
North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds 10 to
15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the mid 50s. North
winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Cold with lows in the lower 30s.
North winds 5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs around 60. East winds around
5 mph, becoming south in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs around 70.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows around 60.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the mid 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the mid
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s.
$$
TXZ227-022200-
Fort Bend-
Including the cities of Missouri City, Mission Bend, Sugar Land,
Rosenberg, First Colony, and Pecan Grove
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Showers likely early this morning, then a slight chance
of showers this afternoon. Highs in the mid 40s. North winds
10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds around
15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Not as cool
with highs in the mid 50s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds
5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. East winds
around 5 mph, becoming southeast in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the mid
40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the lower 70s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the lower
60s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the upper 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the
upper 50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the lower 70s.
$$
TXZ238-022200-
Inland Galveston-
Including the cities of League City and Friendswood
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Showers likely early this morning, then a chance of
showers this afternoon. Near steady temperature in the lower 40s.
North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Cloudy. Near steady temperature in the lower 40s.
North winds around 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Not as cool
with highs in the mid 50s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the upper 30s. Northeast winds
around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs around 60. East winds 5 to
10 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
upper 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the
upper 50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs around 70.
$$
TXZ198-022200-
Grimes-
Including the city of Navasota
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Rain showers early this morning, then a slight chance of
rain showers this afternoon. Highs around 40. North winds 10 to
15 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 30s. North winds
10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the lower 50s. North
winds around 10 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Cold with lows in the lower 30s.
North winds 5 to 10 mph, becoming northeast after midnight.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Southeast winds
5 to 10 mph, becoming south in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming
mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the upper 50s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the lower 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the mid
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s.
$$
TXZ213-022200-
Inland Harris-
Including the city of Houston
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Showers likely early this morning, then a slight chance
of showers this afternoon. Highs in the lower 40s. North winds
10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Near steady temperature around 40.
North winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Not as cool
with highs in the upper 50s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds
around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs around 60. East winds around
5 mph, becoming southeast in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the mid
40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs around 70.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the lower
60s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the upper 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the upper
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs around 70.
$$
TXZ163-022200-
Houston-
Including the city of Crockett
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST EARLY THIS
MORNING...
.TODAY...Rain showers early this morning, then a chance of rain
showers this afternoon. Highs around 40. North winds 5 to 10 mph.
Chance of rain near 100 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of rain showers in the
evening. Cold with lows in the lower 30s. North winds 10 to
15 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the lower 50s. North
winds 5 to 10 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Cold with lows in the upper 20s.
North winds around 5 mph, becoming east around 5 mph after
midnight.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. South winds
5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming
mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the lower 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the lower
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the mid 60s.
$$
TXZ235-022200-
Inland Jackson-
Including the cities of Edna and Ganado
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Cloudy. Showers likely late, then a chance of showers
this morning. A slight chance of showers this afternoon. Highs in
the mid 40s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds around
15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the mid 50s. North
winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds
5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Northeast winds
around 5 mph, becoming southeast in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then clearing.
Not as cool with lows in the mid 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the lower 70s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the lower
60s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the mid 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Lows
in the mid 50s.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s.
$$
TXZ200-022200-
Northern Liberty-
Including the cities of Liberty, Cleveland, and Dayton
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Showers early this morning, then a chance of showers
this afternoon. Near steady temperature in the lower 40s. North
winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
.TONIGHT...Cloudy. Near steady temperature around 40. North winds
10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Not as cool
with highs in the upper 50s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear, cold with lows in the lower 30s. Northeast
winds around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs around 60. East winds around 5 mph,
becoming south in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs around 70.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the upper
50s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the upper 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the mid
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the lower 70s.
$$
TXZ176-022200-
Madison-
Including the city of Madisonville
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST EARLY THIS
MORNING...
.TODAY...Rain showers early this morning, then a slight chance of
rain showers this afternoon. Highs in the upper 30s. North winds
10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Cold with lows in the lower 30s. North
winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the upper 40s. North
winds 5 to 10 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Cold with lows in the upper 20s.
Northeast winds around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Southeast winds
5 to 10 mph, becoming south in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows around 50.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming
mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs
around 70. Chance of rain 40 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the lower
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the mid 60s.
$$
TXZ236-022200-
Inland Matagorda-
Including the city of Bay City
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Cloudy. Showers likely late, then a chance of showers
this morning. A slight chance of showers this afternoon. Highs in
the mid 40s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s. North winds
10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Not as cool with highs in the mid 50s.
North winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds
5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Northeast winds
around 5 mph, becoming southeast in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
upper 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the lower
60s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Lows
in the upper 50s.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the lower 70s.
$$
TXZ199-022200-
Montgomery-
Including the cities of Conroe and The Woodlands
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Rain showers early this morning, then a slight chance of
rain showers this afternoon. Near steady temperature in the upper
30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Near steady temperature in the upper
30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Not as cool with highs in the mid 50s.
North winds around 10 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Cold with lows in the lower 30s.
Northeast winds around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs around 60. East winds 5 to 10 mph,
becoming south in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the upper
50s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the mid 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the mid
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s.
$$
TXZ179-022200-
Polk-
Including the cities of Livingston and Corrigan
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Rain showers early this morning, then a chance of rain
showers this afternoon. Near steady temperature in the upper 30s.
North winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
.TONIGHT...Cloudy. Near steady temperature in the upper 30s.
North winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Not as cool with highs in the mid 50s.
North winds 5 to 10 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Cold with lows in the lower 30s.
Northeast winds around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 5 to
10 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming
mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the upper 50s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the mid 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the mid
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s.
$$
TXZ178-022200-
San Jacinto-
Including the cities of Shepherd and Coldspring
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Rain showers early this morning, then a slight chance of
rain showers this afternoon. Near steady temperature in the upper
30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
.TONIGHT...Cloudy. Near steady temperature in the upper 30s.
North winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Not as cool with highs in the mid 50s.
North winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 30s. Northeast
winds around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 5 to
10 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming
mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the upper 50s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the mid 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the mid
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s.
$$
TXZ164-022200-
Trinity-
Including the cities of Trinity and Groveton
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Rain showers early this morning, then a chance of rain
showers this afternoon. Near steady temperature in the upper 30s.
North winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. A slight chance of rain showers in the
evening. Near steady temperature in the upper 30s. North winds
around 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the mid 50s. North
winds 5 to 10 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Cold with lows in the lower 30s.
Northeast winds around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 5 to
10 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming
mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the upper 50s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the lower 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the mid
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s.
$$
TXZ177-022200-
Walker-
Including the city of Huntsville
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Rain showers early this morning, then a slight chance of
rain showers this afternoon. Highs around 40. North winds 10 to
15 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds 10 to
15 mph.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the lower 50s. North
winds 5 to 10 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Cold with lows in the lower 30s.
Northeast winds around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Southeast winds 5 to
10 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming
mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the upper 50s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the mid 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the mid
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s.
$$
TXZ212-022200-
Waller-
Including the cities of Hempstead, Prairie View, Brookshire,
and Waller
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Rain showers likely early this morning, then a slight
chance of rain showers this afternoon. Highs in the lower 40s.
North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds around
15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Not as cool with highs in the mid 50s.
North winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 30s. North winds
5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs around 60. East winds around
5 mph, becoming south in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs around 70.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows around 60.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the upper 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the mid
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s.
$$
TXZ197-022200-
Washington-
Including the city of Brenham
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST EARLY THIS
MORNING...
.TODAY...Rain showers early this morning, then a slight chance of
rain showers this afternoon. Highs in the lower 40s. North winds
10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds 10 to
15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the lower 50s. North
winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Cold with lows in the lower 30s.
North winds 5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. Southeast winds
5 to 10 mph, becoming south in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
lower 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy in the evening, then becoming
mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the upper 50s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the lower 70s. Chance of rain 40 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the mid
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the mid 60s.
$$
TXZ226-022200-
Wharton-
Including the cities of El Campo and Wharton
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Cloudy. Showers likely late, then a chance of showers
this morning. A slight chance of showers this afternoon. Highs in
the mid 40s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds around
15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Not as cool with highs in the mid 50s.
North winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds
5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. East winds
around 5 mph, becoming southeast in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the mid
40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the lower 70s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the lower
60s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the upper 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Lows
in the upper 50s.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs around 70.
$$
TXZ300-022200-
Southern Liberty-
Including the city of Devers
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Showers early this morning, then a chance of showers
this afternoon. Near steady temperature in the lower 40s. North
winds around 10 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
.TONIGHT...Cloudy. Near steady temperature in the lower 40s.
North winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Not as cool
with highs in the upper 50s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the mid 30s. Northeast winds
around 5 mph.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs around 60. East winds around 5 mph,
becoming southeast in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the mid
40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs around 70.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows around 50.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows around 60.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the mid 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the upper
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the lower 70s.
$$
TXZ313-022200-
Coastal Harris-
Including the cities of Pasadena and Baytown
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Showers early this morning, then a chance of showers
this afternoon. Near steady temperature in the lower 40s. North
winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
.TONIGHT...Cloudy. Near steady temperature in the lower 40s.
North winds around 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Not as cool
with highs in the upper 50s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 30s. Northeast
winds 5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. East winds around
5 mph, becoming southeast in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the
upper 40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. A chance of showers in the afternoon. Highs in
the mid 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows in the upper
50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the lower 70s.
$$
TXZ338-022200-
Coastal Galveston-
Including the cities of Texas City, Dickinson, and La Marque
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Showers likely early this morning, then a chance of
showers this afternoon. Near steady temperature in the mid 40s.
North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Cloudy. Near steady temperature in the lower 40s.
North winds 15 to 20 mph.
.FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Not as cool
with highs in the mid 50s. North winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up
to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the lower 40s. Northeast winds
5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. East winds 5 to
10 mph, becoming southeast in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy and not as cool. Near steady
temperature in the lower 50s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. Highs in the lower 70s.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the
upper 50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs around 70.
$$
TXZ337-022200-
Coastal Brazoria-
Including the cities of Lake Jackson, Freeport, and Clute
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Showers likely early this morning, then a slight chance
of showers this afternoon. Highs in the mid 40s. North winds
10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s. North winds 10 to
15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Not as cool
with highs in the mid 50s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 30s. North winds
5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Northeast winds
5 to 10 mph, becoming southeast in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows around 50.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Lows
in the upper 50s.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the lower 70s.
$$
TXZ336-022200-
Coastal Matagorda-
Including the city of Palacios
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Cloudy. Showers likely late, then a chance of showers
this morning. A slight chance of showers this afternoon. Highs in
the mid 40s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s. North winds
15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Highs in
the mid 50s. North winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds
5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Northeast winds
5 to 10 mph, becoming southeast in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows around 50.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Lows
in the mid 50s.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs around 70.
$$
TXZ335-022200-
Coastal Jackson-
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Cloudy. Showers likely late, then a chance of showers
this morning. A slight chance of showers this afternoon. Highs in
the mid 40s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s. North winds
15 to 20 mph.
.FRIDAY...Sunny. Not as cool with highs in the mid 50s. North
winds 10 to 15 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 30s. North winds
5 to 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 60s. Northeast winds
around 5 mph, becoming southeast in the afternoon.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Not as cool with lows in the mid
40s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the lower 70s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 70s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 60s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Lows
in the mid 50s.
.WEDNESDAY...Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers. Highs in
the upper 60s.
$$
TXZ436-022200-
Matagorda Islands-
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Cloudy. Showers likely late, then a chance of showers
this morning. A slight chance of showers this afternoon. Breezy
with highs in the mid 40s. North winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up
to 25 mph, becoming northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to
35 mph this afternoon. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Mostly cloudy and breezy. Lows around 40. North winds
15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
.FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Highs in
the lower 50s. North winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the mid 40s. North winds
10 to 15 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. East winds 5 to
10 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy and not as cool. Near steady
temperature in the mid 50s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Near steady temperature in the
upper 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Near steady temperature in the mid
60s.
.TUESDAY...Cloudy. Highs in the upper 60s.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Lows
in the upper 50s.
.WEDNESDAY...Cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers. Highs in
the mid 60s.
$$
TXZ437-022200-
Brazoria Islands-
Including the city of Surfside Beach
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Showers likely early this morning, then a slight chance
of showers this afternoon. Near steady temperature in the mid
40s. North winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Cloudy. Near steady temperature in the lower 40s.
North winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. North winds 15 to
20 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 40s. Northeast
winds around 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs around 60. East winds around
10 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy and not as cool. Near steady
temperature in the mid 50s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Near steady temperature in the
upper 50s.
.MONDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 60s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Near steady temperature in the
lower 60s.
.TUESDAY...Mostly cloudy. Highs around 70.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of showers. Lows
in the upper 50s.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s.
$$
TXZ438-022200-
Galveston Island-
Including the city of Galveston
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Showers likely early this morning, then a chance of
showers this afternoon. Near steady temperature in the mid 40s.
North winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
.TONIGHT...Cloudy, breezy. Near steady temperature in the mid
40s. North winds 20 to 25 mph.
.FRIDAY...Mostly cloudy in the morning, then clearing. Highs in
the mid 50s. North winds 15 to 20 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s. Northeast
winds around 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. East winds 5 to
10 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy. Near steady temperature in the
mid 50s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Near steady temperature in the
upper 50s.
.MONDAY...Sunny in the morning, then becoming partly sunny. Highs
in the upper 60s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Near steady temperature in the
lower 60s.
.TUESDAY...Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 60s.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the
upper 50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s.
$$
TXZ439-022200-
Bolivar Peninsula-
312 AM CST Thu Feb 2 2023
.TODAY...Showers early this morning, then a chance of showers
this afternoon. Near steady temperature in the mid 40s. North
winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80 percent.
.TONIGHT...Cloudy. Near steady temperature in the mid 40s. North
winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
.FRIDAY...Partly sunny in the morning, then clearing. Not as cool
with highs in the mid 50s. North winds 15 to 20 mph.
.FRIDAY NIGHT...Clear. Lows in the lower 40s. Northeast winds
around 10 mph.
.SATURDAY...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. East winds 5 to
10 mph.
.SATURDAY NIGHT...Partly cloudy and not as cool. Near steady
temperature in the mid 50s.
.SUNDAY...Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s.
.SUNDAY NIGHT...Mostly clear. Near steady temperature in the
upper 50s.
.MONDAY...Sunny in the morning, then becoming partly sunny. Highs
in the upper 60s.
.MONDAY NIGHT...Mostly cloudy. Near steady temperature in the
lower 60s.
.TUESDAY...Mostly cloudy. Highs around 70.
.TUESDAY NIGHT...Cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows in the
upper 50s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
.WEDNESDAY...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers.
Highs in the upper 60s.
$$
_____
Copyright 2023 AccuWeather | 2023-02-02T10:06:33+00:00 | sfgate.com | https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/tx-houston-galveston-tx-zone-forecast-17758633.php |
Gas prices, recession fears, and interest rates spark caution about job changes
MENLO PARK, Calif., July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Quicken Inc., maker of America's best-selling personal finance software, today shared findings from a survey indicating that current economic conditions are causing Americans to rethink making changes to their job situation, including delaying their retirement plans.
Survey responses show that almost half (48%) of those who planned to retire in 2022 are reconsidering or have put that plan on hold. Another 25% of 58-74 year olds who were not planning on retiring in 2022 are now considering delaying retirement even further out.
Among those who are considering delaying retirement or unretiring, the changing economic climate is top of mind: 65% cited inflation pushing up costs; 45% pointed to the decline in the stock market, and 30% cited increased interest rates, all leading to the need to work longer; additionally, 12% said their partner's job or compensation had been negatively impacted, and they had to help fill the gap.
"Through the end of 2021, we were in an unusual environment with plenty of jobs, a buoyant stock market, and tame inflation. In 2022, it's a different story," said Eric Dunn, Quicken CEO. "Given our current economic conditions, it's more important than ever to have a financial plan and manage your spending wisely."
Half of those who had planned to switch jobs this year are reconsidering or have put those plans on hold, as well. When asked what has given employees hesitation about changing jobs in the last six months, 40% said gas prices, 30% said the potential for recession, 12% cited rising interest rates for homeownership, and 9% said rising interest rates for student loans.
Whether they decide to switch jobs or not, people often experience some level of angst about that choice. Those who have changed jobs recently claimed a higher level of happiness versus those who did not (40% vs 25%), but almost a third (30%) on both sides still felt "frustration" with their job situation. And those who switched also felt a higher sense of regret (15% vs 7%) and guilt (12% vs 6%) versus those who did not.
There is a bright spot, however, for employees who've been unhappy at work but haven't made a change due to the high value of their stock options. A quarter of employees with equity or stock options say the decline in the stock market has actually made it easier for them to consider a job change, with some already having made a switch.
You can read additional findings from the survey on Quicken's blog.
To help track and manage your financial health, visit https://www.quicken.com/products.
Quicken is the best-selling personal finance software in the U.S. For over 35 years, more than 20 million customers have relied on Quicken to help them take control of their finances. Quicken's award-winning suite of personal finance software and apps — including Quicken Starter Edition, Quicken Deluxe, Quicken Premier, Quicken Home & Business, and Simplifi by Quicken — cater to different financial needs and device preferences. Simplifi by Quicken, named the "best budgeting app" by The New York Times Wirecutter, was added to the Quicken product suite in 2020. Simplifi, a web and mobile app, is designed to help a new generation of digital natives easily stay on top of their finances.
Learn more about Quicken here and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Reddit. Click here to learn more about Simplifi by Quicken, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Simplifi is available for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Methodology: This SurveyMonkey online poll was conducted in June 2022. The survey consisted of a sample of 1,000 U.S. adults, ages 18 to 74, from the Cint consumer network.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Quicken | 2022-07-20T15:21:57+00:00 | mysuncoast.com | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/inflation-market-decline-are-causing-people-rethink-retirement-quicken-survey-shows/ |
De La Soul — “Eye Know”
De La Soul continues to roll out the classics. Before performing at the 65th Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 5, the iconic rap group unleashes “Eye Know” to streaming services.
This Daisy Age staple from 3 Feet High and Rising credits Otis Redding as a featured guest. Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay” classic inspired the track with those memorable whistles appearing throughout the “Eye Know” beat.
But this is just another taste of things to come from the legendary group. De La is currently prepping to release some of their most celebrated albums, including 3 Feet High and Rising, De La Soul Is Dead, Buhloone Mindstate, and Stakes Is High. All of those projects are slated to hit streaming on March 3.
“Eye Know’s” streaming release follows “The Magic Number.” A high-definition version of the song’s original music video accompanies this release. Listen to the song and check out that vibrant visual below.
GloRilla — “Internet Trolls”
GloRilla and Hitkidd team up again. After joining forces on a series of songs including Glo’s breakout smash “FNF (Let’s Go),” the duo is back at it with the release of “Internet Trolls.”
This time around, CMG’s rising star tackles online facades: “You could be who you wanna be, live how you wanna live / Stunt how you wanna stunt, give what you ’posed to give / Say what you wanna say, feel how you wanna feel / Sometimes, I think they be forgettin’ the internet a fairytale.”
Troy Roscoe directed the song’s music video. The visual depicts some of GloRilla’s lyrics with creative vignettes. “She be mommy of the year but never have them kids,” Glo raps while a woman holds her child up for a photo before ignoring the kid to post the picture on socials.
GloRilla had a stellar 2022 with the aforementioned “FNF” single and the Cardi B-assisted “Tomorrow 2” collab. This year, she teamed up with Moneybagg Yo for “On Wat U On” and she recently won “Female Rapper of the Year” at the XXL Awards. Listen to “Internet Trolls” and watch the music video below.
JID & Lute — “Ma Boy”
Dreamville and Hollywood connect. J. Cole’s lauded record label is executive producing the forthcoming Creed III soundtrack, which is slated to feature the imprint’s roster and more. JID and Lute join forces on “Ma Boy,” the first song from the upcoming release.
For his part, the fast-rapping and introspective JID raps about hardship and triumph in a descriptive and nimble verse: “Been cut up and bruised too / The ugly wounds will soon turn beautiful, trust me.”
Afterward, Lute arrives to rap about his own come-up and all the painful things that made him who he is today: “You know how I got these stripes / They know I’m rooted in blood / Y’all just be lit off the hype / But you know this really my life.”
Directed by its star Michael B. Jordan, Creed III hits theaters on March 3rd and the soundtrack arrives on the same date. Listen to “Ma Boy” below.
Ella Mai — Heart On My Sleeve (Deluxe Edition)
After dropping her Heart On My Sleeve album last year, Ella Mai is back with the LP’s deluxe version. The new project features three new songs including “This Is.”
The latter is an R&B ballad about a budding romance. “I’m pretty damn sure that this is the kind of love that keeps me up all night,” she sings on the track.
Longtime Ella Mai collaborator Mustard and LaDamon “FatBoi” Douglas produced the record. That provides the soundtrack for Ella’s romantic lyrics: “Just wanna love you for my whole life / Do it for you, I’ma make time / I wanna kick it until midnight / Just to be with you ‘till the sunrise.”
The original included Roddy Ricch, Lucky Daye, Latto, and the single “DFMU.” Meanwhile, the new edition of the project also includes “2 O’Clock” and “Our Song.” Listen to Heart On My Sleeve (Deluxe Edition) below.
STREAMED: GloRilla Takes Aim At “Internet Trolls” In New Video, Ella Mai Returns With “Heart On My Sleeve (Deluxe Edition),” & More was originally published on cassiuslife.com | 2023-02-07T14:14:01+00:00 | hot1009.com | https://hot1009.com/3552250/streamed-glorilla-takes-aim-at-internet-trolls-in-new-video-ella-mai-returns-with-heart-on-my-sleeve-deluxe-edition-more/ |
Meta trims election misinformation efforts as midterms loom
WASHINGTON (AP) — Facebook owner Meta is quietly curtailing some of the safeguards designed to thwart voting misinformation or foreign interference in U.S. elections as the November midterm vote approaches.
It’s a sharp departure from the social media giant’s multibillion-dollar efforts to enhance the accuracy of posts about U.S. elections and regain trust from lawmakers and the public after their outrage over learning the company had exploited people’s data and allowed falsehoods to overrun its site during the 2016 campaign.
The pivot is raising alarm about Meta’s priorities and about how some might exploit the world’s most popular social media platforms to spread misleading claims, launch fake accounts and rile up partisan extremists.
“They’re not talking about it,” said former Facebook policy director Katie Harbath, now the CEO of the tech and policy firm Anchor Change. “Best case scenario: They’re still doing a lot behind the scenes. Worst case scenario: They pull back, and we don’t know how that’s going to manifest itself for the midterms on the platforms.”
Since last year, Meta has shut down an examination into how falsehoods are amplified in political ads on Facebook by indefinitely banishing the researchers from the site.
CrowdTangle, the online tool that the company offered to hundreds of newsrooms and researchers so they could identify trending posts and misinformation across Facebook or Instagram, is now inoperable on some days.
Public communication about the company’s response to election misinformation has gone decidedly quiet. Between 2018 and 2020, the company released more than 30 statements that laid out specifics about how it would stifle U.S. election misinformation, prevent foreign adversaries from running ads or posts around the vote and subdue divisive hate speech.
Top executives hosted question and answer sessions with reporters about new policies. CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote Facebook posts promising to take down false voting information and authored opinion articles calling for more regulations to tackle foreign interference in U.S. elections via social media.
But this year Meta has only released a one-page document outlining plans for the fall elections, even as potential threats to the vote remain clear. Several Republican candidates are pushing false claims about the U.S. election across social media. In addition, Russia and China continue to wage aggressive social media propaganda campaigns aimed at further political divides among American audiences.
Meta says that elections remain a priority and that policies developed in recent years around election misinformation or foreign interference are now hard-wired into company operations.
“With every election, we incorporate what we’ve learned into new processes and have established channels to share information with the government and our industry partners,” Meta spokesman Tom Reynolds said.
He declined to say how many employees would be on the project to protect U.S. elections full time this year.
During the 2018 election cycle, the company offered tours and photos and produced head counts for its election response war room. But The New York Times reported the number of Meta employees working on this year’s election had been cut from 300 to 60, a figure Meta disputes.
Reynolds said Meta will pull hundreds of employees who work across 40 of the company’s other teams to monitor the upcoming vote alongside the election team, with its unspecified number of workers.
The company is continuing many initiatives it developed to limit election misinformation, such as a fact-checking program started in 2016 that enlists the help of news outlets to investigate the veracity of popular falsehoods spreading on Facebook or Instagram. The Associated Press is part of Meta’s fact-checking program.
This month, Meta also rolled out a new feature for political ads that allows the public to search for details about how advertisers target people based on their interests across Facebook and Instagram.
Yet, Meta has stifled other efforts to identify election misinformation on its sites.
It has stopped making improvements to CrowdTangle, a website it offered to newsrooms around the world that provides insights about trending social media posts. Journalists, fact-checkers and researchers used the website to analyze Facebook content, including tracing popular misinformation and who is responsible for it.
That tool is now “dying,” former CrowdTangle CEO Brandon Silverman, who left Meta last year, told the Senate Judiciary Committee this spring.
Silverman told the AP that CrowdTangle had been working on upgrades that would make it easier to search the text of internet memes, which can often be used to spread half-truths and escape the oversight of fact-checkers, for example.
“There’s no real shortage of ways you can organize this data to make it useful for a lot of different parts of the fact-checking community, newsrooms and broader civil society,” Silverman said.
Not everyone at Meta agreed with that transparent approach, Silverman said. The company has not rolled out any new updates or features to CrowdTangle in more than a year, and it has experienced hourslong outages in recent months.
Meta also shut down efforts to investigate how misinformation travels through political ads.
The company indefinitely revoked access to Facebook for a pair of New York University researchers who they said collected unauthorized data from the platform. The move came hours after NYU professor Laura Edelson said she shared plans with the company to investigate the spread of disinformation on the platform around the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, which is now the subject of a House investigation.
“What we found, when we looked closely, is that their systems were probably dangerous for a lot of their users,” Edelson said.
Privately, former and current Meta employees say exposing those dangers around the American elections have created public and political backlash for the company.
Republicans routinely accuse Facebook of unfairly censoring conservatives, some of whom have been kicked off for breaking the company’s rules. Democrats, meanwhile, regularly complain the tech company hasn’t gone far enough to curb disinformation.
“It’s something that’s so politically fraught, they’re more trying to shy away from it than jump in head first.” said Harbath, the former Facebook policy director. “They just see it as a big old pile of headaches.”
Meanwhile, the possibility of regulation in the U.S. no longer looms over the company, with lawmakers failing to reach any consensus over what oversight the multibillion-dollar company should be subjected to.
Free from that threat, Meta’s leaders have devoted the company’s time, money and resources to a new project in recent months.
Zuckerberg dived into this massive rebranding and reorganization of Facebook last October, when he changed the company’s name to Meta Platforms Inc. He plans to spend years and billions of dollars evolving his social media platforms into a nascent virtual reality construct called the “metaverse” — sort of like the internet brought to life, rendered in 3D.
His public Facebook page posts now focus on product announcements, hailing artificial intelligence, and photos of him enjoying life. News about election preparedness is announced in company blog posts not written by him.
In one of Zuckerberg’s posts last October, after an ex-Facebook employee leaked internal documents showing how the platform magnifies hate and misinformation, he defended the company. He also reminded his followers that he had pushed Congress to modernize regulations around elections for the digital age.
“I know it’s frustrating to see the good work we do get mischaracterized, especially for those of you who are making important contributions across safety, integrity, research and product,” he wrote on Oct. 5. “But I believe that over the long term if we keep trying to do what’s right and delivering experiences that improve people’s lives, it will be better for our community and our business.”
It was the last time he discussed the Menlo Park, California-based company’s election work in a public Facebook post.
___
Associated Press technology writer Barbara Ortutay contributed to this report.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of misinformation at https://apnews.com/hub/misinformation.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | 2022-08-05T13:14:09+00:00 | kmvt.com | https://www.kmvt.com/2022/08/05/meta-trims-election-misinformation-efforts-midterms-loom/ |
He won by a razor-thin margin over an opponent who refuses to concede. He'll take over a deeply polarized country with a troubled economy. And while some Brazilians are hopeful he can put the country back on track, others view him as a crook.
Despite engineering a stunning political comeback by winning the presidency in Sunday's runoff election over far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva could face a short honeymoon — and a long four years in office.
"He's going to have a very hard job rebuilding the country," said Cecilia Tornaghi, a Brazil expert and managing editor of the journal Americas Quarterly. "It's a win — but who would want this kind of victory?"
Da Silva will take it.
From prison to president-elect
Da Silva served two terms as president, from 2003 to 2010, and helped millions of Brazilians climb out of poverty, to become an icon of the Latin American left.
But in April 2018, he wound up in prison convicted in a massive corruption scandal that appeared it could end his long and storied political career.
After about a year and a half behind bars, he was released on a technicality in 2019 and the country's Supreme Court annulled his criminal conviction, finding that the judge in the case was biased.
Then da Silva launched another run for the presidency and went on to win with 50.9% of the vote compared to 49.1% for Bolsonaro — in the tightest presidential race going back at least to the end of Brazil's dictatorship 37 years ago.
"I consider myself as someone who's been resurrected," a relieved da Silva said in his victory speech.
He set out to save democracy
During his campaign, da Silva, a 77-year-old survivor of throat cancer, said a major reason for seeking his old job was to restore liberal democracy to Brazil after four years of Bolsonaro, a far-right populist in the mold of former President Donald Trump.
Bolsonaro, 67, is a former army captain who has praised the country's 1964-85 military dictatorship. He has verbally attacked the media, fomented racism, weakened government institutions, questioned the legitimacy of Brazil's electoral system, and hinted that he would stay in power even if he lost.
Indeed, Bolsonaro has yet to concede defeat and on Monday, pro-Bolsonaro truckers blocked roads in 12 of the country's 27 states to protest the official results.
However, several Bolsonaro allies, including Economy Minister Paulo Guedes and Arthur Lira, president of the lower house of Congress, have acknowledged that da Silva won. On Sunday night, Lira told a news conference: "The will of the majority, expressed at the polls, should never be challenged."
Meanwhile, the U.S. and several other governments moved quickly to recognize da Silva's victory.
São Paulo political analyst Oliver Stuenkel told NPR that Bolsonaro may opt for some dubious middle ground between acceptance and denial. To avoid legal problems, he may allow for a peaceful transition of power while refusing to formally concede. That would allow him to fuel resentment and keep his base fired up for future elections.
Either way, Javier Corrales, a political science professor at Amherst College in Massachusetts, described da Silva's triumph as vital for the health of Brazil's democracy and compared it to President Biden's defeat of Trump in the 2020 U.S. election. The results of both elections, he tweeted, represent "some of the world's most important cases of containment of democratic backsliding."
Rather than fomenting divisions like Bolsonaro, da Silva in his victory speech promised to bring Brazilians together, saying, "We are one country, one people, one great nation."
However, the U.S. often seems more polarized today than when Trump left office and the same thing could happen in Brazil once Bolsonaro leaves the presidential palace in Brasília.
"That's why people here are less euphoric than Americans were when Biden won. They are more realistic and sense that uniting Brazil may just be impossible," Stuenkel said.
In addition, Brazilian politics have grown far more conservative than when da Silva first held office between 2003-1010, with many legislature seats and state houses now occupied by Bolsonaro loyalists. Many of them consider da Silva as a criminal and an illegitimate leader and could block his efforts to increase the minimum wage, bolster anti-poverty programs and protect the Amazon rainforest.
Da Silva's known as a pragmatic dealmaker
During his campaign, da Silva promised a return to the economic good times he oversaw during his first stint as president. But that was during a commodities boom fueled by massive demand from China for Brazilian soybeans, oil and minerals. Today, growth in China is slowing while Brazil and other nations are dealing with soaring energy prices and inflation and stagnant economies.
But da Silva also possesses some unique talents.
Tornaghi of Americas Quarterly points out that the president-elect is a pragmatic former union boss and a skilled dealmaker. Referring to him by his nickname, she said: "Lula is a major-league negotiator."
And rather than promise dramatic reforms, da Silva pledged a return to normalcy after four years of erratic leadership under Bolsonaro, including his botched response to the COVID-19 pandemic that gave Brazil the world's second-highest recorded death toll from the disease after the U.S.
In the end, low expectations for his administration could end up helping da Silva.
"Since Everybody says Lula will get nothing done," Stuenkel said. "So, that provides him with some space to surprise the skeptics."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2022-10-31T23:41:00+00:00 | iowapublicradio.org | https://www.iowapublicradio.org/news-from-npr/news-from-npr/2022-10-31/how-an-ex-president-who-had-been-jailed-rose-back-to-power-over-brazils-far-right |
Q2 growth at +29%
PARIS, July 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ekinops (Euronext Paris - FR0011466069 – EKI), a leading supplier of telecommunication solutions for telecom operators and businesses, reports Q2 2022 revenue (April 1 to 30 June 2022).
SixSq has been consolidated since November 1, 2021.
Acceleration of growth in Q2 2022: €35.5m, up +29%
With growth of +29%, Q2 2022 revenue reached a new peak for Ekinops. The Group's consolidated revenue stood at €35.5m, vs. €27.6m a year earlier. At constant scope and exchange rates, quarterly growth stood at +24%.
Over H1 2022, revenue amounted to €63.3 million, vs. €50.8 million in H1 2021, an increase of €12.5m. This solid level reflects robust growth of +25% relative to H1 2021 and +20% relative to the H2 2021, which traditionally contributes more.
At mid-year 2022, the group is therefore well ahead of its full-year target for revenue growth in 2022 to be at least equal to 2021 growth (+12%) and pushing towards +15%.
Growth in all business lines, with Software & services up +47%
The robust half-year performance was driven by growth in all the Group's business lines (Optical transport, Access and Software & services). In the wake of 2022, the Optical transport activity was particularly buoyant, with robust growth of +31% relative to H1 2021, thanks to the success of 200 Gb/s and 400 Gb/s WDM systems.
Over the period, momentum in Access solution sales was also strong in all regions, with +21% growth compared to H1 2021.
Driven by the success of SDN (Software Defined Networks) solutions, network functions virtualization (VNFs – Virtual Network Functions), Services activity, including the contribution of SixSq's activities, revenue generated by sales of software and services, which constitute a factor for improving profitability, jumped by +47%, representing 15% of H1 revenues.
Revenues up +29% in France and strong sales momentum in international business, including +48% in North America
International sales momentum was upbeat over H1 2022, with revenue up +22% and strong growth in all regions. International business accounted for 65% of total revenue over H1 2021 (vs 67% a year earlier).
Business volumes totaled €12.8 million in North America, representing strong growth of +48% relative to H1 2021 (+33% in US dollar), driven by demand for Optical transport equipment. Ekinops reached, for the first time, 20% of its revenue in North America in H1 2022 (vs. 17% in the previous year).
At mid-year, EMEA (Europe, excl. France, Middle-East and Africa), which accounts for 38% of business, generated revenue of €24.3 million, up +6% relative to H1 of the previous year.
After two years of business severely impacted by the pandemic, Asia-Pacific was able to restore growth in H2 2021. This growth trajectory continued in H1 2022 with a very sustained +80% increase in half-year sales. This performance was driven by strong traction in Access solutions, notably with an Australian Tier 1 operator entering the group's Top 10 customers. Asia-Pacific region accounted for 7% of Ekinops' total business activity in H1 2022 (vs 5% one year prior).
After virtually stable revenue in its domestic market in 2021 and until the first quarter of the year, Ekinops restored sharp growth in France in H1 2022. With robust sales momentum in both Optical transport and Access solutions, growth amounted to +29% in France compared to H1 2021. Ekinops recorded 35% of its half-year sales in France.
FY 2022 guidance fully confirmed at mid-year
After a particularly dynamic Q1 (+20%), Ekinops continued its sustained growth trajectory in Q2 (+29%) with excellent order intake illustrating the Group's ability to capture investments from operators and enterprises, as well as the relevance of its solutions for their needs in this difficult economic context.
However, Ekinops remains vigilant regarding the components' crisis, which is set to continue over 2022 and remain very present in coming quarters. To date, however, it has not caused any major impact on the Group's business, which thanks to its control over its supply chain, is largely outperforming its market and competitors.
At mid-year, Ekinops confirms its annual guidance:
- robust organic growth, at least equal to the 2021 level (+12%) and pushing towards +15%;
- gross margin of between 52% and 56%, in line with its long-term ambitions and factoring in the potential impact of the supply chain crisis on electronic components;
- EBITDA margin between 14% and 18%, integrating human and technological investments to execute the new growth plan.
At the same time, Ekinops remains particularly active on the external growth front, continuing to explore all acquisitions opportunities that could create value for the company.
Didier Brédy, Chairman and CEO of Ekinops, stated:
"After a dynamic 2021 for Ekinops, this beginning of 2022 is marked by a clear acceleration in demand growth.
Illustrating this dynamism, all our business lines show strong growth, with strong traction in our Optical transport solutions, particularly in North America. This momentum puts us ahead of our target set at the time of the OTN technology acquisition in 2019, namely, to triple our sales over 5 years for this business line.
Beyond the excellent growth in sales, my greatest satisfaction is the tremendously positive feedback from our largest customers regarding our ability to deliver on schedule while the unprecedented components crisis is raging. From the beginning of the Covid crisis, we have chosen to use our balance sheet to increase our inventory, to buy certain risky components 12 to 18 months in advance, while we would buy those 6 months ahead before the crisis. These choices have proven to be right ones as they generate goodwill from our customers and allow us to win market share."
2022 financial calendar
All press releases are published after Euronext Paris markets close.
EKINOPS Contact
Didier Brédy
Chairman and CEO
contact@ekinops.com
Investors
Mathieu Omnes
Investor relation
Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 92
momnes@actus.fr
Press
Amaury Dugast
Press relation
Tel.: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 74
adugast@actus.fr
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Ekinops | 2022-07-11T16:58:58+00:00 | kcbd.com | https://www.kcbd.com/prnewswire/2022/07/11/ekinops-delivers-record-h1-revenue-633-million-up-25/ |
Emma Watson is reflecting on a magical few years.
While celebrating her 33rd birthday April 15, the Harry Potter alum gave a rare look into her private life.
"This is 33. Holy moly," she captioned a series of black-and-white images taken the year before. "Before 29 I hadn't even heard of a Saturn Return as a concept. Let's just say that now I am well acquainted." (For those unaware, Saturn Return means the planet Saturn returned to the same place and degree it was at the time of someone's birth.)
Watson, who hasn't appeared in a major onscreen role since 2019's "Little Women," also detailed what she's been up to since maintaining a profile outside of the public eye.
Get Chicago local news, weather forecasts, sports and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Chicago newsletters.
"I stepped away from my life," she shared. "I learned to surf (badly), I rode some horses (that went better), I did a lot of therapy (YESS therapy!)"
The time has also been filled with personal changes and professional growth, such as directing her first commercial for Prada's Paradoxe Fragrance Campaign, as well as shooting 2022's "Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts."
Entertainment News
"I said goodbye to my Grandma and Grandpa," she continued. "I retraced my steps. I started a women's environmental investment fund. I played Pickleball with Sugar Ray Leonard and I even played golf and then tried to make all of my girlfriends learn too. I cut my thumb nail off on both hands trying to cook for myself and then was only able to do things one handed for months."
Emma—who sparked romance rumors with Brandon Green last August—further reflected on her past emotions and how she's becoming a better version of herself.
"I felt really sad and really pissed off about a lot of things," she wrote. "I learned more about love and being a woman. It took me three years but I have finally figured out a daily practice and can actually keep it for more than a few days in a row. I burned some things down. I eat green things now! I got obsessed with making Squarespace websites. Today I feel [butterfly emojis]."
She thanked the "witches in my coven" who were "so pivotal" in helping her get to where she is now. As for who is in her group of close friends, Emma dropped a series of emojis representing them: a wizard, sunflower, mermaid, ninja, deer, eye, cherry blossom, owl, desert, karate uniform and rose.
"You are my Avengers and you inspire me and kick ass," she concluded her message. "It takes a village, don't let anyone tell you otherwise." | 2023-04-18T01:39:01+00:00 | nbcchicago.com | https://www.nbcchicago.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/emma-watson-shares-rare-insight-into-her-private-life-in-birthday-message/3121083/ |
California lawmaker wants Peeps to change its ingredients
By HAVEN DALEY and ADAM BEAM
Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — This Easter, Americans will devour more than 1 billion Peeps — those radiant marshmallow chicks whose appearance on store shelves each year is as much a herald of spring as azaleas at the Masters.
What makes the treats so vibrant is erythrosine, a chemical that shows up on ingredient labels as Red No. 3. It’s one of several chemicals, along with titanium dioxide, used to color some of the most popular candy in the country — including Skittles and Hot Tamales.
Both chemicals have been linked to cancer. More than 30 years ago, U.S. regulators banned Red No. 3 from makeup. The U.S. still has not banned the chemical from food, to the dismay of some consumer safety groups.
Now, a state lawmaker wants to ban erythrosine and titanium dioxide in California, plus three other chemicals used in everyday favorites like tortillas and some store brand sodas.
The bill, scheduled for its first public hearing next week, has prompted headlines around the world declaring California wants to ban Skittles and other candy. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, a Democrat who authored the bill, said he wants to ban the chemicals, not the candy. He said plenty of alternative ingredients are available, noting the chemicals are already banned in Europe and that companies still find a way to sell candy there.
“They still produce Skittles in other parts of the world. What they do is they take out these toxic ingredients, and they replace them with something else,” Gabriel said. “What we really want is for these companies to make the same minor modifications to their recipes that they made in Europe and elsewhere.”
The National Confectioners Association, the trade group that represents candy companies, says it’s not that easy. Tastes vary across cultures, it said, meaning just because a candy is accepted by Europeans doesn’t mean it will be received well in the United States. Plus, changing ingredients would be a hardship for regional candy makers who don’t sell their products overseas, according to the trade group.
“There’s a lot more here at play than a simple soundbite solution,” said Christopher Gindlesperger, spokesperson for the association. “We need a comprehensive look at this to make sure there aren’t unintended consequences for chocolate and candy companies.”
In addition to erythrosine and titanium dioxide, the bill would ban potassium bromate and propylparaben, two chemicals used in baked goods, and brominated vegetable oil, which is used in some store brand sodas.
The U.S. has allowed dyes like erythrosine in food since 1907. Decades later, researchers found rats exposed to lots of erythrosine over a long time developed thyroid cancer. In 1990, based in part off of that research, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned erythrosine from cosmetics.
Consumer safety groups have tried for years to get the agency to ban the chemical in food to no avail. Researchers have since linked the chemical to other health problems besides cancer, including hyperactivity and other neurobiological behaviors in some children, according to a 2021 report from the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
The International Association of Color Manufacturers argued in a 2021 statement that California study was “based on insufficient scientific evidence.”
Titanium dioxide is a white powder that, because it scatters light, can make colors appear brighter. It’s been used for 100 years in products like paints, paper, rubber, toothpaste, soap and food coloring. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has listed titanium dioxide as a possible carcinogen in humans. The Titanium Dioxide Manufacturers Association maintains there is no evidence of it causing cancer in humans.
The candy industry insists the chemicals California is considering banning “have been thoroughly reviewed by the federal and state systems and many international scientific bodies and continue to be deemed safe,” according to a letter signed by various industry trade groups.
“These scientifically based regulatory processes should be allowed to continue without second guessing their outcomes,” the letter stated.
Scott Faber, senior vice president for governmental affairs for the nonprofit Environmental Working Group, said the only reason the chemical is still deemed safe by federal regulators is because of a loophole that has been exploited by chemical companies. He says regulators have not reviewed their prior decisions in light of new science.
“The confectioners and the food industry know the review process at the FDA is broken. They have been hiding behind it for decades. We shouldn’t let them hide behind it anymore,” Faber said. “If FDA won’t fix this review system and keep us safe from dangerous chemicals in our food, it’s up to states like California to keep us safe.”
Just Born Inc., the Pennsylvania-based company that makes Peeps, said in a statement the company complies with FDA regulations and gets their “ingredients and packaging exclusively from reputable suppliers who adhere to high quality and safety standards.”
The company noted its development team is looking for other options, “including colors derived form natural sources that can deliver the same visual impact and stability as their certified counterparts.”
___
Daley reported from San Francisco. | 2023-04-07T16:57:54+00:00 | keyt.com | https://keyt.com/news/2023/04/07/california-lawmaker-wants-peeps-to-change-its-ingredients/ |
Aaron Rodgers told Pat McAfee on Wednesday afternoon that he’s made up his mind about on his playing future.
“Since Friday, my intention was to play and play for the New York Jets,” Rodgers said.
The Packers and Jets still need to work out terms of a trade that would send the veteran quarterback to New York. Green Bay gave the Jets permission to speak with Rodgers about a potential trade last week and the quarterback sat down with the team’s ownership.
Rodgers, 39, is a four-time league MVP and led Green Bay to a win in Super Bowl XLV just two years removed from replacing Hall of Famer Brett Favre. The Packers drafted Rodgers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He threw for 59,055 career yards (65.3%) with 475 touchdowns in 18 seasons (223 career starts).
He signed a three-year, $150-million extension last year.
New York went 7-10 last year while starting four different starting quarterbacks (Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Mike White and Chris Streveler). White, the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, struggled last season and was benched multiple times.
Rodgers departure in Green Bay would clear the way for Jordan Love to take over as the team’s starter. Love has been the Packers backup quarterback since being drafted with the No. 26 overall pick in 2020.
Michael Niziolek covers the Bengals for cleveland.com. Follow him on Twitter @michaelniziolek, click here for more coverage.
Ohio bettors can wager now at FanDuel in Ohio and other sportsbooks in the state, including Barstool Sportsbook, Caesars and DraftKings.
If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. 21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. | 2023-03-15T18:16:19+00:00 | cleveland.com | https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2023/03/aaron-rodgers-plans-to-continue-nfl-career-wants-to-play-for-the-new-york-jets-in-2023.html |
Which double laundry hamper is best?
Few people relish the idea of sorting through a mountain of laundry at the end of a long weekend, but it makes for an organized life. Make it easy on yourself by organizing dirty clothes as you take them off with a double laundry hamper.
It may be a bit of an investment in organization, but the BirdRock Home Oversized Divided Hamper With Liners is a long-lasting, large-capacity hamper that will keep things tidy.
What to know before you buy a double laundry hamper
Laundry hamper material
A laundry hamper is available in many different materials.
- Plastic: Plastic may be molded or woven. This is lightweight but can sometimes feel cheaply made.
- Natural fibers: These may be wicker or another type of fiber woven and wrapped around a metal frame. These are generally sturdy and bring a more organic feel to your decor.
- Wood: Wood hampers are usually slatted to reduce weight and lined with fabric.
- Metal: Metal is heavy and can be mistaken for a trash can. Still, some people prefer the industrial look of this.
- Fabric: With or without a liner, fabric hampers are one of the most affordable options. They usually fold when not in use and are best for smaller households.
Laundry hamper footprint
Take the time to consider where your laundry hamper will go before investing in an oversized double hamper. The footprint of these is larger than a standard hamper, and it may require more vertical space, too.
Number of people in the household
The number of people in your household affects the size of the double hamper you choose. If you only need to sort a load or two, a smaller double hamper may suit you — and your space — better.
What to look for in a quality double laundry hamper
Removable laundry bags
Not everyone has the luxury of in-home laundry. If this is your situation, look for a hamper with removable laundry bags. These usually hook onto the frame of the hamper and slide closed with a drawstring for easy transport.
As a bonus, these can be tossed in the laundry when they need a wash, too.
Collapsible
When storage space is tight, or if you don’t always need a double hamper, collapsible versions fit the bill. These also ship flat and can cost less than more permanent hampers.
Easy assembly
Even if you select a fabric double laundry hamper that is collapsible, some assembly is usually required. This should be easy and straightforward, with clear instructions and no tools beyond a screwdriver required.
How much you can expect to spend on a double laundry hamper
The price depends on how long you’d like your double laundry hamper to last — in this case you do get what you pay for. Expect to spend $30-$225.
Double laundry hamper FAQ
How do you know which laundry hamper material to choose?
A. Some people choose their hamper based on their home’s decor. Wood or wicker hampers complement wood trim or flooring, while a metal or sturdy fabric works in a more industrial space.
Other options may be influenced by who is using the hamper. College students and kids might appreciate a softer fabric hamper that can be easily transported to the laundromat or laundry room, but more substantial materials may better suit those who have their laundry room on the same floor as their hamper.
Ultimately, what works best is different for each household.
How do you care for a laundry hamper?
A. The care generally depends on the material of the hamper you choose.
- Cloth hampers can be washed with the laundry. Otherwise, spot clean any dirty or stained areas.
- To prevent mildew or mold, mesh or plastic hampers are best for clothes that are wet. Slatted wood hampers can work here, too.
- Spray your fabric hamper with fabric refresher to keep it fresh and prevent odors.
- Dust wicker hampers with a dry cloth. You can also wipe with a damp cloth occasionally.
- Wood hampers can be polished with spray-on wood furniture polish. This protects them against damage from wet clothes and cuts down on dust.
What’s the best way to sort clothes in a double laundry hamper?
A. Although the simplest way to sort clothes in your double hamper is to separate the light and dark colors, some people have different needs. Consider sorting:
- Work clothes from exercise clothes
- Delicates from more sturdy fabrics
- Linens and clothing
- Clothes for different people
- Heavily soiled vs. lightly soiled
- Whites and colors
Ultimately the system you choose should be useful and make sense for your household.
What’s the best double laundry hamper to buy?
Top double laundry hamper
BirdRock Home Oversized Divided Hamper With Liners
What you need to know: This is stylish, substantial and best for households with a lot of laundry to sort.
What you’ll love: It’s woven from water hyacinth and is well-constructed on a metal frame. It comes with two removable mesh bags. It fits a total of four loads of laundry, and the handles are built-in and sturdy.
What you should consider: It’s expensive, but it will last a long time.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top double laundry hamper for the money
Household Essentials Laundry Double Hamper
What you need to know: This is an affordable option for large households.
What you’ll love: The detachable lid closes with magnets. It’s made of fabric and is easy to assemble, and holds up to four loads of laundry. It is collapsible, comes in four colors and is also available as a single hamper.
What you should consider: The handles are inconvenient, and some users wanted more structure.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Lifewit Double Laundry Hamper With Lid And Removable Laundry Bags
What you need to know: This is the perfect solution if you routinely travel to a laundromat.
What you’ll love: It’s a soft-sided double hamper supported by eight flexible rods. Each compartment comes with its own removable laundry bag. The lid is attached at the back of the camper and closes securely to keep things tidy. It is available in three colors.
What you should consider: Some users found the removable bags flimsy.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | 2022-05-21T08:33:41+00:00 | wcia.com | https://www.wcia.com/reviews/best-double-laundry-hamper/ |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani was a man of his word Tuesday night — even the ones he spoke in English.
The two-way Japanese All-Star called his shot before leading off the Midsummer Classic at Dodger Stadium, telling Fox’s Tom Verducci in the on-deck circle that he was going to jump on Clayton Kershaw quickly.
“First pitch, first swing. That’s it,” the reigning AL MVP declared.
Sure enough, Ohtani flared a 90.9 mph fastball off the Los Angeles Dodgers ace up the middle for a base hit.
Ohtani reached base in both of his plate appearances during the AL’s 3-2 win after drawing a walk in the third inning. He is the fifth starting designated hitter to reach base multiple times in an All-Star Game, joining Albert Pujols (2008), David Ortiz (2005), Edgar Martinez (1997) and Bobby Bonilla (1991).
“I was definitely swinging 100%. Kershaw has really good command,” Ohtani said through ever-present interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. “I wish I hit it more square. I wasn’t too happy about that.”
Dodgers shortstop and fellow All-Star Trea Turner said Kershaw giving up a single was better compared to how other pitchers have fared against Ohtani.
“I mean, I think Clayton would give up a broken-bat single any day as opposed to hitting homers or something like that,” Turner said. “I asked him why he didn’t throw a curveball, he basically said he was going to swing first pitch. But Clayton said, ‘No, I’m not that kind of guy. I’m going to challenge him.’”
Kershaw got his revenge against Ohtani. With a 1-2 count against Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, Kershaw caught Ohtani leaning a little too far off first base and threw to St Louis’ Paul Goldschmidt for the out. It was the first time since 2008 that a runner was picked off in the All-Star Game.
Kershaw said he threw over to first because he hadn’t decided what pitch to throw next to Judge, and he was buying himself a little time.
“I was seeing if there was a chance to run and he made a great move,” said Ohtani, who smiled as he dived into the bag and chuckled while sprawled in the dirt. “I was not expecting that, regardless, my name was going to be in the papers good or bad.”
Ohtani’s second trip to the All-Star Game was less hectic than last year, when he participated in the Home Run Derby and was the American League’s starting pitcher. He declined an invitation to participate in the Derby and asked AL manager Dusty Baker to not pitch because his next mound appearance is Friday in Atlanta when the Angels open the second half of the season.
“I was more relaxed. Definitely not as much of a workload as last year,” Ohtani said. “I threw last year and I think throwing takes a toll more than anything else.”
Over his last six starts, Ohtani has allowed only three runs (two earned) and 20 hits in 39 2/3 innings with 58 strikeouts and 11 walks. The right-hander is 9-4 with a 2.38 ERA in 15 starts.
At the plate, he is batting .258 with 19 home runs and 56 RBIs.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2022-07-20T17:20:36+00:00 | everythinglubbock.com | https://www.everythinglubbock.com/sports/shohei-ohtani-calls-shot-in-english-with-all-star-hit/ |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (AP)Russell Jones had 21 points in Western Carolina’s 71-60 victory over East Tennessee State on Wednesday night.
Jones also added three steals for the Catamounts (9-7, 2-1 Southern). Tre Jackson added 17 points while shooting 6 for 10, including 5 for 9 from beyond the arc, and he also had six rebounds and three steals. Vonterius Woolbright scored 14 points while adding nine rebounds and six assists.
The Buccaneers (6-10, 2-1) were led in scoring by Jordan King, who finished with 13 points. Jaden Seymour added 12 points and 12 rebounds for East Tennessee State. In addition, Jalen Haynes had 10 points and six rebounds.
—
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. | 2023-01-05T04:58:32+00:00 | kxnet.com | https://www.kxnet.com/scoreboard/jones-scores-21-western-carolina-knocks-off-etsu-71-60/ |
I’m jetlagged, but it’s all good. I’m in the pocket of a sleek, leather-lined four-seater, flipping its shift paddles to goose its twin-turbo V-6, strafing the countryside northwest of Rome. I’m all, oh, look, there’s an olive grove and oh, look, a thousand-year-old aqueduct. Meanwhile, I’m hoovering up pavement like the Italian cream buns at the Colosseum Cafe when not being squeezed into a half-lane by wandery Iveco box trucks.
Forty-eight hours earlier, I’d been filing my taxes and scooping the litter box. Gran turismo? You bet your maritozzo it is, notwithstanding the joys of 1099-INT forms and all.
The Maserati GranTurismo has been touring in style for decades, with a lineage that traces back 75 years to the A6 1500, until now powering its gorgeous body with scintillating gas engines. Today it’s one of a dying breed: Few cars put the “grand” in touring anymore, and for every flawless descendant like the Lexus LC, there are the ones that got away, like the soon-to-be-deceased Jag F-Type.
Maserati hopes to fend off the same fate with a wrench it’s tossing in the traditional formula: a battery-powered version dubbed the Folgore, which synthesizes some of the whuffling drive-by sounds of the “Nettuno” twin-turbo V-6, while putting the gas version on the trailer with scorching EV acceleration that jams batteries in places where twisting and combusting used to take place. It’s eerily quiet; it’s relentlessly quick; it’s entirely without precedent.
The Folgore is a rather dramatic departure. Will it stick? Or will traditionalists starve it off in favor of that whuffling Nettuno V-6?
2024 GranTurismo: Curves, controlled
To massage that transition, the GranTurismo’s style changes only subtly from the previous version, which last was sold in 2019. It stands in a classic touring-car contrapposto, with a long hood, a short decklid, maximally swole fenders, and ticks and stripes of metallic trim to draw attention to the most sculptural passages of its body. It sits lower than before, which translates into a lower seating position for driver and front passenger, and it’s also wider—but the classic elements fall into place with a natural grace, from the trident badge in its slim oval grille to the trim LED taillights. Forward-angled fender vents are a love-them-or-leave-them detail; we assign them a heart emoji. Trofeos wear some lily-gilding carbon-fiber trim.
The GranTurismo’s cabin empanels digital screens in its tech-forward transformation. A 12.2-inch digital gauge display pairs with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, which sits above an 8.8-inch climate-control touchscreen. It doesn’t chuck the past entirely in the bin. Glorious textures polish the cockpit to a sheen: aluminum grilles for speakers fit beautifully in an interior that even digitizes the round clock that studs the center of the dash, while the lower dash wears diamond-slitted scars that add a dash of style to some otherwise plain expanses of trim. Minus some shiny plastic steering-wheel switches, it’s an artful workplace.
2024 GranTurismo: Rip, snort, slice
With the MC20 supercar’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 nestled in its engine bay, the gas-powered GranTurismo roars forward with a hovercraft-style exhaust note that fits the end of its internal-combustion era. In the MC20 the Nettuno engine gets more power and dry-sump lubrication; in the GranTurismo Modena it spins out 490 hp and, in the Trofeo, a spec-champ 550 hp.
Paired with the standard paddle-shifted 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, Maserati claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds for the hotter Trofeo—which seems out of reach when activating the GT’s beast mode through the plastic transmission buttons on the dash, or when considering its relatively light curb weight that nonetheless checks in at 3,957 pounds, but comes into Canon-quick focus once you stomp the gas and unleash its raucous, war-wagon powertrain.
Channeling the best of the free-revving V-6 to the wheels takes little work. Finding the ideal drive mode, that’s a snap too. Skip the Comfort mode unless you’re on a hundred-mile highway chase. Otherwise the GranTurismo’s default GT mode cuts down on the exhaust snarl below 5,000 rpm while it strikes the responsive midpoint in shift quality. There’s Sport for aggro exhaust sounds and rifle-quick shifts, or Corsa, where all the slack filters out of the drivetrain and the traction and stability control systems shake their heads and walk away.
I sampled Corsa briefly, spooled out kilometers of side roads in GT mode, but kept returning to Sport to settle the GranTurismo in its happiest mode. It’s less about the drivetrain and its light-touch steering than about the suspension setup. In Comfort, the stiff dampers, big staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels (with 265/30 front and 295/35 rear tires), and a softly set air suspension jittered over small potholes and generated head toss. In Sport, with its air springs suitably firm, the GranTurismo resolved almost every pavement quibble neatly, getting into a groove at moderate to high speeds, smoothing it out and giving it even-keeled grip.
Grand-touring cuffing season
The GranTurismo is a big boy, at about 195.5 inches long—about the size of a Lucid Air—with a 115.3-inch wheelbase. Maserati promises four large adults can fit inside, and a quick test of the backseat proved that true, with 6-footer in front of 6-footer. Who’d want to ride in back is anyone’s guess, given the sensory pleasures of everything experienced in row one.
The front seats take some finagling to find their sweet spot, and the seats have very firm cushions, but they adjust in all the right ways, with lumbar boosting and waist-cinching controls available at a tap on the lower console screen. Maserati dresses the cabin in nutella-brown ash trim, with perforated black leather ribbed in yellow or red or gray—or in red or white leather if you’re daring. The real packaging surprise? A truly useful trunk, with enough room for at least three wheeled bags.
As either a Modena or a Trofeo, the GranTurismo has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A sybaritic 14-speaker Sonus Faber sound system comes standard, with a 19-speaker setup on the options list, along with a head-up display and a rear camera mirror. All cars come with automatic emergency braking, a surround-view camera system, and active lane control.
Yet to come are the GranTurismo convertible, called GranCabrio in some markets—and the Folgore, the battery-electric GranTurismo that will give Maserati a unique way to core-sample its owners’ preferences.
Folgore EV: a test of the true believers
Maserati will use Folgore on all of its EVs, including upcoming electric versions of the Grecale crossover and MC20 supercar. The GranTurismo is the name’s and idea’s maiden voyage, and it comes wrapped in even more fetching finishes—among them, coppery paint on the body and brake calipers, wheels that look like wound motors, and a denim-and-ivory interior two steps beyond fabulous.
What’s missing is the Nettuno’s chatty exhaust. In its place, Maserati subs in a synthesized soundtrack culled from inverter and electric-motor noises, and amplified subtly inside the cabin. It’s an EV, and noises aside, it’s otherwise nearly impossible to tell it apart from the gas-powered car. That’s intentional, Maserati engineers say, because the transition to electric propulsion will be a complicated topic for a brand with heritage so steeped in motorsports.
Press the start button and the GranTurismo Folgore does a digital wink to acknowledge you as the driver; then, silence. Nothing seems different in the cockpit, because its 92.5-kwh battery pack takes the place of gas-propulsion bits, from the engine to the differentials. Polish-sourced LG Chem batteries form a T-bone tucked into the driveline tunnel and stacked up behind the rear seats, adding at least 1,300 pounds to the body (for a total of about 4,850 pounds) while improving weight distribution to 50:50, versus the gas car’s 53:47 split.
Three motors—one in front, two in the back—team with the batteries and an 800-volt architecture to generate 760 hp and, maybe most importantly, a 0-60 mph time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. That’s with more left in the system: Engineers say the motors in the car are inverter-limited, and can spin out up to 300 kw (402 hp) each.
Still, EV cutting-edgers will murmur at some specs with eyes cast to the side. EPA-rated range will check in at a respectable 250 miles; the brand’s banking on regular battery and inverter improvements to boost performance from straight-line stellar to stratospheric.
Folgore EV: No single-pedal mode
The GranTurismo’s regenerative braking setup doesn’t have a single-pedal drive mode, either. Like a Benz EQB, it has four levels of regen that can slow the car at a force of up to 0.65 g, but it relies on friction brakes to finish the job. The modulation between the systems isn’t particularly smooth—a one-pedal setup would be the way to go here, ideally suited to the GranTurismo’s smooth-moves mission.
But the battery-powered GT accelerates more quickly and can be tailored to the driver better than the gas car. There’s a max-range drive mode in addition to the GT, Sport, and Corsa programs. In Corsa, drivers can set the torque-vectoring across the rear end separately from the traction-control levels. (There’s no mechanical connection between the rear motors, though.)
What’s even more notable about the Folgore’s performance comes from the battery layout: by wedging cells down its spine, the GranTurismo keeps a more traditional roll moment, and the ride height isn’t much different from that of the gas model. Like the Trofeo and Modena, the Folgore’s a widebody all the time, even on narrow streets than you want when a bus is taking its usual lane and a half. Its air springs and adjustable dampers flatten and hone the road better than the gas car; it’s likely less busy over roughly paved routes because of all that extra weight. The steering doesn’t compile with needless heft, and its lightness remaps the entire impression of driving the heavier GT: it’s better because it masks its weight so well.
Further in the spec weeds, the Folgore’s 800-volt architecture means high-speed charging will be possible, but Maserati has yet to name a charging provider-partner in the U.S., though it says to expect the ability to add 100 miles in around 10 minutes using a DC fast charger. We were given no opportunity to charge or to fully discharge the Folgore.
Finally, as for that distinctive sound, it barely left a memory trail. The distinctive vocals etched into RAM for the Folgore wouldn’t rank anywhere near AMG’s initial efforts at, um, notability; Dodge’s silly Fratzonic sounds come from another, far more literal galaxy. If anything, the battery-powered GranTurismo makes the gas-powered version seem too boisterous and unrefined. It puts an entirely new and different spin on the “grand” in grand touring. Now it’s up to drivers to judge whether silence sounds as good as the GranTurismo looks—or whether it’s compulsory for exotics to shout out their branding.
GranTurismos can be configured now, but the Folgore won’t be on sale until the second half of the year. Prices for the Modena model begin at $174,000; the Trofeo’s sticker will read at least $205,000. The Folgore will cost somewhat more than the Trofeo.
Maserati provided cars, travel, and a maritozzo or two so that Motor Authority could bring you this test drive review.
Related Articles
- 2024 Audi RS 6 E-Tron spy shots
- Ferrari Purosangue production capped at 20% of total deliveries
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class plug-in hybrid packs 510 hp, $123,700 sticker
- Maserati open to building one-off cars
- 2024 Porsche Cayenne Coupe spy shots | 2023-02-15T09:14:54+00:00 | wearegreenbay.com | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/automotive/internet-brands/review-2024-maserati-granturismo-tests-the-true-believers/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — A man drove his car into a barricade near the U.S. Capitol early Sunday and then began firing gunshots in the air before fatally shooting himself, according to police, who said he did not seem to be targeting any member of Congress.
The incident happened just before 4 a.m. at a vehicle barricade set at East Capitol Street NE and 2nd Street SE in Washington.
It comes at a time when law enforcement authorities across the country are facing an increasing number of threats and federal officials have warned about the potential of violent attacks on government buildings in the days since the FBI’s search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
The attack is reminiscent of an incident when a man drove a vehicle into two Capitol Police officers at a checkpoint in April 2021, killing an 18-year veteran of the force. And many on Capitol Hill remain on edge after supporters of the then-president stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Authorities said the man, identified as Richard A. York III, 29, of Delaware, crashed into the barricade and that as he was getting out of the car, the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The man then opened fire, firing several shots into the air as police approached.
Capitol Police said the man shot himself as the officers neared. He was later pronounced dead.
Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said officers did not hear the man say anything before he opened fire “indiscriminately” in the street with a handgun and walked toward the Capitol building. Authorities are investigating whether the man may have set his car on fire, the chief said, because the collision did not appear to cause the blaze.
Police officers at the scene saw the man fatally shoot himself as they approached, Manger said.
The chief said investigators located addresses for the man in Delaware and Pennsylvania and learned he had a criminal history in the past decade, though his motive remained unclear and he had no links to the Capitol.,
“We don’t have any information that would indicate his motivation at this point,” Manger said.
Police said “it does not appear the man was targeting any member of Congress” and that investigators are examining the man’s background as they work to try to discern a motive. Both the House and Senate are in recess and very few staff members work in the Capitol complex at that hour.
Authorities said no other injuries were reported and police do not believe any officers returned fire. | 2022-08-15T01:47:36+00:00 | upmatters.com | https://www.upmatters.com/news/ap-top-headlines/police-man-killed-himself-after-ramming-us-capitol-barrier/ |
CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. — The same day that Judge Benjamin Diener ordered Delphi murder suspect Richard Allen transferred into state custody for public servants’ protection, Diener recused himself from the case.
The Indiana Supreme Court stated they are in the process of appointing Allen County Judge Fran Gull as a special judge in the case. Neither Judge Gull or Judge Diener can speak to the press about the merits of the case.
According to the Indiana Supreme Court, a judge can recuse themselves from a case for a variety of reasons.
“A judge does not have to explain a reason for recusal,” the Indiana Supreme Court said.
Richard Allen was recently arrested and charged with two counts of felony murder in connection to the murders of Abby Williams and Libby German below the Monon High Bridge along the banks of Deer Creek on Feb. 13, 2017.
The order of recusal is below. | 2022-11-03T22:38:49+00:00 | fox59.com | https://fox59.com/indiana-news/judge-recuses-self-from-delphi-murder-suspect-case/ |
Just off Highway 101 North on route to Rohnert Park is an unassuming storefront attached to a Shell gas station. The building is home to Vinoma restaurant, where a selection of handmade savory and sweet empanadas are prepared by the hundreds. If you don’t pull over, you might miss out on one of the best Bay Area restaurants to eat at right now.
I found myself at Vinoma on a recent drive to Sonoma County. The road to Rohnert Park isn’t exactly a quick trip from my East Bay home, but when I heard that an Argentinian restaurant attached to a gas station recently took the top spot on a list of 100 Bay Area restaurants, I knew that I needed to take the 80-mile drive north to see what the buzz was all about.
After a near 2-hour drive, I arrived at Vinoma ready to see whether the restaurant lives up to the title. A takeout menu is fixed on the main entrance and highlights an assortment of 15 empanada and canastita (open-face empanada) flavors that include traditional options (think spicy beef) and the nontraditional (like blueberry cobbler on the dessert section). Guests can opt to pay $3.89 for a single empanada or select a combination of 12 for $41.38. I chose the latter and took my seat at a shaded dining table outside, where I watched cars whoosh by on Redwood Drive.
“When most people walk up [to Vinoma] they don't know what to expect since they're at a gas station,” owner Brian Corrigan said, laughing. “Some people don't know what empanadas are. They have no experience with eating anything like this, but by the time they leave, they're usually ecstatic that they had something they've never had before.”
Corrigan shared that Vinoma’s location is convenient more than anything. For travelers commuting through the high-traffic area, Vinoma is an ideal pit stop since it's right off the highway. Corrigan shared that foodies are especially willing to take a detour to Vinoma on their way to other neighboring cities.
Vinoma had a promising start when it opened just before the pandemic in 2020. At the time, Corrigan was open for sit-down service, seven days a week. But as the months went by and fewer customers dropped in, he adapted to the changing times by cutting hours of operation to two days and shifting to a takeout-only model. The bumps along the way even led Corrigan to consider closing altogether. So, when he learned that Vinoma not only made Yelp’s top 100 list, but also beat out 99 Bay Area businesses for the top spot, he couldn’t have been more pleased and surprised about the timing.
“We thought we would be on the list somewhere but to be No. 1 was a huge honor,” Corrigan said. “We got extremely busy after the announcement … and there's still some excitement in the air.”
What drew me most to Vinoma (besides the recent accolade) were the crispy canastita empanadas, which almost resemble a quiche tart. Much to my surprise, I had never seen nor heard of a canastita before my visit, and I was determined to change that.
When Corrigan brought out my order, he handed me my takeout box, which came with a reference sheet and two lovely dahlias from his backyard. The flowers are a special touch added to every order, while the reference sheet helps guide customers through the coveted treats inside.
He recommended that I start with the plum and bacon canastita empanada, which is made with rehydrated plums, crispy bacon and cheese. My first bite was met with the sweetness of the plum followed by the saltiness of the crispy bacon. The flavor combinations were unexpectedly reminiscent of a thin crust pizza as I took a moment to appreciate the cheesiness of the mozzarella. In no time, I was ready for more.
Corrigan pointed out that each standard empanada has a branded letter that signifies different fillings. That’s where the reference card comes in handy. I studied the empanada manual carefully before spotting a spicy beef variety marked with the letter “B” and found the empanada with the matching letter in the box. It’s among one of the more traditional flavors Vinoma offers, Corrigan told me.
The tiny treats are harder to make than one may think. It’s a labor-intensive meal that begins with making the fillings, which Corrigan compared to preparing a stew. Many of the fillings take days to complete between cooling times and rest periods that help develop a rich depth of flavor. The other part of the equation is letting the dough rest, rolling and then cutting the fresh dough into pieces that will become decadent flaky empanadas.
“It's a whole process,” Corrigan shared. “You need to let things set up. It's about being patient and taking the steps to make them properly. The final product is something you're going to get in 10 minutes.”
A trip that changed everything
Corrigan’s life changed 20 years ago when he took a trip to South America. In 2002, he headed to Argentina for the first time with his wife to visit her relatives, and during the trip, Corrigan ate his first empanada, he said. He was instantly hooked. For the remainder of the trip, Corrigan spent quality time with his wife’s aunts making handmade empanadas from scratch.
Back in the states, Corrigan became obsessed with trying to recreate empanadas by memory from the various restaurants and food counters he visited while in Argentina. At first, he started making batches at home to share with his family, until a close friend of Corrigan linked him to a few catering events. It allowed him to sell them professionally until Corrigan decided to devote his passion to opening his very first restaurant, which he lovingly named after his two children: Vincent and Paloma.
“I couldn't find empanadas like the ones I had in Argentina so … I took it upon myself to make sure that people knew what good empanadas taste like,” Corrigan said. “I wanted to bring something different to our area.”
Corrigan shared that he loves serving local families most, but he gets a real sense of pride when he learns about local Argentines who make the drive to Vinoma, especially when they are craving the culinary dish.
“It definitely means a lot to me when there are Argentinians who come from far away,” Corrigan said. “A lot of them are skeptical at first and then once they try the food, they're super excited. We've had a lot of customers travel from a couple of hours away to get our empanadas.”
Myself included, and I’m glad I did. With so many fast-food options like In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A surrounding Vinoma, any commuter might overlook the Argentinian restaurant for the mega chains, but they’d be wrong to do so.
We know that great meals aren’t confined to the parameters of a traditional brick-and-mortar, and the convenience of Vinoma’s location makes pulling over more worthwhile. As for me, being able to grab a box of gourmet empanadas to-go from a gas station restaurant was a guaranteed win in my eyes and worth the drive.
Vinoma, 5085 Redwood Drive, Rohnert Park. Open Thursday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
- Michelin-starred AL's Place in SF set to close after 8 years
- SF high school fires verbal salvo in farmers market dispute
- Musician alleges he was racially profiled at Napa restaurant
- Why this SF corner store will never sell celebrity-owned tequila
- Bay Area frozen food giant hit with fine for safety violations
- The most famous Oracle Park snack is a limp letdown | 2022-09-14T13:59:53+00:00 | sfgate.com | https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/bay-area-gas-station-empanadas-17435873.php |
MUNICH (AP) — Tom Brady got a full dose of Germany on Friday when he was presented with Bavarian lederhosen before being questioned about his personal life.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback responded that he doesn’t feel remorse returning for another season.
“Zero, no, definitely not,” Brady told a crowded news conference at a Bayern Munich facility ahead of Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. “I think I returned because I felt like I wanted to compete. I spoke to the team about it, and they were excited to have me back.”
Brady and Gisele Bündchen recently announced that their divorce is finalized.
Brady was asked by a German reporter about on and off-field challenges and whether he felt remorse about unretiring.
“I don’t really regret those types of things,” the seven-time Super Bowl champion said. “I think when I commit to it, I mean it and I do my best and try to give everything I can to this particular opportunity.”
Another local reporter asked about how he copes with personal and professional challenges.
“You do the best you can do every day and, yeah, that’s what I’ve been trying to do, be the best I can be for my family and for my teammates,” the 45-year-old said. “We all have our challenges. Life is challenging for everybody. We just do our best.”
Brady later explained that he loves the daily routine of the job, as well as the victories like the 16-13 comeback win over the Los Angeles Rams last week. He’s been able to play so long, he said, “because it’s never really felt like work.”
“It’s hard for me to believe I’m still playing at this age, but I enjoy it and I love competing,” Brady said. “Certainly, games like last week are reasons why we do do it because there’s a thrill of victory that is hard to probably replicate at home on Xbox or something like that.”
Coach Todd Bowles spoke before Brady and marveled at the size of the crowd: “I’m sure they didn’t come to see me.”
Bowles was right.
Early in Brady’s session, an editor from German broadcaster ProSieben surprised the quarterback — and everyone else — when he rose from the front row to present Brady with lederhosen.
“That looks nice,” a gracious Brady said to Robert Salkowsky, who explained that it was specially made for Brady with Bucs and TB12 logos.
“We are very proud to have you here in Munich and want you always to have good memories when you think back to Munich,” Salkowsky said.
Brady held up the lederhosen — shorts with suspenders — and said “How would that look going out to the game in that?”
As a team assistant took it away, Brady cracked about one of his backup quarterbacks, “Kyle Trask is going to wear that out there.”
MORE MOMENTUM
The Bucs’ offense has struggled all season, so Brady is hoping they can start to build some momentum.
“This is a very important game for us. We have a bye week after this. It gives you a chance to kind of evaluate where you are at, and I’d much rather evaluate being 5-5 than 4-6,” he said. “We’ve got to win this game and it will take care of that, but Seattle is going to challenge us. They’re creating a lot of sacks and turnovers.”
The Seahawks (6-3) arrived in Bavaria on a four-game winning streak and atop the NFC West.
Brady is 3-0 in international games, having led the New England Patriots to victories in London (2009, ’12) and Mexico City (2017). He threw for 300-plus yards each time, compiling 10 TD passes.
“Playing well is playing well, it doesn’t matter where you’re at and which stadium, what country,” he said. “For us, it’s going to come down to how well we do our job.”
SPECIAL VISIT
Bayern Munich’s coach and some players met up with the Seahawks at Friday’s practice on the soccer club’s first-team campus.
Speedy winger/left-back Alphonso Davies apparently mentioned he’s faster than Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf but all of Canada will be pleased that they didn’t line up and race. Davies is recovering from a hamstring strain and hopes to be fully fit for the World Cup.
The coaches exchanged jerseys — Pete Carroll gave Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann a Seahawks’ No. 12 shirt.
INJURY UPDATE
Bucs TE Cameron Brate (neck) was a full participant at practice again Friday and was listed as questionable. Brate, who sustained a concussion earlier in the season, will be a game-day decision, Bowles said. Seahawks WR Marquise Goodwin (groin) also practiced fully and is questionable.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | 2022-11-12T15:17:40+00:00 | wboy.com | https://www.wboy.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-brady-has-zero-remorse-about-return-is-gifted-lederhosen/ |
PRAGUE (AP) — Former Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis went on trial on Monday in a $2 million fraud case involving European Union subsidies.
The case involves a farm known as the Stork’s Nest that received EU subsidies after its ownership was transferred from the Babis-owned Agrofert conglomerate of around 250 companies to Babis’ family members. Later, Agrofert again took ownership of the farm.
The subsidies were meant for medium- and small-sized businesses, and Agrofert wouldn’t have been eligible for them.
Agrofert later returned the subsidy.
Lawmakers have had to lift Babis’ immunity from prosecution three times in the course of the years in the case that dates to 2007.
Prague’s public prosecution office completed the review of the case in March and went ahead with Babis’ indictment. It was repeatedly recommended by police investigators.
Babis, a populist billionaire, denies any wrongdoing and has repeatedly said the allegations against him were politically motivated.
He was present at Prague’s Municipal Court on Monday. His former associate, Jana Nagyova, stood trial with him.
The prosecution asked for suspended sentences and fines for them. It’s not immediately clear when a verdict might be issued.
Babis’ ANO political movement lost the parliamentary election in October. A coalition of five parties formed a new government, and ANO ended up in opposition.
He is currently considering running for the largely ceremonial post of the country’s president. | 2022-09-12T12:10:02+00:00 | kxnet.com | https://www.kxnet.com/news/top-stories/ap-top-headlines/ap-former-czech-prime-minister-andrej-babis-faces-fraud-trial/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — A jury sided with Kevin Spacey on Thursday in one of the lawsuits that derailed the film star’s career, finding he did not sexually abuse Anthony Rapp, then 14, while both were relatively unknown actors in Broadway plays in 1986.
The verdict in the civil trial came with lightning speed. Jurors at a federal court in New York deliberated for a little more than an hour before deciding that Rapp hadn’t proven his allegations.
When the verdict was read, Spacey dropped his head, then hugged his lawyers. He didn’t speak to reporters as he left the courthouse.
“We’re very grateful to the jury for seeing through these false allegations,” said his attorney, Jennifer Keller.
“What’s next is Mr. Spacey is going to be proven that he’s innocent of anything he’s been accused of. That there was no truth to any of the allegations,” she added, a reference to other sexual misconduct claims against the actor, including criminal charges in England.
During the trial, Rapp testified that Spacey had invited him to his apartment for a party, then approached him in a bedroom after the other guests left. He said the actor, then 26, picked him up and laid partially on top of him on a bed before he wriggled away and fled as an inebriated Spacey asked if he was sure he wanted to leave.
In his sometimes-tearful testimony, Spacey told the jury it never happened, and he would never have been attracted to someone who was 14.
The lawsuit sought $40 million in damages.
Rapp and his lawyers also left the courthouse without speaking to reporters. In his closing statements to the jury Thursday, Rapp’s lawyer, Richard Steigman, accused Spacey of lying on the witness stand.
“He lacks credibility,” Steigman said. “Sometimes the simple truth is the best. The simple truth is that this happened.”
Rapp, 50, and Spacey, 63, each testified over several days at the three-week trial.
Rapp’s claims, and those of others, abruptly interrupted what had been a soaring career for the two-time Academy Award winning actor, who lost his job on the Netflix series “House of Cards” and saw other opportunities dry up. Rapp is a regular on TV’s “Star Trek: Discovery” and was part of the original Broadway cast of “Rent.”
Spacey faced charges in Massachusetts that he groped a man at a bar — allegations that were later dropped by prosecutors.
Three months ago, he pleaded not guilty in London to charges that he sexually assaulted three men between 2004 and 2015 when he was the artistic director at the Old Vic theater in London.
A judge in Los Angeles this summer approved an arbitrator’s decision to order Spacey to pay $30.9 million to the makers of “House of Cards” for violating his contract by sexually harassing crew members.
The Associated Press does not usually name people alleging sexual assault unless they come forward publicly, as Rapp has done.
At the trial, Spacey testified that he was sure the encounter with Rapp never happened, in part because he was living in a studio apartment rather than the one bedroom that Rapp cited, and he never had a gathering beyond a housewarming party.
“I knew I wouldn’t have any sexual interest in Anthony Rapp or any child. That I knew,” he told jurors.
During her closing arguments to the jury, Keller suggested reasons Rapp imagined the encounter with Spacey or made it up.
It was possible, she said, that Rapp invented it based on his experience performing in “Precious Sons,” a play in which actor Ed Harris picks up Rapp’s character and lays on top of him, mistaking him briefly for his wife before discovering it is his son.
She also suggested that Rapp later grew jealous that Spacey became a megastar while Rapp had “smaller roles in small shows” after his breakthrough performance in Broadway’s “Rent.”
“Fame did not follow him,” Keller said. “Mr. Rapp’s coach has turned into a pumpkin.”
“So here we are today and Mr. Rapp is getting more attention from this trial than he has in his entire acting life,” Keller said. She said Rapp is well known now because he’s taken down one of Hollywood’s biggest actors.
During two days of testimony, Spacey expressed regret for a 2017 statement he issued when Rapp first went public, in which he said he didn’t recall the encounter, but if it happened “I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior.”
Dabbing his eyes with a tissue, Spacey said he’d been pressured by publicists and lawyers into issuing an empathetic statement at a time when the #MeToo movement made everyone in the industry nervous.
“I’ve learned a lesson, which is never apologize for something you didn’t do,” he said.
He also cried as he said he regretted revealing publicly that he was gay the same day Rapp’s accusations surfaced because some interpreted his announcement as an effort to change the subject or deflect from Rapp’s revelations.
Spacey had testified that he spoke at the trial about deeply personal matters, telling the jury his father was a white supremacist and neo-Nazi who berated him as gay because he liked the theater.
Spacey also gave courtroom spectators a brief taste of his acting chops when he imitated his Broadway costar at the time, Jack Lemmon. He had testified earlier that his ability at impressions aided him in his acting career.
___
This story has been updated to correct the day of the week in the lead paragraph to Thursday, not Tuesday. | 2022-10-21T14:13:39+00:00 | wric.com | https://www.wric.com/entertainment-news/ap-jury-begins-deliberations-in-kevin-spacey-sex-abuse-trial/ |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Pro soccer player Jess McDonald was traded across six teams in her first five years as a single parent, making it difficult to find, let alone afford, child care in new cities. She and her then-8-month-old son were often forced to share a hotel room with a teammate — and sometimes she had no choice but to bring him with her to practice.
“If I’d have a bad game, you know, my kid would be blamed for it at times, and it was just like, ‘Oh, was your kid up late at night?’” the U.S. Women’s National Team player said in a recent interview.
Arizona State basketball coach Charli Turner Thorne had three children without taking maternity leave. And New York Liberty head coach and former WNBA player Sandy Brondello — acknowledging the difficulties that she would face if she got pregnant — waited to have kids until she retired as a player at age 38.
Juggling the demands of parenthood with those of a professional sports career is just one of myriad challenges female athletes face in an industry that also has been rife with pay disparities, harassment and bullying in the 27 years since the WNBA, the first women’s professional sports league, was formed.
The issue once again drew national attention right before the season began, when WNBA player Dearica Hamby said she had been harassed by her coach for getting pregnant during the season.
Las Vegas Aces Coach Becky Hammon, one of the league’s marquee figures and a six-time WNBA All-Star, denied bullying Hamby; she said the player wasn’t traded to the Los Angeles Sparks because she was pregnant. The trade, she said, had “everything to do with freeing up money to sign free agents.”
Still, Hammon said she may have made a “misstep” by asking Hamby at one point about her pregnancy, and she indicated that the rules in the WNBA “regarding pregnant players and how that looks within an organization” have to be better defined, shining a light on the balancing act of having a family and maintaining a professional sports career.
Women have never been formally banned from the WNBA for getting pregnant; in fact, the first player to sign with the league in 1997, Sheryl Swoopes, was expecting when she did so. But pregnant athletes have encountered attitudes ranging from ambivalent to outright hostile from leagues, coaches, fellow players and sponsors throughout the years.
As recently as 2019, Olympic runners Allyson Felix and Kara Goucher spoke out against Nike for slashing their pay and then dropping them for becoming pregnant. And it’s taken years for professional women’s leagues to provide their athletes with the support systems they need to balance their family and career obligations.
“I’ve been walking on eggshells as a mom in this league since Day 1,” said McDonald, who last week announced her second pregnancy.
McDonald said that back in 2012, she trained up until two weeks before giving birth; it wasn’t until last year that players in the league were guaranteed paid maternity leave. Arizona State’s Thorne told the AP she once returned to work just two days after giving birth.
“We’re light years ahead of where we were, you know, 20-some years ago in terms of people understanding that they have to support women’s rights,” Thorne said. Still, “there is pressure on you as the athlete, as the coach, as that person, that woman either starting their family or having kids, to get back to their job” soon after giving birth.
Under the WNBA’s most recent collective bargaining agreement, which was ratified in 2020, league members receive their full salary while on maternity leave, though each player has to individually negotiate the length of her leave. During the season, players with children under 13 can receive up to $5,000 a year for child care, and a paid-for two-bedroom apartment.
A small number of elite, veteran athletes who have played eight or more seasons can be reimbursed up to $20,000 per year for costs directly related to adoption, surrogacy, egg freezing or other fertility treatments. Per player, the amount is capped at a total of $60,000. Compared to other industries, this is a progressive offering that is inclusive of LGBTQ+ athletes.
“We’ve made strides and everything,” Thorne said, but she added that the leagues still have a long way to go to support athletes who become mothers.
“There’s always this little asterisk, that it has to be after your eighth year of service to get” fertility benefits, said four-time WNBA All-Star Breanna Stewart, who plays for the New York Liberty and has a 2-year-old daughter with her wife. Stewart’s wife is pregnant with their second child now.
Stewart said child care stipends aren’t dispensed freely without requiring something in return: She said she and other players have to submit itemized receipts for such necessities as diapers and babysitters. “If you don’t go to them, they don’t give it to you,” Stewart said. “You have to go and send invoices and it’s a little bit more complicated than it seems.”
Facing these challenges, many women in sports, like Brondello, decide to have kids after they retire — or to forgo parenthood altogether.
“Female athletes shouldn’t have to give up motherhood because they want to be an athlete,” said Dr. Kathryn Ackerman, a sports medicine physician based in Boston and the co-chair of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s women’s health task force.
Ackerman said there’s a fear that when female athletes become parents, they may not value being an athlete as much. She said that is a fallacy.
The record books are replete with examples of female athletes who became parents and continued to perform at the highest level.
Former tennis star Serena Williams famously won a grand slam when she was about eight weeks pregnant. Professional swimmers, runners and basketball players have all competed while pregnant: Beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings even won Olympic medals.
Mothers “often are better athletes because they learn how to manage their time better, they understand their bodies better,” Ackerman said. “And they may be peaking even later in life.”
___
AP Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg in New York contributed to this report. | 2023-05-29T21:36:08+00:00 | cbs4indy.com | https://cbs4indy.com/health/ap-health/ap-pregnancy-and-sports-a-challenging-combination-for-female-professional-athletes/ |
NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Missfresh Limited (NASDAQ: MF).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/missfresh-limited-loss-submission-form/?id=30973&from=4
This lawsuit is on behalf of persons who purchased or otherwise acquired Missfresh securities pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and related prospectus issued in connection with Missfresh's June 2021 initial public offering.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until September 12, 2022 to petition the court. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
According to a filed complaint, Missfresh Limited issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Missfresh provided false financial figures in its registration statement and related prospectus issued in connection with the Company's June 2021 initial public offering; (2) Missfresh would need to amend its financial figures; (3) Missfresh, among other things, had lesser net revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2021; and (4) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times and negligently prepared.
Jakubowitz Law is vigorous in pursuit of justice for shareholders who have been the victim of securities fraud. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
JAKUBOWITZ LAW
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
T: (212) 867-4490
F: (212) 537-5887
View original content:
SOURCE Jakubowitz Law | 2022-08-19T10:29:46+00:00 | wbrc.com | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/08/19/mf-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-missfresh-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-september-12-2022/ |
By STEVE MEGARGEE
AP Sports Writer
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jrue Holiday had a season-high 35 points to go along with 11 assists and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Indiana Pacers 132-119 without Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks played a third consecutive game without their two-time MVP. The Pacers were missing leading scorer and NBA assists leader Tyrese Haliburton for a third straight game due to a left elbow sprain and a mild left knee bone bruise. Myles Turner returned for Indiana after missing three games with back spasms and scored 30 points. Indiana’s T.J. McConnell added a career-high 29 points.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | 2023-01-17T07:57:19+00:00 | wtmj.com | https://wtmj.com/ap-news/2023/01/16/holiday-sparks-late-rally-as-bucks-beat-pacers-132-119-2/ |
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union has launched an investigation into Microsoft’s planned takeover of video game giant Activision Blizzard, fearing the $69 billion deal would distort fair competition to popular titles like Call of Duty.
Microsoft, maker of the Xbox gaming system, first announced the agreement to buy the California-based game publisher in January, but it still awaits scrutiny by antitrust regulators in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere. If it goes through, the all-cash deal would be the largest in the history of the tech industry.
Members of the European Commission, the 27-nation bloc’s executive arm, said in a statement Tuesday that “the point is to ensure that the gaming ecosystem remains vibrant to the benefit of users in a sector that is evolving at a fast pace.”
“We must ensure that opportunities remain for future and existing distributors of PC and console video games, as well as for rival suppliers of PC operating systems,” the commissioners said. They have until March 23, 2023, to decide whether to approve the deal.
At the heart of the dispute is who gets to control future releases of Activision Blizzard’s most popular games, especially the first-person military shooter franchise Call of Duty. Activision this week said its latest installment, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, has already made more than $1 billion in sales since its Oct. 28 launch.
Microsoft’s console rival Sony, maker of the PlayStation, has brought its concerns about losing access to what it describes as a “must-have” game title to regulators around the world. In response, Microsoft has promised to keep Call of Duty on the PlayStation “for at least several more years” beyond its current contract with Sony. It also has said it might make it available on Nintendo’s Switch console, where the game isn’t currently available.
In a preliminary probe, the EU found potential antitrust issues with the distribution of video games and halting access to Microsoft’s rivals. The bloc said it “has concerns that the proposed acquisition may reduce competition on the market for PC operating systems.”
Microsoft said it will keep working with the European Commission on next steps “and to address any valid marketplace concerns.”
“Sony, as the industry leader, says it is worried about Call of Duty, but we’ve said we are committed to making the same game available on the same day on both Xbox and PlayStation,” Microsoft said in a statement Tuesday. “We want people to have more access to games, not less.”
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said in an email to employees Tuesday that global competition in the video game industry makes it “understandable that regulators are trying to better understand the games business.” But he said the “process is moving along as we expected” and foresees the deal closing by June.
“We will continue to cooperate with the European Commission where, in the countries they represent, we have many employees,” Kotick wrote.
He highlighted Brazil’s recent approval, saying the country’s competition authority understood “we operate in a highly dynamic and competitive industry, and that the merger will not harm competition in any way.”
Saudi Arabia also has signed off on the deal, but it still awaits important decisions from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and authorities in the U.K. and EU.
Tuesday’s decision was another example of how the EU has led the way on regulating Big Tech companies, opening antitrust investigations, enacting strict regulations on data privacy and pushing through landmark rules that threaten online platforms with billions in fines unless they respect fair market conditions and crack down on harmful content like hate speech and disinformation.
It’s possible regulators could impose conditions on the gaming deal that force Microsoft to keep access open to Call of Duty for longer and ensure that its rivals aren’t getting a lesser version.
Among those listening to Sony’s concerns are antitrust regulators in the United Kingdom. Last month, they escalated their investigation into whether Microsoft could make Call of Duty and other titles exclusive to its Xbox platform or “otherwise degrade its rivals’ access” by delaying releases or imposing licensing price increases.
“These titles require thousands of game developers and several years to complete, and there are very few other games of similar caliber or popularity,” according to a September report from the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority.
___
O’Brien reported from Providence, Rhode Island. | 2022-11-08T22:50:55+00:00 | seattletimes.com | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/eu-to-probe-blockbuster-microsoft-activision-blizzard-deal/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_seattle-news |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.