text string | url string | crawl_date timestamp[ms] | label int64 | id string |
|---|---|---|---|---|
When Carlos Correa signed a three-year, 105.3 million contract with the Twins on March 19, it was quickly assumed this would be a short stay for the all-star shortstop.
The deal contains player opt-out clauses after each of the first two seasons, and although the deal is the largest in Twins history, Correa is clearly betting that with a healthy productive 2022, he will have a chance to make more elsewhere in 2023.
But if Correa decides to stay more than a year, well, that’s OK with Royce Lewis, the Twins’ heir apparent shortstop who was set to make his St. Paul debut in the Saints’ home opener Tuesday at CHS Field.
“I’m not a guy that’s going to come in and be stuck up if I don’t play shortstop,” Lewis said before the Saints’ scheduled 6:37 p.m. game against Indianapolis.
And if Correa does, in fact, use that first opt-out to cash in elsewhere, well, that might work out for the Twins, too, because despite a few bad breaks, Lewis is playing the part of a No. 1 overall draft pick.
After not playing in a real game since 2019, the top pick in the 2017 amateur draft entered Tuesday’s game hitting .333 with three doubles, a home run, four walks and three stolen bases for the Twins’ Triple-A club.
“He has held his own pretty well so far,” manager Toby Gardenhire said.
When the 2020 minor league season was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, Lewis was part of the Twins’ alternative camp at CHS Field. But that was limited to drills and limited simulated games. Early in spring training last season, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during an infield drill and, after surgery, missed the entire season.
But Lewis appears too happy about playing real games to worry about lost time. The Saints’ six games last week in Louisville, Ky., were his first since the 2019 Arizona Fall League, where he hit .353 with three home runs and 20 RBIs in 22 games and was named Most Valuable Player of the prestigious prospects league. He estimates he hadn’t had a year away from physical activity since he was about 3 years old. Physically, he feels better than ever.
“I don’t need any rest,” Lewis said. “I’m going to be lobbying to play every single day.”
The majors are always full of good players who started their careers as shortstops and found most, if not all, of their playing time elsewhere — Twins second baseman Jorge Polanco and his predecessor Brian Dozier come to mind. But Lewis appears to be on track to make the leap at his lifelong position. He certainly looks the part of a modern shortstop, 6-foot-2 and a solid 200 pounds.
“I think he’s a shortstop. I think he’s somebody who can do it,” said Gardenhire, who was Lewis’ Single-A coach in Fort Myers in 2019. “But again, it’s all going to be team-dependent. If Carlos Correa’s up there for the next couple of years and they all the sudden call (Lewis) up, then maybe he’s not playing shortstop, because they’re not going to move Carlos Correa.”
Still, there are no current plans to play him elsewhere.
Lewis hasn’t lost the plot. He knows that a team that can grab a player like Correa has to do it, and the veteran of the past five American League Championships Series has been in consistent contact, “Helping me out, giving me tips, texting me back and forth.”
Lewis also understands that while he is the organization’s best in-house option at short, he has never played a season above Double-A and that in the Twins’ perfect world, there won’t be a place for him to get the major league at-bats to make his callup worth it — for him or the team.
“I want to be a guy who’s big-league ready and stays there,” he said. “That’s ultimately my goal, and the Twins are doing a great job of doing that and priming me for those goals.
“Then also, I just need to get a whole season, healthy, under my belt, get at-bats. It’s been a while.” | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/4135384/ | 2022-04-13T01:17:40 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/4135384/ |
Luis Arraez had a chance to face flame-throwing Jhoan Duran last year in a live batting practice session in St. Paul. He hopes to never do it again.
“He’s amazing. It’s kind of crazy because he throws too hard,” Arraez said. “I don’t want to face him. … He’s nasty.”
His comments sound like something a Twins opponent these days might say. The rookie reliever, who threw the Twins’ hardest recorded pitch in the pitch-tracking era on Monday night at 102 miles per hour, has been turning heads in the first week of the season.
It begs the question: could the 24-year-old be the Twins’ future closer?
It’s a big question for a guy with just three major league innings under his belt. But with his high heat and his unique “splinker,” it’s not too crazy to think about, even this early in his career.
“I’m glad I’m not hitting it, I’ll tell you that. And I know every coach in the dugout is sitting there thinking the same thing, and maybe a few players, too, all over the field,” manager Rocco Baldelli said. “But I haven’t seen 102 too many times. I know guys throw hard these days, but that’s some next-level stuff.”
Duran’s first career appearance came on Opening Day, when the former starter came out for a scoreless two-inning appearance. Duran gave up a pair of singles to the first two batters he saw, uncorked a wild pitch and then came back to strike out the side.
He got on the mound again Monday in the ninth inning, his first taste of late-inning experience, though it wasn’t a save situation with the Twins up four runs.
“I think it worked out perfectly for him to get out there, gain some late-inning experience,” Baldelli said. “He’s going to throw in a few different spots, and he’s going to be able to give us multiple innings at times, and I don’t think the different types of roles and situations that we’re going to put him in will affect him one bit. He’s a low-pulse kind of guy in general. I think he can handle whatever we throw his way.”
His opponents on the other hand?
Well, early indications are that they can’t easily handle what Duran’s throwing their way. And that very well could lead Duran to the ninth inning with more frequency.
“I haven’t thought about being in that specific role,” Duran said. “They haven’t told me anything related to that. I am not waiting for that either. I’m just trying to do my job every time my name is called.”
ALCALA TO IL
Fellow hard-throwing righty Jorge Alcala was likely going to get some late-inning opportunities of his own. Now, that’ll have to wait.
The Twins placed Alcala on the injured list on Tuesday afternoon retroactive to April 11 with right elbow inflammation, necessitating a shutdown period. Imaging, Baldelli said, “came back fine.”
“There was a little bit of signal in there but not enough to be alarmed, but enough that we were going to give him a little bit of a break right now,” Baldelli said. “He’s going to be down not throwing for a handful of days. I don’t know if that’s five, four or five days or something along those lines, and then we’re going to see where he’s at and try to build him back up from there.”
Alcala has appeared in two games this season, throwing 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Baldelli said he dealt with some minor arm soreness during spring training and then a nail tear. The soreness became more apparent after his first couple of outings over the weekend.
The Twins recalled reliever Griffin Jax to fill his spot on the roster. Jax threw a pair of scoreless innings during his one appearance with Triple-A St. Paul. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/a-future-twins-closer-it-doesnt-seem-far-fetched-for-rookie-jhoan-duran/ | 2022-04-13T01:17:46 | 1 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/a-future-twins-closer-it-doesnt-seem-far-fetched-for-rookie-jhoan-duran/ |
BISMARCK — Jon Batiste was the big winner at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards on April 3, taking home five statues.
He took home another prize the previous week after a visit to a Bismarck artist.
The New York-based musician sat for photographer Shane Balkowitsch in his Nostalgic Wet Plate Studio on March 29.
“He wanted to break away from city life and come to North Dakota,” the photographer says.
Batiste was in the area visiting the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to hear traditional Indian drummers, Balkowitsch says. Tribal members arranged for Batiste to visit the photo studio as they wanted to give Batiste something special to commemorate his visit. They also gave the musician a star quilt, which he is seen wrapped in in one of the photos.
Balkowitsch has been active creating wet plate portraits of American Indians for years. In 2019, the year she became one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, Deb Haaland sat for him. Haaland is now the Secretary of the Interior, the first Native American to serve in the Cabinet.
Balkowitsch has donated some of his plates to the North Dakota State Historical Society.
“When you give things away out into the world, you get something back and you really appreciate it,” he said.
Batiste arrived at the studio later in the day, prompting the photographer to rearrange his lights rather than utilize natural light from his big windows. Still, he was able to capture three images of the musician on glass plates.
In wet plate photography, an image is recorded on glass instead of film. The process was started around 1850 and utilizes a glass plate coated with a collodion, a sensitive, syrupy solution, then exposed inside the camera and developed, all within about 20 minutes.
The result of the longer exposure creates a clear image with high resolution and no grain or pixels.
In videos captured by Balkowitsch’s colleague, Chad Noland, Batiste is visibly thrilled watching the plates develop.
“That’s deep,” the pianist exclaims.
“If I can get them in the front door of the studio, get them into the process, I’m going to win them over,” Balkowitsch says, calling wet plate “the most glorious photographic process man ever invented.”
He captured Batiste’s image on three distinct plates — one going to the musician, one to be donated to the New Orleans Jazz Museum, and one to be given to the North Dakota State Historical Society.
For one of the photos, Batiste was seated at Balkowitsch’s daughter Alyvia’s electric piano.
“Without an instrument, it’s hard to make a statement about a musician,” Ballkowitsch says. “Throughout the shoot he was serenading everyone. He can’t be in a room with a piano without playing the piano.”
Balkowitsch has since had a little plaque made and screwed into the piano marking the date Batiste played it.
“It was a fabulous little thing,” Balkowitsch says.
Just days later, the family stayed up until the end of the Grammys on April 3 to cheer on Batiste, who closed the show by winning Album of the Year for “We Are.”
“That’s always going to be something special,” Balkowitsch says, adding that it was a good experience for his three daughters to show how someone who had been in their studio one day was winning the highest musical honors in front of a national audience a few days later.
The day after the Grammys, Balkowitsch posted that he would sell 100 prints of a Batiste image for $50 each, with proceeds going to the American Indian College Fund, a fundraising effort he has done in the past.
The photographer will be in Fargo later this month when the Fargo Theatre screens “Balkowitsch,” a documentary about him, on April 29. Directed by Gregory DeSaye and Chelsy Ciavarella, the film looks at the artist, his process and some of his higher-profile shoots.
In 2016, he shot photos during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, and in 2019 he photographed climate activist Greta Thunberg during her visit to Standing Rock Reservation. One of the images of Thunberg, called “Standing For Us All,” was to be displayed as a mural in Bismarck, but plans were canceled after threats of vandalism. The piece was instead installed in downtown Fargo, where it was vandalized and then restored.
“Balkowitsch” was to be highlighted during the 2020 Fargo Film Festival, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The photographer is excited to finally bring it to Fargo.
“We’re excited to see it in the theater,” he says.
The artist invited Allan Demaray, a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikira tribe of Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, to play flute before the movie, and Balkowitsch will answer questions after the screening of the hourlong movie.
- What: “Balkowitsch” documentary screening
- When: 8 p.m. Friday, April 29
- Where: Fargo Theatre
- Info: Tickets are $10 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/before-winning-grammys-jon-batiste-sat-for-a-famed-north-dakota-photographer/ | 2022-04-13T01:17:52 | 1 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/before-winning-grammys-jon-batiste-sat-for-a-famed-north-dakota-photographer/ |
With a mix of music blasting through speakers, smoke from barbecues, plenty of cold beers and perfect baseball weather, the return of tailgating was just one of many things Chicago White Sox fans had to celebrate at Tuesday’s home opener at Guaranteed Rate Field.
“Today I’m celebrating being cancer-free!” said Kim Crouse, 36, a South Sider and White Sox fan for as long as she can remember.
Crouse was tailgating in Lot B with her cousin Khrystina Kulbida, 29, and her friends, Amy, 45, and Charlie Riske, 43. They were eating burgers, grilled potato packets and drinking beer.
“I wasn’t able to make it out to many games last year because I was undergoing treatment and you can’t be in the sun when you’re having chemo,” said Crouse, who said she still has 10 more rounds of radiation treatments to go.
Amy Riske, a former co-worker of Crouse, said she has been to every home opener with her husband since 2003. They began dating in 2001, and Charlie — a big fan of Hall of Famer Frank Thomas growing up — convinced her to switch from the Atlanta Braves to the White Sox. “He was totally worth changing teams,” she said.
Charlie Riske’s expectations for this season? “Undefeated,” he said without any hesitation. Crouse “want(s) them to go further into the playoffs.”
Kulbida — who was also born and raised on the South Side — “just want(s) them to stay healthy.”
Bernie DiMeo’s reason for celebration was a big one too: This was his 50th White Sox home opener in a row. “Hard to believe, but true,” he said.
It all began in college, said DiMeo, 73, of Rogers Park. At Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, he and his roommate, Rich Turek, 74, who was at Tuesday’s game with DiMeo tailgating in Lot A, were huge White Sox fans and began a competition to see who could go to the most home openers.
Turek began going to home openers in 1971 and DiMeo couldn’t go that year because he had classes. Their first home opener together was in 1972. However, after graduation, Turek landed a job that required business trips, and he broke his streak.
Turek said he has been to 40-something games but not in a row.
DiMeo fell in love with the White Sox as a child because of his father and uncle. “My uncle lived upstairs from us and (my dad and I) would watch all the games together and that’s how I became a Sox fan,” he said.
His son, Dan DiMeo, 34, made him a trophy for his 50th home opener and a patch inspired by the team’s 50th anniversary All-Star game in 1983.
“The first thing I wore when I was born was probably a White Sox onesie or something like that,” Dan DiMeo said.
“Absolutely,” Bernie DiMeo replied.
“I had a cap and a baseball in my crib and in the hospital from the first day. My first game was in the old Comiskey Park when I was 1 month old.”
During that first visit, Bernie DiMeo said he handed his newborn son to Greg Walker — a White Sox first baseman — who was more scared to catch a baby than a baseball.
In the past five decades, Bernie DiMeo said his favorite seasons were 2005 when they won the World Series because “we never saw it coming,” and 1983 because “they won the division by like 20 games and we could see it coming.”
But as far as memories go, he said, there are so many.
His favorite opening day? Just like the Riskes, the 2006 home opener when they were able to raise the World Series flag.
Bernie DiMeo is couching his expectations for this season.
“If you would have asked me a week ago, I would have said all the way,” he said. “But I am worried about these injuries; they keep piling up and every day we have more injuries. Top two pitchers are out, third base was out, top relievers out, right fielder is out … I think I may have to loosen up my arm and call Jerry Reinsdorf to see if I can pitch.”
Teddy Biancotti, 28, from Crown Point, Indiana, also tries to go to any opening game he can.
“The games are good but tailgating is where we have more fun,” he said. “I like the freedom and the cheaper beer,” said the lifelong White Sox fan who was wearing a team jersey, U.S. flag-themed glasses, and a Budweiser cowboy hat.
“(Tailgating is superior) because you get to spend time with your family and not worry about missing anything,” his fiancee, McKenzie Sallee, 27, said.
His love for the team was also generational, passed from his granddad and dad, who were also at the tailgate in Lot B. They were eating tacos, cheese crackers, shrimp, chicken wings, veggies, cookies, brownies, “beer, beer, beer… and jello shots.”
They traveled early in the morning from Indiana, but Sallee assured that if she posted an Instagram with her fiance at the Sox game, someone in her family would comment “Go Cubs!”
In between the cars’ tailgates, there were plenty of games to entertain the little ones as well as adults.
Tifanny Pillot’s family, a group of about a dozen, had the biggest game collection in Lot D: Besides the popular cornhole, they had tick-tack-toe and connect four.
Pillot, 32, said she has been a Sox fan all of her life “like any South Sider should be,” and this was her first home opener.
“Unfortunately, there’s a bit of rivalry with the Cubs and Sox in the family,” she said. But this Tuesday the family Pillot was at peace thanks to the power of tailgating games, hot dogs, burgers, pizza, veggie trays and alcoholic beverages.
Also in Lot D, the Family Gómez flooded a third of a parking row with salsa music and the aromas of chicken wings, ribs, sausages, Mexican arracheras and peppers on their grill.
This was José Gómez’s first home-opening tailgate, but he said he spent many others working in the kitchens of the ballpark as a cook from 1981 until 2019.
Gómez, 69, from San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, said he cooked for ballplayers, reporters and team owners. “I am a big White Sox fan, and I’m also a big fan that they support me financially because they give me my retirement pension.”
Beatriz Gómez, 73, also from Puerto Rico, met José in Chicago thanks to family while he was working for the White Sox.
“Even though baseball is the biggest thing in Puerto Rico, I was never a ball fan until I met him and then I was able to bring our family to the stadium and do tailgates,” said Beatriz Gómez, a Vega Baja native who has lived in Chicago since 1964.
“And I would see them from that window while I was working,” José Gómez said pointing to a lateral window of the stadium and bursting into laughter.
He said opening days from the inside of the stadium were always special. “Everybody was nervous because there was a lot of pressure, but it was very nice working that day and feeling everybody’s rush.”
“Also, Magglio Ordóñez once saved me from being fired,” he remembered laughing. “I brought once my son to work when he was around 7 and he began playing in the field with the players. One of the coaches almost got him, but Ordóñez saved him from being caught.”
In 2005, he had to work during the final World Series game in Houston. Beatriz Gómez traveled for those games with her husband and she sighed as he recounted that memory.
“The last day there was a ton of food,” he said. “And the third game was super long, it lasted six hours until 1 a.m.”
“I enjoy my retirement, but I would love to be working. I really liked my job here,” José Goméz said. “¡Arriba los White Sox!”
The family’s expectations for this season? “High,” answered both in unison.
For starters, Tuesday’s opener met fans’ expectations and gave them one more reason to celebrate as the Sox beat the Mariners 3-2.
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/from-health-to-attendance-streaks-to-tailgating-fans-have-much-to-celebrate-at-white-sox-home-opener/ | 2022-04-13T01:17:58 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/from-health-to-attendance-streaks-to-tailgating-fans-have-much-to-celebrate-at-white-sox-home-opener/ |
Luis Robert did it all in Tuesday’s home opener for the Chicago White Sox.
He made a splendid leaping catch to save a run in the third inning against the Seattle Mariners. He broke a tie with a line-drive home run in the sixth. And he stole two bases on the way to scoring an insurance run in the eighth as the Sox beat the Mariners 3-2 in front of a sellout crowd of 36,948 at Guaranteed Rate Field.
“Being able to do that in the home opener is something that is special,” Robert said through an interpreter, “and hopefully it is something I can carry through the whole season.”
Reynaldo López struck out two in 1⅔ scoreless relief innings for the victory as the Sox won their third straight.
The Mariners struck first with a solo homer by Eugenio Suárez with one out in the second against Sox starter Vince Velasquez.
The Mariners threatened in the third as Velasquez issued consecutive one-out walks. Jesse Winker hit a long fly to center, and Robert raced back, jumped and caught the ball as he crashed into the wall. Mitch Haniger popped out to shortstop Tim Anderson to end the inning.
Mariners starter Matt Brash retired the first seven hitters in his big-league debut, striking out Robert and José Abreu in the first.
Second baseman Josh Harrison became the first Sox baserunner, reaching on a walk with one out in the third. Catcher Reese McGuire followed with a single to right.
With runners on the corners, Tim Anderson grounded to shortstop J.P. Crawford. Instead of a possible inning-ending double play, Crawford couldn’t field the ball cleanly and everyone was safe. Harrison scored on the play to tie the game.
Velasquez allowed one run on two hits with two strikeouts and three walks in four innings.
The Mariners had runners on first and second with two outs in the fifth when López replaced Bennett Sousa. López struck out Haniger to keep the game tied.
Robert put the Sox ahead with his first home run of the season. It went an estimated 408 feet and had an exit velocity of 110.4 mph, according to MLB Statcast.
“He showed a lot of why he’s so special,” Sox manager Tony La Russa said.
La Russa has described Robert as a “six-tool” player.
“I’m not sure how you describe the sixth, but he has one more than the five-tool guys,” La Russa said during spring training.
Robert’s skills have been on full display in the first four games.
He has at least one hit in every game. He had two hits, including an RBI double, in Friday’s opener in Detroit. He singled twice and scored Saturday and had a single and two runs Sunday.
Robert walked and stole second and third in the eighth inning Tuesday, giving him four steals on the season.
The Sox outfield came through again in the seventh when Eloy Jiménez made a nice leaping catch near the left-field wall to rob Luis Torrens. López tipped his cap in appreciation.
Aaron Bummer replaced López and got around two walks with two strikeouts in the seventh. Kendall Graveman struck out one in a scoreless eighth.
Robert’s two stolen bases came in handy in the bottom of the inning. With one out and runners on the corners, Jiménez grounded to short. The Mariners got the force at second, but Jiménez beat the throw to first. Robert scored on the play, stretching the lead to 3-1.
Sox closer Liam Hendriks allowed a run on three hits but struck out three in the ninth for his first save.
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/luis-robert-homers-and-scores-twice-as-the-chicago-white-sox-win-their-home-opener-3-2-against-the-seattle-mariners/ | 2022-04-13T01:18:04 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/luis-robert-homers-and-scores-twice-as-the-chicago-white-sox-win-their-home-opener-3-2-against-the-seattle-mariners/ |
PHILADELPHIA — Taijuan Walker landed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with right shoulder bursitis.
Though Walker will miss multiple starts, fans shouldn’t be too worried about his trip to the IL because it has to do, at least in part, with the Mets wanting to stretch the right-hander out.
Walker exited his first start of the year Monday against the Phillies after just two innings with pain in his right shoulder. It was his second straight shortened outing due to a physical issue, and as such, he has amassed just 3.1 innings combined over his last two starts.
He also dealt with knee soreness in spring training, which resurfaced following surgery on his right knee in January. Walker, moments after his Tuesday morning MRI in New York, tweeted: “Everything is all good!”
Mets manager Buck Showalter said, once he’s healthy, the team will send Walker to the minors for a rehab start to get his pitch count up before he returns to the rotation. The skipper didn’t rule out the possibility that Walker will need just one rehab outing, versus at least two. If the righty can stretch out up to four innings in his rehab start, Showalter indicated that will be enough for Walker to come off the injured list.
As for who will replace Walker in the rotation, Showalter stopped short of committing to a starter.
Southpaw David Peterson is the obvious choice, since he piggybacked Walker on Monday and turned in four scoreless innings against a tough Philly lineup. Peterson would also remain on regular rest if he replaced Walker in the rotation. His first opportunity to do so will be on Sunday at Citi Field against the Diamondbacks.
DIAZ RETURNS
Edwin Diaz joined the Mets in Philly on Tuesday after spending three days in Puerto Rico on the bereavement list. He learned his grandfather passed away on Friday during the Mets’ game against the Nationals. Diaz said his grandfather had been sick.
“We were really close,” Diaz said. “All his grandsons were really close to him. He was a great grandfather with us. That’s why me, my brother, came back to Puerto Rico to spend time with my grandmother.”
The Mets closer threw off flat ground on Monday so his routine was not all that impacted by his travel to Puerto Rico.
“I’m happy to be back with the team,” he said. “I flew to Puerto Rico to spend that time with my family. But we are back. So ready to roll.”
MAY IS DAY-TO-DAY
Trevor May underwent an MRI on Tuesday morning that showed a “very very low-grade triceps strain,” the reliever said. He added: “Which makes a lot of sense.”
May was unconcerned about his arm issue on Monday night, moments after he left his relief outing in the eighth inning against the Phillies alongside a trainer, because it’s a soreness he has apparently dealt with previously in his career.
May said he is day-to-day, and no one has approached him about a potential IL stint.
“Last night I wasn’t worried,” May said. “So now we know. Just day-to-day. Got some anti-inflammatories to get in there. Usually that stuff works pretty well. Just going to take a day off from throwing and go from there.”
May is unlikely to be available on Tuesday and Wednesday, so the Mets will be playing down a man in the bullpen in their final two games against the Phillies. They hope Tylor Megill, Tuesday’s starter, and Max Scherzer, Wednesday’s starter, will provide enough length that the bullpen can be used minimally.
BROOKLYN
Mets manager Buck Showalter opened his Tuesday afternoon press conference by recognizing the victims in Brooklyn’s subway shooting.
“We’re all aware of what’s going on back in our city,” Showalter said. “Our hearts are with everybody, and prayers. It’s awful. Just awful. It doesn’t need something like that to put it in perspective. Our sympathy goes out to everybody involved. It’s in our thoughts. It’s certainly a topic of conversation in our clubhouse. Needed to be said.”
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/mets-notebook-taijuan-walker-lands-on-injured-list-edwin-diaz-rejoins-team-in-philly-trevor-may-is-day-to-day/ | 2022-04-13T01:18:10 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/mets-notebook-taijuan-walker-lands-on-injured-list-edwin-diaz-rejoins-team-in-philly-trevor-may-is-day-to-day/ |
BISMARCK — North Dakota has a new sales pitch for out-of-state investors: a home for the “cleanest crypto on the planet.”
That was the mantra at the Bitcoin 2022 conference in Miami, where two state Department of Commerce representatives traveled last week to talk with prospective investors in the world of digital currencies. A $35,000 trip, the commerce department said it intended to yield a return of 20,000% or more from the Miami conference.
A combination of cold, dry weather and cheap electricity costs are attracting a growing number of data center operators to North Dakota. At the same time, government leaders have touted the state as an emerging hub for these energy-intensive server farms, some of which mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and others.
Commerce Commissioner James Leiman said the state’s cryptocurrency pitch is part of a broader effort to diversify an economy largely dependent on commodity markets like oil and agriculture. While the state has so far announced around $3 billion of crypto investment, Leiman said his department is close to sealing investments from another $3 billion worth of projects, including several investors that state officials planned to meet with in Miami.
Data center projects have not received any state funding in North Dakota to this point, Leiman said, though Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus said tax exemptions are available in some cases for technological equipment like servers, routing systems and computer software.
“These engagements, this branding and this awareness is paying off in dividends,” said Leiman, who added that North Dakota has the right resources, infrastructure and tax structure to “plant the flag” as producer of “the cleanest barrel of oil” and the world’s “cleanest crypto.”
But as North Dakota leaders put in a push to lure more cryptocurrency investment, one state energy official said he is wary of the trade-offs that more data centers could require, while some experts on digital currencies questioned the state’s ability to marry its climate goals with crypto mining.
In January, Gov. Doug Burgum and two Montana companies unveiled a massive, $1.9 billion data center near Williston that developers billed as the largest of its kind in the world. Crypto companies are building data centers near Jamestown and Grand Forks . And Bismarck-based Rainbow Energy, which is in the process of buying North Dakota’s largest coal-fired power plant , has said it intends to deploy a data center as part of the purchase, though the company has not provided specifics on that plan.
The state’s data center sector could also be expanding soon. The developer of the 700 megawatt data center near Williston, FX Solutions President Richard Tabish, said that project is one part of a mammoth 1.6 gigawatts of data centers that his company is pursuing in other parts of the state.
Leiman said his department is looking to double or triple the $3 billion of crypto mining investment in North Dakota. Among the assets pitched by state officials at the Miami Bitcoin conference, Leiman said, was the Cold War-era, pyramid-shaped missile silo complex in the northeastern North Dakota town of Nekoma. Commerce department officials want to see the decommissioned site retrofitted into a large-scale data center.
Mining crypto — a process in which specialized computers solve increasingly challenging mathematical puzzles to unlock currency — requires vast amounts of energy. Once it reaches full-tilt, the Williston facility, operated by Atlas Power, is expected to draw significantly more energy than any city in North Dakota. According to the analytic website Digiconomist , a single Bitcoin transaction requires 2,112 kilowatt hours of electricity, equivalent to the 72 days of power consumption in an average U.S. household.
Due in part to these high-powered operations, North Dakota Transmission Authority Director John Weeda said he has “mixed emotions” about the expanding data center sector in North Dakota.
Calls about crypto projects have dropped off as the volatile Bitcoin markets have fallen in recent months, Weeda said. He added that North Dakota has a limited supply of around-the-clock electricity generation, and data centers will be competing for energy with industrial projects that could provide more jobs and direct benefits to established industries. A slate of projects that have applied for or received state funding through a recently established energy fund are among the state’s high priority developments with large energy demands of their own, Weeda said.
“I would hate to see us not be able to do those if we’re overcommitted to something we’re less sure about,” he said.
Dale Haugen, general manager at Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative, which will be supplying power to the Williston data center, said he’s not concerned about limited electric generation in his area. North Dakota exports more electricity than it uses, he noted, and there should be ample room on the grid for both data centers and other energy-intensive projects. Mountrail-William Electric recruited the 700 megawatt data center to Williston, and they are courting three more data center projects to the area, Haugen said.
Still, Tabish, developer of the Atlas Power data center, said he believes his company has already “tied up the lion’s share” of electric generation in several regions of North Dakota with its 1.6 gigawatts in data center projects.
And while Tabish stressed that FX Solutions relies on high-caliber equipment and plans to remain in North Dakota for the long term, he also warned of the “hit-and-run” strategies of some crypto miners. It’s not uncommon for crypto mining “energy hunters” to swoop in to tap a cheap energy supply, before abandoning an area when the finances don’t pan out, Tabish said.
Because of the vast amounts of energy required to create digital currencies, crypto mining has drawn criticism from environmentalists who see the process as feeding fossil fuel generation and unnecessarily driving planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions.
Some companies have looked for more environmentally sustainable ways to mine cryptocurrencies and have touted climate friendly goals. At the announcement of the Williston data center in January, Atlas Power President Kevin Washington said his company aims to become “the largest cryptocurrency company in the world with a carbon neutral footprint.”
North Dakota offers several advantages to companies looking to sustainably mine digital currencies, Leiman said. Data centers can locate near power plants in North Dakota, allowing for more efficient transmission of electricity, and some smaller crypto mining operations in the Bakken oil fields are running off excess natural gas that otherwise would have been burned directly into the atmosphere.
Ongoing efforts to capture the greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-powered sources in North Dakota are also key to the state’s pathway to clean crypto mining, Leiman said. Those carbon capture ambitions are central to Burgum’s target of achieving statewide carbon neutrality by 2030.
But carbon carbon capture technology has so far been sparsely used globally, and it remains untested at the scale needed to put a dent into North Dakota’s emissions. Some experts on the energy consumption of cryptocurrencies said they are doubtful that North Dakota will be able to scale up crypto currency mining without increasing its output of planet-warming emissions.
Joshua Rhodes, a research associate at the University of Texas’ Webber Energy Group, said local tax revenues and a limited number of technical jobs are among the economic benefits that data centers can bring to an area. The higher demands on the power grid may also require utility companies to build new power generation facilities, spurring additional jobs and economic growth, he said.
Still, Rhodes, who has consulted for a Bitcoin company looking for cleaner ways to mine crypto, said powering data centers without increasing emissions requires a number of specific steps. Unless a data center is contracting for 100% renewable power, it will no doubt drive higher emissions, he said.
Haugen said Basin Electric would be serving the Atlas Power data center with a mix of generation types, which could vary between wind, coal and natural gas depending on the day.
Jonathan Koomey, formerly a researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory who has spent several decades studying the electricity use of information technology, said that, if a data center is taking its power straight off the grid, without contracting for clean power or building out its own renewable generation, it’s likely to drive higher emissions.
Koomey also warned against opaque actors in the crypto world who are liable to pick up and leave an area once conditions no longer fit their needs. Though data centers can provide some jobs and knock-on economic boosts, Koomey said the risks of volatile crypto markets and miners’ large energy demands can come back to bite a community.
“Just because they have a big money flow and some private benefits that get people to support the project, doesn’t mean that the project has benefits for all of North Dakota,” he said. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/north-dakota-aims-to-draw-bitcoin-miners-with-promise-of-worlds-cleanest-crypto/ | 2022-04-13T01:18:16 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/north-dakota-aims-to-draw-bitcoin-miners-with-promise-of-worlds-cleanest-crypto/ |
By JIM MUSTIAN, JENNIFER PELTZ, MICHAEL R. SISAK and MICHAEL BALSAMO
NEW YORK (AP) — A gunman in a gas mask and construction vest set off a smoke grenade and fired a barrage of bullets in a rush-hour subway train, shooting at least 10 people Tuesday, authorities said. Police were trying to track down the renter of a van possibly connected to the violence.
Police Chief of Detectives James Essig said investigators weren’t sure whether the man, identified as Frank R. James, 62, had any link to the subway attack.
Authorities also were looking into social media posts by someone with the same name that mentioned homelessness, New York and Mayor Eric Adams, leading officials to tighten the mayor’s security detail, Essig and Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said. She said the posts were “concerning.”
The attack made the subway a scene of horror: a smoke-filled car with at least 33 rounds of gunfire going off, police said. Frightened commuters ran from the train and others limped out of it. At least one rider collapsed on the platform.
“My subway door opened into calamity. It was smoke and blood and people screaming,” eyewitness Sam Carcamo told radio station 1010 WINS. The gunfire erupted on a train that pulled into a station in the Sunset Park neighborhood, about a 15-minute ride from Manhattan and predominantly home to Hispanic and Asian communities.
Five people were in critical condition but expected to survive. At least 29 in all were treated at hospitals for gunshot wounds, smoke inhalation and other conditions, according to hospitals.
Sewell said the attack was not being investigated as terrorism, but that she was “not ruling out anything.” The shooter’s motive was unknown.
Authorities found a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun at the scene, along with extended magazines, a hatchet, detonated and undetonated smoke grenades, a black garbage can, a rolling cart, gasoline and the key to a U-Haul van, Essig said.
He said the key led investigators to the van renter, finding that he has addresses in Philadelphia and Wisconsin.
The officials said authorities zeroed in on a person of interest after the credit card used to rent the van was found at the shooting scene.
The van was found, unoccupied, elsewhere in Brooklyn.
Investigators believe the weapon jammed, preventing the suspect from continuing to fire, the officials said. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has completed an urgent trace to identify the gun’s manufacturer, seller and initial owner.
The attack unnerved a city on guard about a rise in gun violence and the ever-present threat of terrorism. It left some New Yorkers jittery about riding the nation’s busiest subway system and prompted officials to increase policing at transportation hubs from Philadelphia to Connecticut.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced last fall that it had put security cameras in all 472 subway stations citywide, saying they would put criminals on an “express track to justice.” But at the station where the train arrived, the cameras apparently weren’t working.
MTA system chief Janno Lieber told TV interviewers he didn’t know why the cameras malfunctioned. But he said police had “a lot of different options” from cameras elsewhere on the subway line to get a glimpse of the shooter.
One rider’s video, shot through a closed door between subway cars, shows a person in a hooded sweatshirt raising an arm and pointing at something as five bangs sound. In another video, smoke and people pour out of a subway car, some limping.
“Someone call 911!” a person shouts.
Other video and photos from the scene show people tending to bloodied passengers lying on the platform — some amid what appear to be small puddles of blood — and another person on the floor of a subway car.
Rider Juliana Fonda, a broadcast engineer at WNYC-FM, told its news site Gothamist that passengers from the car behind hers started banging on the connecting door.
“There was a lot of loud pops, and there was smoke in the other car,” she said. “And people were trying to get in and they couldn’t, they were pounding on the door to get into our car.”
As police searched for the shooter, Gov. Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers to be vigilant.
“This individual is still on the loose. This person is dangerous,” the Democrat said at a news conference just after noon. “This is an active shooter situation right now in the city of New York.”
Fire and police officials had responded to reports of an explosion, but Sewell said at the press conference that there were no known explosive devices. Multiple smoke devices were found on the scene, mayoral spokesperson Fabien Levy said.
After people streamed out of the train, quick-thinking transit workers ushered passengers to another train across the platform for safety, said Lieber, the MTA chairman.
High school student John Butsikaris was riding the other train when he saw a conductor urging everyone to get in. He thought it might be a mundane problem until the next stop, when he heard screams for medical attention and his train was evacuated.
“I’m definitely shook,” the 15-year-old told The Associated Press. “Even though I didn’t see what happened, I’m still scared, because it was like a few feet away from me, what happened.”
No transit workers were physically hurt, according to their union.
In Menlo, Iowa, President Joe Biden praised “the first responders who jumped in action, including civilians, civilians, who didn’t hesitate to help their fellow passengers and tried to shield them.”
Adams, who is isolating following a positive COVID-19 test on Sunday, said in a video statement that the city “will not allow New Yorkers to be terrorized, even by a single individual.”
New York City has faced a spate of shootings and high-profile bloodshed in recent months, including on the city’s subways. One of the most shocking was in January, when a woman was pushed to her death in front of a train by a stranger.
Adams, a Democrat a little over 100 days into his term, has made cracking down on crime — especially on the subways — a focus of his early administration, pledging to send more police officers into stations and platforms for regular patrols. It wasn’t immediately clear whether officers were already inside the station when the shootings occurred.
Danny Mastrogiorgio of Brooklyn had just dropped his son off at school when he saw a crush of panicked passengers, some wounded, running up the stairway at the 25th Street station. At least two had visible leg injuries, he said.
“It was insane,” he told the AP. “No one knew exactly what was going on.”
___
Balsamo reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Karen Matthews, Julie Walker, Deepti Hajela, Michelle L. Price and David Porter in New York contributed to this report. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/police-focus-on-van-renter-in-brooklyn-subway-shooting-probe/ | 2022-04-13T01:18:22 | 1 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/police-focus-on-van-renter-in-brooklyn-subway-shooting-probe/ |
A St. Paul man was sentenced Tuesday to one year in prison for threatening a California member of the U.S. House of Representatives last year.
Jason Robert Burham Karimi, 32, pleaded guilty in September to one count of interstate communication of a threat, according to a news release issued by the office of Andrew Luger, U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota.
Karimi will also spend two years on supervised release after completing his yearlong prison term, according to authorities, who didn’t identify the lawmaker.
On Jan. 11, 2021, Karimi left a voicemail at the California office of the U.S. representative threatening to cause “pain in every way possible” and “make it so you can’t even walk in anything but a wheelchair,” according to the criminal complaint against him.
Karimi also alluded to recent vandalism to the lawmaker’s home. Days earlier, the San Francisco home of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had been vandalized.
FBI investigators identified the source of the call as a Tracphone owned by Karimi and asked to speak with him outside the St. Paul apartment building where he was living at the time, the complaint said.
When the FBI agents asked Karimi if he knew why they wanted to interview him, Karimi responded, “Is it about the voicemails?” according to the complaint.
He went on to tell investigators that his voicemail was only intended to cause the representative “political pain,” adding that he worked as an “activist/lobbyist for the marijuana industry” and frequently used threats to get people’s attention. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/st-paul-man-sentenced-to-1-year-in-prison-for-voicemail-threats-against-u-s-representative/ | 2022-04-13T01:18:28 | 1 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/12/st-paul-man-sentenced-to-1-year-in-prison-for-voicemail-threats-against-u-s-representative/ |
Print, Digital & Mobile
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Enter your user name and password in the fields above to gain access to the subscriber content on this site.
Your subscription includes one set of login credentials for your exclusive use. Security features have been integrated on this site: If someone signs in with your credentials while you are logged in, the site will automatically close your ongoing login and you will lose access at that time. To inquire about group subscriptions for your organization, contact Shaun Witt.
If you feel your login credentials are being used by a second party, contact customer service at 877-615-9536 for assistance in changing your password.Already a paid subscriber but not registered for online access yet? For instructions on how to get premium web access, click here. | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/99-townhome-units-progress-for-lakeville/ | 2022-04-13T01:25:18 | 0 | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/99-townhome-units-progress-for-lakeville/ |
Print, Digital & Mobile
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Enter your user name and password in the fields above to gain access to the subscriber content on this site.
Your subscription includes one set of login credentials for your exclusive use. Security features have been integrated on this site: If someone signs in with your credentials while you are logged in, the site will automatically close your ongoing login and you will lose access at that time. To inquire about group subscriptions for your organization, contact Shaun Witt.
If you feel your login credentials are being used by a second party, contact customer service at 877-615-9536 for assistance in changing your password.Already a paid subscriber but not registered for online access yet? For instructions on how to get premium web access, click here. | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/age-restricted-homes-coming-to-burnsville/ | 2022-04-13T01:25:24 | 1 | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/age-restricted-homes-coming-to-burnsville/ |
Print, Digital & Mobile
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Enter your user name and password in the fields above to gain access to the subscriber content on this site.
Your subscription includes one set of login credentials for your exclusive use. Security features have been integrated on this site: If someone signs in with your credentials while you are logged in, the site will automatically close your ongoing login and you will lose access at that time. To inquire about group subscriptions for your organization, contact Shaun Witt.
If you feel your login credentials are being used by a second party, contact customer service at 877-615-9536 for assistance in changing your password.Already a paid subscriber but not registered for online access yet? For instructions on how to get premium web access, click here. | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/april-13-2022-digital-edition/ | 2022-04-13T01:25:30 | 1 | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/april-13-2022-digital-edition/ |
Print, Digital & Mobile
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Enter your user name and password in the fields above to gain access to the subscriber content on this site.
Your subscription includes one set of login credentials for your exclusive use. Security features have been integrated on this site: If someone signs in with your credentials while you are logged in, the site will automatically close your ongoing login and you will lose access at that time. To inquire about group subscriptions for your organization, contact Shaun Witt.
If you feel your login credentials are being used by a second party, contact customer service at 877-615-9536 for assistance in changing your password.Already a paid subscriber but not registered for online access yet? For instructions on how to get premium web access, click here. | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/biden-waiving-e15-rule-to-lower-gas-prices/ | 2022-04-13T01:25:36 | 1 | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/biden-waiving-e15-rule-to-lower-gas-prices/ |
Print, Digital & Mobile
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Enter your user name and password in the fields above to gain access to the subscriber content on this site.
Your subscription includes one set of login credentials for your exclusive use. Security features have been integrated on this site: If someone signs in with your credentials while you are logged in, the site will automatically close your ongoing login and you will lose access at that time. To inquire about group subscriptions for your organization, contact Shaun Witt.
If you feel your login credentials are being used by a second party, contact customer service at 877-615-9536 for assistance in changing your password.Already a paid subscriber but not registered for online access yet? For instructions on how to get premium web access, click here. | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/just-sold-3-motel-6-sites-sell-for-12-2m/ | 2022-04-13T01:25:43 | 0 | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/just-sold-3-motel-6-sites-sell-for-12-2m/ |
Print, Digital & Mobile
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Enter your user name and password in the fields above to gain access to the subscriber content on this site.
Your subscription includes one set of login credentials for your exclusive use. Security features have been integrated on this site: If someone signs in with your credentials while you are logged in, the site will automatically close your ongoing login and you will lose access at that time. To inquire about group subscriptions for your organization, contact Shaun Witt.
If you feel your login credentials are being used by a second party, contact customer service at 877-615-9536 for assistance in changing your password.Already a paid subscriber but not registered for online access yet? For instructions on how to get premium web access, click here. | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/the-berkman-in-rochester-sold-for-187-6-million/ | 2022-04-13T01:25:49 | 1 | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/the-berkman-in-rochester-sold-for-187-6-million/ |
Print, Digital & Mobile
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Enter your user name and password in the fields above to gain access to the subscriber content on this site.
Your subscription includes one set of login credentials for your exclusive use. Security features have been integrated on this site: If someone signs in with your credentials while you are logged in, the site will automatically close your ongoing login and you will lose access at that time. To inquire about group subscriptions for your organization, contact Shaun Witt.
If you feel your login credentials are being used by a second party, contact customer service at 877-615-9536 for assistance in changing your password.Already a paid subscriber but not registered for online access yet? For instructions on how to get premium web access, click here. | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/truck-makers-face-a-technology-dilemma/ | 2022-04-13T01:25:55 | 0 | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/truck-makers-face-a-technology-dilemma/ |
Print, Digital & Mobile
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Enter your user name and password in the fields above to gain access to the subscriber content on this site.
Your subscription includes one set of login credentials for your exclusive use. Security features have been integrated on this site: If someone signs in with your credentials while you are logged in, the site will automatically close your ongoing login and you will lose access at that time. To inquire about group subscriptions for your organization, contact Shaun Witt.
If you feel your login credentials are being used by a second party, contact customer service at 877-615-9536 for assistance in changing your password.Already a paid subscriber but not registered for online access yet? For instructions on how to get premium web access, click here. | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/u-s-inflation-jumped-8-5-in-past-year/ | 2022-04-13T01:26:01 | 0 | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/u-s-inflation-jumped-8-5-in-past-year/ |
Print, Digital & Mobile
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Monthly auto-renew
$32
----------
1 Year
$329
----------
2 Years
$479
----------
Digital & Mobile Only
1 Year
$299
Enter your user name and password in the fields above to gain access to the subscriber content on this site.
Your subscription includes one set of login credentials for your exclusive use. Security features have been integrated on this site: If someone signs in with your credentials while you are logged in, the site will automatically close your ongoing login and you will lose access at that time. To inquire about group subscriptions for your organization, contact Shaun Witt.
If you feel your login credentials are being used by a second party, contact customer service at 877-615-9536 for assistance in changing your password.Already a paid subscriber but not registered for online access yet? For instructions on how to get premium web access, click here. | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/yelp-paying-for-employees-to-travel-for-abortion-care/ | 2022-04-13T01:26:07 | 1 | https://finance-commerce.com/2022/04/yelp-paying-for-employees-to-travel-for-abortion-care/ |
American Legion National Commander tours posts across state
DODGE CENTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The American Legion National Commander is making his rounds to different posts around the state to talk about the issues currently impacting Minnesota veterans. He talked about issues such as rising veteran suicides to toxic exposure from burn pits to name a few.
Around 50 American Legion members and community leaders met at the Dodge Center American Legion on Tuesday for lunch and to discuss these issues.
Before coming to Dodge Center, the National Commander had breakfast and spoke at the Red Wing American Legion Post Tuesday morning.
The National Commander Paul Dillard says touring to different posts and talking with members helps spread the word on these issues and foster a sense of community between veterans,
Instead of putting it in writing, to deliver the information to them, I think it’s so much more important. They’ve got to hear these things, and the only way their going to is for someone to come out that’s not a member of their post maybe or a member of their department, and they get a different feel for it, and say hey this is real,” he said.
The tour continues Tuesday with breakfast at the Post in Austin.
Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/12/american-legion-national-commander-tours-posts-across-state/ | 2022-04-13T01:26:54 | 0 | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/12/american-legion-national-commander-tours-posts-across-state/ |
Biden: Russia’s war in Ukraine amounts to ‘genocide’
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday said Russia’s war in Ukraine amounted to “genocide,” accusing President Vladimir Putin of trying to “wipe out the idea of even being a Ukrainian.”
“Yes, I called it genocide,” he told reporters in Iowa shortly before boarding Air Force One to return to Washington. “It’s become clearer and clearer that Putin is just trying to wipe out the idea of even being a Ukrainian.”
At an earlier event in Menlo, Iowa, addressing spiking energy prices resulting from the war, Biden had implied that he thought Putin was carrying out genocide against Ukraine, but offered no details. Neither he nor his administration announced new consequences for Russia or assistance to Ukraine following Biden’s public assessment.
WARNING: Videos may contain graphic content.
Biden’s comments drew praise from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had encouraged Western leaders to use the term to describe Russia’s invasion of his country.
“True words of a true leader @POTUS,” he tweeted. “Calling things by their names is essential to stand up to evil. We are grateful for US assistance provided so far and we urgently need more heavy weapons to prevent further Russian atrocities.”
A United Nations treaty, to which the U.S. is a party, defines genocide as actions taken with the “intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.”
Past American leaders often have dodged formally declaring bloody campaigns such as Russia’s in Ukraine as genocide, hesitating to trigger an obligation that under international convention requires signing countries to intervene once genocide is formally identified. That obligation was seen as blocking President Bill Clinton from declaring Rwandan Hutus’ killing of 800,000 ethnic Tutsis in 1994 as genocide, for example.
Biden said it would be up to lawyers to decide if Russia’s conduct met the international standard for genocide, as Ukrainian officials have claimed, but said “it sure seems that way to me.”
“More evidence is coming out literally of the horrible things that the Russians have done in Ukraine, and we’re only going to learn more and more about the devastation and let the lawyers decide internationally whether or not it qualifies,” he said.
Just last week Biden had he did not believe Russia’s actions amounted to genocide, just that they constituted “war crimes.”
During a trip to Europe last month, Biden faced controversy for a nine-word statement seemingly supporting regime change in Moscow, which would have represented a dramatic shift toward direct confrontation with another nuclear-armed country. “For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power,” Biden said.
He clarified the comments days later, saying: “I was expressing the moral outrage that I felt toward this man. I wasn’t articulating a policy change.”
—
Miller reported from Washington. AP writer Ellen Knickmeyer contributed.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/12/biden-russias-war-ukraine-amounts-genocide/ | 2022-04-13T01:27:00 | 1 | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/12/biden-russias-war-ukraine-amounts-genocide/ |
Organ donation registration encouraged during National Donate Life Month
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – April is National Donate Life Month and a good time to register as a donor if you aren’t already.
By becoming a registered organ donor, just one person can help save up the lives of up to 8 people. Each day 17 people die waiting for a transplant.
“Unfortunately, even though we’ve now developed transplants to the point where it can help a great number of people very, very effectively, we cannot apply this to everybody who needs it because we have a critical shortage of available donors,” Mayo Clinic Transplant Center Director Dr. Julie Heimback said.
There are currently more than 100,000 people waiting for a transplant. The greatest need is kidneys.
“That’s bigger than US Bank Stadium,” Gift of Life Transplant House Executive Director Mary Wilder said. “US Bank Stadium will seat 72,000. This whole stadium would not fill how many people are waiting for organ donation.”
Medical officials say you can be a living donor and give a kidney, part of your liver or even bone marrow and still live a normal life.
“I donated my kidney to my dad 45 years ago,” Wilder said. “So, you can look at me, I was a kidney donor, life is good.”
Hundred of transplants are preformed each year at both Mayo Clinic hospitals in Rochester.
“For liver, we did more than 130 liver transplants, our heart and lung volumes were the highest we’ve ever done,” Heimback said. “More than 200 kidney transplants, our bone marrow transplant program is close to 500 transplants.”
Health experts recommend making your wish of organ donation known to friends and family.
“Their families don’t know that they want to be an organ donor and even though they may have been eligible after they died to be an organ donor their wishes are not known and the family doesn’t pursue that,” Heimback said.
As long at your organs are eligible, you can donate at any age.
“We know of an 83 year old woman who donated her organs and they’re healthy and working well for people,” Wilder said.
Registering to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor is very easy. You can do it online, at the DMV, even when you get your hunting and fishing license.
Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/12/organ-donation-registration-encouraged-during-national-donate-life-month/ | 2022-04-13T01:27:09 | 1 | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/12/organ-donation-registration-encouraged-during-national-donate-life-month/ |
VIDEO: School district bus driver makes stop at liquor store while on duty, witness says
LAMAR COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM/Gray News) - A video on social media is gaining attention in the Mississippi area when it comes to a bus driver seemingly making an unscheduled stop at a local shopping center.
WDAM reports it obtained a video from April 7 that showed a Lamar County School District bus driver walking out of a liquor store with what a witness called a bottle in his hand and then getting back on the bus and driving away.
The Lamar County School District Supt. Steven Hampton issued the following statement regarding the video:
“On Thursday, April 7th, a concerned citizen made us aware of a situation where we had an employee use a school district bus for a personal reason. We have investigated this incident and have found it to be true. We have taken disciplinary actions against this employee that are in line with our policies.”
School officials have not released any further immediate information about the incident.
Copyright 2022 WDAM via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/12/video-shows-school-district-bus-driver-making-stop-liquor-store-while-duty/ | 2022-04-13T01:27:16 | 0 | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/12/video-shows-school-district-bus-driver-making-stop-liquor-store-while-duty/ |
AP source: DOJ denies panel details in Trump records probe
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department declined a request this week from the House oversight committee to disclose the contents of records that former President Donald Trump took to his Florida residence after leaving the White House, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The move could serve as a setback for Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform as it was ramping up its investigation into Trump’s handling of sensitive and even classified information during his time as president and after he left the White House. It remains unclear what implications the decision could have for the panel’s probe, which was announced in March.
The Justice Department’s decision is part of an effort to protect confidential information that may compromise an ongoing investigation, according to the person, who was not authorized to discuss the matter by name and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The development was first reported Tuesday by The Washington Post.
The National Archives had referred the matter of Trump’s handling of those records to the Justice Department earlier this year. Because of that, the DOJ is asking the National Archives not to share information related directly to it, including the contents of the 15 boxes that Trump took to his Mar-a-Lago residence.
The notice to the committee comes days after its chair, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., accused the Justice Department of “obstructing” the panel’s expanded investigation by preventing the release of information from the National Archives.
The Justice Department has not formally announced it is investigating Trump’s handling of the records, but letters between the committee and the department seem to indicate that investigators are taking steps toward it.
A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined a request for comment Tuesday.
In addition, the FBI has taken steps to begin examining the potential mishandling of classified information related to the documents in the boxes, according to two other people familiar with the investigation who were not authorized to discuss it by name and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. It wasn’t clear exactly what work investigators had done so far or what additional steps they were planning to take.
In a letter to the National Archives last month, Maloney made a series of requests for information she said the committee needs to determine if Trump violated federal records laws over his handling of sensitive and even classified information. In response, the general counsel for the archivist wrote on March 28 that “based on our consultation with the Department of Justice, we are unable to provide any comment.”
___
Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo and Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/13/ap-source-doj-denies-panel-details-trump-records-probe/ | 2022-04-13T01:27:22 | 1 | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/13/ap-source-doj-denies-panel-details-trump-records-probe/ |
Elon Musk accused of breaking law while buying Twitter stock
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Elon Musk’s huge Twitter investment took a new twist Tuesday with the filing of a lawsuit alleging that the colorful billionaire illegally delayed disclosing his stake in the social media company so he could buy more shares at lower prices.
The complaint in New York federal court accuses Musk of violating a regulatory deadline to reveal he had accumulated a stake of at least 5%. Instead, according to the complaint, Musk didn’t disclose his position in Twitter until he’d almost doubled his stake to more than 9%. That strategy, the lawsuit alleges, hurt less wealthy investors who sold shares in the San Francisco company in the nearly two weeks before Musk acknowledged holding a major stake.
Musk’s regulatory filings show that he bought a little more than 620,000 shares at $36.83 apiece on Jan. 31 and then continued to accumulate more shares on nearly every single trading day through April 1. Musk, best known as CEO of the electric car maker Tesla, held 73.1 million Twitter shares as of the most recent count Monday. That represents a 9.1% stake in Twitter.
The lawsuit alleges that by March 14, Musk’s stake in Twitter had reached a 5% threshold that required him to publicly disclose his holdings under U.S. securities law by March 24. Musk didn’t make the required disclosure until April 4.
That revelation caused Twitter’s stock to soar 27% from its April 1 close to nearly $50 by the end of April 4′s trading, depriving investors who sold shares before Musk’s improperly delayed disclosure the chance to realize significant gains, according to the lawsuit filed on behalf of an investor named Marc Bain Rasella. Musk, meanwhile, was able to continue to buy shares that traded in prices ranging from $37.69 to $40.96.
The lawsuit is seeking to be certified as a class action representing Twitter shareholders who sold shares between March 24 and April 4, a process that could take a year or more.
Musk spent about $2.6 billion on Twitter stock — a fraction of his estimated wealth of $265 billion, the largest individual fortune in the world. In a regulatory filing Monday, Musk disclosed he may increase his stake after backing out of an agreement reached last week to join Twitter’s board of directors.
Jacob Walker, one of the lawyers that filed the lawsuit against Musk, told The Associated Press that he hadn’t reached out to the Securities and Exchange Commission about Musk’s alleged violations about the disclosure of his Twitter stake. “I assume the SEC is well aware of what he did,” Walker said.
An SEC spokesperson declined to comment.
The SEC and Musk have been wrangling in court since 2018 when Musk and Tesla agreed to pay a $40 million fine to settle allegations that he used his Twitter account to mislead investors about a potential buyout of the electric car company that never materialized. As part of that deal, Musk was supposed to obtain legal approval for his tweets about information that could affect Tesla’s stock price — a provision that regulators contend he has occasionally violated and that he now argues unfairly muzzles him.
Musk didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment posted on Twitter, where he often shares his opinion and thoughts. Alex Spiro, a New York lawyer representing Musk in his ongoing dispute with the SEC, also didn’t immediately respond to a query from The Associated Press.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/13/elon-musk-accused-breaking-law-while-buying-twitter-stock/ | 2022-04-13T01:27:31 | 0 | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/13/elon-musk-accused-breaking-law-while-buying-twitter-stock/ |
“Hams for the Holidays” campaign gives away 300 hams for free
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – On Tuesday, Hy-Vee and Hormel foods continued its annual “Hams for the Holidays” event.
The event took place at Graham Park, to give out 300 free hams.
“When we get to see the smile on their face when they get a free ham for the holidays and maybe ease their pocketbook a little bit, it makes us happy to be able to help,” said Chad Launderville, Hy-Vee District Store Director.
Cars were wrapped around the parking lot with people eager to get a free ham.
“I thought well maybe I’ll go and go get a ham this year. So here I am. I’m happy to have a ham because I wasn’t going to buy one,” said Rosalind Rood, a community member who received a ham.
Rochester’s first responders helped give out the hams. Rochester Police Department, Rochester Fire Department, Mayo Clinic Ambulance, and Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office were at the event.
“It’s just nice to step out of what we normally do. Just kind of do something that’s not unexpected said Sheriff Kevin Torgerson, Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office. “We’re doing something for them and they’re giving some love right back. So it’s really special.”
Community members were able to stay in their cars as first responders handed them hams.
“I think it’s wonderful. I shop mostly at Hy-Vee. I support our law enforcement, I know that’s not popular. But it’s a difficult job. I’m very grateful for HyVee and for our community,” Rood said.
Hy-Vee said the campaign has been going on for the past five years.
Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/13/hams-holidays-campaign-gives-away-300-hams-free/ | 2022-04-13T01:27:38 | 0 | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/13/hams-holidays-campaign-gives-away-300-hams-free/ |
Hy-Vee donates 14 pallets of food & $34,249 to Channel One food bank
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Tuesday Rochester Hy-vee store managers dropped off 14 pallets of food, water and other household items as a donation to Channel One’s food bank.
Along with the food donation, they are also donating $34,249. It’s part of the store’s Hy-Vee Scan Out Hunger Campaign. Last fall, customers could round up their totals to donate the extra funds to help fight food insecurity.
Channel One says it’s seeing twice the number of people visiting the food shelf before the pandemic, so donations like this are invaluable to the organization.
This means so much to us right now, especially with the inflation that’s going off, people who are still feeling lingering effects from the pandemic in job loss and income loss. All these things are so helpful to us. Donations like this and partnerships like Hy-vee are so important to us. We couldn’t be more grateful,” Channel One director of development & communications Jessica Sund said.
All of the donated food and water will stock Channel One’s food banks in the area, including its Olmsted County food shelf. The food shelf serves about 4,500 households every month.
Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/13/hy-vee-donates-14-pallets-food-34249-channel-one-food-bank/ | 2022-04-13T01:27:44 | 1 | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/13/hy-vee-donates-14-pallets-food-34249-channel-one-food-bank/ |
Police warn parents of scary ‘Huggy Wuggy’ character in children’s media online
(Gray News) – While Disney may offer plenty of movies, videos and games that are safe for unsupervised children, not all kids’ content is as safe as it seems.
Police are now warning the parents of susceptible kids of a fearsome character that has been making its way into content geared towards children.
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin looked at the origins of “Huggy Wuggy” and shared their findings in a post on Facebook.
The character, which resembles a lanky, blue-furred teddy bear with razor sharp teeth, comes from a recent survival horror video game called “Poppy Playtime.”
In the game, the player controls the former employee of an abandoned toy factory, who has come back to the company’s location to investigate what happened to all of the staff who mysteriously vanished.
As the player explores, their character encounters various enemies, including Huggy Wuggy.
The game was originally rated for ages 8 and above but was updated to 12 or above for containing scary images and scenarios, such as toys coming to life and wanting to harm the children they belong to.
The character has made its way from this independently developed video game into fan-made videos on websites like YouTube.
The sheriff’s office says the videos they want to warn parents about are featured on a number of YouTube channels, including those on this list compiled by the sheriff’s office:
- GameToons
- SamToons
- GH’s
- Monster School Story
- Game My
- Secret4Studio
- HornStromp 3D
- Siren Studio
- Bunny Games
- Slime Channel
The sheriff’s office says the videos include, but are not limited to, offensive language, cartoon representations of alcohol use, blood, stabbings, decapitations, attempted murder, murder and the bloody aftermath of a car crash.
Police are urging parents to monitor their children’s use of YouTube and other video sharing social media platforms for content that may be inappropriate or too intense for their viewing.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/13/police-warn-parents-scary-huggy-wuggy-character-childrens-media-online/ | 2022-04-13T01:27:51 | 1 | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/13/police-warn-parents-scary-huggy-wuggy-character-childrens-media-online/ |
MOORE HAVEN, Fla. (AP) — An endangered Florida panther has died after being struck by a vehicle.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says it’s the 10th panther death attributed to fatal collisions, out of 10 total deaths this year.
Wildlife officials say the remains of the 4-year-old female panther were found Monday along a rural road in western Glades County.
Florida panthers once roamed the entire Southeast. Up to 230 Florida panthers remain in the wild. | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/officials-florida-panther-struck-and-killed-by-vehicle-6/ | 2022-04-13T01:28:44 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/officials-florida-panther-struck-and-killed-by-vehicle-6/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — A new report, out Tuesday, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a grim milestone; inflation has hit another 40 year high.
"I have been on this earth for 70 years and I have never seen anything like this," Joseph McDuffy said. "Inflation is just running rampant."
New data reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the cost of living is the highest it's been in forty years.
"Basically, I go to the store to get something for a couple of days," McDuffy said. "When I get it for a couple of days, it used to cost me $20. Now, I'm up to $40 for a couple of days," McDuffy said.
It's impacting several people like Joseph McDuffy who is retired.
The total due at the register is more than he's used to paying, so now, he shops at more than one grocery store to get what he needs and save a few bucks.
"I never thought I would be doing this," McDuffy said. "I used to think when people did it they are just too cheap. It costs more time to go somewhere to save fifty cents but I find myself doing it now because everything is just so doggone high."
"If you are on a fixed income these food prices really do eat at your bottom line and you're having to make some tough decisions," said Lusk.
Purdue University Professor Jayson Lusk, says the war between Ukraine and Russia along with the government's financial response to COVID-19 has played a role in inflation.
Airfare, new cars and housing prices have skyrocketed.
"Compared to this time last year, transportation prices are up over 22%," Lusk said. "That's a very dramatic increase."
We've all seen the price jumps at the gas pump.
"Just compared to last month gas prices are up over 18% and compared to last year gas prices are up 48%," Lusk said. "These are really remarkably high rates of gasoline price increases." | https://www.wrtv.com/inflation-hit-another-40-year-high | 2022-04-13T01:28:44 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/inflation-hit-another-40-year-high |
INDIANAPOLIS — Most Americans do not know what it's like for those escaping the war in Ukraine.
We've seen videos of the bombing aftermath, people seeking shelter and some videos of people fleeing the country.
Hoosiers are offering a helping hand and sharing stories of things they're seeing overseas.
"It's real," Brian Rund said. "I think if there is one word that sums it up, you see it in person and it's real."
Rund, a native of Indianapolis, is volunteering in Poland.
He is describing what he sees in Poland as Ukrainians escape the invasion of Russia.
"They just put cots in the aisles, the store is still operating but they just put cots in the aisle," Rund said.
Since Saturday, Rund has been in Kraków, Poland helping cook and serve meals for roughly 10,000 refugees per day.
"It's really interesting," Rund said. "It's sad in a lot of ways. You see these people and because these Ukrainian men 18-60 are not allowed to leave its women. Very often women with small children, and older people over 60."
All many Ukrainians have with them is what they can carry. Rund said many of them come in on a train.
"You can just imagine what it's like to not only have to flea your home but to do it with a baby. That's awful," Rund said.
Despite the tragedy, Rund said there is a sense of unity. A light on the people of Poland coming together to help their neighbors.
"Outside the door of the train station there were probably 30 or 40 strollers, a dozen or so portable cribs that fold up, and most of them were filled to the top with all kinds of baby supplies," Rund said.
Rund said the need is still great and the situation isn't getting better and added those countries housing refugees need help too.
"Imagine having to suddenly support that many people that have nothing," Rund said. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/indianapolis-man-describes-effects-of-war-in-ukraine | 2022-04-13T01:28:47 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/indianapolis-man-describes-effects-of-war-in-ukraine |
A judge is accused of more than 100 serious incidents of misconduct, and her team went before the Ohio Supreme Court Tuesday morning. Her defense for her misbehavior? Menopause and sleep apnea caused a generalized anxiety disorder.
Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Pinkey Susan Carr is accused of these incidents from the end 2017 to 2020. Most notable among them is her issuing of arrest warrants for defendants who didn't appear for court during the government-issued stay-at-home order during the pandemic. She also allegedly jailed defendants without "suitable" reason, according to a 58-page report filed with the Supreme Court of Ohio by the Board of Professional Conduct.
"There is no question that the conduct engaged in by Judge Pinkey Carr was egregious and it lasted for a period of approximately two years," Cleveland attorney Nicholas Froning said.
It may seem Froning is arguing on behalf of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in its case against Carr, but you would be wrong. She has admitted to many of her wrongdoings so the argument is no longer "did she commit the allegations" but rather, "why did she do it?"
The court has established three offices— Office of Disciplinary Counsel, Board of Professional Conduct, and the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection. Each of these has its own role under the Disciplinary System for the Supreme Court of Ohio and the Ohio Judicial System. The Disciplinary Counsel investigates allegations and initiates complaints concerning ethical misconduct and/or mental illness of judges or attorneys.
Carr is accused of dozens of instances of misconduct over two years that fall into five broad categories and counts:
- Issuance Capiases and False Statements
- Ex Parte Communications, Improper Plea Bargaining, Arbitrary Dispositions
- Improper use of Capiases and Bond to Compel Payment of Fines and Court Costs
- Public Confidence, Lack of Decorum and Dignity Consistent with Judicial Office
- Abuse of Contempt Power and Failure to Recuse
Read about the allegations below.
The main argument that Froning made was that the board didn't follow the law in the application of the "contribution standard." The lawyer argued about the wording of the board's analysis, citing that the board didn't apply the legal standard required in determining if Judge Carr's disorders contributed to cause the misconduct. The board used words such as "attribution" or "causal link."
"Causation defined is 'expresses or implies a cause,'" Froning said, explaining the difference to the justices when one asked. "It's a cause and effect relationship, whereas a contribution — contribute is defined as tending to bring a result."
The back-and-forth continued between the court and the attorney on the rhetoric.
"It's written 'the determination that, the, that the disorders contributed to cause the misconduct," he said. "And in so, in its, in the panel report, in its 58 page report, the panel discusses attribute, discusses a causal link, but does not utilize the word contribution in its analysis."
After the fourth question trying to figure out why contribution isn't a subset of causation, the justices seemed frustrated. For clarity, the disorders Froning is referring to are menopause and sleep apnea.
"How did this contribution cause five people to spend 28 days in jail?" asked Patrick Fischer, one of the court justices.
"The issue here is that her treaters were mis— essentially mistreating the conditions, causing there to be counteracting issues," the attorney responded. "So when it comes to sleep apnea, she was unable to get the sleep necessary. When it comes to the menopause, she was dealing with issues wherein she wasn't able to function to 100%."
Fischer didn't seem to buy it.
"How does sleep apnea or menopause contribute to lying?" he asked.
"Well, it it affects her, her, her, her mood; it affects her ability to think," Froning said. "Clearly, it affected numerous areas of her life....Everyone reacts differently. One of the arguments of the panel and the board is that thousands of lawyers have suffered from sleep apnea and/or menopause and not engaged in misconduct. I would agree with that. The issue is that everyone reacts differently if we think about."
She was already being treated at this point, so Carr misled her lawyer, her character witnesses and her therapists to make her misconduct appear less serious, Fischer said. It was considered with her lies to the judge and the media early on. These lies, to the lawyer and therapist, demonstrated disturbing dishonesty that pervades response behavior in this case, he added while reading from the board's report.
"Connect, please, the sleep apnea or menopause to those actions," Fischer said, digging his heels in.
It's their expert in this matter that shared those disorders contributed to cause misconduct, Froning said. The rule calls for a qualified health care professional to to make these opinions, and this expert, Dr. Jason R. Riebe, Psy.D., was given great credibility by the Panel and board, he claimed.
"The reality of it is, is that while the board treated Dr. Riebe with the respect that he deserved, they completely eviscerated his credibility based upon several factors," said Joseph Caligiuri, the attorney representing the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. "There was a pervasive pattern of dishonesty in this case; the board found that his opinions were of limited utility in this particular case."
There was a conflict of interest because of the dual roles the psychologist undertook in this case, Caligiuri said. He started out as an objective forensic psychologist who was there to give advice and testimony, and within a month of authoring his report, he transitioned to be Carr's treating clinician in which he was obligated to do his client no harm, the attorney added.
Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor brought up that Riebe didn't read the record, who admitted to only glancing at the reports and the seven hours of video.
"When he responded to the amount of video that he watched, I believe it's in the record, it says somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes," Froning said. "But when when questioned further on that, he said it might have been longer."
O'Connor then asked if it was 31 minutes, instead.
"Relator [the Board of Professional Conduct] provided him well in advance of seven hours and 38 minutes of video, and there was simply no reason for him not to have viewed the entirety of those videos," Caligiuri said.
During the testimony, Riebe had no idea about the issues involving Carr and a 20-year-old-woman, name A.B. in court documents, who was held in contempt of court and thrown in jail for 15 days, the attorney said.
A.B. was arguably the most extreme example of misconduct, referenced in the Board's document as Count V, Abuse of Contempt Power and Failure to Recuse. A.B. was charged with assault, a first-degree misdemeanor, and disorderly conduct, a fourth-degree misdemeanor, for allegedly assaulting a 16-year-old girl.
"For reasons that are not clear from the video record of the arraignment, Respondent [Carr] took an immediate dislike to A.B."
Carr admitted that she charged A.B. with the first contempt citation for "rolling her eyes and her comments in the lockup," she said during an August 2021 disciplinary hearing. The judge "admitted to antagonizing A.B. from the bench, acting in a rude and discourteous manner, and instigating the incident that led to A.B.'s second contempt citation."
Read the relevant section on pages 26-37 of the complaint filed against Carr below:
Complaint against Judge Pinkey Susan Carr by Wews WebStaff on Scribd
Caligiuri then brought back up the whole causation—contribution issue.
"He says, 'well, you can't just mix these words together, causation and contribution,'" the attorney said. "But that overlooks an obvious fact, and that is that the rule itself contains both of those words — it contributes to cause the misconduct.
"And that's exactly the standard that the board applied in evaluating Dr. Riebe's diagnosis and the misconduct," Caligiuri said. "And of course, again, even if you were to accept that argument, Dr. Riebe himself admitted that there was no contribution or causation or however you want to describe it with regard to the lying and the lying was such a huge portion of this case, so it cannot be overlooked."
He also cited numerous other cases in which this court used those terms interchangeably.
"There is absolutely no reason to remand this case," Caligiuri said. "First of all, even if this court were to entertain respondent's argument, the record is completely developed. There's no reason to send it back. The respondent presented her complete picture of mitigation to the board. So if this court wanted to adopt this argument in its de novo review, you can simply apply the facts that have already been developed in the record. Of course, I would suggest that there's no reason to accept respondent's argument, but there's definitely no reason for a remand counsel."
That being said, Carr did cooperate in the sense that she entered into complete stipulations during her examination, he added. She admitted to all the factual allegations and all of the 25 different rule violations and did seem to express genuine remorse, he said.
"When you look at the volume of misconduct, we feel that given the fact that she is addressing her mental health issues and she ultimately did stipulate and come around on the misconduct here, that two years would be a sufficient sanction that would not only recognize her misconduct, but also just deter other members of our judiciary from engaging in a similar type of misconduct," he added. "But there's no question that the recommendation between two years and indefinite was very thin."
In an interview after the hearing, Froning said he is confident that the court will take the appropriate amount of time to review and hopes that they ultimately remand the matter, give Judge Carr the full mitigate of credit for her mental health disorder or suspend her for 24 months with 18 months stayed on the conditions outlined throughout this case.
The decision is in the Supreme Court's hands now.
Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on Twitter and Facebook.
Good morning!
— Morgan Trau (@MorganTrau) April 12, 2022
I’m at the OH Supreme Court hearing for Cleveland Municipal Judge Pinkey Carr.
She is accused of 100+ instances of misconduct, including issuing warrants for those who didn’t appear for court during the government-issued stay-at-home order in the pandemic.@WEWS pic.twitter.com/OtXWDovCB1
This story was originally published by Morgan Trau of WEWS in Cleveland, Ohio. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/ohio-judge-accused-of-more-than-100-counts-of-misconduct-blames-menopause-sleep-apnea | 2022-04-13T01:28:49 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/ohio-judge-accused-of-more-than-100-counts-of-misconduct-blames-menopause-sleep-apnea |
While more affordable housing is being built in areas like Kentucky, some people are still trying to navigate the process of finding an affordable place to live right now. Pamela Morel says she’s been trying to find housing using her section 8 housing choice voucher in Winchester since August.
"There is absolutely nothing for rent in Winchester-no three bedrooms,” said Morel.
With the housing choice voucher, people who qualify and meet certain requirements can choose to have some or all their rent paid for by the federal government. However, for months Morel says she's had no luck trying to use her voucher in Winchester to move her family of five to a three-bedroom home that they can afford.
She says she’s also had no luck trying to transfer her voucher to use in Lexington. She’s struggling to figure out why.
“Nobody has answers,” said Morel. “If you have a question about portability about anything, nobody has the answers. They'll give you a cut and dry like well you have to fill out this paperwork."
Shay Lamarr with the Fair Housing Council says they heard from and have tried to help several frustrated tenants navigate the program.
“We get calls every single day about people. Can you help me? I can't find a place that's going to take my voucher. The landlord refused me,” said Lamarr. “There is indeed a serious problem with the availability of housing for people who go on Section 8 vouchers."
Morel is currently in the portability process to expand her options from Winchester to Lexington. Lamarr says that the process can take time.
“There is not just the issue of transferring the vouchers, although that is a huge obstacle for people. There's also the issue of the time stamp on the vouchers. There's a limited amount of time that people have to use them and the process for getting them extended is very difficult,” said Lamarr.
The timestamp for Morel is winding down. After filing an extension, she has until April 30 to find a unit before her voucher expires. If that happens, she’ll have to rejoin a waitlist.
The manager of Lexington's program, Aldean Pleasant says the federal program operates as a choice for tenants. They can choose to wait out the process and do the work to find a landlord willing to work with them. Some choose to find other housing options instead.
“It's called the Housing Choice Voucher and that's what we tell our clients you know, it's a choice. Housing Choice Voucher. So, it's your choice if they find their own unit. You know, they decide, can they pay utilities, or do they want a landlord to pay the utilities. All those things are negotiable with the landlord,” said Pleasant.
Pleasant says there are around 3,500 people in the program with active vouchers and most of their participants are not experiencing any issues or problems with their system.
Right now, Pleasant says there is a closed waitlist of 800 people the Lexington housing authority is working through. They've been able to move 30-40 people off per month with an average wait time of a few months.
Pleasant says what can make the process complicated for some is a lack of understanding of the process and what’s expected of the applicant.
Tenants are largely responsible for navigating the paperwork and finding their own housing.
Local public housing authorities don’t have the power to change the program-just administer the funds and assure each participant- landlord, and tenant are aware of their role and guidelines.
The process typically looks like this after a tenant receives a housing voucher:
- Tenants given around 120 days to search
- Must find a unit that accepts housing voucher
- Fill out lease packet with participating landlord
- Turn the packet into the housing authority
The process can take time.
"Sometimes just given the sheer number of people on Section 8 getting through the phone lines getting to caseworkers, things like that can be really, really challenging,” said Lamarr.
That’s why Morel is trying to use her resources and reach out to whoever she can get the answers she needs before time runs out. She believes her disability and supplemental income may have something to do with the confusion.
"One person points you to another, points you to another. You run around in circles until your voucher runs out,” said Morel.
While Section 8 housing vouchers and affordable housing are not the same, they both exist to help low-income renters. Low-income renters can apply for affordable housing instead of using their voucher if they choose to and can find a unit.
The mayor's office says they are focused on improving the availability of affordable housing and have already invested a total investment of $350 million in affordable housing in the community leveraging $23.6 million in government funds.
“Almost 3,000 additional families have a clean, safe, affordable place to live because of the work we have done in affordable housing since 2014. This year we have dedicated an additional $10 million in federal funds, plus $3.5 million in local funds, to build or rehabilitate affordable housing, plus additional funds for rental assistance. Since it was created in 2014, the City’s Affordable Housing Fund has provided funding to for-profit and non-profit developers for the creation and preservation of 2,933 units of affordable housing,” said Susan Straub, Director of Communications.
As far as the work going on now to help those looking for affordable housing, Housing Commissioner Charlie Lanter says progress is being made.
Lanter says the Housing Advocate position is scheduled to go to Council for approval at the end of this month. They hope to advertise in May and have someone in the position in June.
“The first employee of the office other than myself started last week and she has not yet started work on a housing resource solution, but it is on our project list. The Housing Advocate will be an important part of that project. Designing and implementing this solution will be a complex project and likely take some time. In the meantime, we continue to provide citizens with all the information and support we have available about affordable housing resources in the community,” said Lanter.
This story was originally published by Christiana Ford of WLEX in Lexington, Kentucky. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/tenants-have-trouble-navigating-section-8-housing-voucher-program | 2022-04-13T01:28:55 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/tenants-have-trouble-navigating-section-8-housing-voucher-program |
Americans are increasingly facing outrageous totals at checkout counters. What's to blame? Those in the financial sector say record inflation, sitting at 8.5%.
To combat the high prices, lawmakers across the U.S. have been stepping in to help.
In Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee has a plan to freeze state and local grocery taxes. That's 4%, plus whatever the local government may tack on, which will disappear from store receipts. In Pennsylvania, they're looking into a property tax subsidy.
In Minnesota, New Mexico, Kansas and California lawmakers are mulling over an idea to send checks to residents to cover the cost of high inflation. Edward Mitchell has two teenagers and says it's hard to make his groceries stretch. He says we're not just in troubling times, we're in struggling times.
"I come here [Family Dollar] at least twice a week due to the fact economically it's better," Mitchell said. "I've went [sic] from Ralph's to different stores, from Wal-Mart to stores like the 99 cent store and things of this nature just because of the economy and affording it."
Economist Mike Bailey blames price hikes on multiple factors.
"Really, the three core drivers have been energy, you think investors. You pay at the pump. You're seeing that. Goods prices. So it costs money to transport things ... and then housing. Certainly, I think a lot of folks are aware of a hot housing market," Bailey said.
But like most good things, this relief will come to an end. The temporary tax freeze in Tennessee is only proposed to be around for a month. This has some people asking for more.
"I really think they need to go further and look at doing away with grocery tax," said grocery shopper John Griffith.
High prices may be hard to swallow now, but economists say with legislation to soften the blow, there's a chance this uptick in price could slowly go down.
Newsy is the nation’s only free 24/7 national news network. You can find Newsy using your TV’s digital antenna or stream for free. See all the ways you can watch Newsy here. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/tennessee-suspends-grocery-tax-for-a-month-to-curb-inflation | 2022-04-13T01:29:01 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/tennessee-suspends-grocery-tax-for-a-month-to-curb-inflation |
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — State officials say avian influenza has been detected at a second northern Indiana duck farm.
The Indiana State Board of Animal Health said Tuesday that laboratory testing of a commercial duck flock in Elkhart County has come back as presumptively positive for the virus.
It says the samples are being verified at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Iowa.
The agency says the duck flock has an estimated 6,000 birds. Bird flu was detected earlier this year at six turkey farms in southern Indiana’s Dubois and Greene counties.
TOP STORIES: IUPUI commencement ceremony subject of uproar as some students won't be able to walk | Gainbridge concertgoers say they were denied access to rescheduled Elton John show; told tickets invalid | Meteor likely cause of mysterious explosion-like noise that rattled parts of Indiana, AMS says | Carvana building demolished to clear way for construction of new I-465 interchange | Apple to pay $14.8M to iCloud subscribers over breached contract | https://www.wrtv.com/news/public-safety/state-officials-bird-flu-found-at-2nd-indiana-duck-farm | 2022-04-13T01:29:04 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/public-safety/state-officials-bird-flu-found-at-2nd-indiana-duck-farm |
FISHERS — According to instructors at ABC Prep Academy, there are around 500,000 construction jobs open across the country. They say the programs the academy provides help fill some of those jobs by training high schools kids who are interested in the industry.
"I like more hands-on and on-the-job training rather than sitting in the classroom and listening to someone lecture to me,” Gavin Rutan, a senior at ABC Prep Academy said. “That’s not how I learn I like to be hands-on with the thing."
Rutan is a senior at Fishers High School. He spends his afternoons at ABC Prep Academy learning more about the construction industry. When he graduates high school, he hopes to start working toward becoming an electrician.
"We've gotten a lot of certifications that are useful,” Rutan said. “So, if somebody who doesn't have these certifications want to go get a job, but I have the certifications I probably have a better chance of getting the job, right? So yeah, I have learned a lot of things."
Students like Rutan are exactly who ABC Prep Academy is looking for; especially as the construction industry continues to have what they call manpower issues.
"Obviously when you don't have enough manpower or enough people to do the work it takes the project longer to get done,” Bryan Feller of Gaylor Electric said. “It forces you to work overtime and it causes delays in schedules. Owners don't like that and it puts more pressure on the contractor and the employees."
ABC Prep Academy works with those employers that have shortages and see what areas they need the most help. But they also make sure the students are going into a trade they enjoy.
"We sit down with the students one on one moving forward to make sure that what they think they want is what they actually want," Robert Kneberg, the Director of ABC Commercial Construction Prep Academy said.
Industry professionals say it's important to keep young people interested in the construction industry.
"You’re getting new young, excited people and they are getting a taste of what construction is like while they are in high school,” Feller said. “They can carry the skills they learned in high school into their professional careers."
The tuition for students to attend ABC Prep Academy is typically free. Plus, they place students in jobs once they complete their training.
To find out how to register call the associated builders and contractors, their number is 317-596-4950 or you can visit www.abcindianakentucky.org. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/working-for-you/abc-prep-academy-helping-to-fill-a-manpower-shortage-in-the-construction-industry | 2022-04-13T01:29:10 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/working-for-you/abc-prep-academy-helping-to-fill-a-manpower-shortage-in-the-construction-industry |
VERONA • A Verona police officer has been fired after being charged with driving drunk for the second time.
The Verona Board of Aldermen voted to fire officer Jonathan Boyd during a special-called meeting on Tuesday night. Verona Police Chief Marsenio Nunn called the meeting and made the recommendation to terminate Boyd after serving the city for 18 months. The board agreed, voting unanimously.
Boyd, 32, of Saltillo, was arrested Friday night and charged with driving under the influence-second offense, leaving the scene of an accident, driving with a suspended license, expired driver’s license and no proof of insurance — all while wearing his Verona Police Department uniform.
Boyd had been driving a Verona patrol car since at least last summer with an expired license. The more serious allegation of driving with a license suspended because of an October 2020 DUI has been questioned by Nunn and Boyd’s attorney both.
“His license showed suspended but I don’t know why,” Nunn said.
Last summer, Boyd pleaded no contest to the first DUI charge in Lee County Justice Court and immediately appealed the case to Lee County Court. That appeal is scheduled to be heard by Lee County Court Judge James Moore on June 15.
A guilty plea does carry an automatic suspension of the license. But since the case was appealed, any penalties should have been stayed until after the appeals process concluded. It could be that justice court sent in the guilty plea to the state but forgot to notify them of the appeal.
Boyd’s troubles with drinking and driving only came to public light after he sideswiped another car on Highway 45 on Friday night. He and the other driver agreed to go to a nearby convenience store to swap information. When Boyd did not, the other driver called 911.
Because it involved a police officer who was off-duty but in uniform, Saltillo police requested the Mississippi Highway Patrol take over the case as an outside agency.
The first DUI charge was the result of a one-car accident on Oct. 1, 2020, inside the Saltillo city limits. At the time of the wreck, Boyd was employed by the Saltillo Police Department and driving his personal vehicle.
Four days after that wreck, Boyd ended his six-year-tenure with the Saltillo department by resigning Oct. 5, 2020.
Boyd was hired by the Verona Police Department shortly after he left Saltillo. At that time, Boyd passed a background check that showed his driver’s license was valid and no pending DUI charges of convictions on his record, Nunn said.
Once an officer is hired, there is usually no reason to go back to run a second background check.
“I understand the public’s concern of this matter, and I can only take responsibility for the Verona Police Department,” Nunn said. “I will be sitting down and going over our policy and making the necessary changes that could help prevent an incident like this from happening again in the future."
Nunn added that police officers are bound by the same laws as citizens.
“We as law enforcement officers are no different from anyone else and should be held accountable to the same law as anyone else," he said. | https://www.djournal.com/news/crime-law-enforcement/verona-fires-officer-after-second-dui/article_f6aba05a-3fc3-57e7-9e23-5bca54af64e2.html | 2022-04-13T01:37:19 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/news/crime-law-enforcement/verona-fires-officer-after-second-dui/article_f6aba05a-3fc3-57e7-9e23-5bca54af64e2.html |
TUPELO • The Regional Rehabilitation Center has raised $235,000 while honoring two of its biggest supporters.
Ted and Lynn Moll were honored at the Red Rasberry Humanitarian Award Dinner as the 2022 recipients on Tuesday, April 12, at Tupelo Furniture Market Building V. The dinner was at 7 p.m., preceded by a 6 p.m. meet and greet with the married couple and honorees.
This was the second time the event was held in-person since the pandemic started. Also like last year, this year’s event raised a historic high. The nonprofit Regional Rehab Center (RRC) sold 300 tickets to the event, which acts as one of their major fundraisers each year.
RRC Executive Director Rob Parman told the crowd he is always humbled by the support the organization receives each year.
“I’m blown away by the support of the community and for supporting us for over 60 years now,” Parman said.
Parman thanked Ted and Lynn Moll for allowing them to honor them. He named the Molls as personal role models, and said their support of many area nonprofits, and the community at large, has made a huge impact on Northeast Mississippi.
Molls were greeted to a room full of people celebrating them for their years-long support of RRC and other area nonprofits, such as the Yocona Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Mississippi, Talbot House, Red Cross of North Mississippi, the Good Samaritan Free Clinic and the United Way of Northeast Mississippi.
The couple has also supported the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Tupelo Community Theatre, the Community Development Foundation, the Methodist Church and Rust College in Holly Springs.
“We think we’re fortunate to be a part of this community,” Ted Moll recently told the Daily Journal. “I think our impact is rather negligible. If we can make something happen, if there’s a need, we’re going to try to be part of that.”
Named in honor of the late John “Red” Raspberry, the Red Rasberry Award is presented annually to a person or persons who supports not just Regional Rehab, but the community as a whole.
This year's presentation also included a history of RRC and work it does. RRC provides outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dyslexia treatment, audiology services, and early childhood intervention.
In the past year, RRC served 1,168 people and provided over 55,000 services. While most clients live in North Mississippi, outreach expanded to include six Alabama counties last year.
The nonprofit reached a historic high of 23 staff members. The Red Rasberry dinner helps RRC meet the huge need and provide services free of charge.
“Being able to consistently, over the last eight years, raise more money at this event, has helped allow us to hire more therapists and to see more people,” Parman said. | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/regional-rehab-raises-235-000-with-dinner-honoring-ted-and-lynn-moll/article_852a5a96-78cc-5b4c-bae3-f946affcdeb4.html | 2022-04-13T01:37:25 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/news/local/regional-rehab-raises-235-000-with-dinner-honoring-ted-and-lynn-moll/article_852a5a96-78cc-5b4c-bae3-f946affcdeb4.html |
Country
United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary
People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe | https://www.djournal.com/pontotoc/osbirn-named-new-volleyball-coach-at-pontotoc/article_4184e5e6-7a6b-504a-994a-69cd2db08149.html | 2022-04-13T01:37:31 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/pontotoc/osbirn-named-new-volleyball-coach-at-pontotoc/article_4184e5e6-7a6b-504a-994a-69cd2db08149.html |
Join the conversation in our exclusive Facebook group for Bulldog fans
Entering his third season coaching Mississippi State’s corners, McBath can hardly hold back his laugh while saying that. Having watched his guys line up against 6-foot-4-inch, 220-pound receivers who look like Georgia transfer Justin Robinson, McBath knows the magnitude of the task in front of his position group.
“It’s a challenge,” McBath backtracks. “You’ve gotta give your guys tools, different tools, to battle these guys.”
He’s fortunate with his corners to have a guy such as Emmanuel Forbes to make life without Martin Emerson easier.
Emerson was a 6-foot-2-inch, 200-pound player with speed who could effortlessly be tasked with defending the opposing teams’ top receiver. Forbes is slimmer and a touch shorter, but it hasn’t stopped him from developing as one of the SEC’s top corners while under the wing of Emerson.
Forbes has eight interceptions in his two seasons at Mississippi State — three of which were returned for touchdowns his freshman season. He recorded 60 tackles last season, which was most among MSU’s corners. Opposing teams have been forced to go his way, and Forbes has shined.
But with State’s No. 1 guy gone, there is an extra burden on Forbes' shoulders. His plays aren’t complementary, they’re necessary.
McBath doesn’t expect that to be an issue.
“We know what kind of player he is,” McBath said. "We know what he’s gonna do when he touches the field."
Forbes is considered by his teammates and coaches to be a leader by example, but he hasn’t hesitated to use his vocal skills as well in spring practice. As Emerson did with him, Forbes has taken ownership of State’s less-experienced corners.
DeCarlos Nicholson has become chief among those as Forbes constantly tells the junior college transfer what he can improve on. Much of the same goes for Decamerion Richardson and Marcus Banks — a pair of players with SEC experience but to a limited extent.
“It’s (Forbes') time to lead,” McBath said. "It is… He has to impact others right now. He’s gotta bring guys along. He’s gotta be a leader on this defense.”
Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett joked about Emerson "not running around" MSU's practices anymore. Fortunately for him in his third season coaching MSU’s defense, Arnett might have the next best thing.
STEFAN KRAJISNIK is the Mississippi State athletics reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at stefan.krajisnik@djournal.com. | https://www.djournal.com/sports/college/mississippi-state/its-his-time-to-lead-mcbath-confident-in-forbes-taking-next-step-for-mississippi-state/article_b9ba808f-ffce-5aea-b48a-9c005ed38831.html | 2022-04-13T01:37:37 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/sports/college/mississippi-state/its-his-time-to-lead-mcbath-confident-in-forbes-taking-next-step-for-mississippi-state/article_b9ba808f-ffce-5aea-b48a-9c005ed38831.html |
Multiple rounds of storms are forecast Wednesday and there is a growing concern that these storms will be violent.
Take advantage of the calm weather Tuesday evening. Though clouds have increased, there is only a minimal chance of a shower or storm tonight. Some locations have finally cracked 70° where sun has returned.
SEVERE storms are to blossom out WEST this evening as highly unstable air encounters strong jet stream, bringing to life a powerful spring storm. Tornado watches are issued in Iowa late day.
MULTIPLE rounds of storms are likely here on Wednesday and are to start early in the day. Round #1 arrives early (just after or around the end of the morning commute) and could contain a gusty storm or two. Round #2 DEPENDS on how much rain-free time develops after (Round #1) morning storms. ‘Supercell’ storms? Possible. Should these develop we will have our hands full. These types of storms can produce larger and longer-lived tornadoes and would thrive on an environment that “recovers” from the early morning storms. Meaning, the longer the storms and rain linger to start the day, the less favorable it will be to bring on new storms early afternoon. We are actually cheerleading for a lengthy early round of rain. Stay tuned!
Finally, Round #3 mainly damaging wind gusts but perhaps very powerful, destructive gusts of 80 mph. These are ahead of the cold front that will sweep through the state by early Thursday.
Watch Boxes will likely be required here and favor TORNADO watches as atmosphere looks very favorable for tornado development. Below, the Storm Prediction Center’s ‘tornado ingredients’ forecast, and it is impressive favoring a high probability for the potential of tornadoes from western – southwestern Indiana south to Louisiana.
Rest easy tonight but please review your severe weather plan, we may need to activate them Wednesday. Be sure to check back in with me for an update on air at 10:30 tonight on FOX59 News | https://fox59.com/weather/severe-weather-outbreak-looms-for-wednesday-tornadoes-and-damaging-wind-gusts-possible/ | 2022-04-13T01:39:44 | 1 | https://fox59.com/weather/severe-weather-outbreak-looms-for-wednesday-tornadoes-and-damaging-wind-gusts-possible/ |
Elon Musk’s huge Twitter investment took a new twist Tuesday with the filing of a lawsuit alleging that the colorful billionaire illegally delayed disclosing his stake in the social media company so he could buy more shares at lower prices.
The complaint in New York federal court accuses Musk of violating a regulatory deadline to reveal he had accumulated a stake of at least 5%. Instead, according to the complaint, Musk didn’t disclose his position in Twitter until he’d almost doubled his stake to more than 9%. That strategy, the lawsuit alleges, hurt less wealthy investors who sold shares in the San Francisco company in the nearly two weeks before Musk acknowledged holding a major stake.
Musk's regulatory filings show that he bought a little more than 620,000 shares at $36.83 apiece on Jan. 31 and then continued to accumulate more shares on nearly every single trading day through April 1. Musk, best known as CEO of the electric car maker Tesla, held 73.1 million Twitter shares as of the most recent count Monday. That represents a 9.1% stake in Twitter.
The lawsuit alleges that by March 14, Musk's stake in Twitter had reached a 5% threshold that required him to publicly disclose his holdings under U.S. securities law by March 24. Musk didn't make the required disclosure until April 4.
That revelation caused Twitter's stock to soar 27% from its April 1 close to nearly $50 by the end of April 4's trading, depriving investors who sold shares before Musk's improperly delayed disclosure the chance to realize significant gains, according to the lawsuit filed on behalf of an investor named Marc Bain Rasella. Musk, meanwhile, was able to continue to buy shares that traded in prices ranging from $37.69 to $40.96.
The lawsuit is seeking to be certified as a class action representing Twitter shareholders who sold shares between March 24 and April 4, a process that could take a year or more.
Musk spent about $2.6 billion on Twitter stock — a fraction of his estimated wealth of $265 billion, the largest individual fortune in the world. In a regulatory filing Monday, Musk disclosed he may increase his stake after backing out of an agreement reached last week to join Twitter's board of directors.
U.S. & World
Jacob Walker, one of the lawyers that filed the lawsuit against Musk, told The Associated Press that he hadn't reached out to the Securities and Exchange Commission about Musk's alleged violations about the disclosure of his Twitter stake. “I assume the SEC is well aware of what he did," Walker said.
An SEC spokesperson declined to comment.
The SEC and Musk have been wrangling in court since 2018 when Musk and Tesla agreed to pay a $40 million fine t o settle allegations that he used his Twitter account to mislead investors about a potential buyout of the electric car company that never materialized. As part of that deal, Musk was supposed to obtain legal approval for his tweets about information that could affect Tesla's stock price — a provision that regulators contend he has occasionally violated and that he now argues unfairly muzzles him.
Musk didn't immediately respond to a request for comment posted on Twitter, where he often shares his opinion and thoughts. Alex Spiro, a New York lawyer representing Musk in his ongoing dispute with the SEC, also didn't immediately respond to a query from The Associated Press. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/elon-musk-accused-of-breaking-law-while-buying-twitter-stock/3643325/ | 2022-04-13T01:46:30 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/elon-musk-accused-of-breaking-law-while-buying-twitter-stock/3643325/ |
2 defendants found not guilty in 2016 killing of teen
Published: Apr. 12, 2022 at 8:21 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
Two men were found not guilty Tuesday in connection with the fatal drive-by shooting of a 15-year-old girl more than five years ago.
Makayla Dennard was gunned down while standing in a driveway along West 36th Street in Riviera Beach on Dec. 23, 2016.
Three teens, including Walter Brooms and Torrance Smith, were arrested in March 2017 in connection with the killing.
Smith was 19 years old when he was arrested. Brooms was 17 years old but later charged as an adult.
Brooms and Smith were both charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder in the case.
However, a jury found both men not guilty on both counts Tuesday.
A third defendant, Tiyone Samuels, is scheduled to go on trial June 27.
Scripps Only Content 2022 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/13/2-defendants-found-not-guilty-2016-killing-teen/ | 2022-04-13T01:47:52 | 1 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/13/2-defendants-found-not-guilty-2016-killing-teen/ |
Elon Musk accused of breaking law while buying Twitter stock
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Elon Musk’s huge Twitter investment took a new twist Tuesday with the filing of a lawsuit alleging that the colorful billionaire illegally delayed disclosing his stake in the social media company so he could buy more shares at lower prices.
The complaint in New York federal court accuses Musk of violating a regulatory deadline to reveal he had accumulated a stake of at least 5%. Instead, according to the complaint, Musk didn’t disclose his position in Twitter until he’d almost doubled his stake to more than 9%. That strategy, the lawsuit alleges, hurt less wealthy investors who sold shares in the San Francisco company in the nearly two weeks before Musk acknowledged holding a major stake.
Musk’s regulatory filings show that he bought a little more than 620,000 shares at $36.83 apiece on Jan. 31 and then continued to accumulate more shares on nearly every single trading day through April 1. Musk, best known as CEO of the electric car maker Tesla, held 73.1 million Twitter shares as of the most recent count Monday. That represents a 9.1% stake in Twitter.
The lawsuit alleges that by March 14, Musk’s stake in Twitter had reached a 5% threshold that required him to publicly disclose his holdings under U.S. securities law by March 24. Musk didn’t make the required disclosure until April 4.
That revelation caused Twitter’s stock to soar 27% from its April 1 close to nearly $50 by the end of April 4′s trading, depriving investors who sold shares before Musk’s improperly delayed disclosure the chance to realize significant gains, according to the lawsuit filed on behalf of an investor named Marc Bain Rasella. Musk, meanwhile, was able to continue to buy shares that traded in prices ranging from $37.69 to $40.96.
The lawsuit is seeking to be certified as a class action representing Twitter shareholders who sold shares between March 24 and April 4, a process that could take a year or more.
Musk spent about $2.6 billion on Twitter stock — a fraction of his estimated wealth of $265 billion, the largest individual fortune in the world. In a regulatory filing Monday, Musk disclosed he may increase his stake after backing out of an agreement reached last week to join Twitter’s board of directors.
Jacob Walker, one of the lawyers that filed the lawsuit against Musk, told The Associated Press that he hadn’t reached out to the Securities and Exchange Commission about Musk’s alleged violations about the disclosure of his Twitter stake. “I assume the SEC is well aware of what he did,” Walker said.
An SEC spokesperson declined to comment.
The SEC and Musk have been wrangling in court since 2018 when Musk and Tesla agreed to pay a $40 million fine to settle allegations that he used his Twitter account to mislead investors about a potential buyout of the electric car company that never materialized. As part of that deal, Musk was supposed to obtain legal approval for his tweets about information that could affect Tesla’s stock price — a provision that regulators contend he has occasionally violated and that he now argues unfairly muzzles him.
Musk didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment posted on Twitter, where he often shares his opinion and thoughts. Alex Spiro, a New York lawyer representing Musk in his ongoing dispute with the SEC, also didn’t immediately respond to a query from The Associated Press.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/13/elon-musk-accused-breaking-law-while-buying-twitter-stock/ | 2022-04-13T01:47:59 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/13/elon-musk-accused-breaking-law-while-buying-twitter-stock/ |
Guardian Angels on a streak of finding runaways
Port St. Lucie police say a teen girl missing Monday had a plan to skip school, despite saying she was being followed.
Police say there is no evidence she was being followed and there is not a threat to the community.
The man who found her is a member of the Guardian Angels, and says his organization is getting calls from all over the country with praise.
It didn’t take bloodhounds or a chopper to find the missing girl. Michael Lincoln-McCreight found her walking and encouraged her to stop and talk before calling police.
He also spent hours looking for her.
For about 10 years, he’s been a member of the Guardian Angels’ Treasure Coast chapter.
His commander and chapter leader, Ned Childress, gave Michael the green light to help in the search,
“For some reason I had a gut feeling Michael’s going to hit the gold on this one,” Childress said.
The Guardian Angels have chapters all over the country and worldwide.
Their main mission is safety patrol, walking unarmed through crime heavy areas to deter crime, while wearing their token red berets and white t-shirts. They are trained in areas like CPR and conflict resolution.
“We’re a big deterrent for a lot of situations that go on,” Childress said. “When we’re around, stuff doesn’t happen.”
In this case, they can also use their boots on the ground to help law enforcement find runaways.
“We’re extra eyes and ears for law enforcement, You know, law enforcement have their hands full, they have so much to do,” Childress said.
Childress said their chapter has found a handful of runaways. In the last several years they found two separate runaways in West Palm Beach.
“We were at the mall in West Palm Beach and heard about this young kid running away and we actually went to the mall and spotted him…We called the police department and they came and picked him up,” Childress said.
Childress says they’ve also found a runaway in Fort Pierce and the latest in Port St. Lucie.
Michael says they’ve also assisted in two other runaway cases where they did not find the runaway, but lended their support.
They pass out fliers, go to gas stations, convenience stores, neighborhoods, and restaurants.
Michael has long been passionate about law enforcement, security, and just helping people. He is also an advocate for laws to help people with special needs and intellectual disabilities.
“I believe if you have two legs and two hands you should not sit around and do nothing… You should get off your butt and make yourself useful,” Michael said.
Childress says he has treated Michael to a well-earned dinner for his hard work.
The Guardian Angels say they are always looking for and recruiting new members.
Scripps Only Content 2022 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/13/guardian-angels-streak-finding-runaways/ | 2022-04-13T01:48:07 | 1 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/13/guardian-angels-streak-finding-runaways/ |
Man, 19, arrested in shooting of dog near Jupiter
A 19-year-man has been arrested in the shooting 10 days ago of a nearly year-old dog named Boots in the face at a park near Jupiter, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday.
Benjamine Brown surrendered without incident and has been transported to the Palm Beach County Jail to be processed. He faces charges of inflicting pain/serious physical harm to an animal, carrying a concealed, unlicensed firearm and firing a weapon in a public place.
Boots, a chocolate Lab, sustained a broken jaw and multiple lost teeth. He is recovering and will be be adopted out once he is fully healed.
On Saturday, responded to Kennedy Estates Park, located in the 6800 block of Booker T. Boulevard, around 7:15 p.m. Saturday and found the 10-month-old suffering from a gunshot wound to the snout.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said a white, four-door Honda Accord with three people inside drove into the park.
The gunman then got back into the Accord and took off toward Indiantown Road, according to a surveillance photo. He was described as 6 feet tall with a tall, thin building. He has short dreadlocked hair with red highlighted tips.
Mutty Paws Rescue offered a $500 reward for tips that lead to an arrest.
The foster-based nonprofit, responded to the call the night of the shooting.
Ashley Miller, president of Mutty Paws Rescue, said it's a miracle Boots survived the shooting as the bullet entered through his snout and exited at the bottom fracturing his lower jaw.
"So he had reconstructive jaw surgery," said Miller. "It was completely shattered. There was bone fragments everywhere and the surgery was very extensive. It lasted 2 1/2 hours. By the time it was done and over with, Dr. (Robert) Kadish was completely exhausted."
Scripps Only Content 2022 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/13/man-20-arrested-shooting-dog-near-jupiter/ | 2022-04-13T01:48:13 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/13/man-20-arrested-shooting-dog-near-jupiter/ |
Police warn parents of scary ‘Huggy Wuggy’ character in children’s media online
(Gray News) – While Disney may offer plenty of movies, videos and games that are safe for unsupervised children, not all kids’ content is as safe as it seems.
Police are now warning the parents of susceptible kids of a fearsome character that has been making its way into content geared towards children.
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin looked at the origins of “Huggy Wuggy” and shared their findings in a post on Facebook.
The character, which resembles a lanky, blue-furred teddy bear with razor sharp teeth, comes from a recent survival horror video game called “Poppy Playtime.”
In the game, the player controls the former employee of an abandoned toy factory, who has come back to the company’s location to investigate what happened to all of the staff who mysteriously vanished.
As the player explores, their character encounters various enemies, including Huggy Wuggy.
The game was originally rated for ages 8 and above but was updated to 12 or above for containing scary images and scenarios, such as toys coming to life and wanting to harm the children they belong to.
The character has made its way from this independently developed video game into fan-made videos on websites like YouTube.
The sheriff’s office says the videos they want to warn parents about are featured on a number of YouTube channels, including those on this list compiled by the sheriff’s office:
- GameToons
- SamToons
- GH’s
- Monster School Story
- Game My
- Secret4Studio
- HornStromp 3D
- Siren Studio
- Bunny Games
- Slime Channel
The sheriff’s office says the videos include, but are not limited to, offensive language, cartoon representations of alcohol use, blood, stabbings, decapitations, attempted murder, murder and the bloody aftermath of a car crash.
Police are urging parents to monitor their children’s use of YouTube and other video sharing social media platforms for content that may be inappropriate or too intense for their viewing.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/13/police-warn-parents-scary-huggy-wuggy-character-childrens-media-online/ | 2022-04-13T01:48:20 | 1 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/13/police-warn-parents-scary-huggy-wuggy-character-childrens-media-online/ |
Authorities trying to identify suspects in Tucson robbery
Published: Apr. 12, 2022 at 2:35 PM MST|Updated: 4 hours ago
TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - Tucson police are asking for help in identifying two men who allegedly robbed a Home Depot in the city last month.
Officers said the robbery took place on March 30 at the Home Depot at 7667 East Broadway.
Anyone who recognizes the men is asked to call 88-CRIME. Callers can stay anonymous.
Copyright 2022 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/authorities-trying-identify-suspects-tucson-robbery/ | 2022-04-13T01:48:26 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/authorities-trying-identify-suspects-tucson-robbery/ |
‘We haven’t received a dime’: New homeowners say squatters have taken over their house
LAS VEGAS (KVVU) - A Las Vegas-area family says squatters have taken over a home they recently purchased.
A four-bedroom, 2,700-square-foot home was supposed to be a dream home for Jen Larsen, her mother, Donna Edmonds, and three kids, but it has turned into nothing short of a nightmare.
“My mom and I decided to buy a house together about two months ago because both of our rents were going to go up dramatically, about $500 apiece,” Larsen said.
But someone they say isn’t paying the mortgage on their new home is inside their property and not leaving.
“We gave the seller seven days to move out because they said they needed the money from the sale of the house to move everything out,” Larsen said.
However, during that week, Larsen and her mother said somehow somebody else moved in and has lived in the home ever since.
“The two of us scrimped and scraped to get this, and we were so excited. Now, I can’t eat. I can’t sleep. It’s been really stressful,” Edmonds said.
The women have a deed for the property with a closing date of March 4, but they have never been able to occupy the home.
FOX5 reports a news crew went to the home’s front door to ask the people living inside for their side of the story, but no one answered while the crew was there.
A woman at the property later emailed FOX5, writing she has a legal lease with the home’s former owner that runs until July 2. However, a copy of the lease was not immediately shared.
“My kids and I will be homeless. Meanwhile, this woman is living in the home that we paid for and living there for free. We haven’t received a dime,” Larsen said.
Larsen and her mother did not immediately report if they have notified authorities.
Copyright 2022 KVVU via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/13/we-havent-received-dime-new-homeowners-say-squatters-have-taken-over-their-house/ | 2022-04-13T01:48:26 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/13/we-havent-received-dime-new-homeowners-say-squatters-have-taken-over-their-house/ |
Babysitter arrested after putting 4-year-old boy in dryer, police say
LAKE COUNTY, Fla. (Gray News) -A babysitter in Florida has been accused of putting a child who was under her care in a dryer.
Authorities in Lake County, Florida, report Amber Christine Chapman, 35, has been charged with aggravated child abuse.
Investigators say that a 4-year-old boy was taken to the UF Health Leesburg Hospital on Feb. 1 and told medical staff that “Miss Amber” had put him in the dryer with towels, and he spun around.
Staff noted multiple areas of bruising on the boy’s head, back and both ears, as indicated by police.
In a recorded interview with the child on Feb. 7, police said the boy told them that Chapman placed him in the dryer, closed the door, and he spun around. The boy also said Chapman opened the door, closed it again, and then went around again.
On Feb. 2, the boy was examined at the Children’s Advocacy Center, according to police. Injuries were found on the boy’s head, abdomen and back.
The team was unable to determine if being placed in the dryer caused the boy’s injuries, but the team told police that the injuries to his back, face, forehead and ears were consistent with what he had told doctors of what had happened.
Police said the boy had frequently been watched by Chapman in the past.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/babysitter-accused-putting-4-year-old-dryer-child-sent-hospital-police-say/ | 2022-04-13T01:48:32 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/babysitter-accused-putting-4-year-old-dryer-child-sent-hospital-police-say/ |
Biden: Russia’s war in Ukraine amounts to ‘genocide’
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday said Russia’s war in Ukraine amounted to “genocide,” accusing President Vladimir Putin of trying to “wipe out the idea of even being a Ukrainian.”
“Yes, I called it genocide,” he told reporters in Iowa shortly before boarding Air Force One to return to Washington. “It’s become clearer and clearer that Putin is just trying to wipe out the idea of even being a Ukrainian.”
At an earlier event in Menlo, Iowa, addressing spiking energy prices resulting from the war, Biden had implied that he thought Putin was carrying out genocide against Ukraine, but offered no details. Neither he nor his administration announced new consequences for Russia or assistance to Ukraine following Biden’s public assessment.
WARNING: Videos may contain graphic content.
Biden’s comments drew praise from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had encouraged Western leaders to use the term to describe Russia’s invasion of his country.
“True words of a true leader @POTUS,” he tweeted. “Calling things by their names is essential to stand up to evil. We are grateful for US assistance provided so far and we urgently need more heavy weapons to prevent further Russian atrocities.”
A United Nations treaty, to which the U.S. is a party, defines genocide as actions taken with the “intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.”
Past American leaders often have dodged formally declaring bloody campaigns such as Russia’s in Ukraine as genocide, hesitating to trigger an obligation that under international convention requires signing countries to intervene once genocide is formally identified. That obligation was seen as blocking President Bill Clinton from declaring Rwandan Hutus’ killing of 800,000 ethnic Tutsis in 1994 as genocide, for example.
Biden said it would be up to lawyers to decide if Russia’s conduct met the international standard for genocide, as Ukrainian officials have claimed, but said “it sure seems that way to me.”
“More evidence is coming out literally of the horrible things that the Russians have done in Ukraine, and we’re only going to learn more and more about the devastation and let the lawyers decide internationally whether or not it qualifies,” he said.
Just last week Biden had he did not believe Russia’s actions amounted to genocide, just that they constituted “war crimes.”
During a trip to Europe last month, Biden faced controversy for a nine-word statement seemingly supporting regime change in Moscow, which would have represented a dramatic shift toward direct confrontation with another nuclear-armed country. “For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power,” Biden said.
He clarified the comments days later, saying: “I was expressing the moral outrage that I felt toward this man. I wasn’t articulating a policy change.”
—
Miller reported from Washington. AP writer Ellen Knickmeyer contributed.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/biden-russias-war-ukraine-amounts-genocide/ | 2022-04-13T01:48:38 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/biden-russias-war-ukraine-amounts-genocide/ |
Child with autism dies 2 months after adoption
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH/Gray News) - Aaron Carter was 6 years old when he left his foster family to go live with his newly adoptive parents. Two months later, he died.
KWCH investigative reporter Alex Flippin spent the last year asking questions about the death, about who failed the child and what needs to be done so it doesn’t happen again to someone else.
When Aaron came to stay with foster parents Jamie and Tina Miller just before his third birthday in April 2017, any communication at all was unthinkable. He only started to learn to communicate when he was 5 years old.
“When we got him, they said he was ‘normal,’ but there was absolutely something terribly wrong,” Tina Miller said. “He would go along the wall and run his hand down it and just follow and just circled the entire day, nonstop. And he didn’t talk.
“He didn’t look at you, and if he did, he looked right past you like you didn’t exist.”
He was a boy with autism who had made his way into the foster care system after a rough start to life. The Millers tried their hardest to give Aaron what he needed, even when he had no way to tell them.
“He didn’t have any form of communication,” Jamie Miller said. “If he got upset, he would yell and scream or throw a tantrum, but that’s the only way he could voice any of his feelings or opinion or anything was by throwing a tantrum. He was definitely a challenge.
“The most, I would say he was the most difficult child I was ever around, but he taught me the most of being a parent of any child I’ve been around.”
As foster parents, the couple estimate they have welcomed somewhere between 30 and 50 children into their home. They currently have 10 kids, and three of them are adopted.
Jamie Miller said when they first brought Aaron home, they had decided not to adopt him.
“After he’d been here for three years, we started rethinking that,” he said.
“I said, ‘I can’t let him go,’” Tina added. “(Jamie) was like ‘I’m glad you said that. I feel same way.’”
The Millers worked to find Aaron the therapy experts say was paramount to his development. Three years in, gone was the little boy who looked right through you.
They developed important routines and took precautions for his safety. Aaron began wearing a helmet to protect him during tantrums. It wasn’t the “normal” they may have been used to, but it was a new normal that they say was working.
He learned to communicate, both verbally and by using a special iPad. He helped with chores, at least as much help as any child his age could.
The dream of making Aaron a permanent part of the family, though, was wiped away by the reality of what it would take to do that.
“(Aaron) was assigned a case manager, so I was able to call her. And I asked her, I said ‘Well what if he was to be adopted, what services will carry over’?” Tina Miller said.
The Millers said they learned that if they adopted Aaron, they could not afford to provide what he needed. Shortly after, a Wichita couple said they could.
Jamie Miller said they were believers, lifting Aaron up in prayer every day and hoping when he went to his new family it would be what he needed.
The couple were young and recently married. They had three dogs and other pets but no children.
The Millers met them, shared dinner and then Aaron had some overnight stays to their home. Jamie and Tina Miller said they saw red flags.
“It was apparent immediately that they weren’t interested in the consistency and doing the things that we knew, we had proved over those years, that he needed,” Jamie explained.
The Millers say the couple felt Aaron didn’t need the helmet he wore to protect him during outbursts. The routine Aaron had come to rely on, they say, wasn’t followed during his visits to the couple’s home.
A pre-adoption family assessment by the Kansas Department of Children and Families, obtained by KWCH, stated one of the prospective parents struggled with methamphetamine and amphetamine addiction.
That parent also had a history of being “quick to anger.” The other parent struggled when people were disrespectful, the assessment stated.
The adoption process continued, and overnight visits with the Wichita couple continued as well.
The Millers said he left them Dec. 18, 2020, on what was supposed to be a four-day weekend with the couple before coming back to them for Christmas.
“But he never he never came back home,” Jamie Miller said.
The Millers say Aaron got sick, and he stayed in Wichita over concern it may have been COVID-19.
By Feb. 16, 2021, he was gone. An adoption specialist delivered the unthinkable news to his foster parents.
“She said that Aaron passed away. He is deceased. That’s pretty much all I heard, and I was just screaming at her on the phone,” Tina said. “I was just like, ‘I knew it. I knew this would happen. You all killed him. You put him there. You knew he didn’t belong there.’ And like, ‘He never should have left.’”
The person on the other end of the phone then asked if the Millers would like to bury Aaron at the state’s expense. They had no idea what they would learn by saying yes.
“His face looked horribly deformed,” Tina explained. “He just had bruises all over his face.”
“Every visible part that we could see was bruised,” Jamie added.
The Department of Children and Families summary of Aaron’s death is seven sentences in length. The autopsy reads that Aaron “had a tantrum” while taking a bath and hit his head on the tub.
It also details 68 other injuries covering his entire body. No cause of death is listed.
There is an open investigation by Wichita police, and DCF will not discuss the case. The foster agency, St. Francis Ministries, did not respond to requests for comment, nor did the couple who planned to adopt Aaron.
Aaron’s foster parents said they are angry at the state, who they say set a young couple up for failure.
“The people that made the decision to move Aaron should have known, should have had the training, should have had the experience to know this isn’t going to go good,” Jamie said. “There were so many blatant things, blatantly obvious things that said, ‘No, no, no, no, no.’ And everybody said, ‘Yes, yes, yes.’
“I feel like he died to keep other people safe, because there are so many kids out there that could end up just like him if things don’t change.”
The people he leaves behind are left to wonder what happened and what needs to change so that it doesn’t happen again. What can the state do to set up parents, prospective parents and kids like Aaron to live and thrive?
“I firmly believe that Aaron won, because he’s in heaven now, and he can talk, he can communicate, he can ride a horse. He liked horses. He can do anything he wants to, so he won. That’s the way I see it see it,” Jamie Miller said.
In the second upcoming part of this story, KWCH sat down with an expert in the field of autism research to hear about current challenges in the state dealing with autism within the foster care system and what needs to change.
Copyright 2022 KWCH via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/child-with-autism-dies-2-months-after-adoption/ | 2022-04-13T01:48:45 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/child-with-autism-dies-2-months-after-adoption/ |
Gilbert Gottfried, standup comic and actor, dies at 67
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Gilbert Gottfried, the actor and legendary standup comic known for his raw, scorched voice and crude jokes, has died. He was 67.
Gottfried died from a rare genetic muscle disease that can trigger a dangerously abnormal heartbeat, his publicist and longtime friend Glenn Schwartz said in a statement.
“In addition to being the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend and father to his two young children. Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert’s honor,” his family said in a statement posted on Twitter.
Gottfried was a fiercely independent and intentionally bizarre comedian’s comedian, as likely to clear a room with anti-comedy as he was to kill it with his jokes.
“The first comedian I saw who would go on and all the other comics would go in the room to watch,” standup comic Colin Quinn said on Twitter.
He first came to national attention with frequent appearances on MTV in its early days and with a brief stint in the cast of “Saturday Night Live” in the 1980s.
Gottfried also did frequent voice work for children’s television and movies, most famously playing the parrot Iago in Disney’s “Aladdin.”
“Look at me, I’m so ticked off that I’m molting,” a scratchy-voiced Gottfried said early in the film as his character shed feathers.
To a younger generation he’s known as the voice of Digit the bird on PBS Kids’ “Cyberchase.”
Gottfried was particularly fond of doing obscure and dated impressions for as long as he could milk them, including Groucho Marx, Bela Lugosi and Andrew “Dice” Clay. He would often do those voices as a guest on the Howard Stern show, prompting listeners by the dozens to call in and beg Stern to throw him off.
In his early days at the club the Comedy Store in Hollywood, the managers would have him do his impression of then-little-known Jerry Seinfeld at the end of the night to get rid of lingering patrons.
Gottfried was especially beloved by his fellow comedians and performers.
Jon Stewart said that getting to open for Gottfried was one of the great thrills of his early standup career.
“He could leave you gasping for breath,” Stewart tweeted, “just indescribably unusually hilarious.”
“I am so sad to read about the passing of Gilbert Gottfried,” actor Marlee Matlin said on Twitter. “Funny, politically incorrect but a softie on the inside. We met many times; he even pranked me on a plane, replacing my interpreter.” (Gottfried bore a close resemblance to Matlin’s American Sign Language interpreter Jack Jason.)
Gottfried was interviewed by The Associated Press last month following Will Smith’s Oscar night slap of Chris Rock. While he took the attack seriously, saying it might imperil other comedians, he couldn’t resist wisecracks.
He said that before on stage, he “just had to worry about wearing a mask. Now I have to worry about wearing a football helmet.” He later added: “If Will Smith is reading this, dear God, please don’t come to my shows.”
The year has already seen the loss of several beloved comedians, including Louie Anderson and Bob Saget.
In January, Gottfried tweeted a picture of the three men together, with the text, “This photo is very sad now. RIP Bob Saget and RIP Louie Anderson. Both good friends that will be missed.”
Gottfried was born in Brooklyn, the son of a hardware store owner and a stay-at-home mom. He began doing amateur standup at age 15.
He thought he was getting his big break when he landed a spot on “Saturday Night Live” alongside Eddie Murphy in 1980. But he was given little to do on the show.
He later said a low point was playing the body in a sketch about a funeral. He would last only 12 episodes.
But he would find his own way, doing bits on MTV and as a both beloved and hated guest on talk shows.
He had roles in “Beverly Hills Cop II” and the “Problem Child” films and presented bad movies as host of “USA Up All Night” from 1989 to 1998.
And he had recurring voice roles on “Ren and Stimpy,” “The Fairly OddParents” and several spin-offs of “Aladdin.”
Gottfried’s schtick wasn’t always popular. In 2011, Aflac Inc. fired him as the voice of the duck in its commercials over tasteless tweet the comic sent about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Less than a month after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, at the Friars Club Roast of Hugh Hefner, Gottfried made jokes about planes making stops at skyscrapers, and was met with boos and shouts of “Too soon!” He responded with an especially foul version of the comedians’ inside joke “The Aristocrats,” which many in the audience took as a message that he believed it was the comic’s job to remain crude at all costs.
“To me, funny is funny,” he told the AP last month. “I’ll regret a bit I do that just doesn’t get a laugh, because it’s not funny or an ad lib that doesn’t work. But if it gets a laugh, I feel like, I’m the comedian and that’s my job.”
He made many notorious contributions to televised roasts, his harshness and love of old-timey standup style making him a perfect contributor. He took famously cruel and relentless jabs at roastees including Matlin, George Takei and Roseanne.
“Like most monsters she goes by one name,” he said at the Roseanne roast in his signature style, leaning into the microphone, hands spread apart, shouting himself hoarse. “And that name is Rozilla.”
“I shall miss you, my friend, my sometimes foil, my always pain in my side, usually from the belly laughs,” Takei said on Twitter Tuesday. The heavens are a great deal louder with you out there now, I’m sure. Keep ‘em shaking their heads and smiling, Gilbert.”
Gottfried is survived by his wife Dara, sister Karen, 14-year-old daughter Lily and 12-year-old son Max.
___
AP Television Writer Lynn Elber contributed to this report.
___
Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/comedian-gilbert-gottfried-dies-long-term-illness/ | 2022-04-13T01:48:53 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/comedian-gilbert-gottfried-dies-long-term-illness/ |
COVID-19, overdoses pushed US to highest death total ever
NEW YORK (AP) — 2021 was the deadliest year in U.S. history, and new data and research are offering more insights into how it got that bad.
The main reason for the increase in deaths? COVID-19, said Robert Anderson, who oversees the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s work on death statistics.
The agency this month quietly updated its provisional death tally. It showed there were 3.465 million deaths last year, or about 80,000 more than 2020′s record-setting total.
Early last year, some experts were optimistic that 2021 would not be as bad as the first year of the pandemic — partly because effective COVID-19 vaccines had finally become available.
“We were wrong, unfortunately,” said Noreen Goldman, a Princeton University researcher.
COVID-19 deaths rose in 2021 — to more than 415,000, up from 351,000 the year before — as new coronavirus variants emerged and an unexpectedly large numbers of Americans refused to get vaccinated or were hesitant to wear masks, experts said.
The coronavirus is not solely to blame. Preliminary CDC data also shows the crude death rate for cancer rose slightly, and rates continued to increase for diabetes, chronic liver disease and stroke.
Drug overdose deaths also continued to rise. The CDC does not yet have a tally for 2021 overdose deaths, because it can take weeks of lab work and investigation to identify them. But provisional data through October suggests the nation is on track to see at least 105,000 overdose deaths in 2021 — up from 93,000 the year before.
New research released Tuesday showed a particularly large jump in overdose deaths among 14- to 18-year-olds.
Adolescent overdose death counts were fairly constant for most of the last decade, at around 500 a year, according to the paper published by the Journal of the American Medical Association. They almost doubled in 2020, to 954, and the researchers estimated that the total hit nearly 1,150 last year.
Joseph Friedman, a UCLA researcher who was the paper’s lead author, called the spike “unprecedented.”
Those teen overdose deaths were only around 1% of the U.S. total. But adolescents experienced a greater relative increase than the overall population, even though surveys suggest drug use among teens is down.
Experts attributed the spike to fentanyl, a highly lethal drug that has been cut into heroin for several years. More recently it’s also been pressed into counterfeit pills resembling prescription drugs that teens sometimes abuse.
The total number of U.S. deaths often increases year to year as the U.S. population grows. But 2020 and 2021 saw extraordinary jumps in death numbers and rates, due largely to the pandemic.
Those national death trends affect life expectancy — an estimate of the average number of years a baby born in a given year might expect to live.
With rare exceptions, U.S. life expectancy has reliably inched up year after year. But the CDC’s life expectancy estimate for 2020 was about 77 years — more than a year and a half lower than what it was in 2019.
The CDC has not yet reported its calculation for 2021. But Goldman and some other researchers have been making their own estimates, presented in papers that have not yet been published in peer-reviewed journals.
Those researchers think U.S. life expectancy dropped another five or six months in 2021 — putting it back to where it was 20 years ago.
A loss of more than two years of life expectancy over the last two years “is mammoth,” Goldman said.
One study looked at death data in the U.S. and 19 other high-income countries. The U.S. fared the worst.
“What happened in the U.S. is less about the variants than the levels of resistance to vaccination and the public’s rejection of practices, such as masking and mandates, to reduce viral transmission,” one of the study’s authors, Dr. Steven Woolf of Virginia Commonwealth University, said in a statement.
Some experts are skeptical that life expectancy will quickly bounce back. They worry about long-term complications of COVID-19 that may hasten the deaths of people with chronic health problems.
Preliminary — and incomplete — CDC data suggest there were at least 805,000 U.S. deaths in about the first three months of this year. That’s well below the same period last year, but higher than the comparable period in 2020.
“We may end up with a ‘new normal’ that’s a little higher than it was before,” Anderson said.
___
The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/covid-19-overdoses-pushed-us-highest-death-total-ever/ | 2022-04-13T01:48:59 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/covid-19-overdoses-pushed-us-highest-death-total-ever/ |
Firefighters trapped after roof of burning Phoenix home collapsed
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) – One Phoenix firefighter was hurt while rescuing a colleague trapped in a burning home Tuesday morning. It happened near Tatum Boulevard and Dixileta Drive.
Capt. Evan Gammage said the first firefighters on the scene went inside and made sure everybody had gotten out safely. When conditions shifted and became more dangerous, crews pulled out to take defensive positions.
The roof collapsed just as firefighters evacuated the building, temporarily trapping a “few” of them inside, Gammage said. Details about how many firefighters were in the burning house when the roof came down were not immediately available.
Gammage said those firefighters were not hurt, but one of the rescuing firefighters sustained a minor leg injury. “We thoroughly train for this [type of situation] on a regular basis,” Gammage explained. “It’s what we call ‘The Mayday Scenario.’ Part of the scenario is making sure everybody on the scene knows what is happening and is on the same page about what actions to take. The crews on the scene did amazing. They did exactly what their training [taught] them to do,” Gammage said.
Gammage said the wind made the fire more dangerous for the crews because it “provides extra oxygen” for the flames. “It’s not anything our firefighters aren’t trained for and prepared for.”
The home is a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation
.
Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/firefighters-trapped-after-roof-burning-phoenix-home-collapsed/ | 2022-04-13T01:49:07 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/firefighters-trapped-after-roof-burning-phoenix-home-collapsed/ |
Juvenile prisoner escapes guard on the way to Tennessee hospital, recaptured in Georgia
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - A sheriff’s office in Georgia on Tuesday morning recaptured a juvenile prisoner who escaped custody while on the way to a Tennessee children’s hospital Monday evening.
On Saturday, police in Nashville, Tennessee, said the teen led officers on a chase after he reportedly stole a Ford Raptor truck.
Police deployed spike strips to stop the vehicle, leading the juvenile to jump from the moving truck before crossing the spikes. The truck crashed and the teen sustained injuries, WSMV reported. Police said he was put in a neck brace before he was arrested and taken to a juvenile detention center in Nashville.
On Monday night, authorities said the juvenile was complaining of seizures. He was then transported by ambulance to a Nashville children’s hospital, accompanied by a guard.
While he was being taken out of the ambulance, authorities said the 16-year-old freed himself from his restraints and ran off toward a nearby intersection where an armed accomplice was waiting in a black Chevy Avalanche, which was reported as stolen. He then jumped into the getaway truck and sped off.
Sometime later, police found the Avalanche truck on fire.
After abandoning the truck, police said the teen and his accomplice carjacked a gold Chevy Malibu outside of an apartment complex. This vehicle was also found crashed and unoccupied by police sometime later.
Around 5 a.m. early Tuesday morning, the Nashville Police Department said the juvenile was arrested along with 22-year-old Tunisia Carey by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia. The two were traveling in Carey’s Nissan Altima when they were apprehended after a traffic stop in Cartersville, Georgia.
Carey and the juvenile remain in custody in Georgia and will be transferred back to Nashville this week, according to WSMV.
Detectives are working to identify each person who contributed to the teen’s escape.
Nashville authorities said they intend to charge the juvenile as an adult.
Copyright 2022 WSMV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/juvenile-prisoner-escapes-guard-way-tennessee-hospital-recaptured-georgia/ | 2022-04-13T01:49:13 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/juvenile-prisoner-escapes-guard-way-tennessee-hospital-recaptured-georgia/ |
Police arrest man suspected of 300+ graffiti incidents throughout Phoenix
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - Phoenix police say they have arrested a man for his alleged involvement in more than 314 graffiti incidents across Phoenix. The total damage costs were about $38,000.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Philip Krynsky says they have been investigating reports of graffiti tagging in several neighborhoods, including in downtown Phoenix and the Roosevelt Row area. All of them contained the “MEYOE.” Police say Manuelito continuously spray-painted or wrote his moniker on hundreds of different surfaces.
Krynsky says investigators with the Central City and Mountain precincts and Property Crimes detectives zeroed in on 20-year-old Toby Manuelito. Police say Manuelito continuously spray-painted or wrote his moniker on hundreds of different surfaces.
“I mean this includes residential, apartment complexes, buildings, lighting, trash cans, anywhere where it’s visible. Even artistic murals that are in certain parts of the city,” said Sgt. Phil Krynsky with the Phoenix Police Department. “When these murals were tagged it started getting the attention of a lot of other people as well which ultimately led to the identification of him.”
They conducted surveillance and found enough evidence to tie Manuelito to the crimes, including hundreds of pens, markers, and spray paint cans. According to court documents, Manuelito committed the crimes between January 2020 and April 2022. The Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department has been working on cleaning the tagged areas, including homes, commercial businesses, murals, and city and state property.
Investigators booked Manuelito into the Maricopa County Jail on suspicion of criminal damage violations. The City of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department has a Graffiti Busters team that goes out every day to remove graffiti with power-washing tools and paint.
“We document every removal. We take before and after photos. We document the monikers or the tags, the person’s name they’re leaving--their signature basically. We have a database and the police department has access to that and we share information with them freely,” said Betsy Cable, the Code Compliance Manager for the Neighborhood Services Department. “In this particular case, they needed our help just kind of putting it all together. It’s not like we went out and removed all those sites in the last couple of days. We’ve been doing it you know, daily, probably over the last two years.”
Cable says they’ve removed about 51,000 sites of graffiti over the last three years. “When you’re driving in a city you’re not familiar with and you see graffiti everywhere, what’s your first reaction? Do you feel safe? Do you feel like maybe you’re not in a great neighborhood?” Cable said. “At the end of the day, graffiti is damage to somebody’s property.”
To report or tell the city about graffiti, there are three easy ways of doing so. You can use the myPHX311 app under the “Tell the City About” tab, by calling 602-534-4444 or emailing blight@phoenix.gov.
Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/man-responsible-300-graffiti-incidents-throughout-phoenix-police-say/ | 2022-04-13T01:49:21 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/man-responsible-300-graffiti-incidents-throughout-phoenix-police-say/ |
Pay it forward: Daughter paying off mother’s house after winning $1M lottery prize
PENSACOLA, Fla. (Gray News) - A Florida woman says she plans to “pay it forward” with her recent lottery winnings.
Tenesia Hollins, 41, of Pensacola, Florida, became the Florida Lottery’s latest millionaire as officials said she claimed a $1 million prize from the new 500X THE CASH Scratch-Off game on April 6.
Hollins said she purchased her winning ticket from a Winn-Dixie supermarket. According to lottery officials, the retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning scratch-off ticket.
Lottery officials said that the 41-year-old chose to receive her winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $820,000.
When asked what she plans to do with her winnings, Hollins told lottery representatives that the first thing she wants to do is pay off her mother’s house.
“She’s done so much for me growing up; this is the least I can do for her,” Hollins said.
Lottery officials said the 500X THE CASH scratch-off game features the largest prize of a $25 million jackpot for scratch-offs in the state, and the game has the best odds to become an instant millionaire.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/pay-it-forward-daughter-paying-off-mothers-house-after-winning-1m-lottery-prize/ | 2022-04-13T01:49:29 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/pay-it-forward-daughter-paying-off-mothers-house-after-winning-1m-lottery-prize/ |
Pedestrian killed on I-17 near Sunset Point jumped off moving bus
BLACK CANYON CITY, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - The pedestrian who was hit by several cars and killed on Interstate 17 Tuesday morning had jumped off a Greyhound bus -- while it was moving -- the Department of Public Safety said.
According to DPS spokesman Bart Graves, the man was on a southbound Greyhound and “acting irrationally.” Details about what he was not doing were not immediately available, but Graves said the man opened the emergency hatch on one of the windows and jumped out of it, landing on the roadway near Sunset Point. Several vehicles hit him. He died at the scene.
Drone video from the scene showed the bus on the side of the roadway.
It happened at about 5:30 a.m. The southbound lanes were closed until shortly after noon. Throughout the morning, all traffic was exiting and re-entering the freeway using the Sunset Point Rest Area.
For the latest traffic conditions, click here.
Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/pedestrian-dead-after-being-hit-by-multiple-vehicles-i-17-near-sunset-point/ | 2022-04-13T01:49:36 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/pedestrian-dead-after-being-hit-by-multiple-vehicles-i-17-near-sunset-point/ |
Photographer arrested after taking inappropriate pictures of young girl, police say
Published: Apr. 12, 2022 at 1:40 PM MST|Updated: 5 hours ago
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) – A photographer in South Carolina was arrested Friday after deputies said they received a report of him taking inappropriate photographs of a young girl, according to police.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department said Gregg Martin, 53, groomed the child and gave her illegal substances while she was under his care.
Police did not disclose the victim’s exact age but confirmed she is a minor.
Martin has been charged with engaging a child under 18 for sexual performance and unlawful conduct toward a child.
The sheriff’s department is asking anyone else who feels they have been a victim of Martin to contact them at (803)-576-3000.
Copyright 2022 WIS via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/photographer-arrested-after-taking-inappropriate-pictures-young-girl-police-say/ | 2022-04-13T01:49:44 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/photographer-arrested-after-taking-inappropriate-pictures-young-girl-police-say/ |
Scottsdale police investigating after Lyft driver becomes unknowing drug mule
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) – A Valley rideshare driver said she was helping out a customer by delivering a wallet. Only it wasn’t a wallet, it was drugs. Scottsdale Police confirm they’re investigating. The driver, Amanda Stroud, said she’s been a Lyft driver for two years. She’s helped customers out in the past, delivering purses and luggage, but this time it was different.
Stroud said her passenger Saturday night asked if she’d deliver a wallet, saying it would save him money for the return trip. “A friend left this in my house. Is there any way you can take it to her without taking me with you,” she said. “I didn’t question him. He sat it in my back seat, and I assumed it was a wallet.” She said the destination was a gated community, and when she arrived there she waited ten minutes, but no one came out.
She decided to check the wallet, only inside that bag wasn’t a wallet, it was a bag of mushrooms.
“I could have gotten pulled over with this in my car, and this could have been turned around me when I didn’t even know it was there,” Stroud said. Stroud said she reached out to Lyft twice, then Scottsdale Police and Arizona’s Family.
“Just now this makes me wonder like, what is really going on? Is this a thing now?” Stroud said. She’s said she’s concerned that “this could be the next way for drugs to be transported, and it could be very serious.”
Scottsdale Police said it’s the first they’re hearing of something like this. Arizona’s Family also checked with Phoenix Police, and they said it was new to them too. Stroud had this message for those behind it.
“Rethink your decisions. It’s not worth it. It’s not worth putting me in this position. If you want to do this, [it] should be on you, not putting me in the middle of it,” she said.
Arizona’s Family also reached out to Lyft, which said they’re looking into it but haven’t provided a specific statement.
Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/scottsdale-police-investigating-after-lyft-driver-becomes-unknowing-drug-mule/ | 2022-04-13T01:49:50 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/scottsdale-police-investigating-after-lyft-driver-becomes-unknowing-drug-mule/ |
UPDATE: Police identify suspect killed in officer-involved shooting in Tucson
TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - A suspect who was shot in an officer-involved shooting in Tucson on April 3 died at the hospital, police said Tuesday, April 12, in a news release.
Police identified the suspect as 32-year-old Joshua Seth King.
The Tucson Police Department said it started as an armed robbery at the Best Buy near Broadway Boulevard and Wilmot Road. Store security reported that they attempted to stop a man suspected of shoplifting and he removed a handgun from his waistband and held it at his side as he left with the stolen items.
The suspect was located near Broadway and Prudence Road less than an hour later after a bus driver reported seeing him near Broadway and Kolb Road.
Police say officers told King to drop his handgun, which he was pointing indiscriminately. He did not drop his weapon and the officer shot at him. A TPD sergeant also shot at King, who then ran between two businesses before returning and firing at the officer and sergeant.
King also fired at a bystander as he fled behind a business, police said. A third officer confronted King and they exchanged gunfire, during which King was struck.
No other people were hurt in the incident.
The officers involved in the shooting have been identified as Sgt. Armando Olivas, a 19-year TPD veteran, Officer Richard Valentine, a 1-year TPD veteran and Officer Antonio Apodaca, an 8-year TPD veteran.
GRAPHIC CONTENT
A KOLD viewer shared the following video of a man shooting at TPD officers. The TPD did not confirm if the shooter in the video is the suspect from Sunday’s incident.
The Pima Regional Critical Incident Team and Pima County Sheriff’s Department are investigating.
Anyone with any information on the robbery or shooting are asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME.
Copyright 2022 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/update-suspect-dies-injuries-suffered-officer-involved-shooting-tucson/ | 2022-04-13T01:49:57 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/update-suspect-dies-injuries-suffered-officer-involved-shooting-tucson/ |
VIDEO: School district bus driver makes stop at liquor store while on duty, witness says
LAMAR COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM/Gray News) - A video on social media is gaining attention in the Mississippi area when it comes to a bus driver seemingly making an unscheduled stop at a local shopping center.
WDAM reports it obtained a video from April 7 that showed a Lamar County School District bus driver walking out of a liquor store with what a witness called a bottle in his hand and then getting back on the bus and driving away.
The Lamar County School District Supt. Steven Hampton issued the following statement regarding the video:
“On Thursday, April 7th, a concerned citizen made us aware of a situation where we had an employee use a school district bus for a personal reason. We have investigated this incident and have found it to be true. We have taken disciplinary actions against this employee that are in line with our policies.”
School officials have not released any further immediate information about the incident.
Copyright 2022 WDAM via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/video-shows-school-district-bus-driver-making-stop-liquor-store-while-duty/ | 2022-04-13T01:50:03 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/12/video-shows-school-district-bus-driver-making-stop-liquor-store-while-duty/ |
AP source: DOJ denies panel details in Trump records probe
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department declined a request this week from the House oversight committee to disclose the contents of records that former President Donald Trump took to his Florida residence after leaving the White House, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The move could serve as a setback for Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform as it was ramping up its investigation into Trump’s handling of sensitive and even classified information during his time as president and after he left the White House. It remains unclear what implications the decision could have for the panel’s probe, which was announced in March.
The Justice Department’s decision is part of an effort to protect confidential information that may compromise an ongoing investigation, according to the person, who was not authorized to discuss the matter by name and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The development was first reported Tuesday by The Washington Post.
The National Archives had referred the matter of Trump’s handling of those records to the Justice Department earlier this year. Because of that, the DOJ is asking the National Archives not to share information related directly to it, including the contents of the 15 boxes that Trump took to his Mar-a-Lago residence.
The notice to the committee comes days after its chair, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., accused the Justice Department of “obstructing” the panel’s expanded investigation by preventing the release of information from the National Archives.
The Justice Department has not formally announced it is investigating Trump’s handling of the records, but letters between the committee and the department seem to indicate that investigators are taking steps toward it.
A spokesperson for the Justice Department declined a request for comment Tuesday.
In addition, the FBI has taken steps to begin examining the potential mishandling of classified information related to the documents in the boxes, according to two other people familiar with the investigation who were not authorized to discuss it by name and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. It wasn’t clear exactly what work investigators had done so far or what additional steps they were planning to take.
In a letter to the National Archives last month, Maloney made a series of requests for information she said the committee needs to determine if Trump violated federal records laws over his handling of sensitive and even classified information. In response, the general counsel for the archivist wrote on March 28 that “based on our consultation with the Department of Justice, we are unable to provide any comment.”
___
Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo and Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/13/ap-source-doj-denies-panel-details-trump-records-probe/ | 2022-04-13T01:50:10 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/13/ap-source-doj-denies-panel-details-trump-records-probe/ |
Elon Musk accused of breaking law while buying Twitter stock
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Elon Musk’s huge Twitter investment took a new twist Tuesday with the filing of a lawsuit alleging that the colorful billionaire illegally delayed disclosing his stake in the social media company so he could buy more shares at lower prices.
The complaint in New York federal court accuses Musk of violating a regulatory deadline to reveal he had accumulated a stake of at least 5%. Instead, according to the complaint, Musk didn’t disclose his position in Twitter until he’d almost doubled his stake to more than 9%. That strategy, the lawsuit alleges, hurt less wealthy investors who sold shares in the San Francisco company in the nearly two weeks before Musk acknowledged holding a major stake.
Musk’s regulatory filings show that he bought a little more than 620,000 shares at $36.83 apiece on Jan. 31 and then continued to accumulate more shares on nearly every single trading day through April 1. Musk, best known as CEO of the electric car maker Tesla, held 73.1 million Twitter shares as of the most recent count Monday. That represents a 9.1% stake in Twitter.
The lawsuit alleges that by March 14, Musk’s stake in Twitter had reached a 5% threshold that required him to publicly disclose his holdings under U.S. securities law by March 24. Musk didn’t make the required disclosure until April 4.
That revelation caused Twitter’s stock to soar 27% from its April 1 close to nearly $50 by the end of April 4′s trading, depriving investors who sold shares before Musk’s improperly delayed disclosure the chance to realize significant gains, according to the lawsuit filed on behalf of an investor named Marc Bain Rasella. Musk, meanwhile, was able to continue to buy shares that traded in prices ranging from $37.69 to $40.96.
The lawsuit is seeking to be certified as a class action representing Twitter shareholders who sold shares between March 24 and April 4, a process that could take a year or more.
Musk spent about $2.6 billion on Twitter stock — a fraction of his estimated wealth of $265 billion, the largest individual fortune in the world. In a regulatory filing Monday, Musk disclosed he may increase his stake after backing out of an agreement reached last week to join Twitter’s board of directors.
Jacob Walker, one of the lawyers that filed the lawsuit against Musk, told The Associated Press that he hadn’t reached out to the Securities and Exchange Commission about Musk’s alleged violations about the disclosure of his Twitter stake. “I assume the SEC is well aware of what he did,” Walker said.
An SEC spokesperson declined to comment.
The SEC and Musk have been wrangling in court since 2018 when Musk and Tesla agreed to pay a $40 million fine to settle allegations that he used his Twitter account to mislead investors about a potential buyout of the electric car company that never materialized. As part of that deal, Musk was supposed to obtain legal approval for his tweets about information that could affect Tesla’s stock price — a provision that regulators contend he has occasionally violated and that he now argues unfairly muzzles him.
Musk didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment posted on Twitter, where he often shares his opinion and thoughts. Alex Spiro, a New York lawyer representing Musk in his ongoing dispute with the SEC, also didn’t immediately respond to a query from The Associated Press.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/13/elon-musk-accused-breaking-law-while-buying-twitter-stock/ | 2022-04-13T01:50:17 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/13/elon-musk-accused-breaking-law-while-buying-twitter-stock/ |
Anthony Todt trial: Jurors see video interview between Todt and Osceola County deputies
ORLANDO, Fla. - Jurors seated for the Anthony Todt murder trial were shown a 2020 video interview between Todt and Osceola County deputies where he allegedly told them how he killed his family – and why.
Todt is on trial for the 2019 deaths of his wife, three kids, and a family dog inside their Celebration, Florida home. Police discovered the family's remains after an out-of-state family member became concerned and requested multiple welfare checks.
Prosecutors alleged that Todt continued to live in the house weeks after his family was killed.
In the video, Todt tells investigators that he and his wife Megan had a so-called apocalyptic death pact and watching videos about the world coming to an end.
Warning: This story mentions details presented in court about how Todt's family was allegedly killed. Some details may be disturbing to some readers.
"It appealed to her and appealed to me as well. Salvation and everlasting life," he told deputies in the video. He said the family was given Benadryl to make everyone drowsy.
Zoe, who was 4 ½ years old, was killed first. "She rolled and started swiveling and I put a hand over her mouth and laid on her to keep her down and put pillow on top," Todt said in the video.
He then told investigators that he killed his 13-year-old son Alexander, according to the video.
"I stabbed him, and he started kicking, was trying to get up and tried rolling. I reached around and held his nose and mouth, and he was rolling and kicking and eventually stopped," Todt said.
Tyler, 11, died next, followed by Todt's wife, Megan.
"'If you love me, you can do this. I want to be with my babies,'" Tody said his wife told him. "I said ‘why don’t you take more Benadryl so you’re not going to fight me.’ She took more Benadryl."
Todt said he also took Benadryl and tried to take his own life.
Advertisement
The Medical Examiner previously said that each of Todt's family members had toxic levels of the drug in their systems. | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/anthony-todt-trial-jurors-see-video-interview-between-todt-and-osceola-county-deputies | 2022-04-13T01:50:22 | 0 | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/anthony-todt-trial-jurors-see-video-interview-between-todt-and-osceola-county-deputies |
Police warn parents of scary ‘Huggy Wuggy’ character in children’s media online
(Gray News) – While Disney may offer plenty of movies, videos and games that are safe for unsupervised children, not all kids’ content is as safe as it seems.
Police are now warning the parents of susceptible kids of a fearsome character that has been making its way into content geared towards children.
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin looked at the origins of “Huggy Wuggy” and shared their findings in a post on Facebook.
The character, which resembles a lanky, blue-furred teddy bear with razor sharp teeth, comes from a recent survival horror video game called “Poppy Playtime.”
In the game, the player controls the former employee of an abandoned toy factory, who has come back to the company’s location to investigate what happened to all of the staff who mysteriously vanished.
As the player explores, their character encounters various enemies, including Huggy Wuggy.
The game was originally rated for ages 8 and above but was updated to 12 or above for containing scary images and scenarios, such as toys coming to life and wanting to harm the children they belong to.
The character has made its way from this independently developed video game into fan-made videos on websites like YouTube.
The sheriff’s office says the videos they want to warn parents about are featured on a number of YouTube channels, including those on this list compiled by the sheriff’s office:
- GameToons
- SamToons
- GH’s
- Monster School Story
- Game My
- Secret4Studio
- HornStromp 3D
- Siren Studio
- Bunny Games
- Slime Channel
The sheriff’s office says the videos include, but are not limited to, offensive language, cartoon representations of alcohol use, blood, stabbings, decapitations, attempted murder, murder and the bloody aftermath of a car crash.
Police are urging parents to monitor their children’s use of YouTube and other video sharing social media platforms for content that may be inappropriate or too intense for their viewing.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/13/police-warn-parents-scary-huggy-wuggy-character-childrens-media-online/ | 2022-04-13T01:50:24 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/2022/04/13/police-warn-parents-scary-huggy-wuggy-character-childrens-media-online/ |
SAN DIEGO, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Realty Income Corporation (Realty Income, NYSE: O), The Monthly Dividend Company®, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared the 622nd consecutive common stock monthly dividend. The dividend amount of $0.247 per share, representing an annualized amount of $2.964 per share, is payable on May 13, 2022 to shareholders of record as of May 2, 2022. The ex-dividend date for May's dividend is April 29, 2022.
About Realty Income
Realty Income, The Monthly Dividend Company®, is an S&P 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats® index. We invest in people and places to deliver dependable monthly dividends that increase over time. The company is structured as a REIT, and its monthly dividends are supported by the cash flow from over 11,100 real estate properties owned under long-term net lease agreements with commercial clients. To date, the company has declared 622 consecutive common stock monthly dividends throughout its 53-year operating history and increased the dividend 115 times since Realty Income's public listing in 1994 (NYSE: O). Additional information about the company can be obtained from the corporate website at www.realtyincome.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical are "forward-looking" statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, which may cause our actual future results to differ materially from expected results. These risks include, among others, general economic conditions, domestic and foreign real estate conditions, client financial health, the availability of capital to finance planned growth, volatility and uncertainty in the credit markets and broader financial markets, fluctuations in interest and currency rates, property acquisitions and the timing, terms or completion of these acquisitions, uncertainties regarding whether the anticipated benefits of our merger with VEREIT, Inc. which closed on November 1, 2021, and the spin-off of substantially all of the office properties to Orion Office REIT Inc. on November 12, 2021 will be achieved, charges for property impairments, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to limit its impact, the effects of pandemics or global outbreaks of contagious diseases or fear of such outbreaks, the ability of clients to adequately manage their properties and fulfill their respective lease obligations to Realty Income, the outcome of any legal proceedings to which Realty Income is a party, acts of terrorism and war, and those additional risks and factors discussed in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Consequently, forward-looking statements should be regarded solely as reflections of Realty Income's current operating plans and estimates. Actual plans and operating results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in this press release. Realty Income does not undertake any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date these statements were made.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Realty Income Corporation | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/622nd-consecutive-common-stock-monthly-dividend-declared-by-realty-income/ | 2022-04-13T01:50:31 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/622nd-consecutive-common-stock-monthly-dividend-declared-by-realty-income/ |
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Adge Pharmaceuticals ("Adge") continues to advance its rare disease programs in the Rett Syndrome and Osteogenesis imperfecta in support of the regulatory requirements of the US FDA to move its lead asset expeditiously to the clinic.
In preparation for launching of the clinical program in the Rett Syndrome, Dr. Kalev Kask, CEO and founder of Adge, will be attending the ASCEND 2022 Rett Syndrome National Summit held in Nashville on April 27-30, 2022.
As announced earlier (https://adgepharm.com/news/mar-22-2022/), Adge has secured a global license to RO269228, a clinical stage oral small molecule originally developed by Roche for osteoporosis. RO269228, also known as Elocalcitol, is a vitamin D analog which has demonstrated efficacy and safety in multiple Phase 2 clinical trials. Furthermore, its mechanism of actions are highly relevant to addressing pathogenesis of multiple rare diseases including Rett Syndrome and Osteogenesis imperfecta that Adge is targeting as priority indications.
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by a mutation in the MECP2 gene and almost exclusively affects girls. It is characterized by normal early growth and development followed by a slowdown in development, slowed brain and head growth, loss of purposeful use of the hands, distinctive hand movements, problems with walking, seizures, autistic behavior and intellectual disability. Rett syndrome is the second most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in girls after Down syndrome affecting an estimated 1 in 9,000 to 10,000 females.
Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, is a group of genetic diseases that primarily affect the bones. People with this condition have bones that fracture easily, often from mild trauma or with no apparent cause. Multiple fractures are common, and in severe cases, can occur even before birth. Osteogenesis imperfecta affects approximately 1 in 10,000 to 20,000 people worldwide. An estimated 25,000 to 50,000 people in the United States have the condition.
Adge Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of first-in-class therapies for orphan indications.
View original content:
SOURCE Adge Pharmaceuticals Inc. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/adge-pharmaceuticals-advances-its-rare-disease-programs-attends-ascend-2022-rett-syndrome-national-summit/ | 2022-04-13T01:50:37 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/adge-pharmaceuticals-advances-its-rare-disease-programs-attends-ascend-2022-rett-syndrome-national-summit/ |
OAKVILLE, ON, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. ("AQN") (TSX: AQN) (NYSE: AQN) today announced plans to release its first quarter 2022 financial results on Thursday, May 12, 2022, after market close. AQN will hold an earnings conference call at 10:00 a.m. eastern time on Friday, May 13, 2022, hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer, Arun Banskota, and Chief Financial Officer, Arthur Kacprzak.
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international generation, transmission, and distribution utility with over $16 billion of total assets. Through its two business groups, the Regulated Services Group and the Renewable Energy Group, AQN is committed to providing safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy and water solutions through its portfolio of electric generation, transmission, and distribution utility investments to over one million customer connections, largely in the United States and Canada. AQN is a global leader in renewable energy through its portfolio of long-term contracted wind, solar, and hydroelectric generating facilities. AQN owns, operates, and/or has net interests in over 4 GW of installed renewable energy capacity.
AQN is committed to delivering growth and the pursuit of operational excellence in a sustainable manner through an expanding global pipeline of renewable energy and electric transmission development projects, organic growth within its rate-regulated generation, distribution, and transmission businesses, and the pursuit of accretive acquisitions.
AQN's common shares, Series A preferred shares, and Series D preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols AQN, AQN.PR.A, and AQN.PR.D, respectively. AQN's common shares, Series 2018-A subordinated notes, Series 2019-A subordinated notes and equity units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols AQN, AQNA, AQNB, and AQNU, respectively.
Visit AQN at www.algonquinpowerandutilities.com and follow us on Twitter @AQN_Utilities.
View original content:
SOURCE Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/algonquin-power-amp-utilities-corp-announces-dates-first-quarter-2022-financial-results-conference-call/ | 2022-04-13T01:50:44 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/algonquin-power-amp-utilities-corp-announces-dates-first-quarter-2022-financial-results-conference-call/ |
Visual and performing artists can sign up now for Shreveport's Red River Revel
The 46th annual Red River Revel Arts Festival will return to Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport Oct. 1 - 9 and is now accepting submissions from visual and performing artists.
The nine-day festival was created in 1976 to showcase the arts and ongoing arts education in Shreveport. The event attracts over 75,000 attendees, over 75 original art booths and over 30 local, regional and national live music performances.
The Revel is a non-profit that employs other non-profits to develop exciting food options that also serve as a fundraiser for the 12 non-profits who participate. During the revel, thousands of 4th-grade students participate in arts education workshops, create their own art and experience performances and seminars from the artists.
Too old for prom? Check out the adult alternatives happening in Shreveport
The work of over 75 visual artists will be selected by a panel of jurors in 15 different categories:
- ceramics/potter
- computer / generated art
- drawing
- fiber
- glass
- graphics/printmaking
- jewelry
- metal
- mixed media
- oil / acrylic
- photography
- sculpture
- watercolor
- wood
- miscellaneous.
No commercial reproductions are allowed.
There will be recognition and cash prizes. Applications are open through June 30 with a $40 submission fee.
Over 75 music and performing artists will be selected in the categories of music, theatrical, dance / cheer and more. Music selections are based on the quality of the submissions. Musical acts that are not represented by a touring agency must submit an application. Applications are open until July 15 with a submission fee based on the category.
For more information and to submit applications, visit the Red River Revel website.
Meredith G. White is the arts and culture reporter for the Shreveport Times. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at mgwhite@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/life/2022/04/12/artists-can-sign-up-now-shreveports-red-river-revel/7289902001/ | 2022-04-13T01:50:51 | 0 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/life/2022/04/12/artists-can-sign-up-now-shreveports-red-river-revel/7289902001/ |
IRVING, Texas, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliant Systems announced today the retirement of its owner and president, Jeff Belcher, after 37 years with the company and predecessor organizations. Under Jeff's leadership, Alliant Systems has grown to become the largest supplier of route accounting and mobile computing software solutions to independent textile rental companies. Jeff is proud to have developed a company culture focused on service, support, and long-standing customer relationships.
Alliant Systems also announced today the sale of the company to HRFH (Herrera Rodriguez Family Holdings), a private Texas corporation owned by Mayron Herrera and Jhovanny Rodriguez.
"It has been a high honor and privilege to work for and serve as the owner of this special organization," noted Belcher. "I will be forever grateful for my time in this industry and will never forget the long list of mentors, friends and associates that helped shape my career and Alliant Systems. This decision has been in process for over three years and I am confident it is in the best interest of our employees and our customers. I remain thankful for our past and look forward to a bright future as the company moves ahead."
Alliant Systems will continue to operate under the same name as a wholly-owned subsidiary of HRFH, which also operates an IT services company (Synetek Solutions) and a cloud-based VoIP service (GreenLink Networks).
"I, along with others on the Alliant team, have enjoyed a long working relationship with Mayron for many years," said Belcher. "Mayron is an excellent leader who I trust and respect. He possesses many years of experience in this industry working with Alliant Systems' software."
Under the ownership of HRFH, Alliant Systems will continue to provide software services and support to the independent textile rental market. Benefits for Alliant Systems' employees and customers will be significant. The company, directed by HRFH's experienced management team, will enjoy access to additional resources including new development, service and marketing tools.
"I've been part of the laundry industry for over twenty years and have been involved with Alliant Systems for a good portion of that time supporting mutual customers," said Herrera. "I'm excited to be part of Alliant's future and to continue building on Jeff's legacy. I see lots of opportunities as we look to enhance Alliant's capabilities by adding resources, providing guidance and staying true to the history of always putting the customer first."
Jeff will remain with the company in an advisory capacity. Alliant's existing management, service and development teams will remain in place and there are no plans to change the daily operations of the company. Alliant's primary goal will continue to be servicing independent, textile rental customers. Events such as quarterly, educational webinars and Alliant's annual customer conference will move forward as planned.
Alliant Systems is the leading provider of route accounting and mobile computing solutions for textile rental operators. Alliant Systems' suite of software products enable textile rental companies to save time and money by improving front office and route operations. Alliant's products help companies generate greater revenue opportunities, streamline operations, and are less expensive to operate and maintain compared to custom, in-house accounting solutions.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Synetek Solutions | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/alliant-systems-announced-today-retirement-its-owner-president-jeff-belcher/ | 2022-04-13T01:50:52 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/alliant-systems-announced-today-retirement-its-owner-president-jeff-belcher/ |
Caddo Parish Sheriff's deputy hit with car. Two arrested including local business owner
Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office arrested two people Tuesday after a female hit a school security coordinator with her vehicle.
On April 8, a confrontation with the principal at Southwood High School ended with Sr. Dep. Willie Williams being hit by a vehicle. Williams, who works as the school's resource officer, chased the female for over five miles before losing her.
Caddo Sheriff's deputies were able to locate the vehicle, belonging to 29-year-old Dewanna Battle, that was used in the altercation. It was abandoned at the Quality Inn on Monkhouse Drive.
That same day, deputies visited Fat Daddy’s Crawfish on Greenwood Road where Battle works and informed the business owner, Mike Hailey, 70, that they were looking for Battle.
Two days later detectives received a tip that reported Battle back at work. Officers went to the Fat Daddy’s and were met by Hailey, who physically blocked them from entering the business.
Read also:Louisiana Supreme Court suspends Shreveport attorney amid child porn charges
Battle was booked into Caddo Correctional Center and charged with aggravated assault, flight from an officer, aggravated battery, contempt of court, battery of a school teacher, and as a probation fugitive.
Hailey was also booked into Caddo Correctional Center and charged with accessory after the fact, aggravated battery, and aggravated flight from an officer.
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/education/2022/04/12/two-arrested-after-woman-allegedly-hits-caddo-deputy-her-vehicle/7295574001/ | 2022-04-13T01:50:57 | 0 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/education/2022/04/12/two-arrested-after-woman-allegedly-hits-caddo-deputy-her-vehicle/7295574001/ |
WALTHAM, Mass., April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ardelyx, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARDX), a biopharmaceutical company founded with a mission to discover, develop and commercialize innovative first-in-class medicines that meet significant unmet medical needs, today announced that on April 5, 2022, the compensation committee of the company's board of directors granted five new non-executive employees options to purchase an aggregate of 68,797 shares of the company's common stock, and an aggregate of 33,450 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). Each stock option has an exercise price per share equal to $1.11 per share, which was the closing trading price of the company's common stock on the date of grant. The stock options and RSUs were granted as inducements material to each employee's decision to enter into employment with Ardelyx, in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
Each stock option vests over four years, with 25% of the shares vesting on the first anniversary of the employee's first date of employment, and the remaining 75% of shares vesting monthly thereafter. Each RSU vests over four years, with 25% vesting on the first company designated quarterly RSU vest date following the first anniversary of the employee's first day of employment, and the remaining 75% of shares vesting quarterly thereafter. Each stock option has a 10-year term, and each option and RSU is subject to the terms and conditions of the company's 2016 Employment Commencement Incentive Plan and the award agreement covering the grant.
About Ardelyx, Inc.
Ardelyx was founded with a mission to discover, develop and commercialize innovative first-in-class medicines that meet significant unmet medical needs. Ardelyx's first approved product, IBSRELA® (tenapanor) is available in the United States. Ardelyx is developing XPHOZAH® (tenapanor), a novel product candidate to control serum phosphorus in adult patients with CKD on dialysis, which has completed three successful Phase 3 trials. Ardelyx is also advancing RDX013, a potassium secretagogue, for the potential treatment of elevated serum potassium, or hyperkalemia, a problem among certain patients with kidney and/or heart disease and has an early-stage program in metabolic acidosis, a serious electrolyte disorder in patients with CKD. Ardelyx has established agreements with Kyowa Kirin in Japan, Fosun Pharma in China and Knight Therapeutics in Canada for the development and commercialization of tenapanor in their respective territories.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Ardelyx | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/ardelyx-inc-reports-employment-inducement-grants/ | 2022-04-13T01:50:59 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/ardelyx-inc-reports-employment-inducement-grants/ |
Louisiana Supreme Court suspends Shreveport attorney amid child porn charges
A Shreveport attorney not only faces criminal charges but has been suspended from the Louisiana Bar in response to 250 counts of child pornography.
On April 6, the Louisiana Supreme Court ordered the suspension of Brian Smith, 68, from practicing law in Louisiana until further orders.
Smith was arrested just before 10 a.m. Feb. 9, when the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation received a cyber tip of Smith allegedly uploading child sexual abuse material to a cloud server.
LBI executed a search warrant on Smith's home in Lakeside on Longlake and uncovered more than 250 images depicting child sexual abuse.
More:Trials begin for the 2019 murder of a Shreveport police officer. Look back at the case here
Smith, a former attorney with Casten & Pearce law firm released on bond set at $200,000, on Feb. 11.
The court ordered that Smith remain on house arrest with the exception of medical treatment and worship service. The court also ordered that Smith have no contact with the juvenile victims and no internet usage.
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/04/12/louisiana-supreme-court-suspends-shreveport-attorney-amid-child-porn-charges/7292470001/ | 2022-04-13T01:51:03 | 0 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/04/12/louisiana-supreme-court-suspends-shreveport-attorney-amid-child-porn-charges/7292470001/ |
DALLAS, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford Inc. (NYSE American: AINC) ("Ashford" or the "Company") today announced that its Board of Directors declared cash dividends for the Company's Series D Convertible Preferred Stock ("Preferred Stock") reflecting accrued and unpaid dividends for the quarters ending June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020. The Company will pay an aggregate cash dividend of $0.932 per share of Preferred Stock, representing approximately 50% of the accrued dividends. The Preferred Stock dividends will be paid on April 15, 2022.
"Our business and advised platforms continue to benefit from the recovery in the lodging industry, and we're pleased to be in a position to pay half of our accrued preferred dividends," commented Monty J. Bennett, Ashford's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We remain excited about the future prospects for the Company and, contingent on the pace of the continued recovery, hope to be in a position to pay the remaining accrued preferred dividends sometime during 2023."
Ashford is an alternative asset management company with a portfolio of strategic operating businesses that provides global asset management, investment management and related services to the real estate and hospitality sectors.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements and assumptions in this press release contain or are based upon "forward-looking" information and are being made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, among others, statements about the Company's strategy and future plans. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. When we use the words "will likely result," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "should," "expect," "believe," "intend," or similar expressions, we intend to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside Ashford Inc.'s control.
These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, without limitation: the impact of COVID-19, including one or more possible recurrences of COVID-19 case surges that would cause state and local governments to reinstate travel restrictions and the rate of adoption and efficacy of vaccines to prevent COVID-19, on our business and investment strategy; our ability to maintain compliance with NYSE American LLC continued listing standards; our ability to regain Form S-3 eligibility; our ability to repay, refinance or restructure our debt and the debt of certain of our subsidiaries; anticipated or expected purchases or sales of assets; our projected operating results; completion of any pending transactions; our understanding of our competition; market trends; projected capital expenditures; the impact of technology on our operations and business; general volatility of the capital markets and the market price of our common stock and preferred stock; availability, terms and deployment of capital; availability of qualified personnel; changes in our industry and the markets in which we operate, interest rates or the general economy; and the degree and nature of our competition. These and other risk factors are more fully discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future performance taking into account all information currently known to us. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations can change as a result of many potential events or factors, not all of which are known to us. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, and other objectives may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider this risk when you make an investment decision concerning our securities. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company can give no assurance that these forward-looking statements will be attained or that any deviation will not occur. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, changes in expectations, or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.
View original content:
SOURCE Ashford Inc. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/ashford-declares-payment-half-companys-accrued-preferred-dividends/ | 2022-04-13T01:51:06 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/ashford-declares-payment-half-companys-accrued-preferred-dividends/ |
Meet the Louisiana woman holding a 'jean drive' for Shreveport homeless population
A Shreveport native took her passion for helping others and created an annual drive that helps people all over the Shreveport-Bossier area.
Jalynn Mar’Dai Pickens is a 20-year old sophomore at Grambling State University and is the founder of Jalynn’s Jeans4Teens Drive.
In 2018, Pickens was a sophomore at Caddo Magnet High School when she sat next to someone in class that was experiencing homelessness.
"I never would have thought that," Pickens said.
That experience affected Pickens deeply, and in turn she wanted to do something to help others. After researching she found that jeans are the perfect item to donate, they are an item that can be re-worn between washes.
"Everyone wears jeans, you can dress them up or down for any occasion. You can get multiple wears," Pickens said. "I was like, that's it, that's the perfect way."
More:Northwest Louisiana students recognized for STEM accomplishments
Instead of having a Sweet 16 party five years ago, Pickens celebrated her birthday by giving back by hosting her first Jalynn’s Jeans4Teens drive. "I do it for my birthday every year now," Pickens said.
Jalynn’s Jeans4Teens drive started with donation boxes at C.E. Byrd, Caddo Magnet High, Captain Shreve, Huntington High, Southwood, North Caddo Magnet, LSUS Student Activities and SUSLA Faculty Senate. That first year she collected and donated over 1,000 pair of jeans.
Pre-pandemic, this annual jean drive had doubled the amount of donations. However, with the pandemic Pickens was forced to make the difficult decision last year to cancel the drive for the public's safety.
"Just from knowing that it went big, then it kind of died down a little bit. And now it's getting back to where it was. it's like we're getting accustomed to our new normal," Pickens said.
Read:Caddo Sheriff's deputy honored as a Law Officer of the Year by 40&8.
This year is different from years past because some of those that were able to donate in prior years have experienced hardships during the pandemic that have placed them on the other side of this effort.
This year Pickens has collected around 200 pairs of jeans. These jeans will be donated to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program at Caddo Parish School Board Thursday, April 14.
"I have to keep going," Pickens said.
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/04/13/louisiana-woman-holds-jean-drive-shreveport-homeless-population/7286158001/ | 2022-04-13T01:51:09 | 1 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/04/13/louisiana-woman-holds-jean-drive-shreveport-homeless-population/7286158001/ |
NEW YORK, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Atento S.A. (NYSE: ATTO, "Atento" or the "Company"), one of the world's five largest providers of customer relationship and business process outsourcing (CRM / BPO) services and sector leader in Latin America, announced today that it will release its fiscal first quarter 2022 financial and operating results after the market close of the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. Atento's senior management team will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company's fiscal first quarter financial and operating results on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
Dial In Info:
USA: +1-866-807-9684
Brazil: +55 11 4933-0682
Spain: +34 80 030-0687
UK: +44 20 3514-3188
International: +1-412-317-5415
Webcast: click here
A replay of the webcast will be available in the Events & Presentations section of Atento's website at http://investors.atento.com.
About Atento
Atento is one of the five largest global providers for client relationship management and business process outsourcing services nearshoring for companies that carry out their activities in the United States. Since 1999, the company has developed its business model in 13 countries with a workforce of 150,000 employees. Atento has over 400 clients for which it provides a wide range of CRM/BPO services through multiple channels. Its clients are leading multinational companies in the technology, digital, telecommunications, finance, health, consumer and public administration sectors, amongst others. Atento trades under ATTO on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2019 Atento was recognized by Great Place to Work® as one of the 25 World's Best Multinational Workplaces and as one of the Best Places to Work in Latin America. For more information www.atento.com
Media Relations
Investor and analyst inquiries
Hernan van Waveren
+1 979-633-9539
hernan.vanwaveren@atento.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "intends," "continue" or similar terminology. These statements reflect only Atento's current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance or results. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic, and governments' extraordinary measures to limit the spread of the virus, are disrupting the global economy and Atento's industry, and consequently adversely affecting the Company's business, results of operation and cash flows and, as conditions are recent, uncertain and changing rapidly, it is difficult to predict the full extent of the impact that the pandemic will have. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, competition in Atento's highly competitive industries; increases in the cost of voice and data services or significant interruptions in these services; Atento's ability to keep pace with its clients' needs for rapid technological change and systems availability; the continued deployment and adoption of emerging technologies; the loss, financial difficulties or bankruptcy of any key clients; the effects of global economic trends on the businesses of Atento's clients; the non-exclusive nature of Atento's client contracts and the absence of revenue commitments; security and privacy breaches of the systems Atento uses to protect personal data; the cost of pending and future litigation; the cost of defending Atento against intellectual property infringement claims; extensive regulation affecting many of Atento's businesses; Atento's ability to protect its proprietary information or technology; service interruptions to Atento's data and operation centers; Atento's ability to retain key personnel and attract a sufficient number of qualified employees; increases in labor costs and turnover rates; the political, economic and other conditions in the countries where Atento operates; changes in foreign exchange rates; Atento's ability to complete future acquisitions and integrate or achieve the objectives of its recent and future acquisitions; future impairments of our substantial goodwill, intangible assets, or other long-lived assets; and Atento's ability to recover consumer receivables on behalf of its clients. In addition, Atento is subject to risks related to its level of indebtedness. Such risks include Atento's ability to generate sufficient cash to service its indebtedness and fund its other liquidity needs; Atento's ability to comply with covenants contained in its debt instruments; the ability to obtain additional financing; the incurrence of significant additional indebtedness by Atento and its subsidiaries; and the ability of Atento's lenders to fulfill their lending commitments. Atento is also subject to other risk factors described in documents filed by the comp any with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which the statements were made. Atento undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Atento S.A. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/atento-sets-date-fiscal-2022-first-quarter-results/ | 2022-04-13T01:51:13 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/atento-sets-date-fiscal-2022-first-quarter-results/ |
New Haughton coach uses Bruce Lee philosophy to set offense
Haughton stepped outside Northwest Louisiana to find a boys basketball coach to replace the recently-retired Terry Josting.
Former Louisiana Tech guard Robert Price has been tapped to move the program forward. After graduating from Anacoco, Price played one season for former Tech coach Mike White before joining White’s staff as a coach. He remained on the staff until White, who is now at Georgia, accepted his previous the coaching position at Florida.
“I’m super excited to be at Haughton,” Price told The Times. “It’s a great school in a great community, and I’ve already met so many amazing people.”
He inherits a team that started last season 12-4 before health issues and Josting’s surgery saw the team finish 15-15.
Price has been coach at Claiborne Christian in West Monroe for the past three seasons and led his team to the District 2-C championship, earning district coach of the year honors. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Tech, learning from his mentor. White was known as a players’ coach who prioritized relationships and positivity during his tenure in Ruston, according to Price.
CANCER FIGHT: Haughton's Terry Josting to step down from coaching
“I have adopted those same mindsets for myself,” Price said. “I want to be the kind of coach who kids want to play for and someone who adds to their lives in more areas than just basketball.”
Price has an offensive and defensive philosophy.
“Instead of having multiple sets and plays that we are decent at, let’s have a single offense that we are excellent at,” he said. “Defensively, I am high-pressure, something I also adopted from coach White. I want to disrupt opposing team’s offenses and take opposing players out of their comfort zone.”
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/sports/high-school/2022/04/12/haughton-hires-former-la-tech-player-robert-price-coach-basketball-program/7291992001/ | 2022-04-13T01:51:15 | 1 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/sports/high-school/2022/04/12/haughton-hires-former-la-tech-player-robert-price-coach-basketball-program/7291992001/ |
SAN FRANCISCO, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), a collaborative cross-industry effort developing an open source automotive platform for all connected car technologies, has announced the latest code release of the AGL platform, UCB 13, also known under the codename "Magic Marlin."
Developed through a joint effort by AGL member companies, the Unified Code Base (UCB) is an open source software platform that can serve as the de facto industry standard for infotainment, telematics and instrument cluster applications.
"The AGL community is continuously evaluating open source technologies for automotive use cases to ensure that we are integrating best-in-class software into the platform," said Dan Cauchy, Executive Director of Automotive Grade Linux at the Linux Foundation. "2022 will be a big year for the AGL platform as we transition to some of these newer technologies including Flutter, VirtIO, Containers and V2C applications. We are also expanding the development options available to the community by adding support for the latest automotive hardware as well as cloud-based virtual platforms."
UCB 13/Magic Marlin includes an operating system, board support package, middleware, application framework and application APIs. Notable updates to the AGL platform include:
- New Application Framework with more upstream components
- IVI technology demonstrator based on Toyota's Base System contributions
- Chromium-based HTML5 Image updated to Chromium 87 with WAM (Web Application Manager)
- Virtualization updates including VirtIO enhancements
- Initial integration of Toyota's open-source embedded automotive Flutter solution
- LXC-based container demonstration (IVI container and IC container)
- Yocto Long Term Support version upgraded to Dunfell 3.1.14 along with Pipewire and Wireplumber updates
- Board Support Package updates including Renesas R-Car BSP v5.9 with Kernel 5.10, AGL Reference Hardware, NXP i.MX8 and new support for Jacinto7 (j7)
The full list of additions and enhancements to UCB 13 can be found here.
Demonstrations of the AGL software platform will be available at upcoming events including:
AGL Tech Day!
On April 13, 2022, AGL will host a one-day virtual event for the AGL community to discuss the most recent technology updates and connect with other community members. The event takes place from 15:00 - 18:00 Japan Standard Time (JST)/ 08:00 - 11:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST). Additional information and registration is available at https://events.linuxfoundation.org/agl-linux-tech-day/.
All Member Meeting (AMM)
The AGL All Member Meeting takes place bi-annually and brings the community together to learn about the latest developments, share best practices and collaborate to drive rapid innovation across the industry. The next AMM will be in-person on July 12-13 in Honolulu, Hawaii. To register or submit a speaking proposal, visit https://events.linuxfoundation.org/agl-amm-summer/.
About Automotive Grade Linux (AGL)
Automotive Grade Linux is a collaborative open source project that is bringing together automakers, suppliers and technology companies to accelerate the development and adoption of a fully open software stack for the connected car. With Linux at its core, AGL is developing an open platform from the ground up that can serve as the de facto industry standard to enable rapid development of new features and technologies. Although initially focused on In-Vehicle-Infotainment (IVI), AGL is the only organization planning to address all software in the vehicle, including instrument cluster, heads up display, telematics, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. The AGL platform is available to all, and anyone can participate in its development. Automotive Grade Linux is hosted at the Linux Foundation. Learn more at automotivelinux.org.
About the Linux Foundation
Founded in 2000, the Linux Foundation is supported by more than 1,000 members and is the world's leading home for collaboration on open source software, open standards, open data, and open hardware. Linux Foundation's projects are critical to the world's infrastructure, including Linux, Kubernetes, Node.js and more. The Linux Foundation's methodology focuses on leveraging best practices and addressing the needs of contributors, users, and solution providers to create sustainable models for open collaboration. For more information, please visit us at LinuxFoundation.org.
Media Inquiries
Emily Olin
Automotive Grade Linux, the Linux Foundation
eolin@linuxfoundation.org
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Automotive Grade Linux | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/automotive-grade-linux-updates-open-source-automotive-platform-with-ucb-13-release/ | 2022-04-13T01:51:20 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/automotive-grade-linux-updates-open-source-automotive-platform-with-ucb-13-release/ |
Shreveport weather radar: Severe storms possible across Louisiana Tuesday, Wednesday
Severe weather is possible Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday in Shreveport, with the main threats being flooding and damaging winds.
There's a chance for showers and thunderstorms in the Arkansas-Louisiana-Oklahoma-Texas area Thursday afternoon and into the evening, according to the National Weather Service's Shreveport office. Some storms may be severe, with all modes of severe weather possible. Heavy rainfall will be possible with some storms, which could lead to localized flooding.
Chances for thunderstorms will remain across the area on Wednesday ahead of a cold front. Dry weather is expected on Thursday, but thunderstorm chances will return by Friday and through the upcoming weekend.
Radar: Track current weather conditions over Shreveport, Louisiana
The radar below shows current weather conditions over Shreveport.
(Refresh the page for the latest radar loop.)
Having trouble seeing the radar? Click this link.
Mel Fronczek is a digital producer for the USA TODAY Network, South region. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/weather/2022/04/12/shreveport-la-weather-radar/7295036001/ | 2022-04-13T01:51:21 | 0 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/weather/2022/04/12/shreveport-la-weather-radar/7295036001/ |
BUENOS AIRES, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. (NYSE; BYMA; MAE: BBAR; LATIBEX: XBBAR), today announced the filing of its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year 2021
Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. informs that it has filed its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year 2021 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
This document is also available in the company's Investor Relations website: ir.bbva.com.ar, in the 20-F section under Financial Information.
Hard copies of the company's Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year 2021, are available upon request, free of charge, by contacting Inés Lanusse in the Investor Relations Department.
CONTACT DETAILS
Inés Lanusse
Investor Relations Officer
(+54) 11 4341 5040
investorelations-arg@bbva.com
About BBVA in Argentina
Banco BBVA Argentina (NYSE, BYMA, MAE: BBAR; LATIBEX: XBBAR) is a subsidiary of the BBVA Group, its principal shareholder since 1996. In Argentina, it is one of the leading private financial institutions since 1886. Nationwide, Banco BBVA Argentina offers retail and corporate banking to a broad customer base, including: individuals, SMEs, and large-sized companies.
Banco BBVA Argentina's purpose is to bring the age of opportunities to everyone, based on our customers' real needs, providing the best solutions, and helping them make the best financial decisions, through an easy and convenient experience. The institution rests in solid values: "Customer comes first, we think big and we are one team". At the same time, its responsible banking model aspires to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable society.
View original content:
SOURCE Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/banco-bbva-argentina-has-filed-its-annual-report-form-20-f-fiscal-year-2021/ | 2022-04-13T01:51:27 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/banco-bbva-argentina-has-filed-its-annual-report-form-20-f-fiscal-year-2021/ |
ROSWELL, Ga., April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties (BHHS) is pleased to announce they are the recipient of the 2021 BristolNet Real Estate Partner of the Year Award – North America. The award is in recognition of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties excellence in service delivery and partnership with Bristol Global Mobility in 2021.
Bristol Global Mobility is a full-service relocation management company. Their relationship centered philosophy provides mobility solutions for domestic and international relocating employees. Each year they recognize key partners who play an integral role in relocation services across the country.
"It is such an honor for our company to receive this award," said Dan Forsman, President, and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. "Relocation has long been a focus of our company and I would like to congratulate Kathy Connelly, Senior Vice President of Corporate Services, Janet Mauldin, Vice President of Relocation Services, our relocation team, and each of our associates who have worked with Bristol Global Mobility this past year. Under the leadership of Kathy Connelly, our team has a commitment to providing exemplary service and support to our valued clients. That pledge is further evidenced by Kathy's position on the Worldwide ERC® board of directors and her recent appointment to serve on their executive committee as Vice Chair of the Talent Community."
"Having had the honor and pleasure of working with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties for more than two decades, it is especially gratifying to see such a fine organization receive Bristol's Real Estate Partner of The Year award. The most meaningful and effective relationships are first and foremost, situated on a firm foundation of trust. Needless to say, BHHS Georgia Properties has earned the highest levels of trust throughout Bristol Global Mobility." said Joe Cardini, President of Bristol Global Mobility. "On behalf of the entire Bristol enterprise, we extend our most sincere appreciation to BHHS Georgia, for their full embrace of our company mission, which is the Connect with, versus Control people℠."
About Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties has over 1,500 associates and 29 locations across the Greater Metro Atlanta and North Georgia area. The company ranked No. 1 by TrendGraphix has generated over $5.2 billion in sales volume in 2021. Equal Housing Opportunity. Visit www.BHHSGA.com.
Media Contact: Ta'Tisha Gibbs, tatisha.gibbs@bhhsgeorgia.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/berkshire-hathaway-homeservices-georgia-properties-awarded-2021-bristolnet-partner-year-award-north-america/ | 2022-04-13T01:51:33 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/berkshire-hathaway-homeservices-georgia-properties-awarded-2021-bristolnet-partner-year-award-north-america/ |
NEW YORK, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc. (NYSE American: BRG) ("BRG" or "Company") announced that at a special meeting of stockholders (the "Special Meeting") held earlier today, based on preliminary voting results, the Company's stockholders approved the proposed acquisition of the Company by affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition will occur following the spin-off of the Company's single-family rental business (the "Spin-Off") through the taxable distribution to common stockholders of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of a newly formed real estate investment trust named Bluerock Homes Trust, Inc. ("BHM"). Company common stockholders will receive $24.25 in cash per share of Company common stock in the Acquisition in addition to the BHM common stock that they will receive in the Spin-Off.
The final voting results will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on a Form 8-K.
"We are pleased that our stockholders have approved this transaction and thank them for their continued support," said Ramin Kamfar, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. "Today's stockholder approval marks a key step in completing the transaction and delivering on the tremendous value it offers to our stockholders."
The Acquisition and the Spin-Off currently are expected to close in the second quarter of 2022, and are subject to the completion of customary closing conditions. Upon the closing of the Acquisition, BRG's common stock and preferred stock will no longer be listed on any public market.
About Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc.
Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc. (NYSE American: BRG) is a real estate investment trust that focuses on developing and acquiring a diversified portfolio of institutional-quality highly amenitized live/work/play apartment communities in demographically attractive knowledge economy growth markets to appeal to the renter by choice. The Company's objective is to generate value through off-market/relationship-based transactions and, at the asset level, through value-add improvements to properties and to operations. BRG has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are "forward-looking statements" for purposes of federal and state securities laws and may be identified by words such as "will," "expect," "believe," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "goal," "future," "outlook," "guidance," "target," "estimate" and similar words or expressions, including the negative version of such words and expressions. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's present expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which the Company operates and beliefs of and assumptions made by Company management, involve uncertainty that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and are not guaranteed to occur. Furthermore, the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, of new information, data or methods, future events or other changes. Investors should not place undue reliance upon these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, the Company's actual results and performance could differ materially from those set forth in these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Factors that could have a material adverse effect on BRG's operations, future prospects, the Acquisition and the Spin-Off include, but are not limited to: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement between the Company and affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate; the failure to satisfy any of the conditions to the completion of the Acquisition or the Spin-Off; the risks that the market does not value BHM shares at net asset value; the failure to recognize the potential benefits of the Spin-Off due to, among other reasons, BHM's lack of liquidity, small market size or inability to grow and expand revenues and earnings following the Spin-Off; shareholder litigation in connection with the Acquisition or the Spin-Off, which may affect the timing or occurrence of the Acquisition or the Spin-Off or result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; the effect of the announcement of the Acquisition and the Spin-Off on the ability of the Company to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with its tenants, vendors and others with whom it does business, or on its operating results and businesses generally; risks associated with the disruption of management's attention from ongoing business operations due to the Acquisition and the Spin-Off; the ability to meet expectations regarding the timing and completion of the Acquisition and the Spin-Off; the possibility that any opinions, consents or approvals required in connection with the Spin-Off will not be received or obtained in the expected time frame, on the expected terms or at all; and significant transaction costs, fees, expenses and charges. There can be no assurance that the Acquisition, the Spin-Off or any other transaction described above will in fact be consummated in the expected time frame, on the expected terms or at all. There can be no assurance as to the impact of COVID-19 and other potential future outbreaks of infectious diseases on the Company's or BHM's financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and performance and those of their respective tenants as well as on the economy and real estate and financial markets, which may impact the timing or occurrence of the Acquisition or the Spin-Off. For further discussion of the factors that could affect outcomes, please refer to the risk factors set forth in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the SEC on March 11, 2022, and subsequent filings by the Company with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The Company claims the safe harbor protection for forward looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/bluerock-residential-growth-reit-stockholders-approve-acquisition-by-affiliates-blackstone-real-estate/ | 2022-04-13T01:51:40 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/bluerock-residential-growth-reit-stockholders-approve-acquisition-by-affiliates-blackstone-real-estate/ |
JACKSON, Mich., April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CMS Energy announced today it will provide 2022 first quarter results along with a business and financial outlook at 9:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.
A webcast of the presentation will be available on CMS Energy's website, cmsenergy.com. An audio replay will be available approximately three hours after the webcast and will be archived for 30 days on CMS Energy's website in the "Investor Relations" section.
CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based energy company featuring Consumers Energy as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.
For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at cmsenergy.com. To sign up for email alert notifications, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website.
Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE CMS Energy | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/cms-energy-announce-2022-first-quarter-results-may-3/ | 2022-04-13T01:51:47 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/cms-energy-announce-2022-first-quarter-results-may-3/ |
SINGAPORE, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Coinllectibles™️, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cosmos Group Holdings, Inc. (OTC: COSG) is pleased to collaborate with Kiwi Arts Group to bring three special limited edition photographs of Andy Warhol signed by renowned photographer William John Kennedy. Kennedy enjoyed a special relationship with Andy Warhol and was able to capture the private and public person in a series of remarkable portraits. The three photograph portraits are:
- Warhol Flowers I, 1964, Flushing, Queens, New York City. "….you had these Black Eyed Susans, six feet tall. I immediately knew that I had to shoot his [Warhol's] flowers paintings and himself in this marvellous environment. He loved it. So I walked over to the door and I said, what is out here? Oh, he said, that's the fire escape."
- Andy Warhol with Birmingham Race Riot sandwich board, 1964, at the East 47th Street Factory Fire Escape, New York City "…With the Alabama Race Riot, I was trying to think, immediately of very exciting ideas in reference to Andy and the work, I finally decided, I'm going to involve him totally physically with this artwork."
- Warhol Holding Marilyn Acetate I, 1964 at the East 47th Street Factory, New York City. "He pulled out this one rolled up acetate, unrolled it and sure enough, this gigantic image of Marilyn appeared... totally incorporating his image with hers."
William John Kennedy was born in 1930 in Long Island and passed away in 2021. Throughout his professional life, Kennedy pursued his own personal interest in fine art photography and up until the early 2000s, he developed a full body of work from his travels within the US as well as throughout the globe. Kennedy was introduced to Warhol at The Americans exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 1963 and became friends shooting a series of important portraits. Kennedy's most intriguing body of work, a set of negatives and transparencies that he had taken of Andy Warhol and other artists was rediscovered in the mid-nineties.
Kiwi Arts Group has had a close relationship with Kennedy and have accumulated an important collection of lost archive negatives from the 1963-1964 period taken of Andy Warhol as well as other artists in Warhol's circle. A documentary entitled Full Circle: Before they were famous was made about William John Kennedy's lost archive. Neil Bookatz, Partner at Kiwi Arts Group noted, "We have had a long relationship with William John Kennedy which has led us to work with the Andy Warhol Museum, on a film of Kennedy and opportunity to celebrate this extraordinary photographer and the special relationships captured in his authentic works."
Commenting on the partnership, Toby O'Connor CEO of Coinllectibles™️ said, "I have really enjoyed understanding how William John Kennedy was able to capture these portraits at particular special moments in time. The work that Neil is doing to bring William John Kennedy's work to more people is important and we are thrilled to be bringing a small number of these fascinating limited edition works."
An online session to discuss the William John Kennedy works will be held on April 20th at 14:00 GMT.
More details on Coinllectibles™️ and the three limited edition photographs of Andy Warhol can be found on Coinllectibles™️ MetaMall at https://coinllectibles.art.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are often indicated by terms such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "look forward to," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would" and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future business activities including the expansion into the decentralized financing space. These forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or projected herein include uncertainties associated with operating a business in Singapore and Hong Kong, risk of interference by the PRC government, ability to compete, that financial resources do not last for as long as anticipated, and that COSG is a holding company that may not realize the expected benefits of NFT's offered by Coinllectibles™️. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks can be found in COSG's regulatory filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including in its current report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2021. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. COSG undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
For media queries, please contact:
Ms Rachel Lim
Director, Marketing & PR
About Cosmos Group Holdings Inc
Cosmos is a business group that operates in two business segments:
- Arts and Collectibles
- Financing
Through CoinllectiblesTM, the group provides authentication, valuation and certification (AVC) service, sale and purchase, hire purchase, financing, custody, security and exhibition (CSE) services to art buyers through traditional channels, as well as through leveraging blockchain technology through the creation of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
With subsidiaries licensed under Hong Kong's Money Lenders Ordinance, the group currently primarily provides unsecured personal loan to private individuals, with a small portfolio of mortgage loans.
The group is integrating the two business segments by offering secured financing services to prospective art and collectibles purchasers to provide a one-stop arts and collectibles purchasing and financing experience.
About the Company – Coinllectibles™️
Coinllectibles™️ is a technology company supporting the collectibles industry with a focus on rare memorabilia and artworks that exist and have intrinsic value in the real world, whether tangible or intangible in nature.
Coinllectibles™️ applies blockchain, marketplace, metaverse and NFT technologies as tools to disrupt and enhance the real world collectibles industry. The technology underpinning NFTs (non-fungible tokens) has multiple functional use cases that Coinllectibles™️ is applying to areas including art, sports, watches, numismatics, limited edition toys, limited edition fashion wear and sneakers. NFTs have the power to transform our societies and some areas may be subject to regulations. Coinllectibles™️ uses NFT technology solely to provide a legally-binding digital ownership token (DOT) to a tangible or intangible collectible, which our analysis suggests would functionally fall outside any regulatory parameter.
Website: www.coinllectibles.art
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Coinllectibles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coinllectibles/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coinllectibles
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coinllectibles
Telegram: https://t.me/Coinllectibles
About Coinllectibles™️ Fusion DOT
Coinllectibles™️ prides the Fusion DOT as the industry "Gold Standard". Being a Gold Standard, a Fusion DOT contains the following on the Inter Planetary File System (IPFS) – (1) a sale and purchase agreement reflecting the purchase, by the person minting the Fusion DOT™️, of the underlying asset at a fair value with all rights and restrictions clearly detailed, (2) bailment terms governing the rights to possession whilst the underlying asset remains with Coinllectibles™️, (3) a transfer deed reflecting the transfer of the ownership of the underlying asset (together with all rights and restrictions) by the transferor to the holder of the Fusion NFT™️, (4) ownership title deed written into the description of the Fusion DOT™️ and (5) the unequivocal identification file of the underlying asset, whose ownership is reflected in the title deed represented by the Fusion DOT™️.
View original content:
SOURCE Cosmos Group Holdings Inc. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/coinllectiblestm-partners-with-kiwi-arts-group-offer-three-william-john-kennedy-limited-edition-photographs-andy-warhol-coinllectiblestm-metamall/ | 2022-04-13T01:51:54 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/coinllectiblestm-partners-with-kiwi-arts-group-offer-three-william-john-kennedy-limited-edition-photographs-andy-warhol-coinllectiblestm-metamall/ |
The Third Option is highlighting a new school model at Millennial Tech Middle School in San Diego, CA.
Read about it on our blog, The Forebrain Underground.
SAN DIEGO, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Southeast San Diego's Millennial Tech Middle School (MTM), a new member of the community school coalition, is partnering with Groundwork San Diego and UCSD Center on Global Justice to offer a new public education model where children become the direct agents for change within their communities.
In the case of MTM, climate action will become the catalyst to reverse the more long-established climate of inequality continuing to stifle the communities along the Chollas Creek Watershed.
MTM will be converted into the epicenter of environmental education and a new model for schools of the future.
Upon completion, MTM will consist of:
- Upgraded indoor classrooms
- A four-acre outdoor EarthLab with innovative learning spaces
- A Climate Action Design Lab (Makerspace)
The Third Option supports this model. By connecting indoor formal methodology to outdoor experiential learning stations, the EarthLab will be transformed into a Climate Action Park.
- The EarthLab is an interdisciplinary learning environment. The problem of climate change requires the merging of many silos of understanding, in order to co-develop viable solutions; the EarthLab will provide the perfect opportunity to tear down these self-imposed obstacles to participatory democracy and co-develop a social model of interdependency that can extend well into the future.
- The EarthLab is a hands-on experiential learning tool. Traditional education is isolating; once people step outside whatever walls exist around them, and replace their non-experiential collection of secondhand information with real experiences, they will surely be drawn toward more holistic, inclusive solutions.
- The EarthLab is an economic asset. Beyond a cultural space, the EarthLab is meant to be a direct source of essential community needs. Divided into four zones of energy, water, food, and community, the school hopes to impact issues of sustainable energy, clean water, food insecurity, local unemployment, mental health and well-being, as well as the implied societal neglect of the Chollas Creek watershed and the people residing there.
- The EarthLab is a climate asset. Through the Climate Action Design Lab, MTM will harness the power of the EarthLab to empower the youth to achieve both social and climate justice, tackle educational inequality, and open up vocational employment opportunities within their community.
Media Contact:
Dimitry Morgan
619-730-7965
info@3rdoptionparty.org
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE The Third Option | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/community-school-addresses-inequality-climate-action-through-new-education-model/ | 2022-04-13T01:52:01 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/community-school-addresses-inequality-climate-action-through-new-education-model/ |
CHICAGO, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) today announced the departure of independent director Scott Ostfeld from its board of directors. Mr. Ostfeld, a partner of JANA Partners LLC and member of the board since February 2019, has stepped down to assume a board seat at another company in the packaged food industry. JANA continues to hold a significant investment in Conagra Brands.
"We thank Scott for his highly constructive service to the board," said Rick Lenny, non-executive chair of the Conagra Brands board. "His talent and expertise have made a significant contribution to the success of our company and its potential for the future."
Sean Connolly, chief executive officer of Conagra Brands, said, "Scott has been a great partner in helping create value for our shareholders. The company has benefited from his valuable perspective as a shareholder, and his deep understanding of our industry and business."
"Having been an investor in Conagra Brands for over seven years and a director for over three, I am proud of the work Sean, Rick and the rest of the board and management team have done to reposition the company and put it on the path to delivering long-term value for shareholders," Ostfeld said. "I am confident that with their leadership and guidance, together with the outstanding work of all of the company's employees, Conagra can continue to build on the success of its proven brand-building and innovation playbook."
Mr. Ostfeld's departure from the board is effective as of April 12, 2022. With his departure, the board will be reduced from 13 members to 12.
About Conagra Brands
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Conagra Brands combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Conagra's iconic brands, such as Birds Eye®, Marie Callender's®, Banquet®, Healthy Choice®, Slim Jim®, Reddi-wip®, and Vlasic®, as well as emerging brands, including Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, Duke's®, Earth Balance®, Gardein®, and Frontera®, offer choices for every occasion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.
For more information, please contact:
MEDIA: Mike Cummins
312-549-5257
Michael.cummins@conagra.com
INVESTORS: Bayle Ellis
312-549-5958
IR@conagra.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/conagra-brands-announces-board-directors-change/ | 2022-04-13T01:52:08 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/conagra-brands-announces-board-directors-change/ |
The 19th annual leading B2B Beauty Trade Show in the Americas opens its doors at the newly renovated Las Vegas Convention Center with a new show format!
LAS VEGAS, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cosmoprof North America (CPNA), the largest B2B beauty exhibition in the Americas, will host its 19th edition July 12th - 14th at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in Las Vegas, NV, and is open for registration. As the world gets back to business, the beauty industry continues to adapt and advance to support the newfound optimism and opportunities for growth in the US. Cosmoprof NA, the most important beauty industry networking opportunity in the US, is excited to once again open its doors and provide attendees with an exhilarating show experience to learn and share the most important new developments in the industry.
"Cosmoprof North America is excited to continue its tradition of hosting a powerful, world class platform for domestic and international retailers, distributors, beauty brands and suppliers to network, share their visionary ideas and foster relationships in an exceptional new arena, now held in a convenient mid-week format," said Enrico Zannini, General Manager of BolognaFiere Cosmoprof. "The newly designed Two-Hall format will provide attendees with an increased focus on their specific needs to make the most of their time at the show, as well as newly designed features to ignite inspiration."
"Cosmoprof North America continues to be a driver for growth, innovation, trends, and thought leadership in the beauty industry," shares Nina Daily, Executive Director of the Professional Beauty Association. "Reconnection with partners and creating new relationships is more important than ever, and we are confident the new format and venue will lead to a successful Cosmoprof North America 2022 and allow attendees to facilitate valuable connections."
The award-winning event has now moved from Sunday - Tuesday, to Tuesday - Thursday and introducing a NEW two hall format.
For the first time, Cosmopack North America, the only event in the Americas fully dedicated to the entire beauty supply chain, will have its own dedicated North Hall. At Cosmopack, buyers can discover innovative ingredients, raw materials, packaging, cutting-edge components, technological advances and more to take brands from concept to creation. Having its own location will make it easier to find supply chain solutions. Also featured is a dedicated Cosmopack Buyer Lounge, special activations, and on the floor education complimentary to exhibitors and attendees. Dedicated to finished products, The Cosmoprof North America West Hall will feature four macro sectors including Hair Care, Skin Care & Makeup, Nails, and Natural Products. Country Pavilions will showcase authentic elements and innovations from countries recognized for their strong heritage in beauty.
CPNA is excited to share new 2022 initiatives:
Discover Black-Owned Beauty: This personalized curated display area is specially created for Black-owned beauty brands seeking access to market opportunities, educational resources, retail distribution, and brand exposure. Curators Adrienne Mason and Maria Torres created the Beauty International Group with the intention to ensure Black-owned beauty brands have access to investment capital, retail distribution, logistics, and valuable industry know-how. This area facilitates retailers' commitment to the "fifteen percent pledge," which asks businesses to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands.
For the first time, the Entrepreneur Academy will be hosted in partnership with the Fashion Institute of Technology's Cosmetics & Fragrance Marketing and Management Master's Program. The one-day intensive hands-on practical workshop provides beauty entrepreneurs with tools to help them build a brand, manage financials, and more. Participants will now receive an FIT noncredit certification.
Returning this year are special areas dedicated to curated exhibitors including Discover Beauty, Discover Beauty Spotlights, Discover Green, and The Beauty Vanities. Also returning are CPNA special projects including Boutique, a one-of-a-kind beauty sampling bar, the Buyer Program, which encourages networking between exhibitors and top buyers, Cosmoprof & Cosmopack North America Awards, CosmoTrends, Mentorship Program, and Press Zone. CosmoTalks' wide-ranging seminars and workshops that combine creativity, inspiration and business will be hosted by powerhouses such as NPD, FIT, Spate, Insider's Guide to Spas, and BEAUTYSTREAMS, amongst others. With more than 20 seminars and workshops, it aims to be the widest ranging series of conferences and in-depth talks in the beauty industry.
Register now at www.cosmoprofnorthamerica.com.
Plan your visit: https://cosmoprofnorthamerica.com/plan-your-visit/
Organizer: Cosmoprof North America is organized by North American Beauty Events LLC, a joint-venture company between BolognaFiere Group and the Professional Beauty Association.
BolognaFiere Group, the world's leading trade show organizer in the cosmetics, fashion, architecture, building, art and culture sectors, features in its portfolio more than 80 exhibitions, both domestic and international. BolognaFiere Cosmoprof S.p.a., a company of BolognaFiere Group, is the organizer of Cosmoprof, an international platform, with events in Bologna (established 1967), Hong Kong (established 1996) and Las Vegas (established 2003). Please visit www.bolognafiere.com.
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is the largest and most inclusive trade organization representing the entire beauty industry. PBA exists to elevate, unite and serve the beauty industry and the professionals who improve people's lives and is the only national organization to represent the entire beauty industry. PBA is dedicated to advocating and fighting for the rights of the beauty industry, enhancing professionalism, and committed to the long-term success of the stylist and the businesses that employ and support them. For more information on membership, please visit: www.probeauty.org/join.
cosmoprofnorthamerica.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Cosmoprof North America | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/cosmoprof-north-america-registration-now-open/ | 2022-04-13T01:52:15 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/cosmoprof-north-america-registration-now-open/ |
WASHINGTON, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) announced today that its 4.75% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock"), will automatically convert into shares of the Company's Common Stock on April 15, 2022 (the "Conversion Date"). The conversion rate for each share of Preferred Stock will be 6.6632 shares of the Company's Common Stock. Cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock.
As previously announced, on April 15, 2022 holders of record at the close of business on March 31, 2022 will separately receive a final quarterly cash dividend of $11.875 per share on the Preferred Stock.
ABOUT DANAHER
Danaher is a global science and technology innovator committed to helping its customers solve complex challenges and improving quality of life around the world. Its family of world class brands has leadership positions in the demanding and attractive health care, environmental and applied end-markets. With more than 20 operating companies, Danaher's globally diverse team of approximately 80,000 associates is united by a common culture and operating system, the Danaher Business System, and its Shared Purpose, Helping Realize Life's Potential. For more information, please visit www.danaher.com.
View original content:
SOURCE Danaher Corporation | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/danaher-announces-conversion-date-series-mandatory-convertible-preferred-stock/ | 2022-04-13T01:52:22 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/danaher-announces-conversion-date-series-mandatory-convertible-preferred-stock/ |
DALLAS, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Child development centers across North Texas are facing an unprecedented teacher shortage crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis risks a devastating impact on the lives of children and their early development. In response, Educational First Steps (EFS) and Dallas College are partnering up to recruit, vet, and place Early Childhood Education college students in preschools throughout North Texas as a part of their new Federal Work Study Program. These students will play a vital role in supporting children in classrooms and mitigating the shortage impact.
When asked about the partnership, EFS President & CEO, Vickie Allen shared, "The Federal Work Study Program in partnership with Dallas College is a powerful example of what can be done when our community comes together. Through this partnership, we are directly addressing the current workforce crisis in Early Childhood Education while providing essential hands-on experience to our future leaders and teachers."
The Dean of Early Childhood Education and Early Learning at Dallas College, Heather Bryant, M.Ed. adds, "The School of Education at Dallas College is excited to partner with Educational First Steps on a Federal Work Study project. Paid work-based learning opportunities create a win-win situation for both Dallas College students and EFS childcare centers. Students can fulfill coursework practicum and internship requirements with part-time work placements while gaining valuable experience in their field of study. Childcare partners can meet critical staffing needs at a reduced rate by participating in the Federal Work Study program."
If you are interested in learning more and supporting this project, email sespiritu@educationalfirststeps.org.
ABOUT EDUCATIONAL FIRST STEPS
Based in North Texas, Educational First Steps is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create and support high-quality early learning environments that ignite the minds of children from birth to age five. EFS delivers professional development, training, classroom resources, and business support to educators to help existing childcare centers achieve and maintain national accreditation. By investing in early childhood education, Educational First Steps helps close achievement gaps for early learners, break cycles of generational poverty for families, and create a brighter and more socially equitable tomorrow.
Contact: Savannah Espiritu
Phone: 214-824-7940 x 252
Email: sespiritu@educationalfirststeps.org
Website: www.educationalfirstseps.org
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Educational First Steps | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/educational-first-steps-dallas-college-partner-up-address-current-early-childhood-education-workforce-crisis/ | 2022-04-13T01:52:29 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/educational-first-steps-dallas-college-partner-up-address-current-early-childhood-education-workforce-crisis/ |
RESTON, Va., April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ellucian, the leading higher education technology solutions provider, today announced it is expanding its partnership with PowerSchool, the leading provider of cloud-based software in K-12 education. Ellucian and PowerSchool will collaborate with the shared goal to better support career and education pathways for students from kindergarten through college.
Ellucian and PowerSchool will collaborate to improve upon how their solutions work together, allowing for a deeper understanding of K-12 student outcomes and how they can affect college and career pathways. In addition, PowerSchool is integrating its PeopleAdmin higher education talent management, faculty management and interoperability products with Ellucian's Experience platform. The partnership will improve the experience for joint customers focused on supporting faculty and better student outcomes.
"Building on a strong relationship with PowerSchool, our enhanced collaboration brings together the leading technology solutions providers in K-12 and higher education," said Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian. "Together with PowerSchool, Ellucian will gain greater insight into drivers of student success. As a result, we'll be able to help our higher education customers develop programs that align with student interests and needs, and we can explore new solutions to support evolving career and education pathways and long-term learning."
"We are excited to take this next step in our relationship with Ellucian," said Hardeep Gulati, CEO of PowerSchool. "At PowerSchool, our mission is to power the education ecosystem with unified technology that helps educators and students realize their full potential, in their own way. Through our collaboration with Ellucian, we can help ensure students' experiences within the K-12 ecosystem are reflected on in a way that best helps prepare and support them in college, careers, and life."
This expanded relationship between technology solutions leaders in K-12 and higher education has the potential to provide visibility to institutions on both ends of the education spectrum, including better college and career preparedness, improved student retention, and ultimately higher graduation rates.
About Ellucian
Ellucian is charting the digital future of higher education with a portfolio of cloud-ready technology solutions and services. From student recruitment to workforce analytics; from fundraising opportunities to alumni engagement; Ellucian's comprehensive suite of data-rich tools gives colleges and universities the information they need to lead with confidence.
Working with a community of more than 2,700 customers in over 50 countries, Ellucian keeps innovating as higher education keeps evolving. Drawing on its comprehensive higher education business acumen and suite of services, Ellucian guides its customers through manageable, sustainable digital transformation—so that every type of institution and student can thrive in today's fast-changing landscape. To find out what's next in higher education solutions and services, visit Ellucian at www.ellucian.com.
About PowerSchool
PowerSchool (NYSE: PWSC) is the leading provider of cloud-based software for K-12 education in North America. Its mission is to power the education ecosystem with unified technology that helps educators and students realize their full potential, in their way. PowerSchool connects students, teachers, administrators, and parents, with the shared goal of improving student outcomes. From the office to the classroom to the home, it helps schools and districts efficiently manage state reporting and related compliance, special education, finance, human resources, talent, registration, attendance, funding, learning, instruction, grading, assessments and analytics in one unified platform. PowerSchool supports over 45 million students globally and more than 14,000 customers, including over 90 of the top 100 districts by student enrollment in the United States, and sells solutions in over 90 countries. Visit www.powerschool.com to learn more.
© PowerSchool. PowerSchool and other PowerSchool marks are trademarks of PowerSchool Holdings, Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
Media Contact:
Lindsay Stanley
Lindsay.Stanley@Ellucian.com
PowerSchool Media Contact:
Melissa Wenzel
public.relations@powerschool.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Ellucian | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/ellucian-expand-strategic-partnership-with-powerschool/ | 2022-04-13T01:52:36 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/ellucian-expand-strategic-partnership-with-powerschool/ |
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte S.A. ("Edenor" or the "Company") hereby announces the commencement of its offer to exchange (the "Offer" or the "Exchange Offer") any and all of its outstanding 9.75% Senior Notes due 2022 (the "Existing Notes") for the applicable amount of newly issued 9.75% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "New Notes") and cash, as applicable, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the exchange offer memorandum, dated April 12, 2022 (the "Exchange Offer Memorandum"). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Exchange Offer Memorandum.
The Offer is only available to holders of Existing Notes who are (1) "Qualified Institutional Buyers" ("QIBs") as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), in a private transaction in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Section 4(a)(2) thereof, or (2) persons other than "U.S. persons" (as defined in Rule 902 under Regulation S under the Securities Act, "U.S. Persons") outside the United States who are not acquiring New Notes for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person, in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act, and who are non-U.S. Qualified Offerees (as defined in the Exchange Offer Memorandum), in each case, whose receipt and review of the Exchange Offer Memorandum, and participation in the Offer, is otherwise permitted under the laws and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to them. Eligible Holders in Argentina are urged to read, must follow the procedures set forth in, and must rely exclusively on, the Argentine Exchange Offer Memorandum. Holders who desire to obtain and complete an electronic Eligibility Letter should visit the following website: https://bonds.morrowsodali.com/EdenorEligibility.
The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Exchange Offer:
(1) The Existing Notes are currently listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and traded on its Euro MTF Market, are listed and traded on the BYMA (as defined below), through BCBA (as defined below) acting in accordance with the authority delegated by the BYMA to the BCBA, and are traded on the MAE (as defined below).
(2) Per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes validly tendered and accepted for exchange. The Exchange Consideration (as defined below) does not include the Accrued Interest Payment (as defined below).
(3) Holders of Existing Notes validly submitting Tender Orders in exchange for the Exchange Consideration (as defined below) under Option B will receive a combination of the Applicable Cash Consideration (as defined below) and the applicable Early New Notes Consideration or Late New Notes Consideration, as applicable. At the Expiration Date, the actual Early B Consideration or Late B Consideration, as applicable, to be received by each Eligible Holder whose Existing Notes are accepted in the Exchange Offer under Option B will be determined on the basis of the actual participation by Eligible Holders in the Exchange Offer and their selection between Option A and Option B.
(4) The Pro-Rata Cash Consideration that will be equivalent to the Cash Consideration divided by the principal amount of Existing Notes accepted under Option B times 1,000.
The Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 9, 2022, unless extended by us in our sole discretion (such date and time, as the same may be extended, the "Expiration Date"). In order to be eligible to receive the Early Tender Consideration (as defined below), Eligible Holders of Existing Notes must submit their Tender Orders (as defined below) at or prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on April 28, 2022, unless extended by us in our sole discretion (such date and time, as the same may be extended, the "Early Tender Date"). Eligible Holders of Existing Notes who validly submit their Tender Orders after the Early Tender Date, but on or prior to the Expiration Date will be eligible to receive the Late Tender Consideration (as defined below). Tender Orders may be validly revoked at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time on May 9, 2022 unless extended by us in our sole discretion (such date and time, as the same may be extended, the "Withdrawal Date"), but not thereafter. The deadlines set by any intermediary or relevant clearing system may be earlier than these deadlines.
The terms and conditions of this Offer incorporate the helpful feedback received from select holders of Existing Notes.
Exchange Consideration
Eligible Holders of Existing Notes, for their Tender Orders validly submitted at or prior to the Expiration Date, may choose between two, mutually exclusive, consideration options, detailed in the table above, in the columns under the headings "Option A" and "Option B".
Tenders of Existing Notes under Option A
Tender Orders of Existing Notes submitted under Option A at or prior to the Early Tender Date will receive U.S.$1,050 principal amount of New Notes per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes validly tendered and accepted for exchange (the "Early A Consideration").
Eligible Holders of Existing Notes who validly submit a Tender Order under Option A after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to the Expiration Date will be eligible to receive, for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Existing Notes, U.S.$1,030 of New Notes (the "Late A Consideration").
Tenders of Existing Notes under Option B
Tender Orders of Existing Notes submitted under Option B at or prior to the Early Tender Date will receive a portion of the Cash Consideration (as defined below) (such portion, the "Early Cash Consideration"), plus the applicable Early New Notes Consideration (as defined below) (together with the Early Cash Consideration, the "Early B Consideration"). Tender Orders of Existing Notes submitted under Option B after the Early Tender Date but on or prior to the Expiration Date will receive a portion of the Cash Consideration (such portion, the "Late Cash Consideration"), plus the applicable Late New Notes Consideration (as defined below) (together with the Late Cash Consideration, the "Late B Consideration" and the Early Cash Consideration or the Late Cash Consideration, as the case may be, the "Applicable Cash Consideration").
The Cash Consideration is an aggregate amount equivalent to the lesser of (x) 30% of the principal amount of Existing Notes that are validly tendered and accepted for exchange in the Offer and (y) the principal amount of the Existing Notes accepted for exchange under Option B (the "Cash Consideration"). The Pro-Rata Cash Consideration that will be payable to Eligible Holders whose Existing Notes are accepted for exchange in this Option B will be equivalent to the Cash Consideration divided by the principal amount of Existing Notes accepted under Option B times 1,000 (the "Pro-Rata Cash Consideration").
The Early New Notes Consideration for each Eligible Holder whose Existing Notes are accepted for exchange under Option B will be equal to 1.04 times the difference between U.S.$1,000 and the Pro-Rata Cash Consideration received by each such Eligible Holder. The Late New Notes Consideration for each Eligible Holder whose Existing Notes are accepted for exchange under Option B will be equal to 1.02 times the difference between U.S.$1,000 and the Pro-Rata Cash Consideration received by each such Eligible Holder. Accordingly, the actual amounts of Early New Notes Consideration or Late New Notes Consideration and Applicable Cash Consideration comprising the Early B Consideration or the Late B Consideration, respectively, to be received by each Eligible Holder whose Existing Notes are accepted in the Offer under Option B, will depend on the actual participation by Eligible Holders in the Offer and their selection between Option A and Option B.
The composition of the Early B Consideration or Late B Consideration between Cash Consideration and Early New Notes Consideration or Late New Notes Consideration will be determined on the Expiration Date.
A separate Tender Order must be submitted on behalf of each beneficial owner.
Accrued Interest
In addition to the Exchange Consideration, Eligible Holders whose Existing Notes are accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer will also receive all accrued and unpaid interest (rounded to the nearest cent U.S.$0.01) from the last interest payment date to, but not including, the Settlement Date (as defined below) (such payment, the "Accrued Interest Payment"), to be paid in cash on the Settlement Date.
The Settlement Date is expected to be May 12, 2022.
New Notes
Principal of the New Notes will mature on May 12, 2025. The New Notes will bear interest at 9.75% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on May 12 and November 12 of each year, commencing on November 12, 2022.
The Condition
We will not be required to consummate the Offer, and we may terminate the Offer or, at our option, withdraw, modify, extend or otherwise amend the Offer at any time prior to or concurrently with the expiration of the Offer, as extended for any reason in our sole discretion, including without limitation, if the following condition has not been satisfied or waived (in our sole discretion): no order, statute, rule, regulation, executive order, stay, decree, judgment or injunction shall have been proposed, enacted, entered, issued, promulgated, enforced or deemed applicable by any court or governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or instrumentality, that prohibits, prevents, restricts or delays consummation of the Offer.
Foreign exchange regulations currently prevent us from accessing the foreign exchange market to repay the full outstanding principal under the Existing Notes. Therefore, if we are unable to consummate the Exchange Offer, we may not be able to repay our debt in whole or in part under the Existing Notes at maturity.
If and when issued, the New Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction except that the CNV has authorized the public offering of the Program and the notes issued thereunder, pursuant to Resolution No. 20,503 dated October 23, 2019, and Resolution No. DI-2022-4APN-GE#CNV dated April 8, 2022. The public offering of the New Notes in Argentina is included within the public offering authorization granted by the CNV to the Program, in accordance with Section 41, Title II, Chapter V, Section VIII of the CNV Rules. Therefore, the New Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws.
Morrow Sodali Limited will act as the Exchange and Information Agent for the Offer. Questions or requests for assistance related to the Offer or for additional copies of the Offer Documents may be directed to the Exchange and Information Agent (email: Edenor@investor.morrowsodali.com; Tel: +1 203 609 4910 (Stamford); Tel: +44 20 4513 6933 (London). You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offer. The Offer Documents are available for Eligible Holders at the following Eligibility Letter Website: https://bonds.morrowsodali.com/EdenorEligibility.
BofA Securities, Inc. and BCP Securities, Inc. are acting as dealer managers for the Offer outside Argentina.
Global Valores S.A. will act as Argentine Dealer Manager for the Offer in Argentina. Questions or requests for assistance related to the Offer in Argentina may be directed to the Argentine Dealer Manager (email: capitalmarkets@globalvalores.com.ar; Tel.: (5411) 5235 1232 (Argentina).
Subject to applicable law, the Offer may be amended in any respect, extended or, upon failure of a condition to be satisfied or waived or terminated at any time and for any reason prior to the Expiration Date. We reserve the right to amend, at any time, the terms of the Offer (including, without limitation, the conditions thereto) in accordance with applicable law. We will give Eligible Holders notice of any amendments and will extend the Expiration Date if required by applicable law.
Eligible Holders of Existing Notes are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Existing Notes as to when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from an Eligible Holder in order for that Eligible Holder to be able to participate in, or withdraw their instruction to participate in, the Offer before the deadlines specified in the Offer Documents. The deadlines set by any such intermediary for the submission of instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified above.
Important Notice
This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States, and none of the New Notes has been or will be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities law (other than Argentina, where the public offering of the New Notes is included within the public offering authorization granted by the CNV to the Program, in accordance with Section 41, Title II, Chapter V, Section VIII of the CNV Rules.). The CNV's authorization means only that the information requirements of the CNV have been satisfied. The CNV has not rendered any opinion in respect of the accuracy of the information contained in the Exchange Offer Memorandum or the Argentine Exchange Offer Memorandum, and has not issued an opinion about the Exchange Consideration to be received pursuant the terms of the Exchange Offer.
The New Notes may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. This press release does not constitute an offer of the New Notes for sale, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, in any state or other jurisdiction in which any offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. None of the Company, the Dealer Managers, the Argentine Dealer Manager, the Exchange and Information Agent, the Trustee, the representative of the Trustee in Argentina, the Paying Agents, the Registrars, the Transfer Agents, the Luxembourg Listing Agent or their respective directors, employees and affiliates makes any recommendation whatsoever regarding the Offer or any recommendation as to whether Eligible Holders should tender or refrain from tendering their Existing Notes for exchange pursuant to the Offer. Accordingly, any person considering participating in the Offer or making an investment decision relating to the New Notes must inform itself independently based solely on the Exchange Offer Memorandum (and, to the extent applicable, the Argentine Exchange Offer Memorandum and ancillary local offering documents in Argentina) to be provided to Eligible Holders in connection with the Offer before taking any such investment decision.
This announcement is directed only to Eligible Holders. No offer of any kind is being made to any beneficial owner of Existing Notes who does not meet the above criteria or any other beneficial owner located in a jurisdiction where the Offer is not permitted by law.
The distribution of materials relating to the Offer may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. The Offer is void in all jurisdictions where they are prohibited. If materials relating to the Offer come into your possession, you are required to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the Offer, including this communication, do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer in any place where offers are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a dealer manager or any affiliate of a dealer manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the Offer shall be deemed to be made by the dealer managers or such affiliate on behalf of the Company in that jurisdiction.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Specifically, the Company cannot assure you that the proposed transactions described above will be consummated on the terms currently contemplated, if at all. These statements are based on expectations and assumptions on the date of this press release and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, and factors over which the Company has no control. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and does not intend to do so, unless otherwise required by law.
Note to Eligible Holders in the European Economic Area - Prohibition of sales to EEA Retail Investors – The New Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the "Insurance Distribution Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, the "Prospectus Regulation"). Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the New Notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the New Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.
Note to Eligible Holders in the United Kingdom - Prohibition of sales to UK Retail Investors – The New Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom ("UK"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended, the "FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK Prospectus Regulation"). Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the New Notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the New Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.
In the UK, this Exchange Offer Memorandum and any other material in relation to the New Notes described herein are being distributed only to, and are directed only at, persons who are "qualified investors" (as defined in the UK Prospectus Regulation) who are (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"), or (ii) high net worth entities falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, or (iii) persons to whom it would otherwise be lawful to distribute them, all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons". In the UK, the New Notes are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire the New Notes will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. This Exchange Offer Memorandum and its contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by any recipients to any other person in the UK. Any person in the UK that is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this Exchange Offer Memorandum or its contents.
View original content:
SOURCE Edenor (Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte S.A.) | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/empresa-distribuidora-y-comercializadora-norte-sa-edenor-announces-commencement-exchange-offer-relating-its-outstanding-senior-notes-due-2022/ | 2022-04-13T01:52:43 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/empresa-distribuidora-y-comercializadora-norte-sa-edenor-announces-commencement-exchange-offer-relating-its-outstanding-senior-notes-due-2022/ |
DUBLIN, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Endo International plc (NASDAQ: ENDP) will announce its first–quarter 2022 financial results on May 5, 2022 and members of its senior management team will host a conference call and webcast on May 6, 2022 at 7:30am ET before the U.S. financial markets open.
The dial-in number to access the call is U.S./Canada (866) 497-0462, International (678) 509-7598, and the passcode is 8947159. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
A replay of the call will be available from May 6, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. ET until 9:30 a.m. ET on May 13, 2022 by dialing U.S./Canada (855) 859-2056 International (404) 537-3406, and entering the passcode 8947159.
A simultaneous webcast of the call can be accessed by visiting http://investor.endo.com/events-and-presentations. In addition, a replay of the webcast will be available on the Company website for one year following the event.
About Endo International plc
Endo (NASDAQ: ENDP) is a specialty pharmaceutical company committed to helping everyone we serve live their best life through the delivery of quality, life-enhancing therapies. Our decades of proven success come from passionate team members around the globe collaborating to bring the best treatments forward. Together, we boldly transform insights into treatments benefiting those who need them, when they need them. Learn more at www.endo.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Endo International plc | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/endo-announce-first-quarter-2022-financial-results/ | 2022-04-13T01:52:51 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/endo-announce-first-quarter-2022-financial-results/ |
New Disclosures Demonstrate Strong Momentum Across Company's Stated ESG Priorities of Security, Workforce Diversity, Environmental Stewardship and Financial Inclusion
ATLANTA, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax® (NYSE: EFX) continues to further its commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities and has issued its annual ESG letter to shareholders and stakeholders and made new disclosures available on Equifax.com. These disclosures, which include the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) report, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO-1) report, the 2021 Equifax Security Annual Report, and financial inclusion initiatives, illustrate the company's strong momentum across its ESG priorities, including continued leadership in security, driving greater workforce diversity, reducing environmental impact and increasing financial inclusion.
"We are a New Equifax – a global, diversified data, analytics, and technology company that has expanded well beyond a traditional consumer credit bureau. Through our unique combination of differentiated data assets, innovative analytics and industry leading technology, we play a critical role in the global economy and in the lives of individual consumers each day," said Mark W. Begor, CEO of Equifax. "As part of our commitment to creating a more inclusive global economy, we are making a strong investment in ESG priorities in a way that is aligned with our company purpose – to help people live their financial best. This purpose drives our 13,000 global employees every day."
Equifax recognizes that data, analytics and technology is a powerful force in addressing pressing issues facing the world around us. Last year, the company accelerated its commitment to ESG priorities, announcing an important sustainability commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 enabled by the Equifax Cloud™. In 2021, Equifax made significant progress against its ESG priorities – all of which are integrated into the company's core business strategy. The measurable, positive ESG outcomes seen by Equifax over the last year are outlined in an open letter from CEO Mark W. Begor and include:
Continued Leadership In Security
Equifax launched its inaugural Security Annual Report in 2021, detailing the steps the company has taken toward embedding security across its enterprise – from technology infrastructure, data fabric, and product development, to mergers and acquisition strategies and employee training. Now in its second year, the latest Security Annual Report highlights Equifax's significant advances in several key areas, including cloud security, digital supply chain security, employee security training, and global risk management. Because of these efforts and beyond, the company's security maturity and posture today exceed every major industry benchmark as measured by independent third parties.
Driving Greater Workforce Diversity
In 2021, 77% of the Equifax senior leadership team (defined as direct reports of the CEO and certain other key executives) reflected gender, racial or ethnic diversity; 38% of the senior leadership team identified as female; and women comprised 44% of the Equifax global workforce. During that same time, 41% of Equifax U.S. employees identified with diverse racial and ethnic groups. Equifax shares diversity data and details regarding its inclusion and diversity initiatives through annual EEO-1 and SASB reports and discussion on its ESG website.
Reducing Environmental Impact
Equifax's initial TCFD report provides transparency into the company's environmental sustainability practices. It shows that Equifax's combined scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions have decreased each year since 2019, with an approximate 13.5% decrease between 2019 and 2021 and an approximate 3% decrease between 2020 and 2021. The move to the Equifax Cloud is expected to propel the company on its journey to net-zero by significantly reducing the footprint of onsite technology and data centers, leveraging the enhanced energy efficiency of cloud service providers.
Increasing Financial Inclusion
Equifax strives to create and empower economically healthy individuals and communities everywhere the company does business. In 2021, Equifax delivered two big "firsts" – announcing the availability of the industry's first and only U.S. credit report in Spanish, as well as being the first to include Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) tradelines in its U.S. consumer credit files. Most recently, Equifax, in a joint measure with its industry peers, announced significant changes to medical collection debt reporting in an effort to better support consumers facing unexpected medical bills.
"We are energized by the significant progress made by Equifax in 2021, but we recognize that there is more to do," continued Begor. "We are committed to transparency in our ESG journey and will keep sharing our progress along the way. It is our hope that our focus on ESG will serve as an example for other financial institutions, as we continue to show how we are better positioning Equifax for long-term sustainability, and, in turn, building shareholder value."
For more information on Equifax ESG initiatives, visit our website.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release contains information that may constitute "forward-looking statements." Generally, the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "will," "may" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. All statements that address operating or environmental performance and events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements relating to future operating results and plans for reducing our environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions and making improvements in our IT and data security infrastructure, are forward-looking statements. We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of such risks and uncertainties, we urge you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
ABOUT EQUIFAX
At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by more than 13,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 25 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Kate Walker for Equifax
mediainquiries@equifax.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Equifax Inc. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/equifax-furthers-commitment-environmental-social-governance-priorities/ | 2022-04-13T01:52:58 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/equifax-furthers-commitment-environmental-social-governance-priorities/ |
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Excelerate Energy, Inc. ("Excelerate" or the "Company") today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 16,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock at a price to the public of $24.00 per share. The Company also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,400,000 shares of Class A common stock at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.
The shares are expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on April 13, 2022, under the ticker symbol "EE." The offering is expected to close on April 18, 2022, subject to customary closing conditions.
Excelerate expects to receive net proceeds of approximately $361.9 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and excluding any exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares.
Barclays, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley are serving as joint lead book-running managers for the offering. Wells Fargo Securities is also acting as a book-running manager. SMBC Nikko, Raymond James, Stephens Inc., Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., and BOK Financial Securities, Inc. are acting as co-managers for the offering.
A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 12, 2022. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, copies of which may be obtained from the following sources:
- Barclays Capital Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at (888) 603-5847, or by email at barclaysprospectus@broadridge.com;
- J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Attention: Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at (866) 803-9204, or by email at prospectus-eq_fi@jpmchase.com; or
- Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, by email at prospectus@morganstanley.com.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
About Excelerate Energy
Excelerate Energy, Inc. is a US-based LNG company located in The Woodlands, Texas. Founded in 2003 by George B. Kaiser, Excelerate is changing the way the world accesses cleaner forms of energy by providing integrated services along the LNG value chain with an objective of delivering rapid-to-market and reliable LNG solutions to customers. Excelerate offers a full range of flexible regasification services from FSRU to infrastructure development to LNG supply. Excelerate has offices in Abu Dhabi, Antwerp, Boston, Buenos Aires, Chattogram, Dhaka, Doha, Dubai, Manila, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, and Washington, DC.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Excelerate Energy, Inc. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/excelerate-energy-announces-pricing-initial-public-offering/ | 2022-04-13T01:53:06 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/excelerate-energy-announces-pricing-initial-public-offering/ |
The naturally sweetened and green-tea caffeinated addition to FITAID Sports Recovery line promises to revolutionize energy drink industry
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LIFEAID Beverage Company has released a new line of clean performance energy drinks. The FITAID Energy® collection is the long awaited clean-caffeine addition to their original Sports Recovery product, FITAID®, boosted with 200mg of caffeine from green tea. The FITAID Energy + Sports Recovery blend is naturally sweetened with only 15 calories, no sucralose, no aspartame, no fillers, and no synthetic caffeine. Available in four electric flavors: Mango Sorbet, Peach Mandarin, Blackberry Pineapple, and an on-line exclusive Raspberry Hibiscus, FITAID contains no artificial flavors or colors.
"This is the evolution of energy. Energy 3.0," says LIFEAID Co-Founder and President, Aaron Hinde. "FITAID Energy is unlike any other energy drink on the market. Our clean caffeine from green tea helps fight your fitness fatigue and contains our original post-workout recovery blend which includes BCAAs, Turmeric, Electrolytes, Vitamins B, C, D3, E, and more. All of our hand-picked ingredients have met the highest supplement standards and remain vegan, non-gmo, and gluten-free. Coupled with no sucralose, no taurine, and no synthetic caffeine, FITAID Energy is the future of clean performance energy."
LIFEAID Beverage Company has long held itself to the highest standards of product design and formulation. The LIFEAID research and development team spent a year formulating an optimal blend of clean caffeine and quality supplements to give athletes an all-in-one solution without compromises. Each of the four flavors have a clean, crisp finish and avoid the synthetic aftertaste often associated with energy drinks.
"We started LIFEAID to disrupt the legacy of sodas and energy drinks already in the market. Over the years, we've started to see emerging energy drinks in retail. We didn't consider many of them necessarily healthy from their ingredient deck. Nearly all of them are artificially sweetened with sucralose or aspartame, which as we know kills your gut microbiome." says LIFEAID Co-Founder and CEO Orion Melehan.
FITAID Energy is available at the company's website, Lifeaidbevco.com, Amazon, and select retailers including, Vitamin Shoppe, Harris Teeter, HEB, HyVee, Circle K, Stop & Shop, Big Y, United Market Street, G & M Oil.
Melehan continues, "We embarked on a year-long endeavor of creating a superior product in terms of functionality, a clean ingredient deck with our naturally derived caffeine from green tea and lowered the calorie count to 15. We did this while staying within our brand guardrails to keep it naturally sweetened. I'm confident that you will love them as much as we do!"
About LIFEAID Beverage Co.
With a focus on great tasting, wellness enhancing, and functionally driven supplement products, LIFEAID Beverage Co. has become a trusted brand among athletes, health-conscience, and performance minded consumers. Headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, LIFEAID is home to premium performance products and passionate people. Their portfolio of better-for-you supplements contains both ready to drink and powdered mix blends including FITAID, FOCUSAID, IMMUNITYAID, DREAMAID, PARTYAID, and now FITAID Energy + Sports Recovery. Visit lifeaidbevco.com to learn more.
Media Contact:
press@lifeaidbevco.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE LIFEAID Beverage Co. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/fitaid-energy-disrupts-so-called-clean-energy-drink-market/ | 2022-04-13T01:53:15 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/fitaid-energy-disrupts-so-called-clean-energy-drink-market/ |
ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NATSO, representing truckstops, travel plazas and off-highway fuel retailers, and SIGMA: America's Leading Fuel Marketers commended the Biden Administration for permitting year-round sales of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15). The industry cautioned, however, that ongoing impediments related to infrastructure compatibility could limit market penetration of higher blends of ethanol being sold in the United States.
The fuel retail industry advocated for year-round E15 sales to help lower fuel prices for consumers while enhancing the industry's fuel options and improving the carbon intensity of those fuels.
"We support removing unnecessary regulatory barriers to the sale of higher ethanol blends. E15 offers retailers an opportunity to diversify fuel options and improve gasoline's emissions characteristics while lowering costs for consumers and enhancing America's energy security," said David Fialkov, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs for NATSO, speaking on behalf of NATSO and SIGMA. "Fuel retailers will continue to face obstacles to investing in E15, primarily in the form of infrastructure compatibility concerns and associated liability exposure. While today's announcement is positive, until these obstacles are removed, they will impede the sale of higher ethanol blends."
Specifically, fuel retailers must grapple with a state-by-state patchwork of expensive infrastructure compatibility requirements. Fuel retailers also face liability concerns if consumers misfuel their vehicles, potentially voiding their manufacturer's vehicle warranty.
The industry looks forward to working with the Administration, lawmakers and all industry stakeholders to address these outstanding concerns.
About NATSO and SIGMA
NATSO is the trade association of America's travel plaza and truckstop industry. Founded in 1960, NATSO represents the industry on legislative and regulatory matters; serves as the official source of information on the diverse travel plaza and truckstop industry; provides education to its members; conducts an annual convention and trade show; and supports efforts to generally improve the business climate in which its members operate. For more information, visit NATSO.com. Contact: Tiffany Wlazlowski Neuman, Vice President, Public Affairs.
SIGMA: AMERICA'S LEADING FUEL MARKETERS represents a diverse membership of approximately 260 independent chain retailers and marketers of motor fuel. While 67 percent are involved in gasoline retailing, 83 percent are involved in wholesaling, 56 percent transport product, 39 percent have bulk plant operations, and 20 percent operate terminals. Member retail outlets come in many forms including truckstops, traditional "gas stations," convenience stores with gas pumps, cardlocks, and unattended public fueling locations.
Contact: Tiffany Wlazlowski Neuman
Vice President, Public Affairs
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE NATSO, Inc. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/fuel-retail-industry-commends-year-round-e15-sales-urges-administration-address-additional-barriers/ | 2022-04-13T01:53:21 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/fuel-retail-industry-commends-year-round-e15-sales-urges-administration-address-additional-barriers/ |
NEW YORK, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Butterfly Network, Inc. f/k/a Longview Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: BFLY) (a) between February 16, 2021 and November 15, 2021, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), and/or (b) all holders of Butterfly common stock as of the record date for the special meeting of shareholders held on February 12, 2021 to consider approval of the merger between Longview and Butterfly (the "Merger") and entitled to vote on the Merger, of the important April 18, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Butterfly securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Butterfly class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=3602 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 18, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, the Proxy was negligently prepared and, as a result, contained untrue statements of material fact or omitted to state other facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading and were not prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations governing its preparation. Additionally, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, the Proxy and defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Butterfly had overstated its post-Merger business and financial prospects; (2) notwithstanding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Butterfly's financial projections failed to take into account the pandemic's broad consequences, which included healthcare logistical challenges, and medical personnel fatigue; (3) accordingly, Butterfly's gross margin levels and revenue projections were less sustainable than the Company had represented; (4) all the foregoing was reasonably likely to have a material negative impact on Butterfly's business and financial condition; and (5) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Butterfly action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=3602 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/globally-recognized-rosen-law-firm-encourages-butterfly-network-inc-fka-longview-acquisition-corp-investors-with-losses-excess-100k-secure-counsel-before-important-april-18-deadline-securities-class-action-bfly/ | 2022-04-13T01:53:28 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/globally-recognized-rosen-law-firm-encourages-butterfly-network-inc-fka-longview-acquisition-corp-investors-with-losses-excess-100k-secure-counsel-before-important-april-18-deadline-securities-class-action-bfly/ |
TORONTO, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Halo Collective Inc. ("Halo" or the "Company") (NEO: HALO) (OTCQX: HCANF) (Germany: A9KN) today announced that its Budega Westwood Dispensary passed its Los Angeles inspection and is expected to open within 30 days.
The Budega Westwood location is perfectly located nestled in between Westwood to the west and Beverly Hills to the east, right off of one of LA's most traveled and famous thoroughfares for locals and visitors, the Santa Monica Boulevard (10461 Santa Monica Blvd) and within two miles of the University of Los Angeles California campus. The facility is leased and near complete with renovations of its approximately 1,500 square foot prime retail space with the potential to expand the site to up to 3,000 square feet.
On Friday, March 31, 2022, Budega Westwood successfully passed the local Department of Cannabis Regulation ("DCR") final site inspection and has been approved to proceed with the final state license review citing no violations. Budega Westwood is now into final state licensing administrative review and once opened will mark the second of three planned Los Angeles dispensaries following the opening of the Company's first dispensary in the Arts District of North Hollywood in March 2022.
Budega Westwood will follow the retail cadence of NOHO by continuing to offer our vast product assortment exceeding 1,000 SKUs, including many top-tier California brands such as Jungle Boys, Jeeter, Cookies, and Kiva as well highlight Budega's vertically integrated line of branded products, which remain amongst the top selling SKU's at Budega NOHO. In addition, the store will also stock Halo's Hush™ branded cartridges, gummies, and pre-rolls. The store plans to operate Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visit www.budega.com for more information or to place your order online.
It is with great pride that we announce our introduction into southern California's retail cannabis market is proving to be successful. By means of analyzing internal reports, guest feedback and participation in our various proprietary programs and through measurement of both the customer frequency and sales trajectory, our NoHo location is exceeding the initial internal estimates for financial performance. Our emphasis on creative market share capture, development of trend setting customer loyalty programs and our front line execution, combined with a strong product assortment and service standards validates that cannabis consumers are receptive to the different experience that we are delivering and making Budega the place to shop, work and transact for locals and visitors.
"The expansion of our Budega concept furthers our presence in the fast-growing, under-served California market," commented Kiran Sidhu, Halo's Chief Executive Officer. "We have put significant effort into building a differentiated retail concept, creating a superior experience for our customers with a wide variety of high-quality products to serve discerning consumers and meet any need. We expect the Budega brand to achieve a leadership position amongst cannabis dispensaries," stated Kiran Sidhu, CEO of Halo.
California is the highest-grossing state for cannabis retail sales in the United States, with legal retail sales of $5.2 billion1 in 2021, up 17% from 2020. California is projected to gross $7 billion by 2025.2 California is the largest legal cannabis market in the United States and is less saturated than other mature retail markets. In Los Angeles County, there are approximately 250 licenses3 for a population of 3.9 million across 500 square miles4, compared to Oregon, which has 4.3 million people and approximately 800 stores across 98,466 square miles5. There are roughly two licenses per 100,000 people in California, one of the lowest rates in the nation among states that support legal recreational sales. By comparison, Oregon has 18 retail shops for every 100,000 residents. Colorado boasts a similar ratio, and Washington state's rate is more than triple California's6.
As Halo continues to implement its seed-to-sale verticalization strategy, owning and operating retail businesses, particularly in California, is key to increasing value by controlling distribution and adding operating margin. As such, the closing and acquisition of 66 ⅔% of the Westwood Los Angeles dispensary businesses and previously 100% of its respective management company marks another milestone.
Further to its press release dated February 6, 2021, the Company has completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of ZXC11 Company Majority Member (as defined below) (approved social equity applicant which owns 66 ⅔% of ZXC11 LLC ("ZXC11")), in a strategic move to further the Company's presence in California's growing cannabis market.
A subsidiary of PSG Coastal LLC merged with the limited liability company that owns 66 ⅔% of ZXC11 (the "ZXC11 Company Majority Member"). ZXC11 Company Majority Member survived, and PSG, as a result, owns 100% of ZXC11 Company Majority Member. The other 33 1/3% of ZXC11 continues to be owned by the social equity applicant (which is required under the DCR regulations).
The consideration payable by Halo in connection with this merger is an aggregate of 390,769 Halo shares, issuable as follows:
- 236,903 Halo shares were issued on March 2, 2021 as a non-refundable pre-closing deposit upon acceptance of the transaction by NEO Exchange, of which 168,519 will be subject to the Pooling Agreement; and
- 153,865 Halo shares were issued at the closing of the merger.
The merger agreement includes customary representations and warranties, closing conditions, and indemnification provisions. In addition, upon closing, Halo issued an aggregate of 11,539 Halo shares to an arm's length party as a finder's fee, and such shares will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day.
Halo is a leading, vertically integrated cannabis company focused on the West Coast of the United States and operates other emerging businesses in CBD and non-psychotropic mushroom functional beverages. In its cannabis operations, the Company cultivates, extracts, manufactures, and distributes quality cannabis flower, oils, and concentrates and has sold hundreds of millions of grams of cannabis in the form of flower, pre-rolls, vape carts, edibles, and concentrates since inception. The Company sells a portfolio of branded cannabis products including its proprietary Hush™, Winberry Farms™, Williams Wonder Farms, and Budega™ brands, and under license agreements with Papa's Herb®, DNA Genetics, Terphogz, and FlowerShop*.
In Oregon, Halo has a combined 14 acres of owned and contracted outdoor and greenhouse cultivation. The Company also operates Food Concepts LLC, a master tenant of a 55,000 square foot indoor cannabis cultivation, processing, and wholesaling facility in Portland.
In California, Halo maintains licenses for extraction, manufacturing, and distribution. The Company has partnered with Green Matter to purchase the Bar X Farm in Lake County and plans to develop up to 63 acres of cultivation, comprising one of the largest licensed single-site grows in California. Halo has opened its first dispensary in Los Angeles under the Budega™ brand in the Arts District of North Hollywood and plans to open two more in Hollywood, and Westwood by the 2nd quarter of 2022.
Halo is also expanding into other consumer health and wellness categories expected to experience rapid growth in consumer demand, including functional supplements such as nootropic nutraceuticals. The Company has recently acquired H2C Beverages, a company focused on cannabinoids and non-psychotropic mushroom functional beverages, and entered into a distribution and manufacturing agreement with SWAY Energy Corporation (formerly Elegance Brands Inc.), to propel the national distribution of beverages, capsules, and topical supplements under H2C and Halo's functional mushroom brand, Hushrooms.
Halo has acquired a range of software development assets, including CannPOS, Cannalift, CannaFeels, and a discrete sublingual dosing technology, Accudab. The Company intends to reorganize these entities (including their intellectual property and patent applications) into a subsidiary called Halo Tek Inc., and to complete a distribution of the shares of Halo Tek Inc. to shareholders on record, at a date to be determined.
Halo also operates three Kushbar retail cannabis stores located in Alberta, Canada.
Outside of North America, Halo is the largest shareholder of Akanda Corp. (NASDAQ: AKAN) currently owning 44% of the common shares. Akanda is an international medical cannabis and wellness platform company seeking to help people lead better lives through improved access to high quality and affordable products. Akanda is building a seed-to-patient supply chain, connecting patients in the U.K. and Europe with diverse products, including cannabis products cultivated at its competitively advantaged grow operation in the Kingdom of Lesotho and with other trusted third-party brands. Akanda's initial portfolio includes Bophelo Bioscience & Wellness, a GACP qualified cultivation campus in the Kingdom of Lesotho in Southern Africa, and CanMart, a UK-based fully licensed pharmaceutical importer and distributor which supplies pharmacies and clinics within the U.K. Halo's stake in Akanda is valued atapproximately $116.4 million USD, based on the April 12th, 2022 NASDAQ closing price.
For further information regarding Halo, see Halo's disclosure documents on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Connect with Halo Collective: Email | Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram
This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only Halo's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Halo's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". Forward-looking information may relate to anticipated events or results including, but not limited to the opening of Budega Westwood and the prospects thereof, management's plans regarding its portfolio of cannabis businesses, the expected contribution from the Company's California dispensaries and the expected opening date thereof, the time and place for the Company's earnings call, the expected size and capabilities of the final facility planned at Ukiah Ventures, the size of Halo's planned cultivation facility in Northern California and the proposed spin-off by Halo Tek Inc.
By identifying such information and statements in this manner, Halo is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Halo has made certain assumptions. Although Halo believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. Among others, the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: inability of management to successfully integrate the operations of acquired businesses, changes in the consumer market for cannabis products, changes in the expected outcomes of the proposed changes to Halo's operations, delays in obtaining required licenses or approvals necessary for the build-out of the Company's cannabis operations, dispensaries or Canadian operations, the proposed spin-out with Halo Tek Inc., delays or unforeseen costs incurred in connection with construction, the ability of competitors to scale operations in Northern California, delays or unforeseen difficulties in connection with the cultivation and harvest of Halo's raw material, changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; and the other risks disclosed in the Company's annual information form dated March 31, 2022 and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.
The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Halo does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to Halo or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.
This press release includes market and industry data that has been obtained from third party sources, including industry publications. The Company believes that the industry data is accurate and that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of this data. Third party sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of included information. Although the data is believed to be reliable, the Company has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this press release or ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon by such sources
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Halo Collective Inc. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/halo-collective-announces-westwood-dispensary-completion-local-inspections-passed-planned-opening-second-budega-california/ | 2022-04-13T01:53:35 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/halo-collective-announces-westwood-dispensary-completion-local-inspections-passed-planned-opening-second-budega-california/ |
'Vibra Global Que Inspira' campaign creates a unified brand highlighting Houston's proclivity for tourism, economic development, global trade, talent acquisition,
and quality of life
HOUSTON, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston First Corp. is launching "Vibra Global Que Inspira," an integrated branding campaign in Mexico designed to reinforce Houston's position as a top destination for tourism, global trade, business, and leisure travel from Mexico. The strategic move comes just days after Mayor Sylvester Turner, Houston First Corp. the Greater Houston Partnership, and strategic partners Houston Airport, and United Airlines successfully led "Houston Week" – the city's first international trade and tourism mission since the pandemic.
Capitalizing on the momentum gained from visits to key cities such as Monterrey and Mexico City, Houston First Corp.'s campaign aims to further stimulate Houston's economy through quality of place branding and strategic funnels targeting the visitor market. The strategy also utilizied data taken from the 2022 Expedia Global Insights report which revealed that 71 percent of travelers in Mexico want to experience new cultures when choosing a travel destination.
"Vibra Global Que Inspira" will be featured in publications such as Forbes, Robb Report, GQ, Vogue, Condé Nast, Reforma, Food & Wine, Life & Style, Expedia, among others. The campaign will run through 2022 and is set to deliver nearly 200 million impressions targeting audiences throughout Mexico. Click here to view the campaign.
"We were pleased to reconnect with political leaders, clients, and media in Monterrey and Mexico City during Houston Week," Houston First Corp. President and CEO Michael Heckman said. "Not only was the reunion long overdue, but the exchange of information and perspective provided guidance on how to strengthen our relationship with Mexico. The Houston Week activation also kicked off our 2022 integrated marketing campaign, 'Vibra Global Que Inspira' which celebrates Houston's tapestry of cultures. As the most diverse city in the nation, Houston is influenced by our community of nearly 5 million residents. From art and imagination, ambition and collaboration, to food and friends, Houston offers an experience that can't be discovered, tasted, or invented anywhere else," adds Mr. Heckman.
2022 Houston Week Highlights:
Houston Week took place March 28-April 1 and resulted in a wide array of media coverage in the Mexican media, including Telediario, Milenio Monterrey, Reforma, El Norte, and Imagen Radio, amongst others, and generating more than 211 million impressions to date.
The centerpiece of Houston Week was "Hola Houston," a dynamic sensory and culinary experience that took place in Monterrey and Mexico City. Invited guests, including state and city leaders, local media, top Mexican tourism and travel operators, managing directors of online travel agencies, social influencers, special guest U.S. Commercial Services, and various travel associations, had the opportunity to engage with some of Houston's most iconic artists, designers, mixologists, and James Beard award-winning chefs. Nearly 500 attendees experienced the 'Hola Houston' events.
- Mayor Turner joined Houston First President and CEO Michael Heckman, Nuevo León Governor Samuel Alejandro Garcia Sepúlveda, and members of Governor Garcia Sepúlveda's administration for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding or MOU to strengthen existing ties between the State of Nuevo León and the City of Houston.
- Mayor Turner and the Houston Week leadership met with Monterrey Mayor Luis Donaldo Colosio Riojas and participated in a luncheon hosted by the City of Monterrey.
- The delegation participated in a global trade roundtable discussion with Mexico's Minister of Economy Tatiana Clouthier.
- In Mexico City, the Houston Week Leadership met with Mexico's Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Roberto Velasco and joined the delegation for a round table discussion with Mexico's Secretary of Tourism Minister Miguel Torruco.
- Mayor Turner and the Houston Week Leadership also met with the Mayor of Mexico City Claudia Shienbaum.
For Houston Week images, go to https://tinyurl.com/3nxb42j2.
For more information on planning an event in Houston, go to https://www.visithouston.com/meetings.
About Houston First Houston First is the official destination management organization for the city of Houston. In addition, Houston First owns the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel, manages the George R. Brown Convention Center along with 10 city-owned properties and developed the Avenida Houston entertainment district. Learn more at HoustonFirst.com and VisitHouston.com.
Contacts: Jennie Bui-McCoy, Houston First PR Director, 832-374-3994, jennie.bui-mccoy@houstonfirst.com; Holly Clapham-Rosenow, Houston First Chief Marketing Officer, 713-614-0366, holly.clapham@houstonfirst.com;
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Houston First | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/houston-first-corp-deploys-multi-tiered-international-marketing-branding-campaign-mexico-following-success-houston-week/ | 2022-04-13T01:53:42 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/houston-first-corp-deploys-multi-tiered-international-marketing-branding-campaign-mexico-following-success-houston-week/ |