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Hidden camera found inside porta-potty at Wisconsin beach
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (WISN) - A woman at a Wisconsin beach made a terrible discovery after she found a hidden camera underneath the toilet seat of a port-a-potty.
Police are trying to determine if it was the only camera and who put it there.
“That’s insane. Oh my gosh,” Chrissy Hartwig said.
On a beautiful day at Oconomowoc’s Bender Beach, the talk turns instead to something ugly after Hartwig and other beachgoers learn of a small digital camera hidden inside a porta-potty.
“That’s crazy and now that makes me think of all the other porta-potties that might have had something in it,” Hartwig said. “You don’t think about those things.”
Hartwig said she’s heard of people hiding cameras in dressing rooms and even vacation rentals, but never before in a porta-potty.
“I just, I mean, I’m mind blown. I’ve never considered it. I’ve never thought about it. I wouldn’t have thought about it, probably. People are creeps,” she said.
The camera was reportedly inside the toilet, positioned in a way that showed people entering and using the toilet.
Oconomowoc police, along with the public, have a lot of questions.
“It’s, you know, it’s very concerning because you know the little ones use the bathroom,” Lissa Hagen said. “Yeah, it’s concerning, you know, wondering who did it and why they would do something like that. It’s very gross too.”
Hagen’s daughter is a lifeguard at the beach and learned of the camera the day after it was found.
“I mean, it’s uncomfortable. It’s, you know, concerning. Yeah, so, I’m glad they found it at least before, you know, anything happened,” Hagen said.
Police have not shared how long they believe the camera was there and what if anything was on it.
Copyright 2023 WISN via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2023/07/29/hidden-camera-found-inside-porta-potty-wisconsin-beach/ | 2023-07-29T17:49:35 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/2023/07/29/hidden-camera-found-inside-porta-potty-wisconsin-beach/ |
TOKYO (AP) — Toshihiro Mutsuda was only 5 years old when he last saw his father, who was drafted by Japan’s Imperial Army in 1943 and killed in action. For him, his father was a bespectacled man in an old family photo standing by a signed good-luck flag that he carried to war.
On Saturday, when the flag was returned to him from a U.S. war museum where it had been on display for 29 years, Mutsuda, now 83, said: “It’s a miracle.”
The flag, known as “Yosegaki Hinomaru,” or Good Luck Flag, carries the soldier’s name, Shigeyoshi Mutsuda, and the signatures of his relatives, friends and neighbors wishing him luck. It was given to him before he was drafted by the Army. His family was later told he died in Saipan, but his remains were never returned.
The flag was donated in 1994 and displayed at the museum aboard the USS Lexington, a WWII aircraft carrier, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Its meaning was not known until it was identified by the family earlier this year, said museum director Steve Banta, who brought the flag to Tokyo.
Banta said he learned the story behind the flag earlier this year when he was contacted by the Obon Society, a nonprofit organization that has returned about 500 similar flags as non-biological remains, to the descendants of Japanese servicemembers killed in the war.
The search for the flag’s original owner started in April when a museum visitor took a photo and asked an expert about the description that it had belonged to a “kamikaze” suicide pilot. When Shigeyoshi Mutsuda’s grandson saw the photo, he sought help from the Obon Society, group co-founder Keiko Ziak said.
“When we learned all of this, and that the family would like to have the flag, we knew immediately that the flag did not belong to us,” Banta said at the handover ceremony. “We knew that the right thing to do would be to send the flag home, to be in Japan and to the family.”
The soldier’s eldest son, Toshihiro Mutsuda, was speechless for a few seconds when Banta, wearing white gloves, gently placed the neatly folded flag into his hands. Two of his younger siblings, both in their 80s, stood by and looked on silently. The three children, all wearing cotton gloves so they wouldn’t damage the decades-old flag, carefully unfolded it to show to the audience.
“After receiving the flag today, I earnestly felt that the war like that should never be fought again and that I do not wish anyone else to go through this sadness (of separation),” Toshihiro Mutsuda said.
The soldier’s daughter, Misako Matsukuchi, touched the flag with both hands and prayed. “After nearly 80 years, the spirit of our father returned to us. I hope he can finally rest in peace,” Matsukuchi said later.
Toshihiro Mutsuda said his memory of his father was foggy. However, he clearly remembers his mother, Masae Mutsuda, who died five years ago at age 102, used to make the long-distance bus trip almost every year from the farming town in Gifu, central Japan, to Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, where the 2.5 million war dead are enshrined, to pay tribute to her husband’s spirit.
The shrine is controversial, as it includes convicted war criminals among those commemorated. Victims of Japanese aggression during the first half of the 20th century, especially China and the Koreas, see Yasukuni as a symbol of Japanese militarism. However, for the Mutsuda family, it’s a place to remember the loss of a father and husband.
“It’s like an old love story across the ages coming together … It doesn’t matter where,” Banta said, referring to the Yasukuni controversy. “The important thing is this flag goes to the family.”
That’s why Toshihiro Mutsuda and his siblings chose to receive the flag at Yasukuni and brought the framed photos of their parents.
“My mother missed him and wanted to see him so much and that’s why she used to pray here,” he said. “Today her wish finally came true, and she was able to be reunited.”
Keeping the flag on his lap, he said, “I feel the weight of the flag.” | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/ap-its-a-miracle-say-family-of-japanese-soldier-killed-in-wwii-as-flag-he-carried-returns-from-us/ | 2023-07-29T17:49:37 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/ap-its-a-miracle-say-family-of-japanese-soldier-killed-in-wwii-as-flag-he-carried-returns-from-us/ |
Pet owner says 4-foot-long python has gone missing from his yard
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR/Gray News) - Residents in an Illinois neighborhood are currently on the lookout for a pet snake.
Jonathan Delaney told WIFR that his 15-year-old ball python named Bubba slithered away from his yard last weekend.
Delaney said his exotic 4-foot-long snake is missing, but neighbors shouldn’t be worried.
“He’s completely harmless,” Delaney said. “We’ve had him for 15 years. He’s never been mean and the biggest thing he’d eat is a rat.”
Fellow Edgewater resident Rhonda Hanley said she’d likely be startled if she came across Bubba. But because he’s someone’s pet, she’ll try to help find him.
“I’ll try and put something over the top of it like a blanket or a garbage can if I find him,” Hanley said.
Delaney is thankful that his neighbors are concerned enough to lend a helping hand.
“We are hoping he’s still around here and nobody harms him,” he said. “We are hoping to find him as soon as possible.”
Experts say because ball pythons prefer to be hidden most of the time the snake doesn’t appear to pose a threat to the public.
The snake can strike if it gets agitated, but those bites don’t normally require medical attention.
“The most that could happen is that the snake could take a defensive swipe,” Stephanie Stone, owner of Jurassic Reptile Supply, said. “It’s less impact than a cat scratch or a cat bite.”
Stone added that ball pythons typically don’t travel very far.
“Unless it feels the need to try to find a meal, it’s probably very close to where it was originally,” she said.
Anyone who spots Bubba has been urged to contact Delaney on social media.
Copyright 2023 WIFR via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2023/07/29/pet-owner-says-4-foot-long-python-has-gone-missing-his-yard/ | 2023-07-29T17:49:41 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/2023/07/29/pet-owner-says-4-foot-long-python-has-gone-missing-his-yard/ |
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand striker Hannah Wilkinson has helped create two milestones at the Women’s World Cup.
With her 48th-minute goal in the tournament opener against Norway, she led the co-host Football Ferns to their first win in six trips to the Women’s World Cup. She’s also one of at least 95 out members of the LGBTQ+ community competing in this year’s tournament, according to a count being kept by Outsports, a website that covers the LGBTQ+ sports.
The Ferns were greeted with a fan-made sign at their next match in Wellington: “Gay for soccer, gay for Wilkie,” it read.
The 95 out participants make up roughly 13% of the 736 total players at the Women’s World Cup, more than doubling the 40 players and coaches Outsports counted in 2019.
The 2023 tournament also is hosting the first openly trans and non-binary player in either a men’s or Women’s World Cup, Quinn of Canada.
“Last World Cup was so big, especially with the visibility of the U.S. women’s national team winning and (Megan Rapinoe) fighting with (Donald) Trump. So I think that was a huge year for LGBTQ+ visibility,” said Lindsey Freeman, a professor of sociology and anthropology at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.
“It’s just the ad hoc, fun culture of women’s soccer that you’re seeing in this World Cup,” said Freeman, who is in New Zealand conducting research on the topic.
Jim Buzinski, co-founder of Outsports, agreed. “In the Western world, it’s such a non-issue that it really just doesn’t get talked about,” he said. “And I think that’s in a good way.”
VISIBILITY
Prior to the start of the tournament, FIFA designated eight socially conscious armbands team captains could wear throughout the Women’s World Cup. The decision came after “One Love” armbands were denied to men’s teams in Qatar in 2022.
The armbands being used this year include anti-discriminatory sayings and multiple colors, but the rainbow version Germany wanted to use is not allowed. None of the available options explicitly mention LGBTQ+ rights.
The decision has led many players to express their support in more creative ways across Australia and New Zealand.
New Zealand midfielder Ali Riley was interviewed on the official Women’s World Cup broadcast after her team’s upset of Norway. Her painted fingernails, left hand in the colors of the pride flag and right hand as the trans flag, were clearly visible as she held her head and fought back tears.
“She’s such an advocate and she’s definitely someone who uses her platform in such a positive way. We are all so proud of her and the way she represents the LGBTQ+ community,” teammate CJ Bott said. “Good on her. We’re all backing her, and we all back the community as well.”
The Philippines, making its Women’s World Cup debut, took home its own historic win over New Zealand 1-0 thanks to the foot of Sarina Bolden. Bolden’s Instagram bio reads, “i just wanna have fun n b gay.”
Irish star Katie McCabe wowed fans with a goal directly from a corner kick. She’s also made tabloid news for her relationships with other players.
Thembi Kgatlana, who has scored in the tournament for South Africa, has a patch of her hair dyed rainbow colors.
“My personality is very big for me, and my hair has become a part of my personality,” Kgatlana said. “And I did this rainbow because I want to represent all the people that are part of the LGBTQ and cannot talk while in countries where they’re oppressed.”
FAN EXPERIENCE
Kristen Pariseau and her wife started a U.S. women’s national team supporters group on Facebook ahead of traveling to this year’s Women’s World Cup. Aside from some hateful users she blocked, it’s been “super LGBT friendly.”
She and her wife did not go to Qatar for the 2022 men’s World Cup to avoid referencing each other as friends and receiving questions on their sexuality. In New Zealand, she said she’s met many same-sex couples at games and while traveling around the country.
“Everywhere you turn, it’s like, ‘Oh, my wife, my girlfriend.’ It’s been so welcoming and open,” Pariseau said. “In a way, it is kind of cool to be where there’s a lot of other people like you.”
Kelsie Bozart took her own pride flag armband to the United States’ second match in Wellington, along with a pride scarf.
“If you look back a couple years, I feel like it just wasn’t really talked about or there just wasn’t much of a presence,” Bozart said. “But moving forward I feel like, especially for the U.S., they’ve done an amazing job of just incorporating pride and LGBTQ.”
NOT UNIVERSAL
Though this year’s tournament has highlighted vast gains for the LGBTQ+ community in women’s soccer, advocates feel there is still work to be done.
According to Buzinski and Outsports, there were at least 186 LGBTQ+ athletes at the Tokyo Olympics. Women outnumbered men by a 9:1 ratio. There also were no confirmed out players at the 2022 men’s World Cup.
“I think women’s sports have always been open,” Denmark striker Pernille Harder said, adding that there are many role models for women who want to come out.
Freeman said it would be good to see men feel the same level of comfort.
“What can happen in the women’s game, I would love to spill over to the men’s game,” she said. “Because obviously, there’s way more queer players in the men’s game and it’s just not safe for them to come out.
“If you want to say that you’re in an inclusive space, you really have to be an inclusive space,” Freeman added. “And I think that that includes also holding the World Cup in places where it’s fine to be a queer person.”
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Max Ralph is a student in John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State.
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Contributing reporters included Joe Lister in Wellington and Rafaela Pontes in Auckland, students in the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn State, and Clay Witt in Sydney, Australia, a student at the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/ap-lgbtq-community-proud-and-visible-at-womens-world-cup/ | 2023-07-29T17:49:43 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/ap-lgbtq-community-proud-and-visible-at-womens-world-cup/ |
Top Player Prop Bets for Rockies vs. Athletics on July 29, 2023
Published: Jul. 29, 2023 at 11:50 AM CDT|Updated: 59 minutes ago
Player prop betting options for Ryan McMahon, Tony Kemp and others are available in the Colorado Rockies-Oakland Athletics matchup at Coors Field on Saturday, starting at 8:10 PM ET.
Bet on this matchup or its props with BetMGM!
Rockies vs. Athletics Game Info
- When: Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 8:10 PM ET
- Where: Coors Field in Denver, Colorado
- How to Watch on TV: SportsNet RM
- Live Stream: Watch the MLB on Fubo!
Discover More About This Game
MLB Props Today: Colorado Rockies
Ryan McMahon Props
- Hits Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: -270)
- Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: -115)
- Home Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +425)
- RBI Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +135)
McMahon Stats
- McMahon has 93 hits with 20 doubles, three triples, 16 home runs, 45 walks and 48 RBI. He's also stolen five bases.
- He has a slash line of .254/.337/.456 on the year.
McMahon Recent Games
Jurickson Profar Props
- Hits Prop: Over/Under 1.5 (Over Odds: +170)
- Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: -125)
- Home Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +600)
- RBI Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +185)
Profar Stats
- Jurickson Profar has 21 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 40 walks and 36 RBI (85 total hits). He's also swiped one base.
- He's slashing .243/.326/.374 so far this year.
- Profar heads into this game looking to extend his two-game hit streak. In his last five games he is hitting .250 with a double, three walks and two RBI.
Profar Recent Games
Bet on player props for Ryan McMahon, Jurickson Profar or other Rockies players with BetMGM.
Buy officially licensed gear for your favorite teams and players at Fanatics!
MLB Props Today: Oakland Athletics
Tony Kemp Props
- Hits Prop: Over/Under 1.5 (Over Odds: +160)
- Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: -120)
- Home Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +800)
- RBI Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +200)
Kemp Stats
- Kemp has 57 hits with 10 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 28 walks and 20 RBI. He's also stolen 12 bases.
- He has a slash line of .216/.302/.311 so far this year.
Kemp Recent Games
Brent Rooker Props
- Hits Prop: Over/Under 1.5 (Over Odds: +180)
- Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: -130)
- Home Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +310)
- RBI Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +125)
Rooker Stats
- Brent Rooker has 13 doubles, a triple, 16 home runs, 33 walks and 44 RBI (69 total hits). He has swiped two bases.
- He has a slash line of .244/.336/.466 so far this season.
- Rooker enters this matchup looking to extend his two-game hit streak. During his last five outings he is hitting .235 with a double.
Rooker Recent Games
Bet on player props for Tony Kemp, Brent Rooker or other Athletics players with BetMGM.
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/sports/betting/2023/07/29/rockies-vs-athletics-mlb-player-prop-bets/ | 2023-07-29T17:49:48 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/sports/betting/2023/07/29/rockies-vs-athletics-mlb-player-prop-bets/ |
PHOENIX (AP) — A historic heat wave that turned the U.S. Southwest into a blast furnace throughout July is beginning to abate with the late arrival of monsoon rains.
Forecasters expect that by Monday at the latest, people in metro Phoenix will begin seeing high temperatures under 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius) for the first time in a month. As of Friday, the high temperature in the desert city had been at or above that mark for 29 consecutive days.
Already this week, the overnight low at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport fell under 90 (32.2 C) for the first time in 16 days, finally allowing people some respite from the stifling heat once the sun goes down.
Temperatures are also expected to ease in Las Vegas, Albuquerque and Death Valley, California.
The downward trend started Wednesday night, when Phoenix saw its first major monsoon storm since the traditional start of the season on June 15. While more than half of the greater Phoenix area saw no rainfall from that storm, some eastern suburbs were pummeled by high winds, swirling dust and localized downfalls of up to an inch (2.5 centimeters) of precipitation.
Storms gradually increasing in strength are expected over the weekend.
Scientists calculate that July will prove to be the hottest globally on record and perhaps the warmest human civilization has seen. The extreme heat is now hitting the eastern part of the U.S, as soaring temperatures moved from the Midwest into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, where some places are seeing their warmest days so far this year.
The new heat records being set this summer are just some of the extreme weather being seen around the U.S. this month, such as flash floods in Pennsylvania and parts of the Northeast.
And while relief may be on the way for the Southwest, for now it’s still dangerously hot. Phoenix’s high temperature reached 116 (46.7 C) Friday afternoon, which is far above the average temperature of 106 (41.1 C).
“Anyone can be at risk outside in this record heat,” the fire department in Goodyear, a Phoenix suburb, warned residents on social media while offering ideas to stay safe.
For many people such as older adults, those with health issues and those without access to air conditioning, the heat can be dangerous or even deadly.
Maricopa County, the most populous in Arizona and home to Phoenix, reported this week that its public health department had confirmed 25 heat-associated deaths this year as of July 21, with 249 more under investigation.
Results from toxicological tests that can takes weeks or months after an autopsy is conducted could eventually result in many deaths listed as under investigation as heat associated being changed to confirmed.
Maricopa County confirmed 425 heat-associated deaths last year, and more than half of them occurred in July.
Elsewhere in Arizona next week, the agricultural desert community of Yuma is expecting highs ranging from 104 to 112 (40 C to 44.4 C) and Tucson is looking at highs ranging from 99 to 111 (37.2 C to 43.9 C).
The highs in Las Vegas are forecast to slip as low as 94 (34.4 C) next Tuesday after a long spell of highs above 110 (43.3 C). Death Valley, which hit 128 (53.3 C) in mid-July, will cool as well, though only to a still blistering hot 116 (46.7 C).
In New Mexico, the highs in Albuquerque next week are expected to be in the mid to high 90s (around 35 C), with party cloudy skies. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/ap-the-extreme-heat-wave-that-blasted-the-southwest-is-abating-with-late-arriving-monsoon-rains/ | 2023-07-29T17:49:49 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/ap-the-extreme-heat-wave-that-blasted-the-southwest-is-abating-with-late-arriving-monsoon-rains/ |
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The cosmos is offering up a double feature in August: a pair of supermoons culminating in a rare blue moon.
Catch the first show Tuesday evening as the full moon rises in the southeast, appearing slightly brighter and bigger than normal. That’s because it will be closer than usual, just 222,159 miles (357,530 kilometers) away, thus the supermoon label.
The moon will be even closer the night of Aug. 30 — a scant 222,043 miles (357,344 kilometers) distant. Because it’s the second full moon in the same month, it will be what’s called a blue moon.
“Warm summer nights are the ideal time to watch the full moon rise in the eastern sky within minutes of sunset. And it happens twice in August,” said retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak, dubbed Mr. Eclipse for his eclipse-chasing expertise.
The last time two full supermoons graced the sky in the same month was in 2018. It won’t happen again until 2037, according to Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi, founder of the Virtual Telescope Project.
Masi will provide a live webcast of Tuesday evening’s supermoon, as it rises over the Coliseum in Rome.
“My plans are to capture the beauty of this … hopefully bringing the emotion of the show to our viewers,” Masi said in an email.
“The supermoon offers us a great opportunity to look up and discover the sky,” he added.
This year’s first supermoon was in July. The fourth and last will be in September. The two in August will be closer than either of those.
Provided clear skies, binoculars or backyard telescopes can enhance the experience, Espenak said, revealing such features as lunar maria — the dark plains formed by ancient volcanic lava flows — and rays emanating from lunar craters.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the August full moon is traditionally known as the sturgeon moon. That’s because of the abundance of that fish in the Great Lakes in August, hundreds of years ago.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/ap-two-supermoons-in-august-mean-double-the-stargazing-fun/ | 2023-07-29T17:49:55 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/ap-two-supermoons-in-august-mean-double-the-stargazing-fun/ |
(NerdWallet) – On July 14, 804,000 longtime student loan borrowers began receiving word that their $39 billion in remaining debt would be forgiven as the result of the Education Department’s income-driven repayment (IDR) account adjustment. This one-time program, first announced in April 2022 to repair past missteps in the IDR system, is counting more past repayment periods toward income-driven repayment (IDR) forgiveness. Many borrowers will be at least three years closer to IDR forgiveness — and some will automatically see their loans forgiven altogether.
“At the start of this Administration, millions of borrowers had earned loan forgiveness but never received it. That’s unacceptable,” Department of Education Under Secretary James Kvaal said in a July 14 press release announcing the news. “Today we are holding up the bargain we offered borrowers who have completed decades of repayment.”
This is just the tip of the iceberg. More than 4.4 million borrowers have been repaying their loans for at least 20 years, and 2.3 million of these borrowers have never defaulted or been delinquent on their loans, according to April 2021 Education Department data provided to Sen. Elizabeth Warren. However, there’s not yet a final count of total borrowers who will receive the IDR account adjustment forgiveness, says Mike Pierce, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC).
While the Supreme Court recently struck down President Joe Biden’s up-to-$20,000 student debt cancellation plan, no one has challenged this account adjustment since it was introduced in April 2022, and future legal roadblocks are highly unlikely, Pierce says.
“If I were a borrower, I would feel pretty good about this happening, but you know, we never say never,” Pierce says. “This is something that has never been put in front of a federal judge, and we have not seen any signs that it’s going to.”
All this is occurring as borrowers gear up for student loan payments to resume in October. Here’s what you need to know about the next waves of loan forgiveness under the IDR account adjustment and what qualified borrowers can do to prepare for it.
When will IDR adjustments be made?
The Education Department said it will notify waves of loan forgiveness recipients about every two months. Since the first major batch was announced on July 14, borrowers can expect the next announcement by mid-September.
The department plans to apply the account adjustment by the end of 2023 to all borrowers who’ve reached enough payments for forgiveness; all other borrowers will receive at least three additional years of credit toward IDR loan forgiveness in 2024.
Will I get IDR account adjustment forgiveness?
To find out whether you’ll receive loan forgiveness under the one-time IDR account adjustment, you must count your past payments yourself.
Generally, borrowers with undergraduate loans will receive loan forgiveness if they’ve made at least 240 monthly student loan payments, and those with some graduate loans will reach forgiveness if they’ve made at least 300 payments, Pierce says.
From July 1994 onward, the adjustment counts the following periods toward the 240 or 300 payments needed to reach forgiveness:
- Any month a borrower was in repayment, even if the payments were late or partial. The type of repayment plan also doesn’t matter.
- Time spent in forbearance, either periods lasting 12 or more consecutive months or a cumulative 36 or more months.
- Any month spent in deferment other than in-school deferment before 2013.
- Any month spent in economic hardship or military deferments on or after Jan. 1, 2013.
- Any months in repayment, forbearance or a qualifying deferment before a loan consolidation.
Months spent in default will generally not be included in the recount, though borrowers who enroll in the temporary Fresh Start program to get out of default will get IDR credit from March 2020 through the date they leave default.
Log in to your Federal Student Aid (FSA) account at StudentAid.gov to see how long you’ve been in repayment. To see detailed information, including descriptions of the specific forbearance or deferment periods, request your account history from your servicer.
How to prepare for the IDR account adjustment
The loan forgiveness will be largely automatic for most eligible federal borrowers with older direct loans, federally held Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans and parent PLUS loans. These borrowers don’t need to take any action to qualify or receive loan forgiveness.
“The good news is, for most people, you don’t actually need to be an expert on this program to benefit from it,” Pierce says. “If you have a loan that’s owned by the Department of Education, it’s just gonna work for you.”
But there are some small steps you can take to be proactive.
Update your contact information
Regardless of the type of federal student loans you have, check that your current contact information is listed in both your FSA and servicer accounts. While you’re at it, make sure you still have the password to these accounts, and reset your login credentials if needed.
Forty-four percent of federal borrowers were transferred to a new servicer during the pandemic payment pause, according to a June estimate from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, so now is also a good time to see if your servicer changed.
You’ll likely be notified by email if and when your loans are forgiven under the IDR account adjustment, but student loan communications may also arrive by mail.
Consolidate commercially managed federal loans
Some federal loans are not held by the government, but by a private entity. Borrowers with these commercially managed federal loans won’t benefit from the recount automatically — they’ll need to consolidate these loans to qualify. The account adjustment will count periods of repayment prior to consolidation toward IDR forgiveness.
Commercially held loans include certain FFELP loans, Perkins loans and Health Education Assistance Loan (HEAL) Program loans. You can see what type of loans you have on the dashboard of your FSA account or servicer portal.
You have until the end of 2023 to consolidate commercially held loans, but don’t delay. The full consolidation process can take from 30 to 60 days, Pierce says. Get started by submitting a direct loan consolidation application on the Federal Student Aid office website.
Consolidate newer parent PLUS loans
Parent PLUS loans are included in the IDR account adjustment. If you reach 300 payments — or 120 payments if you’re eligible for PSLF — your parent PLUS debt will be discharged automatically this year, regardless of whether or not your PLUS loans are consolidated.
But if you have fewer payments than that, you’ll need to act. Consolidate your parent PLUS loans before the end of 2023 to benefit from the adjustment, and enroll in an IDR plan called Income-Contingent Repayment to continue making progress toward forgiveness.
Apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Borrowers eligible for PSLF are also eligible for the account adjustment; they can receive IDR loan forgiveness after just 10 years, or 120 eligible payments. PSLF-eligible borrowers with direct loans, including parent PLUS loans, will benefit automatically. Those with either federally or commercially managed FFELP loans must consolidate them into a direct consolidation loan by the end of 2023 to get PSLF credit under the account adjustment.
After the adjustment is applied to your account, you’ll see credit toward PSLF for any month after October 2007 during which you were in repayment and had qualifying employment.
“If you’ve applied or will apply for PSLF and certify your employment, you may see the benefits of this adjustment to your qualifying payment count,” writes the office of Federal Student Aid. Do so as soon as possible to ensure you benefit from the recount.
Check your state’s tax policy
The federal government won’t tax any debt forgiven as a result of the IDR account adjustment.
However, certain states, including Indiana and Mississippi, treat forgiven student loans as taxable earned income, and thus may tax the amount of forgiven debt you receive. The vast majority of states don’t do this, so check the rules in your state.
If you’re concerned about a state tax bill, you can opt out of loan forgiveness. You have 30 days to do so after you receive notice that your remaining debt will be forgiven under the IDR account adjustment. | https://phl17.com/nmw/more-student-loan-forgiveness-coming-for-longtime-borrowers/ | 2023-07-29T17:49:55 | 0 | https://phl17.com/nmw/more-student-loan-forgiveness-coming-for-longtime-borrowers/ |
(iSeeCars) — Most consumers know there are various electric vehicle tax credits available if they buy a new electric vehicle.
The original credit, officially known as the “Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit”, was instituted over a decade ago. It created a tax credit amount between $2,500 and $7,500 based on a specific qualifying vehicle’s battery capacity. There was also a 200,000-unit limit to how many zero-emissions electric cars a single manufacturer could sell before the credit would phase out and eventually be eliminated. Two automakers, General Motors and Tesla, had already hit this limit in recent years, with a few more getting very close in 2022
But the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has altered the existing rules for the federal tax credit, removing the 200,000 limit, extending the up-to-$7,500 credit through 2032…but also adding a new set of eligibility requirements based on the final assembly location of the vehicle and its battery components. New vehicle pricing and adjusted gross income requirements have also been enacted. The new rules are a reaction to China’s dominance in the EV space, a dominance President Biden and the U.S. Department of Energy would like to reverse by encouraging the production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and battery components in North America.
The Inflation Reduction Act – Pros and Cons
Encouraging the American production of clean vehicles, including plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), is commendable. However, the change in eligibility requirements could actually limit new vehicle tax credits more than the outgoing legislation. Let’s take a closer look at where this new legislation helps, and hurts, your chances at seeing a rebate.
Pros:
- No 200,000 Vehicle Limit per Manufacturer – which means brands like Cadillac, Chevrolet and Tesla will be back in the running for a $7,500 tax break, along with every other automaker selling EVs, PHEVs (with a battery of 7 kilowatt hours or larger), or FCEVs.
- Income and MSRP Restrictions – the previous legislation had no limit on household income or eligible vehicle pricing, which meant a lot of taxpayer money was spent helping millionaires get a $7,500 price break on their $100,000-plus Tesla. Starting on January 1st, 2023, the new legislation puts an MSRP limit of $80,000 on electric vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks, and a $55,000 MSRP limit on electric sedans, coupes, wagons, and convertibles. The IRS also puts a $150,000 annual income limit on single tax filers, a $225,000 limit on head-of-household filers, and a $300,000 limit on joint filers.
- Used EVs Count Too – For the first time ever, car buyers seeking a lower cost of entry into EV ownership don’t have to choose from pricier current or new model year vehicles. A tax credit on used vehicles, worth either $4,000 or 30% of the used EV’s sales price (whichever is lower) will be available on used models costing less than $25,000. This credit is only available to single filers below $75,000, head-of-household filers below $112,000, and joint filers of $150,000.
- Commercial Tax Credit – If you happen to be a business owner looking to go electric the new bill provides up to $7,500 for electric vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 14,000 pounds and up to $40,000 for vehicles with a GVWR above 14,000 pounds. The rebate is based on either 30 percent of the total vehicle cost, or the incremental cost of a commercial EV over the cost of an equivalent non-EV vehicle. For instance, the Ford F-150 Lightning has a starting MSRP of $46,974, but you can buy an equivalent crew-cab F-150 with an internal combustion engine for around $50,000. There’s no incremental cost to buying the Lightning, so a commercial buyer could only benefit from 30 percent of the truck’s $46,974 price (around $15,680).
- Point of Sale Price Reduction: Starting on January 1st, 2024, buyers can transfer their credit to the selling dealer, essentially providing an immediate reduction in the price of an EV during purchase versus waiting to receive the benefit as part of their next tax filing.
Cons:
- Final Assembly Must be in North America – Starting on August 17th, 2022, only plug-in electric vehicles assembled in North America are eligible for tax credits. As of this writing, that includes 26 EVs from model year 2022, but only 8 EVs from model year 2023. A vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) will be used to determine where a potential candidate was built. Popular EVs like the BMW 330e, Chevrolet Bolt, and Nissan Leaf have already been approved for model year 2023, and we’d expect other models assembled in Canada, Mexico, or the U.S. to be approved soon, including the Audi Q5, Ford Mustang Mach E, and every Rivian and Tesla model. However…
- Critical Mineral and Battery Component Requirements – Even if an electric vehicle is assembled in North America it will need to meet increasingly stringent battery requirements over the coming 5 years. Starting in 2023 an EV’s battery will need 40 percent of its critical minerals value to have been extracted or processed in the U.S. or a U.S. free-trade agreement partner to receive up to $3,750 in tax credits. This percentage will increase 10 percent a year, up to 80% of the battery’s critical mineral value in 2027 and beyond. Additionally, starting in 2023, 50 percent of the value of an EV battery’s components must be assembled in the U.S., increasing 10 percent a year until it reaches 100 percent in 2029.
The newest bill’s final assembly and critical mineral battery requirements are meant to shift the production of electric vehicles back toward the U.S. and its allies, and away from foreign entities of concern, including China. Given the supply chain issues we’ve experienced over the past 2 years this is a wise long-term goal. However, the time and resources needed to transplant the electric vehicle alternative fuels industry from the Asia Pacific region to the U.S are substantial.
Foreign automakers like Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota have already committed to high-volume North American vehicle production in recent decades. There’s every reason to believe they can relatively quickly do the same for their electric vehicle fleets to meet the final assembly requirement for successful new models not yet produced here, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Several automakers with smaller U.S. production capacity, including BMW, Volkswagen, and Volvo, also continue to expand their U.S. presence.
But battery production is an entirely different process compared to vehicle assembly. It involves significant investments in land assessment/exploration, permit applications, approval, mining, extraction, refining, etc. You can imagine the processes and time frame involved in, for instance, setting up a lithium mine in California. Investing in, and establishing, those capabilities will take several years at least, and could easily prove a limiting factor on how many new EVs can fully qualify for the latest tax credits under the current legislation.
More from iSeeCars:
- How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
- How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?
- Electric Cars with the Longest Range
If you’re in the market for a new or used electric vehicle you can search over 4 million used electric cars, SUVs, and trucks with iSeeCars’ award-winning car search engine that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, like the iSeeCars free VIN check report and Best Cars rankings. Filter by vehicle type, front or all-wheel drive, and other parameters in order to narrow down your car search.
This article, The New EV Tax Credits Explained, originally appeared on iSeeCars.com. | https://www.wane.com/automotive/ev-tax-credits-explained/ | 2023-07-29T17:49:59 | 0 | https://www.wane.com/automotive/ev-tax-credits-explained/ |
International Swifties, the “Eras Tour” is heading your way.
Taylor Swift will wrap up her U.S. leg of “The Eras Tour” on Aug. 9 and hit the road again on Aug. 24 to perform in Mexico.
She will then pick up her koi fish guitar and variety of “Eras” inspired outfits for the last time on Aug. 17 of 2024 in London, Great Britain.
International Swifties getting tickets for the “The Eras Tour” can expect to see opening acts, including Sabrina Carpenter and Paramore. More supporting acts will also be announced.
Compared to the prices for the U.S. “Eras Tour,” tickets are relatively cheaper for many of the international concerts with some tickets as low as $127. Fans will undoubtedly be scouring the secondary market over the next few weeks, hoping to snag the cheapest tickets they can.
Now, are you ready to scream “Long Live” and trade friendship bracelets with millions of fans from around the world?
Here is a list of all of Swift’s international tour dates and where to buy tickets on some of the secondary market sites.
Mexico City, Mexico (Aug. 24)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork
Mexico City, Mexico (Aug. 25)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Mexico City, Mexico (Aug. 26)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Mexico City, Mexico (Aug. 27)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Buenos Aires, Argentina (Nov. 9)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Buenos Aires, Argentina (Nov. 10)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Buenos Aires, Argentina (Nov. 11)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Nov. 17)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Nov. 18)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Nov. 19)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
São Paulo, Brazil (Nov. 24)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
São Paulo, Brazil (Nov. 25)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
São Paulo, Brazil (Nov. 26)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Tokyo, Japan (Feb. 7)
Tickets: StubHub
Tokyo, Japan (Feb. 8)
Tickets: StubHub
Tokyo, Japan (Feb. 9)
Tickets: StubHub
Tokyo, Japan (Feb. 10)
Tickets: StubHub
Melbourne, Australia (Feb. 16)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Melbourne, Australia (Feb. 17)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Melbourne, Australia (Feb. 18)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Sydney, Australia (Feb. 23)
Tickets: TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Sydney, Australia (Feb. 24)
Tickets: TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Sydney, Australia (Feb. 25)
Tickets: TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Sydney, Australia (Feb. 26)
Tickets: TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Singapore, Singapore (March 2)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Singapore, Singapore (March 3)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork
Singapore, Singapore (March 4)
Tickets: StubHub
Singapore, Singapore (March 7)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Singapore, Singapore (March 8)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Singapore, Singapore (March 9)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Paris, France (May 9)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Paris, France (May 10)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Paris, France (May 11)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Paris, France (May 12)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Stockholm, Sweden (May 17)
Tickets: StubHub
Stockholm, Sweden (May 18)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Stockholm, Sweden (May 19)
Tickets: StubHub
Lisbon, Portugal (May 24)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Lisbon, Portugal (May 25)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Madrid, Spain (May 30)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Lyon, France (June 2)
Tickets: TicketNetwork
Lyon, France (June 3)
Tickets: TicketNetwork
Edinburgh, United Kingdom (June 7)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Edinburgh, United Kingdom (June 8)
Tickets: StubHub | Vivid Seats
Edinburgh, United Kingdom (June 9)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketCity | Vivid Seats
Liverpool, United Kingdom (June 13)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketCity | Vivid Seats
Liverpool, United Kingdom (June 14)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Liverpool, United Kingdom (June 15)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Cardiff, United Kingdom (June 18)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
London, United Kingdom (June 21)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
London, United Kingdom (June 22)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
London, United Kingdom (June 23)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Dublin, Ireland (June 28)
Tickets: TicketNetwork
Dublin, Ireland (June 29)
Tickets: TicketNetwork
Dublin, Ireland (June 30)
Tickets: TicketNetwork
Amsterdam, Netherlands (July 4)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Amsterdam, Netherlands (July 5)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Amsterdam, Netherlands (July 6)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Zürich, Switzerland (July 9)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Zürich, Switzerland (July 10)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Milan, Italy (July 13)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketCity | Vivid Seats
Milan, Italy (July 14)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketCity | Vivid Seats
Gelsenkirchen, Germany (July 17)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Gelsenkirchen, Germany (July 18)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Gelsenkirchen, Germany (July 19)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Hamburg, Germany (July 23)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Hamburg, Germany (July 24)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Munich, Germany (July 27)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Munich, Germany (July 28)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketCity | Vivid Seats
Warsaw, Poland (Aug. 1)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Warsaw, Poland (Aug. 2)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Warsaw, Poland (Aug. 3)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Vienna, Austria (Aug. 8)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Vienna, Austria (Aug. 9)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
Vienna, Austria (Aug. 10)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
London, United Kingdom (Aug. 15)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
London, United Kingdom (Aug. 16)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
London, United Kingdom (Aug. 17)
Tickets: StubHub | TicketNetwork | Vivid Seats
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Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. | https://www.nj.com/live-entertainment/2023/07/taylor-swift-tour-2023-international-tour-schedule-dates-where-to-buy-tickets.html | 2023-07-29T17:49:59 | 1 | https://www.nj.com/live-entertainment/2023/07/taylor-swift-tour-2023-international-tour-schedule-dates-where-to-buy-tickets.html |
UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) – Kimberly Mata-Rubio, whose daughter Lexi was killed last year in the Robb Elementary School shooting, is planning to turn her grief into action, after announcing Thursday she will run for mayor of Uvalde, Texas, in an upcoming special election.
“This past year, it’s been so frustrating navigating our country’s political system, and sometimes you have to be the change you seek. So, here I am running for mayor,” Rubio told Nexstar.
The 34-year-old mother is looking to fill the soon-vacant seat held by Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin in an upcoming special election on Nov. 7.
McLaughlin has served as the South Texas town’s mayor since 2014, and has reached his term limit. He is now running to succeed Rep. Tracy King, D-Uvalde, in the Texas House.
Mata-Rubio shared news of her run for mayor Thursday. On social media, she addressed her daughter directly, explaining why she chose to take action.
“I grieve for the woman you would have become and all the difference you would have made in this world,” Mata-Rubio wrote. “I grieve for the woman I was when you were still here. But, one part of me still exist, I am still your mom. I will honor your life with action. This is only the beginning.”
Lexi, 10, was one of the 21 people killed at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022, in the nation’s second-deadliest school shooting. In the year since, Mata-Rubio has been a regular at the Texas Capitol and U.S. Capitol, advocating for tighter gun restrictions she believes will help prevent other parents from feeling her pain.
“Bridging the gap in our fractured community is my number one focus. And the reason being is because we cannot move on or forward without the entire community coming together,” she said. “And when I say moving on, I want to bring those two teachers and 19 students with me along on this journey. That’s the only way to do this. And the only way to move forward and they deserve that they’re part of this community as well.”
Mata-Rubio will face off against Cody Smith, a banker and former mayor of Uvalde, in the Nov. 7 special election. No other candidates have announced a bid for the seat. | https://phl17.com/nmw/mother-of-uvalde-shooting-victim-to-run-for-mayor-of-town/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:01 | 1 | https://phl17.com/nmw/mother-of-uvalde-shooting-victim-to-run-for-mayor-of-town/ |
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said Saturday that Sri Lanka is a key partner in a Tokyo-led initiative aimed at building security and economic cooperation around the Indo-Pacific but also at countering an increasingly assertive China.
Sri Lanka, strategically located in the Indian Ocean, is integral to realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific, Hayashi said. He was speaking after a meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Ali Sabry, in the capital, Colombo.
The initiative, announced by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in March includes Japan’s assistance to emerging economies, support for maritime security, a provision of coast guard patrol boats and equipment and other infrastructure cooperation.
Last year Sri Lanka, which owed $51 billion in foreign debt, became the first Asia-Pacific country since the late 1990s to default, sparking an economic crisis.
While Japan is Sri Lanka’s largest creditor, about 10% of its debt is held by China, which lent Colombo billions to build sea ports, airports and power plants as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. In March, China agreed to offer Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on loan repayments.
Hayashi said that he conveyed expectations for further progress in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process. He welcomed Sri Lanka’s efforts under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund, which includes anti-corruption measures and transparency in the policy-making process.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Sabry said that he, along with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, invited Japan to resume investment projects already in the pipeline and to consider fresh investments in sectors such as power generation, ports and highways, and dedicated investment zones, as well as in the green and digital economy.
Over many decades, Japan became one of Sri Lanka’s key donors, carrying out key projects under concessionary terms. However, relations between the two countries came under strain after Wickremesinghe’s predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa unilaterally scrapped a Japan-funded light railway project following his election in 2019.
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has already approved a proposal to restart the railway project.
Rajapaksa was forced to resign in July 2022 amid angry public protects over the country’s worst economic crisis. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/business/ap-with-one-eye-on-china-japan-backs-sri-lanka-as-a-partner-in-the-indo-pacific/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:01 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/business/ap-with-one-eye-on-china-japan-backs-sri-lanka-as-a-partner-in-the-indo-pacific/ |
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The city of San Francisco has opened a complaint and launched an investigation into a giant “X” sign that was installed Friday on top of the downtown building formerly known as Twitter headquarters.
The complaint comes as Twitter owner Elon Musk continues his rebrand of the social media platform.
City officials say replacing letters or symbols on buildings, or erecting a sign on top of one, requires a permit for design and safety reasons.
The X appeared after San Francisco police stopped workers on Monday from removing the brand’s iconic bird and logo from the side of the building, saying they hadn’t taped off the sidewalk to keep pedestrians safe if anything fell.
Any replacement letters or symbols would require a permit to ensure “consistency with the historic nature of the building” and to make sure additions are safely attached to the sign, Patrick Hannan, spokesperson for the Department of Building Inspection, said earlier this week.
Erecting a sign on top of a building also requires a permit, Hannan said Friday.
“Planning review and approval is also necessary for the installation of this sign. The city is opening a complaint and initiating an investigation,” he said in an email.
Musk unveiled a new “X” logo to replace Twitter’s famous blue bird as he remakes the social media platform he bought for $44 billion last year. The X started appearing at the top of the desktop version of Twitter on Monday.
Musk, who is also CEO of Tesla, has long been fascinated with the letter X and had already renamed Twitter’s corporate name to X Corp. after he bought it in October. One of his children is called “X,” though the child’s actual name is a collection of letters and symbols.
On Friday afternoon, a worker on a lift machine made adjustments to the sign and then left. | https://www.wane.com/entertainment-news/new-x-logo-atop-twitter-building-in-san-francisco-prompts-complaint-investigation-from-city/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:05 | 1 | https://www.wane.com/entertainment-news/new-x-logo-atop-twitter-building-in-san-francisco-prompts-complaint-investigation-from-city/ |
If you want an exclusive look at Barbie’s Dreamhouse, wardrobe or pink accessories, you can visit the Barbie Truck stopping in New Jersey this fall.
The truck is traveling the U.S. in honor of the live-action “Barbie” film on a “Dreamhouse Living Tour,” offering exclusive merchandise.
There are three types of merchandise available for sale. “Dream Wear” includes Barbie-themed denim jackets and other clothes bearing the Barbie logo.
“Life on the Go” includes Barbie-themed water bottles and mugs,. And “Playful Accessories” includes makeup cases, small handbags and other accessories.
But buyers take note: The Barbie Truck only takes credit cards.
The Barbie Truck will make an appearance at three locations in New Jersey in fall 2023. It will first stop at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus on Saturday, Sept. 30.
Then, it will stop at Menlo Park Mall in Edison on Saturday, Oct. 7, and Cherry Hill Mall on Saturday, Oct. 14.
You can find the full list of tour dates and locations here.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. | https://www.nj.com/shopping-deals/2023/07/barbie-truck-stopping-in-nj-on-national-tour.html | 2023-07-29T17:50:05 | 0 | https://www.nj.com/shopping-deals/2023/07/barbie-truck-stopping-in-nj-on-national-tour.html |
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The city of San Francisco has opened a complaint and launched an investigation into a giant “X” sign that was installed Friday on top of the downtown building formerly known as Twitter headquarters.
The complaint comes as Twitter owner Elon Musk continues his rebrand of the social media platform.
City officials say replacing letters or symbols on buildings, or erecting a sign on top of one, requires a permit for design and safety reasons.
The X appeared after San Francisco police stopped workers on Monday from removing the brand’s iconic bird and logo from the side of the building, saying they hadn’t taped off the sidewalk to keep pedestrians safe if anything fell.
Any replacement letters or symbols would require a permit to ensure “consistency with the historic nature of the building” and to make sure additions are safely attached to the sign, Patrick Hannan, spokesperson for the Department of Building Inspection, said earlier this week.
Erecting a sign on top of a building also requires a permit, Hannan said Friday.
“Planning review and approval is also necessary for the installation of this sign. The city is opening a complaint and initiating an investigation,” he said in an email.
Musk unveiled a new “X” logo to replace Twitter’s famous blue bird as he remakes the social media platform he bought for $44 billion last year. The X started appearing at the top of the desktop version of Twitter on Monday.
Musk, who is also CEO of Tesla, has long been fascinated with the letter X and had already renamed Twitter’s corporate name to X Corp. after he bought it in October. One of his children is called “X,” though the child’s actual name is a collection of letters and symbols.
On Friday afternoon, a worker on a lift machine made adjustments to the sign and then left. | https://phl17.com/nmw/new-x-logo-atop-twitter-building-in-san-francisco-prompts-complaint-investigation-from-city/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:07 | 0 | https://phl17.com/nmw/new-x-logo-atop-twitter-building-in-san-francisco-prompts-complaint-investigation-from-city/ |
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Four air crew members were missing after an Australian army helicopter ditched into waters off the Queensland state coast during joint military exercises with the United States, officials said Saturday.
The MRH-90 Taipan helicopter went down near Lindeman Island, a Great Barrier Reef tourist resort, at about 11 p.m. Friday, exercise director Australian Army Brigadier Damian Hill said.
A search involving U.S., Canadian and Australian personnel was underway to find the crew who are all Australian men, officials said.
Debris that appeared to be from a helicopter had been recovered, Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Douglas McDonald said.
The Taipan was taking part in Talisman Sabre, a biennial joint U.S.-Australian military exercise that is largely based in Queensland. This year’s exercise involves 13 nations and more than 30,000 military personnel.
Defense Minister Richard Marles said the helicopter ditched, which refers to an emergency landing on water.
“Defense exercises, which are so necessary for the readiness of our defense force, are serious. They carry risk,” Marles told reporters in Brisbane. “As we desperately hope for better news during the course of this day we are reminded about the gravity of the act which comes with wearing our nation’s uniform.”
Hill said the exercise was postponed on Saturday morning but had restarted limited activity later in the day. Australia had grounded its Taipan fleet as a precaution, Hill said.
It was the second emergency involving an Australian Taipan this year, after one ditched into the sea off the New South Wales state coast in March. That helicopter was taking part in a nighttime counterterrorism training exercise when it ran into trouble. All 10 passengers and crew members were rescued.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in Brisbane for a meeting on Saturday and is due to travel with Marles to north Queensland on Sunday to see the exercise.
Austin and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid tribute to the missing air crew at the outset of a meeting with their Australian counterparts, Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
“It’s always tough when you have accidents in training, but … the reason that we train to such high standards is so that we can be successful and we can protect lives when we are called to answer any kind of crisis,” Austin said.
“Our guys tend to make this look easy and they make it look easy because they’re so well exercised and rehearsed and trained, and this is unfortunately a part of that, what it takes to get them to where we need them to be,” Austin added.
Blinken said, “We’re so grateful to them for their dedication, for their service, for everything they’ve been doing to stand up for the freedom that we share and that is what unites us more than anything else.”
Marles thanked the United States for their contribution to the search and rescue effort.
The missing helicopter had just dropped off two Australian commandos before it hit the water, Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
Australia announced in January that its army and navy would stop flying the European-built Taipans by December 2024, 13 years earlier than originally planned, because they had proven unreliable. They will be replaced by 40 U.S. Black Hawks. Marles said at the time the Lockheed Martin-designed Black Hawks “have a really good proven track record in terms of their reliability.”
Australia’s Taipans had been plagued by problems since the first helicopter arrived in the country in 2007.
Australia’s entire fleet of 47 Taipans was grounded in 2019 to fix a problem with their tail rotor blades. A year later, 27 Taipans were grounded because of a problem with doors.
___
Find more of AP’s Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-4-air-crew-members-are-missing-after-australian-army-helicopter-ditched-off-australias-coast/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:08 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-4-air-crew-members-are-missing-after-australian-army-helicopter-ditched-off-australias-coast/ |
Former President Trump’s outsized influence is already being felt in GOP Senate primaries, underscoring his grip on the party even as he faces numerous primary challengers in the 2024 White House race.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who’s running to replace Sen. Sherrod Brown (D), endorsed Trump’s presidential bid earlier this week. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R), who’s running to unseat Sen. Joe Manchin (D), did the same — prompting his GOP primary rival Alex Mooney to point out that he had come out in support of Trump last year.
And prior to officially jumping into Montana’s contested Senate race last month, former Navy SEAL and businessman Tim Sheehy said he supports Trump “100 percent.”
The public show of support for the former president is just the latest example of the political sway he continues to hold over Republicans, and could serve as a headache for party leaders who want the GOP to move on from him.
“Donald Trump continues to be the biggest elephant in the Republican tent,” said Mark Weaver, an Ohio-based Republican strategist. “Republican voters still want to see him as our party’s leader.”
One Republican strategist described the strategy of endorsing Trump as “the path of least resistance.”
“In order to take back the Senate, you’ve got to win a couple of these key seats, and the only way to win back these key seats is to make it through the primary unscathed,” the strategist said.
Some strategists see the endorsements as a sign of how the presidential primary is likely to shake out.
“This is a greater sign than ever before that Trump is most likely going to win the Republican nomination despite the noise in the media,” said Republican strategist Ford O’Connell.
“Endorsing Trump at this stage is one of the safest things a candidate could do,” he added. “This is more about the candidates trying to cozy up to him.”
The eagerness from some Senate Republican hopefuls to embrace the former president comes after many of Trump’s endorsed candidates performed poorly in their general elections last cycle.
“Former President Trump’s endorsement continues to be a boon in a primary and a bane in a general election,” Weaver said.
The National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee (NRSC) is also taking a different approach in the 2024 cycle by playing a more hands-on role in some primaries. Like Trump, the committee’s Chairman Steve Daines (R-Mont.) has thrown his support behind Justice in West Virginia’s Republican Senate primary.
While there has been tension and disagreement between Trump and Senate leadership, particularly on Trump’s unfounded claims that he won the 2020 presidential election, Daines has said he is working with the former president ahead of 2024.
“We chat frequently. And he’s very thoughtful right now looking at these races. He understands it’s important we have candidates that can win,” Daines told CBS News in an interview earlier this month. “If you notice, there hasn’t been a wave of endorsements coming out so far, because I think we’re having these thoughtful conversations and getting on the same page.”
Trump has endorsed in less competitive GOP Senate primaries, like in Indiana, where he threw his support behind Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) a day after former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) announced that he would not run for the seat and after the NRSC endorsed Banks.
And earlier this month, CNN reported that Trump told Mooney in West Virginia and potential Senate candidate Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) that he would not endorse them. Daines has endorsed Sheehy in Montana.
Democrats, meanwhile, are seeking to use Trump’s endorsement against him in the general election, harkening back to Republican losses in 2022.
“Trump is looming over Senate Republicans’ primaries and making the GOP’s nasty infighting even worse,” said Tommy Garcia, a spokesperson for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “As Republican candidates fight for Trump’s favor, they’re showing the voters who will decide the general election in their states why they should be rejected in 2024.”
And not every Republican running for Senate is immediately tying themselves to the former president. In Nevada, Sam Brown, who has been endorsed by Daines, has yet to endorse Trump despite volunteering for his campaign in 2020. His primary opponent Jim Marchant, on the other hand, has endorsed Trump. Marchant has also said Brown is the GOP establishment’s choice, pointing to his endorsement from the NRSC.
“Mitch McConnell & the establishment needed a candidate & found him in Sam Brown,” Marchant said in a tweet earlier this month. “We see Reagan’s ‘bold-colored differences’ between DC & the real America.”
Weaver noted that while more anti-establishment candidates may try to use this attack line, there’s still much to be gained from an endorsement from the Senate GOP campaign arm.
“Being endorsed by the Washington establishment can bring valuable contributions from interest groups around the country, but it can also bring some criticism for being too close to the Beltway,” he said.
Others caution that endorsements should not be seen as integral to the success of a campaign.
“Ultimately these candidates have got to focus on their message and they’ve got to focus on having the resources to disseminate their message,” the GOP strategist said. “They need to be able to actually run a functional campaign and no endorsement is going to matter if those things aren’t done,” the strategist added. | https://www.wane.com/hill-politics/trumps-role-in-gop-senate-primaries-underscores-his-strength/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:11 | 0 | https://www.wane.com/hill-politics/trumps-role-in-gop-senate-primaries-underscores-his-strength/ |
“The Great American Bash: NXT” will air on Sunday, July 30. You can watch live as it airs on Peacock (free trial).
The event will take place at the the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park in the Austin town of Cedar Park, Texas, with the main show beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
Here’s what you need to know to watch “The Great American Bash: NXT″ online as it airs.
When is WWE The Great American Bash: NXT 2023?
“The Great American Bash: NXT” will be live, and available to watch via Peacock (free trial), on Sunday, July 30.
What time does ‘WWE The Great American Bash: NXT′ start?
“The Great American Bash: NXT” main event will begin in full at 8 p.m. eastern time.
How do I watch ‘WWE The Great American Bash: NXT′?
“The Great American Bash: NXT″ will be available to watch on Peacock (free trial) live as it airs. Because Peacock is now the official home of the WWE, this will be the only place to watch the event, whether live or on-demand.
Peacock is a must-have if you’re interested in watching any future WWE events, whether that includes “WrestleMania” itself or later highlights of the 2023 calendar like “Clash at the Castle.” There will be no other way to view these events.
What matches will be featured in ‘WWE The Great American Bash: NXT′?
The night will feature both some of the year’s biggest matches, all as part of the “The Great American Bash: NXT” chronology, and the high point of several of its storylines.
The declared matches for “The Great American Bash: NXT″ are currently all available to view here.
Among them will be Dragon Lee, Nathan Frazer, Yulisa León, and Valentina Feroz vs. The Meta-Four.
How do I subscribe to the WWE Network on Peacock?
You can sign up for a Peacock subscription by going here.
Here’s a look at “WWE The Great American Bash: NXT,” courtesy of the WWE’s official YouTube channel:
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Joseph Rejent covers TV, writing about live television, streaming services and cord-cutting. He can be reached at jrejent@njadvancemedia.com. | https://www.nj.com/tv/2023/07/how-do-i-watch-the-great-american-bash-nxt-2023-how-do-i-live-stream.html | 2023-07-29T17:50:12 | 0 | https://www.nj.com/tv/2023/07/how-do-i-watch-the-great-american-bash-nxt-2023-how-do-i-live-stream.html |
HUARINA, Bolivia (AP) — A 70-year-old man’s feet sink into the soil as he passes abandoned boats where there used to be the water of Lake Titicaca. The highest navigable lake in the world has receded to what Bolivian authorities say are critically low levels due to a persistent drought.
“It’s completely dry,” Jaime Mamani said in exasperation while walking along the new shoreline in Huarina, a farming town 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of La Paz where he is a community leader.
The National Service of Naval Hydrography declared an alert this week for the iconic lake after its surface fell 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) below the drought warning stage, or 3,807.8 meters (12492.7 feet) above sea level. But the agency says this is just the beginning of a situation that is worrying Indigenous Aymara communities that rely on the lake for their livelihoods and fear the dry spell could permanently impact the region’s flora and fauna.
The hydrology unit of Bolivia’s navy warned that water levels could reach historically low levels in the coming months. By December, there is a “high probability” Lake Titicaca will be 64 centimeters (more than 25 inches) below the drought alert level, breaking a low water record set in 1998 by 33 centimeters (almost 13 inches).
“In three months, the water has decreased by 30 centimeters (11.8 inches), and considering that radiation is much stronger during this time of the year … we expect it to keep decreasing,” Carlos Carrasco, a hydraulic engineer for the hydrography service said.
The drought is the result of a combination of factors, including natural phenomena like La Niña and El Niño, which arrived unusually early this year and have been particularly strong due in part to climate change, according to Lucía Walper, who heads up the Hydrological Forecasting Unit at Bolivia’s National Meteorology and Hydrology Service.
But the vast lake is vital for this region of the Bolivian highlands, where hundreds of Aymara rural communities have relied on the blue body of water for millennia to practice subsistence farming and raise livestock.
Authorities in the Peruvian city of Puno also issued a warning about the declining water levels and expressed concern about the potential impact on tourism.
“We’re reaching a critical point. There will be a significant loss of water,” said Juan José Ocola, president of the Binational Authority of Lake Titicaca. The lake serves as the border between Bolivia and Peru.
Mateo Vargas, 56, a fisherman who has lived off the Lake Titicaca for 28 years, said he used to catch “lots” of fish daily. Now he considers himself lucky if he can catch six.
Vargas’ wife, Justina Condori, shares his concerns.
“The fish have vanished,” Condori, 58, said, predicting there will be famine if the current conditions persist.
Condori makes a living by renting boats to tourists. She worries fewer people will come to visit the lake, which at an elevation of 3,810 meters above sea level, is the largest body of freshwater in the Andes mountain range.
Evidence of the receding lake is seemingly everywhere. Women who sell fried fish and other snacks by the lake face rising costs for ingredients. Those who make a living transporting people from one side of the lake to the other are altering their routes because their rafts and boats no longer reach their usual docks.
Livestock farmers who rely on the plants that grow on the shores of the Titicaca to feed their animals are also seeing their livelihoods threatened.
The economic hardship is causing many residents of Huarina to migrate to other areas of the country, leaving behind mostly older townspeople, Mamani said. The waters of the Titicaca have always been shallow around the town, so the drought is even more visible there.
“There is a detriment to the economy of the inhabitants of the region,” he said.
Vargas, the fisherman, is also concerned about what the declining water levels will mean for the future.
“It looks like it will continue to decrease, day by day,” he said. “We’re worried because if we continue like this, what’s going to happen to our children?”
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the climate and environment at https://apnews.com/climate-and-environment | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-a-drought-alert-for-receding-lake-titicaca-has-indigenous-communities-worried-for-their-future/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:14 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-a-drought-alert-for-receding-lake-titicaca-has-indigenous-communities-worried-for-their-future/ |
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — Harvester Homecoming is back in Fort Wayne for 2023 with more exciting events to honor the International Harvester heritage.
Harvester Homecoming takes place on August 4 and 5 with a focus on all vehicles International Harvester from semis to the first vehicle built by the company.
This year the festival will feature the first-ever Scout that’s fully restored as well as the unveiling of a vintage trailer, designed by 6 local companies.
The registration fee is $45 and it can be completed online prior to the event or even at the doors of the event. The event is open to the public with a $5 cost to park, which is donated back to the event coordinators.
For more information about the event head to Harvester Homecoming’s website. | https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/harvester-homecoming-festival-rolling-back-to-fort-wayne/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:17 | 1 | https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/harvester-homecoming-festival-rolling-back-to-fort-wayne/ |
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — The African Union has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the junta in Niger to reinstall the country’s democratically elected government just as the coup leaders met with senior civil servants to discuss how they would run the country and as the U.S. and the European Union threatened sanctions against the regime.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Toumba, one of the soldiers who ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on Wednesday, told state television that the junta met with civil servants on Friday and asked them to continue their work as usual following the suspension of the constitution. “The message given was not to stop the processes underway, to keep on with things,” said Brig. Gen. Toumba.
“Everything that must be done will be done,” he said, signaling the intention of the regime led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, who also goes by Omar, to remain in power.
After its meeting on Friday, the African Union Peace and Security Council said it was concerned by the “alarming resurgence” of coups that undermine democracy and stability on the continent. It asked the soldiers to “return immediately and unconditionally to their barracks and restore constitutional authority, within a maximum of fifteen (15) days.”
Bazoum, whose condition and that of his officials remains unknown since the government was overthrown, should also be released immediately and unconditionally, the AU said. Failure to do so would compel the bloc to take “necessary action, including punitive measures against the perpetrators.”
On the streets of the Nigerien capital Niamey on Saturday, things appeared to be returning to normal, though many in the international community were still on lockdown with hotels full of foreigners, many given instructions not to leave.
Locals say they’re waiting to see what unfolds, with many still in support of Bazoum who has not yet resigned. “I’m with him, he does a good work. (But) what can we do?” said Mohamed Cisse, a street seller. “This is (the new leader’s) time, Bazoum’s time is over,” he said.
Tchiani, the junta leader and commander of Niger’s presidential guard, is close to former Nigerien president Mahamadou Issoufou, who stepped down in 2021 after a decade in office. Tchiani’s takeover of power will reinforce speculation that Issoufou is behind the coup, said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a German think tank and consultancy.
The U.S. threatened to halt its economic support to Niger while the European Union announced the immediate indefinite suspension of budgetary support and security assistance.
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who is in Australia as part of a Pacific tour, estimated America’s economic and security partnership with Niger at hundreds of millions of dollars and said its continuity depends on “the continuation of the democratic governance and constitutional order.”
“So that assistance, that support, is in clear jeopardy as a result of these actions, which is another reason why they need to be immediately reversed,” Blinken said.
While there are no signs of the junta backing down amid growing international pressure, analysts called for synergy in the interventions of the international community and continental organizations such as the AU and the regional bloc of ECOWAS, which is scheduled to meet over the coup on Sunday.
A successful coup in Niger and the sanctions in the aftermath could cause more hardship for millions of poor and hungry people in West Africa and could further threaten international relations with the region, which is seeing a resurgence of coups in recent years, according to Idayat Hassan, senior Africa program fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
“A non-reversal of the coup also means that we are defining a new world order in West Africa in particular as you are pitching the west and other countries against few military regimes which may be backed by Russia,” said Hassan.
———
Asadu reported from Abuja, Nigeria. Baba Ahmed in Bamako, Mali contributed. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-african-union-gives-15-day-ultimatum-to-niger-junta-to-end-regime-but-soldiers-seek-continuity/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:20 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-african-union-gives-15-day-ultimatum-to-niger-junta-to-end-regime-but-soldiers-seek-continuity/ |
(NerdWallet) – On July 14, 804,000 longtime student loan borrowers began receiving word that their $39 billion in remaining debt would be forgiven as the result of the Education Department’s income-driven repayment (IDR) account adjustment. This one-time program, first announced in April 2022 to repair past missteps in the IDR system, is counting more past repayment periods toward income-driven repayment (IDR) forgiveness. Many borrowers will be at least three years closer to IDR forgiveness — and some will automatically see their loans forgiven altogether.
“At the start of this Administration, millions of borrowers had earned loan forgiveness but never received it. That’s unacceptable,” Department of Education Under Secretary James Kvaal said in a July 14 press release announcing the news. “Today we are holding up the bargain we offered borrowers who have completed decades of repayment.”
This is just the tip of the iceberg. More than 4.4 million borrowers have been repaying their loans for at least 20 years, and 2.3 million of these borrowers have never defaulted or been delinquent on their loans, according to April 2021 Education Department data provided to Sen. Elizabeth Warren. However, there’s not yet a final count of total borrowers who will receive the IDR account adjustment forgiveness, says Mike Pierce, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC).
While the Supreme Court recently struck down President Joe Biden’s up-to-$20,000 student debt cancellation plan, no one has challenged this account adjustment since it was introduced in April 2022, and future legal roadblocks are highly unlikely, Pierce says.
“If I were a borrower, I would feel pretty good about this happening, but you know, we never say never,” Pierce says. “This is something that has never been put in front of a federal judge, and we have not seen any signs that it’s going to.”
All this is occurring as borrowers gear up for student loan payments to resume in October. Here’s what you need to know about the next waves of loan forgiveness under the IDR account adjustment and what qualified borrowers can do to prepare for it.
When will IDR adjustments be made?
The Education Department said it will notify waves of loan forgiveness recipients about every two months. Since the first major batch was announced on July 14, borrowers can expect the next announcement by mid-September.
The department plans to apply the account adjustment by the end of 2023 to all borrowers who’ve reached enough payments for forgiveness; all other borrowers will receive at least three additional years of credit toward IDR loan forgiveness in 2024.
Will I get IDR account adjustment forgiveness?
To find out whether you’ll receive loan forgiveness under the one-time IDR account adjustment, you must count your past payments yourself.
Generally, borrowers with undergraduate loans will receive loan forgiveness if they’ve made at least 240 monthly student loan payments, and those with some graduate loans will reach forgiveness if they’ve made at least 300 payments, Pierce says.
From July 1994 onward, the adjustment counts the following periods toward the 240 or 300 payments needed to reach forgiveness:
- Any month a borrower was in repayment, even if the payments were late or partial. The type of repayment plan also doesn’t matter.
- Time spent in forbearance, either periods lasting 12 or more consecutive months or a cumulative 36 or more months.
- Any month spent in deferment other than in-school deferment before 2013.
- Any month spent in economic hardship or military deferments on or after Jan. 1, 2013.
- Any months in repayment, forbearance or a qualifying deferment before a loan consolidation.
Months spent in default will generally not be included in the recount, though borrowers who enroll in the temporary Fresh Start program to get out of default will get IDR credit from March 2020 through the date they leave default.
Log in to your Federal Student Aid (FSA) account at StudentAid.gov to see how long you’ve been in repayment. To see detailed information, including descriptions of the specific forbearance or deferment periods, request your account history from your servicer.
How to prepare for the IDR account adjustment
The loan forgiveness will be largely automatic for most eligible federal borrowers with older direct loans, federally held Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans and parent PLUS loans. These borrowers don’t need to take any action to qualify or receive loan forgiveness.
“The good news is, for most people, you don’t actually need to be an expert on this program to benefit from it,” Pierce says. “If you have a loan that’s owned by the Department of Education, it’s just gonna work for you.”
But there are some small steps you can take to be proactive.
Update your contact information
Regardless of the type of federal student loans you have, check that your current contact information is listed in both your FSA and servicer accounts. While you’re at it, make sure you still have the password to these accounts, and reset your login credentials if needed.
Forty-four percent of federal borrowers were transferred to a new servicer during the pandemic payment pause, according to a June estimate from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, so now is also a good time to see if your servicer changed.
You’ll likely be notified by email if and when your loans are forgiven under the IDR account adjustment, but student loan communications may also arrive by mail.
Consolidate commercially managed federal loans
Some federal loans are not held by the government, but by a private entity. Borrowers with these commercially managed federal loans won’t benefit from the recount automatically — they’ll need to consolidate these loans to qualify. The account adjustment will count periods of repayment prior to consolidation toward IDR forgiveness.
Commercially held loans include certain FFELP loans, Perkins loans and Health Education Assistance Loan (HEAL) Program loans. You can see what type of loans you have on the dashboard of your FSA account or servicer portal.
You have until the end of 2023 to consolidate commercially held loans, but don’t delay. The full consolidation process can take from 30 to 60 days, Pierce says. Get started by submitting a direct loan consolidation application on the Federal Student Aid office website.
Consolidate newer parent PLUS loans
Parent PLUS loans are included in the IDR account adjustment. If you reach 300 payments — or 120 payments if you’re eligible for PSLF — your parent PLUS debt will be discharged automatically this year, regardless of whether or not your PLUS loans are consolidated.
But if you have fewer payments than that, you’ll need to act. Consolidate your parent PLUS loans before the end of 2023 to benefit from the adjustment, and enroll in an IDR plan called Income-Contingent Repayment to continue making progress toward forgiveness.
Apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Borrowers eligible for PSLF are also eligible for the account adjustment; they can receive IDR loan forgiveness after just 10 years, or 120 eligible payments. PSLF-eligible borrowers with direct loans, including parent PLUS loans, will benefit automatically. Those with either federally or commercially managed FFELP loans must consolidate them into a direct consolidation loan by the end of 2023 to get PSLF credit under the account adjustment.
After the adjustment is applied to your account, you’ll see credit toward PSLF for any month after October 2007 during which you were in repayment and had qualifying employment.
“If you’ve applied or will apply for PSLF and certify your employment, you may see the benefits of this adjustment to your qualifying payment count,” writes the office of Federal Student Aid. Do so as soon as possible to ensure you benefit from the recount.
Check your state’s tax policy
The federal government won’t tax any debt forgiven as a result of the IDR account adjustment.
However, certain states, including Indiana and Mississippi, treat forgiven student loans as taxable earned income, and thus may tax the amount of forgiven debt you receive. The vast majority of states don’t do this, so check the rules in your state.
If you’re concerned about a state tax bill, you can opt out of loan forgiveness. You have 30 days to do so after you receive notice that your remaining debt will be forgiven under the IDR account adjustment. | https://www.wane.com/news/more-student-loan-forgiveness-coming-for-longtime-borrowers/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:23 | 1 | https://www.wane.com/news/more-student-loan-forgiveness-coming-for-longtime-borrowers/ |
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Salvage crews were preparing Saturday to tow a car-carrying cargo ship that has been burning for days to an anchor point in the North Sea after flames and smoke on board subsided, the Dutch government said.
Fire erupted in the Fremantle Highway late Tuesday night near a chain of islands in the northern Netherlands and has been blazing ever since. The ship is carrying 3,783 new vehicles, including 498 electric vehicles, the company that chartered the vessel said.
One crew member died and others were injured after the fire broke out on the ship that was heading from Bremerhaven in Germany to Singapore. The crew was evacuated in the early hours of Wednesday. The cause of the fire has not been established.
Measurements Friday showed that heat, flames and smoke had subsided enough for salvage experts to board the ship for the first time and establish a strong towing connection with a tugboat, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management said.
It will be towed, likely over the weekend, to a new position 16 kilometers (10 miles) north of the island of Schiermonnikoog , the ministry said in a statement. The timing of the operation that is expected to take 12-14 hours depends on smoke development and weather, the ministry added. The aim is ultimately “once conditions on board allow,” to tow the ship to a port, though the destination has not yet been decided.
The ministry said the ship is stable and intact below the waterline.
The burning vessel is close to the shallow Wadden Sea, a World Heritage-listed area that is considered one of the world’s most significant habitats for migratory birds. It’s also near the Netherlands’ border with Germany, whose environment minister, Steffi Lemke, has warned of “an environmental catastrophe of unknown proportions,” if the ship were to sink. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-burning-cargo-ship-off-dutch-coast-will-be-towed-to-a-new-location-after-flames-and-smoke-subsided/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:27 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-burning-cargo-ship-off-dutch-coast-will-be-towed-to-a-new-location-after-flames-and-smoke-subsided/ |
BAGHDAD (AP) — The leader of Lebanon’s Shiite militant group Hezbollah said Saturday that if governments of Muslim-majority nations do not act against countries that allow the desecration of the Quran, Muslims should “punish” those who facilitate attacks on Islam’s holy book.
The comments by Hassan Nasrallah came in a video address to tens of thousands gathered in Beirut’s southern suburbs to mark Ashoura, a Shiite holy day commemorating the 7th century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussein.
Nasrallah often uses religious occasions to send political messages to followers, and on Saturday slammed recent incidents in which the Quran was burned or otherwise desecrated at authorized demonstrations in Sweden and Denmark.
He said Muslims should watch for the outcome of an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, scheduled to take place in Baghdad on Monday to discuss the organization’s response to the Quran burnings.
The organization and its member states should “send a firm, decisive and unequivocal message to these governments that any repeat of the attacks will be met with a boycott,” Nasrallah said. If they do not, he said, Muslim youth should “punish the desecrators.”
He did not elaborate what such a boycott and punishment should entail.
Members of the crowd, who carried banners with religious slogans alongside the flags of Hezbollah, Lebanon and Palestine, chanted, “Oh, Quran, we are at your service; Oh, Hussein, we are at your service.”
Shiites represent over 10% of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims and view Hussein as the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Hussein’s death in battle at the hands of Sunnis at Karbala, south of Baghdad, ingrained a deep rift in Islam and continues to this day to play a key role in shaping Shiite identity.
Millions of Shiite Muslims in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and around the world on Friday commemorated Ashoura, while Saturday marked the culmination of the observances in countries such as Lebanon, Iraq and Syria.
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gathered in the Iraqi city of Karbala, where Hussein is entombed in a gold-domed shrine. In the streets of the Baghdad suburb of Sadr City, mourners gathered to watch reenactments of the Battle of Karbala and Hussein’s death.
In the streets, young men clad in black and white slashed their heads with swords and knives to demonstrate their grief. Friends swabbed each other’s heads with tissues and handed each other water.
In Syria’s capital, Damascus, the crowds were mourning not only the death of Hussein but a deadly attack in the suburb of Sayida Zeinab, home to a shrine to Zeinab, the daughter of the first Shiite imam, Ali, and granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad.
A bomb hidden in a motorcycle exploded there on Thursday, killing at least six people and wounding dozens more. On Tuesday, another bomb in a motorcycle had wounded two people.
On Friday, the Islamic State group — a Sunni militant group that often targets Shiites — claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying Thursday’s bombing came “during their annual polytheistic rituals.” The group’s extreme interpretation of Islam holds Shiite Muslims to be apostates.
___
Associated Press writers Anmar Khalil in Karbala, Iraq, and Hassan Ammar in Beirut contributed to this report. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-lebanons-hezbollah-leader-urges-muslims-to-punish-quran-desecrators-if-governments-fail-to-do-so/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:33 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-lebanons-hezbollah-leader-urges-muslims-to-punish-quran-desecrators-if-governments-fail-to-do-so/ |
TALLINN, Estonia (AP) —
A 9-year-old girl and her 10-year-old brother have been called as witnesses in a criminal case against their mother after she was accused of repeatedly “discrediting” the Russian army.
Lidia Prudovskaya and her two children were summoned by investigators in the northern Russian region of Arkhangelsk on Friday to give testimony in the case, Russian news outlet Sota reported.
Prudovskaya previously faced administrative charges on similar allegations after sharing anti-war posts on Russian social media platform VKontakte in September 2022.
Discrediting the Russian military is a criminal offense under a law adopted after Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. The law is regularly used against Kremlin critics.
In April, Russian authorities petitioned to restrict the parental rights of a single father convicted of discrediting the army following an anti-war sketch drawn by his daughter at school.
Alexei Moskalyov, 54, was sentenced to two years in prison for social media comments he had made criticizing Moscow’s war in Ukraine, while his daughter Maria was placed in an orphanage.
The 13-year-old was later moved to live with her mother. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-russian-investigators-call-children-as-witnesses-against-their-mother-accused-of-discrediting-army/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:39 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-russian-investigators-call-children-as-witnesses-against-their-mother-accused-of-discrediting-army/ |
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombian police arrested the president’s son Saturday as part of a high-profile money laundering probe into funds he allegedly collected from convicted drug traffickers during last year’s presidential campaign.
President Gustavo Petro, a former rebel who rose through Colombia’s political ranks as an anti-corruption crusader, said he wouldn’t interfere with the investigation.
“As an individual and father, it pains me to see so much self destruction and one of my sons going to jail,” Petro said in an early morning message on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “As president of the republic, I’ve assured the chief prosecutor’s office that it will have all of the guarantees so it can proceed according to the law.”
The arrest of Nicolas Petro is a major blow to the government, which has been buffeted by conservative attacks from day one at the same time it has struggled to maintain bipartisan support for Colombia in the U.S., a longtime ally in the war on drugs and fight against illegal armed groups.
The investigation stems from shocking declarations made by Nicolas Petro’s ex-wife, Daysuris del Carmen Vasquez, to local media outlet Semana earlier this year.
In the extended interview, Vasquez detailed how she was present at meetings when her husband arranged a donation of more than 600 million pesos (around $150,000) from a politician once convicted in Washington of drug trafficking and who was seeking the Petro campaign’s support to resume his political career.
She said President Petro was unaware of her son’s dealings and the money he collected in his campaign’s name was kept inside a safe inside the couple’s home in the coastal city of Barranquilla.
Nicolas Petro has denied his ex wife’s claims as unfounded.
The chief prosecutor’s office said in a statement that Nicolas Petro and his ex-wife were taken into custody on orders of a court in Bogota around 6 a.m. local time Saturday. It said that once brought before a judge, prosecutors would seek their provisional detention as it investigates the two for money laundering. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-son-of-colombias-president-arrested-as-part-of-money-laundering-probe/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:45 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-son-of-colombias-president-arrested-as-part-of-money-laundering-probe/ |
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday pushed back against Australian demands for an end to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s prosecution, saying the Australian citizen was accused of “very serious criminal conduct” in publishing a trove of classified documents more than a decade ago.
Australia’s center-left Labor Party government has been arguing since winning the elections last year that the United States should end its pursuit of the 52-year-old, who has spent four years in a British prison fighting extradition to the United States.
Assange’s freedom is widely seen as a test of Australia’s leverage with President Joe Biden’s administration.
Blinken confirmed on Saturday that Assange had been discussed in annual talks with Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Brisbane, Australia.
“I understand the concerns and views of Australians. I think it’s very important that our friends here understand our concerns about this matter,” Blinken told reporters.
“Mr. Assange was charged with very serious criminal conduct in the United States in connection with his alleged role in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of our country,” he added.
Wong said Assange’s prosecution had “dragged for too long” and that Australia wanted the charges “brought to a conclusion.”
Australia remains ambiguous about whether the United States should drop the prosecution or strike a plea bargain.
Assange faces 17 charges of espionage and one charge of computer misuse over WikiLeaks’ publication of of hundreds of thousands of classified diplomatic and military documents in 2010.
American prosecutors allege he helped U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal classified diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks later published, putting lives at risk.
Australia argues there is a “disconnect” between the U.S. treatment of Assange and Manning. Then-U.S. President Barack Obama commuted Manning’s 35-year sentence to seven years, which allowed her release in 2017. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-us-secretary-of-state-tells-australia-that-wikileaks-founder-is-accused-of-very-serious-crime/ | 2023-07-29T17:50:52 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/international/ap-us-secretary-of-state-tells-australia-that-wikileaks-founder-is-accused-of-very-serious-crime/ |
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WJZY) – A “weld indication” has been discovered on the Fury 325 coaster at Carowinds in North Carolina — the same ride that had a support column replaced due to a crack found roughly one month ago.
The North Carolina Department of Labor confirmed with Nexstar’s WJZY that the agency was notified of the structural issue found on the popular coaster this week.
A “weld indication” could be either a break or a crack on the coaster, the department said.
“No certificate of operation has been issued nor do we have a timeline of when the certificate of operation will be issued for the Fury 325,” officials with the department said Friday.
Carowinds has since issued a statement concerning the find.
“We are conducting a full maintenance review of Fury 325 during this testing process. This maintenance review — which is consistent with routine off-season procedures — includes a review of the steel superstructure, the trains, and the ride control system,” park officials said.
“During such reviews, it is not uncommon to discover slight weld indications in various locations of a steel superstructure. It is important to note that these indications do not compromise the structural integrity or safety of the ride.”
Park officials added that each indication will be evaluated, tested, repaired and inspected “before the ride is deemed operational.”
“Additionally, as is customary, we conduct test cycles to ensure its smooth operation before guests are allowed on the ride.”
This newly reported defects come after a significant break was discovered by a parkgoer on a support beam for the roller coaster in late June.
The support pillar was replaced earlier this month. Carowinds is currently conducting its own tests and inspections ahead of inspections by the “final inspections by the “ride manufacturer, a third-party testing firm, and the North Carolina Department of Labor’s Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau,” the park said.
Carowinds bills its Fury 325 coaster as North America’s tallest, fastest, and longest giga coaster, meaning it contains a drop of at least 300 feet. Riders reach a peak height of 325 feet following a dramatic 81-degree drop. The ride can reach speeds of up to 95 mph. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/another-crack-in-the-coaster-weld-indication-found-on-carowinds-ride-after-july-repairs/ | 2023-07-29T17:51:00 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/another-crack-in-the-coaster-weld-indication-found-on-carowinds-ride-after-july-repairs/ |
(NerdWallet) – On July 14, 804,000 longtime student loan borrowers began receiving word that their $39 billion in remaining debt would be forgiven as the result of the Education Department’s income-driven repayment (IDR) account adjustment. This one-time program, first announced in April 2022 to repair past missteps in the IDR system, is counting more past repayment periods toward income-driven repayment (IDR) forgiveness. Many borrowers will be at least three years closer to IDR forgiveness — and some will automatically see their loans forgiven altogether.
“At the start of this Administration, millions of borrowers had earned loan forgiveness but never received it. That’s unacceptable,” Department of Education Under Secretary James Kvaal said in a July 14 press release announcing the news. “Today we are holding up the bargain we offered borrowers who have completed decades of repayment.”
This is just the tip of the iceberg. More than 4.4 million borrowers have been repaying their loans for at least 20 years, and 2.3 million of these borrowers have never defaulted or been delinquent on their loans, according to April 2021 Education Department data provided to Sen. Elizabeth Warren. However, there’s not yet a final count of total borrowers who will receive the IDR account adjustment forgiveness, says Mike Pierce, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC).
While the Supreme Court recently struck down President Joe Biden’s up-to-$20,000 student debt cancellation plan, no one has challenged this account adjustment since it was introduced in April 2022, and future legal roadblocks are highly unlikely, Pierce says.
“If I were a borrower, I would feel pretty good about this happening, but you know, we never say never,” Pierce says. “This is something that has never been put in front of a federal judge, and we have not seen any signs that it’s going to.”
All this is occurring as borrowers gear up for student loan payments to resume in October. Here’s what you need to know about the next waves of loan forgiveness under the IDR account adjustment and what qualified borrowers can do to prepare for it.
When will IDR adjustments be made?
The Education Department said it will notify waves of loan forgiveness recipients about every two months. Since the first major batch was announced on July 14, borrowers can expect the next announcement by mid-September.
The department plans to apply the account adjustment by the end of 2023 to all borrowers who’ve reached enough payments for forgiveness; all other borrowers will receive at least three additional years of credit toward IDR loan forgiveness in 2024.
Will I get IDR account adjustment forgiveness?
To find out whether you’ll receive loan forgiveness under the one-time IDR account adjustment, you must count your past payments yourself.
Generally, borrowers with undergraduate loans will receive loan forgiveness if they’ve made at least 240 monthly student loan payments, and those with some graduate loans will reach forgiveness if they’ve made at least 300 payments, Pierce says.
From July 1994 onward, the adjustment counts the following periods toward the 240 or 300 payments needed to reach forgiveness:
- Any month a borrower was in repayment, even if the payments were late or partial. The type of repayment plan also doesn’t matter.
- Time spent in forbearance, either periods lasting 12 or more consecutive months or a cumulative 36 or more months.
- Any month spent in deferment other than in-school deferment before 2013.
- Any month spent in economic hardship or military deferments on or after Jan. 1, 2013.
- Any months in repayment, forbearance or a qualifying deferment before a loan consolidation.
Months spent in default will generally not be included in the recount, though borrowers who enroll in the temporary Fresh Start program to get out of default will get IDR credit from March 2020 through the date they leave default.
Log in to your Federal Student Aid (FSA) account at StudentAid.gov to see how long you’ve been in repayment. To see detailed information, including descriptions of the specific forbearance or deferment periods, request your account history from your servicer.
How to prepare for the IDR account adjustment
The loan forgiveness will be largely automatic for most eligible federal borrowers with older direct loans, federally held Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans and parent PLUS loans. These borrowers don’t need to take any action to qualify or receive loan forgiveness.
“The good news is, for most people, you don’t actually need to be an expert on this program to benefit from it,” Pierce says. “If you have a loan that’s owned by the Department of Education, it’s just gonna work for you.”
But there are some small steps you can take to be proactive.
Update your contact information
Regardless of the type of federal student loans you have, check that your current contact information is listed in both your FSA and servicer accounts. While you’re at it, make sure you still have the password to these accounts, and reset your login credentials if needed.
Forty-four percent of federal borrowers were transferred to a new servicer during the pandemic payment pause, according to a June estimate from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, so now is also a good time to see if your servicer changed.
You’ll likely be notified by email if and when your loans are forgiven under the IDR account adjustment, but student loan communications may also arrive by mail.
Consolidate commercially managed federal loans
Some federal loans are not held by the government, but by a private entity. Borrowers with these commercially managed federal loans won’t benefit from the recount automatically — they’ll need to consolidate these loans to qualify. The account adjustment will count periods of repayment prior to consolidation toward IDR forgiveness.
Commercially held loans include certain FFELP loans, Perkins loans and Health Education Assistance Loan (HEAL) Program loans. You can see what type of loans you have on the dashboard of your FSA account or servicer portal.
You have until the end of 2023 to consolidate commercially held loans, but don’t delay. The full consolidation process can take from 30 to 60 days, Pierce says. Get started by submitting a direct loan consolidation application on the Federal Student Aid office website.
Consolidate newer parent PLUS loans
Parent PLUS loans are included in the IDR account adjustment. If you reach 300 payments — or 120 payments if you’re eligible for PSLF — your parent PLUS debt will be discharged automatically this year, regardless of whether or not your PLUS loans are consolidated.
But if you have fewer payments than that, you’ll need to act. Consolidate your parent PLUS loans before the end of 2023 to benefit from the adjustment, and enroll in an IDR plan called Income-Contingent Repayment to continue making progress toward forgiveness.
Apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Borrowers eligible for PSLF are also eligible for the account adjustment; they can receive IDR loan forgiveness after just 10 years, or 120 eligible payments. PSLF-eligible borrowers with direct loans, including parent PLUS loans, will benefit automatically. Those with either federally or commercially managed FFELP loans must consolidate them into a direct consolidation loan by the end of 2023 to get PSLF credit under the account adjustment.
After the adjustment is applied to your account, you’ll see credit toward PSLF for any month after October 2007 during which you were in repayment and had qualifying employment.
“If you’ve applied or will apply for PSLF and certify your employment, you may see the benefits of this adjustment to your qualifying payment count,” writes the office of Federal Student Aid. Do so as soon as possible to ensure you benefit from the recount.
Check your state’s tax policy
The federal government won’t tax any debt forgiven as a result of the IDR account adjustment.
However, certain states, including Indiana and Mississippi, treat forgiven student loans as taxable earned income, and thus may tax the amount of forgiven debt you receive. The vast majority of states don’t do this, so check the rules in your state.
If you’re concerned about a state tax bill, you can opt out of loan forgiveness. You have 30 days to do so after you receive notice that your remaining debt will be forgiven under the IDR account adjustment. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/more-student-loan-forgiveness-coming-for-longtime-borrowers/ | 2023-07-29T17:51:06 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/more-student-loan-forgiveness-coming-for-longtime-borrowers/ |
UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) – Kimberly Mata-Rubio, whose daughter Lexi was killed last year in the Robb Elementary School shooting, is planning to turn her grief into action, after announcing Thursday she will run for mayor of Uvalde, Texas, in an upcoming special election.
“This past year, it’s been so frustrating navigating our country’s political system, and sometimes you have to be the change you seek. So, here I am running for mayor,” Rubio told Nexstar.
The 34-year-old mother is looking to fill the soon-vacant seat held by Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin in an upcoming special election on Nov. 7.
McLaughlin has served as the South Texas town’s mayor since 2014, and has reached his term limit. He is now running to succeed Rep. Tracy King, D-Uvalde, in the Texas House.
Mata-Rubio shared news of her run for mayor Thursday. On social media, she addressed her daughter directly, explaining why she chose to take action.
“I grieve for the woman you would have become and all the difference you would have made in this world,” Mata-Rubio wrote. “I grieve for the woman I was when you were still here. But, one part of me still exist, I am still your mom. I will honor your life with action. This is only the beginning.”
Lexi, 10, was one of the 21 people killed at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022, in the nation’s second-deadliest school shooting. In the year since, Mata-Rubio has been a regular at the Texas Capitol and U.S. Capitol, advocating for tighter gun restrictions she believes will help prevent other parents from feeling her pain.
“Bridging the gap in our fractured community is my number one focus. And the reason being is because we cannot move on or forward without the entire community coming together,” she said. “And when I say moving on, I want to bring those two teachers and 19 students with me along on this journey. That’s the only way to do this. And the only way to move forward and they deserve that they’re part of this community as well.”
Mata-Rubio will face off against Cody Smith, a banker and former mayor of Uvalde, in the Nov. 7 special election. No other candidates have announced a bid for the seat. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/mother-of-uvalde-shooting-victim-to-run-for-mayor-of-town/ | 2023-07-29T17:51:12 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/mother-of-uvalde-shooting-victim-to-run-for-mayor-of-town/ |
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The city of San Francisco has opened a complaint and launched an investigation into a giant “X” sign that was installed Friday on top of the downtown building formerly known as Twitter headquarters.
The complaint comes as Twitter owner Elon Musk continues his rebrand of the social media platform.
City officials say replacing letters or symbols on buildings, or erecting a sign on top of one, requires a permit for design and safety reasons.
The X appeared after San Francisco police stopped workers on Monday from removing the brand’s iconic bird and logo from the side of the building, saying they hadn’t taped off the sidewalk to keep pedestrians safe if anything fell.
Any replacement letters or symbols would require a permit to ensure “consistency with the historic nature of the building” and to make sure additions are safely attached to the sign, Patrick Hannan, spokesperson for the Department of Building Inspection, said earlier this week.
Erecting a sign on top of a building also requires a permit, Hannan said Friday.
“Planning review and approval is also necessary for the installation of this sign. The city is opening a complaint and initiating an investigation,” he said in an email.
Musk unveiled a new “X” logo to replace Twitter’s famous blue bird as he remakes the social media platform he bought for $44 billion last year. The X started appearing at the top of the desktop version of Twitter on Monday.
Musk, who is also CEO of Tesla, has long been fascinated with the letter X and had already renamed Twitter’s corporate name to X Corp. after he bought it in October. One of his children is called “X,” though the child’s actual name is a collection of letters and symbols.
On Friday afternoon, a worker on a lift machine made adjustments to the sign and then left. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/new-x-logo-atop-twitter-building-in-san-francisco-prompts-complaint-investigation-from-city/ | 2023-07-29T17:51:18 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/new-x-logo-atop-twitter-building-in-san-francisco-prompts-complaint-investigation-from-city/ |
(KOIN) – She’s just gonna shake, shake, shake the earth.
Taylor Swift’s July 22 and 23 concerts in Seattle allegedly produced seismic activity on par with a 2.3 magnitude earthquake, according to a Western Washington University geology professor and seismologist.
Jackie Caplan-Auerbach tracked the seismic activity emanating from Swift’s Lumen Field performances earlier this month, finding similar and overlapping seismic waves on both dates. She later added that she couldn’t be sure whether the fans or the sound systems had caused the activity, but plans to continue investigating.
“I’m not yet convinced that it’s all dancing – the signals between the two nights are ridiculously similar and people tend to be messy,” Caplan-Auerbach wrote on Twitter.
She added that concertgoers were likely unaware of any geological activity at the time, saying the data recorded by the seismometer was “mostly below the range of human hearing.”
Swift’s Seattle concerts, which were attended by over 144,000 people in total, broke Lumen Field’s attendance records, according to The Seattle Times.
Caplan-Auerbach also compared the quake, which she dubbed the “Seismic Swift,” to 2010’s “Beast Quake,” when Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch scored a last-minute touchdown during a playoff game. Activity produced by Seahawks fans registered on a seismograph at a 2.0 magnitude.
The next step for Caplan-Auerbach is attempting to line up the seismic activity beat-by-beat with Swift’s setlist to see how the songs impacted the shake, she said. She’s set up a Google Drive to collect videos to help with her research. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/taylor-swift-concerts-in-seattle-produced-seismic-activity-on-same-scale-as-a-small-earthquake-seismologist-finds/ | 2023-07-29T17:51:24 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/taylor-swift-concerts-in-seattle-produced-seismic-activity-on-same-scale-as-a-small-earthquake-seismologist-finds/ |
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — Right now, there are three active meteor showers. Their peak viewing times are approaching in the next few weeks, and they are, conveniently, all going to be on Saturday and Sunday.
For optimal meteor shower viewing, it’s best to be in an area with little or no light pollution.
Perseids
According to NASA, the Perseid Meteor Shower is the best one happening this year, and viewers can see up to 100 meteors per hour. The shower became visible in the northern hemisphere on July 14 and will be around until Sept. 1.
If you want to see the Perseids at its peak, plan a night of stargazing for Aug. 12 or 13, according to NASA. For best viewing, NASA says to look during the pre-dawn hours, although meteors and fireballs could be visible as early as 10 p.m. The meteors will originate near the Perseid constellation and will be more easily-found constellation Cassiopeia.
The Perseids shower is expected to be very visible this year because the moon will not be as bright. This means the sky will be darker, making meteors more visible.
Delta Aquariids
The Delta Aquariids are not usually as impressive as the Perseids, but without a noticeable peak, you have a longer window for possibly seeing meteors from this shower. According to the American Meteor Society, the shower will be visible primarily in the southern tropics between July 18 and Aug. 21, with an estimated peak around Sunday, July 30. The northern hemisphere is less likely to see the Delta Aquariids than the southern.
July 30 is also a full moon, making 2023 less favorable for seeing the Delta Aquariids. Those who want to look for them should look toward the Delta Aquarii constellation from around 2 a.m. to dawn.
Alpha Capricornids
If you want a double chance to see more fireballs, July 30 might be your night, because in addition to the Delta Aquariids, the Alpha Capricornids are also expected to peak that night in 2023. The Alpha Capricornids are visible from July 7 to Aug. 15 but are considered much weaker than the other showers listed above, with only about five meteors visible per hour, but according to the AMS, the shower can have some pretty impressive fireballs in lower quantities.
The shower can also be seen equally as well in the northern and southern hemispheres. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/the-next-3-meteor-showers-peak-on-weekends-what-to-know/ | 2023-07-29T17:51:30 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/the-next-3-meteor-showers-peak-on-weekends-what-to-know/ |
ATLANTA (AP) — “Excuse me, are you a city of Atlanta voter? Do you know about ‘Cop City?’”
Clipboards in hand, canvassers Sienna Giraldi and Gabriel Sanchez approached shopper after shopper at a Kroger supermarket lot on a recent evening collecting signatures for a referendum over whether to cancel the city’s lease of a proposed police and firefighter training center that’s become a national rallying cry for environmentalists and anti-police protesters.
Most people kept on walking. Others said they weren’t registered to vote or didn’t live within the city limits, both of which are required. Many seemed to have no idea what “Cop City” was and weren’t interested in finding out. The fact that it began raining certainly didn’t help. By the end of a 90-minute shift, 21 people had signed.
“We definitely need to come back here,” Sanchez said. “I was on a roll before the rain started.”
Over the past month, hundreds of people like them — many volunteers, some paid — have spread out across the city of about 500,000, in hopes of persuading more than 70,000 registered voters to sign on to the petition drive. The deadline had been mid-August, but the effort got a boost Thursday when a federal judge extended it to late September, though significant logistical and legal hurdles remain.
Technically, organizers say, they need just 58,203 signatures by Aug. 14 to qualify for the November ballot — the equivalent of 15% of registered voters as of the last city election — but they set the higher goal knowing some will be disqualified. If that’s not reached until late August or September, the referendum wouldn’t happen until March, when a competitive GOP presidential primary could turn out conservative voters and hurt its chances. The city also could move forward with construction in the meantime, unless a judge intervenes.
As of July 25, the drive had collected more than 30,000 signatures, according to Paul Glaze, a spokesperson for the Vote to Stop Cop City Coalition. And with the paid canvassing effort still ramping up, he expects the pace to pick up significantly.
“We’re confident of hitting our number,” Glaze said. “How much extra padding we’re able to get is still a question. … Our experience is that when you talk about this with people, when they hear the price tag, when you ask them if they would choose this or something else to spend the money on, the vast majority are against it.”
Organizers of the drive say Mayor Andre Dickens and the City Council have failed to listen to a groundswell of opposition to the $90 million, 85-acre (34-hectare) training center, which they fear will lead to greater militarization of the police and exacerbate environmental damage in the South River Forest in a poor, predominantly Black area.
Officials counter that the campus would replace outdated, far-flung facilities and boost police morale, which is beset by hiring and retention struggles, especially in the wake of 2020 protests over racial injustice. Dickens has said that the facility will teach the “most progressive training and curriculum in the country” and that officials have repeatedly revised their plans to address concerns about noise pollution and environmental impact.
In June, after hearing about 14 hours of public testimony that was overwhelmingly against the training center, council members voted 11-4 to approve $67 million toward the project. Outraged but not surprised, organizers of the petition drive announced it the next day.
Outside the Kroger, located in a majority-Black neighborhood a few miles south of a Wendy’s parking lot where officers fatally shot Rayshard Brooks in 2020, Giraldi chatted with Lee Little, a Black construction worker who stopped to talk despite the rain, his hands full of bagged groceries.
Little was working near the proposed training center in March and saw the helicopters and mass of armed officers that descended on the area after about 150 masked activists stormed the site and torched construction equipment. He hadn’t thought about it much since, but he signed the petition after hearing Giraldi’s pitch.
“She was just saying that City Council approved 60-something million dollars without listening to the taxpayers. Does that sound fair to you? That should be for the voters to decide,” Little said afterward.
Another who signed was Makela Atchison, who was wearing a “Black Voters Matter” T-shirt as she left the store with her two children.
“I’m not saying I’m for it or against it,” Atchison said, “but I want to be able to have my input.”
The signature drive is the most ambitious in terms of numbers that has ever been launched in a Georgia city, but it has precedent from last year in Camden County, where voters overwhelmingly rejected a planned launchpad for blasting commercial rockets into space. The Georgia Supreme Court in February unanimously upheld the legality of that referendum, though it remains an open question whether citizens can veto decisions of city governments.
In a recent court filing seeking to quash the Atlanta referendum, attorneys for the city said residents can’t force officials to retroactively revoke the lease agreement, which was made in 2021. They called organizers’ efforts “futile” and “invalid.” The state agreed with the city in a separate filing, though that dispute is on hold for now.
Still, activists see the referendum as the best remaining option to block the project. They’ve gotten support from numerous groups, including the Working Families Party and the New Georgia Project Action Fund, which pledged to get 15,000 signatures over the next few weeks.
Activist Hannah Riley tries to collect a handful of them whenever she is out in public, including on a recent afternoon as she worked remotely from Muchacho, a popular taco restaurant in the ultra-liberal Reynoldstown neighborhood. At the end of her table, she taped a sign that read: “Voter? Sign Stop Cop City Petition Here.”
“This is a bit of a Hail Mary, but it’s a Hail Mary that makes a lot of sense,” Riley said. “They’ve begun to clear-cut the trees. They’re getting close to pouring concrete. … Our options are quite limited right now, so this does feel like the most practical, effective next step.”
At the same time, a small number of activists have continued taking a more violent tack, including torching eight police motorcycles over the Fourth of July weekend, actions that canvass organizers have not condemned.
Curtis Duncan, 40, said the first day he went out canvassing, a man approached and accused him of being one of the vandals.
“I said, ‘Well, sir, respectfully, I wasn’t burning cars, and the majority of people within this movement have not been engaging in any type of violent actions,’” Duncan said. He added that troopers fatally shot an activist in the forest and that authorities have brought dozens of “very flimsy” domestic terrorism charges against “Stop Cop City” protesters this year — actions he considers far worse.
Sanchez, who works for a voting rights nonprofit, said that even if the signature drive falls short, it will have made an important impact.
“I feel like we’ve exhausted all the other options, aside from full-on revolution, which I don’t think we need for this,” he said. “There’s a lot of obstacles in our way. … If we only get to 50,000, I think that still shows a real warning sign for these politicians for the 2025 election.” | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national/ap-atlanta-cop-city-activists-say-theyre-confident-of-getting-70k-signatures-but-big-hurdles-remain/ | 2023-07-29T17:51:36 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national/ap-atlanta-cop-city-activists-say-theyre-confident-of-getting-70k-signatures-but-big-hurdles-remain/ |
Compared with the devil, angels carry more credence in America.
Angels even get more credence than, well, hell. More than astrology, reincarnation, and the belief that physical things can have spiritual energies.
In fact, about 7 in 10 U.S. adults say they believe in angels, according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
“People are yearning for something greater than themselves — beyond their own understanding,” said Jack Grogger, a chaplain for the Los Angeles Angels and a longtime Southern California fire captain who has aided many people in their gravest moments.
That search for something bigger, he said, can take on many forms, from following a religion to crafting a self-driven purpose to believing in, of course, angels.
“For a lot of people, angels are a lot safer to worship,” said Grogger, who also pastors a nondenominational church in Orange, California, and is a chaplain for the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks.
People turn to angels for comfort, he said. They are familiar, regularly showing up in pop culture as well as in the Bible. Comparably, worshipping Jesus is far more involved; when Grogger preaches about angels it is with the context that they are part of God’s kingdom.
American’s belief in angels (69%) is about on par with belief in heaven and the power of prayer, but bested by belief in God or a higher power (79%). Fewer U.S. adults believe in the devil or Satan (56%), astrology (34%), reincarnation (34%), and that physical things can have spiritual energies, such as plants, rivers or crystals (42%).
The widespread acceptance of angels shown in the AP-NORC poll makes sense to Susan Garrett, an angel expert and New Testament professor at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Kentucky. It tracks with historical surveys, she said, adding that the U.S. remains a faith-filled country even as more Americans reject organized religion.
But if the devil is in the details, so are people’s understandings of angels.
“They’re very malleable,” Garrett said of angels. “You can have any one of a number of quite different worldviews in terms of your understanding of how the cosmos is arranged, whether there’s spirit beings, whether there’s life after death, whether there’s a God … and still find a place for angels in that worldview.”
Talk of angels, Garrett said, is often also about something else, like the ways God interacts with the world and other hard-to-articulate ideas.
The large number of U.S. adults who say they believe in angels includes 84% of those with a religious affiliation — 94% of evangelical Protestants, 81% of mainline Protestants and 82% of Catholics — and 33% of those without one. And of those angel-believing religiously unaffiliated, that includes 2% of atheists, 25% of agnostics and 50% of those identified as “nothing in particular.”
The broad acceptance is what fascinates San Francisco-based witch and author Devin Hunter: Angels show up independently in different religions and traditions, making them part of the fabric that unites humanity.
“We’re all getting to the same conclusion,” said Hunter, who spent 16 years as a professional medium, and started communicating as a child with what he believed were angels.
Hunter estimates that a belief in angels applies to about half of those practicing modern witchcraft today, and for some who don’t believe, their rejection is often rooted in the religious trauma they experienced growing up.
“Angels become a very big deal” for long-time practitioners who’ve made occultism their primary focus, said Hunter, an angel-loving occultist. “We cannot escape them in any way, shape or form.”
Jennifer Goodwin of Oviedo, Florida, also is among the roughly seven in 10 U.S. adults who say they believe in angels. She isn’t sure if God exists and rejects the afterlife dichotomy of heaven and hell, but the recent deaths of her parents solidified her views on these celestial beings.
Goodwin believes her parents are still keeping an eye on the family — not in any physical way or as a supernatural apparition, but that they manifest in those moments when she feels a general sense of comfort.
“I think that they are around us, but it’s in a way that we can’t understand,” Goodwin said. “I don’t know what else to call it except an angel.”
Angels mean different things to different people, and the idea of loved ones becoming heavenly angels after death is neither an unusual belief nor a universally held one.
In his reading of Scripture as an evangelical Protestant, Grogger said he believes angels are something else entirely — they have never been human and are on another level in heaven’s hierarchy. “We are higher than angels,” he said. “We do not become an angel.”
Angels do interact with humans though, said Grogger, but what “that looks like we’re not 100% sure.” They worship God who created this angelic legion of unknown numbers, he said, adding that evangelicals often attribute the demonic forces in the world to the angels who fell from heaven when the devil rebelled.
The Western ideas about angels can be traced through the Bible — and to the worldviews of its monotheistic authors, Garrett said. Those beliefs have changed and developed for millennia, influenced by cultures, theologians and even the ancient polytheistic beliefs that came before the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, she said.
“There are sort of lines of continuity from the Bible that you can trace all the way up to the New Age movement,” said Susan Garrett, who wrote “No Ordinary Angel: Celestial Spirits and Christian Claims about Jesus.”
The angels in the Bible do God’s bidding, and angelic violence is one part of their job description, said Esther Hamori, author of the upcoming book, “God’s Monsters: Vengeful Spirits, Deadly Angels, Hybrid Creatures, and Divine Hitmen of the Bible.”
“The angels of the Bible are just as likely to assassinate individuals and slaughter entire populations as they are to offer help and protect and deliver,” said Hamori. She doesn’t believe in these angels, but studies them as a Hebrew Bible professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York where she teaches a popular “Monster Heaven” class.
“They’re just God’s obedient soldiers doing the task at hand, and sometimes that task is in human beings’ best interests, and sometimes it’s not,” she said.
The perception that angels act angelic and look like the idyllic, winged figurines atop Christmas trees could be attributed to an early centuries belief that people are assigned one good angel and one bad — or have a good and bad spirit to guide them, Garrett said.
This idea shows up on the shoulders of cartoon characters and is likely what Abraham Lincoln was alluding to in his famous appeal for unity when he referenced “the better angels of our nature” in his first inaugural address, she said.
“It’s also tied in with ideas about guardian angels, which again, very ancient views that got developed over the centuries,” Garrett said.
For Sheila Avery of Chicago, angels are protectors, capable of keeping someone from harm. Avery, who belongs to a nondenominational church, credits them with those moments like when a person’s plans fall through, but ultimately it saves them from being in the thick of an unexpected disaster.
“They turn on the news and a terrible tragedy happened at that particular place,” Avery said, suggesting it was an “angel that was probably watching over them.”
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national/ap-do-you-believe-in-angels-about-7-in-10-u-s-adults-do-a-new-ap-norc-poll-shows/ | 2023-07-29T17:51:42 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national/ap-do-you-believe-in-angels-about-7-in-10-u-s-adults-do-a-new-ap-norc-poll-shows/ |
ALLEN PARK -- Dan Campbell gave it up for the Detroit Lions fans packed into the stands for the first open-to-the-public training camp practice for sticking it out through the early start and rain-soaked morning.
It was raining -- and had been -- when fans were lined up outside waiting to get in early Saturday morning, and the precipitation remained off-and-on throughout the session before picking up steam to close practice. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill and others were spotted signing autographs and taking practice well after practice ended when the rain was coming down the hardest.
And with expectations “out of control” and on the rise around these parts, with the Lions favored to win the NFC North, this support shouldn’t surprise anyone. This team hasn’t won a playoff game since 1991 or a division championship since 1993, so the hype and excitement is very real and impossible to miss here.
“Yeah, look, I know our players really appreciate it,” the Lions head coach said before Saturday’s padded practice. “It gives them just a little extra motivation and I don’t want to say we’re in the dog days yet, because we’re not. We’re only in Day 2 of pads, but any little subtle change and a little more energy that’s brought from the fans certainly helps. I think it’s awesome. I think that shows a lot about what our fan base is about and the fact that they have our back, and they want to see it, and they’re excited, and so that makes us excited.”
Related: Lions grappling with sky-high expectations as they open training camp
Related: ‘I’m like the flu’: C.J. Gardner-Johnson shows fire in return to Lions
It’s been a wild ride for Campbell and the Lions through the first two seasons. They remained in the league cellar before showing signs of life toward the end of Year 1. And then the team was featured on HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” which brought more attention to what was happening and the easy-to-love staff, before winning eight of their final 10 games and sniffing the postseason.
And after posting their first winning record since 2017, the Lions are national favorites to win the division and make the playoffs. Campbell, who still looks like he could play a couple of snaps, is more than used to getting noticed and approached when out and about. But the third-year head coach said the star treatment on the streets isn’t for him with a very on-brand answer.
“Yeah, it’s -- listen it’s awesome, and I’ll be honest with you, it makes me a little uncomfortable only because -- man, I really appreciate it, but there’s some things that are said -- look man, I’m no different than you,” Campbell said. “I’m really not. I’m just coaching this team. But we do a lot of things very similar, especially me. I’m not real polished with -- I would say the fans are more polished than me, but -- and so my point is I appreciate that, but you’re not meeting some superstar.
“I’m not a movie star. I’m not a whatever and at times that came out and I’m not that. But, it was very good. It was good seeing our fans and the excitement they have for our team. So, it was good. It was humbling, it really was.” | https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/07/dan-campbell-feeling-the-love-from-lions-fans-at-rainy-day-of-training-camp.html | 2023-07-29T17:51:44 | 0 | https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/07/dan-campbell-feeling-the-love-from-lions-fans-at-rainy-day-of-training-camp.html |
10:10am UPDATE – In a statement from We Energies Saturday morning, some customers may be without power for the next few days.
“We are encountering extensive damage including downed trees and damaged power equipment.” We Energies Media Relations Director Brendan Conway said in a press release. “As a result of the extensive and widespread damage, some customers may be without power through the weekend. “
Over 50,000 We Energies customers remain without power Saturday morning following Friday night’s round of severe thunderstorms.
Downed trees across Southeast Wisconsin are contributing to the outages, which peaked at around 82,000 earlier Saturday morning.
Friday night’s severe weather event included Tornado Warnings for Racine, Walworth, and Waukesha Counties, as well as a portion of Highway 100 in River Hills being shut down in both directions due to a weather-related blockage. Additionally, TMJ4 Meteorologist Brendan Johnson tells WTMJ their weather center received reports of up to baseball-sized hail in Waterford, with tennis ball-size hail in Greendale and Hales Corners.
In Milwaukee, many riders in the annual Riverwest24 paused their ride as the storms rolled through. The bike marathon and community celebration resumed in full after the storms passed through and continues all day Saturday.
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- “It will outlive all of us:” Milwaukee County Supervisor explains his vote against 0.4% sales tax increase | https://wtmj.com/news/2023/07/29/thousands-of-we-energies-customers-still-without-power-after-severe-weather-friday/ | 2023-07-29T17:51:44 | 1 | https://wtmj.com/news/2023/07/29/thousands-of-we-energies-customers-still-without-power-after-severe-weather-friday/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — Trader Joe’s is recalling a broccoli cheddar soup that may contain insects and cooked falafel that may contain rocks, about one week after the grocery chain recalled two cookie products over similar concerns.
The soup recall impacts Trader Joe’s Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup with “Use By” dates ranging from July 18 to Sept. 15, according to a Thursday announcement from the company. On Friday, the grocer announced that Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Falafel sold in 35 states and Washington, D.C., was also under recall.
On July 21, Trader Joe’s announced that it was recalling Trader Joe’s Almond Windmill Cookies and Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies with “sell by” dates ranging from Oct. 17 to Oct. 21. Like the falafel, the cookies may also contain rocks, the company said.
When asked for further information about how the insects and rocks may have gotten into these products, a Trader Joe’s spokesperson said that “there was an issue in the manufacturing processes in the facilities.” Suppliers alerted Trader Joe’s of the possible foreign material for each recall, the company said.
“We pulled the product from our shelves as soon as we were made aware of the issue. Once we understood the issue we notified our customers,” the spokesperson said in a statement sent to The Associated Press Saturday.
All of the recalled cookies, soup and falafel have been removed from sale or destroyed, Trader Joe’s said in its announcements. But the Monrovia, California-based company is still urging consumers to check their kitchens for the products.
Trader Joe’s says customers who have the recalled products should throw them away or return them to any store for a full refund. Lot codes and further details about the products under recall, as well as customer service contact information, can be found on the company’s website.
Trader Joe’s did not specify how many products were impacted with each recall or identify suppliers. But one Food and Drug Administration notice cited by NBC News says that the Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup recall impacts around 10,889 cases sold in seven states. Winter Gardens Quality Foods, Inc. is identified as the recalling firm, per the notice.
No formal releases about the three recalls were published on the FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts page as of Saturday. The Associated Press reached out to the FDA and Winter Gardens Quality Foods for information on Saturday.
“We have a close relationship with our vendors and they alerted us of these issues. We don’t hesitate or wait for regulatory agencies to tell us what to do,” the Trader Joe’s spokesperson said. “We will never leave to chance the safety of the products we offer.” | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national/ap-more-trader-joes-recalls-this-soup-may-contain-bugs-and-falafel-may-have-rocks-grocer-says/ | 2023-07-29T17:51:48 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national/ap-more-trader-joes-recalls-this-soup-may-contain-bugs-and-falafel-may-have-rocks-grocer-says/ |
Miguel Cabrera will get another start for the Detroit Tigers as they play the second of three games at loanDepot Park in Miami against the Marlins.
Cabrera was honored before Friday night’s game. Saturday is Venezuelan Heritage Night in Miami.
How to Watch the Detroit Tigers vs. Miami Marlins: Channel, Stream
The full lineup is below. Catcher Jake Rogers; infielders Zack Short and Andy Ibanez; and outfielder Matt Vierling will be available off the bench.
Veteran right-hander Johnny Cueto (0-1, 4.50 ERA) will be on the mound for the Marlins.
Right-hander Beau Brieske (0-0, 4.76) will start off a bullpen game for the Tigers. Left-hander Joey Wentz will likely pitch several innings in relief.
Cueto, 37, signed a one-year deal with the Marlins before the season that included $8.5 million in guaranteed money. But he’s been hurt for most of the year and posted subpar numbers on his recent minor-league rehab assignment. | https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2023/07/tigers-lineup-miguel-cabrera-gets-start-vs-marlins-on-venezuelan-heritage-night.html | 2023-07-29T17:51:51 | 0 | https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2023/07/tigers-lineup-miguel-cabrera-gets-start-vs-marlins-on-venezuelan-heritage-night.html |
NEW YORK (AP) — Former Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon of Missouri is joining No Labels ‘ increasingly contentious effort to lay the groundwork for a moderate third-party presidential ticket in the 2024 election. He gives the embattled organization another prominent ally amid escalating concerns from Democratic officials that the No Labels campaign could unintentionally help Republican Donald Trump return to the White House.
Nixon, a 67-year-old lawyer, is stepping back into national politics for the first time since leaving office in 2017 and will serve as No Labels’ director of ballot integrity. He said in an interview that he was drawn to the role after learning that well-funded groups aligned with Democrats were working to stop No Labels from securing ballot access in key states.
He said that those seeking to block the group’s right to appear on the presidential ballot are attacking a pillar of American democracy.
“What do I say to those Democrats? I say, ‘You’re entitled to your opinion. But we are also entitled to use our constitutional and statutory rights to allow Americans to have another choice,’” Nixon told The Associated Press.
President Joe Biden and Trump have dominated the 2024 campaign conversation so far. But No Labels, a Washington-based group that promotes compromise, national unity and centrist policy solutions, has been preparing for the strongest third-party presidential bid at least since Texas businessman Ross Perot earned nearly 19% of the popular vote in 1992.
Working with an operating budget of roughly $70 million, No Labels is taking steps to secure presidential ballot spots in roughly 20 states this year; the group has done so already in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Oregon and Utah.
While No Labels has yet to nominate candidates for president and vice president, its leadership insists there is a path to victory for a centrist third-party ticket “if the two parties select unreasonably divisive presidential nominees.”
The group’s critics across the Democratic Party are terrified that No Labels will siphon votes that would otherwise go to Biden, who narrowly beat Trump in 2020 with a coalition that included moderate Democrats, independents and disaffected Republicans.
No Labels’ leadership has promised a series of checks and balances that would allow the organization to withdraw its presidential ticket if it appears the group’s participation would help Trump win. No Labels has not outlined a detailed plan about that, and leaders acknowledge privately there is some urgency to come out with their specific safeguards, which would vary state by state. They intend to do so by “early fall.”
Anxious Democrats are unconvinced.
On Thursday, two prominent Democratic groups, the centrist Third Way and more progressive MoveOn, hosted private meetings on Capitol Hill with dozens of chiefs of staff and senior aides to House and Senate Democrats to emphasize the need to stop No Label’s presidential ambitions. In a nod to the seriousness of the Democratic establishment’s concerns, the meetings were held in both the House and Senate Democrats’ campaign headquarters.
“We told them what we have been saying consistently now for a long time: This is dangerous,” said Third Way co-founder Matt Bennett, who helped lead the briefing along with MoveOn’s executive director, Rahna Epting.
The organizers detailed data showing that a No Labels ticket would undercut Biden in the general election and warned that it could handicap vulnerable House and Senate candidates is tight elections. They also questioned that No Labels’ promise to withdraw its ticket if necessary to stop Trump.
No Labels’ leaders are furious.
“They are telling the elected leaders of this country right now that our ballot is a runaway train. And that is categorically false. That is propaganda. And that is why we’re bringing on a director of ballot integrity to stop it because it’s outrageous,” said No Labels’ founder Nancy Jacobson, a former Democratic fundraiser.
For now, Democrats are not willing to take Jacobson’s word for it.
“I don’t want to be doing this. I’d much rather focus on other things. I am concerned, genuinely,” Epting said. “They’re in over their head. They have not given any assurances that they’re clear and sober in their analysis. And when they talk about being able to put the horse back in the barn, they are not consistent about when or how they’re going to do that.”
“They’re just saying, ‘Trust us,’” Epting said. “We can’t. We don’t know you. And the stakes are too high.”
Meanwhile, Nixon joins a growing roster of former elected officials in both parties now affiliated with No Labels. Among the others: Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.; former Govs. Jon Huntsman Jr., R-Utah, Larry Hogan, R-Md., and Pat McCrory, R-N.C.; and former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, a Democrat who became an independent late in his political career.
Manchin and Huntsman, ambassador to China under President Barack Obama and to Russia under Trump, hosted a town hall in New Hampshire this month, driving speculation they may ultimately become the No Labels presidential ticket.
No Labels plans to hold a presidential nominating convention next April in Dallas, and the group is showing no signs of backing off its 2024 plans. With a massive budget fueled by anonymous donations, No Labels can afford to be patient in the fights ahead.
Democrats in Arizona filed a complaint this month with the secretary of state asking to have the group suspended until it discloses it donors. In May, Maine’s top elections official sent a cease-and-desist letter regarding No Labels voter registration efforts after claiming the group was misleading voters.
The group Citizens to Save Our Republic formed a super political action committee this month specifically designed to stop No Labels. The group’s members includes Bennett from Third Way, several advisers to the anti-Trump Lincoln Project and former House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt, D-Mo.
Nixon, who declined to criticize Biden or Trump, said he understands that he is walking into a political firestorm. But he said he is passionate about No Labels’ constitutional right to secure a place on the ballot.
“I feel calm. I feel correct. I think we have a high moral ground here,” he said. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-ex-missouri-gov-jay-nixon-joins-push-for-third-party-presidential-bid-as-democrats-try-to-stop-it/ | 2023-07-29T17:51:54 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-ex-missouri-gov-jay-nixon-joins-push-for-third-party-presidential-bid-as-democrats-try-to-stop-it/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The oldest historically Black collegiate fraternity in the U.S. says it is relocating a planned convention in two years from Florida because of what it described as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration’s “harmful, racist and insensitive” policies towards African Americans.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity said this week that it would move its 2025 convention from Orlando to another location that is yet undecided. The convention draws between 4,000 and 6,000 people and has an economic impact of $4.6 million, the fraternity said.
The decision comes after the NAACP and other civil rights organizations this spring issued a travel advisory for Florida, warning that recently passed laws and policies are openly hostile to African Americans, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Willis Lonzer, the fraternity’s general president, said in statement on Wednesday that the decision was motivated in part by Florida’s new education standards that require teachers to instruct middle school students that slaves developed skills that “could be applied for their personal benefit.”
“Although we are moving our convention from Florida, Alpha Phi Alpha will continue to support the strong advocacy of Alpha Brothers and other advocates fighting against the continued assault on our communities in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis,” Lonzer said.
An email seeking comment on Saturday about the fraternity’s decision was sent to Jeremy Redfern, the governor’s press secretary and the governor’s office.
DeSantis, who is running for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, has come under fire this week over Florida’s new education standards. Among those criticizing the Florida governor on Friday was a rival for the Republican nomination, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the sole Black Republican in the Senate.
Responding to the criticism, DeSantis said Friday that he was “defending” Florida “against false accusations and against lies. And we’re going to continue to speak the truth.”
In May, the NAACP joined the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), a Latino civil rights organization, and Equality Florida, a gay rights advocacy group, in issuing travel advisories for the Sunshine State, where tourism is one of the state’s largest job sectors. The groups cited recent laws that prohibited state colleges from having programs on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as critical race theory, and the Stop WOKE Act that restricts certain race-based conversations and analysis in schools and businesses.
They also cited laws that they say made life more difficult for immigrants in Florida and limited discussions on LGBTQ topics in schools.
At least nine other organizations or associations have pulled the plug on hosting conventions in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, two of the state’s most population convention cities, because of Florida’s political climate, according to local media reports.
Florida is one of the most popular states in the U.S. for tourists, and tourism is one of its biggest industries. More than 137.5 million tourists visited Florida last year, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels, according to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism promotion agency. Tourism supports 1.6 million full-time and part-time jobs, and visitors spent $98.8 billion in Florida in 2019, the last year figures are available.
___
Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at @MikeSchneiderAP | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-historically-black-fraternity-drops-florida-for-convention-because-of-desantis-policies/ | 2023-07-29T17:52:00 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-historically-black-fraternity-drops-florida-for-convention-because-of-desantis-policies/ |
AUSTIN, Texas — As the back-to-school season is right around the corner, it's normal and understandable for children to experience anxiety about going back to school after a long summer break. Some may feel nervous about starting school for the first time.
Experts say there are steps parents can take to help ease the transition back to school by recognizing the symptoms of stress and anxiety and implementing some creative strategies.
Dr. Matthew Lederman, a board-certified internal medicine physician, expert in empathetic communication and NVC practitioner, recommends nonviolent communication (NVC) as a tool that can help ease the transition. Nonviolent communication can foster a stronger and more meaningful connection between parents and children, as it empowers parents and children to express emotions, needs and concerns more effectively.
"The connection happens in the heart, and we want to not only be in our hearts, but also be in the hearts with the children and help them get out of their heads and connect first to their anxiety. So we can say, 'Hey, I'm here and you're feeling really anxious,' or, 'I'm sensing you're feeling really anxious and I don't want you to have to hold that alone,'" said Lederman.
The seven steps include:
- Present a safe space: To create a safe space for your child, find a quiet place in the house where you can talk without distractions. Let your child know that they can discuss any concerns or feelings in this space. Avoid distractions from phones or television, or other members of the family. Focus on listening and being present with your child instead of thinking about what you need to do to fix the situation.
- Do not interrupt: When listening to a child's concerns, be sure not to interrupt or judge. Show empathy by nodding, maintaining eye contact and using verbal cues like "I see," or "That sounds tough." This will help your child feel heard and validated.
- Validation: You can help the other person feel understood and less alone by validating their feelings. For example, you might say, "It sounds like you're feeling anxious about going back to school and worried about fitting in. Is that right?"
- Encourage sharing: Encourage your child to share their concerns and fears about returning to school by asking questions that require more than a yes or no response. For example, you might ask, "What specifically worries you about going back to school?" Most suffering stems not from unpleasant feelings but from holding unpleasant feelings alone.
- Find solutions, together: Brainstorm with your child about possible solutions to their problem. Listen to what they have to say, and let them know that you value their input and trust their ability to care for their own needs. This will empower them to solve problems on their own in the future.
- Try a mantra: Mantras are positive affirmations or phrases that can be repeated to a child when he or she is feeling anxious. Examples include "I am capable and strong," or "I can handle anything that comes my way." This helps regulate the nervous system and create self-connection that stimulates a sense of safety.
- Encourage self-care: Help your child develop self-care routines to manage stress and anxiety. Encourage them to practice deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, physical exercise or engaging in hobbies they enjoy. Taking care of their well-being can help them feel more resilient and grounded.
"I think that to me, the most important thing is I work with a lot of parents and teach the goal is to be with your child, not to fix your child. A lot of times we think it's our job to fix and it's really about being with them and empowering them to lead the way. But you're there with them so they're not alone," said Lederman.
Lederman said feelings are not a problem or bad. They're just feelings. For kids, letting parents, teachers or caregivers know they have needs that are not being met is crucial. Also, Lederman said the suffering happens when you have to hold your unpleasant feelings alone, so let children know they're not alone and they can be with you during their time of pain. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/education/ease-back-to-school-anxiety/269-7b3b8d16-04f8-4e94-8538-bf5fe641df38 | 2023-07-29T17:52:04 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/education/ease-back-to-school-anxiety/269-7b3b8d16-04f8-4e94-8538-bf5fe641df38 |
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
Jerson Cerna Sanchez, Haigui Sun and Mark Robbins were killed in three separate crashes on Wyoming's roadways.
Authorities on Thursday continued their search for a 28-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend in Worland.
The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/3-bedroom-home-in-casper---460-000/article_ebf401e7-4202-5c11-8071-a232f90edd6b.html | 2023-07-29T17:52:04 | 0 | https://trib.com/3-bedroom-home-in-casper---460-000/article_ebf401e7-4202-5c11-8071-a232f90edd6b.html |
PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. (AP) — Not long ago, Marine Col. Jennifer Nash, a combat engineer with war deployments under her belt, made a vow to fellow officers as they headed to a dinner in Atlanta: She would get two new recruiting contacts by the end of the evening.
She admits recruiting is not the job that she or other Marines had in mind when they enlisted. But after stints as a recruiter and senior officer at the Eastern recruiting command, she has become emblematic of the Corps’ tradition of putting its best, battle-tested Marines on enlistment duty. They get results.
Marine leaders say they will make their recruiting goal this year, while the active-duty Army, Navy and Air Force all expect to fall short. The services have struggled in the tight job market to compete with higher-paying businesses for the dwindling number of young people who can meet the military’s physical, mental and moral standards.
On that night, Nash achieved her own goal. She had gotten the valet at the hotel and the hostess at the restaurant to provide their phone numbers and to consider a Marine career.
Nash’s boss, Brig. Gen. Walker Field, who head the Eastern recruiting region, says the Corps has historically put an emphasis on selecting top-performing Marines to fill recruiting jobs. He says that has been a key to the Marines’ recruiting success, along with efforts to increase the number of recruiters, extend those who do well and speed their return to high schools, where in-person recruiting stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said his recruiters — who cover the territory between Canada and Puerto Rico and as far west as Mississippi — will meet their mission and expect to have 30% of their 2024 goal when they start the next fiscal year, Oct. 1. More broadly, Marine officials say they expect the Corps to achieve its recruiting target of more than 33,000.
Last year, the Navy, Air Force and Marines had to eat into their pools of delayed entry applicants in order to make their goals. The Marines will avoid that this year.
“That would be a great ending,” said Field, speaking to The Associated Press on a recent steamy day at South Carolina’s Parris Island, along the Atlantic Coast. “I’m bearish for not only concluding FY23 on a strong footing, but also how we set the conditions for FY24.”
The Marine Corps may get some help from its small size. The Army, for example, has a recruiting goal of 65,000 this year, which is nearly double the Corps’, and expects to fall substantially short of that. Air Force and Navy officials say they will also miss their goals, although the Space Force, which is the smallest service and does its recruiting within Air Force stations, is expected to meet its goal of about 500 recruits.
Sitting in the shadow of Parris Island’s replica of the Iwo Jima monument, Field said his biggest challenge is that a number of Marine hopefuls cannot pass the military’s academic test, known as the Armed Services Voluntary Aptitude Battery.
That is a widespread problem, but the Army recently set up a program that targets recruits who score below 30 on the test and provides schooling for several weeks to help them pass. Already more than 8,800 recruits have successfully gone through the classes, raised their scores and moved on to basic training.
The Navy is taking another route with a pilot program that allows up to 20% of their recruits to score below 30 on the test, as long as they meet specific standards for their chosen naval job. Marine leaders, however, do not take those lowest scoring recruits, and so far have no plans for any type of formal improvement program such as the Army’s.
Field said the Marines are repositioning recruiting stations, moving them around based on where population totals have increased in the latest census. More important, he said, the Corps maintains its focus on choosing the right recruiters, encouraging successful ones to stay in the job and increasing the number of Marine reservists tapped for recruit duties from the current 31 to 96 by the end of next year.
Nash, who until last month was assistant chief of staff for the Eastern region, said Marines are hand-selected for recruiting command jobs. Many three- and four-star Marines, including former Defense Secretary James Mattis, will cite their years doing enlistment duty.
“We put our best and brightest in those positions,” said Nash, adding that those chosen for recruiting posts have a proven track record of success in previous assignments and have demonstrated critical leadership skills. “That’s why they got selected, because they were above their peers.”
She acknowledged that the first time she was picked for a recruiting job she was “voluntold.” But now, recounting her sales pitch in Atlanta, her rapid fire pitch comes without taking a breath.
“I say, ‘Hey, ever thought about being Marine? We’re a bunch of Marines. And, you know, I think you potentially could be a good Marine. You ever thought about it?’ And usually you get, ‘Yeah, I thought about it.’ And I’m, like, ‘What’s holding you back? Would you like to learn more about your opportunities?’ ‘Absolutely.’ `OK. Mind giving me your name and phone number? I’ll have one of my recruiters give you a phone call.’”
The Marines have resisted increasing bonuses to attract recruits — something the other services have found helpful.
Gen. Eric Smith, the acting Marine Corps commandant, got some ribbing for his response when he was asked about bonuses during a naval conference in February.
“Your bonus is you get to call yourself a Marine,” he said. “That’s your bonus, right? There’s no dollar amount that goes with that.”
Field, Nash and others also say the Corps prefers to give a lot of recruits a few thousand dollars, rather than increasing the amount and giving money to far fewer people.
Field said that getting Marine recruiters in uniform back into high schools this year, after several years of COVID-19 restrictions, has been a key driver. There, young people line up to compete in pull-up contests, vying for a free T-shirt if they can do 20. And recruiters say many are drawn to the cache of being a Marine.
“If you told me you’ll give me $10 million worth of advertising and I can do something with it, or you’ll give me 10 great-looking Marines in a Marine uniform — what’s going to get the most value? Give me those 10 Marines and give me a day,” Nash said. “We’ll go out and we’ll get more out of that, I think, than $10 million in advertising.” | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-the-few-and-the-proud-arent-so-few-marines-recruiting-surges-while-other-services-struggle/ | 2023-07-29T17:52:06 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-the-few-and-the-proud-arent-so-few-marines-recruiting-surges-while-other-services-struggle/ |
Introducing a stunning home built in 2021. This home offers an open floor plan that creates a welcoming space both for relaxation and entertainment. This home is situated on .5 acres with mountain views. The well-appointed kitchen features a spacious island and a large pantry. This home offers 1,755 square feet all on one level including a private primary suite complete with a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom with modern fixtures and finishes.
3 Bedroom Home in Mills - $540,000
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
Jerson Cerna Sanchez, Haigui Sun and Mark Robbins were killed in three separate crashes on Wyoming's roadways.
Authorities on Thursday continued their search for a 28-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend in Worland.
"We are treating this as more than just a missing person," Washakie County Sheriff Austin T. Brookwell said in a statement. "Just because we d… | https://trib.com/3-bedroom-home-in-mills---540-000/article_eba51b7b-ed64-5bd9-a617-80c5a6103521.html | 2023-07-29T17:52:10 | 0 | https://trib.com/3-bedroom-home-in-mills---540-000/article_eba51b7b-ed64-5bd9-a617-80c5a6103521.html |
WASHINGTON (AP) — A top Pentagon official has attacked this week’s widely watched congressional hearing on UFOs, calling the claims “insulting” to employees who are investigating sightings and accusing a key witness of not cooperating with the official U.S. government investigation.
Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick’s letter, published on his personal LinkedIn page and circulated Friday across social media, criticizes much of the testimony from a retired Air Force intelligence officer that energized believers in extraterrestrial life and produced headlines around the world.
Retired Air Force Maj. David Grusch testified Wednesday that the U.S. has concealed what he called a “multi-decade” program to collect and reverse-engineer “UAPs,” or unidentified aerial phenomena, the official government term for UFOs.
Part of what the U.S. has recovered, Grusch testified, were non-human “biologics,” which he said he had not seen but had learned about from “people with direct knowledge of the program.”
A career intelligence officer, Kirkpatrick was named a year ago to lead the Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, or AARO, which was intended to centralize investigations into UAPs. The Pentagon and U.S. intelligence agencies have been pushed by Congress in recent years to better investigate reports of devices flying at unusual speeds or trajectories as a national security concern.
Kirkpatrick wrote the letter Thursday and the Defense Department confirmed Friday that he posted it in a personal capacity. Kirkpatrick declined to comment on the letter Friday.
He writes in part, “I cannot let yesterday’s hearing pass without sharing how insulting it was to the officers of the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community who chose to join AARO, many with not unreasonable anxieties about the career risks this would entail.”
“They are truth-seekers, as am I,” Kirkpatrick said. “But you certainly would not get that impression from yesterday’s hearing.”
In a separate statement, Pentagon spokeswoman Sue Gough denied other allegations made by Grusch before a House Oversight subcommittee.
The Pentagon “has no information that any individual has been harmed or killed as a result of providing information” about UFO objects, Gough said. Nor has the Pentagon discovered “any verifiable information to substantiate claims that any programs regarding the possession or reverse-engineering of extraterrestrial materials have existed in the past or exist currently.”
Kirkpatrick wrote, “AARO has yet to find any credible evidence to support the allegations of any reverse engineering program for non-human technology.”
He had briefed reporters in December that the Pentagon was investigating “several hundreds” of new reports following a push to have pilots and others come forward with any sightings.
Kirkpatrick wrote in his letter that allegations of “retaliation, to include physical assault and hints of murder, are extraordinarily serious, which is why law enforcement is a critical member of the AARO team, specifically to address and take swift action should anyone come forward with such claims.”
“Yet, contrary to assertions made in the hearing, the central source of those allegations has refused to speak with AARO,” Kirkpatrick said. He did not explicitly name Grusch, who alleged he faced retaliation and declined to answer when a congressman asked him if anyone had been murdered to hide information about UFOs.
Messages left at a phone number and email address for Grusch were not returned Friday. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-the-ufo-congressional-hearing-was-insulting-to-us-employees-a-top-pentagon-official-says/ | 2023-07-29T17:52:12 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-the-ufo-congressional-hearing-was-insulting-to-us-employees-a-top-pentagon-official-says/ |
Hidden camera found inside porta-potty at Wisconsin beach
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (WISN) - A woman at a Wisconsin beach made a terrible discovery after she found a hidden camera underneath the toilet seat of a port-a-potty.
Police are trying to determine if it was the only camera and who put it there.
“That’s insane. Oh my gosh,” Chrissy Hartwig said.
On a beautiful day at Oconomowoc’s Bender Beach, the talk turns instead to something ugly after Hartwig and other beachgoers learn of a small digital camera hidden inside a porta-potty.
“That’s crazy and now that makes me think of all the other porta-potties that might have had something in it,” Hartwig said. “You don’t think about those things.”
Hartwig said she’s heard of people hiding cameras in dressing rooms and even vacation rentals, but never before in a porta-potty.
“I just, I mean, I’m mind blown. I’ve never considered it. I’ve never thought about it. I wouldn’t have thought about it, probably. People are creeps,” she said.
The camera was reportedly inside the toilet, positioned in a way that showed people entering and using the toilet.
Oconomowoc police, along with the public, have a lot of questions.
“It’s, you know, it’s very concerning because you know the little ones use the bathroom,” Lissa Hagen said. “Yeah, it’s concerning, you know, wondering who did it and why they would do something like that. It’s very gross too.”
Hagen’s daughter is a lifeguard at the beach and learned of the camera the day after it was found.
“I mean, it’s uncomfortable. It’s, you know, concerning. Yeah, so, I’m glad they found it at least before, you know, anything happened,” Hagen said.
Police have not shared how long they believe the camera was there and what if anything was on it.
Copyright 2023 WISN via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wbay.com/2023/07/29/hidden-camera-found-inside-porta-potty-wisconsin-beach/ | 2023-07-29T17:52:12 | 0 | https://www.wbay.com/2023/07/29/hidden-camera-found-inside-porta-potty-wisconsin-beach/ |
Quality new construction with a great east-side location! The Amber Platinum Series by Millennium Construction features an open floorplan, covered porch & patio, private master suite with a walk-in closet and 5-piece bath and more, all standard! This home has been upgraded with gas fireplace with shiplap surround, built-ins in mud room with bench and coat-hooks, quartz countertops, fully-fished basement, textured and painted garage, 11' walls in one section of the garage and more! Estimated completion:Sept.
5 Bedroom Home in Casper - $727,550
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
Jerson Cerna Sanchez, Haigui Sun and Mark Robbins were killed in three separate crashes on Wyoming's roadways.
Authorities on Thursday continued their search for a 28-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend in Worland.
"We are treating this as more than just a missing person," Washakie County Sheriff Austin T. Brookwell said in a statement. "Just because we d… | https://trib.com/5-bedroom-home-in-casper---727-550/article_49aac9f4-c4d8-55a4-86d9-c5fb5adb7d49.html | 2023-07-29T17:52:17 | 1 | https://trib.com/5-bedroom-home-in-casper---727-550/article_49aac9f4-c4d8-55a4-86d9-c5fb5adb7d49.html |
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The United States will expand its military industrial base by helping Australia manufacture guided missiles and rockets for both countries within two years, the allies announced on Saturday as they ramped up defense cooperation to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
The new cooperation on guided weapon production follows a trilateral partnership announcement in March that will see Britain provide Australia with a fleet of eight submarines powered by U.S. nuclear technology.
The greater integration of U.S. and Australian militaries was announced after annual talks between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken and their Australian counterparts, Defense Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
They agreed to cooperate on Australia producing Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems by 2025, a communique said.
U.S. companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin only established an Australian enterprise to build such weapons last year. That followed the drain on Western countries’ munitions caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Austin said the move on missiles would strengthen the two allies’ defense industrial base and technological edge.
“We’re racing to accelerate Australia’s priority access to munitions through a streamlined acquisition process,” Austin told reporters in Brisbane, Australia.
Marles welcomed U.S. support to achieve Australian missile production within two years.
“We are really pleased with the steps that we are taking in respect of establishing a guided weapons and explosive ordnance enterprise in this country,” Marles said.
The two governments also agreed to upgrade joint military facilities in Australia and to increase U.S. nuclear submarine visits as the United States increases its focus on the South Pacific.
The region came to the forefront of the U.S. competition with China for influence last year, when Beijing signed a security pact with Solomon Islands and raised the prospect of a Chinese naval base being established there.
Austin became the first U.S. defense secretary to visit Papua New Guinea and Blinken visited New Zealand and Tonga before they arrived in Australia.
Saturday’s meeting was overshadowed by the loss of an Australian Army helicopter with four air crew late Friday, during military exercises with the U.S. off the northeastern coast of Australia.
U.S., Australian and Canadian militaries are taking part in the search for potential survivors near Whitsunday Islands off the Queensland state coast.
Austin and Marles will travel to north Queensland on Sunday to inspect Talisman Sabre, a biennial military exercise between the two countries that this year includes 13 nations and more than 30,000 military personnel. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-us-pledges-to-help-australia-manufacture-guided-missiles-by-2025/ | 2023-07-29T17:52:18 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-us-pledges-to-help-australia-manufacture-guided-missiles-by-2025/ |
Pet owner says 4-foot-long python has gone missing from his yard
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR/Gray News) - Residents in an Illinois neighborhood are currently on the lookout for a pet snake.
Jonathan Delaney told WIFR that his 15-year-old ball python named Bubba slithered away from his yard last weekend.
Delaney said his exotic 4-foot-long snake is missing, but neighbors shouldn’t be worried.
“He’s completely harmless,” Delaney said. “We’ve had him for 15 years. He’s never been mean and the biggest thing he’d eat is a rat.”
Fellow Edgewater resident Rhonda Hanley said she’d likely be startled if she came across Bubba. But because he’s someone’s pet, she’ll try to help find him.
“I’ll try and put something over the top of it like a blanket or a garbage can if I find him,” Hanley said.
Delaney is thankful that his neighbors are concerned enough to lend a helping hand.
“We are hoping he’s still around here and nobody harms him,” he said. “We are hoping to find him as soon as possible.”
Experts say because ball pythons prefer to be hidden most of the time the snake doesn’t appear to pose a threat to the public.
The snake can strike if it gets agitated, but those bites don’t normally require medical attention.
“The most that could happen is that the snake could take a defensive swipe,” Stephanie Stone, owner of Jurassic Reptile Supply, said. “It’s less impact than a cat scratch or a cat bite.”
Stone added that ball pythons typically don’t travel very far.
“Unless it feels the need to try to find a meal, it’s probably very close to where it was originally,” she said.
Anyone who spots Bubba has been urged to contact Delaney on social media.
Copyright 2023 WIFR via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wbay.com/2023/07/29/pet-owner-says-4-foot-long-python-has-gone-missing-his-yard/ | 2023-07-29T17:52:19 | 1 | https://www.wbay.com/2023/07/29/pet-owner-says-4-foot-long-python-has-gone-missing-his-yard/ |
ANNIE MAE
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
Jerson Cerna Sanchez, Haigui Sun and Mark Robbins were killed in three separate crashes on Wyoming's roadways.
Authorities on Thursday continued their search for a 28-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend in Worland.
The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/annie-mae/article_8df0f110-7c79-5116-87f7-4f902ae83ff5.html | 2023-07-29T17:52:23 | 1 | https://trib.com/annie-mae/article_8df0f110-7c79-5116-87f7-4f902ae83ff5.html |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pamela Smith’s voice soared and quivered like a preacher in midsermon as she recalled her troubled childhood and how it helped prepare her for the challenges she faces as the new police chief in the nation’s capital.
“I stand before you as a child who had no hopes, who had no dreams — they were far beyond my reach. But I believe that all things are possible,” she said at her introductory news conference in Washington, in cadences honed by years as an ordained Baptist minister. “I believe I bring a fresh perspective, a different kind of energy, a different level of passion to what I’m going to do.”
Smith takes on the job at a precarious time.
Violent crime is rising sharply, fueled by more homicides and carjackings. The District of Columbia’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, and the D.C. Council have, at times, been at odds about crime legislation. On Capitol Hill, the Republican-led House has begun citing the city’s crime statistics while aggressively reviewing local public safety laws.
On July 24, the Mexican Consulate posted a tweet urging its nationals to “take precautions” in the city due to “a significant increase in crime in areas previously considered safe.”
Smith, 55, now becomes one of the public faces of this long-term fight even before the Council votes on her nomination as chief. She brings an inspirational story to her new role leading the Metropolitan Police Department. Raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, by a single mother who battled substance abuse, Smith and her siblings were at one point removed from their home and spent time in foster care. Smith emerged as a track star and went on to a 24-year career in the U.S. Park Police, where she served as the agency’s first Black female chief before retiring in 2022 to take up a senior leadership position at the MPD.
Law enforcement and government officials repeatedly point out that overall crime numbers in Washington have stayed relatively stable. But the crimes that have increased the most — murders and carjackings — are the ones most likely to damage public confidence.
“The scariest crimes are going up and regardless of what’s happening with other crimes, that’s what’s going to fuel the overall perception,” U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves told The Associated Press.
Graves’ office prosecutes most felonies in Washington, in a unique arrangement due to the district’s status as a nonstate. The city’s attorney general’s office prosecutes misdemeanors and juvenile crime, which is also on the rise.
This intricate dynamic among two separate sets of prosecutors, the city’s police force, Bowser’s administration and the Council has been publicly tested as the crime numbers have stayed high — all with Congress taking an increasing interest in the district’s affairs. Public safety was a primary topic of debate last year when Bowser, 50, successfully ran for a third term in office. She has spent this term sparring with both the Council and the House Oversight and Accountability Committee over how best to address crime.
July has been a particular bloody month, with 22 homicides as of Friday, including murders on the campuses of both Howard and Catholic universities. The victims include an Afghan man who survived years of working as a translator for the U.S. Army in Afghanistan only to be murdered in America while driving for Lyft. Nine people, including two children, were shot at a July Fourth party, when an assailant in an SUV opened fire on the crowd. A 12-year old girl remains hospitalized after being shot in the back Tuesday night by a bullet that penetrated the walls of her home.
Although the local murder rate is well below the levels in the 1980s and early 1990s, when Washington regularly led the nation in murders per capita, it has climbed steadily in recent years. In 2022, there was a roughly 10% drop in homicides, but now, homicides are up 15 percent compared with this time a year ago and the city is on pace to surpass 200 for the third year in a row. Police also reported 140 carjacking incidents in the month of June — the highest monthly total in more than five years.
Crime in Washington is now a national headline issue in Congress. In the spring, Bowser and Council members were summoned before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee for a heated session on local crime rates.
Congress voted to completely overturn the Council’s comprehensive rewrite of the district’s criminal code. Bowser was caught in the middle of the dispute. She had vetoed the overhaul, saying the reduction of maximum penalties for certain violent crimes “sent the wrong message,” but was overridden by the Council.
The mayor opposes congressional intervention in local affairs as part of Washington’s long push for statehood, but her initial veto was frequently cited by Republican lawmakers as proof that the rewrite was soft on crime. In an embarrassment for the heavily Democratic city, the move to cancel the criminal code revision drew support from dozens of congressional Democratic and was signed into law by President Joe Biden.
Earlier this month, the Council, with Bowser’s support, passed emergency public safety legislation meant to serve as a temporary fix. The bill makes it a felony to fire a gun in public and makes it easier for judges, in cases where people are charged with a violent crime, to detain them before trial. As an emergency bill, the changes will only last 90 days and will not be subject to congressional review; plans to make the changes permanent in the fall will face scrutiny by lawmakers.
“It is no secret … to the public that we are in a state of emergency right now,” said Brooke Pinto, the D.C. Council member who was the bill’s architect. “Like in any emergency, we have to act like it and we have to act urgently to address the problem we’re seeing.”
But some pushing for a criminal justice overhaul said city lawmakers were reverting to mass incarceration policies that had long ago been discredited.
“We’re way beyond thinking that we can just incarcerate more people,” said Patrice Sulton, executive director of the D.C. Justice Lab, who helped draft the now-canceled criminal code revision. “I think everybody who voted for it knows that it will not have an impact.”
The local branch of the American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement on Twitter that the new bill “essentially flips due process on its head — treating people as guilty and detaining them.”
All sides point to one primary factor fueling the violence: a flood to firearms entering Washington.
Graves, the district’s federal prosecutor, said the number of guns being used in crimes has skyrocketed, turning petty disputes into deadly battles. This includes a new wave of “ghost guns” — firearms that can be ordered in kits and assembled at home. Other kits can easily turn a semiautomatic weapon into an automatic, enabling a rapid-fire and generally less accurate spray of dozens of bullets. In 2018, authorities recovered three such guns; in 2022, the number was 461.
Graves compared the illegal guns to “a virus” in the neighborhood.
“The more virus there is in the community, the more people are going to get sick,” he said. “The more illegal firearms are in the community, the more likelihood those illegal firearms are going to be used.” | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-violent-crime-is-rising-in-the-nations-capital-dc-seeks-solutions-as-congress-keeps-close-watch/ | 2023-07-29T17:52:24 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-violent-crime-is-rising-in-the-nations-capital-dc-seeks-solutions-as-congress-keeps-close-watch/ |
Doll collectors meet
Calling all doll enthusiasts! The Casper Doll Collectors Club meets on the second Saturday of each month. We meet at the Casper Senior Center at 2:00 p.m. Our next meeting will be Aug. 12 and we’ll be finalizing our plans for the upcoming “Treasures in the Attic” Doll Show and Sale. We still need helpers/volunteers for set-up, ticket sales etc. Clear your calendar for Saturday, Aug. 19, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., go to the Best Western Downtown, 123 West E St. Admission is $5.00, but an hour or two of helping out, will get you in free! Please contact Club President Kathy Dilgarde at 970-222-7884 or Secretary Nancy Gerlock at 307-277-8991 to sign up!
Pioneer association picnic
The Natrona County Pioneer Association will conduct their Summer Picnic on Sunday Aug. 6, at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds at the Pioneer Church area. The luncheon will be potluck beginning at noon. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Bottled water will be provided. Contact Vaughn Cronin at 251-1466 for more information.
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Model railroaders win best in show
The Central Wyoming Model Railroad Association (CWMRA) attended a Regional Model Train Show in North Platte, Nebraska from April 15-16. We like to renew acquaintances and meet new folks there. This year we were placed at the entrance to the show and had the G Scale switching layout right where it was impossible to ignore. Larry Heintzman had a new “gandy dancer,” his wife Nancy, to help him set up the track. He elicited the help of many youngsters to operate the switch machines and do the job of a Brakeman. Well, that kept a whole bunch of kids on cloud 9 and the Prize Judge awarded our Club the Best In Show for 2023!
We were just representing the generous folks of Casper and got this award. Thank you everyone. Come to the Clubhouse at 1356 N. Center and take a look at it. We are still open on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from Noon to 4 p.m. Progress is being made with all three layouts to make them more attractive. Visitors are still welcome to run trains, either their own or ours. The library is open to all.
We still work on equipment so if yours doesn’t run bring it around. Part of our R&R is getting things up and running for folks. We are willing to share our talents and abilities with you. Do you want more information? Our website is CWMRA.com. We also have a Facebook page. Contact Phil at 916-693-3650, Harry at 235-4950 or Homer at 266-6439. We can make whatever arrangements will suit you to visit us.
Doll club meets
Casper Doll Collectors Club, members of UFDC, meets at the Casper Sr. Center on the second Saturday of each month at 2:00 p.m. All kinds of Dollies are welcome, along with their humans.
Aug. 12 we’ll be finalizing plans for the Doll Show to be held on August 19th at the Best Western, 123 W. E St. Join us! Questions? Call: Kathy Dilgarde at 970-222-7884. | https://trib.com/announcements/other/town-crier-clubs/article_fe742b88-2cd0-11ee-b270-2be8ba8b69e4.html | 2023-07-29T17:52:29 | 1 | https://trib.com/announcements/other/town-crier-clubs/article_fe742b88-2cd0-11ee-b270-2be8ba8b69e4.html |
COLFAX, Iowa (AP) — In the small central Iowa town of Colfax, thousands of cyclists participating in the largest and oldest recreational bike ride in the world were stopped along its historic main street, staring ahead at a daunting climb that would lead them out of town.
The hill, coupled with soaring temps and the vibrant downtown, made a morning sitting in the shade quite appealing.
It’s become almost simplistic to say that “small-town America” is slowly dying. That opportunities for young people have dried up, just like businesses and main streets. That the only way forward in life involves moving to a big city. But the reality is towns such as Colfax are flourishing, and that was especially evident on RAGBRAI, the annual bike ride across the state, where dozens of small towns dotting the 500-mile route welcomed some 50,000 riders with open arms.
Colfax is a prime example. It experienced a nearly 8% increase in population from the 2010 census to the most recent in 2020, turning around two decades of decline. Its population of 2,255 represented its highest since the 1990s.
Sure, many small towns are still struggling, but what has allowed those such as Colfax to thrive?
“Mostly, a wonderful mayor and council and volunteers that just ensure a vital community,” explains Wade Wagoner, the former city manager for the small town of Lake Park, and now the city administrator for Colfax.
“Des Moines and the metro growing to the east doesn’t hurt,” Wagoner said. “Also, the fact that we still have a high school and citizens just approved a $14 million bond for athletic and academic improvements make people want to raise a family here.”
Wagoner underscores that location is important. After the COVID-19 pandemic, when many jobs became partially or fully remote, people who may have once worked in a city could suddenly live just about anywhere, including small towns across America.
Wagoner goes on to talk about the smallest Fareway grocery store in the state, the coffee shop and bank and city hall, all of which make for a bustling hub. There’s also a rich history with mineral water that makes Colfax’s downtown large for its size.
In other words, Colfax has leaned into its strengths to create a community that people want to call home.
And every few years, big events such as RAGBRAI roll through, giving them a chance to shine.
“Lots of trash and (Port-o-potties,” Wagoner said of the traveling circus, “but it is actually pretty cool. It lets us show off the town and certain businesses do make some money. Others find it a pain. But it’s only for a single day.”
If nothing else, the horde of cyclists are good for making money.
In Polk City, between the busy metros of Ames and Des Moines, high school students collected money to fund their after-prom party. Elsewhere on the ride, residents of Slater were using donations to build a new community center and library. In Breda, where the route went through Monday, the town was trying to raise $300,000 to replace the lights at its baseball grandstand, which was built in 1946 and has withstood the test of time.
Breda, population 500, is another example of a small town doing well. It has steadily gained residents for the past 30 years.
In the quiet hamlet of Oxford, just past the fire department and the Deja Brew Coffee House & Bakery, four boys took turns in a dunk tank Friday as cyclists passed through on a day of unrelenting heat — the index topped out at 112 degrees.
For just $5, riders got three shots at the tank. All the proceeds went to their little league program.
The boys were winning on two fronts: staying cool and making cash.
The population of Slater, just north of Polk City, has steadily grown the past three decades.
“Many young families have moved into Slater recently for the school system, and safety of our small town, and ease of getting around,” said Evy Raes of the Slater Area Historical Association. “Our sense of community was tested when a derecho roared through in August 2020. Never fear: anyone with a pickup truck, a chain saw and a six-pack was out in the streets after the storm, helping neighbors clear and dispose of the debris. People really pulled together and no one was a stranger.”
That sense of community isn’t always felt in bigger cities. And more than anything, Raes said, that has helped them to thrive.
“We are a small town with big ideals,” Raes said. “Many people who move into Slater feel an instant connection with the community. It is said though, ‘Don’t gossip about anybody who’s lived here awhile, because they may be related to the person you’re talking to.’ My family has lived here over 74 years, and some days we feel like the new people.”
Turns out that, at least in some small towns, there are in fact plenty of new people.
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Dave Skretta is a Kansas City, Missouri-based AP Sports Writer. He grew up in the small-but-vibrant northeast Iowa town of Decorah and and has ridden RAGBRAI many times, though he’s never written about it while doing it. Skretta wrote periodic updates from the road. He covered 579 miles from start to finish.
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AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.texomashomepage.com/sports/ap-bike-ride-across-iowa-puts-vibrant-small-town-america-into-sharp-focus/ | 2023-07-29T17:52:30 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/sports/ap-bike-ride-across-iowa-puts-vibrant-small-town-america-into-sharp-focus/ |
FUKUOKA, Japan (AP) — Here’s why Katie Ledecky is one of the greatest freestyle swimmers in the history of the sport: She is never quite satisfied.
The 26-year-old American won the 800-meter freestyle on Saturday at the world championships to become the first swimmer to win six golds in the same event at worlds. It was also her 16th individual world title, breaking a tie with Michael Phelps for the most golds at worlds.
She also is a seven-time Olympic gold medalist and the world record holder in both the 800 and 1,500.
But that winning time — 8 minutes, 8.87 seconds, which is the seventh-quickest she’d ever swum — wasn’t quite good enough in her favorite event.
“I’m just always trying to think of new ways to improve. I mean I’ve already got everything turning in my head right now. I kind of wanted to be better than I was tonight,” she said, twirling her right hand beside her right ear, trying to stir up ideas.
“I’m pretty tough on myself,” she said. “But I think I have found the balance of being tough on myself but also having that grace.”
The 800 was Ledecky’s second individual gold following her win in the 1,500 free on Tuesday. She also took silver in the 400 free. Li Bingjie of China took silver in 8:13.31, and Ariarne Titmus of Australia got the bronze in 8:13.59.
“It’s fun to leave a meet with your favorite event, and I just wanted to leave it all in the pool,” Ledecky said.
It was only the fourth gold for the United States in the seventh of eight days in the pool. Meanwhile, Australia has been piling it on with 13 golds, matching its best at the worlds. Australia won three more golds on Saturday.
The Americans lead the overall table with 31 medals (16 silver), Australia has 20 and China 13.
Kaylee McKeown of Australia made history of her own with gold in the women’s 200 backstroke. McKeown’s victory gave her a sweep of all three backstroke events after earlier wins in the 50 and 100. She became the first swimmer to sweep all three backstrokes at the worlds.
It all made up for her disqualification earlier in the 200 IM.
“You can’t change the rules,” she said. “I got ruled out. It’s just the cards I was dealt with and I couldn’t do much more than that. So I just had to carry myself the best I could and channel all my anger and turn a huge negative into a positive.”
Regan Smith of the United States picked up the silver in 2:04.94, while Peng Xuwei of China got the bronze in 2:06.74.
Sarah Sjöström of Sweden continued her dominance with gold in the 50 butterfly. The 29-year-old won in 24.77 seconds and has now won the event five consecutive times at the worlds. The win brought Sjöström’s individual medals at the worlds to 20, equaling Phelps’ mark.
Sjöström also broke her own record in the 50 free, going 23.61 in a semifinal heat. Her old mark was 23.67 set in 2017.
“There are not too many secrets,” Sjöström said about her longevity. “Just do the work every day, go to practice, and stay humble.”
Zhang Yufei of China, who took gold in the 100 fly, claimed the silver in 25.05, while American Gretchen Walsh got the bronze in 25.46.
Japanese fan favorite Rikako Ikee finished seventh (25.78) in the 50 fly but was greeted warmly by the home crowd.
The 23-year-old Ikee won six gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games and was expected to be a favorite in the Tokyo Olympics. But she was diagnosed with leukemia in February 2019. Her comeback continues to resonate with both the Japanese public and her fellow competitors.
Cameron McEvoy of Australia led all the way to capture the gold in the 50 free in 21.06. It was his first individual gold in the worlds or Olympics.
American Jack Alexy collected his second silver of the worlds in 21.57 to go with his silver in the 100 free. Benjamin Proud of Britian, last year’s world champion, took the bronze in 21.58.
Caeleb Dressel won the event at the Olympics but did not qualify for the U.S. team. McEvoy’s time was quicker than Dressel’s winning time in Tokyo — 21.07.
Maxime Grousset of France won gold in the 100 fly in 50.14. The 24-year-old took the early lead and held on. Josh Liendo of Canada earned the silver in 50.34, while American Dare Rose made the podium with the bronze (50.46).
Ruta Meilutyte of Lithuania equaled the world record of 29.30 in her semifinal in the 50 breaststroke.
Australia won the 4×100 mixed freestyle relay in a world record of 3:18.83. The Americans took silver in 3:20.82, with Britain getting the bronze in 3:21.68. The relay is not an Olympic event.
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AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.texomashomepage.com/sports/ap-katie-ledecky-passes-michael-phelps-for-most-individual-golds-at-world-championships/ | 2023-07-29T17:52:31 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/sports/ap-katie-ledecky-passes-michael-phelps-for-most-individual-golds-at-world-championships/ |
Ghost tour extended
Casper Theater Company has had great success with our Downtown Ghost Tour so we have extended it to August!! The added dates are Saturday, Aug. 12, and Sunday, Aug. 13. Meet at 8:45 p.m. at the NW corner of 2nd and Durbin streets. The tour will begin promptly at 9 p.m.. Tickets can be purchased online at www.caspertheatercompany.net for $27 per person. This is one of our annual fundraising activities to replace our leaky roof. Please come join the fun as you learn about Casper’s history, and who haunts the downtown buildings as you travel down the alleys with your tour guide. For more information please call 307-267-7243.
Annual one pitch softball tourney
The 24th Annual One Pitch Softball Tournament is quickly approaching! This tournament is set to take place in Casper, Wyoming, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 12-13. The One Pitch Tournament offers a three-game guarantee in men’s, women’s and coed, competitive & recreational divisions. All games will take place at the Crossroads and North Casper Softball Complexes. Awards will be given to 1st & 2nd place teams in each bracket. All umpires are USA Softball Association certified.
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Traditional softball rules are modified giving each batter only one pitch. If the batter gets pitched a ball, he or she will walk to first base. A strike or a foul ball is an out. The modified rules result in a fast paced, action packed, and all out fun tournament!
Team entry fee is set at $250 for all divisions. Registration fees are payable to the City of Casper or Casper Rec Center. All entry fees are due August 6, 2023. Entry fees are accepted at the Casper Recreation Center, 1801 East 4th Street, Casper, WY 82601. Online registration is available at www.crlasports.com. Inquiries should be directed to the City of Casper Recreation Division at (307) 235-8383.
Shepherd of the Hills preschool enrollment
We are now enrolling for the 2023-2024 school year. We are a non-profit, Christian-oriented preschool. We offer classes for 3, 4, and 5 year old’s. Our 3 year old’s attend on Tuesday and Thursday’s 8:45-11:30. The 4’s attend Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30-11:45, and the 5’s attend Monday-Thursday 8:30-11:45. Our teachers are experienced and educated individuals who have been selected because of their love for children as well as their knowledge and skills in working with young children.
Shepherd of the Hills Child Development Center is located at 4600 S. Poplar, on the southwest corner of Poplar and Wyoming Boulevard. For more information, call 307-234-8522.
New exhibit at Fort Caspar
Fort Caspar Museum has organized an exhibit about the cavalry unit that was posted to Platte Bridge Station-now Fort Caspar-in the 1865 when Caspar Collins died in a battle with Indians. “Soldiers of the Republic: Stories of the 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry” will be on display from March 21, 2023, through Feb. 24, 2024.
In 1865, the 11th Kansas spent six months in the area that is now Casper. Explore the history of the regiment from its time fighting in the Civil War to their final posting on the western frontier. Through 22 soldier biographies, you will learn about the individual Kansas soldiers-those who perished here and those who survived to return home.
Museum staff worked with museums in Kansas and private collectors to bring in objects for this exhibit.
Here is your chance to see artifacts owned and used by the troops at Fort Caspar that have not been here since 1865. Local historian and author Johanna Wickman helped organize the exhibit and says, “Visitors will see items on view that were involved in the very battles that gave Casper its name.” On view will be tintype photographs, firearms, shoulder insignias, a saddle, guidon flag, and arrows from the Battle of Platte Bridge.
The Museum’s hours and admission fees vary by season; call or check our website for details. Fort Caspar is located at 4001 Fort Caspar Road in Casper; the phone number is 307-235-8462 and the website is fortcasparwyoming.org
River of Life art show
Kingdom Creatives is hosting our next art show, scheduled for Sept. 8, 9 and 10! Entry forms and guidelines are available on our website at riveroflife.family/events and at Cascade Coffee Shop and the River of Life office (2955 East 2nd Street). Stop by or contact us with any questions or to enter the show. Submit entry forms and entry fee to River of Life Church by June 8.
Science Zone events
Summer camp registration opened March 20
(Don’t Worry!!! The ‘fully booked’ note ONLY means registration opened March 20. Go to thesciencezone.org to register and for more info.)
Join us for another fun-filled and exciting summer focused on exciting STEAM activities June through August. There’s something for all the scientists in your life! Camps for ages 5-15 will take place all summer long!
If kids are looking for ADVENTURE, look no further than our outdoor adventure series of camps where we develop outdoor skills, confidence, and create a love of the great outdoors through these intensive overnight camps.
No matter your child’s interests, you’re sure to find something fun!
Outdoor camps schedule
July 31- Aug. 4: We will base our camp for the week out of the Thorne Rider Youth Camp just outside of Sheridan. This location is perfect for exploring the Big Horn mountains but we’ll come back to home base every evening! This camp will include a day of rock climbing with our friends from Big Horn Mountain Guides—a well-respected and knowledgeable organization that teaches many climbing camps for youth in the area. This camp will also incorporate fishing and kayaking as well as an exploration of historically significant battlefields in the area. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch for day 1, all other food, transportation, and fees will be provided. If your camper has never stayed away from home or is new to camping, it is recommended that they also sign up for Camping 101.
As with all Science Zone classes and activities, scholarships and financial aid are available.
Family STEAM nights
Family STEAM nights take place every Thursday at The Science Zone from 4:00—7:00 on a drop-in basis. No registration is required. Activities are free and designed to encourage families to engage in science together. Family STEAM nights are made possible by our AmeriCorps members and are supported by Serve Wyoming, the Mott Foundation, and the Tonkin Foundation.
Give us a call at (307) 473-9663 to learn more.
Science Fever
Admission to Museum exhibits is $5. Free family STEAM nights are one of the ways that AmeriCorps members are making a difference in our community. Funding for this work is provided by America’s Service Commissions’ grant from the Mott Foundation, and provided by ServeWyoming.
Give us a call at (307) 473-9663 to learn more.
Summer events at Bishop Home
Historic Bishop Home Museum welcomes summer with new costume jewelry exhibit
Costume Jewelry had its beginnings in 1724, when French Jeweler Georges Frederic Strass introduced leaded glass beads that gave off the twinkle and glimmer of diamonds. But Coco Chanel was instrumental in lending costume jewelry legitimacy in the 1920s.
The four youngest daughters lived out their lives in the Bishop Home. They were also career women during the time when a woman dressed for work.
Stylish clothing, hats, and jewelry were all part of the daily dress of women from the turn of the 20th century through the 1970s. Our exhibit includes an extensive array of the Costume Jewelry of the Bishop women.
Also included in this exhibit are compacts, lipstick mirror cases, evening bags, gloves, and hats.
The Historic Bishop Home is located at 818 East Second Street. Parking is available at the rear of the home off Lincoln Street.
The home is open for tours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. For additional information visit www.cadomafoundation.org, our Facebook page, or call 307 235 5277. | https://trib.com/announcements/other/town-crier-family-stuff/article_3fd7757c-2cd0-11ee-a54b-d3278a719fbe.html | 2023-07-29T17:52:35 | 1 | https://trib.com/announcements/other/town-crier-family-stuff/article_3fd7757c-2cd0-11ee-a54b-d3278a719fbe.html |
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Wendie Renard was threatening to skip the Women’s World Cup and Eugénie Le Sommer wasn’t in selection contention just a few months ago under France’s previous coaching regime.
A management overhaul and a change of heart ultimately led to two of French football’s most experienced players combining for Les Bleues on Saturday to deliver a 2-1 win over Brazil that put them into a strong position to progress to the round of 16.
Le Sommer missed with a diving header in the 13th minute but needed only four more minutes to convert her next chance, beating Brazilian goalkeeper Leticia with a more emphatic header to score her record-extending 90th international goal.
Debinha equalized for Brazil as the hour approached, and the game opened up as both teams pressed for a winner. That’s when Renaud stepped in.
Renard, who’d been in doubt for the match because of a calf injury she picked up in France’s lackluster opening 0-0 draw against Jamaica, drifted unmarked to the back edge of the box to meet a corner kick with a powerful header in the 83rd and clinch victory.
It meant the well-traveled Hervé Renard, who was hired in March to replace Corinne Diacre, became the first head coach to win games at both the women’s and men’s World Cups.
His upset victory with Saudi Arabia over eventual champion Argentina was one of the highlights of the men’s World Cup in Qatar last year. His French women’s team showed signs against Brazil that it could go deep in the tournament.
He credited his veteran players, either recalled or convinced to remain, for the turnaround.
Wendie Renard “is the most important player in the dressing room. Always talking, motivating the the other girls,” the France coach said, describing his captain’s influence on the team. Of other veterans like Le Sommer and Kadidiatou Diani, he added: “You need leaders in the team — they have a good experience and we need them to motivate also the other players.”
Le Sommer, who missed selection for the 2022 Euros under former coach Diacre, was in the thick of the early action for France.
The French started with a high tempo and had three chances before Sakina Karchaoui’s long floating ball into the area found Diani, who leaped and headed square for Le Sommer to finish off from directly in front.
The Brazilian women had never beaten France but started to meet them for intensity as halftime approached, helped by the majority of an almost 50,000-strong crowd.
Debinha equalized in the 58th, finishing off a quick passing movement into the area, controlling a deflected ball with the outside of her leg before firing in a right-foot shot.
Leticia kept Brazil in the game with a string of impressive saves, and Selma Bacha hit the side netting with her shot from the right in the 75th, unable to break the deadlock for France.
After Renard broke the deadlock, Brazil sent Marta in the 86th for her 22nd World Cup appearance — moving her to outright second on the country’s all-time list — but she wasn’t able to equalize in a frenetic finish.
Brazil is now winless in 12 women’s internationals against France, a setback for a team that opened the Women’s World Cup with a thumping 4-0 win over Panama, with Ary Borges scoring three goals and providing the back-heel assist for one of the goals of the tournament.
Against a more disciplined defense, the Brazilians weren’t able to finish despite creating ample opportunities.
Coach Pia Sundhage said she was disappointed with her Brazilian team’s first half and overall lack of cohesion.
The defensive lapse on the set piece that led to France’s winning goal was discouraging, she said, before adding: “I’m more disappointed we couldn’t make this a game where we play like the Brazilian style.”
Jamaica edged Panama 1-0 later Saturday in Perth to join France on four competition points in Group F, one ahead of Brazil. On Wednesday, three teams will be vying for two spots in the next round when Brazil meets Jamaica in Melbourne and France takes on Panama in Sydney.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.texomashomepage.com/sports/ap-le-sommer-renard-score-as-france-edges-brazil-2-1-at-the-womens-world-cup/ | 2023-07-29T17:52:37 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/sports/ap-le-sommer-renard-score-as-france-edges-brazil-2-1-at-the-womens-world-cup/ |
Lincoln dinner with Historic Bishop Home
The Historic Bishop Home invites you to dinner in honor of the 16th President of the United States and his wife, Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, who will be visiting our fair city on Aug. 19. The period dinner begins with a reception from 5:00 to 6:15 p.m.. at the Historic Bishop Home 818 East Second Street Casper Wyoming. At 6:15 p.m., guests will progress to the Casper Country Club for dinner and entertainment by President Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln portrayed by John and Pamela Voehl .
Mr. Voehl is a life member of Lincoln Presenters and has performed over 1600 times throughout the United States. President and Mrs. Lincoln will mingle with guests and be available for photographs during cocktails. After dinner, the former president and first lady will entertain guests with memoirs and take questions and comments. The cost of the dinner is $90.00 per person. ($30 is a tax-deductible donation to the Cadoma Foundation). Funds will help support the preservation of the Historic Bishop Home. Please call 307 235-5277 or email Info@cadomafoundation.org for reservations on or before Aug. 10. Period Dress is encouraged but not required.
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Continuum of Care looking for members, input
The Wyoming Homeless Continuum of Care held their statewide annual meeting at the Fort Caspar Museum on June 29.
The group had a packed agenda including guest speakers from the Institute of Community Alliances looking at racial disparity in the Wyoming Homeless population, LGBTQ and diversity from Casper PRIDE, the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Unaccompanied Students Initiative, and the Statewide Coordinated Entry System, for accessing and prioritization of high vulnerability, literally homeless clients. The group also held an interactive activity to determine gaps in services and barriers to housing statewide. Attendees were encouraged and invited to sign up for numerous committees (Data Quality, Membership and Outreach, Coordinated Entry, Rank and Review, and Point in Time) and to apply to become a board member.
The WY CoC is looking for additional members and input from communities statewide to partner to address the issues surrounding homelessness in Wyoming. For more information and to register to be a member or join the mailing list please visit: wyomingwhc.org
About Wyoming Continuum of Care
The WY CoC is a membership driven, planning, and oversight body for Wyoming. The purpose of the CoC is to develop and implement strategies to ensure that homelessness in Wyoming is rare, brief, and non-recurring. The CoC coordinates each community’s policies, strategies, and activities, and is tasked with gathering and analyzing data to determine the local needs of people experiencing homelessness, identifying, and bridging gaps in housing and services, implementing systemic responses to homelessness, educating the community on issues related to homelessness, providing support and technical assistance on the operations of homeless services, and measuring CoC system performance.
Writers’ conference at River of Life
Join Kingdom Creatives Literary Arts Affinity Group for the first annual, two-day event: Fall Into Books Writers’ Conference is at River of Life Church from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29, and from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30. The event features six guest speakers presenting on Keeping the Muse, Improving Craft, Editing, Business/Taxes, and Marketing; time for networking; local author book signing; and children’s book authors Q&A panel. $75 entry fee includes lunch. $65 Early Bird Registration by Aug. 22!
The Science Zone – AmeriCorps
Do you have a heart for service? Do you want to kick-start your career? Do you want to build your employment skills? Are you retired and have a desire to serve?
You could help provide educational programming in classrooms in before and after school programs, community outreach activities, and summer camps. We have many ideas of how you could help us do outreach.
Members will have flexible scheduling options, flexible commitment levels and will be provided with training. Service commitments range from 300 hours to 1200 hours that can be served over the course of a few months to a full year. In addition to stipends and education awards, becoming part of the AmeriCorps community brings lifelong connections and benefits. Join us as an AmeriCorp member by going to thesciencezone.org or call us at (307) 473-9663 for more information.
Central Wyoming Hospice joins nonprofit collaboration
Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions is excited to announce our new membership to the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI). NPHI is made up of more than 95 not-for-profit, community-integrated hospice and palliative care providers and is dedicated to ensuring patients and their families have access to high quality care at the last stages of life. Central Wyoming Hospice is the is the first NPHI member in Wyoming.
NPHI believes the end-of-life care patients and their families receive should reflect their individual goals, values, and preferences. Together, members across the country define the standards of hospice care and guide patients and families through that journey.
“We joined NHPI because we believe that non-profit, community-based hospice providers historically have been and continue to be the leaders and the innovators in end-of-life care,” said CWHT Executive Director Kilty Brown. ”Ultimately, NHPI’s mission and values align closely with the type of care we provide daily.”
NPHI members are committed to person-centered advanced illness care that ensures individuals can focus on quality and comfort at the last stage of life. Driven by patient and family needs – not profit – members work to fundamentally change how people and institutions view end-of-life care, and instead, help people live as well as possible until they die.
Saturday study at Bethel Baptist
The First Saturday study at Bethel Baptist Church, 3030 S. Poplar, on Aug. 5 will be on the age old question of can a Christian believer lose their salvation or revert from being a Christian to what they believed before? The study starts at 9 am and refreshments are served. This is an interactive study open to all. Phone the church office at 234-8812 for further information
Women in the Word
Women in the Word Bible Study is a non-denominational bible study for any woman., regardless of age, background or faith, who wants to grow in God’s Word and learn and share with others. We resumed the Bible Study year Sept. 14 at Highland Park with the regular time of 9:15 am to 11:00 am. Please call Angela with any questions 207-267-8061. Free childcare is provided for children ages 0-5 years of age.
American Radio NCHS ’73 50th class reunion
The reunion will be held Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29.
Information about Class Reunion is posted on:
- Facebook at “NCHS Class of 1973 (Casper, Wy)”
- Classmates.com at Natrona County High School, Class of 1973
- Natrona County High School website, “Alumni News”, Class of 1973
- Classreport.org, State: Wyoming, City: Casper, School: Natrona County High School, Year: 1973
Reunion Committee Contacts:
- Mary Ann T: maryannthompson459@gmail.com
- NCHS Class of 1973 Reunion Committee: 1234 South Durbin, Casper, WY 82601
Class Reunion Committee is Looking for Classmates: Please provide: Current name, high school name, current mailing address, email address, phone no. to one of the two contact above.
We will post the registration form on the Facebook page next spring. We will email registration to those who provide an email address. Please reach out to classmates and encourage them to join FB AND provide email contact info.
SEE YOU IN JULY 2023
Women in Business Scholarship
The Zonta Club of Cheyenne is seeking applicants for its Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship. The selected applicant – who should demonstrate outstanding potential in her field of study—will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The Cheyenne Club scholarship recipient will then compete (without any additional paperwork required) with other Zonta Club scholarship recipients for an additional $6,000.
This scholarship is open to women of any age who are pursuing a business degree (including accounting, economics, finance, business management, business technology, information technology, marketing, operations management, human resources management, international business, or entrepreneurship) at an accredited university, college, or institute. Students must be enrolled in at least the second year of an undergraduate program through the final year of a master’s program at the time the application is submitted. Applicants must not graduate before April 2024.
To receive the local Zonta Club of Cheyenne scholarship, the applicant must have graduated rom a Laramie County high school or have obtained a GED in Laramie County or currently be a student living in Laramie County. Those students interested in applying but without the tie to Laramie County may submit their application and it will be passed on to Zonta officials who will assure that it is considered for the appropriate regional/international scholarship.
Applications must be submitted no later than Aug. 1. It is preferred that the complete application be submitted at zonta.cheyenne@sgmail.com but they may also be sent to Zonta, P.O. Box 2135, Cheyenne, WY 82003. The application and additional details may be found at https://www.cheyennezonta.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/JMKApplication2023.pdf
Questions or additional inquiries may be sent to parrishzonta@gmail.com.
River of Life events
Calling all visual artists! The Center for Kingdom Creatives is hosting our Affinity Group meetings for visual arts. Join us on the 4th Tuesday each month from 5 PM to 7 PM at Cascade Coffeeshop (2955 East 2nd Street). Our next meeting is 2/28. We’ll have activities, demonstrations, time for creating, and be planning upcoming events and art shows!
Calling all writers! The Center for Kingdom Creatives presents the Literary Art Affinity Group at Cascade Coffee Shop. Bring your work to share, work on, constructively critique, bring resources to share, and invite fellow writers to join the fun! We’ll also be planning future events, conferences, workshops, and more!
We meet every month on the third Thursday at 7 p.m. at 2955 East 2nd Street, Casper, WY 82609. Our next meeting is 2/16. Call (307) 369-5433 or contact riveroflife307@gmail.com, or go to www.riveroflife.family for more details. | https://trib.com/announcements/other/town-crier-grownup-stuff/article_a4164b5e-2cd9-11ee-8001-e36440de902d.html | 2023-07-29T17:52:41 | 0 | https://trib.com/announcements/other/town-crier-grownup-stuff/article_a4164b5e-2cd9-11ee-8001-e36440de902d.html |
‘Where Art Meets Grief’ support group for youth
Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions is partnering with the Nicolaysen Art Museum to expand their grief support for youth. “Where Art Meets Grief” is a special program that helps young people ages 6-18 express the experience of grief through art. “Grief care for children and teens is different than for adults due to the child’s developmental stages in life compared to what adults experienced about death,” says CWHT Grief Care Coordinator Todd von Gunten. “Kids struggle to express themselves verbally regarding death and loss. Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions provides ‘Where Art Meets Grief’ to allow kids to express themselves through art and images.” The groups meet at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming the third week of every month from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Kids ages 6 to 10 will meet on Tuesdays, ages 11-18 will meet Thursdays, and the program is free of charge and open to all youth in the community.
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For more information and to register for “Where Art Meets Grief” or the Winter Grief Support Group, please call Todd at (307) 577-4832 or email toddv@centralwyominghospice.org.
NCSD Summer Food Service Program
Natrona County School District #1 announces the sponsorship of the Summer Food Service Program for children. Meals are available at no charge to children 18 years of age and younger. Due to the end of the USDA waiver, meals must now be consumed onsite.
Meals will be served at the following location(s) starting June 12 and going through Aug. 18:
- Boys & Girls—Main 1701 East K St.: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Boys & Girls—NCSD Activities Center 2401 Hickory St.: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Casper Recreation Center 1801 East 4th St.: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- First United Methodist Church 332 E. 2nd St.: 12 to 1 p.m.
- YMCA 1611 Casper Mountain Rd.: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Homeownership application cycle starts in July
Habitat for Humanity, The Heart of Wyoming will be accepting applications for the organization’s Homeownership Program from July 3-31. Applications are also available in Spanish.
To learn more about the program, qualifications and to get your name on the mailing list, call Program Manager Kelly Cooper at 234-1348 or e-mail kelly@heartofwyoming.org. You can also visit www.heartofwyoming.org to find more information in English or Spanish regarding the Homeownership Program. Habitat for Humanity, The Heart of Wyoming provides safe, decent and affordable housing to those who live or work in Natrona County.
Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity Lender.
Summer grief support group
Central Wyoming Hospice will be offering a Summer Grief Support Group Monday on Monday evenings from 5:30-7:00 p.m., from July 10 to Aug. 14. The group is free and open to the community.
Our Grief Support Groups are for adults grieving the loss of a loved one and provide a safe and supportive place to share grief experiences and develop coping strategies.
For more information and to register, please call (307) 577-4832 or email Leslie at lesliec@centralwyominghospice.org | https://trib.com/announcements/other/town-crier-help-yourself/article_11d35318-2cd9-11ee-82b1-7b44e4fafbcd.html | 2023-07-29T17:52:44 | 0 | https://trib.com/announcements/other/town-crier-help-yourself/article_11d35318-2cd9-11ee-82b1-7b44e4fafbcd.html |
Central Wyoming Hospice receives Edelweiss Fund Grant
Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions has received a generous grant to help women and girls with end-of-life care. The Edelweiss Life’s End Care Fund of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole recently sent a check for more than $18,000 to be used toward charity care for low to medium income women receiving hospice care.
“We are honored to receive the continued support of Edelweiss,” said CWHT Development Director Rachel McPherson. “CWHT is committed to ensuring our community has access to excellent end-of-life care regardless of their financial situation and this grant helps us keep that commitment by helping fund uncompensated care for women.”
This grant was made possible by the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.
Register for Relay For Life
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Register now for the American Cancer Society’s 2023 Relay For Life event in Casper. The event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 2-10pm, at City Park, 711 S Center St.
To register, go to www.relayforlife.org/wyoming and click on Join this Relay or call 800-227-2345.
Art in the Park needs vendors
The Third Annual ART IN THE PARK Festival hosted by Art On The Go is now seeking artist vendors!
The event is Saturday, Sept. 23 at Mike Sedar Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be artist vendors of all kinds, food trucks, music, art demos, raffles, kids events & more!
10’ X 10’ booth spaces are affordably priced: $30 for Art On The Go members; $50 for nonmembers. For more details or to reserve booth space, please visit artonthego.org and click on the Art In The Park event tab.
Make ME the Maestro
The Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce a new fundraising initiative, Make ME the Maestro!
Over the next eight weeks four incredible community members will be seeking votes via donations on their behalf to Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra. Maestro William Intriligator, CSO Music Director and Conductor explains, “The one who raises the most, will have the opportunity to become the Maestro for one piece on one of our upcoming concerts!” The inaugural honorary Maestro will be handed the baton at the 65th Annual Gala on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 and will join CSO on stage at either the Movie Music Matinee concert on Nov. 19 or at the Holiday Magic concert on Dec. 9.
Make ME the Maestro
candidates:
Tom Bass is the President of Wyoming Bank & Trust. Tom is a graduate of Leadership Cheyenne and Leadership Wyoming. He serves and has served on various boards throughout the community and held leadership roles for a variety of Cheyenne organizations. Tom and his wife, Chris, love to travel, play golf, read, bicycle, and spend time with family and friends.
Dr. Tracie Caller, a Wyoming native, has worked with the Cheyenne Regional Medical Group at the Medical Specialty Clinic Neurology since 2014. In her spare time, Dr. Caller enjoys riding horses, hiking, running, and painting/sculpting. She has even provided pieces for past CSO Gala auctions.
Dr. Rene Hinkle is a co-founding partner at Cheyenne Women’s Clinic and has been practicing in Cheyenne for nearly 20 years! She gains satisfaction from helping women from adolescence through menopause improve and maintain their well-being. In addition to being a dedicated physician, she is the mother of two girls & enjoys exercising, dancing, cooking, attending UW games and reading historical fiction in her spare time.
Mary Guthrie born and raised in Northeastern Wyoming, has deep Wyoming roots. She has served as Deputy Attorney General for the State of Wyoming, was Cheyenne’s first female city attorney and Executive Director of Wyoming State Bar. She taught English at LCCC for 12 years as an adjunct professor and has actively served on dozens of community boards. She plays trombone in community bands and participates in several book and discussion groups.
Supporters can help these candidates achieve their conducting dreams by voting with a donation in the candidate’s name to the Cheyenne Symphony, a 501©3 organization, EIN 83-6006472. Find more information and vote at www.cheyennesymphony.org/maestro! Supporters can follow CSO on Facebook (@cheyennesymphonyorchestra) to keep track of the candidates’ fundraising successes and help ensure their favorite stays in the lead.
Supporters can also attend CSO’s Annual Gala to participate in the last-minute voting and witness the naming of the honorary Maestro. Please visit CSO’s website, www.cheyennesymphony.org, or call the CSO office at 307-778-8561 to purchase tickets. Single tickets for the Movie Music Matinee and Holiday Magic will go on sale Aug. 15.
Giving Table at City Park Church
The Giving Table is collecting non-perishable food to help provide for families who need a little extra. Each month of the year they are collecting a different item. The Giving Table is a drive-up food pantry hosted by City Park Church every Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m. No ID is required.
On average each week, 20 to 25 volunteers pack and hand out around 175 boxes of food.
Items to be collected:
- July: canned fruit
To drop off donations please bring them to City Park Church at 804 S. Wolcott St, Casper Wyoming, on Sunday through Thursday. from 9 a.m. to noon. If you have questions please call the church at 307-234- 6946.
Community foundation grant expands care for Converse County
Our newest social worker has joined the care team at Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions, due in part to a generous grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation. Douglas resident Desirae Laird will be serving our patients in Converse County, and she says it’s important to her to be able to help her friends and neighbors.
“I am very excited to work for an organization whose primary focus is patient care,” she says, “and to serve the community I live in.” Expanding our team in Converse County allows more people to stay home with hospice services, and the Wyoming Community Foundation’s $10,000 grant for hiring and training has helped make that possible.
Food for Thought needs volunteers
Wyoming Food for Thought Project is in need of volunteer help to pack weekend food bags and then deliver those bags to schools and homes. Since January of 2013, Food for Thought has been helping feed kids in need over the weekends and long school breaks.
Each week over 1,000 children receive food bags but it takes many hands working together to accomplish this. Wednesdays at 4 p.m. food bags are packed. This activity takes under an hour and is great for people of all ages and abilities. Packing takes place at 1014 Glenarm in north Casper each Wednesday.
Delivery drivers pick up bins packed with food bags and deliver them out to the community each Thursday morning. This is a great activity for service groups, parents with kids at home looking for service learning opportunities, and retirees. The deliveries take under an hour and are an important part of making sure no kid goes hungry in our community. Other ways to help include hosting food drives. If you are interested in becoming involved please contact Beth at (307) 337-1703 or show up on any Wednesday afternoon to help pack food bags. Wyoming Food for Thought Project is a local, grassroots, independent organization whose operations depend upon many hands in the community helping.
Thank you for helping us be the change.
Wyoming throw blankets support education
PEO is selling Wyoming throws. The 100% cotton 4’ x 6’ throw designed by Casper PEO members, exhibits images of Wyoming in a multi-colored design.
They are a perfect Mother’s Day Father’s Day, graduation and wedding gift.
All proceeds from the sales support PEO projects to help educate women through grants, loans and scholarships.
More than 80,000 women have been recipients of PEO projects.
To purchase or order a Wyoming throw, call Becky at 307-259-3350.
Fleece Blanket Project to resume in September
The Fleece Blanket Project will not meet in June, July, and August. We will resume making blankets from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16. We meet the third Saturday of each month from September through April.
We celebrated our 7 year anniversary on Jan. 30, 2023. As of April 22, 2023 we have made 1,864 blankets which have been given to 29 organizations who give them to those who are in need of comfort and warmth. If you would like to be involved in this project or have any questions, please contact First Christian Church at 307-234-8964 or Debbie Mestas at debmestas@gmail.com.
What goes into a food box
Last month, we held a Family Volunteer Day. Families graciously gave their time to help sort and pack boxes here in Casper full of both shelf-stable food and fresh produce. Then the food boxes were sent off to one of our mobile pantry sites for distribution to individuals and families in need. (The group averaged an impressive packing rate of five boxes per minute! Bravo and thank you to them!)
Each box contains foods that families can make a meal out of. We try to be thoughtful about pairing items that they can cook into real meals.
It’s worth noting that we are making more of these kinds of deliveries these days, in response to increased need for food assistance throughout Wyoming.
While packing, one of our volunteers, Jason, commented how great it is to see how far Food Bank of Wyoming is able to stretch a dollar. Thanks to your support, we are efficiently serving Wyoming residents who are experiencing food insecurity, both through our stellar network of Hunger Relief Partners and through our own Mobile Pantries in communities that do not have readily available access to food.
We are grateful to you, our volunteers, supporters, and advocates.
I-REACH fundraiser
We are delighted to announce that I-Reach for Art is returning to The Hangar for our 12th annual fundraising event! We invite you to mark your calendars for Aug. 12, 2023. Doors will open at 5pm with Prairie Wife as the evening’s Emcee and I-Reach for Art favorite, Michael Stirrett playing a variety of music. At 8:00 pm we are honored to welcome back Sheridan’s Tris Munsick and the Innocents as our headline entertainment for the Riding for the Brand concert. In addition to the exceptional entertainment, we will also be selling unique items produced by participants in our program, holding our annual quick draw, live auction, silent auction, dessert dash, gun and 50/50 raffles and offering wagon rides courtesy of the Powder River Percherons!
The “heart” of what matters…. Providing high quality, innovative, individualized, therapeutic services.
- Take care of the People who take care of the People.
- Ensure stable and reliable funding.
I-REACH 2 Inc. has facilitated opportunities for individuals to REACH their highest level of independence in Natrona County since 1999. IR2 provides services to 46 individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities 24 hours per day, seven days a week. The last three years have been an incredibly challenging time in terms of keeping the checkbook in the black while continuing to provide the high-quality services and supports our organization is known for. We need your support now more than ever. For more information please contact Tina at 307-265-8086, tina@ireach2.com or www.ireach2.com | https://trib.com/announcements/other/town-crier-helping-others/article_754a6070-2cd0-11ee-97d7-8b74881714c8.html | 2023-07-29T17:52:51 | 0 | https://trib.com/announcements/other/town-crier-helping-others/article_754a6070-2cd0-11ee-97d7-8b74881714c8.html |
BALTIMORE (AP) — Anthony Santander said it felt like a playoff game at Camden Yards.
A few more performances like this, and the Baltimore Orioles will be there.
Santander homered off Tommy Kahnle in the ninth inning to give the Orioles a 1-0 victory over New York on Friday night, spoiling Aaron Judge’s return for the Yankees. Judge walked three times in his first game back from a toe injury, but the Orioles kept New York off the scoreboard with a spectacular defensive effort.
In the eighth inning alone, Santander made a lunging, sliding catch in right field, and second baseman Adam Frazier made a diving stop on Anthony Rizzo’s grounder with a man on second.
“Great defense, great pitching, that’s how we win baseball games,” Santander said.
Orioles rookie Grayson Rodriguez pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings, going toe to toe with New York’s Gerrit Cole, who went seven. Félix Bautista (6-1) struck out two in a scoreless ninth. Kahnle (1-1) couldn’t match that in the bottom half, allowing Santander’s one-out drive that went well beyond the fence in right-center field.
The Orioles remained 1 1/2 games ahead of Tampa Bay atop the AL East, and they now lead the last-place Yankees by nine.
The game was delayed 2 hours, 32 minutes by rain, but that did little to dampen the enthusiasm of a crowd that included a mix of Yankees fans cheering Judge and Orioles fans embracing their first-place team.
“Right before the start of the game, it felt like a playoff game,” Santander said. “That’s good to have those fans to support us. Hopefully they can continue to do that.”
Judge lined out to right field on the first pitch to him in the first, but he reached base the other three times he came up.
Anthony Volpe was robbed twice by stellar Baltimore defense. Third baseman Ramón Urías made a diving stop on his one-hopper in the fifth. In the eighth, Volpe led off with a fly to right that Santander reached out and caught before sliding on his stomach across the grass.
New York eventually had two on and two out that inning when Rizzo’s grounder looked headed to right field. Frazier’s diving play prevented that.
“Defense won us the game,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “Adam Frazier, diving play off Rizz. Santander with a great diving catch. We turned some double plays.”
Each team had only four hits. Rodriguez was one of Baltimore’s prized prospects, and after being sent back to the minors for a bit, he may be finding a groove.
“I just love his delivery right now and the tempo of his delivery,” Hyde said. “Just really, really competitive.”
DEADLINE OUTLOOK
Orioles general manager Mike Elias said it’s no secret that the Orioles are working on potentially adding pitching upgrades at the trade deadline. He said the team has the wherewithal to make “good baseball trades” even if it means adding payroll.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Orioles: Elias said he hopes OFs Cedric Mullins (right adductor groin strain) and Aaron Hicks (left hamstring strain) can return and play a large part of August. … Elias said LHP John Means (left elbow UCL surgery) and RHP Mychal Givens (right shoulder inflammation) will probably be pitching in games in the Florida Complex League in the early part of August.
UP NEXT
Baltimore’s Tyler Wells (7-5) takes the mound against New York’s Clarke Schmidt (6-6) on Saturday night. Schmidt will be on extended rest, having last pitched July 21.
___
Follow Noah Trister at https://twitter.com/noahtrister
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.texomashomepage.com/sports/ap-santander-hits-9th-inning-homer-to-give-orioles-1-0-win-over-yankees-and-spoil-judges-return/ | 2023-07-29T17:52:51 | 0 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/sports/ap-santander-hits-9th-inning-homer-to-give-orioles-1-0-win-over-yankees-and-spoil-judges-return/ |
Sul Ross State University's Tristen Hutchings competes in bull riding at the College National Finals Rodeo on June 13 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper.
ASHTON J. HACKE,
STAR-TRIBUNE
Tie-down roper Shane Hanchey competes at Cheyenne Frontier Days on Thursday at Frontier Park in Cheyenne.
"We are treating this as more than just a missing person," Washakie County Sheriff Austin T. Brookwell said in a statement. "Just because we d…
Sul Ross State University's Tristen Hutchings competes in bull riding at the College National Finals Rodeo on June 13 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper. | https://trib.com/article_988ad66d-1884-5ed2-b59f-bed92a8ba67d.html | 2023-07-29T17:52:57 | 0 | https://trib.com/article_988ad66d-1884-5ed2-b59f-bed92a8ba67d.html |
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — United States midfielder Savannah DeMelo can speak some Portuguese and may be able to put it to use in the Women’s World Cup.
The U.S. plays Portugal on Tuesday to wrap up the tournament’s group stage, and a fter a disappointing 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, the Americans needs a win. At stake is both the top spot in Group E and also a much-needed boost to team confidence.
That’s where DeMelo can help.
The 25-year-old’s dad, Robert, is from Portugal and had a successful career as a player in that country before becoming a coach. DeMelo has dual citizenship and understands Portuguese.
“I’ll definitely be listening for it,” she laughed.
DeMelo made her first international start for the United States against Vietnam in the group opener, a 3-0 victory for the Americans.
Prior to the World Cup, DeMelo had played in only one other match for the United States: she was a substitute in the team’s send-off match against Wales in San Jose in early July. DeMelo, who plays for Racing Louisville FC in the National Women’s Soccer League, was the first U.S. player since Shannon Boxx in 2003 and third overall to be named to the World Cup roster without any previous appearances for the national team.
U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski started DeMelo in the both of the American’s World Cup matches. She played both opening halves before being subbed off for veteran Rose Lavelle, who has been playing limited minutes for the United States because of a knee injury suffered in April.
The journey from being named to the team to getting a start in the World Cup has “been a crazy roller coaster of emotions,” said DeMelo.
“But I think I’ve had a lot of great people, including the girls on the team, who have been super helpful with getting me acclimated to the team,” she said. “And I’m just super grateful to be here.”
The United States may need to switch up its tactics against Portugal.
The Americans are tied on points with the Netherlands in Group E and have an advantage over the Dutch on goal difference. The top two teams in the group advance to the knockout round.
But the results haven’t been as emphatic as they were in 2019, when the U.S. opened with a 13-0 victory over Thailand and went on to win their second straight World Cup title, and fourth overall.
The United States trailed the Netherlands by a goal in the first half before Lindsey Horan scored a game-tying header in the 62nd minute.
One reason for the less-than-dominant play could be inexperience. DeMelo is among 14 U.S. players appearing in their first World Cup.
Fellow midfielder Andi Sullivan, who is also making her tournament debut, said it takes some adjustment to play together as newcomers.
“That’s definitely a challenge that we’re going through, is that we just kind of came together,” Sullivan said. “It’s not like a team that you’re training with all year round, constantly. You’re in and out all the time. So I think you’re constantly adjusting.
“But the way that you get in sync is we watch a lot of stuff together, we communicate constantly. We’re very direct when something’s not going the way we want it to go,” Sullivan added. “You have to be direct and clear and honest and loud.”
DeMelo is also among six players at the World Cup who play for Racing Louisville. Among the Racing Louisville representatives are Ary Borges, who scored a hat trick for Brazil in its 4-0 victory over Panama to start the tournament.
DeMelo, who said her father never pushed her into soccer growing up, could have played for Portugal at the senior level.
“It could have been an option,” she said, “but I think my heart was always with the United States.”
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AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.texomashomepage.com/sports/ap-savannah-demelos-ability-to-speak-portuguese-may-help-us-in-critical-womens-world-cup-match/ | 2023-07-29T17:52:57 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/sports/ap-savannah-demelos-ability-to-speak-portuguese-may-help-us-in-critical-womens-world-cup-match/ |
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The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/black-laddie/article_06b7efc7-8d51-57d6-9017-e0e7a56bd98c.html | 2023-07-29T17:53:03 | 0 | https://trib.com/black-laddie/article_06b7efc7-8d51-57d6-9017-e0e7a56bd98c.html |
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
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The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/buddy/article_14484b1f-2b12-513a-83d4-264035d219f3.html | 2023-07-29T17:53:05 | 1 | https://trib.com/buddy/article_14484b1f-2b12-513a-83d4-264035d219f3.html |
Nonviolent felons can now regain the right to own and use guns, serve on a jury and hold public office in the state, the Wyoming Department of Corrections announced.
"Even if your convictions are from out of state, you can apply to have your rights restored in Wyoming," Stephanie Kiger, spokesperson for the Wyoming Department of Corrections told the Star-Tribune.
As of July 1, 3,708 people with nonviolent criminal pasts have regained the right to vote, according to the department's website. Now, those people, and others, can obtain the remaining civil rights too.
Individuals released prior to July 1, and who meet the qualifications, must submit an application to be considered. Those discharged after that date do not have to apply, as "they will basically be evaluated automatically," Kiger said.
Some examples of disqualifying convictions include murder, manslaughter, aircraft hijacking and kidnapping, Kiger said.
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First-time, nonviolent offenders were already eligible to have their right to vote restored if they completed a sentence or probation, said Kiger. It happens immediately in Wyoming.
With this new law, individuals have the opportunity to have the remaining rights restored five years after the completion of a sentence or probation.
The only caveat is that nonviolent felons must remain essentially "conviction-free" for five years, Kiger said. If a disqualifying offense is committed during those five years, the individual will lose the right to vote, and the remaining rights become "null and void."
There isn't a one-size fits all, Kiger said. For example, an individual might be able to accumulate a couple misdemeanors during the five-year waiting period and still be able to regain those additional rights.
If a person is unsure whether they are eligible, he or she should apply anyways. There is also a process to appeal a denial.
"It doesn't hurt to apply," said Kiger. "It is a new process, and we are learning and working through the kinks."
The Wyoming Department of Corrections is "not giving the rights back," said Kiger. They are issuing a certification, which is sent to agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Then, those agencies regrant whatever civil rights they oversee.
Kiger declined to comment on whether this a positive or negative step for the state's justice system, but director Dan Shannon fully supported the bill before it became law earlier this year.
Those interested in the restoration of civil rights can find applications and information at https://corrections.wyo.gov/ restoration-of-rights.
Follow Sofia Saric on Twitter @Sofia_Saric. | https://trib.com/chance-at-restoration/article_17210b0b-ef53-54a0-8828-1656ae6493e1.html | 2023-07-29T17:53:11 | 1 | https://trib.com/chance-at-restoration/article_17210b0b-ef53-54a0-8828-1656ae6493e1.html |
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
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Authorities on Thursday continued their search for a 28-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend in Worland.
The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/cream/article_ba27817c-0c18-56ed-8b18-ba5030b3026a.html | 2023-07-29T17:53:17 | 1 | https://trib.com/cream/article_ba27817c-0c18-56ed-8b18-ba5030b3026a.html |
Hidden camera found inside porta-potty at Wisconsin beach
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (WISN) - A woman at a Wisconsin beach made a terrible discovery after she found a hidden camera underneath the toilet seat of a port-a-potty.
Police are trying to determine if it was the only camera and who put it there.
“That’s insane. Oh my gosh,” Chrissy Hartwig said.
On a beautiful day at Oconomowoc’s Bender Beach, the talk turns instead to something ugly after Hartwig and other beachgoers learn of a small digital camera hidden inside a porta-potty.
“That’s crazy and now that makes me think of all the other porta-potties that might have had something in it,” Hartwig said. “You don’t think about those things.”
Hartwig said she’s heard of people hiding cameras in dressing rooms and even vacation rentals, but never before in a porta-potty.
“I just, I mean, I’m mind blown. I’ve never considered it. I’ve never thought about it. I wouldn’t have thought about it, probably. People are creeps,” she said.
The camera was reportedly inside the toilet, positioned in a way that showed people entering and using the toilet.
Oconomowoc police, along with the public, have a lot of questions.
“It’s, you know, it’s very concerning because you know the little ones use the bathroom,” Lissa Hagen said. “Yeah, it’s concerning, you know, wondering who did it and why they would do something like that. It’s very gross too.”
Hagen’s daughter is a lifeguard at the beach and learned of the camera the day after it was found.
“I mean, it’s uncomfortable. It’s, you know, concerning. Yeah, so, I’m glad they found it at least before, you know, anything happened,” Hagen said.
Police have not shared how long they believe the camera was there and what if anything was on it.
Copyright 2023 WISN via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2023/07/29/hidden-camera-found-inside-porta-potty-wisconsin-beach/ | 2023-07-29T17:53:19 | 1 | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2023/07/29/hidden-camera-found-inside-porta-potty-wisconsin-beach/ |
Pet owner says 4-foot-long python has gone missing from his yard
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR/Gray News) - Residents in an Illinois neighborhood are currently on the lookout for a pet snake.
Jonathan Delaney told WIFR that his 15-year-old ball python named Bubba slithered away from his yard last weekend.
Delaney said his exotic 4-foot-long snake is missing, but neighbors shouldn’t be worried.
“He’s completely harmless,” Delaney said. “We’ve had him for 15 years. He’s never been mean and the biggest thing he’d eat is a rat.”
Fellow Edgewater resident Rhonda Hanley said she’d likely be startled if she came across Bubba. But because he’s someone’s pet, she’ll try to help find him.
“I’ll try and put something over the top of it like a blanket or a garbage can if I find him,” Hanley said.
Delaney is thankful that his neighbors are concerned enough to lend a helping hand.
“We are hoping he’s still around here and nobody harms him,” he said. “We are hoping to find him as soon as possible.”
Experts say because ball pythons prefer to be hidden most of the time the snake doesn’t appear to pose a threat to the public.
The snake can strike if it gets agitated, but those bites don’t normally require medical attention.
“The most that could happen is that the snake could take a defensive swipe,” Stephanie Stone, owner of Jurassic Reptile Supply, said. “It’s less impact than a cat scratch or a cat bite.”
Stone added that ball pythons typically don’t travel very far.
“Unless it feels the need to try to find a meal, it’s probably very close to where it was originally,” she said.
Anyone who spots Bubba has been urged to contact Delaney on social media.
Copyright 2023 WIFR via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2023/07/29/pet-owner-says-4-foot-long-python-has-gone-missing-his-yard/ | 2023-07-29T17:53:21 | 0 | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2023/07/29/pet-owner-says-4-foot-long-python-has-gone-missing-his-yard/ |
DOC HOLIDAY
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
Jerson Cerna Sanchez, Haigui Sun and Mark Robbins were killed in three separate crashes on Wyoming's roadways.
Authorities on Thursday continued their search for a 28-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend in Worland.
The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/doc-holiday/article_5b375965-5911-5d7e-a719-c81d57a83e49.html | 2023-07-29T17:53:23 | 0 | https://trib.com/doc-holiday/article_5b375965-5911-5d7e-a719-c81d57a83e49.html |
How to Watch the Twins vs. Royals Game: Streaming & TV Channel Info for July 29
Bailey Ober gets the nod for the Minnesota Twins on Saturday at Kauffman Stadium against Maikel Garcia and the Kansas City Royals. First pitch is set for 7:10 PM ET in this second game of a three-game series.
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Twins vs. Royals Live Stream, TV Channel and Game Info:
- Date: Saturday, July 29, 2023
- Time: 7:10 PM ET
- TV Channel: BSKC
- Location: Kansas City, Missouri
- Venue: Kauffman Stadium
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo!
Bet on this matchup with BetMGM Sportsbook and use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
Explore More About This Game
Twins Batting & Pitching Performance
- The Twins average 1.3 home runs per game to rank eighth in MLB action with 139 total home runs.
- Minnesota is 13th in baseball with a .412 slugging percentage.
- The Twins rank 22nd in the majors with a .236 batting average.
- Minnesota ranks 17th in runs scored with 462 (4.4 per game).
- The Twins are 21st in baseball with a .314 on-base percentage.
- The Twins strike out 10.4 times per game, the worst average in baseball.
- Minnesota's pitching staff leads MLB with a collective 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings.
- Minnesota has the fifth-ranked team ERA across all MLB pitching staffs (3.82).
- Pitchers for the Twins combine for the No. 1-ranked WHIP in baseball (1.174).
Twins Probable Starting Pitcher
- The Twins are sending Ober (6-4) to the mound to make his 17th start of the season. He is 6-4 with a 2.76 ERA and 90 strikeouts through 94 2/3 innings pitched.
- In his most recent appearance on Sunday, the righty threw six innings against the Chicago White Sox, allowing two earned runs while surrendering five hits.
- Ober is trying to record his eighth straight quality start in this game.
- Ober will try to go five or more innings for his 17th straight appearance. He's averaging 5.9 innings per outing.
- In three of his appearances this season he did not give up an earned run.
Twins Schedule
Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/sports/betting/2023/07/29/twins-vs-royals-mlb-live-stream-tv/ | 2023-07-29T17:53:24 | 0 | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/sports/betting/2023/07/29/twins-vs-royals-mlb-live-stream-tv/ |
Cardinals vs. Cubs: Odds, spread, over/under - July 29
Nolan Arenado will lead the way for the St. Louis Cardinals (46-59) on Saturday, July 29, when they square off against Nico Hoerner and the Chicago Cubs (52-51) at Busch Stadium at 7:15 PM ET.
The Cubs have been listed as -110 moneyline underdogs in this matchup against the favorite Cardinals (-110). A 10-run total has been set in the contest.
Cardinals vs. Cubs Time and TV Channel
- Date: Saturday, July 29, 2023
- Time: 7:15 PM ET
- TV: BSMW
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Venue: Busch Stadium
- Probable Pitchers: Adam Wainwright - STL (3-4, 7.31 ERA) vs Jameson Taillon - CHC (4-6, 5.75 ERA)
Watch live sports and TV without cable on all your devices with a seven-day free trial to Fubo!
Cardinals vs. Cubs Betting Odds, Run Line and Total
Check out the odds, run line and over/under for this matchup posted at multiple sportsbooks.
Looking to bet on the Cardinals versus Cubs game but don't know where to start? Consider some of the most common betting types, such as the moneyline, run line, and total. A moneyline bet, such as the Cardinals (-110) in this matchup, means that you think the Cardinals will win, simple as that! And if they do, and you bet $10, you'd get $19.09 back.
And that's not all. There are many other ways to play, as well. For example, you can wager on player props (will Paul Goldschmidt hit a home run?), parlays (combining picks from different games to multiply your potential winnings), and more. Visit the BetMGM website and app for additional info on the many ways you can bet on games.
Ready to place your bet? Click here and enter bonus code "GNPLAY" to claim your BetMGM promo today.
Read More About This Game
Cardinals vs. Cubs Betting Trends and Insights
- The Cardinals have won 22, or 42.3%, of the 52 games they've played as favorites this season.
- The Cardinals have a 25-35 record (winning 41.7% of their games) when playing as moneyline favorites of -110 or shorter.
- Oddsmakers have implied with the moneyline set for this matchup that St. Louis has a 52.4% chance to win.
- The Cardinals did not win a game while favored on the moneyline in the last 10 games in four tries.
- Over its last 10 outings, St. Louis and its opponents combined to go over the run total five times (all 10 of the games had set totals).
- The Cubs have been victorious in 21, or 42.9%, of the 49 contests they have been chosen as underdogs in this season.
- The Cubs have a mark of 21-28 in contests where sportsbooks favor them by -110 or worse on the moneyline.
- The Cubs have played as underdogs in four of their past 10 games and won each of those contests.
- In the last 10 games with a total, Chicago and its opponents have combined to hit the over six times.
Cardinals vs. Cubs Player Props
Check out all the player prop markets available for this game, including betting on players to get a hit, go deep, or pick up a bunch of strikeouts. Head to BetMGM for the latest odds available for the , and place your bets. New depositors can use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
Want a different way to play? Put together your best lineup of players and you could win cash prizes! Sign up for FanDuel Fantasy using our link for the best first-time player offer.
Cardinals Futures Odds
Think the Cardinals can win it all? Check out the latest futures odds for St. Louis and place your bets with BetMGM Sportsbook! Be sure to use our link and enter the bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers.
Not all offers available in all states, please visit sportsbook websites for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.kait8.com/sports/betting/2023/07/29/cardinals-vs-cubs-mlb-odds-over-under/ | 2023-07-29T17:53:25 | 0 | https://www.kait8.com/sports/betting/2023/07/29/cardinals-vs-cubs-mlb-odds-over-under/ |
Twins vs. Royals: Odds, spread, over/under - July 29
When the Kansas City Royals (30-75) play the Minnesota Twins (54-51) at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, July 29 at 7:10 PM ET, Bobby Witt Jr. will be seeking his 30th stolen base of the season (he currently has 29).
The Twins are -190 moneyline favorites in this matchup against the Royals (+155). The total is 9.5 runs for this matchup.
Twins vs. Royals Time and TV Channel
- Date: Saturday, July 29, 2023
- Time: 7:10 PM ET
- TV: BSKC
- Location: Kansas City, Missouri
- Venue: Kauffman Stadium
- Probable Pitchers: Bailey Ober - MIN (6-4, 2.76 ERA) vs Jordan Lyles - KC (1-12, 6.10 ERA)
Watch live sports and TV without cable on all your devices with a seven-day free trial to Fubo!
Twins vs. Royals Betting Odds, Run Line and Total
Here's a look at the odds, run line and over/under for this matchup available on several sportsbooks.
Looking to bet on the Twins versus Royals game but don't know where to start? Consider some of the most common betting types, such as the moneyline, run line, and total. A moneyline bet, such as the Twins (-190) in this matchup, means that you think the Twins will win, simple as that! And if they do, and you bet $10, you'd get $15.26 back.
There are tons of other ways to bet, including on player props (will Carlos Correa hit a home run?), parlays (combining picks from multiple games to multiply your winnings) and more. Check out the BetMGM website and app for more details on the multitude of ways you can play.
Ready to place your bet? Click here and enter bonus code "GNPLAY" to claim your BetMGM promo today.
Read More About This Game
Twins vs. Royals Betting Trends and Insights
- The Twins have won 41, or 61.2%, of the 67 games they've played as favorites this season.
- The Twins have a record of 9-6 when playing as moneyline favorites with odds of -190 or shorter (60% winning percentage).
- Minnesota has a 65.5% chance to win this game based on the implied probability of the moneyline.
- The Twins were the moneyline favorite for seven of their last 10 games, and went 4-3 in those matchups.
- In its last 10 outings -- all had a set run total -- Minnesota and its opponents combined to hit the over on the total seven times.
- The Royals have been underdogs in 92 games this season and have come away with the win 27 times (29.3%) in those contests.
- This year, the Royals have won 10 of 37 games when listed as at least +155 or worse on the moneyline.
- The Royals have played as underdogs in 10 of their past 10 games and won three of those contests.
- In the last 10 games with a total, Kansas City and its opponents have failed to hit the over five times.
Twins vs. Royals Player Props
Check out all the player prop markets available for this game, including betting on players to get a hit, go deep, or pick up a bunch of strikeouts. Head to BetMGM for the latest odds available for the , and place your bets. New depositors can use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
Want a different way to play? Put together your best lineup of players and you could win cash prizes! Sign up for FanDuel Fantasy using our link for the best first-time player offer.
Twins Futures Odds
Think the Twins can win it all? Check out the latest futures odds for Minnesota and place your bets with BetMGM Sportsbook! Be sure to use our link and enter the bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers.
Not all offers available in all states, please visit sportsbook websites for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/sports/betting/2023/07/29/twins-vs-royals-mlb-odds-over-under/ | 2023-07-29T17:53:25 | 0 | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/sports/betting/2023/07/29/twins-vs-royals-mlb-odds-over-under/ |
HEATH
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
Jerson Cerna Sanchez, Haigui Sun and Mark Robbins were killed in three separate crashes on Wyoming's roadways.
Authorities on Thursday continued their search for a 28-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend in Worland.
The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/heath/article_b3085f39-84a9-5156-8d08-e664a9ea6793.html | 2023-07-29T17:53:29 | 1 | https://trib.com/heath/article_b3085f39-84a9-5156-8d08-e664a9ea6793.html |
Two South Mississippians killed in head-on collision in Hancock Co.
Published: Jul. 28, 2023 at 12:41 PM CDT
HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) - We’re learning of a head-on collision Friday morning that killed two people from South Mississippi.
According to Hancock County Coroner Jeff Hair, the victims are 35-year-old Shawn Kinney of St. Martin and 47-year-old Toni Jarrell of Picayune.
Hair says the collision happened about one mile east of Highway 607 on Texas Flat Road. The coroner was called to the scene around 6:30 a.m.
Hair said both drivers were alone in their separate vehicles.
Information is limited at this time. We’re working to learn more about the crash.
Click here to subscribe to WLOX News on YouTube: Keep up with South Mississippi news, sports, and local events on our YouTube channel!
Copyright 2023 WLOX. All rights reserved. | https://www.wlbt.com/2023/07/28/two-south-mississippians-killed-head-on-collision-hancock-co/ | 2023-07-29T17:53:31 | 0 | https://www.wlbt.com/2023/07/28/two-south-mississippians-killed-head-on-collision-hancock-co/ |
JACKIE
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
Jerson Cerna Sanchez, Haigui Sun and Mark Robbins were killed in three separate crashes on Wyoming's roadways.
Authorities on Thursday continued their search for a 28-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend in Worland.
The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/jackie/article_a0003e3c-c705-52e9-8334-5dd2f8a68e37.html | 2023-07-29T17:53:35 | 1 | https://trib.com/jackie/article_a0003e3c-c705-52e9-8334-5dd2f8a68e37.html |
LEMON
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
Jerson Cerna Sanchez, Haigui Sun and Mark Robbins were killed in three separate crashes on Wyoming's roadways.
Authorities on Thursday continued their search for a 28-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend in Worland.
The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/lemon/article_b6cfb071-ed9f-579a-b339-abdfee9cc2e2.html | 2023-07-29T17:53:42 | 0 | https://trib.com/lemon/article_b6cfb071-ed9f-579a-b339-abdfee9cc2e2.html |
LOVELAND, CO — Earl Emmett Guthrie, 84, of Loveland, CO, died December 11, 2022 at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley following a brief illness. He was born March 15, 1938 in Greybull, Wyoming to John Henry (Jack) Guthrie and Mildred Luverne Huffard Guthrie.
A child of World War II, his early years were spent on Army bases in Texas and North Carolina. Casper was always home base though, with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins here. He graduated from Natrona County High School, attended Casper College and graduated from the University of Wyoming as a mechanical engineer. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and ROTC.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army but his service was cut short due to a hearing disorder that became a lifelong concern.
He took a job as a mechanical engineer with the Bureau of Reclamation at the Federal Center in Lakewood, Co. and remained there for his entire professional career. He was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, the Casper Elks Lodge and the University of Wyoming Alumni Association.
A self describe “sports nut”, he was a devoted UW Cowboy fan and an early Bronco’s season ticket holder. He was a Denver Bears fan before the Rockies came to town and, of course followed the Nuggets and Avs.
Bowling was a passion and in retirement he bowled on at least three leagues a week. The perfect game eluded him, but he bowled a 299 on occasion.
He had a great quirky sense of humor and adjusted to limits to his independence and mobility in the last few years with a positive attitude and good grace. He’d moved from Lakewood to Loveland, CO in the past few years to be closer to family.
He is survived by his sister, Rhonda Racicot and husband, John of Loveland; nephew, Ryan Racicot and wife, Shiloh and their sons: Micah and Zeke of Colorado and several cousins.
Graveside services will be held Friday, August 4 at 1:00 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Casper.
Donations may be made to the Earl Guthrie Memorial Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering c/o the University of Wyoming Foundation or a charity of choice. | https://trib.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/earl-emmett-guthrie/article_c2371782-25b0-5f0a-8c2f-59b24035d4bb.html | 2023-07-29T17:53:48 | 1 | https://trib.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/earl-emmett-guthrie/article_c2371782-25b0-5f0a-8c2f-59b24035d4bb.html |
CASPER — Linda “Sue” (Applegate) Eddy, age 79 of Casper, Wyoming, passed away Thursday June 15, 2023. She was born February 22, 1944, in Peru, Nebraska at her parents’ home, Everett Earl and Kathryn M. (Briggs) Applegate.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Fred and wife, Marianne Applegate of Louisville, Nebraska; sister, Mary Winingham of Solomon, Kansas and grandson, Shane Mitchell Brauchie of Peoa, Utah.
Sue is survived by her three children: Julie Koch (Robert) of Peoa, Utah, Kathy Pollock (Bill) of Casper, Wyoming and Greg Eddy of Casper, Wyoming; four grandchildren: Chase Brauchie (Carly), Amber Pollock (Mallory), Chad Pollock and Michaela Eddy and five great-grandchildren: Emma, Jace, Ida, Westly and Willow; two sisters: Marilyn Coatney (husband Boyd deceased) of Peru, Nebraska and Beth Moxley of Casper, Wyoming and many nieces, nephews and other family members.
Our mother was beautiful, youthful and loved.
Private celebrations will be held to honor our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions. | https://trib.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/linda-sue-applegate-eddy/article_7f424a8a-725b-5196-949b-6df3a4c82014.html | 2023-07-29T17:53:54 | 0 | https://trib.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/linda-sue-applegate-eddy/article_7f424a8a-725b-5196-949b-6df3a4c82014.html |
LILLY
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
Jerson Cerna Sanchez, Haigui Sun and Mark Robbins were killed in three separate crashes on Wyoming's roadways.
Authorities on Thursday continued their search for a 28-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend in Worland.
The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/lilly/article_66eff6fd-b2f5-5b87-9bec-3ce9fb5c8db5.html | 2023-07-29T17:54:00 | 1 | https://trib.com/lilly/article_66eff6fd-b2f5-5b87-9bec-3ce9fb5c8db5.html |
MILK
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
Jerson Cerna Sanchez, Haigui Sun and Mark Robbins were killed in three separate crashes on Wyoming's roadways.
Authorities on Thursday continued their search for a 28-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend in Worland.
The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/milk/article_f13a4cf0-e498-5241-b034-bd9d29878be2.html | 2023-07-29T17:54:06 | 1 | https://trib.com/milk/article_f13a4cf0-e498-5241-b034-bd9d29878be2.html |
(iSeeCars) — Most consumers know there are various electric vehicle tax credits available if they buy a new electric vehicle.
The original credit, officially known as the “Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit”, was instituted over a decade ago. It created a tax credit amount between $2,500 and $7,500 based on a specific qualifying vehicle’s battery capacity. There was also a 200,000-unit limit to how many zero-emissions electric cars a single manufacturer could sell before the credit would phase out and eventually be eliminated. Two automakers, General Motors and Tesla, had already hit this limit in recent years, with a few more getting very close in 2022
But the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has altered the existing rules for the federal tax credit, removing the 200,000 limit, extending the up-to-$7,500 credit through 2032…but also adding a new set of eligibility requirements based on the final assembly location of the vehicle and its battery components. New vehicle pricing and adjusted gross income requirements have also been enacted. The new rules are a reaction to China’s dominance in the EV space, a dominance President Biden and the U.S. Department of Energy would like to reverse by encouraging the production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and battery components in North America.
The Inflation Reduction Act – Pros and Cons
Encouraging the American production of clean vehicles, including plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), is commendable. However, the change in eligibility requirements could actually limit new vehicle tax credits more than the outgoing legislation. Let’s take a closer look at where this new legislation helps, and hurts, your chances at seeing a rebate.
Pros:
- No 200,000 Vehicle Limit per Manufacturer – which means brands like Cadillac, Chevrolet and Tesla will be back in the running for a $7,500 tax break, along with every other automaker selling EVs, PHEVs (with a battery of 7 kilowatt hours or larger), or FCEVs.
- Income and MSRP Restrictions – the previous legislation had no limit on household income or eligible vehicle pricing, which meant a lot of taxpayer money was spent helping millionaires get a $7,500 price break on their $100,000-plus Tesla. Starting on January 1st, 2023, the new legislation puts an MSRP limit of $80,000 on electric vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks, and a $55,000 MSRP limit on electric sedans, coupes, wagons, and convertibles. The IRS also puts a $150,000 annual income limit on single tax filers, a $225,000 limit on head-of-household filers, and a $300,000 limit on joint filers.
- Used EVs Count Too – For the first time ever, car buyers seeking a lower cost of entry into EV ownership don’t have to choose from pricier current or new model year vehicles. A tax credit on used vehicles, worth either $4,000 or 30% of the used EV’s sales price (whichever is lower) will be available on used models costing less than $25,000. This credit is only available to single filers below $75,000, head-of-household filers below $112,000, and joint filers of $150,000.
- Commercial Tax Credit – If you happen to be a business owner looking to go electric the new bill provides up to $7,500 for electric vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 14,000 pounds and up to $40,000 for vehicles with a GVWR above 14,000 pounds. The rebate is based on either 30 percent of the total vehicle cost, or the incremental cost of a commercial EV over the cost of an equivalent non-EV vehicle. For instance, the Ford F-150 Lightning has a starting MSRP of $46,974, but you can buy an equivalent crew-cab F-150 with an internal combustion engine for around $50,000. There’s no incremental cost to buying the Lightning, so a commercial buyer could only benefit from 30 percent of the truck’s $46,974 price (around $15,680).
- Point of Sale Price Reduction: Starting on January 1st, 2024, buyers can transfer their credit to the selling dealer, essentially providing an immediate reduction in the price of an EV during purchase versus waiting to receive the benefit as part of their next tax filing.
Cons:
- Final Assembly Must be in North America – Starting on August 17th, 2022, only plug-in electric vehicles assembled in North America are eligible for tax credits. As of this writing, that includes 26 EVs from model year 2022, but only 8 EVs from model year 2023. A vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) will be used to determine where a potential candidate was built. Popular EVs like the BMW 330e, Chevrolet Bolt, and Nissan Leaf have already been approved for model year 2023, and we’d expect other models assembled in Canada, Mexico, or the U.S. to be approved soon, including the Audi Q5, Ford Mustang Mach E, and every Rivian and Tesla model. However…
- Critical Mineral and Battery Component Requirements – Even if an electric vehicle is assembled in North America it will need to meet increasingly stringent battery requirements over the coming 5 years. Starting in 2023 an EV’s battery will need 40 percent of its critical minerals value to have been extracted or processed in the U.S. or a U.S. free-trade agreement partner to receive up to $3,750 in tax credits. This percentage will increase 10 percent a year, up to 80% of the battery’s critical mineral value in 2027 and beyond. Additionally, starting in 2023, 50 percent of the value of an EV battery’s components must be assembled in the U.S., increasing 10 percent a year until it reaches 100 percent in 2029.
The newest bill’s final assembly and critical mineral battery requirements are meant to shift the production of electric vehicles back toward the U.S. and its allies, and away from foreign entities of concern, including China. Given the supply chain issues we’ve experienced over the past 2 years this is a wise long-term goal. However, the time and resources needed to transplant the electric vehicle alternative fuels industry from the Asia Pacific region to the U.S are substantial.
Foreign automakers like Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota have already committed to high-volume North American vehicle production in recent decades. There’s every reason to believe they can relatively quickly do the same for their electric vehicle fleets to meet the final assembly requirement for successful new models not yet produced here, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Several automakers with smaller U.S. production capacity, including BMW, Volkswagen, and Volvo, also continue to expand their U.S. presence.
But battery production is an entirely different process compared to vehicle assembly. It involves significant investments in land assessment/exploration, permit applications, approval, mining, extraction, refining, etc. You can imagine the processes and time frame involved in, for instance, setting up a lithium mine in California. Investing in, and establishing, those capabilities will take several years at least, and could easily prove a limiting factor on how many new EVs can fully qualify for the latest tax credits under the current legislation.
More from iSeeCars:
- How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
- How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?
- Electric Cars with the Longest Range
If you’re in the market for a new or used electric vehicle you can search over 4 million used electric cars, SUVs, and trucks with iSeeCars’ award-winning car search engine that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, like the iSeeCars free VIN check report and Best Cars rankings. Filter by vehicle type, front or all-wheel drive, and other parameters in order to narrow down your car search.
This article, The New EV Tax Credits Explained, originally appeared on iSeeCars.com. | https://www.fox16.com/automotive/ev-tax-credits-explained/ | 2023-07-29T17:54:11 | 0 | https://www.fox16.com/automotive/ev-tax-credits-explained/ |
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The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/missy-lou/article_9544f218-30aa-55ff-8dc9-ec9808e6c259.html | 2023-07-29T17:54:12 | 0 | https://trib.com/missy-lou/article_9544f218-30aa-55ff-8dc9-ec9808e6c259.html |
Former President Trump’s outsized influence is already being felt in GOP Senate primaries, underscoring his grip on the party even as he faces numerous primary challengers in the 2024 White House race.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who’s running to replace Sen. Sherrod Brown (D), endorsed Trump’s presidential bid earlier this week. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R), who’s running to unseat Sen. Joe Manchin (D), did the same — prompting his GOP primary rival Alex Mooney to point out that he had come out in support of Trump last year.
And prior to officially jumping into Montana’s contested Senate race last month, former Navy SEAL and businessman Tim Sheehy said he supports Trump “100 percent.”
The public show of support for the former president is just the latest example of the political sway he continues to hold over Republicans, and could serve as a headache for party leaders who want the GOP to move on from him.
“Donald Trump continues to be the biggest elephant in the Republican tent,” said Mark Weaver, an Ohio-based Republican strategist. “Republican voters still want to see him as our party’s leader.”
One Republican strategist described the strategy of endorsing Trump as “the path of least resistance.”
“In order to take back the Senate, you’ve got to win a couple of these key seats, and the only way to win back these key seats is to make it through the primary unscathed,” the strategist said.
Some strategists see the endorsements as a sign of how the presidential primary is likely to shake out.
“This is a greater sign than ever before that Trump is most likely going to win the Republican nomination despite the noise in the media,” said Republican strategist Ford O’Connell.
“Endorsing Trump at this stage is one of the safest things a candidate could do,” he added. “This is more about the candidates trying to cozy up to him.”
The eagerness from some Senate Republican hopefuls to embrace the former president comes after many of Trump’s endorsed candidates performed poorly in their general elections last cycle.
“Former President Trump’s endorsement continues to be a boon in a primary and a bane in a general election,” Weaver said.
The National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee (NRSC) is also taking a different approach in the 2024 cycle by playing a more hands-on role in some primaries. Like Trump, the committee’s Chairman Steve Daines (R-Mont.) has thrown his support behind Justice in West Virginia’s Republican Senate primary.
While there has been tension and disagreement between Trump and Senate leadership, particularly on Trump’s unfounded claims that he won the 2020 presidential election, Daines has said he is working with the former president ahead of 2024.
“We chat frequently. And he’s very thoughtful right now looking at these races. He understands it’s important we have candidates that can win,” Daines told CBS News in an interview earlier this month. “If you notice, there hasn’t been a wave of endorsements coming out so far, because I think we’re having these thoughtful conversations and getting on the same page.”
Trump has endorsed in less competitive GOP Senate primaries, like in Indiana, where he threw his support behind Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) a day after former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) announced that he would not run for the seat and after the NRSC endorsed Banks.
And earlier this month, CNN reported that Trump told Mooney in West Virginia and potential Senate candidate Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) that he would not endorse them. Daines has endorsed Sheehy in Montana.
Democrats, meanwhile, are seeking to use Trump’s endorsement against him in the general election, harkening back to Republican losses in 2022.
“Trump is looming over Senate Republicans’ primaries and making the GOP’s nasty infighting even worse,” said Tommy Garcia, a spokesperson for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “As Republican candidates fight for Trump’s favor, they’re showing the voters who will decide the general election in their states why they should be rejected in 2024.”
And not every Republican running for Senate is immediately tying themselves to the former president. In Nevada, Sam Brown, who has been endorsed by Daines, has yet to endorse Trump despite volunteering for his campaign in 2020. His primary opponent Jim Marchant, on the other hand, has endorsed Trump. Marchant has also said Brown is the GOP establishment’s choice, pointing to his endorsement from the NRSC.
“Mitch McConnell & the establishment needed a candidate & found him in Sam Brown,” Marchant said in a tweet earlier this month. “We see Reagan’s ‘bold-colored differences’ between DC & the real America.”
Weaver noted that while more anti-establishment candidates may try to use this attack line, there’s still much to be gained from an endorsement from the Senate GOP campaign arm.
“Being endorsed by the Washington establishment can bring valuable contributions from interest groups around the country, but it can also bring some criticism for being too close to the Beltway,” he said.
Others caution that endorsements should not be seen as integral to the success of a campaign.
“Ultimately these candidates have got to focus on their message and they’ve got to focus on having the resources to disseminate their message,” the GOP strategist said. “They need to be able to actually run a functional campaign and no endorsement is going to matter if those things aren’t done,” the strategist added. | https://www.fox16.com/hill-politics/trumps-role-in-gop-senate-primaries-underscores-his-strength/ | 2023-07-29T17:54:17 | 0 | https://www.fox16.com/hill-politics/trumps-role-in-gop-senate-primaries-underscores-his-strength/ |
Justin Elkins stood on the Murane Playing and Soccer Fields in Casper on Friday morning with a large Styrofoam cup in his hand, wearing a plaid shirt, jeans and a hat from a balloon festival.
The time was a crisp 5:45 a.m., and he was waiting patiently for the weather to clear up so he could take his hot air balloon, affectionately named Dusty for how beaten up it has become over the years, for a ride at the Casper Balloon Roundup.
But it never came. There had been lightning strikes and storms all night, so it wasn’t safe to take to the sky.
Since hot air balloons cannot cut through the atmosphere like an airplane or helicopter can, they are “completely at the mercy of the wind and weather,” Elkins said.
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Instead, Elkins and his buddies had to kick dirt, which is slang for waiting around for the weather.
Elkins, who is a third-generation pilot and father to a possible fourth-generation pilot, has been steering hot air balloons since he was young. His family was one of the first in Wyoming to fly the colorful, nostalgic apparati.
Friday morning, though, he was earthbound. Along with the other pilots who had come to fly.
So he told the Star-Tribune about the weather needed to successfully lift what is essentially a tarp connected to a basket and filled with hot air off the ground: lightning has to be more than 50 miles away; the balloon can lose lift in hot air; the wind has to be just right.
He shared the realities of being a balloon pilot: many pilots need day jobs to actually make money, since it costs about $350 an hour to fly a balloon.
He talked of the community around the hobby (or full-time job, for a select few): “The ballooning community, we all call each other a big family, so we hate each other, basically,” he joked.
And he told about the history of hot air ballooning: it started in France in 1783. The first riders were so covered in soot by the time they landed, the only things that were visible were the whites of their eyes. Of course, those on the ground were scared, so the riders offered them a bottle of champagne as a peace offering.
Now it’s a tradition when pilots land in farm fields or other private property. Elkins had four bottles of champagne, along with some cheese and crackers, in his truck for the weekend.
By the time that the sun stretched above the horizon, it became clear no one’s balloon would actually get off the ground. No matter — the pilots would still set them up for the eventgoers to at least see. There was a RE/MAX balloon, a balloon with a patchwork quilt design and Dusty, her colors faded but still visible against the clear aqua sky.
If people were disappointed by not being able to go up, they didn’t show it. Kids and their guardians watched intently and excitedly climbed into the baskets when invited.
No conciliatory champagne needed.
Follow religion and community reporter Jordan Smith on Twitter at @jordansmith_js
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Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/casper-balloon-roundup-kicking-dirt/article_f0efee18-2d6e-11ee-93b6-2bf243e670fc.html | 2023-07-29T17:54:18 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/casper/casper-balloon-roundup-kicking-dirt/article_f0efee18-2d6e-11ee-93b6-2bf243e670fc.html |
(NerdWallet) – On July 14, 804,000 longtime student loan borrowers began receiving word that their $39 billion in remaining debt would be forgiven as the result of the Education Department’s income-driven repayment (IDR) account adjustment. This one-time program, first announced in April 2022 to repair past missteps in the IDR system, is counting more past repayment periods toward income-driven repayment (IDR) forgiveness. Many borrowers will be at least three years closer to IDR forgiveness — and some will automatically see their loans forgiven altogether.
“At the start of this Administration, millions of borrowers had earned loan forgiveness but never received it. That’s unacceptable,” Department of Education Under Secretary James Kvaal said in a July 14 press release announcing the news. “Today we are holding up the bargain we offered borrowers who have completed decades of repayment.”
This is just the tip of the iceberg. More than 4.4 million borrowers have been repaying their loans for at least 20 years, and 2.3 million of these borrowers have never defaulted or been delinquent on their loans, according to April 2021 Education Department data provided to Sen. Elizabeth Warren. However, there’s not yet a final count of total borrowers who will receive the IDR account adjustment forgiveness, says Mike Pierce, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC).
While the Supreme Court recently struck down President Joe Biden’s up-to-$20,000 student debt cancellation plan, no one has challenged this account adjustment since it was introduced in April 2022, and future legal roadblocks are highly unlikely, Pierce says.
“If I were a borrower, I would feel pretty good about this happening, but you know, we never say never,” Pierce says. “This is something that has never been put in front of a federal judge, and we have not seen any signs that it’s going to.”
All this is occurring as borrowers gear up for student loan payments to resume in October. Here’s what you need to know about the next waves of loan forgiveness under the IDR account adjustment and what qualified borrowers can do to prepare for it.
When will IDR adjustments be made?
The Education Department said it will notify waves of loan forgiveness recipients about every two months. Since the first major batch was announced on July 14, borrowers can expect the next announcement by mid-September.
The department plans to apply the account adjustment by the end of 2023 to all borrowers who’ve reached enough payments for forgiveness; all other borrowers will receive at least three additional years of credit toward IDR loan forgiveness in 2024.
Will I get IDR account adjustment forgiveness?
To find out whether you’ll receive loan forgiveness under the one-time IDR account adjustment, you must count your past payments yourself.
Generally, borrowers with undergraduate loans will receive loan forgiveness if they’ve made at least 240 monthly student loan payments, and those with some graduate loans will reach forgiveness if they’ve made at least 300 payments, Pierce says.
From July 1994 onward, the adjustment counts the following periods toward the 240 or 300 payments needed to reach forgiveness:
- Any month a borrower was in repayment, even if the payments were late or partial. The type of repayment plan also doesn’t matter.
- Time spent in forbearance, either periods lasting 12 or more consecutive months or a cumulative 36 or more months.
- Any month spent in deferment other than in-school deferment before 2013.
- Any month spent in economic hardship or military deferments on or after Jan. 1, 2013.
- Any months in repayment, forbearance or a qualifying deferment before a loan consolidation.
Months spent in default will generally not be included in the recount, though borrowers who enroll in the temporary Fresh Start program to get out of default will get IDR credit from March 2020 through the date they leave default.
Log in to your Federal Student Aid (FSA) account at StudentAid.gov to see how long you’ve been in repayment. To see detailed information, including descriptions of the specific forbearance or deferment periods, request your account history from your servicer.
How to prepare for the IDR account adjustment
The loan forgiveness will be largely automatic for most eligible federal borrowers with older direct loans, federally held Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans and parent PLUS loans. These borrowers don’t need to take any action to qualify or receive loan forgiveness.
“The good news is, for most people, you don’t actually need to be an expert on this program to benefit from it,” Pierce says. “If you have a loan that’s owned by the Department of Education, it’s just gonna work for you.”
But there are some small steps you can take to be proactive.
Update your contact information
Regardless of the type of federal student loans you have, check that your current contact information is listed in both your FSA and servicer accounts. While you’re at it, make sure you still have the password to these accounts, and reset your login credentials if needed.
Forty-four percent of federal borrowers were transferred to a new servicer during the pandemic payment pause, according to a June estimate from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, so now is also a good time to see if your servicer changed.
You’ll likely be notified by email if and when your loans are forgiven under the IDR account adjustment, but student loan communications may also arrive by mail.
Consolidate commercially managed federal loans
Some federal loans are not held by the government, but by a private entity. Borrowers with these commercially managed federal loans won’t benefit from the recount automatically — they’ll need to consolidate these loans to qualify. The account adjustment will count periods of repayment prior to consolidation toward IDR forgiveness.
Commercially held loans include certain FFELP loans, Perkins loans and Health Education Assistance Loan (HEAL) Program loans. You can see what type of loans you have on the dashboard of your FSA account or servicer portal.
You have until the end of 2023 to consolidate commercially held loans, but don’t delay. The full consolidation process can take from 30 to 60 days, Pierce says. Get started by submitting a direct loan consolidation application on the Federal Student Aid office website.
Consolidate newer parent PLUS loans
Parent PLUS loans are included in the IDR account adjustment. If you reach 300 payments — or 120 payments if you’re eligible for PSLF — your parent PLUS debt will be discharged automatically this year, regardless of whether or not your PLUS loans are consolidated.
But if you have fewer payments than that, you’ll need to act. Consolidate your parent PLUS loans before the end of 2023 to benefit from the adjustment, and enroll in an IDR plan called Income-Contingent Repayment to continue making progress toward forgiveness.
Apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Borrowers eligible for PSLF are also eligible for the account adjustment; they can receive IDR loan forgiveness after just 10 years, or 120 eligible payments. PSLF-eligible borrowers with direct loans, including parent PLUS loans, will benefit automatically. Those with either federally or commercially managed FFELP loans must consolidate them into a direct consolidation loan by the end of 2023 to get PSLF credit under the account adjustment.
After the adjustment is applied to your account, you’ll see credit toward PSLF for any month after October 2007 during which you were in repayment and had qualifying employment.
“If you’ve applied or will apply for PSLF and certify your employment, you may see the benefits of this adjustment to your qualifying payment count,” writes the office of Federal Student Aid. Do so as soon as possible to ensure you benefit from the recount.
Check your state’s tax policy
The federal government won’t tax any debt forgiven as a result of the IDR account adjustment.
However, certain states, including Indiana and Mississippi, treat forgiven student loans as taxable earned income, and thus may tax the amount of forgiven debt you receive. The vast majority of states don’t do this, so check the rules in your state.
If you’re concerned about a state tax bill, you can opt out of loan forgiveness. You have 30 days to do so after you receive notice that your remaining debt will be forgiven under the IDR account adjustment. | https://www.fox16.com/news/national-news/more-student-loan-forgiveness-coming-for-longtime-borrowers/ | 2023-07-29T17:54:23 | 1 | https://www.fox16.com/news/national-news/more-student-loan-forgiveness-coming-for-longtime-borrowers/ |
About a dozen people spoke at a Rock Springs meeting earlier this month about a historic rate hike proposal brought by Rocky Mountain Power — Wyoming’s largest electricity provider.
Though more than 70% of Rocky Mountain Power’s customer base consists of industrial users, most of the people who spoke at the public hearing were typical residential customers and community members who fear the impact these cost increases could have on their lives.
Rock Springs Mayor Max Nicholson said the rate increases could threaten lives — those who can’t afford to pay their electricity bills would be vulnerable to severe weather, which could result in “people being hospitalized and dying from the heat.” The hiked rates, he added, could also hinder the city’s ability to provide services.
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Rock Springs resident Elizabeth Domenici warned the increases would be “catastrophic for small businesses.” Another resident, Toni Bate, started to cry as she gave her testimony.
“I have hardly any money. I don’t know where I’d get the money to pay for this,” Bate said.
Though people in Wyoming can turn to various programs for energy assistance, one pandemic-era program, which helped more than 7,000 households pay for electricity last year, is no longer an option after it ended in June.
The cost of rate increases
Rocky Mountain Power, which is owned by parent company PacifiCorp, is Wyoming’s largest electric utility and has roughly 150,000 customers in the state.
The company is currently proposing two rate increases.
The first increase of an average 7.6% took effect on an interim basis at the beginning of this month, although it’s still subject to Public Service Commission review with a decision expected later this year.
This “energy cost adjustment mechanism” rate hike would result in an extra $50.3 million for Rocky Mountain Power, which would cover a chunk of the roughly $90 million the company paid in excess of its forecast for last year.
This change isn’t unusual — it’s normal for utilities to adjust prices each year in response to market fluctuations.
But Rocky Mountain Power is also requesting a more significant “general rate case” increase of an average 21.6% for the next several years, bringing in about $140 million annually for the utility. This increase would take effect Jan. 1 and involve a more fundamental change to the utility’s payment structure.
The two rate hikes would cost, on average, $19.72 more every month for the typical residential consumer, according to the company’s estimates. (The rate increases vary among different customer “classes,” with some having a higher proposed increase than others. The 7.6% and 21.6% numbers are averages across all classes.)
It’s been over a decade since Rocky Mountain Power has asked for a rate increase of more than $40 million per year. Its most recent request of a similar scale came in 2010, when the company asked for an increase totaling about $97.9 million per year. State regulators ultimately approved less than half that amount.
There are many factors driving the proposed rate hikes, Stacy Splittstoesser, the company’s regulatory affairs manager for Wyoming, explained at the July meeting. There are increased fuel costs. There’s market volatility. There has been severe weather and drought.
Rocky Mountain Power has cut costs in other areas; its renewable energy development, for example, has saved ratepayers more than $85 million, primarily from wind power and transmission expansion, according to the utility.
Nationally, electricity rates rose about 1.6% — and about 7.2% for residential consumers specifically — between May 2022 and May 2023, according to federal data.
For Wyoming, overall electricity prices actually dropped from 8.37 cents to 8.28 cents per kilowatt hour in that same time period, though residential rates creeped up about 3.5% from 11.51 cents to 11.93 cents.
Paying for electricity
The potential increase in electricity rates comes as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) — a pandemic-era federal program that, among other things, helped people in Wyoming cover their electricity expenses — came to an end last month. The program provided assistance for eligible households for up to 18 months of unpaid past due rent and utility services incurred after March 13, 2020.
From the time ERAP launched in April 2021 to the end of that year, 70 households in Wyoming received a total of almost $18,000 to cover unpaid electricity costs, according to data provided by the Wyoming Department of Family Services.
The next year, that number jumped to 7,349 households for a total of about $2.4 million. (The significant jump in numbers from 2021 to 2022 is probably in most part because of changes that allowed states to use the funding more flexibly.) This year, through the end of June, 3,779 households received more than $1.3 million through the program to help cover their electricity bills.
ERAP stopped taking new applications in November and ended in June. But there are still several other ongoing programs that help Wyomingites cover their electricity expenses, such as federal programs like the Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund Program (HAF) and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) as well as the Energy Share of Wyoming, a private nonprofit.
LIEAP helps low- and fixed-income households pay for heating costs in winter months and also assists with energy-related emergencies like utility shut-offs and heat loss from broken furnaces. Last year, 2,575 households received money from the program for heating electricity, totaling about $1.5 million. Crisis electricity payments for 2022 aren’t available, but in 2021, 1,657 households received more than $440,000 in assistance.
The number of people who applied for the program nationally in 2023 is the highest rate since 2011, according to an April report from the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association, the main educational and policy organization for state directors of the program.
That’s not the case in Wyoming, where the number of households that have received assistance through the program to pay for heating electricity has stayed relatively level since 2019. The number of households receiving crisis electricity payments decreased about 15% from the same year to 2021.
Nationally, about 20.5 million households were behind on their electric bills at the end of January, the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association’s report says. Families owed an average of $617 on their electric bills — up from $594 in January of last year.
Wyoming’s HAF Program, which launched in May 2021 and is ongoing, helps people cover past-due utility payments. Last year, it dispersed about $121,000 for 211 households to cover payments specifically for electricity, according to data provided by the Wyoming Department of Family Resources. So far this year, the program has given about $84,000 for 119 Wyoming households to pay for electricity costs.
It’s unclear how many Wyomingites are behind on their electricity payments for Rocky Mountain Power, or if that number has increased. Rocky Mountain Power spokesperson Tiffany Erickson said in an email that the company keeps customer account information private and is unable to provide this data.
She added that when customers are behind on their bills, Rocky Mountain Power encourages them to work with customer service to figure out a payment plan. Customer service can also help people apply for private and federal assistance through the Energy Share of Wyoming and the Wyoming Department of Family Services, she said.
Reviewing the rate hike
Rocky Mountain Power’s proposed rate increases aren’t a given. They still have to go through a review process with the Public Service Commission. As for the bigger 21.6% rate case in particular, the chance of Rocky Mountain Power getting 100% of what it’s asking for is unlikely, though it’s uncertain at this point how much of the utility’s request the Public Service Commission will approve.
There are several groups — including Wyoming’s Office of Consumer Advocate, an independent arm of the Public Service Commission — that believe a substantial reduction is warranted and are intervening in the rate case.
A public hearing on the 21.6% proposed rate hike is scheduled for Oct. 25. Another will be held Dec. 19 for the 7.6% energy cost adjustment mechanism rate hike.
The Public Service Commission will also hold another public comment hearing on the two rate hikes, though the time and place has not been confirmed. Members of the public can submit written comments on the rate hikes at any time to the Public Service Commission by emailing wpsc_comments@wyo.gov. | https://trib.com/news/state-regional/business/rocky-mountain-power-wyoming-rate-increase-proposal/article_8a170b9e-2b0d-11ee-9ab5-afc13ed3df42.html | 2023-07-29T17:54:25 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/state-regional/business/rocky-mountain-power-wyoming-rate-increase-proposal/article_8a170b9e-2b0d-11ee-9ab5-afc13ed3df42.html |
UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) – Kimberly Mata-Rubio, whose daughter Lexi was killed last year in the Robb Elementary School shooting, is planning to turn her grief into action, after announcing Thursday she will run for mayor of Uvalde, Texas, in an upcoming special election.
“This past year, it’s been so frustrating navigating our country’s political system, and sometimes you have to be the change you seek. So, here I am running for mayor,” Rubio told Nexstar.
The 34-year-old mother is looking to fill the soon-vacant seat held by Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin in an upcoming special election on Nov. 7.
McLaughlin has served as the South Texas town’s mayor since 2014, and has reached his term limit. He is now running to succeed Rep. Tracy King, D-Uvalde, in the Texas House.
Mata-Rubio shared news of her run for mayor Thursday. On social media, she addressed her daughter directly, explaining why she chose to take action.
“I grieve for the woman you would have become and all the difference you would have made in this world,” Mata-Rubio wrote. “I grieve for the woman I was when you were still here. But, one part of me still exist, I am still your mom. I will honor your life with action. This is only the beginning.”
Lexi, 10, was one of the 21 people killed at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022, in the nation’s second-deadliest school shooting. In the year since, Mata-Rubio has been a regular at the Texas Capitol and U.S. Capitol, advocating for tighter gun restrictions she believes will help prevent other parents from feeling her pain.
“Bridging the gap in our fractured community is my number one focus. And the reason being is because we cannot move on or forward without the entire community coming together,” she said. “And when I say moving on, I want to bring those two teachers and 19 students with me along on this journey. That’s the only way to do this. And the only way to move forward and they deserve that they’re part of this community as well.”
Mata-Rubio will face off against Cody Smith, a banker and former mayor of Uvalde, in the Nov. 7 special election. No other candidates have announced a bid for the seat. | https://www.fox16.com/news/national-news/mother-of-uvalde-shooting-victim-to-run-for-mayor-of-town/ | 2023-07-29T17:54:29 | 1 | https://www.fox16.com/news/national-news/mother-of-uvalde-shooting-victim-to-run-for-mayor-of-town/ |
Wyoming's new state charter school approval board will meet for the first time next week in Cheyenne, the Wyoming Department of Education announced Thursday.
The Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board, which was created by lawmakers during the 2023 legislative session, will convene Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Wyoming State Capitol Extension in Public Meeting Room No. 6.
The panel is set to become the first dedicated and independent charter school approval commission in Wyoming history.
The board will outline its official operating procedures and learn about board etiquette and the history of charter schools in Wyoming, according to a Department of Education news release.
Wyoming has only a handful of public charter schools, largely confined to the state's urban centers. Previously, prospective charter schools had to go through local school districts for approval. Lawmakers have sought to make the approval process for new charter schools easier in recent years, allowing them to go directly to the state to obtain their charter.
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For a short time, the State Loan and Investment Board served as the approval body for the state, greenlighting new schools in Mills, Cheyenne and Chugwater last year. During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder advocated for a new dedicated board as a way to streamline approval for charter schools and expand school choice in Wyoming.
In June, Degenfelder announced her three picks for the eight-member board, selecting Cindy DeLancey of Cheyenne, Joseph Feiler of Casper and Mitchell Schwab of Afton.
Gov. Mark Gordon also appointed three members: John Masters of Cheyenne, Janine Bay Teske of Jackson and Doug Chamberlain of La Grange.
Fred Von Ahrens of Green River and Alan Buss of Laramie were the final two selections, representing the State Board of Education and the University of Wyoming's College of Education, respectively.
Though the authorizing board's mission is to approve new charter schools, it will not do so anytime soon barring new legislation. Lawmakers included a moratorium on new charter schools alongside the launch of the board. The Wyoming Charter School Authorizing Board can only approve one additional charter school between 2026 and 2028. | https://trib.com/news/state-regional/education/wyoming-charter-school-authorizing-board-first-meeting/article_999256f8-2ccc-11ee-9424-0b2f02f3a1a2.html | 2023-07-29T17:54:31 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/state-regional/education/wyoming-charter-school-authorizing-board-first-meeting/article_999256f8-2ccc-11ee-9424-0b2f02f3a1a2.html |
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The city of San Francisco has opened a complaint and launched an investigation into a giant “X” sign that was installed Friday on top of the downtown building formerly known as Twitter headquarters.
The complaint comes as Twitter owner Elon Musk continues his rebrand of the social media platform.
City officials say replacing letters or symbols on buildings, or erecting a sign on top of one, requires a permit for design and safety reasons.
The X appeared after San Francisco police stopped workers on Monday from removing the brand’s iconic bird and logo from the side of the building, saying they hadn’t taped off the sidewalk to keep pedestrians safe if anything fell.
Any replacement letters or symbols would require a permit to ensure “consistency with the historic nature of the building” and to make sure additions are safely attached to the sign, Patrick Hannan, spokesperson for the Department of Building Inspection, said earlier this week.
Erecting a sign on top of a building also requires a permit, Hannan said Friday.
“Planning review and approval is also necessary for the installation of this sign. The city is opening a complaint and initiating an investigation,” he said in an email.
Musk unveiled a new “X” logo to replace Twitter’s famous blue bird as he remakes the social media platform he bought for $44 billion last year. The X started appearing at the top of the desktop version of Twitter on Monday.
Musk, who is also CEO of Tesla, has long been fascinated with the letter X and had already renamed Twitter’s corporate name to X Corp. after he bought it in October. One of his children is called “X,” though the child’s actual name is a collection of letters and symbols.
On Friday afternoon, a worker on a lift machine made adjustments to the sign and then left. | https://www.fox16.com/news/national-news/new-x-logo-atop-twitter-building-in-san-francisco-prompts-complaint-investigation-from-city/ | 2023-07-29T17:54:35 | 0 | https://www.fox16.com/news/national-news/new-x-logo-atop-twitter-building-in-san-francisco-prompts-complaint-investigation-from-city/ |
(KOIN) – She’s just gonna shake, shake, shake the earth.
Taylor Swift’s July 22 and 23 concerts in Seattle allegedly produced seismic activity on par with a 2.3 magnitude earthquake, according to a Western Washington University geology professor and seismologist.
Jackie Caplan-Auerbach tracked the seismic activity emanating from Swift’s Lumen Field performances earlier this month, finding similar and overlapping seismic waves on both dates. She later added that she couldn’t be sure whether the fans or the sound systems had caused the activity, but plans to continue investigating.
“I’m not yet convinced that it’s all dancing – the signals between the two nights are ridiculously similar and people tend to be messy,” Caplan-Auerbach wrote on Twitter.
She added that concertgoers were likely unaware of any geological activity at the time, saying the data recorded by the seismometer was “mostly below the range of human hearing.”
Swift’s Seattle concerts, which were attended by over 144,000 people in total, broke Lumen Field’s attendance records, according to The Seattle Times.
Caplan-Auerbach also compared the quake, which she dubbed the “Seismic Swift,” to 2010’s “Beast Quake,” when Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch scored a last-minute touchdown during a playoff game. Activity produced by Seahawks fans registered on a seismograph at a 2.0 magnitude.
The next step for Caplan-Auerbach is attempting to line up the seismic activity beat-by-beat with Swift’s setlist to see how the songs impacted the shake, she said. She’s set up a Google Drive to collect videos to help with her research. | https://www.fox16.com/news/national-news/taylor-swift-concerts-in-seattle-produced-seismic-activity-on-same-scale-as-a-small-earthquake-seismologist-finds/ | 2023-07-29T17:54:41 | 1 | https://www.fox16.com/news/national-news/taylor-swift-concerts-in-seattle-produced-seismic-activity-on-same-scale-as-a-small-earthquake-seismologist-finds/ |
It’s early morning on the ranch. The air, fresh and cool, smells like recently washed linens hung out to dry in the sun. A slight breeze tiptoes and whispers through the grass, passing through the hay fields and grasslands, brushing the early morning dew off the bright green growth of early summer.
The sun peeks shyly over the eastern horizon, fanning the dawn with soft peach hues that will burst boldly into bright yellow and orange. Nature begins to stir about to the sweet, sleepy songs of birds as they wake and flutter from their nests. Coyotes yip and bark as they return to their sand-draw dens after a night of hunting. Horses trail in for their morning grain — their hooves a sounding a muted drum beat — a dusty cadence.
Early mornings capture the essence of ranch life. For a time, the world feels untouched and full of potential. The final phase of dawn chases away the shadows and reveals the secrets of the night, and the new day has begun.
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There’s a distinct rhythm to the start of the day on a ranch. Sights, sounds, and scents awaken the senses in a way that nothing else can. There are the daily chores and tending to the animals we share our lives with. Unique bonds develop between humans and their livestock, each depending on the other for their care in one way or another. Familiarity and trust grows, manifesting interdependence and respectfulness in a myriad of forms.
This time of the day is especially precious to me. Sitting quietly in the freshness of a new day, I feel, see, hear, and smell the earth come alive. I feel peace and contentment as I savor the richness of hot coffee and the countryside that is my haven.
As an advocate and crisis counselor for a veterans crisis line, I often walk anxious, troubled veterans through a specific grounding exercise when they need to find a quiet and safe space. PTSD can be triggered by a multitude of situations, and when a veteran struggles for composure and feel disconnected from their bodies, or need to de-escalate a situation in an attempt to remain calm, the process seems to work well in shifting them into a healthier place mentally. It’s a simple five-step grounding exercise, in which the individual is asked to look around, identify and name five things they can see, four things they can feel, three things they can hear, two things they can smell, and one thing they can taste. Sometimes I ask them to close their eyes and practice deep breathing while they do the exercise, and it’s been greatly successful.
Learning this technique has also enriched my life, because often in these early morning hours I’ll shut my eyes and think about what I could see, things that I feel, hear, smell, and taste. I watch as the mama cows rise from their grassy beds and stretch; feel the dog as he leans against my leg; hear the mares nicker softly for their foals; catch the scent of the neighbor’s fresh-cut alfalfa, and taste the strong brew of coffee as it steams in my favorite cup.
Over time the seasons unfold, each with its own traits and responses. As one season ends and the canopy slowly diffuses into the next, another season mingles and replaces it, like a carefully orchestrated dance with its own tune and cadence.
I find it sad that so many storm their way through life, working deliriously for the all-mighty dollar, pursuing that impossible dream, passing by the little (and big) miracles and beautiful bits and pieces of life that make the world an incredible place. God created the colors, scents, and sounds around us with the purpose of pleasing us — every day is a gift unfolding for us.
The rhythm of the ranch is different each day. The tempo changes according to the seasons, like a wonderfully choreographed dance. The waltz of winter swirls in with an icy flamboyance; steady and sophisticated. Spring emerges in a fresh and lively foxtrot, celebrating new life and renewal. Summer’s salsa is a sure-footed exuberance with its own panache, and melts into a slow-paced rumba with the autumn’s golden color schemes.
The ranch, its inhabitants and even the land is guided by the earth’s metronome of beat and timbre. Those of us that live and love it learn the beautiful, intricate steps … and hope to never miss a beat. | https://trib.com/opinion/columns/wulff-wisdom-never-miss-a-beat/article_a0fc4934-2bdd-11ee-8498-ff3456329df9.html | 2023-07-29T17:54:51 | 1 | https://trib.com/opinion/columns/wulff-wisdom-never-miss-a-beat/article_a0fc4934-2bdd-11ee-8498-ff3456329df9.html |
UVALDE, Texas (KXAN) – Kimberly Mata-Rubio, whose daughter Lexi was killed last year in the Robb Elementary School shooting, is planning to turn her grief into action, after announcing Thursday she will run for mayor of Uvalde, Texas, in an upcoming special election.
“This past year, it’s been so frustrating navigating our country’s political system, and sometimes you have to be the change you seek. So, here I am running for mayor,” Rubio told Nexstar.
The 34-year-old mother is looking to fill the soon-vacant seat held by Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin in an upcoming special election on Nov. 7.
McLaughlin has served as the South Texas town’s mayor since 2014, and has reached his term limit. He is now running to succeed Rep. Tracy King, D-Uvalde, in the Texas House.
Mata-Rubio shared news of her run for mayor Thursday. On social media, she addressed her daughter directly, explaining why she chose to take action.
“I grieve for the woman you would have become and all the difference you would have made in this world,” Mata-Rubio wrote. “I grieve for the woman I was when you were still here. But, one part of me still exist, I am still your mom. I will honor your life with action. This is only the beginning.”
Lexi, 10, was one of the 21 people killed at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022, in the nation’s second-deadliest school shooting. In the year since, Mata-Rubio has been a regular at the Texas Capitol and U.S. Capitol, advocating for tighter gun restrictions she believes will help prevent other parents from feeling her pain.
“Bridging the gap in our fractured community is my number one focus. And the reason being is because we cannot move on or forward without the entire community coming together,” she said. “And when I say moving on, I want to bring those two teachers and 19 students with me along on this journey. That’s the only way to do this. And the only way to move forward and they deserve that they’re part of this community as well.”
Mata-Rubio will face off against Cody Smith, a banker and former mayor of Uvalde, in the Nov. 7 special election. No other candidates have announced a bid for the seat. | https://www.wdtn.com/news/mother-of-uvalde-shooting-victim-to-run-for-mayor-of-town/ | 2023-07-29T17:54:57 | 0 | https://www.wdtn.com/news/mother-of-uvalde-shooting-victim-to-run-for-mayor-of-town/ |
PUDDY
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
Jerson Cerna Sanchez, Haigui Sun and Mark Robbins were killed in three separate crashes on Wyoming's roadways.
Authorities on Thursday continued their search for a 28-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend in Worland.
The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/puddy/article_399627f7-13a3-54e7-8670-81ccb9f2b5e2.html | 2023-07-29T17:54:57 | 0 | https://trib.com/puddy/article_399627f7-13a3-54e7-8670-81ccb9f2b5e2.html |
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Over 100 mercenaries belonging to the Russian-linked Wagner group in Belarus have moved close to the border with Poland, the Polish prime minister said Saturday.
Mateusz Morawiecki said at a news conference that the mercenaries had moved close to the Suwalki Gap, a strategic stretch of Polish territory situated between Belarus and Kaliningrad, a Russian territory separated from the mainland.
Poland is a member of both the European Union and NATO, and it has worried about its security with Russian ally Belarus and Ukraine on its eastern border.
Those fears have grown since Wagner group mercenaries arrived in Belarus since the group’s short-lived rebellion earlier this summer.
The Poland-Belarus border has already been a tense place for a couple of years, ever since large numbers of immigrants from the Middle East and Africa began arriving, seeking to enter the EU by crossing into Poland, as well as Lithuania.
Poland’s government accuses Russia and Belarus of using the migrants to destabilize Poland and other EU countries. It calls the migration a form of hybrid warfare, and has responded by building a high wall along part of its border with Belarus.
“Now the situation becomes even more dangerous,” Morawiecki told reporters.
He added that “this is certainly a step towards a further hybrid attack on Polish territory.”
Morawiecki spoke during a visit to an arms factory in Gliwice, in southern Poland, where Leopard tanks used by the Ukrainian army are being repaired. | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-international/ap-wagner-mercenaries-in-belarus-move-closer-to-the-polish-border-polands-prime-minister-says/ | 2023-07-29T17:55:03 | 0 | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-international/ap-wagner-mercenaries-in-belarus-move-closer-to-the-polish-border-polands-prime-minister-says/ |
SARGE
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Brendin Lehman, 17, has a severe head injury and facial lacerations, two broken femurs, bruised lungs and several other fractures and cuts.
The highest injury was "serious," and the accident caused "substantial" damaged to the aircraft.
Jerson Cerna Sanchez, Haigui Sun and Mark Robbins were killed in three separate crashes on Wyoming's roadways.
Authorities on Thursday continued their search for a 28-year-old woman who went missing over the weekend in Worland.
The site plan was tabled to allow the city and the applicant to work out a development agreement for the proposed temple. | https://trib.com/sarge/article_d8f24587-2d51-5cd2-80da-61cd1381b181.html | 2023-07-29T17:55:03 | 0 | https://trib.com/sarge/article_d8f24587-2d51-5cd2-80da-61cd1381b181.html |
LAS VEGAS – Brady Hoke was all smiles as he posed for the team picture with his 11 head coaching peers at the Mountain West media day event here at Circa Resort & Casino.
But clearly San Diego State leadership was not happy the Pac-12 was unable to put together a media rights deal in time to extend an invitation to the Aztecs before they crawled back to the conference after exchanging breakup and reconciliation letters with commissioner Gloria Nevarez over the summer.
And so much for that future conference rivalry with Colorado.
The Buffaloes announced Thursday they are officially roaming back to the Big 12, which could either help SDSU’s case for inclusion in the Pac-12 or completely sink the weakest Power 5 conference.
Now the focus for Hoke’s Aztecs, picked to finish fourth in the preseason MW media poll, must shift to the field for the 2023 season.
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“I didn’t know enough,” Hoke said of the behind-the-scenes push by SDSU to get into the Pac-12.
“And I’m glad, because I didn’t need to know. That’s past us and we have moved on to things we can control.”
The Aztecs have used a formula similar to Wyoming in recent years that includes leaning on a strong running game, stout defense and special teams to grind out wins.
Hoke finally found some balance on offense after inserting Jalen Mayden in at quarterback.
The lefty passed for 2,030 yards with 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions over the final eight games to help get the program to a bowl game after a 2-3 start.
The addition of offensive coordinator Ryan Lindley, the former SDSU standout and NFL player/assistant coach, should help Mayden take his game to new heights this fall.
The Aztecs feature tight end Mark Redman, an all-MW first-team selection, and have some talented wide receivers in Mekhi Shaw and Raphael Williams.
“This will be Ryan’s offense,” Hoke said. “It will be a little different than what you saw last year, and I’m really excited about what he brings.”
SDSU has some rebuilding to do on both the offensive and defensive lines, which is the focus of fall camp.
The defense features an outstanding cornerback in Dezjhon Malone but safety Patrick McMorris, one of the best players in the MW last season, beat the Aztecs to the Pac-12 by transferring to Cal.
The linebacker spot is sold with the return of Cooper McDonald and the addition of New Mexico transfer Cody Moon.
“I remember we played New Mexico two years ago, and watching their defense and watching (Moon),” Hoke said. “I don’t want to say he mesmerized me, but I was always looking to see where he was and what he was doing.
“Then after the game, I shook his hand and said, ‘I really like how you play.’
“Then he ended up here. I think he brings some toughness to us, but he has got a good football I.Q. and he runs well.
Jack Browning, who handles the punting and placekicking duties, is the preseason MW special teams player of the year.
The Aztecs, who would have to pay a $35 million exit fee to join the Pac-12 in 2024, will host UCLA on Sept. 9 at SnapDragon Stadium and play Oregon State on Sept. 16 in Corvallis.
Preseason MW favorite Boise State (Sept. 22) and reigning champion Fresno State (Nov. 25) both visit SDSU.
“We want to win a championship and we haven’t done that since 2016,” Hoke said. “So, we’ve got a lot of work to do but I’m excited about what is ahead of us.”
The Aztecs, who defeated UW for the 2016 title in Laramie, do not play the Pokes in the regular season.
The next scheduled meeting between the teams is in 2024. | https://trib.com/sports/college/wyoming/football/san-diego-state-mountain-west-football-preview/article_361ba46e-2d5b-11ee-af66-470174fc983a.html | 2023-07-29T17:55:05 | 0 | https://trib.com/sports/college/wyoming/football/san-diego-state-mountain-west-football-preview/article_361ba46e-2d5b-11ee-af66-470174fc983a.html |
The intense heat wave continued its grip on many parts of the country, including in New York City, where temperatures were expected to surge into the lower 90s (around 35 C) on Saturday, but the humid, thick air could make it feel well over the century mark.
The sizzling air has heated up everything from the ocean to pools, making it difficult to cool off. One woman in the Southwest has been throwing blocks of ice in her pool.
Metro Phoenix could see its 30th day of 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius) on Saturday before temperatures are expected to start dropping in the city and other areas that saw some of the most extreme temperatures in July. Scientists expect this month will be the hottest globally on record and likely the warmest human civilization has seen.
Here’s what’s happening related to extreme weather and the climate right now:
— Heat advisories continued in New York City, where high humidity has made it uncomfortable and dangerous last few days. Some 500 cooling centers have opened across the city’s five boroughs, and the governor authorized the state’s swimming pools to stay open later. The extreme heat was forecast to ease Sunday.
— Parts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut were under a heat advisory through Saturday night. In northern New England, temperatures were down 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit after getting into the 90s (around 35 C) on Friday, but the humidity lingered throughout the region. Afternoon and evening storms were forecast and could bring a chance of flash flooding.
— The weather was equally stifling and muggy in the center of the United States. An excessive heat warning was issued for much of Missouri, Kansas and western Illinois, where the sweaty mix of heat and humidity could make it feel like up to 112 degrees Fahrenheit (about 44 C) in parts. St. Louis health director Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis said the risk of heat stroke was high and warned that interior car temperatures could reach lethal levels in minutes.
— Temperatures are forecast to start to drop in the hottest areas in the southwest of the United States, including Phoenix, Las Vegas, Albuquerque and Death Valley, California.
— With the scorching heat, even going for a swim offered little to no relief. Sea surface temperatures rose above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 C) at a spot off Florida’s southern tip, while pools in the Southwest gave the sensation of being in soup.
— The high temperatures are reaching across the globe, including in Bolivia, where a drought alert has been declared for Lake Titicaca after water levels of the world’s highest navigable lake receded to a critically low threshold.
___
Associated Press writers Bobby Caina Calvan in New York; Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas; Ken Ritter in Las Vegas; and Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire contributed to this report.
___
Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
) | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-us-news/ap-climate-glimpse-heres-what-you-need-to-see-and-know-today-8/ | 2023-07-29T17:55:09 | 1 | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-us-news/ap-climate-glimpse-heres-what-you-need-to-see-and-know-today-8/ |
LAS VEGAS – Andrew Peasley binge-watched “Quarterback” as soon as the documentary began streaming on Netflix.
The behind-the-scenes access gives viewers an intimate look at the mental and physical toll a season takes on three quarterbacks – Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs), Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) and Marcus Mariota (then Atlanta Falcons) – during the 2022 NFL season.
“People watch football, and they see players being players, but they forget that we’re humans, too,” Peasley said during an interview with the Star-Tribune at the Mountain West media day event at Circa Resort & Casino.
“I watch that and Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, Mariota, they all are having kids, and I just had my son. It’s a reality check that there’s more to life than football. I just wish people could see that more with us and understand how hard it can be.
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“I’m not in the pros, but we still live that lifestyle a little bit.”
Peasley’s life as Wyoming’s quarterback has been filled with its own drama since he transferred from Utah State.
The super senior formed a tight relationship with his teammates while maintaining a long-distance relationship with his fiancé.
Peasley learned a new offense, deleted his Twitter account after the Illinois loss in his disappointing debut drew online vitriol, experienced the high of upsetting 10-win Air Force, suffered a scary concussion in the Border War win at Colorado State and had agonizing defeats to MW champion Fresno State and in the Arizona Bowl to Ohio to finish the roller coaster ride.
In March, Peasley married Maia Fishwick, a former Utah State gymnast he met in Logan, and on July 6 the couple’s son, Andrew Navy Peasley Jr., was born.
“He’ll go by Navy,” said Peasley, who also sunk Air Force when he was playing for Utah State.
Over the last three weeks, Peasley has been busy changing Pampers and trying to fix the Cowboys’ leaky passing game.
“I think it’s for the better for me,” Peasley said of becoming a family man at the end of his six-year collegiate football journey. “I cannot procrastinate, I’ll tell you that. I’ve got to do this, this, this, and then I’ve got to train. I think it’s been good. I enjoy it. I think being a father is really special.”
The Pokes, who might have the best defense in the MW and are expecting the running and kicking games to be strong again, need Peasley to play better to contend for the conference championship this fall.
After leaving the Aggies for a chance to start at UW, Peasley completed just 52.4% of his passes for 1,574 yards with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He only averaged 5.7 yards per pass attempt and his passer rating (105.89) ranked eighth out of the nine MW quarterbacks that played on 75% of their team’s games and had a minimum of 15.0 pass attempts per game.
“Our offense is a pretty complex offense, it is not a simplistic one,” UW head coach Craig Bohl said. “He’s going to have another aggressive fall camp. We put the quarterbacks under a lot of pressure. He’s going to need to perform. I think our football team can be staged where he’s not going to have to be making all the plays in third down and long.”
Fans and media often scoff at the notion that UW’s offense is complex. It seems to be pretty simple: Run, run, run … pass only when absolutely necessary.
Peasley tried to pull the curtain back on the challenges for a quarterback making the transition from Utah State’s spread offense and the Pokes’ pro-style philosophy.
“I think I just went from a one-worded offense where they gave me a signal, and it’s a play and that one word tells me the whole thing,” Peasley said. “Now the quarterback, you’ve got motions, formations, the play and any tagged plays. And then you’ve got cans and kills that changes the play based on what you see, one high (safety), two high.
“That’s just a lot if you’ve never been around it before, and me pulling up and getting this book, I’m like, OK.”
Peasley, now more in sync with the playbook and setting the protections at the line of scrimmage in concert with center Nofoafia Tulafono’s calls, enters the 2023 season with more confidence.
The 6-foot-2, 213-pound UW graduate is beloved inside the locker room and is embracing the pressure of being one of the faces of the program.
“His leadership skills have been amazing and just seeing him progress through spring and bringing the other dudes up around him as well, the guys in his room, he’s definitely been working hard, you can tell,” linebacker Easton Gibbs, the preseason MW defensive player of the year, said of Peasley. “He has a lot of stuff going on outside of football. When you see a guy doing that to put in the extra work to progress his game, everybody else is like, ‘Let’s go do the same thing.’”
Peasley said Maia lets him to sleep at night so he can be ready for practices and workouts.
“I do a lot of stuff in the day. We have good teamwork going right now. (The baby) sleeps pretty well, too. We’ll see if that continues,” Peasley said. “I don’t know if you can explain it to someone who doesn’t have a kid. It’s something that happens, and people always say they’re ready, but I don’t think anyone is ever ready. You just kind of go with it and see how it works and continue to try your best.”
When UW opens fall camp on Wednesday, Peasley will be the clear starter with Evan Svoboda penciled in as the backup on the depth chart.
Frank Crum is moving to left tackle to protect Peasley’s blindside. UW has also added transfer receivers Ayir Asante and Devin Boddie to improve the competition and depth for a unit that returns Alex Brown, Will Pelissier and Wyatt Wieland.
Dawaiian McNeely will open the season as the featured back with Harrison Waylee and D.Q. James expected to join a potentially dominant rotation early in the season.
Treyton Welch, Peasley’s security blanket, is also back and fellow tight end John Michael Gyllenborg is expected to be an impact target in the passing game.
Now it’s time for Peasley’s breakout performance in this 2023 reality series as UW continues the search for quality QB play since Josh Allen took his talents to the Buffalo Bills.
“Josh Allen left his marks on Wyoming for sure. He’s arguably the greatest Wyoming player to ever come through and now he’s doing very well in the NFL, so that’s cool to see,” Peasley said. “I always tell people I’m not Josh Allen. He’s 6-6, 240 pounds. I’m faster, I’m smaller, but he has the crazy arm. I think of myself as more crafty, scrambling. He’s very good at that, too.
“I want to leave my mark on Wyoming and that’s my goal this season.”
The drama begins when UW hosts Texas Tech on Sept. 2 at War Memorial Stadium. | https://trib.com/sports/college/wyoming/football/wyoming-qb-andrew-peasley-balancing-football-family-during-last-ride-with-cowboys/article_fcaa73ee-2d60-11ee-8c1d-efee5ac2c21a.html | 2023-07-29T17:55:11 | 0 | https://trib.com/sports/college/wyoming/football/wyoming-qb-andrew-peasley-balancing-football-family-during-last-ride-with-cowboys/article_fcaa73ee-2d60-11ee-8c1d-efee5ac2c21a.html |
NEW YORK (AP) — Trader Joe’s is recalling a broccoli cheddar soup that may contain insects and cooked falafel that may contain rocks, about one week after the grocery chain recalled two cookie products over similar concerns.
The soup recall impacts Trader Joe’s Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup with “Use By” dates ranging from July 18 to Sept. 15, according to a Thursday announcement from the company. On Friday, the grocer announced that Trader Joe’s Fully Cooked Falafel sold in 35 states and Washington, D.C., was also under recall.
On July 21, Trader Joe’s announced that it was recalling Trader Joe’s Almond Windmill Cookies and Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Chunk and Almond Cookies with “sell by” dates ranging from Oct. 17 to Oct. 21. Like the falafel, the cookies may also contain rocks, the company said.
When asked for further information about how the insects and rocks may have gotten into these products, a Trader Joe’s spokesperson said that “there was an issue in the manufacturing processes in the facilities.” Suppliers alerted Trader Joe’s of the possible foreign material for each recall, the company said.
“We pulled the product from our shelves as soon as we were made aware of the issue. Once we understood the issue we notified our customers,” the spokesperson said in a statement sent to The Associated Press Saturday.
All of the recalled cookies, soup and falafel have been removed from sale or destroyed, Trader Joe’s said in its announcements. But the Monrovia, California-based company is still urging consumers to check their kitchens for the products.
Trader Joe’s says customers who have the recalled products should throw them away or return them to any store for a full refund. Lot codes and further details about the products under recall, as well as customer service contact information, can be found on the company’s website.
Trader Joe’s did not specify how many products were impacted with each recall or identify suppliers. But one Food and Drug Administration notice cited by NBC News says that the Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup recall impacts around 10,889 cases sold in seven states. Winter Gardens Quality Foods, Inc. is identified as the recalling firm, per the notice.
No formal releases about the three recalls were published on the FDA’s Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts page as of Saturday. The Associated Press reached out to the FDA and Winter Gardens Quality Foods for information on Saturday.
“We have a close relationship with our vendors and they alerted us of these issues. We don’t hesitate or wait for regulatory agencies to tell us what to do,” the Trader Joe’s spokesperson said. “We will never leave to chance the safety of the products we offer.” | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-us-news/ap-more-trader-joes-recalls-this-soup-may-contain-bugs-and-falafel-may-have-rocks-grocer-says/ | 2023-07-29T17:55:17 | 0 | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-us-news/ap-more-trader-joes-recalls-this-soup-may-contain-bugs-and-falafel-may-have-rocks-grocer-says/ |