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BALTIMORE — (AP) — Aaron Judge homered for the first time since returning from a toe injury, sending a 442-foot drive over the wall in center field in the third inning against Baltimore on Saturday night.
The two-run shot gave the New York Yankees a 3-2 advantage. Giancarlo Stanton hit a solo homer in the first.
Judge was hitless since returning Friday, although he drew three walks in that game. He hit a towering flyout in his first plate appearance Saturday. Then he connected off Tyler Wells two innings later.
It was his 20th home run of the season. Judge started in right field Saturday after he was the designated hitter Friday.
Judge had been out since tearing a ligament in his right big toe June 3.
___
Follow Noah Trister at https://twitter.com/noahtrister
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wpxi.com/sports/aaron-judge-slugs/HC7UESVAFJ3FZR77GCSRMB6ZWU/ | 2023-07-30T01:43:30 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/sports/aaron-judge-slugs/HC7UESVAFJ3FZR77GCSRMB6ZWU/ |
The 2023 3M Open Odds & Preview: Lee Hodges
The 3M Open is nearing the end, and following the third round Lee Hodges is in first place with a score of -20.
Looking to bet on Lee Hodges at the 3M Open this week? Read on for the betting odds and stats you need to know before you make your picks.
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Lee Hodges Insights
- Over his last 13 rounds, Hodges has shot better than par on 10 occasions, while also shooting three bogey-free rounds and eight rounds with a better-than-average score.
- He has finished with the best score of the day in one of his last 13 rounds, while scoring among the top five in three rounds and the top 10 on four occasions.
- Over his last 13 rounds, Hodges has finished within three strokes of the best score of the round three times, and within five strokes of the top score of the day on five occasions.
- Hodges has won one of his past five tournaments.
- The past five times he has played a tournament, he's made the cut twice.
- Hodges has finished within three shots of the leader in one of his past five tournaments. During that same span, he's posted a better-than-average score twice.
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Over the last year
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3M Open Insights and Stats
- Hodges has one win in his past two starts at this event. His average finish has been ninth.
- In his most recent two attempts at this event, he's made the cut every time.
- Hodges finished atop the leaderboard at this event back in 2023.
- The Tour has played courses with an average length of 7,019 yards in the past year, while TPC Twin Cities is set for a longer 7,431 yards.
- Hodges will take to the 7,431-yard course this week at TPC Twin Cities after having played courses with an average length of 7,306 yards in the past year.
Hodges' Last Time Out
- Hodges was relatively mediocre on the eight par-3 holes at The Open Championship, averaging 3.13 strokes to finish in the 41st percentile of competitors.
- His 4.55-stroke average on the 22 par-4 holes at The Open Championship ranked in the second percentile of the field (the tournament average was 4.18).
- Hodges was better than 57% of the competitors at The Open Championship on par-5 holes, averaging 4.67 strokes per hole compared to the field average of 4.78.
- Hodges failed to card a birdie on any of the eight par-3s at The Open Championship (the field averaged 1.3).
- On the eight par-3s at The Open Championship, Hodges recorded one bogey or worse (less than the field average of 2.3).
- Hodges failed to record a birdie or better on any of the 22 par-4s at The Open Championship. The tournament average was 3.4.
- At that most recent outing, Hodges' showing on the 22 par-4s included a bogey or worse 12 times (compared to the field's better average, 8.1).
- Hodges ended The Open Championship underperforming compared to the tournament average of birdies or better on par-5s (3.4), with three on the six par-5 holes.
- On the six par-5s at The Open Championship, Hodges outperformed the field's average of 1.2 bogeys or worse on those holes by recording one.
3M Open Time and Date Info
- Date: July 27-30, 2023
- Course: TPC Twin Cities
- Location: Blaine, Minnesota
- Par: 71 / 7,431 yards
- Hodges Odds to Win: -350 (Bet now with BetMGM!)
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All statistics in this article reflect Hodges' performance prior to the 2023 3M Open.
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.kalb.com/sports/betting/2023/07/29/lee-hodges-3m-open-pga-odds/ | 2023-07-30T01:43:32 | 0 | https://www.kalb.com/sports/betting/2023/07/29/lee-hodges-3m-open-pga-odds/ |
TORONTO — (AP) — Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward was taken to a Toronto hospital for tests after being hit in the head by a pitch from Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah in the fifth inning Saturday.
Angels manager Phil Nevin said he planned to visit Ward in the hospital after leaving the stadium following the Angels’ 6-1 loss.
Batting with the bases loaded, Ward was hit by a 2-0 pitch clocked at 91 mph. The ball appeared to strike Ward next to his next left eye, knocking off his batting helmet.
“It got him pretty flush,” Nevin said.
Plate umpire Andy Fletcher motioned to the Angels’ dugout for the trainer as Ward went down with blood running down his face.
“It’s scary,” Angels left-hander Reid Detmers said. “You’re just hoping and praying that he’s all right, that he gets up.”
Angels trainers rushed to the plate and held a towel to Ward’s face. After a couple of minutes, Ward got to his feet and left the field on a cart. His left eye appeared to be swollen shut.
“Obviously it didn’t look very good,” Angels infielder Mike Moustakas said. “Hopefully we get some good news here in a little bit. We’re all praying for him.”
Manoah put his hands on his head as he stood on the mound. It was the second hit batter of the game for Manoah, who hit Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani on the left foot in the first.
Andrew Velazquez ran for Ward, who drove in the first run of the game. Velazquez went to shortstop and Luis Rengifo, who scored on the play, moved to left field in the bottom of the inning.
Asked whether the Angels might visit Ward in hospital, Moustakas said he thought it was better to let his teammate rest.
“I’m sure we’ll all send him some text messages and see how he’s doing, but I don’t know if going over there is a good thing," Moustakas said. "I don’t think that’s the right thing to do right now. Let him rest and recover, get healthy.”
Before play resumed, Blue Jays manager John Schneider came to the mound and replaced Manoah with left-hander Génesis Cabrera.
After the game, Manoah called it “a terrible moment.”
“That’s probably the worst feeling ever,” Manoah said. “Definitely want to pray for him and his family. That’s the last thing you want to do, no matter the situation, no matter the team, no matter anything. I feel really bad about it. I’ll definitely be looking to see how he’s doing.”
In September 2021, Manoah hit Oakland’s Starling Marte in the helmet with a 92 mph pitch. Marte stayed in the game to run the bases but was later replaced.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wpxi.com/sports/angels-taylor-ward/G62EUKALPYEB2DTQDCCBURPOZQ/ | 2023-07-30T01:43:37 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/sports/angels-taylor-ward/G62EUKALPYEB2DTQDCCBURPOZQ/ |
2023 3M Open Betting Odds, Favorites & Insights – Round 4
After the third round at the 2023 3M Open, Lee Hodges is currently atop the leaderboard (-350 to win).
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3M Open Fourth Round Information
- Start Time: 7:35 AM ET
- Venue: TPC Twin Cities
- Location: Blaine, Minnesota
- Par/Distance: Par 71/7,431 yards
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3M Open Best Odds to Win
Lee Hodges
- Tee Time: 1:35 PM ET
- Current Rank: 1st (-20)
- Odds to Win: -350
Hodges Round by Round Results
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JT Poston
- Tee Time: 1:35 PM ET
- Current Rank: 2nd (-15)
- Odds to Win: +650
Poston Round by Round Results
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Tony Finau
- Tee Time: 1:25 PM ET
- Current Rank: 3rd (-14)
- Odds to Win: +850
Finau Round by Round Results
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Hideki Matsuyama
- Tee Time: 9:35 AM ET
- Current Rank: 39th (-6)
- Odds to Win: +1400
Matsuyama Round by Round Results
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J.J. Spaun
- Tee Time: 10:50 AM ET
- Current Rank: 27th (-8)
- Odds to Win: +3300
Spaun Round by Round Results
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3M Open Odds (Rest of Field)
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.kalb.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/3m-open-pga-tournament-betting-odds-round-4/ | 2023-07-30T01:43:39 | 0 | https://www.kalb.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/3m-open-pga-tournament-betting-odds-round-4/ |
High School Sports | A-Town Throwdown basketball tournament Saturday | PHOTOS Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) By Amy Shortell | aherzog@mcall.com | The Morning CallPUBLISHED: July 29, 2023 at 6:18 p.m. | UPDATED: July 29, 2023 at 9:22 p.m.Scenes from the A-Town Throwdown basketball tournament at Cedar Creek Park in Allentown on Saturday. Saucon Valley’s Jack Robertson drives up the court Saturday, July 29, 2023, against Whitehall boys basketball in the A-Town Throwdown basketball tournament at Cedar Creek Park in Allentown.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Saucon Valley’s Adam Clark drives to the hoop Saturday, July 29, 2023, against Whitehall boys basketball in the A-Town Throwdown basketball tournament at Cedar Creek Park in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Saucon Valley’s Adam Clark drives to the hoop Saturday, July 29, 2023, against Whitehall boys basketball in the A-Town Throwdown basketball tournament at Cedar Creek Park in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Whitehall’s AJ Hines defends the ball Saturday, July 29, 2023, against Saucon Valley boys basketball in the A-Town Throwdown basketball tournament at Cedar Creek Park in Allentown.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Whitehall’s AJ Hines heads to the hoop Saturday, July 29, 2023, against Saucon Valley boys basketball in the A-Town Throwdown basketball tournament at Cedar Creek Park in Allentown.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Tags: Photos and Videos Amy Shortell | Visual Journalist Amy Shortell is a visual journalist for The Morning Call. aherzog@mcall.com Follow Amy Shortell @amyherzog10
SUBSCRIBER ONLY High School Sports | A-town Throwdown: Recent Allen grad Jharon Johnson named first Ed Favors Memorial Scholarship winner
SUBSCRIBER ONLY High School Sports | High school wrestling: Faith Christian’s Bachmann brothers ready to conquer the world | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/a-town-throwdown-basketball-tournament-saturday-photos/ | 2023-07-30T01:43:47 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/a-town-throwdown-basketball-tournament-saturday-photos/ |
There are a lot of challenging things you have to deal with in business. Based on what I have experienced over the course of my career, I would say that being forced to layoff employees is by far the most disheartening. And it’s even worse for those who end up being sent home and have to break the news to their family that they lost their job.
Since the pandemic turned our world upside down in 2020, almost every company went through some form of restructuring that included layoffs. It was a period of time where everyone was on edge and companies struggled to make adjustments that would allow them to operate in a business climate we have never experienced before.
Fast forward to 2023 and the layoff chatter is constantly occurring. News of layoffs from some of the most well known companies continues to dominate the headlines. From Amazon to Microsoft to Twitter, it seems as though it’s a constant stream of news that makes us all wonder what the future will hold. And then there’s all of the hype about Artificial Intelligence taking over jobs. There sure seems a lot to be concerned about.
I’ve worked for several companies who laid off employees for a variety of reasons. Most of the time it was driven by financials and the need to reduce costs. The unfortunate part was that in almost all of these scenarios, there were other ways to reduce costs and save jobs that were not considered or even looked at.
If your company is in a position where there is a need to reduce costs and lay off employees, here are a few suggestions on ways you can potentially save jobs and also help those who are impacted by the reductions.
Consider salary reductions
I was involved in a situation where we had to lay off a large number of employees. As we compiled the list and calculated the savings from the reductions, we decided to make an adjustment that helped save numerous jobs. Everyone on the executive team agreed to take a 15% pay cut. While this may not be something that everyone agrees with, it’s the right thing to do. This is what leadership is about. If you’re going to send people home with no job, the least you can do is take a hit yourself, so others can be saved.
Cut in other areas
No employee should be laid off until the company has exhausted all possible cost cutting measures. This includes unnecessary travel, perks, bonuses and other frivolous expenses. It’s all about looking for what you can go without and when you take a hard look at what you’re spending money on, there’s a good chance you’ll uncover more than you expect. I’ve also seen great success with renegotiating existing agreements with vendors and finding ways to pay less for products and services you are currently paying for.
Respect and dignity
Being laid off is by far one of the most traumatic events you will experience in your career. It’s demoralizing and puts you in a very challenging situation, especially if there are others in your life who depend on your income.
Treat people with the same level of respect and dignity as you did when you hired them and give them a severance package that provides ample time for them to find a new career opportunity and support their family during the transition.
Don’t be one of those horrible companies that lays people off and gives them four weeks of severance. That is simply cruel. It’s nearly impossible to find a new job and start within four weeks.
Christopher Thompson (christhompsnh@gmail.com) writes Closing the Deal weekly. | https://www.unionleader.com/news/business/columns/closing-the-deal-there-is-nothing-worse-than-layoffs/article_76428266-3c88-52ce-83b5-916bbf2b25a6.html | 2023-07-30T01:43:47 | 1 | https://www.unionleader.com/news/business/columns/closing-the-deal-there-is-nothing-worse-than-layoffs/article_76428266-3c88-52ce-83b5-916bbf2b25a6.html |
Jharon Johnson grew up in Allentown having the A-Town Throwdown basketball tournament as part of his summer.
Since Allen athletic director Randy Atiyeh is the co-director of the Throwdown, which is part of the Lehigh Valley AwesomeFest, Johnson, who was a multi-sport athlete as a Canary, has always been happy to help out at Cedar Beach.
Even with Jharon having graduated in June, his involvement continues and he was busy working through the day and night Friday, one of the hottest days of the summer.
No wonder Johnson, who played football, basketball and track throughout his Allen career, was saluted as the first Ed Favors Scholarship winner given in memory of another Canaries multi-sport athlete. Favors died in December of 2021 at the age of 36.
“It was a surprise to receive this scholarship, but it really means a lot to me,” Johnson said, who is hoping to walk-on to the football and track teams at West Chester.
He sees Allentown as an underrated, but thriving community that has a lot of potential. While negative headlines often dominate the preception of the city, Johnson sees it as a place that’s getting better and showing promise for a brighter future.
“Allentown is improving,” Johnson said. “When I was younger, a lot of kids were transferring to other schools, but as I got older I’ve seen more kids stay in the inner-city schools which is nice to see. There’s a lot of talent in Allentown. Everybody talks about Philadelphia, Harrisburg and other areas, but Allentown is a nice melting pot. Everybody here can do something.”
The Ed Favors Initiative was established by the Five Star Heart Project led by Bobby McClarin to assist kids who need a helping hand to fulfill their dreams.
The mission statement of the Favors Initiative said it was established “To recognize and expand the impact that Ed Favors had on and will continue to have in our Lehigh Valley community. The goal is to advocate and aid Allentown School District student-athletes who (are) experiencing mental health challenges. The funds raised through the initiative provide financial support to student athletes who are experiencing financial difficulties that may prevent them from seeking the help that they may need and also provide educational sponsorship for graduates seeking higher education.”
In addition, the initiative is designed to raise mental health awareness and advocate positive support for those seeking it and also to provide student-athletes with proper nutrition and enable them to reach their goals on and off the athletic fields.
The Favors committee includes his former coaches in both football and basketball: Jim Perkins, George Clay, Eugene Clay, Doug Snyder, Kevin Ronalds, Mark Smith, Ryan Long and McClarin.
A first Ed Favors Celebration was held at J. Birney Crum Stadium and the nearby Rose Garden on July 17. Over $5,000 was raised from raffles and donations to support the cause.
“Ed played football here in 2003 and left us way too early and what we to do is bring awareness about mental issues and show people that they should seek help and be able to get it,” Clay, now an assistant coach at Parkland, said. “Bobby McClarin really helped to get this off the ground. He wants to help every single kid in the Valley and this is an awesome event.”
Ronalds, who is now an assistant at Northampton agreed, saying: “Ed was a great student representative and everyone in town and at the school knew him,” Ronalds said. “He was a huge person with a huge personality and smile. We had a few kids from that same era we’ve lost who suffered from mental health issues and we wanted to form an organization under the umbrella of Five Star Heart to help them with resources to get their help. I have coached in other places, but some of my favorites in coaching were here in Allentown and I want to see the kids helped and be successful.”
McClarin said his annual Five Star Heart program expanding to Allentown offers more kids more opportunities.
“We did a free football clinic for kids from throughout the Lehigh Valley and we had three guys here today from the Greenleaf Prospect Camp, guys that grew up on Greenleaf Street in Allentown, who wanted to give back to the community and help kids,” McClarin said. “We had 25-plus college athletes come out to help those guys and we had 150 kids and gave out a lot of scholarships. Anything we can do to help any kids is what it’s all about. We always talk about football, family and bringing kids together for a great cause.”
McClarin said the Ed Favors Initiative under Five Star Heart goes beyond the X’s and O’s of football and even past the physical training that is required for any great player. It goes to what people can’t see and that’s what’s going on inside someone’s heart and brain.
“How can we help out from a mental standpoint,” McClarin said. “How can we be there for kids on a daily basis and help set them up for success on and off the athletic field. It starts with mental health, it starts with nutrition and it starts with having someone around them to let them know they’re loved. A lot of them from the city of Allentown need that extra helping hand.”
Johnson’s scholarship totaled $1,000.68 with the 68 cents given in honor of Favors who wore No. 68.
Other scholarships presented by Five Star Heart went to Dieruff grad Jaiden Diaz, who had a 3.8 GPA and is attending Penn State-Lehigh Valley; Marcus Soto who just completed eighth grade at South Mountain Middle School and will attend Dieruff and Jariel Infante, a product of Broughal in Bethlehem who is going to Freedom in the fall. Those three scholarships are all for $1,000.
Allen risers on the rise
Camp Canary has been a fixture at the Cedar Beach tournaments for years, a gathering spot for Allen varsity, JV and riser teams.
The Canaries varsity has struggled so far for much of the summer, but the JV team is 3-0 in the Throwdown and the risers are 2-1 and showing a lot of promise for the future of the program.
“We’re playing well,” Allen risers coach Alvin Wright said. “We’re young. It’s basically the Allen freshmen team, but we have a lot of seventh and eighth grade players who have stepped up and are playing well.”
Among the names to remember for the future with the Canaries are Josh Ramos, Joe Thompson, Jaylen Edwards and Jaylen Walker.
Saturday’s scores
Boys Varsity
Lincoln Leadership 39, Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg 19; Quakertown 42, East Stroudsburg South 26; Bethlehem Catholic 49, Phillipsburg, NJ 34; Lower Merion 59, East Stroudsburg North 45; East Stroudsburg South 70, Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg 23; Palmerton 34, Dieruff 26; Saucon Valley 38, Red Lion 37; Malvern Prep 53, Central Dauphin 33; Odessa, Delaware, 42, Southern Lehigh 22; Octorara 64, SLA-Beeber 44; Overbrook 53, Red Lion 29; Quakertown 59, Dieruff 39; West Scranton 36, North Hunterdon 31; Bethlehem Christian 47, Morris Hills, NJ, 40; Emmaus 64, Octorara 27; Odessa, Delaware 41, Pocono Mountain West 26; Sankofa 24, Abington 22; Parkland 49, Lancaster Mennonite 24; Sankofa 47, Northampton 45; West Scranton 47, Bethlehem Christian 38 (small school play-in to Sweet 16)
Boys JV
Allen 39, Octorara 36; Reading 46, St. John Vianney B 16; Nazareth 43, Mechanicsburg 16; West Scranton 41, Salisbury 20; ACCHS 9, Dieruff 26; Liberty 45, Southern Lehigh 17; Malvern Prep 67, Boyertown 22; Reading 55, Bensalem 40; Nazareth 42, Emmaus 18; Allen 42, Salisbury 26; Notre Dame-Green Pond 51, Whitehall 47; Parkland 31, Easton 21; St. John Vianney A 47, Mechanicsburg 32; Reading 43, Liberty 17;
Girls Varsity
Tamaqua 30, Bethlehem Catholic 5; Allentown Central Catholic 34, Reading 19; Council Rock North 47, Liberty 14; Bensalem 33, Allen 19; Parkland 39, Council Rock North 5; Dunmore 30, Dieruff 18; Saucon Valley 34, Overbrook 31; Pocono Mountain East 44, The City School 33; Northeast 41, Easton 37; Imhotep 32, Allen 25;
Girls JV
Freedom 14, Allen 7; Whitehall A 17, Reading B 11; Becahi 29, Emmaus 10.
Boys Risers
Emmaus 30, Dieruff 17.
Sunday’s schedule
9:30 a.m.
Small school consolation games
10:30 a.m.
Boys Varsity Sweet 16 games
11:30 a.m.
Boys Varsity Sweet 16 games and Boys JV quarterfinals
12:30 p.m.
Girls Varsity quarterfinals and JV quarterfinals
1:30 p.m.
Boys Varsity quarterfinals and Risers semifinals
2:30 p.m.
Girls Varsity and JV semifinals
3:30 p.m.
Boys Varsity semifinals and Riser and Wheelchair championship games
4:30 p.m.
JV Girls and JV Boys championship games
5:30 p.m.
Girls Varsity championship game
6:30 p.m.
Boys Varsity championship game | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/a-town-throwdownjharon-johnson/ | 2023-07-30T01:43:53 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/a-town-throwdownjharon-johnson/ |
Required minimum distribution, or RMD, rules continue to evolve.
The “final” RMD regulations that practitioners have been waiting for since the passage of the SECURE Act in December 2019 are still in the works.
While we don’t know the exact timing, we do know that final regulations will apply for “determining RMDs for calendar years beginning no earlier than 2024,” quoting the IRS’s July 14 Notice (2023-54, Transition Relief and Guidance Relating to Certain Required Minimum Distributions — tinyurl.com/r59fv35c).
Let’s review how we got here — and talk about the new relief the IRS is providing to those affected by the wait. As a word of caution, RMD rules are complicated and evolving, plus each taxpayer’s situation is unique — be sure to talk with your tax adviser before taking any actions.
One of the provisions of the SECURE Act that continues to be discussed involves inheriting a traditional, tax-deferred IRA.
The SECURE Act established a new 10-year limit for distributions for most beneficiaries (as opposed to a potentially much longer inheritor’s life expectancy).
In February 2022, the IRS issued proposed regulations for the SECURE Act (tinyurl.com/3j6vb45t) — these are the regs that are still to be finalized.
One of the proposed regs provided that a designated beneficiary who in 2020 or later inherited an IRA for which the original owner HAD been taking RMDs was required to CONTINUE taking RMDs for the next nine years, then empty the account in the 10th calendar year after the death of the original owner.
Excluded from the designated beneficiary requirement was a new type of beneficiary created by the SECURE Act: “eligible designated beneficiary,” defined in IRS Publication 590-B (tinyurl.com/yc6tx8dh) as:
• The IRA owner’s surviving spouse
• The IRA owner’s minor child
• A disabled or chronically ill individual
• Any other individual who is not more than 10 years younger than the IRA owner
Prior to the proposed regulations, many had interpreted the SECURE Act to require emptying the inherited IRA at the end of the 10-year period, without the need for annual withdrawals, irrespective of whether the original owner had been taking RMDs.
The IRS acknowledged the disconnect in October 2022 in Notice 2022-53 (tinyurl.com/5y924pne). The IRS noted that beneficiaries of IRA owners who died in 2020 reported that they had not taken RMDs in 2021 and were unsure of whether they would be required to take RMDs in 2022. Keep in mind that penalties (excise taxes) are due for failure to timely take RMDs.
The IRS came through for those affected in Notice 2022-53 by waiving penalties for beneficiaries of IRA owners who died in 2020 for 2021 and 2022 RMDs — as well as 2022 RMDs for beneficiaries of owners who died in 2021.
At the time, the penalty (excise tax) was 50% of the RMD that was not taken by the required due date. Now, as a result of SECURE Act 2.0, which became law at the end of 2022, the excise tax has been reduced to 25%, or “possibly 10% if the RMD is timely corrected within two years,” according to the IRS (tinyurl.com/ykjb3zbu).
Then, in July’s Notice 2023-54, the IRS extended penalty waivers for 2023 RMDs for beneficiaries of IRA owners who “died in 2020, 2021, or 2022.”
You might wonder if penalty waivers also waive the need to actually take money out of the inherited IRA as an RMD.
When asked, an IRS spokesperson commented that “the intention was to provide relief for 2023, so effectively, there is no RMD due for 2023 for those beneficiaries described in the notice.” The spokesperson added that the same is true for RMDs in 2021 and 2022 for those beneficiaries described in Notice 2022-53.
Meanwhile, the wait for final RMD regulations continues. | https://www.unionleader.com/news/business/columns/your-money-irs-news-about-required-minimum-distributions/article_84533689-ce09-5ca1-a3dc-55069a8ed0db.html | 2023-07-30T01:43:53 | 1 | https://www.unionleader.com/news/business/columns/your-money-irs-news-about-required-minimum-distributions/article_84533689-ce09-5ca1-a3dc-55069a8ed0db.html |
Local News | Annual South Race Street Block Party in Allentown | PHOTOS Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) By Amy Shortell | aherzog@mcall.com | The Morning CallPUBLISHED: July 29, 2023 at 6:16 p.m. | UPDATED: July 29, 2023 at 9:21 p.m.People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Joshua Rivera grills chicken. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Joshua Rivera grills chicken. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk participates at the dunk tank. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk participates at the dunk tank. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Edwardo Barbarlow fries fish and grills hamburgers. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Diane Gary, left, and Princess Moore play Connect Four. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Diane Gary, left, and Princess Moore play Connect Four. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Edwardo Barbarlow fries fish and grills hamburgers. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk participates at the dunk tank. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk participates at the dunk tank. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Peter Halat throws a ball at a target to dunk Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Lateema Moore, left, Princess Moore, center, and Diane Gary, right, take a picture while enjoying the spray from a sprinkler attached to a fire truck. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Edwardo Barbarlow fries fish and grills hamburgers. People enjoy a block party Saturday, July, 29, 2023, on South Race Street in Allentown. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call) Tags: Photos and Videos Amy Shortell | Visual Journalist Amy Shortell is a visual journalist for The Morning Call. aherzog@mcall.com Follow Amy Shortell @amyherzog10
Local News | Attorneys in Lehigh Valley Health Network data breach lawsuit battle over protection of data downloaded from dark web
SUBSCRIBER ONLY Election | The Northampton County League of Women Voters could disband. Some see that as a blow for democracy | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/annual-south-race-street-block-party-in-allentown-photos/ | 2023-07-30T01:43:59 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/annual-south-race-street-block-party-in-allentown-photos/ |
FOR DECADES, Wildlife Sport Outfitters on Candia Road in Manchester has been the go-to place to buy hunting and fishing gear. Kids often would get their first fishing licenses there and head to nearby Lake Massabesic.
Randy MacArthur bought the business in 2017 after being a longtime customer. The shop, which opened in 1978, was originally called Wildlife Taxidermy and Sport Center. Taxidermy stopped being offered years ago.
Now the place is up for sale again. The listing, which went live last Monday, gives potential buyers the chance to buy the “land, building and business” or “buy the land and building and put your own business there.”
The business at 2188 Candia Road is located in a prominent spot at the Massabesic traffic circle. The listing price is between $865,000 and $1,365,000, according to a posting on New England Commercial Property Exchange.
Because of health issues, MacArthur is looking to completely step away and not looking for a lease-back deal.
MacArthur said the store has seen growth each year since he bought it, but the economy and weather have hit sales this year.
“I base my business on good weather, even in the wintertime,” MacArthur said. “We had no ice this year. The weather just wasn’t cold enough. Then we had all this rain. People don’t want to go fishing in the rain.”
The store will continue to operate as is until the sale is complete.
Friendly Red’s expands
Not even a week after Windham’s Friendly Red’s Tavern opened its second location in Derry, the owners confirmed a third location is in the works for Hudson. The spot will open “in the near future,” according to a post on Facebook looking for more staff. (Who isn’t looking for more staff?)
The Derry location, at the former Derry Restaurant & Pizza at 111 W. Broadway, opened last Monday. The Derry Restaurant closed in September 2022 after owners Nick and Ann Samaras, decided to retire after 38 years.
The new location has an outdoor patio and features a “Bottoms Up” tap system, which fills the glass from the bottom. (You’ll have to see the video posted on social media.)
Doughnuts on the highway
The Common Man Roadside opened a doughnut and ice cream shop at the Welcome Center on Interstate 93 south in Hooksett. The space is designed to look like an old mill building.
The theme was chosen because of the popularity of Common Man’s apple cider doughnuts stand on the northbound side.
“Not only are we making your favorite apple cider donuts but we are experimenting with many others! Chocolate, blueberry, red velvet and whoopie pies!” the company wrote on Facebook.
‘Judgement Free’
If you need help to work off those doughnuts, a Planet Fitness will also open in Hooksett, though not on the interstate. The gym know for its “Judgement Free Zone” will open in the former Goodwill spot at 1292 Hooksett Road.
Goodwill moved down the street to a 12,000-square-foot space in the Hooksett Village Shops at 1328 Hooksett Road, which opened on July 22. That plaza is also home to Shaw’s.
Planet Fitness is also planning a third location in Nashua — at 281 Daniel Webster Highway, in the former Eastern Mountain Sports space.
Liquor flowing
The New Hampshire Liquor Commission and DHL Supply Chain held a grand opening for the 27,000-square-foot expansion of DHL’s distribution center in Bow on Friday.
The 270,000-square-foot distribution center houses and transports all products sold in New Hampshire’s 66 NH Liquor & Wine Outlet locations and by more than 6,200 licensees across the state.
The latest Liquor & Wine Outlet opened in the Pinkerton Place shopping center in Derry in June. The space was previously occupied by Goodwill.
If you have an interesting business or commercial real estate story idea email reporter Jonathan Phelps at jphelps@unionleader.com. | https://www.unionleader.com/news/business/economy/wildlife-sport-outfitters-in-manchester-up-for-sale-friendly-red-s-tavern-continues-to-expand/article_622c473f-36b7-5d89-a358-9e294e89582b.html | 2023-07-30T01:43:59 | 0 | https://www.unionleader.com/news/business/economy/wildlife-sport-outfitters-in-manchester-up-for-sale-friendly-red-s-tavern-continues-to-expand/article_622c473f-36b7-5d89-a358-9e294e89582b.html |
When I was 27 years old, I had a spiritual experience that led me to a Unitarian Universalist church and, eventually, into the ministry. I was hiking through a woodsy trail in the Appalachian Mountains and I paused at a clearing on the mountain and looked at the hills in the distance. I then turned around and saw sparkling sunlight on a stream. In that moment, I felt profound connection to the earth, to humanity and to the presence of the Sacred. I was no longer only myself, but also connected with the planet and with God.
Have you ever felt connection when you were in the natural world? For many poets and theologians, the natural world can be awe-inspiring. Jesus went into the wilderness to fast. Lao Tzu, the Taoist teacher, extolled the experience of being in nature and lessons from the natural world. Former Unitarian minister, Ralph Waldo Emerson, wrote about his spiritual experiences from walking in the woods. Being present in the natural world can open one to new insight and transcendent love.
This kind of experience is all the more significant as the world is changing. We are living through a time of global warming due to human activity. This reality is present every day now. Hardly a day passes without evidence of climate change.
On June 7th , it was reported that the Lehigh Valley had the worst air quality in the United States. The poor air quality was due to smoky air pouring down from forest fires in Canada where rain was not falling as often as it did in years past. Scientists reported that in the first two weeks in July, the earth was hotter than it has ever been in human history. This month, locations in the Northeastern part of our country experienced flooding that led to destruction of property and even included deaths in nearby Bucks County. These are not distant events. They are happening in or near the Lehigh Valley this summer.
Human activity is causing this situation in too many ways to list. The problems of global warming and climate change are complicated, but there are ways that each of us can lessen the problem such as recycling, encouraging our public officials to move to more environmentally sustainable practices and supporting organizations that work for environmental causes.
Though these are needed, the problem is really with humanity, especially those of us who live a lifestyle that does not bring us often into contact with nature. Many of us live without much frequent experience of the natural world. We are enclosed in climate controlled homes, vehicles, and offices. For so many of us, our greatest daily dose of the outdoors is the walk from our vehicles to our destinations. Our days are spent indoors and our leisure time is spent without much awareness of the earth or wildlife. Many of us spend our days detached from nature. This situation keeps us distant from a source of wonder and beauty.
We need to foster a relationship with the natural world, with life on this planet. We cannot do this inside our homes. If we are able, we need to connect with the natural world as directly as possible. We need to connect spiritually.
Have you ever just listened to birdsong? Have you paused under a tree to listen to the wind through the leaves? Have you felt the the waves at the beach? Have you sung a hymn when you looked at the changing autumn leaves? Have you prayed on a mountain? Have you held the cold snow on your hand and thought that this was such an amazing world?
Psalm 23 tells us that God makes us to lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters. We remember that the natural world is a place of calming, spiritual presence.
Caring for the earth, connecting with the earth, is not only necessary for our mutual survival, it is necessary for our spiritual life. When I connect with the earth, I am reminded that there is a world beyond media, beyond politics, beyond the glow of electronic devices. I am reminded that there is a world that is not made by humans, a world that I need with every breath that I take.
We are all connected to the earth. May the work of our hands, the strength of our minds, and the calling of our souls lead us to a better balance with nature.
Rev. Larry Smith is the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley. He can be reached at: minister@uuclvpa.org | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/faith-values-connecting-the-natural-world-with-spiritual-realm/ | 2023-07-30T01:44:05 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/faith-values-connecting-the-natural-world-with-spiritual-realm/ |
When you rent a car, a customer service rep may try to sell you rental car insurance. Rental insurance may protect you from having to pay if the rental is stolen or damaged. But in some circumstances, you may not need to purchase additional coverage.
For example, if you already have full coverage car insurance, your policy may extend to the rental.
Bankrate’s insurance editorial team covers scenarios where you may need rental insurance and explains how some common types of rental car insurance work.
When do you need rental car insurance?
Figuring out if you need rental car insurance can be confusing. The type of coverage you carry on your personal auto policy, your contract terms and the reason you are renting a vehicle can all determine whether you should purchase extra rental car coverage.
In most cases, the coverage you carry on your auto policy will extend to a rental car as long as you rent a private passenger vehicle. In some scenarios, however, your personal auto policy can leave gaps in coverage that will cost you if you are in an accident in your rental car. Most insurance professionals advise exploring your options with your agent before driving off in a rental vehicle.
You do not have any type of insurance
You’ll want to purchase rental car insurance if you don’t have car insurance. That’s because most states have laws requiring you to carry a minimum amount of car insurance coverage while driving a vehicle. Consider purchasing a damage waiver and liability coverage from the rental company to protect your rental.
Some uninsured drivers rely solely on the rental car coverage that their credit card company provides. Although rental car coverage through your credit card can be helpful if you already have a primary insurance policy, it might not offer adequate protection as the only means of insuring your rental vehicle. Before declining additional damage protection, you may want to call your card issuer for more information on their rental car coverage policy.
You have no collision or comprehensive coverage
Collision and comprehensive coverage are part of what’s known as full coverage car insurance, which covers damage to your vehicle after an at-fault accident or other incident, such as hail, theft or fire. These types of coverage typically extend to a rental vehicle. However, if you only have liability insurance coverage, your personal car insurance won’t cover damages to the rental.
To protect yourself in this situation, you can purchase a loss-and-damage waiver from a rental agency. This agreement waves your financial responsibility for damages or loss to the rental car.
You do not want to pay a deductible
If you rely on your personal car insurance to protect your rental car, and you get into an accident, you typically have to pay a deductible. However, if you buy rental car insurance and you get into a collision, there is no deductible required.
Types of rental car insurance
Rental car insurance is somewhat similar to regular auto insurance. You can select the type of coverage and the level of coverage you want based on your needs. However, the types of rental car insurance are much different than auto insurance.
Before getting rental car insurance, you should be aware of your options. The most common types of rental car insurance include:
• Loss-and-damage waiver (LDW): Sometimes called the collision damage waiver (CDW), this is a waiver, rather than a true policy. It essentially says that the rental company will not come after you in the event that the rental car is damaged or stolen. However, if you have collision and comprehensive car insurance, this may be included in your policy.
• Supplemental liability protection: This covers damage you do to other vehicles or property. However, your own liability insurance may cover these instances, even when you are driving a rental car.
• Personal accident protection: Personal accident protection covers the medical costs for you and any passengers if you are involved in an accident. Again, if you have personal injury protection or medical payments coverage under your existing policy, you may already be covered.
• Personal effects coverage: This coverage pays for any belongings that may be stolen from your rental car. In this case, your homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance policy may offer similar coverage.
While there are many different types of rental car insurance, it does not cover everything. For example, this type of insurance doesn’t reimburse you for the cost of renting a car. However, you may be reimbursed for rentals in some circumstances if you have rental reimbursement coverage — which is typically an endorsement you can add to your existing policy for an extra cost. Note that this coverage provides reimbursement only if you’re renting a car because your insured vehicle has suffered a covered loss.
How much is rental car insurance?
The cost of rental car insurance depends on a few factors. For one, it depends on the company you buy coverage from. It also depends on the state, what type of car you are renting, and how many miles you are driving. Purchasing add-on coverages will also increase the amount you pay.
Credit cards and rental car insurance
Many credit card companies offer rental car insurance as one of the benefits for cardholders. However, rental car insurance provided by your credit card company is usually secondary insurance. That means if you get into an accident or the car gets stolen, your auto insurance company will get billed first. If that is the case, your deductible will apply to the claim.
There are some credit card companies that offer primary rental car insurance, although it is less common. Primary insurance does not go through your personal auto insurance, so you do not have to pay a deductible. You can call your credit card company to determine if your card offers rental car insurance and what type of insurance they offer.
Most major credit card companies, like Visa, MasterCard and American Express all offer some form of rental car insurance for their cardholders. To take advantage of the coverage, you usually have to pay for the rental car using the card and rent the car in your name.
Stand-alone rental car policies
Most major car insurance providers automatically provide rental car insurance coverage at no additional cost beyond what you are already paying for your monthly premium. However, it is important to remember that the coverage you carry on your policy is what will also apply to your rental. If you have liability only on your personal auto policy, you may want to consider bridging the gap with an LDW.
Some companies offer standalone rental car coverage policies. The rates for these policies can be cheaper than a standard auto policy, but the coverage provided is not as robust.
• Allianz Global: Allianz Global’s Rental Car Damage Protector includes $50,000 in coverage, for just $11 per day, and offers coverage anywhere in the world. Every policy comes with up to $1,000 in coverage for lost baggage and personal items, and $1,000 in trip interruption coverage.
• Bonzah: With a Bonzah rental car insurance policy, you can get up to $35,000 in coverage, plus up to $500 in coverage for lost luggage and personal items, no deductible and a 10-day free look period. Bonzah also offers up to $1 million in supplemental liability coverage.
• RentalCover.com: Rental car insurance from RentalCover.com is meant to supplement insurance from your credit card provider. The company claims that drivers can get supplemental insurance for up to 50% less than an LDW waiver from the rental counter. One of the biggest draws is that drivers can cancel their rental insurance for a full refund up until their car pick-up time.
• Sure: Sure is a mobile-based rental car insurance company that is entirely digital. When you download the app, you can select your trip dates, the type of coverage you want, the deductible and more. That means you can update and make changes to your choices on-the-go. Every policy comes with great perks, like flat tire protection, lost key reimbursement and towing coverage.
Frequently asked questions• What is the best car insurance company? Since coverage options and premiums vary by insurer, there’s no single insurance company that’s right for everyone. To find the best car insurance company for you, select a few insurance companies that interest you and request quotes from each to compare. While shopping, consider various factors, such as rates, coverage options and customer service ratings.
• Does rental car insurance cover roadside assistance? When you rent a car, rental agencies typically don’t include roadside assistance, though some companies like Hertz may include a basic roadside plan. If you already have roadside assistance, then it may extend to your rental. In addition, some rental companies may allow you to purchase a separate roadside assistance — which is different from rental insurance.
• How will an accident in a rental car affect my insurance? Getting into any accident will most likely affect your insurance premium, whether it is in your car or a rental car. This is especially true if you have rental car insurance through your auto insurance provider or a credit card company. Anytime you file a claim that is attached to your auto insurance policy, the company will know you had an accident and will likely increase your rate accordingly. | https://www.unionleader.com/news/business/rental-car-insurance-explained/article_c577ee00-20a8-5fbb-908a-dfaa6f12230e.html | 2023-07-30T01:44:05 | 0 | https://www.unionleader.com/news/business/rental-car-insurance-explained/article_c577ee00-20a8-5fbb-908a-dfaa6f12230e.html |
Q: I had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia as a child — I’m 34 now — and I have been hearing a lot about the possible long-term heart problems that the original treatment may have caused. What should I be doing to reduce the risk? — Joey T., Deland, Florida
A: The field of cardio-oncology is relatively new, but its focus on preventing and managing the cardiac problems that childhood cancer survivors face as a result of their treatment is transforming their lives. That is so important because compared to the general population, these adults are 15 times more likely to develop congestive heart failure.
Ongoing monitoring of your cardiovascular health and early intervention if problems arise is essential. But you can also help yourself enormously by making sure you eat a heart-healthy diet. (That’s just as true for anyone who is looking to stay free of chronic conditions or those with a chronic disease, such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, diabetes or migraine, that increases cardiovascular disease [CVD] risk.)
A study in BMC Medicine looked at former childhood cancer patients and concluded that the more adult survivors stuck with a healthy diet, the more protection against heart woes they had. Three diets provided protection.
For women, the most protection came from the DASH diet; each 10-score increase in adherence was associated with a 15% lower risk of CVD. And sticking with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (leading to the highest Healthy Eating Index-2015) resulted in a 12% reduction of women’s risk. The Alternate Mediterranean Diet plan (boosted consumption of plant foods, monounsaturated fat, fish, and reduced consumption of animal products and saturated fat) was associated with an 8% lower risk. Men showed less correlation between diet and CVD prevention, but there’s no doubt it benefits everyone.
Once more, the power of your dietary choices to help you live younger longer is crystal clear. For more nutritional guidance check out LongevityPlaybook.com and pick up a copy of my book, the “What to Eat When Cookbook.”
Q: I come from three generations of people with obesity, and I’m headed that way (age 22). Is there anything I can do to avoid all the health problems that come from being severely overweight? — Jessica D., Denver
A: My team of experts and I are committed to showing folks like you how much power you have over your genes — they are not your destiny. Every lifestyle choice you make influences which genes are turned on and which remain quiet. In addition, your choices can overpower the influence of genes like the so-called “fat mass and obesity-associated” that conveys a 20% to 30% higher risk of obesity.
Studies show that the way genes can influence a predisposition to obesity is through their impact on everything from hunger and satiation to emotional eating and food choices. They have even found that the ingredients and nutrition in fried foods interacts with genes that predispose a person to obesity — fueling the problem with more than calories and unhealthy fats.
Preventing and reversing obesity depends on having a good support system, like the one on LongevityPlaybook.com that helps reinforce healthy nutrition, stress management, physical activity and sleep quality.
While it takes attention to all aspects of your lifestyle, dietary choices are center stage. A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology identifies two techniques that provide protection from the excessive hunger and uncontrolled eating associated with a higher genetic risk for obesity.
Looking at data on almost 3,800 folks ages 22 to 92, the researchers discovered that you can retrain your urge to overeat and eat unhealthy foods. How? By keeping track of what you eat (a food diary) and making all portions smaller — what they call flexible restraint — combined with calorie counting or rigid restraint. That duo reinforces your commitment to your goal and keeps you on track.
So, join our team, at LongevityPlaybook.com and discover your power to defy your genetic predisposition.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, “The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow,” and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com. | https://www.unionleader.com/news/health/the-power-of-dietary-choices-your-genes-are-not-your-destiny/article_588979cf-367f-54d1-8e46-ab2b14146ac6.html | 2023-07-30T01:44:11 | 0 | https://www.unionleader.com/news/health/the-power-of-dietary-choices-your-genes-are-not-your-destiny/article_588979cf-367f-54d1-8e46-ab2b14146ac6.html |
General Daily Insight for July 29, 2023
Responsibilities may require extra dedication. The ego-focused Sun disagrees with disciplined Saturn, creating a tug of war between what we feel like doing and what we really should do. This may challenge us, but soon after, the sensitive Moon coordinates with tender Venus to give us some welcome emotional relief from the inner struggle. On top of that, Luna then moves from freedom-loving Sagittarius into dedicated Capricorn at 11:44 pm EDT, bolstering us against any obstacles. Let’s commit to not giving up!
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Following your passion may require sacrifice. Grand dreams for your life or career are lovely to have, but nothing good becomes reality without doing the work required. It might be that you need to reevaluate your method if you’re only working on the fun parts of the journey, or at least the parts that you consider fun. The more confusing aspects of your plan could transform into dangerous roadblocks in the future. It would be wise to get them out of the way early!
Taurus
April 20 – May 20
You might be shrinking into your comfort zone. The people that you need to be mingling with and learning from are out there, but unfortunately, you could be at home protecting yourself from rejection. Even when reaching out is intimidating, letting time pass you by feels much more passive than the effects it will have on you in the long run. If you want to avoid waking up one day and wondering why you didn’t try, this is your time to get active.
Gemini
May 21 – June 20
What you believe you should do might not be the right move! You may have a plan of action that you’ve created in your head, but you could be missing details that you don’t even know exist. Reaching out to someone who’s an expert on what you’re attempting should help — you could also talk to someone who’s simply been in the predicament that you’re in before. There’s no shame in asking for advice from those who have more experience than you.
Cancer
June 21 – July 22
Stability could turn into stagnancy. You may have once been happy that everything was slowing down and allowing you to catch your breath. Now that things haven’t changed much in some time, you might be feeling like it’s time to break out of the monotony. You’re allowed to be intimidated by the thought of freeing yourself from a cocoon, whether you made it for your protection or someone else bound you within it, but you’re done with this chapter. Make the next one an adventure!
Leo
July 23 – August 22
Saying you’re fine could be dragging you down. You may be trying to be independent and show everyone you’re doing well, so that they’re not worrying about you while you’re struggling. This is a very challenging goal — and one that can be quite lonely if you’re too devoted to it! The reality is, we all have times where we feel low. Pretending you’re fine when you’re not could send you spiraling even lower. Make a point of reconnecting with your emotions and loved ones.
Virgo
August 23 – September 22
Running away from a difficult conversation could sound easier than handling it. When a conversation with someone you care about looks like it will be a difficult or emotional one, you may spend some time procrastinating it — or even avoiding the person that you need to have it with. While this can feel like a good temporary solution, it’s really only forcing you to dwell in fear of what could happen. Bite the bullet and say what you need to say.
Libra
September 23 – October 22
Fun may be tempting you away from your responsibilities. You could have friends reaching out to you, calling your name to come outside and play — but you know that you have work you need to do. They also might be encouraging you to pander to unhealthy desires that won’t be beneficial for you in the long run, which can set you back when it comes to your progress toward your goals. The temporary fun is likely not worth the result.
Scorpio
October 23 – November 21
You might not be acting your age. Even a seemingly obvious course of action can be difficult to take when childish impulses are tugging at your soul. This will almost surely backfire, as immaturity is unlikely to be rewarded at present, and you could speedily regret the consequences that inevitably arrive once you’ve finished indulging the dangerous side of your inner child. Being an adult isn’t always fun, but you could be causing other people more responsibilities by goofing off. Be your most mature self.
Sagittarius
November 22 – December 21
You might be moving on before it’s time. You’re allowed to be eager to remove yourself from memories of a recent painful emotional experience, but you run the risk of plastering over the event in your mind before you’ve truly processed its implications. Doing this just shoves it to the back burner to simmer, bubbling beneath the cover you put over it — eventually, your emotions will probably boil over. Make sure that you’re healing in a real way, without ignoring what’s still there.
Capricorn
December 22 – January 19
Talent is possibly less of a current factor than you think. You might feel as if you’re ready to give up on a project that you’ve given a lot of time and energy to, but that hasn’t gone anywhere. It could seem like you’ll never get that boulder up that hill, as it just keeps rolling back down, but some of the best inventions took hundreds of tries before they got it right. It’s not about talent, it’s about tenacity. Get up and try again!
Aquarius
January 20 – February 18
You might be trading your comfort for someone else’s. Someone that you know doesn’t bring out the best in you could become a part of your life at any moment, and they have no qualms about being themselves — but when you be yourself, they may put a damper on it. They might think that their way is the only right way to be, and their effect on you could damage your sense of self-respect. Remember who you are, and love that person.
Pisces
February 19 – March 20
You may be working too hard, Pisces! Keeping up with goals and responsibilities is good, despite their challenges, but you might be losing sight of your self-care. When you realize how long it’s been since you’ve done something special for yourself, even if it’s as simple as sitting down and having a full meal or taking a long shower, there could be gaps in your self-care routine that need to be remedied — stat. Don’t let your body’s well-being be the victim of your goals. | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/general-daily-insight-for-july-29-2023/ | 2023-07-30T01:44:11 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/general-daily-insight-for-july-29-2023/ |
DEAR ABBY: My son is dating a girl I can’t stand. I’m not too crazy about my son right now, either. I no longer want to be out in public with them because their public displays of affection are so over the top it makes me ill. I cannot imagine spending every holiday, birthday or whatever with them for the rest of my life. He hasn’t told us anything about this person. We don’t even know her last name. Help!
— TURNED-OFF MOM IN INDIANA
DEAR MOM: You didn’t mention your son’s age or how long he has been involved with this young woman. It appears they are both quite young. Romances that burn with this kind of intensity usually cool down fairly quickly. In the meantime, be patient. Say nothing that will cause you to be perceived as the “enemy.”
If you would like more information about the girl, ask her in a non-threatening way. (“Are you a schoolmate?” “Do you have a last name?” “Does your family live in town?”) Then make sure your son knows how to protect them both from unwanted pregnancy and STDs “should the need arise,” and wait them out.
.
DEAR ABBY: I am a 49-year-old mother of 10. I always loved my kids dearly and tried my best. But I wanted to be a friend rather than a disciplinarian, and I always gave in. I assumed that because my husband and I never did bad things around them while they were growing up, and because I always resisted peer pressure when I was a teenager, they would follow in our footsteps, but I was wrong. They are now mean to me, and most of them hate me.
I sometimes feel like I don’t want to go on because I’ll always feel sad and depressed. I can’t remember the last time I was happy and didn’t dread waking up every morning. Please find time to answer and give me some hope again.
— BROKEN IN WEST VIRGINIA
DEAR BROKEN: It’s time you stopped depending on your children to validate you, and began recognizing that, for better or worse, you did the best you could as a parent. Please discuss this with your religious adviser AND your physician. You need more help than I can offer in a letter, but those are the places to start. There are better days ahead.
.
DEAR ABBY: I am adopted, and 10 years ago I met my birth mom and her family. I go to their family gatherings and see them for holidays. I am getting married, and I’ve asked my birth mom to be my matron of honor, which my parents are OK with.
After the ceremony, we are going to have a reception at the church and then a dinner with 20 people hours later. I’m not sure if I should invite my birth mom to the dinner or not. My parents said it might be awkward for her and for them. I am just trying to do the right thing. What should I do?
— NERVOUS IN NEW MEXICO
DEAR NERVOUS: This is something you should discuss with your birth mother. While one would think that as part of the wedding party she would be welcome at all of the festivities, if it would make the couple who raised you uncomfortable, she should understand why she isn’t being asked to attend.
.
Write to Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. | https://www.unionleader.com/news/human_interest/dear-abby-pda-by-son-and-girlfriend-makes-his-mom-uncomfortable/article_88b93e3d-1eda-5c5e-b068-b0d39a60b50d.html | 2023-07-30T01:44:17 | 1 | https://www.unionleader.com/news/human_interest/dear-abby-pda-by-son-and-girlfriend-makes-his-mom-uncomfortable/article_88b93e3d-1eda-5c5e-b068-b0d39a60b50d.html |
General Daily Insight for July 30, 2023
A lack of clarity can lead to hurt feelings. Perfectionist Venus scoffs at wispy Neptune in a messy quincunx at 12:25 pm EDT, making it difficult to know what’s appropriate. As the Moon supports Mars, we at least have the courage to work past any misunderstandings and take ownership of our mistakes. Finally, the Moon agrees with Jupiter, showering us with luck and wisdom that should help us make sense of what was previously a confusing haze of emotion. We can find our way through.
Aries
March 21 – April 19
You could get the sense that you’re feeling your way through the dark. It’s possible that a statement of yours won’t land well with your audience, potentially because you weren’t aware that they were sensitive to the topics that you were addressing. While this isn’t completely unavoidable, there’s nothing wrong with taking ownership of what you said and apologizing for your ignorance. They’ll likely appreciate your willingness to grow from your mistakes, and you should be able to move past any awkwardness.
Taurus
April 20 – May 20
Your friends may feel like you’re avoiding them at the moment. While this probably isn’t the case, you may have recently spent a while on your own, handling situations that you needed to take care of — it might be time to reach out to your friends and remind them that you haven’t cut them off out of the blue. We all have periods of our lives where we’re not able to be as social, but a quick hello can make a big difference.
Gemini
May 21 – June 20
Speak from the heart, not from the mind. You could be struggling with an authority figure, like a parent or a supervisor, whom you find difficult to understand. You are different people who have unique styles of communicating and thinking, so your methods may not make sense to each other. It’s easy to dismiss someone’s way of life when you don’t know their story, but there’s likely a reason they operate like this. Keep an open mind when puzzling things out with them.
Cancer
June 21 – July 22
You might be avoiding learning something new. You could feel like you don’t need help or advice at this time, but you’re allowed to need a little boost getting to wherever you’re going. Trying to do it on your own may lead you to do things wrong or to take a lot more time — instead, make a point of listening to someone who knows tips and tricks to get you there much faster or more accurately. Don’t shut yourself off from growth.
Leo
July 23 – August 22
Your fears might distort what’s actually happening. Speaking onstage could feel like everyone is just waiting for you to finish, when really they’re engrossed in what you’re saying. Auditioning for a part or requesting funding could feel like you gave the worst performance of anyone, when really you knocked it out of the park! It’s understandable, since we all have insecurities, but try to see the people around you as being on your side rather than against you. Don’t create an enemy in your head.
Virgo
August 23 – September 22
Someone may be refusing to speak up. It’s possible that a peer is dancing around specific topics with you, or avoiding speaking to you entirely, but seems as though they have something that they want to say. Perhaps they feel hurt but don’t want to look weak, or a secret is weighing on them. Whatever they’re keeping inside, they could be struggling to bring it to the surface. Give them the space to figure it out, and until then, that’s all you can do.
Libra
September 23 – October 22
Someone who currently claims to be your friend might not be what they seem. They may feel enamored with you for myriad reasons, but their intentions could be less simple than companionship — what might they want from you? Whether this is love, money, influence, or just your kindness, you should be aware of the people that you’re sharing your life with during this time. Make sure that those in your circle want the best for you, as you do for them.
Scorpio
October 23 – November 21
You may not be sure what to say today. Someone could bring you shocking information, leaving you unsure whether to try and make them feel better with lighthearted humor or be serious and give them a shoulder to cry on. It might be best to ask them directly what would make them feel most supported or loved, and go from there, because attempting to figure it out through trial and error won’t be fun. As long as they know you care, that’s what matters.
Sagittarius
November 22 – December 21
You might be torn between moving on and trying again. In particular, it could be almost easy to see a future where you go your separate ways from someone in your life that you have fallen out with or just drifted apart from, even if at one point in time you couldn’t imagine your life without them in it. While it will take hard work to repair the relationship should you choose to try, preserving a meaningful connection with a friend may be worth it.
Capricorn
December 22 – January 19
It’s hard to know if you should speak up now — especially if you want to talk to someone about a tough topic or say something that won’t be easy for them to hear. You’re possibly not sure if you should clam up and keep the information to yourself, or if they would want to know so that they can promptly address the subject. This decision is difficult, and there’s probably no right answer. It’s more about what you feel inside. So use your intuition.
Aquarius
January 20 – February 18
Social risks may presently be dangerously uncertain. No matter how fun an acquaintance seems or how long you’ve been interested in getting to know them, listen to your gut. Set aside any shared interests and ask yourself why you haven’t fully approached them yet. Does anything about them endanger your sense of security? While it might still feel tempting to try and form a bond, it’s probably not worth the gamble you would be making. Not everyone has to be your friend.
Pisces
February 19 – March 20
A current choice between the easy way and the hard way isn’t as simple as it sounds. The easy way is potentially riskier or less aligned with your morals, while the hard way is challenging, but should be more stable and provide long-term benefits. Giving yourself an out and taking the simple path is enticing, but life might be more difficult later due to taking such shortcuts. Avoid punishing your future self and take the path that’s more likely to fully satisfy you. | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/general-daily-insight-for-july-30-2023/ | 2023-07-30T01:44:17 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/general-daily-insight-for-july-30-2023/ |
Brothers Joey and Fred Bachmann will continue their busy offseasons by representing Puerto Rico this week at the U-17 world championships in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Faith Christian duo most recently competed at the Pan-Am Championships in Mexico City. Joey won gold in freestyle. Fred was second in Greco-Roman and third in freestyle. Both have won seven Super 32 titles as middle schoolers.
Joey is ranked first nationally according to MatScouts at 106 pounds entering his freshman season for coach Ben Clymer’s Lions. Fred, entering eighth grade, is ranked first among middle schoolers at 99.
Faith Christian returns every starter from its PIAA Class 2A team tournament championship team, led by state champions Adam Waters, a sophomore, and Gauge Botero, a junior.
New coaches
Palmerton recently approved a girls wrestling program last month and named Josh Rake as head coach. He previously spent time working on the junior high boys program. Gretchen Schaible was the only female on head coach Justin Petersen’s varsity roster last season, but a recent survey found nearly two dozen girls who expressed interest in joining a girls-only program.
Pleasant Valley’s school board earlier this month approved the hiring of James Weiss as its varsity head wrestling coach. He is the program’s fourth coach in the last four seasons. Weiss replaces Ross Nunamaker, who was not rehired after a 4-16 record in 2022-23. Weiss was a youth coach with the Golden Bears and has no varsity head coaching experience.
Jordan Oliver’s next journey
Easton three-time PIAA champion and Oklahoma State two-time NCAA champion Jordan Oliver is making his professional MMA debut Aug. 11, as part of the blockbuster BELLATOR 298 event in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Oliver faces South Dakota’s Andrew Triolo at 145 pounds in his debut. He has been training at the Kill Cliff FC super-gym in south Florida alongside MMA stars Kamaru Usman, Michael Chandler, Vitor Belfort and Robbie Lawler.
Oliver was 175-5 at Easton, winning four District 11 and Northeast Regional Class 3A championships to go with three state gold medals and a silver as a freshman. He was a three-time NCAA finalist, losing his junior season to eventual four-time champion Logan Stieber of Ohio State.
Morning Call reporter Tom Housenick can be reached at 610-820-6651 or at thousenick@mcall.com | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/high-school-wrestling-faith-christians-bachman-brothers/ | 2023-07-30T01:44:23 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/high-school-wrestling-faith-christians-bachman-brothers/ |
DEAR HELOISE: This is our 13-year-old cat, Jay II, who is very curious about everything. When we started camping in our RV, we did not hesitate to bring him along. He investigated every inch of the RV and decided that sitting on the counter gave him the best advantage for looking out every window, so he would not miss any birds, chipmunks, or squirrels that dared to come near the camper. Take care. — Roger and Nancy Soucy, Epping, New Hampshire Readers, to see Jay II and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com.
DEAR HELOISE: I have a helpful hint for the Ohio reader who constantly returns merchandise via UPS, FedEx or another shipping service: Purchase it locally at a brick-and-mortar store. I, too, live in Ohio, and unless you live out on a farm, most of us live fairly close to shopping centers with a wide variety of stores.
So, not only are you supporting the local economy, which employs local people, as well as the local tax base, you also get to try it on and touch it. This eliminates the frequent need to return items once you receive them. In the event you do need to return it, keep the receipt, and they will give you a direct credit, exchange or, at the very least, give you a store credit. If it’s a gift, make sure to get a gift receipt so that you save the receiver of that gift the hassle of having to ship it back.
You save yourself the hassle of taking up room with a tote, along with scissors, packing tape, markers, ink pens, box cutters, packing materials and “anything else you might need” to return a purchase (whew!).
I am aware there are folks who don’t have transportation or are otherwise unable to go to a store, but if you are able, go to a local store, support local businesses, and avoid the aggravation of constantly having to repack and return items. You can take items home immediately without having to wait for delivery! Thank you.
— J. H., in Ohio
Soda can opener
DEAR HELOISE: The reader in Concord, New Hampshire, who has difficulty opening cans with pull tabs, can buy a small device to pop open the tab.
I’ve seen flight attendants use them, and they work very well, while also protecting your hands from injury. I enjoy your column in the Daily Freeman in Kingston, New York.
— Barry Juran, Saugerties, New York
Send hints to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001 or email Heloise@Heloise.com. | https://www.unionleader.com/news/human_interest/heloise-shopping-in-person-saves-a-hassle/article_f58085d9-6df2-5395-84d3-7479d2510a61.html | 2023-07-30T01:44:23 | 0 | https://www.unionleader.com/news/human_interest/heloise-shopping-in-person-saves-a-hassle/article_f58085d9-6df2-5395-84d3-7479d2510a61.html |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida accounted for 81% of leprosy cases reported in Florida and almost one fifth of nationally reported cases, according to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
In a recently published research letter on the CDC’s website, the authors suggest that Central Florida “represents an endemic location for leprosy.”
Leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is an infectious disease that primarily affects the skin and the peripheral nerves, according to Florida Health.
[TRENDING: Florida Turnpike reopens in Lake County after crash shut down southbound lanes | FDLE plane tracked traveling to New Hampshire airport, as DeSantis campaigned nearby | Become a News 6 Insider]
According to the report, several cases in Central Florida demonstrate no clear evidence of zoonotic exposure – caused by germs that spread between animals and people – or traditionally known risk factors.
The CDC reports that has leprosy been historically uncommon in the U.S. and its incidence peaked around 1983. There has been a drastic reduction in the annual number of documented cases occurred from the 1980s through 2000, however reports demonstrate a gradual increase in the incidence of the disease.
Over the last decade, the number of reported cases has more than doubled in the southeastern states. According to the CDC, 159 new cases were reported in the U.S. in 2020, with Florida among the top reporting states.
“Whereas leprosy in the United States previously affected persons who had immigrated from leprosy-endemic areas, ≈34% [approximately equal to] of new case-patients during 2015–2020 appeared to have locally acquired the disease,” the CDC report read in part. “Several cases in central Florida demonstrate no clear evidence of zoonotic exposure or traditionally known risk factors.”
According to the CDC, the transmission of leprosy has not been fully explained, but prolonged person-to-person contact through respiratory droplets is the most widely recognized route of transmission.
To read the full CDC report, you can click here.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/30/central-florida-accounted-for-20-of-leprosy-cases-in-the-us-cdc-says/ | 2023-07-30T01:44:25 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/30/central-florida-accounted-for-20-of-leprosy-cases-in-the-us-cdc-says/ |
SMITHVILLE, Miss (WTVA) -- The City of Smithville honored WTVA Weather Authority's very own with the unveiling of a new street name.
Matt Laubhan Drive, which is located just off Highway 25 east of Dollar General in Smithville, is named after WTVA's Emmy-winning chief meteorologist Matt Laubhan.
Laubhan has been with covering severe weather in NE Mississippi since 2011, covering multiple tornadoes in Monroe County.
Smithville mayor Phil Goodwin says Matt's coverage of severe weather has saved many lives, and the city's Board of Alderman chose to name the road after him to show their appreciation.
Matt says he's grateful that he and his wife have found a home in Mississippi and WTVA, and that he has a caring audience that pays attention during severe weather.
"I represent the work of a ton of incredible people that make me look better and smarter than I actually am," says Laubhan. "I'm just so thankful that God has used me the way he has to help the people of this part of the state." | https://www.wtva.com/city-of-smithville-unveils-matt-laubhan-drive-named-after-our-chief-meteorologist/article_8403d80a-2e5e-11ee-83d7-93dbe075b914.html | 2023-07-30T01:44:25 | 0 | https://www.wtva.com/city-of-smithville-unveils-matt-laubhan-drive-named-after-our-chief-meteorologist/article_8403d80a-2e5e-11ee-83d7-93dbe075b914.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — "Reading is fundamental, grab you a book or a toy."
That's just one of the greetings parents and children were met with Saturday morning at Arlington Middle School as hundreds of parents prepare for back to school.
"I'm a single mother of three teenagers and so it's nice to have that help and support," said Ciara Davis.
Davis is getting ready to send her three teens back. She stopped by 10th Annual Back 2 School Party and Community Day put on by New Direction Church and several other partners.
"It's a chance for us to give back to our entire community," said Pastor Kenneth Sullivan Jr.
Sullivan helped organize the event.
"We 3,000 backpacks, have over 1,000 school uniforms, over 500 brand new tennis shoes for children and school supplies," he said.
On top of that, they offered free health screenings, haircuts, manicures and free tablets.
"The tablets are important, my daughter is starting a new school and they have a BYOD, bring your own device, so it's really nice to have that not have to come out out of cost, or out of pocket," said Ciara Davis.
According to the National Retail Federation, the average family will spend about 890 dollars on back to school supplies, something families I spoke with say is just too much.
"These resources really help because sometimes, we're not as fortunate to purchase these items and just having these communities allow us to really have our year set for us, so we're just really grateful for the community that helps us." | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/arlington-middle-school-hosts-back-2-school-party-community-day-pastor-kenneth-sullivan-jr/531-ee381b35-8fca-4eea-9d0e-f414f8ce052e | 2023-07-30T01:44:25 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/arlington-middle-school-hosts-back-2-school-party-community-day-pastor-kenneth-sullivan-jr/531-ee381b35-8fca-4eea-9d0e-f414f8ce052e |
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs managed to lose to the Syracuse Mets twice in one day, and they did not play a normally scheduled doubleheader.
Thursday’s game was suspended due to rain, so the IronPigs and the Mets finished that game out, with the Mets winning 9-6. Then the IronPigs lost again for their regular scheduled game against the Mets on Friday 6-3 in a seven-inning game.
In Game 1, which was the game from Thursday that was resumed on Friday, the IronPigs took a 2-0 lead after an RBI from Esteban Quiroz and then one from Weston Wilson too.
Syracuse rallied back as Luke Voit homered to open the fourth, and then Carlos Cortes’ RBI single tied the game at 2-2.
The game was then called for the rain.
When the game resumed on Friday, the Mets had the bases loaded and scored two more runs. They added three more in the sixth. However, the IronPigs came back with four runs of their own to make it 7-6.
Syracuse added two more runs in the eighth, and the IronPigs were unable to score any more runs.
In Game 2, Syracuse got on top first with a two-run home run in the fourth. Jim Haley hit a solo home run to cut the lead to 2-1, but Syracuse added to their lead in the sixth to make it 4-1.
Lehigh Valley was able to add two runs of their own in the sixth, but that was all the scoring the IronPigs would be able to get.
Syracuse added two more runs after a two-run home run, and the IronPigs lost Game 2 6-3.
The IronPigs and Mets continue their series on Saturday, July 29, at 6:35 p.m. | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/ironpigs-lost-to-syracuse-twice-in-one-day/ | 2023-07-30T01:44:29 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/ironpigs-lost-to-syracuse-twice-in-one-day/ |
An American woman and her child were allegedly kidnapped near the capital city of Haiti on Thursday, according to the nonprofit organization she works for.
The woman, Alix Dorsainvil, 31, is from New Hampshire but lives in Haiti and is married to the organization’s director, Sandro Dorsainvil.
El Roi Haiti Outreach International, a faith-focused humanitarian group, announced the kidnapping of a staff member Thursday, then on Saturday identified her as Alix Dorsainvil and said the couple’s child was also kidnapped. Dorsainvil is the organization’s community health nurse, according to its website.
They were taken from the organization’s campus near Port-au-Prince “while serving in our community ministry” Thursday morning, according to a statement on El Roi Haiti’s website.
“Alix is a deeply compassionate and loving person who considers Haiti her home and the Haitian people her friends and family,” the statement said. “Alix has worked tirelessly as our school and community nurse to bring relief to those who are suffering as she loves and serves the people of Haiti in the name of Jesus.”
On Thursday, the U.S. State Department ordered non-emergency government workers and their family members to evacuate, told all Americans in Haiti to leave and issued a “do not travel” advisory.
“We are aware of reports of the kidnapping of two U.S. citizens in Haiti,” an email from the State Department said Saturday. “We are in regular contact with Haitian authorities and will continue to work with them and our U.S. government interagency partners. We have nothing further to share at this time.”
The travel advisory warned Americans not to go to Haiti due to “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure.” The Caribbean nation has been plagued by violence and unrest, is experiencing shortages of gasoline and medical supplies, and has an ongoing cholera outbreak, according to the U.S. government.
Last week, those at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti were already under orders not to leave and were prohibited “from walking in Port-au-Prince.” The State Department ordered U.S. personnel not to use public transportation or taxis, visit banks, use ATMs, drive at night or travel anywhere without prior approval.
“U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible,” the advisory reads.
The State Department also warned that kidnappers use sophisticated methods, often demand ransom and sometimes physically harm their targets.
“Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens,” the travel advisory says.
Sandro Dorsainvil grew up in Port-au-Prince in poverty, secured a degree in developmental psychology and biblical counseling and began working with El Roi ministries, which include religious, literacy and vocational programs for children and adults, according to the organization’s website.
A photo on the site appears to show Sandro and Alix Dorsainvil with their arms around each other, green hills in the background.
“My name is Alix. I’m a nurse from New Hampshire, but now I live in Haiti,” Dorsainvil says in a video about her work on the organization’s website. “Sandro invited me to come to the school to do some nursing for some of the kids. He said that was a big need they had.”
Dorsainvil “has been living and working in Haiti for some time now,” El Roi president and co-founder Jason Brown said in an email. “Our team at El Roi Haiti is grateful for the outpouring of prayers, care, and support for our colleague. We continue to work with our partners and trusted relationships to secure their safe return.”
On Saturday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke generally about Haiti, telling reporters at a news conference in Australia that the Biden administration has a “very deep concern for the situation there, particularly with regard to the violence and the activities of the gangs.” | https://www.unionleader.com/news/human_interest/nurse-from-nh-and-her-child-are-kidnapped-in-haiti-nonprofit-says/article_6ca3594e-3e00-524f-a110-56ecb6e6d012.html | 2023-07-30T01:44:29 | 1 | https://www.unionleader.com/news/human_interest/nurse-from-nh-and-her-child-are-kidnapped-in-haiti-nonprofit-says/article_6ca3594e-3e00-524f-a110-56ecb6e6d012.html |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County firefighters responded to a fully involved mobile home fire on Saturday night, according to officials.
According to a news release, responding crews had a “good knockdown” of the fire located on Downey Cove Drive.
Orange County Fire Rescue said the state fire marshal has been notified, but no other information was released.
[TRENDING: Florida Turnpike reopens in Lake County after crash shut down southbound lanes | FDLE plane tracked traveling to New Hampshire airport, as DeSantis campaigned nearby | Become a News 6 Insider]
This is a developing story. Check back with News 6 for updates.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/30/fire-rips-through-mobile-home-in-orange-county/ | 2023-07-30T01:44:31 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/30/fire-rips-through-mobile-home-in-orange-county/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor reportedly requested a trade on Tuesday of this week.
13News sports director Dave Calabro confirmed the information shortly after Ian Rappaport of NFL Network tweeted the news.
The trade request comes on the heels of contract talks between the Colts and Taylor stalling last week.
Colts owner Jim Irsay told 13News prior to the news breaking that talks were continuing between the team and Taylor's agents, but that there was still "a lot of work to be done". He also indicated that he believed Taylor would be "full go" for the 2023 season and that he was not worried about getting the deal done.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available. | https://www.wthr.com/article/sports/local-sports/reports-indianapolis-colts-running-back-jonathan-has-requested-a-trade/531-8f4422a8-5d65-4385-a231-fd545941f741 | 2023-07-30T01:44:31 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/sports/local-sports/reports-indianapolis-colts-running-back-jonathan-has-requested-a-trade/531-8f4422a8-5d65-4385-a231-fd545941f741 |
Nick Podkul’s professional baseball career was in a transitional state in 2023.
The 26-year-old infielder signed with the Phillies in December after a tough offensive 2022 season with Triple-A Buffalo in the Blue Jays organization. He made mechanical adjustments to his swing to limit the strikeouts and develop a power stroke.
Podkul started this season on the development list with Double-A Reading but emerged with good enough numbers to earn a promotion July 14 to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
The Indiana native continued his production with two hits, including a three-run home run, and two runs scored in his IronPigs debut.
But if Podkul is to continue the momentum, he’ll have to bounce back from taking a fastball off the face in the second game of Friday’s doubleheader by Syracuse reliever Jeff Brigham.
Podkul left a pool of blood at home plate but walked off on his own and remained alert on his way to an area hospital. He was placed on the seven-day injured list ahead of Saturday’s game at Coca-Cola Park with multiple facial fractures.
The Notre Dame product will have plenty to build on from 2023 if he’s made his last appearance this season.
The Blue Jays’ seventh-round pick in 2018 batted a career-low .211 last season in Buffalo before signing with the Phillies.
He has been good since the start, which has not surprised IronPigs manager Anthony Contreras.
“He was in low-A when I was in Fort Wayne,” Contreras said. “It’s been nice to see how he’s developed. He has that competitiveness at the plate. He put at-bats together. Look what he did his first game here.”
The Indiana native slashed .285/.396/.588/.984 with 12 home runs in 45 games with Double-A Reading before his promotion to Lehigh Valley, where he had three extra-base hits and a .471 on-base percentage in eight games with the IronPigs. He also was hit four times by pitches, including Friday.
If he doesn’t have another at-bat this season, Podkul will look back knowing his diligent work paid off.
“I put the work in the offseason to advance my game,” he said. “I wanted to become more of a power threat and work on getting good pitches to do damage with and get my strikeout numbers down.
“The couple years I was missing under the ball a lot, so I wanted to have a more level swing.”
His transition to the Phillies organization was eased by his relationship with Matt Vierling. The two were teammates for three years at Notre Dame.
His adjustments at the plate made it hard for Reading’s Al Pedrique and Lehigh Valley’s Contreras to keep him out of the lineup.
Podkul started this year on Reading’s development list, which could have stunted his offseason and preseason progress. But he had hits in nine of his first 10 games with the Fightins and had a .430 on-base percentage in his final 18 games before the call-up.
“The development list was a tough spot to be in,” Podkul said. “I think I managed it well. I’ll do anything to help the team win.”
The only thing Podkul seemingly missed this year was Pedrique’s phone call over the All-Star break to get the promotion news.
He then had to wait out a late-night tornado warning in Chicago before flying back to Reading to clear out his locker and get to the Lehigh Valley.
“It was a pretty hectic day trying to get here,” Podkul said.
It will be a challenge for him to get past the physical and emotional scars of the injury, but Podkul has proven he can overcome.
Roster moves
RHP Noah Song was designated for assignment by the Phillies. The 2022 Rule 5 pick was 1-0 with a 7.36 ERA, 11 walks and 16 strikeouts in eight rehab outings (back), including two with the IronPigs.
He allowed five runs on three hits and three walks in 1 1/3 innings Wednesday, the second of two outings with the IronPigs.
The Phillies can trade Song until 6 p.m. Tuesday. If he is not dealt, the Phillies can ask for waivers on Wednesday. He would be offered back to the Red Sox if he clears waivers Friday for $50,000.
If another team claims Song, he must be added to their active big-league roster and spend 90 days on an active roster to satisfy the Rule 5 requirements.
Song was a 2019 fourth-round pick of the Red Sox. He pitched in seven games that summer for low-A Lowell (Mass.) before fulfilling his military obligation at the United States Naval Academy. The 26-year-old had a 2.37 ERA in 58 career appearances for the Midshipmen.
Song then was a naval flight officer stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville as a member of a Fleet Replacement Squadron.
Former IronPig finds a new home
Phillies 2011 second-round draft pick Roman Quinn signed a minor-league deal this week with the Rockies.
Quinn’s time in the Phils’ system was marred by injuries. He last played six games in 2022 for the IronPigs and 23 with the Phillies. He also spent time last year in Triple-A with the Rays and Royals.
The speedy outfielder hit only a combined .149 in 25 games this season in Triple-A with the Brewers and Guardians.
Up next
RHP Nick Nelson (3-2, 4.89) vs. Syracuse RHP Denyi Reyes (1-2, 6.71) in a 1:35 p.m. start in the six-game series finale on Sunday. Nelson is coming off his worst start of the season. He allowed nine runs on eight hits (three home runs) and two walks in four innings of a loss to Syracuse.
Nelson had a 3.16 ERA in his previous seven starts.
Morning Call reporter Tom Housenick can be reached at 610-820-6651 or at thousenick@mcall.com | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/ironpigs-nick-podkul-latest-challenge/ | 2023-07-30T01:44:35 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/ironpigs-nick-podkul-latest-challenge/ |
For decades, a mystique has swirled over the peaks and seeped into the foundation of the Stone House, a castle-like building with an arching stained glass window.
Passersby tend to assume the Tudor Revival structure was a church in an earlier incarnation.
But this quirky fieldstone house at the side of a busy road in Hooksett was built in the 1930s with a frugal New England sensibility — all of it pieced together with grit, imagination, and lots of cement, car parts and newspapers.
Christina Katsikas, president of Hooksett Fireworks just a couple of miles down the road, knows it well. She’s been fascinated by the house for about 50 years, ever since she was a child and thought it worthy of a princess.
“I visited it in my 20s, 40s and 60s, and then I bought it,” Katsikas says with a shy smile. “I saved enough money to think about buying a retirement home, and then I bought it, not knowing how much it would cost to restore.”
She doesn’t want to put a number to the project, but her face lights up as she describes some of the many changes she’s made so far.
Katsikas has largely gutted the inside, which was stuck in the 1960s and in bad shape.
“There’s nothing typical about this house,” Katsikas admits. “Nothing’s normal in it. That’s why it’s taking so long to fix it.”
She’s giving the eclectic castle, which sits at 1253 Hooksett Road across the street from a Sunoco gas station, a more Victorian sensibility.
The renovated house will feature a more open floor plan, mixing contemporary upgrades with repurposed features.
The roof has been replaced, gutters installed and triple-pane windows put in to dull the sound of traffic. “It’s pretty quiet except when a fire truck or the police go by with sirens, or a really heavy truck comes by and shakes the ground,” she says.
The Stone House also has new plumbing and wiring, and Katsikas has taken measures to mitigate flooding in the basement and ponding of water around the property.
The project isn’t going unnoticed in town. An abutting neighbor, Yolande Cotnoir-Walsh, calls the Stone House “part of the fabric of the town of Hooksett.”
She joined the Hooksett Heritage Commission as the community spoke out against a developer looking to demolish the house. More than 7,100 people signed a petition in hopes of saving it from the wrecking ball. The developer decided not to go forward with the plans in 2021.
“The house has quite an interesting history,” says Cotnoir-Walsh’s husband, Jim. “It was built with locally sourced materials and was ‘green’ before green was a thing.”
‘Sunday project’
The story of the Stone House begins with Alfred Hebert, whose French-Canadian parents worked in the mills in Manchester. In his 20s, Hebert and his wife, Aldea, were living in a small house just south of where their new home would sit.
Hebert, who was a truck driver, called the construction of the Stone House a “Sunday” project, because that was the only day of the week he had off from life on the road.
From the start, the endeavor revolved around practicality and resourcefulness.
When the flood of 1936 washed out bridges in Hooksett and the wooden trestles settled on the shore, “Mr. Hebert went down and paid $20 for the right to go get those,” Katsakis says. “He used the beams to complete the roof and parts of the attic.”
Aldea was a strong and resilient woman who worked on the house all throughout the week.
“She did most of the work inside. She poured these beautiful cement window sills. She had people bringing her rocks and stones of specific sizes and cuts, from all the neighboring stone walls. Everything came from this area,” Katsikas says.
She also left traces of another venture up in the attic: lots of bottles from the days she made dandelion wine.
Those bottles and a host of other items will be fashioned into new features, uses and decorations.
“Some of the elements we found can’t be put back in,” Katsikas says. “It’s just an impossibility. Like the cement window sills — they were beautiful but we’re going to keep those and turn them into benches for outside.
“We repurposed pretty much everything except for a stack of wood.”
She hopes to give the dwelling a Victorian flair. Well-known features will remain in the house but live in new nooks and corners.
That includes a panel of ceramic bathroom tile made by the Zanesville Pottery Co. in Ohio and depicting birds in flight.
The abstract stained glass window that has cast streaks of colors on the floor for about the past 85 years is being removed while a clear glass barrier is installed. Katsikas talks about possibly installing more of a Tiffany-style landscape stained-glass scene behind it, while incorporating the mid-century stained-glass elsewhere in the house.
One piece that will stay in place is an etching of the year a first-floor floor was poured – 1937.
Changing hands
It’s thought that the house was finished in 1938.
In ensuing years, the property would change hands in a meandering line of successors. The Heberts would divorce, and Aldea and son Roger, who had helped build the Stone House and operated Green Lumber Co. out of the basement, lived there.
The house then was left to Roger’s daughter Lucille and her husband Bill Cote, with the stipulation that Roger’s wife, Theresa, have life tenancy there. As a widow, Theresa dated Raymond Houle, who wound up renting out the property.
Time passed, with tenants coming and going and the home falling into disrepair, with several development projects stalling or falling through.
JFB Services of Goffstown is handling much of the reconstruction of the house, along with Katiskas’s brother, Chris, and nephew, Nick.
“The house has bones that have secrets in it,” said Nick Katsikas as he leads a visitor through the house and points out areas where the Heberts literally left their mark — metal scraps taken from Model T Fords and Studebakers and placed in cement to act as rebar in the ceilings.
“You could see the plate of a car that showed the serial number.”
Stretching across the walls, old tacked-up newspapers attest to make-shift insulation from cold breezes filtering in from outside.
Now Katsikas, who lives on the Manchester farm her parents called home, hopes eventually to move into the Stone House. But, there’s still a lot of work to be done.
“I won’t be in there until at least September. The kitchen isn’t even built yet, and there’s still two bathrooms to do. The ceramic floor hasn’t been put in and there are paint colors to choose,” she says.
Meanwhile, she’s still contemplating a myriad ways the house could serve as a community resource, anything from a local meeting space to a place for Make-a-Wish type program that grants ill children fun experiences. | https://www.unionleader.com/news/human_interest/the-stone-house-was-built-with-grit-but-its-new-owner-is-adding-the-polish/article_2eb5df01-3b33-58ee-a5d0-92ad60e5d5b2.html | 2023-07-30T01:44:35 | 0 | https://www.unionleader.com/news/human_interest/the-stone-house-was-built-with-grit-but-its-new-owner-is-adding-the-polish/article_2eb5df01-3b33-58ee-a5d0-92ad60e5d5b2.html |
BALTIMORE – Aaron Judge homered for the first time since returning from a toe injury, sending a 442-foot drive over the wall in center field in the third inning against Baltimore on Saturday night.
The two-run shot gave the New York Yankees a 3-2 advantage. Giancarlo Stanton hit a solo homer in the first.
Judge was hitless since returning Friday, although he drew three walks in that game. He hit a towering flyout in his first plate appearance Saturday. Then he connected off Tyler Wells two innings later.
It was his 20th home run of the season. Judge started in right field Saturday after he was the designated hitter Friday.
Judge had been out since tearing a ligament in his right big toe June 3.
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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.clickorlando.com/sports/2023/07/30/aaron-judge-slugs-442-foot-homer-in-2nd-game-back-for-yankees-from-toe-injury/ | 2023-07-30T01:44:37 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/sports/2023/07/30/aaron-judge-slugs-442-foot-homer-in-2nd-game-back-for-yankees-from-toe-injury/ |
By MIKE COOK (Associated Press)
BLAINE, Minn. (AP) — With the FedEx Cup two weeks away, Lee Hodges can breathe easier. Justin Thomas can’t.
Hodges birdied four of his last six holes for a 7-under 64 and a four-stroke lead over Tyler Duncan on Friday after almost two rounds of the 3M Open.
A nearly two-hour afternoon weather delay led to play being suspended due to darkness with six players yet to finish — none within 10 shots of the lead.
Hodges, 74th in the FedEx Cup points race, opened with a 63 for the first-round lead and had a 15-under 127 total to break the tournament 36-hole record of 128 set by Bryson DeChambeau in 2019.
Hodges was 3 under on the front nine and added a 33-foot birdie putt on No. 13, followed by birdies from 14 feet on No. 14 and 11 feet on No. 17.
“I’ve got a great attitude out there. Me and my caddie (Andrew Medley), we’re 70-something on the points list, like what do we have to lose, you know?” Hodges said. “We’ve committed to every shot we’ve hit so far, which has been great. We’ll continue to do it, because what do we have to lose.”
A lengthy last-hole putt was not enough to overcome a couple bad holes as Thomas aims to make the FedEx Cup playoffs for the eighth straight season. He birdied four of his last five holes to shoot a shot an even-par 71, leaving him 2 under for the tournament and two strokes short.
Thomas, at No. 75 in the FedEx Cup standings, has missed five cuts in his last seven starts. The top 70 next week after the Wyndham Championship will advance to the playoffs. Looking to stay in strong consideration for the U.S. Ryder Cup team, Thomas has just two top-10 finishes in 14 tournaments since mid-February.
Starting on the back nine, Thomas put two balls in the water on the par-5 18th, falling to 1 under. An errant tee shot and poor chip led to another double bogey on the par-3 fourth, before a strong finishing stretch was punctuated by a 30-foot putt on No. 9.
“This is a good chance for me to learn a little bit about myself and push myself and become better,” Thomas said before the tournament. “I mean, this game, nothing’s given to you. I’ve had great chances to win the FedEx Cup the last five or six years and now I’m trying to make the playoffs. That’s just the way that this sport is. And it can happen to anybody, so you’ve just got to go out and get it.”
He wasn’t the only player to put untimely dents in possible playoff plans by missing the cut. No. 70 K.H. Lee (1 under), No. 72 Davis Thompson (2 under) and No. 90 Gary Woodland (3 over) also get the weekend off.
Duncan, who has missed six cuts in his past eight events and 17 of 27 this season, shot a 67. He has back-to-back bogey-free rounds.
“You never know when it’s coming, but I’ve been putting in the work and you always hope it shows up,” Duncan said. “But it doesn’t always show up when you want it to.”
Defending champion Tony Finau (66), J.T. Poston (66), Brandt Snedeker (68) and Kevin Streelman (68) were 10 under.
With one top-10 in 25 starts this season, Streelman is in a rare position.
“I haven’t been in the final groups in a while on a Saturday, so looking forward to that. At my age I don’t have much to lose, so go out and have some fun this weekend,” the 44-year-old Streelman said.
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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/lee-hodges-leads-the-3m-open-while-justin-thomas-misses-the-cut-to-hurt-his-playoff-hopes/ | 2023-07-30T01:44:41 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/lee-hodges-leads-the-3m-open-while-justin-thomas-misses-the-cut-to-hurt-his-playoff-hopes/ |
MANCHESTER OFFICIALS have announced the availability of more than $3.8 million to develop affordable rental housing, permanent supportive housing and non-congregate shelters.
The city issued a Request for Proposals for plans to use the funds to increase the amount of housing available for “qualifying populations” and “low-income households,” as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Of the total funding available, the city has $3,000,000 of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) and $851,246 from the City’s HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME).
Proposals are due in to the Manchester Planning and Community Development Department by Aug. 24 at 3 p.m.
All projects seeking SLFRF and HOME funding must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:
• Projects may include the development of new units or the rehabilitation of existing properties, but the housing units to be developed must be rental units.
• The property must meet the requirements of the Manchester Housing Code and all applicable building, life-safety and universal-accessibility codes when construction is complete.
• Existing tenants may not be displaced. Relocation activities must be done in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Act.
• The rehabilitation of existing residential properties must not result in a net loss of bedrooms.
• Projects must also have funding from other sources that is at least 25% of the amount requested from the city.
• All projects must be located within Manchester’s city limits.
A Selection Committee consisting of the Director of the Planning and Community Development Department, the Director of Homeless Initiatives, a representative from the Manchester Housing Commission, the Mayor or a designee, and a representative from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen’s CIP Committee will evaluate submissions and make recommendations to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen’s CIP Committee for approval.
Questions about about the RFP should be sent to Todd Fleming, Community Grants Manager, at tfleming@manchesternh.gov.
Student receives national award
Mackenzie Verdiner, a senior at Manchester High School West, has been named the national GEAR UP Student of the Year.
Verdiner was selected for the award from among 500,000 students nationwide who participate in the federally funded GEAR UP program. She received the award recently at the national conference of the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships in San Francisco.
“It means the world to me to be selected as the Student of the Year for the national GEAR UP conference,” Verdiner said in a statement. “It’s an honor because there are so many great students in Manchester and across the country who also deserve to be recognized. The theme of the conference is ‘The Power of Possibility’ – I want to thank GEAR UP, MYTURN and Y.O.U. for helping me see what is possible when adults truly believe anything is possible for Manchester students.”
GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. A federal program funded through the U.S. Department of Education, GEAR UP supports state initiatives serving high-need areas.
The New Hampshire GEAR UP Alliance is a partnership between the New Hampshire College & University Council and Campus Compact for New Hampshire. These organizations administer two GEAR UP grants — GEAR UP New Hampshire and GEAR UP Manchester.
GEAR UP operates in all four high schools in the Manchester School District.
West High School Principal Richard Dichard said Verdiner embodies everything school administrators and staff want to see in their students.
“Mackenzie is a model of compassion for others, care for her school and community, and activism for what she feels is right,” Dichard said in a statement. “The West High School community could not be prouder of Mackenzie for this amazing and well-deserved recognition, and we know that this is not the last we will hear from this extremely talented young lady.
“She will do great things in this world.”
Natalie Barney, the GEAR UP Access Coordinator for West High, nominated Verdiner for the award.
“It’s no surprise to me that out of more than 500,000 GEAR UP students in the nation, Mackenzie was recognized as the Youth Leader of the Year,” Barney said in a statement. “Mackenzie has dedicated her time and effort to making positive changes in our school community and advocating for student voices. She is brave in the face of challenges and fearless when obstacles that might impede her dreams are presented to her.”
The award was presented on the final day of the three-day conference, which featured GEAR UP programs from around the country. Superintendent Jennifer Gillis was among district staff who participated in the conference and celebrated Verdiner’s recognition.
“On behalf of the entire Manchester School District, we are thrilled to have one of our own recognized as the GEAR UP student of the year,” Gillis said in a statement. “Mackenzie’s contributions to our district stand as an indicator of the power of student voice. We are so proud of Mackenzie’s accomplishment and are happy to celebrate her.” | https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/city_hall/city-hall-rfp-issued-for-affordable-housing-west-student-honored/article_75fdb12e-0ed1-545a-8bc0-75cdef9e8955.html | 2023-07-30T01:44:41 | 1 | https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/city_hall/city-hall-rfp-issued-for-affordable-housing-west-student-honored/article_75fdb12e-0ed1-545a-8bc0-75cdef9e8955.html |
Today’s Lehigh Valley sports schedule and last night’s scores.
To report your school’s scores and stats, please complete this SPORTS SCORES FORM
SUNDAY’S SCHEDULE
Blue Mountain Baseball League
Bulls vs. Giants at Northampton High School, 1 p.m.
Creekers vs. Royals at Morris J Dimmick Park, 1:30 p.m.
SATURDAY’S SCORES
No scores reported
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Have questions? Email sports@mcall.com | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/lehigh-valley-sports-scores-and-a-look-at-sundays-schedule-71/ | 2023-07-30T01:44:47 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/lehigh-valley-sports-scores-and-a-look-at-sundays-schedule-71/ |
CHRIS SUNUNU is fast becoming Governor Hot Take.
Perhaps Sununu won’t follow his father, ex-Gov. John H. Sununu, who became a CNN talk show co-host after finishing a stint as White House chief of staff.
But this outgoing governor certainly is taking names and making friends in the national media.
Sununu often has expressed skepticism that the next president will be Joe Biden or Donald Trump.
But CNN Morning Anchor Poppy Harlow looked like she might spit up her coffee when Sununu offered the wild but highly newsworthy claim that Biden would wrap up the Democratic nomination only to hand it back to party elders to give to someone else.
“I think he’s going to collect all the delegates. And then I think you’re going to see a wild convention where he and his people start steering the delegates somewhere else. I really believe that,” Sununu said.
Sununu said a combination of factors, including Biden’s health and his son Hunter Biden’s legal troubles, will combine to make the incumbent unable to run the entire race.
“I don’t know whether it’s a grand scheme. I’m not a conspiracy theorist by any means, but I just think that’s the way it’s playing out. I don’t think Trump or Biden are on that ticket.”
House renovations?Voters in Northwood and Nottingham on Tuesday will settle a competitive Republican primary for the first of three New Hampshire House special elections over the coming months.
The race pits Northwood Selectman James Guzofski against Jessica Sternberg, a New Hampshire College Republican activist from Nottingham.
On Sept. 19, the primary winner will face Nottingham Democrat and Selectman Hal Rafter. This swing district seat became open when Rep. Benjamin Bartlett, a Nottingham Republican, resigned last April after missing almost every recorded vote.
In November 2022, Rafter finished fifth in a six-person race for three seats, but he was only 25 votes behind the third-place finisher.
The New Hampshire Young Republicans and 2nd Congressional District GOP nominee Bob Burns of Pembroke have endorsed Sternberg. The Northwood Republican Town Committee has gotten behind Guzofski.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee recently wrote a $25,000 check for this race and handed it to the N.H. Democratic Victory Campaign Committee and Chair Laura Telerski of Nashua.
Rep. Lilli Walsh, R-Hampstead, gave Guzofski $200 — nearly half his $450 war chest. Sternberg has not filed a report.
Rafter has nearly $4,000 on hand, including a $1,200 surplus from his 2022 race. Washington consultant Megan Hull gave him $240, and Nottingham financial adviser Tim Dabrieo kicked in $350.
If House Democrats run the table and win all three seats, the House would be tied, 199-199.
This scenario would leave both parties begging the two independents, former Republican Aidan Ankarberg of Rochester and former Democrat Shaun Filiault of Keene, to return to the fold.
Democrats will be favored to win the other two races.
On Aug. 22, voters in Enfield will pick either Democratic planning board member David Fracht or Republican businessman John Keane for the seat House Deputy Democratic Floor Leader Josh Adjutant left for health reasons.
In 2022, Republicans didn’t even field a candidate against Adjutant.
On Sept. 19, Republicans get a do-over with David Narkunas and Joost Baumeister facing off for a Nashua Ward 4 seat after 21-term Democratic Rep. David Cote stepped down.
In March, Narkunas won a close primary vote, then lost to Democrat Mark Plamondon in the race to replace Democratic Rep. Stacie Laughton, who had resigned.
Democratic nominee Paige Beauchemin will be a heavy favorite in this Nov. 7 election.
Ayotte takes aim at Craig
Former U.S. Senator and GOP candidate for governor Kelly Ayotte will go back on offense with an attack on Manchester Mayor and Democratic candidate Joyce Craig.
The Dome got an exclusive look at the broadside, produced after Craig declined to say during an interview on WMUR’s “Close Up” whether she would raise business taxes.
“Joyce Craig won’t answer the simple question of whether or not she would raise taxes on New Hampshire’s small business owners, because she knows her position is wildly unpopular,” Ayotte said.
“Hardworking families cannot afford Joyce Craig’s tax-and-spend policies. My answer is simple — no new taxes, period. As Governor, I will look to cut taxes, roll back burdensome regulations, lower energy costs, and find new solutions to make New Hampshire even more safe, prosperous, and free.”
Close Up Host Adam Sexton had asked Craig if she would support raising the business taxes that Sununu cut as governor.
“You know what, this point in time, I’m talking to residents and businesses, throughout this state, and listening to what’s most important to them, and these conversations are what’s going to drive me with policy as I move ahead, so I’m having those conversations with businesses and residents, and we’ll make that decision later on,” Craig said.
In response Friday, Craig confirmed her opposition to a business tax hike.
“I believe that we must lower costs for New Hampshire families, which is why I do not support a sales or income tax and would not raise taxes on New Hampshire’s small businesses,” Craig said.
“Kelly Ayotte is once again misleading Granite Staters because she’s spent years as a shadow lobbyist for special interests that profit off hurting hardworking families — and now she’s proposing policies to benefit her wealthy corporate donors while Granite Staters continue to see their property taxes rise.”
Ayotte has big bucks
Ayotte undoubtedly will lead the pack when it comes to raising money. In 2016, she set a fundraising record in her U.S. Senate loss to Democrat Maggie Hassan.
Ayotte, who held her announcement kickoff at The Goat in Manchester on Monday night, already has $388,000 in a PAC.
Some of the GOP’s biggest check-writers already have given the Kelly Pac far more than the $7,000 an individual can give Ayotte the candidate under state campaign finance law after she files for office next June.
Her former employer, ex-Gov. Craig Benson, kicked in $25,000, as did Anchor aviation exec Alexander Choquette of Portsmouth, Blue Sky Properties of North Hampton, Key Auto Group exec Anthony DiLorenzo of Portsmouth, Salem restauranteur Joe Faro, The Kane Co. real estate franchise and San Francisco, California executive Greg Wendt.
Those in the $10,000 club for Ayotte include University of New Hampshire business school exec Peter Paul, Stratham businessman Charles Wagner, William Deluca of Windham with the Auto Auction of New England, Windham marketing exec Al Letizio along with together the Nashua auto magnates Bryan and Vincent Tulley ($5,000 each).
Sununu the peacemaker
Sununu says he will endorse someone in the GOP primary to replace him, but it won’t be any time soon.
When Senate President Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, took some early digs at Ayotte, Sununu encouraged GOP leaders to hold their fire.
During an interview with Chris Ryan on New Hampshire Today, Bradley went beyond just the expected endorsement of ex-Senate President Chuck Morse of Salem.
“Even some of Kelly’s most ardent supporters say… they think Chuck Morse would be a better governor, but they think Senator Ayotte is more electable, but I think when they understand how she gave away a Senate seat in 2016, he will look better,” Bradley said.
Later Bradley added, “I think it is presumptuous for her to say I want to keep New Hampshire from becoming Massachusetts. She lost a U.S. Senate seat she never should have lost.”
A day later on the same program, Sununu took a playful jab at Morse, whom he said “acted like a 5-year-old on Christmas morning,” announcing for governor minutes after Sununu said he wouldn’t run again.
As for Bradley’s comments, Sununu said Ayotte deserves better. “Anybody who is trying to criticize Kelly Ayotte is getting out of the gate a little too desperate, a little too fast. I get it — it’s politics — but her record is really incredible.”
Waiting for Edelblut
In politics, everyone gets impatient. The latest question is how long it will be before Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut of Wilton jumps into the GOP race for governor.
As a state agency head, Edelblut clearly has unfinished business, including some key department rules he has worked on with Board of Education Chairman Drew Cline.
Former GOP operative Greg Moore knows how that works. He was communications director for Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen, who had to finish his day job agenda before taking on Democratic Gov. John Lynch in 2010.
“You can’t just run an agency one day and then the next say, ‘See ya, I’m gone’ and leave a whole bunch of people holding your priorities in the lurch. That doesn’t go over well,” Moore said.
Edelblut continues to make the rounds, attending the Londonderry Gun Club Auto-Machine Gun Shoot Out in Litchfield last week and serving as guest speaker to the monthly meeting of the East-Kingston-Newton-Kensington-South Hampton GOP Committee.
As we first reported on social media, Ayotte won a straw poll by that four-town Rockingham County group with 14 votes to nine for Edelblut and seven for Morse.
By the way, former President Donald Trump romped to a win among the same group, with 27 votes to 5 for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and 4 for Ohio biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Moyer back on campaign
Democratic strategist Chris Moyer is joining the campaign of Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Cinde Warmington of Concord as a consultant.
“I couldn’t be happier to be back on a New Hampshire campaign for someone like Cinde who is so ready to end Chris Sununu’s hold on the corner office and become a great governor,” Moyer said.
In 2016, Moyer did press for New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker’s presidential primary campaign in New Hampshire. He stayed and went on to manage former Democratic State Sen. Molly Kelly’s respectable finish against Sununu in 2018.
Voting vendors display wares
Secretary of State David Scanlan will host a ballot counting device demonstration Wednesday in the Legislative Office Building.
The four potential vendors seeking to replace the aging AccuVote machine — Dominion Voting Systems, Election Systems & Software, and VotingWorks — will have their machines on display
Anyone seeking to attend the event is asked to register at eventsquid.com/event/21055.
Big week for DeSantis
Now that DeSantis has trimmed his campaign payroll and promised a reboot, this will be the biggest weekend of his campaign since he announced his bid.
It started Friday night with DeSantis joining guest Chris Sununu and all the major presidential hopefuls except ex-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for the Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa.
On Saturday, he was the guest of honor for a New Hampshire Homebuilders Association event, followed by a high roller fundraiser on Cape Cod.
Sunday, he was scheduled to be the star of the latest “No BS BBQ” hosted by former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown and wife Gail Huff Brown in Rye.
On Monday, DeSantis has the first news conference of his New Hampshire campaign in Rochester.
A small political world
CBS News political analyst Jon Keller charged that Ayotte was playing off of a “racially tinged trope by blaming New Hampshire’s drug problems on two Massachusetts border cities.”
“Actually, a National Drug Intelligence Center threat assessment found that New Hampshire drug dealers and users are ‘crossing the border into Massachusetts to obtain drugs,’” Keller said.
What’s interesting is Keller’s son, Barney, is president of Jamestown Associates, Ayotte’s political consultant.
Exec Council on road again
The summer road trip continues for the Executive Council, which heads to Hypertherm Inc. in Lebanon for its meeting Wednesday. Warmington is the host councilor for this one.
New spokesperson for hospitals
Public relations executive Tammy Boucher is the new director of communications for the New Hampshire Hospital Association.
Starting out as a newspaper reporter, Boucher has had a 27-year career in strategic communications and founded her own PR firm 17 years ago.
She replaces Vanessa Stafford, who stepped down as vice president for communications in the NHHA.
New staff head for NH DemsNew Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley promoted from within Friday, naming four-year veteran staffer Jack Tormoehlen the new executive director.
Tormoehlen was most recently data director.
He replaces Troy Price, who is returning to his family in Iowa after being at the helm since August 2021.
“Jack brings a wealth of experience to the position, from data management, political relationship building, and fundraising,” Buckley said.
“Jack has worked closely with our candidates, campaigns, and partners over the years, and with his leadership I know New Hampshire Democrats are positioned for success in these next two years, from town halls to the State House to the White House.”
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A fond farewell
We salute a life of public service from Steve Winter of Newbury who recently passed away in New London at 84.
Winter was a Libertarian Party candidate for governor and had one of the best showings for that third party.
He served two terms in the House and then went on to win election twice as the State Senate clerk.
Winter was an American Airlines pilot and a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.
The man with the booming baritone never took himself too seriously and he loved to recall having pitched in the 1951 Little League World Series and met the legendary hurler Cy Young. | https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/statehouse_dome/state-house-dome-quotable-sununu-quickly-becoming-national-media-favorite/article_d4cb8e54-7df6-5d60-8565-a94ed6d71d78.html | 2023-07-30T01:44:47 | 1 | https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/statehouse_dome/state-house-dome-quotable-sununu-quickly-becoming-national-media-favorite/article_d4cb8e54-7df6-5d60-8565-a94ed6d71d78.html |
Lehigh Valley Zoo said this week it has three new male pygmy goats for public viewing.
Hobart, Odin and Oliver came to the zoo from Rose Bridge Farm & Sanctuary in Dresher, Montgomery County, and were rescued as babies, the zoo said in a news release. The trio, all approximately 7 months old, arrived June 27 in the Valley and had been placed in quarantine to receive physical examinations and vaccinations.
The trio are a breed of domestic goat that stay small and stocky. They stand less than 2 feet tall and weigh between 45 and 60 pounds when fully grown.
The three new animals bring the current herd of goats to seven. They join female Phoebe (a Toggenburg goat) and males Jasper (American Alpine), Onyx (American Alpine) and Stormy (American Lamancha). The three males also arrived at the zoo from Rose Bridge Farm in September 2021.
Guests can feed the goats at any point during zoo’s business hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. For tickets and more information, including feeding the goats, go to lvzoo.org. | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/lehigh-valley-zoo-goats/ | 2023-07-30T01:44:53 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/lehigh-valley-zoo-goats/ |
Q. I currently have a 15-year-old 48-inch Vizio LCD TV. It has always been a good TV with good picture quality, and one thing I like about it is that it has a nonreflective matte screen. (It sits in a great room and does not reflect the lighting in the room.) It’s time to replace it and upgrade, but every TV we’ve tried has a highly reflective screen and those reflections are very noticeable and distracting. Do you have any recommendations for a quality replacement? We are looking for a 55-inch TV and our budget is $1,500.
—J.M., Woodbury, Minn.
A. I have a recommendation, but first want to point out that sometimes just a little bit of an adjustment in placement can reduce reflections drastically. Don’t forget that the law of reflection states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, and sometimes just a very minor adjustment of the television’s placement or viewing angle can drastically reduce or eliminate glare at your viewing position.
If the TV is wall-mounted, try adjusting the angle of viewing furniture or move lighting sources (such as lamps) a few inches. It can be surprising what a difference a small tweak can make. I don’t have the space this week, but I have a personal experience to relate about this and will do so in the near future.
Samsung is well known for televisions that reject glare and reflections. I use a 75-inch Samsung Q90 from 2019 in my living room, and I can confirm their anti-reflective technology works very well. Not all Samsung televisions incorporate this technology, so you have to be selective.
Samsung’s The Frame QLED LS03B is the one you want. It features a matte screen with anti-reflective technology, and the 55-inch size sells for $1,499, which fits your budget. Besides being a very good TV, The Frame can double as fine art when not in use. You can display your own images or download images from Samsung to suit the decor of your room. I have recommended The Frame to close friends as well as in the column, and it has received high marks from those who purchased it.
The Frame includes a slim-fit wall mount and you can also buy an easel that serves as a stand. If wall mounting, I recommend professional installation by a skilled technician to ensure the wires are properly hidden, which really enhances the framed-art-on-the-wall experience. samsung.com
There are some televisions that are advertised as rejecting reflections and glare, but it is not because of a matte screen or special coating. They are advertised as such because they are very bright, which overpowers the reflections. It is a less than ideal solution. After receiving your email I will be doing more research on this topic and will have more to report soon.
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Great TCL TV deal at Costco: I often received emails from readers asking for suggestions for televisions they can buy at Costco, given the prices, longer warranty and return policies. I recently came across a deal that is easy to recommend to anyone looking for a big yet inexpensive TV.
The 58-inch TCL S-series 58S470G Google TV is currently on sale at Costco in my part of the country for only $299.99, including a three-year warranty and an HDMI cable. It is a fully featured set with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision (rare at this price point) and quite a nice picture for the price. The 70-inch version is only $479.99.
The offer expires soon but hopefully will be extended, and it is worth staying on the lookout for this TV. | https://www.unionleader.com/nh/lifestyles/sound-advice-a-nudge-in-the-right-direction-can-often-solve-tv-glare-issue/article_d0649582-373d-57ae-b0d1-2df603a49a1b.html | 2023-07-30T01:44:53 | 1 | https://www.unionleader.com/nh/lifestyles/sound-advice-a-nudge-in-the-right-direction-can-often-solve-tv-glare-issue/article_d0649582-373d-57ae-b0d1-2df603a49a1b.html |
PHILADELPHIA — The assistant coach extended his hand and the franchise cornerback did the same with his, and they shook and and agreed that the past no longer mattered. It’s how Darius Slay has come to view his football life 11 years into his career.
Once – long ago, in football years – Slay played for head coach Matt Patricia in Detroit, where the winning has been rare for decades. Somebody did something and somebody didn’t like it and Slay said he lost respect for Patricia and it was probably a mutual feeling. But Nick Sirianni wanted a former head coach at his right hand as the Eagles tried to return to the Super Bowl and brought him onto his staff as a high-level consultant.
First, though, there would be the matter of Slay’s feelings. It’s how it works in the world where the star players, not the coaches, determine what’s up.
“I just said,” Slay confirmed, “I was cool with it.”
If the Eagles win another conference championship or better, it will be because many of their top talents had good seasons. Slay is firmly on that list, and the Eagles expect him to remain there, at least through 2027, when his four-year, $48,150,000 contract has expired. It will also be because egos and memories are minimized.
It’s why Slay is perfect for the Eagles at the perfect time.
He’s accomplished, his name already being rolled into Hall of Fame chatter. At 32, he is still at his best physically, and he has never been more willing to search for just the right football perspectives. There he was the other day after a training camp practice, chatting about his man-to-man, eye-to-eye, hand-to-hand with Patricia and realizing that, ill-feelings and all, they both could help each other.
“He is here to help me get better,” Slay said. “He wants to get better as a coach. So we’re in good hands right now.”
That’s where it has reached for Slay. The money, he has. The Pro Bowls, he has. The Super Bowl, he has.
The championship?
It’s why he decided to return to the Eagles despite the club oddly offering him the right to negotiate a trade elsewhere before bringing him back on the four-year deal.
“I just know what we’ve got going on here,” Slay said. “It’s a great team. I know the system. I know what’s expected of me. Everybody was just trying to get the business thing in focus. And it was just a business thing.”
There will be a new defensive coordinator in Sean Desai and at least five new defensive starters as the Eagles begin to run it back. In some situations, that would be an atmosphere for in-fighting – the young players going after jobs, the old players turning their backs. But the Eagles are blessed with enough reasonable veterans to make it work, with Slay long ago having announced that he would be willing to do anything to enable young professionals to “get the bag” and become wealthy too.
“I am motivated to be a great leader for this team,” he said. “We’ve got some young corners coming in and it’s fun helping them. I want to help teach these kids how to practice and how to be an NFL vet and all that kind of stuff.
“I want a lot of these guys to get to be an 11-year vet instead of just playing two or three. I try to lead by example by working hard, and they follow. They are doing a great job right now. They are very talented and they are competing, but they are out here listening. That’s the main thing. They are willing to do it and they are doing a lot of work.”
Slay put in his time, for seven years in Detroit, for the last three with the Eagles. A Pro Bowl pick in each of the last two seasons, he has reached the point where he knows how to look forward, not back.
“I’m not going to lie,” he said. “When the clock went to 0:00 in the Super Bowl, I went right into husband and daddy mode. I gave my time to football and I gave it all I had. But once that clock hit zero, I gave everything I could to my family. I had to move onto the next day.
“But I am always motivated. I am motivated to play one game at a time, one practice at a time, one hour at a time. I am not looking ahead. I know that was our ultimate goal last year, but that team was different than this team. So we’ve just got to go back to work, just like we did last year.”
So, he will work to make the young Eagles better.
He will work to learn some of the nuances of a newer defense.
He will even work with Nick Sirianni’s new consultant with a renewed respect.
“We have a great understanding,” Slay said. “We both want to win.”
He’ll even shake on it.
Contact Jack McCaffery at jmccaffery@delcotimes.com | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/mccaffery-past-drama-put-aside-darius-slay-focuses-on-the-present/ | 2023-07-30T01:44:59 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/mccaffery-past-drama-put-aside-darius-slay-focuses-on-the-present/ |
WHAT: NFB-NEWSLINE
ABOUT: The NFB-NEWSLINE is a free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled that offers access to publications, news media, emergency weather alerts, job listings, and more. It offers access to national newspapers and local newspapers such as the Concord Monitor, the Union Leader, and the Seacoast.
WHO: The Governor’s Commission on Disability is a recipient for an annual appropriation which funds NFB-NEWSLINE access for NH residents.
REGISTER: Contact the NH State Library, Talking Book Services via phone at (603) 271-3429 or via email at DCR-TalkingBooks@dncr.nh.gov, by filling out the online application on the National Federation of the Blind’s website: http://www.nfbnewsline.net/Nl2/NL2NewUserReqInput.jsp or by calling the National Federation of the Blind at 866-504-7300 to request an application.
WHAT: NH-TEAP (New Hampshire Telecommunications Equipment Assistance Program)
ABOUT: The NH-TEAP provides specialized telephone landline equipment for people who have difficulty using a standard phone due to a disability such as vision loss, hearing loss or challenges to speech or mobility.
WHO: The Governor’s Commission on Disability administers the program and contracts with Future in Sight who provides the services.
HOW TO APPLY: First, fill out the NH-TEAP Application form and have your medical provider fill out the Disability Certification form. Then, send both forms to Future in Sight for processing. Staff are available to assist in the application process.
LINK: For the TEAP Application Form, Disability Certification Form, and more information: https://futureinsight.org/teap/
CONTACT: services@futureinsight.org
WHAT: Assistive Technology Maker Day, hosted by United Spinal Association- New Hampshire Chapter, Assistive Technology in New Hampshire, and Granite State Independent Living
ABOUT: These workshops will focus on working together to create assistive technology solutions. Some examples may include portable tablet holders, slant boards, cup holders, cellphone holders, and more.
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 10, 1-2 p.m.
WHERE: 21 Chenell Drive, Concord
NOTE: Please RSVP by Aug. 3 to ateixeira@gsil.org or 603-856-6468
WHAT: SSI and SSDI Ticket to Work and Benefits Counseling Orientation
ABOUT: The orientation provides an overview of work incentives for both SSI and SSDI beneficiaries. It also reviews how work affects Social Security disability cash benefits as well as medical insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid. The orientation will also discuss what to expect when receiving an individualized benefits counseling service. There will be two orientations in August.
WHEN:
• Thursday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 15, 6 p.m.
WHERE: ZOOM
REGISTRATION: To register for the Aug. 10 orientation: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rCuXPSWtSuCHYIMTs15ayg#/registration
To register for the Aug. 15 orientation: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__9W-Ue7rTrOIVTXb7V3bfg#/registration
LINK: For more information: https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/deputy-commissioner/bureau-vocational-rehabilitation
CONTACT: If you require an interpreter or other accommodation, please contact Kristin Venator at stacy.k.venator@doe.nh.gov or (603) 271-1482 as soon as possible.
WHAT: Awesome August Advocacy Adventures, sponsored by NH DOE: Services for the Blind and Vision Impaired YES/ICE transition program and Sky’s the Limit Communications
ABOUT: If you are a high school/college student ages 14 to 21 and experiencing a vision impairment or blindness then this awesome adventure is just for you. Outdoor activities, horseback-riding, advocacy, online and personal safety are just a few of the topics that will be discussed.
WHEN: Monday, Aug. 14, noon to Wednesday, Aug. 16, noon
WHERE: Lake Sunapee Bluebird Sunapee Hotel
CONTACT: For more information or to register, contact your SBVI Counselor or Dana Trahan at DanaTrahan@comcast.net
NOTE: Spots are limited, so make your reservations as soon as possible.
WHAT: 2023 Caregiver’s Conference Monthly Listening Series, “Embracing and Overcoming Caregiver Compassion Fatigue”, sponsored by DHHS: Bureau of Developmental Services, NBM, New Hampshire Family Caregiver Support Program, and Wellsense Health Plan
ABOUT: Participants will learn practical ways to recharge and refuel, give themselves permission to refuel, provided with free resources for caregivers to explore and have permission to have “Bad Days”.
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 24, 6-7:30 p.m.
WHERE: ZOOM
CONTACT: Ellen Edgerly at (603) 834-9570 or ellen@bianh.org
LINK: For more information and to register: https://coalitionofcaring.org/monthly-listening-series
WHAT: Brain Matters 2023- Brain Injury 101, hosted by the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire
ABOUT: Using typical brain function as a basis for understanding brain changes following neurologic injury, this introductory course serves as a basis for understanding challenges commonly experienced by individuals with brain injury. Learners will explore the science of brain injury and develop evidence-based strategies aimed at supporting recovery.
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 30, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
WHERE: ZOOM
COST: $25
LINK: To learn more and register: https://bianh.salsalabs.org/2023bi101a/index.html
NOTE: Attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance for 4 Contact Hours upon completion.
CONTACT: lori@bianh.org or 603-225-8400 | https://www.unionleader.com/nh/people/beyond-the-barriers---august-2023/article_c9c1245b-292e-5ac8-8002-9955a110d9f8.html | 2023-07-30T01:44:59 | 0 | https://www.unionleader.com/nh/people/beyond-the-barriers---august-2023/article_c9c1245b-292e-5ac8-8002-9955a110d9f8.html |
PITTSBURGH — Noah Song’s journey back to baseball will no longer involve the Phillies.
Faced with a Saturday deadline to add Song to the active roster for the duration of the season — a stipulation that comes with having selected him in the Rule 5 draft last winter — the Phillies reinstated the 26-year-old right-hander from the 60-day injured list and designated him for assignment, ending his longshot bid to make his major league debut this season after not pitching competitively for three years while serving in the Navy.
The Phillies can trade Song, although his Rule 5 status would carry over to a new team and baseball’s trade deadline is approaching at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Otherwise, they must put him through waivers.
If he clears — and officials from multiple clubs, including the Phillies, expect him to be claimed — the Phillies would have to offer him back to the Red Sox, his original team, for $50,000.
It would have been easier for the Phillies to carry Song if they weren’t contending for a wild-card spot. But stashing him as a long reliever would have limited their flexibility in one area of the roster where they have depth. And it was clear from his monthlong minor league assignment that Song is early in the process of coming back to baseball after a protracted layoff.
In eight appearances across three levels (low-A Clearwater, double-A Reading, triple-A Lehigh Valley), Song allowed nine runs on 12 hits and 11 walks for a 7.36 ERA. His fastball velocity, which was in the upper-90s before he left baseball in 2019, was in the 92-94 mph range.
None of this was surprising. Song’s path back to baseball is largely unprecedented. Only one Navy graduate has pitched in the majors since 1921, and Mitch Harris was able to rebuild his career in the minors after five years in the military before getting called up by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015.
So, why did the Phillies take a chance on Song in the first place?
Because Song represented a low-cost Powerball ticket. He opened eyes in a cameo in the Red Sox’s system in 2019, posting a 1.06 ERA in seven starts. And when the Phillies picked Song in the Rule 5 draft, they didn’t expect that the Navy would transfer his service to reserve duty, a request he had made unsuccessfully for several years while the Red Sox controlled his rights.
Song received his transfer at the end of February and reported to spring training in Clearwater, Fla. He began the season on the injured list with what the team characterized as a strained lower back. Once he was deemed healthy, he went on a minor league assignment that lasted a maximum of 30 days, ending Thursday and forcing the Phillies into a decision.
Scott Lauber is a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer. | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/noah-song-designated-for-assignment-by-phillies-who-must-trade-him-or-put-him-on-waivers/ | 2023-07-30T01:45:05 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/noah-song-designated-for-assignment-by-phillies-who-must-trade-him-or-put-him-on-waivers/ |
Reilly Walsh looks for a teammate during action this past season while playing for the AHL Utica Comets. Walsh, of Andover, is now with the Boston Bruins organization.
THROUGH his dad’s hockey connections, Reilly Walsh grew up going to opposing team’s practices at TD Garden, collecting autographs from stars like Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin.
On especially lucky days, Walsh snagged signatures from players on his favorite team, the Boston Bruins.
Walsh, whose dad, Mike, played for the Islanders, is now aiming toward being on the other side of the TD Garden glass signing autographs for the Bruins faithful.
The 24-year-old defenseman from Andover agreed to a one-year, two-way contract with Boston on July 17. The Harvard University product views this season, his fourth as a pro, as a crucial one to reach the NHL and wants to make the Bruins’ opening day roster.
“It’s not going to be easy,” Walsh said. “It’s going to be really competitive. There’s a lot of good players and a lot of good defensemen on this team so I’m excited for the challenge. I think it will be fun and, when it all comes down to it, I’m going to have to perform and show what I can do during camp.
“... I’m trying to build a lot of confidence going into camp that I deserve to be there and tell myself that I can be an NHL player and try to have that positive mindset going into camp.”
Walsh, who played for his dad at Proctor Academy, was drafted No. 81 overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot, 185-pound, right-shot offensive-minded defenseman spent the past three seasons with the Utica Comets, New Jersey’s American Hockey League affiliate, where he recorded 23 goals and 76 assists over 174 games.
Walsh, who played in one NHL game with the Devils, said his time with Utica helped him mature as a player, learn how to take care of his body and what it takes to be a pro level player.
Last season, during which Utica reached the AHL North Division semifinals, Walsh finished second on the team in points (41) and assists (32). The most helpful takeaway from last season, Walsh said, was learning not to worry about being on the score sheet and simply evaluate himself based on how he is playing.
“I think when I got through that and stopped stressing out about outside stuff, and just got back to playing my game and having more fun with it and being in it to win games ... I found that the success was much better for our team,” Walsh said.
The Bruins, Walsh said, have been following his career since his prep school days and they like the offensive upside that he can bring to the team. Walsh said he has also developed his toughness and learned how to get the inside position on bigger forwards over his time in Utica, where he also played on the power play.
Walsh describes himself as a player who wants to be an uptempo defenseman who makes great reads breaking out, breaks up plays on the rush and is solid defensively — for whichever team he plays for in Boston’s organization to start next season. Walsh said he also feels he can help his team by running a power-play unit.
“Obviously it becomes more rare the higher up you go, where guys are obviously much better than you in certain areas,” Walsh said, “but I think I can be a guy that will strive to play all situations with the ability to make plays on both sides of the puck.” | https://www.unionleader.com/sports/bruins/nhs-reilly-walsh-has-his-sights-set-on-making-boston-bruins-opening-day-roster/article_f14b4e0f-44aa-518d-b84f-9c79f5e8e1bd.html | 2023-07-30T01:45:05 | 1 | https://www.unionleader.com/sports/bruins/nhs-reilly-walsh-has-his-sights-set-on-making-boston-bruins-opening-day-roster/article_f14b4e0f-44aa-518d-b84f-9c79f5e8e1bd.html |
James Franklin knows better than anyone that the 2023 Penn State football team has the most talent and depth it has had in his 10 seasons as Nittany Lions coach.
He’s embracing Penn State’s position as a serious contender for the Big Ten championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
“We have very, very high goals and expectations of where we can go and what we can do,” Franklin said this week.
The next step in that journey will come Wednesday when the Lions open preseason camp exactly one month before their opener against West Virginia. They return six starters on offense, seven on defense and many others who saw significant playing time during an 11-2 season last year.
Here are Penn State’s 10 most important players in reverse order:
10. Theo Johnson
The 6-6, 264-pound Johnson started nine games at tight end last season, along with Brenton Strange, who’s now with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished strongly, making two touchdown receptions against Michigan State and then a 28-yard grab to set up a score in the Rose Bowl.
Johnson, who’s in his fourth season, has soft hands and exceptional speed for someone his size. He’s not afraid to catch passes in traffic. Although NFL draft analysts are not effusive about his blocking, he sprung Nick Singleton for his 87-yard touchdown run in the Rose Bowl.
9. Curtis Jacobs
Jacobs is often overlooked, even though he’s entering his third year as a starter at linebacker. He’s versatile, quick and tough. He finished last season as Penn State’s third-leading tackler with a knack for making big plays.
The 6-1, 238-pound Jacobs, a fourth-year player, had two sacks against Utah, returned an interception for a touchdown at Michigan, forced a fumble and recovered another. He can play in the box and in space. He’s poised to have an outstanding season.
8. KeAndre Lambert-Smith
Although wide receiver remains the biggest question on offense for the Lions, Lambert-Smith showed against Michigan State and Utah that he can play at a high level. He made five receptions for 83 yards and one TD against the Spartans and had three for 124 yards against the Utes, including the longest TD catch (88 yards) in Rose Bowl history.
The 6-1, 188-pound Lambert-Smith, who’s in his fourth season, and Kent State transfer Dante Cephas are the most experienced wideouts on the roster. Behind them are several young and unproven receivers, including Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans.
7. Adisa Isaac
On a team with several terrific defensive ends, the 6-4, 254-pound Isaac had a team-high 11 tackles for loss and eight quarterback hurries last year after missing the 2021 season with an Achilles injury.
A fifth-year senior, Isaac will look to continue momentum from his late-season performance. He had a sack in three of four November games and then made a career-high five tackles, including two in the backfield, against Utah.
6. Abdul Carter
Carter wasn’t a starter when last season began, but he eventually earned his spot as a starting linebacker as a freshman with spectacular performances. He led the Lions with 6.5 sacks and was second with 10.5 tackles for loss and five quarterback hurries.
Because of his exceptional instincts and burst, the 6-3, 250-pound Carter figures to line up in several different spots similar to how defensive coordinator Manny Diaz used safety Ji’Ayir Brown.
5. Nick Singleton
The Gov. Mifflin graduate burst onto the scene last year, living up to the great expectations by rushing for 1,061 yards and 12 touchdowns, a Penn State freshman record. He was selected as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
The 6-0, 224-pound Singleton and classmate Kaytron Allen, who had 867 rushing yards last year, figure to be even better this year. They have more experience and they will run behind an experienced and talented offensive line. The presence of Singleton and Allen can open opportunities in the passing game.
4. Chop Robinson
Robinson didn’t start at all last year after transferring from Maryland, but he had 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks and shared the team’s most valuable defensive lineman award with Isaac.
A 6-3, 250-pound junior, Robinson has exceptional speed and an effective spin move he uses to get past offensive tackles. Some NFL scouts claim that he’s still raw, but others project him as a first-round draft pick next year.
3. Kalen King
It can be argued that the 5-11, 191-pound King had an even better 2022 season than Joey Porter Jr., a first-team All-Big Ten selection and a second-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
King, a junior, led the Big Ten with 21 passes defended and 18 pass breakups, and made three interceptions in Penn State’s final five games. He’s fundamentally sound and excellent in man-to-man coverage. He’s projected to be one of the top four cornerbacks taken in the 2024 NFL draft.
2. Olu Fashanu
It’s hard to remember any Penn State player who made such a dramatic rise up NFL draft boards as the 6-6, 319-pound Fashanu did last year. He began the season with just one career start and quickly established himself as one of the top offensive tackles in the country.
At left tackle, he allowed no sacks in 281 pass-blocking snaps before an undisclosed injury sidelined him for the final five games. Even though he received a first-round grade from the NFL Advisory Board, he decided to return this season, a huge plus for the Lions.
1.Drew Allar
Much of Penn State’s success this season hinges on the shoulders of the 19-year-old Allar, who arrived in State College as a five-star prospect last year.
The 6-5, 243-pound Allar has the tools to be great: a mighty arm, unwavering poise and terrific vision. He passed for 344 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games as Sean Clifford’s backup. He will benefit from a strong ground game and a sturdy offensive line. If he has a special year, so can the Lions. | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/penn-state-football-teams-10-most-important-players-to-watch/ | 2023-07-30T01:45:11 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/penn-state-football-teams-10-most-important-players-to-watch/ |
Casey Phair, who spent some formative years growing up in Exeter, made history as the youngest player to appear in a World Cup game when she was inserted as a substitute in the second half of South Korea’s 2-0 loss to Colombia on Monday night.
Phair, who is 16 years and 26 days, topped the previous record held by Nigeria’s Ifeanyi Chiejine, who was 16 years and 34 days old at the 1999 Women’s World Cup. In 1982, Norman Whiteside became the youngest player to appear at the men’s World Cup, representing Northern Ireland at 17 years and 41 days.
Phair now lives in Warren, New Jersey.
“To become successful at such a young age, I would say, takes a lot of commitment,” she told NJ Advance Media in an email from Australia before South Korea’s first game. “Starting from such a young age, I missed so many parties, dances, and events with my friends to train, and now it is finally paying off.”
Phair’s father is Shane, who is from Bedford and graduated from Manchester West. Her mother is Hye Young, a Korean. Casey Phair was born in Anyang, South Korea, before moving to Exeter when she was an infant. She played in Exeter recreation leagues before moving on to club teams by the age of 6 or 7, according to a story published last week in The Athletic.
The family moved to New Jersey when the pandemic hit in 2020, according to The Athletic, and that’s where she began training with Players Development Academy, a powerhouse club program in central New Jersey that has produced American stars such as Tobin Heath, Heather O’Reilly and Casey Murphy.
She had an opportunity to attend a camp for both the U.S. national team and the South Korean equivalent but flourished in the South Korean camp, her father said, and in June earned an invitation to the team’s World Cup camp. From there, head coach Colin Bell said she earned a spot on the 23-player roster and made it clear she wasn’t going to be a “passenger” as the team attempted to advance in the event for the first time.
“So now she’s in the squad, then we just take it day by day, so I don’t really want to hype up a young player too much before she’s even played,” Bell said last week.
Shane Phair told The Athletic, “The first time I got a sense she had an international future is when she played Australian Under-17s. She scored two goals and it was the way in which she scored them where I kind of realized that, you know, she may have something.”
Casey Phair, also the first mixed-heritage player to play for a South Korean World Cup team, didn’t worry about making history before the event, insisting that her only goals were to improve as a player and to help South Korea win games. But she admitted the prospects of playing in the same event as stars she grew up idolizing was “really cool.”
“I think it’s really cool that I’m playing in the same tournament as Alex Morgan and all the other players I looked up to growing up and could possibly play against them,” Phair said. “I’ve honestly been so busy preparing for the World Cup, I haven’t thought too much about my future.” | https://www.unionleader.com/sports/casey-phair-who-spent-formative-years-in-exeter-becomes-youngest-ever-to-play-in-a/article_7cee546a-3937-5599-bc6a-127626b98f26.html | 2023-07-30T01:45:12 | 1 | https://www.unionleader.com/sports/casey-phair-who-spent-formative-years-in-exeter-becomes-youngest-ever-to-play-in-a/article_7cee546a-3937-5599-bc6a-127626b98f26.html |
No brunch is complete without chicken and waffles.
But a new brunch place in Bethlehem is not only doing an incredible version of the classic dish, it’s entirely vegan.
It’s only been open a few days but Bedhead Vegan Brunch is creating a lot of buzz in the Bethlehem restaurant scene.
“My emphasis has always been on flavor,” said Chadwick Aufderhar, one half of the husband-wife team that owns Bedhead. “There are a lot of great vegan options but what really makes a difference in what I do is that I make it taste good.”
Bedhead Vegan Brunch, which is at 310 E Goepp St., features all the classics, done vegan, along with specialty espresso drinks crafted with Monocacy Coffee Company beans.
Aufderhar has lived his whole life as someone who eats plant-based. He also has years of restaurant experience, starting first as a dishwasher but then moving up to leading a vegan pizza shop in Spokane, Washington.
During the pandemic, he introduced grab and go vegan breakfast options on the weekends at the pizza shop, which were a big success. They were so successful that even after he and he wife, Lauren Gilmore, moved to Bethlehem two years ago, he was flying back and forth to keep making the brunch items.
It’s from there that Bedhead Vegan Brunch was born. The couple’s life was now planted in Bethlehem as Gilmore attended graduate school at Lehigh University.
Aufderhar said they saw an available restaurant space on East Goepp Street and they knew a vegan brunch restaurant was in their future.
When they opened for the first time on July 20, they were overwhelmed.
“It was an overwhelming response when we opened,” he said. “People were really interested in our food and supportive.”
Three dishes to try: A must is the chicken and waffles, which will lead you to scratch your head trying to figure out how it’s vegan.
If you’re wary of meat-alternatives, you will definitely love the sourdough cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting and the lemon waffle, featuring whipped cream, lemon curd, blueberry jam and granola. Both guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Bedhead Vegan Brunch is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at 310 E. Goepp St, Bethlehem.
Info: bedheadbethlehem.com/
A due of tasty new businesses in Easton
The Raven 96 at the Simon Silk Mill is open for business, with the slogan “where every day feels like Sunday brunch.” The menu reflects just that, with that with 10 different egg dishes including “The Hangover Quesadilla” featuring choice of meat, scrambled eggs, cheese, black beans, red bell pepper and chopped potatoes. There are also “brunch club” items that are more lunch-dish-oriented with sandwiches such as the Mack Attack, which is mac and cheese, bacon and a burger patty as well as the Blackberry Bacon Grilled Cheese, featuring blackberry compote, Swiss and cheddar cheese and bacon on brioche. The restaurant also features vegan options and craft cocktails.
Info: facebook.com/TheRaven2023
College Hill Cafe opened at 505 Cattell St. offering breakfast, lunch and specialty coffee. The restaurant held its grand opening last week.
Info: instagram.com/collegehillcafe/
A place for cats
The Sanctuary Cat Adoption Center is open at 7209 Kernsville Road in Lowhill Township. It’s both an expansion and an off-shoot of one of the Lehigh Valley’s leading animal adoption centers, the Sanctuary at Haafsville.
The shelter announced earlier this summer its plans to move all of its cat rescue and adoption operations to the former Orefield Veterinary Clinic building. Dog rescue and adoptions are at the original facility at 901 Nestle Way in Breinigsville, which is now The Sanctuary Dog Adoption Center. The facilities are within about 5 miles of each other.
The Sanctuary Cat Adoption Center provides more than twice the floorspace and much-needed additional room to separate and care for the most vulnerable cats and provide a larger, free-roaming environment for healthy cats.
Info: thesanctuarypa.org/
Not time to make the doughnuts
Folks will have to wait a little longer for those artisan doughnuts.
Donerds Doughnuts, a favorite in Jim Thorpe, is set to open its first location in the Lehigh Valley, but had to push back the grand opening of its new shop at Fourth and New streets in south Bethlehem. It is now looking to open Aug. 3 with a possibility of a soft opening sometime this week.
Donerds Doughnuts is known for its fresh, artisan handmade doughnuts in flavors such as peanut butter cup (doughnut covered with half chocolate and half peanut butter with peanut butter cups in the center) and blueberry cheesecake (doughnut filled with blueberry cheesecake and covered with blueberry icing).
Donerds also does macarons in flavors such as pistachio, passion fruit and espresso. It also serves hot drip coffee and cold brew nitro from La Colombe and Stumptown coffee roasters.
Info: donerdsdonuts.com
Popular chain closes location (temporarily)
Takkii Ramen, known for its modern Japanese comfort food, has temporarily closed its 164 W. Main St., Kutztown, location. The restaurant’s Facebook page says it’s closed indefinitely but the chain’s website says it expect to reopen the location this fall.
“Kutztown location is undergoing major backend renovations. We will be re-opening in the Fall!” reads the website.
Takkii Ramen opened its first location in November 2020 at 1042 Mill Creek Road in Lower Macungie Township. It is a sister brand to Rakkii Ramen, which debuted in December 2018 at 328 S. New St. in south Bethlehem.
Other locations of Takkii Ramen include in the Slatington Farmers Market, 8281 Route 873, Washington Township, Lehigh County; 36 North Sixth Ave., West Reading; and Syosset, New York.
Info: http://takkiiramen.com
Closing a door
This marks my final column for the Morning Call. I am moving on to a new professional chapter after 15 years with the newspaper.
When I look back at the last year of writing Retail Watch, the best part of it was receiving all the incredible tips from you readers. Along with that, the incredibly kind comments and encouragement I received in emails from you all really made me work even harder. I will always remember that.
Future tips and correspondence should be sent to: retailwatch@mcall.com. | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/retail-watch-vegan-brunch-youll-get-out-of-bed-for-in-bethlehem/ | 2023-07-30T01:45:17 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/retail-watch-vegan-brunch-youll-get-out-of-bed-for-in-bethlehem/ |
MOST New Hampshire golfers will never have the opportunity to play at Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters. In some ways, playing the course at Montcalm Golf Club might be as close as they’ll get.
The late Andy Sigler, Montcalm’s original owner, made sure the Montcalm course had some Augusta National flavor.
“The rocking chairs on the front porch are all from Augusta National — same, exact rockers,” explained Montcalm golf pro Steve Rogers. “The rakes in the bunkers are from Augusta National. The gentleman who built this place (Sigler) was a member at Augusta National, so a lot of things carried over.
“The new ownership … same thing. They’ve brought a lot of entities from Augusta National. The fifth hole on this golf course is an exact replica — an exact replica — of No. 12 at Augusta. The place is just gorgeous.”
Montcalm, located in Enfield, will be the site for this week’s New Hampshire Women’s Amateur, a three-day, stroke-play event that begins Monday. Montcalm, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, also serves at the home course for the Dartmouth College men’s and women’s golf teams.
“The challenge at Montcalm is always hitting into the fairway,” Rogers said. “Our rough is three-and-a-half inches deep, stipulated as our normal setup, and if you hit the ball into the rough, I’m here to tell you that advancing the golf ball too far is not going to be promising. That’s what really protects the golf course. There’s not a lot of water here.
“I wouldn’t say there are any gimme holes, but for those who can hit the ball relatively long, there is a big advantage. Our par 3s are all challenging.”
Pinkerton Academy graduate Julianna Megan won the Women’s Am for the first time last summer, when she beat June Doerr in a playoff. Megan, a Hooksett resident, will play on the women’s golf team at Holy Cross in the fall.
Megan has played two practice rounds at Montcalm.
‘You’re right in the mountains, so there’s a bit of elevation change and you’ll have to deal with that on tee shots and approach shots,” she said. “The greens — I got the impression that they were bigger, and a lot of them were tiered, so if you’re on the wrong tier, you might have to scramble to make a two-putt.
“They always tell you to stay out of the rough, but it is more true than ever at that course. It’s really thick. That will be a big thing all week. Stay in the fairway and give yourself a good lie.
“I think the front nine is a little trickier than the back nine, because there’s some shorter par 4s on the back nine that I think are gettable. People can get close and it will be a birdie hole. There’s some longer uphills on the front where maybe you don’t always just pull driver. You have to kind of play it smart and play target golf. That will be the big thing on the front nine.”
Megan said she hasn’t played a lot of competitive golf this summer, but she did win the New Hampshire Golf Association’s Players Invitational at Baker Hill Golf Club in June, and the NHGA Girls Junior Championship at Beaver Meadow Golf Club earlier this month.
“It (the NHGA Junior Championship) helped get me back in the mindset of tournament play and feeling a little bit of pressure,” she said. “It was good for me.”
Around the links
Exeter resident Connor Allard shot a 7-over-par 150 (77-73) at the Daniel Island Club in Charleston, South Carolina, and missed the cut at the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, which concluded Saturday.
Allard, who graduated from Exeter High School in June, won the NHIAA Division I title at Beaver Meadow Golf Club last October. He qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship by shooting even par at The Club at River Oaks in Sherman, Connecticut. ...
Ryan Scollins, who was representing Bald Peak Colony Club in Moultonborough, was the top New Hampshire finisher in last week’s New England Amateur, played at The Woodlands Club in Falmouth, Maine. Scollins shot a 2-under-par 214 (73-70-71) to finish tied for third.
Scollins attends Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Mass., and has committed to play college golf at Holy Cross. He didn’t know he would be playing in the New England Am until one day before the event began, and didn’t get to play a practice round.
“I was striking it great,” Scollins said. “Down the stretch, I was just trying to hang in there. These are all the best college players from New England. To be able to compete against them, to be hanging with them, is massive.”
Joey Lenane, who golfs for North Carolina State, won the tournament by shooting a 7-under-par 209 (70-67-72). Lenane is a member at George Wright Golf Course in Boston.
Valley Seniors
Results from the Valley Seniors Golf event held at Crown Point Country Club in Springfield, Vermont:
Top 10 Gross: Jeff Richardson (71), Kevin Migliozzi (77), Rex Gray (78), Dave Johnson (79), Rick Marasa (80), Michael Martin (81), Jeff Miller (81), Hall Fogg (82), Bill Gallagher (82).
Ages 55-74 Gross: Richardson (71), Migliozzi (77), Marasa (80).
Ages 55-74 Net: Gallagher (66), Fogg (68), Larry Robbins (70).
Ages 75-92 Gross: Ray Martin (76), Johnson (77), Michael Martin (79).
Ages 75-92 Net: Gray (59), Kimball Temple (61), Gil Fuld (63)
Closest to the pin: Johnson.
Two-stroke adjustment because of different course rating from tees.
Rules question
Question: True or False? A player removes a broken tee touching their ball in the general area causing the ball to move. There is a penalty of one stroke and the ball must be replaced on its original spot.
Answer: False
Source: Rule 15.2a(1); Rule 9.4b
New Hampshire Golf Calendar
July 30: Live Free Golf Event (Nippo Lake)
July 31-Aug. 2: Women’s Amateur Championship (Montcalm)
Aug. 7-9: NEGA Junior Amateur (Mt. Washington Resort)
Aug. 8: Women’s Weekly Combined (Pease)
Aug. 8-10: Stroke Play Championship (Ridgewood/Atkinson Resort)
Aug. 12: Live Free Golf Event (Souhegan Woods)
Aug. 15-16: Women’s Mid-Amateur (Ridgewood)
Aug. 20-21: Mid-Amateur Team (Mount Washington)
Aug. 20: Mixed (Mount Washington)
Aug. 22: Women’s Weekly “B’ (Bretwood)
Aug. 24: Stoke Play Series (Hoodkroft)
Aug. 27: Live Free Golf Event (CC of NH)
Aug. 29: Women’s Weekly “A” (Derryfield)
Sept. 5: Women’s Weekly Combined (Den Brae)
Sept. 6-7: Senior Championship (Canterbury Woods)
Sept. 11-12: NEGA Senior Amateur (Fox Hopyard/East Haddam, Connecticut)
Sept. 21: Stoke Play Series (Kingswood Gold)
Sept. 26: Fall Classic (Keene)
Oct. 2-4: Mid-Amateur Championship (Rochester)
Oct. 8: Mixed (Kingswood Golf)
Oct. 16: Tournament Series (Cochecho)
Oct. 18: Stroke Play Series (Newport)
Oct. 23: Corporate Challenge (Concord)
Oct. 30: Tournament Series (Laconia) | https://www.unionleader.com/sports/golf/new-hampshire-golf-montcalm-has-more-than-just-a-flavor-of-augusta-national/article_fb1e6303-75e3-5e79-a35d-f8ff699f3958.html | 2023-07-30T01:45:18 | 0 | https://www.unionleader.com/sports/golf/new-hampshire-golf-montcalm-has-more-than-just-a-flavor-of-augusta-national/article_fb1e6303-75e3-5e79-a35d-f8ff699f3958.html |
Maddy Wachter pushed herself throughout the NHIAA Division I softball tournament to ensure each of her pitches were the best they could be.
The junior right-hander wanted to do everything she could to propel Concord High School, coming off two consecutive runner-up seasons, to the state championship.
For nearly the entire postseason, Wachter was perfect.
Wachter tossed both a perfect game and a one-hitter over her two tournament starts, helping Concord (20-1) capture the Division I title — the program’s eighth overall and first since 2018. The top-seeded Crimson Tide defeated third-seeded Winnacunnet, 3-2, in the final.
Wachter struck out 23 batters and allowed three hits and two walks over 16 postseason innings.
For her performance in the circle over the Crimson Tide’s playoff run, Wachter was named the June New Hampshire Union Leader Apple Therapy Services/Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center/Express MED Athlete of the Month by the Union Leader Board of Judges.
“I knew, even if I made a mistake, that my team was always behind me,” Wachter said of how she felt entering the postseason. “If they (the opponent) got a hit, my team would back me up and I just had a lot of confidence in not only myself but in my team and I feel like they had a lot of confidence in me, which also helped me.”
Wachter notched 11 strikeouts, including the 300th of her career, en route to her first-ever perfect game in Concord’s 3-0 quarterfinal triumph over ninth-seeded Timberlane. Wachter, an All-Division I First Team selection, said many of her strikeouts came from getting Timberlane batters to chase her rise ball.
Between each inning, Concord junior catcher Delaney Duford gave Wachter her thoughts on which pitches were working well and what she could tweak to make others better.
Shortstop Brooke Wyatt saved Wachter’s perfect game late in the game by fielding a slow dribbler and making the throw to first base for the out.
Duke Sawyer, Concord’s 22nd-year coach, said he realized around the fifth inning that Wachter had a perfect game going but nobody talked about it in the dugout. Wachter did not know until her teammates stormed toward her after the win.
“After that, when they all came running out to me on the field and they told me, I don’t think a smile left my face for the rest of the night,” Wachter said. “I was so excited. It was not only just for me — it was knowing I could do that for my team and that I was a really big part of that win, which is just as important as the perfect game.”
Sawyer said he went into the playoffs knowing he wanted to start Wachter in the quarterfinals and the division title game if Concord reached that point. After the quarterfinal, Sawyer had no doubt about starting Wachter in the final and was tempted to have her start in the semifinals against Salem.
Sawyer instead started his other ace, junior righty and Gatorade New Hampshire Player of the Year Sarah Taylor, against the Blue Devils. Taylor, the April Union Leader Athlete of the Month, allowed four hits and struck out eight batters over five innings and Wachter pitched the final two in Concord’s 4-0 win over Salem.
“I was going to put Maddy in the championship game no matter what,” Sawyer said. “She just had an outstanding year but she was really at the top of her game for the playoffs.”
Wachter also started for Concord in its 1-0, eight-inning loss to Exeter in last year’s Division I final. Winnacunnet (18-4) was the only team that beat the Crimson Tide in the regular season.
“We have great defense no matter what but, with Sarah playing third, I feel like we were a lot more confident with Sarah there just because we’ve been playing together for so long,” Wachter said. “Having us three on the field all at the same time kind of helped.”
Through the first 5⅔ innings against the Warriors, Wachter had another perfect game going while protecting a 3-0 Crimson Tide lead. Arden Langmaid (single) and Kate Gagne (walk) scored Winnacunnet’s only two runs on a wild pitch with two outs in the top of the sixth inning.
“I sort of looked at her from the dugout, she looked over and I knew she had it,” Sawyer said. “Bases were clear, we had two outs so I had full confidence that she would get out of that inning and go into the next.”
Wachter ended the frame with a strikeout — one of her 10 in the game — using an outside curveball.
Winnacunnet led off the seventh inning with a walk before star hitter and pitcher Maddy Eaton stepped into the batter’s box.
Sawyer said he and Wachter talked before the game about possibly intentionally walking Eaton in certain situations. When he went out to talk to Wachter in the seventh, Sawyer told Wachter to pitch to Eaton. “I’ve got this,” Wachter replied.
Wachter, who finished the spring with a 10-1 record, 0.80 ERA and 130 strikeouts, got Eaton to pop out. Wyatt then fielded two Warriors ground outs that ended the game.
“Working so hard for all that time building up to finally get it, it’s a feeling like no other,” Wachter said. “I feel like just knowing what it feels like — of not being on the winning end of it to really push you to be on the winning end of it — it really helped every single person on that team to really be the best version of themselves they could be in that game.”
Other athletes considered for the June honor were White Mountains Regional baseball player Karter Deming, Pinkerton Academy baseball player Garrett Hammer, Hollis/Brookline girls lacrosse player Alyssa Hill, Bedford High girls lacrosse player Olivia Matthews, Gilford High track athlete Patrick Gandini, Pinkerton track athlete Jordan Wheaton and Lebanon High boys tennis player Nolan Arado.
Deming, a senior right-handed pitcher, started all four NHIAA Division III playoff games for White Mountains on its way to the state title. He posted a 1.33 ERA with four earned runs on 10 hits and 12 walks alongside 37 strikeouts. Deming hurled a 16-strikeout two-hitter for the Spartans in their 2-0 win over two-time defending D-III champion and undefeated Monadnock in the title game.
Hammer, a senior right-handed pitcher, tossed 14 scoreless playoff innings and earned two wins over a four-hitter and three-hitter for the NHIAA Division I runner-up Astros.
Hill, a senior attacker, recorded seven goals, five assists and 13 draw controls for Hollis/Brookline over its three-game playoff run to the NHIAA Division II title last month.
Matthews, a junior midfielder, tallied 14 goals for Bedford through its three-game playoff run to its first NHIAA Division I championship last month.
Gandini, a senior, won the 1,600-meter run at both the New England Interscholastic Outdoor Track and Field Championships on June 10 and the NHIAA Meet of Champions on June 3. Wheaton, a senior, won the 100-meter hurdles at both the New England Championships and NHIAA Meet of Champions.
Arado, a junior, won the NHIAA boys singles tournament on June 6 and reached the NHIAA boys doubles tournament final with partner Will Katz two days later.
. | https://www.unionleader.com/sports/highschool/union-leader-athlete-of-the-month-maddy-wachter-came-close-to-being-perfect/article_59a0bb7f-1a78-57da-8677-ea7cdf9dfcd0.html | 2023-07-30T01:45:27 | 1 | https://www.unionleader.com/sports/highschool/union-leader-athlete-of-the-month-maddy-wachter-came-close-to-being-perfect/article_59a0bb7f-1a78-57da-8677-ea7cdf9dfcd0.html |
By SAM MEDNICK (Associated Press)
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — Mutinous soldiers who staged a coup in Niger declared their leader the new head of state on Friday, hours after the general asked for national and international support despite rising concerns that the political crisis could hinder the nation’s fight against jihadists and boost Russia’s influence in West Africa.
Spokesman Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane said on state television that the constitution was suspended and Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani was in charge.
Various factions of Niger’s military have reportedly wrangled for control since members of the presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected two years ago in Niger’s first peaceful, democratic transfer of power since independence from France.
Niger is seen as the last reliable partner for the West in efforts to battle jihadists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group in Africa’s Sahel region, where Russia and Western countries have vied for influence in the fight against extremism. France has 1,500 soldiers in the country who conduct joint operations with the Nigeriens, and the United States and other European countries have helped train the nation’s troops.
The coup sparked international condemnation and the West African regional group ECOWAS, which includes Niger and has taken the lead in trying to restore democratic rule in the country, scheduled an emergency summit in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Sunday.
The U.N. Security Council strongly condemned efforts “to unconstitutionally change the legitimate government.” Its statement, agreed to by all 15 members including the U.S. and Russia, called for “the immediate and unconditional release” of Bazoum and expressed concern over the negative effect of coups in the region, the “increase in terrorist activities and the dire socio—economic situation.”
Extremists in Niger have carried out attacks on civilians and military personnel, but the overall security situation is not as dire as in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso — both of which have ousted the French military. Mali has turned to the Russian private military group Wagner, and it’s believed that the mercenaries will soon be in Burkina Faso.
Now there are concerns that Niger could follow suit. Before the coup, Wagner, which has sent mercenaries around the world in support of Russia’s interests, already had its sights set on Niger, in part because it’s a large producer of uranium.
“We can no longer continue with the same approaches proposed so far, at the risk of witnessing the gradual and inevitable demise of our country,” Tchiani, who also goes by Omar Tchiani, said in his address. “That is why we decided to intervene and take responsibility.”
“I ask the technical and financial partners who are friends of Niger to understand the specific situation of our country in order to provide it with all the support necessary to enable it to meet the challenges,” he said.
If the United States designates the takeover as a coup, Niger stands to lose millions of dollars of military aid and assistance.
The mutinous soldiers, who call themselves the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country, accused some prominent dignitaries of collaborating with foreign embassies to “extract” the deposed leaders. They said it could lead to violence and warned against foreign military intervention.
Bazoum has not resigned and he defiantly tweeted from detention on Thursday that democracy would prevail.
It’s not clear who enjoys majority support, but the streets of the capital of Niamey were calm Friday, with a slight celebratory air. Some cars honked in solidarity at security forces as they drove by — but it was not clear if that meant they backed the coup. Elsewhere, people rested after traditional midday prayers and others sold goods at their shops and hoped for calm.
“We should pray to God to help people come together so that peace comes back to the country. We don’t want a lot of protests in the country, because it is not good … I hope this administration does a good job,” said Gerard Sassou, a Niamey shopkeeper.
A day earlier, several hundred people gathered in the city chanting support for Wagner while waving Russian flags. “We’re fed up,” said Omar Issaka, one of the protestors. “We are tired of being targeted by the men in the bush. … We’re going to collaborate with Russia now.”
That’s exactly what many in the West likely fear. Tchiani’s criticism of Bazoum’s approach and of how security partnerships have worked in the past will certainly make the U.S., France, and the EU uneasy, said Andrew Lebovich, a research fellow with the Clingendael Institute.
“So that could mark potentially some shifts moving forward in Niger security partnerships,” he said.
Even as Tchiani sought to project control, the situation appeared to be in flux. A delegation from neighboring Nigeria, which holds the ECOWAS presidency and was hoping to mediate, left shortly after arriving, and the president of Benin, nominated as a mediator by ECOWAS, has not arrived.
Earlier, an analyst who had spoken with participants in the talks said the presidential guard was negotiating with the army about who should be in charge. The analyst spoke on condition they not to be named because of the sensitive situation.
A western military official in Niger who was not authorized to speak to the media also said the military factions were believed to be negotiating, but that the situation remained tense and violence could erupt.
Speaking in Papua New Guinea, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the coup as “completely illegitimate and profoundly dangerous for the Nigeriens, Niger and the whole region.”
The coup threatens to starkly reshape the international community’s engagement with the Sahel region.
On Thursday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said the country’s “substantial cooperation with the Government of Niger is contingent on Niger’s continued commitment to democratic standards.”
The United States in early 2021 said it had provided Niger with more than $500 million in military assistance and training programs since 2012, one of the largest such support programs in sub-Saharan Africa. The European Union earlier this year launched a 27 million-euro ($30 million) military training mission in Niger.
The United States has more than 1,000 service personnel in the country.
Some military leaders who appear to be involved in the coup have worked closely with the United States for years. Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou, the head of Niger’s special forces, has an especially strong relationship with the U.S., the Western military official said.
While Russia has also condemned the coup, it remains unclear what the junta’s position would be on Wagner.
The acting head of the United Nations in Niger said Friday that humanitarian aid deliveries were continuing, even though the military suspended flights carrying aid.
Nicole Kouassi, the acting U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator, told reporters via video from Niamey that 4.3 million people needed humanitarian aid before this week’s military action and 3.3 million faced “acute food insecurity,” the majority of them women and children.
Jean-Noel Gentile, the U.N. World Food Program director in Niger, said “the humanitarian response continues on the ground.” He said the U.N. is providing cash assistance and food to people in accessible areas and that the agency is continuously assessing the situation to ensure security and access.
This is Niger’s fifth coup and marks the fall of one of the last democratically elected governments in the Sahel.
Its army has always been very powerful and civilian-military relations fraught, though tensions had increased recently, especially with the growing jihadist insurgency, said Karim Manuel, an analyst for the Middle East and Africa with the Economist Intelligence Unit.
___
Associated Press reporters John Leicester in Paris; Chinedu Asadu in Abuja, Nigeria; and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations in New York contributed to this report. | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/soldiers-declare-niger-general-as-head-of-state-after-he-led-a-coup-and-detained-the-president/ | 2023-07-30T01:45:27 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/soldiers-declare-niger-general-as-head-of-state-after-he-led-a-coup-and-detained-the-president/ |
8 dogs died from extreme heat in the Midwest during unairconditioned drive
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — At least eight dogs died of heat-related injuries after being transported in the back of an uncooled cargo van through northern Indiana Thursday night, authorities said.
The dogs that died were among 18 shepherds traveling from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago to a training facility in Michigan City, Indiana, police said.
The driver, whom police did not name, said he was unaware that the air conditioning in the cargo area failed until he heard dogs barking. Then, he pulled off Interstate 94 at a convenience store and gas station in Lake Station, Indiana. When he opened the back, the driver found several dogs dead and others suffering. Numerous store employees and passersby stepped in to aid the dogs.
Jennifer Webber, executive director of the Humane Society of Hobart, responded to the call at 7:40 p.m. and said the dogs displayed signs of heatstroke: Salivating heavily, wobbling, vomiting and convulsing.
“There were already several dogs dead on the scene, and multiple failing fast,” Webber said. “Their crates inside the truck were completely trashed on the inside and the little water bowls were the size you’d give a parrot. And they were empty and torn up as if the dogs were exasperated.”
In a statement posted online, the Lake Station Police Department described the incident as a “freak event.” Telephone and email messages seeking further comment were left with the police station Saturday.
“This was not an act of animal cruelty or neglect but a mechanical failure of the AC unit that was being used in the cargo area,” the statement said.
But Webber said she encountered resistance when attempting to gather facts for the investigation she is authorized to conduct. The police officer in charge of the scene told her she could leave because the deaths were an accident that “the owner will take care of.”
The owner, who was driving the car, used abusive language, cursed at her and refused to produce health certificates, Webber said. Such paperwork is typically signed by veterinarians in each state involved and required to move dogs across borders for commerce. Webber said she doubted a veterinarian would have approved travel on Thursday, when heat indices exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 Celsius).
The extreme heat is a worldwide problem, and scientists calculate that July will be the hottest month on record.
“He shouldn’t have been traveling at all. So No. 1: That is neglectful,” Webber said. Then, the police let the owner drive away — this time with the door to the cargo area open — with several dead dogs and others who should have been hospitalized in crates that were not secured in the cargo area, she continued.
The truck, crates and dogs are evidence she wanted to inspect.
Even more, five of the dogs were transported to veterinary hospitals — in ambulances used for people, not in the specialized humane society vans offered on site. Webber filed a notice of seizure of the dogs when they’re released. According to Lake Station ordinance, the humane society may confine any dog who is “ill, injured, or otherwise in need of care” or “reasonably believed to have been abused or neglected.”
But Webber claimed that Lake Station police blocked the order, directing the hospitals treating the animals to release them to the owner when they are well again. She said that in her five years working with Lake Station, that has never happened.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2023/07/29/8-dogs-died-extreme-heat-midwest-during-unairconditioned-drive/ | 2023-07-30T01:45:28 | 0 | https://www.kttc.com/2023/07/29/8-dogs-died-extreme-heat-midwest-during-unairconditioned-drive/ |
Pennsylvania has the second highest number of Moms for Liberty chapters in the United States — 24 county-based groups — so we should not be surprised that MFL’s national convention was held recently in Philadelphia.
The Southern Poverty Law Center characterizes MFL as an anti-government movement. Why? Because a small group of ideologically aligned parents seeks to introduce restrictive conservative ideologies in education by banning books and by imposing Christian nationalist curricular changes in school districts.
It is easy to forget that public schools do not serve individuals. Public schools serve their communities by producing educated citizens prepared to take their place in American society and, increasingly, in the global commons.
We aspire to ensure individual students have the fullest opportunity to develop their intellectual, physical,and social skills to the greatest extent possible. Most of our schools do a better job of this than we give them credit for.
With respect, very few mothers and parents are credentialed to evaluate what’s happening curriculum-wise in their children’s schools. We should not doubt their love or their sincerity but we should question their knowledge of pedagogy and content.
MFL asserts that children are being indoctrinated in “woke,” Communist and LGBTQ ideologies in our schools. There may well be an isolated teacher somewhere in America doing this, but I am sure the vast majority of our teachers in Pennsylvania are not.
Rather than fix what’s broken with isolated and documented cases of individual teacher overreach, MFL seeks to impose state and schoolwide curriculum mandates that date to the right-wing conservative curriculums of the 1950s. The irony and hypocrisy of what MFL seeks to do is that its platform is, itself, de facto indoctrination.
Educators in Pennsylvania are credentialed professionals. They undergo a thorough training program that includes content mastery, teaching methods, lesson planning, curriculum development, class management and school law. This is a substantial skillset that can only be acquired in a university setting.
Earning teaching or administrative credentials in our state is neither easy nor inexpensive. Very few Moms for Liberty members have such a background, and having a child in school does not endow a parent with educational expertise any more than taking a child to the dentist endows one with dental expertise. Moreover, the tenuring process ensures teachers hired permanently have undergone a real-world selection process by school boards that further separates the effective from the ineffective.
Most importantly, what effective teachers do best is to make their subject relevant to students’ lives and the world that they live in.
Unfortunately, the world we live in has topics that can be uncomfortable: suicide, inflation, depression, guns, bigotry, drugs, sexual identity, wars and climate change, for example. These are important national issues and we cannot, in good conscience, ignore or exclude them in our children’s education simply because they are uncomfortable.
Rather, we must introduce sensitive topics such as these and trust our teachers to do so appropriately, using relevant tools at the right time and in the right context. Teachers know that bringing up sensitive topics is delicate and often the best place to engage these is during what educators call “the teachable moment.”
This happens when teachers respond to student inquiry or comments by briefly moving off the lesson for a short time. This, as well as other techniques, is an art form practiced by our most effective educators. This is not indoctrination; it is what we informally call “good teaching” and we should trust our credentialed and experienced teachers to do it appropriately.
What can happen when we do not trust professional educators? Moms for Liberty have already taken control of Pennridge School District’s social studies curriculum and are imposing a Christian nationalist interpretation of America in their schools. This is a slippery slope.
We should not be surprised if Pennridge elevates faith-based creationism and intelligent design to academic legitimacy alongside the evidence-based theory of evolution in its science curriculum. We should not be surprised if Pennridge backs off Pennsylvania’s commonsense student vaccination requirements by easing its vaccination exemption standards, as state law allows, for “religious beliefs and philosophical/strong moral or ethical convictions.”
What should be taught and when? We must trust educational professionals to determine age-appropriate content and where it fits best in the same way we trust our medical professionals to prescribe medications.
Curriculum development follows an upwardly spiraling pattern and the best schools coordinate their curriculums vertically and horizontally. It’s very complex, hard to get right, and it’s an ever changing endeavor.
School curriculums adapt and change as the world changes and making them relevant to student development must not be left to well-intentioned but uncredentialed parents. To do otherwise harms Pennsylvania’s students.
Edward J. Erickson of Macungie is a retired retired social studies teacher and school district administrator. | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/your-view-we-must-trust-our-teachers-not-moms-for-liberty/ | 2023-07-30T01:45:33 | 1 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/07/29/your-view-we-must-trust-our-teachers-not-moms-for-liberty/ |
Carpet Land wins Legion Baseball State Championship
Carpet Land defeats Panneton Dental Group 6-5
Published: Jul. 29, 2023 at 8:25 PM CDT|Updated: 20 minutes ago
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Carpet Land (Lincoln East) Defeated the Panneton Dental Group (Elkorn South) 6-5 to capture the 2023 Legion Baseball State Championship.
Carpet Land after trailing 4-0 early in the contest walked it off in the 7th after Harrison Biester was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
Carpet Land was led by a 3 for 3 performance from Tanner Peterson and two RBIs by Garrett Springer. The victory marks Lincoln East second state title victory of 2023.
Copyright 2023 KOLN. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2023/07/30/carpet-land-wins-legion-baseball-state-championship/ | 2023-07-30T01:45:49 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/2023/07/30/carpet-land-wins-legion-baseball-state-championship/ |
Judge blocks Arkansas law allowing librarians to be criminally charged over ‘harmful’ materials
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas is temporarily blocked from enforcing a law that would have allowed criminal charges against librarians and booksellers for providing “harmful” materials to minors, a federal judge ruled Saturday.
U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks issued a preliminary injunction against the law, which also would have created a new process to challenge library materials and request that they be relocated to areas not accessible by kids. The measure, signed by Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders earlier this year, was set to take effect Aug. 1.
A coalition that included the Central Arkansas Library System in Little Rock had challenged the law, saying fear of prosecution under the measure could prompt libraries and booksellers to no longer carry titles that could be challenged.
The judge also rejected a motion by the defendants, which include prosecuting attorneys for the state, seeking to dismiss the case.
The ACLU of Arkansas, which represents some of the plaintiffs, applauded the court’s ruling, saying that the absence of a preliminary injunction would have jeopardized First Amendment rights.
“The question we had to ask was — do Arkansans still legally have access to reading materials? Luckily, the judicial system has once again defended our highly valued liberties,” Holly Dickson, the executive director of the ACLU in Arkansas, said in a statement.
The lawsuit comes as lawmakers in an increasing number of conservative states are pushing for measures making it easier to ban or restrict access to books. The number of attempts to ban or restrict books across the U.S. last year was the highest in the 20 years the American Library Association has been tracking such efforts.
Laws restricting access to certain materials or making it easier to challenge them have been enacted in several other states, including Iowa, Indiana and Texas.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said in an email Saturday that his office would be “reviewing the judge’s opinion and will continue to vigorously defend the law.”
The executive director of Central Arkansas Library System, Nate Coulter, said the judge’s 49-page decision recognized the law as censorship, a violation of the Constitution and wrongly maligning librarians.
“As folks in southwest Arkansas say, this order is stout as horseradish!” he said in an email.
“I’m relieved that for now the dark cloud that was hanging over CALS’ librarians has lifted,” he added.
Cheryl Davis, general counsel for the Authors Guild, said the organization is “thrilled” about the decision. She said enforcing this law “is likely to limit the free speech rights of older minors, who are capable of reading and processing more complex reading materials than young children can.”
The Arkansas lawsuit names the state’s 28 local prosecutors as defendants, along with Crawford County in west Arkansas. A separate lawsuit is challenging the Crawford County library’s decision to move children’s books that included LGBTQ+ themes to a separate portion of the library.
The plaintiffs challenging Arkansas’ restrictions also include the Fayetteville and Eureka Springs Carnegie public libraries, the American Booksellers Association and the Association of American Publishers.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wistv.com/2023/07/30/judge-blocks-arkansas-law-allowing-librarians-be-criminally-charged-over-harmful-materials/ | 2023-07-30T01:46:53 | 0 | https://www.wistv.com/2023/07/30/judge-blocks-arkansas-law-allowing-librarians-be-criminally-charged-over-harmful-materials/ |
2023 3M Open Betting Odds, Favorites & Insights – Round 4
After the third round at the 2023 3M Open, Lee Hodges is currently atop the leaderboard (-350 to win).
Want to place a bet on the 3M Open? Use our link for a special offer when you sign up with BetMGM Sportsbook!
3M Open Fourth Round Information
- Start Time: 7:35 AM ET
- Venue: TPC Twin Cities
- Location: Blaine, Minnesota
- Par/Distance: Par 71/7,431 yards
Sign up for ESPN+ to get access to PGA Tour Live, which broadcasts the main feed, featured holes and marquee groups from over 35 events per year! Plus, get tons of other live sports, original shows and the full "30 for 30" library. Sign up today!
3M Open Best Odds to Win
Lee Hodges
- Tee Time: 1:35 PM ET
- Current Rank: 1st (-20)
- Odds to Win: -350
Hodges Round by Round Results
Click here to bet on Hodges at the 3M Open with BetMGM Sportsbook!
JT Poston
- Tee Time: 1:35 PM ET
- Current Rank: 2nd (-15)
- Odds to Win: +650
Poston Round by Round Results
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Tony Finau
- Tee Time: 1:25 PM ET
- Current Rank: 3rd (-14)
- Odds to Win: +850
Finau Round by Round Results
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Hideki Matsuyama
- Tee Time: 9:35 AM ET
- Current Rank: 39th (-6)
- Odds to Win: +1400
Matsuyama Round by Round Results
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J.J. Spaun
- Tee Time: 10:50 AM ET
- Current Rank: 27th (-8)
- Odds to Win: +3300
Spaun Round by Round Results
Click here to bet on Spaun at the 3M Open with BetMGM Sportsbook!
3M Open Odds (Rest of Field)
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wistv.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/3m-open-pga-tournament-betting-odds-round-4/ | 2023-07-30T01:46:59 | 1 | https://www.wistv.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/3m-open-pga-tournament-betting-odds-round-4/ |
Judge blocks Arkansas law allowing librarians to be criminally charged over ‘harmful’ materials
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas is temporarily blocked from enforcing a law that would have allowed criminal charges against librarians and booksellers for providing “harmful” materials to minors, a federal judge ruled Saturday.
U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks issued a preliminary injunction against the law, which also would have created a new process to challenge library materials and request that they be relocated to areas not accessible by kids. The measure, signed by Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders earlier this year, was set to take effect Aug. 1.
A coalition that included the Central Arkansas Library System in Little Rock had challenged the law, saying fear of prosecution under the measure could prompt libraries and booksellers to no longer carry titles that could be challenged.
The judge also rejected a motion by the defendants, which include prosecuting attorneys for the state, seeking to dismiss the case.
The ACLU of Arkansas, which represents some of the plaintiffs, applauded the court’s ruling, saying that the absence of a preliminary injunction would have jeopardized First Amendment rights.
“The question we had to ask was — do Arkansans still legally have access to reading materials? Luckily, the judicial system has once again defended our highly valued liberties,” Holly Dickson, the executive director of the ACLU in Arkansas, said in a statement.
The lawsuit comes as lawmakers in an increasing number of conservative states are pushing for measures making it easier to ban or restrict access to books. The number of attempts to ban or restrict books across the U.S. last year was the highest in the 20 years the American Library Association has been tracking such efforts.
Laws restricting access to certain materials or making it easier to challenge them have been enacted in several other states, including Iowa, Indiana and Texas.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said in an email Saturday that his office would be “reviewing the judge’s opinion and will continue to vigorously defend the law.”
The executive director of Central Arkansas Library System, Nate Coulter, said the judge’s 49-page decision recognized the law as censorship, a violation of the Constitution and wrongly maligning librarians.
“As folks in southwest Arkansas say, this order is stout as horseradish!” he said in an email.
“I’m relieved that for now the dark cloud that was hanging over CALS’ librarians has lifted,” he added.
Cheryl Davis, general counsel for the Authors Guild, said the organization is “thrilled” about the decision. She said enforcing this law “is likely to limit the free speech rights of older minors, who are capable of reading and processing more complex reading materials than young children can.”
The Arkansas lawsuit names the state’s 28 local prosecutors as defendants, along with Crawford County in west Arkansas. A separate lawsuit is challenging the Crawford County library’s decision to move children’s books that included LGBTQ+ themes to a separate portion of the library.
The plaintiffs challenging Arkansas’ restrictions also include the Fayetteville and Eureka Springs Carnegie public libraries, the American Booksellers Association and the Association of American Publishers.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2023/07/30/judge-blocks-arkansas-law-allowing-librarians-be-criminally-charged-over-harmful-materials/ | 2023-07-30T01:47:12 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2023/07/30/judge-blocks-arkansas-law-allowing-librarians-be-criminally-charged-over-harmful-materials/ |
Colorado cop found guilty after train hits patrol car with suspect inside
DENVER (AP) - A Colorado police officer who put a handcuffed woman in a parked police vehicle that was hit by a freight train was found guilty of reckless endangerment and assault but was acquitted of a third charge of criminal attempt to commit manslaughter during a trial Friday.
Jordan Steinke was the first of two officers to go to trial over the Sept. 16, 2022, crash that left Yareni Rios-Gonzalez seriously injured.
"There’s no reasonable doubt that placing a handcuffed person in the back of a patrol car, parked on railroad tracks, creates a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm by the train," said Judge Timothy Kerns.
RELATED: Video shows train hit Colorado officer’s car with suspect inside
But the evidence didn't convince Kerns that Steinke "knowingly intended to harm Ms. Rios-Gonzalez," and he added that Stienke had shown "shock and remorse."
Steinke testified that she did not know that the patrol car of another officer she was helping was parked on the tracks even though they can be seen on her body camera footage along with two railroad crossing signs. Steinke said she was focused on the threat that could come from Rios-Gonzalez and her pickup truck, not the ground.
Steinke said she put Rios-Gonzalez in the other officer’s vehicle because it was the nearest spot to temporarily hold her. She said she didn’t know the train was coming until just before it hit.
The judge found that Steinke observed the tracks, but failed to "appreciate the risk."
There was no jury in Steinke’s trial, which started Monday. Instead, Kerns listened to the evidence and issued the verdict. Mallory Revel, Steinke’s attorney, didn’t immediately respond to requests by phone and email for comment.
Steinke, who was working for the Fort Lupton Police Department at the time of the crash, was charged with criminal attempt to commit manslaughter, a felony; and reckless endangerment and third-degree assault, both misdemeanors.
The other officer, Pablo Vazquez, who worked for the police department in nearby Platteville, is being prosecuted for misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment and traffic offenses. He hasn’t entered a plea yet. His lawyer, Reid Elkus, didn't immediately respond to a request by phone for comment.
Vazquez pulled over Rios-Gonzalez on a rural road that intersects U.S. Highway 85 after she was accused of pointing a gun at another driver. Trains pass on tracks that parallel the highway about a dozen times a day, prosecutors said, and the sound of their horns is common in the area north of Denver.
Rios-Gonzalez, who suffered a traumatic brain injury, is suing over her treatment. She later pleaded no contest to misdemeanor menacing, said one of her lawyers, Chris Ponce, who was in court to watch the trial. Rios-Gonzalez did not testify or attend herself.
Steinke said she placed Rios-Gonzalez in the other police car temporarily because it was the nearest place to keep her secure, a move that is standard practice for high-risk traffic stops, said defense expert witness Steve Ijames. He also testified that in dangerous situations officers can become hyperfocused on particular threats and overlook things that turn out to be important in hindsight.
Steinke, who drove at around 100 mph (161 kph) at times on her way to backup Vazquez, testified that she was surprised to see him sitting in his vehicle when she arrived, rather than pointing a gun at Rios-Gonzalez’s truck. She said she quickly parked her patrol vehicle behind his and got out because it was the quickest way "to get a gun in the fight."
Steinke also said she did not notice the tracks or the ground when she squatted down to arrest a kneeling Rios-Gonzalez along the tracks after the suspect was ordered out of her pickup truck.
When pressed by Deputy District Attorney Christopher Jewkes, Steinke replied, "I am sure I saw the tracks sir, but I did not perceive them." She said she was focused on the suspect and the potential threat she posed and was "fairly certain" that the traffic stop would end in gunfire.
"I never in a million years thought a train was going to come plowing through my scene," Steinke said.
The Weld County District Attorney’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request by phone for comment. | https://www.fox4news.com/news/colorado-cop-found-guilty-after-train-hits-patrol-car-with-suspect-inside | 2023-07-30T01:47:12 | 1 | https://www.fox4news.com/news/colorado-cop-found-guilty-after-train-hits-patrol-car-with-suspect-inside |
2023 3M Open Betting Odds, Favorites & Insights – Round 4
After the third round at the 2023 3M Open, Lee Hodges is currently atop the leaderboard (-350 to win).
Want to place a bet on the 3M Open? Use our link for a special offer when you sign up with BetMGM Sportsbook!
3M Open Fourth Round Information
- Start Time: 7:35 AM ET
- Venue: TPC Twin Cities
- Location: Blaine, Minnesota
- Par/Distance: Par 71/7,431 yards
Sign up for ESPN+ to get access to PGA Tour Live, which broadcasts the main feed, featured holes and marquee groups from over 35 events per year! Plus, get tons of other live sports, original shows and the full "30 for 30" library. Sign up today!
3M Open Best Odds to Win
Lee Hodges
- Tee Time: 1:35 PM ET
- Current Rank: 1st (-20)
- Odds to Win: -350
Hodges Round by Round Results
Click here to bet on Hodges at the 3M Open with BetMGM Sportsbook!
JT Poston
- Tee Time: 1:35 PM ET
- Current Rank: 2nd (-15)
- Odds to Win: +650
Poston Round by Round Results
Click here to bet on Poston with BetMGM Sportsbook!
Tony Finau
- Tee Time: 1:25 PM ET
- Current Rank: 3rd (-14)
- Odds to Win: +850
Finau Round by Round Results
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Hideki Matsuyama
- Tee Time: 9:35 AM ET
- Current Rank: 39th (-6)
- Odds to Win: +1400
Matsuyama Round by Round Results
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J.J. Spaun
- Tee Time: 10:50 AM ET
- Current Rank: 27th (-8)
- Odds to Win: +3300
Spaun Round by Round Results
Click here to bet on Spaun at the 3M Open with BetMGM Sportsbook!
3M Open Odds (Rest of Field)
Put together your best lineup of golfers and you could win cash prizes! Sign up for FanDuel Fantasy using our link for the best first-time player offer.
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.wlbt.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/3m-open-pga-tournament-betting-odds-round-4/ | 2023-07-30T01:47:12 | 0 | https://www.wlbt.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/3m-open-pga-tournament-betting-odds-round-4/ |
Entertainment companies hiring AI specialists amid Hollywood strike
Concerns about the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the entertainment industry have played a significant role in the ongoing Hollywood strike by actors and writers. That hasn’t stopped companies with studios from staffing up with AI specialists.
While the strike by actors and writers reflects a broader set of concerns beyond the impact of AI on the entertainment industry, including pay and benefits, the threat posed by the emerging and increasingly sophisticated technology has raised alarm.
Actors have expressed fears about AI being used to replicate an actor’s image and likeness without the actor’s consent, while writers have pushed for limits on the use of AI to write or rewrite scripts.
At a rally in Times Square hosted by SAG-AFTRA this week, actor Bryan Cranston delivered remarks aimed at Disney CEO Bob Iger.
NETFLIX IN SWEET SPOT DESPITE HOLLYWOOD STRIKE
"We will not be having our jobs taken away and given to robots. … We will not have you take away our right to work and earn a decent living," Cranston said. "And, lastly and most importantly, we will not allow you to take away our dignity."
Despite concerns raised by the actors and writers on strike, the seemingly inexorable rise of AI and the need to stay on the cutting edge of emerging technology has resulted in entertainment studios continuing to seek out AI specialists against the backdrop of labor unrest. Several studios have active listings for AI and machine learning roles that have garnered attention amid the strike.
WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?
Netflix has several job postings related to AI and machine learning on its website, including a product manager role first noticed by The Intercept that lists a pay range of $300,000 to $900,000 annually.
The listing states that the product manager would "define the strategic vision" for Netflix’s machine learning platform and work to "increase the leverage" of that platform across the company.
One notable AI and machine learning listing from Disney’s careers website is for a senior vice president role related to postproduction and innovation for Disney Branded Television, which produces content for children and families.
The posting for the role, which offers a salary between $270,500 to $371,900, seeks applicants who can "champion the constant evolution of our tools and processes across all aspects of the development pipelines. Be on the leading edge of technology developments, like Artificial Intelligence, and work to deliver solutions to improve processes like speed-to-market, content quality, efficiency and cost."
A job posting at Sony spotted by The Hollywood Reporter seeks a senior research scientist and manager who specializes in AI ethics, specifically how they relate to fairness, transparency and accountability.
The role, which lists a salary range of $170,000 to $210,000, would help manage a multinational team of research scientists based in the U.S., Japan and Switzerland that executes "ambitious AI projects." The AI ethics manager would also "provide advice and consultation for business units on AI ethics, managing cross-functional stakeholder relationships."
Read more of this story from FOX Business. | https://www.fox4news.com/news/entertainment-companies-hiring-ai-specialists-amid-hollywood-strike | 2023-07-30T01:47:18 | 1 | https://www.fox4news.com/news/entertainment-companies-hiring-ai-specialists-amid-hollywood-strike |
2023 3M Open Betting Odds, Favorites & Insights – Round 4
After the third round at the 2023 3M Open, Lee Hodges is currently atop the leaderboard (-350 to win).
Want to place a bet on the 3M Open? Use our link for a special offer when you sign up with BetMGM Sportsbook!
3M Open Fourth Round Information
- Start Time: 7:35 AM ET
- Venue: TPC Twin Cities
- Location: Blaine, Minnesota
- Par/Distance: Par 71/7,431 yards
Sign up for ESPN+ to get access to PGA Tour Live, which broadcasts the main feed, featured holes and marquee groups from over 35 events per year! Plus, get tons of other live sports, original shows and the full "30 for 30" library. Sign up today!
3M Open Best Odds to Win
Lee Hodges
- Tee Time: 1:35 PM ET
- Current Rank: 1st (-20)
- Odds to Win: -350
Hodges Round by Round Results
Click here to bet on Hodges at the 3M Open with BetMGM Sportsbook!
JT Poston
- Tee Time: 1:35 PM ET
- Current Rank: 2nd (-15)
- Odds to Win: +650
Poston Round by Round Results
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Tony Finau
- Tee Time: 1:25 PM ET
- Current Rank: 3rd (-14)
- Odds to Win: +850
Finau Round by Round Results
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Hideki Matsuyama
- Tee Time: 9:35 AM ET
- Current Rank: 39th (-6)
- Odds to Win: +1400
Matsuyama Round by Round Results
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J.J. Spaun
- Tee Time: 10:50 AM ET
- Current Rank: 27th (-8)
- Odds to Win: +3300
Spaun Round by Round Results
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3M Open Odds (Rest of Field)
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/3m-open-pga-tournament-betting-odds-round-4/ | 2023-07-30T01:47:18 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/sports/betting/2023/07/30/3m-open-pga-tournament-betting-odds-round-4/ |
Ford recalls over 870,000 F-150 pickups in US
Ford is recalling more than 870,000 newer F-150 pickup trucks in the U.S. because the electric parking brakes can turn on unexpectedly.
The recall covers certain pickups from the 2021 through 2023 model years with single exhaust systems. Ford's F-Series pickups are the top-selling vehicles in the U.S.
READ MORE: Company recalls 190,000 portable chargers following fire on plane
The company says in documents posted by government safety regulators Friday that a rear wiring bundle can come in contact with the rear axle housing. That can chafe the wiring and cause a short circuit, which can turn on the parking brake without action from the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Drivers may see a parking brake warning light and a warning message on the dashboard.
Ford logo is seen on a car in Montreal, Canada on June 13, 2023. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ford says in documents that it has 918 warranty claims and three field reports of wire chafing in North America. Of these, 299 indicated unexpected parking brake activation, and 19 of these happened while the trucks were being driven.
The company says it doesn't know of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.
READ MORE: Video: Tesla Cybertruck spotted on California roadway
Dealers will inspect the rear wiring harness. If protective tape is worn through, the harness will be replaced. If the tape isn't worn, dealers will install a protective tie strap and tape wrap.
Owners will be notified by letter starting Sept. 11.
Owners with questions can call Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. | https://www.fox4news.com/news/ford-recalls-f150-trucks-2023 | 2023-07-30T01:47:25 | 0 | https://www.fox4news.com/news/ford-recalls-f150-trucks-2023 |
Family of 77-year-old woman killed in Fort Worth shooting wants answers
FORT WORTH, Texas - Fort Worth police said a 77-year-old woman was shot inside her apartment early Friday morning.
No suspects have been identified in Ora Griffin’s death, and her family wants answers.
Ora’s daughter said her mom walked the dog, went to church, and kept to herself.
She believes her mom was not the intended target of the shooting.
"Senseless, senseless. Like, did you have the wrong place?" Ora’s daughter, Winnette Griffin, said.
Police said she was killed when someone shot into an apartment on Carol Oaks Lane Friday morning and drove away.
"Four in the morning, like who? Why?" Winnette asked. "[She’s] just gone, gone."
Ora's daughter said her mom was eating breakfast when a barrage of bullets came into her apartment.
"You imagine your parent at 77 going to sleep and going away peacefully, not this way. Not like this," Winnette said.
Winnette said her mom was always focused on family. She doesn’t know why someone would want to hurt her. She believes her mom was wrongfully targeted.
"She’s 77. No one would target her, and if they did, why?" she asked.
Police have not shared a motive for the shooting. They don’t have a suspect or suspects right now.
Winnette said it took almost an hour for police to arrive.
"There are six calls at 4:30 a.m., but you don’t come until 6 a.m.?" she said.
According to Fort Worth police, someone called 911 for shots fired at 4:40 a.m. At that time, police said it was a priority 2 call, as no injuries were reported and all officers were on calls at that time.
Police said it wasn’t until another person called at about 5:50 a.m. to report a woman was shot that the call was upgraded to a priority 1, and officers were assigned and arrived eight minutes later.
"I just want answers," Winnette said. "It’s senseless, it’s just senseless. It’s a senseless killing that hurt someone that took care of everyone."
Neighbors said they’re shaken up by what happened.
They said the apartment complex is usually quiet.
If anyone has information about the shooting, they are asked to contact Fort Worth police, or can remain anonymous and share a tip through CrimeStoppers. | https://www.fox4news.com/news/ora-griffin-77-year-old-fort-worth-shooting | 2023-07-30T01:47:31 | 0 | https://www.fox4news.com/news/ora-griffin-77-year-old-fort-worth-shooting |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — (AP) — Arkansas is temporarily blocked from enforcing a law that would have allowed criminal charges against librarians and booksellers for providing "harmful" materials to minors, a federal judge ruled Saturday.
U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks issued a preliminary injunction against the law, which also would have created a new process to challenge library materials and request that they be relocated to areas not accessible by kids. The measure, signed by Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders earlier this year, was set to take effect Aug. 1.
A coalition that included the Central Arkansas Library System in Little Rock had challenged the law, saying fear of prosecution under the measure could prompt libraries and booksellers to no longer carry titles that could be challenged.
The judge also rejected a motion by the defendants, which include prosecuting attorneys for the state, seeking to dismiss the case.
The ACLU of Arkansas, which represents some of the plaintiffs, applauded the court's ruling, saying that the absence of a preliminary injunction would have jeopardized First Amendment rights.
“The question we had to ask was — do Arkansans still legally have access to reading materials? Luckily, the judicial system has once again defended our highly valued liberties," Holly Dickson, the executive director of the ACLU in Arkansas, said in a statement.
The lawsuit comes as lawmakers in an increasing number of conservative states are pushing for measures making it easier to ban or restrict access to books. The number of attempts to ban or restrict books across the U.S. last year was the highest in the 20 years the American Library Association has been tracking such efforts.
Laws restricting access to certain materials or making it easier to challenge them have been enacted in several other states, including Iowa, Indiana and Texas.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said in an email Saturday that his office would be "reviewing the judge’s opinion and will continue to vigorously defend the law.”
The executive director of Central Arkansas Library System, Nate Coulter, said the judge's 49-page decision recognized the law as censorship, a violation of the Constitution and wrongly maligning librarians.
“As folks in southwest Arkansas say, this order is stout as horseradish!” he said in an email.
“I’m relieved that for now the dark cloud that was hanging over CALS’ librarians has lifted,” he added.
Cheryl Davis, general counsel for the Authors Guild, said the organization is “thrilled” about the decision. She said enforcing this law “is likely to limit the free speech rights of older minors, who are capable of reading and processing more complex reading materials than young children can.”
The Arkansas lawsuit names the state’s 28 local prosecutors as defendants, along with Crawford County in west Arkansas. A separate lawsuit is challenging the Crawford County library’s decision to move children’s books that included LGBTQ+ themes to a separate portion of the library.
The plaintiffs challenging Arkansas’ restrictions also include the Fayetteville and Eureka Springs Carnegie public libraries, the American Booksellers Association and the Association of American Publishers.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wftv.com/news/judge-blocks/VQOJT4LHRJPQNUUZKY34G3TJKA/ | 2023-07-30T01:47:33 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/judge-blocks/VQOJT4LHRJPQNUUZKY34G3TJKA/ |
After months of warnings from tech executives about the dangers of artificial intelligence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has a new list of concerns.
The agency's biggest fears are not only about what the technology does but also about who is using it.
During a rare background briefing call with reporters, a senior FBI official, who even acknowledged that they haven't done significant outreach on the topic of AI, described a pretty concerning situation, or a "threat landscape," as the FBI calls it.
He said that China is looking to steal U.S. AI technology and data for AI programs and then use it not just to advance their own AI programs but to influence Americans.
He also said that the FBI is closely monitoring the role that AI may play in the 2024 election and is concerned about the spread of disinformation and deep fake videos.
He said that criminals and terrorists are seeking AI to simplify the production of dangerous chemicals and biological substances to increase their potency.
SEE MORE: Tech giants commit to Biden administration-brokered AI safety rules
Scripps News asked about explosives, and this official said that a variety of criminal and national security actors, from violent extremists to traditional terrorists, are using AI to try to come up with ways to create different types of explosives.
He said, "There have been people who have successfully elicited recipes or instructions for creating explosives."
He also said that AI is a force multiplier for crafting fishing e-mails and for using it in other cyberattacks. He says that the FBI has found AI-generated websites that are infected with malware to target users’ sites that have more than a million followers.
The bottom line, the FBI says, there are fewer people, less expertise, and less time needed for a lot of these threats, so there's a much lower bar or barrier for entry here.
Furthermore, the FBI is spending some of its time working on being able to determine what is synthetically AI-generated content online. They are working with private companies, and they're working with academia. But as this official said, this technology is advancing really quickly, and it is hard to stay on top of it.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com | https://www.wptv.com/fbi-worried-about-ai-and-disinformation-ahead-of-the-2024-election | 2023-07-30T01:47:35 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/fbi-worried-about-ai-and-disinformation-ahead-of-the-2024-election |
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A female driver was arrested early Saturday morning after she slammed into two patrol cars conducting a traffic stop the Flagler County Sheriff’s office said.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Deputies said 29-year-old Taylor Kelly first crashed her car into a deputy patrol car and then a Flagler Beach Police Department vehicle.
According to a news release, a FCSO deputy was assisting two Flagler Beach Police Department officers at a traffic stop.
Read: Suspect in homicide turns himself in, Casselberry Police say
Investigators said one of the FBPD officers was in their police vehicle at the time of the crash and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The FCSO deputy and another FBPD officer were not injured, the sheriff’s office said.
Read: Conservation teams release 2 turtles at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Deputies said Kelly was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol and charged with DUI. She was transported to Flagler County jail authorities said.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/florida-woman-charged-with-dui-after-crashing-into-patrol-cars/T6RQDQ5VWVDZ3BSXDQZBZ7UP2Q/ | 2023-07-30T01:47:40 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/florida-woman-charged-with-dui-after-crashing-into-patrol-cars/T6RQDQ5VWVDZ3BSXDQZBZ7UP2Q/ |
It's the beverage backlash rocking the bluegrass state.
"If you're going to make bourbon, you really need to be in Kentucky, and we want you in Kentucky to do that," said Jack Mazurak said.
Mazurak is the director of governmental and regulatory affairs for the Kentucky Distillers' Association.
The point of contention? The end of a barrel tax.
In March, Governor Andy Beshear signed off on a bill outlining the phasing out of the property tax placed on aging barrels of bourbon in the state.
The phase-out, which will begin in 2026, will see that tax reduced by a few percentage points each year, leading to its full elimination by 2043—a move being applauded by the state's roughly $9 billion bourbon industry.
"From an economic development perspective. When you look at a barrel tax, that's a punishment for growth. That's a punishment for success," Mazurak said.
Mazurak says the annual barrel tax was problematic as the demand for bourbon has been growing, leading distillers to produce and store more aging barrels of bourbon and therefore pay more in taxes.
"Last year, we had 12 million barrels aging in the state and paid $40 million in barrel taxes. So, you know, it went from 9.5 million in 2009, 2014 when things really started taking off, it was about $14 million in barrel taxes we paid. But I mean, just the increments that it was jumping each year was incredible. And it's a growing pain," Mazurak said.
Mazurak says the barrel tax only served as a deterrent for new distillers looking to set up shop in the state.
"If you're a startup, if you want to come to Kentucky and start up a small distillery, that's a major disincentive," Mazurak said. "So, you could go to Tennessee; you could go to Ohio, Indiana. You could go anywhere, right? And start up your distillery and not face these costs."
But while distillers are static about the tax break, counties that are home to distillers are now bracing for a financial hit in the coming years. In a state that's estimated to produce95% of the world's bourbon, that's big money.
SEE MORE: Malört celebrates 90 years: Chicago's bitter liqueur endures
"They feel like they haven't been listened to, like they've been thrown under the bus, like they've been abandoned, like they haven't been supported, like they've been very supportive of this industry. I'm not so sure they're going to be in the future," Pam Thomas said.
Pam Thomas is a senior fellow at the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.
She says, like anywhere else, property taxes are used to fund local services. In the case of the funds collected from the barrel tax, that money has historically been used to fund schools, emergency services like fire and police, roads, and more in Kentucky.
"The thing about local governments in Kentucky is they do not have a lot of revenue sources. Their biggest revenue source is their property tax," Thomas said. "The thing about local governments in Kentucky is they do not have a lot of revenue sources. Their biggest revenue source is their property tax."
Thomas says overall, many counties are struggling with the bourbon industry's claims that the barrel tax has been a burden on business.
"It's pretty clear, given the growth of the industry, and you can go and look at the press releases from the governor's office, that they're in a boom, that they're in a huge boom, that the boom is already expected to last more than five years. So, the argument that it's making us not competitive, it just really doesn't hold water," Thomas said.
She adds that dropping the tax might end up disconnecting the industry from the communities where it operates as well.
"I just don't think they're going to get the local support that they got before because they do feel like they've been duped. And, you know, I would say that they have," Thomas said.
Thomas says the distillers knew what they were getting into when they opened their doors in Kentucky.
"Every single distillery that's come into Kentucky, and there's like 90 of them now; just a few years ago, there were only 14 or 15. They did a cost-benefit analysis that included the barrel tax, and they decided to come here anyway," Thomas said.
But for Mazurak, there are more important things.
"Bourbon is wonderful to have, the enthusiasm and the tourism, and the demand. But at the end of the day, it's not a grocery item; you know, nobody has to have it. It's not a good tax policy to balance your county budget or to really have it tied in with schools because your kids' education and my kids' education is more important than that," Mazurak said.
Making the bourbon battle a topic of discussion at Kentucky watering holes for years to come.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com | https://www.wptv.com/the-bourbon-barrel-tax-removal-is-dividing-kentuckians | 2023-07-30T01:47:42 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/the-bourbon-barrel-tax-removal-is-dividing-kentuckians |
Jonathan Taylor officially wants out of the Indianapolis Colts.
The Pro Bowl running back formally requested a trade on Saturday after a meeting with Colts owner Jim Irsay, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Sources: #Colts star RB Jonathan Taylor has formally requested a trade after meeting with owner Jim Irsay. pic.twitter.com/BH7dhZAzUD
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2023
This article will be updated with more information. | https://www.wftv.com/news/national/jonathan-taylor/RVKXRX36X2SFS6BWCOLQVODFQ4/ | 2023-07-30T01:47:46 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/national/jonathan-taylor/RVKXRX36X2SFS6BWCOLQVODFQ4/ |
Aaron Judge is back and he didn't wait long to start doing Aaron Judge things.
In his second game since his return from a toe injury, the New York Yankees captain clubbed a two-run homer off Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Tyler Wells on Saturday. Per Baseball Savant, the ball was hit 111.6 mph and traveled 442 feet.
It was Judge's 20th homer of the season, tying him for sixth in the AL despite missing nearly two months with that to injury.
Crush-a-tize me, Cap'n.#AllRise pic.twitter.com/Vf0u17QgEv
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 30, 2023
Judge went down on June 3 when he ran into a Dodger Stadium gate to make a highlight-reel catch, tearing a ligament in his toe and leaving him with a hazy timetable to return. That day finally arrived Friday, going 0-for-1 with three walks against the Orioles.
The Yankees were in dire need of Judge's return given that they entered Saturday with a record of 54-49, nine games back from the Orioles for first place in the AL East and 3.5 games back from the final AL wild-card spot. The Yankees, who have dealt with several other injuries, are 24-29 in games Judge doesn't play this season. | https://www.wftv.com/news/national/yankees-aaron-judge/32H3XCLU5PUZZ2XZFOY2OHD5UA/ | 2023-07-30T01:47:53 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/national/yankees-aaron-judge/32H3XCLU5PUZZ2XZFOY2OHD5UA/ |
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — An American nurse and her child were allegedly abducted in Haiti on Thursday, according to the nonprofit she works for.
Alix Dorsainvil, 31, and her child were kidnapped near the capital city of Port-au-Prince, The Washington Post reported. Dorsainvil, a New Hampshire resident who works for El Roi Haiti Outreach International, a faith-focused humanitarian group, was kidnapped on Thursday, the group said on its website.
The organization identified her on Saturday, along with her child.
A nurse from New Hampshire and her child were allegedly kidnapped in Haiti Thursday, according to the nonprofit she works for.
— Boston 25 News (@boston25) July 29, 2023
📸: El Rio Haiti https://t.co/hA2kxPdqta pic.twitter.com/6AGwT4XdL9
Dorsainvil is the organization’s community health nurse, the Post reported. She is married to the director of El Roi Haiti Outreach International, Sandro Dorsainvil.
“Alix is a deeply compassionate and loving person who considers Haiti her home and the Haitian people her friends and family,” the nonprofit said on its website. “Alix has worked tirelessly as our school and community nurse to bring relief to those who are suffering as she loves and serves the people of Haiti in the name of Jesus.”
The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory to Haiti, telling American citizens in the country to leave, WFXT-TV reported.
“Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked,” the State Department said. “Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings. Victim’s families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members.” said the travel advisory in part.”
In a video, Alix Dorsanvil said she moved to Haiti after her husband invited her to a Haitian school to provide nursing care for the children, CNN reported.
Her father declined to comment, saying her family has been asked not to speak to the media during ongoing negotiations, the Post reported. | https://www.wftv.com/news/trending/american-nurse-her-child-kidnapped-haiti-nonprofit-says/J4JHFB3ZDJG5VKMOA77TULWHYI/ | 2023-07-30T01:48:00 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/trending/american-nurse-her-child-kidnapped-haiti-nonprofit-says/J4JHFB3ZDJG5VKMOA77TULWHYI/ |
WASHINGTON — Damaging thunderstorms and hurricane-force wind gusts, combined with extreme heat, knocked out power to more than 200,000 residents in the Washington, D.C., area on Saturday.
According to PowerOutage.US, at 8:30 p.m. EDT, more than 118,000 residents are without power in Maryland, with an additional 113,000 residents with power knocked out in Virginia.
Reports of fallen trees and wind gusts between 60 mph to 85 mph were reported in the area, The Washington Post reported.
@capitalweather @MatthewCappucci pretty nasty wind damage in Court House/Lyon Village part of Arlington. It’s almost certainly not, but reminiscent of tornado 2 years ago pic.twitter.com/cID1wxw4j5
— Zach Rosenthal (@z_rosenthal) July 29, 2023
The National Weather Service issued several severe thunderstorm warnings for the D.C. area, including parts of Maryland and Virginia, WRC-TV reported.
In northeast Washington, authorities evacuated residents from an apartment building after a large tree fell onto the building, according to WTTG-TV. In northwest Washington, D.C. Fire and Rescue reported two people were injured after a tree fell onto a vehicle, the Post reported.
One of the injuries was serious, while the other was minor, according to the newspaper.
Wind gusts were reported up to 84 mph at George Washington University’s northwest campus, while winds of 69 mph were recorded in Germantown, Maryland, the Post reported.
Winds gusted to 61 mph in Glen Echo, Maryland, while Reagan National Airport recorded 60 mph winds. Gusts up to 58 mph were reported in Arlington, Virginia, and Bowie, Maryland, according to the newspaper.
Temperatures were high, too. The thermometer reached 97 degrees in Washington, 98 at Dulles International Airport and 99 in Baltimore, the Post reported. | https://www.wftv.com/news/trending/damaging-storms-high-winds-leave-more-than-200k-without-power-dc-area/PBTCG3IMKFGBLITHEUPFLYPW7I/ | 2023-07-30T01:48:06 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/trending/damaging-storms-high-winds-leave-more-than-200k-without-power-dc-area/PBTCG3IMKFGBLITHEUPFLYPW7I/ |
BALTIMORE — (AP) — Aaron Judge homered for the first time since returning from a toe injury, sending a 442-foot drive over the wall in center field in the third inning against Baltimore on Saturday night.
The two-run shot gave the New York Yankees a 3-2 advantage. Giancarlo Stanton hit a solo homer in the first.
Judge was hitless since returning Friday, although he drew three walks in that game. He hit a towering flyout in his first plate appearance Saturday. Then he connected off Tyler Wells two innings later.
It was his 20th home run of the season. Judge started in right field Saturday after he was the designated hitter Friday.
Judge had been out since tearing a ligament in his right big toe June 3.
___
Follow Noah Trister at https://twitter.com/noahtrister
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wftv.com/sports/aaron-judge-slugs/HC7UESVAFJ3FZR77GCSRMB6ZWU/ | 2023-07-30T01:48:13 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/sports/aaron-judge-slugs/HC7UESVAFJ3FZR77GCSRMB6ZWU/ |
TORONTO — (AP) — Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward was taken to a Toronto hospital for tests after being hit in the head by a pitch from Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah in the fifth inning Saturday.
Angels manager Phil Nevin said he planned to visit Ward in the hospital after leaving the stadium following the Angels’ 6-1 loss.
Batting with the bases loaded, Ward was hit by a 2-0 pitch clocked at 91 mph. The ball appeared to strike Ward next to his next left eye, knocking off his batting helmet.
“It got him pretty flush,” Nevin said.
Plate umpire Andy Fletcher motioned to the Angels’ dugout for the trainer as Ward went down with blood running down his face.
“It’s scary,” Angels left-hander Reid Detmers said. “You’re just hoping and praying that he’s all right, that he gets up.”
Angels trainers rushed to the plate and held a towel to Ward’s face. After a couple of minutes, Ward got to his feet and left the field on a cart. His left eye appeared to be swollen shut.
“Obviously it didn’t look very good,” Angels infielder Mike Moustakas said. “Hopefully we get some good news here in a little bit. We’re all praying for him.”
Manoah put his hands on his head as he stood on the mound. It was the second hit batter of the game for Manoah, who hit Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani on the left foot in the first.
Andrew Velazquez ran for Ward, who drove in the first run of the game. Velazquez went to shortstop and Luis Rengifo, who scored on the play, moved to left field in the bottom of the inning.
Asked whether the Angels might visit Ward in hospital, Moustakas said he thought it was better to let his teammate rest.
“I’m sure we’ll all send him some text messages and see how he’s doing, but I don’t know if going over there is a good thing," Moustakas said. "I don’t think that’s the right thing to do right now. Let him rest and recover, get healthy.”
Before play resumed, Blue Jays manager John Schneider came to the mound and replaced Manoah with left-hander Génesis Cabrera.
After the game, Manoah called it “a terrible moment.”
“That’s probably the worst feeling ever,” Manoah said. “Definitely want to pray for him and his family. That’s the last thing you want to do, no matter the situation, no matter the team, no matter anything. I feel really bad about it. I’ll definitely be looking to see how he’s doing.”
In September 2021, Manoah hit Oakland’s Starling Marte in the helmet with a 92 mph pitch. Marte stayed in the game to run the bases but was later replaced.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wftv.com/sports/angels-taylor-ward/G62EUKALPYEB2DTQDCCBURPOZQ/ | 2023-07-30T01:48:21 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/sports/angels-taylor-ward/G62EUKALPYEB2DTQDCCBURPOZQ/ |
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Two of UFC’s highest-ranked lightweights, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, renew acquaintances on Saturday night in UFC 291, and our Caesars promo code delivers a knockout offer right to your fingertips.
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Poirier and Gaethje have history, of course, with Poirier coming out on top of an entertaining fight five years ago in Arizona. Since that rumble, both fighters have gone 6-2 in the octagon, each losing title fights to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.
34-year-old Poirier, UFC’s No. 2-ranked lightweight, is 4-1 in his last five fights, most recently winning a third-round submission victory against Michael Chandler last November to take his all-time record to 29-7-0.
Gaethje (24-4-0 all-time), ranked No. 3, is coming off a three-round decision win over Rafael Fiziev.
At Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday night, sportsbooks including Caesars are backing another Poirier win. Poirier is listed at -150 against Gaethje’s +125 as two of mixed martial arts’ most entertaining fighters go head-to-head for the symbolic BMF title.
If you’re in Gaethje’s corner, Caesars is offering an odds boost of +250 for the Arizona fighter to win by KO, TKO, or DQ. He has the power to win, and Poirier will likely try to take this fight to the ground to avoid that power.
For both fighters, this bout is about adding to their legacy.
“It was five years ago that I beat him,” said Poirier in the lead-up to the fight. “He’s done great things, I’ve done great things, and it just seemed we were on a collision course to do it again… It’s history, it’s legacy and it’s fun.”
“First, it’s championship belts and second, it’s legacy - that’s why we fight,” Gaethje added. “We’re all trying to create a legacy that’s going to live on well past our time and that’s been my goal from day one.”
In the octagon, one of these two fighters has to lose. But you don’t.
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If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.
MORE SPORTS BETTING STORIES | https://www.nj.com/betting/2023/07/ufc-291-caesars-sportsbook-promo-code-get-up-to-1250-in-bonuses-for-poirier-vs-gaethje.html | 2023-07-30T01:48:46 | 1 | https://www.nj.com/betting/2023/07/ufc-291-caesars-sportsbook-promo-code-get-up-to-1250-in-bonuses-for-poirier-vs-gaethje.html |
LOWER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- A woman was injured in a shooting on Saturday on a busy block on the Lower East Side.
It happened on Orchard Street near the corner of Stanton shortly before 7 p.m. Police say the 28-year-old was sitting in a parked vehicle when a shot hit her left arm.
She was taken to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.
Officials believe the woman was an innocent bystander and was not targeted.
Police are looking for a dark-colored SUV they believe the bullet was fired from.
ALSO READ | City investigating 'unique' crane fire, collapse in Manhattan
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Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. | https://abc7ny.com/nyc-crime-shooting-lower-east-side/13570476/ | 2023-07-30T01:48:52 | 1 | https://abc7ny.com/nyc-crime-shooting-lower-east-side/13570476/ |
Strong thunderstorms packing powerful winds knocked out power to thousands of New Jersey homes and businesses Saturday night, according to data from the state’s utility companies.
As of 8:35 p.m., more than 36,000 utility customers were in the dark across the state, according to a power outage tracker by NJ Advance Media. The outages were scattered throughout New Jersey, from Stillwater Township in Sussex County, to Lacey Township in Ocean County, to Egg Harbor Township in Atlantic County.
For the third time in five days, strong thunderstorms lashed parts of the state Saturday, sparking a series of thunderstorm watches and warnings. Forecasters from the National Weather Service said some of the storms had the potential to produce wind gusts as high as 60 to 70 mph, which are strong enough to knock down trees and power lines.
The stormy weather was expected to bring an end to the three-day heat wave that has enveloped most of the Garden State. Forecasters say temperatures will drop into the upper 60s Saturday night and highs on Sunday will only reach the low 80s — about 10 to 15 degrees cooler than it’s been the past two days.
The hot temperatures, combined with high humidity, led to a series of excessive heat warnings and heat advisories during the past few days.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the local weather news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.
Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. | https://www.nj.com/weather/2023/07/live-nj-power-outage-tracker-strong-thunderstorms-spark-thousands-of-outages.html | 2023-07-30T01:48:52 | 1 | https://www.nj.com/weather/2023/07/live-nj-power-outage-tracker-strong-thunderstorms-spark-thousands-of-outages.html |
(NEXSTAR) — Pretend you accidentally knock your drink over. What would you say happened to it? If you’re from Texas, or just from the south overall, you might say it “tumped” over.
In general, the word is used when something falls over, spills over, or is knocked over. You can tump someone over or be tumped over by someone else. It’s a useful word — but is it even a word?
And moreover, why do Texans say this?
While “tump” isn’t only found in Texas, you’ll definitely hear it there. Several Texas news outlets have attempted to trace the word’s origin, including Texas Monthly, which pointed to a now-26-year-old post on a message board called Word Wizard (the website is now gone, sadly). According to Texas Monthly’s John Nova Lomax, that lost-to-time post explained that “tump” was a word meant to mimic the “thump” of something falling and hitting the ground.
A common etymological theory is that the word is a combination of the words “tipped” and “dumped” — both of which are frequently followed by the word “over,” as “tumped” often is. In other words, what’s known as a portmanteau, as explained by Texas Standard in 2017.
Again, the verbal phenomenon isn’t signature to only Texas. Many southern outlets, including Oklahoma’s The Oklahoman and Alabama’s AL.com, have noted the trend. Nevertheless, Texans online appear to proudly own the word.
“If you used the word ‘tumped’ you’re: A) from Texas B) not from Texas and possibly just had a stroke. See a doctor ASAP,” joked the popular Texas Humor Twitter account in 2014.
Musings on the word can be seen in connection with Texas Reddit, including this giant thread of Texas slang words.
In a 2020 Reddit thread, one new Texan asked how long until they could convincingly say “Yeehaw,” to which someone posed a counter-challenge: “The real test is when you can properly use ‘tumped over’ in a sentence.”
We may just never know where tump came from. What’s more, researching tump can be more difficult than it used to be since a certain former president’s last name takes up considerable search engine real estate now.
Finally, if anyone ever laughs at you for using tump, just know this: the word’s even made it into the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. So tump away, Texas! | https://www.wric.com/news/u-s-world/what-does-tump-mean-and-why-do-texans-say-it/ | 2023-07-30T01:49:05 | 1 | https://www.wric.com/news/u-s-world/what-does-tump-mean-and-why-do-texans-say-it/ |
LA GRANGE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Lenoir County woman was arrested and charged with the murder of her six-day-old infant that died last year.
According to the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office, in January 2022 deputies responded to the 500 block of Firetower Road for an unresponsive infant. The baby was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Deputies arrested and charged Ta'Meishia Monique Williams, 26, with murder after an autopsy revealed the infant died from blunt force trauma.
Williams is being held at the Lenoir County Jail with no bond.
Tracking crime and safety across Raleigh, Durham and your neighborhood | https://abc11.com/la-grange-mother-charged-arrest-infant/13570480/ | 2023-07-30T01:49:11 | 1 | https://abc11.com/la-grange-mother-charged-arrest-infant/13570480/ |
More than 500 backpacks given away at 5th Annual Friendship Fest
VERSAILLES, Ky. (WKYT) - From school supplies to winter coats, thousands of items were up for grabs for families at the 5th Annual Friendship Fest in Woodford County.
“School supplies are very expensive, especially when you have multiple children, that can really run up a bill,” said event attendee Jennifer Mounir.
For Mounir, this event offers her son Remy more than just material things before he heads back to school.
“I love to bring my child out here. He’s eight and he’s autistic, so to get him out in the community more, it is really exciting to have another year to bring him out,” she said.
Brittany Campbell is the founder of the non-profit hosting the event, Strengthening Transformations, Inc. She said more than 500 backpacks filled with school supplies., hygiene kits, and more are given out to kids and their families at these events.
“A woman came up to me and said, ‘I would never be able to afford to buy a pair of Vans shoes for my child. Thank you for providing that experience for my child.’ Its amazing. It makes me tear up every time,” Campbell said.
Campbell added in the future, she hopes to expand Friendship Fest to provide even more resources to the people of Woodford County.
“I would love to grow our vendor neighborhood. I would love to get our community more involved,” Campbell said.
To learn more about Friendship Fest and the organization behind it, you can visit the Strengthening Transformations, Inc. Facebook page.
Copyright 2023 WKYT. All rights reserved. | https://www.wkyt.com/2023/07/30/more-than-500-backpacks-given-away-5th-annual-friendship-fest/ | 2023-07-30T01:49:11 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/2023/07/30/more-than-500-backpacks-given-away-5th-annual-friendship-fest/ |
County seeks to recover $1.8M from Chevron for 2022 Talbert Channel oil leak cleanup
A construction crew working for Orange County’s Public Works Department was strengthening the flood control capacity of the Talbert Channel in Huntington Beach on Oct. 6, 2022, when workers noticed a sheen on the surface of the water.
Just one year earlier, 25,000-gallons of crude oil spilled from a ruptured pipeline connection to an offshore platform, reaching Huntington Beach’s coastline and threatening wildlife near Talbert Marsh, just 2 miles away from the channel work site.
Was this the start of another spill? County officials responded immediately to contain what was determined to be oil that had leaked from an abandoned line near Huntington Beach’s Sowers Park when a contractor struck a nonpressurized line underground.
An emergency response team was assembled as representatives from the U.S, Environmental Protection Agency, California Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response consulted with the county’s Public Works Department to manage cleanup.
Stepping in to assist the effort were representatives from Chevron Corp., which initially owned and operated the now-abandoned pipe.
“As local pipeline experts with historical operating knowledge of the area, Chevron volunteered to participate in the unified command [response],” Public Works spokesman Shanon Widor wrote in an email Friday.
An oil-spill containment crew from Los Angeles-based Patriot Environmental Services was called to the scene, where members installed floating booms upstream and downstream of the sheen, from Indianapolis Avenue southward to Hamilton Avenue.
The section of the abandoned line that had been the source of the leak was excavated and capped to prevent further seepage, and remaining oil within the line was removed.
Even after the work was complete, a county hazmat team conducted air monitoring while environmental staff were deployed to the site overnight to monitor conditions in and around the channel.
County officials, who are continuing to monitor the channel, estimate the total response cost $1.8 million. However, when they reached out to Chevron to discuss remuneration for the cleanup effort, no real response was given.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors in November retained the services of Costa Mesa legal Firm Ring Bender, LLC, whose attorneys successfully assisted the county in a lawsuit against Houston-based Amplify Energy following the October 2021 oil spill.
In a closed session meeting Tuesday, supervisors unanimously agreed to pursue litigation against Chevron and any other responsible parties for the cost of last year’s work.
Supervisor Katrina Foley said leaders know, based on their experience from the Amplify spill, that the owner and operator of faulty infrastructure was liable for costs associated with pipeline removal, oil cleanup and other mitigation efforts.
“We requested Chevron reimburse taxpayers for this. [But] we have not heard from them. They didn’t leave us a choice,” Supervisor Katrina Foley said in an interview Thursday. “We don’t think taxpayers should have to be responsible for a private oil company’s pipelines.”
The Talbert Channel is a tidally influenced flood control channel that runs downstream from the Fountain Valley Channel into the Talbert Marsh which, along with neighboring wetlands, provides a habitat and migratory rest stop for thousands of birds and other sensitive species.
Although the October 2022 incident was contained to the channel and did not result in any known impacts to wildlife at the marsh, Foley recognized its ecological significance, saying channel waters “need to be kept as clean as possible.”
As of Friday, an official legal complaint had not yet been filed by the county’s attorneys. Foley expressed hope some sort of agreement could be reached before matters went to court.
“Our goal is to work things out,” she said Thursday. “Nobody wants to go to trial.”
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You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot. | https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2023-07-29/county-seeks-to-recover-1-8m-from-chevron-for-2022-talbert-channel-oil-leak-cleanup | 2023-07-30T01:49:11 | 0 | https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2023-07-29/county-seeks-to-recover-1-8m-from-chevron-for-2022-talbert-channel-oil-leak-cleanup |
Daily Pilot e-newspaper: Friday, July 28, 2023
The Daily Pilot’s e-newspaper includes all 6 pages of Friday’s newspaper.
Click on the file below for coverage of Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Fountain Valley and other parts of Orange County.
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You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot. | https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2023-07-29/daily-pilot-e-newspaper-friday-july-28-2023 | 2023-07-30T01:49:18 | 1 | https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2023-07-29/daily-pilot-e-newspaper-friday-july-28-2023 |
Daily Pilot e-newspaper: Saturday, July 29, 2023
The Daily Pilot’s e-newspaper includes all 6 pages of Saturday’s newspaper.
Click on the file below for coverage of Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Fountain Valley and other parts of Orange County.
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Saturday’s coverage includes these stories:
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You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot. | https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2023-07-29/daily-pilot-e-newspaper-saturday-july-29-2023 | 2023-07-30T01:49:24 | 0 | https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2023-07-29/daily-pilot-e-newspaper-saturday-july-29-2023 |
Daily Pilot e-newspaper: Thursday, July 27, 2023
The Daily Pilot’s e-newspaper includes all 4 pages of Thursday’s newspaper.
Click on the file below for coverage of Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Fountain Valley and other parts of Orange County.
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Sunday’s coverage includes these stories:
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You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot. | https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2023-07-29/daily-pilot-e-newspaper-thursday-july-27-2023 | 2023-07-30T01:49:30 | 1 | https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2023-07-29/daily-pilot-e-newspaper-thursday-july-27-2023 |
New Jersey becomes the only state where you can’t pump your own gas
NEW JERSEY - New Jersey is now the only state where you can’t pump your own gas.
For years, Oregon and New Jersey were the only states where it was against the law to pump your own gas.
According to Fox 12, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declined to veto a bill on Friday that would keep the law in place.
As a result, the 72-year restriction on most drivers pumping their own gas will be squashed.
Kotek did not include House Bill 2426, which would allow half of their pumps for self-serve gas and half not, as required by the Oregon Constitution.
The law will continue to force gas stations to staff at least half of their pumps for customers who are unable or unwilling to pump their own gas.
The bill could go into effect as soon as August 4 if the governor refuses to sign it. | https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/new-jersey-pump-your-own-gas | 2023-07-30T01:49:50 | 1 | https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/new-jersey-pump-your-own-gas |
Small plane lands in ocean off crowded New Hampshire beach
HAMPTON BEACH, N.H. (AP) - A small plane towing a banner landed in the ocean off a crowded New Hampshire beach on Saturday, and lifeguards rescued the pilot, who was unhurt, authorities said.
The single-engine Piper PA-18 plane landed about noon off Hampton Beach, witnesses said. The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that the pilot was the only person on board.
Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno told WMUR-TV that the pilot was rescued by lifeguards, and wasn’t hurt.
The plane has since been pulled to shore and was sitting on the beach.
The FAA said it would investigate the cause of the incident, along with the National Transportation Safety Board.
The Hampton Police Department and the New Hampshire Beach Patrol did not immediately respond to messages for comment. | https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/small-plane-lands-in-ocean-off-crowded-new-hampshire-beach | 2023-07-30T01:49:56 | 0 | https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/small-plane-lands-in-ocean-off-crowded-new-hampshire-beach |
Tacoma Police seek public’s help identifying suspect who stole car with toddler inside
TACOMA, Wash. - Police in Tacoma are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who stole a car with a 2-year-old inside on Monday.
According to the Tacoma Police Department (TPD), the incident happened on July 24 at around 2:30 p.m.
Authorities say the car and the child were found unharmed.
Police are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed for the vehicle theft and kidnapping suspect.
Anyone who knows his identity is asked to contact Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or submit an anonymous tip at tpcrimestoppers.com.
This is a developing story. | https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/tacoma-police-seek-publics-help-identifying-suspect-who-stole-car-with-toddler-inside | 2023-07-30T01:50:02 | 0 | https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/tacoma-police-seek-publics-help-identifying-suspect-who-stole-car-with-toddler-inside |
Want to skip the 4-hour wait at the Fayetteville DMV office? Here's how.
- The DMV has Saturday hours at 16 offices statewide, including Fayetteville.
- But relatively few people are making use of the expanded office hours in Fayetteville and several other cities.
What if someone expanded the hours of the DMV offices to help people get their driver’s licenses without waiting in line for hours on end, but almost no one came?
That has been happening on Saturdays at North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles driver’s license offices, including Fayetteville, according to data from the DMV. On June 3, the DMV started summertime Saturday hours to make it more convenient for people to take driver’s license tests, get a state ID, get a Real ID and get other services.
Saturday hours are 8 a.m. to noon at 16 locations, including offices in Fayetteville, Wilmington and Asheville. They run through Aug. 26.
Long lines on Wednesday, short lines on Saturday
While the wait in line can literally run beyond four hours on a weekday, and people may find themselves standing out the door, some offices have seen few customers on Saturdays.
For example, at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 22, DMV data says:
- Nine people were in line at the driver’s license office in Eutaw Village Shopping Center off Bragg Boulevard in Fayetteville.
- Two people were in line at the offices in Greensboro and Winston-Salem.
- Zero people were in line at the offices in Greenville and Morganton.
Customers made more use of the offices in Asheville, Raleigh, Charlotte and Huntersville, which had between 25 and 108 people in line at 10 a.m. Saturday, the data says.
Meanwhile, on the following Wednesday, the lines got long at the Fayetteville-area DMV offices. On Wednesday afternoon, the DMV’s website said, customers at the Eutaw Village Shopping Center office were waiting for more than four hours for service, customers at the Gillespie Street office were waiting two hours and 23 minutes, and customer at the Clinton Road office east of Fayetteville had a three-hour wait.
“It’s mind-boggling, in a way,” that so few people in some cities are going to DMV offices on Saturdays to avoid the long weekday lines, DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin said. “We want folks to use the tools we provide, particularly during peak season.”
More DMV convenience:You could soon be able to renew your driver’s license at a local grocery store.
How to avoid the DMV lines
To avoid long lines at driver’s license offices, Goodwin encourages people to:
- Renew or replace driver’s licenses and get other services online if the transaction or service does not require an in-person visit.
- Schedule an appointment. This can be done at the DMV website.
- Check the DMV driver’s license office webpage before a visit to see how long the wait time is.
Paul Woolverton can be reached at 910-261-4710 and pwoolverton@fayobserver.com. | https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/2023/07/29/ncdmv-offers-saturday-hours-to-improve-service-but-few-people-show-up/70472735007/ | 2023-07-30T01:50:11 | 0 | https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/2023/07/29/ncdmv-offers-saturday-hours-to-improve-service-but-few-people-show-up/70472735007/ |
Victim identified in fatal Fayetteville shooting
A man was killed Saturday in a shooting on Stanberry Street at Primrose Drive, according to a news release from the Fayetteville Police Department.
Lorenzo Darnell McLaughlin Jr., 22, was the victim of the shooting, police said. Officers responded to the area after reports of a shooting at 11:48 a.m., the release states. Officers said they located McLaughlin suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital by Emergency Medical Service where he was pronounced dead, the release said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective R. Vernon at 910-729-2525.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling Crimestoppers at 910-483-TIPS (8477); by visiting the website at http://fay-nccrimestoppers.org; or by downloading the free "P3 Tips" app for mobile devices.
Public safety reporter Joseph Pierre can be reached at jpierre@gannett.com. | https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/crime/2023/07/29/fayetteville-shooting-at-stanberry-street-one-dead/70492620007/ | 2023-07-30T01:50:17 | 0 | https://www.fayobserver.com/story/news/crime/2023/07/29/fayetteville-shooting-at-stanberry-street-one-dead/70492620007/ |
UNC basketball’s Armando Bacot breaks down roster changes, why he returned for Tar Heels
North Carolina basketball’s Armando Bacot made his way to a table inside Dick’s House of Sport in Fayetteville on Saturday and a fan had tears of joy streaming down her face as she waited to see the Tar Heels' big man.
UNC's all-time leader in double-doubles and rebounds, Bacot spent an hour and a half meeting and greeting fans, signing autographs and posing for photos with more than 200 people in a section of the 100,000-square-foot store.
“North Carolina’s such a huge brand and we have fans everywhere,” said Bacot, who decided in March to return for a fifth and final season with the Tar Heels.
“A lot of times, fans don’t get the opportunity to see me in an intimate, close setting. Just doing stuff like this is always cool.”
TAR HEELS ADD 5TH TRANSFER:James Okonkwo joins UNC basketball. What’s he bring to the Tar Heels?
HUBERT'S TAKE:How are UNC basketball’s new players, including Elliot Cadeau, fitting in with Tar Heels?
PAIGE RETURNS:What brought Marcus Paige back to UNC basketball as a member of Tar Heels’ coaching staff
In an exclusive interview with The Fayetteville Observer, Bacot discussed a number of topics ranging from UNC’s roster changes to his health and why he wanted to spend one more year in college.
Why Armando Bacot wanted one more season with UNC basketball
Bacot limped out of Greensboro Coliseum in March after a season-ending loss to Virginia in the ACC Tournament. On that night, Bacot thought he might have played his last game as a Tar Heel.
A season that started with such promise ended in disappointment with UNC being left out of the NCAA Tournament. Bacot didn’t want that to be his final memory.
“Being able to play in front of these fans for another year and get a chance to kind of fulfill what I really, ultimately want to do here, I think it’s just a great opportunity,” he said.
“I definitely didn’t want to leave (last year) like that’s the last thing you think of with me playing. I definitely didn’t want to go out like that. It’s just great to get another opportunity.”
After dealing with sprained ankles and a bruised shoulder last season, Bacot said he feels a lot better physically ahead of the 2023-24 season.
“I think this summer I definitely got a good opportunity just to rehab and get back to myself. I thought going into last year, I really didn’t focus hard enough on my body and feeling better,” he said.
“I think I just kind of tried to push it. I had a lot of different things going on last summer and just a lot of distractions, so I didn’t get that opportunity to get my ankles back healthy and be in the right place. I think, this summer, I got a lot done in that area.”
Bacot, RJ Davis ready to lead UNC Tar Heels
In addition to Bacot, lead guard RJ Davis is a returning starter for the Tar Heels. Both players experienced the high of a run to the national championship game in 2022 and the low of missing the NCAA Tournament in 2023.
“It’s our last hoorah, so we want to make it special,” Bacot said.
Davis shot a team-best 36.2% from 3-point range and was second in scoring at 16.1 points per game. The senior also led the team in assists (3.2 apg) and grabbed 5.1 rebounds per game.
“For RJ, especially, he wants to make that jump into being an All-American and paving his way. I think it’s a huge year for him. Him just leading the team and doing his thing, it’ll be good.”
What Bacot thinks about Cormac Ryan, Harrison Ingram, UNC transfers
When Bacot announced his intentions to return, he resumed his role as an active advocate and recruiter for the program.
The veteran big man played a key role in helping the Tar Heels land Harrison Ingram (Stanford), Cormac Ryan (Notre Dame), Jae’Lyn Withers (Louisville) and Paxson Wojcik (Brown) via the transfer portal. That quartet has played more than 360 games.
“We’ve got a good group of guys that’s experienced,” Bacot said. “Jae’Lyn Withers, Cormac, Harrison, Paxson have all played in a lot of college basketball games. They’ve got that experience and maturity. All those guys can shoot the ball well, and that’s something we struggled with last year.”
UNC shot 31.2% from 3-point range last season for its second-worst shooting percentage in program history. Ingram, Ryan, Withers and Wojcik combined to knock down 36.5% of their attempts from beyond the arc last season.
Bacot says Hubert Davis wants Tar Heels to pick up pace
In addition to its outside shooting woes, UNC had a problem with its pace last season.
After finishing 99th in adjusted tempo, according to KenPom.com, the Tar Heels are focused on moving past their worst ranking in that metric since 2003. UNC coach Hubert Davis has reiterated the importance of pace, Bacot said, throughout the offseason.
“The biggest thing I’d say I took away from this summer is just running,” Bacot said. “I think he wants to get back to really running that secondary break and getting up and down, so that’s been a huge emphasis for us.”
What’s Bacot think about UNC freshman Elliot Cadeau?
Freshman guard Elliot Cadeau, the No. 1-ranked point guard in the Class of 2024, announced in May his plans to reclassify and join the Tar Heels a year earlier than expected.
Known as an elite playmaker, Cadeau’s ability as a facilitator aligns with UNC’s hopes to have better ball movement. The Tar Heels assisted on 45.8% of their shots last season, ranking 310th in that category according to KenPom.com.
“Just the way he sees the floor, I haven’t really played with a guard that can see the floor as good as him. He’s been great this summer,” Bacot said of Cadeau.
“Some of the passes he’s made and the pace at what he plays at is just huge for us. It’s obviously gonna be a learning curve because he’s a young guy. But once you get over that hurdle and get more and more experience, he’s gonna be a great player, for sure.”
Bacot’s thoughts on Caleb Love, UNC departures
Following the 2022-23 season, UNC had seven players enter the transfer portal.
Tyler Nickel (Virginia Tech), Justin McKoy (Hawaii), Will Shaver (UAB), Dontrez Styles (Georgetown), Puff Johnson (Penn State), D’Marco Dunn (Penn State) and Caleb Love (Arizona) moved on to other programs.
Despite the changes, Bacot doesn’t have any hard feelings for that group.
“The only ones I’ve really got a chance to talk to the most this summer have been Caleb and Justin. They’ve both been doing good,” Bacot said. “Obviously, Caleb, he’ll be Carolina forever. Wishing him the best, and I know he’ll do good at Arizona. I know Justin will do good at Hawaii, and all the other guys, too.”
Depending on UNC’s schedule, Bacot even teased the idea of making the trip to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Nov. 10 to see Love and the Wildcats play Duke.
“I might actually try to go that game,” Bacot said with a smile. “I’ve been thinking about that. I kind of do want to see it, for real.”
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on Twitter. | https://www.fayobserver.com/story/sports/college/acc/2023/07/29/unc-basketball-armando-bacot-tar-heels-hubert-davis-caleb-love/70479192007/ | 2023-07-30T01:50:23 | 1 | https://www.fayobserver.com/story/sports/college/acc/2023/07/29/unc-basketball-armando-bacot-tar-heels-hubert-davis-caleb-love/70479192007/ |
QUINTANA, Texas — A massive, stranded loggerhead sea turtle was rescued by volunteers Saturday morning off the Texas coast.
Officials in Brazoria County said a friend of the park and a turtle rescue volunteer spotted it on Quintana Beach and immediately contacted the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research.
READ MORE:
The group was able to lift the loggerhead and transport it to the research center for care.
Park officials want to remind beachgoers that if they see an injured, stranded, or nesting sea turtle on the coast, call 1-866-TURTLE-5 and listen to the options until they can be connected with the proper rescue group in the area.
Loggerhead sea turtles are one of five species that inhabit the Gulf of Mexico. Adults grow about three feet long and weigh up to 350 pounds. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/life/animals/loggerhead-sea-turtle-rescued-quintana-beach-texas/285-23db1c12-9913-411d-9c48-21af05db2c53 | 2023-07-30T01:51:33 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/life/animals/loggerhead-sea-turtle-rescued-quintana-beach-texas/285-23db1c12-9913-411d-9c48-21af05db2c53 |
FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — West Range Road on Fort Cavazos has been closed due to heavy smoke from wild land fires in the area, according to the Fort Cavazos Media Center.
Fort Cavazos Directorate of Emergency Services has reportedly closed the road between Elijah and Manning Mountain roads until further notice.
Officials say the Fire Department will continue to fight fires in the post's training area, where around 475 acres have reportedly been affected on July 29.
Officials say the Fire Department will monitor the situation overnight and make efforts to suppress and contain the fires as necessary.
At the time of writing, Fort Cavazos officials say the fire poses "no immediate risk of leaving the installation boundary, nor does it pose an immediate threat to life or property.
Updates will be given as more information becomes available.
More local stories from 6 News: | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/fort-cavazos-officials-close-west-range-road-land-fires/500-b463be3a-0651-4038-be7b-d48b44f81c9f | 2023-07-30T01:51:39 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/fort-cavazos-officials-close-west-range-road-land-fires/500-b463be3a-0651-4038-be7b-d48b44f81c9f |
TAINAN, Taiwan — USA Baseball just posted one of the most lopsided scoring lines you'll ever see.
They beat New Zealand in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup on Saturday 43-1. Yes, you read that correctly. 43 ... in baseball.
The team's 43 runs scored easily set a new single-game record for any 12U National Team, breaking the high of 29 previously set during the World Cup Qualifiers gold-medal game against Venezuela in May, according to USA Baseball. Things started out "normal," you could say, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first.
In the second frame, Team USA really started to get the bats going, posting an 11-run inning.
But that was just the start of it.
In the third, Team USA somehow bested their second inning outing with 20 more runs in the third inning, including a grand slam from Bryant Ju.
The game was called after the fourth inning because of the mercy rule.
With the win, Team USA remains unbeaten in opening games at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup, improving to 6-0 all-time. Team USA is back in action Sunday against Panama.
More Sports stories: | https://www.kcentv.com/article/sports/baseball/usa-baseball-43-runs-world-cup-new-zealand/287-cce8c694-3d3a-48e6-905d-ff4f35a6fcb6 | 2023-07-30T01:51:46 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/sports/baseball/usa-baseball-43-runs-world-cup-new-zealand/287-cce8c694-3d3a-48e6-905d-ff4f35a6fcb6 |
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — With less than five months until Christmas, it’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays.
John Coonney of East Hempfield Township takes that expression to heart. For more than 50 years, he’s been making Christmas ornaments for his family and close friends.
“I make Christmas decorations, or balls, out of Styrofoam,” Coonney told FOX43.
Coonney’s passion for crafting began after visiting several holiday craft shows.
He described how he was inspired after seeing other crafters use common materials to make art.
“I passed one exhibit one year, and a guy had about six tables of these Christmas balls, and I thought well ‘I could do that, they’d be nice gifts for my family,'" Coonney said.
Coonney has purchased the same materials for decades. They include Styrofoam balls, needles, beads, glue, and fabric to make the hooks. After years of crafting, he’s developed his own process to work as efficiently as possible.
“There’s a pin, there’s a bead, I use a sequence, and push the pin in Styrofoam,” Coonney explained.
The process takes hours, so Coonney must pace himself.
He spends upwards of three hours a day assembling one ornament.
While this may seem like a long time, Coonney enjoys the work and considers it a labor of love.
“It’s just my own satisfaction overall," said Coonney. "I make them for a few friends and I send them out at my own expense and of course I have to make one for me too,” Coonney said.
He’s already made a few hundred ornaments.
Coonney prefers to deliver the gifts in-person but will mail them if the recipient lives out of state. Even with his stockpile, Coonney has no plans to sell his crafts because he doesn’t want his reason for crafting to change. He describes the hobby as tranquil and an opportunity to occupy his time.
“It keeps your mind working, it keeps your mind active because I have to be active, I just can’t sit around my nerves won’t let me just sit around," he said.
However, Coonney told FOX43 he needs to remember his true age. Recently, he’s had to slow his work pace due to pain in his hands. But he says this won’t deter his holiday spirit.
“I’m a kid at heart, I look forward to it all year, I really do," he said. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/christmas-july-holiday-celebration-crafts-art-ornaments-spirit-local/521-db715fa6-3e70-4b75-890c-2d33660a4d9f | 2023-07-30T01:52:29 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/christmas-july-holiday-celebration-crafts-art-ornaments-spirit-local/521-db715fa6-3e70-4b75-890c-2d33660a4d9f |
A homicide about a mile west of the Interstate 430 interchange with North Rodney Parham Road was under investigation Saturday night, according to a tweet from the Little Rock Police Department.
Officers responded to a report of a slaying at 11724 Rainwood Road, the address of an E-Z Mart, the 8:13 p.m. tweet states. The address is located off Green Mountain Drive.
The tweet did not give a time for the homicide or the nature of the killing, nor did it state whether anyone else was injured.
An entry on the city’s dispatch log website showed a report of a shooting just occurred at that address at 6:51 p.m. Saturday. | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/29/homicide-reported-at-little-rock-convenience-store/ | 2023-07-30T01:52:29 | 0 | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/29/homicide-reported-at-little-rock-convenience-store/ |
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — On the anniversary of Kortne Stouffer's disappearance, her friends and family took to the water to do what she loved most: floating down the Swatara Creek.
“She wasn’t the girl going off for an eight-year degree," said Scott Stouffer, Kortne's father. "She loved nature and she loved animals.”
“It’s a relaxing couple of hours to just sit there and enjoy nature and listen to the birds chirping and sunshine hitting you," said Kerstin Jennings, Kortne's younger sister.
Saturday was a day of celebration and sadness, as Kortne’s family continues to look for answers 11 years after she went missing.
The then 21-year-old vanished from her Palmyra apartment on July 29, 2012, after a night of drinking with friends and alleged arguing with neighbors.
Jennings said every year the memorial float reminds people Kortne is still missing, as their family stays hopeful for new leads on the case.
"It’s difficult to keep asking every year for people’s support, but it’s all we have, so we have to keep doing it," said Jennings.
Even though she was not at the Swatara Creek with them on Saturday, Scott Stouffer said his daughter’s presence is still felt.
“Whether it’s my personal dog that I swear Kortne lives through, to just some things in the sunrise, and a rainbow yesterday when we were pumping up the tubes. It’s a reinforcement that Kortne hasn’t left us," said Stouffer.
Prayers echoed through the banks of the creek, as Kortne's friends and family remember her kind and loving nature.
“I hold on to those memories because that’s my sister and I want to remember her like that forever," said Jennings.
Anyone with information on Kortne Stouffer’s whereabouts are asked to contact the Palmyra Borough Police Department and Lebanon County Crime Stoppers. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/friends-and-family-float-down-the-swatara-creek-for-kortne-stouffer-community-crime-hershey-dauphin-county/521-d9f17c57-2f94-44c9-a6d8-7d6a198a8f55 | 2023-07-30T01:52:35 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/friends-and-family-float-down-the-swatara-creek-for-kortne-stouffer-community-crime-hershey-dauphin-county/521-d9f17c57-2f94-44c9-a6d8-7d6a198a8f55 |
Four-star junior linebacker Elijah Melendez had an outstanding visit to Arkansas during the Hogwild Hangout on Saturday, and it won’t be his last trip to Fayetteville.
Melendez, 6-2, 220 pounds, of Kissimmee (Fla.) Osceola, credits Razorbacks defensive coordinator Travis Williams for him moving to linebacker from running back.
“T-Will was the first coach to ever recruit me and he’s the person who told me to switch to linebacker and I will blow up, and my mother likes him a lot and our relationship is just different – like none other,” he said.
He has received offers from Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Texas A&M, Colorado, LSU, Oklahoma, Tennessee and numerous others schools since the move to his current position.
The trip to Fayetteville did not disappoint, and he plans to make a return visit as soon as possible.
“It was amazing,” he said. “All the people were the best, and the commits were really cool. The games we played were really fun and the energy was different.”
He is an ESPN 4-star prospect, the No. 4 inside linebacker and No. 222 overall recruit in the nation in the 2025 class. He reports having a 425-pound bench press, 585-pound squat and a power clean of 355 pounds.
He also reports running a 4.50 electronic time in the 40-yard dash.
Williams advised him to move to linebacker last June.
“Everything that has happened for me and T-Will has [been] spoken to existence,” Melendez said. “We are big believers in the Lord and share that in common, and he has spoken highly over me and he’s the person I've got that’s always believed in me.”
He praised Sam Pittman and the Arkansas staff for the visit.
“We have a really great relationship and they really put a huge smile on mine and my mother's face today,” he said. “I really am a priority. The head coach is a really funny guy.”
His mother is a big fan of Williams, too.
“T-Will had the same conversation with her a year ago that day and he’s always been really real and they treated her really well, and she loved the area and the academics for me and she really trusts that I would be in the right hands,” Melendez said. | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/29/nations-no-4-inside-lb-for-25-class-raves-about-arkansas-dc-and-trip/ | 2023-07-30T01:52:36 | 0 | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/29/nations-no-4-inside-lb-for-25-class-raves-about-arkansas-dc-and-trip/ |
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Take a moment and think about the last thing you cooked. How much do you think the carrot in that recipe cost? And what about those three cups of vegetable broth? Beth Moncel could actually answer that question. She's the founder of budgetbytes.com, a recipe website for folks with small budgets. When she studied nutritional science in college, she learned a costing method that restaurants and cafeterias use, and you can use it at home, too.
BETH MONCEL: I suggest everyone try costing at least once because it's so eye-opening. It really does make you rethink the way you look at all of the ingredients that you're buying.
DETROW: Marielle Segarra, the host of NPR's Life Kit, talked to Moncel recently, and she is going to share some more about that technique, along with other tips for how to spend less on groceries.
MARIELLE SEGARRA, BYLINE: This technique, costing, means calculating the per-service cost of a recipe. So let's say you are making lentil bolognese. That's a recipe on Moncel's website. One ingredient is a carrot. You'd figure out the price of that carrot, add it to the cost of all the other ingredients in the recipe and then...
MONCEL: Divide it by the number of servings so you know how much each of your meals is costing.
SEGARRA: The lentil bolognese costs $1.40 per serving. Moncel says when you do this, you start to notice patterns, like some of the components are way cheaper than others. One carrot is $0.15. One cup of red lentils - $0.67. Half a cup of walnuts - $1.07. Moncel says once you know these things, you can tweak the ratios in your recipes to make them cheaper - like if she's making chili with ground beef.
MONCEL: So something that I like to do is reduce that ground beef by half, so I'm still getting that beefy flavor and that satisfying mouthfeel of, you know, actually eating beef. But then I bulk up the recipe with extra beans, maybe some lentils or maybe even some extra vegetables if I have them.
SEGARRA: Some other foods that tend to be cheap and substantive.
MONCEL: My favorite is cabbage. Cabbage is so versatile because it can go with so many different flavors, and there's a lot of different ways you can prepare it. And it's so filling. Don't forget about potatoes, onions, carrots. Even broccoli sometimes can be pretty inexpensive.
SEGARRA: On the flip side, ingredients that tend to be more expensive are meat, cheese, other dairy products and nuts. Another way to lower your monthly grocery bill is to make sure you're not wasting food. Moncel relies heavily on her freezer.
MONCEL: I often freeze leftover cheese. Leftover bread products freeze really well.
SEGARRA: If you can't freeze a leftover ingredient, try incorporating it into your menu for the next few days. Now, if you're one of those people who puts stuff in the freezer and then forgets that it's in there...
MONCEL: One way to stay on top of that is you can actually keep a list magnetized to the front of your freezer. And every time you put, like, a leftover ingredient in the freezer, you know, just write it down. Write the date on it. And then if you use it, cross it off your list.
SEGARRA: In terms of the actual grocery shopping, Moncel looks at circulars online before she heads to the store. She does that while she's making a meal plan so she can work in ingredients that are on sale. She says keep in mind, it's not always cheaper to buy in bulk. Also, think about whether you'll use that huge bag of flour before it goes bad. Lastly, if you're having a hard time paying for groceries, she suggests that you look up food banks in your area.
MONCEL: I think it's a really great resource that is often overlooked, or people think food banks are for people who only have no food. But really, it's like a bridge to help people through these tough times.
SEGARRA: Maybe you just need a couple of things to get you to your next paycheck. For NPR News, I'm Marielle Segarra. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record. | https://www.nprillinois.org/2023-07-29/to-save-money-on-groceries-try-these-tips-before-going-to-the-store | 2023-07-30T01:53:07 | 1 | https://www.nprillinois.org/2023-07-29/to-save-money-on-groceries-try-these-tips-before-going-to-the-store |
2nd ever Community Field Day held in Jackson
JACKSON, Tenn. — Families didn’t let the heat stop them heading to a free event.
The City of Jackson Recreation and Parks hosted their second annual Community Field Day.
Families from all over the Hub City were invited to have fun, check out some vendors, and receive free school supplies.
This event was hosted at North Park on Saturday.
Bridget Parham, the Recreational Manager for the City of Jackson, shared more on how she’s feeling about the event’s turnout.
“We feel very excited about today’s event. We know some families are living on budgets and we know any items that they can get, any supplies or items they can get…for the families, it’s just the help. So that’s what we’re doing coming together as a community to give out supplies to the families and help in any way that we can,” Parham said.
Parham also mentioned that Jackson Police and Fire Department were helping in any way that they can.
The Y on the Go also helped families during this event by giving out books and smoothies, as well as nutrition tips.
“The YMCA is partnering with the Jackson-Madison County School County Systems to provide before and after care at the schools throughout Jackson. We are here today with the Y on the Fly, which is a van. We’ve got a smoothie machine and lots of fun activities for the children,” said Melissa White, the Regional Director for the YMCA of West Tennessee.
White also mentions that this program also offers help with homework for students.
Jackson Recreation and Parks also handed out free food and water to families while they had fun.
Find more local news here. | https://www.wbbjtv.com/2023/07/29/2nd-ever-community-field-day-held-in-jackson/ | 2023-07-30T01:53:07 | 0 | https://www.wbbjtv.com/2023/07/29/2nd-ever-community-field-day-held-in-jackson/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden plans to sign an executive order while visiting Maine on Friday to encourage companies to manufacture new inventions in the United States.
Biden is going to Maine for the first time of his presidency, packaging his signing of the executive order with a speech at a textile factory and a fundraiser later in the town of Freeport.
The Democrat won three out of the state's four electoral votes in 2020 and is seeking to shore up his support in the state. Maine allocates its electoral votes by congressional district, and he lost the vote in the state's second district, which provided the only electoral vote in New England for then-President Donald Trump, a Republican. By going to that district on Friday, Biden is seeking to show its blue-collar voters that he's committed to them as a single electoral vote could be critical in a narrow 2024 presidential election.
“We’re talking about bringing manufacturing back to the country and creating jobs — good-paying jobs,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday as she previewed the trip.
Democrats can compete in Maine's second district as Rep. Jared Golden has been its congressman since 2019. But Golden has also been one of the Democratic lawmakers who has openly criticized Biden over his handling of debt limit talks this year and the administration's forgiveness of student debt that has since been overturned by the Supreme Court.
The White House outlined the executive order being signed by Biden, which would improve the transparency of federal research and development programs to meet the administration's goals for domestic manufacturing. The order asks agencies to weigh U.S. national security and economic interests when determining if domestic manufacturing requirements should be broadened.
The order also encourages federal agencies to consider domestic production when investing in research and development and to use their own legal authorities to encourage that new technologies are made in the U.S. But when goods cannot be made in the U.S., the order instructs the Commerce Department to create a clearer and timelier process for receiving a waiver.
Biden will be going to Auburn Manufacturing Inc., a maker of heat- and fire-resistant fabrics for industries that include shipbuilding, oil refining and electricity generation. The company challenged China for its unfair trade practices regarding amorphous silica fabric, or ASF, which is a heat-resistant material.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/biden-will-sign-an-executive-order-in-maine-encouraging-new-inventions-to-be-made-in-the-us | 2023-07-30T01:53:07 | 1 | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/biden-will-sign-an-executive-order-in-maine-encouraging-new-inventions-to-be-made-in-the-us |
Car, bike show held to improve lives around the world
DYER, Tenn. — A car and bike show was held on Saturday, raising funds for groups aiming to improve lives around the world.
In the West Tennessee heat, engines were running for Motors for a Mission’s first ever Car and Bike Show on Front Street in Dyer.
We spoke with Nathan Murphy – the event organizer and Youth Pastor at Dyer First Assembly – who said that though this is a first-of-its-kind of event for them, helping communities is nothing new.
“We have certain things during the year that we do as a youth group, like conventions and stuff. And when we go to these conventions, we hand a big check to them for Speed the Light, BGMC, and all that,” Murphy said. “Last year, we did for the Navajo Nation right here in the United States, we gave money for them to build water wells. The year before that we gave to some place in Africa to build water wells. This year we are giving the money to Sumba.”
With a food truck on-site, free admission for spectators, and trophies for registered vehicles, Murphy says the turnout was good from the public.
“I was kind of worried at first because I was like, ‘Well first year, you know, sometimes first year at car shows you don’t have too many people.’ But I think we got a really decent crowd this year for our first time ever having this,” Murphy said.
Murphy said that sponsors helped provide trophies like “best car,” “best bike,” and more.
Murphy wanted to remind everyone what the event was for.
“The one thing I’d like everyone to know is: Yes, I represent Dyer First Assembly, I am the Youth Pastor there, right here in Dyer. I am representing my church, but at the same time we are representing God’s kingdom. And ultimately, this is to advance the kingdom of Jesus. No name of the church is going to make any difference on giving the money to,” Murphy said.
Murphy said though he may never get to see the changes events like Saturday’s bring, he is happy to donate any dollar towards it.
Murphy said that the money will help build a soccer complex on the island of Sumba, which is north of Australia in the Indonesia archipelago.
You can follow Speed the Light’s efforts to bring change here.
You can also find Dyer First Assembly of God on Facebook here.
Find more local news here. | https://www.wbbjtv.com/2023/07/29/car-bike-show-held-to-improve-lives-around-the-world/ | 2023-07-30T01:53:13 | 1 | https://www.wbbjtv.com/2023/07/29/car-bike-show-held-to-improve-lives-around-the-world/ |
MILAN (AP) — French luxury conglomerate Kering has reached a cash deal to purchase a 30% stake in Italian fashion house Valentino for 1.7 billion euros from a Qatari investment firm.
With the purchase, Kering is seeking to shore up its revenue stream as it struggles to turn around former powerhouse Gucci. Kering on Thursday reported first-half revenues of 10.1 billion euros, up 2%, as Gucci sales stagnate.
Under the deal announced Thursday, Kering has the option to buy 100% of Valentino no later than 2028. The partnership could lead to the Qatari investment firm, Mayhoola, becoming a shareholder in Kering, as well as other potential “joint opportunities,” the statement said.
Kering Chairman and CEO Francois-Henri Pinault expressed admiration for “the evolution of Valentino under Mayhoola ownership,” which Kering said turned Valentino “into one of the most admired luxury houses in the world.”
“I am very pleased of this first step in our collaboration with Mayhoola to develop Valentino and pursue the very strong strategic journey of brand elevation,’’ citing the role of Valentino CEO Jacopo Venturini, who “will continue to lead.”
Gucci, which accounts for nearly half of Kering revenues, is in the throes of a relaunch, with a new management team and a new creative director, Sabato De Sarn o, who will unveil his first collection during Milan Fashion Week in September.
Valentino, founded by Valentino Garavani in 1960, recorded revenues of 1.4 billion euros in 2022. Pierpaolo Piccoli has been creative director at Valentino since 2008, working alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri from 2008-16. With its corporate base in Milan and design studio in Rome, the fashion house is a mainstay of Paris fashion week with its womenswear and couture collections while recently returning menswear to Milan.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/french-luxury-group-kering-to-buy-30-stake-in-valentino-for-17-billion-euros-cash | 2023-07-30T01:53:13 | 1 | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/french-luxury-group-kering-to-buy-30-stake-in-valentino-for-17-billion-euros-cash |
Curiosities Market continues, offering community and more
CAMDEN, Tenn. – The Curiosities Market has returned to Camden, and it is getting better and better!
We spoke with Jessie Coleman, the owner of the Curiosities Market, who says that they are seeing triple the vendors since their second month.
She says that they have over 50 vendors and food trucks offering artwork, horror related items, jewelry, and much more merchandise.
“So Camden didn’t have a whole lot going on for people in Camden, and especially not for us that are a little odd, weird and eclectic. So I wanted to start something that was kind of a safe place for us all to hang out and make new friends with people that are like minded,” Coleman said.
Coleman says their market will be held on the last Saturday of the month until October.
Their next market is August 26, with one of their largest expected for October 28.
Find more local news here. | https://www.wbbjtv.com/2023/07/29/curiosities-market-continues-offering-community-and-more/ | 2023-07-30T01:53:19 | 0 | https://www.wbbjtv.com/2023/07/29/curiosities-market-continues-offering-community-and-more/ |
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin courted leaders from Africa at a summit on Friday, hailing the continent's growing role in global affairs and offering to expand political and business ties.
Addressing the two-day day Russia-Africa summit, Putin emphasized that Moscow will closely analyze a peace proposal for Ukraine that African leaders have sought to pursue.
“This is an acute issue, and we aren't evading its consideration,” Putin said, emphasizing that Russia is treating the African initiative with respect and “looking at it attentively.”
Putin also reaffirmed his pledge that Russia will maintain steady supplies of grain and other agricultural products to the continent after its withdrawal from a deal allowing grain shipments from Ukraine that fueled concerns of global food crisis.
“Russia will always be a responsible international supplier of agricultural products and will continue to support the countries and region in need by offering free grain and other supplies,” the Russian leader said.
He declared at the summit's opening Thursday that Russia intends to ship up to 50,000 tons of grain aid to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Eritrea and Central African Republic in the next three to four months.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres responded Thursday that such donations of grain can't compensate for the impact of Moscow’s cutoff of grain exports from Ukraine, which along with Russia is a major supplier to the world market. Guterres said the U.N. is in contact with Turkey, Ukraine, Russia and other countries to try to reestablish the deal that saw Ukraine export more than 32,000 tons of grain, allowing global food prices to drop significantly.
Both Russia and Ukraine are major grain suppliers. The deal brokered a year ago by the U.N. and Turkey reopened Ukrainian Black Sea ports blocked by fighting and provided assurances that ships entering them wouldn't be attacked. Russia declined to renew the agreement last week, complaining that its own exports were being held up.
Putin used the summit to repeat his accusations against the West for obstructing the export of Russian grain and fertilizers, including proposed no-cost supplies of fertilizers to Africa.
The Russia-Africa summit marks a renewed Kremlin effort to bolster ties with a continent of 1.3 billion people that is increasingly assertive on the global stage. Africa’s 54 nations make up the largest voting bloc at the United Nations and have been more divided than any other region on General Assembly resolutions criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Only 17 heads of state were at the summit, compared to 43 at the first Russia-Africa summit in 2019, a sharp drop in attendance that the Kremlin has attributed to what it described as “outrageous” Western pressure to discourage African countries from showing up.
Putin hailed Africa's role in the emerging “multipolar world order,” noting that “the era of hegemony of one or several countries is receding into the past, albeit not without resistance on the part of those who got used to their own uniqueness and monopoly in global affairs."
“Russia and Africa are united by an innate desire to defend true sovereignty and the right to their own distinctive path of development in the political, economic, social, cultural and other spheres,” he said.
He said that Russia plans to expand trade and economic ties with Africa and continue efforts to relieve their debt burden by writing off another $90 million in their debts.
Putin noted that Moscow also stands ready to bolster defense ties with African countries by helping train their military and expanding supplies of military equipment, some of them on a no-cost basis.
___
Vladimir Isachenkov contributed to this report from Moscow.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/putin-woos-african-leaders-at-a-summit-in-russia-with-promises-of-expanding-trade-and-other-ties | 2023-07-30T01:53:20 | 0 | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/putin-woos-african-leaders-at-a-summit-in-russia-with-promises-of-expanding-trade-and-other-ties |
It’s a miracle, say family of Japanese soldier killed in WWII, as flag he carried returns from US
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.”
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BANGKOK (AP) — Shares in Europe and Asia were mixed on Friday after the Bank of Japan adjusted its bond purchase policy but kept its negative benchmark interest rate unchanged.
Paris, Frankfurt, Tokyo and Sydney fell while Hong Kong, London and Shanghai advanced. U.S. futures rose and oil prices fell.
Japan’s central bank opted to keep its benchmark interest rate at minus 0.1% at a policy meeting that ended Friday. But it adjusted its bond purchases to allow greater flexibility in yields, saying uncertainties for the economy and prices required a nimbler approach.
The yield on the 10-year Japanese government bond rose after the BOJ said it would offer to buy those at a 1% yield each business day, instead of the upper limit of 0.5% that was imposed under its “yield curve control program.”
The aim is still to keep long-term interest rates near zero percent, the central bank said.
Markets in Japan wobbled before Friday's announcement. Afterward, Tokyo's Nikkei 225 dipped more than 2% but in the end closed 0.4% lower, at 32,759.23. The dollar bounced against the Japanese yen but eventually fell to 139.39 from 139.49.
Shares in Japanese banks jumped. Mizuho Financial Group gained 4.8%; Mitsubishi UFG added 5.3% and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group surged 4.3%.
In early European trading, Germany's DAX edged 0.1% lower to 16,394.51 and the CAC 40 in Paris declined 0.3% to 7,446.29. London's FTSE 100 was up 0.2% at 7,704.75. Stocks climbed in Europe on Thursday after the European Central Bank raised interest rates.
The future for the S&P 500 gained 0.4% while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.2%. On Thursday, a Wall Street rally fizzled as the S&P 500 sank 0.6% after touching its highest level in nearly 16 months. The Dow industrials gave up 0.7%. The Nasdaq composite fell 0.5%.
In other Asian trading Friday, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.7% to 6,877.93.
The Shanghai Composite index jumped 1.8% to 3,275.93, while in Hong Kong the Hang Seng added 1.4% to 19,920.56. The Kospi in Seoul gained 0.2% to 2,608.32.
Markets in India and Thailand were closed for holidays.
Wall Street's latest dip halted 13 straight days of gains for the Dow. Stocks have been roaring on hopes the Federal Reserve can pull off what earlier seemed like a long-shot bet: successfully pull down high inflation by raising interest rates without sending the economy into a painful recession.
But critics have been saying the market's sharp move upward has been too much, too fast and that the seemingly growing consensus about a “soft landing” for the economy is hardly a certainty.
Reports about the economy on Thursday were mostly encouraging, but could also keep the pressure up on inflation. Strong data on the job market in particular could mean U.S. households will keep spending, encouraging companies to keep raising prices. That in turn could push the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates higher than expected, keeping alive the threat of a recession.
One estimate said growth for the overall economy accelerated in the spring. That easily topped forecasts from economists, who were expecting a slowdown from the first three months of the year. That report also suggested a measure of inflation wasn’t as high from April through June as expected.
Another report said fewer workers applied for jobless benefits last week. It’s the latest indication the job market remains remarkably solid, while a third report said orders for long-lasting manufactured goods strengthened more than expected last month.
The Federal Reserve raised its federal funds rate on Wednesday to its highest level in more than two decades in hopes of dragging inflation lower. High rates work by bluntly slowing the entire economy and hurting prices for stocks and other investments.
In other trading Friday, U.S. benchmark crude oil shed 24 cents to $79.85 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It rose $1.31 on Thursday to $80.09 per barrel.
Brent crude, the pricing basis for international trading, declined 34 cents to $83.45 per barrel.
The euro slipped to $1.0976 from $1.0980.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/stock-market-today-asian-shares-mixed-tokyo-falls-as-bank-of-japan-adjusts-bond-purchase-policy | 2023-07-30T01:53:26 | 0 | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/stock-market-today-asian-shares-mixed-tokyo-falls-as-bank-of-japan-adjusts-bond-purchase-policy |
Medal of Honor recipient watches as warship bearing his name is christened in Maine
BATH, Maine (AP) — Marine 1st Lt. Harvey “Barney” Barnum jumped to the ground when he came under fire during an ambush in Vietnam that killed his radio operator and commander.
Collecting himself, Barnum realized he was now the highest-ranking officer of a rifle company he’d just joined. He called in artillery and, amid gunfire, dragged the commander to safety, where he died in Barnum’s arms. Then he proceeded to mount a counterattack, oversee evacuation of the wounded and lead the unit’s eventual break out to rejoin the battalion.
The Medal of Honor recipient, now 83, watched Saturday as his wife smashed a bottle of sparkling wine against the bow to christen the future U.S. Navy destroyer that’ll bear the name Harvey C. Barnum Jr.
He said he was speechless when he learned that a warship would bear his name. “As anybody that knows Barney Barnum knows, I’ve never been speechless,” he joked before the event.
The ceremony on Saturday at Navy shipbuilder Bath Iron Works was a tribute to the Vietnam War hero who during his first firefight was foisted into leadership of Marines who didn’t yet know his name because he’d just joined them a couple of days earlier.
Dignitaries included Maine’s governor and senators, as well as Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, who praised Barnum’s humility and generosity, in addition to being a war hero who inspired fellow Marines.
Gen. Eric Smith, the acting Marine Corps commandant whose nomination to lead the Marine Corps is being blocked by a Republican senator, called Barnum “an icon, a legend, a Marine.”
In an interview, Barnum said the combat was harrowing on that day, Dec. 18, 1965, during Operation Harvest Moon. His unit was outnumbered, caught off guard and separated from the larger battalion outside the village of Ky Phu in Quang Tin Province.
The ship’s namesake said he was scared like everybody else but he tried not to show it. The other Marines were looking to him, an artillery spotter, after their commander died, he said.
To launch a counterattack, he brandished a .45-caliber handgun and told the others to follow him. They did.
“It’s a tough business. But when it gets tough, the tough get going and that’s what Marines do,” he said. “We came together as a team. And, you know, there’s no fury unleashed that’s greater than that of a bunch of Marines that know that their buddies have been shot.”
Barnum later became the first Medal of Honor recipient in the Vietnam conflict to return for another tour. He retired from the Marine Corps as a colonel after nearly three decades of service and served the secretary of defense as principal director of drug enforcement policy, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for reserve affairs, and acting assistant secretary of the Navy for manpower and reserve affairs.
Barnum, of Reston, Virginia, was born in Cheshire, Connecticut, and studied at Saint Anslem College, a Benedictine college in Goffstown, New Hampshire. The school’s abbot, Mark Cooper, delivered the invocation on Saturday.
The event was a family affair for Barnum, who now lives in Virginia.
His wife, Martha Hill, served as the ship’s sponsor. At the event Saturday, she was in a wheelchair; Barnum has been her care provider since she had a stroke more than five years ago. Her daughter; two granddaughters, one of whom sang “God Bless America;” and an 11-year-old great-granddaughter were also participants at the event Saturday. Other family and friends were present.
Displacing 9,500 tons, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is built to simultaneously wage war against submarines, aircraft and missiles, and other warships. The newest versions are being equipped for ballistic missile defense.
The 510-foot (155 meters) guided-missile destroyer was in dry dock for the ceremony as work continues to prepare the ship for delivery to the Navy.
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‘The Few, the Proud’ aren’t so few: Marines recruiting surges while other services struggle
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.”
You can find more national news here. | https://www.wbbjtv.com/2023/07/29/the-few-the-proud-arent-so-few-marines-recruiting-surges-while-other-services-struggle/ | 2023-07-30T01:53:38 | 1 | https://www.wbbjtv.com/2023/07/29/the-few-the-proud-arent-so-few-marines-recruiting-surges-while-other-services-struggle/ |