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- Learners can enroll for these Microsoft Certifications with any of the existing programs offered by Great Learning in Cloud Computing, Data Science and Data Engineering.
- The Microsoft Certification aligned learning paths will be delivered by Great Learning faculty and Microsoft Certified Trainers.
- Great Learning programs are designed to help learners advance their skills in Microsoft technologies and Azure focused careers and complete the corresponding Microsoft Certification exams.
SEATTLE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Learning, a leading global edtech company for higher education and professional training is collaborating with Microsoft to offer their learners various Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Power BI learning paths aligned to Microsoft Certifications. These 6-week online programs are designed and developed by Microsoft and delivered by Great Learning faculty and Microsoft Certified Trainers. The programs are relevant for young graduates and working professionals aspiring to build careers in high-demand domains such as Cloud Computing, Data Science and Data Engineering.
The relevance of Azure in today's technology landscape cannot be overstated. As businesses increasingly migrate to the cloud, Azure has emerged as a leading cloud infrastructure platform, providing a wide range of services and solutions to meet diverse business needs. Organizations that use Azure gain scalability, agility, and cost-efficiency, enabling them to accelerate innovation and drive digital transformation. The rapid adoption of Azure has created a significant demand for professionals skilled in Azure technologies. These skilling programs aligned to Azure certifications are designed for professionals aspiring to build a career in Cloud Computing and wanting to gain technical skills in Azure-based solutions.
As part of this relationship, Great Learning will initially deliver three Microsoft Certification aligned skilling programs, with plans to expand the offering to include seven more programs throughout the year. Launching immediately are the Azure Fundamentals, Azure Administrator, (as a bolt on with the Great Learning Cloud Computing program) and Power BI Data Analyst programs. The Microsoft Azure Administrator certification is relevant for mid-level professionals in the IT and cloud domain and will provide them with a comprehensive understanding of Azure infrastructure and management tools. Power BI Data Analyst, is designed for young graduates who want to kick-start their career in Data Analytics.
Sharing his views about the collaboration, Mohan Lakhamraju, Founder & CEO, Great Learning said, "We are thrilled to join forces with Microsoft to provide our learners with access to world-class training aligned to Microsoft Certifications. Microsoft Azure is a prominent cloud infrastructure platform, revolutionizing the way businesses operate. However, there is a noticeable dearth of professionals equipped with the necessary skills to effectively leverage the capabilities of Azure. This collaboration will enable professionals at various stages of their careers to get these highly relevant skills and stay ahead in today's competitive job market."
Geoffrey Hirsch, Microsoft Senior Director, Worldwide Learning said, "Great Learning's expertise in professional training aligns to our goal to enable individuals to enhance their skill sets and pursue rewarding careers in the technology industry. We are pleased about this collaboration and the opportunity to offer specialized technical skilling through Great Learning that helps individuals prepare for Microsoft Certifications."
These certification-aligned programs will be delivered in a unique way under this collaboration. Learners will learn the Microsoft certified content over six weeks with weekly mentorship sessions with Great Learning's expert mentors. They will also have a dedicated program manager to assist and address any challenges faced during the course of the programs. Through this journey, they will also receive exam focused simulations and mock tests to prepare them for the certification exam. Upon completion of the program, learners will also obtain certification vouchers to cover the cost of the corresponding certification exam fee.
Great Learning is a leading global ed-tech company for professional training and higher education. It offers comprehensive, industry-relevant, hands-on learning programs across various business, technology and interdisciplinary domains driving the digital economy. These programs are developed and offered in collaboration with the world's foremost academic institutions like Stanford Graduate School of Business, MIT Professional Education, The University of Texas at Austin, National University of Singapore, Wharton Online, The University of Arizona, Deakin University, IIT-Roorkee, IIIT-Hyderabad & Delhi, and Great Lakes Institute of Management. Great Learning is able to leverage the highly qualified, world-class faculty at these universities together with its vast network of 6200+ industry expert mentors to deliver an unmatched learning experience for over 8.2 million learners from over 170+ countries around the world.
Media Contact
Navami Ajayan
Corporate Communications
press@mygreatlearning.com
Navami.ajayan@greatlearning.in
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SOURCE Great Learning | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/great-learning-offer-microsoft-azure-microsoft-power-bi-certifications-its-learners/ | 2023-07-31T15:19:03 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/great-learning-offer-microsoft-azure-microsoft-power-bi-certifications-its-learners/ |
'Sad that it's the last one': Battle Creek to host NABF World Series for final time
2023 will mark the 71st summer Battle Creek has hosted an open division amateur baseball world series
BATTLE CREEK – A rock band from the 80s once said, "It’s the end of the world as we know it."
After more than a decade, local fans are singing the same tune as 2023 will be the end of the NABF World Series in Battle Creek. The 2023 edition of the NABF Charlie Blackburn Major Division World Series starts Wednesday.
“It is bittersweet,” said Jack McCulley, manager of the host team Battle Creek Merchants. “We are excited to be the host team and that was a goal. But for the veterans on the team and myself, who know what it means to have a World Series here in Battle Creek, it is sad that it’s the last one.”
The 109th annual NABF Charlie Blackburn Major Division World Series will be held at Bailey Park, through Sunday.
Starting in 2013, the NABF World Series has been held continuously in Battle Creek. After last year’s tournament, local officials committed to one more year and continued the tradition of an unlimited age division baseball national championship in town. Prior to the NABF, Battle Creek hosted the Stan Musial World Series for the same division of baseball for more than eight decades. Since Battle Creek first hosted a World Series in 1937, it has crowned a national champ for 71 of those 86 years.
The end of the run comes as locals have found it hard to continue providing the resources needed to run the tournament the way they want.
“The NABF is not unhappy with us, and we are not unhappy with them. But our association has gotten smaller and older and it's time to go out when you are able to do it, instead of, having the attitude of , we have to do this again and don’t have enough people,” said tournament director Terry Newton. “After we lost the Stan Musial, the odds weren’t in our favor to bring a world series of this caliber back to Battle Creek. But we did it 10 times and by the NABF standards, we did an outstanding job and we are leaving with our heads held high. We did a heckuva job and life goes on.”
MORE WORLD SERIES:
Battle Creek's 'baseball lifers' know the importance of the NABF World Series
Buffalo Diesel drive through the rain for third NABF World Series championship
NABF World Series: Who's in the 2023 field?
The 16 teams will again feature squads from throughout the Midwest and East Coast. For the third straight season, the Battle Creek Merchants will be the host team. The Merchants earned the spot by winning the annual City League Major Division Tournament, beating the Battle Creek Shamrocks in a best-of-3 series. The Merchants clinched the city championship with a 7-6 win on Friday after the two teams split the first two games.
“We are elated to be the host team. Our bats have been dormant the past two weeks and finally came alive in the final game of the city championship,” McCulley said, noting home runs in the clinching game by Mickey Losey and Darion Brown.
The Merchants will play on the opening day of the tournament in the featured game against the defending champs – Buffalo Battistoni Diesel – at 7:15 p.m. at MCCU Field at C.O Brown Stadium.
Also part of the field will be the Battle Creek Shamrocks, who will play 1 p.m. Thursday. After having a region pull out of the tournament, officials decided to add a second Battle Creek team.
The World Series went to an expanded field last year and the results have been positive.
“It makes a nice balance to the schedule, allows more teams an opportunity to play for the national championship and good for the economy for Battle Creek," Newton said. “Having a second Battle Creek teams is good for the local fans. Gives them two teams to root for. Both have their fans. Should improve the gate and you will get six games featuring Battle Creek teams instead of three.”
NABF World Series Schedule
Opening Day is Wednesday, with the Kellogg Community College/NABF Kids Clinic starting things off.
The Battle Creek Battle Jacks will play their Northwoods League rival, the Kalamazoo Growlers, in an 11 a.m. game at C.O. Brown Stadium. A scheduled 4:30 game will start the NABF tournament, with the 7:15 p.m. Merchants vs. Diesel contest highlighting the night. Tickets for the World Series will get you into the Battle Jacks game that day.
Pool assignments are:
- Pool A – BC Merchants, Buffalo Diesel, Canfield Buckeyes, Chicago Clout
- Pool B – Berea Blue Sox, Manistee Saints, Hattiesburg Black Sox, Michiana Brewers
- Pool C – Hackensack Troast, Lombard Orioles, Ft. Wayne Jackers, BC Shamrocks
- Pool D – The Sox (New Jersey), Buffalo Stingers, Beecher (Flint) Muskies, Livonia Firebirds.
Thursday will feature 12 pool games and the tournament will honor Nick Tiedeman, who has been the groundskeeper for the World Series throughout its run.
On Friday, pool play will continue and the Barb Newton Award will be giving to Nicole Gilmore of the Battle Creek Parks and Recreation Department.
Saturday will feature quarterfinal and semifinal games, with Sunday’s noon championship game ending the tournament.
Battle Creek Wall of Fame
The Battle Creek Area Amateur Sports Association will honor its Class of 2023 for the Wall of Fame at Nichols Field at Bailey Park on Wednesday. It is the 23rd year for the Wall of Fame. The festivities will be in conjunction with the start of the World Series, beginning at 5 p.m.
Following a decision in recent years to expand the Wall of Fame beyond amateur baseball to all sports in Battle Creek, this year’s class includes local high school coach/umpire Doug Bess, Dave Caley of the BC Shamrocks baseball program, Binder Park golf pro Ron Osborne, local coach and NABF volunteer Michael Miller and longtime Battle Creek Central coach Chuck Turner.
Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter:@billbroderick. | https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/story/sports/2023/07/31/battle-creek-to-host-nabf-world-series-for-final-time/70484838007/ | 2023-07-31T15:19:04 | 1 | https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/story/sports/2023/07/31/battle-creek-to-host-nabf-world-series-for-final-time/70484838007/ |
Every Thursday at 11 a.m. Eastern time, Jura Koncius helps you in your quest to achieve domestic bliss. She and weekly guests — whether it’s Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, Marie Kondo, Jasmine Roth of HGTV or Paula Sutton of Hill House Vintage — answer your decorating, decluttering, design, entertaining and home-keeping questions. For more than 20 years, our Q&A has hosted conversations about how to make your home comfortable, stylish, organized and fun.
Recent Q&As have covered whether it’s okay to replace a tub with a stand-alone shower, how to keep mice out of your house, what to do with a collection of costume jewelry and how to use the steam settings on your washer and dryer.
Submit questions below. The box now allows you to upload a photo of your home by clicking the gray paper clip icon. Please note that any photo you upload will be subject to The Washington Post’s Submission Guidelines, including certifying that you have the right to post the photo. If you have suggestions for Q&A topics, please email me at jura.koncius@washpost.com.
Looking for more? Read some of our stories about home and design.
Sign up for At Home, a digest of the best home and garden stories, delivered to your inbox every Thursday. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2023/08/10/shane-duffy-home-renovations-advice/ | 2023-07-31T15:19:09 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2023/08/10/shane-duffy-home-renovations-advice/ |
TAMPA, Fla. and WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthEdge Investment Partners, LLC ("HealthEdge") and United Western Group ("United Western") announced today that in partnership with Advantage Capital Holdings, LLC ("A-CAP"), they have completed a recapitalization of Veridian Healthcare, LLC ("Veridian" or the "Company"), a leading outsourced manufacturer of private label and branded in-home diagnostic, pain care management, and personal care products.
Veridian, which was founded in 2009 and is based in Gurnee, IL, has distinguished itself as a preeminent distributor of home health and diagnostic products for leading national and regional chain stores, pharmacies, wholesalers, distributors, and e-commerce businesses. The Company's custom private labeling capabilities, robust overseas procurement knowledge and relationships, purchase volumes, and well-established supplier relationships enable Veridian to deliver highly competitive pricing and unmatched service across its wide breadth of product categories. Furthermore, the Company's end-to-end procurement solutions adeptly manage quality testing, compliance, shipping, warehousing, and other logistical intricacies, relieving customers of these administrative burdens. These differentiators underpin Veridian's long-term success and impressive growth rate.
Veridian's products are sold into the large and growing retail in-home diagnostic and pain care management consumer end markets. These categories have demonstrated strong historical growth which is expected to continue due to multiple market tailwinds. These include the COVID-19 impact on increased monitoring of consumers' health at home, a growing interest in personal care, an increasing prevalence of chronic disease states, and an aging US population.
Veridian's Founder and President Steve Bisulca retained a meaningful ownership position in the Company and will continue in his role as Veridian's President. Concurrent with the recapitalization, United Western operating partners Robert Friedberg and John Aldridge will also undertake key C-suite roles at Veridian. Mr. Friedberg will serve as Chief Executive Officer with vast experience leading healthcare delivery platforms, including hospitals, health systems, physician practices, and ancillary services ranging from $50M to $1.3B in revenue. Mr. Aldridge will serve as Chief Digital Health Officer, expanding Veridian's capabilities and client base in the digital health sector through deep experience in remote patient monitoring and healthcare IT.
Jacob Atkinson, Managing Partner of United Western Group, commented, "We are privileged to partner with the Veridian Healthcare management team, HealthEdge, and A-CAP to expand Veridian's capabilities into digital healthcare through the development of remote patient monitoring, kitting, and telehealth programs. Veridian is highly regarded for its expansive SKU portfolio, strong supply chain, and logistical support. They have proven themselves to be an industry leader with a strong management team and an exceptional employee-centric culture."
Scott Heberlein, Partner with HealthEdge added, "We are excited to add Veridian and its talented team as the second platform investment in our fourth fund. The Company, its market position, historical growth, and future potential represent many of the attractive attributes we seek with our investments. We believe the addition of United Western's experienced operators, Robert and John, will help drive Veridian into new, growing markets, and provide key healthcare constituents with cost effective solutions for monitoring patients in the home, ultimately driving superior outcomes."
Holland & Knight LLP served as lead legal counsel to United Western Group. Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP served as legal counsel to HealthEdge. William Blair and Company, LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Veridian Healthcare, LLC. Dentons US, LLP served as legal advisor to Veridian Healthcare, LLC.
ABOUT VERIDIAN HEALTHCARE
Veridian Healthcare is a nationally recognized distributor of in-home diagnostics and pain relief products. Since its establishment in 2009, Veridian has consistently provided innovative products to the growing healthcare market, focusing on brand development and strategic partnerships while expanding its blue-chip wholesale and retail customer portfolio. Veridian offers over 50 years of combined management and sales experience, providing competitively priced and high-quality products designed to meet the standards of today's healthcare professionals.
For more information on Veridian, visit www.VeridianHealthcare.com.
ABOUT UNITED WESTERN GROUP
United Western Group is a private equity firm based in Washington, D.C. that partners with managers and entrepreneurs to invest in strategically viable, market-leading companies across a wide range of industries. United Western employs a collaborative value creation model through aggressive organic and inorganic growth strategies. United Western seeks investment targets in North American companies with $10 to $200 million in revenue.
For more information on United Western Group, visit www.UnitedWestern.com.
ABOUT HEALTHEDGE
HealthEdge Investment Partners, LLC is an operating-oriented private equity firm founded in 2005 that focuses exclusively on the healthcare industry. HealthEdge seeks to achieve superior returns by investing in businesses that benefit from the knowledge, experience, and network of relationships of its partners. HealthEdge's partners have more than 100 years of combined operating experience in healthcare as CEOs and investors.
For more information on HealthEdge, visit www.HealthEdgePartners.com.
ABOUT A-CAP
Advantage Capital Holdings, LLC is a premier risk solution and service provider to policyholders, insurers, and capital partners. A-CAP owns multiple businesses within the insurance company vertical, including primary carriers, reinsurance vehicles, an investment adviser, and a marketing organization. Additionally, A-CAP offers both debt and equity investment opportunities in businesses meeting desired return profiles and mitigating downside risks. With a diverse and successful management team, A-CAP excels across the insurance, reinsurance, and investment sectors.
For more information on ACAP, visit www.ACAP.com.
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SOURCE HealthEdge Investment Partners, LLC; United Western Group | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/healthedge-united-western-group-partner-with-advantage-capital-holdings-complete-recapitalization-veridian-healthcare/ | 2023-07-31T15:19:10 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/healthedge-united-western-group-partner-with-advantage-capital-holdings-complete-recapitalization-veridian-healthcare/ |
NEW YORK — When actor Casey Likes watched “Back to the Future” growing up, his mom would always say he reminded her a lot of the film’s star, Michael J. Fox. Something in the universe agrees: He’s taken on Fox’s classic movie role on Broadway.
“I remember growing up and just really, really loving the film. It kind of sat in that realm of like ‘E.T.’ and ‘Close Encounters’ — movies that came at a time when film was magical,” says Likes, 21. “I hope we accomplish something kind of similar with Broadway.”
The show, which won the Olivier Award for best new musical last year in London, arrives at the Winter Garden Theatre this summer with a story by Bob Gale, who previously co-created and co-wrote the movie with Robert Zemeckis. It hews very closely to the original, including having a DeLorean onstage and the shout “Great Scott!”
Broadway veteran and Tony Award-winner Roger Bart takes on Christopher Lloyd’s role of Doc Brown, the oddball scientist with a knack for inventions. Bart recalls seeing “Back to the Future” in his early 20s when it first appeared in movie theaters. He watched with three friends from theater school and they were all secretly jealous of Fox.
“None of my friends — even knowing each other as well as we did — none of them, including my mother, ever nudged me and said, ‘No, no, kid. You’re Doc Brown. Just be patient,’” the Tony-winner says laughing.
Like the film, the musical centers on Marty McFly traveling back to his hometown in 1955. Once there, he gets caught up in the soap opera lives of his own teenage parents, including his mom, who develops a crush on her future son. He must reconnect mom and dad or he risks disappearing from history.
“We feel like it’s very important – I’m sure Casey would agree — for the public to come to the show and recognize that they are seeing that story in a different form but with all of its charms very deeply intact,” says Bart, whose Broadway credits include “The Producers,” “Disaster!” and “Young Frankenstein.”
New songs have been crafted by the film’s composer Alan Silvestri and songwriter and producer Glen Ballard. Some Huey Lewis and the News songs from the movie also have been included, like the theme tune “The Power of Love” and “Back in Time,” as well as Marty McFly’s futuristic rendition of “Johnny B. Goode.”
“We go back to the ‘50s, you get some songs that sound like ’Grease,’ like ‘Bye Bye Birdie.’ And then we have some ‘80s moments in there that are very ’Footloose,’” says Likes. “It feels kind of like the greatest hits of not only rock ‘n’ roll, but of musical theater.”
While both men are fans of the films — and both got to meet the original stars at a gala last week — neither Bart nor Likes want to straightjacket themselves into the way Fox and Lloyd performed their roles.
“I don’t want to impersonate the movie. I want to remind you of the movie,” says Likes, who made his Broadway debut last year as the Cameron Crowe-inspired lead character of the musical “Almost Famous.”
“There’s a lot of things that Roger is doing that are similar, and there’s a lot of things that I’m doing that hopefully are similar to Michael. But we’re really just reminding you of their brilliance. Hopefully, at the same time, you’re able to kind of go along the journey with our Marty and Doc.”
In addition to being a cultural touchstone, “Back to the Future” was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry and the American Film Institute listed it as the No. 10 best science-fiction film. Bart thinks the movie’s staying power is because it manages to straddle many worlds.
There’s a time travel story and one about getting to know your parents as peers. There’s a love story between Marty’s parents and there’s also a buddy movie — Marty and Doc putting their friendship on the line.
“Between all of these elements, it answers so many of the things that we love about that era of moviemaking and storytelling,” says Bart. “I think that’s one of the reasons why it is has sort of stuck around so long.”
Not to mention the fact that audiences can appreciate the story at different parts of their lives. Kids can enjoy the thrills and special effects; adults can be moved by the notion of meeting their own moms and dads. “Part of its sustaining power is the fact that it can mean one thing at one age and another at another,” says Bart.
Likes also adds another reason: Marty initially only wants to get back to his own time period to reconnect with his girlfriend. But his reasons start to change — save Doc, save his family, save the world.
“As the show goes on, there’s more stacked up reasons as to why he has to get back. And I think that’s a really interesting thing to think about in our own life,” he says. “What would be our reasons to to get back to our current life?”
___
Mark Kennedy can be reached at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits | https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2023/07/31/back-future-broadway-musical/a553af5a-2fb0-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html | 2023-07-31T15:19:11 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2023/07/31/back-future-broadway-musical/a553af5a-2fb0-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html |
- BDT & MSD Partners to acquire stake from BC Partners in IMA Group
- Investment to accelerate IMA's growth as a leader in the global processing and packaging machinery industry
- IMA Group EBITDA grew 70% during the course of its partnership with BC Partners
BOLOGNA, Italy, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IMA Group ("IMA" or "the Company"), a world leader in the design and manufacture of automatic packaging machines, today announced that BDT & MSD Partners, a merchant bank built to serve the distinct needs of business owners and strategic, long-term investors, has entered into a definitive agreement to make a minority investment in the Company through its affiliated funds. BDT & MSD Partners will acquire its position from BC Partners, a leading international investment firm, among other investors. The Vacchi family remains the majority owner of IMA.
Founded in 1961, IMA's offering includes automatic machines for the processing and packaging of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, tea, coffee, other food products, and e-mobility solutions, as well as solutions for the automation of industrial processes. The Company is present in more than 80 countries and operates 53 production facilities, enabling it to serve a strong blue-chip customer base across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. IMA has an installed base of approximately 60,000 machines and currently holds more than 3,000 patents and patent applications. In 2022, the Company had approximately €2 billion in revenue.
"This investment from BDT & MSD Partners will enable IMA to start a new phase of growth and position us to play a leadership role in the transition to sustainable packaging materials. Our customers are focused on minimizing their environmental impact, and we are committed to providing a new generation of reliable and innovative packaging solutions," said Alberto Vacchi, Chairman and CEO of IMA. "We believe BDT & MSD's long-term view and deep expertise in supporting family enterprises makes it an ideal partner to help us reach these goals and accelerate global growth, including in the U.S. market."
Alberto Vacchi continued, "BC Partners has been a true strategic partner, providing thought leadership through its sector insights and owner-operator mindset helping us execute on our vision. BC Partners supported us in delisting IMA during the turbulent period of the Covid pandemic, enhancing our global leadership position, and ultimately assisting us in selecting the right investment partner for our next chapter of growth."
"Guided by the Vacchi family over the past six decades, IMA has distinguished itself as a leader in the global processing and packaging machinery industry," said Byron Trott, Chairman & Co-CEO of BDT & MSD Partners. "IMA has demonstrated an exceptional track record of success, and we believe it is well positioned for the significant opportunities ahead in the industry. This investment is emblematic of our flagship strategy of providing long-term, aligned capital to family business owners and founders to help them achieve their objectives."
"IMA has a strong network of blue-chip clients and a longstanding, highly experienced management team whose stewardship and sharp focus on innovation and sustainable operations have cemented the Company's reputation as a trusted partner and technological leader," said Mariafrancesca Carli, Managing Director at BDT & MSD Partners. "We are thrilled to partner with Alberto, the Vacchi family, and the entire IMA team to support the Company's continued growth."
"Our investment in IMA demonstrates our unique ability to be the partner of choice for entrepreneurs and management teams, leveraging the strength of our sector expertise and operational value add. With our support, IMA has increased its focus on R&D, expanded its employee base, positioned itself as a mission-critical partner to its customers, and generated significant growth and investment returns. It was important for us to help the Vacchi family find the right partner for the next stage of their growth, and we are confident that BDT & MSD is well positioned to do this. We are grateful to Alberto Vacchi and the whole IMA Group management team for their partnership," said Stefano Ferraresi, Partner at BC Partners.
BC Partners partnered with the Vacchi family to take the Company private from the Milan stock exchange in 2020 during the height of the Covid pandemic. Over the course of BC Partners' co-ownership, IMA executed five bolt-on acquisitions, developed new product lines and a world-leading automation division, increased investment in R&D by 30%, and strengthened its supply chain. These initiatives have helped deliver strong financial performance, with sales and EBITDA growth of over 50% and 70%, respectively, since the delisting of the Company. IMA is well positioned to continue its strong growth, achieving record backlog in orders and underpinned by attractive financing terms arranged by BC Partners.
IMA is committed to supporting the U.N.'s 17 Sustainable Development Goals through its operations, including adopting initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its production processes. Among them are IMA NoP (No-Plastic Program), which aims to introduce eco-sustainable materials across the Company's supply chain, and IMA Low (Low-Impact Program), which seeks to reduce the Company's waste, minimize energy and water consumption, and more.
The transaction is expected to close in late 2023, subject to the timing of customary regulatory approvals. The transaction was conceived, originated, and led by IMA's management team and by Poggi & Associati as lead financial advisor. Mediobanca and BofA Securities also acted as financial advisor to the Company in the context of the transaction. JPMorgan Chase & Co. provided financial advice to BC Partners. White & Case and FRM acted, respectively, as legal and tax advisors to IMA Group and Chiomenti as legal advisors to BDT & MSD Partners. Kirkland & Ellis acted as legal advisors to BC Partners.
Notes to Editors
About IMA Group
Founded in 1961, IMA Group is a world leader in the design and manufacture of automatic machines for the processing and packaging of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, tea, coffee, other food products, and e-mobility solutions, as well as in the automation of industrial processes. Over more than 60 years, IMA has built a reputation as a trusted partner and technological leader delivering innovative solutions and products to customers around the world. In 2022, IMA had approximately €2 billion in revenue, with more than 86% from exports, and it currently holds more than 3,000 patents and patent applications. IMA has approximately 6,900 employees and is present in more than 80 countries, supported by a 30-branch network offering sale and post-sale services across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. IMA is committed to using its position to advance sustainability goals. For more information, visit https://ima.it/en/.
About BDT & MSD Partners
BDT & MSD Partners is a merchant bank with an advisory and investment platform built to serve the distinct needs of business owners and strategic, long-term investors. The firm is distinguished by its decades of experience advising at the intersection of founders, families, and businesses, as well as by its differentiated capital base and culture of aligned investing. Its funds are managed by its affiliated investment advisers, BDT Capital Partners and MSD Partners. For more information, visit www.bdtmsd.com.
About BC Partners
BC Partners is a leading investment firm with over €40 billion in assets under management across private equity, private debt, and real estate strategies. Established in 1986, BC Partners has played an active role for over three decades in developing the European buy-out market. Today BC Partners integrated transatlantic investment teams work from offices in Europe and North America and are aligned across our four core sectors: TMT, Healthcare, Services & Industrials, and Consumer. Since its foundation, BC Partners has completed over 127 private equity investments in companies with a total enterprise value of over €160 billion and is currently investing its eleventh private equity buyout fund. For more information, visit https://www.bcpartners.com/
Media Contacts
IMA Group
Andrea Baldani, IR Manager
T: +39 051 6514111
E: andrea.baldani@ima.it
Maria Antonia Mantovani, Press Office
T: +39 051 783283
E: mariaantonia.mantovani@ima.it
BDT & MSD Partners
Sara Evans / Matthew Glasser
T: (312) 529-6548 / (312) 385-2883
E: communications@bdtmsd.com
BC Partners
Simren Priestley, Head of Communications
T: +44 20 7009 4722
E: simren.priestley@bcpartner.com
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SOURCE BDT & MSD Partners; IMA Group | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/ima-group-announces-strategic-investment-bdt-amp-msd-partners/ | 2023-07-31T15:19:11 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/ima-group-announces-strategic-investment-bdt-amp-msd-partners/ |
At about summer’s halfway point, the record-breaking heat and weather extremes are both unprecedented and unsurprising, hellish yet boring in some ways, scientists say.
“We are seeing unprecedented changes all over the world,” said NASA climate scientist Gavin Schmidt. “The heat waves that we’re seeing in the U.S. and in Europe, in China are demolishing records left, right and center. This is not a surprise.”
Imperial College of London climate scientist Friederike Otto said examining what’s causing heat waves is “boring” in a way since it keeps happening. Yet she added that it matters “because it shows again just how much climate change plays a role in what we are currently experiencing.”
“This story, these impacts, are going to continue,” Schmidt said. “We’re going to be seeing this pretty much this year and into next year” with a natural El Nino warming of the Pacific adding to the overwhelming influence of human-caused climate change largely from the burning of coal, oil and gas.
Here’s a rundown of the summer of Earth’s discontent.
RECORD-SHATTERING HEAT
Globally, June this year was the hottest June on record — and scientists say July has been so hot that even before the month was over they could say it was the hottest month on record. But it’s individual places where people live that the heat has stuck around and killed.
Phoenix, where the last day of June and each day of July has been at least 110 degrees (43 degrees Celsius), set records for the longest mega-heat streak and longest stretch when the temperatures didn’t go below 90 degrees (32 degrees Celsius) at night.
El Paso, Texas, had 44 days of 100 degree (37 degree) heat. Schools closed in Nuevo Leon state in northern Mexico a month earlier than usual as temperatures reached 113 degrees (45 Celsius).
Farther east, Miami added humidity to high heat for 46 straight days of feels-like temperatures of 100 or more.
Beijing had its own record streak with at least 27 days of 95 degrees (35 Celsius) in July, after a three-day streak of at least 104 (40 Celsius) in June. And the country set it’s all-time highest temperature on July 16 in remote Sanbao township with 126 degrees (52.2 Celsius).
Heat records fell all over southern Europe. Sardinia, Italy, hit 117 (47 Celsius). Palermo in Sicily broke a record that goes back to 1791 by a whopping 3.6 degrees (2 degrees Celsius). Temperatures hit 115 (46 Celsius) in Gytheio, Greece.
Spain reported nearly 1,000 excess deaths from the heat, mostly among the elderly, by mid July.
In Argentina, where it’s mid-winter, temperatures were above 89.6 (32 Celsius) four straight days in June in the northern part of the county. One July night in Buenos Aires didn’t get below the 70s (low 20s Celsius).
TOO MUCH RAIN
More than 10,000 people had to be evacuated in central Hunan province in China where heavy rainfall caused at least 70 houses to collapse. In Yichang, rain triggered a landslide that buried a construction site and killed at least one person.
Australia’s Queensland outback got 13 times its normal monthly July rain in just one day.
Thousands of people were evacuated from Delhi in India as rains caused flash floods and landslides. Elsewhere in the country at least 100 people were killed by the downpours.
In the United States, sudden heavy rain killed people in Vermont, Connecticut and Pennsylvania with tragic stories of children washed away in flooding.
WILDFIRES AND SMOKE
Too little rain in Greece and Spain fed wildfires that proved difficult to fight. In the Canary Islands, a fire caused 4,000 people to evacuate, others to wear face masks and had 400 firefighters battling it.
Hot and dry conditions caused about 160 wildfires to break out in Israel in early June.
But what really brought fires home happened in parts of Canada where few people live. Rare far northern Quebec wildfires triggered nasty smoke that inflicted the world’s dirtiest air on cities like New York and Washington, then switched to the Midwest.
As of late July more than 600 wildfires were out of control in Canada. A record 47,490 square miles (123,000 square kilometers) burned, and fire season isn’t near done. That’s an area larger than the state of Pennsylvania or North Korea.
WATER TEMPERATURES
Water temperatures in the Florida Keys and off the Everglades hit the high 90s (high 30s Celsius) with Manatee Bay breaking 100 degrees twice in what could be an unofficial world record for surface water temperature, although that’s in dispute.
The North Atlantic had hot spots that alarmed scientists. The world’s oceans as a whole were their hottest ever in June and got even hotter in July. In Antarctica, sea ice smashed record-low levels.
Ocean temperatures take a long time to warm up and cool down, said University of Northern Illinois meteorology professor Victor Gensini. So it doesn’t look good for the rest of the summer, he said.
A HOT FORECAST
“We are favoring above normal temperatures for the next three months,” said NOAA Climate Prediction Center meteorologist Matt Rosencrans.
The only potential relief he sees, especially in the hot Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, is if a hurricane or tropical storm moves through.
The peak of hurricane season in September hasn’t even started.
When going through the litany of this summer’s weather extremes so far, University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann had one question: “How on God’s Earth are we still burning fossil fuels after witnessing all this?”
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Researcher Rhonda Shafner contributed to this report from New York. ___
Follow AP’s climate and environment coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment
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Follow Seth Borenstein on Twitter at @borenbears
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Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2023/07/31/heat-wave-flood-wildfire-smoke-climate-change/1cd04c34-2fb4-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html | 2023-07-31T15:19:31 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2023/07/31/heat-wave-flood-wildfire-smoke-climate-change/1cd04c34-2fb4-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html |
But there are things most children and parents in the United States are legally entitled to: tax breaks, insurance freebies and time off from work after a birth. “There’s this generic list of benefits that are common knowledge, but then there are some that are under-the-radar,” said Dominique Molina, a certified public accountant and co-founder of American Institute of Certified Tax Coaches.
So we’re offering up here some parenting advice we all can use.
Tax Advice
Child Tax Credit
The minute a baby is born, taxpayers may be eligible he or she qualifies you for a credit for their child. break on next year’s taxes. Think of it as an annual gift from Uncle Sam for taking care of the nation’s next generation. For the 2023 tax year, the child tax credit is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying dependent under the age of 17. As it’s set for 2023, each taxpayer is able to subtract from their tax bill $2,000 for every dependent they claim who is under age 18 years old. $400 Four-hundred dollars of the credit is nonrefundable, meaning it can only bring your bill down to 0, not lower. The other $1600 is refundable, which translates to a check in your bank account if you don’t owe any more taxes.
"Say you’re low-income and you bring your tax bill down to zero, you can actually get cash beyond what your tax bill would be,” Molina said. “That’s like free cash for you.”
Married or joint-filing couples making up to $400,000 are able to claim the full credit, as well as single filers with an income up to $200,000. Those earning more are phased out of the benefit.
As long as the eligible child is born before midnight on Jan. 1, the parents are eligible to claim the dependent on their tax return the following April.
Dependent Care Savings Account
Day care is expensive, but there’s a tool that can help you save money. Signing up for a dependent care flexible spending account through your employer allows you to put aside up to $5,000 tax-free each year. The money is carved out of your paycheck before the government takes its cut, so it’s a savings of up to about 30 percent.
Eligible expenses include day care, before and after school care, babysitting and camp until the child is 13 years old. To redeem, parents upload receipts and are reimbursed up to $5,000 annually. Unfortunately, unlike like health savings accounts, the dependent care FSA does not adjust to keep up with inflation. The amount has remained the same since 1986.
529 Plans
Sure, child care is an immediate concern. But how to pay for a college education should be on the forefront of the minds of new parents.
The 529 education savings plans are a way that anyone, grandparents or nonfamily members included, can set aside money to be used for postsecondary school education. The funds are deposited into an investment account and can grow over time.
Those who withdraw the money and use it for qualifying education expenses such as tuition, fees and room and board do not pay federal income taxes on the interest earned.
“Getting started earlier is a really great plan,” Molina said.
Molina suggested having friends and family bring checks to a baby shower, and then deposit the money into a 529 account.
There are two other ways the educational savings plan can be used: The money can also be withdrawn to pay for private elementary or secondary school. The cap on that benefit is $10,000.
Also, starting in 2024, if a child does not use the 529 fund for school, the money can be rolled into a Roth individual retirement account tax and penalty-free. There is a lifetime limit of $35,000, and it has to have been owned by the 529 beneficiary for at least 15 years. In other words, it’s important to start that 529 early. (The money rolled over into the account will belong to the beneficiary, not the parent.) The change was part of the Secure Act 2.0 in 2022, Molina said.
The annual amount a person can put into a Roth IRA varies by year; for 2023, it is $6,500.
“It's great if you end up not using your 529 or you don't use all of it,” she said. “This provides another mechanism to never pay tax on the earnings of that plan.”
Adoption
Adoption fees add up quickly and they can be calculated into your tax bill. Adoption tax credits are adjusted with inflation, but for 2023, the max amount a parent can claim is $15,950 per child. “It’s a tax credit, so it’s a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your taxes,” Molina said.
The expenses must be incurred during the tax year in which you adopted the child. They cover things such as court and agency fees, foster care before adoption and travel expenses if you brought the child home from another country.
Know your insurance coverage
Prenatal Coverage
All Marketplace health plans, individual coverage that meets federal requirements in the Affordable Care Act, must cover the cost of many prenatal or well-woman visits without the patient forking over a co-pay. This includes Pap smears, breastfeeding support, maternal depression screening and preeclampsia prevention, according to HealthCare.gov. Insurers must also cover screening for sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV.
Testing for gestational diabetes — the juice-like drink you have to consume at 24 weeks — is also covered.
For employer-sponsored health coverage, most of these visits are required to be covered. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 requires employers with 15 or more employees to have insurance plans that cover maternity care, childbirth and other pregnancy-related issues.
Enrolling the baby
Normally, you have to sign up for an insurance plan during open enrollment, which is a period of time set aside by your employer or insurance company. Certain events can trigger a “special enrollment period.” One is having a baby. Insurance companies have varying timelines, but the Labor Department suggests enrolling your child within 30 days of birth. Coverage is retroactive, so it will be effective the day your baby was born.
Freebies
All insurance plans must cover the cost of breastfeeding supplies like breast pumps. The pump may be rented or bought, and it can be obtained before or after birth. The insurer may have guidelines about how long the rental will be, or a maximum dollar amount for the pump. The coverage also includes breastfeeding support.
Once at the six-week post-delivery checkup, ways to prevent pregnancy are often discussed by the doctor. Insurers must also cover the cost of birth control, whether it’s before pregnancy or after a baby is born. (Employers who claim a religious exemption may bypass this requirement.)
Parental leave
FMLA
The United States doesn’t have a national paid leave policy — a fight that has been ongoing for a century. But there are some protections new parents have when it comes to time off after a birth.
The most basic and well-known is the Family and Medical Leave Act. Under it, parents are entitled to 12 weeks unpaid leave without fear of losing their job — as long as the employer and employee meet certain criteria.
To be eligible, an employee of a business with more than 50 workers must have been on the payroll for that employer for at least 12 months and have 1,250 hours logged in the previous year before leave is taken.
When the employee returns to work, they are required to have “the same or virtually identical position.”
When time off through FMLA is used, an employer is not required to pay the employee, although some may offer that benefit. Others may grant a mixed bag, like six weeks paid time off and then the employee can choose to come back to work or take the remaining six weeks off unpaid.
Above the bare minimum
Some companies go beyond the 12 weeks. Salesforce offers 26 weeks of paid time off for primary caregivers. At DocuSign, it’s six months for both parents.
Lauren Wallenstein, founder of Milk Your Benefits, a consultancy for California employees looking to maximize their maternity and paternity leave, suggests asking your employer what kind of leave you’re entitled to, and then checking to see if your state has a paid family leave program.
“The multitude of programs that employees may be eligible for can create confusion because few employees accurately understand what they’re entitled to as far as time off and income during their leave,” Wallenstein said. “And it can be difficult to grasp how to apply for and max out state, federal and company benefits so that nothing is left on the table.”
States that offer more
In California, where Wallenstein consults, employees who are taking time off to care for a child in his first year may apply for paid family leave. The state program allows parents to file a claim for eight weeks of assistance, which can mean 60 to 70 percent of the employee’s weekly wages. Paid family leave is funded through State Disability Insurance contributions on California workers’ paychecks, according to the state’s Employment Development Department.
Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon and Washington offer paid leave up to 12 weeks for the care of a new child, but employer and employee eligibility varies by state, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In D.C., it’s eight weeks. Wisconsin grants six weeks paid leave. Rhode Island’s Temporary Caregiver Insurance program helps to recoup up to five weeks of lost wages.
Special perks for some
Post 9/11 GI Bill
Members of the military who have served in the past 22 years have another option for helping pay for their children’s college education — and it’s bankrolled by the U.S. government. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, service members who spend 90 days on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, are eligible for 36 months of education assistance, which includes tuition, books and room and board.
If you don’t use the benefit yourself, you can transfer the benefits to your child. But to do so, you must still be serving on active duty and have served six years, according to Veterans Affairs. And when you do move the assistance to your child’s name, which you can do when they are any age, you agree to four more years of service from the date that you transfer the GI Bill.
The benefit can also be divided between several children, but the total number of months of assistance will not change beyond 36.
Hire your kids
One way to let your money work for you is to let your kids work for you. “The real power in the tax code goes toward business owners and their kids,” Molina said.
Once a child is 7 years old, a parent who owns a business can hire them for age-appropriate tasks, such as emptying trash cans or shredding documents. Until age 18, children may not need to take taxes like Social Security and Medicare out of their paycheck, depending on how the business is organized. The child’s earnings, up to the annual contribution limit of $6,500, can be rolled into a Roth IRA for future use. (A minor who isn’t working for their parents can earn up to $12,950 without paying income tax.)
As an added bonus, those who have a sole proprietorship (schedule C) do not have to pay payroll taxes on the child’s earnings.
Mary Beth Gahan is a freelance journalist based in Dallas. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2023/07/31/parents-benefits-insurance-taxes/ | 2023-07-31T15:19:37 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/parenting/2023/07/31/parents-benefits-insurance-taxes/ |
PATERSON, N.J., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --
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SOURCE Glacier Fresh | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/introducing-glacierfresh-gravity-water-filter-pure-innovation/ | 2023-07-31T15:19:37 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/introducing-glacierfresh-gravity-water-filter-pure-innovation/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — A legal advocacy group for journalists wants to get involved in Disney’s free speech lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press says a win by the Florida governor could embolden other governments across the U.S. to take actions against journalists and other media when they exercise their First Amendment rights.
The group on Friday asked a judge for permission to file a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the claims brought by Disney against DeSantis, his appointees to a special district board governing Disney World and a state economic development agency. The lawsuit claims the Florida governor violated the company’s free speech rights by taking control over the district in retaliation for Disney’s public opposition to the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
The committee said that the impact of a DeSantis win would be felt beyond the 39 square miles (101 square kilometers) of the Disney World property governed by the new appointees picked by the Florida governor to the governing district’s board.
“If Defendants prevail in this case, those on whose behalf the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press advocates will be first in the line of fire given the nature of reporting and the press’s role in our constitutional system,” the committee said in its request to file the supporting brief in federal court in Tallahassee. “As such, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press’s proposed brief provides a voice to those not directly involved, but undoubtedly impacted by this case.”
DeSantis and Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity have argued that Disney’s case should be dismissed because of sovereign immunity protection against being sued for conducting government business, and that Disney hasn’t shown how it has been hurt so it lacks standing to sue the state government defendants.
DeSantis has used the fight with Disney to burnish his “anti-woke” credentials and demonstrate his ability to push a conservative agenda during his campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.
The DeSantis appointees took over the Disney World governing board earlier this year following a yearlong feud between the company and DeSantis. The fight began last year after Disney, beset by significant pressure internally and externally, publicly opposed a state law banning classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades, a policy critics call “Don’t Say Gay.”
As punishment, DeSantis took over the district through legislation passed by Florida lawmakers and appointed a new board of supervisors to oversee municipal services for the sprawling theme parks and hotels.
If the retaliatory actions by DeSantis and Republican lawmakers are left unchecked, it poses a threat to watchdog journalism and press coverage of public issues “to the detriment to the free flow of information on matters of public concern that has long been the hallmark of our democratic system of government,” the committee said.
Before the new board came in, Disney made agreements with previous oversight board members who were Disney supporters that stripped the new supervisors of their authority over design and development. The DeSantis-appointed members of the governing district have sued Disney in state court in a second lawsuit stemming from the district’s takeover, seeking to invalidate those agreements.
Disney had asked for the case be dismissed or delayed pending the outcome of the federal lawsuit. However, Circuit Judge Margaret Schreiber in Orlando on Friday refused to toss or postpone the case, saying among other reasons that to do so would have created “an undue delay” for the district, which still must continue governing. ___
Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at @MikeSchneiderAP | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/31/disney-desantis-florida-journalists-first-amendment/60b1a300-2fb2-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html | 2023-07-31T15:19:43 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/31/disney-desantis-florida-journalists-first-amendment/60b1a300-2fb2-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html |
TORONTO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Sharon Hodgson, Dean, Ivey Business School, along with students from the Women in Asset Management Program at Ivey Business School, joined Karin Adams, Vice President, Talent and Total Rewards, TMX Group, to celebrate the Women in Asset Management Program and to open the market.
The Ivey Business School (www.ivey.ca) at Western University is Canada's leading provider of relevant, innovative and comprehensive business education. Drawing on extensive research and business experience, Ivey faculty provides the best classroom experience, equipping graduates with the skills and capabilities they need to tackle the leadership challenges in today's complex business world. Ivey offers world-renowned undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as Executive Education at campuses in London (Ontario), Toronto and Hong Kong.
The Women in Asset Management Program is run through Ivey in collaboration with eight other Canadian asset managers to empower women to join the field of asset management.
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SOURCE Toronto Stock Exchange | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/ivey-business-school-opens-market/ | 2023-07-31T15:19:43 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/ivey-business-school-opens-market/ |
Earlier this month, there was a brief flurry of agitation on the right over what was presented as an effort to silence testimony from someone with information damaging to President Biden. The Justice Department unsealed an indictment against a man named Gal Luft, who, the government claims, had aided Chinese government interests and worked to evade sanctions on Iran as he served as a director at a D.C.-area think tank. Luft had previously been identified as a potential anti-Biden witness by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.).
It’s not clear what evidence Luft was prepared to offer against Biden and his son Hunter, though New York Post columnist Miranda Devine, reporting about a videotaped statement from Luft, didn’t find much that was new. But still: Here was a potential witness against the government, facing criminal charges! Weaponization of the legal system … just like they’ve been doing to Donald Trump!
As you may by now be aware, this wasn’t actually the story. The Justice Department unsealed the charges this month, but the indictment had been handed down in November. Luft’s claims about Biden came to the attention of Comer and Devine, it seems, only after he’d been arrested on those charges earlier this year and began claiming that he was being targeted because of what he knew.
The argument from Comer and his allies was either misinformed or dishonest. But they appear not to have internalized any lessons from it.
On Sunday, Devine had a new report: In a letter, Devine said, the Justice Department was trying to imprison Hunter Biden’s former business partner, Devon Archer, before he could offer testimony to Comer’s committee on Monday.
“The DOJ is trying to arrest Devon Archer ahead of his bombshell testimony Monday about Joe Biden’s involvement in his son Hunter’s Ukraine business when he was VP,” Devine wrote on social media. The letter, she claimed, sought to send Archer “to jail immediately.”
Comer dutifully showed up on Maria Bartiromo’s Sunday morning Fox News show, where the host asked him about the letter. (Bartiromo, like Devine, is often at the center of these discussions. It was to Bartiromo that Comer had in May admitted losing track of a witness — a witness who turned out to be Gal Luft and who had gone missing because he skipped bail on the charges that Comer earlier this month pretended were new.)
“The letter from the Department of Justice is trying to nudge the judge to go ahead and sentence Devon Archer for something unrelated than what we’re going to be talking to him about tomorrow,” Comer told Bartiromo. “It’s odd that it was issued on a Saturday and it’s odd that it’s right before he’s scheduled to come in to have an opportunity to speak in front of the House Oversight Committee and tell the American people the truth about what really went on with Burisma.” Burisma is a Ukrainian energy company that is at the center of a different allegation against the president and Hunter Biden from Comer and his allies.
“So I don’t know if this is a coincidence, Maria, or if this is another example of the weaponization of the Department of Justice,” he continued. “But I can tell you this: The lengths to which the Biden legal team has gone to try to intimidate our witnesses, to coordinate with the Department of Justice and to certainly coordinate with the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee to encourage people not to cooperate with our investigation … [is] very troubling, and I believe that this is another violation of the law, this is obstruction of justice.”
It is not.
Archer was a business partner of Hunter Biden’s for years. In 2016, while Joe Biden was vice president, Archer and a number of other individuals were indicted on charges they defrauded members of a Native American tribe. They were found guilty in 2018, and this past February Archer was sentenced to a year in prison.
Archer appealed the decision. A federal appellate court in New York declined to hear the final iteration of Archer’s appeal earlier this month, informing the judge overseeing his case last week. A few days later, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams sent the judge his letter … a letter in which there is no demand that Archer be arrested or immediately imprisoned.
As Archer’s attorney was aware.
“We are aware of speculation that the Department of Justice’s weekend request to have Mr. Archer report to prison is an attempt by the Biden administration to intimidate him in advance of his meeting with the House Oversight Committee,” Archer’s attorney told Politico in a statement on Sunday. “To be clear, Mr. Archer does not agree with that speculation.” Archer would testify before Oversight as planned, he added.
The brouhaha prompted Williams to send a second letter, in which his eye-rolling was almost audible.
“As the Court knows, to surrender and commence his sentence of imprisonment, the defendant first must be designated to a federal facility by the Bureau of Prisons — a process that can take several weeks or months after the Court sets a surrender date,” he wrote. “Nonetheless, for the avoidance of all doubt, the Government requests that any surrender date, should the Court order one, be scheduled to occur after the defendant’s Congressional testimony is completed.”
Predictably, this second letter, obviously meant to kneecap the sort of rhetoric that Comer was offering on Fox News, was itself framed by House Republicans as somehow proof that the Justice Department had been caught red-handed. A number of GOP lawmakers, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (Fla.) — who insisted that the Justice Department was “actively committing the crime of obstructing a congressional investigation” — pledged on social media to begin “immediate emergency hearings on the DOJ’s interference with Congressional Oversight.”
This is the point. Donald Trump has framed the Justice Department as irrationally hostile to him since shortly after he won the 2016 election, a useful indoctrination for his supporters once his actions led to criminal charges. Claiming that the Justice Department has been “weaponized” against the right has shrunk the barrier toward acceptance of any conspiracy theories in that vein to near zero. Devine’s writing often mines the idea. Comer and his allies deploy it to generate attention with Trump supporters. Bartiromo gives the politics a platform. And all of it is in service of elevating the idea that Archer’s testimony is necessarily damning — and therefore whatever he ends up saying is therefore imbued with added weight.
On Monday, after the second letter from Williams and after widespread debunking of Devine’s original claim, the New York Post put a variation of her conspiracy theory on its front page. In the cover story, first published late Sunday night, Devine wrote that the situation is “another example of a DOJ gone astray.”
It is, in fact, not obviously the Justice Department that has gone astray. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/31/doj-hunter-devon-archer/ | 2023-07-31T15:19:49 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/31/doj-hunter-devon-archer/ |
The giveaway of an original digital badge designed by Yusuke Kozaki, a Japan leading character designer, has just begun.
SINGAPORE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AnotherBall (CEO: Captain), providing virtual entertainment experiences for a new era, today launched their new project "SAI by IZUMO" in collaboration with some of the top artists in the Japanese anime and game industries. This project has begun with the first giveaway of non-transferable digital badges, illustrated by Yusuke Kozaki.
IZUMO, launched in February 2023, is a VTuber project in the age of AI and Web3 with the mission to build a sustainable place where everyone can live as they want to be. IZUMO offers the avatar assets of its symbolic character, "Ailis," to the public free of charge for both commercial and non-commercial use. With this, IZUMO continues to support all creators to maximize their potential creativities with emerging technologies.
The project "SAI by IZUMO," is a challenge to expand the possibilities of expression through emerging technologies with leading Japanese artists in the entertainment industry. The artists illustrated "Ailis" using their own unique style and expression, and IZUMO offers it as an original digital badge.
This collaboration project features six incredible artists: Yusuke Kozaki, a prolific illustrator, manga creator, and character designer who has worked on the character design for the AR game Pokémon GO; Aoi Yuki, a Japanese voice actress who won the Best Voice Actress Award at the 6th Seiyu Awards in 2012; KEI, a character designer known for a virtual character Hatsune Miku series; Ryu Nakayama, an animation director of Chainsaw Man; Shingo Adachi, an animator, character designer, and director known for numerous notable works such as the Japanese original anime TV series Lycoris Recoil and the Sword Art Online series; Naoki Saito, an illustrator, and YouTuber, known for his work in Pokémon Card Game and Duel Masters.
The exclusive illustrations drawn by each artist will be issued as digital badges using "Soul Bound Token (SBT)" technology, which makes it a non-transferable digital asset. The badges will be permanently owned and serve as proof of support for each artist.
Overview of "SAI by IZUMO"
Official website: https://sai.izumo.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IZUMOofficial
Discord: https://discord.gg/izumo
◼️ Introduction of the great artists:
Yusuke Kozaki
Character designer, illustrator, and manga artist. Yusuke Kozaki has designed and illustrated characters for a number of popular gaming titles, including Fire Emblem, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon: Sword & Shield.
Aoi Yuki
Voice actress. Aoi Yuki voiced the roles of Madoka Kaname in Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Iris in Pokémon: Best Wishes!, Hibiki Tachibana in Senki Zesshō Symphogear, and Maomao in Yakuya no Hitorigoto. She is also in charge of the YUKI×AOI Chimera Project, from planning to drafting and character design.
KEI
Illustrator. KEI has designed many characters for the Vocaloid series such as Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin/Len, and Megurine Luka. He also created the character design for the VTuber Mirai Akari.
Ryu Nakayama
Animator and animation director. Ryu Nakayama is best known for directing Chainsaw Man. He has worked as a director and storyboarding for Jujutsu Kaisen and original drawings for the movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0. He was also a key animator for Yattarman Night and a main animator for Macross Delta.
Shingo Adachi
Animator, character designer, and animation director. The anime Lycoris Recoil is an original work by Shingo Adachi, who composed and directed the series. He has also worked on Working!!, Sword Art Online (as a character designer and animation supervisor), POMPO: THE CINEPHILE (as a character designer) and so on
Naoki Saito
YouTuber and illustrator. Naoki Saito is in charge of illustrations for Pokémon and Pokémon Trading Card Game. He shares the illustration techniques cultivated as a professional illustrator on YouTube. He also has a deep understanding of NFTs and is involved in the creation and sale of original NFTs.
◼️The distribution order of digital badges:
Part 1 Yusuke Kozaki July 28 (Fri) ~ August 3 (Thu)
Part 2 Aoi Yuki early August
Part 3 KEI Mid-August
Part 4 Ryu Nakayama mid-August
Part 5 Shingo Adachi late August
Part 6 Naoki Saito early September
About AnotherBall
AnotherBall is a venture company founded in May 2022, led by Captain, CEO, and Ramen, CTO. The management members are serial entrepreneurs who in the past launched "mamari," the information-hub website for families, and the multinational VTuber agency called "PRISM Project." The company's current focus is on IZUMO, a VTuber project in the age of AI and Web3, with a mission "Live as you want to be." AnotherBall raised 2.2M USD in its angel round from renowned investors in May 2023.
Furthermore, Anotherball is currently hiring. If you're interested in the new era of the virtual entertainment business, please visit the careers page listed below.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IZUMOofficial
Official website: https://sai.izumo.com
Discord: https://discord.gg/izumo
Careers: https://bit.ly/IZUMO-Recruitment
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SOURCE AnotherBall Pte. Ltd. | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/izumo-launches-sai-by-izumo-collaboration-project-with-top-artists-japanese-anime-gaming-industry/ | 2023-07-31T15:19:49 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/izumo-launches-sai-by-izumo-collaboration-project-with-top-artists-japanese-anime-gaming-industry/ |
Seemingly little noticed in this season of record temperatures is a bit of good news: Has anyone observed what they’re paying for a gallon of gasoline at the local service station? Here’s a hint: It’s a heckuva lot less than what you were paying last summer.
Across the United States, the price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is, on average, $3.757 as of July 31, according to AAA. It’s been rising slightly in recent weeks but it’s much lower than in 2022. On the same day one year ago, motorists were paying $4.22 or 46.3 cents per gallon more. That is about an 11% discount. Unimpressed? Maybe you should reconsider that for all the talk about inflation, the consumer price index hasn’t been rising nearly as fast as gas prices have fallen. Last year, the CPI shot up about 8%, the worst since 1981. If we’re going to complain about inflation, shouldn’t we celebrate any moments, however fleeting, when the reverse takes place?
Here’s another way to look at the impact. The average summer vacation involves driving 284 miles one-way, according to the federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Given the average vehicle gets 25 miles per gallon, that adds up to a savings of at about $10.50 to get there and back. And there are plenty of better examples with family vehicles like minivans, sports utility vehicles and RVs that really chow down on fuel. The American Petroleum Institute has estimated that Americans use about 489 gallons per registered vehicle per year so multiply that by 46.3 cents and you get about $226, which translates to a week of groceries. Spread that across the country and you’re soon talking about billions of dollars.
The savings have surely been felt in Maryland despite a 4.3-cent per gallon increase in the state tax on gasoline that went into effect on July 1. Using AAA numbers, Maryland motorists are now paying about $3.764 at the pump, a tiny bit below the national average (as well as below what their counterparts in neighboring Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia pay, incidentally). Meanwhile, the state can plow that added revenue into road and transit improvements that should help keep drivers and their passengers from getting stuck in traffic on a regular basis.
That’s not to suggest that cheap gasoline ought to be a national or even state ambition. Indeed, burning a staggering amount of fossil fuels is part of how we got into the climate change predicament in the first place. No matter what certain ill-informed political leaders may say, neither the United States nor the world has an unlimited supply of crude oil, and burning it — and therefore venting more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere — is an act of wanton self-destruction. The sooner we reduce carbon emissions, the better the chances that our children will be spared the long list of maladies associated with climate change including severe weather, droughts and floods.
Still, as we move forward with the green transition switching to electric vehicles, for example, or biking and walking more or simply living closer to where we work, we can at least take a moment to enjoy the little things like less credit-card-damaging stops at the gas stations along the interstate or on the back country roads leading to our favorite getaways. Whether it’s the result of “Bidenomics” or just a temporary surplus of crude or dip in demand, there’s no reason why we can’t enjoy that we’re a bit better off than one year ago. It is, after all, time to kick back and relax, isn’t it?
Baltimore Sun editorial writers offer opinions and analysis on news and issues relevant to readers. They operate separately from the newsroom. | https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-0803-gasoline-prices-20230731-wyqyenpmmvdudmfe7ywxlumfom-story.html | 2023-07-31T15:19:53 | 1 | https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-0803-gasoline-prices-20230731-wyqyenpmmvdudmfe7ywxlumfom-story.html |
WASHINGTON — The FBI should stop using a U.S. spy database of foreigners’ emails and other communications for investigating crimes that aren’t related to national security, a group of White House intelligence advisers recommended in a report released Monday.
But spy agencies also end up capturing the communications of U.S. citizens and businesses, and a series of intelligence mistakes at the FBI has fanned bipartisan criticism of the bureau that has strongly colored the debate over renewing the law.
The advisory board says the FBI made “inappropriate use” at times of Section 702 information. Those include queries for a U.S. senator and state senator’s names without properly limiting the search, looking for someone believed to have been at the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and doing large queries of names of protesters following the 2020 death of George Floyd.
“Unfortunately, complacency, a lack of proper procedures, and the sheer volume of Section 702 activity led to FBI’s inappropriate use of Section 702 authorities, specifically U.S. person queries,” the board said in its report. “U.S. person queries” generally mean searches for U.S. citizens and businesses.
The board recommends the FBI no longer search the data when it is seeking evidence of a crime not related to national security. Currently, the FBI conducts fewer than two dozen such searches a year, a senior administration official told reporters Monday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
The White House has not decided whether it will accept the recommendation but is studying the board’s work and report, the official said.
The board’s report largely lines up with the White House’s positions on other changes being debated in Congress. The board opposed requiring the FBI to obtain a warrant before it searches Section 702 data, saying that change would be impractical. It also says the FBI needs to maintain access to foreign spy collection because unlike other intelligence agencies, it has law enforcement authorities inside the U.S. and can warn Americans that they are being targeted by foreign spies or criminals.
Already, both Republicans and Democrats have called for broader changes affecting the FBI, including a handful of lawmakers in both parties who want to require warrants for any search.
Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., sharply questioned Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen in June about how it searches Section 702 data and signaled he would push for new protections.
“I don’t think you’ve effectively made the case that there shouldn’t be a warrant requirement, whether or not it is constitutionally required, for a U.S. person search that is crime only,” he said.
Many in the GOP, meanwhile, are furious about the FBI’s investigations of former President Donald Trump and mistakes found by the Justice Department inspector general and other reviewers.
In a statement, the FBI said the report highlighted “how crucial” foreign intelligence was to the bureau’s mission.
“We agree that Section 702 should be reauthorized in a manner that does not diminish its effectiveness, as well as reassures the public of its importance and our ability to adhere rigorously to all relevant rules,” the bureau’s statement said. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/31/fisa-section-702-fbi-intelligence-surveillance/47b5c50a-2faf-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html | 2023-07-31T15:19:55 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/31/fisa-section-702-fbi-intelligence-surveillance/47b5c50a-2faf-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html |
Survey: Nearly one third would talk to robots if feeling lonely and almost half would share their medical history with AI
COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Less than a year since the launch of the popular Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT, Americans are embracing AI-based care as they age. One third of Americans and over half (58%) of millennials believe AI and robotics will provide their future in-home long-term care.
According to the annual Nationwide Retirement Institute Long-Term Care survey, conducted in partnership with LIMRA in May 2023, this survey of 1,439 U.S. adults aged 24 or over found that younger generations were particularly apt to embrace the technology.
Among the key findings:
- Daily functions: More than one in three (35%) Americans would accept help from a robot for activities such as toileting, dressing and transferring. This rises to 52% among millennials and declines with older generations (23% for boomers and 36% for Gen Xers).
- Companionship: Nearly the same amount (32%) say they would talk to robots/AI if they are feeling lonely. This increases to about half (52%) of millennials.
- Physical safety: Almost seven out of ten (68%) Americans would use AI to alert family/friends if they were to experience a fall or physical danger (63% boomers, 70% Gen X, 72% millennials).
- Medical history: Nearly half (48%) of Americans say they would share their medical history with AI to help support their care needs. This figure increases to 65% for millennials.
In response to the increasing acceptance and adoption of AI-based care, Nationwide is testing eldercare robots in homes of select policyholders with mobility issues. The goal of this trial is to assess if the robots increase the potential for policyholders to age in their home and remain independent.
"It is difficult for many families to find quality care for their loved ones. We are considering AI and robotics as potential solutions for this and are identifying if eldercare robots could become credible, compelling examples of extraordinary care for our members," said Holly Snyder, president of Nationwide's Life Insurance business. "As we continue to see advancements in AI and an uptick in consumer adoption, AI and robotics could permanently change how people receive their long-term care and provide them with more opportunity to safely remain independent for longer."
Many adults mistakenly believe they have long-term care coverage
The survey reveals that 18% of adults report that they currently own long-term care insurance, including 27% of millennials. However, industry data shows only 3.1% of Americans have purchased long-term care insurance and most of those are older consumers.*
More than half (51%) who mistakenly thought they owned long-term care insurance confused it with long-term disability insurance. Almost a third (30%) confused it with health insurance.
In conjunction with the survey, Nationwide conducted focus groups made up of four different demographics: baby boomers, Gen Xers, millennials and those who believe they had long-term care coverage. Unsurprisingly, these sessions revealed that like survey respondents, focus group participants also often mistakenly confused long-term care insurance with their long-term disability insurance or health insurance. Neither of these cover long-term care expenses.
"Many Americans – mostly millennials – mistakenly believe they have long-term care coverage, usually in their company's benefit package, when in fact they do not," said Snyder. "Though this misconception is understandable, it puts them at danger of discovering that they don't have coverage much later on when they really need it."
Americans have concerns about how to manage aging
Though many Americans don't own long-term care policies, they do have very real concerns about how to manage the aging process and its associated costs.
For example:
- Nearly half of respondents (49%) are worried they'll become a burden to their family as they age
- Almost a third (28%) say they would rather die than live in a nursing home
- More than a quarter (26%) believe paying for long-term care will diminish their children's inheritance
"Too many Americans are missing crucial planning steps to make sure they're set up for success as they age," said Snyder. "The first step is to understand what's important to you and your family. From there, we recommend talking to a financial professional to help build a plan."
Financial professionals need to bring up long-term care planning
While more than half (51%) say it is important that a financial professional discuss long-term care costs with them, fewer than one in five adults (18%) say they have actually discussed long-term planning with their financial professional. In fact, more than one in four adults (27%) across all age groups have not discussed long-term care costs with anyone. The good news is 30% say they would discuss long-term care costs with a financial professional in the future.
"Financial professionals need to be proactive in helping families plan for important long-term care issues, including how to pay for it," Snyder added. "Even if a client believes they are covered, we suggest probing them with some follow-up questions to be sure they are, in fact, protected. If not, financial professionals have an important role in helping them put together a plan of action."
To encourage discussions around long-term care costs in retirement, Nationwide's Health Care/LTC Cost Assessment tool uses proprietary health risk analysis and updated actuarial cost data to provide a meaningful, personalized cost estimate to help financial professionals and clients plan for future medical and long-term care expenses.
To learn more about the importance of long-term care planning, visit www.nationwide.com/LTCbasics. Financial professionals can learn more in this blog and at www.nationwidefinancial.com/LTC.
Methodology
The 2023 Nationwide Retirement Institute/NCOA Long-term Care survey was conducted online within the United States between adults aged 25 and over by LIMRA on behalf of The Nationwide Retirement Institute. Survey participants were drawn from a nationwide consumer panel and data collection occurred between 4/25/2023 and 5/12/2023. The sample was weighted by race/ethnicity and income and included quotas for age and gender to approximate U.S. general population representation.
About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities, mutual funds and ETFs; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Follow the firm on Facebook and Twitter.
*"Do Consumer Really Understand Long-Term Care Insurance". LIMRA.com. 11/15/2022.
This material is not a recommendation to buy or sell a financial product or to adopt an investment strategy. Investors should discuss their specific situation with their financial professional.
This information is general in nature and is not intended to be tax, legal, accounting or other professional advice. The information provided is based on current laws, which are subject to change at any time, and has not been endorsed by any government agency.
Nationwide and LIMRA are separate and non-affiliated companies.
Nationwide Investment Services Corporation (NISC), member FINRA, Columbus, OH. Nationwide Retirement Institute is a division of NISC.
Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and Nationwide Retirement Institute are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company © Nationwide 2023
LAM-5157AO
Contact:
Charley Gillespie
(614) 249-6349
charley.gillespie@nationwide.com
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SOURCE Nationwide | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/many-americans-believe-ai-will-provide-their-in-home-care-they-age/ | 2023-07-31T15:19:56 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/many-americans-believe-ai-will-provide-their-in-home-care-they-age/ |
MADISON, Wis. — Vice President Kamala Harris plans to visit southeast Wisconsin on Thursday, making a stop in Pleasant Prairie to tout broadband and affordable connectivity before going to Milwaukee for a pair of campaign receptions.
Harris will be joined by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo for the stop in Pleasant Prairie, which is 35 miles (56 kilometers) south of Milwaukee near the Illinois border.
The visit comes a little over a month after President Joe Biden’s administration announced that Wisconsin will receive more than $1 billion in federal money to expand high-speed internet access.
It’s part of a plan to distribute $42.5 billion nationwide to provide reliable and affordable internet service for every home and business in the U.S. by 2030. States must complete a multi-step process before they can use the money.
Harris last came to Wisconsin in September 2022 as part of a campaign stop just ahead of the November midterm election. Thursday’s visit is the first of this election cycle and would be Harris’s fourth trip to Wisconsin since taking office.
Biden won perennial battleground Wisconsin by just under 21,000 votes in 2020, flipping the state for Democrats after former President Donald Trump carried it by just short of 23,000 votes in 2016. Four of the past six presidential elections in Wisconsin have been decided by less than a percentage point. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/31/kamala-harris-wisconsin/0a2f8b6c-2fb4-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html | 2023-07-31T15:20:01 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/31/kamala-harris-wisconsin/0a2f8b6c-2fb4-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html |
Kia Soul EV tops the list for the second consecutive year
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of electric vehicles (EVs) available on the marketplace continues to grow and the cost of insuring an EV is a burgeoning factor for consumers. According to industry reports, the number of currently available and soon-to-launch EV models is increasing from 27 as of January '21 to 53 early this year. Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY), a leading auto insurer in California and provider of auto insurance in 10 other states, has put together a list of the most affordable new EVs to help consumers save them money on insurance.
Mercury's research and development team examined 2023 model year electric vehicles available at car dealerships today to compile the list1.
"EVs are growing on consumers and many are considering one as their next vehicle," said Mercury Insurance Director of Product Management R&D Chong Gao. "One of the most important aspects of ownership that needs to be considered is the cost of insuring an EV. This cost can make up a significant portion of owning one and Mercury provides an EV discount in most of the states it operates in."
Mercury is proud to offer a discount on EVs in 10 of the 11 states it offers personal auto insurance.
The list of 2023 electric vehicles, beginning with the most affordable make and model to insure is:
- Kia Soul EV
- Nissan Leaf
- Ford F-150 Lightning
- Hyundai IONIQ
- Volvo C40 Recharge
- Volvo XC40 Recharge
- Mazda MX-30
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Volkswagen ID.4
- (a tie at 10th) Audi Q4 E-Tron, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Mercedes EQB and Polestar 2
About Mercury Insurance
Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners and renters insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.
Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultracompetitive rates with excellent customer service. Mercury has earned "A" ratings from A.M. Best and Fitch, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on Twitter or Facebook.
1 Mercury Insurance developed the list based on full coverage premium (BI, PD, COMP, COLL, MP, UMBI and UMPD) for a hypothetical California driver with average factors for each rating element.
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SOURCE Mercury General Corporation | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/mercury-names-most-affordable-2023-electric-vehicles-insure/ | 2023-07-31T15:20:02 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/mercury-names-most-affordable-2023-electric-vehicles-insure/ |
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running as a Democrat against President Joe Biden, tells many stories on the campaign trail about himself, his life’s work and what he stands for that are the opposite of what his record actually shows.
Kennedy’s campaign is widely considered a long shot, but it’s gained media attention due to his famous name and the possibility that his run could weaken Biden ahead of what is expected to be a close general election in 2024.
The campaign didn’t return emails seeking comment about the contradictions in his candidacy.
Here are the key takeaways from the AP’s reporting:
KENNEDY’S ANTI-VACCINE RECORD
Kennedy told a congressional committee this month: “I have never been anti-vaxx. I have never told the public to avoid vaccination.” But Kennedy has a long record of anti-vaccine comments and rose to public prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic through the work of his anti-vaccine group, Children’s Health Defense.
Just this month, Kennedy said in a podcast interview that “There’s no vaccine that is safe and effective” and told FOX News that he still believes in the long-ago debunked idea that vaccines can cause autism. In a 2021 podcast, he recalled telling people on hiking trails not to get their children vaccinated.
That same year, Kennedy appeared in a video promoting an anti-vaccine sticker campaign by his nonprofit. A sticker shown beside him declared “IF YOU’RE NOT AN ANTI-VAXXER YOU AREN’T PAYING ATTENTION.”
The AP found that anti-vaccine activists are at the heart of Kennedy’s campaign. FEC records show several people paid to work on the campaign previously worked for Children’s Health Defense.
Kennedy has also received substantial support from the anti-vaccine community.
Children’s Health Defense currently has a lawsuit pending against a number of news organizations, among them The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by taking action to identify misinformation, including about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines.
ASSOCIATION WITH FAR RIGHT HAS RAISED KENNEDY’S PROFILE
Kennedy is running as a Democrat, yet he has aligned himself with far right figures who have worked to subvert American democracy.
He has appeared on Infowars, the channel run by Sandy Hook conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. He has granted interviews to former President Donald Trump ally Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson. After he headlined a stop on the ReAwaken America Tour, the Christian nationalist road show put together by former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, he was photographed backstage with Flynn and Trump ally Roger Stone.
Those appearances have led to goodwill on the right. Trump supporters have floated a Trump-Kennedy unity ticket.
Kennedy’s run is also getting financial support from the right. A super PAC supporting Kennedy’s presidential run, called Heal the Divide PAC, has deep ties to Republicans, Federal Election Commission records show.
Kennedy denied knowing the PAC when it came up at a recent congressional hearing, but video available online shows he was a guest speaker at a Heal the Divide event just two days earlier.
SUPPORT FOR BITCOIN RUNS COUNTER TO ENVIRONMENTAL STANCE
Kennedy lists the environment as one of six top priorities on his campaign website and has spent many years speaking against pollution and climate change as an environmental lawyer. Yet he has made supporting the energy-intensive cryptocurrency bitcoin a key part of his platform.
Bitcoin mining, the process of generating new coins, uses massive amounts of electricity — more than some entire countries, experts say.
Kennedy has acknowledged the environmental downsides, but says he wouldn’t let them hinder its use. He promotes the argument that demand for the cryptocurrency will boost investment in renewable energy projects.
Kennedy has invested between $100,001 and $250,000 in bitcoin, his financial disclosure documents show.
KENNEDY INVOKES HIS FAMOUS FAMILY, WHILE RELATIVES DENOUNCE HIM
Though Kennedy peppers his speeches, podcast appearances and campaign materials with invocations of the Democratic Party legacies of his uncle President John F. Kennedy and his father Robert F. Kennedy, his relatives have distanced themselves from him and even denounced him.
“He’s trading in on Camelot, celebrity, conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame,” Jack Schlossberg, President Kennedy’s grandson, said of his cousin in an Instagram video earlier this month. “I’ve listened to him. I know him. I have no idea why anyone thinks he should be president. What I do know is, his candidacy is an embarrassment.”
Kennedy’s recent comments that COVID-19 could have been “ethnically targeted” to spare Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people — which he denies were antisemitic but concedes he should have worded more carefully — also drew a condemnation from his sister, Kerry Kennedy.
___ The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about AP’s democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/31/rfk-kennedy-election-2024-president-campaign/518a4204-2faf-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html | 2023-07-31T15:20:07 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/31/rfk-kennedy-election-2024-president-campaign/518a4204-2faf-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html |
MIAMI BEACH, Fla., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Open House Worldwide architecture festival, a network of nearly 60 non-profit organizations hosting festivals and dialogue about architecture, design and cities across the globe, is set to debut March 1-2, 2024 in the Miami and Miami Beach area. Dedicated to honoring and sharing the iconic history of architecture and design on Miami Beach, the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) is working in partnership with The Miami Center for Architecture and Design (MCAD), the lead of Open House Miami, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), and a host of additional community organizations. The official announcement of the first-ever installment of Open House Miami was recently made during a VIP reception at the Historic Hampton House, a perfect example of preserved architecture, design and cultural history.
"As an internationally-recognized event, we are proud to be part of a team that will welcome Open House to the market for the first time, providing an opportunity for new and returning visitors to access Miami Beach's iconic art deco buildings and signature, architectural landmarks," says Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the MBVCA. "This marquee experience will join a collection of annual events activated on Miami Beach that positively benefit our city's hotels, restaurants and local businesses."
From New York to Seoul, Buenos Aires to Maputo, San Diego to Miami, Open House Worldwide is dedicated to making cities more open, accessible, and equitable. The network now spans 52 festivals, 29 countries, and 6 continents. The three-day festival will give attendees access to workshops and behind-the-scenes building tours, as well as give them opportunities to meet some of Miami and Miami Beach's world-renowned architects.
"At the heart of what makes a destination a great place to visit, is that it first has to be a great place to live, work and play," said GMCVB President & CEO David Whitaker. "Open House will provide visitors and our residents alike, a first-time peek behind the scenes of iconic buildings and venues that were not only instrumental in our history but instrumental in building and defining our brand. A true sense of place begins with the places that shape and reflect our spirit and our heritage, both yesterday and today."
Open House Miami will be only the fourth city in the U.S., following New York, San Diego, and Chicago, of what has become a worldwide movement to open cities and engage citizens in conversations about how to shape the future of where they live and celebrate historic design and architecture. Complimentary direct access to experience a collection of buildings throughout Miami and Miami Beach will provide opportunities for visitors, local and community members to connect, learn, discuss and debate amongst experts and themselves.
"MCAD looks forward to bringing this event to Miami and Miami Beach which, we believe, will add a new component to our city's place in the world as an architecture enthusiast's destination," added MCAD's Executive Vice President Cheryl Jacobs.
In anticipation of Open House Miami in 2024, travelers and locals can begin to discover signature architecture and hidden gems on Miami Beach through the newly-launched EXP Miami Beach Tours App, now available for download via Apple and Google.
For more information about Open House Miami, please visit https://www.openhousemia.org/.
Contact: mbvca@privatelabel-marketing.com
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SOURCE Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/miami-beach-visitor-convention-authority-miami-center-architecture-amp-design-greater-miami-convention-amp-visitors-bureau-unite-bring-open-house-worldwide-miami-first-time-march-2024/ | 2023-07-31T15:20:08 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/miami-beach-visitor-convention-authority-miami-center-architecture-amp-design-greater-miami-convention-amp-visitors-bureau-unite-bring-open-house-worldwide-miami-first-time-march-2024/ |
PARIS — Max Verstappen’s dominance is so total that it already feels like he’s won his third straight Formula One title, even with 10 races remaining following the mid-season break.
After winning the Belgian Grand Prix with another emphatic drive on Sunday, Verstappen was asked which of the victories he likes the most.
“It’s difficult to choose. There have been a lot of nice ones,” he said. “I think the one actually which I really enjoyed was like back in time in Miami.”
Back in time?
May 7, to be precise, although it may seem long ago in Verstappen’s world considering he has won every race since.
At that point in the season, however, his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez was a self-declared title contender and still actually looking like one.
The Mexican driver had just done the main race-sprint race double at Azerbaijan, and his confidence was boosted further when he took pole position for Miami with Verstappen qualifying in a lowly ninth.
“Tough qualifying,” Verstappen said. “So probably for me, that was a very enjoyable one.”
Not for Perez, who finished second behind Verstappen and has not won since. He’s acknowledged that his confidence was badly shaken, and it showed in the results after Miami: Perez was 16th in Monaco, fourth in Spain and sixth in Canada. He also went five straight races without qualifying in the top 10 despite Red Bull having easily the best car in F1.
“It’s been a bit of a rough patch,” Perez said after finishing second in Belgium. “I really look forward to not leaving the podium anymore from now until the end of the year.”
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who was third on Sunday, is also contending himself with podiums.
“This was the best we could achieve today, no doubt,” said Leclerc, who has not won a race since July 10 last year.
Verstappen is the youngest driver to win an F1 race, doing so when he was 18 years old on his Red Bull debut in 2016.
Now he’s racing in his own world, alone in front as he chases more milestones and records.
If Verstappen wins on his home track at the Netherlands GP on Aug. 27, then he will equal Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine straight wins from 2013, which was during Vettel’s heyday with Red Bull.
Verstappen’s own F1 record of 15 wins from last year also looks to set to be crushed.
Despite being only 25, he’s already on 45 F1 wins overall.
Next on the list is four-time F1 champion Alain Prost, who is fourth all-time with 51 wins.
Such is Verstappen’s intensity and thirst for victory that even Vettel’s tally of 53 might even be within his reach this year.
It’s increasingly hard to back against Verstappen.
___
More AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/auto-racing/2023/07/31/verstappen-f1-championship-leader-chasing-records/20fe2628-2faa-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html | 2023-07-31T15:20:13 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/auto-racing/2023/07/31/verstappen-f1-championship-leader-chasing-records/20fe2628-2faa-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html |
MVA6853 is the First Extractor Adoptable for Diesel Fuel or Gasoline
LANSDALE, Pa. , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its evolution of fluid extractors, Mityvac, part of the SKF Group, has launched the MVA6853. The new Mityvac MVA6853 is a fuel/fluid extractor and priming kit that can quickly and cleanly extract, prime or dispense diesel fuel, kerosine or gasoline.
This easy-to-use manual syringe tool comes with five different adapters for both diesel fuel or gasoline to aid in prime, flush or maintenance needs. The MVA6853 has the capacity to manage 1.5 liters of fluid and its integrated valve system is designed specifically for diesel and gasoline without eroding the gaskets. The compact, streamlined design allows easy access into tight spaces under the hood or in areas of limited access.
The kit is designed with fuel capable seals and an integrated valve in cap to prevent spills and leaks. The hose and seals are also simple to replace if needed. The tool is easy to clean and compatible with other Mityvac fuel system connectors.
This all makes the new handheld Mityvac MVA6853 the perfect solution for flushing and priming fuel lines, priming fuel filters and quickly emptying tanks.
To learn more, visit www.skf.com/mityvac.
About SKF
SKF is a world-leading provider of innovative solutions that help industries become more competitive and sustainable. By making products lighter, more efficient, longer lasting and repairable, we help our customers improve their rotating equipment performance and reduce their environmental impact. Our offering around the rotating shaft includes bearings, seals, lubrication management, condition monitoring, and services. Founded in 1907, SKF is represented in approximately 129 countries and has around 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. Annual sales in 2022 were SEK 96,933 million and the number of employees was 42,641. www.skf.com® SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group.
® SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group.
Media Contact:
Maria Orlando
Marketing Manager, Tools and Lubrication
maria.orlando@skf.com
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SOURCE SKF Group | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/mityvac-announces-newest-fluid-extractor/ | 2023-07-31T15:20:14 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/mityvac-announces-newest-fluid-extractor/ |
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves reinstated left-hander A.J. Minter from the 15-day injured list on Monday and optioned right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Minter is 3-5 with a 4.91 ERA and 10 saves.
Smith-Shawver, a 20-year-old rookie, allowed three runs in five innings and did not receive a decision in Sunday’s 8-6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. He is 1-0 with a 4.56 ERA in five games, including four starts.
Smith-Shawver’s spot in the rotation could be filled by the expected return of left-hander Max Fried from the injured list. Fried has been out since May 6 with a strained left forearm.
Also, infielder Charlie Culberson was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for infielder Nicky Lopez, who was acquired from the Kansas City Royals in a trade for left-hander Taylor Hearn on Sunday.
___ | https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/mlb/2023/07/31/braves-minter-smith-shawver-lopez/a17ae792-2fb3-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html | 2023-07-31T15:20:19 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/mlb/2023/07/31/braves-minter-smith-shawver-lopez/a17ae792-2fb3-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html |
Two Icons at the Heart of Pop Culture and Celebrations Come Together for a Stella-r Campaign of Sips and Sweetness this Summer
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Life is a collection of small moments and America's #1 imported wine, Stella Rosa® Wines, is proud to announce another exciting milestone: a collaborative campaign of two industry powerhouses. According to a recent study, celebrating positive life events increases perceived social support. Stella Rosa and country music star, Lainey Wilson, are on a mission to spread positive vibes by inspiring consumers to gather, raise a glass, and #stellabrate every moment. Stella Rosa proudly offers 30+ wines in its portfolio, a glass for every occasion on the good 'ole journey.
Stella Rosa® Wines recently released the 'Moments Made Sweeter' campaign featuring Lainey Wilson. The campaign emphasizes celebrating the journey, not just the destination. Stella Rosa® was there to celebrate with Lainey Wilson when she set off on her first solo headlining tour, won Female Artist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, and of course, raised a glass on National Wine Day.
Stella Rosa Wines' impact on pop culture today is undeniable - from trendy cocktail recipes to new innovations like canned wines, spicy flavors, non-alcoholic wine and more, Gen Z and Millennials are embracing the moments to #stellabrate.
Stella Rosa Wines' nostalgic yet ever-evolving presence is what initially attracted Wilson to team up with the brand, but it was Stella Rosa Wines' commitment to supporting her journey, and that of other women in music, that gave her endorsement deeper meaning for both Stella Rosa and Lainey Wilson fans.
"Whether I'm at home or on the road, I'm always dreaming up new ways to express myself through more than just my music," said Wilson "There are so many small moments along this crazy journey that have helped build my story, which is why I love to savor them, and Stella Rosa makes them that much sweeter."
Whether she's entertaining at home or on the road, Lainey Wilson is a proud fan of Stella Rosa's various collections, including but not limited to:
- Stella Rosa Semi-Sparkling and Fully-Sparkling Wines
- Stella Rosa Non-Alcoholic Wines
- Stella Rosa Single-Serving Canned Wines
"Everyone has a story to tell, a reason to celebrate, or a tradition to keep alive and our hope is that Stella Rosa Wines can be there to make those moments sweeter," says Stella Rosa® Wines President, Steve Riboli. "Lainey Wilson is the ultimate example of perseverance and authenticity. She is comfortable in her journey, and we hope that can serve as an inspiration to other Stella Rosa fans."
To learn more about the 'Moments Made Sweeter' campaign, visit our Stella Rosa website. For the official commercial, watch here. Follow Stella Rosa Wines on Instagram at @StellaRosa for the latest happenings.
More about Stella Rosa Wines
Stella Rosa® is a selection of semi-sweet, semi-sparkling Italian wines, evolving with the spirit of the times when it comes to wine trends and popular culture. Among its impressive achievements are a 10x Impact Magazine Hot Brand award and its position as the #1 imported wine in America. Most recently, Stella Rosa® curated a collection of hand-crafted premium and fruit-flavored Brandy made from high-quality grapes grown in Northern Italy. Stella Rosa® is created by Riboli Family Wines, a Los Angeles-based establishment founded in 1917. For more information, visit www.stellarosawines.com.
Instagram: @StellaRosa
Twitter: @StellaRosaWines
More about Lainey Wilson
As the leading female winner at the 2023 ACM awards, Billboard Women in Music's "Rulebreaker", CMA's 2022 Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year, Lainey Wilson has made a name for herself as one of music's most buzzed-about new artists. Her critically acclaimed album, "Bell Bottom Country," has amassed over 430 million streams and continues to reach new heights across charts and with hits like "Heart Like A Truck" and "Watermelon Moonshine". Most recently, she made her acting debut on the hit series "Yellowstone", where she showcased other hits off her recent album. For more information visit www.laineywilson.com.
Instagram:@laineywilsonmusic
Twitter: @laineywilson
PR/Media Contacts
Daniela Garrido, Communications Director for Stella Rosa Wines: dgarrido@riboliwines.com
JONESWORKS: TeamLainey@jonesworks.com
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SOURCE Riboli Family Wines | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/moments-made-sweeter-with-stella-rosa-wines-lainey-wilson/ | 2023-07-31T15:20:21 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/moments-made-sweeter-with-stella-rosa-wines-lainey-wilson/ |
WESTFIELD, Ind. — Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson missed Monday’s practice and could sit out again Tuesday after undergoing nose surgery.
It’s unclear whether Richardson could miss even more time than this week’s first two workouts.
Richardson’s absence comes at the same time the Colts and 2021 NFL rushing champ Jonathan Taylor have been embroiled in a public contract dispute.
Taylor has not practiced since reporting to training camp last Tuesday when he was put on the physically unable to perform list following offseason ankle surgery.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nfl/2023/07/31/indianapolis-colts-richardson-surgery-septum/5cf1d096-2fb2-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html | 2023-07-31T15:20:26 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nfl/2023/07/31/indianapolis-colts-richardson-surgery-septum/5cf1d096-2fb2-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html |
Nicklaus Children's Hospital recognized with award for exceptional and innovative performance
MIAMI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Emergency Department has been selected as a recipient of the Emergency Nurses Association's (ENA) 2023 Lantern Award for demonstrating exceptional innovation in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research performance.
The Lantern Award showcases the Emergency Department's (ED) accomplishments in incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation into emergency care. As part of the application, EDs are encouraged to share stories that highlight a commitment to care of patients, as well as the well-being of nursing staff. The award serves as a visible symbol of an organization's commitment to quality, safety and a healthy work environment.
"The Lantern Award truly shines a light on the excellence of our Emergency Department," said Peter Kevin Cruz, Director of Emergency Services. "It is emblematic of the excellence and commitment of our team to ensuring we offer the best possible pediatric emergency care."
Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Lantern Award will be on display in the Emergency Department. As a recipient, the hospital will be recognized in upcoming ENA publications, on the ENA website and during Emergency Nursing 2023, the association's annual conference in San Diego Sept. 21-23.
For more information on this year's Lantern Award recipients, visit the Emergency Nurses Association website.
About Nicklaus Children's Hospital
Founded in 1950 by Variety Clubs International, Nicklaus Children's Hospital is South Florida's only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children, with approximately 850 attending physicians, including more than 500 pediatric subspecialists. The 309-bed hospital, known as Miami Children's Hospital from 1983 through 2014, is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine with many specialty programs routinely ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report since 2008. The hospital is also home to the largest pediatric teaching program in the southeastern United States and since 2003 has been designated an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet facility, the nursing profession's most prestigious institutional honor. For more information, please visit www.nicklauschildrens.org.
About the Emergency Nurses Association
The Emergency Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With 50,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines and guides emergency health care public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.
For more information:
Rachel Bixby
305-898-9165
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SOURCE Nicklaus Children's Health System | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nicklaus-childrens-hospital-earns-2023-emergency-nurses-association-lantern-award/ | 2023-07-31T15:20:28 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nicklaus-childrens-hospital-earns-2023-emergency-nurses-association-lantern-award/ |
Dockworkers union wins state appeal in dispute over new terminal jobs
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP/WCSC) - Unionized dockworkers have the right to staff every job at a new container terminal in South Carolina under a federal court decision — but there is no guarantee that a $1 billion loading site that has sat largely idle will soon resume activity.
A three-judge panel on Friday denied an appeal from the South Carolina State Ports Authority that would have instead maintained the fairly unique “hybrid” model that relies on state and union employees. The ruling handed a victory to International Longshoremen’s Association members in the least unionized state seeking to hold onto jobs after technological changes last century that threatened their work.
In a release, the International Longshoremen’s Association expressed their thanks to the court for the ruling.
“We want to express our gratitude to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal for thoroughly examining the case and recognizing the significance of the ILA’s work preservation efforts,” the release says in part. “This victory would not have been possible without our members and legal team’s dedication, and the support of hundreds of dock workers and allies who withstood the heat at the July 12th rally to oppose the attack on workers’ rights and in favor of the ILA demands.”
The labor dispute began when the ILA sued the United States Maritime Alliance for sending shipping lines to Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal shortly after the completion of its first phase two years ago. The union alleged the move violated the terms of a master contract prohibiting the use of newly constructed terminals where ILA dockworkers do not perform all unloading tasks.
That interpretation posed a problem at the Port of Charleston — one of just three sites alongside those in Savannah, Georgia, and Wilmington, North Carolina, where union members work alongside state employees.
Shipping line containers subsequently called off. The South Carolina State Ports Authority viewed the move as an illegal strong-arm tactic to grab new lines of work and argued a solely unionized staff would increase operational costs. The state favored a narrow definition of the jobs entitled to ILA members that excluded “lift-equipment jobs” like cranes operation.
However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit endorsed a broader definition. Two of the three judges affirmed the National Labor Relations Board’s conclusion that “work” involved “the loading and unloading generally at East and Gulf Coast ports.”
But the rift may not be over. Republican Gov. Henry McMaster told reporters earlier this month that he would support sending the case to the U.S. Supreme Court if the dockworkers won the state’s appeal.
SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin responded Friday to the ruling.
“We are disappointed in the 4th Circuit’s majority opinion,” Melvin said. “We are reviewing the opinion and weighing all options for appeal. Leatherman Terminal is a significant supply chain asset for all port-dependent businesses in South Carolina and beyond, and our longstanding hybrid operating model works.”
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report. | https://www.wistv.com/2023/07/30/dockworkers-union-wins-state-appeal-dispute-over-new-terminal-jobs/ | 2023-07-31T15:20:30 | 1 | https://www.wistv.com/2023/07/30/dockworkers-union-wins-state-appeal-dispute-over-new-terminal-jobs/ |
LONDON — Players and coaches will face stricter sanctions for bad behavior in matches in the upcoming English soccer season, with a big change seeing referees being encouraged to issue a yellow card when two or more players confront them.
As part of the charter, match officials have been empowered to take tougher action against unacceptable behavior and have been backed up by stronger disciplinary action from the Football Association.
Serious and repeat offenders can expect to face increased financial penalties, while referees will be encouraged to book a player if they are surrounded by two or more from the same team.
Captains will be expected to take responsibility for their teammates by encouraging them to play fairly and show respect toward match officials and their decisions.
Last season, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was twice handed a touchline ban for verbally abusing officials and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was suspended for eight games for pushing a referee.
There is no indication authorities will follow grassroots soccer in England in issuing points deductions to teams for serious or repeated instances of bad behavior by their players or coaches.
Off the field, clubs in the Premier League and the English Football League will seek stronger sanctions against anyone found to be involved in tragedy abuse, such as chanting about the Hillsborough disaster.
Clubs will also continue efforts to issue sanctions to pitch invaders, the use of pyrotechnics, those who bring drugs to games and those who engage in discriminatory abuse in the stands and online.
“Football has the power to unite and inspire all those that play and watch the game. However, sometimes, this can be negatively impacted by a small minority of players, coaches and fans,” FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said.
“Our collective approach is to reset this behavior on the pitch and from the sidelines, whilst giving our referees the respect and protection that they deserve.”
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/soccer/2023/07/31/premier-league-sanctions-referees-charter/15c15b6e-2fa9-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html | 2023-07-31T15:20:32 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/soccer/2023/07/31/premier-league-sanctions-referees-charter/15c15b6e-2fa9-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html |
Pep Boys further expands its footprint in the Raleigh market as it celebrates its 14th location and pledges its support to the community.
PHILADELPHIA, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pep Boys, a leading U.S. automotive service provider, will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location in Raleigh at the Triangle Town Center tomorrow, August 1, 2023. The 7320 Old Wake Forest Rd Raleigh, NC 27616 location will join 13 other locations in the Raleigh market. Customers can expect a full range of automotive maintenance and repair services at this newest location.
Pep Boys will celebrate this monumental opening with residents and special guests at 11am. As a testament to the Company's commitment to its community, Pep Boys will be presenting a donation to two local non-profit organizations, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of North Carolina and the Haven House Society.
"Pep Boys takes pride in extending our automotive service experience to an even larger customer base in Raleigh," said Scott Collette, Pep Boys CEO. "Our team of technicians and service advisors are looking forward to connecting with the local community and providing quality car care to its drivers."
The Raleigh location provides both individual customers and the area's fast-growing fleets with preventative maintenance, tire installations and both routine and major repairs performed by certified technicians. In addition to being equipped with the latest technology to handle today's complex vehicles, Pep Boys offers every driver a Courtesy Vehicle Inspection as well as an entirely digital customer experience from online appointment booking to service tracking and mobile pay.
Pep Boys also offers a broad range of opportunities and career paths for today's auto service technician. With a commitment to supporting technical education and training and development, a Pep Boys auto service technician can pursue several different career paths. For more information on a career with Pep Boys, visit www.careers.pepboys.com.
About Pep Boys
Founded in 1921 by military veterans, generations of drivers have counted on Pep Boys ASE-certified Pros to care for their cars. With a national network of Service and Tire Centers, millions of vehicles and fleets pass through Pep Boys bays each year. Our commitment to being the one our communities count on is demonstrated through our exceptional customer experience and technical expertise. For more information, visit www.pepboys.com/corporate.
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SOURCE The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe and Jack LLC | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/pep-boys-celebrates-new-auto-service-tire-center-raleigh-august-1-with-celebration-community-commitment/ | 2023-07-31T15:20:34 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/pep-boys-celebrates-new-auto-service-tire-center-raleigh-august-1-with-celebration-community-commitment/ |
BRISBANE, Australia — A scoreless draw on either side of an upset win over co-host Australia has Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum and his Super Falcons feeling like they’ve beaten the odds at the Women's World Cup.
“When I first saw the group, it was like ‘oh my gosh, this is such a difficult group,’” Waldrum recalled of the bracket containing Olympic champion Canada, tournament co-host Australia and Ireland, a team determined to make its mark on debut.
Apart from a vast rankings disparity, Nigeria was also dealing with a pay dispute between the players and the national federation. The squad’s preparation for the tournament was curtailed because of a lack of resources and support, and Waldrum came under heavy criticism for calling it out.
Waldrum said this is a common struggle for many countries of the so-called Global South compared with the well-resourced national teams which enter the tournament much more prepared.
“We still have an upper echelon with teams that have all the resource,” Waldrum said. “And then you have other teams that don’t have quite as much.”
Despite the difficult circumstances, t he Super Falcons began the tournament with a 0-0 draw against seventh-ranked Canada. That result suggested Nigeria wouldn’t be a pushover. Then came the surprising 3-2 win over 10th-ranked Australia, which had only lost one of its previous 11 games.
That win put Nigeria on the verge of qualifying for the round of 16, while also sending Australia into a must-win game against Canada.
A 0-0 draw against Ireland on Monday night was enough for the team to advance behind Australia, which closed the group stage with a thumping 4-0 win over Canada. It also meant that Nigeria went through the group stage without a loss for the first time.
“I always felt like we had the talent to do it,” Waldrum said. “My biggest thing as the coach of this team was: ‘Do I have enough time to do it?’”
The ongoing dispute between the team and its federation resulted in the Super Falcons having less time to prepare for the tournament than Waldrum would have liked.
“We’ve done all of this with 15 practices,” Waldrum said. “I wouldn’t have dreamt that we could do that well, but I think it’s largely due that there’s talent here.”
This talent includes attacking stars like Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala and Atletico Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade, but also extends to an unheralded group of defenders who held two teams scoreless.
“We have really good attacking players but defensively we pride ourselves on throwing our body in front of things,” said Ashleigh Plumptre, a University of Southern California alumna.
The Super Falcons have caught the attention of the world not only with their performance, but also with the spirit they show. The smiles, singing, dancing on the way into the stadium and on-field prayers all showcase a culture that is ingrained in the squad.
“I find the most fulfilling part of being on this team is that I genuinely feel like I’m a part of something bigger,” Plumptre said. “It’s hard to put into words to be honest, but I’ve cried every time when we’re dancing and singing into the stadium. I get really overwhelmed by it because it feels culturally so powerful.”
With group play now behind them, the Super Falcons prepare to return to Brisbane next Monday to play the winner of Group D, which many expect to be England.
As was the case in group play, the Super Falcons won’t be favored.
“Why not play England?” Waldrum said. “We’ve played the Olympic gold medalists. We’ve played Australia, the host nation. Bring on the European champions. Why not?”
___
Brooke Evans is a student at the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
___
AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/soccer/2023/07/31/womens-world-cup-nigeria-waldrum-australia/c024dff4-2fb3-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html | 2023-07-31T15:20:38 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/soccer/2023/07/31/womens-world-cup-nigeria-waldrum-australia/c024dff4-2fb3-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html |
RESTON, Va., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the White House released the National Cyber Workforce & Education Strategy. Peraton applauds this step forward in developing a robust cyber workforce as the company, government partners, and key stakeholders work in concert to protect our nation's most critical assets.
"Over the past six years, Peraton has been a leading force in the education, recruitment, and development of cyber professionals across our nation through university partnerships, like the CybHER program," said Matt McQueen, chief communications and engagement officer, Peraton. "These strategic investments are approaching maturity at time when national security is faced with a zenith of challenges."
Peraton's commitment to advancing the nation's cyber strategy is unwavering – from the company's involvement in the National Cyber Workforce & Education Summit and subsequent strategy development to leveraging its independent research and development portfolio to provide innovative solutions to ever-evolving threats.
"We look forward to working with the federal government, industry partners, academia, and other stakeholders to close the workforce gap and maintain the United States' dominance in cybersecurity," said Scott Cooper, vice president, Strategic Advocacy, Peraton.
About Peraton
Peraton is a national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies that protect our nation and allies from threats across the digital and physical domains. Peraton supports every branch of the US Armed Forces, and we serve as a valued partner to essential government agencies who sustain our way of life. Every day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're safeguarding your peace of mind.
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SOURCE Peraton | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/peraton-supports-national-cyber-workforce-amp-education-strategy/ | 2023-07-31T15:20:41 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/peraton-supports-national-cyber-workforce-amp-education-strategy/ |
August is going to be a busy month in the heavens. We’ll have two full moons, the year’s best meteor shower, and, although we will lose sight of two planets, two more swing into view.
But this month, there’s a bonus moon.
The second full moon will occur Aug. 30 at 9:26 p.m. Eastern time and is one of two types of “blue moons.” This term applies to either the second full moon in a calendar month (as we have this year) or the third full moon to occur in an astronomical season (between equinoxes and solstices) that has four full moons. This second type of blue moon will occur on Aug. 19 next year.
Both of this month’s full moons also happen to occur close to the times of the moon’s closest pass to Earth in its orbit — known as perigee. Some people like to refer to perigee moons as “supermoons.” These moons appear about 8 percent bigger and 16 percent brighter than an average moon.
Another obscure astronomical event
Aug. 1 was once a special day in pre-Christian Gaelic culture, one of the four “cross-quarter” days that marked the midpoints of the astronomical seasons. Known as Lughnasadh, it was widely observed in Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Man as the first of three harvest festivals. When Christianity arrived in these regions, the day became the feast day of St. Peter in Chains.
It subsequently evolved into “Lammas,” or “Loaf Mass.” On this day, it is traditional to bring the first loaf of bread made from the first crop of the season to the church for all to share. Unlike the other cross-quarter days that we know as Groundhog Day, May Day and Halloween, Lammas isn’t widely observed in the United States, but it is still popular in Britain and marks the “traditional” start of summer holidays in many parts of Europe.
Prepare for the Perseids
Go out on almost any moonless night in August and you are bound to see a few “shooting stars.” Go out on the night of Aug. 12-13 and you will see lots of them. This is the night when the annual Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak, and a single observer at a dark-sky location can expect to see between 50 to 75 meteors in an hour. The Perseids are perhaps the year’s most consistent meteor shower, and they occur under nearly ideal circumstances this year. The crescent moon won’t rise until well into the early morning hours, and the mild nights are perfect for stretching out on a comfortable beach chair and looking skyward.
The Perseids originate from tiny particles of rocky material that sputter from the nucleus of a comet, they then spread out along the comet’s orbital path. Each year, the Earth plows into this material on the same date, producing the shower. Records of the shower date back well over 2,000 years.
The parent comet, known as 109P/Swift-Tuttle, orbits the Sun about every 133 years and was discovered in 1862 by Lewis Swift and Horace P. Tuttle, the latter who would later become an astronomer at the U.S. Naval Observatory.
The Perseids are so named because the point in the sky from which they appear to originate is near the constellation Perseus, which rises in the northeastern part of the sky in the late evening. Viewing the meteors requires nothing more than your eyes and a dark site. I like to use a beach chair and point my feet to the northeast. This gives me a nice view of most of the sky.
Perseid meteors move swiftly, flashing by in mere instants. Occasionally, an exceptionally bright “fireball” may take you by surprise, often fragmenting and leaving a luminous train in its wake. While they often appear to be very close to you, they are over 100 miles away. The typical Perseid meteoroid is not much bigger than a grain of sand; the larger fireballs are about the size of a ping-pong ball. They hit Earth’s atmosphere at tremendous speeds, 35 to 40 miles per second, and ionize the air around them, producing the flash of light.
Saturn returns, and Jupiter waits in the wings
We had bid farewell to Venus in July, and Mars is now becoming difficult to spot in bright evening twilight.
Fortunately, Saturn comes in the nick of time for us to view in our telescopes. As August opens, the ringed planet rises at about 9:30 p.m., and by midnight you should have little trouble spotting its yellow hue in the southeastern sky. This part of the heavens is taken up by a number of very obscure, dim constellations, so Saturn will definitely stand out.
Almost any small telescope will reveal the planet’s enigmatic rings, and a good six-inch instrument will show the planet surrounded by several of its icy moons. The rings themselves are made up of trillions of small ice particles that are herded by the gravity of the planet’s inner moons. While they span an expanse of about two-thirds the distance between the Earth and the moon, they are incredibly thin, perhaps a few hundred feet at most.
Saturn reaches opposition, when Earth lies directly between it and the Sun, on Aug. 27. On that date, it rises at sunset and sets at the following sunrise. It will be well-placed in the evening sky through the end of the year.
Giant Jupiter rises just after midnight at the beginning of the month, and as September opens it will be prominently placed high in the eastern sky by midnight.
Jupiter is big, brash and bright as celestial objects go, and it offers something for anyone with a little optical aid. A steadily held pair of binoculars is enough to show the four moons first described by Galileo in 1610. They change their configurations from night to night, so they are always fun to watch.
Small telescopes show the equatorial cloud belts on the Jovian surface, and a good 4-inch instrument will show the famous Great Red Spot, thought to be a gigantic storm in Jupiter’s atmosphere. The Spot may look small in the eyepiece, but its surface area is about the same as that of the entire Earth.
Geoff Chester is an astronomer who has worked at the U.S. Naval Observatory since 1997. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/08/01/astronomy-bluemoon-perseid-meteors-august/ | 2023-07-31T15:20:44 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/08/01/astronomy-bluemoon-perseid-meteors-august/ |
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Real American Hardwood Coalition (RAHC), the domestic hardwood industry's consumer promotion initiative, recently launched its new Build Your World™ advertising campaign to promote Real American Hardwood® flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and millwork. In partnership with Magnolia Network, the integrated, digital campaign will run through January 29, 2024.
"An advertising campaign on this scale is a first for the American hardwood industry," says Michael Martin, president and CEO of the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). "For decades, misinformation has spread and the industry has seen market share slip away to alternative products that offer the wood look, without any of the benefits of real wood. Through the Build Your World campaign, our industry is showing how Real American Hardwood products offer unmatched aesthetics, natural durability, and lasting value—as well as why they are healthier for our homes and environment. And Magnolia Network is the perfect partner to share these stories."
Developed by CANVAS United, the campaign relates the authenticity and attributes of Real American Hardwood products to the uniqueness and lifestyles of consumers. Five different vignettes capture the spirit of individuality in real-life settings, encouraging consumers to envision how they can build their world with hardwood.
"As long-time partners to the RAHC, we're excited to see the Build Your World campaign launch. We're particularly proud of this campaign's capacity to highlight both the emotional and rational benefits of hardwood," said Mark Lainas, president of CANVAS United. "Leveraging entertaining yet poignant storytelling in the creative will feel relatable to consumers across the country, and allows us to showcase not just the beauty of American hardwoods, but the lasting value of the products."
The ad campaign will run on the Magnolia Network channel, as well as on Magnolia and discovery+ digital streaming platforms. Magnolia Network is available through cable and satellite providers; Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV services; and Magnolia, HGTV, discovery+, and Max streaming apps. The campaign also includes digital and social media components.
To learn more about the Build Your World campaign and Real American Hardwood products, visit realamericanhardwood.com/build-your-world.
Editor's Notes: Photography is available upon request. Real American Hardwood is a registered trademark and Build Your World is a trademark of the Real American Hardwood Coalition.
Media Contact:
Real American Hardwood Coalition
info@RealAmericanHardwood.org
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SOURCE Real American Hardwood Coalition | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/real-american-hardwood-coalition-launches-build-your-world-campaign-partnership-with-magnolia-network/ | 2023-07-31T15:20:47 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/real-american-hardwood-coalition-launches-build-your-world-campaign-partnership-with-magnolia-network/ |
ISTANBUL — Campaigners fighting to protect woodlands earmarked for coal-mining in southwest Turkey on Monday pledged to maintain their fight as tree-felling came to an end.
Chainsaw teams that arrived to start felling trees a week ago have now finished their work, following violent confrontations between police dispatched to guard the operation and residents.
“They massacred our forest,” Nejla Isik, from the Ikizkoy Environment Committee, said at a meeting with lawyers reported by the Duvar newspaper.
“They destroyed our trees, which we have been protecting for four years, in eight days. As residents of Ikizkoy, we do not break our promise until the end. We will fight to the last drop.”
The protest at Akbelen is the latest stand-off in Turkey between environmentalists and developers uprooting green areas for mines, quarries and other projects.
Plans to turn Istanbul’s Gezi Park into a shopping mall and luxury flats led to a protest in 2013 that sparked nationwide demonstrations against the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at the time Turkey’s prime minister and now its president.
The office of Mugla’s governor announced Sunday that work to clear the forest had been completed while also condemning of “provocative, ugly and intentional attacks” on police during the process. The governor’s office said the area would be “rehabilitated” by planting 130,000 saplings.
Some 40 people were detained during the protests, according to a statement by the Gendarmerie General Command on Sunday. Those arrested had “attacked and resisted” law enforcement officers and face ongoing judicial proceedings, the statement added.
Protestors posted videos on social media showing the police using water cannons and pepper spray to prevent people entering the area.
The 740,000 square meter (183 acre) forest has been cleared to mine lignite, an inefficient fuel commonly known as brown coal, for two nearby thermal power plants run by IC Ictas Energy and Limak Energy, companies with close ties to the government.
Turkish rights groups described the battle to protect the forest as a “struggle against Turkey’s violation of its environmental obligations” under the United Nations Convention on Climate Change and the 2016 Paris Agreement.
“The attack on Akbelen forest is a severe intervention in the right of the local people … to live in a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment,” groups including the Association for Monitoring Equal Rights and the Rights Initiative Association said in a joint statement.
According to a 2022 report by Climate Transparency, a Berlin-based climate action platform, Turkey generates 32% of its electricity from coal. Despite its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2053, it currently plans to increase coal-produced electricity by 20.4 gigawatts. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/31/akbelen-ikizkoy-turkey-forest-mining-environment-protest/cfc48360-2fa9-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html | 2023-07-31T15:20:50 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/31/akbelen-ikizkoy-turkey-forest-mining-environment-protest/cfc48360-2fa9-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html |
IRVINE, Calif., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Motor Corporation (Alpha), a leading innovator in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, proudly presents the world premiere of its groundbreaking Wolf electric truck driving prototype. This innovative vehicle represents a significant milestone in Alpha's commitment to providing sustainable and accessible electric mobility solutions to consumers worldwide.
Accelerating Towards Mass Production:
Alpha's highly anticipated test drive event for the Wolf electric truck proved to be an overwhelming success, leaving attendees in awe of the vehicle's exceptional performance, and driving experience. Held at a picturesque location in California, the event highlighted the prowess of the Wolf electric truck, solidifying its position as a game-changer in the electric vehicle industry.
The success of the Wolf electric truck test drive event is a resounding confirmation that Alpha has confidence in its strides toward production development. The test drive reaffirmed that Alpha is aligned to deliver an exceptional electric vehicle. Building upon this momentum, Alpha is expediting its efforts to produce more test vehicles, accelerating the pursuit of mass production.
In every step, Alpha is committed to efficiently navigating the production process, ensuring that the Wolf electric truck becomes available for customers worldwide, and propelling the world towards a sustainable and electrifying future.
Exceptional Driving Experience:
During the test drive, participants witnessed firsthand the unmatched driving capabilities of the Wolf electric truck. From the moment they took the wheel, it became evident that this electric truck was designed to deliver more than just efficient transportation—it provided an exhilarating and seamless ride.
The precision-engineered electric powertrain of the Wolf truck exhibited remarkable acceleration, delivering instant torque and swift response to driver inputs.
Cruising through cities or venturing off-road, the Wolf impressed the drivers with its versatility and agility alongside smooth handling and stability.
Intuitive Design and Comfort:
Beyond its performance, the Wolf electric truck's interior captivated test drivers with its cabin comfort features and thoughtful details. The spacious cabin, designed to accommodate up to two passengers, ensured ample legroom and headspace for an enjoyable ride. Ergonomic controls and an intuitive infotainment system also provided a seamless and user-friendly experience inside the Wolf.
Safety is paramount at Alpha, and the Wolf electric truck is projected to satisfy expectations in this category. The Wolf truck is planned to be equipped with advanced safety features and innovative driver-assistance technologies to instill confidence in drivers. Created to inspire trust equally through busy traffic and challenging terrains, the Wolf provides a sense of security and joy in every ride.
Sleek and Powerful Operation:
The Wolf electric truck's powerfully sleek operation was one of its most notable qualities. The absence of typical engine noise astounded the participants and added to the peacefulness and tranquility of the drive. The electric powertrain's steady propulsion makes the Wolf perfect for both long distance and urban commutes, with the strikingly peaceful driving experience.
Engineering Excellence:
The Wolf electric truck is a result of Alpha's relentless dedication to engineering excellence and innovation. The prototype boasts a robust and utilitarian design, combining a sturdy body-on-frame construction with lightweight materials for enhanced efficiency and durability. Alpha's team of skilled engineers are in continuous development of the Wolf truck to equip the vehicle with optimal performance and safety standards.
Vehicle Specifications:
The Wolf electric truck exudes a commanding presence within a compact package: 4828mm (190in) long, 1900mm (75in) wide, and 1768mm (69in) tall. Catering to the diverse needs of modern drivers, the Wolf truck features a spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating two passengers in the base model and up to five passengers in the Superwolf truck. The Wolf truck was created for both personal and commercial use. Equipped with a cutting-edge electric powertrain performing remarkable acceleration and towing capabilities, the Wolf truck is a fun-to-drive electric vehicle that comes ready to take on everyday adventures.
Performance Specifications:
Alpha's engineering shines in the Wolf electric truck, incorporating a multitude of benefits to ensure that the vehicle's exhilarating performance results in an incredibly enjoyable ride. The Wolf truck's state-of-the-art electric drivetrain provides exceptional performance figures. Estimated top speed of 125 mph and a range target of up to 300+ miles on a single charge, it ensures a seamless and long-lasting driving experience. Additionally, the electric truck incorporates fast-charging technology, allowing users to recharge the battery quickly and efficiently.
Beyond the independent suspension system and integration of shock absorbers, the Wolf's low center of gravity, achieved through skillful battery placement, enhances its handling and responsiveness, making every turn a thrilling experience. The instant torque delivery of the electric powertrain ensures swift acceleration, allowing the Wolf to effortlessly surge forward, delivering a sense of power and excitement to the drivers. Moreover, the regenerative braking system not only maximizes energy efficiency but also delivers a smooth and controlled deceleration.
Additionally, the thoughtful cabin insulation minimizes external noise, creating a serene and whisper-quiet atmosphere inside the vehicle for the comfort of all passengers. From the engineering drawing board to real-world performance, the Wolf electric truck fuses innovative technology and passionate engineering, delivering an electric vehicle experience that is as fun as it is thrilling. Whether it's an urban drive or a rugged off-road adventure, the Wolf electric truck brings excitement to sustainability through its effortless driving experience, , setting a new standard for the future of electric mobility.
Efficient Production Plan:
Alpha is committed to manufacturing in the US and expediting the production process of the Wolf electric truck to meet the ever-growing demand for sustainable transportation. The company's highly streamlined production plan and strategic partnerships with leading suppliers ensure a swift and efficient assembly process, reducing waiting times for customers eager to own the Wolf truck.
Alpha's commitment to efficient car manufacturing is founded on several key pillars that streamline the production process. Firstly, the company employs state-of-the-art automation and robotics at various stages of assembly, optimizing precision and reducing production time.
Secondly, Alpha has established strategic partnerships with leading suppliers for a seamless and timely supply chain, minimizing delays and disruptions.
Thirdly, a modular approach to vehicle design enables easy integration of standardized components, simplifying production and reducing complexities. Additionally, Alpha emphasizes continuous process optimization, leveraging data-driven insights to identify bottlenecks and implement refinements for enhanced efficiency.
Lastly, a highly skilled and experienced workforce collaborates seamlessly to maintain the highest quality standards and ensure that each vehicle undergoes rigorous testing. By combining these elements, Alpha will be poised to efficiently manufacture cars, enabling the company to deliver innovative electric vehicles to the market with speed and precision, meeting the growing demand for sustainable mobility.
Market Accessibility:
Alpha believes in the democratization of electric vehicles, and the Wolf electric truck is no exception. With an affordable price point and various financing options, Alpha aims to make EV ownership accessible to a broader audience. The company's dedication to accessibility is driven by its vision of creating a sustainable future for all, one electric vehicle at a time.
Alpha's commitment to efficiently managing its capital expenditure (capex) is rooted in its differentiated operations, which go beyond the traditional automotive value chain. By leveraging innovative manufacturing techniques, strategic partnerships, and modular vehicle design, Alpha optimizes production costs while maintaining high-quality standards. The company's emphasis on automation and streamlined processes ensures cost-effective assembly, minimizing unnecessary expenses.
Furthermore, Alpha's direct-to-consumer sales model eliminates the need for intermediaries, allowing the company to offer competitive pricing and enhance market accessibility. This customer-centric approach gathers valuable insights directly from buyers, allowing Alpha to swiftly improve production and market demand alignment.
Embracing a dynamic and adaptable business model that emphasizes efficiency and accessibility, Alphas will continue to expand its market reach, making electric vehicles more attainable and appealing to a broader audience.
Sales Strategy and Timeline:
Alpha plans to continue accepting pre-orders for the Wolf electric truck following its world premiere. Customers can join the waitlist for their Wolf truck through Alpha's official website. The company plans to roll out a comprehensive online platform which will simplify the ordering process and revolutionize the car buying experience.
Alphas will adopt a direct-to-consumer sales model to offer its electric vehicles in North America. Through its user-friendly website, customers can easily browse Alpha's electric vehicle lineup, access transparent pricing and financing options, and configure their vehicles according to their preferences. The website will facilitate a seamless and hassle-free online ordering process, allowing customers to place pre-orders for their desired electric vehicle models.
Additionally, Alphas plans to establish its own branded showrooms in key locations across North America, inviting potential buyers to experience the Wolf electric truck and other models firsthand. This direct sales approach empowers Alpha to build stronger relationships with its customers, understand their needs better, and offer personalized support, ensuring a delightful and engaging purchasing journey from start to finish.
Target Market:
Over the years of its operation, Alphas has meticulously conducted consumer research to understand the evolving landscape of the electric vehicle market. This investment to connect with customer needs has subsequently validated a strong demand for the Wolf electric truck, which has surged to over 11,000 preorder indications to date.
The Wolf's design, blending modern aesthetics with practicality, resonates deeply with electric vehicle buyers, making it a standout choice in the market. Alphas' target market encompasses a diverse range of eco-conscious consumers, adventure enthusiasts, and businesses seeking sustainable transportation solutions.
The company's market advantage lies in its unique ability to combine customer-centric product development with engineering excellence, allowing it to create electric vehicles that not only meet the demands of the market but also exceed expectations.
By staying ahead of industry trends and continuously improving its offerings based on customer feedback, Alphas has solidified its position as a trailblazer in the electric vehicle industry, reshaping the future of sustainable mobility.
Delivering the Future:
Alpha is dedicated to delivering an unparalleled customer experience from pre-order to delivery. The company is seeking to establish a robust logistics network to ensure efficient and timely deliveries to customers worldwide. Alpha's commitment to environmental responsibility extends to its delivery process, with a focus on minimizing carbon emissions and employing sustainable transport methods whenever possible.
"Alpha is excited to unveil the Wolf electric truck driving prototype, a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability. By combining engineering excellence with a customer-centric approach, we aim to accelerate the transition to electric mobility and make sustainable transportation accessible to all," said Alpha Motor Corporation.
Motion Driven by Heart:
At the core of Alpha's philosophy lies the belief that every aspect of mobility should be driven by the heart. This vision embodies the company's commitment to create not just innovative electric vehicles, but to infuse them with passion, compassion, and a deep understanding of human needs and aspirations.
"Motion Driven by Heart" encapsulates Alpha's dedication to more than just engineering and performance. It reflects the company's ethos of putting people and the planet first, fostering a strong emotional connection between drivers and their electric vehicles. The Wolf electric truck is not merely a means of transportation; it is an extension of one's values, lifestyle, and desire to make a positive impact on the environment.
Alpha envisions a future where electric vehicles empower individuals and communities to embrace sustainable living without compromising on performance or style. By providing access to affordable, dependable, and stylish electric vehicles, the company aims to create a global movement towards a cleaner, greener, and more interconnected world.
"We believe that electric vehicles should not only be technologically advanced but should also resonate with the hearts of our customers. Our 'Motion Driven by Heart' philosophy guides every decision we make, from design and engineering to production and customer experience," said Alpha Motor Corporation.
Alpha's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility is evident in its actives collaborations with various environmental initiatives, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute positively to its communities.
As Alpha moves forward with speed and efficiency to bring the Wolf electric truck to the market, the company's vision of "Motion Driven by Heart" remains firmly embedded in its DNA. Through this vision, Alpha strives to inspire the world to embrace electric mobility with enthusiasm, compassion, and a shared commitment to a brighter, sustainable future.
About Alpha Motor Corporation
Alpha Motor Corporation (Alpha) is an award-winning American automobile company focused on manufacturing mobility solutions that Move Humanity®. We innovate sustainable transportation for the wellness of people and our environment by implementing advanced automotive technologies and disruptive industrial practices. Based in Irvine, California, Alpha is committed to creating the kinds of electric vehicles we believe the world has always wanted to see but that have not existed – until now.
Please contact pr@alphamotorinc.com for more information.
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SOURCE Alpha Motor Corporation | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/resounding-success-wolf-electric-truck-test-drive-wows/ | 2023-07-31T15:20:54 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/resounding-success-wolf-electric-truck-test-drive-wows/ |
HONG KONG — The discovery of a whale carcass in Hong Kong waters on Monday has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with many comments blaming the mammal’s death on sightseers.
Compass Chan, scientific officer of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong, didn’t confirm whether it was the same whale. But he said an initial check on the dead whale found a new wound on its back, in addition to two old wounds.
“It’s a pity,” Chan said at a media briefing. “If it really died, I think it’s a good chance to let everyone to think seriously how we should get along with other species in the nature.”
Its cause of death would have to be confirmed by a necropsy, he said.
After the carcass was found in the waters in Sai Kung — a district known for its hiking trails, beaches and islands — many residents have taken issue with the whale-watching activities seen over the past two weeks.
They accused the sightseers of causing the death of the whale because of their ignorance. Some reposted a Canto-pop song whose title translated as “Whale Eater” on their social media.
The foundation said in its previous statement that a crowd of people was spotted approaching the animal, believed to be a Bryde’s whale and to be around seven metres (23 feet) long. It warned that human activities can cause stress and lead to life-threatening consequences, saying the whale already had propeller wounds.
The government said Friday night that the necropsy might take several days and the results would serve as a reference for it to handle the emergence of whales in Hong Kong in the future. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/31/hong-kong-whale-carcass-sightseers/1cf4bf84-2fae-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html | 2023-07-31T15:20:56 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/31/hong-kong-whale-carcass-sightseers/1cf4bf84-2fae-11ee-85dd-5c3c97d6acda_story.html |
Five-Star Weekend Getaway Featuring Culinary Luminaries Michael Mina, Min Kim, Adam Sobel, Philip Tessier, and Brad Kilgore.
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Robb Report, the world's leading authority in luxury lifestyle, announces the return of its annual exclusive gastronomical retreat, Culinary Masters, debuting in a new location, the Four Seasons Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on September 28-October 1, 2023. The five-star weekend getaway will feature Chef Brad Kilgore, Internationally Renowned Chef and Culinary Director at Verge at The Concours Club; Chef Min Kim, Executive Chef, Mizumi at Wynn Las Vegas; Chef Michael Mina, James Beard Award-Winning Chef & Restaurateur; Chef Adam Sobel, Chef & Partner of MINA Group; and Chef Philip Tessier, Michelin-Star Chef and Partner of PRESS.
Guests will join these world-renowned chefs for an unforgettable weekend of incredible meals and expertly paired wines, along with engaging panel discussions, an exciting cooking class competition and thrilling mountain adventures including scenic hikes at 9,000 feet, horseback riding, white water rafting, and more.
"Robb Report's Culinary Masters Weekend at the Four Seasons in Jackson Hole is going to be one to remember and I am thrilled to be part of it," said Chef Michael Mina. "It's an incredible opportunity for an intimate and immersive retreat filled with amazing food, exceptional wine, and great company. I'm really looking forward to cooking alongside the talented lineup of chefs they've assembled."
Robb Report is partnering with the V Foundation for Cancer Research this year for the first time as the Culinary Masters' charitable partner. The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $310 million in cancer research grants nationwide and has grown to become one of the premier supporters of cutting-edge cancer research. All proceeds from the Culinary Masters' live and silent auction will go toward the V Foundation's mission.
"We are proud of the legacy and evolution of one of Robb Report's most signature events. Culinary Masters is a celebration of exceptional taste, talent, and the best of the culinary world," said Luke Bahrenburg, President, Robb Report and Head of Luxury Sales, PMC. "We are excited to bring the event to life with our partners at the V Foundation, honoring legendary chefs, curating experiences that embody the best of fine dining, luxury, and philanthropy, all in an incredible setting."
"We are thrilled to take our annual Culinary Masters experience to the 'wild west' this year where we anticipate some of the finest culinary masterpieces and mouthwatering creations from our chefs during the weekend and as part of our Boots & Ballgowns Gala! And what's more, all the new friendships, connections, and memories to be made between our guests and chefs," said Cristina Cheever, SVP Live Media & RR1.
Robb Report's 2023 Culinary Masters is also partnering with Wynn Las Vegas, Lugano Diamonds, V Foundation, Cohiba Cigars, Chopin Vodka, Mijenta Tequila, Samsung TV and Four Seasons Jackson Hole.
Please contact us with any questions or inquiries at rr1experiences@robbreport.com.
Event information link: https://rr1.com/event/jacksonhole/
Registration link: https://robbreport.swoogo.com/2023CulinaryMasters
About Robb Report
Robb Report is the leading voice in the global luxury market. Its discerning audience around the world has a shared appreciation and desire for quality, exclusivity, heritage, taste, and fine design. Robb Report is synonymous around the world with prosperity, luxury, and the best of the best. Widely regarded as the single-most influential journal of living life to the fullest, with 17 international editions, it is the brand the most successful people rely on to discover the ideas, opinions, products, and experiences that matter most to them. For more information, please visit RobbReport.com.
About RR1
RR1 is the private-membership club that brings Robb Report to life through extraordinary, curated experiences. Members enjoy unparalleled access to benefits and events, and they become part of a powerful community of like-minded tastemakers who seek out the very finest experiences, products and services. From discovering the most alluring and exclusive destinations, to previewing the top cars and products before their official release, to dining with culinary luminaries and meeting leaders of the world's premier luxury brands, RR1 members truly experience the extraordinary. For more information about RR1, please visit RR1.com.
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SOURCE Robb Report | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/robb-report-announces-culinary-masters-event-taking-place-september-28-october-1-2023-four-seasons-jackson-hole-wyoming/ | 2023-07-31T15:21:00 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/robb-report-announces-culinary-masters-event-taking-place-september-28-october-1-2023-four-seasons-jackson-hole-wyoming/ |
Teresa Lancaster, who was featured in The Keepers documentary on Netflix,
is an attorney and sex abuse survivor turned advocate for victims of abuse
BALTIMORE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. today announced that the leading Maryland medical malpractice, personal injury and civil litigation law firm has secured nationally recognized advocate for sexual abuse victims, Teresa Lancaster, as a client of the firm.
Lancaster, a sex abuse victim who was featured in the Netflix documentary, The Keepers, will be represented by the firm and will also serve as a well-respected spokesperson for the thousands of other sex abuse victims across Maryland.
"We are honored to have our firm chosen to represent such a powerful advocate and voice in the fight against sexual abuse in all its forms across Maryland and the entire country," said Jonathan Schochor, Founding Partner and Chairman of Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. "Teresa Lancaster has bravely shared her powerful story as a survivor overcoming sexual abuse and has proven to be a compassionate, articulate and impactful spokesperson for all fellow victims fighting for justice. We look forward to working together to share her message and to help bring closure for her and all other sex abuse victims that have had the courage to come forward."
Teresa Lancaster is an attorney and vocal advocate for victims of sexual abuse. She is known for her story being featured in The Keepers, the seven-part documentary on Netflix, which examines decades old sexual abuse cases in Maryland within the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Lancaster was the second sexual assault victim to come forward against the Archdiocese of Baltimore for sexual abuse she suffered from a priest while a student at Archbishop Keough High School in the 1970s.
Later in life, Lancaster received her bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and worked as a social work intern at the Baltimore Public Defender's Office in the Juvenile Division where she advocated for juvenile offenders. She later graduated from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and dedicated herself to representing survivors of child sexual abuse seeking justice. As an advocate, Lancaster also worked for years to help pass the bill in the Maryland General Assembly to eliminate the statute of limitations to file lawsuits against alleged sexual abusers across the state.
On April 11, 2023, the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 was passed to eliminate the statute of limitations for adult survivors of sexual abuse to bring forth civil lawsuits against their alleged abusers. The new law will take effect on October 1, 2023.
About Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A.
Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. has been fighting for patients' rights as a leading medical malpractice law firm since 1984. Additionally, the firm is a recognized leader in sexual abuse cases as well as class action and mass tort litigation. Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. has offices in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Its lawyers are licensed to practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia, and they have been specially admitted on a case-by-case basis by courts in Florida, Nevada, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, North Carolina, West Virginia and other states. On special motion and with approval of courts elsewhere, the firm's lawyers are available to participate in cases throughout the United States. To learn more, visit: sfspa.com.
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SOURCE Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/schochor-staton-goldberg-cardea-pa-announce-nationally-recognized-advocate-sex-abuse-victims-new-client-spokesperson/ | 2023-07-31T15:21:06 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/schochor-staton-goldberg-cardea-pa-announce-nationally-recognized-advocate-sex-abuse-victims-new-client-spokesperson/ |
LINCOLN, Neb., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sophie Norman joined Assurity Life Insurance Company as its new Senior Director of Assurity Ventures Inc (AVI). Norman will focus on recruiting and developing new non-traditional distribution partners for Assurity through Assurity Ventures, the company's business arm dedicated to building relationships with insurtech and fintech startups to harness new methods of interacting with prospective customers.
"Sophie brings significant insurance experience and is strategic in her approach, with an eye on long-term growth," said Todd Reimers, Assurity's Senior Vice President and Chief Distribution Officer. "We welcome Sophie to Assurity and look forward to accomplishing great things together."
Norman comes to Assurity with a background as an independent broker, agency manager and a benefits strategist. She brings industry expertise as a Director of Operations at a well-respected actuarial firm, has launched technology platforms for her clients and is an experienced public speaker. Norman studied Business and Finance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned her bachelor's degree. She enjoys spending time with her family.
About Assurity: As a mutual organization, Assurity was founded on the simple concept of people coming together to support each other in moments of need. We help people through difficult times by providing affordable insurance protection that's easy to understand and buy. We all share in the future we create, and we believe in using our business as a force for good.
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SOURCE Assurity | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/sophie-norman-joins-assurity-ventures-senior-director/ | 2023-07-31T15:21:13 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/sophie-norman-joins-assurity-ventures-senior-director/ |
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Zefr's third-party brand suitability verification solution for Instagram Feed is now available. This AI-powered measurement solution provides marketers with even more transparency into their Meta campaigns, measuring GARM brand safety and suitability across both Instagram and Facebook Feed placements.
Additionally, the verification solution will now be available in more global territories, supporting advertisers in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese and Portuguese speaking countries. Advertisers will have full access to their Instagram Feed measurement via their Atrium dashboard, which provides full transparency across platforms including Meta, TikTok and YouTube.
Meta recently announced new inventory filters for Facebook and Instagram Feeds that are now rolling out to advertisers in these additional global markets. Both the added inventory filters and expanded third-party brand suitability verification developments underscore Zefr and Meta's ongoing commitment to critical innovation within the industry, powered by AI technology that deepens advertiser transparency and brand suitability controls.
"Earlier this year we began rolling out our third party brand suitability verification solution with Zefr for Facebook Feed as a part of the launch of our AI-powered brand suitability controls. We are excited to expand this offering to Instagram Feed, offering businesses another solution to help meet their brand safety and suitability needs. In addition to English and Spanish, our brand suitability verification solution is also being expanded to four additional languages and testing for third party brand suitability verification for Reels will begin in August. We look forward to sharing more expansion offerings for the brand suitability verification solution in the coming months." Samantha Stetson, Vice President, Client Council and Industry Trade Relations.
"We're excited to announce our AI-powered, third-party brand suitability verification for Instagram Feed. This innovation marks another important step forward in the industry, providing brands with transparency into their adjacencies across both Facebook & Instagram Feed. Our continued collaboration with Meta, expanded global coverage, and commitment to transparency mapped to the GARM standards enables more responsible media investment for advertisers worldwide," said Rich Raddon, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Zefr.
For more detail on Zefr's brand suitability verification product for Meta, please visit www.zefr.com/atrium, or reach out to measurement@zefr.com.
CONTACT: Hank Kim, hank@m8media.net
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SOURCE Zefr | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/zefr-meta-expand-ai-powered-brand-suitability-measurement-instagram-feed-additional-languages/ | 2023-07-31T15:21:19 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/zefr-meta-expand-ai-powered-brand-suitability-measurement-instagram-feed-additional-languages/ |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — 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 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.ctpublic.org/2023-07-30/an-arkansas-judge-has-blocked-a-law-targeting-librarians-over-harmful-books | 2023-07-31T15:21:46 | 1 | https://www.ctpublic.org/2023-07-30/an-arkansas-judge-has-blocked-a-law-targeting-librarians-over-harmful-books |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — 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 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.kvpr.org/npr-news/npr-news/2023-07-30/an-arkansas-judge-has-blocked-a-law-targeting-librarians-over-harmful-books | 2023-07-31T15:22:53 | 1 | https://www.kvpr.org/npr-news/npr-news/2023-07-30/an-arkansas-judge-has-blocked-a-law-targeting-librarians-over-harmful-books |
As the hour creeps past three in the afternoon, New Orleans' streets are devoid of tourists and locals alike. The heat index is over 105 degrees.
At the city's ambulance depot, the concrete parking lot seems to magnify the sweltering heat, circulating the air like a convection oven.
New Orleans Emergency Medical Services has been busy this summer, responding to heat-related emergency calls and rushing patients to nearby hospitals.
Capt. Janick Lewis and Lt. Titus Carriere demonstrate how they can load a stretcher into an ambulance using an automated loading system.
Lewis wipes sweat from his brow as the loading arm whirs and hums, raising the stretcher into the ambulance — "unit" in official terminology.
But the mechanical assistance isn't the best thing about the new vehicle. "The nicest thing about being assigned a brand new unit, is it's a brand-new air conditioning system," Lewis says.
The new AC is much more than just a luxury for the hard-working crews. These days they need the extra cooling power to help save lives.
"The number one thing you do take care of somebody is get them out of the heat, get them somewhere cool," Lewis says. "So the number one thing we spend our time worrying about in the summertime is keeping the truck cool."
Like much of the country, New Orleans has been embroiled in an almost relentless heat wave for weeks. As a result, more people are falling ill with heat-related conditions than ever before. Just last week, EMS responded to 29 heat-related calls — more than triple compared to the same period last year.
As the city's emergency medical systems deal with the influx of patients, scientists say these dangerous heat levels — and the increasing stress they put on human bodies and medical systems — may be the new norm.
At the same time, New Orleans EMS has struggled with funding and staffing challenges. It's currently operating with only 60% of its needed staff. The city's chief of EMS has called for increased funding for higher wages to attract more workers.
Lewis says they're making do with the resources they have, and prioritizing one-time expenses like new ambulances to help them meet the challenges they're facing.
"We're going to provide the care everybody needs, regardless of how hot it gets," Lewis says. "We'd love to have all the help in the world, but we're getting the job done with what we have right now."
Health dangers above 100℉
When a human being is exposed to high levels of heat for too long, it starts to raise the core body temperature. Once that exceeds 100 degrees, hyperthermia can develop. That can prompt an escalating cascade of health problems if it isn't quickly addressed.
The first stage is heat exhaustion, Lt. Carriere explains: "That means you're hot, you may have an elevated temp, but you also have what's called diaphoresis, which means your body is sweating, is still trying to compensate and cool yourself off." You'll also likely have other symptoms like weakness, dizziness, and headache.
Carriere says that if you can quickly get out of the heat and into some AC, generally you'll recover from heat exhaustion on your own. But if you don't, your core temperature will continue to rise.
Near 104° the dangers escalate
If internal body temperature approaches 104 degrees, you could succumb to the next stage — heat stroke.
"Once you move to heat stroke, your body stops compensating," Carriere says. "You stop sweating. You're hot. You're dry, and your organs are basically like frying themselves from the inside out."
When you stop sweating, it becomes even harder for your body to cool itself down. During heat stroke, you may also experience other severe symptoms like an altered state of mind, confusion, and a rapid, erratic pulse. You may even lose consciousness.
Heat illness can develop after unrelieved exposure to incessant heat, but high humidity compounds the problem by making it harder for the body to cool itself by sweating.
Working outdoors, dehydration, alcohol or drug use, and sunburn all increase the risk. The very old, children under 4, and those who are obese or have certain medical conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Without medical intervention, heat stroke can be deadly. EMS starts treatment immediately after they arrive on the scene.
"We'll get them on a gurney, get them into the unit, start removing their clothing and put ice packs wherever applicable to try to cool them down," says Carriere.
Saving lives in the ER with ice, fluids, and medical support
Once you're loaded into the ambulance, they'll race you to a nearby hospital, Carriere says. At University Medical Center (UMC), the city's largest hospital, doctors and nurses will continue efforts to quickly lower body temperature, and replace fluids by IV if necessary..
"When the patient ends up at the hospital, we're going to continue that cooling process," Elder says. "We're going to put them in an ice water bath," says Dr. Jeffrey Elder, the Medical Director for Emergency Management at UMC. "We may use some misting fans and some cold fluids to get their body temperature down to a reasonable temperature while we're supporting all the other bodily functions."
Getting your core temperature down as quickly as possible is the highest priority, Elder explains, and is what will ultimately save your life. One way they can speed that along is by burying you in ice. In other parts of the country, doctors actually place patients inside body bags pre-packed with pounds of ice. Body bags are useful in these cases because they're waterproof and are designed to closely fit the human form.
They don't use body bags at UMC's emergency room, but during the summer, staffers do keep bags of ice ready to go at all times.
"On the stretcher, we'll use some of the sheets as kind of a barrier," Elder says. "And while they're on the stretcher, we'll just put the ice on them right then and there."
Hospital staff will continue to work to cool you down until your temperature gets back below 100. That's when you're considered to be in the medical safe zone.
Elder admits that while it always gets hot in New Orleans during the summer, his emergency room has been treating more heat-related illness in 2023 than ever before. A few patients have died from the heat.
Like many other hospital systems, UMC is struggling with staffing challenges since the pandemic. But UMC has prioritized staffing of the emergency department in order to handle things like an influx of patients from heat-related illness, Elder says.
Burden on health infrastructure heats up
Across the country, meteorological events like heat waves and heat domes will become more frequent and intense in the future, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Extreme summer heat is increasing in the United States," says Claudia Brown, a health scientist with the CDC's Climate and Health Program. "And climate projections are indicating that extreme heat events will be more frequent and intense in the coming decades."
Health infrastructure will be challenged to keep up in order to treat patients suffering from extreme heat exposure. In New Orleans, both first responders and doctors say they expect to see more patients with heat-related illness. July is merely the halfway point of a Louisiana summer.
"We haven't even gotten to the hottest part yet, which is typically August to September," says EMS Lt. Titus Carriere. "So I'm expecting it to get pretty bad."
This story comes from NPR's health reporting partnership with the Gulf States Newsroom and KFF Health News.
Copyright 2023 Gulf States Newsroom. To see more, visit . | https://www.kvpr.org/npr-news/npr-news/2023-07-30/in-broiling-cities-like-new-orleans-the-health-system-faces-off-against-heat-stroke | 2023-07-31T15:22:54 | 1 | https://www.kvpr.org/npr-news/npr-news/2023-07-30/in-broiling-cities-like-new-orleans-the-health-system-faces-off-against-heat-stroke |
HAZLET, N.J. (WPIX) – A New Jersey family is suing a movie theater chain after the mother and her son, who has autism, were thrown out.
Their offense? The mother took her son into the women’s restroom when he needed to go to the bathroom.
“All this time, it was humiliating and scary for my son,” Christine Gallinaro, of Holmdel, told WPIX.
It was supposed to be a fun trip to the movies for Gallinaro and her 15-year-old son, John.
Gallinaro‘s husband wasn’t with them, so when John, who is nonverbal, had to go to the bathroom, she took him into the ladies’ room at Cinemark‘s Hazlet 12. There was no family restroom.
Gallinaro said no one in the ladies’ room complained. She said many understood that her son has special needs and needed an adult to help him. But the theater manager let her and her son know she disapproved.
“I asked her if there was a problem. I explained that he was disabled, and she said a grown man should not be in this bathroom,” Gallinaro said.
Gallinaro said the manager called security and then the police to eject them from the movie theater. On the cellphone video, Gallinaro said it was clear to her that the security and police were sympathetic to her plight.
The Gallinaros filed a lawsuit last week against the movie theater chain.
“What happened that day was unlawful, wrong, and bizarre,” said Austin Tobin, the Gallinaro family’s lawyer.
“Since this happened and has been made public, there has been an overwhelming response of support, particularly from mothers of disabled children,” Gallinaro said.
A few days after the June 16 incident, Gallinaro said the movie theater regional manager reached out to offer a refund, but the mother said the humiliation was too great.
WPIX contacted the movie theater for comment on the allegations but did not receive a response. | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/humiliating-mom-son-with-autism-thrown-out-of-nj-theater-for-using-ladies-room/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:00 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/humiliating-mom-son-with-autism-thrown-out-of-nj-theater-for-using-ladies-room/ |
17-month-old girl dies, mom arrested in sexual assault case, police say
BELL COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT/Gray news) - A 17-month-old child has died following a sexual assault case, police said.
The incident started Friday night when the girl was taken to Middlesboro ARH Hospital with severe injuries.
Because of the extent of her injuries, she was flown out to Children’s Hospital in Knoxville.
Police said the medical staff tried to stabilize the toddler, but the child died Sunday night.
Following her death, Middlesboro Police started investigating who was responsible for the incident that caused the death of the little girl.
That same night, police interviewed the mother, Erica Lawson, 21, of Mount Vernon, who police said was eventually arrested in connection with the case.
She is charged with manslaughter, failure to report child abuse, criminal abuse and wanton endangerment.
Police said they expect to make another arrest in this case soon.
Lawson was taken to the Bell County Detention Center.
Copyright 2023 WYMT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wcjb.com/2023/07/31/17-month-old-girl-dies-mom-arrested-sexual-assault-case-police-say/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:00 | 0 | https://www.wcjb.com/2023/07/31/17-month-old-girl-dies-mom-arrested-sexual-assault-case-police-say/ |
17-month-old girl dies, mom arrested in sexual assault case, police say
BELL COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT/Gray news) - A 17-month-old child has died following a sexual assault case, police said.
The incident started Friday night when the girl was taken to Middlesboro ARH Hospital with severe injuries.
Because of the extent of her injuries, she was flown out to Children’s Hospital in Knoxville.
Police said the medical staff tried to stabilize the toddler, but the child died Sunday night.
Following her death, Middlesboro Police started investigating who was responsible for the incident that caused the death of the little girl.
That same night, police interviewed the mother, Erica Lawson, 21, of Mount Vernon, who police said was eventually arrested in connection with the case.
She is charged with manslaughter, failure to report child abuse, criminal abuse and wanton endangerment.
Police said they expect to make another arrest in this case soon.
Lawson was taken to the Bell County Detention Center.
Copyright 2023 WYMT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2023/07/31/17-month-old-girl-dies-mom-arrested-sexual-assault-case-police-say/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:07 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/2023/07/31/17-month-old-girl-dies-mom-arrested-sexual-assault-case-police-say/ |
(The Hill) — The Department of Education released a beta website on Monday for the Biden administration’s new income-driven student loan repayment plan, known as the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan.
“A beta version of the updated [Income-Driven Repayment (IDR)] application is now available and includes the option to enroll in the new SAVE Plan – the most affordable repayment plan yet,” the department said on the site.
Previously, the administration had numerous IDR options for borrowers, which advocates have said led to a confusing system for borrowers.
The new SAVE plan will replace the Revised Pay As You Earn Repayment (REPAYE) plan, one of the most widely used out of the four IDR options available to borrowers. The other three IDR plans will be phased out by the department or limited in the future.
The SAVE plan will make three significant changes this year compared to the REPAYE option. The first raises the income exemption from 150 percent above the poverty line to 225 percent, meaning a single person earning less than $32,800 would have $0 monthly payments under the plan.
The plan also won’t allow unpaid interest to grow if a person is making their monthly student loan payments. Lastly, spousal income for borrowers who are married and file separately will not be included.
The website – first reported by CNN — shows a demo of the application process, where some information such as tax returns can be automatically inserted due to information the government has on file for a borrower.
“We will be able to show borrowers their exact monthly payment amount and give them the ability to choose the most affordable repayment plan for them,” one official told CNN.
Officials told the network the full website launch will happen in August after the department has time to assess the site’s performance during the beta launch. Those who apply for SAVE during the beta period will not have to reapply after the full launch.
Those on the previous REPAYE IDR plan will be automatically enrolled in the new plan and do not need to use the launched application.
The Hill has reached out to the Department of Education for comment on the beta launch.
Other aspects of the SAVE program will be implemented next year such as payments getting reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent of income above 225 percent of the poverty line for undergraduate loans.
The SAVE plan, touted as the most generous IDR plan by the administration, is expected to cost between $150 billion to $350 billion a year, according to varying estimates.
The launch of the SAVE plan comes two months before borrowers end their three-year-long pause on student loan payments and begin President Joe Biden’s “on-ramp” repayment system.
Under the system, interest will still accrue, but borrowers will not be penalized in other ways such as credit score ratings for not paying their student loan payments up until Sept. 2024. | https://www.wfla.com/news/politics/new-income-driven-student-loan-repayment-plan-available-to-borrowers/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:08 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/politics/new-income-driven-student-loan-repayment-plan-available-to-borrowers/ |
The FBI should face new limits on its use of US foreign spy data, a key intelligence board says
WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI should stop using a U.S. spy database of foreigners’ emails and other communications for investigating crimes that aren’t related to national security, a group of White House intelligence advisers recommended in a report released Monday.
The President’s Intelligence Advisory Board’s findings come as the White House pushes Congress to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before its expiration at the end of this year. U.S. intelligence officials say Section 702 enables investigations of Chinese and Russian espionage, potential terrorist plots, and other threats.
But spy agencies also end up capturing the communications of U.S. citizens and businesses, and a series of intelligence mistakes at the FBI has fanned bipartisan criticism of the bureau that has strongly colored the debate over renewing the law.
The advisory board says the FBI made “inappropriate use” at times of Section 702 information. Those include queries for a U.S. senator and state senator’s names without properly limiting the search, looking for someone believed to have been at the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and doing large queries of names of protesters following the 2020 death of George Floyd.
“Unfortunately, complacency, a lack of proper procedures, and the sheer volume of Section 702 activity led to FBI’s inappropriate use of Section 702 authorities, specifically U.S. person queries,” the board said in its report. “U.S. person queries” generally mean searches for U.S. citizens and businesses.
The board recommends the FBI no longer search the data when it is seeking evidence of a crime not related to national security. Currently, the FBI conducts fewer than two dozen such searches a year, a senior administration official told reporters Monday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
The White House has not decided whether it will accept the recommendation but is studying the board’s work and report, the official said.
The board’s report largely lines up with the White House’s positions on other changes being debated in Congress. The board opposed requiring the FBI to obtain a warrant before it searches Section 702 data, saying that change would be impractical. It also says the FBI needs to maintain access to foreign spy collection because unlike other intelligence agencies, it has law enforcement authorities inside the U.S. and can warn Americans that they are being targeted by foreign spies or criminals.
Already, both Republicans and Democrats have called for broader changes affecting the FBI, including a handful of lawmakers in both parties who want to require warrants for any search.
Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., sharply questioned Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen in June about how it searches Section 702 data and signaled he would push for new protections.
“I don’t think you’ve effectively made the case that there shouldn’t be a warrant requirement, whether or not it is constitutionally required, for a U.S. person search that is crime only,” he said.
Many in the GOP, meanwhile, are furious about the FBI’s investigations of former President Donald Trump and mistakes found by the Justice Department inspector general and other reviewers.
In a statement, the FBI said the report highlighted “how crucial” foreign intelligence was to the bureau’s mission.
“We agree that Section 702 should be reauthorized in a manner that does not diminish its effectiveness, as well as reassures the public of its importance and our ability to adhere rigorously to all relevant rules,” the bureau’s statement said.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wcjb.com/2023/07/31/fbi-should-face-new-limits-its-use-us-foreign-spy-data-key-intelligence-board-says/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:08 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/2023/07/31/fbi-should-face-new-limits-its-use-us-foreign-spy-data-key-intelligence-board-says/ |
Mother of 8 found dead in plastic storage box
CLEVELAND (WOIO/Gray News) - An Ohio woman’s remains were found in a plastic storage box nearly a year after she disappeared, WOIO reports.
The remains of 41-year-old Tyresha Little, a mother of eight, were discovered behind an abandoned home in Cleveland.
A tip to police led them to the backyard of the home on July 20.
Family and friends, including five of Little’s children, gathered outside of the abandoned home to pay tribute to her life.
“My daughter, she was a very, very loving heart. She would give you the shirt off of her back. She did have a drug background, but she had been clean for two years,” her mother said.
Little’s oldest daughter said her mother was her best friend.
“If anything, she loved her kids. There was nothing else that came before her kids,” she said.
Little’s daughter said she was hurt by what she said a Cleveland police detective told her when her mother was first reported missing.
“The very first thing they told me is, ‘She’s probably just off somewhere getting high, on a binge’ and kept asking if it was normal. I kept repeating, ‘No, no,’” she said.
Little’s family is determined to find out what happened to her since her disappearance on Aug. 30, 2022.
A group of at least 30 people released balloons into the sky chanting, “We love you, We’ll see you on the other side. Justice for Tyresha.”
WOIO reached out to the City of Cleveland regarding the family’s concerns suggesting that not every missing person’s case is treated equally. The detective on the case said it was special to him and that he has worked on it for nearly a year. He also said every missing person’s case is important, and he will continue to work tirelessly to get answers for Little’s family, including how and when the Cleveland mother died.
A $2,500 reward is still available through Crime Stoppers for anyone who provides a tip that could help determine how Little died by calling 1-800-25-CRIME. Callers can remain anonymous.
Copyright 2023 WOIO via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wcjb.com/2023/07/31/mother-8-found-dead-plastic-storage-box/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:10 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/2023/07/31/mother-8-found-dead-plastic-storage-box/ |
PYEONGTAEK, South Korea (AP) — The dogs bark and stare as Kim Jong-kil approaches the rusty cages housing the large, short-haired animals he sells for their meat. Kim opens a door and pets one dog’s neck and chest.
Kim says he’s proud of the dog meat farm that has supported his family for 27 years but is upset over growing attempts by politicians and activists to outlaw the business, which he is turning over to his children.
“It’s more than just feeling bad. I absolutely oppose these moves, and we’ll mobilize all our means to resist it,” Kim, 57, said in an interview at his farm in Pyeongtaek city, just south of Seoul.
Dog meat consumption is a centuries-old practice on the Korean Peninsula and has long been viewed as a source of stamina on hot summer days. It’s neither explicitly banned nor legalized in South Korea, but more and more people want it prohibited. There’s increasing public awareness of animal rights and worries about South Korea’s international image.
The anti-dog meat campaign recently received a big boost when the country’s first lady expressed her support for a ban and two lawmakers submitted bills to eliminate the dog meat trade.
“Foreigners think South Korea is a cultural powerhouse. But the more K-culture increases its international standing, the bigger shock foreigners experience over our dog meat consumption,” said Han Jeoungae, an opposition lawmaker who submitted legislation to outlaw the dog meat industry last month.
Prospects for passage of an anti-dog meat law are unclear because of protests by farmers, restaurant owners and others involved in the dog meat industry. Surveys suggest that one in three South Koreans opposes such a ban, though most people don’t eat dog meat anymore.
Dogs are also eaten in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, North Korea and some African countries, including Ghana, Cameroon, Congo and Nigeria.
Earlier this month, Indonesian authorities announced the end of dog and cat slaughter at an animal market on the island of Sulawesi following a yearslong campaign by local activists and world celebrities. The Tomohon Extreme Market will become the first such market in Indonesia to go dog and cat meat-free, according to the anti-animal cruelty group Humane Society International.
South Korea’s dog meat industry receives more international attention because of its reputation as a wealthy, ultra-modern democracy. It is also the only nation with industrial-scale farms. Most farms in South Korea have more than 500 dogs, according to a dog farmers’ association.
During a recent visit, Kim’s farm, one of the country’s largest with 7,000 dogs, appeared relatively clean but there was a strong stench in some areas. All dogs are kept in elevated cages and are fed with food waste and ground chicken. They are rarely released for exercise and typically are sold for meat one year after they are born.
Kim said two of his children, age 29 and 31, are running the farm with him, and that business has been going pretty well. He said the dogs bred for their meat are different from pets, an idea opposed by activists.
It’s difficult now to find dog meat restaurants in Seoul’s bustling downtown, though many still exit in the countryside.
“I only earn one-third of the money I used to make. Young people don’t come here. Only ailing old people come for lunch,” said Yoon Chu-wol, 77, the owner of a dog meat restaurant in Seoul’s Kyungdong traditional market. “I tell my elderly customers to come and eat my food more frequently before it’s banned.”
Farmers also face growing scrutiny from officials and increasingly negative public opinion. They complain that officials visit them repeatedly in response to complaints filed by activists and citizens over alleged animal abuse and other wrongdoing. Kim said more than 90 such petitions were filed against his farm during a recent four-month span.
Son Won Hak, general secretary of the dog farmers’ association, said many farms have collapsed in recent years because of falling dog meat prices and weaker demand. He thinks that’s a result of activist campaigns and unfair media reports focusing on farms with inferior conditions. Some observers, however, say consumption of dog meat was already declining, with younger people staying away from it.
“Quite honestly, I’d like to quit my job (as a farmer) tomorrow. We can’t confidently tell our children that we’re raising dogs,” Son said. “When my friends called me, they said ‘Hey, are you still running a dog meat farm? Isn’t it illegal?’”
The number of farms across South Korea has dropped by half from a few years ago to about 3,000 to 4,000, and about 700,000 to 1 million dogs are slaughtered each year, a decline from several million 10 to 20 years ago, according to the dog farmers’ association. Some activists argue that the farmers’ estimates are an exaggeration meant to show their industry is too big to destroy.
In late 2021, South Korea launched a government-civilian task force to consider outlawing dog meat at the suggestion of then-President Moon Jae-in, a pet lover. The committee, whose members include farmers and animal rights activists, has met more than 20 times but hasn’t reached any agreement, apparently because of disputes over compensation issues.
Agriculture officials refused to disclose the discussions in the closed-door meetings. They said the government wants to end dog meat consumption based on a public consensus.
In April, first lady Kim Keon Hee, the wife of current President Yoon Suk Yeol, said in a meeting with activists that she hopes for an end to dog meat consumption. Famers responded with rallies and formal complaints against Kim for allegedly hurting their livelihoods.
Han, the lawmaker, said she “highly positively appraises” influential figures speaking out against dog meat consumption.
Han said her bill offers support programs for farmers who agree to close their farms. They would be entitled to money to dismantle their facilities, vocational training, employment assistance and other benefits, she said.
Ju Yeongbong, an official of the farmers’ association, said farmers want to continue for about 20 more years until older people, their main customers, die, allowing the industry to naturally disappear. Observers say most farmers are also in their 60s to 70s.
Borami Seo, a director of the South Korea office of the Humane Society International, said she opposes the continued killing of millions of dogs for such a prolonged period. “Letting this silent cruelty to (dogs) be committed in South Korea doesn’t make sense,” Seo said.
“(Dog meat consumption) is too anachronistic, has elements of cruelty to animals and hinders our national growth,” said Cheon JinKyung, head of Korea Animal Rights Advocates in Seoul. | https://phl17.com/nmw/eat-my-food-dog-meat-farmers-in-s-korea-resist-push-to-ban-industry/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:12 | 1 | https://phl17.com/nmw/eat-my-food-dog-meat-farmers-in-s-korea-resist-push-to-ban-industry/ |
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Buffalo Zoo is expected to name its new President/CEO on Monday afternoon.
The zoo has been without a permanent fixture in its top leadership position since the departure of Norah Fletchall this past September.
Fletchall resigned following five years as CEO. Before coming to Buffalo, her LinkedIn profile lists leadership positions at the Indianapolis Zoological Society and the John Ball Zoo, the latter of which she spent more than two decades, according to LinkedIn.
Since then, Chief Zoological Officer Lisa Smith has been in Fletchall’s place as the interim head.
The new CEO announcement, which is set to take place at 1:30 p.m., will be streamed live on this page. Local leaders, including Mayor Byron Brown, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and members of the State Senate Assembly are expected to be in attendance.
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Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award, JANY Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. | https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/buffalo/new-leader-of-the-buffalo-zoo-to-be-announced/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:12 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/buffalo/new-leader-of-the-buffalo-zoo-to-be-announced/ |
17-month-old girl dies, mom arrested in sexual assault case, police say
BELL COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT/Gray news) - A 17-month-old child has died following a sexual assault case, police said.
The incident started Friday night when the girl was taken to Middlesboro ARH Hospital with severe injuries.
Because of the extent of her injuries, she was flown out to Children’s Hospital in Knoxville.
Police said the medical staff tried to stabilize the toddler, but the child died Sunday night.
Following her death, Middlesboro Police started investigating who was responsible for the incident that caused the death of the little girl.
That same night, police interviewed the mother, Erica Lawson, 21, of Mount Vernon, who police said was eventually arrested in connection with the case.
She is charged with manslaughter, failure to report child abuse, criminal abuse and wanton endangerment.
Police said they expect to make another arrest in this case soon.
Lawson was taken to the Bell County Detention Center.
Copyright 2023 WYMT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2023/07/31/17-month-old-girl-dies-mom-arrested-sexual-assault-case-police-say/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:12 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2023/07/31/17-month-old-girl-dies-mom-arrested-sexual-assault-case-police-say/ |
Mother of 8 found dead in plastic storage box
CLEVELAND (WOIO/Gray News) - An Ohio woman’s remains were found in a plastic storage box nearly a year after she disappeared, WOIO reports.
The remains of 41-year-old Tyresha Little, a mother of eight, were discovered behind an abandoned home in Cleveland.
A tip to police led them to the backyard of the home on July 20.
Family and friends, including five of Little’s children, gathered outside of the abandoned home to pay tribute to her life.
“My daughter, she was a very, very loving heart. She would give you the shirt off of her back. She did have a drug background, but she had been clean for two years,” her mother said.
Little’s oldest daughter said her mother was her best friend.
“If anything, she loved her kids. There was nothing else that came before her kids,” she said.
Little’s daughter said she was hurt by what she said a Cleveland police detective told her when her mother was first reported missing.
“The very first thing they told me is, ‘She’s probably just off somewhere getting high, on a binge’ and kept asking if it was normal. I kept repeating, ‘No, no,’” she said.
Little’s family is determined to find out what happened to her since her disappearance on Aug. 30, 2022.
A group of at least 30 people released balloons into the sky chanting, “We love you, We’ll see you on the other side. Justice for Tyresha.”
WOIO reached out to the City of Cleveland regarding the family’s concerns suggesting that not every missing person’s case is treated equally. The detective on the case said it was special to him and that he has worked on it for nearly a year. He also said every missing person’s case is important, and he will continue to work tirelessly to get answers for Little’s family, including how and when the Cleveland mother died.
A $2,500 reward is still available through Crime Stoppers for anyone who provides a tip that could help determine how Little died by calling 1-800-25-CRIME. Callers can remain anonymous.
Copyright 2023 WOIO via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2023/07/31/mother-8-found-dead-plastic-storage-box/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:14 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/2023/07/31/mother-8-found-dead-plastic-storage-box/ |
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — As July comes to a close, distribution of the rabies vaccine is beginning in Erie County.
In a prior news release from the Erie County Department of Health, officials said helicopter and ground distribution of the oral vaccine was set to start this week. These small green packets are being distributed via USDA aircraft and, on the ground, by county sanitarians.
By eating these vaccines, wildlife like foxes, skunks, raccoons, woodchucks and other mammals get protection from the fatal rabies virus. Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein says that it’s not only a way to protect animals, though; it also reduces the transmission risk to people and their pets.
“Rabies is a devastating disease to humans and animals that has no cure,” Dr. Burstein says. “Vaccination programs and vigilant investigations into animal bites and scratches are the strongest defenses we have against the rabies virus.”
Elsewhere in Western New York, fixed-wing aircraft will distribute these packets in mid-August.
In all, roughly one million of these baits get distributed throughout the state. Peter Tripi, who manages Erie County’s Vector Control Program, says “the current rabies bait has been shown to be widely accepted by the targeted wildlife across the Northeast.”
“Our vector control investigators will distribute bait in targeted habitats in urban and suburban areas, dropping bait where the airdrop cannot reach safety, or at all,” Tripi says.
- Anyone who sees one of these bait packets while they’re out is asked not to disturb them. Most of them will be gone within a week’s time, and if not eaten, will harmlessly dissolve.
- If you need to move it, use gloves, a plastic bag or a paper towel.
- If you do come into contact with it, wash your hands immediately and call (888) 574-6656.
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Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award, JANY Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. | https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/erie-county/anti-rabies-baits-to-be-spread-throughout-wny/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:15 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/erie-county/anti-rabies-baits-to-be-spread-throughout-wny/ |
HIALEAH, Fla. (WFLA) — A federal judge in Florida has thrown out a multi-million dollar lawsuit involving microwavable mac and cheese.
The $5 million lawsuit claimed the Kraft Heinz Food Company misled the public about the time it takes to prepare Velveeta microwavable mac and cheese cups.
According to court records, a West Palm Beach-based law firm filed the lawsuit on behalf of a woman from Hialeah, Florida, on Nov. 18.
The lawsuit alleged that the Kraft Heinz Food Company violated federal law by saying the mac and cheese cups take 3½ minutes to prepare, arguing that the time limit does not include the time it takes to remove the lid, add water and stir in the cheese sauce.
The lawsuit had claimed Amanda Ramirez bought the product for a “premium price” of $10.99 “between October and November 2022, among other times.” However, it did not say how long it actually took Ramirez to prepare the mac and cheese.
The suit described Ramirez as someone who “looks to bold statements of value when quickly selecting groceries”, and “like many consumers who seek to stretch their money as far as possible when buying groceries.”
Despite the arguments, a Miami district judge threw out the lawsuit. | https://phl17.com/nmw/florida-judge-tosses-5-million-lawsuit-over-microwavable-mac-and-cheese/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:15 | 0 | https://phl17.com/nmw/florida-judge-tosses-5-million-lawsuit-over-microwavable-mac-and-cheese/ |
Two arrested for burlarizing AT&T tower in rural Casselton
39-year-old Brandon Moore, of Tahlequah, OK, and 27-year-old Sidney Walker, of Hampton, VA, were both arrested for burglary.
CASSELTON, N.D. (Valley News Live) - Two out-of-state residents were arrested for their involvement in a burglary at the AT&T tower in rural Casselton.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says they were alerted to a burglary in the process by an AT&T employee, who spotted a suspicious vehicle at the tower on security footage. The employee also told authorities they heard the suspect using a saw when they arrived at the tower.
The suspects later fled, but both were caught by sheriff’s deputies minutes later.
39-year-old Brandon Moore, of Tahlequah, OK, and 27-year-old Sidney Walker, of Hampton, VA, were both arrested for burglary.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says they have been working with AT&T employees to secure and prevent ongoing theft and vandalism at the tower site.
Copyright 2023 KVLY. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2023/07/31/two-arrested-burlarizing-att-tower-rural-casselton/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:15 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2023/07/31/two-arrested-burlarizing-att-tower-rural-casselton/ |
China vs. England: Women’s World Cup Group D Odds, Stats and Live Stream - August 1
In each team's third matchup in Group D play at the 2023 Women's World Cup, England (6 points) and China (3 points) square off on Tuesday, August 1 at 7:00 AM ET.
China is +658 to win and take all three points, while England is -233 to do the same. The odds of a draw are +334. Sportsbooks have set 2.5 goals as the over/under for this game.
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England vs. China Game Info
- Date: Tuesday, August 1, 2023
- Time: 7:00 AM ET
- Location: Adelaide, Australia
- Venue: Coopers Stadium
- TV Channel: FOX US,Fox Sports 1
- Total: 2.5
- England Moneyline: -233
- China Moneyline: +658
England vs. China World Cup Betting Insights
- These two teams are scoring 1.5 goals per game between them, 1.0 fewer than this match's over/under.
- Opponents of these two teams combine to average 0.5 goals per game, 2.0 fewer than this game's total.
- England has been listed as a moneyline favorite only two other times so far this tournament, and went 2-0-0 in those games.
- England has played as a moneyline favorite of -233 or shorter in only one game this tournament, which they won.
- China lost the only game it has played as an underdog this tournament.
- China has not entered a game this tournament with longer moneyline odds than +658.
England World Cup Stats
China World Cup Stats
- Wang Shuang has tallied one goal for China in Women's World Cup (two games).
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England vs. China Recent Performance
- England was 9-3-0 in 2022 versus teams playing in the 2023 Women's World Cup, scoring 36 goals and conceding seven. This year, its record is 5-1-1 against fellow World Cup squads (nine goals scored, four allowed).
- England took on Denmark in its last match and earned a win 1-0. The victorious England side took 11 shots, outshooting by four.
- England got its lone goal from James in that match versus .
- China was 3-2-0 in 2022 versus teams participating in the 2023 Women's World Cup, with a goal differential of +3. This year, its record is 1-2-3 against fellow World Cup squads (-6 goal differential).
- On July 28 in its most recent match, China bested Haiti 1-0. China outshot Haiti nine to six.
- Shuang notched the only goal for China (on one shot) in the match.
England Roster
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China Roster
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Retired Lake City Police Department K-9 passes
Published: Jul. 31, 2023 at 11:06 AM EDT|Updated: 16 minutes ago
LAKE CITY, Fla. (WCJB) - The Lake City Police Department is mourning the loss of a retired K-9 officer.
Max, a retired K-9 officer with LCPD, passed away suddenly on Sunday. Max served the citizens of Lake City for 18 months before retiring to the home of his handler Officer Ryan Collins.
“Max was a retired law enforcement partner and loyal protector of the Collins Family,” stated Chief of Police Gerald Butler. “We owe Max a ‘thank you’ for his loyal service. He will be missed.”
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HAZLET, N.J. (WPIX) – A New Jersey family is suing a movie theater chain after the mother and her son, who has autism, were thrown out.
Their offense? The mother took her son into the women’s restroom when he needed to go to the bathroom.
“All this time, it was humiliating and scary for my son,” Christine Gallinaro, of Holmdel, told WPIX.
It was supposed to be a fun trip to the movies for Gallinaro and her 15-year-old son, John.
Gallinaro‘s husband wasn’t with them, so when John, who is nonverbal, had to go to the bathroom, she took him into the ladies’ room at Cinemark‘s Hazlet 12. There was no family restroom.
Gallinaro said no one in the ladies’ room complained. She said many understood that her son has special needs and needed an adult to help him. But the theater manager let her and her son know she disapproved.
“I asked her if there was a problem. I explained that he was disabled, and she said a grown man should not be in this bathroom,” Gallinaro said.
Gallinaro said the manager called security and then the police to eject them from the movie theater. On the cellphone video, Gallinaro said it was clear to her that the security and police were sympathetic to her plight.
The Gallinaros filed a lawsuit last week against the movie theater chain.
“What happened that day was unlawful, wrong, and bizarre,” said Austin Tobin, the Gallinaro family’s lawyer.
“Since this happened and has been made public, there has been an overwhelming response of support, particularly from mothers of disabled children,” Gallinaro said.
A few days after the June 16 incident, Gallinaro said the movie theater regional manager reached out to offer a refund, but the mother said the humiliation was too great.
WPIX contacted the movie theater for comment on the allegations but did not receive a response. | https://phl17.com/nmw/humiliating-mom-son-with-autism-thrown-out-of-nj-theater-for-using-ladies-room/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:18 | 1 | https://phl17.com/nmw/humiliating-mom-son-with-autism-thrown-out-of-nj-theater-for-using-ladies-room/ |
Betr Picks is now available to play in the Betr Fantasy & Sportsbook iOS app for real money in 24 jurisdictions, including California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, which represent the majority of the U.S. adult population
Betr, the Official and Exclusive Sports Betting and Fantasy Partner for Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz, will also feature a special Paul vs. Diaz free-to-play picks game, which will offer users a chance to win their share of up to $1M in prizes
MIAMI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Betr Holdings, Inc. ("Betr" or the "Company"), today announced the launch of Betr Picks, a pick 'em style fantasy game to complement its existing real money and free-to-play online sports betting (OSB) product, Betr Sportsbook. The simple and intuitive real money fantasy pick 'em experience allows users to select "More" or "Less" from a wide array of player projections to build a lineup with as few as 2 and up to a total of 8 players. Users have the potential to win up to 100x their initial entry if they get 8 picks correct. Betr Picks is now available in 24 jurisdictions* (including California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Georgia, and North Carolina) which collectively represent over half of the U.S. adult population, and the Company is planning to further expand its fantasy reach to at least 30 total jurisdictions by the end of 2023. The Betr Fantasy & Sportsbook app is currently available on iOS with plans to launch on Android soon. This launch marks the first time that sportsbook and fantasy will operate within a single app.
Fantasy sports is the latest extension of Betr's real money gaming business, which already has an established OSB business with live operations in Ohio and Massachusetts and plans to launch OSB in Virginia in the coming weeks and additional jurisdictions in the months ahead. Betr Picks offers a differentiated pick 'em experience, including the ability to pick up to 8 players, higher payout multiples (up to 100x), and no pushes. Betr's signature focus on simple and intuitive product design, along with its bespoke integrations with Betr Media, will further distinguish the Betr Picks experience from the broader fantasy sports gaming market. To celebrate the launch of Betr Picks, Betr, the Official and Exclusive Sports Betting and Fantasy Partner for Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz, will feature a special Paul vs. Diaz free-to-play picks game, which will offer users a chance to win their share of up to $1M in prizes. The game is available now until August 5th when the first bout of Most Valuable Promotions and Real Fight Inc.'s Paul vs. Diaz pay-per-view begins live on DAZN and ESPN+ in the U.S.
Betr Picks represents the first time Betr Gaming is able to more fully capitalize on the nationwide media audience and brand of Betr Media. As the fastest growing sports betting media brand in the United States, Betr Media has already surpassed 1.5 billion impressions on social media less than a year after launch. Betr Media is focused predominantly on original and short-form content, which the Company believes will be the primary form of sports media consumption for the 21-34-year-old male demographic outside of consuming live sporting events themselves. Betr Media will also be launching the @betrpicks sub-brand on social media, giving fans a more targeted community-driven vertical for fantasy and picks content. The channel will be led by rising social media star Derek Sullivan (aka BetrDerek) with consistent appearances from Betr's robust talent network such as Jake Paul, Marco Piemonte, Haley and Hanna Cavinder, Bo Nickal, Handshake Bets and more.
The launch comes shortly after Betr announced the acquisition of the Chameleon platform from FansUnite (TSX: FANS), which enabled Betr to enhance and accelerate its product roadmap. The Chameleon acquisition allows the company to develop its upcoming V1 OSB product, which will feature sportsbook capabilities including pre-match and in-play core markets, parlays, same game parlays, futures, props, and other bet types, along with over 20 additional sports. The Company's current OSB product, which it refers to internally as V0, is a beta product that will continue to operate in Ohio, Massachusetts, and soon Virginia until V1 launches in H1 2024.
"We are thrilled to expand the Betr Gaming business by introducing our real money fantasy sports vertical with the launch of Betr Picks," said Joey Levy, Founder and CEO of Betr. "Betr Picks allows us to acquire and engage real money gaming users across the United States, enabling Betr Gaming to more fully capitalize on the nationwide presence of Betr Media for the first time, all while providing a complimentary pre-match experience to our in-play focused OSB product. We believe Betr Picks already features a strong core user experience relative to existing pick 'em products, and we have several material enhancements that will be released over the coming weeks and months including more sports, game modes, media integrations, deposit and withdrawal capabilities, and more."
Betr's proactive industry leadership in safe and responsible play will continue with Betr Picks, which also features the same Responsible Gaming-focused tenets the Company has rolled out for its OSB product, including a 21+ age requirement to play, a ban on credit card deposits for all users, and restrictions on the monthly deposit amounts for young consumers aged 21-25 years old. Betr Picks is backed by legal opinions from both nationwide and state-specific experts in the gaming space and is only available in jurisdictions where fantasy gaming has been legalized by statute or is permitted via case law and/or legal precedent.
*Betr Picks is available in California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Carolina, Kentucky, Oregon, Oklahoma, Utah, Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, Nebraska, Rhode Island, South Dakota, North Dakota, Alaska, Washington D.C., Vermont, and Wyoming.
About Betr
Founded in 2022 by Joey Levy and Jake Paul, Betr is a leading sports betting and sports media company through Betr Gaming and Betr Media, respectively. Betr Gaming is an online sports betting and gaming business focused on a unique product experience with a simplified user experience that is catered to the casual sports fan, enabling Betr to capture more of the underpenetrated online gaming addressable market. Betr Gaming began with a microbetting-only online sports betting (OSB) product, allowing users to bet on individual plays and events – such as pass or rush on the next play in football or the outcome of the next pitch in baseball, and is expanding its OSB product offering to include additional markets with full sportsbook capabilities, as well as planning to expand into other real money gaming verticals. Betr Media is the fastest growing sports betting media brand in the United States that has grown to over 1.5 million followers, 1.5 billion impressions, and 77 million engagements across its social channels since publicly launching in August 2022. Betr is creating a unique flywheel by investing in content creators to drive brand awareness and affinity, which drives more audience and engagement with the Betr brand, allowing Betr to monetize its user base through a suite of gaming products which then enables further investment in content and brand affinity.
For more information on Betr, visit betr.app or follow @betr on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. To learn more about responsible play, please visit betr.app/responsibility.
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SOURCE Betr Holdings, Inc. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/betr-introduces-real-money-fantasy-sports-vertical-with-launch-betr-picks-across-united-states/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:18 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/betr-introduces-real-money-fantasy-sports-vertical-with-launch-betr-picks-across-united-states/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI should stop using a U.S. spy database of foreigners' emails and other communications for investigating crimes that aren't related to national security, a group of White House intelligence advisers recommended in a report released Monday.
The President's Intelligence Advisory Board's findings come as the White House pushes Congress to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before its expiration at the end of this year. U.S. intelligence officials say Section 702 enables investigations of Chinese and Russian espionage, potential terrorist plots, and other threats.
But spy agencies also end up capturing the communications of U.S. citizens and businesses, and a series of intelligence mistakes at the FBI has fanned bipartisan criticism of the bureau that has strongly colored the debate over renewing the law.
The advisory board says the FBI made “inappropriate use” at times of Section 702 information. Those include queries for a U.S. senator and state senator's names without properly limiting the search, looking for someone believed to have been at the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and doing large queries of names of protesters following the 2020 death of George Floyd.
“Unfortunately, complacency, a lack of proper procedures, and the sheer volume of Section 702 activity led to FBI’s inappropriate use of Section 702 authorities, specifically U.S. person queries,” the board said in its report. “U.S. person queries” generally mean searches for U.S. citizens and businesses.
The board recommends the FBI no longer search the data when it is seeking evidence of a crime not related to national security. Currently, the FBI conducts fewer than two dozen such searches a year, a senior administration official told reporters Monday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
The White House has not decided whether it will accept the recommendation but is studying the board's work and report, the official said.
The board's report largely lines up with the White House's positions on other changes being debated in Congress. The board opposed requiring the FBI to obtain a warrant before it searches Section 702 data, saying that change would be impractical. It also says the FBI needs to maintain access to foreign spy collection because unlike other intelligence agencies, it has law enforcement authorities inside the U.S. and can warn Americans that they are being targeted by foreign spies or criminals.
Already, both Republicans and Democrats have called for broader changes affecting the FBI, including a handful of lawmakers in both parties who want to require warrants for any search.
Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., sharply questioned Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen in June about how it searches Section 702 data and signaled he would push for new protections.
“I don't think you've effectively made the case that there shouldn't be a warrant requirement, whether or not it is constitutionally required, for a U.S. person search that is crime only,” he said.
Many in the GOP, meanwhile, are furious about the FBI's investigations of former President Donald Trump and mistakes found by the Justice Department inspector general and other reviewers.
In a statement, the FBI said the report highlighted “how crucial” foreign intelligence was to the bureau's mission.
“We agree that Section 702 should be reauthorized in a manner that does not diminish its effectiveness, as well as reassures the public of its importance and our ability to adhere rigorously to all relevant rules,” the bureau's statement said.
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/2023/07/31/the-fbi-should-face-new-limits-on-its-use-of-us-foreign-spy-data-a-key-intelligence-board-says | 2023-07-31T15:23:19 | 0 | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/31/the-fbi-should-face-new-limits-on-its-use-of-us-foreign-spy-data-a-key-intelligence-board-says |
PITTSFORD, N.Y. (WIVB) — Bills fans (and players) got an encouraging sight Monday morning at training camp — Damar Hamlin in pads.
This is the first time the safety, who’s entering his third year with the NFL, was spotted in pads since the late-season Cincinnati game this past January where the then-24-year-old collapsed on the field as a result of cardiac arrest.
Miraculously, that frightening night was not the end of Hamlin’s career. In fact, he was fully cleared to return to football just months later, following the end of the 2022 season.
Hamlin was intent on returning to the sport all along. Bills general manager Brandon Beane said in April that he was taking part in the team’s offseason workout program, which is voluntary. Back at practice in May, sans helmet, Hamlin took part in individual drills and stretching.
Hamlin had a combined 91 tackles and 1.5 sacks in the 2022 season.
Buffalo Bills
Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award, JANY Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. | https://www.wivb.com/sports/buffalo-bills/damar-hamlin-practicing-in-pads-for-first-time-since-collapse/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:23 | 0 | https://www.wivb.com/sports/buffalo-bills/damar-hamlin-practicing-in-pads-for-first-time-since-collapse/ |
Wayward dachshund returns home after days on the run
NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, Mass. (WJAR) - It is not uncommon for dogs to run away, but that doesn’t make it any easier for their worried owners.
So when the owners of a lost Massachusetts dog asked their community for help, their neighbors stepped up.
What started out as a nightmare for Dorothy and Glenn Haskell has turned into a happy ending.
“It was an absolute dream,” Dorothy Haskell said.
Positioned peacefully in her arms now, this 14-month-old daredevil dachshund named Chelsea is back home safe and sound after being on the run literally for almost four days.
“Knowing your dog is on Route 95, it’s a nightmare,” Dorothy Haskell said.
Last Sunday, Chelsea was playing with her sister Coco in their backyard when she escaped through a small hole in the fence.
They tried to get her, but she took off.
Glenn Haskell had been out for a jog. “Veered off my run and went after her, you know, but she went into the woods and gone,” he said.
From there, they posted on social media.
“(Neighbors were) coming out their doors, they were hiking through the woods. They were leaving their lights on. They were leaving water out,” Dorothy Haskell said.
They were pleading to the public to help find her as day turned to night.
“This is not going to, it’s not going to end well between her and a fox or a raccoon,” Glenn Haskell said.
The next morning, they made flyers, stuffing them in mailboxes all over. Then that night, a call came in.
“A woman is yelling, ‘Your dachshund, I know she’s up on Route 295. There’s a driver pulled over on the side of the road,’” Dorothy Haskell said.
That same driver called state police. They all tried to grab her, following her across an on ramp.
“And across three lanes of Route 95,” Dorothy Haskell said.
Spooked, the dog went back into the woods.
On Tuesday, Dorothy Haskell went back out there desperately with police, realizing there was a river nearby.
“To the officer and I said, ‘I think it’s time to call it.’ And suddenly he yelled, ‘Oh my God, she’s right there in the bushes,’” she said.
Chelsea ran back to the median and onto the highway again. Drivers began to pull over. One woman stopped traffic, but Chelsea kept going.
Having exhausted nearly all resources, the Haskells got help from Missing Dogs of Massachusetts, a volunteer-run group that help owners get their dogs back.
“A trap in our side yard. And she had me put out dirty laundry…” Dorothy Haskell said.
Just after midnight Wednesday, prayers for the pooch were answered.
“Dogs in Massachusetts, the woman called me, and she said, ‘She’s in the trap. Go out and get her.’ Because they had a camera,” Dorothy Haskell said.
The Haskells are so happy to have Chelsea back home and can’t thank the community enough for caring.
“It definitely restored your faith in humanity,” Dorothy Haskell said.
Copyright 2023 WJAR via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wcjb.com/2023/07/31/wayward-dachshund-returns-home-after-days-run/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:23 | 0 | https://www.wcjb.com/2023/07/31/wayward-dachshund-returns-home-after-days-run/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A legal advocacy group for journalists wants to get involved in Disney’s free speech lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press says a win by the Florida governor could embolden other governments across the U.S. to take actions against journalists and other media when they exercise their First Amendment rights.
The group on Friday asked a judge for permission to file a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the claims brought by Disney against DeSantis, his appointees to a special district board governing Disney World and a state economic development agency. The lawsuit claims the Florida governor violated the company’s free speech rights by taking control over the district in retaliation for Disney’s public opposition to the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
The committee said that the impact of a DeSantis win would be felt beyond the 39 square miles (101 square kilometers) of the Disney World property governed by the new appointees picked by the Florida governor to the governing district’s board.
“If Defendants prevail in this case, those on whose behalf the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press advocates will be first in the line of fire given the nature of reporting and the press’s role in our constitutional system,” the committee said in its request to file the supporting brief in federal court in Tallahassee. “As such, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press’s proposed brief provides a voice to those not directly involved, but undoubtedly impacted by this case.”
DeSantis and Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity have argued that Disney’s case should be dismissed because of sovereign immunity protection against being sued for conducting government business, and that Disney hasn’t shown how it has been hurt so it lacks standing to sue the state government defendants.
DeSantis has used the fight with Disney to burnish his “anti-woke” credentials and demonstrate his ability to push a conservative agenda during his campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.
The DeSantis appointees took over the Disney World governing board earlier this year following a yearlong feud between the company and DeSantis. The fight began last year after Disney, beset by significant pressure internally and externally, publicly opposed a state law banning classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades, a policy critics call “Don’t Say Gay.”
As punishment, DeSantis took over the district through legislation passed by Florida lawmakers and appointed a new board of supervisors to oversee municipal services for the sprawling theme parks and hotels.
If the retaliatory actions by DeSantis and Republican lawmakers are left unchecked, it poses a threat to watchdog journalism and press coverage of public issues “to the detriment to the free flow of information on matters of public concern that has long been the hallmark of our democratic system of government,” the committee said.
Before the new board came in, Disney made agreements with previous oversight board members who were Disney supporters that stripped the new supervisors of their authority over design and development. The DeSantis-appointed members of the governing district have sued Disney in state court in a second lawsuit stemming from the district’s takeover, seeking to invalidate those agreements.
Disney had asked for the case be dismissed or delayed pending the outcome of the federal lawsuit. However, Circuit Judge Margaret Schreiber in Orlando on Friday refused to toss or postpone the case, saying among other reasons that to do so would have created “an undue delay” for the district, which still must continue governing. ___
Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at @MikeSchneiderAP | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/group-desantis-win-in-disney-lawsuit-could-embolden-actions-against-journalists/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2023-07-31T15:23:24 | 1 | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/group-desantis-win-in-disney-lawsuit-could-embolden-actions-against-journalists/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
LA PORTE, Ind. (WXIN) – A 36-year-old woman from La Porte, Indiana, has been found guilty of murdering her husband, chopping his body with an axe, and then asking her children to help dispose of the body.
On Thursday, a jury found Thessalonica Allen guilty of eight counts including murder, abuse of a corpse, neglect of a dependent and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Allen was originally arrested after allegedly shooting and killing her husband Randy Allen in July 2021.
According to court documents, Randy Allen had been helping the two teenage children with homework on July 27, 2021, when he noticed a website he believed their mother had visited. Randy Allen confronted his wife about the site, leading to an argument. The children told investigators they then heard a loud bang come from the bedroom.
According to his autopsy report, the bullet entered Randy Allen’s arm and penetrated the right side of his body. The bullet is believed to have struck his spinal cord, leaving him unable to move and causing him to bleed out.
The teenagers later told police that their mother instructed them to ignore Randy Allen as he laid on the floor and asked for them to call 911. After he died, Thessalonica Allen reportedly stuffed her husband’s body in her daughter’s closet.
Thessalonica Allen reportedly used an axe to cut off Randy Allen’s legs the following day after failing to cram his body into a plastic tote. She was also accused of recruiting her children to help move the body and put body parts into bags.
The police were eventually notified about the murder after Thessalonica Allen called her ex-partner, whom she shared a child with, to come over to the home. It was the ex who notified police.
Police reported finding a handwritten note in the apartment during a later search that revealed a list of tasks related to the disposal of a body.
Thessalonica Allen’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 29. She faces between 45 and 60 years in prison. | https://phl17.com/nmw/indiana-woman-found-guilty-of-chopping-up-husband-asking-kids-to-help-dispose-of-body/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:26 | 1 | https://phl17.com/nmw/indiana-woman-found-guilty-of-chopping-up-husband-asking-kids-to-help-dispose-of-body/ |
Presentation about how AI makes malvertising more powerful - video on-demand
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Confiant, the anti-malvertising leader for the ad tech industry, announces the on-demand availability of its AdMonsters Ops presentation AI + Malvertising = ? The presentation examines how AI makes malvertising increasingly more troublesome for advertisers and the ad tech ecosystem.
Watch the video now (https://hubs.la/Q01XXq2l0)
Because of its reach and impact, AI has become virtually impossible to ignore in every industry, and is becoming increasingly troublesome in the ad tech sector because threat actors use it to enhance their malware, phishing, and scams.
In this session Jerome Dangu, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder, Confiant, and Louis-David Mangin, CEO and Co-Founder, Confiant discuss the AI revolution, how AI is affecting ad tech, what to look out for, and how to keep users safe.
Confiant, the cybersecurity leader in detecting and stopping Malvertising attacks, has built hundreds of integrations directly into the web's ad tech infrastructure. Confiant has unparalleled visibility to the malware, scams, and fraud serving through ads today. This presentation from their founders exposes how AI is already being used to exploit the ad tech marketplace.
About Confiant
Confiant is the cybersecurity leader in detecting and stopping Malvertising attacks. Having built hundreds of integrations directly into the web's ad tech infrastructure, Confiant has unparalleled visibility to the malware, scams, and fraud serving through ads today. Leveraging our security expertise, we deliver complete control over ads to publishers and ad platforms, also remediating quality issues, privacy violations, and mis-categorized ads. In publishing the industry's leading ad quality benchmark report and mapping the threat actors that use ads-as-an-attack-vector at Matrix.Confiant.com, Confiant is leading the charge in protecting users from criminals hijacking the ad tech supply chain. Trusted by customers like Microsoft, Paramount, and Magnite, we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year.
Follow us on Social
@Weareconfiant or visit www.confiant.com
for more information.
SOURCE: CONFIANT
Contact Information:
Media Relations
(646) 397-4198
marketing@confiant.com
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SOURCE Confiant | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/confiant-admonsters-ops-ai-malvertising/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:26 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/confiant-admonsters-ops-ai-malvertising/ |
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — An accused murderer in Las Vegas is also accused of living with the body for two months, believing the female victim could come back from the dead, police said Friday.
Officers took George Bone, 31, into custody Wednesday after discovering Beverly Ma’s body during a welfare check in the 5300 block of Railroad River Avenue near Lindell Road and Eldorado Lane, they said.
Bone told officers he knew Ma was dead and what caused her death and based on those statements, police took Bone into custody, Lt. Jason Johansson said Wednesday. Police suspect Bone strangled Ma in May, documents said.
On Wednesday, police received a 911 call from a family member who said Bone had told her Ma “was in the closet and had been there for two months,” documents said. Police found Ma’s body in the closet shortly after.
A family member told police Ma and Bone were friends and that she was not close with family, documents said. Police said Ma and Bone met in high school and moved in with each other last summer.
A witness told police they entered the home on Wednesday after seeing an unusually high air conditioning bill, police said. Bone led her upstairs to the body, documents said.
“She noticed a cooler against the bedroom closet door and the bottom of the door had a towel, which covered the gap,” police said. “George told her that she can open it and see.”
Bone told police Ma had died sometime in May, police said. On May 4, dispatchers received a 911 call from Ma and heard a man and woman screaming at each other, they said. Police responded that day and knocked on the door but no one answered, they said. Investigators suspect Ma died that day.
“Bone went about living at the house with Beverly deceased in the upstairs closet for the next two months and began ordering several items on Beverly’s Amazon account using her funds for his own gain,” police said. “When asked why he didn’t call for help, Bone’s response was ‘I was afraid of going back to jail… for being found with a dead body.” Bone admitted that his behavior since the death of Beverly Ma was ‘not normal.’ When asked why he placed a cooler in the master bedroom near the closest, Bone stated that he put it there so that he would be alerted if Beverly rose from the dead like the movie ‘The Grudge.’”
Even though Ma was believed to have been deceased, someone texted from her phone in late July, saying she could not attend a July 4 party because she “wanted to be sober, not travel and not be around people,” police said.
Bone was being held at the Clark County Detention Center without bail.
In 2013, Bone took an Alford plea on a charge of attempted lewdness with a child under the age of 14, records showed. An Alford plea is similar to a no-contest plea, where a defendant accepts prosecutors have enough evidence to convict him or her but does not admit guilt.
In 2012, Henderson police initially arrested Bone on charges of sexual assault and lewdness with a child stemming from allegations a teenager made about an assault two years prior when she was 11, documents said.
The student told a school employee that Bone had “inappropriately touched” her while he was living in a home with her, documents said.
In addition to an open murder charge, Bone also faces a charge of failing to register as a sex offender, records showed. Bone is listed in the Nevada Sex Offender Registry under a different address than where police responded on Wednesday, records showed.
The Clark County coroner’s office had not released Ma’s cause and manner of death as of Friday afternoon. | https://phl17.com/nmw/las-vegas-man-accused-of-murder-lived-with-womans-body-for-months-police/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:26 | 1 | https://phl17.com/nmw/las-vegas-man-accused-of-murder-lived-with-womans-body-for-months-police/ |
Reimagined Ship Sets Sail in Marseille With Updated Spaces and Exceptional Experiences
MIAMI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Crystal officially relaunches under the new guardianship of A&K Travel Group, as Crystal Serenity sets sail following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. Departing on its inaugural voyage today from Marseille, the cruise line's largest vessel accommodates 740 guests and is the first of two ships returning to service this summer.
With an industry-leading space-to-guest ratio (1 to 93.1 cu. ft.) and nearly one staff member per guest, Crystal Serenity fosters endless opportunities for inspiration and enrichment, complemented by unparalleled service. Larger, redesigned suites, award-winning specialty dining restaurants and restorative public spaces further expose passengers to heightened experiences enroute to the world's most sought-after destinations around the world.
"Crystal has been recognized for decades for exceptional experiences and we are excited to welcome guests back onboard for its new gilded era," said A&K Travel Group CEO, Cristina Levis. "In just one year, we've been able to revitalize the ships, a feat nearly unheard of in our industry. It is an honor to be signaling this new chapter better than ever and right on schedule, all while retaining 80% of Crystal's beloved crew on board."
Itineraries
After the first voyage from Marseille to Lisbon, Crystal Serenity will sail towards Northern Europe unearthing the most alluring locales including, UK, Ireland, and Iceland. The ship then travels to the Americas offering experiences as north as Canada to as south as Cartagena, Colombia, before beginning the 2024 World Cruise. Sailing from San Diego or Miami over the course of 125 nights, this highly anticipated voyage visits 29 countries and 62 breathtaking destinations and iconic landscapes.
Suites & Guest Rooms
Crystal enlisted leading cruise ship architectural firm, GEM, to guide the redesign of select guestrooms and suites. Accommodations feature neutral tones and high-end fixtures, complemented by subtle hues of pastel colors that resonate with the color of the ocean. Elevated details, contemporary craftsmanship, and artisanal finishes embody modern refinement, while the spacious layouts maximize in-room relaxation.
As part of the ship's refurbishments, there are two new guest room categories – the Jr. Crystal Penthouse Suite and Single Guest Room with Ocean View – that serve as an option for solo travelers without the worry of paying additional single supplements. These new categories will also increase the availability of the popular Sapphire Suite category.
- Single Guest Room with Ocean View: Cozy bedroom (up to 215 sq ft) redesigned in 2023, with welcoming and comfortable detailing, butler service, and ocean views.
- Sapphire Veranda Suite: Spacious suite (up to 430 sq ft) with living area, elegant finishings and private veranda, accompanied by attentive butler service. Sapphire suites are available to book in new and classic design.
- Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite: Redesigned in 2023, this large suite (up to 645 sq ft) includes spacious rooms with separate dining and living areas looking onto a private veranda, also accompanied by attentive butler service.
Dining
With eleven distinct dining options, including 24-hour in-suite dining service, guests have access to unparalleled culinary experiences:
- Umi Uma: The return of legendary Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa's Umi Uma – the only Nobu dining concept at sea where guests can enjoy award-winning, innovative Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.
- Osteria D'Ovidio: Fine Italian cuisine, featuring original menus and dishes created by talented Crystal chefs.
- Waterside Restaurant: Crystal's main dining room features open seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- The Bistro: A modern café and coffee bar with light snacks such as fresh pastries, bagels and fruit in the morning and a selection of international cheeses, pâtés, prosciutto, smoked salmon, and dessert delicacies throughout the afternoon.
- Trident Grill: Set poolside, Trident Grill features classic delights like burgers, melts, salads and more.
- Scoops Ice Cream Bar: Crystal's sumptuous desert bar features authentic Italian gelato with fresh toppings, frozen yogurt, homemade cookies and more.
- The Vintage Room: Offers intimate guided pairings and dinners highlighting the vast selection of wines in the ship's onboard cellar.
- Tastes Kitchen & Bar: Globally inspired cuisine and casual "family style" dining experience, Tastes offers tapas-style cuisine for guests to enjoy on their own or with newfound friends.
- Marketplace: A buffet style dining wrapped in floor to ceiling windows and a chic open air dining area.
Wellness
Crystal's new spa concept, Aurōra, is set to be the most serene wellness destination at sea with a new design boasting light-bright neutral colors, an illuminated fiber optic starlight ceiling, organic materials and a natural salt crystal and silk brushed slate stone. The extensive treatment offerings include more signature facials, massage treatments and a full-service Salon. Highlights include:
- The Aurōra LED and Cryo Facial Experience that instantly plumps and tones the skin.
- Biotec 2.0 The Ultimate Facial designed to reveal a youthful appearance after just one treatment.
- The Aurōra Stone Signature Massage which incorporates hot stones for relaxed muscle.
Furthermore, Crystal recently announced the appointment of Dalila Roglieri as Head Nutritionist for the brand, rounding out the holistic wellness experience for guests.
Crystal Serenity's sister ship Crystal Symphony is currently undergoing renovations and will resume service for its inaugural voyage in Athens on Sept. 1.
Book a Crystal itinerary by contacting your travel advisor, visiting https://www.crystalcruises.com/grand-journeys or calling 1-800-446-6620.
Additional imagery can be found HERE.
About Crystal
For more than three decades Crystal has been synonymous with exceptional, award-winning voyages. In 2022 A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and its two vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, ushering in a new era of Exceptional at Sea. The globally renowned cruise line offers discerning travelers' industry-leading, authentic, and enriching experiences both onshore and at sea. Crystal's pioneering partnership with Abercrombie & Kent provides guests with unparalleled access to the most sought-after experiences, destinations, and the latest cultural makers around the world. The reimagined ships will boast larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes, new cutting-edge wellness offerings, spectacular entertainment, and complimentary world-class dining - including the return of UMI UMA - the only dining experience by Michelin-Star Chef Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) at sea. With a legacy of unrivaled service and commitment to sophistication and elegance at every touchpoint, once on-board passengers feel as if they are perfectly at home.
Join our exceptional community at:
Facebook: @CrystalCruises
Instagram: @CrystalCruises
Twitter: @CrystalCruises
LinkedIn: @CrystalCruises
For media inquiries, please contact:
Robyn Fink | RFink@crystalcruises.com
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SOURCE Crystal | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/crystal-serenity-returns-service-heralding-new-era-cruising/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:26 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/crystal-serenity-returns-service-heralding-new-era-cruising/ |
17-month-old girl dies, mom arrested in sexual assault case, police say
BELL COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT/Gray news) - A 17-month-old child has died following a sexual assault case, police said.
The incident started Friday night when the girl was taken to Middlesboro ARH Hospital with severe injuries.
Because of the extent of her injuries, she was flown out to Children’s Hospital in Knoxville.
Police said the medical staff tried to stabilize the toddler, but the child died Sunday night.
Following her death, Middlesboro Police started investigating who was responsible for the incident that caused the death of the little girl.
That same night, police interviewed the mother, Erica Lawson, 21, of Mount Vernon, who police said was eventually arrested in connection with the case.
She is charged with manslaughter, failure to report child abuse, criminal abuse and wanton endangerment.
Police said they expect to make another arrest in this case soon.
Lawson was taken to the Bell County Detention Center.
Copyright 2023 WYMT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/17-month-old-girl-dies-mom-arrested-sexual-assault-case-police-say/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:30 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/17-month-old-girl-dies-mom-arrested-sexual-assault-case-police-say/ |
Full Brain Solution Sets New Industry Standard in Stroke Care
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aidoc, a pioneering force in clinical AI, announced today the launch of its revolutionary Full Brain Solution. This new solution will significantly expand the anatomy analyzed by AI to identify suspected strokes, allowing for identification and care coordination of patients with medium vessel occlusions (MeVOs) as well as posterior and anterior large vessel occlusions (LVOs).
The Full Brain Solution represents a significant advancement in medical technology aiding patient care, being the first and only AI technology to identify suspected posterior and anterior LVOs and MeVOs. The prevalence of the newly covered conditions, posterior LVO and MeVO, is significant. 795,000 strokes take place each year in the United States, of which, 87% are ischemic strokes. Approximately 25-40% of ischemic strokes are MeVOs and 24-46% of all ischemic strokes are LVOs. 20-25% of LVOs are posterior.1,2,3,4
The addition of posterior LVO and MeVO enables approximately twice as many patients to receive faster access to life-saving therapy with AI-powered care coordination.1,2,3,4
"AI has shown remarkable success in enhancing workflow for patients with anterior LVOs, nearly halving the time to treatment. However, this is just the beginning. With Aidoc's Full Brain Solution, we can now broaden these advancements to benefit a significantly larger patient population, leading to improved care and ultimately better patient outcomes," shared Dr. Brian Mason, Associate Professor NeuroEndovascular Surgery at University of Illinois Champaign, one of the leading AI-healthcare experts in the country.
Extending beyond acute ischemic stroke, the Full Brain Solution employs diverse artificial intelligence technologies such as image-based identification and natural language processing to identify and orchestrate care for patients suffering from intracerebral hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage, and brain aneurysms, making it the most complete neurovascular AI solution.
Aidoc's Full Brain Solution is delivered through the company's proprietary operating system (aiOS™) that enables organizations to reliably deploy AI solutions in high volumes and overcome the challenges associated with legacy IT systems and separate physician workflows. The aiOS™ seamlessly integrates with existing IT infrastructure, enabling the scale needed to realize the full potential of AI in healthcare. Aidoc's aiOS™ is also the only platform integrated into electronic health records (EHR).
"AI continues to drive significant gains and contributions in addressing the challenges health systems are facing," stated Elad Walach, CEO, Aidoc. "Our groundbreaking Full Brain Solution is propelling AI into new and needed territories and proving impact to facilities by cutting the time to treatment nearly in half for twice as many patients. Our vision is to continue pushing boundaries, transforming the lives of a significantly larger patient population, elevating the standard of care, and driving remarkable improvements in patient outcomes."
Aidoc's Full Brain Solution will be showcased during the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) Annual Meeting in San Diego, California from July 31 to August 4. If interested in seeing a demonstration register here.
About Aidoc
Aidoc is a pioneering force in clinical AI. We focus on aiding and empowering healthcare teams to optimize patient treatment, which results in improved economic value and clinical outcomes. Our clinically proven AI solutions eliminate silos, increase efficiencies and improve outcomes by delivering critical information when and where care teams need it leading to immediate collective action. Built on Aidoc's proprietary aiOS™, we analyze and aggregate medical data to enable care teams to operationalize the unexpected and work seamlessly with a continued focus on the patient. Used in more than 1,000 medical centers worldwide, Aidoc has the most FDA clearances (13) in clinical AI and its AI-based solutions cover 75 percent of patient populations, enabling physicians to make informed decisions based on real-time data. Aidoc AI is always on, running in the background to change the foreground. Visit Aidoc.com to see how we are connecting all points of care with always on AI.
- https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.028956
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6584910
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6170115/#:~:text=Approximately%2020%E2%80%9325%25%20of%20all,mistaken%20for%20more%20benign%20entities.
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SOURCE Aidoc Medical LTD | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/aidoc-introduces-first-only-ai-powered-solution-identify-suspected-posterior-anterior-large-medium-vessel-occlusions/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:30 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/aidoc-introduces-first-only-ai-powered-solution-identify-suspected-posterior-anterior-large-medium-vessel-occlusions/ |
DETROIT (AP) — Michigan residents who were catastrophically injured in car wrecks before the summer of 2019 can continue to bill insurance companies for ongoing care, the state Supreme Court said Monday in a decision that provides critical relief for thousands of people.
For decades, people injured in crashes were entitled to lifetime payment for “all reasonable charges” related to care and rehabilitation. But a new state law set a fee schedule and a cap on reimbursements not covered by Medicare. Suddenly, 18,000 people already receiving long-term benefits were at risk of losing them.
But in a 5-2 opinion, the Supreme Court said a “vested contractual right” to ongoing benefits “cannot be stripped away or diminished,” especially when lawmakers failed to declare an intent to do so when they changed the law.
The decision was written by Justice Elizabeth Welch, a Democrat, and joined by other Democratic justices and Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement, a Republican.
The catastrophically injured include hockey star Vladimir Konstantinov, a former member of the Detroit Red Wings, who requires 24/7 care. He suffered severe brain damage in 1997 when a drunken limousine driver crashed the car he was traveling in, following the team’s championship.
In an effort to lower Michigan’s insurance rates, which were among the highest in the U.S., the Republican-controlled Legislature and Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer agreed to sweeping changes in 2019. Drivers can save money by choosing certain injury-coverage options.
In a dissent, Justice David Viviano said the court’s majority crafted an opinion based on “vague and disputed concepts” to provide cover for those who simply believe it would be unfair to reduce future benefits for the long-term injured.
“As a result, the efforts of the Legislature and the governor to reduce costs and make insurance more affordable for all the residents of our state will not come to fruition for many decades,” said Viviano, who was joined by fellow Republican Justice Brian Zahra.
“If courts cannot be trusted to faithfully interpret and apply the laws, especially those involving such significant and contested topics, then the democratic process is in peril,” Viviano said.
___
Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwritez | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/michigan-court-affirms-critical-benefits-for-thousands-badly-hurt-in-car-wrecks/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2023-07-31T15:23:30 | 0 | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/michigan-court-affirms-critical-benefits-for-thousands-badly-hurt-in-car-wrecks/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
(The Hill) — The Department of Education released a beta website on Monday for the Biden administration’s new income-driven student loan repayment plan, known as the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan.
“A beta version of the updated [Income-Driven Repayment (IDR)] application is now available and includes the option to enroll in the new SAVE Plan – the most affordable repayment plan yet,” the department said on the site.
Previously, the administration had numerous IDR options for borrowers, which advocates have said led to a confusing system for borrowers.
The new SAVE plan will replace the Revised Pay As You Earn Repayment (REPAYE) plan, one of the most widely used out of the four IDR options available to borrowers. The other three IDR plans will be phased out by the department or limited in the future.
The SAVE plan will make three significant changes this year compared to the REPAYE option. The first raises the income exemption from 150 percent above the poverty line to 225 percent, meaning a single person earning less than $32,800 would have $0 monthly payments under the plan.
The plan also won’t allow unpaid interest to grow if a person is making their monthly student loan payments. Lastly, spousal income for borrowers who are married and file separately will not be included.
The website – first reported by CNN — shows a demo of the application process, where some information such as tax returns can be automatically inserted due to information the government has on file for a borrower.
“We will be able to show borrowers their exact monthly payment amount and give them the ability to choose the most affordable repayment plan for them,” one official told CNN.
Officials told the network the full website launch will happen in August after the department has time to assess the site’s performance during the beta launch. Those who apply for SAVE during the beta period will not have to reapply after the full launch.
Those on the previous REPAYE IDR plan will be automatically enrolled in the new plan and do not need to use the launched application.
The Hill has reached out to the Department of Education for comment on the beta launch.
Other aspects of the SAVE program will be implemented next year such as payments getting reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent of income above 225 percent of the poverty line for undergraduate loans.
The SAVE plan, touted as the most generous IDR plan by the administration, is expected to cost between $150 billion to $350 billion a year, according to varying estimates.
The launch of the SAVE plan comes two months before borrowers end their three-year-long pause on student loan payments and begin President Joe Biden’s “on-ramp” repayment system.
Under the system, interest will still accrue, but borrowers will not be penalized in other ways such as credit score ratings for not paying their student loan payments up until Sept. 2024. | https://phl17.com/nmw/new-income-driven-student-loan-repayment-plan-available-to-borrowers/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:32 | 0 | https://phl17.com/nmw/new-income-driven-student-loan-repayment-plan-available-to-borrowers/ |
Luxury resort connects guests with Hawaii's vibrant culture through an array of added complimentary activities set for September 1 – November 17, 2023
WAILEA, Hawaii, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As travelers look ahead to the upcoming fall season, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea invites resort guests to immerse themselves in the newly launched 'Getaway' experience from September 1 – November 17, 2023.
Designed for those seeking meaningful ways to connect to the tropical destination and its extraordinary culture, Four Seasons Resort Maui's Getaway experience features a variety of complimentary activities available daily. From new activities like a Poi Pounding Workshop and a round-robin Pickleball Power Hour to tried-and-true seasonal experiences like evening Hawaiian Star Stories and a Poke Pop-Up party, there is something for every kind of traveler.
"We are excited to reintroduce our Getaway experiential programming that provides guests with an authentic connection to the destination and culture," says General Manager Ben Shank. "With a variety of new activities, as well as a few guest favorites, we're certain these experiences will provide lifelong memories."
The robust Getaway schedule, which includes complimentary experiences from cultural to culinary to wellness to environmental, is offered in addition to the Resort's always full calendar of activities, allowing travelers of all interests and ages a personalized island getaway at Maui's premier luxury resort destination.
2023 GETAWAY EXPERIENCE:
Puka Perri Pop-Up Jewelry Bar
Meet one of Maui's favorite jewelry designers, Puka Perri, who will handcraft a design that is uniquely for you, using ocean treasures like Maui-picked puka shells and hand-selected pearls with earth elements like gold and diamonds.
Hawaiian Star Stories
Talk story with famed navigator Kala Babayan Tanaka as she recounts the history of Polynesian wayfinders who used the stars, wind, and swells to journey to the Hawaiian Islands.
Poke Pop-Up
Sample different variations of one of Hawaii's most beloved dishes: poke. Paired with Maui Brewing Co.'s handcrafted beer, this not-to-be-missed pop-up featuring the Resort's talented culinary team is a guest favorite.
Boot Camp
Start the day with a freestyle cardio and strength class that incorporates intervals, circuits, drills, weights, core, and functional moves.
Art of Botanical Block Printing
Drawing inspiration from the island's natural beauty, design a botanical stamp and print stationery with fine art block artist Susanna Cromwell.
Wine Tasting
Learn how your palate works and discover new wines in a tasting experience led by Resort Wine Director Aaron Wood-Synderman.
Coral Reefs 101
Learn about the delicate ocean ecosystem and how to restore and protect it through an onshore class and a snorkel experience led by the experts from Maui Undersea Adventures.
Pickleball Power Hour
Join a round-robin power hour of pickleball with other guests. This easy-to-play game is open to all levels and will begin with a short lesson.
Sunrise Photo Walk
Join award-winning fine art landscape photographer Scott Reither for an interactive 90-minute photo workshop along the picturesque Wailea Beach path.
Poi Pounders Workshop
Sample Hawaii's famous staple food, poi, in an interactive poi pounding demonstration that highlights kalo (taro), a "canoe plant" first brought to Hawaii by Polynesians wayfinders.
Available throughout the Getaway experience, the Resort also looks forward to welcoming the nationally acclaimed mezcal brand Dos Hombres to its sunny shores for guests, visitors, and residents to experience the 'Dos Hombres Cocina' pop-up from August 25 – December 2, 2023. Diners and visitors to the Resort will be able to enjoy a unique culinary journey for the senses set in the lush tropical gardens of the Fountain View Lawn. The Oaxacan-inspired menu will utilize the freshest local Hawaiian-grown ingredients effortlessly paired with inspired Dos Hombres craft cocktails.
To make reservations to experience a Getaway at Four Seasons Resort Maui, guests can reserve directly via the Concierge team at concierge.maui@fourseasons.com or call (808) 874-8000.
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SOURCE Four Seasons Resort Maui | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/four-seasons-resort-maui-announces-ten-ways-perfect-fall-getaway/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:32 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/four-seasons-resort-maui-announces-ten-ways-perfect-fall-getaway/ |
APSO: Woman wanted for identity theft; opened several credit, checking accounts
ASCENSION PARISH, La. (WAFB) - Detectives with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office said they are searching for a woman accused of felony identity theft.
According to APSO, Jeanie Stevens, 33, of Prairieville, fraudulently obtained a driver’s license with a victim’s information. Detectives said she then opened several credit and checking accounts.
Stevens is also wanted for questioning on seven separate counts of identity theft and two counts of bank fraud, according to deputies.
Anyone with details that can help deputies locate Stevens is asked to contact the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office by calling the number (225) 621-4636. Anonymous tips can also be made to the Capital Region Crime Stoppers by calling the number (225) 344-7867.
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Copyright 2023 WAFB. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/apso-woman-wanted-identity-theft-opened-several-credit-checking-accounts/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:36 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/apso-woman-wanted-identity-theft-opened-several-credit-checking-accounts/ |
Betr Picks is now available to play in the Betr Fantasy & Sportsbook iOS app for real money in 24 jurisdictions, including California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, which represent the majority of the U.S. adult population
Betr, the Official and Exclusive Sports Betting and Fantasy Partner for Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz, will also feature a special Paul vs. Diaz free-to-play picks game, which will offer users a chance to win their share of up to $1M in prizes
MIAMI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Betr Holdings, Inc. ("Betr" or the "Company"), today announced the launch of Betr Picks, a pick 'em style fantasy game to complement its existing real money and free-to-play online sports betting (OSB) product, Betr Sportsbook. The simple and intuitive real money fantasy pick 'em experience allows users to select "More" or "Less" from a wide array of player projections to build a lineup with as few as 2 and up to a total of 8 players. Users have the potential to win up to 100x their initial entry if they get 8 picks correct. Betr Picks is now available in 24 jurisdictions* (including California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Georgia, and North Carolina) which collectively represent over half of the U.S. adult population, and the Company is planning to further expand its fantasy reach to at least 30 total jurisdictions by the end of 2023. The Betr Fantasy & Sportsbook app is currently available on iOS with plans to launch on Android soon. This launch marks the first time that sportsbook and fantasy will operate within a single app.
Fantasy sports is the latest extension of Betr's real money gaming business, which already has an established OSB business with live operations in Ohio and Massachusetts and plans to launch OSB in Virginia in the coming weeks and additional jurisdictions in the months ahead. Betr Picks offers a differentiated pick 'em experience, including the ability to pick up to 8 players, higher payout multiples (up to 100x), and no pushes. Betr's signature focus on simple and intuitive product design, along with its bespoke integrations with Betr Media, will further distinguish the Betr Picks experience from the broader fantasy sports gaming market. To celebrate the launch of Betr Picks, Betr, the Official and Exclusive Sports Betting and Fantasy Partner for Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz, will feature a special Paul vs. Diaz free-to-play picks game, which will offer users a chance to win their share of up to $1M in prizes. The game is available now until August 5th when the first bout of Most Valuable Promotions and Real Fight Inc.'s Paul vs. Diaz pay-per-view begins live on DAZN and ESPN+ in the U.S.
Betr Picks represents the first time Betr Gaming is able to more fully capitalize on the nationwide media audience and brand of Betr Media. As the fastest growing sports betting media brand in the United States, Betr Media has already surpassed 1.5 billion impressions on social media less than a year after launch. Betr Media is focused predominantly on original and short-form content, which the Company believes will be the primary form of sports media consumption for the 21-34-year-old male demographic outside of consuming live sporting events themselves. Betr Media will also be launching the @betrpicks sub-brand on social media, giving fans a more targeted community-driven vertical for fantasy and picks content. The channel will be led by rising social media star Derek Sullivan (aka BetrDerek) with consistent appearances from Betr's robust talent network such as Jake Paul, Marco Piemonte, Haley and Hanna Cavinder, Bo Nickal, Handshake Bets and more.
The launch comes shortly after Betr announced the acquisition of the Chameleon platform from FansUnite (TSX: FANS), which enabled Betr to enhance and accelerate its product roadmap. The Chameleon acquisition allows the company to develop its upcoming V1 OSB product, which will feature sportsbook capabilities including pre-match and in-play core markets, parlays, same game parlays, futures, props, and other bet types, along with over 20 additional sports. The Company's current OSB product, which it refers to internally as V0, is a beta product that will continue to operate in Ohio, Massachusetts, and soon Virginia until V1 launches in H1 2024.
"We are thrilled to expand the Betr Gaming business by introducing our real money fantasy sports vertical with the launch of Betr Picks," said Joey Levy, Founder and CEO of Betr. "Betr Picks allows us to acquire and engage real money gaming users across the United States, enabling Betr Gaming to more fully capitalize on the nationwide presence of Betr Media for the first time, all while providing a complimentary pre-match experience to our in-play focused OSB product. We believe Betr Picks already features a strong core user experience relative to existing pick 'em products, and we have several material enhancements that will be released over the coming weeks and months including more sports, game modes, media integrations, deposit and withdrawal capabilities, and more."
Betr's proactive industry leadership in safe and responsible play will continue with Betr Picks, which also features the same Responsible Gaming-focused tenets the Company has rolled out for its OSB product, including a 21+ age requirement to play, a ban on credit card deposits for all users, and restrictions on the monthly deposit amounts for young consumers aged 21-25 years old. Betr Picks is backed by legal opinions from both nationwide and state-specific experts in the gaming space and is only available in jurisdictions where fantasy gaming has been legalized by statute or is permitted via case law and/or legal precedent.
*Betr Picks is available in California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Carolina, Kentucky, Oregon, Oklahoma, Utah, Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, Nebraska, Rhode Island, South Dakota, North Dakota, Alaska, Washington D.C., Vermont, and Wyoming.
About Betr
Founded in 2022 by Joey Levy and Jake Paul, Betr is a leading sports betting and sports media company through Betr Gaming and Betr Media, respectively. Betr Gaming is an online sports betting and gaming business focused on a unique product experience with a simplified user experience that is catered to the casual sports fan, enabling Betr to capture more of the underpenetrated online gaming addressable market. Betr Gaming began with a microbetting-only online sports betting (OSB) product, allowing users to bet on individual plays and events – such as pass or rush on the next play in football or the outcome of the next pitch in baseball, and is expanding its OSB product offering to include additional markets with full sportsbook capabilities, as well as planning to expand into other real money gaming verticals. Betr Media is the fastest growing sports betting media brand in the United States that has grown to over 1.5 million followers, 1.5 billion impressions, and 77 million engagements across its social channels since publicly launching in August 2022. Betr is creating a unique flywheel by investing in content creators to drive brand awareness and affinity, which drives more audience and engagement with the Betr brand, allowing Betr to monetize its user base through a suite of gaming products which then enables further investment in content and brand affinity.
For more information on Betr, visit betr.app or follow @betr on TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. To learn more about responsible play, please visit betr.app/responsibility.
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SOURCE Betr Holdings, Inc. | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/betr-introduces-real-money-fantasy-sports-vertical-with-launch-betr-picks-across-united-states/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:36 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/betr-introduces-real-money-fantasy-sports-vertical-with-launch-betr-picks-across-united-states/ |
HONG KONG (AP) — The discovery of a whale carcass in Hong Kong waters on Monday has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with many comments blaming the mammal’s death on sightseers.
Many residents thought the dead mammal was the whale that has attracted groups of sightseers since it was first spotted in the city’s waters in mid-July.
Compass Chan, scientific officer of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong, didn’t confirm whether it was the same whale. But he said an initial check on the dead whale found a new wound on its back, in addition to two old wounds.
“It’s a pity,” Chan said at a media briefing. “If it really died, I think it’s a good chance to let everyone to think seriously how we should get along with other species in the nature.”
Its cause of death would have to be confirmed by a necropsy, he said.
After the carcass was found in the waters in Sai Kung — a district known for its hiking trails, beaches and islands — many residents have taken issue with the whale-watching activities seen over the past two weeks.
They accused the sightseers of causing the death of the whale because of their ignorance. Some reposted a Canto-pop song whose title translated as “Whale Eater” on their social media.
The foundation said in its previous statement that a crowd of people was spotted approaching the animal, believed to be a Bryde’s whale and to be around seven metres (23 feet) long. It warned that human activities can cause stress and lead to life-threatening consequences, saying the whale already had propeller wounds.
The government said Friday night that the necropsy might take several days and the results would serve as a reference for it to handle the emergence of whales in Hong Kong in the future. | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/discovery-of-whale-carcass-in-hong-kong-sparks-anger-over-the-potential-damage-done-by-sightseers/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2023-07-31T15:23:36 | 0 | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/discovery-of-whale-carcass-in-hong-kong-sparks-anger-over-the-potential-damage-done-by-sightseers/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
(NEXSTAR) – When it comes to retirement, where you live can greatly affect just how golden your post-career years actually are.
A new study from Bankrate ranks all 50 U.S. states when it comes to affordability, overall well-being, healthcare quality/cost, weather and crime. With soaring inflation and a volatile stock market, affordability was given the most statistical weight, with the others decreasing respectively.
Iowa is the best state in which to retire, the study found, thanks to its affordability (3), quality/cost of health care (11) and crime (12).
“Choosing where to retire is deeply personal, but Iowa’s affordable cost of living, inexpensive but high-quality health care and low crime make it a compelling option for retirees looking to stretch their retirement income in this economy,” said Bankrate analyst Alex Gailey. “In our overall ranking, the best and worst states for retirees are split geographically. The Midwest and the South claim the top five states, while the Northeast and West claim the bottom five states, primarily because of the differences in cost of living.”
For some residents nearing retirement in Alaska – ranked 50 out of 50 – New York (49), California (48), Washington (47) and Massachusetts (46), a move toward the middle of the country could pay off, Bankrate’s findings suggest.
While all five of the least favorable states scored poorly when it came to affordability, Alaska also ranked last for weather and 49th for crime.
“For many Americans, a comfortable retirement may feel out of reach,” Gailey said. “After battling elevated inflation over the last two years, relocating to find cheaper housing or a lower cost of living may be a good alternative for retirees who have tighter budgets but want to retire comfortably. If you’re considering a late life move to lower your cost of living in retirement, our rankings provide some food for thought.”
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports that an increasing number of retirees left their home state to find cheaper housing in 2022.
The annual study from Hire A Helper, an online moving-services marketplace, found that 12% of American retirees moved for that reason in 2022, the highest percentage since 2014.
“That kind of cost consciousness is something we haven’t seen at this level since 2014,” Miranda Marquit, chief data analyst at Hire A Helper, told AARP, citing Census data. | https://phl17.com/nmw/these-are-the-5-worst-states-to-retire-in-study-finds-2/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:38 | 1 | https://phl17.com/nmw/these-are-the-5-worst-states-to-retire-in-study-finds-2/ |
PATERSON, N.J., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --
Glacier Fresh, a leading provider of innovative water filtration solutions, has developed and launched one of the most advanced gravity filters in the market, rivalling the mainstream kitchen filter products. Does 30% higher flow rate, antibacterial silver ion technology and industry-leading 90% fluorine removal with half the market price sounds interesting? Then read on!
Experience the epitome of clean water with the GlacierFresh Gravity Water Filter. Glacier Fresh not only uses the most high quality and sustainable activated carbons from coconut shells, but also developed a breakthrough technology to safely combine silver-ions with activated carbons to to safeguard your drinking water. This new filter inhibits bacteria growth and prevents mildew formation. This ensures not only clean and refreshing water but also peace of mind regarding your family's health.
Unlike other gravity filters on the market that typically have 2 carbon and 2 optional fluorine filters, Glacier Fresh has taken filtration to the next level. With an increased filter capacity of 3+3, the GlacierFresh Gravity Water Filter offers an unmatched advantage. This upgrade not only contributes to a remarkable 30% higher flow rate and better filtration performance but also sets it apart in fluoride removal. While other filters can only remove 30%-40% of fluoride, the Glacier Fresh gravity water filter excels with industry-leading 90% fluoride removal. To fill 2.25 gallons, it now takes approximately 23 minutes, a significant improvement compared to the market standard of 1-2 hours.
Its stylish 304 stainless steel housing ensures durability while adding a touch of elegance to your kitchen. The product also comes with a visible water level meter, that you can easily see it without opening the product. All these improvements you may thing may come at a steep cost? But no! Because of Glacier Fresh's strong product development background, and commitment to offer affordability, it offers the best possible price for this new gravity filter.
Since 2015, Glacier Fresh has been dedicated to making healthy drinking water accessible to everyone. Trusted by families worldwide, Glacier Fresh is renowned for its advanced technology and high-quality filtration ingredients. Glacier Fresh's commitment to excellence is evident in its state-of-the-art production facility, boasting over 30 patents. Through continuous research and development, Glacier Fresh pioneers innovative water filtration solutions.Their products, including the GlacierFresh Gravity Water Filter, are certified by IAPMO, NSF/ANSI 42, and 53, guaranteeing the highest quality and safety.
Driven by the vision of becoming the top hydration brand in the USA, Glacier Fresh offers a comprehensive product line, including refrigerator water filters, ice makers, RV/Marine filters, Soda makers, and water pitcher filters. With an independent e-commerce platform and a strong social media presence, Glacier Fresh continues to grow rapidly, making a mark in the market.
Discover the pure innovation of the GlacierFresh Gravity Water Filter. With its durable construction, ultimate filtration, and innovative technology, this gravity filter provides clean and pure water for your everyday needs. Join Glacier Fresh in their mission to create a healthier world by experiencing the difference in water filtration.
Media Contact:
Name: Sofia Abrams
Email: pr@glacierfresh.co
Website: https://www.glacierfreshfilter.com/
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SOURCE Glacier Fresh | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/introducing-glacierfresh-gravity-water-filter-pure-innovation/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:38 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/introducing-glacierfresh-gravity-water-filter-pure-innovation/ |
The FBI should face new limits on its use of US foreign spy data, a key intelligence board says
WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI should stop using a U.S. spy database of foreigners’ emails and other communications for investigating crimes that aren’t related to national security, a group of White House intelligence advisers recommended in a report released Monday.
The President’s Intelligence Advisory Board’s findings come as the White House pushes Congress to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before its expiration at the end of this year. U.S. intelligence officials say Section 702 enables investigations of Chinese and Russian espionage, potential terrorist plots, and other threats.
But spy agencies also end up capturing the communications of U.S. citizens and businesses, and a series of intelligence mistakes at the FBI has fanned bipartisan criticism of the bureau that has strongly colored the debate over renewing the law.
The advisory board says the FBI made “inappropriate use” at times of Section 702 information. Those include queries for a U.S. senator and state senator’s names without properly limiting the search, looking for someone believed to have been at the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and doing large queries of names of protesters following the 2020 death of George Floyd.
“Unfortunately, complacency, a lack of proper procedures, and the sheer volume of Section 702 activity led to FBI’s inappropriate use of Section 702 authorities, specifically U.S. person queries,” the board said in its report. “U.S. person queries” generally mean searches for U.S. citizens and businesses.
The board recommends the FBI no longer search the data when it is seeking evidence of a crime not related to national security. Currently, the FBI conducts fewer than two dozen such searches a year, a senior administration official told reporters Monday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
The White House has not decided whether it will accept the recommendation but is studying the board’s work and report, the official said.
The board’s report largely lines up with the White House’s positions on other changes being debated in Congress. The board opposed requiring the FBI to obtain a warrant before it searches Section 702 data, saying that change would be impractical. It also says the FBI needs to maintain access to foreign spy collection because unlike other intelligence agencies, it has law enforcement authorities inside the U.S. and can warn Americans that they are being targeted by foreign spies or criminals.
Already, both Republicans and Democrats have called for broader changes affecting the FBI, including a handful of lawmakers in both parties who want to require warrants for any search.
Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., sharply questioned Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen in June about how it searches Section 702 data and signaled he would push for new protections.
“I don’t think you’ve effectively made the case that there shouldn’t be a warrant requirement, whether or not it is constitutionally required, for a U.S. person search that is crime only,” he said.
Many in the GOP, meanwhile, are furious about the FBI’s investigations of former President Donald Trump and mistakes found by the Justice Department inspector general and other reviewers.
In a statement, the FBI said the report highlighted “how crucial” foreign intelligence was to the bureau’s mission.
“We agree that Section 702 should be reauthorized in a manner that does not diminish its effectiveness, as well as reassures the public of its importance and our ability to adhere rigorously to all relevant rules,” the bureau’s statement said.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/fbi-should-face-new-limits-its-use-us-foreign-spy-data-key-intelligence-board-says/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:42 | 0 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/fbi-should-face-new-limits-its-use-us-foreign-spy-data-key-intelligence-board-says/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI should stop using a U.S. spy database of foreigners’ emails and other communications for investigating crimes that aren’t related to national security, a group of White House intelligence advisers recommended in a report released Monday.
The President’s Intelligence Advisory Board’s findings come as the White House pushes Congress to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before its expiration at the end of this year. U.S. intelligence officials say Section 702 enables investigations of Chinese and Russian espionage, potential terrorist plots, and other threats.
But spy agencies also end up capturing the communications of U.S. citizens and businesses, and a series of intelligence mistakes at the FBI has fanned bipartisan criticism of the bureau that has shaped the debate over renewing the law. Some lawmakers in both parties and civil liberties groups have called for stronger curbs on how the FBI uses foreign surveillance to search for Americans’ data.
While the White House did not commit to accepting the recommended changes, administration officials on Monday praised the board’s work and again called on Congress to reauthorize the surveillance program. The board argues in its report that Section 702 is critical to U.S. national security and suggests that allowing the program to lapse would be an “intelligence failure” and a step backward from changes made after the Sept. 11 attacks.
The board says the FBI made “inappropriate use” at times of Section 702 information. Those include queries for a U.S. senator and state senator’s names without properly limiting the search, looking for someone believed to have been at the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and doing large queries of names of protesters following the 2020 death of George Floyd.
“Unfortunately, complacency, a lack of proper procedures, and the sheer volume of Section 702 activity led to FBI’s inappropriate use of Section 702 authorities, specifically U.S. person queries,” the board said in its report. “U.S. person queries” generally mean searches for U.S. citizens and businesses.
The board recommends the FBI no longer search the data when it is seeking evidence of a crime not related to national security. Currently, the FBI conducts fewer than two dozen such searches a year, a senior administration official told reporters Monday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.
The White House has not decided whether it will accept the recommendation but is studying the board’s work and report, the official said.
The board’s report largely lines up with the White House’s positions on other changes being debated in Congress. The board opposed requiring the FBI to obtain a warrant before it searches Section 702 data, saying that change would be impractical. It also says the FBI needs to maintain access to foreign spy collection because unlike other intelligence agencies, it has law enforcement authorities inside the U.S. and can warn Americans that they are being targeted by foreign spies or criminals.
Already, both Republicans and Democrats have called for broader changes affecting the FBI, including a handful of lawmakers in both parties who want to require warrants for any search.
Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., sharply questioned Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen in June about how it searches Section 702 data and signaled he would push for new protections.
“I don’t think you’ve effectively made the case that there shouldn’t be a warrant requirement, whether or not it is constitutionally required, for a U.S. person search that is crime only,” he said.
Many in the GOP, meanwhile, are furious about the FBI’s investigations of former President Donald Trump and mistakes found by the Justice Department inspector general and other reviewers.
In a statement, the FBI said the report highlighted “how crucial” foreign intelligence was to the bureau’s mission.
“We agree that Section 702 should be reauthorized in a manner that does not diminish its effectiveness, as well as reassures the public of its importance and our ability to adhere rigorously to all relevant rules,” the bureau’s statement said. | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/the-fbi-should-face-new-limits-on-its-use-of-us-foreign-spy-data-a-key-intelligence-board-says/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2023-07-31T15:23:43 | 0 | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/the-fbi-should-face-new-limits-on-its-use-of-us-foreign-spy-data-a-key-intelligence-board-says/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
A Blackbaud Partner, Momentum, is Helping Blackbaud Customers Create More Impact with AI
CHARLESTON, S.C., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the leading provider of software for powering social impact, today announced a strategic investment in Momentum, a leading AI-focused Blackbaud partner, graduate of Blackbaud's Social Good Startup tech accelerator program, and winner of Blackbaud's 2022 startup showcase.
Blackbaud recently unveiled a major new wave of its Intelligence for Good® strategy, with a commitment to increase the availability of AI-enabled partner solutions in the Blackbaud Marketplace. This investment in Momentum is one way the company is accelerating product delivery and focusing on the creation of AI capabilities embedded in Blackbaud solutions. With Momentum's integration with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT®, Blackbaud customers can optimize their fundraising and stewardship processes.
"A tremendous opportunity exists for social impact organizations to use AI to address key operational and financial challenges," said Mike Gianoni, president and CEO, Blackbaud. "Blackbaud is actively investing in organic analytics and AI capabilities, and partnering with leading AI companies such as Momentum, to enable our customers to reach donors at a scale never seen before."
Momentum, founded by behavioral scientists from Duke's Center for Advanced Hindsight, launched the first version of its solution in 2019. Key to Momentum's success is a focus on the use of AI to create fundraising tools that build lasting relationships between high impact charities and their donors.
In its current release, the Momentum platform connects donor portfolios with automation and generative AI capabilities to deliver personalized first-draft communications and outreach recommendations directly to a fundraiser's email inbox. Customers using Momentum thus far have experienced a 400% increase in the number of personalized touchpoints their fundraisers could produce and an average of $60,000 per month in increased donations.
Momentum originally joined the Blackbaud ecosystem through participation in the Blackbaud Social Good Startup Program, where the company was connected to Blackbaud experts and fast-tracked into Blackbaud's partner program.
According to Nick Fitz, founder and CEO of Momentum, "Blackbaud's tech accelerator has been a pleasure to be a part of. With their help, we've refined our AI capabilities and integrated core infrastructure. We're working directly with fundraisers—helping people build more meaningful relationships with less psychological burden—and we're excited to learn from the leader in the space. This investment, and guidance from Blackbaud, will help us better serve the people powering the social good sector."
As Blackbaud continues to enhance its AI offerings, partners are a key piece of the company's strategy to grow the ecosystem around its leading solutions and services for social impact organizations. Learn more about Blackbaud's Intelligence for Good approach here and read more about the Blackbaud Partner Network here.
About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud's essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud's solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organizations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies, Quartz's list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes' list of America's Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom, supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
About Momentum
Momentum is an innovative AI and behavioral science company helping people build more meaningful relationships. Founded in 2019, our technology streamlines fundraising processes through thoughtful workflow automation and artificial intelligence, enabling fundraisers to focus on relationship-building rather than administrative tasks. Through our suite of products, Momentum has powered impactful campaigns, driving effectiveness and warmth in philanthropy. Our commitment to enhancing fundraising practices has made us a trusted partner for organizations around the world. For more about how Momentum is serving the sector, visit www.givemomentum.com.
Media Inquiries
media@blackbaud.com
Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — This year Whitney Houston would have turned 60, and a special celebration to raise money for a good cause is being planned for her birthday.
Houston’s estate, Sony and Primary Wave Music will host the second annual Whitney Houston Legacy of Love on Aug. 9, which will benefit the late singer’s foundation aimed at helping young people.
Houston’s close friends BeBe Winans and Kim Burrell will perform at the gala at Atlanta’s St. Regis Hotel, as will Whitney’s brother, Gary, who toured with her for three decades.
“When I turned 50, Whitney gave me two celebrations — one in Ireland and one in London. I always tell everyone now that one of them was for her,” says Pat Houston, Whitney Houston’s sister-in-law and the executor of her estate. Houston died in February 2012 at age 48. “This year is Whitney at 60 — we’re all looking forward to being a part of the power of love in that room.”
Founded by the singer in 1989, the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children aims to empower youth, by providing resources to unhoused children, giving out college scholarships, and raising funds for charities like the Children’s Defense Fund and St. Jude Children’s Research.
A charity auction will raise money for the foundation.
“We’re going to auction off a beautiful lavender dress Dolly Parton wore when she sang ‘I Will Always Love You’ at Country Music Television’s ‘100 Greatest Love Songs of Country Music’ special in 2004,” says Pat Houston. “This dress is particularly special because it’s lavender, and lavender is Whitney’s favorite color.”
The song, originally written by Parton, was recorded by Houston and became one of her great, everlasting hits. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified it diamond early last year, which means the track has sold and streamed 10 million equivalent units in the United States. It became her first diamond single and made Houston the third woman to ever achieve diamond status with both a single and an album, following Mariah Carey and Taylor Swift.
Clive Davis will serve as honorary chairman. Recording Academy President Harvey Mason jr. is scheduled to attend. Also expected are Gamma’s Larry Jackson and Whitney Houston’s musical director Rickey Minor.
“I always tell people, Whitney is the star,” Pat Houston said. “Everybody in that room is royalty, but she’s loyalty — and she’s still showing that.” | https://phl17.com/nmw/whitney-at-60-houston-estate-announces-2nd-annual-gala/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:44 | 1 | https://phl17.com/nmw/whitney-at-60-houston-estate-announces-2nd-annual-gala/ |
Kia Soul EV tops the list for the second consecutive year
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of electric vehicles (EVs) available on the marketplace continues to grow and the cost of insuring an EV is a burgeoning factor for consumers. According to industry reports, the number of currently available and soon-to-launch EV models is increasing from 27 as of January '21 to 53 early this year. Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY), a leading auto insurer in California and provider of auto insurance in 10 other states, has put together a list of the most affordable new EVs to help consumers save them money on insurance.
Mercury's research and development team examined 2023 model year electric vehicles available at car dealerships today to compile the list1.
"EVs are growing on consumers and many are considering one as their next vehicle," said Mercury Insurance Director of Product Management R&D Chong Gao. "One of the most important aspects of ownership that needs to be considered is the cost of insuring an EV. This cost can make up a significant portion of owning one and Mercury provides an EV discount in most of the states it operates in."
Mercury is proud to offer a discount on EVs in 10 of the 11 states it offers personal auto insurance.
The list of 2023 electric vehicles, beginning with the most affordable make and model to insure is:
- Kia Soul EV
- Nissan Leaf
- Ford F-150 Lightning
- Hyundai IONIQ
- Volvo C40 Recharge
- Volvo XC40 Recharge
- Mazda MX-30
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Volkswagen ID.4
- (a tie at 10th) Audi Q4 E-Tron, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Mercedes EQB and Polestar 2
About Mercury Insurance
Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners and renters insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.
Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultracompetitive rates with excellent customer service. Mercury has earned "A" ratings from A.M. Best and Fitch, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on Twitter or Facebook.
1 Mercury Insurance developed the list based on full coverage premium (BI, PD, COMP, COLL, MP, UMBI and UMPD) for a hypothetical California driver with average factors for each rating element.
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Inmates graduate from program meant to help them be better fathers
WILKINSON COUNTY, Miss. (WAFB) - A total of 18 inmates graduated from what’s known as the Malachi Dads Program at the Wilkinson County Correctional Facility in Mississippi.
Organizers said the mission of the program is to restore and equip incarcerated men with the skills needed to become Godly parents. The hope is to break the cycle of incarceration.
The inmates’ families and other special guests attended the graduation from the program.
The special guests included Romney Ruder, the sponsor for Malachi Dads; Jennifer Brown, the management and training corporation region III warden; the Reverend Willie Jones; and George Gilliam.
The warden for the Wilkinson County Correctional Facility and other staff members said they were all very impressed with the inmates and their accomplishments.
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Copyright 2023 WAFB. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/inmates-graduate-program-meant-help-them-be-better-fathers/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:48 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/inmates-graduate-program-meant-help-them-be-better-fathers/ |
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running as a Democrat against President Joe Biden, tells many stories on the campaign trail about himself, his life’s work and what he stands for that are the opposite of what his record actually shows.
The Associated Press found that Kennedy’s insistence that he is not anti-vaccine doesn’t square with his long record of opposition to vaccines. His claims that he is a true Democrat inheriting the mantle of his famous family are contradicted by his alignment with far right figures and support from Republicans. And despite listing the environment as a campaign priority, he has pushed bitcoin — a cryptocurrency that requires massive amounts of electricity from supercomputers to generate new coins, prompting most environmental advocates to loudly oppose it.
Kennedy’s campaign is widely considered a long shot, but it’s gained media attention due to his famous name and the possibility that his run could weaken Biden ahead of what is expected to be a close general election in 2024.
The campaign didn’t return emails seeking comment about the contradictions in his candidacy.
Here are the key takeaways from the AP’s reporting:
KENNEDY’S ANTI-VACCINE RECORD
Kennedy told a congressional committee this month: “I have never been anti-vaxx. I have never told the public to avoid vaccination.” But Kennedy has a long record of anti-vaccine comments and rose to public prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic through the work of his anti-vaccine group, Children’s Health Defense.
Just this month, Kennedy said in a podcast interview that “There’s no vaccine that is safe and effective” and told FOX News that he still believes in the long-ago debunked idea that vaccines can cause autism. In a 2021 podcast, he recalled telling people on hiking trails not to get their children vaccinated.
That same year, Kennedy appeared in a video promoting an anti-vaccine sticker campaign by his nonprofit. A sticker shown beside him declared “IF YOU’RE NOT AN ANTI-VAXXER YOU AREN’T PAYING ATTENTION.”
The AP found that anti-vaccine activists are at the heart of Kennedy’s campaign. FEC records show several people paid to work on the campaign previously worked for Children’s Health Defense.
Kennedy has also received substantial support from the anti-vaccine community.
Children’s Health Defense currently has a lawsuit pending against a number of news organizations, among them The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by taking action to identify misinformation, including about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines.
ASSOCIATION WITH FAR RIGHT HAS RAISED KENNEDY’S PROFILE
Kennedy is running as a Democrat, yet he has aligned himself with far right figures who have worked to subvert American democracy.
He has appeared on Infowars, the channel run by Sandy Hook conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. He has granted interviews to former President Donald Trump ally Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson. After he headlined a stop on the ReAwaken America Tour, the Christian nationalist road show put together by former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, he was photographed backstage with Flynn and Trump ally Roger Stone.
Those appearances have led to goodwill on the right. Trump supporters have floated a Trump-Kennedy unity ticket.
Kennedy’s run is also getting financial support from the right. A super PAC supporting Kennedy’s presidential run, called Heal the Divide PAC, has deep ties to Republicans, Federal Election Commission records show.
Kennedy denied knowing the PAC when it came up at a recent congressional hearing, but video available online shows he was a guest speaker at a Heal the Divide event just two days earlier.
SUPPORT FOR BITCOIN RUNS COUNTER TO ENVIRONMENTAL STANCE
Kennedy lists the environment as one of six top priorities on his campaign website and has spent many years speaking against pollution and climate change as an environmental lawyer. Yet he has made supporting the energy-intensive cryptocurrency bitcoin a key part of his platform.
Bitcoin mining, the process of generating new coins, uses massive amounts of electricity — more than some entire countries, experts say.
Kennedy has acknowledged the environmental downsides, but says he wouldn’t let them hinder its use. He promotes the argument that demand for the cryptocurrency will boost investment in renewable energy projects.
Kennedy has invested between $100,001 and $250,000 in bitcoin, his financial disclosure documents show.
KENNEDY INVOKES HIS FAMOUS FAMILY, WHILE RELATIVES DENOUNCE HIM
Though Kennedy peppers his speeches, podcast appearances and campaign materials with invocations of the Democratic Party legacies of his uncle President John F. Kennedy and his father Robert F. Kennedy, his relatives have distanced themselves from him and even denounced him.
“He’s trading in on Camelot, celebrity, conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame,” Jack Schlossberg, President Kennedy’s grandson, said of his cousin in an Instagram video earlier this month. “I’ve listened to him. I know him. I have no idea why anyone thinks he should be president. What I do know is, his candidacy is an embarrassment.”
Kennedy’s recent comments that COVID-19 could have been “ethnically targeted” to spare Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people — which he denies were antisemitic but concedes he should have worded more carefully — also drew a condemnation from his sister, Kerry Kennedy.
___ The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about AP’s democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/takeaways-from-aps-reporting-on-inconsistencies-in-rfk-jr-s-record/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2023-07-31T15:23:49 | 0 | https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/takeaways-from-aps-reporting-on-inconsistencies-in-rfk-jr-s-record/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
CLEVELAND, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Celloram Inc., a dynamic biotech startup based in Cleveland, Ohio and developing novel medicines for cancer and immune disorders, announced today a groundbreaking licensing agreement with French biotech GENFIT SA to advance Celloram's first-in-class inflammasome inhibitor, CLM-022. The agreement grants GENFIT exclusive global rights to develop CLM-022 in liver disease indications.
"This exclusive licensing agreement with GENFIT aims to expand our inflammasome inhibitor platform into liver disease indications for the first time," said Tej Pareek, Ph.D., Celloram CEO. "We believe that GENFIT has the potential to rapidly advance the development of this class of inhibitors, ultimately bringing therapies and hope to a large population of patients who desperately need life-saving treatments. We are thrilled to work alongside GENFIT, a leading biopharmaceutical company, to bring this potential life-saving treatment to patients worldwide."
As part of this agreement, GENFIT will not only add to its arsenal of drug candidates for liver disease, but also gain access to Celloram's scientists and medicinal chemistry expertise to help synthesize and validate CLM-022 as GENFIT advances on its goal to secure an IND for future clinical trials.
In recognition of this transformative collaboration, Celloram Inc. is eligible to receive up to €160 million in clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, which will further fuel its mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions for critical medical challenges. Celloram co-founders, Dr. John Letterio and Dr. Seong-Jin Kim, jointly stated, "Our vision at Celloram Inc. has always been driven by a passion for revolutionizing patient care by creating safer, more effective therapies. With this licensing agreement, we are one step closer to realizing Celloram's vision and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with GENFIT."
About Liver Disease
Liver disease is a progressive deterioration of liver functions lasting more than six months, involving synthesis of clotting factors, detoxification, and bile excretion. The process entails inflammation, destruction, and regeneration of liver parenchyma, often leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Etiologies are diverse, encompassing toxins, prolonged alcohol abuse, infections, autoimmune diseases, and genetic/metabolic disorders. The global liver disease treatment market size is predicted to be worth 25.8.3 billion USD by 2028 from 14.1 billion USD in 2023 to grow at a CAGR of 11.72% in forecasted period. Increasing cases of acute and chronic liver diseases, including liver cancer, are driving the demand for advanced liver disease diagnostics and treatments.
About Celloram Inc.
Celloram Inc. is a forward-thinking biotech startup based in Cleveland, Ohio, driven by the vision to harness innovative science and revolutionize patient care. Their experienced leadership team, including co-founders Dr. John Letterio and Dr. Seong-Jin Kim, CEO Dr. Tej Kumar Pareek, VP and chief scientific Program Directors Dr. Seunghwan Lim and Dr. Liraz Levi are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions to unmet medical needs.
Celloram Inc. is also gearing up to open its Series A funding round in the coming months, offering an opportunity for visionary investors to join forces in the pursuit of transformative innovations. This funding will further catapult Celloram Inc.'s pioneering research and development efforts, taking their pipelines to new heights.
About GENFIT.
GENFIT is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the lives of patients with rare and severe liver diseases characterized by high unmet medical needs. GENFIT is a pioneer in liver disease research and development with a rich history and strong scientific heritage spanning more than two decades. Thanks to its expertise in bringing early-stage assets with high potential to late development and pre-commercialization stages, today GENFIT boasts a growing and diversified pipeline of innovative therapeutic and diagnostic solutions. Its R&D pipeline covers acute on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), hepatic encephalopathy (HE), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), urea cycle disorders (UCD), organic acidemias (OA) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Beyond therapeutics, GENFIT's pipeline also includes a diagnostic franchise focused on NASH and ACLF. GENFIT has facilities in Lille and Paris (France), Zurich (Switzerland) and Cambridge, MA (USA).
Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Celloram Inc. and GENFIT's potential collaboration and the development of CLM-022. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
Note to Editors: This press release is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities or engage in any other transaction. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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SOURCE Celloram Inc. | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/cleveland-based-biotech-celloram-inc-strikes-landmark-licensing-deal-with-french-biotech-genfit-propel-its-lead-asset-clm-022-liver-disease-treatment/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:49 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/cleveland-based-biotech-celloram-inc-strikes-landmark-licensing-deal-with-french-biotech-genfit-propel-its-lead-asset-clm-022-liver-disease-treatment/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — Trucking company Yellow Corp. has shut down operations and is headed for a bankruptcy filing, according to the Teamsters Union and multiple media reports.
After years of financial struggles, reports of Yellow preparing for bankruptcy emerged last week — as the Nashville, Tennessee-based trucker saw customers leave in large numbers. Yellow shut down operations on Sunday, according to the Wall Street Journal, following the layoffs of hundreds of nonunion employees on Friday.
In an announcement early Monday, the Teamsters said that the union received legal notice confirming Yellow was ceasing operations and filing for bankruptcy.
“Today’s news is unfortunate but not surprising. Yellow has historically proven that it could not manage itself despite billions of dollars in worker concessions and hundreds of millions in bailout funding from the federal government,” Teamsters general president Sean O’Brien said in a statement. “This is a sad day for workers and the American freight industry.”
The Associated Press reached out to Yellow for comment on Monday. No bankruptcy filings had gone live as of the early morning.
The bankruptcy reports have renewed attention around Yellow’s ongoing negotiations with unionized workers, a $700 million pandemic-era loan from the government and other bills the trucker has racked up over time. Yellow, formerly known as YRC Worldwide Inc., is one of the nation’s largest less-than-truckload carriers. The company’s reported closure puts 30,000 jobs at risk.
Here’s what you need to know.
WHAT WOULD BANKRUPTCY MEAN FOR YELLOW?
According to Satish Jindel, president of transportation and logistics firm SJ Consulting, Yellow handled an average of 49,000 shipments per day in 2022. Last week, he estimated that number was down to between 10,000 and 15,000 daily shipments.
With customers leaving — as well reports of Yellow stopping freight pickups last week — bankruptcy would “be the end of Yellow,” Jindel told The Associated Press, noting increased risk for liquidation.
“The likelihood of them surviving and remaining solvent diminishes really by the day,” added Bruce Chan, a research director at investment banking firm Stifel.
Yellow declined to comment when contacted by The Associated Press on Friday. In a Wednesday statement to The Journal, the company said it was continuing “to prepare for a range of contingencies.” On Thursday, Yellow said it was in talks with multiple parties about selling its third-party logistics organization.
Even if Yellow was able to sell its logistics firm, it would “not generate a sufficient amount of cash to keep them operational on any sort of permanent basis,” Chan said. “Without a major equity injection, it would be very difficult for them to survive.”
HOW MUCH DEBT DOES YELLOW HAVE?
As of late March, Yellow had an outstanding debt of about $1.5 billion. Of that, $729.2 million was owed to the federal government.
In 2020, under the Trump administration, the Treasury Department granted the company a $700 million pandemic-era loan on national security grounds. Last month, a congressional probe concluded that the Treasury and Defense Departments “made missteps” in this decision — and noted that Yellow’s “precarious financial position at the time of the loan, and continued struggles, expose taxpayers to a significant risk of loss.”
The government loan is due in September 2024. As of March, Yellow had made $54.8 million in interest payments and repaid just $230 million of the principal owed, according to government documents.
Yellow’s current finances and prospect of bankruptcy “is probably two decades in the making,” Chan said, pointing to poor management and strategic decisions dating back to the early 2000s. “At this point, after each party has bailed them out so many times, there is a limited appetite to do that anymore.”
In May, Yellow reported a loss of $54.6 million, a decline of $1.06 per share, for its first quarter of 2023. Operating revenue was about $1.16 billion in the period.
A Wednesday investors note from financial service firm Stephens estimated that Yellow could be burning between $9 million and $10 million each day. Using a liquidity disclosure from earlier this month, Yellow had roughly $100 million in cash at the end of June, the note added — estimating that the company has been burning through increasing amounts of money through July.
“It is reasonable to believe that the Company could breach its $35 mil. liquidity requirement at any moment,” Stephens analyst Jack Atkins and associate Grant Smith wrote.
DID THE COMPANY JUST AVERT A STRIKE?
Last week’s reports of bankruptcy preparations arrived just days after a strike from the Teamsters, which represents Yellow’s 22,000 unionized workers, was averted.
A series of heated exchanges have built up between the Teamsters and Yellow, who sued the union in June after alleging it was “unjustifiably blocking” restructuring plans needed for the company’s survival. The Teamsters called the litigation “baseless” — with O’Brien pointing to Yellow’s “decades of gross mismanagement,” which included exhausting the $700 million federal loan.
On July 23, a pension fund agreed to extend health benefits for workers at two Yellow Corp. operating companies, averting a strike — and giving Yellow “30 days to pay its bills,” notably $50 million that Yellow failed to pay the Central States Health and Welfare Fund on July 15, the union said. While the strike didn’t occur, talks of a walkout may have caused some Yellow customers to pull back, Chan said.
“The financial struggles of Yellow are not related to the union and the contracts,” Jindel said, pointing to management’s responsibility around its services and prices. He added the union wages from Yellow are “lower than any competitor.”
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YELLOW WENT UNDER?
As Yellow customers take their shipments to other carriers, like FedEx or ABF Freight, prices will go up.
Yellow’s prices have historically been the cheapest compared to other carriers, Jindel said. “That’s why they obviously were not making money,” he added. “And while there is capacity with the other LTL carriers to handle the diversions from Yellow, it will come at a high price for (current shippers and customers) of Yellow.”
Chan adds that we’re in an interesting time for the LTL marketplace — noting that, if Yellow liquidates, “the freight would find a home” with other carriers, which may not have been true in recent years.
“It may take time, but there’s room for it to be absorbed,” he said. | https://phl17.com/nmw/yellow-trucking-shutdown-bankruptcy-heres-what-to-know/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:52 | 1 | https://phl17.com/nmw/yellow-trucking-shutdown-bankruptcy-heres-what-to-know/ |
MIAMI BEACH, Fla., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Open House Worldwide architecture festival, a network of nearly 60 non-profit organizations hosting festivals and dialogue about architecture, design and cities across the globe, is set to debut March 1-2, 2024 in the Miami and Miami Beach area. Dedicated to honoring and sharing the iconic history of architecture and design on Miami Beach, the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) is working in partnership with The Miami Center for Architecture and Design (MCAD), the lead of Open House Miami, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), and a host of additional community organizations. The official announcement of the first-ever installment of Open House Miami was recently made during a VIP reception at the Historic Hampton House, a perfect example of preserved architecture, design and cultural history.
"As an internationally-recognized event, we are proud to be part of a team that will welcome Open House to the market for the first time, providing an opportunity for new and returning visitors to access Miami Beach's iconic art deco buildings and signature, architectural landmarks," says Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the MBVCA. "This marquee experience will join a collection of annual events activated on Miami Beach that positively benefit our city's hotels, restaurants and local businesses."
From New York to Seoul, Buenos Aires to Maputo, San Diego to Miami, Open House Worldwide is dedicated to making cities more open, accessible, and equitable. The network now spans 52 festivals, 29 countries, and 6 continents. The three-day festival will give attendees access to workshops and behind-the-scenes building tours, as well as give them opportunities to meet some of Miami and Miami Beach's world-renowned architects.
"At the heart of what makes a destination a great place to visit, is that it first has to be a great place to live, work and play," said GMCVB President & CEO David Whitaker. "Open House will provide visitors and our residents alike, a first-time peek behind the scenes of iconic buildings and venues that were not only instrumental in our history but instrumental in building and defining our brand. A true sense of place begins with the places that shape and reflect our spirit and our heritage, both yesterday and today."
Open House Miami will be only the fourth city in the U.S., following New York, San Diego, and Chicago, of what has become a worldwide movement to open cities and engage citizens in conversations about how to shape the future of where they live and celebrate historic design and architecture. Complimentary direct access to experience a collection of buildings throughout Miami and Miami Beach will provide opportunities for visitors, local and community members to connect, learn, discuss and debate amongst experts and themselves.
"MCAD looks forward to bringing this event to Miami and Miami Beach which, we believe, will add a new component to our city's place in the world as an architecture enthusiast's destination," added MCAD's Executive Vice President Cheryl Jacobs.
In anticipation of Open House Miami in 2024, travelers and locals can begin to discover signature architecture and hidden gems on Miami Beach through the newly-launched EXP Miami Beach Tours App, now available for download via Apple and Google.
For more information about Open House Miami, please visit https://www.openhousemia.org/.
Contact: mbvca@privatelabel-marketing.com
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SOURCE Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/miami-beach-visitor-convention-authority-miami-center-architecture-amp-design-greater-miami-convention-amp-visitors-bureau-unite-bring-open-house-worldwide-miami-first-time-march-2024/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:52 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/miami-beach-visitor-convention-authority-miami-center-architecture-amp-design-greater-miami-convention-amp-visitors-bureau-unite-bring-open-house-worldwide-miami-first-time-march-2024/ |
Mother of 8 found dead in plastic storage box
CLEVELAND (WOIO/Gray News) - An Ohio woman’s remains were found in a plastic storage box nearly a year after she disappeared, WOIO reports.
The remains of 41-year-old Tyresha Little, a mother of eight, were discovered behind an abandoned home in Cleveland.
A tip to police led them to the backyard of the home on July 20.
Family and friends, including five of Little’s children, gathered outside of the abandoned home to pay tribute to her life.
“My daughter, she was a very, very loving heart. She would give you the shirt off of her back. She did have a drug background, but she had been clean for two years,” her mother said.
Little’s oldest daughter said her mother was her best friend.
“If anything, she loved her kids. There was nothing else that came before her kids,” she said.
Little’s daughter said she was hurt by what she said a Cleveland police detective told her when her mother was first reported missing.
“The very first thing they told me is, ‘She’s probably just off somewhere getting high, on a binge’ and kept asking if it was normal. I kept repeating, ‘No, no,’” she said.
Little’s family is determined to find out what happened to her since her disappearance on Aug. 30, 2022.
A group of at least 30 people released balloons into the sky chanting, “We love you, We’ll see you on the other side. Justice for Tyresha.”
WOIO reached out to the City of Cleveland regarding the family’s concerns suggesting that not every missing person’s case is treated equally. The detective on the case said it was special to him and that he has worked on it for nearly a year. He also said every missing person’s case is important, and he will continue to work tirelessly to get answers for Little’s family, including how and when the Cleveland mother died.
A $2,500 reward is still available through Crime Stoppers for anyone who provides a tip that could help determine how Little died by calling 1-800-25-CRIME. Callers can remain anonymous.
Copyright 2023 WOIO via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/mother-8-found-dead-plastic-storage-box/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:54 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/mother-8-found-dead-plastic-storage-box/ |
Presentation about how AI makes malvertising more powerful - video on-demand
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Confiant, the anti-malvertising leader for the ad tech industry, announces the on-demand availability of its AdMonsters Ops presentation AI + Malvertising = ? The presentation examines how AI makes malvertising increasingly more troublesome for advertisers and the ad tech ecosystem.
Watch the video now (https://hubs.la/Q01XXq2l0)
Because of its reach and impact, AI has become virtually impossible to ignore in every industry, and is becoming increasingly troublesome in the ad tech sector because threat actors use it to enhance their malware, phishing, and scams.
In this session Jerome Dangu, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder, Confiant, and Louis-David Mangin, CEO and Co-Founder, Confiant discuss the AI revolution, how AI is affecting ad tech, what to look out for, and how to keep users safe.
Confiant, the cybersecurity leader in detecting and stopping Malvertising attacks, has built hundreds of integrations directly into the web's ad tech infrastructure. Confiant has unparalleled visibility to the malware, scams, and fraud serving through ads today. This presentation from their founders exposes how AI is already being used to exploit the ad tech marketplace.
About Confiant
Confiant is the cybersecurity leader in detecting and stopping Malvertising attacks. Having built hundreds of integrations directly into the web's ad tech infrastructure, Confiant has unparalleled visibility to the malware, scams, and fraud serving through ads today. Leveraging our security expertise, we deliver complete control over ads to publishers and ad platforms, also remediating quality issues, privacy violations, and mis-categorized ads. In publishing the industry's leading ad quality benchmark report and mapping the threat actors that use ads-as-an-attack-vector at Matrix.Confiant.com, Confiant is leading the charge in protecting users from criminals hijacking the ad tech supply chain. Trusted by customers like Microsoft, Paramount, and Magnite, we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year.
Follow us on Social
@Weareconfiant or visit www.confiant.com
for more information.
SOURCE: CONFIANT
Contact Information:
Media Relations
(646) 397-4198
marketing@confiant.com
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SOURCE Confiant | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/confiant-admonsters-ops-ai-malvertising/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:56 | 0 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/confiant-admonsters-ops-ai-malvertising/ |
PHILADELPHIA, Pa (WPHL) — Attention Philadelphia Eagles fans, the highly anticipated Kelly Green throwback jerseys are finally back.
Ever since March 2022, Birds fans have been on the edge of their seat holding on to a promise made by chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie saying that the Kelly Green jerseys and matching Kelly Green helmets, would soon be back.
From legendary players like Reggie White, Jerome Brown, Randall Cunningham, and Mike Quick, the Kelly Green color, jersey, and style symbolizes the grit and grind of the early 90’s Eagles team.
From November 2022 to now, the Eagles Merchandising team has been working tirelessly to create the all new gear, getting fans excited, and the hardest part which is ordering enough gear to last an entire season.
“November of 2022 is when we started to get together our plan of what styles we were bringing in, what players, and how much we needed to order,” Director of Merchandise Emily McNichol said. “All of that started to formulate last fall.”
Excited fans started lining up outside the doors at 3 a.m. patiently waiting to get their hands on some new Eagles merch.
Starting at 9 a.m., Eagles fans can head to all three Eagles Pro Shop locations and purchase the all new Kelly Green apparel and jerseys with throwback names like White and Cunningham on the back, and current players like Jalen Hurts, Brandon Graham, and Darius Slay, and much more.
Pro Shop locations:
- 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148
- 2000 Route 70 West, Suite E Building E, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
- 35 S Willowdale Dr #1713, Lancaster, PA 17602
Representatives from the Lincoln Financial Field Pro Shop say today’s apparel release will be treated like a gameday in order to accommodate the large amount of fans excitedly waiting.
According to McNichol, the new throwback Kelly Green jerseys will be used as an alternate color and uniform throughout the season, giving priority to the team’s primary color, Midnight Green.
“I am looking forward to the fans’ excitement,” McNichol said. “I know the demand has been there, I have seen it in our stores. I know how well we sell retro products and retro jerseys. So, for the fans to be able to finally have that dream of Jalen Hurts wearing a retro jersey come true, I am looking forward to checking that box with our fans.”
PHL17’s Karlynn Wells spent the morning at the Linc as fans were excitedly waiting for the Pro Shop’s doors to open. Watch the videos above. | https://phl17.com/phl17-news/kelly-green-is-back-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-throwback-eagles-color/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:58 | 1 | https://phl17.com/phl17-news/kelly-green-is-back-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-throwback-eagles-color/ |
Nicklaus Children's Hospital recognized with award for exceptional and innovative performance
MIAMI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Emergency Department has been selected as a recipient of the Emergency Nurses Association's (ENA) 2023 Lantern Award for demonstrating exceptional innovation in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research performance.
The Lantern Award showcases the Emergency Department's (ED) accomplishments in incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation into emergency care. As part of the application, EDs are encouraged to share stories that highlight a commitment to care of patients, as well as the well-being of nursing staff. The award serves as a visible symbol of an organization's commitment to quality, safety and a healthy work environment.
"The Lantern Award truly shines a light on the excellence of our Emergency Department," said Peter Kevin Cruz, Director of Emergency Services. "It is emblematic of the excellence and commitment of our team to ensuring we offer the best possible pediatric emergency care."
Nicklaus Children's Hospital's Lantern Award will be on display in the Emergency Department. As a recipient, the hospital will be recognized in upcoming ENA publications, on the ENA website and during Emergency Nursing 2023, the association's annual conference in San Diego Sept. 21-23.
For more information on this year's Lantern Award recipients, visit the Emergency Nurses Association website.
About Nicklaus Children's Hospital
Founded in 1950 by Variety Clubs International, Nicklaus Children's Hospital is South Florida's only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children, with approximately 850 attending physicians, including more than 500 pediatric subspecialists. The 309-bed hospital, known as Miami Children's Hospital from 1983 through 2014, is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine with many specialty programs routinely ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report since 2008. The hospital is also home to the largest pediatric teaching program in the southeastern United States and since 2003 has been designated an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet facility, the nursing profession's most prestigious institutional honor. For more information, please visit www.nicklauschildrens.org.
About the Emergency Nurses Association
The Emergency Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With 50,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines and guides emergency health care public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.
For more information:
Rachel Bixby
305-898-9165
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SOURCE Nicklaus Children's Health System | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nicklaus-childrens-hospital-earns-2023-emergency-nurses-association-lantern-award/ | 2023-07-31T15:23:58 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nicklaus-childrens-hospital-earns-2023-emergency-nurses-association-lantern-award/ |
Senator Bill Cassidy endorses Jeff Landry for governor of La.
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) endorsed Attorney General Jeff Landry for governor of Louisiana Monday, July 31.
“Today, I endorse Jeff Landry for Governor. There are good people in the race, and I am friends with most. But as I’ve traveled the state, Jeff has been the candidate connecting with the most people from all parts of the state,” said Dr. Cassidy.
“We’re both fighting to make flood insurance more affordable and to get resources to restore our coastline. He and I both strongly support Louisiana becoming the leader in the new energy economy, which will create thousands of new, high-paying jobs. And we both agree we must improve access to mental health services. These are the issues the next Governor must address. Jeff plans to,” continued Dr. Cassidy.
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Copyright 2023 WAFB. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/senator-bill-cassidy-endorses-jeff-landry-governor-la/ | 2023-07-31T15:24:01 | 0 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/senator-bill-cassidy-endorses-jeff-landry-governor-la/ |
The FICO® Decisions Award 2023 recipient increases loan readiness rates among the underserved - like first time homebuyers, low-to-moderate-income, and minority borrowers.
NAPLES, Fla., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Credit Fintech SaaS platform CredEvolv cemented its status as a socially committed innovator, with its recently received FICO Decisions Award in the category of Financial Inclusion. This is a global award, given to only 15 companies across 10 categories each year.
While traditional credit repair organizations prioritize quick fix solutions and tradeline disputes, CredEvolv's platform prioritizes consumer education and credit well-being, which drives sustainable credit score improvements and credit confidence among consumers.
Mission-aligned lenders who connect their clients through the platform are also able to "do well by doing good," achieving greater pull-through in closed loans while doing well by their consumer base.
CredEvolv connects low-credit and credit-declined consumers with HUD-certified and nonprofit credit counseling agencies via its platform - resulting in a significant increase in the number of consumers who can achieve loan readiness in a short period of time.
"Since inception in 2021, we've shown we can 10x the number of consumers who actually obtain a mortgage within 12 months of a credit decline, versus those who try to DIY their credit fixes," Jeff Walker, CredEvolv's CEO, said.
"Additionally, our nonprofit counselor partners - who work on our platform, using our integrated tools like FICO Score Open Access and Freddie Mac HomeCoachSM - are able to achieve results that, quite simply, for-profit companies, quick-score models, and AI can't achieve. That extra hand-holding provided by a compliant, nonprofit counselor makes a big difference."
CredEvolv partners with mission-aligned lenders who want to increase loan readiness rates among their borrowers who would otherwise fall out of their pipeline. By connecting their clients to CredEvolv - and through that connection to a nonprofit credit counselor - lenders see increased pull-through in their pipelines.
CredEvolv consumers achieve mortgage readiness in an average of 3 to 5 months - and sometimes sooner.
About CredEvolv
CredEvolv breaks down the barriers to credit equity and guides individuals seeking improved credit on a journey to sustainable, lifelong credit well-being. CredEvolv's proprietary credit and debt management education platform allows lenders to transform consumers in need of credit education and remediation into qualified applicants and lifelong customers by connecting them with HUD-certified & nonprofit credit counselors.
For more information, visit CredEvolv.com.
Contact
Libby Romano
media@credevolv.com
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SOURCE CredEvolv Services LLC | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/credevolv-cements-its-commitment-financial-inclusion/ | 2023-07-31T15:24:03 | 0 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/credevolv-cements-its-commitment-financial-inclusion/ |
IRVINE, Calif., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Motor Corporation (Alpha), a leading innovator in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, proudly presents the world premiere of its groundbreaking Wolf electric truck driving prototype. This innovative vehicle represents a significant milestone in Alpha's commitment to providing sustainable and accessible electric mobility solutions to consumers worldwide.
Accelerating Towards Mass Production:
Alpha's highly anticipated test drive event for the Wolf electric truck proved to be an overwhelming success, leaving attendees in awe of the vehicle's exceptional performance, and driving experience. Held at a picturesque location in California, the event highlighted the prowess of the Wolf electric truck, solidifying its position as a game-changer in the electric vehicle industry.
The success of the Wolf electric truck test drive event is a resounding confirmation that Alpha has confidence in its strides toward production development. The test drive reaffirmed that Alpha is aligned to deliver an exceptional electric vehicle. Building upon this momentum, Alpha is expediting its efforts to produce more test vehicles, accelerating the pursuit of mass production.
In every step, Alpha is committed to efficiently navigating the production process, ensuring that the Wolf electric truck becomes available for customers worldwide, and propelling the world towards a sustainable and electrifying future.
Exceptional Driving Experience:
During the test drive, participants witnessed firsthand the unmatched driving capabilities of the Wolf electric truck. From the moment they took the wheel, it became evident that this electric truck was designed to deliver more than just efficient transportation—it provided an exhilarating and seamless ride.
The precision-engineered electric powertrain of the Wolf truck exhibited remarkable acceleration, delivering instant torque and swift response to driver inputs.
Cruising through cities or venturing off-road, the Wolf impressed the drivers with its versatility and agility alongside smooth handling and stability.
Intuitive Design and Comfort:
Beyond its performance, the Wolf electric truck's interior captivated test drivers with its cabin comfort features and thoughtful details. The spacious cabin, designed to accommodate up to two passengers, ensured ample legroom and headspace for an enjoyable ride. Ergonomic controls and an intuitive infotainment system also provided a seamless and user-friendly experience inside the Wolf.
Safety is paramount at Alpha, and the Wolf electric truck is projected to satisfy expectations in this category. The Wolf truck is planned to be equipped with advanced safety features and innovative driver-assistance technologies to instill confidence in drivers. Created to inspire trust equally through busy traffic and challenging terrains, the Wolf provides a sense of security and joy in every ride.
Sleek and Powerful Operation:
The Wolf electric truck's powerfully sleek operation was one of its most notable qualities. The absence of typical engine noise astounded the participants and added to the peacefulness and tranquility of the drive. The electric powertrain's steady propulsion makes the Wolf perfect for both long distance and urban commutes, with the strikingly peaceful driving experience.
Engineering Excellence:
The Wolf electric truck is a result of Alpha's relentless dedication to engineering excellence and innovation. The prototype boasts a robust and utilitarian design, combining a sturdy body-on-frame construction with lightweight materials for enhanced efficiency and durability. Alpha's team of skilled engineers are in continuous development of the Wolf truck to equip the vehicle with optimal performance and safety standards.
Vehicle Specifications:
The Wolf electric truck exudes a commanding presence within a compact package: 4828mm (190in) long, 1900mm (75in) wide, and 1768mm (69in) tall. Catering to the diverse needs of modern drivers, the Wolf truck features a spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating two passengers in the base model and up to five passengers in the Superwolf truck. The Wolf truck was created for both personal and commercial use. Equipped with a cutting-edge electric powertrain performing remarkable acceleration and towing capabilities, the Wolf truck is a fun-to-drive electric vehicle that comes ready to take on everyday adventures.
Performance Specifications:
Alpha's engineering shines in the Wolf electric truck, incorporating a multitude of benefits to ensure that the vehicle's exhilarating performance results in an incredibly enjoyable ride. The Wolf truck's state-of-the-art electric drivetrain provides exceptional performance figures. Estimated top speed of 125 mph and a range target of up to 300+ miles on a single charge, it ensures a seamless and long-lasting driving experience. Additionally, the electric truck incorporates fast-charging technology, allowing users to recharge the battery quickly and efficiently.
Beyond the independent suspension system and integration of shock absorbers, the Wolf's low center of gravity, achieved through skillful battery placement, enhances its handling and responsiveness, making every turn a thrilling experience. The instant torque delivery of the electric powertrain ensures swift acceleration, allowing the Wolf to effortlessly surge forward, delivering a sense of power and excitement to the drivers. Moreover, the regenerative braking system not only maximizes energy efficiency but also delivers a smooth and controlled deceleration.
Additionally, the thoughtful cabin insulation minimizes external noise, creating a serene and whisper-quiet atmosphere inside the vehicle for the comfort of all passengers. From the engineering drawing board to real-world performance, the Wolf electric truck fuses innovative technology and passionate engineering, delivering an electric vehicle experience that is as fun as it is thrilling. Whether it's an urban drive or a rugged off-road adventure, the Wolf electric truck brings excitement to sustainability through its effortless driving experience, , setting a new standard for the future of electric mobility.
Efficient Production Plan:
Alpha is committed to manufacturing in the US and expediting the production process of the Wolf electric truck to meet the ever-growing demand for sustainable transportation. The company's highly streamlined production plan and strategic partnerships with leading suppliers ensure a swift and efficient assembly process, reducing waiting times for customers eager to own the Wolf truck.
Alpha's commitment to efficient car manufacturing is founded on several key pillars that streamline the production process. Firstly, the company employs state-of-the-art automation and robotics at various stages of assembly, optimizing precision and reducing production time.
Secondly, Alpha has established strategic partnerships with leading suppliers for a seamless and timely supply chain, minimizing delays and disruptions.
Thirdly, a modular approach to vehicle design enables easy integration of standardized components, simplifying production and reducing complexities. Additionally, Alpha emphasizes continuous process optimization, leveraging data-driven insights to identify bottlenecks and implement refinements for enhanced efficiency.
Lastly, a highly skilled and experienced workforce collaborates seamlessly to maintain the highest quality standards and ensure that each vehicle undergoes rigorous testing. By combining these elements, Alpha will be poised to efficiently manufacture cars, enabling the company to deliver innovative electric vehicles to the market with speed and precision, meeting the growing demand for sustainable mobility.
Market Accessibility:
Alpha believes in the democratization of electric vehicles, and the Wolf electric truck is no exception. With an affordable price point and various financing options, Alpha aims to make EV ownership accessible to a broader audience. The company's dedication to accessibility is driven by its vision of creating a sustainable future for all, one electric vehicle at a time.
Alpha's commitment to efficiently managing its capital expenditure (capex) is rooted in its differentiated operations, which go beyond the traditional automotive value chain. By leveraging innovative manufacturing techniques, strategic partnerships, and modular vehicle design, Alpha optimizes production costs while maintaining high-quality standards. The company's emphasis on automation and streamlined processes ensures cost-effective assembly, minimizing unnecessary expenses.
Furthermore, Alpha's direct-to-consumer sales model eliminates the need for intermediaries, allowing the company to offer competitive pricing and enhance market accessibility. This customer-centric approach gathers valuable insights directly from buyers, allowing Alpha to swiftly improve production and market demand alignment.
Embracing a dynamic and adaptable business model that emphasizes efficiency and accessibility, Alphas will continue to expand its market reach, making electric vehicles more attainable and appealing to a broader audience.
Sales Strategy and Timeline:
Alpha plans to continue accepting pre-orders for the Wolf electric truck following its world premiere. Customers can join the waitlist for their Wolf truck through Alpha's official website. The company plans to roll out a comprehensive online platform which will simplify the ordering process and revolutionize the car buying experience.
Alphas will adopt a direct-to-consumer sales model to offer its electric vehicles in North America. Through its user-friendly website, customers can easily browse Alpha's electric vehicle lineup, access transparent pricing and financing options, and configure their vehicles according to their preferences. The website will facilitate a seamless and hassle-free online ordering process, allowing customers to place pre-orders for their desired electric vehicle models.
Additionally, Alphas plans to establish its own branded showrooms in key locations across North America, inviting potential buyers to experience the Wolf electric truck and other models firsthand. This direct sales approach empowers Alpha to build stronger relationships with its customers, understand their needs better, and offer personalized support, ensuring a delightful and engaging purchasing journey from start to finish.
Target Market:
Over the years of its operation, Alphas has meticulously conducted consumer research to understand the evolving landscape of the electric vehicle market. This investment to connect with customer needs has subsequently validated a strong demand for the Wolf electric truck, which has surged to over 11,000 preorder indications to date.
The Wolf's design, blending modern aesthetics with practicality, resonates deeply with electric vehicle buyers, making it a standout choice in the market. Alphas' target market encompasses a diverse range of eco-conscious consumers, adventure enthusiasts, and businesses seeking sustainable transportation solutions.
The company's market advantage lies in its unique ability to combine customer-centric product development with engineering excellence, allowing it to create electric vehicles that not only meet the demands of the market but also exceed expectations.
By staying ahead of industry trends and continuously improving its offerings based on customer feedback, Alphas has solidified its position as a trailblazer in the electric vehicle industry, reshaping the future of sustainable mobility.
Delivering the Future:
Alpha is dedicated to delivering an unparalleled customer experience from pre-order to delivery. The company is seeking to establish a robust logistics network to ensure efficient and timely deliveries to customers worldwide. Alpha's commitment to environmental responsibility extends to its delivery process, with a focus on minimizing carbon emissions and employing sustainable transport methods whenever possible.
"Alpha is excited to unveil the Wolf electric truck driving prototype, a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability. By combining engineering excellence with a customer-centric approach, we aim to accelerate the transition to electric mobility and make sustainable transportation accessible to all," said Alpha Motor Corporation.
Motion Driven by Heart:
At the core of Alpha's philosophy lies the belief that every aspect of mobility should be driven by the heart. This vision embodies the company's commitment to create not just innovative electric vehicles, but to infuse them with passion, compassion, and a deep understanding of human needs and aspirations.
"Motion Driven by Heart" encapsulates Alpha's dedication to more than just engineering and performance. It reflects the company's ethos of putting people and the planet first, fostering a strong emotional connection between drivers and their electric vehicles. The Wolf electric truck is not merely a means of transportation; it is an extension of one's values, lifestyle, and desire to make a positive impact on the environment.
Alpha envisions a future where electric vehicles empower individuals and communities to embrace sustainable living without compromising on performance or style. By providing access to affordable, dependable, and stylish electric vehicles, the company aims to create a global movement towards a cleaner, greener, and more interconnected world.
"We believe that electric vehicles should not only be technologically advanced but should also resonate with the hearts of our customers. Our 'Motion Driven by Heart' philosophy guides every decision we make, from design and engineering to production and customer experience," said Alpha Motor Corporation.
Alpha's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility is evident in its actives collaborations with various environmental initiatives, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute positively to its communities.
As Alpha moves forward with speed and efficiency to bring the Wolf electric truck to the market, the company's vision of "Motion Driven by Heart" remains firmly embedded in its DNA. Through this vision, Alpha strives to inspire the world to embrace electric mobility with enthusiasm, compassion, and a shared commitment to a brighter, sustainable future.
About Alpha Motor Corporation
Alpha Motor Corporation (Alpha) is an award-winning American automobile company focused on manufacturing mobility solutions that Move Humanity®. We innovate sustainable transportation for the wellness of people and our environment by implementing advanced automotive technologies and disruptive industrial practices. Based in Irvine, California, Alpha is committed to creating the kinds of electric vehicles we believe the world has always wanted to see but that have not existed – until now.
Please contact pr@alphamotorinc.com for more information.
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SOURCE Alpha Motor Corporation | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/resounding-success-wolf-electric-truck-test-drive-wows/ | 2023-07-31T15:24:04 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/resounding-success-wolf-electric-truck-test-drive-wows/ |
Wayward dachshund returns home after days on the run
NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, Mass. (WJAR) - It is not uncommon for dogs to run away, but that doesn’t make it any easier for their worried owners.
So when the owners of a lost Massachusetts dog asked their community for help, their neighbors stepped up.
What started out as a nightmare for Dorothy and Glenn Haskell has turned into a happy ending.
“It was an absolute dream,” Dorothy Haskell said.
Positioned peacefully in her arms now, this 14-month-old daredevil dachshund named Chelsea is back home safe and sound after being on the run literally for almost four days.
“Knowing your dog is on Route 95, it’s a nightmare,” Dorothy Haskell said.
Last Sunday, Chelsea was playing with her sister Coco in their backyard when she escaped through a small hole in the fence.
They tried to get her, but she took off.
Glenn Haskell had been out for a jog. “Veered off my run and went after her, you know, but she went into the woods and gone,” he said.
From there, they posted on social media.
“(Neighbors were) coming out their doors, they were hiking through the woods. They were leaving their lights on. They were leaving water out,” Dorothy Haskell said.
They were pleading to the public to help find her as day turned to night.
“This is not going to, it’s not going to end well between her and a fox or a raccoon,” Glenn Haskell said.
The next morning, they made flyers, stuffing them in mailboxes all over. Then that night, a call came in.
“A woman is yelling, ‘Your dachshund, I know she’s up on Route 295. There’s a driver pulled over on the side of the road,’” Dorothy Haskell said.
That same driver called state police. They all tried to grab her, following her across an on ramp.
“And across three lanes of Route 95,” Dorothy Haskell said.
Spooked, the dog went back into the woods.
On Tuesday, Dorothy Haskell went back out there desperately with police, realizing there was a river nearby.
“To the officer and I said, ‘I think it’s time to call it.’ And suddenly he yelled, ‘Oh my God, she’s right there in the bushes,’” she said.
Chelsea ran back to the median and onto the highway again. Drivers began to pull over. One woman stopped traffic, but Chelsea kept going.
Having exhausted nearly all resources, the Haskells got help from Missing Dogs of Massachusetts, a volunteer-run group that help owners get their dogs back.
“A trap in our side yard. And she had me put out dirty laundry…” Dorothy Haskell said.
Just after midnight Wednesday, prayers for the pooch were answered.
“Dogs in Massachusetts, the woman called me, and she said, ‘She’s in the trap. Go out and get her.’ Because they had a camera,” Dorothy Haskell said.
The Haskells are so happy to have Chelsea back home and can’t thank the community enough for caring.
“It definitely restored your faith in humanity,” Dorothy Haskell said.
Copyright 2023 WJAR via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/wayward-dachshund-returns-home-after-days-run/ | 2023-07-31T15:24:07 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/wayward-dachshund-returns-home-after-days-run/ |
Reimagined Ship Sets Sail in Marseille With Updated Spaces and Exceptional Experiences
MIAMI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Crystal officially relaunches under the new guardianship of A&K Travel Group, as Crystal Serenity sets sail following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. Departing on its inaugural voyage today from Marseille, the cruise line's largest vessel accommodates 740 guests and is the first of two ships returning to service this summer.
With an industry-leading space-to-guest ratio (1 to 93.1 cu. ft.) and nearly one staff member per guest, Crystal Serenity fosters endless opportunities for inspiration and enrichment, complemented by unparalleled service. Larger, redesigned suites, award-winning specialty dining restaurants and restorative public spaces further expose passengers to heightened experiences enroute to the world's most sought-after destinations around the world.
"Crystal has been recognized for decades for exceptional experiences and we are excited to welcome guests back onboard for its new gilded era," said A&K Travel Group CEO, Cristina Levis. "In just one year, we've been able to revitalize the ships, a feat nearly unheard of in our industry. It is an honor to be signaling this new chapter better than ever and right on schedule, all while retaining 80% of Crystal's beloved crew on board."
Itineraries
After the first voyage from Marseille to Lisbon, Crystal Serenity will sail towards Northern Europe unearthing the most alluring locales including, UK, Ireland, and Iceland. The ship then travels to the Americas offering experiences as north as Canada to as south as Cartagena, Colombia, before beginning the 2024 World Cruise. Sailing from San Diego or Miami over the course of 125 nights, this highly anticipated voyage visits 29 countries and 62 breathtaking destinations and iconic landscapes.
Suites & Guest Rooms
Crystal enlisted leading cruise ship architectural firm, GEM, to guide the redesign of select guestrooms and suites. Accommodations feature neutral tones and high-end fixtures, complemented by subtle hues of pastel colors that resonate with the color of the ocean. Elevated details, contemporary craftsmanship, and artisanal finishes embody modern refinement, while the spacious layouts maximize in-room relaxation.
As part of the ship's refurbishments, there are two new guest room categories – the Jr. Crystal Penthouse Suite and Single Guest Room with Ocean View – that serve as an option for solo travelers without the worry of paying additional single supplements. These new categories will also increase the availability of the popular Sapphire Suite category.
- Single Guest Room with Ocean View: Cozy bedroom (up to 215 sq ft) redesigned in 2023, with welcoming and comfortable detailing, butler service, and ocean views.
- Sapphire Veranda Suite: Spacious suite (up to 430 sq ft) with living area, elegant finishings and private veranda, accompanied by attentive butler service. Sapphire suites are available to book in new and classic design.
- Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite: Redesigned in 2023, this large suite (up to 645 sq ft) includes spacious rooms with separate dining and living areas looking onto a private veranda, also accompanied by attentive butler service.
Dining
With eleven distinct dining options, including 24-hour in-suite dining service, guests have access to unparalleled culinary experiences:
- Umi Uma: The return of legendary Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa's Umi Uma – the only Nobu dining concept at sea where guests can enjoy award-winning, innovative Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.
- Osteria D'Ovidio: Fine Italian cuisine, featuring original menus and dishes created by talented Crystal chefs.
- Waterside Restaurant: Crystal's main dining room features open seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- The Bistro: A modern café and coffee bar with light snacks such as fresh pastries, bagels and fruit in the morning and a selection of international cheeses, pâtés, prosciutto, smoked salmon, and dessert delicacies throughout the afternoon.
- Trident Grill: Set poolside, Trident Grill features classic delights like burgers, melts, salads and more.
- Scoops Ice Cream Bar: Crystal's sumptuous desert bar features authentic Italian gelato with fresh toppings, frozen yogurt, homemade cookies and more.
- The Vintage Room: Offers intimate guided pairings and dinners highlighting the vast selection of wines in the ship's onboard cellar.
- Tastes Kitchen & Bar: Globally inspired cuisine and casual "family style" dining experience, Tastes offers tapas-style cuisine for guests to enjoy on their own or with newfound friends.
- Marketplace: A buffet style dining wrapped in floor to ceiling windows and a chic open air dining area.
Wellness
Crystal's new spa concept, Aurōra, is set to be the most serene wellness destination at sea with a new design boasting light-bright neutral colors, an illuminated fiber optic starlight ceiling, organic materials and a natural salt crystal and silk brushed slate stone. The extensive treatment offerings include more signature facials, massage treatments and a full-service Salon. Highlights include:
- The Aurōra LED and Cryo Facial Experience that instantly plumps and tones the skin.
- Biotec 2.0 The Ultimate Facial designed to reveal a youthful appearance after just one treatment.
- The Aurōra Stone Signature Massage which incorporates hot stones for relaxed muscle.
Furthermore, Crystal recently announced the appointment of Dalila Roglieri as Head Nutritionist for the brand, rounding out the holistic wellness experience for guests.
Crystal Serenity's sister ship Crystal Symphony is currently undergoing renovations and will resume service for its inaugural voyage in Athens on Sept. 1.
Book a Crystal itinerary by contacting your travel advisor, visiting https://www.crystalcruises.com/grand-journeys or calling 1-800-446-6620.
Additional imagery can be found HERE.
About Crystal
For more than three decades Crystal has been synonymous with exceptional, award-winning voyages. In 2022 A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and its two vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, ushering in a new era of Exceptional at Sea. The globally renowned cruise line offers discerning travelers' industry-leading, authentic, and enriching experiences both onshore and at sea. Crystal's pioneering partnership with Abercrombie & Kent provides guests with unparalleled access to the most sought-after experiences, destinations, and the latest cultural makers around the world. The reimagined ships will boast larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes, new cutting-edge wellness offerings, spectacular entertainment, and complimentary world-class dining - including the return of UMI UMA - the only dining experience by Michelin-Star Chef Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) at sea. With a legacy of unrivaled service and commitment to sophistication and elegance at every touchpoint, once on-board passengers feel as if they are perfectly at home.
Join our exceptional community at:
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Twitter: @CrystalCruises
LinkedIn: @CrystalCruises
For media inquiries, please contact:
Robyn Fink | RFink@crystalcruises.com
Mikaela Caldera | MCaldera@crystalcruises.com
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SOURCE Crystal | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/crystal-serenity-returns-service-heralding-new-era-cruising/ | 2023-07-31T15:24:09 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/crystal-serenity-returns-service-heralding-new-era-cruising/ |
Five-Star Weekend Getaway Featuring Culinary Luminaries Michael Mina, Min Kim, Adam Sobel, Philip Tessier, and Brad Kilgore.
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Robb Report, the world's leading authority in luxury lifestyle, announces the return of its annual exclusive gastronomical retreat, Culinary Masters, debuting in a new location, the Four Seasons Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on September 28-October 1, 2023. The five-star weekend getaway will feature Chef Brad Kilgore, Internationally Renowned Chef and Culinary Director at Verge at The Concours Club; Chef Min Kim, Executive Chef, Mizumi at Wynn Las Vegas; Chef Michael Mina, James Beard Award-Winning Chef & Restaurateur; Chef Adam Sobel, Chef & Partner of MINA Group; and Chef Philip Tessier, Michelin-Star Chef and Partner of PRESS.
Guests will join these world-renowned chefs for an unforgettable weekend of incredible meals and expertly paired wines, along with engaging panel discussions, an exciting cooking class competition and thrilling mountain adventures including scenic hikes at 9,000 feet, horseback riding, white water rafting, and more.
"Robb Report's Culinary Masters Weekend at the Four Seasons in Jackson Hole is going to be one to remember and I am thrilled to be part of it," said Chef Michael Mina. "It's an incredible opportunity for an intimate and immersive retreat filled with amazing food, exceptional wine, and great company. I'm really looking forward to cooking alongside the talented lineup of chefs they've assembled."
Robb Report is partnering with the V Foundation for Cancer Research this year for the first time as the Culinary Masters' charitable partner. The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach, and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the Foundation has funded more than $310 million in cancer research grants nationwide and has grown to become one of the premier supporters of cutting-edge cancer research. All proceeds from the Culinary Masters' live and silent auction will go toward the V Foundation's mission.
"We are proud of the legacy and evolution of one of Robb Report's most signature events. Culinary Masters is a celebration of exceptional taste, talent, and the best of the culinary world," said Luke Bahrenburg, President, Robb Report and Head of Luxury Sales, PMC. "We are excited to bring the event to life with our partners at the V Foundation, honoring legendary chefs, curating experiences that embody the best of fine dining, luxury, and philanthropy, all in an incredible setting."
"We are thrilled to take our annual Culinary Masters experience to the 'wild west' this year where we anticipate some of the finest culinary masterpieces and mouthwatering creations from our chefs during the weekend and as part of our Boots & Ballgowns Gala! And what's more, all the new friendships, connections, and memories to be made between our guests and chefs," said Cristina Cheever, SVP Live Media & RR1.
Robb Report's 2023 Culinary Masters is also partnering with Wynn Las Vegas, Lugano Diamonds, V Foundation, Cohiba Cigars, Chopin Vodka, Mijenta Tequila, Samsung TV and Four Seasons Jackson Hole.
Please contact us with any questions or inquiries at rr1experiences@robbreport.com.
Event information link: https://rr1.com/event/jacksonhole/
Registration link: https://robbreport.swoogo.com/2023CulinaryMasters
About Robb Report
Robb Report is the leading voice in the global luxury market. Its discerning audience around the world has a shared appreciation and desire for quality, exclusivity, heritage, taste, and fine design. Robb Report is synonymous around the world with prosperity, luxury, and the best of the best. Widely regarded as the single-most influential journal of living life to the fullest, with 17 international editions, it is the brand the most successful people rely on to discover the ideas, opinions, products, and experiences that matter most to them. For more information, please visit RobbReport.com.
About RR1
RR1 is the private-membership club that brings Robb Report to life through extraordinary, curated experiences. Members enjoy unparalleled access to benefits and events, and they become part of a powerful community of like-minded tastemakers who seek out the very finest experiences, products and services. From discovering the most alluring and exclusive destinations, to previewing the top cars and products before their official release, to dining with culinary luminaries and meeting leaders of the world's premier luxury brands, RR1 members truly experience the extraordinary. For more information about RR1, please visit RR1.com.
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SOURCE Robb Report | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/robb-report-announces-culinary-masters-event-taking-place-september-28-october-1-2023-four-seasons-jackson-hole-wyoming/ | 2023-07-31T15:24:11 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/robb-report-announces-culinary-masters-event-taking-place-september-28-october-1-2023-four-seasons-jackson-hole-wyoming/ |
YOUR HEALTH: Regular routines for healthy and happy seniors?
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (Ivanhoe Newswire) - Early to bed and early to rise not only makes a person wealthy and wise, but healthy, too, especially if you’re over 65. New research suggests that these activities may be within a person’s control, like keeping a regular sleep routine in your older years, may lead to better mental health.
A good night’s sleep and regular activity – important to your health, especially as you age, but not all activity nor sleep is created the same, according to Dr. Stephen Smagula, a University of Pittsburgh researcher.
Professor Smagula and his colleagues analyzed data from 1,800 adults over 65 for a study in which they wore devices to record their movement. They found 30 percent had no set pattern to their sleep and activity routines.
“If your pattern was disrupted, you were more than twice as likely to have significant depression symptoms,” Smagula explained.
Another 32 percent got up at the same time but only had mild activity for 13 hours during the day. This group had some symptoms of depression and also scored lower on cognition. And 38 percent had what Smagula calls a robust pattern, which means 15 hours of activity each day.
The adults with regular sleep and robust activity patterns were happier and had better cognitive functioning, suggesting routine matters.
Smagula says the first step he suggests for seniors is to get up at the same time every day, no matter how tired you are. He says that most people think about intensity when they think of activity, but the research suggests that the duration of activity matters more, meaning older adults should find ways to stay engaged throughout the day.
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Copyright 2023 WAFB. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/your-health-regular-routines-healthy-happy-seniors/ | 2023-07-31T15:24:14 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/your-health-regular-routines-healthy-happy-seniors/ |
Luxury resort connects guests with Hawaii's vibrant culture through an array of added complimentary activities set for September 1 – November 17, 2023
WAILEA, Hawaii, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As travelers look ahead to the upcoming fall season, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea invites resort guests to immerse themselves in the newly launched 'Getaway' experience from September 1 – November 17, 2023.
Designed for those seeking meaningful ways to connect to the tropical destination and its extraordinary culture, Four Seasons Resort Maui's Getaway experience features a variety of complimentary activities available daily. From new activities like a Poi Pounding Workshop and a round-robin Pickleball Power Hour to tried-and-true seasonal experiences like evening Hawaiian Star Stories and a Poke Pop-Up party, there is something for every kind of traveler.
"We are excited to reintroduce our Getaway experiential programming that provides guests with an authentic connection to the destination and culture," says General Manager Ben Shank. "With a variety of new activities, as well as a few guest favorites, we're certain these experiences will provide lifelong memories."
The robust Getaway schedule, which includes complimentary experiences from cultural to culinary to wellness to environmental, is offered in addition to the Resort's always full calendar of activities, allowing travelers of all interests and ages a personalized island getaway at Maui's premier luxury resort destination.
2023 GETAWAY EXPERIENCE:
Puka Perri Pop-Up Jewelry Bar
Meet one of Maui's favorite jewelry designers, Puka Perri, who will handcraft a design that is uniquely for you, using ocean treasures like Maui-picked puka shells and hand-selected pearls with earth elements like gold and diamonds.
Hawaiian Star Stories
Talk story with famed navigator Kala Babayan Tanaka as she recounts the history of Polynesian wayfinders who used the stars, wind, and swells to journey to the Hawaiian Islands.
Poke Pop-Up
Sample different variations of one of Hawaii's most beloved dishes: poke. Paired with Maui Brewing Co.'s handcrafted beer, this not-to-be-missed pop-up featuring the Resort's talented culinary team is a guest favorite.
Boot Camp
Start the day with a freestyle cardio and strength class that incorporates intervals, circuits, drills, weights, core, and functional moves.
Art of Botanical Block Printing
Drawing inspiration from the island's natural beauty, design a botanical stamp and print stationery with fine art block artist Susanna Cromwell.
Wine Tasting
Learn how your palate works and discover new wines in a tasting experience led by Resort Wine Director Aaron Wood-Synderman.
Coral Reefs 101
Learn about the delicate ocean ecosystem and how to restore and protect it through an onshore class and a snorkel experience led by the experts from Maui Undersea Adventures.
Pickleball Power Hour
Join a round-robin power hour of pickleball with other guests. This easy-to-play game is open to all levels and will begin with a short lesson.
Sunrise Photo Walk
Join award-winning fine art landscape photographer Scott Reither for an interactive 90-minute photo workshop along the picturesque Wailea Beach path.
Poi Pounders Workshop
Sample Hawaii's famous staple food, poi, in an interactive poi pounding demonstration that highlights kalo (taro), a "canoe plant" first brought to Hawaii by Polynesians wayfinders.
Available throughout the Getaway experience, the Resort also looks forward to welcoming the nationally acclaimed mezcal brand Dos Hombres to its sunny shores for guests, visitors, and residents to experience the 'Dos Hombres Cocina' pop-up from August 25 – December 2, 2023. Diners and visitors to the Resort will be able to enjoy a unique culinary journey for the senses set in the lush tropical gardens of the Fountain View Lawn. The Oaxacan-inspired menu will utilize the freshest local Hawaiian-grown ingredients effortlessly paired with inspired Dos Hombres craft cocktails.
To make reservations to experience a Getaway at Four Seasons Resort Maui, guests can reserve directly via the Concierge team at concierge.maui@fourseasons.com or call (808) 874-8000.
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SOURCE Four Seasons Resort Maui | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/four-seasons-resort-maui-announces-ten-ways-perfect-fall-getaway/ | 2023-07-31T15:24:16 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/four-seasons-resort-maui-announces-ten-ways-perfect-fall-getaway/ |