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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://wgntv.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/ap-group-desantis-win-in-disney-lawsuit-could-embolden-actions-against-journalists/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:19 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/ap-group-desantis-win-in-disney-lawsuit-could-embolden-actions-against-journalists/ |
LEXINGTON, Ky. (BBN TONIGHT) — Kentucky football's Devin Leary has been named to the Maxwell Award Watch list, an annual award presented to the most outstanding player in college football.
Leary is a graduate transfer quarterback who was 17-9 as a starter and threw for 6,807 yards in four seasons at NC State. Leary also completed 568-of-944 passes for 62 touchdowns, and his 6,807 career passing yards rank sixth on NC State’s career list. His 60.2% completion mark ranks fourth.
Other players of note who made the list are Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, USC quarterback Caleb Williams, and Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton.
The Maxwell Award has been presented to the College Player of the Year since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, who was a former standout at Swarthmore College and a renowned sportswriter and football official.
FULL LIST:2023 Maxwell Award Preseason Watchlist
Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced on November 13, 2023, while the three finalists will be unveiled on November 28, 2023. The winners of the 87th Maxwell Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on December 7, 2023. The formal presentations of the Maxwell Award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards in March 2024.
BBN Gameday is a weekly show, airing Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. on LEX 18, statewide on UK Sports Network affiliate stations, and all the time here on BBNGameday.com.
You can also join us on weeknights at 7:30 p.m. on BBN Tonight. | https://www.lex18.com/sports/bbn-tonight/devin-leary-named-to-maxwell-award-watch-list | 2023-07-31T16:42:21 | 0 | https://www.lex18.com/sports/bbn-tonight/devin-leary-named-to-maxwell-award-watch-list |
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.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/four-seasons-resort-maui-announces-ten-ways-perfect-fall-getaway/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:22 | 1 | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/four-seasons-resort-maui-announces-ten-ways-perfect-fall-getaway/ |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — If you believe Janelle Monae ’s hyper-sexual expression is a front, think again.
These days, Monae is unapologetically living her truth in a bold manner while trying to avoid negativity. The star, once known for sporting custom-made suits, has shed that attire (at least for now) to nearly bare all, like on the cover of her latest studio album, “The Age of Pleasure,” where she’s seen swimming topless in a pool. It’s her first release since 2018’s “Dirty Computer,” which was nominated for album of the year at the Grammys.
In recent months, Monae hasn’t been afraid of risque looks and nudity. She revealed herself during an event celebrating the release of her single “Lipstick Lover” and again onstage at an Essence Music Festival set — which drew some social media criticism including from singer India Arie and rapper Uncle Luke. She also attended the 2023 Met Gala in a barely-there outfit.
For Monae, this is her time to be free.
Monae spoke recently with The Associated Press about her supportive mother, side-stepping criticism and teasing her upcoming North American tour, which kicks off Aug. 30 in Seattle. Other tour stops include New York and Nashville and she’ll wrap in Los Angeles in mid-October.
___
AP: Since you haven’t toured since 2019, was your recent Essence Festival performance a tune up for your upcoming tour?
MONAE: Yeah, we’re testing out the songs. You‘re getting them in your body. Right now, we don’t have a lot of muscle memory with the new songs. We haven’t toured them. I know if you come into the show, you’ll love the songs. But hearing them live is a different experience, especially when you’re putting them with songs from previous work. We’re basically just putting a show together based on what we feel is good. Sometimes you just don’t know until you get on stage.
AP: What do you want people to take away from your show?
MONAE: Tap into your free (expletive) energy. That’s rooted in self-love — not arrogance. Tap into that space and then take care of each other. That’s what I hope. With the shows that I do, and when I look out, it’s an experience. It’s like our own church. You want to take care of each other.
Even if your freedom doesn’t look like that person’s freedom, you understand that we’re fighting against something much bigger than us. We’re systemically fighting against something much bigger than us, so we got to band together, we got to stick together. We have to make sure that we’re showing up for each other. If we have privilege in certain areas, making sure that we’re lending a hand, lending a voice, amplifying a message.
AP: How has it been to walk in your truth while facing criticism about your racy performances from people like Arie and Uncle Luke?
MONAE: That has absolutely nothing to do with me. I love everybody. I’m in the age of pleasure.
AP: When did you feel comfortable with living life the way you want without caring about others’ opinions?
MONAE: It’s not like I don’t care what people think. I care what some people think. I don’t care what everybody thinks. That’s the same when it comes to music. When you make a new song, I can’t go soliciting everybody’s opinions about the song. By the time I get back to the second pass of it, it’s all over the place. Everybody’s going to have an opinion. For me, it’s like, whose voice do I trust? Who do I know that loves me, cares about me, whose taste do I like, who actually is evolved enough to even understand what it is that I’m doing? Who understands nuance?
You shouldn’t care what anybody has to say. You just care what the right people have to say and everything else is muted.
AP: Who are those right people for you?
MONAE: Family. Close friends.
AP: In your journey, your mother has been a huge supporter. Whenever you have fallen under certain criticisms, how has she helped you navigate the critics?
MONAE: My mom is like ride or die. I have to tell her like “Mom, you don’t need to defend me. You don’t need to defend my life or my decisions.” For her, I’m her baby. Like any mama bear, you might get punched in the eye if you say something. You might. But I’ve calmed her down over the years. For the most part, we mostly respond to love. It’s a lot of people that love where I am and who I am and what I’m doing, and they feel really empowered and inspired by it, and that makes my mom proud, and it makes me happy.
AP: How do you avoid the naysayers?
MONAE: I’m too busy living life to be distracted. The positive things are always amazing too, but I also don’t go fishing for that. One of the things about being in the age of pleasure is being present and making sure that I’m dipping in on social media, saying what I need to say, showing love, saying “thank you,” putting up my art and leaving, going to go create more things and make more memories and more experiences.
I’m in the middle of putting together a tour for North America. We haven’t been on tour since 2019. For me, I have a lot of things that keep me busy. I’m practicing guitar. I’m having the best sex of my life. I’m happy. Even in the middle of all that’s going on in this world, I’m finding time to steal joy and to center joy and to stay surrounded by the people that bring me joy and that I can bring joy too.
AP: How did “Age of Pleasure” define where you are in life?
MONAE: I wanted to create a soundtrack to our lifestyle. I think this album like all my albums reflect exactly where I am at that time. Each album will let you know where I was in my evolution process, what things I had to unlearn, what things I learned. I love that. I love that you can always look at an artist working, sort of see what they were on at that time. | https://wgntv.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/ap-qa-janelle-monae-talks-about-freedom-how-new-album-defines-her-and-getting-ready-to-tour-again/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:26 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/ap-qa-janelle-monae-talks-about-freedom-how-new-album-defines-her-and-getting-ready-to-tour-again/ |
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — Churchill Downs Racetrack will resume live racing for the regularly scheduled meet beginning September 14, according to a news release from Churchill Downs Incorporated.
The meet will take place following a temporary suspension of racing operations to conduct an internal safety review.
Following an evaluation of existing safety protocols and an assessment of industry best practices, Churchill Downs has implemented several key enhancements to further ensure the safety and well-being of equine and human athletes. Key elements include:
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Analysis by multiple leading industry experts found no issues with the racing surfaces, however, to further maximize surface oversight and consistency, the Racetrack has invested in additional new surface maintenance equipment and committed to doubling the frequency of surface testing.
- Increased Veterinary Oversight: Additional resources will be added to CDI’s highly qualified veterinary team to provide additional monitoring and specialized care for horses and assist in pre-race inspections and entry screening.
- Collaboration with Industry Experts: Work will continue with HISA and other industry experts to predict at-risk horses using up-to-date data and advanced analytic techniques.
- Establish Safety Management Committee: A new safety committee will be established consisting of horsemen designees, racetrack employees and veterinarians to candidly discuss concerns and observations to constantly provide real time feedback on areas of improvement.
Tickets are on sale for the entire 40-day September and Fall meets at Churchill Downs and can be purchased here.
The September meet runs through October 1. The Fall meet runs from October 29 through November 26. | https://www.lex18.com/sports/race-to-the-derby/churchill-downs-to-resume-live-racing-in-september | 2023-07-31T16:42:27 | 0 | https://www.lex18.com/sports/race-to-the-derby/churchill-downs-to-resume-live-racing-in-september |
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.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/introducing-glacierfresh-gravity-water-filter-pure-innovation/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:30 | 1 | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/introducing-glacierfresh-gravity-water-filter-pure-innovation/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — 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.
The rising stage star plays Marty McFly for a musical adaptation of the beloved 1985 sci-fi comedy about a time-traveling duo who go back to the 1950s in a souped-up, gull-winged DeLorean.
“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://wgntv.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/ap-the-stars-of-broadways-back-to-the-future-musical-happily-speed-into-the-past-every-night/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:33 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/ap-the-stars-of-broadways-back-to-the-future-musical-happily-speed-into-the-past-every-night/ |
A small but mighty prehistoric creature somehow emerged alive from a chunk of ancient permafrost extracted from Siberia.
This might sound like the start of a science fiction blockbuster movie, but a study recently released by scientists provides evidence that a nematode maintained a state of suspended animation since the days of the Neanderthals.
The July 27 study published by PLOS Genetics discussed how the worm-like creature surprised scientists by moving after the permafrost thawed.
“Nobody had thought that this process could be for millennia, for 40,000 years — or even longer,” Philip Schiffer, one of the study’s authors, told NPR. “It’s just amazing that life can start again after such a long time, in the stage between life and death.”
MORE: Post-menopausal orcas protect their sons
Previously, the longest-known resuscitation for a frozen nematode was from an Antarctic species known as Plectus murryi.
Through genetic testing, the scientists labeled this new species Panagrolaimus kolymaensis.
The study team determined the nematode’s age by performing radiocarbon dating on the permafrost sample. The results showed the frozen soil was around 46,000 years old.
Scientists explained that the nematode was buried in the permafrost about 130 feet deep in an Arctic gopher burrow. Once there, it coped with the freezing temperatures by slowing its metabolism through a process known as cryptobiosis. This deep sleep allows an organism to stay alive in extreme conditions.
“We need to know how species adapted to the extreme through evolution to maybe help species alive today and humans as well,” Schiffer told The Washington Post.
Scientists learned soon after the nematode started moving that they had a female in the lab. She reproduced in the petri dish asexually, bringing this family’s first of many new generations into the world.
The original nematode to emerge from the permafrost died; however, with hundreds of generations still maintained by the scientific team, much more can be learned about this species and its impact on our modern world.
“You might learn a lot about how and what’s happening right now on Earth, and maybe even inform protection of endangered species,” Schiffer told NPR.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Check out Simplemost for additional stories. | https://www.lex18.com/this-worm-woke-up-after-being-frozen-for-46000-years | 2023-07-31T16:42:33 | 0 | https://www.lex18.com/this-worm-woke-up-after-being-frozen-for-46000-years |
(Our Auto Expert) – The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is here to redefine the legacy of the world’s best-selling sports car. As the latest addition to the Mustang family, this remarkable vehicle marks a new chapter in its 59-year history. With its powerful engine, cutting-edge technology, and captivating design, the Mustang Dark Horse is set to wow both existing fans and a new generation of sports car enthusiasts.
The Mustang Dark Horse boasts the first new Mustang performance series title in 21 years. It is also the most powerful non-Shelby edition ever created, thanks to its unique 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine that churns out an impressive 500 horsepower. However, the Dark Horse is not just about raw horsepower; it is a vehicle designed for both street and track use.
Equipped with available carbon fiber wheels from Carbon Revolution and the Handling Package, the Mustang Dark Horse is the most track-capable 5.0-liter V8 street-legal Mustang ever produced. Its performance is further enhanced by the specially designed blue ember metallic paint, adding exclusivity to this exceptional vehicle.
The Mustang Dark Horse exudes a menacing presence with its bold shadow graphic surrounding the darkened LED headlamps, lower side skirts, rear fixed rear wing, new race-inspired diffuser, and darkened quad exhaust tips. Its design is a testament to the Mustang’s storied motorsports history, combining aggression and elegance in one stunning package.
This powerhouse of a car comes equipped with a full suite of next-gen technology specifically designed to enhance performance. The standard MagneRide shocks, capable of monitoring wheel and tire movement 1,000 times per second, ensure an unparalleled driving experience. The Mustang Dark Horse is not just a pretty face; it’s a technologically advanced beast.
For those who prefer manual control, the Mustang Dark Horse comes standard with a unique six-speed TREMEC manual transmission and a special Mustang Dark Horse transmission oil cooler to keep the stallion cool under pressure. Alternatively, there is the option to choose Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission for seamless gear changes.
The Mustang Dark Horse is not just a car; it’s a symbol of Mustang’s storied motorsports history. With its unique design, powerful engine, and advanced technology, it is set to make history itself. This street and track performance Mustang is sure to be a fan favorite for years to come.
Conclusion:
If you’re in search of a car that combines style, performance, and innovation, the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is the ultimate choice. Its powerful engine, track-ready capabilities, and advanced technology are a testament to the Mustang’s legacy. Whether you’re an existing fan or a new sports car lover, the Mustang Dark Horse is sure to ignite your excitement. Get ready to experience the thrill of the road like never before. | https://cbs4indy.com/automotive/ford-introduces-the-most-powerful-non-shelby-mustang-ever/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:36 | 0 | https://cbs4indy.com/automotive/ford-introduces-the-most-powerful-non-shelby-mustang-ever/ |
NEW YORK , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes Global Properties, a curated consumer marketplace of luxury homes and an invitation-only membership network of independently owned real estate firms, has named respected industry veteran Matt Beall chair of the organization's Board of Directors.
Chief Executive Officer and Principal Broker of Hawaii Life, Mr. Beall draws from 25 years of residential real estate experience. Recognizing the increasing need for innovative and engaging property marketing, Mr. Beall co-founded Hawaii Life in 2008 and the company quickly became the market leader in luxury real estate sales across the island chain.
Under Mr. Beall's leadership, Hawaii Life has enjoyed consistent growth and success and today is regarded as the top-producing real estate brokerage in the State of Hawaii. Operating from 17 offices across the Hawaiian Islands, the firm's team of 350 skilled agents represent buyers, sellers, and property owners with a well-earned reputation for the delivery of highly personalized service and expert guidance with unwavering professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Beall has served Hawaii's real estate industry, holding a variety of board and leadership positions, including President of the Kauai Board of Realtors and as a member of Hawaii Association of Realtors' executive committee. Currently, he is on the board of the Hawaii Land Trust, a land conservation organization with over 22,000 acres in perpetual conservation. He is also a member of the Kauai Leadership Council for the Hawaii Community Foundation, where Hawaii Life has a donor-advised fund managed entirely by its brokers, agents, and employees.
"It's an honor to serve Forbes Global Properties as the Board Chair, and especially to continue the legacy of Jeff Hyland, who was always a mentor of mine and many others in our organization. We have extraordinary talent on both the board and in our membership across the globe, and we're all looking forward to expanding the possibilities with Forbes as our partner," said Matt Beall Chief Executive Officer and Principal Broker of Hawaii Life and Board Chair of Forbes Global Properties.
"Matt is a valued member of Forbes Global Properties who prioritizes collaboration, professionalism, and the highest level of service for both our members and the clients we represent. He has a clear vision for continued growth and the proven ability to implement those plans; I look forward to supporting him in this new role," said Michael Jalbert, Chief Executive Officer.
Forbes Global Properties was co-founded by Jeff Hyland and Bonnie Stone Sellers as a way to connect the increasingly global buyers of luxury homes with the world's foremost real estate experts. The consortium launched in December 2020 with offices in 75 locations and has since grown to a powerful global network of more than 13,000 real estate agents across 440 locations.
Mr. Beall is joined on the Board by Vice Chair Andy Nelson of Willis Allen Real Estate, Olivier de Chabot-Tramecourt of Groupe Mercure, Quentin Epiney of Comptoir Immobilier / FGP Swiss + Alps, Ken Jacobs of Private Property Global, Nikki Koval of Forbes Media LLC, Jose Ribes Bas of Inmobiliaria Rimontgó, co-founder Bonnie Stone Sellers, and Mark Smith of Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate.
The exclusive worldwide residential real estate partner of Forbes, Forbes Global Properties provides branding and marketing services to the world's premier real estate firms. Members are thoroughly vetted, and the network is comprised of top brokerages with proven records of success in luxury property sales and recognized delivery of exceptional client service.
About Forbes Global Properties
Established in 2020 and led by the world's foremost independent luxury residential brokers and industry veterans, Forbes Global Properties is a curated consumer marketplace that connects discerning buyers directly to the world's finest homes and the elite agents that represent them. The invitation-only network spans 440 locations and comprises more than 13,000 property experts across the U.S., Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Middle East, New Zealand, and Europe. For more information, visit forbesglobalproperties.com.
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SOURCE Forbes Global Properties | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/matt-beall-named-board-chair-forbes-global-properties/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:36 | 1 | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/matt-beall-named-board-chair-forbes-global-properties/ |
WNBA star Brittney Griner is taking a break from basketball to focus on her mental health.
Griner did not travel with her team, the Phoenix Mercury, on its two-game road trip to Chicago and Indiana this week.
"The Mercury fully support Brittney and we will continue to work together on a timeline for her return," the Mercury said in a statement.
The team did not reveal whether Griner's mental health issues are related to her 10-month stay in a Russian prison.
SEE MORE: Griner confronted at Dallas Airport by 'provocateur'
The basketball star was convicted last year in a Russian court on drug charges, months after police found cannabis oil in her luggage the Moscow airport. Despite Griner maintaining that she had been prescribed the oil to treat pain, she was sentenced to nine-years in prison.
She was released in December in a surprise prisoner swap with notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Griner spent about 18 months away from competitive basketball before returning to action with the Mercury at the beginning of the season.
The star picked up where she left off, averaging 18 points and six rebounds per game. However, the Mercury are struggling to win games.
They are currently 6-18 this season, putting them in 10th place in the 12-team league.
SEE MORE: WNBA players launch 3-on-3 league as attendance rises
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com | https://www.lex18.com/wnba-s-brittney-griner-taking-time-off-to-focus-on-mental-health | 2023-07-31T16:42:40 | 0 | https://www.lex18.com/wnba-s-brittney-griner-taking-time-off-to-focus-on-mental-health |
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 2nd 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.”
Houston found the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children in 1989 with the goal of empowering youth, 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, which is now called the Whitney E. Houston Legacy 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://wgntv.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/ap-whitney-houstons-estate-announces-second-annual-legacy-of-love-gala-with-bebe-winans-kim-burrell/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:39 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/ap-whitney-houstons-estate-announces-second-annual-legacy-of-love-gala-with-bebe-winans-kim-burrell/ |
President Biden will tout his administration’s work to combat climate change in a trip out West, which has faced scorching — and in some cases, record-breaking — temperatures this month.
In a trip next week to Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, Biden is expected to discuss Democrats’ climate, tax and health care bill and the ways in which it bolstered climate-friendly energy and U.S. manufacturing.
Later, on Aug. 16, Biden will host a White House event to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act.
The southwestern U.S. has faced a sweltering heat wave over the past several weeks, with Phoenix seeing 31 days in a row of temperatures above 110 degrees.
Last week, Biden gave a speech about climate change, which exacerbates heat waves and other extreme weather events, and said he would take actions aimed at protecting workers from the hazardous heat.
The upcoming White House moves are part of broader efforts to promote that bill and other legislation the administration has passed.
This week, Vice President Harris and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will visit Wisconsin to talk about broadband investments that were part of the bipartisan infrastructure law.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will visit Oregon to discuss grants aimed at addressing wildfires and to Washington state to talk about climate-related investments in Agriculture. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi will visit Puerto Rico to engage on issues related to grid resilience. And Interior Secretary Deb Haaland will go to California to talk about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for water recycling.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will visit Illinois to talk about clean energy investments and Houston for a ribbon cutting for a port. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra will visit Las Vegas, Nevada and Oregon to talk about efforts to lower health care costs. | https://cbs4indy.com/hill-politics/biden-to-tout-climate-investments-in-trip-to-sweltering-west/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:42 | 1 | https://cbs4indy.com/hill-politics/biden-to-tout-climate-investments-in-trip-to-sweltering-west/ |
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.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/mercury-names-most-affordable-2023-electric-vehicles-insure/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:43 | 0 | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/mercury-names-most-affordable-2023-electric-vehicles-insure/ |
President Biden will tout his administration’s work to combat climate change in a trip out West, which has faced scorching — and in some cases, record-breaking — temperatures this month.
In a trip next week to Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, Biden is expected to discuss Democrats’ climate, tax and health care bill and the ways in which it bolstered climate-friendly energy and U.S. manufacturing.
Later, on Aug. 16, Biden will host a White House event to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act.
The southwestern U.S. has faced a sweltering heat wave over the past several weeks, with Phoenix seeing 31 days in a row of temperatures above 110 degrees.
Last week, Biden gave a speech about climate change, which exacerbates heat waves and other extreme weather events, and said he would take actions aimed at protecting workers from the hazardous heat.
The upcoming White House moves are part of broader efforts to promote that bill and other legislation the administration has passed.
This week, Vice President Harris and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will visit Wisconsin to talk about broadband investments that were part of the bipartisan infrastructure law.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will visit Oregon to discuss grants aimed at addressing wildfires and to Washington state to talk about climate-related investments in Agriculture. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi will visit Puerto Rico to engage on issues related to grid resilience. And Interior Secretary Deb Haaland will go to California to talk about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for water recycling.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will visit Illinois to talk about clean energy investments and Houston for a ribbon cutting for a port. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra will visit Las Vegas, Nevada and Oregon to talk about efforts to lower health care costs. | https://wgntv.com/hill-politics/biden-to-tout-climate-investments-in-trip-to-sweltering-west/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:46 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/hill-politics/biden-to-tout-climate-investments-in-trip-to-sweltering-west/ |
The U.S. State Department has selected an Indigenous artist to represent the country at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
Jeffrey Gibson, a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and of Cherokee descent, will be the first such artist to have a solo exhibition in the U.S. Pavilion at the prestigious international arts event.
That's according to a statement this week from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the government body responsible for co-curating the U.S. Pavilion, alongside Oregon's Portland Art Museum and SITE Santa Fe in New Mexico.
The State Department's records of the U.S. Pavilion exhibitions date back to when it was built, in 1930.
Although Indigenous artists have shown work more broadly in Venice over the years, the last time Indigenous artists appeared in the U.S. Pavilion at the Biennale was in 1932 — and that was in a group setting, as part of a mostly Eurocentric exhibition devoted to depictions of the American West.
"In 1932, one of the rooms was devoted to Native American art, but it was done in what I would say was a very ethnographic type of presentation," said Kathleen Ash-Milby, curator of Native American Art at the Portland Art Museum, and one of the co-commissioners of Jeffrey Gibson's work in the U.S. Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. "It grouped native people together and didn't really focus on their individuality as much. There were Navajo rugs on the floor. There were displays of jewelry. Many of the artists were not named."
Ash-Milby, who is also the first Native American curator to co-commission and co-curate an exhibition for the U.S. Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, told NPR her team selected Gibson because of the artist's wide-ranging, inclusive and critical approach to art-making.
"His work is multifaceted. It incorporates all sorts of different types of media," the curator, a member of the Navajo Nation, said. "But to me, what's most important is his ability to connect with both his culture and different communities, and bring people together. At the same time, he has a very critical lens through which he looks at our history as Americans and as world citizens. Pulling all those things together in the practice of an American artist is really important for someone who's going to represent us on a world stage."
Born in Colorado and based in New York, Gibson, 51, focuses on making work that fuses together American, Native American and queer perspectives. In a 2019 interview with Here and Now, Gibson said the art world hasn't traditionally valued Indigenous histories and artistic representations.
"There's this gap historically about these histories existing on the same level and being valued culturally," Gibson said. "My goal is to force them into the contemporary cannon of what's considered important."
A MacArthur "Genius" Grant winner, Gibson has had his work widely exhibited around the country. Major solo exhibitions include one at the Portland Art Museum last year and, in 2013, at Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art. His work is in the collections of high-profile institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Art. Gibson participated in the 2019 Whitney Biennial.
"Having an Indigenous artist represent the United States at the Venice Biennale is a long overdue and very powerful moment," San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Director Christopher Bedford said in an email to NPR. "Centering the perspectives of contemporary indigenous artists is a critical component of fostering inclusivity and equity in museums, and in our world."
The details of Gibson's contribution for the 2024 Biennale are mostly under wraps. Curator Ash-Milby said the artist is working on a multimedia installation with the title "the space in which to place me" — a reference to a poem by the Lakota poet Layli Long Soldier.
According to the organizers of the U.S. Pavilion, the upcoming Biennale will enable international audiences to have the first major opportunity to experience Gibson's work outside of the U.S. It will be on view April 20 through Nov. 24, 2024.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.apr.org/arts-life/arts-life/2023-07-29/in-a-first-the-u-s-picks-an-indigenous-artist-for-a-solo-show-at-the-venice-biennale | 2023-07-31T16:42:47 | 0 | https://www.apr.org/arts-life/arts-life/2023-07-29/in-a-first-the-u-s-picks-an-indigenous-artist-for-a-solo-show-at-the-venice-biennale |
Elon Musk’s X threatens to sue researchers who documented the rise in hateful tweets
WASHINGTON (AP) — X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has threatened to sue a group of independent researchers whose research documented an increase in hate speech on the site since it was purchased last year by Elon Musk.
An attorney representing the social media site wrote to the Center for Countering Digital Hate on July 20 threatening legal action over the nonprofit’s research into hate speech and content moderation. The letter alleged that CCDH’s research publications seem intended “to harm Twitter’s business by driving advertisers away from the platform with incendiary claims.”
Musk is a self-professed free speech absolutist who has welcomed back white supremacists and election deniers to the platform, which he renamed X earlier this month. But the billionaire has at times proven sensitive about critical speech directed at him or his companies.
The center is a nonprofit with offices in the U.S. and United Kingdom. It regularly publishes reports on hate speech, extremism or harmful behavior on social media platforms like X, TikTok or Facebook.
The organization has published several reports critical of Musk’s leadership, detailing an increase in anti-LGBTQ hate speech as well as climate misinformation since his purchase. The letter from X’s attorney cited one specific report from June that found the platform failed to remove neo-Nazi and anti-LGBTQ content from verified users that violated the platform’s rules.
In the letter, attorney Alex Spiro questioned the expertise of the researchers and accused the center of trying to harm X’s reputation. The letter also suggested, without evidence, that the center received funds from some of X’s competitors, even though the center has also published critical reports about TikTok, Facebook and other large platforms.
“CCDH intends to harm Twitter’s business by driving advertisers away from the platform with incendiary claims,” Spiro wrote, using the platform’s former name.
Imran Ahmed, the center’s founder and CEO, told the AP on Monday that his group has never received a similar response from any tech company, despite a history of studying the relationship between social media, hate speech and extremism. He said that typically, the targets of the center’s criticism have responded by defending their work or promising to address any problems that have been identified.
Ahmed said he worried X’s response to the center’s work could have a chilling effect if it frightens other researchers away from studying the platform. He said he also worried that other industries could take note of the strategy.
“This is an unprecedented escalation by a social media company against independent researchers. Musk has just declared open war,” Ahmed told the Associated Press. “If Musk succeeds in silencing us other researchers will be next in line.”
Messages left with Spiro and X were not immediately returned Monday.
It’s not the first time that Musk has fired back at critics. Last year, he suspended the accounts of several journalists who covered his takeover of Twitter. Another user was permanently banned for using publicly available flight data to track Musk’s private plane; Musk had initially pledged to keep the user on the platform but later changed his mind, citing his personal safety. He also threatened to sue the user.
He initially had promised that he would allow any speech on his platform that wasn’t illegal. “I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means,” Musk wrote in a tweet last year.
X’s recent threat of a lawsuit prompted concern from U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who said the billionaire was trying to use the threat of legal action to punish a nonprofit group trying to hold a powerful social media platform accountable.
“Instead of attacking them, he should be attacking the increasingly disturbing content on Twitter,” Schiff said in a statement.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kwch.com/2023/07/31/elon-musks-x-threatens-sue-researchers-who-documented-rise-hateful-tweets/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:47 | 0 | https://www.kwch.com/2023/07/31/elon-musks-x-threatens-sue-researchers-who-documented-rise-hateful-tweets/ |
A Georgia judge has rejected former President Trump’s efforts to quash an investigation into his efforts to overturn the state’s 2020 election results.
“The movants’ asserted ‘injuries’ that would open the doors of the courthouse to their claims are either insufficient or else speculative and unrealized,” Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney wrote in the nine-page ruling.
“They are insufficient because, while being the subject (or even target) of a highly publicized criminal investigation is likely an unwelcome and unpleasant experience, no court ever has held that that status alone provides a basis for the courts to interfere with or halt the investigation.”
The ruling is the second roadblock for Trump in his efforts to dismiss the probe, after the state’s Supreme Court earlier this month rejected another suit seeking to block it.
That court had in part rejected Trump’s arguments while noting the matter before McBurney.
McBurney presided over the grand jury who were presented evidence by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) who has advised court officials she could bring charges in the high-profile case the second or third week of August.
Trump has also sued Willis and McBurney in another third suit filed alongside his petition to the state supreme court — an additional attempt to nix the investigation beyond the matter McBurney addressed Monday.
“Petitioner’s every attempt to seek redress in the normal course have been ignored, and the District Attorney has given every indication that the injury is imminent,” Trump wrote in the petition earlier this month.
McBurney also determined that Trump didn’t have standing to sue to quash the investigation, noting that the former president can only “theorize” that he will be named in an indictment.
“The professed injuries are also speculative and unrealized because there is, as of yet, no indictment that creates the genuine controversy required to confer standing,” McBurney wrote.
—Updated at 12:04 p.m. | https://cbs4indy.com/hill-politics/georgia-judge-rejects-trump-effort-to-quash-fulton-county-investigation/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:48 | 0 | https://cbs4indy.com/hill-politics/georgia-judge-rejects-trump-effort-to-quash-fulton-county-investigation/ |
“Filling the Gap” help meet the need for meals until the school year starts
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - With just a few weeks until the school year starts in Wichita, the Kansas Food Bank offers ways to ensure kids stay fed.
Monday, July 31 and Monday, Aug. 7 are the two days families can get a week’s worth of breakfast and lunches. The program is meant to fill the two-week gap between the end of the USDA Summer Meals program and the start of school.
Any child needing food may visit one of six Wichita distribution sites between noon and 1 p.m. No registration is needed, but the child/children must be present to receive the food.
South/Southeast
-Colvin Neighborhood City Hall – 2820 S Roosevelt
-Word of Life Church South – 2020 E Blake St
North/Northwest
-Evergreen Neighborhood City Hall / Salud + Bienestar – Parking lot of 2700 N Woodland
North/Northeast
-HealthCore Clinic – 2707 E 21st St N
**Monday, July 31st, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm – COVID Vaccines and well-child/sports physicals will also be available
Oaklawn
-Oaklawn Activity Center – 4904 S Clifton
Haysville
-Haysville United Methodist Church - 601 E Grand
Read more about this program at kansasfoodbank.org or call (316) 265-FOOD with questions.
Copyright 2023 KWCH. All rights reserved. To report a correction or typo, please email news@kwch.com | https://www.kwch.com/2023/07/31/filling-gap-help-meet-need-meals-until-school-year-starts/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:48 | 1 | https://www.kwch.com/2023/07/31/filling-gap-help-meet-need-meals-until-school-year-starts/ |
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.kswo.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/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:50 | 0 | https://www.kswo.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/ |
A Georgia judge has rejected former President Trump’s efforts to quash an investigation into his efforts to overturn the state’s 2020 election results.
“The movants’ asserted ‘injuries’ that would open the doors of the courthouse to their claims are either insufficient or else speculative and unrealized,” Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney wrote in the nine-page ruling.
“They are insufficient because, while being the subject (or even target) of a highly publicized criminal investigation is likely an unwelcome and unpleasant experience, no court ever has held that that status alone provides a basis for the courts to interfere with or halt the investigation.”
The ruling is the second roadblock for Trump in his efforts to dismiss the probe, after the state’s Supreme Court earlier this month rejected another suit seeking to block it.
That court had in part rejected Trump’s arguments while noting the matter before McBurney.
McBurney presided over the grand jury who were presented evidence by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) who has advised court officials she could bring charges in the high-profile case the second or third week of August.
Trump has also sued Willis and McBurney in another third suit filed alongside his petition to the state supreme court — an additional attempt to nix the investigation beyond the matter McBurney addressed Monday.
“Petitioner’s every attempt to seek redress in the normal course have been ignored, and the District Attorney has given every indication that the injury is imminent,” Trump wrote in the petition earlier this month.
McBurney also determined that Trump didn’t have standing to sue to quash the investigation, noting that the former president can only “theorize” that he will be named in an indictment.
“The professed injuries are also speculative and unrealized because there is, as of yet, no indictment that creates the genuine controversy required to confer standing,” McBurney wrote.
—Updated at 12:04 p.m. | https://wgntv.com/hill-politics/georgia-judge-rejects-trump-effort-to-quash-fulton-county-investigation/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:52 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/hill-politics/georgia-judge-rejects-trump-effort-to-quash-fulton-county-investigation/ |
The first time Nicola Veitch went to a soccer game, she danced on the field in a white lab coat alongside a colleague inside a giant tsetse fly costume. Most of the fans applauded. Some were baffled.
Neither was auditioning to be the new team mascot.
Rather, Veitch, who's a lecturer in parasitology at the University of Glasgow, put on this somewhat weird performance as a pilot for sleeping sickness street theater — using a theatrical event to teach people about a disease that affects about 1,000 people each year in Africa.
In Malawi's two endemic districts where the disease is spread by local tsetse flies, the number of people falling ill from sleeping sickness has declined in recent years, but cases still persist. Last year, there were only 40 cases across the country. But Veitch points out the disease is "often unpredictable," which means that the possibility of resurgence remains a persistent threat.
More than a year after that Scottish match, the group brought the theatrical event to soccer games in Malawi where people cheered while learning about how to protect themselves from this tiny killer. Veitch calls it an innovative intervention in remote, hard-to-reach communities with few smartphones.
At the time of the performance, she says a clinical trial was underway for a new drug that "seems to be very promising in terms of treating sleeping sickness." If successful, people with the disease could take the medicine at home instead of relying on the current method of treatment for late-stage sleeping sickness — the intravenous administration of a toxic drug that often leads to complications and is occasionally fatal itself. The new drug would represent "a massive change," she says. But in the meantime, knowledge is one of the best ways to fight the disease, and the performance seemed to offer the spectators important information.
Sleeping sickness is found in communities in Malawi that border nature or game reserves. Those areas were where the performances were held. "So we are targeting the people that are really affected," says Janelisa Musaya, a parasitologist involved in the project and the associate director of the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, instead of "just throwing the message all over the country." In other words, she says, it's a way of allocating resources wisely.
Targeting a 'hypnotic' parasite
Sleeping sickness, also called African trypanosomiasis, is caused by a parasite. "It almost looks like a worm," says Veitch. But it's not a worm. It's a single-celled protozoan of the genus Trypanosoma.
The parasite relies on the tsetse fly to shuttle it around. When an infected fly bites someone, the parasite can slip into their bloodstream. It causes a little trouble there, says Musaya, "but when it crosses the blood-brain barrier and goes to the central nervous system, it can affect your sleeping cycle. That's why it's called the sleeping sickness." (The disease is often confused with malaria since the symptoms of fever and lethargy are similar.)
When Veitch looks down the microscope at the parasite that causes sleeping sickness, she says, "it's very hypnotic the way it moves and quite beautiful. I think that only a parasitologist can say that."
That beauty was what got her thinking several years back about alternative ways to inform people about the disease — which many people in Malawi are still not aware of, Veitch says. She has a family member who works for SURGE, a Scottish art, theater and circus organization that runs an annual performance festival that brings cutting edge work to the streets and spaces of Glasgow. The sketches tend to be short, sharp, and interactive, she says.
One year, Veitch was drawn to an outside act that had repurposed an ambulance to teach people how to respond to someone having a cardiac arrest through engaging movement and comical water balloon antics. "And I thought to myself, we could be using street theater to engage people with parasitology," she says. So she approached SURGE and said, "We could maybe work together on something to do with parasites. I think we could create something really cool."
Veitch isn't alone in her thinking. A few years back, the World Health Organization published a report on the role that the arts — including theater — can play in improving our physical, social, and psychological health and well-being, a particular concern in under-resourced countries.
Arts activities facilitate social interaction, says Nisha Sajnani, the co-director of the Jameel Arts and Health Lab at New York University, who wasn't involved in the sleeping sickness project. She adds that performance is just the right platform and artform to "increase a sense of self-efficacy — a feeling of being able to do something about a problem."
Veitch's conversation with SURGE kickstarted a multiyear effort for her and her colleagues in Scotland and Malawi, including an arts and theater group called Voices Malawi that educates people about various illnesses, including COVID-19 and malaria and that uses street theater as a teaching mode.
First, the team had to dream up a way to depict sleeping sickness through street theater. Musaya was excited to get involved. After studying sleeping sickness for 15 years, there was still a missing link for her — "how do we educate the community not to get infected?" She hoped this theatrical foray might provide an answer.
Bwanalori Mwamlima, senior health promotion officer in the Rumphi district of Malawi, says that developing the performance was an act of co-creation among scientists, health workers, performing artists and individuals who'd survived the disease. He explains that the messages they wanted to communicate were, "How is it transmitted? What are the [symptoms]? How can it be prevented? And what are the current interventions?"
Tsetse fly theater has its Malawi premiere
When the show rolled out in Malawi in the fall of 2022, here's what it looked like.
Communities were told that local football and netball teams would descend upon a particular field to play. Then, the day of the event, the performers (a team of nurses, clinicians, students and researchers) drove through town in a truck with music blaring. That got people to leave their homes and follow the truck to the edge of a soccer field. "We wanted to gather a crowd," says Veitch.
Before the soccer game, they offered their theatrical vision of sleeping sickness — mainly visual with some narration. They gave red t-shirts to the audience and asked them to put them on to simulate the human bloodstream. The performers who were dressed as scientists in white lab coats waded into the crowd, each one carrying a giant net. "They were supposed to be scientists looking for infection," says Veitch.
Once the crowd was sufficiently warmed up, the person dressed as the tsetse fly emerged. (The fly costume was made in Scotland by the costume designer regularly employed by SURGE. She'd made outfits for "all sorts of weird and wonderful performances," says Veitch, but this was her first tsetse fly — which had massive wings and limited vision for the person inside the fly's head, so you "need someone to be at your side when moving around.")
The fly threw beach balls into the crowd, representing the infectious parasite, which audience members batted around.
The beach balls were different colors, a metaphor for the way in which the parasite changes its outer protein coat to evade the human immune system. "It's very difficult to create a vaccine to something that undergoes this variation," says Veitch.
The people dressed as scientists ran around to catch the balls of infection in their nets. And finally, they brought out a large net, enveloping the giant fly, escorting it offstage and bringing the performance to a close. In reality, this net is highly effective at attracting tsetse flies because of its blue color and the bottle of urine-smelling liquid placed beside it. "It's just a simple bit of material that has insecticide" in it, Veitch says.
But sometimes people in nearby villages take down the nets stationed in game reserves because they don't know what they are or why they're there. Therefore, "one of the ideas behind the performance," says Veitch, "was to get people to really consider they're very effective at catching tsetse. And if you leave them up, it's beneficial to everybody and that will prevent disease." In addition, by showing researchers helping to capture the parasites, the performers hoped to demonstrate to the public that scientists and their work can be trusted.
Afterward, spectators received additional guidance during a question and answer session. They asked what differentiates a tsetse fly from a housefly (its size, color, and resting wing position), how long it takes for symptoms to appear (typically 2 to 4 weeks) and perhaps most important, how to prevent getting bitten in the first place (avoid nature reserves; don't wear blue or black, which attracts the flies; wear long sleeves; apply insect repellent).
Musaya hopes the audiences walked away with an improved understanding of the disease and how they would contract it. "Many people who attended the performance said they didn't know about the disease," Veitch says. "They had heard of tsetse, but didn't know of the disease it carried, and didn't know of the symptoms to look out for."
"There's something about the dramatizing of the concept that increases the understanding," she explains.
Mwamlima, who dressed up as the tsetse fly for one of the performances in Malawi, was surprised by the success of the theatrical approach, "considering that this is the first time to bring theater performances to teach science," he says. "So I wasn't sure whether it would work," but he's glad that it seemed to. Evaluations showed the audiences were engaged and felt confident asking questions. But long-term, Veitch says they'll know if the performance was successful "if more tsetse nets are left in place and if more people come forward for diagnosis and treatment."
In addition, the medical professionals and researchers, many of whom had never done anything like this before, found this to be a meaningful way to connect with communities. "It really improved people's confidence in terms of thinking about public engagement," Veitch says, "and they would do it again."
"It's a great example of how participatory theater offers a compelling, energizing, pleasurable way of bringing people together to clarify community concerns, feel empowered to make a difference, problem solve," says NYU's Sajnani.
"I think it's a remarkable approach," agrees Kartik Sharma, the founder of the organization Public Arts Health & Us, which translates health and environment research into film and art, including theater pieces. He wasn't associated with the sleeping sickness project. Sharma argues that a performance "converts research into something which people can see and feel in a more personalized way." The result, he says, is that "you can actually use it the next day in your life. So I think it's a very powerful strategy."
For those who missed the show, Veitch says that video recordings will be used as part of Malawi's mobile cinema program, which ranges from big televisions on the back of land rovers to large screens set up next to marketplaces and other public gatherings. It's a common way to publicize health messages in Malawi. The goal, says Veitch, is to "extend the legacy of what we've been doing."
However, despite all the fanfare and promise of the program, Veitch, who says she wasn't into soccer when this program began, admits that she's still not a football fan.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.apr.org/science-health/science-health/2023-07-30/a-man-dressed-as-a-tsetse-fly-came-to-a-soccer-game-and-he-definitely-had-a-goal | 2023-07-31T16:42:53 | 1 | https://www.apr.org/science-health/science-health/2023-07-30/a-man-dressed-as-a-tsetse-fly-came-to-a-soccer-game-and-he-definitely-had-a-goal |
Former Hunter Biden associate Devon Archer is sitting for a closed-door transcribed interview with the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Monday, in an appearance that is expected to fuel Republican attempts to link President Biden to his son’s business dealings.
The interview follows a letter from the Department of Justice over the weekend regarding Archer’s sentencing for an unrelated matter that is adding to GOP claims of government obstruction of their investigation into the Biden family’s business dealings — even as Archer’s attorney beat down the speculation.
The Justice Department (DOJ) in its letter requested that a judge set a date for Archer to start his one-year prison sentence for his conviction for defrauding a Native American tribe, despite Archer’s counsel saying it was “premature” to do so because of an anticipated appeal and an “error” in sentencing.
That set off alarm bells in the GOP.
“I don’t know if this a coincidence, or if this is another example of the weaponization of the Department of Justice,” House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) said Sunday on Fox News.
Other Republicans went further, accusing the DOJ of explicit interference in the GOP-led investigation. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said lawmakers should return from an August recess for emergency hearings if Archer did not show up.
But Archer’s attorney stressed the letter would not impact his planned interview, which had been rescheduled multiple times since Comer subpoenaed him in June.
“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 on Monday,” Acher’s lawyer Matthew Schwartz said in a Sunday statement, first provided to Politico. “To be clear, Mr. Archer does not agree with that speculation. In any case, Mr. Archer will do what he has planned to do all along, which is to show up on Monday and to honestly answer the questions that are put to him by the Congressional investigators.”
The DOJ said in a subsequent letter that it was not requesting that Archer surrender before his expected congressional testimony.
His appearance went on as scheduled. A smiling Archer did not answer shouted questions as he arrived at the interview with his lawyer Monday morning.
The interview will comprise four hours of questioning divided evenly between Republicans and Democrats, and it is expected to end midafternoon. Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), and Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) were in attendance.
“I believe he can tell us things we haven’t heard before,” Biggs said.
Goldman cast doubt on the GOP attempts to link the president to his son’s business dealings.
“We’re all waiting for any pin, whether it be a linchpin or other pin, to figure out how this is connected at all to President Biden,” Goldman said. | https://cbs4indy.com/hill-politics/hunter-biden-associate-devon-archer-gives-closed-door-interview/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:54 | 1 | https://cbs4indy.com/hill-politics/hunter-biden-associate-devon-archer-gives-closed-door-interview/ |
Hunter Biden’s former business partner appears for closed-door interview with GOP-led committee
WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden’s former business partner appeared Monday for closed-door testimony on Capitol Hill, with Republicans planning to question him about claims that President Joe Biden was directly involved in his younger son’s financial dealings.
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee was conducting a transcribed interview with Devon Archer as part of its expanding congressional inquiry into the Biden family businesses as the GOP explores a potential impeachment inquiry into the president.
Archer, who served with Hunter Biden on the board of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma, has been seen by Republicans as a key witness in their so-far fruitless search to directly connect the president to his son’s various international business transactions.
Rep. James Comer, the GOP chairman of Oversight Committee, issued a subpoena to Archer in June, saying he “played a significant role in the Biden family’s business deals abroad, including but not limited to China, Russia, and Ukraine.” He said Archer’s testimony would be critical to the committee’s investigation.
Republicans have focused much attention on an unverified tip to the FBI that alleged a bribery scheme involving Joe Biden when he was vice president. The claim, which first emerged in 2019, was that Biden pressured Ukraine to fire its top prosecutor in order to stop an investigation into Burisma, an oil-and-gas company where Hunter Biden was on the board. GOP lawmakers and staff present at Monday’s interview were also expected to question Archer about several business meetings and conversations Hunter Biden had during which he is said to have invoked his father’s name.
Democrats on the committee, including Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the ranking minority member, have reiterated that the Justice Department investigated the Burisma claim when Donald Trump was president and closed the matter after eight months, finding “insufficient evidence” that it was true. Democrats have also highlighted the transcript of an interview with Mykola Zlochevsky, Burisma’s co-founder, in which he denied having any contact with Joe Biden while Hunter Biden worked for the company.
“Mr. Zlochevsky’s statements are just one of the many that have debunked the corruption allegations,” Raskin said.
On top of his relationship with Hunter Biden, who is currently facing federal tax charges, Archer has his own legal troubles stemming from a 2018 felony conviction for his role in a conspiracy to defraud a Native American tribe. That conviction was overturned later that year, but then the court of appeals in New York reinstated it in 2020. His sentencing in the case has been repeatedly delayed by appeals.
Archer’s appearance before lawmakers had been scheduled and canceled several times since June. Republicans suggested it was about to be delayed again after the Justice Department over the weekend asked a judge to schedule a date for Archer to surrender to prison and begin serving out his one-year sentence in the unrelated fraud case.
Republicans — led by Comer — criticized that delay, calling it an effort by the Justice Department to intimidate a witness. But the Justice Department in a follow-up memo to the court noted Archer’s surrender was not imminent and asked a judge to ensure that he testified to Congress before reporting to prison.
“Mr. Archer will do what he has planned to do all along, which is to show up this morning and to honestly answer the questions that are put to him by the congressional investigators,” said Archer’s attorney, Matthew Schwartz, who is a managing partner at New York-based firm Boies Schiller Flexner.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kwch.com/2023/07/31/hunter-bidens-former-business-partner-appears-closed-door-interview-with-gop-led-committee/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:53 | 1 | https://www.kwch.com/2023/07/31/hunter-bidens-former-business-partner-appears-closed-door-interview-with-gop-led-committee/ |
Multi-year contract is the largest in NRAEF history. Watch this video to learn about NRAEF apprenticeship programs.
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) has been awarded a five-year $12.2 million contract by the U.S. Department of Labor to grow its Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship (HSRA) program by 5,000 participants. The award is the largest in NRAEF history and affirms its commitment to building a diverse hospitality workforce.
With a special focus on addressing barriers to historically underrepresented populations, the HSRA program will enroll 1,000 new apprentices annually across the hospitality industry over the next five years. Apprentices will receive on-the-job training, as well as nationally-recognized credentials to help them advance through the ranks, earn more, and ultimately build a long-term industry career. Awarded by the DOL's Employment and Training Administration, the project aims to strengthen the Foundation's ongoing industry-wide work to connect current and future industry workers with advancement pathways through apprenticeship.
"Apprenticeship is an answer to many of the workforce obstacles faced by the hospitality industry. More importantly, it is life changing to individual apprentices, offering them a path to better pay, industry skills, and a career," said NRAEF president Rob Gifford. "This new DOL contract represents the next chapter of our work to change 5,000 lives, strengthen the hospitality industry, and ensure it reflects the diversity of the people we serve."
The HSRA program is housed in the NRAEF's Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC). Since establishing itself as the first recognized apprenticeship program for hospitality management, the HSRA program has grown to include line cook, hotel cook, kitchen manager, restaurant manager, lodging manager, and maintenance employee programs. All programs are no cost to both employers and their employees and help hospitality employers build and manage tailored curriculums that merge on-the-job experience with related training instruction. Learn more about restaurant and hospitality apprenticeship at ChooseRestaurants.org/RHLC.
About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF):
As the supporting philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the NRAEF's charitable mission includes enhancing the industry's training and education, career development, and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower, and Advance today's and tomorrow's restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart® – a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready/HOPES – Partnering with community based organizations to provide people with skills training and job opportunities; Military – helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships – financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC) – accredited apprenticeship programs designed to build the careers of service professionals. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org. Click here for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's 2022 Annual Impact Report.
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SOURCE National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/national-restaurant-association-educational-foundation-receives-122-million-contract-strengthen-grow-diversify-hospitality-industry-apprenticeship/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:56 | 1 | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/national-restaurant-association-educational-foundation-receives-122-million-contract-strengthen-grow-diversify-hospitality-industry-apprenticeship/ |
A super PAC that works to help Democrats get elected to the House is calling on them to promote the economy and the party’s successes as Congress goes on recess for the next month.
House Majority PAC said in a memo to congressional Democrats on Monday that the party must emphasize its accomplishments at the national and local level heading into the 2024 election. The memo said the PAC conducted research showing Democrats “dramatically” improve their position when they are proactive in speaking about the economy.
“Go on offense, and build the contrast with the MAGA House Republicans immediately,” it states.
The memo, which was first reported by Politico, references several key legislative accomplishments of the Biden administration, including the bipartisan infrastructure package, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.
The chips legislation provided billions of dollars in incentives for manufacturers to build domestic semiconductor plants, while the Inflation Reduction Act made significant investments in climate programs, allowed Medicare to negotiate on some drug prices and raised taxes on large corporations, among other initiatives.
The memo also states that “month after month” has shown President Biden’s “Bidenomics” economic policy is working.
The push to highlight economic issues comes as Biden’s approval rating, especially on the economy, remains underwater. A CNBC All-America Economic Survey earlier this month found that 37 percent of Americans approved of Biden’s handling of the economy, compared to 58 percent who disapproved.
The PAC said Democrats need to point to continued job growth that dropped the unemployment rate to 3.6 percent last month and declining inflation as evidence of the party’s success.
The memo also urges Democrats to target Republicans as “extremist” and threatening economic progress. It said they should note the battle over raising the debt ceiling in the spring and the potential government shutdown in September if Congress does not pass the 12 annual appropriations bills to fund the government.
The PAC also called on Democrats to go on offense over abortion, pointing to the annual defense bill the Republican-controlled House passed that would prohibit the Department of Defense from reimbursing service members who travel to receive an abortion. | https://wgntv.com/hill-politics/top-house-democratic-pac-urging-members-to-lean-into-economy/ | 2023-07-31T16:42:58 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/hill-politics/top-house-democratic-pac-urging-members-to-lean-into-economy/ |
Former President Trump predicted Monday that he would be indicted “any day now” as part of special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into his conduct after the 2020 election.
“I assume that an Indictment from Deranged Jack Smith and his highly partisan gang of Thugs, pertaining to my ‘PEACEFULLY & PATRIOTICALLY Speech, will be coming out any day now, as yet another attempt to cover up all of the bad news about bribes, payoffs, and extortion, coming from the Biden ‘camp,’” Trump posted on Truth Social. “This seems to be the way they do it. ELECTION INTERFERENCE! PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT!”
Smith is investigating Trump’s attempts to remain in power after losing the 2020 election, which culminated with Trump delivering a speech Jan. 6, 2021, in which he repeated false claims about the election being rigged. Trump supporters then violently stormed and ransacked the Capitol in a bid to halt the certification of the election results.
Anticipation over a potential indictment of Trump has been building for weeks after the former president shared that he had received a letter from the Justice Department notifying him he was a target of their investigation.
Target letters typically indicate prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to bring charges against an individual.
In addition, a handful of former Trump officials have reportedly testified in recent weeks as part of Smith’s investigation into the former president’s actions after the 2020 election. Prosecutors are said to have been interested in whether Trump acknowledged that he lost the election despite his public claims that it was fraudulent and could be overturned.
Trump pursued a multi-pronged plan to remain in office following the 2020 election, turning to the DOJ, state officials and even his own supporters, who violently ransacked the Capitol after then-Vice President Mike Pence refused Trump’s request to overturn the results.
The former president’s attorneys met last week with officials from Smith’s office. Trump called it a “productive” meeting, and he indicated his representatives sought to make the case against bringing charges.
A federal grand jury hearing evidence in the case meets Tuesdays and Thursdays. | https://cbs4indy.com/hill-politics/trump-expects-to-be-indicted-on-jan-6-charges-any-day-now/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:00 | 1 | https://cbs4indy.com/hill-politics/trump-expects-to-be-indicted-on-jan-6-charges-any-day-now/ |
Man mauled to death by pack of dogs, sheriff says
SKIPPERVILLE, Ala. (WTVY/Gray News) – A man was mauled to death by a pack of dogs, according to Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum, who explained investigators originally believed the man had been murdered.
Authorities said acquaintances found the body of 27-year-old Demarcus “Sam” McKenzie in the driveway of a home.
Bynum said it looked like McKenzie was leaving the house when the dogs became aggressive toward him.
“The victim began to run down the driveway as two to three more dogs joined in on the attack,” he explained.
The sheriff said surveillance video shows McKenzie falling and the dogs pouncing on him.
“At one point, five to six dogs are seen violently attacking and mauling the victim as he struggles to stand. After a few minutes, the dogs overpower the victim, and he appears to become incapacitated,” Bynum said.
The sheriff plans to discuss the tragedy with Dale County District Attorney Kirke Adams but did not say who owns the dogs or if they could face charges.
The body’s condition led officers to first believe that McKenzie had been shot, Bynum said.
Copyright 2023 WTVY via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kwch.com/2023/07/31/man-mauled-death-by-pack-dogs-sheriff-says/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:00 | 0 | https://www.kwch.com/2023/07/31/man-mauled-death-by-pack-dogs-sheriff-says/ |
Cox Mobile is expanding their device portfolio with Samsung's newest Galaxy foldables.
ATLANTA, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are now available to Cox Mobile customers for pre-order online and in retail stores nationwide. Last week, Samsung unveiled the fifth generation of Galaxy foldables and showcased how the company is transforming what's possible with foldable smartphones.
With the new Samsung Galaxy Z series, Cox Mobile customers will experience enhanced device features like:
- New 'Flex Hinge,' technology that enables the foldable experience while offering an aesthetically balanced and solid design.
- Versatile camera experience with extraordinary camera capabilities such as FlexCam, allowing users to take beautiful hands-free photos and videos from new, creative angles.
- Optimized battery life powered by the latest processor.
- A wider variety of recycled materials1 than their previous generations, including pre-consumer recycled glass and aluminum and post-consumer recycled plastics, sourced from discarded fishing nets, water barrels and PET bottles.
From content creation on Galaxy Z Flip5's new Flex Window, now 3.78 times larger than the previous generation2 to seamless multitasking on Galaxy Z Fold5, this series of Galaxy foldables meets and exceeds the distinctive needs of today's users.
"Samsung's Galaxy Z series – the industry's newest foldables - are now available to Cox Mobile customers and enhance our already competitive device portfolio," said Tony Krueck, senior vice president of Cox Mobile. "We're committed to providing a wide variety of mobile device options that meet our customers' needs, budgets and lifestyles."
Cox Mobile is exclusively available to Cox Internet customers in all Cox markets nationwide. With unlimited talk and text and no term agreements, customers have access to two simple data plans designed with their needs and budget in mind – Pay As You Gig and Gig Unlimited. Customers also have access to a network with unbeatable 5G reliability, as well as the ability to stay connected with Cox Internet at home and with more than 4 million of Cox's on-the-go wifi hotspots.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are now available for Cox Mobile customers to pre-order, with general availability starting August 11. Customers interested in learning more about Cox Mobile or the newest Samsung devices can visit their nearest Cox retail store, go directly to www.cox.com/mobile, or give us a call at 1-800-234-3993.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. As the largest private broadband company in America, we operate fiber broadband networks in more than 30 states, providing connections and advanced cloud and managed IT services for nearly seven million homes and businesses nationwide. We're dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that make each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.
1 Types of recycled materials include post-consumer recycled PA sourced from discarded fishing nets, post-consumer recycled PBT sourced from discarded PET bottles, post-consumer recycled PC sourced from water barrels and pre-consumer recycled aluminum sourced from discarded scrap material generated as a by-product during manufacturing. The scrap metal is re-melted, filtered for impurities and then recycled to make parts within Samsung's manufacturing process. There is also pre-consumer recycled glass sourced from discarded glass waste generated as a byproduct of glass manufacturing. This glass waste is crushed into cullet and then used as a component in the Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 manufacturing process.
2 Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Flip5's Cover Screen is 3.4-inch in the full rectangular form; actual viewable area is approximately 95% of the full rectangular area due to the rounded corners and lower cutout.
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SOURCE Cox Communications | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/new-samsung-galaxy-z-flip5-galaxy-z-fold5-now-available-cox-mobile-customers/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:03 | 0 | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/new-samsung-galaxy-z-flip5-galaxy-z-fold5-now-available-cox-mobile-customers/ |
Check out Dan’s list for things he is currently loving about summer.
Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter. | https://wgntv.com/morning-news/dans-list-things-im-currently-loving-about-summer/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:04 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/morning-news/dans-list-things-im-currently-loving-about-summer/ |
Stilesville, Ind. — The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a single-vehicle deadly crash from Monday morning, which led to the death of a 17-year-old male.
Deputies were called to the scene on U.S. 40 near County Road 300 West near Stilesville around 6:20 a.m. when the crash was reported to the Hendricks County Communications Center.
The preliminary investigation showed that a Saturn car was traveling eastbound on U.S. 40 when for an unknown reason, the vehicle left the road and struck a tree.
The driver, later identified as the 17-year-old and sole occupant was pronounced dead on scene. Drugs and alcohol are not suspected as contributing factors to the deadly crash.
The identity of the driver is not being released due to pending notification of the family.
The investigation is ongoing. | https://cbs4indy.com/indiana-news/17-year-old-dies-after-crash-on-u-s-40-near-stilesville/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:06 | 1 | https://cbs4indy.com/indiana-news/17-year-old-dies-after-crash-on-u-s-40-near-stilesville/ |
Mark Lupa and his son Evan travel around the area reviewing restaurants on their TikTok @chicagoguyforgotten.
Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter. | https://wgntv.com/morning-news/father-son-duo-reviews-chicago-restaurants/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:10 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/morning-news/father-son-duo-reviews-chicago-restaurants/ |
Formation of new Board and updates to key management roles set to drive and accelerate progression in the region
CARLSBAD, Calif., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nice, a global leader in Home and Building Management solutions, today announced pivotal changes within its North American entity to further boost growth and innovation.
, former Chief Commercial Officer of GE Grid Solutions, appointed as Nice North America CEO.
Nice North America begins its next phase of evolution by establishing a new Board to provide strategic oversight of regional operations, a move indicating a sustained commitment to increasing shareholder value, improving corporate governance, and driving strategic growth. The Board will lead four specialized committees, each focused on accelerating growth in the areas of ESG, People Strategy, Audit & Compliance, and Strategy.
Leading the coordination of the Board will be Luca Longhin, who is appointed President of Nice North America and is a long-standing contributor to the mission of Nice. Since 2019, Luca has worked extensively on the North American vision and strategy for growth, including driving post-acquisition integration of businesses in the region. His deep understanding of Nice business dynamics will ensure that North America continues on its successful trajectory while contributing significantly to global objectives.
Emanuel Bertolini is appointed as the new CEO of Nice North America, bringing over two decades of project management, sales, and P&L leadership experience. Emanuel has amassed an impressive track record of driving growth and success in his previous roles at GE, including Chief Commercial Officer of GE Grid Solutions, CEO Americas of GE Grid Solutions, and various board positions. Emanuel's proven leadership and dedication to fostering a culture of teamwork, safety, and compliance align perfectly with the values and mission of Nice.
Emanuel is recognized as a growth-oriented leader with a proven track record of delivering results. His extensive background and global expertise equip him with a deep understanding of business dynamics and the ability to drive success. Throughout his leadership journey, he has fostered a culture of teamwork, valuing diverse teams and perspectives, prioritizing safety, and ensuring compliance.
"We are excited about the organizational developments and future of Nice North America," said Roberto Griffa, CEO of Nice group. "Luca's history of success, not only in the region but also throughout his career with Nice, will continue building on the solid foundation established. We are also thrilled about the appointment of Emanuel, a highly regarded leader, and are delighted to welcome him to Nice. His global expertise working across a range of industries make him an excellent fit for the role in driving continued success to achieve the company's strategic objectives."
Addressing his appointment as CEO of Nice North America, Emanuel Bertolini had this to say: "I am pleased to embark on this exciting journey with Nice, a dynamic and globally recognized company. The clear mission, exceptional team, and diverse portfolio of innovative products and solutions position us strongly to achieve success in the marketplace. Together with Luca, the Board, and our dedicated team, I look forward to collaborating with the talented individuals at Nice to deliver outstanding value to our shareholders and our customers."
In his new role as CEO, Emanuel will officially join on August 7, 2023 and report directly to the newly formed Board. Luca will report to Roberto Griffa and the Nice Executive Committee in Italy. This governance structure is designed to accelerate the progression of Nice in North America, building on its innovative smart home and building management solutions.
The moves take place as the company continues its rapid expansion and convergence of brands, beginning first with ELAN®, SpeakerCraft®, and Panamax® brands to create a more powerful whole home solution by the end of 2023.
About Nice North America
Nice North America, a subsidiary of Nice, one of the largest manufacturers of smart residential, commercial, and industrial solutions in the world, with seamless and easy-to-install technology for smart home control, security and automation, perimeter access, protection and control, sunshade solutions, power management, and whole home entertainment. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, with several R&D and manufacturing centers across the region. Professional integrators, dealers, and distribution partners grow their business with CEU training and education, technical and field support, and award-winning sales and marketing programs. The company is a proud national sponsor of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program, supporting wounded veterans and their families with specially adapted smart homes. For further information visit www.niceforyou.com.
Press Contacts:
Agency Contact
BCW
Brittany Gbur
Brittany.gbur@bcw-global.com
Corporate Contact
Mark Burson
Chief Marketing Officer
Nice North America
m.burson@niceforyou.com
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SOURCE Nice North America | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nice-charts-course-bolster-growth-with-strategic-leadership-appointments-evolution-organizational-structure/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:10 | 1 | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nice-charts-course-bolster-growth-with-strategic-leadership-appointments-evolution-organizational-structure/ |
MADISON COUNTY, Ind. – The embattled Madison County coroner tendered his resignation Friday and said his last day will be Monday.
Dr. Troy Abbott sent his letter of resignation to Gov. Eric Holcomb on July 28, citing “changes” in his “professional and personal life” that led to his decision to step down.
“I have tried to give an opportunity for a three-month transition period back into the Coroner’s office. I have found that this will not be possible,” Abbott wrote.
Abbott said his last day will be Monday, July 31. He called being elected coroner a “great honor.”
“Thank you for allowing me to serve our fellow Hoosiers,” he wrote.
Madison County Republican Party Chairman Russ Willis confirmed Abbott’s resignation and said a successor would be selected in a vote on Aug. 21.
Abbott was elected in 2020. Under his tenure, the coroner’s officer struggled with space concerns, delays in notification and violations that resulting in fines from the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
He advocated for a new morgue, saying the county needed more space after an increased number of deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic and fentanyl overdoses. | https://cbs4indy.com/indiana-news/madison-county-coroner-resigns-last-day-is-july-31/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:12 | 0 | https://cbs4indy.com/indiana-news/madison-county-coroner-resigns-last-day-is-july-31/ |
The ‘80s metal scene left a long and lasting legacy, and the stories of five of its top artists are told in the new Paramount+ docuseries, “I Wanna Rock: The ‘80s Metal Dream.” The series follows members of the bands Skid Row, Winger, Twisted Sister, Vixen and the Scream as they chased fame and found it.
“I Wanna Rock: The ‘80s Metal Dream”
Streaming on Paramount Plus
tylermeasom.com
Instagram @tylermeasom
Twitter @tylerfilmmaker
Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter. | https://wgntv.com/morning-news/i-wanna-rock-the-80s-metal-dream/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:16 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/morning-news/i-wanna-rock-the-80s-metal-dream/ |
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.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nicklaus-childrens-hospital-earns-2023-emergency-nurses-association-lantern-award/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:16 | 0 | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nicklaus-childrens-hospital-earns-2023-emergency-nurses-association-lantern-award/ |
BLUE RIVER, Ind. — For the first time in 30 to 40 years, a young, endangered salamander has been found in an Indiana river igniting hope among conservationists that a century-long decline may be rerouting onto a path of recovery.
The young hellbender salamander — a gilled larva —was documented recently by biologists who were conducting routine surveys in south-central Indiana on the Blue River.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Purdue University biologists labeled the discovery “significant” since hellbender salamanders have been in a documented decline in Indiana since the early-to-mid 1900s.
The DNR and Purdue biologists expressed hope that this rare sighting of a young salamander in the wild means the species is recovering thanks to decades of conservation efforts. The hellbender salamander has been in decline for a century due to habitat loss and poor water quality, DNR said.
Hellbender salamanders take seven to eight years to reach maturity and are said to play an important role in aquatic ecosystems. Hellbenders are “indicators of clean water,” DNR said.
“Finding hellbender larvae is a huge benchmark of the program’s success,” said DNR’s Nate Engbrecht, the state herpetologist. “It tells us that there has been successful breeding, hatching, and recruitment in the wild. It’s a wonderful sign that captive-reared and released hellbenders are doing what we want them to do at this site.”
DNR asks any anglers who accidentally hook a hellbender to cut the line and let the salamander go unharmed.
The Indiana Hellbender Partnership has developed over the last 15 years and is a collaboration between DNR and Purdue University with funding support from the Indiana DNR Nongame Wildlife Fund and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service along with partners in local governments, universities, non-governmental organizations and zoos. | https://cbs4indy.com/indiana-news/young-endangered-salamander-spotted-in-indiana-river-first-time-in-decades/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:18 | 0 | https://cbs4indy.com/indiana-news/young-endangered-salamander-spotted-in-indiana-river-first-time-in-decades/ |
CHICAGO — Giant anteaters can be deadly. In Brazil there have been incidents where anteaters dug their claws into hunters and killed them.
And they’ve been known to get into battles with jaguars that leave them both dead, on top of each other.
These anteaters can be up to seven feet long. And people say their claws are like pocket-knives.
These giant anteaters are generally harmless to humans because they really just like ants. But scientists say their habitats are disappearing and that might have made them more aggressive.
The WGN Morning News crew also discuss swimming in the Seine, a cat exercise wheel, and Anacin.
Love the WGN Morning News? We love you, too. And you can have all the hijinks delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign up and subscribe to our WGN Morning News newsletter. | https://wgntv.com/morning-news/wgn-morning-news-9-at-9/deadly-giant-anteaters/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:22 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/morning-news/wgn-morning-news-9-at-9/deadly-giant-anteaters/ |
The company's 2022 annual audit shows impressive growth with a focus on regional expansion, becoming first fintech startup from Singapore to have over 20 offices globally
SAN FRANCISCO and SINGAPORE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nium, the leader in real-time global payments, has published its 2022 audit, showing US$82M in net revenue which grew 2.7x YoY and ended at more than $100M net revenue run rate. Nium is Singapore's first global fintech focused on payments to reach this revenue milestone. In 2022, the company focused its development on serving high-growth client use cases, in industries such as travel, payroll, spend management, and financial services. This strategy has allowed for the business to accelerate its growth agenda, including global expansion, organic product innovation, continued hiring of top talent, and M&A activity.
"Moving money across borders is broken," said Prajit Nanu, Founder and CEO at Nium. "Legacy banks and payment processors have failed to give businesses the solutions they need to expand globally. Nium fills this gap and has emerged as the new global business standard for real-time, cross-border money movement. We are thrilled to see such success last year and are extremely bullish on not only the scale we've already seen this year, but what we'll see by the end of 2023."
Nium has hundreds of clients across multiple industries including financial institutions, payroll, spend management, and travel. Financial institutions were a priority last year as Nium focused on helping them target new markets with instant bank payouts and expand to emerging markets. Nium powers among the largest brands and platforms in the globe, including Rippling, Payoneer, Amadeus, Aspire, MasterCard and eDreams.
Nium's issuing product also saw substantial success, with over 30M cards issued just last year. Nium helps navigate this rapidly changing landscape, by allowing travel intermediaries and operators to efficiently pay travel suppliers around the world, optimizing every transaction for maximum profitability. On the product side, the company launched Nium Airline Payments, a closed-loop payments solution powered by Universal Air Travel Plan, which provides airlines, travel agents, and online travel agencies with a sustainable and equitable 'closed loop' payment model.
Last year saw exponential growth on Nium's leadership team, including the hires of CPO, Robin Gandhi; GC, Dylan Lowrey; and CTO, Ramana Satyavarapu. With hiring at the forefront, the Nium team was awarded the Great Places to Work certification in India, Malta, Singapore, and the US. Nium also expanded into new markets, including Malaysia and Japan. Due to this expansion of the company and team, Nium saw a slightly higher burn rate than in 2021.
Over the past year Nium raised additional capital at a $2.0bn valuation, adding new investors such as BOND, NewView Capital, Moore Capital and Tribe Capital. The business is very well capitalized and continues to invest in product innovation, new markets and M&A opportunities. "Our investors believe in our mission of building the payments infrastructure for on-demand money and our funding has helped us accelerate our growth aspirations. We're thrilled to have the support of these notable investors and continue to look forward to working closely together to advance our business." said Nanu.
Nium plays in the foundational payment infrastructure market that has proven to be one of the few thriving markets during these challenging times. The company's extensive global reach, broad license portfolio, real-time payments network, enhanced payroll solution, and a team of industry leaders have been the pillars of its success. In 2023, Nium has been focused on regional expansion. The company's recent hires of Volker Steinle to lead Americas business development, Anupam Pahuja to lead Asia Pacific and Middle East business development, and Manuel Sandhofer to lead Europe business development are examples of that investment. This expertise, coupled with new licenses pending regulatory approval, has set Nium up for success in emerging markets including LATAM and Africa. The company has also recently opened new offices in San Francisco, Amsterdam, India, and Singapore.
About Nium
Nium, the leader in real-time global payments, was founded on the mission to deliver the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the on-demand economy, its payments infrastructure is shaping how banks, fintechs, and businesses everywhere collect, convert, and disburse funds instantly across borders. Its payout network supports 100 currencies and spans 190+ countries, 100 of which in real-time. Funds can be disbursed to accounts, wallets, and cards and collected locally in 35 markets. Nium's growing card issuance business is already available in 34 countries. Nium holds regulatory licenses and authorizations in more than 40 countries, enabling seamless onboarding, rapid integration, and compliance – independent of geography. The company is co-headquartered in San Francisco and Singapore, with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
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SOURCE Nium | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nium-announces-2022-net-revenue-grew-27x-yoy-us82m/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:23 | 0 | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nium-announces-2022-net-revenue-grew-27x-yoy-us82m/ |
BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY, Ind. — One person is dead following a crash that occurred Sunday afternoon in Bartholomew County.
Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office responded to a UTV crash in the 900 block of E. 77 N and found a man with injuries.
The victim died from his injuries. He was later identified as 62-year-old Mark Case from Hope.
Officers from the Department of Natural Resources assisted in the investigation. | https://cbs4indy.com/news/1-dead-in-utv-crash-sunday-afternoon-in-batholomew-county/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:24 | 1 | https://cbs4indy.com/news/1-dead-in-utv-crash-sunday-afternoon-in-batholomew-county/ |
KHAR, Pakistan (AP) — Hundreds of mourners attended funerals in Pakistan on Monday after a suicide bombing killed at least 54 people at an election rally for a pro-Taliban cleric, carrying caskets draped in colorful cloths to burial sites in the hills.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for Sunday’s bombing in Bajur that killed at least five children and wounded nearly 200 people.
The attack appeared to reflect divisions between Islamist groups, which have a strong presence in the district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan. It targeted the Jamiat Ulema Islam party, which has ties to the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban.
At least 1,000 people, according to police, were crowded into a tent near a market for the rally ahead of fall elections.
“People were chanting God is Great as the leaders arrived,” said Khan Mohammad, a local resident who said he was standing outside the tent, “and that was when I heard the deafening sound of the bomb.”
Mohammad said he heard people crying for help, and minutes later ambulances arrived and began taking the wounded away.
Police said their initial investigation suggested that the Islamic State group’s regional affiliate, a rival of the Taliban, could be responsible, while a Pakistan security analyst pointed to breakaway factions of the Pakistani Taliban as possible suspects.
The Pakistani military spent years fighting the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, in Bajur before declaring the district clear of militants in 2016. But the Jamiat Ulema Islam party, headed by hard-line cleric and politician Fazlur Rehman, has remained a potent political force.
On Monday, police recorded statements from some of the wounded at a hospital in Khar, the district’s principal town.
The Islamic State in Khorasan Province, which police identified as a suspect in the attack, is based in neighboring Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province and is a rival of the Afghan Taliban and al-Qaida.
Pakistani security analyst Mahmood Shah said some TTP members have been known to disobey their top leadership to carry out attacks, as have breakaway factions of the group.
Shah said such factions could have perpetrated the attack to cause “confusion, instability and unrest ahead of the elections.”
On Monday, female relatives and children wailed and beat their chests at family homes as the dead were taken for funerals, following local customs. Hundreds of men followed the caskets to mosques and open areas for special funeral prayers and then into the hills for burial.
As condolences continued to pour in from across the country, dozens of people who had lesser injuries were discharged from hospital, while the critically wounded were taken to the provincial capital of Peshawar by army helicopters. The death toll continued to rise as some critically wounded people died in hospital, physician Gul Naseeb said.
Gul Akbar, the father of an 11-year-old boy who was wounded in the attack, told The Associated Press that his entire family was in a state of shock after hearing about the bombing Sunday. He said he first went to the scene of the attack, and later found his son Taslim Khan being treated in a hospital in Khar.
“What would I have done if he had also been martyred? Five children died in this barbaric attack, and we want to know what our children did wrong,” he said.
Rehman’s party is preparing to contest elections, which are expected in October or November. Abdul Rasheed, one of the party’s senior leaders, said the bombing was aimed at weakening the party but that “such attacks cannot deter our resolve.”
Rehman’s party is part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s coalition government, which came to power in April 2022 by ousting former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence vote in the legislature.
Sharif called Rehman to express his condolences and assure the cleric that those who orchestrated the attack would be punished. Khan condemned the bombing Sunday, as did the U.S. and Russian embassies in Islamabad.
The Pakistani Taliban also distanced themselves from the bombing, saying that it was intended to set Islamists against each other. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Afghan Taliban, wrote in a tweet that “such crimes cannot be justified in any way.”
The bombing came hours before Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng arrived in Islamabad, where he signed new agreements to boost trade and economic ties to mark a decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a sprawling package under which China has invested $10 billion in Pakistan over 10 years, according to Sharif.
“We will not tolerate any obstacles in the way of friendship with China,” Sharif said, as he stood next to He.
But the government canceled a cultural event that had been arranged in honor of He, according to Sharif, while the nation mourns.
Some Chinese nationals have also been targeted by militants in northwestern Pakistan and elsewhere.
Rehman, who has long supported Afghanistan’s Taliban government, survived at least two known bomb attacks in 2011 and 2014, when bombings damaged his car at rallies.
Sunday’s bombing was one of the worst in northwestern Pakistan in the last decade. In 2014, 147 people, mostly schoolchildren, were killed in a Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar.
In January, 74 people were killed in a bombing at a mosque in Peshawar. And in February, more than 100 people, mostly policemen, died in a bombing at a mosque inside a high-security compound housing Peshawar police headquarters.
___
Associated Press writer Munir Ahmed contributed to this story from Islamabad. | https://wgntv.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-pakistan-holds-funerals-as-government-vows-to-hunt-down-those-behind-the-weekends-suicide-bombing/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:28 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-pakistan-holds-funerals-as-government-vows-to-hunt-down-those-behind-the-weekends-suicide-bombing/ |
CARMEL, Ind. — The Carmel Market District is hosting an in-person hiring event on Tuesday, Aug. 1, to attempt to fill 50 open positions in the store.
Carmel Market District, located at 11505 Illinois St, job fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Recruiters will be on-site to make contingent offers to prospective employees.
Market District is looking for team members who enjoy performing various tasks in a fast-paced work environment and are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service.
Open positions include experienced and apprentice bakers and cake decorators, experienced meat cutters, department leads, personal shoppers for Giant Eagle’s popular curbside pickup and home delivery services, deli and prepared foods clerks, gourmet chefs, line cooks, baristas, and more.
Interested candidates are invited to visit the Giant Eagle website’s Market District Hiring Day event page to view full event detail. Advance registration is not required.
Market District includes a variety of benefits, including flexible scheduling, competitive wages, paid training, advancement opportunities, and paid time off. | https://cbs4indy.com/news/carmel-market-district-to-host-job-fair-tuesday/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:30 | 0 | https://cbs4indy.com/news/carmel-market-district-to-host-job-fair-tuesday/ |
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — West African nations have announced travel and economic sanctions against Niger and have threatened to use force if the leaders of a coup don’t reinstate the democratically elected president within one week.
The sanctions announced after the regional bloc known as ECOWAS convened to respond to last week’s military takeover add to a growing list of penalties against the country, one of the least developed in the world, according to the latest U.N. Human Development Index. Niger relies heavily on foreign aid: analysts fear sanctions could further impoverish its 25 million people.
“In the event the authority’s demands are not met within one week, (the bloc will) take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force,” the ECOWAS bloc said in a statement after its meeting on Sunday. One of its demands is the immediate release and reinstatement of Nigerian President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains under house arrest and has yet to resign.
Niger, a former French colony, had been regarded by the West as one of the last democratic partners in the Sahel region in its battle against Islamic extremists. The European Union and the United States have poured millions of dollars in military aid and assistance into the country. The French and the US provide training to Niger’s forces and the French military does joint operations in the north.
ECOWAS suspended all commercial and financial transactions between its member states and Niger, as well as freezing Nigerien assets held in regional central banks. Economic sanctions could have a deep impact on Nigeriens: the country relies on imports from Nigeria for up to 90% of its power, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.
The sanctions could be disastrous and Niger needs to find a solution to avoid them, the country’s Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou told French media outlet Radio France Internationale on Sunday.
“When people say there’s an embargo, land borders are closed, air borders are closed, it’s extremely difficult for people … Niger is a country that relies heavily on the international community,” he said.
The 15-nation ECOWAS bloc has unsuccessfully tried to restore democracies in nations where the military took power in recent years. Four nations are run by military governments in West and Central Africa, where there have been nine successful or attempted coups since 2020.
In the 1990s, ECOWAS intervened in Liberia during its civil war. In 2017, it intervened in Gambia to prevent the new president’s predecessor, Yahya Jammeh, from disrupting the handover of power. Around 7,000 troops from Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal entered the country, according to the Global Observatory, which provides analysis on peace and security issues.
If the regional bloc uses force, it could trigger violence not only between Niger and ECOWAS forces but also between civilians supporting the coup and those against it, Niger analysts say.
“While this remains to be a threat and unlikely action, the consequences on civilians of such an approach if putschists chose confrontation would be catastrophic,” said Rida Lyammouri, senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, a Morocco-based think tank.
Lyammouri also said he does not see a “military intervention happening because of the violence that could trigger.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken commended Sunday the resolve of the ECOWAS leadership to “defend constitutional order in Niger” after the sanctions announcement, and joined the bloc in calling for the immediate release of Bazoum and his family.
The military junta, which seized power on Wednesday when members of the presidential guard surrounded Bazoum’s house and detained him, is already cracking down on the government and civil liberties.
On Sunday evening it arrested four government officials, including Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, the minister of petroleum and son of former President Mahamadou Issoufou; Kassoum Moctar, minister of education; Ousseini Hadizatou Yacouba, the minister of mines, and Foumakoye Gado, the president of the ruling party. That’s according to someone close to the president, who was not authorized to speak about the situation, and a Nigerien analyst who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal.
The same night, junta spokesman Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane said on state television that all government cars must be returned by midday Monday and banned the use of social media to diffuse messages against state security. He also claimed that Bazoum’s government had authorized the French to carry out strikes to free Bazoum. The Associated Press can’t verify his allegations.
Bazoum has yet to resign. He is still being detained and believed to be in his house in the capital, Niamey. The first photos of him since the coup appeared Sunday evening, sitting on a couch smiling beside Chad’s President Mahamat Deby, who had flown in to mediate between the government and the junta.
In anticipation of the ECOWAS decision Sunday, thousands of pro-junta supporters took to the streets in Niamey, denouncing France, waving Russian flags and telling the international community to stay away.
Demonstrators in Niger are openly resentful of France, and Russia is seen by some as a powerful alternative. The nature of Moscow’s involvement in the rallies, if any, isn’t clear, but some protesters have carried Russian flags, along with signs reading “Down with France” and supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The situation of this country is not good … It’s time for change, and change has arrived,” said Moussa Seydou, a protester. “What we want from the putschists — all they have to do is improve social conditions so that Nigeriens can live better in this country and bring peace,” he said. | https://wgntv.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-west-african-nations-threaten-to-use-force-if-nigers-president-isnt-reinstated-within-a-week/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:34 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-west-african-nations-threaten-to-use-force-if-nigers-president-isnt-reinstated-within-a-week/ |
ELWOOD, Ind. — The Elwood community will honor slain police officer Noah Shahnavaz one year after he died in the line of duty.
The ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. in front of the Elwood Police Department located at 1505 S B Street. A one-mile stretch of Indiana 37 south of the intersection with Indiana 13 will be named in his honor.
The city is asking everyone in attendance to wear a blue or Noah shirt.
On July 31, 2022, the 24-year-old Elwood officer conducted a traffic stop around 2:30 a.m. near State Road 37 and County Road 1100N in Madison County. The suspect, later identified as 42-year-old Carl Roy Webb Boards II, exited the vehicle and fired multiple rounds, striking Shahnavaz at least once.
Responding officers conducted life-saving measures until EMS could arrive. Shahnavaz was flown to an Indianapolis hospital, where he died of multiple gunshot wounds.
Boards was charged with murder, possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, and resisting law enforcement. He is scheduled for trial in Madison Circuit Court Division 3 in January 2025.
Shahnavaz served in the Elwood Police Department for 11 months. In addition, Shahnavaz was a U.S. Army veteran. | https://cbs4indy.com/news/central-indiana-news/elwood-officer-to-be-remembered-one-year-after-death/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:36 | 1 | https://cbs4indy.com/news/central-indiana-news/elwood-officer-to-be-remembered-one-year-after-death/ |
CHICAGO — If you hear a loud noise from a jet Monday or Tuesday it may be due to a NASA research project.
According to a news release, NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center’s DC-8 aircraft will fly at a low-altitude over the Chicago area on Monday “and/or” Tuesday from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
The project measures atmospheric emissions and reactions observed from megacities to marine areas.
NASA said while it will be flying low, all flyovers will be conducted at a safe altitude. However, the agency said it will be “very loud” and those with sensitivities to loud noises should be aware.
The aircraft will be collecting data for air quality and sources of pollution.
To follow the plane, visit flightaware.com and enter the tail number “N817NA” | https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/nasa-warns-chicago-area-residents-of-very-loud-jet-flyover-for-data-research/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:40 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/nasa-warns-chicago-area-residents-of-very-loud-jet-flyover-for-data-research/ |
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) President, Carole Fisher has attracted publicity for her role hosting the popular podcast series – "The Girlfriends". Produced by NOVEL for iHeartRadio, the thrilling nine-part series, led by Fisher, uncovers the horrific backstory of Gail Katz's death, the systems that failed her and all the girlfriends that brought her justice.
THE GIRLFRIENDS explores the bonds of friendship, female solidarity, empowerment, and bringing justice to all people who suffer at the hands of abuse and domestic violence. Since its release on July 10, The Girlfriends has achieved success – currently ranking at #1 in Canada, the United Kingdom and United States on Apple Podcasts.
"This is more than just being another binge-worthy true crime podcast series. It's about raising awareness around the horrors of abuse, especially domestic and sexual violence," said Carole Fisher, NPHI President. "It has been a privilege and an honor to speak up on behalf of Gail Katz, and so many other women who are victims of domestic violence. Together, we must do more to elevate the voices of those in danger."
NOVEL collaborated with the leading global charity NOMORE.org dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fueling culture change. NPHI maintains close links to these related issues through its engagement with Healthsperien LLC and applauds Carole Fisher for her continued commitment to social impact and raising awareness on the issues of domestic violence against women.
"I am extremely pleased to hear of the success of this podcast, and I support its greater goal in raising awareness around the pervasiveness of domestic violence," said Tom Koutsoumpas, NPHI CEO. "Carole's entire lifework has been centered around helping and speaking out for others and her participation in this podcast highlights her never-ending commitment to creating social impact and change where it is rightly needed."
Carole, who is employed directly by the renowned DC Policy Firm, Healthsperien LLC, has presided over the day-to-day operations of NPHI since January 2021. In this capacity, she brings a wealth of expertise that has helped NPHI grow exponentially and evolve with the ever-changing hospice landscape. Prior to her time at Healthsperien and NPHI, she served as a highly regarded C-suite leader, including a long-time engagement as the CEO of Nathan Adelson Hospice in her hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada.
You can find The Girlfriends on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts.
About Carole Fisher: Ms. Fisher serves as President for the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI). Utilizing her previous experiences and deep familiarity with not-for-profit community-based hospice and palliative healthcare, she is charged with leading a wide range of activities for NPHI. With an emphasis on developing strategic partnerships, meaningful collaborations and transformational innovations, Ms. Fisher provides support for NPHI members leading complex organizations.
Ms. Fisher spends her time working between her homes in Las Vegas, Nevada and Covington, Louisiana. She frequently travels to Washington D.C. for policy-related initiatives.
You can find Carole on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram under @CaroleAFisher.
The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) is a membership organization comprising 100+ not-for-profit, community-integrated hospice and palliative care providers dedicated to ensuring patients and their families have access to care that reflects their individual goals, values, and preferences. Representing providers from 37 states and the District of Columbia, NPHI and its members help design more innovative and effective models of care, advocate for comprehensive and community-integrated care customized to meet each person's unique needs, and build collaboration between national thought leaders, decision-makers, and other healthcare stakeholders to improve hospice care. Learn more at hospiceinnovations.org.
Press Contact:
Matt Wilkinson
Communications Manager, NPHI
+1 (801) 615-4207
mwilkinson@hospiceinnovations.org
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SOURCE National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nphi-president-carole-fisher-hosts-trending-true-crime-podcast-girlfriends/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:40 | 1 | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nphi-president-carole-fisher-hosts-trending-true-crime-podcast-girlfriends/ |
MUNCIE, Ind. — Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour, along with officials from the Muncie Police Department, provided an update Monday on an early Sunday morning shooting that shook the community to its core.
According to previous reports, the shooting, which caused the death of one man and left more than a dozen individuals injured, occurred around 1:14 a.m. Sunday in the area of S. Hackley St. and E. Willard St. One man, identified by the Delaware County coroner as 30-year-old Joseph Bonner who was an attendee of the party, died after the shooting and a number of others were reported as injured.
“On Sunday morning, our community was shaken to the core by violence. One man was fatally injured and 17 more sustained injuries from gunshots,” Ridenour said while overcome by emotion during Monday’s update. “The words cannot express our deep grief and sympathy for the families of those involved (and the community at large).”
Muncie Police Chief Nathan Sloan said that a party on Saturday night, going into Sunday morning, became out of control when shots were fired. Eight agencies responded to the incident Sunday, including a number of SWAT teams.
Muncie Police Department Deputy Chief Melissa Criswell said that 18 individuals had gun-related injuries and one other person was injured because of “vehicular contact” after Sunday’s incident. As of Monday, Criswell said four individuals were transferred to Indianapolis hospitals after the incident, one of whom has since been released. One of the individuals remains in critical condition.
Sloan said that the department does not believe it was one person targeting the gathering, which the department estimated at around 500 to 1,000 people. No one has been arrested in relation to the incident as of this story’s publication.
Sloan said the department is investigating if multiple people fired shots during the incident. Sloan also provided details on the overall crime scene, which had a large amount of evidence, including reported shell casings and alcohol. When asked to comment further on specifics, Sloan said he could not, because of the ongoing investigation.
“We are on top of the situation,” he said, “but we have to maintain the integrity of the investigation.”
Ridenour said that as the investigation continues, there will be “swift action” to bring relief to the victims, their families as well as the community at large, including available mental health resources. Ridenour also said that the city is working with faith leaders to help start a donation fund for the victims and that a prayer vigil will be hosted at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Berea Church in Muncie.
While he does not know what led to the violence on Sunday morning, Ridenour said action needs to be taken against uncoordinated mass gatherings after midnight.
“I’m shaken,” he said. “Our officers and first responders are shaken. Our citizens are shaken.”
The Muncie Police Department is asking for people who were at the party to come forward and help with the department’s investigation, specifically individuals who may have photos or videos of what happened. The department said there is no threat to the community and that the department is just attempting to gather information.
Anyone with information should call the investigation division at (765) 747-4867. | https://cbs4indy.com/news/indycrime/muncie-officials-provide-update-on-early-sunday-shooting/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:42 | 1 | https://cbs4indy.com/news/indycrime/muncie-officials-provide-update-on-early-sunday-shooting/ |
CHICAGO — Olive-Harvey has partnered with the Chicago Department of Aviation to offer a free course designed on helping students begin an aviation career.
The two-hour virtual class, entitled “Chicago Department of Aviation Career Prep,” will be taught from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays for four consecutive weeks. It begins on August 5 and concludes August 26.
“This collaboration between the CDA and City Colleges has launched a transformative continuing education program that will introduce students to the multitude of diverse and exciting careers within the aviation sector, empowering our students to reach new heights and promising careers,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.
The course will cover the history of the Chicago Department of Aviation, aviation terminology and current trends and career paths in the industry.
The course objectives and outline are below, according to the City Colleges of Chicago.
Objectives:
- Review the process to apply to the Chicago Department of Aviation
- Review the history of the Chicago Department of Aviation
- Provide an understanding of the various opportunities at the Chicago Department of Aviation
- Review the various aviation terms that make the airport safe and secure
- Review federal safety and security regulations that govern the Department and industry overall
- Explain the federal regulatory requirements for the Chicago Department of Aviation
- Explain the difference between landside aviation operations and airline aviation operations
- Review what the Chicago Department of Aviation is looking for on resumes for various positions
Outline:
- Week 1: History of the Chicago Department of Aviation, why aviation and the future of the industry, introduction to the job application
- Week 2: Aviation language, safety and security, regulatory requirements
- Week 3: Landside operations and airline operations, terminal management and customer relations, airfield and airspace overview
- Week 4: Review the job application, aviation ready resume, Chicago Department of Aviation discussion with special guest speaker, complete application
To view current openings with the Chicago Department of Aviation, visit here. | https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/olive-harvey-college-offering-free-course-to-prep-for-aviation-career/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:46 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/olive-harvey-college-offering-free-course-to-prep-for-aviation-career/ |
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EarthEcho International, the leading nonprofit dedicated to building a global youth movement to protect and restore our ocean planet, is pleased to announce the 2023 class of its ResilienSEA Externship program. This inaugural program unites 19 youth, ages 17-20, from BIPOC communities across North America, for a hands-on career development experience. The initiative introduces participants to the field of regenerative ocean aquaculture – ocean "farming" that restores coastal habitats while creating both economic and ecological benefits. The ResilienSEA Externship program is made possible through the generous support of La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund and The Estée Lauder Companies Travel Retail division.
EarthEcho International recognizes the power of the ocean as a source of solutions to the climate crisis. All of humanity is connected to the ocean, but access to our ocean and the opportunity to pursue careers that contribute to ocean-based climate solutions is a privilege that all do not enjoy equally.
"Often the communities most vulnerable to sea level rise and increasingly intense storms are those whose members have been cut off to daily access to waters that are vital to their communities for both cultural and economic reasons," said Stacey Rafalowski, Chief Program Officer, EarthEcho International. "We look forward to working with this talented group of young people in their journey to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond."
Through an ongoing, eight-week virtual program, and an in-person convening in San Diego, CA, this August, the paid ResilienSEA Externship provides participants with an opportunity to learn from and network with professionals in the field of regenerative ocean aquaculture and seaweed innovation, participate in a hands-on job shadowing experience, and engage in peer learning to build confidence and competence to take action in externs' home communities, with a focus on using entrepreneurship to tackle ocean health challenges.
The 2023 ResilienSEA externs represent communities in Canada and the United States:
- Akhila Mahidhara, Edison, NJ, USA
- Emilia Fiebel, Hollywood, FL, USA
- Iredia Otoadese, Fanny Bay, BC, Canada
- Ishaani Srivastava, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Jin Hu, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Kassandra Chavarria Sosa, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Kendall Ford, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Lauren Ejiaga, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Mugdha Chiplunkar, Duvall, WA, USA
- Natalie Martinez, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
- Nina Shetty, Sammamish, WA, USA
- Nitya Masina, Sammamish, WA, USA
- Rajaa Berry, LaSalle, ON, Canada
- Sarika Sawant, Glendale, AZ, USA
- Serenity Washington, Cape Coral, FL, USA
- Skye Garrett, Capitol Heights, MD, USA
- Sofía Lammot Pérez, Dorado, PR, USA
- Srinivas Gollapudi, Upland, CA, USA
- Violet Smith, Columbia, MD, USA
For more information about the ResilienSEA externs please visit www.earthecho.org/youth/resiliensea-externship.
For more information about EarthEcho International, visit www.earthecho.org or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/earthecho Instagram: www.instagram.com/earthecho and Twitter: www.twitter.com/earthecho.
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SOURCE EarthEcho International | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/philippe-cousteau-jrs-earthecho-international-collaborates-with-youth-color-build-careers-blue-economy/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:46 | 1 | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/philippe-cousteau-jrs-earthecho-international-collaborates-with-youth-color-build-careers-blue-economy/ |
(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://cbs4indy.com/news/national-world/new-income-driven-student-loan-repayment-plan-available-to-borrowers/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:48 | 0 | https://cbs4indy.com/news/national-world/new-income-driven-student-loan-repayment-plan-available-to-borrowers/ |
CHICAGO — Grammy Award winner Ed Sheeran was in Chicago over the weekend — and made a stop at one the city’s most iconic hot dog stands.
Before his concert at Soldier Field, Sheeran went over to the Wiener’s Circle in Lincoln Park to serve up some food — with a side order of f-bombs from the restaurant’s employees.
A choatic video posted by the restaurant’s social account shows Sheeran handing out Chicago-style hot dogs as employees curse and shout around him.
“Our newest trainee @edsheeran has a lot to learn, he’s way too proper and friendly,” the hot dog stand tweeted.
The Wiener’s Circle is known to Chicagoans for its rude workers who curse and yell profanities at customers.
Sheeran’s Chicago concert on Satuday night reportedly broke an attendance record at Soldier FIeld with a total of 73,000 people — making it the most attended concert of all-time at the stadium. | https://wgntv.com/news/deans-list/ed-sheeran-serves-up-hot-dogs-at-chicagos-iconic-wieners-circle/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:52 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/news/deans-list/ed-sheeran-serves-up-hot-dogs-at-chicagos-iconic-wieners-circle/ |
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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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://wgntv.com/news/florida-judge-tosses-5-million-lawsuit-over-microwavable-mac-and-cheese/ | 2023-07-31T16:43:58 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/florida-judge-tosses-5-million-lawsuit-over-microwavable-mac-and-cheese/ |
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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CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The Australian army helicopter that crashed Friday during a multinational exercise hit the water with a “catastrophic impact” and there is no chance its four crew members survived, officials said Monday.
Australia’s fleet of more than 40 of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, made by French Airbus, has been grounded since the crash and there are doubts any will fly again.
They will be grounded until crash investigators determine what caused the tragedy. The government announced in January it plans to replace them with 40 U.S. Black Hawks. The Taipans’ retirement date of December 2024 would be 13 years earlier than Australia had initially planned.
Defense Minister Richard Marles said the search and rescue effort changed Monday to a victim recovery operation with no chance that Capt. Danniel Lyon, Lt. Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Joseph Laycock or Cpl. Alexander Naggs had survived.
“There was a catastrophic incident and with every passing hour, it is now clear that any hope of finding (the four crew) alive has been lost,” Marles told reporters.
The helicopter crashed during a nighttime exercise with the United States and other nations near the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef.
Marles had said on Saturday the helicopter “ditched,” which refers to an emergency landing. But on Monday he would not rule our pilot error or disorientation in the dark causing the crash into the water. He urged against speculation about potential causes.
“There was a catastrophic impact on the helicopter when it hit the water,” Marles said.
“We will move through the process of putting the Black Hawks into service as quickly as we can … and we will not be flying MRH90s until we understand what has happened,” Marles added.
The lost Taipan had been taking part in Talisman Sabre, a biennial U.S.-Australian military exercise that is largely based in Queensland state. This year’s exercise involves 13 nations and more than 30,000 military personnel.
The exercise was continuing on Monday with some changes near the recovery operation, Australian Defense Force Chief Gen. Angus Campbell said.
Campbell thanked the United States and Canada for their help in the search and recovery efforts, which he said was “not an easy operation.”
The wreckage lay in the path of strong currents and tidal movements. It was too deep for standard diving operations.
Part of the airframe had been retrieved by Monday but most of the helicopter remained on the seabed, Campbell said.
It was the second emergency involving an Australian Taipan since March. The fleet was grounded after one ditched into the sea off the New South Wales state coast near the naval base at Jervis Bay during a nighttime counterterrorism training exercise. All 10 passengers and crew members were rescued.
Retired Maj. Gen. Fergus McLachlan was involved in integrating the Taipan into the Australian army when they arrived in 2007 and had been responsible for keeping them airworthy. He said the Taipan did not have the proven record of the Lockheed Martin-designed Black Hawks.
“We bought into an unproven system. In real terms, it was a developmental aircraft and it has never really matured,” McLachlan told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
“It was always a battle to maintain it and keep it flying,” McLachlan added. | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-4-crew-members-on-australian-army-helicopter-that-crashed-off-coast-didnt-survive-officials-say/ | 2023-07-31T16:44:04 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-4-crew-members-on-australian-army-helicopter-that-crashed-off-coast-didnt-survive-officials-say/ |
MIDLAND, Texas, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seawolf Water Resources, LP ("Seawolf"), a leading Permian water midstream provider, announces the completion of its produced water takeaway, disposal and recycling system in the stateline region of the Delaware Basin. Seawolf's recently completed Independence Pipeline and Waterfowl produced water recycling and disposal facilities will initially manage 150,000 barrels per day and are now serving some of the largest E&P operators in the Permian Basin under long-term contracts.
"Seawolf has been working towards this goal for some time, and the completion of this phase of our infrastructure expansion represents a major accomplishment for our team and for our E&P partners." said Tim McWilliams, Seawolf's Chief Executive Officer. "We're thrilled to offer sustainable and effective solutions that will help our clients achieve their strategic goals, and we're excited to continue to expand these offerings in the coming months."
Seawolf is capitalized by a sustainability-linked term loan from a syndicate led by Riverstone Credit Partners LLC, meant to provide Seawolf with additional liquidity to expand its produced water handling and recycling infrastructure for recently signed long-term contracts.
About Seawolf Water Resources, LP
Seawolf, founded in 2018, is a Midland-based water midstream provider operating primarily in the stateline region of the Delaware Basin. Seawolf partners with some of the largest E&Ps and private landowners in the region to deliver full cycle water management solutions underpinned in midstream principles. For more information on Seawolf and its services, please visit www.seawolfwater.com.
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KHAR, Pakistan (AP) — A suicide bomber blew himself up at a political rally in a former stronghold of militants in northwest Pakistan bordering Afghanistan on Sunday, killing at least 44 people and wounding nearly 200 in an attack that a senior leader said was meant to weaken Pakistani Islamists.
The Bajur district near the Afghan border was a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban — a close ally of Afghanistan’s Taliban government — before the Pakistani army drove the militants out of the area. Supporters of hard-line Pakistani cleric and political party leader Fazlur Rehman, whose Jamiat Ulema Islam generally supports regional Islamists, were meeting in Bajur in a hall close to a market outside the district capital. Party officials said Rehman was not at the rally but organizers added tents because so many supporters showed up, and party volunteers with batons were helping control the crowd.
Officials were announcing the arrival of Abdul Rasheed, a leader of the Jamiat Ulema Islam party, when the bomb went off in one of Pakistan’s bloodiest attacks in recent years.
Provincial police said in a statement that the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber who detonated his explosives vest close to the stage where several senior leaders of the party were sitting. It said initial investigations suggested the Islamic State group — which operates in Afghanistan and is an enemy of the Afghan Taliban — could be behind the attack, and officers were still investigating.
“There was dust and smoke around, and I was under some injured people from where I could hardly stand up, only to see chaos and some scattered limbs,” said Adam Khan, 45, who was knocked to the ground by the blast around 4 p.m. and hit by splinters in his leg and both hands.
The Pakistan Taliban, or TTP, said in a statement sent to The Associated Press that the bombing was aimed at setting Islamists against each other. Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Afghan Taliban, said on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that “such crimes cannot be justified in any way.”
The Afghan Taliban’s seizure of power in Afghanistan in mid-August 2021 emboldened the TTP. They unilaterally ended a cease-fire agreement with the Pakistani government in November, and have stepped up attacks across the country.
The bombing came hours before the arrival of Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Islamabad, where he was to participate in an event to mark a decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, a sprawling package under which Beijing has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan.
In recent months, China has helped Pakistan avoid a default on sovereign payments. However, some Chinese nationals have also been targeted by militants in northwestern Pakistan and elsewhere.
Feroz Jamal, the provincial information minister, told The Associated Press that so far 44 people had been “martyred” and nearly 200 wounded in the bombing.
The bombing was one of the four worst attacks in the northwest since 2014, when 147 people, mostly schoolchildren, were killed in a Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar. In January, 74 people were killed in a bombing at a mosque in Peshawar. n February, more than 100 people, mostly policemen, died in a bombing at a mosque inside a high-security compound housing Peshawar police headquarters.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Arif Alvi condemned the attack and asked officials to provide all possible assistance to the wounded and the bereaved families. Sharif later, in a phone call to Rehman, the head of the JUI, conveyed his condolences to him and assured him that those who orchestrated the attack would be punished.
The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad also condemned the attack. In a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, it expressed its condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims killed in the attack..
Maulana Ziaullah, the local chief of Rehman’s party, was among the dead. JUI leaders Rasheed and former lawmaker Maulana Jamaluddin were also on the stage but escaped unhurt.
Rasheed, the regional chief of the party, said the attack was an attempt to remove JUI from the field before parliamentary elections in November, but he said such tactics would not work. The bombing drew nationwide condemnation, with the ruling and opposition parties extending condolences to the families of those who died in the attack.
Rehman is considered to be a pro-Taliban cleric and his political party is part of the coalition government in Islamabad. Meetings are being organized across the country to mobilize supporters for the upcoming elections.
“Many of our fellows lost their lives and many more wounded in this incident. I will ask the federal and provincial administrations to fully investigate this incident and provide due compensation and medical facilities to the affected ones,” Rasheed said.
Mohammad Wali, another attendant at the rally, said he was listening to a speaker address the crowd when the huge explosion temporarily deafened him.
“I was near the water dispenser to fetch a glass of water when the bomb exploded, throwing me to the ground,” he said. “We came to the meeting with enthusiasm but ended up at the hospital seeing crying, wounded people and sobbing relatives taking the bodies of their loved ones.”
___
Riaz Khan reported from Peshawar. Associated Press writer Munir Ahmad contributed from Islamabad. | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-a-bomb-at-a-political-rally-in-northwest-pakistan-kills-10-people-and-wounds-more-than-50/ | 2023-07-31T16:44:10 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-a-bomb-at-a-political-rally-in-northwest-pakistan-kills-10-people-and-wounds-more-than-50/ |
- Introduced syndromic quantitative PCR assays and a fully automated molecular diagnostic testing system, STARlet AIOS™
- Conducted symposium sessions on the usefulness of PCR testing in diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases
- Participated in a presentation event for major Korean in-vitro diagnostic companies organized by KHIDI
SEOUL, South Korea, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seegene Inc. (KQ096530), a leading South Korean company providing a total solution for PCR molecular diagnostics, took part in the 2023 American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo in California between July 25-27. Seegene showcased its "unique syndromic quantitative PCR assays and automated PCR solution 'STARlet AIOS™ (All-in-One System).'"
The company stated, "Under the concept of 'All Tests with One System,' we introduced our leading assays, the Allplex™ and Novaplex™, and proposed Automated seamless PCR testing systems that can be applied to all of Seegene's assays. This has been well-received by in-vitro diagnostic experts and partner companies from around the world."
Meanwhile, an in-depth discussion was conducted in the symposium sessions on the usefulness of PCR testing in diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases. This symposium reaffirmed Seegene's position as an important contributor to improving gastrointestinal testing, where the availability of skilled technicians for microscopy is declining. A panel of experts presented research results demonstrating that PCR testing provides more efficient and accurate results than traditional microscopic stool sample tests for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases. Conventional testing methods for these pathogens are characterized by long processing times and require significant expertise to interpret the microscopy results.
In addition, Kim Seong-youl, the head of Seegene's Global Marketing Center, participated in a presentation event for major Korean in-vitro diagnostic companies organized by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) and announced Seegene's unique competitive edge and future vision.
Kim said, "We received a lot of interest from participants from various countries by proposing a solution to build the basis for the next phase of diagnostic business in line with Seegene's vision of creating a world free from diseases. Following AACC, we hope to expand sales of non-COVID diagnostic assays based on syndromic testing globally and increase awareness of our next-generation OneSystem™ business."
Using syndromic quantitative PCR assays for comprehensive and accurate testing
Seegene captivated visitors at the exhibition booth by showcasing comprehensive and accurate testing using syndromic quantitative PCR assays. Seegene's syndromic quantitative PCR technology is the world's only simultaneous multiplex molecular diagnostic technology based on real-time PCR. The core feature of Seegene's syndromic PCR technologies is the ability to simultaneously test 14 pathogens that cause similar symptoms in a single tube and provide quantitative information on the infectivity profile to correlate with the severity of illness. The syndromic quantitative PCR technology can accurately reveal the pathogen responsible for a patient's symptoms, the complexity of infections, the severity of the disease, and can determine the priority of treatment depending on the degree of infection. It also allows for efficient high-volume testing, which is more cost-effective and saves time in identifying the cause of the disease.
PCR testing that does not require an expert using STARlet AIOS™
First unveiled at the 2021 AACC, Seegene's STARlet AIOS™ is a molecular diagnostic testing system that fully automates (sample in – result out) the entire process of PCR, from nucleic acid extraction to gene amplification and result analysis. As it provides a 'hands-free' PCR workflow where the results are produced just by inserting a sample, it can be operated by those with minimal PCR experience. Furthermore, by not involving human hands, the likelihood of testing errors due to contamination or mistakes (human error) can be minimized. The STARlet AIOS™ is compatible with a wide range of Seegene's syndromic assays that can simultaneously test for multiple targets within a single tube. It organically links existing devices, such as nucleic acid extraction instruments, PCR setups, and PCR thermal cyclers, to make the system easy to use, manage, and integrate into existing lab infrastructures.
Participation in the world's largest AACC Since 2007
Celebrating its 75th year, AACC is the world's largest gathering for the clinical laboratory and diagnostics industry. Seegene has taken part since 2007 to broadcast its proprietary molecular diagnostic technology worldwide while establishing cooperation with partners from multiple countries.
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VATICAN CITY (AP) — When Pope Francis made the first foreign trip of his papacy, to Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day in 2013, he urged young people to make a “mess” in their local churches, to shake things up even if it ruffled the feathers of their bishops.
As he embarks this week on another edition of World Youth Day, in Lisbon, Portugal, Francis in many ways has taken his own advice to heart. After 10 years as pope, Francis is accelerating his reform agenda and making revolutionary changes in personnel and policy that are definitely shaking things up.
Unencumbered by the shadow of Pope Benedict XVI, who died seven months ago, and despite recovering from a second intestinal surgery in as many years, the 86-year-old Francis is opening a frenetic second half of the year with his Portugal visit. He seems aware that he has a limited sweet spot of time to solidify the changes he believes are necessary for the 21st century church, and is looking to the next generation of faithful and leaders to execute them.
“The sense I get is that this is the consolidation phase of the pontificate,” said papal biographer Austen Ivereigh. “He’s laying the basis now, laying the ground, for the future.”
And no better place to put it on display than at a World Youth Day. The international rally, which St. John Paul II launched in 1986 to galvanize young Catholics in their faith, is expected to draw up to 1 million people for the first post-pandemic event of its kind. Francis’ perennial social justice concerns about climate change, social inequality and fraternity, as well as Russia’s war in Ukraine, are expected to be major themes.
Beyond Portugal, though, Francis’ multifold strategy for laying the groundwork for the future is coming together and will hit significant marks in the coming months.
His global canvassing of rank-and-file Catholics about their vision for the future comes to fruition this October with a big synod at the Vatican. The meeting is intended to give direction on such hot-button issues as the place of LGBTQ+ Catholics and women in the church, and for the first time will feature women and young people voting on proposals alongside bishops.
“I really think that for Pope Francis, he felt that ‘OK, now it’s mature’ and it would be good really to involve all the members, all the people in the synod as members” with the right to vote, said Sister Nathalie Becquart, who is one of the key synod organizers.
To then implement the vision that emerges from the synod, Francis has been naming a slew of unusually young bishops for key archdioceses — in his native Buenos Aires, Madrid and Brussels, among others. At the same time, he’s elevated several cardinals in their 50s — and in some cases their 40s — including the auxiliary bishop of Lisbon who is organizing World Youth Day.
Putting such young clerics in such important positions ensures a generation’s worth of likeminded leadership in the Vatican and archdioceses around the world. While not all are cookie-cutter proteges of Francis, many are seen as similarly pastorally minded and thus more game to implement his reforms, especially as the older generation of bishops and cardinals dies out.
After Francis is gone, the youngest of these new cardinals will have some three decades’ worth of local leadership and conclave votes to select future popes, suggesting a generational and ideological shift in the church leadership is very much underway.
Francis’ most important young “legacy” appointment was that of the Vatican’s new doctrinal czar, Argentine Cardinal-elect Victor Manuel Fernandez, 61. Francis’ theological ghostwriter ran into Vatican problems in the past over questions about his doctrinal orthodoxy, and his appointment sent shockwaves through the conservative and traditionalist wings of the church.
Fernandez sees his appointment as part of Francis’ longer-term agenda. “He is proposing a more inclusive church, more respectful of different ways of living, even of thinking,” Fernandez said in an interview.
Portuguese Cardinal-elect Americo Aguiar, who is in charge of World Youth Day, is another young churchman who also understands his appointment as part of a generational turning point for the Catholic hierarchy.
At age 49 he will become the second-youngest member of the College of Cardinals when he is installed Sept. 30. He is just six months older than the current youngest cardinal, whom Francis elevated this time last year: Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, head of the church in Mongolia where Francis will travel at the end of August.
“My reading of it is that this has to do with young people, it has to do with youth, it has to do with Portugal, it has to do with World Youth Day, it has to do with all of that,” Aguiar said in an interview. “I think that his objective and his underlining was exactly to send a signal to the young people, to every young person who is preparing the day, whether in Portugal or in the world, to feel identified with this decision.”
Francis said as much in his monthly prayer intentions for August, this time dedicated to the Lisbon event.
“In Lisbon, I would like to see a seed for the world’s future,” Francis said. “A world where love is at the center, where we can sense that we are sisters and brothers.”
His wish in many ways echoed his words at the 2013 World Youth Day in Rio, which now seem prescient in outlining many of the key pastoral messages Francis has emphasized over the past decade. Delivering a spontaneous, off-the-cuff exhortation to a gathering of Argentine pilgrims that was organized at the last minute, Francis urged the young to get out into the streets, spread their faith and “make a mess.”
“I want to see the church get closer to the people,” Francis said then, speaking in his native Spanish. “I want to get rid of clericalism, the mundane, this closing ourselves off within ourselves, in our parishes, schools or structures.”
Realizing the radical nature of his message, Francis apologized to the bishops for what was about to come, even though in the 10 years since, he has only gone further than anyone could have imagined at the time.
“The true reform of the church, you know, is not a revolution bringing something completely from outside,” said Becquart, the French nun, as she reflected on Francis’ agenda. “It’s a path of change that is a way to unfold tradition, but in a very dynamic way.”
___
AP reporters Helena Alvez in Lisbon, Portugal, and Almudena Calatrava in Buenos Aires contributed.
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-as-the-pope-heads-to-portugal-he-is-laying-the-groundwork-for-the-churchs-future-and-his-legacy/ | 2023-07-31T16:44:17 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-as-the-pope-heads-to-portugal-he-is-laying-the-groundwork-for-the-churchs-future-and-his-legacy/ |
TORONTO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Global IT research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group has been selected for participation in the US Department of Defence (DoD) Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) program. This new partnership enables the DoD and its IT leaders to access world-class resources, gain industry-leading guidance, and receive transformative insights and invaluable consultation from experts with extensive experience. The agreement also includes McLean & Company, a division of Info-Tech known for its exceptional HR research and advisory services, and MyPolicies, the firm's provider of robust online policy management and administration software.
The DoD ESI is an official DoD initiative sponsored by the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO). The initiative is designed to streamline procurement and optimize cost efficiency in the acquisition of commercial software, IT hardware, and services. Through its joint team of experts, ESI consolidates requirements and establishes agreements with IT providers, resulting in a unified contracting and vendor management strategy across the entire department.
"We are honored to have been selected to provide services as a member of the US Department of Defense's Enterprise Software Initiative. This partnership affirms our commitment to providing world-class IT research and advisory services to the public sector," says Ron Gumbert, senior managing partner at Info-Tech. "There is a shared vision to foster a technology-enabled, efficient future for the DoD, driving strategic change and transforming challenges into opportunities."
Info-Tech's public sector executive services and research team comprises highly experienced industry experts focused on supporting government clients to address mission-critical, technology-enabled initiatives.
"Our recent expansion into Arlington, Virginia, signifies our dedication to being an integral part of the IT ecosystem in the US, and this collaboration with the US Department of Defense's Enterprise Software Initiative further solidifies that commitment," adds Gumbert. "Our Arlington office stands ready to serve as a strategic hub for our work with the DoD and other Federal agencies, providing unparalleled research and advisory services. This pivotal development marks a new chapter in our mission to drive impactful digital transformation within the defense sector and beyond."
To learn more about Info-Tech's public sector research and its benefits, visit the firm's dedicated Public Sector Research Center.
About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading information technology research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT professionals. The company produces unbiased and highly relevant research to help CIOs and IT leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For 25 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with IT teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.
Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and over 200 IT and industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.
For more about Info-Tech Research Group and to download the latest research across a variety of industries, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and Twitter.
About the DoD Enterprise Software Initiative
The DoD Enterprise Software Initiative (DoD ESI) is a joint initiative to maximize DoD buying power and take advantage of the significant cost savings and management efficiencies that result from acquiring and managing commercially available software on a DoD-wide basis. Additional information about the DoD ESI can be located at www.esi.mil.
DoD ESI procedures are explained in DFARS 208.74 and DoD CIO Guidance and Policy memorandum No. 12-8430 dated July 26, 2000.
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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/us-department-defense-selects-info-tech-research-group-enterprise-software-initiative-esi-program/ | 2023-07-31T16:44:19 | 1 | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/us-department-defense-selects-info-tech-research-group-enterprise-software-initiative-esi-program/ |
BEIJING (AP) — China imposed restrictions Monday on exports of long-range civilian drones, citing Russia’s war in Ukraine and concern that drones might be converted to military use.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s government is friendly with Moscow but says it is neutral in the 18-month-old war. It has been stung by reports that both sides might be using Chinese-made drones for reconnaissance and possibly attacks.
Export controls will take effect Tuesday to prevent use of drones for “non-peaceful purposes,” the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. It said exports still will be allowed but didn’t say what restrictions would apply.
China is a leading developer and exporter of drones. DJI Technology Co., one of the global industry’s top competitors, announced in April 2022 it was pulling out of Russia and Ukraine to prevent its drones from being used in combat.
“The risk of some high specification and high-performance civilian unmanned aerial vehicles being converted to military use is constantly increasing,” the Ministry of Commerce said.
Restrictions will apply to drones that can fly beyond the natural sight distance of operators or stay aloft more than 30 minutes, have attachments that can throw objects and weigh more than seven kilograms (15½ pounds), according to the ministry.
“Since the crisis in Ukraine, some Chinese civilian drone companies have voluntarily suspended their operations in conflict areas,” the Ministry of Commerce said. It accused the United States and Western media of spreading “false information” about Chinese drone exports.
The government on Friday defended its dealings with Russia as “normal economic and trade cooperation” after a U.S. intelligence report said Beijing possibly provided equipment used in Ukraine that might have military applications.
The report cited Russian customs data that showed Chinese state-owned military contractors supplied drones, navigation equipment, fighter jet parts and other goods.
The Biden administration has warned Beijing of unspecified consequences if it supports the Kremlin’s war effort. Last week’s report didn’t say whether any of the trade cited might trigger U.S. retaliation.
Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin declared before the February 2022 invasion that their governments had a “no-limits” friendship. Beijing has blocked efforts to censure Moscow in the United Nations and has repeated Russian justifications for the attack.
China has “always opposed the use of civilian drones for military purposes,” the Ministry of Commerce said. “The moderate expansion of drone control by China this time is an important measure to demonstrate the responsibility of a responsible major country.”
The Ukrainian government appealed to DJI in March 2022 to stop selling drones it said the Russian ministry was using to target missile attacks. DJI rejected claims it leaked data on Ukraine’s military positions to Russia. | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-china-imposes-curbs-on-drone-exports-citing-ukraine-and-concern-about-military-use/ | 2023-07-31T16:44:25 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-china-imposes-curbs-on-drone-exports-citing-ukraine-and-concern-about-military-use/ |
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — A Cyprus court on Monday sentenced a British man who killed his ailing wife in their retirement home to two years in prison, rejecting a defense request to hand down a suspended sentence after convicting him earlier of manslaughter.
State prosecutor Andreas Hadjikyrou said the three-judge bench imposed the prison term as a “deterrent,” although the judges had earlier ruled that David Hunter’s decision to suffocate his wife Janice in December 2021 was made on the spur of the moment because he could no longer stand seeing her weeping in pain.
Hadjikyrou told The Associated Press the court took into account that Hunter, 76, acted “out of love” to save his wife, who was suffering from a blood ailment when he closed her mouth and nose with his hands as she sat in a recliner in their Paphos home.
It also took into consideration Hunter’s advanced age and that he had no previous criminal record.
Justice Abroad, a group that defends Britons facing legal troubles in foreign countries, said in a statement that Hunter could be released by Aug. 18 after already having spent more than 18 months in custody.
“This has been a tragic case and difficult for all of those involved with it, but today’s decision was the right one and allows David and his family to grieve together,” said Michael Polak from Justice Abroad.
Hunter had faced a charge of premeditated murder, but the court found in its July 21 ruling that the prosecution didn’t prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was premeditation in his actions.
The court had accepted witness testimony that Janice feared her blood ailment would develop into full-blown leukemia and had repeatedly pleaded with her husband to take her life because she didn’t want to share the fate of her sister, who died of the disease.
Hunter attempted to take his own life by consuming a large amount of pills after suffocating his wife, but medical staff saved his life.
The court cited expert testimony that Janice Hunter suffered from myelodysplastic syndrome, a type of blood cancer which “to a large degree” — as much as 45% — could turn into leukemia, although there was no proof that she had indeed developed the disease because no definitive tests were conducted.
But the court said both husband and wife believed that Janice would develop it because of her sister’s fate.
David Hunter’s earlier assurances to Janice that he would help her fulfill her wish to end her life and not suffer anymore didn’t indicate any premeditation, the court said.
Hadjikyrou said defense lawyers had rejected a plea deal in December 2022 for the defendant to plead guilty to manslaughter because they insisted the facts of the case include an agreement Hunter and his wife allegedly made for him to take her life.
The state prosecutor said the court didn’t accept that such an agreement had indeed been made. He said the Cyprus attorney-general has 10 days to decide whether to appeal the sentence. | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-cyprus-court-hands-british-man-a-2-year-prison-term-for-killing-his-ailing-wife-to-spare-her-pain/ | 2023-07-31T16:44:31 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-cyprus-court-hands-british-man-a-2-year-prison-term-for-killing-his-ailing-wife-to-spare-her-pain/ |
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://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-discovery-of-whale-carcass-in-hong-kong-sparks-anger-over-the-potential-damage-done-by-sightseers/ | 2023-07-31T16:44:37 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-discovery-of-whale-carcass-in-hong-kong-sparks-anger-over-the-potential-damage-done-by-sightseers/ |
HONG KONG (AP) — A French man is believed to have fallen to his death from a high-rise residential building in Hong Kong last week, police said on Monday, with local media outlets identifying him as daredevil Remi Lucidi.
Police said a 30-year-old man’s body was found on a patio in the city’s upscale Mid-Levels area. He was believed to have engaged in extreme sports, police said, without identifying him.
Officers conducted an initial investigation and said he apparently fell from a rooftop. No suicide note was found at the scene, they said. The cause of his death would have to be verified by an autopsy, they added.
Local media, including the South China Morning Post, said the man was Lucidi, 30. The Post cited an unnamed source saying he was last seen alive knocking on a penthouse window on the 68th floor of a residential tower on Thursday evening. The Associated Press has not been able to verify his identity.
Lucidi, who used the name “Remi Enigma” on social media, last posted a photo of Hong Kong’s night view a week ago on Instagram and tagged the location as Times Square in shopping district Causeway Bay. The photo appeared to be taken from above.
Supporters mourned him on social media.
Lucidi posted to Instagram as he climbed various tall structures around the world and took selfies, including one he captioned, “Above the Sky, 425m” and tagged Dubai as the location. | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-french-daredevil-who-climbed-towers-around-world-believed-to-have-fallen-to-his-death-in-hong-kong/ | 2023-07-31T16:44:43 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-french-daredevil-who-climbed-towers-around-world-believed-to-have-fallen-to-his-death-in-hong-kong/ |
Middlesboro woman wins KY Lottery scratch-off
MIDDLESBORO, Ky. (WYMT) - A Middlesboro woman is now $50,000 richer after she purchased a Kentucky Lottery scratch-off ticket.
On July 21, Jennifer Provost purchased a $5 ticket from Circle K on East Cumberland Avenue in Middlesboro.
When Provost scratched off the ticket in her car, she matched the number nine to win the games $50,000 top prize.
“I thought I was wrong, so I went back in to check with the clerk,” she said in a news release.
The first-person Provost told was her daughter, who came with her to lottery headquarters later that day.
After receiving a check for $35,750 after taxes, Provost said in a news release that she plans to use her winnings to pay off bills and buy her daughter a car.
Circle K will receive $500 for selling the winning ticket.
Copyright 2023 WYMT. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/middlesboro-woman-wins-ky-lottery-scratch-off/ | 2023-07-31T16:44:45 | 0 | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/middlesboro-woman-wins-ky-lottery-scratch-off/ |
Warm summer days bring back memories of listening for the ice cream truck. Upon hearing the jingle, I’d grab my money and run down the block to buy a frozen treat. The toughest decision was choosing between a Creamsicle or ice cream bar. On Sundays, my parents would make ice cream and invite friends to share in the delightful concoction. Fresh peach, banana or vanilla were the typical flavors. Chocolate syrup drizzled on banana was my favorite. Summer days and ice cream go together like Ben & Jerry. Everyone I knew enjoyed dairy products, especially ice cream.
Now, a growing number of people cannot tolerate dairy or choose to omit it from their diet. The sugar content outweighs the nutritional benefits of a soup bowl full of homemade ice cream, but what about nutrients in the milk? So often we hear that cheese, yogurt, milk and whey protein are needed for optimal health. How does one get these when dairy is not part of the diet?
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Lactose intolerance, milk allergy/sensitivity, health conditions exacerbated by dairy, veganism or other dairy restrictive diets, digestive sensitivities from aging and distaste for milk are among reasons for skipping dairy.
Fortunately, many other foods supply the necessary nutrients found in dairy products. The primary one is calcium, necessary for strong bones and teeth, muscle function, blood clotting and more. Alternative sources of calcium include fortified plant-based milks such as almond, rice and oat; leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens, turnip greens, etc.); broccoli; almonds/almond butter; sesame seeds/tahini; chia seeds; canned sardines with bones; canned sockeye salmon with bones; blackstrap molasses; bok choy; cooked white beans; oranges; rhubarb; calcium-set tofu; dried figs and broccoli rabe.
Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption, bone health, muscle function, immune system support, mental and overall health. While dairy products may be fortified with vitamin D, you can also obtain it from other sources. The primary natural source is through sun exposure, which triggers the body's natural production of vitamin D. Additionally, this nutrient is in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), egg yolks and fortified plant-based milks. Vitamin D supplementation is often recommended by health-care professionals and can be influenced by factors such as geographic location, time of year, skin pigmentation and sunscreen use.
Protein, the building block of body tissues, helps promote muscle growth, strength and bone mass. It is essential for a healthy immune system and crucial for numerous functions in the body. Protein helps to promote feelings of fullness and satisfaction after a meal, aiding in weight management. Good sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), nuts, seeds and quinoa.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that plays several crucial roles in the body including red blood cell production, nerve function, energy metabolism, heart health, cognitive function and brain health. Dairy products, especially milk, are often fortified with vitamin B12, which is found primarily in animal-based foods such as red meat, fish, poultry, eggs. Plant-based sources of vitamin B12 are limited, and vegans or individuals following strict vegetarian diets may need to get vitamin B12 through fortified foods or supplements.
Dairy products such as yogurt and milk contain potassium. Good non-dairy sources of potassium include bananas, coconut water, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, beets, watermelon, avocados, beans, legumes, spinach and tomatoes. Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and proper body function.
Vitamin A, which supports vision, skin health and immune function, is found in liver, fish, eggs, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, leafy greens and fortified foods.
Phosphorus is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in bodily functions, including bone health, energy production and DNA synthesis. Good sources are salmon, tuna, trout, sardines and shellfish such as shrimp and mussels. Meat, poultry, organ meats, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains and egg yolks also contain this mineral.
Probiotics can be beneficial for supporting gut health, and while dairy products such as yogurt are known for probiotic content, non-dairy options include fermented foods such as naturally fermented raw sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, miso and tempeh. Additionally, some non-dairy yogurts may contain probiotics.
In summary, if you do not consume dairy, many other foods offer the nutrients essential for optimal health. Enjoy a varied diet with foods you can eat. As for the ice cream truck options, you may be choosing between the dairy-free banana or root beer Popsicle.
Carol Slager is a licensed pharmacist, author, blogger and health coach in Northwest Indiana. She also is author of "Cookies No Milk, Pizza No Cheese: An Ice Cream Lover's Guide to Raising Children with Dairy Allergies.” Follow her monthly in Get Healthy and at inkwellcoaching.com. Opinions expressed are the writer's. | https://www.nwitimes.com/life-entertainment/local/wellness/skipping-dairy-other-foods-can-replace-their-nutrients/article_4bb9bf9c-0ebe-11ee-809d-8f1fe6341fe2.html | 2023-07-31T16:44:45 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/life-entertainment/local/wellness/skipping-dairy-other-foods-can-replace-their-nutrients/article_4bb9bf9c-0ebe-11ee-809d-8f1fe6341fe2.html |
BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon’s embattled central bank governor stepped down on Monday under a cloud of investigation and blame for his country’s economic crisis as several European countries are probing his alleged financial crimes.
Riad Salameh, 73, ended his 30-year tenure as tearful employees took photos and a band played celebratory music with drums and trumpets as he left the building.
His four vice governors, led by incoming interim governor Wassim Mansouri, quickly pivoted to urge fiscal reforms for the cash-strapped country.
“We are at a crossroads,” Mansouri said at a news conference. “There is no choice, if we continue previous policy … the funds in the Central Bank will eventually dry up.”
Salameh kicked off his tenure as governor in 1993, three years after Lebanon’s 15-year civil war came to an end. It was a time when reconstruction loans and aid was pouring into the country, and Salameh was widely celebrated for his role in Lebanon’s recovery.
Now, he leaves his post a wanted man in Europe, accused by many in Lebanon of being responsible for the country’s financial downfall since late 2019.
It was a steep fall for a leader whose policies were once hailed for keeping the currency stable. Later, many financial experts saw him as setting up a house of cards that crumbled as the country’s supply of dollars dried up on top of decades of rampant and corruption and mismanagement from Lebanon’s ruling parties.
The crisis has pulverized the Lebanese pound and wiped out the savings of many Lebanese, as the banks ran dry of hard currency.
With the country’s banks crippled and public sector in ruins, Lebanon for years has run on a cash-based economy and relied primarily on tourism and remittances from millions in the diaspora.
Mansouri said previous policies that permitted the central bank to spend large sums on money to prop up the Lebanese state is no longer feasible. He cited years of spending billions of dollars to subsidize fuel, medicine, wheat and more to keep the value of the Lebanese pound stable.
He proposed a six-month reform plan that included passing long awaited reforms such as capital controls, a bank restructuring law, and the 2023 state budget.
“The country cannot continue without passing these laws,” Mansouri explained. “We don’t have time, and we paid a heavy price that we cannot pay anymore.”
The reforms Mansouri mentioned are among those the International Monetary Fund set as conditions on Lebanon in April 2022 for a bailout plan, though he did not mention the IMF. None have been passed.
France, Germany, and Luxembourg are investigating Salameh and his associates over myriad financial crimes, including illicit enrichment and the laundering of $330 million. Paris and Berlin issued Interpol notices to the central bank chief in May, though Lebanon does not hand over its citizens to foreign countries.
Salameh has repeatedly denied the allegations and insisted that his wealth comes from his previous job as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch, inherited properties, and investments. He has criticized the probe and said it was part of a media and political campaign to scapegoat him.
In his final interview as governor, Salameh said on Lebanese television that the responsibility for reforms lies with the government.
“Everything I did for the past 30 years was to try to serve Lebanon and the Lebanese,” he said. “Some — the majority —- were grateful, even if they don’t want to say so. And there are other people, well, may God forgive them.”
Salameh’s departure adds another gap in crisis-hit Lebanon’s withering and paralyzed institutions. The tiny Mediterranean country has been without a president for nine months, while its government has been running in a limited caretaker capacity for a year. Lebanon has also been without a top spy chief to head its General Security Directorate since March.
Lebanese officials in recent months were divided over whether Salameh should stay in his post or whether he should step down immediately in the remaining months of his tenure.
Caretaker Economy Minister Amin Salam wanted an immediate stepdown, given that the central bank chief had a “legal question mark.”
“I cannot explain anyone holding on to a person while a nation is failing unless there is something wrong or hidden,” Salam told The Associated Press. | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-lebanons-central-bank-governor-ends-30-year-tenure-under-investigation-during-dire-economic-crisis/ | 2023-07-31T16:44:49 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-lebanons-central-bank-governor-ends-30-year-tenure-under-investigation-during-dire-economic-crisis/ |
Check out these top stories and more in The Times and nwi.com.
Body of man recovered from Lake Michigan in Gary Saturday evening: https://bit.ly/454bRlC
NWI home prices still rising despite falling sales and limited inventory: https://bit.ly/3rMvMal
Stay connected with all your Region News at www.nwi.com.
Video provided in partnership with The Times, JEDtv and WJOB. Sponsored by Strack & Van Til. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/219-news-now-nwi-home-prices-still-rising-despite-falling-sales-and-limited-inventory/article_0f04d77e-2fa4-11ee-af03-7365031baf07.html | 2023-07-31T16:44:51 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/219-news-now-nwi-home-prices-still-rising-despite-falling-sales-and-limited-inventory/article_0f04d77e-2fa4-11ee-af03-7365031baf07.html |
Officials looking for volunteers for upcoming free clinic in SWVA
Published: Jul. 31, 2023 at 11:45 AM EDT|Updated: 58 minutes ago
GRUNDY, Va. (WYMT) - Officials with Remote Area Medical, or RAM, are looking for volunteers to help them staff an upcoming free clinic.
The next two-day clinic will take place October 7th and 8th at the Riverside Elementary/Middle School in Grundy.
The group is looking for medical, dental and vision professionals and general support staff for the event.
They could also use overnight parking staff and interpreters.
You can sign up to volunteer here or by calling 865-579-1530.
Copyright 2023 WYMT. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/officials-looking-volunteers-upcoming-free-clinic-swva/ | 2023-07-31T16:44:51 | 0 | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/officials-looking-volunteers-upcoming-free-clinic-swva/ |
BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military-controlled government has extended the state of emergency it imposed when the army seized power from an elected government 2 1/2 years ago, state-run media said Monday, forcing a further delay in elections it promised when it took over.
MRTV television said the National Defense and Security Council met Monday in the capital, Naypyitaw, and extended the state of emergency for another six months starting Tuesday because time is needed to prepare for the elections. The NDSC is nominally a constitutional government body, but in practice is controlled by the military.
The announcement amounted to an admission that the army does not exercise enough control to stage the polls and has failed to subdue widespread opposition to military rule, which includes increasingly challenging armed resistance as well as nonviolent protests and civil disobedience, despite the army having a huge advantage in manpower and weapons.
The state of emergency was declared when troops arrested Aung San Suu Kyi and top officials from her government and members of her National League for Democracy party on Feb. 1, 2021. The takeover reversed years of progress toward democracy after five decades of military rule.
The military said it seized power because of fraud in the last general election held in November 2020, in which Suu Kyi’s party won a landslide victory while the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development party did poorly. Independent election observers said they did not find any major irregularities.
The army takeover was met with widespread peaceful protests that security forces suppressed with lethal force, triggering armed resistance that U.N. experts have described as a civil war.
As of Monday, 3,857 people have been killed by the security forces since the takeover, according to a tally kept by the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
The army-enacted 2008 constitution allows the military to rule the country under a state of emergency for one year, with two possible six-month extensions if preparations are not yet completed for new polls, meaning that the time limit expired on Jan. 31 this year.
However, the NDSC allowed the military government to extend emergency rule for another six months in February, saying the country remained in an abnormal situation. The announcement on Monday is the fourth extension.
The state of emergency allows the military to assume all government functions, giving the head of the ruling military council, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, legislative, judicial and executive powers.
Nay Phone Latt, a spokesperson for the National Unity Government, an underground group that calls itself the country’s legitimate government and serves as an opposition umbrella group, said the extension of emergency rule was expected because the military government hasn’t been able to annihilate the pro-democracy forces.
“The junta extended the state of emergency because the generals have a lust for power and don’t want to lose it. As for the revolutionary groups, we will continue to try to speed up our current revolutionary activities,” Nay Phone Latt said in a message Monday.
The military government labels the NUG and its armed wing, the People’s Defense Forces, as “terrorists.”
Monday’s report did not specify when the polls might be held, saying only that they would occur after the goals of the state of emergency are accomplished.
According to the constitution, the military must transfer government functions to the president, who heads the NDSC, six months before the polls. That would mean Acting President Myint Swe, a retired general.
The military originally announced that new polls would be held a year after its takeover and later said they would take place in August 2023. But the extension of the emergency in February made that timing impossible.
The MRTV report said Myint Swe told members of the NDSC that the government needs to do more to achieve stability and the rule of law to prepare for the election.
Critics say the polls will be neither free nor fair under the military-controlled government, which has shut independent media and arrested most of the leaders of Suu Kyi’s party.
Her party was dissolved along with 39 other parties by the election commission in March for failing to re-apply under a political party registration law enacted by the military government early this year. The law makes it difficult for opposition groups to mount a serious challenge to army-backed candidates.
Suu Kyi, 78, is serving prison sentences totaling 33 years after being convicted in a series of politically tainted cases brought mostly by the military government. | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-myanmars-military-led-government-extends-state-of-emergency-forcing-delay-in-promised-election/ | 2023-07-31T16:44:56 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-myanmars-military-led-government-extends-state-of-emergency-forcing-delay-in-promised-election/ |
Senate passes bill to create one FEMA application deadline
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WYMT) - A bipartisan bill created by U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and Marco Rubio (R-FL) to create one deadline for two FEMA programs has passed the Senate.
FEMA’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) and Individuals and Households Program (IHP) currently have different application deadlines, which can cause confusion for disaster survivors who may have trouble tracking when they need to apply for each program.
“When natural disaster strikes, people already have enough stress and confusion to contend with, and it is imperative that the government does not exacerbate the situation by imposing complicated and confusing rules,” said Ranking Member Rand Paul in a news release. “In order to ensure a smoother and more efficient experience for those seeking aid, I supported the Disaster Assistance Deadlines Alignment Act which would simplify the federal disaster assistance process by aligning the deadlines for two programs.”
The bipartisan Disaster Assistance Deadlines Alignment Act would help reduce confusion for disaster survivors by requiring at least 60 days for survivors to submit applications for both the DUA and IHP programs. Currently, the DUA deadline is 30 days and the IHP deadline is 60 days after a federal disaster declaration.
Copyright 2023 WYMT. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/senate-passes-bill-create-one-fema-application-deadline/ | 2023-07-31T16:44:57 | 1 | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/senate-passes-bill-create-one-fema-application-deadline/ |
HAMMOND — Controversy is surrounding the School City of Hammond’s new cellphone policy.
In June, the school board approved revisions to Hammond schools' student handbook for the upcoming school year. The revisions included a complete ban on cellphone use within school buildings. Students will have to turn off and put away their cellphones during school hours and will not be allowed to have them in the classrooms.
Elementary students will have their cellphones collected by their teachers, while middle school and high school students will be expected to store their phones in their lockers.
According to Superintendent Scott Miller, cellphone use was the number one complaint from teachers during the past school year, and they asked it to be addressed. And he believes students just don’t need their phones in school.
“Students are immature,” Miller told The Times. “They don’t have the self-control adults have. … So why are we equipping them with devices that just sometimes throw things in their face that they’re not able to process?”
Miller believes the new policy will provide benefits, such as putting a focus back on learning and taking out what he thinks is one of the roots of bad behavior in the schools.
The committee of teachers, principals and school district administrators that is tasked with revising the student handbook yearly told the school board in May they had looked at cellphone policies of surrounding school districts when coming up with Hammond schools’ new policy.
Surrounding school districts have some form of restrictions on cellphone use. East Chicago, Munster and Griffith school districts do not allow cellphone use at all, while Gary and Whiting school districts allow cellphone use with a teacher or administrator's approval.
Some parents have expressed approval for the new policy.
Miranda Morley is the mother of three children who attend Hammond schools. She believes the cellphone ban is a good policy since cellphones have been connected to mental health challenges, which her children have faced. “If none of the kids are allowed to have phones in school, this will encourage them to interact more with each other in a healthy way,” Morley told The Times.
But other parents disagree.
Chari Roman has a daughter at Morton High School. Her concern is the new policy will limit communication between a parent and their child in the event of an emergency. She views cellphones as a student’s only lifeline to call for help and inform their parents.
“The child should always have communication right away with their parent,” Roman said.
However, according to Miller, he has been told by school safety specialists the worst thing kids can do during a crisis situation is to be on their phones, as it could jam phone lines with the sudden influx of phone calls and texts, and it could alert an intruder of a child’s location.
Roman wishes parents would have had more input when the school district was revising the policy so they could have reached a “happy medium.”
Ultimately Miller knows that many parents disagree with the new cellphone policy and that many students will push back on it.
“I know it’s not popular with everyone, but I’m not in this role to be the most popular, I’m in this role to do what’s best [for] kids,” Miller said.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan chats with Hammond Superintendent Scott Miller during a visit to Joseph Hess Elementary School Thursday. Mrvan was there to celebrate "School Lunch Hero Day" and recognize the work of food service employees in Northwest Indiana schools.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, right, and Elizabeth Garcia, a food service employee at Joseph Hess Elementary School serve food to students. Mrvan was there to be a "guest server" in celebration of "School Lunch Hero Day" and recognize the work of food service employees in Northwest Indiana schools.
Students line up awaiting their lunches at Joseph Hess Elementary School Thursday as U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, who was visiting the school to celebrate "School Lunch Hero Day," prepares meals.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan visited Hess Elementary School Thursday Mrvan where he was a "guest server" in celebration of "School Lunch Hero Day," which is meant to recognize the work of food service employees in Northwest Indiana schools.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan chats with Hammond Superintendent Scott Miller during a visit to Joseph Hess Elementary School Thursday. Mrvan was there to celebrate "School Lunch Hero Day" and recognize the work of food service employees in Northwest Indiana schools.
William Skipworth, The Times
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan walks into the cafeteria at Hess Elementary School Thursday.
William Skipworth, The Times
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan listens to an excited student at Joseph Hess Elementary School during a visit to the school Thursday.
William Skipworth
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan claps as an energetic student dances during his visit to Joseph Hess Elementary School.
William Skipworth, The Times
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan visits with Joseph Hess Elementary School students Thursday.
William Skipworth, The Times
A mass of students rush U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan seeking to give him a hug.
William Skipworth, The Times
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan stands in the Joseph Hess Elementary School kitchen Thursday alongside food service employee Elizabeth Garcia.
William Skipworth, The Times
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, right, and Elizabeth Garcia, a food service employee at Joseph Hess Elementary School serve food to students. Mrvan was there to be a "guest server" in celebration of "School Lunch Hero Day" and recognize the work of food service employees in Northwest Indiana schools.
William Skipworth, The Times
Students line up awaiting their lunches at Joseph Hess Elementary School Thursday as U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, who was visiting the school to celebrate "School Lunch Hero Day," prepares meals.
William Skipworth, The Times
U.S. Frank Mrvan prepares food at Joseph Hess Elementary School Thursday. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/controversy-surronds-hammond-schools-cell-phone-ban/article_7fb88ab6-2d73-11ee-a1af-07c5aa0702ed.html | 2023-07-31T16:44:57 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/controversy-surronds-hammond-schools-cell-phone-ban/article_7fb88ab6-2d73-11ee-a1af-07c5aa0702ed.html |
BEIJING (AP) — A zoo in eastern China is denying suggestions some of its bears might be people in costumes after photos of the animals standing like humans circulated online.
The sun bears from Malaysia are smaller than other bears and look different but are the real thing, the Hangzhou Zoo said Monday on its social media account.
“Some people think I stand like a person,” said the posting, written from the bear’s point of view. “It seems you don’t understand me very well.”
An employee who answered the phone at the zoo declined to talk about the bears but said visits were being arranged for reporters Monday to see them.
Internet users questioned whether the zoo’s bears were real after photos circulated showing one standing upright on slender hind legs.
“Because of the way they stand, some people online question whether they are ‘humans in disguise,’” the newspaper Hangzhou Daily said.
Sun bears are the size of large dogs, standing at most 1.3 meters (50 inches) tall on their hind legs, compared with up to 2.8 meters (9 feet) for grizzlies and other species, according to the zoo.
Other Chinese zoos have been accused of trying to pass off dogs dyed to look like wolves or African cats, and donkeys painted to look like zebras. | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-our-bears-are-real-a-chinese-zoo-says-denying-they-are-humans-in-disguise/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:02 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-our-bears-are-real-a-chinese-zoo-says-denying-they-are-humans-in-disguise/ |
Henry Holcomb, the first dog of Indiana, announced last week through his @FirstDogHenry social media accounts that he's learned how to wink. The 12-year-old miniature schnauzer owned by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and Janet Holcomb, the state's first lady, said he's now trying to learn how to use his four paws to rub his belly and pat his head at the same time.
Gallery: 'First Dog' Henry Holcomb coaches rescue pup Pistachio in preparation for Puppy Bowl XV | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/first-dog-henry-holcomb-wink/article_e298f31a-2fac-11ee-9d19-c38316208648.html | 2023-07-31T16:45:04 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/first-dog-henry-holcomb-wink/article_e298f31a-2fac-11ee-9d19-c38316208648.html |
Elon Musk’s X threatens to sue researchers who documented the rise in hateful tweets
WASHINGTON (AP) — X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has threatened to sue a group of independent researchers whose research documented an increase in hate speech on the site since it was purchased last year by Elon Musk.
An attorney representing the social media site wrote to the Center for Countering Digital Hate on July 20 threatening legal action over the nonprofit’s research into hate speech and content moderation. The letter alleged that CCDH’s research publications seem intended “to harm Twitter’s business by driving advertisers away from the platform with incendiary claims.”
Musk is a self-professed free speech absolutist who has welcomed back white supremacists and election deniers to the platform, which he renamed X earlier this month. But the billionaire has at times proven sensitive about critical speech directed at him or his companies.
The center is a nonprofit with offices in the U.S. and United Kingdom. It regularly publishes reports on hate speech, extremism or harmful behavior on social media platforms like X, TikTok or Facebook.
The organization has published several reports critical of Musk’s leadership, detailing an increase in anti-LGBTQ hate speech as well as climate misinformation since his purchase. The letter from X’s attorney cited one specific report from June that found the platform failed to remove neo-Nazi and anti-LGBTQ content from verified users that violated the platform’s rules.
In the letter, attorney Alex Spiro questioned the expertise of the researchers and accused the center of trying to harm X’s reputation. The letter also suggested, without evidence, that the center received funds from some of X’s competitors, even though the center has also published critical reports about TikTok, Facebook and other large platforms.
“CCDH intends to harm Twitter’s business by driving advertisers away from the platform with incendiary claims,” Spiro wrote, using the platform’s former name.
Imran Ahmed, the center’s founder and CEO, told the AP on Monday that his group has never received a similar response from any tech company, despite a history of studying the relationship between social media, hate speech and extremism. He said that typically, the targets of the center’s criticism have responded by defending their work or promising to address any problems that have been identified.
Ahmed said he worried X’s response to the center’s work could have a chilling effect if it frightens other researchers away from studying the platform. He said he also worried that other industries could take note of the strategy.
“This is an unprecedented escalation by a social media company against independent researchers. Musk has just declared open war,” Ahmed told the Associated Press. “If Musk succeeds in silencing us other researchers will be next in line.”
Messages left with Spiro and X were not immediately returned Monday.
It’s not the first time that Musk has fired back at critics. Last year, he suspended the accounts of several journalists who covered his takeover of Twitter. Another user was permanently banned for using publicly available flight data to track Musk’s private plane; Musk had initially pledged to keep the user on the platform but later changed his mind, citing his personal safety. He also threatened to sue the user.
He initially had promised that he would allow any speech on his platform that wasn’t illegal. “I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means,” Musk wrote in a tweet last year.
X’s recent threat of a lawsuit prompted concern from U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who said the billionaire was trying to use the threat of legal action to punish a nonprofit group trying to hold a powerful social media platform accountable.
“Instead of attacking them, he should be attacking the increasingly disturbing content on Twitter,” Schiff said in a statement.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/elon-musks-x-threatens-sue-researchers-who-documented-rise-hateful-tweets/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:03 | 0 | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/elon-musks-x-threatens-sue-researchers-who-documented-rise-hateful-tweets/ |
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://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-south-korean-dog-meat-farmers-push-back-against-growing-moves-to-outlaw-their-industry/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:09 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-south-korean-dog-meat-farmers-push-back-against-growing-moves-to-outlaw-their-industry/ |
Hunter Biden’s former business partner appears for closed-door interview with GOP-led committee
WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden’s former business partner appeared Monday for closed-door testimony on Capitol Hill, with Republicans planning to question him about claims that President Joe Biden was directly involved in his younger son’s financial dealings.
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee was conducting a transcribed interview with Devon Archer as part of its expanding congressional inquiry into the Biden family businesses as the GOP explores a potential impeachment inquiry into the president.
Archer, who served with Hunter Biden on the board of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma, has been seen by Republicans as a key witness in their so-far fruitless search to directly connect the president to his son’s various international business transactions.
Rep. James Comer, the GOP chairman of Oversight Committee, issued a subpoena to Archer in June, saying he “played a significant role in the Biden family’s business deals abroad, including but not limited to China, Russia, and Ukraine.” He said Archer’s testimony would be critical to the committee’s investigation.
Republicans have focused much attention on an unverified tip to the FBI that alleged a bribery scheme involving Joe Biden when he was vice president. The claim, which first emerged in 2019, was that Biden pressured Ukraine to fire its top prosecutor in order to stop an investigation into Burisma, an oil-and-gas company where Hunter Biden was on the board. GOP lawmakers and staff present at Monday’s interview were also expected to question Archer about several business meetings and conversations Hunter Biden had during which he is said to have invoked his father’s name.
Democrats on the committee, including Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, the ranking minority member, have reiterated that the Justice Department investigated the Burisma claim when Donald Trump was president and closed the matter after eight months, finding “insufficient evidence” that it was true. Democrats have also highlighted the transcript of an interview with Mykola Zlochevsky, Burisma’s co-founder, in which he denied having any contact with Joe Biden while Hunter Biden worked for the company.
“Mr. Zlochevsky’s statements are just one of the many that have debunked the corruption allegations,” Raskin said.
On top of his relationship with Hunter Biden, who is currently facing federal tax charges, Archer has his own legal troubles stemming from a 2018 felony conviction for his role in a conspiracy to defraud a Native American tribe. That conviction was overturned later that year, but then the court of appeals in New York reinstated it in 2020. His sentencing in the case has been repeatedly delayed by appeals.
Archer’s appearance before lawmakers had been scheduled and canceled several times since June. Republicans suggested it was about to be delayed again after the Justice Department over the weekend asked a judge to schedule a date for Archer to surrender to prison and begin serving out his one-year sentence in the unrelated fraud case.
Republicans — led by Comer — criticized that delay, calling it an effort by the Justice Department to intimidate a witness. But the Justice Department in a follow-up memo to the court noted Archer’s surrender was not imminent and asked a judge to ensure that he testified to Congress before reporting to prison.
“Mr. Archer will do what he has planned to do all along, which is to show up this morning and to honestly answer the questions that are put to him by the congressional investigators,” said Archer’s attorney, Matthew Schwartz, who is a managing partner at New York-based firm Boies Schiller Flexner.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/hunter-bidens-former-business-partner-appears-closed-door-interview-with-gop-led-committee/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:10 | 0 | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/hunter-bidens-former-business-partner-appears-closed-door-interview-with-gop-led-committee/ |
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A state-run oil giant in the United Arab Emirates said Monday it has moved up its target for achieving net zero emissions in its operations to 2045, as the country prepares to host U.N. climate talks later this year.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, known as ADNOC, said it is also committed to acheiving zero methane emissions by 2030. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term.
Earlier this year, ADNOC earmarked $15 billion for an array of green initiatives, including the development of hydrogen power, carbon capture facilities and the planting of mangroves.
The company had previously committed to net zero — the balancing of greenhouse gas emissions to the point that the amount removed from the atmosphere is equal to the amount emitted — by 2050.
The UAE, an OPEC member that produces over 3 million barrels of crude oil a day, will host the global climate talks known as COP28 from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 in Dubai. It has appointed Sultan al-Jaber, the head of ADNOC, to chair the meeting, a move that drew criticism from some environmentalists.
Al-Jaber has emphasized the need to cut emissions, rather than end fossil fuel use itself. It’s prompted fears that he might seek loopholes for untested carbon-capture technologies and so-called offsets that experts say distract from the need to end the release of greenhouse gases.
Governments agreed eight years ago in Paris to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) — ideally no more than 1.5C (2.7F). With average global temperatures already about 1.2C (2.2F) above pre-industrial levels, experts say the window to meet the more ambitious target is closing fast and even the less stringent goal would be missed if emissions aren’t slashed sharply soon.
The UAE, a global hub for business and tourism, has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050 — a target that remains difficult to assess and one that authorities haven’t fully explained how they’ll reach. Analysts believe the Emirates is trying to maximize its profits as the world turns to renewables. | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-uae-state-oil-firm-moves-up-net-zero-climate-target-to-2045/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:16 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-uae-state-oil-firm-moves-up-net-zero-climate-target-to-2045/ |
Man mauled to death by pack of dogs, sheriff says
SKIPPERVILLE, Ala. (WTVY/Gray News) – A man was mauled to death by a pack of dogs, according to Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum, who explained investigators originally believed the man had been murdered.
Authorities said acquaintances found the body of 27-year-old Demarcus “Sam” McKenzie in the driveway of a home.
Bynum said it looked like McKenzie was leaving the house when the dogs became aggressive toward him.
“The victim began to run down the driveway as two to three more dogs joined in on the attack,” he explained.
The sheriff said surveillance video shows McKenzie falling and the dogs pouncing on him.
“At one point, five to six dogs are seen violently attacking and mauling the victim as he struggles to stand. After a few minutes, the dogs overpower the victim, and he appears to become incapacitated,” Bynum said.
The sheriff plans to discuss the tragedy with Dale County District Attorney Kirke Adams but did not say who owns the dogs or if they could face charges.
The body’s condition led officers to first believe that McKenzie had been shot, Bynum said.
Copyright 2023 WTVY via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/man-mauled-death-by-pack-dogs-sheriff-says/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:17 | 0 | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/man-mauled-death-by-pack-dogs-sheriff-says/ |
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian ballistic missiles slammed into an apartment complex and a university building in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown Monday, killing six people and wounding 75 others as the blasts trapped residents beneath rubble, Ukrainian officials said.
One of the two missiles that hit the central city of Kryvyi Rihon destroyed part of an apartment building between the fourth and ninth floors, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. Video showed black smoke billowing from corner units and burned out or damaged cars on a tree-lined street.
The dead included a 10-year-old girl and her mother, according to Zelenskyy. More than 350 people were involved in the rescue operation, he said in a Telegram post.
The morning attack also destroyed part of a four-story university building.
The strike on Zelenskyy’s hometown, which has been hit in the past, happened a day after the Ukrainian president warned that the fighting was drawing closer to Russian land.
“Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia — to its symbolic centers and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process,” Zelenskyy said Sunday in his nightly video address.
It was not clear whether the missile strikes were in retaliation for his comments.
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian artillery strike on the partially occupied Donetsk province killed two people and wounded six others in the regional capital, according to Denis Pushilin, the Moscow-installed leader of the illegally annexed province.
A bus was also hit as Ukrainian forces shelled the city of Donetsk multiple times Monday, Pushilin said.
Neither side’s claims could be independently verified.
A recent Ukrainian counteroffensive, deploying weaponry supplied by Kyiv’s Western allies and aimed at driving Russian forces out of occupied areas, intensified last week. At the same time, Ukraine has sought to take the war deep into Russia, reportedly using drones to hit targets as far away as Moscow.
Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia and Moscow-annexed territory, especially Crimea, have become more frequent. The latest strike, on Sunday, damaged two office buildings a few miles (kilometers) from the Kremlin. Ukrainian officials did not acknowledge the attack.
Russia tightened security in the aftermath of that attack, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday, describing the assault as an “act of desperation.”
“The Kyiv regime is in a very, very difficult situation,” Peskov said, “as the counteroffensive is not working out as planned.”
“It’s obvious that the multibillion-dollar resources that have been transferred by NATO countries to the Kyiv regime are actually being spent inefficiently,” Peskov said.
“This raises big questions in Western capitals and great discomfort among taxpayers in Western countries.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin, analysts say, is wagering that Western support for Kyiv will wane as the war drags on and costs mount.
Another Ukrainian drone targeted a district police department early Monday in Russia’s Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine, but there were no casualties, the local governor said.
Bombarding populated areas with missiles, artillery and drones has been a hallmark of Moscow’s military strategy throughout the war, and that approach has continued during the Ukrainian counteroffensive that started in June.
Russian officials insist they take aim only at legitimate military targets, but Ukraine and its supporters say mass civilian deaths during previous attacks are evidence of war crimes.
“In recent days, the enemy has been stubbornly attacking cities, city centers, shelling civilian objects and housing,” Zelenskyy said. “But this terror will not frighten us or break us.”
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Monday that his forces have increased the intensity of attacks on Ukrainian military facilities.
It was not immediately clear which military facilities he was referring to, as Russia’s recent missile strikes have hit civilian infrastructure.
In the southern city of Odesa, Russian strikes in recent weeks targeted port infrastructure and grain silos, after Moscow broke off an export agreement for Ukrainian grain. The Ukrainian foreign ministry estimated Monday that about 180,000 metric tons of grain have been destroyed by Russia in the past nine days.
Russian shelling Monday also killed four civilians and wounded 17 in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson. A 70-year-old woman was killed by shelling in her home in a Kharkiv province village near Izyum, authorities said.
In eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk province, one person was reported killed and seven people were injured after Russia shelled 12 cities and villages, according to Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko.
In other developments Monday, China introduced restrictions on the export of long-range civilian drones. Authorities cited the war in Ukraine and concern that drones could be converted for military purposes.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s government is friendly with Moscow, but says it’s neutral in the war. It has been stung by reports that both sides might be using Chinese-made drones for reconnaissance and possibly attacks.
Meanwhile, Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said Monday that his Wagner Group is not currently recruiting fighters.
In an audio message published on a Telegram channel associated with the Wagner chief, Prigozhin said the company had suspended recruitment as there is currently “no shortage of personnel.”
Prigozhin previously agreed with Western estimates that he lost more than 20,000 men in the long battle for the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.
Prigozhin last month led a short-lived mutiny against Moscow, demanding a leadership change in the Russian military. In an attempt to control him, Russian authorities insisted that Wagner fighters can only return to Ukraine if they join Russia’s regular army.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-ukraine-says-russian-missiles-hit-another-apartment-building-and-likely-trapped-people-under-rubble/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:22 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/international/ap-international/ap-ukraine-says-russian-missiles-hit-another-apartment-building-and-likely-trapped-people-under-rubble/ |
A nice break from the hot and stormy
HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) - After a stormy weekend, part of which featured very hot temperatures, I have some excellent news as we head into the month of August.
Tonight through Tomorrow Night
High pressure continues to hold serve over the region to begin the week. As such, we can continue to expect pleasant conditions overnight as skies clear and lows fall back into the upper 50s and lower 60s thanks to the drier air in place. Rather comfortable, just have to keep an eye on some patchy morning fog.
Another beautiful day is expected as we bring the curtain up on the month of August. Plenty of sunshine combined with light winds and the dry airmass in place will keep highs near average for this time of year: in the middle 80s. Another nice night is on the way as well with high pressure in place. Clear skies expected with lows staying in the middle to upper 50s.
Midweek and Beyond
Our break continues for a little longer into the day on Wednesday, but high pressure scooting east will allow an increase in heat and moisture in the region. We’ll be closer to the middle to upper 80s for highs as clouds slowly increase back into the region. We could even see showers breaking out regionwide overnight on Wednesday into Thursday with lows back in the lower to middle 60s.
Typical summertime forecast returns for the end of the work week and into the weekend. We’ll see a hot and humid mix of sun and clouds with highs topping out in the upper 80s to near 90º. However, showers and storms look to grow into the afternoon hours, and some of those could contain heavy rain or brief gusty winds. They’ll diminish overnights back to a muggy and foggy look with lows in the middle 60s. We’ll bring the showers to a close thanks to a cold front working in to finish the weekend.
Copyright 2023 WYMT. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/nice-break-hot-stormy/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:23 | 1 | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/nice-break-hot-stormy/ |
CHICAGO — A Chicago man is facing charges after a 50-year-old man was stabbed and another was severely battered in West Lawn Saturday.
John Lasso is facing a felony of aggravated battery and deadly use of weapon and another misdemeanor of battery.
Lasso, 45, was arrested Saturday evening and was identified as the man who moments earlier stabbed a 50-year-old man and battered another man, 24, in the 6300 block of South Killin Avenue.
Lasso was placed into custody and charged accordingly. | https://wgntv.com/news/man-charged-after-50-year-old-man-stabbed-cpd/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:28 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/news/man-charged-after-50-year-old-man-stabbed-cpd/ |
‘Our hero’: Police K-9 dies unexpectedly during surgery for sudden illness
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (Gray News) – A police K-9 in Georgia died while undergoing surgery for a sudden illness earlier this month.
According to the Lawrenceville Police Department, K-9 Hyro died unexpectedly on July 20 during surgery at UGA Veterinary Hospital in Athens.
The police department said K-9 Hyro began showing signs of illness in the days before the surgery. Officials didn’t give further details about the illness.
The day after his death, K-9 Hyro was taken to his final resting place at Oakrest Pet Gardens Funeral Home and Crematory in Bethlehem.
Police said K-9 Hyro received a farewell from hundreds of police officers across several departments.
On Monday morning, Lawrenceville police held K-9 Hyro’s funeral, including a procession route.
Police said K-9 Hyro was a “very active” police dog with an “impressive career” with Lawrenceville police. He was deployed hundreds of times during his career and assisted dozens of agencies.
“K-9 Hyro will be greatly missed. Hyro, our hero,” police wrote in a Facebook post.
Lawrenceville is located about 30 miles northeast of Atlanta.
Copyright 2023 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/our-hero-police-k-9-dies-unexpectedly-during-surgery-sudden-illness/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:29 | 1 | https://www.wymt.com/2023/07/31/our-hero-police-k-9-dies-unexpectedly-during-surgery-sudden-illness/ |
ATLANTA (AP) — A new reactor at a nuclear power plant in Georgia has entered commercial operation, becoming the first new American reactor built from scratch in decades.
Georgia Power Co. announced Monday that Unit 3 at Plant Vogtle, southeast of Augusta, has completed testing and is now sending power to the grid reliably.
At its full output of 1,100 megawatts of electricity, Unit 3 can power 500,000 homes and businesses. Utilities in Georgia, Florida and Alabama are receiving the electricity.
Nuclear power now makes up about 25% of the generation of Georgia Power, the largest unit of Atlanta-based Southern Co.
A fourth reactor is also nearing completion at the site, where two earlier reactors have been generating electricity for decades. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Friday said radioactive fuel could be loaded into Unit 4, a step expected to take place before the end of September. Unit 4 is scheduled to enter commercial operation by March.
The third and fourth reactors were originally supposed to cost $14 billion, but are now on track to cost their owners $31 billion. That doesn’t include $3.7 billion that original contractor Westinghouse paid to the owners to walk away from the project. That brings total spending to almost $35 billion.
The third reactor was supposed to start generating power in 2016 when construction began in 2009.
Vogtle is important because government officials and some utilities are again looking to nuclear power to alleviate climate change by generating electricity without burning natural gas, coal and oil.
“This project shows just how new nuclear can and will play a critical role in achieving a clean energy future for the United States,” Southern Co. CEO Chris Womack said in a statement. “Bringing this unit safely into service is a credit to the hard work and dedication of our teams at Southern Company and the thousands of additional workers who have helped build that future at this site.”
In Georgia, almost every electric customer will pay for Vogtle. Georgia Power currently owns 45.7% of the reactors. Smaller shares are owned by Oglethorpe Power Corp., which provides electricity to member-owned cooperatives, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and the city of Dalton. Oglethorpe and MEAG plan to sell power to cooperatives and municipal utilities across Georgia, as well in Jacksonville, Florida, and parts of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
Georgia Power’s 2.7 million customers are already paying part of the financing cost and elected public service commissioners have approved a monthly rate increase of $3.78 a month for residential customers as soon as the third unit begins generating power. That could hit bills in August, two months after residential customers saw a $16-a-month increase to pay for higher fuel costs.
Commissioners will decide later who pays for the remainder of the costs of Vogtle, including the fourth reactor. | https://wgntv.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-first-american-nuclear-reactor-built-from-scratch-in-decades-enters-commercial-operation-in-georgia/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:34 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-first-american-nuclear-reactor-built-from-scratch-in-decades-enters-commercial-operation-in-georgia/ |
Reds vs. Cubs Probable Starting Pitchers Today - July 31
Published: Jul. 31, 2023 at 12:08 PM EDT|Updated: 36 minutes ago
The Cincinnati Reds (58-49) visit the Chicago Cubs (53-52) in NL Central action, at 8:05 PM ET on Monday.
The probable pitchers are Marcus Stroman (10-7) for the Cubs and Andrew Abbott (6-2) for the Reds.
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Reds vs. Cubs Pitcher Matchup Info
- Date: Monday, July 31, 2023
- Time: 8:05 PM ET
- TV: MARQ
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Venue: Wrigley Field
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo!
- Probable Pitchers: Stroman - CHC (10-7, 3.51 ERA) vs Abbott - CIN (6-2, 1.90 ERA)
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Read More About This Game
Reds Probable Starting Pitcher Tonight: Andrew Abbott
- Abbott gets the start for the Reds, his 11th of the season. He is 6-2 with a 1.90 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings pitched.
- In his last appearance on Wednesday, the lefty tossed six scoreless innings against the Milwaukee Brewers while surrendering seven hits.
- The 24-year-old has put up an ERA of 1.90, with 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings in 10 games this season. Opposing hitters have a .184 batting average against him.
- Abbott is looking to extend a third-game quality start streak in this game.
- Abbott will aim to pitch five or more innings for his fourth straight start. He's averaging 6.1 innings per outing.
- He is trying to have his third straight outing with no earned runs allowed.
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Cubs Probable Starting Pitcher Tonight: Marcus Stroman
- Stroman (10-7) will take to the mound for the Cubs and make his 23rd start of the season.
- The right-hander gave up seven earned runs and allowed nine hits in 3 1/3 innings pitched against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.
- The 32-year-old has pitched in 22 games this season with an ERA of 3.51, a 2.27 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a WHIP of 1.202.
- He has started 22 games this season, earning a quality start (6 or more IP, 3 or fewer ER) in 15 of them.
- In 22 starts this season, Stroman has lasted five or more innings 18 times, with an average of 5.7 innings per appearance.
- In 22 appearances this season, he has finished six without allowing an earned run.
- Among qualified pitchers in the majors this season, the 32-year-old ranks 21st in ERA (3.51), 28th in WHIP (1.202), and 47th in K/9 (7.8).
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/sports/betting/2023/07/31/reds-vs-cubs-mlb-probable-starting-pitchers/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:36 | 0 | https://www.wymt.com/sports/betting/2023/07/31/reds-vs-cubs-mlb-probable-starting-pitchers/ |
SANTA CLARA — With the 49ers sending an inside linebacker blitz Sunday, second-year defensive end Drake Jackson was compromised.
When Elijah Mitchell circled out of the backfield to the left, it was up to the 6-foot-4, 273-pound Jackson to keep up with a 200-pound running back 25 yards downfield.
“That just happens every time an inside linebacker blitzes and you’re in scat protection,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “When the back goes, the D-end has to peel. When defenses call those blitzes, they’re praying that’s not the offensive play call and sometimes it happens.”
Quarterback Trey Lance correctly identified the mismatch, and sensing a big play opportunity, let one loose for Mitchell. The pass was a bit of a wobbler, but it really didn’t matter because Jackson had stayed with Mitchell step for step. The ball fell incomplete.
Much to the relief of Jackson.
“That play, it just so happened I had to do what I had to do,” Jackson said. “It’s just the plays that we’re given. I don’t see us dropping like that, but whatever we have to do we’re going to do it.”
As a rookie second-round draft pick last year out of USC, Jackson flashed during training camp and early in the season. Then, as a 252-pound rush end, it was a steady decline. In Week 15, Jackson was a healthy scratch for the first time. He would suit up only once the rest of the season, in Week 16 against the Raiders.
In all three games of the playoffs, Jackson was inactive. As the season went on, Jackson’s quick first step wasn’t to the quarterback, with his get-off limited to being the first to his car to exit the premises after practice.
It wasn’t what Jackson or the 49ers had in mind. Not for someone athletic enough to do backflips and leap out of swimming pools, landing on his feet. Then again, Jackson didn’t exactly maximize his skill set at USC, with 12 1/2 sacks in 25 games.
Jackson’s rookie season was similar to that of Aaron Banks, the left guard who barely played as a rookie second-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2021. In his first offseason, Banks remade his body and was a different player in Year 2.
During his first offseason, Jackson added 13 pounds to get to 265 and has added eight more since. The fact that he was able to shadow Mitchell downfield is evidence the bulk hasn’t affected his athleticism.
The 49ers obviously won’t be counting on Jackson to do much dropping into coverage. He’ll be expected to rush the passer from the edge. Nick Bosa, once he agrees to a contract extension, will come from one side, with Jackson or Clelin Ferrell coming from the other.
It’s conceivable Ferrell could end up being the starter on early downs, Jackson playing mainly as a situational pass rusher. And in the unlikely event that Bosa’s contract situation lingers, Jackson and his potential off the edge become even more important.
Shanahan likes what he’s seen so far from Jackson and Ferrell, but noted, “Nothing really matters until we get the pads on and start doing a little more football.”
The defensive line rotation will identify itself to coordinator Steve Wilks and defensive line coach Kris Kocurek during training camp.
Kocurek challenged Jackson to step it up in the offseason. He was delighted to discover Jackson beat him to the facility on most days, made significant gains in the weight room, and also changed his eating habits.
Adding weight only matters when it’s the right kind of weight.
“It’s one thing to go to McDonald’s and eat five cheeseburgers in a day like I’ve done in the past, or get in the weight room and put good nutrition in your body and put on lean muscle and eliminate much of the fat,” Kocurek said during the mandatory minicamp. “He’s done a fantastic job being able to maintain the explosive nature that he has in his body from a speed aspect.”
Jackson said he feels the difference on the field and off.
“I feel fluid, I feel strong,” Jackson said. “I can’t wait until we actually get in pads.”
Rather than luxuriate at an exotic locale during the 40 days where the 49ers adjourned between their offseason program and training camp, Jackson instead was a regular at the facility, working with linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw.
“Sacrifices, man,” Jackson said. “Sometimes you’ve got to sacrifice to be better. I know I could have taken a break but I’d rather stay here and work on myself. This season hopefully it will show.”
Greenlaw is confident it will, and that was even before he saw Jackson covering Mitchell at 273 pounds.
“Just to see him every day get better and want it is the main thing,” Greenlaw said. “You can tell he wants it. I can’t wait to see it pay off for him.”
Shanahan is eager to see the difference in padded practices.
“A lot of guys put in so much work, and then the 40 days away, they’re like, ‘All right, let me go take a break before we come back.’ And he didn’t,” Shanahan said. “He stayed here the 40 days away, kept doing everything he had done since February, and he’s still continuing to climb.” | https://www.chicoer.com/2023/07/31/49ers-drake-jackson-eager-put-put-new-body-to-use-as-padded-practices-begin/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:40 | 0 | https://www.chicoer.com/2023/07/31/49ers-drake-jackson-eager-put-put-new-body-to-use-as-padded-practices-begin/ |
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.
Killer heat. Deadly floods. Smoke from wildfires that chokes.
And there’s no relief in sight.
Expect a hotter than normal August and September, American and European forecast centers predict.
“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?”
___
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
___
Follow Seth Borenstein on Twitter at @borenbears
___
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://wgntv.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-heres-how-hot-and-extreme-the-summer-has-been-and-its-only-halfway-over/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:40 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-heres-how-hot-and-extreme-the-summer-has-been-and-its-only-halfway-over/ |
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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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/sports/betting/2023/08/01/2023-womens-world-cup-china-england-betting-preview-odds/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:43 | 1 | https://www.wymt.com/sports/betting/2023/08/01/2023-womens-world-cup-china-england-betting-preview-odds/ |
CHICO — Work will get underway this week on the next round of the 2023 pavement improvement projects the city of Chico has planned, according to a press release the city issued Friday.
Contractor Pavement Coatings Co. and its subcontractor, Knife River Construction, will begin work at three locations. The first involves a “grind and overlay” repaving on El Paso Way from East Lassen Avenue to 125 feet north of El Verano Way. Contractors also will apply a slurry seal along East Lassen Avenue from The Esplanade to Floral Avenue, in addition to removal of two curb ramps on El Paso.
Work at the second location will involve slurry sealing East Avenue from Cohasset Road to Manzanita Avenue.
The third effort will include slurry sealing Locust and Hemlock streets between East 12th and East 20th streets, as well as East 13th, East 14th, East 15th, East 16th, East 17th, East 18th and East 19th streets between Mulberry Street and Park Avenue.
All treated pavement in the work zones will receive new striping and pavement markings when the slurry sealing or paving are complete.
A slurry seal is the application of a mixture of water, asphalt emulsion, aggregate — very small crushed rock — and additives to an existing asphalt pavement surface. A “grind and overlay” involves “shaving” off a portion of the existing asphalt and replacing it with a fresh, smooth layer.
City officials said the projects should be complete in September.
Local access through the project construction zone will be subject to traffic controls, temporary delays, detours and closures in order to accommodate construction crews and equipment, the release said. Night work at some locations is also likely. Officials said they encourage drivers to add time into their schedules or plan alternate routes to avoid the project areas when possible. | https://www.chicoer.com/2023/07/31/city-plans-to-rehabilitate-troubled-pavement-beginning-this-week/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:46 | 1 | https://www.chicoer.com/2023/07/31/city-plans-to-rehabilitate-troubled-pavement-beginning-this-week/ |
PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix sizzled through its 31st consecutive day of at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius) and other parts of the country grappled Sunday with record temperatures after a week that saw significant portions of the U.S. population subject to extreme heat.
The National Weather Service said Phoenix climbed to a high of 111 F (43.8 Celsius) before the day was through.
July has been so steamy thus far that scientists calculate it will be the hottest month ever recorded and likely the warmest human civilization has seen. The World Meteorological Organization and the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service on Thursday proclaimed July beyond record-smashing.
The historic heat began blasting the lower Southwest U.S. in late June, stretching from Texas across New Mexico and Arizona and into California’s desert.
On Sunday, a massive wildfire burning out of control in California’s Mojave National Preserve spread rapidly amid erratic winds, while firefighters reported progress against another major blaze to the south that prompted evacuations.
The York Fire that erupted Friday near the remote Caruthers Canyon area of the preserve sent up a huge plume of smoke visible nearly 100 miles (160 kilometers) away across the state line in Nevada.
Flames 20 feet (6 meters) high in some spots have charred more than 110 square miles (284 square kilometers) of desert scrub, juniper and Joshua tree woodland, according to a Sunday update.
“The dry fuel acts as a ready ignition source, and when paired with those weather conditions it resulted in long-distance fire run and high flames, leading to extreme fire behavior,” authorities said. No structures were threatened, but there was also no containment.
To the southwest, the Bonny Fire was holding steady at about 3.4 square miles (8.8 square kilometers) in rugged hills of Riverside County. More than 1,300 people were ordered to evacuate their homes Saturday near the remote community of Aguanga, California.
Triple-digit heat was expected in parts of the central San Joaquin Valley through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
And in Burbank, California, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Los Angeles, the summer heat may have been responsible for some unusual behavior in the animal kingdom: Police in the city responded to a report of a bear sighting in a residential neighborhood and found the animal sitting in a Jacuzzi behind one of the homes.
As climate change brings hotter and longer heat waves, record temperatures across the U.S. have killed dozens of people, and the poorest Americans suffer the most. Air conditioning, once a luxury, is now a matter of survival.
Last year, all 86 heat-related deaths indoors were in uncooled environments.
“To explain it fairly simply: Heat kills,” said Kristie Ebi, a University of Washington professor who researches heat and health. “Once the heat wave starts, mortality starts in about 24 hours.”
It’s the poorest and people of color, from Kansas City to Detroit to New York City and beyond, who are far more likely to face grueling heat without air conditioning, according to a Boston University analysis of 115 U.S. metro areas.
Back in Phoenix, slight relief may be on the way as expected seasonal thunderstorms could drop temperatures Monday and Tuesday.
“It should be around 108 degrees, so we break that 110 streak,” meteorologist Tom Frieders said. “Increasing cloud cover will put temperatures in a downward trend.”
The relief could be short-lived, however. Highs are expected to creep back to 110 F (43.3 C) Wednesday with temperatures reaching 115 F (46.1 C) by the end of the week.
Phoenix has also sweated through a record 16 consecutive nights when the lows temperature didn’t dip below 90 F (32.2 C), making it hard for people to cool off after sunset.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas continues to flirt with its hottest July ever. The city is closing in on its 2010 record for the average of the high and low each day for July, which stands at 96.2 F (35.5 C).
The extreme heat is also hitting the eastern U.S, as soaring temperatures moved from the Midwest into the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, where some places recorded their warmest days so far this year. | https://wgntv.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-july-keeps-sizzling-as-phoenix-hits-another-110-degree-day-and-wildfires-spread-in-california/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:46 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-july-keeps-sizzling-as-phoenix-hits-another-110-degree-day-and-wildfires-spread-in-california/ |
This past week at the AC Home kicked off on July 24, as the men visited during coffee hour, residents played bingo, some played scrabble and before it got too hot, they relaxed in the courtyards. On July 25, residents took part in a worship service, competed in Bible trivia, played some games and enjoyed the musical talents of The Lesters along treats courtesy of Caleri’s. On Wednesday, residents baked muffins, reminisced, shared stories and relaxed inside away from the heat. On Thursday, residents embarked on an early morning shopping trip and drive to the county 4-H fair, shucked sweet corn, snapped garden beans and played bingo. On Friday, residents relaxed with some organ music, played games and enjoyed some fresh popped popcorn inside.
Quick and Easy Home Fries
Ingredients
3 medium cubed russet potatoes
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Rinse potato cubes with cold water and drain well. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place potatoes in the skillet and season with salt and pepper; mix well. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and cook, turning frequently, until brown and crisp on all sides for 10 more minutes. | https://pantagraph.com/community/wcj/news/apostolic-christian-home-of-eureka/article_4f0c6a56-2fba-11ee-9611-2b691a8b9e84.html | 2023-07-31T16:45:47 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/community/wcj/news/apostolic-christian-home-of-eureka/article_4f0c6a56-2fba-11ee-9611-2b691a8b9e84.html |
US customers can now experience Angel Aligner with over two decades of superior aligner technology, transforming a million healthy smiles
SANTA ANA, Calif., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to research and digital innovation, Angelalign Technology Inc., is excited to announce the launch of its custom-made clear aligners into the U.S. market. Angelalign Technology is a leading global provider of clear aligner dental technology and evidence-based clinical expertise. With 1 million smiles treated,1 the company is now expanding its expertise and global footprint.
Since 2003, Angelalign Technology has maintained productive scientific collaborations with orthodontists and universities around the world, enabling the company to build a large database of complex orthodontic cases. State-of-the-art research and development (R&D) and customized production facilities are now globally positioned to bring a fresh perspective and technological advancements to clear aligner manufacturing and customer service.
The company is dedicated to research and development, with an average of 11% of annual revenue invested into R&D every year. Innovative highlights include:
- angelButton™ – Manufactured directly into the aligner to provide an additional anchorage point to support the use of elastics and TADs, these buttons can be added and/or adjusted anywhere on the arch and are designed with high structural integrity to facilitate efficient tooth movement via elastics.
"Angel Aligner solved the problems of having buttons. The buttons are built into the aligners, which will reduce emergencies, and additional appointments can be avoided."
Dr. Amanda Cheng, Orthodontist, California
- iOrtho™ – A secure cloud-based service platform housing patient management data for Angel Aligner™ treatments. The treatment planning software has user-friendly 3D controls, allowing doctors to customize and review Angel Aligner case designs.
"Working with the iOrtho software has been amazing and the turnaround time has been great in our practice."
Dr. Stephen Bradford, Orthodontics by Bradford, Florida
- Intelligent Root System (IRS) – Get an accurate 3D digital representation of the patient's tooth, root and jawbone relationship that uses CBCT data and IO scans and adjusts throughout the course of treatment via an Intelligent Root System (IRS).
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Angel Aligner™ has a large specialized team of technicians with over 3.5 years of tenure, orthodontically attuned to precision case designs with specialized knowledge in complex malocclusions. They're ready to support treatment planning needs with high-quality case designs and 10-day turnaround times.
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Angel Aligner™ delivers a simple approach, innovative products and tools and experienced customer support to continuously push the edge of technology, product development and service to better serve orthodontic professionals and ultimately, their patients.
"We're excited to combine two decades of research, development and clinical expertise in clear aligner technology with the seasoned experience of our leadership, sales and integration specialists in the North American market," said Jason Tabb, General Manager, North America.
About Angel Aligner™
Angelalign Technology Inc., a leading global provider of clear aligner technology and clinical expertise, has announced the launch of its custom-made clear aligners into new markets worldwide. With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to research and digital innovation, Angelalign Technology has treated 1 million smiles and offers unparalleled customer service and state-of-the-art production facilities.
1As of June 30, 2023, the total number of cases of any and all the products and services provided by all entities owned or controlled by Angelalign Technology Inc. has exceeded one million.
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SOURCE Angel Aligner | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/angel-aligner-launches-game-changing-clear-aligner-technology-us-markets/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:49 | 1 | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/angel-aligner-launches-game-changing-clear-aligner-technology-us-markets/ |
(Our Auto Expert) – The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is here to redefine the legacy of the world’s best-selling sports car. As the latest addition to the Mustang family, this remarkable vehicle marks a new chapter in its 59-year history. With its powerful engine, cutting-edge technology, and captivating design, the Mustang Dark Horse is set to wow both existing fans and a new generation of sports car enthusiasts.
The Mustang Dark Horse boasts the first new Mustang performance series title in 21 years. It is also the most powerful non-Shelby edition ever created, thanks to its unique 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine that churns out an impressive 500 horsepower. However, the Dark Horse is not just about raw horsepower; it is a vehicle designed for both street and track use.
Equipped with available carbon fiber wheels from Carbon Revolution and the Handling Package, the Mustang Dark Horse is the most track-capable 5.0-liter V8 street-legal Mustang ever produced. Its performance is further enhanced by the specially designed blue ember metallic paint, adding exclusivity to this exceptional vehicle.
The Mustang Dark Horse exudes a menacing presence with its bold shadow graphic surrounding the darkened LED headlamps, lower side skirts, rear fixed rear wing, new race-inspired diffuser, and darkened quad exhaust tips. Its design is a testament to the Mustang’s storied motorsports history, combining aggression and elegance in one stunning package.
This powerhouse of a car comes equipped with a full suite of next-gen technology specifically designed to enhance performance. The standard MagneRide shocks, capable of monitoring wheel and tire movement 1,000 times per second, ensure an unparalleled driving experience. The Mustang Dark Horse is not just a pretty face; it’s a technologically advanced beast.
For those who prefer manual control, the Mustang Dark Horse comes standard with a unique six-speed TREMEC manual transmission and a special Mustang Dark Horse transmission oil cooler to keep the stallion cool under pressure. Alternatively, there is the option to choose Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission for seamless gear changes.
The Mustang Dark Horse is not just a car; it’s a symbol of Mustang’s storied motorsports history. With its unique design, powerful engine, and advanced technology, it is set to make history itself. This street and track performance Mustang is sure to be a fan favorite for years to come.
Conclusion:
If you’re in search of a car that combines style, performance, and innovation, the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is the ultimate choice. Its powerful engine, track-ready capabilities, and advanced technology are a testament to the Mustang’s legacy. Whether you’re an existing fan or a new sports car lover, the Mustang Dark Horse is sure to ignite your excitement. Get ready to experience the thrill of the road like never before. | https://pix11.com/automotive/ford-introduces-the-most-powerful-non-shelby-mustang-ever/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:51 | 1 | https://pix11.com/automotive/ford-introduces-the-most-powerful-non-shelby-mustang-ever/ |
Never Back Down, the outside group spending heavily to make Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis president, has raked in donations of $1 million or more from at least seven wealthy Republican benefactors or their companies, according to internal documents from the group, and had nearly $97 million in cash-on-hand at the end of June.
The super PAC’s fundraising haul includes millions from former supporters of Donald Trump who publicly cut ties after the 2021 U.S. Capitol riots, including Nevada hotel magnet Robert Bigelow, who gave more than $20 million, and Silicon Valley investor Douglas M. Leone, who gave $2 million. The two biggest donors in Republican politics during the 2022 midterm cycle, packaging magnates Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, also gave $1 million each.
Companies controlled by the Florida housing developer Mori Hosseini — who loaned a golf simulator for DeSantis’s use and benefited from a $92 million state transportation grant near his properties — gave $1 million. Other seven-figure donors included Saul Fox, a major GOP donor who recently thanked Trump for his support of Israel by offering him a loan of antiquities; Stefan Brodie, the founder of a Pennsylvania biotechnology firm; and David J. Millstone, the CEO of roofing company Standard Industries.
Such large donations — combined with a transfer of $82.5 million from the governor’s Florida political operation — have allowed Never Back Down to build a more expansive political operation than any other group this cycle, with a goal of pushing the boundaries of what an outside group can do to help a presidential campaign. At the same time, DeSantis’s own operation has been forced to cut back spending amid a decline in his polling numbers.
Never Back Down officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss nonpublic matters, talked to The Washington Post before Monday’s campaign finance filing, sharing extensive internal data that they said will be contained in the group’s formal filing to the Federal Election Commission as well as some information that will not.
Chris Jankowski, the group’s chief executive officer, plans to tell the group’s leadership in a memo that the midyear report will show that Never Back Down spent four out of every five dollars on voter contact, building a custom national voter file and technology investments that are driving the group’s field program. He argued that they have built the most experienced team ever formed at a super PAC and that their efforts to adhere to strict governance and contracting standards — including limited commissions to consultants, fundraisers or vendors — have resulted in a highly efficient operation.
Despite the financial prowess of Never Back Down, DeSantis has continued to lose ground against Trump in national and some early state polls as they battle for the nomination. A New York Times/Siena College poll released Monday showed Trump leading the field with the backing of 54 percent of likely Republican voters. DeSantis trailed with the support of 17 percent and no other candidate drew the support of more than 3 percent of GOP voters.
The group raised $130 million from the start of the year — most of it consisting of the money transferred from the DeSantis Florida group — and spent $33.8 million between March and June, building a staff of 121 people and a contract workforce of about 240 canvassers, who work out of 11 offices around the country. About 85 percent of the funds they spent through the end of June went to what they call “direct voter contact,” a category that includes television, digital and mail advertising, as well as the group’s field program of paid canvassers.
Never Back Down is trying to do something that has never been attempted in presidential politics — using unregulated checks of unlimited size to pay for most of the business typically associated with a candidate and campaign during a nomination fight, including event organizing, voter modeling, campaign fundraising, endorsement recruiting and even parts of the convention delegate strategy.
The group spent about $15.5 million in television, radio and digital ads over the first six months of this year, more than any presidential operation except for the super PAC affiliated with Trump, according to the media tracking firm AdImpact. Never Back Down also shouldered some of the DeSantis campaign’s fundraising costs, raising about $740,000 through the end of June by way of about 8,000 new donors for the campaign, which is limited by law to raising no more than $3,300 from individuals for the primary campaign, officials said.
“Every conversation at the door, every text message reply is making us smarter and more efficient,” Jankowski said in a statement Monday. “We are running a full-scale operation that has never been done before at this level by either party. Donald Trump is using most of his donors’ money to cover his legal fees. This isn’t close.”
The group’s officials say they aim to raise an additional $100 million by March 2024, as donors who did not want to appear on this week’s disclosure reports write checks. Never Back Down also plans to send an increasing number of invitations to DeSantis to participates in fundraising events, after intentionally limiting their requests after the campaign started. The group also plans to step up its role in organizing events for DeSantis to appear at as the governor’s campaign cuts back on costs.
Under campaign finance rules, DeSantis can appear at fundraisers for Never Back Down, but cannot ask directly for money in excess of federal candidate limits. He can attend bus tours, parade events and even political rallies put on by Never Back Down as “a special guest.” But DeSantis and Never Back Down leadership are not allowed to coordinate directly on most spending decisions.
DeSantis’s official campaign, which raised $20 million in the six weeks between his announcement and the end of June, has faced scrutiny for its high expenses, leading to a round of layoffs this month. While some other GOP presidential rivals are flying commercial, DeSantis’s campaign spent about $1.5 million on travel and private planes over the six-week period — which accounted for about 20 percent of its total spending in the second quarter. Of the $20 million that DeSantis raised, about $3 million is earmarked for the general election and cannot be used for the nomination fight. Many of DeSantis’s campaign donors have already given the maximum allowed by law.
Trump has also faced criticism after a political action committee that raises money with his campaign spent more than $40 million on legal costs in the first half of 2023 to defend Trump, his advisers and others.
Never Back Down officials said they focused on running an efficient operation, despite its size and ambitions. Group leadership intentionally hired one umbrella firm, Axiom Strategies, a consultant for the 2016 presidential campaign of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), to do much of the work for Never Back Down, but they say they have worked to limit the profit margins of their vendors.
In a memo to the group’s leadership, Jankowski said Axiom was paid $16.4 million, which included $14.8 million worth of media buys. Axiom took a commission of 1.75 percent for the media placement, or about $259,000, which Never Back Down officials said was lower than the industry standard. Jankowski said in the memo that there are no commissions paid to fundraisers, media consultants or any other vendor.
A canvassing vendor owned by Axiom, Vanguard Strategies, was paid $1.2 million, while Blitz Canvassing, a vendor owned by GP3, the company of DeSantis adviser Phil Cox, was paid $2.8 million. Both vendors are in charge of hiring and deploying door-knockers across targeted states.
Officials said the FEC filings would show a $409,000 in-kind donation to the group from Axiom, a result of the contract that Axiom president Jeff Roe initially signed with the group which limited expenses. That donation reflects flights, hotel rooms, meals and strategic consulting time by Roe and others at the company that will not be billed to the super PAC, the official said. As a result, Jankowski said in the memo that Axiom Strategies had a net loss for its work with the group in the current reporting period.
The Never Back Down filing also includes $5.5 million in donations from Faithful & Strong Policies, Inc., a group that matches the name of a nonprofit social welfare organization that was founded last year in Florida. A website for a group of the same name describes Faithful & Strong as an operation accepting donations that is “committed to promoting and supporting conservative policies and ideas rooted in freedom and our founding principles that better the lives of individuals and families.”
Donors who do not want their names disclosed in federal filings sometimes give to independent groups through such “dark money” nonprofit groups that are not required under tax law to disclose their donors. The attorney that registered the group in the state of Florida did not return requests for comment.
In total, the group plans to report 174 unique contributions, which a PAC official said derives from 163 unique donors, since a handful of donors gave through multiple entities. About 90 percent of the donations come from the top nine donors or their affiliates, including more than $20 million from Bigelow and the transfer from DeSantis’s state operation.
Many of the donors have Florida roots like Hosseini, who the governor reappointed to the University of Florida Board of Trustees. On the same day Hosseini’s companies donated to Never Back Down, other Florida developers and their companies also gave to the group. A housing development company controlled by another DeSantis appointee to the University of Florida board, Patrick Zalupski, gave $250,000. Murray Goodman, a commercial real estate developer based in Palm Beach, gave $50,000.
In practice, the difference between the super PAC and the campaign’s activities may be lost on most voters. Workers for the super PAC have marched with DeSantis in parades, collected volunteer sign up cards at DeSantis events and the super PAC recently paid for a bus that transported DeSantis around Iowa.
In media appearances, DeSantis has appeared to speak about activities undertaken by the Never Back Down in the first-person plural.
“We have tried to use this early period to put the building blocks in place to be able to turn out people on caucus night, to be able to turn out people in the New Hampshire primary,” he said in a recent interview on Megyn Kelly’s SiriusXM podcast. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/31/desantis-super-pac-millionaire-donors/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:51 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/31/desantis-super-pac-millionaire-donors/ |
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Rico Rodriguez, 25; B.J. Novak, 44; Zac Brown, 45; J.K. Rowling, 58.
Happy Birthday: Don’t overestimate or underestimate what you can accomplish. Aim to finish what you start this year. Changing how you work or schedule your daily routine will make a difference. Discipline and focus are vital to surpassing your expectations. When opportunity knocks, open the door and let it change your life. Be the master of your destiny, not the victim of someone’s control. Your numbers are 7, 12, 22, 27, 30, 37, 43.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Socializing will help you gain valuable information and determine how to proceed. Refuse to let a situation that can influence your status or position turn into an emotional frenzy. Use your skills and attributes to build solid connections with innovative collaborators. 2 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Refuse to let anyone distract you from reaching your goal. Build momentum, and don’t stop until you are satisfied with the results. Embrace challenges and turn any negative encounter into a positive experience. You’ll impress someone who can help you progress. 5 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Look for answers, be resourceful and don’t rely on someone who exaggerates or tells you something to benefit themselves instead of you. Make your home more functional, and equip yourself to use your skills and knowledge to outperform anyone who tries to interfere. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Reach out and see who replies. Reliable connections will motivate you to improve your lifestyle. A serious discussion will provide enough information to turn something you have to offer into a commercial endeavor. Don’t sit still; take advantage of what’s available. 3 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Adjust to what’s happening and recognize what’s best for you. Taking the most suitable route will put you in an advantageous position. Pay attention to detail, and channel your energy toward your target. Personal growth will pay high dividends. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Look at the big picture and set a course that encourages making positive change, gaining information, and a mixture of old and new that complements who you are and what you want to achieve. Step into the spotlight. 5 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Sift through the possibilities and adjust your living arrangements positively to offset your expenses. Use your charm and intelligence to gain support and create new opportunities that offer the freedom to do as you please. Protect against health or financial risks. 2 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Share your enthusiasm; contributions will spark your imagination and encourage you to expand your awareness and plans regarding the balance between home and work. Finding the sweet spot that taps into your mindset will lead to opportunity and happiness. Follow through. 4 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll face opposition and receive conflicting information. Do your due diligence before you agree to something you regret. Look inward, consider your needs and make improvements that boost your confidence and bank account. Avoid situations that can lead to insult or injury. 3 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You can wiggle your way into anything you put your mind to and persuade others to follow suit. Your magnetism will carry you to the finish line, where you can enjoy the rewards of doing the right thing at the right time. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Tone things down to accomplish your goals. Taking on too much or overreacting to what’s happening will leave you vulnerable. Change what’s necessary, regardless of what others do or say. Pay more attention to how you look and feel. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A minimalist approach to life, relationships and how you proceed will decide the results. If you market your skills using innovative ideas, you’ll receive favorable input. 4 stars
Birthday Baby: You are disciplined, organized and self-reliant. You are engaging and outstanding.
1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.
Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters. | https://www.chicoer.com/2023/07/31/horoscopes-july-31-2023-rico-rodriguez-be-the-master-of-your-destiny/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:52 | 0 | https://www.chicoer.com/2023/07/31/horoscopes-july-31-2023-rico-rodriguez-be-the-master-of-your-destiny/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has threatened to sue a group of independent researchers whose research documented an increase in hate speech on the site since it was purchased last year by Elon Musk.
An attorney representing the social media site wrote to the Center for Countering Digital Hate on July 20 threatening legal action over the nonprofit’s research into hate speech and content moderation. The letter alleged that CCDH’s research publications seem intended “to harm Twitter’s business by driving advertisers away from the platform with incendiary claims.”
Musk is a self-professed free speech absolutist who has welcomed back white supremacists and election deniers to the platform, which he renamed X earlier this month. But the billionaire has at times proven sensitive about critical speech directed at him or his companies.
The center is a nonprofit with offices in the U.S. and United Kingdom. It regularly publishes reports on hate speech, extremism or harmful behavior on social media platforms like X, TikTok or Facebook.
The organization has published several reports critical of Musk’s leadership, detailing an increase in anti-LGBTQ hate speech as well as climate misinformation since his purchase. The letter from X’s attorney cited one specific report from June that found the platform failed to remove neo-Nazi and anti-LGBTQ content from verified users that violated the platform’s rules.
In the letter, attorney Alex Spiro questioned the expertise of the researchers and accused the center of trying to harm X’s reputation. The letter also suggested, without evidence, that the center received funds from some of X’s competitors, even though the center has also published critical reports about TikTok, Facebook and other large platforms.
“CCDH intends to harm Twitter’s business by driving advertisers away from the platform with incendiary claims,” Spiro wrote, using the platform’s former name.
Imran Ahmed, the center’s founder and CEO, told the AP on Monday that his group has never received a similar response from any tech company, despite a history of studying the relationship between social media, hate speech and extremism. He said that typically, the targets of the center’s criticism have responded by defending their work or promising to address any problems that have been identified.
Ahmed said he worried X’s response to the center’s work could have a chilling effect if it frightens other researchers away from studying the platform. He said he also worried that other industries could take note of the strategy.
“This is an unprecedented escalation by a social media company against independent researchers. Musk has just declared open war,” Ahmed told the Associated Press. “If Musk succeeds in silencing us other researchers will be next in line.”
Messages left with Spiro and X were not immediately returned Monday.
It’s not the first time that Musk has fired back at critics. Last year, he suspended the accounts of several journalists who covered his takeover of Twitter. Another user was permanently banned for using publicly available flight data to track Musk’s private plane; Musk had initially pledged to keep the user on the platform but later changed his mind, citing his personal safety. He also threatened to sue the user.
He initially had promised that he would allow any speech on his platform that wasn’t illegal. “I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means,” Musk wrote in a tweet last year.
X’s recent threat of a lawsuit prompted concern from U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who said the billionaire was trying to use the threat of legal action to punish a nonprofit group trying to hold a powerful social media platform accountable.
“Instead of attacking them, he should be attacking the increasingly disturbing content on Twitter,” Schiff said in a statement. | https://wgntv.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-musk-threatens-to-sue-researchers-who-documented-the-rise-in-hateful-tweets/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:52 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-musk-threatens-to-sue-researchers-who-documented-the-rise-in-hateful-tweets/ |
SPRINGFIELD – Senator Tom Bennett's stint in the Illinois legislature's upper chamber will be a short one, as the Gibson City Republican announced on Wednesday he will retire upon the completion of his term in 2025. The 67-year-old had served in the House from 2015 to ’23. He was appointed to fill the 53rd Senate District seat vacated by Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, who was voted to a four-year term, but a special election will be held in ‘24 since the vacancy took place with more than 28 months left on the term. Candidates can start the signature collection process for placement on the ballot in early September.
Though he called serving in the legislature "one of the most challenging, amazing and rewarding times" of his life, Bennett admitted he will not put forward his name for another term.
“The only way I know how to do this job is full-time, often six or seven days-a-week and my family and I have decided that after this term it is time to slow down,” said Bennett, who added he made the decision now "so the hardworking and fair-minded people I represent are in the best position to elect a new leader.”
Raised on his family farm near Gibson City, Bennett was a junior high school science teacher before he served as an information technology professional at State Farm for 30 years. He retired upon his stint in the House in ’14.
While a reliable conservative vote, Bennett was a self-proclaimed "uniter" who sought common ground when it could be achieved. His record passing legislation in the supermajority Democratic legislature was impressive. Five bills Bennett sponsored this past session have been signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker or await his signature. Among them include bills meant to address the teacher shortage. House Bill 1468, signed by Pritzker, allows teachers who receive retirement benefits to work up to 120 days per school year through ‘26 and 100 days after that. House Bill 1488 would reform licensing by way of a waiver as it relates to the requirement that prospective teachers pass the edTPA standard.
“Today is not the end of my work as a Senator, it is simply the beginning of the sprint to the finish,” Bennett said. “I have a lot of legislative work left to do and a lot of people yet to meet. Because, as I learned from a friend a long time ago, it’s all about the people.”
In a statement, Senate Minority Leader John Curran, R-Downers Grove, pointed out Bennett's "kindness and compassion" along with his legislative skills.
“The accomplishments and impact that he continues to make will be felt throughout the Capitol and the state for many years to come," Curran said.
The Senate district Bennett represents includes all or portions of Bureau, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, Marshall, McLean, Putnam, Tazewell, Will and Woodford Counties.
It is not clear who would run for the open Senate seat. The House members who represent portions of the district are first-year state Reps. Jason Bunting, R-Emington, and Dennis Tipsword, R-Metamora.
Bennett is the uncle of late former Senator Scott Bennett, D-Champaign, who died unexpectedly at 45 in December from complications of a large brain tumor. | https://pantagraph.com/community/wcj/news/bennett-will-not-seek-another-term/article_f36d1e7e-2fba-11ee-b3a9-0b767b63c569.html | 2023-07-31T16:45:53 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/community/wcj/news/bennett-will-not-seek-another-term/article_f36d1e7e-2fba-11ee-b3a9-0b767b63c569.html |
SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), with support from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation through the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity, today announced the launch of The AAPI Nonprofit Database. This interactive database addresses the historical inequity of funding directed towards the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community by providing a platform where anyone looking to donate, volunteer, or get involved can more easily locate and support AAPI nonprofit organizations across the country.
With less than 0.2% of philanthropic giving going to AAPI nonprofits and causes, the community remains underfunded and under-resourced. TAAF is working to help fill this critical gap, and the database is a necessary first step to meeting the need. The database will feature nonprofits of all sizes, giving visibility and driving donations to grassroots organizations who have been working tirelessly to support underrepresented AAPI communities throughout the country.
"In the face of continued Anti-Asian hate and rhetoric, it is now more important than ever to invest in resources to support the diverse needs of AAPI communities," said Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF. "We know people want to support AAPI causes, especially following the horrific events impacting our community, but they may not always know where to begin or which organizations are aligned with their interests. Impactaapi.org will make AAPI nonprofits and causes accessible through one interactive tool to remove the barriers to entry and help combat the chronic underfunding and under-resourcing that AAPI organizations have faced."
At launch, the database will feature over 600 nonprofit organizations focused on serving AAPI communities. The AAPI Nonprofit Database will allow users to filter by location, focus area, population served, budget size or years in service, among others. Users will have the opportunity to make donations directly to the nonprofit of their choice or learn how to get more involved. If users need help to get started, a feature will allow visitors to take a short quiz, matching them to a curated list of organizations based on their interests.
Nonprofits have the opportunity to opt-in, get listed, and update their profile pages, including linking directly to their donation pages or website. Organizations whose data has been updated in the past year will have "verified" status indicating current data.
"Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have been long-time supporters of the AAPI community and are thrilled to support The Asian American Foundation in launching The AAPI Nonprofit Database," said Kimberly McGee, Senior Manager for the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity. "As a founding AAPI Giving Challenge supporter, we are focused on driving access and resources to advance equity in the AAPI nonprofit community. The AAPI Nonprofit Database brings us closer to that goal by putting power into the hands of the broader public, whether by driving donations or getting more involved."
The AAPI Giving Challenge was launched in May 2021 with over 130 corporations, foundations, and individual donors committed $1.1 billion in funding and in-kind resources directly to AAPI communities, organizations, and relevant causes over five years. The AAPI Nonprofit Database highlights the commitment of corporate partners to work with the AAPI community to drive towards solutions together.
TAAF acknowledges Asian Pacific Fund and AAPI Data for their collaboration in providing guidance on the creation of this database.
The AAPI Nonprofit Database can be found at https://impactaapi.org. Nonprofit organizations interested in being listed can submit a request here.
ABOUT THE ASIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION (TAAF)
The Asian American Foundation serves the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in its pursuit of belonging and prosperity that is free from discrimination, slander, and violence. Founded in 2021 in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and address the long standing underinvestment in AAPI communities, TAAF funds best in class organizations working to mobilize against hate and violence, educate communities, and reclaim our narratives through our core pillars of Anti-hate, Education, Narrative Change, and Resources & Representation. Through our grants, high-impact initiatives and events, we're creating a permanent and irrevocable sense of belonging for millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. For additional information about TAAF, please visit www.taaf.org.
Media Contact:
Joy Moh
joy.moh@taaf.org
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SOURCE The Asian American Foundation | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asian-american-foundation-launches-interactive-aapi-nonprofit-database-unlock-resources-support-aapi-focused-organizations/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:56 | 1 | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asian-american-foundation-launches-interactive-aapi-nonprofit-database-unlock-resources-support-aapi-focused-organizations/ |
President Biden will tout his administration’s work to combat climate change in a trip out West, which has faced scorching — and in some cases, record-breaking — temperatures this month.
In a trip next week to Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, Biden is expected to discuss Democrats’ climate, tax and health care bill and the ways in which it bolstered climate-friendly energy and U.S. manufacturing.
Later, on Aug. 16, Biden will host a White House event to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act.
The southwestern U.S. has faced a sweltering heat wave over the past several weeks, with Phoenix seeing 31 days in a row of temperatures above 110 degrees.
Last week, Biden gave a speech about climate change, which exacerbates heat waves and other extreme weather events, and said he would take actions aimed at protecting workers from the hazardous heat.
The upcoming White House moves are part of broader efforts to promote that bill and other legislation the administration has passed.
This week, Vice President Harris and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will visit Wisconsin to talk about broadband investments that were part of the bipartisan infrastructure law.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will visit Oregon to discuss grants aimed at addressing wildfires and to Washington state to talk about climate-related investments in Agriculture. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi will visit Puerto Rico to engage on issues related to grid resilience. And Interior Secretary Deb Haaland will go to California to talk about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for water recycling.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will visit Illinois to talk about clean energy investments and Houston for a ribbon cutting for a port. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra will visit Las Vegas, Nevada and Oregon to talk about efforts to lower health care costs. | https://pix11.com/hill-politics/biden-to-tout-climate-investments-in-trip-to-sweltering-west/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:58 | 0 | https://pix11.com/hill-politics/biden-to-tout-climate-investments-in-trip-to-sweltering-west/ |
CHICO — City councilors will have holiday lights and red lights on their minds Tuesday evening, when they’ll consider another season of the downtown ice rink and hear more about installing traffic cameras at major intersections in Chico.
The August meeting’s agenda also includes a proposed increase to the Downtown Chico Property Business Improvement District assessment, plans for a streetside bike corral in front of Stoble Coffee Roasters and an update on the city’s economic development efforts.
The City Council first approved the ice rink in City Plaza in 2021 and renewed funding for last winter. For a third season, staff recommends the city allocate $225,000 to cover start-up costs and have the Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) manage operations instead of the Downtown Chico Business Association (DCBA).
The rink lost money the first two years — nearly $143,000 in 2021 and $189,000 in 2022. Public Works Director Brendan Ottoboni’s report notes that “while the intent is to have this be a net positive fiscal venture, there is an intrinsic value that it brings, similar to parks.” Staff has no data, just anecdotal information, on a boost to downtown businesses.
Councilors on the Finance Committee unanimously supported the proposal, which is not included in the city’s 2023-24 budget.
“The ice rink has been a great addition to downtown,” Councilor Tom van Overbeek said via email. “The smiling faces of the excited children make the whole thing worth it. Last year was a tough year for the rink financially because it rained so much, and ice skating in the rain is not fun!
“I hope it can continue.”
Along with advocating for downtown, van Overbeek has championed red-light cameras. Verra Mobility, a vendor van Overbeek and Police Chief Billy Aldridge consulted, will present more information on the technology and traffic enforcement.
“The red-light cameras are about improving traffic safety, not raising revenue for the city,” van Overbeek said. “We had 11 traffic deaths in 2022 in the Chico city limits. The most cost-effective way to improve traffic safety in Chico is with a red-light system.”
Critics include Mayor Andrew Coolidge, whose response in a vote to agendize discussion of the cams was “No way.”
The Property Business Improvement District (PBID), reauthorized for 2023-27 by the city and other downtown landowners, intends to raise its assessment by 5% — which, for the city, represents around $81,000 along with $22,000 in general benefit. The PBID board cites 12 increases in operational expenses, such as cleaning services, information technology and state fees.
Across from the downtown plaza, Stoble seeks a permit to place a rack structure for a dozen bikes on Broadway. The corral would eliminate one parking space, which staff estimates would cost the city between $500 and $800 a year in lost revenue.
The Chico City Council regularly meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 421 Main St. — though the council only meets monthly in July and August. Closed session starts at 5:30 p.m. Meetings are free and open to the public. | https://www.chicoer.com/2023/07/31/ice-rink-traffic-cams-on-chico-city-council-agenda/ | 2023-07-31T16:45:58 | 0 | https://www.chicoer.com/2023/07/31/ice-rink-traffic-cams-on-chico-city-council-agenda/ |