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Experts eye ventilation improvements as COVID spikes continue
As another COVID-19 subvariant spikes around the country, experts want to mitigate further risks with indoor air quality control.
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Another COVID-19 subvariant is causing a new spike in cases in some areas across the U.S. But as the country tries to live with the potentially deadly virus, health and technology experts are working to mitigate risks, with a push to improve indoor air quality to help curb COVID.
“Improving the quality of our indoor air through having adequate ventilation in the space will reduce our risk,” said Dr. Krystall Pollitt from Yale University.
Pollitt focuses on environmental health sciences at Yale. She said better ventilation will cut some risk in places like schools, but she cautions ventilation overhauls are not going to make indoor spaces completely safe.
“We also have to think about how many kids are going to be in that classroom, what are they doing in that classroom? So is it going to be a very packed space where they’re playing wind and brass instruments where we have a lot of aerosols being generated?” said Pollitt.
The Biden White House recently released a so-called “Clean Air in Buildings Challenge”, laying out a roadmap for building owners to inspect and maintain their HVAC systems, circulating outdoor air indoors, and enhancing air filtration. Some in the biodefense community, like Eric Schlote’s company Synexis, are getting involved in the fight for reduced transmission.
“It goes everywhere the air goes, and it reduces microbial load, viruses, molds on air and surfaces,” said Schlote of his company’s “Dry Hydrogen Peroxide” technology.
Schlote said the technology deployed in indoor spaces fights viruses and bacteria. He said their product takes naturally occurring oxygen and humidity from the air and is reused to zap bacteria.
Schlote notes they are already seeing success in children’s hospitals and other indoor environments. The Synexis CEO argues indoor air quality is a national security issue, and he hopes to be involved in the White House’s action plan to make business and schools low-risk as the search for a new, safe, normal continues.
“Filtration’s important, ventilation’s important. We augment that,” said Schlote.
The American Rescue Plan passed last year provided $122 billion to schools. The White House said those funds can be used for ventilation and filtration upgrades.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/experts-eye-ventilation-improvements-covid-spikes-continue/ | 2022-04-14T15:10:30 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/experts-eye-ventilation-improvements-covid-spikes-continue/ |
Florida governor expected to sign abortion restriction bill
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was expected to sign a 15-week abortion ban into law Thursday as the state moves to join a growing conservative push ahead of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could limit access nationwide.
Republicans in several states have moved to place new restrictions on abortion after the conservative Supreme Court signaled it would uphold a Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks. The court’s decision, expected this summer, could potentially weaken or overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that declared a nationwide right to abortion.
The expected signing of the bill would also mark a significant blow to abortion access in the South, where Florida has provided wider access to the procedure than its regional neighbors.
The bill, which would take effect July 1, contains exceptions if the abortion is necessary to save a mother’s life, prevent serious injury or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality. It does not allow for exemptions in cases where pregnancies were caused by rape, incest or human trafficking. Under current law, Florida allows abortions up to 24 weeks.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/florida-governor-expected-sign-abortion-restriction-bill/ | 2022-04-14T15:10:37 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/florida-governor-expected-sign-abortion-restriction-bill/ |
Florida's governor to sign 15-week abortion ban into law
WATCH LIVE COVERAGE:
Florida's governor on Thursday will sign into law newly passed legislation which bans abortions in the Sunshine State after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Gov. Ron DeSantis is speaking at Nacion de Fe in Kissimmee.
"We are here today to protect life," DeSantis said. "We are here today to defend those who can't defend themselves."
Back in February, the Florida Legislature passed the controversial HB 5, officially called the "Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality" bill.
Currently, women in Florida cannot legally receive an abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy. The new legislation shortens that time period by nine weeks.
Speaking at a news conference in Jacksonville in March, DeSantis said the 15-week abortion ban is "warranted."
"This is a late-term," DeSantis said. "These are protections for babies that have heartbeats, that can feel pain. And this is very, very late."
The only exceptions to the 15-week abortion ban are if the abortion is necessary to save a mother's life, prevent serious injury to the mother, or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality.
Democrats in the Florida Legislature had fought to add rape, incest, and human trafficking to the list of exemptions, but their efforts failed.
The new law will go into effect on July 1, but the fight will likely not be over as many opponents are already weighing court challenges
"We're running a 100,000 ad buy, encouraging him to veto the bill," said Annie Filkowski with the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates. "I will say, it's widely unpopular."
Scripps Only Content 2022 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/floridas-governor-sign-15-week-abortion-ban-into-law/ | 2022-04-14T15:10:43 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/floridas-governor-sign-15-week-abortion-ban-into-law/ |
Missing California teen found safe in Utah years later
PARK CITY, Utah (KSTU) - Connerjack Oswalt, an autistic teenager who went missing in California in 2019, was recently found in Utah.
After years of fearing for his safety, the family is overjoyed.
Connerjack was 16 years old when he was reported missing from Clear Lake, California.
After his disappearance, his family didn’t see or hear from him.
A few weeks ago, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office started receiving reports about a man pushing around a shopping cart. One concerned citizen reported the same man sleeping in front of a store.
Body camera video shows officers approaching Connerjack in front of the store and asking if he would like to sit in the car to warm up after a very cold night.
In the car, Connerjack would not tell the officers his name, but he allowed deputies to scan his finger and with technology, it showed that he had a warrant out of Nevada.
Sheriff Justin Martinez said the officers felt there was something more to his story.
“There’s something more, this individual being resistant, reluctant to communicate,” he said.
The officers took it upon themselves to comb through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children database. After nearly 20 pages of scouring through names and photographs and trying to find something that might match up, his name came up.
Deputies then called his family, who had moved from California to Idaho.
Connerjack’s stepfather, Gerald Flint, immediately drove from Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Park City, Utah.
After fearing the worst for nearly two years, his family was finally reunited with Connerjack.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the room,” Martinez said. “They’ve been reunited with this individual they haven’t seen for three years when he was 16. He’s now 19.”
Copyright 2022 KSTU via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/missing-california-teen-found-safe-utah-years-later/ | 2022-04-14T15:10:51 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/missing-california-teen-found-safe-utah-years-later/ |
Woman killed by falling tree as storms hit Midwest, South
RISON, Ark. (AP) — A 20-year-old Arkansas woman was killed when a tree fell on her home as severe storms swept through the state and a possible tornado ripped roofs off homes in Alabama, officials said.
The woman’s death occurred Wednesday as part of a multiday severe weather outbreak that caused tornadoes, powerful winds and huge hail in parts of the central and southern United States.
A possible tornado tore roofs off homes in a public housing community and peppered cars with debris Wednesday night in rural Greene County, Alabama, located about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Birmingham. Billy Hicks, who lives in the area, told WBMA-TV he was lying down when he heard a rush of wind that lasted only a few seconds.
“I jumped up and put my clothes on, put my shoes on when everything was over with. I come to the side door and looked across the street. I knew that something had hit all these houses,” said Hicks, who got in his car to go check on neighbors.
Authorities swarmed the area but didn’t find anyone who was hurt, said Zac Bolding of Greene County Emergency Medical Services.
“Most of the people we talked to as we were doing a house-to-house search explained that they were in their bathroom or an interior hallway, so they were listening to those warnings and without that I think we would have been looking at a much different situation,” he said.
In Arkansas, the woman was died when a tree toppled on her home in Rison shortly after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, pinning her to the couch, said Stephen McClellan, Cleveland County’s emergency management coordinator. Rison is about 55 miles (90 kilometers) south of Little Rock.
A day earlier, 23 people were injured in the central Texas town of Salado. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth said Wednesday that the twister was rated an EF3 with peak wind speeds of 165 mph (265 kph).
Tornadoes were also reported Tuesday in parts of Iowa and Minnesota. Residents in the small southeastern Minnesota farming community of Taopi were cleaning up after a devastating tornado destroyed half of the town’s homes, toppled tall trees and left piles of debris.
A tornado that was rated EF2 with peak wind speeds of 130 mph (209 kph) struck Taopi near the Iowa border late Tuesday night, tearing the roofs off houses, overturning vehicles and bringing down power lines. There were no reports of serious injuries.
Volunteers arrived Wednesday to help residents clean up the debris in the community of about 80 people. Family members sifted through rubble looking for keepsakes.
“Half the town is gone,” City Clerk Jim Kiefer said. Of Taopi’s 22 homes, at least 10 are beyond repair, with roofs and walls missing, he said. Kiefer said his house is OK, but his mother’s home is a total loss.
“She won’t be going home,” he said.
Also, a blizzard struck North Dakota this week, closing the state Capitol, schools, government offices and some businesses for a third day Thursday.
The National Weather Service’s blizzard warning for much of the state and smaller sections of South Dakota and Montana remained in effect Thursday. More than a foot of snow (30 centimeters) has fallen in Bismarck with about 2 feet (61 centimeters) in Dickinson and Glenburn.
“For the month of April it’s not uncommon to get the snow. Now, snow of this magnitude — this is something that’s a little bit more unique,” said Rick Krolak, at the weather service’s Bismarck office.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/woman-killed-by-falling-tree-storms-hit-midwest-south/ | 2022-04-14T15:10:59 | 1 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/14/woman-killed-by-falling-tree-storms-hit-midwest-south/ |
Experts eye ventilation improvements as COVID spikes continue
As another COVID-19 subvariant spikes around the country, experts want to mitigate further risks with indoor air quality control.
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Another COVID-19 subvariant is causing a new spike in cases in some areas across the U.S. But as the country tries to live with the potentially deadly virus, health and technology experts are working to mitigate risks, with a push to improve indoor air quality to help curb COVID.
“Improving the quality of our indoor air through having adequate ventilation in the space will reduce our risk,” said Dr. Krystall Pollitt from Yale University.
Pollitt focuses on environmental health sciences at Yale. She said better ventilation will cut some risk in places like schools, but she cautions ventilation overhauls are not going to make indoor spaces completely safe.
“We also have to think about how many kids are going to be in that classroom, what are they doing in that classroom? So is it going to be a very packed space where they’re playing wind and brass instruments where we have a lot of aerosols being generated?” said Pollitt.
The Biden White House recently released a so-called “Clean Air in Buildings Challenge”, laying out a roadmap for building owners to inspect and maintain their HVAC systems, circulating outdoor air indoors, and enhancing air filtration. Some in the biodefense community, like Eric Schlote’s company Synexis, are getting involved in the fight for reduced transmission.
“It goes everywhere the air goes, and it reduces microbial load, viruses, molds on air and surfaces,” said Schlote of his company’s “Dry Hydrogen Peroxide” technology.
Schlote said the technology deployed in indoor spaces fights viruses and bacteria. He said their product takes naturally occurring oxygen and humidity from the air and is reused to zap bacteria.
Schlote notes they are already seeing success in children’s hospitals and other indoor environments. The Synexis CEO argues indoor air quality is a national security issue, and he hopes to be involved in the White House’s action plan to make business and schools low-risk as the search for a new, safe, normal continues.
“Filtration’s important, ventilation’s important. We augment that,” said Schlote.
The American Rescue Plan passed last year provided $122 billion to schools. The White House said those funds can be used for ventilation and filtration upgrades.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/experts-eye-ventilation-improvements-covid-spikes-continue/ | 2022-04-14T15:14:41 | 1 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/experts-eye-ventilation-improvements-covid-spikes-continue/ |
Flint police searching for missing 16-year-old
Published: Apr. 14, 2022 at 10:50 AM EDT|Updated: 22 minutes ago
FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) - The Flint Police Department is asking for your help in the search for a missing 16-year-old.
Malik Stephen Spillers was last seen on April 7 in the 4000 block of Joyner Street. He is 5′3″, 130 pounds with hazel eyes and black hair.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Officer D. Williams at 810-237-6821 or call 911.
Copyright 2022 WNEM. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/flint-police-searching-missing-16-year-old/ | 2022-04-14T15:14:47 | 1 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/flint-police-searching-missing-16-year-old/ |
Florida governor expected to sign abortion restriction bill
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was expected to sign a 15-week abortion ban into law Thursday as the state moves to join a growing conservative push ahead of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could limit access nationwide.
Republicans in several states have moved to place new restrictions on abortion after the conservative Supreme Court signaled it would uphold a Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks. The court’s decision, expected this summer, could potentially weaken or overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that declared a nationwide right to abortion.
The expected signing of the bill would also mark a significant blow to abortion access in the South, where Florida has provided wider access to the procedure than its regional neighbors.
The bill, which would take effect July 1, contains exceptions if the abortion is necessary to save a mother’s life, prevent serious injury or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality. It does not allow for exemptions in cases where pregnancies were caused by rape, incest or human trafficking. Under current law, Florida allows abortions up to 24 weeks.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/florida-governor-expected-sign-abortion-restriction-bill/ | 2022-04-14T15:14:53 | 0 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/florida-governor-expected-sign-abortion-restriction-bill/ |
Missing California teen found safe in Utah years later
PARK CITY, Utah (KSTU) - Connerjack Oswalt, an autistic teenager who went missing in California in 2019, was recently found in Utah.
After years of fearing for his safety, the family is overjoyed.
Connerjack was 16 years old when he was reported missing from Clear Lake, California.
After his disappearance, his family didn’t see or hear from him.
A few weeks ago, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office started receiving reports about a man pushing around a shopping cart. One concerned citizen reported the same man sleeping in front of a store.
Body camera video shows officers approaching Connerjack in front of the store and asking if he would like to sit in the car to warm up after a very cold night.
In the car, Connerjack would not tell the officers his name, but he allowed deputies to scan his finger and with technology, it showed that he had a warrant out of Nevada.
Sheriff Justin Martinez said the officers felt there was something more to his story.
“There’s something more, this individual being resistant, reluctant to communicate,” he said.
The officers took it upon themselves to comb through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children database. After nearly 20 pages of scouring through names and photographs and trying to find something that might match up, his name came up.
Deputies then called his family, who had moved from California to Idaho.
Connerjack’s stepfather, Gerald Flint, immediately drove from Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Park City, Utah.
After fearing the worst for nearly two years, his family was finally reunited with Connerjack.
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the room,” Martinez said. “They’ve been reunited with this individual they haven’t seen for three years when he was 16. He’s now 19.”
Copyright 2022 KSTU via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/missing-california-teen-found-safe-utah-years-later/ | 2022-04-14T15:15:01 | 0 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/missing-california-teen-found-safe-utah-years-later/ |
Woman killed by falling tree as storms hit Midwest, South
RISON, Ark. (AP) — A 20-year-old Arkansas woman was killed when a tree fell on her home as severe storms swept through the state and a possible tornado ripped roofs off homes in Alabama, officials said.
The woman’s death occurred Wednesday as part of a multiday severe weather outbreak that caused tornadoes, powerful winds and huge hail in parts of the central and southern United States.
A possible tornado tore roofs off homes in a public housing community and peppered cars with debris Wednesday night in rural Greene County, Alabama, located about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Birmingham. Billy Hicks, who lives in the area, told WBMA-TV he was lying down when he heard a rush of wind that lasted only a few seconds.
“I jumped up and put my clothes on, put my shoes on when everything was over with. I come to the side door and looked across the street. I knew that something had hit all these houses,” said Hicks, who got in his car to go check on neighbors.
Authorities swarmed the area but didn’t find anyone who was hurt, said Zac Bolding of Greene County Emergency Medical Services.
“Most of the people we talked to as we were doing a house-to-house search explained that they were in their bathroom or an interior hallway, so they were listening to those warnings and without that I think we would have been looking at a much different situation,” he said.
In Arkansas, the woman was died when a tree toppled on her home in Rison shortly after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, pinning her to the couch, said Stephen McClellan, Cleveland County’s emergency management coordinator. Rison is about 55 miles (90 kilometers) south of Little Rock.
A day earlier, 23 people were injured in the central Texas town of Salado. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth said Wednesday that the twister was rated an EF3 with peak wind speeds of 165 mph (265 kph).
Tornadoes were also reported Tuesday in parts of Iowa and Minnesota. Residents in the small southeastern Minnesota farming community of Taopi were cleaning up after a devastating tornado destroyed half of the town’s homes, toppled tall trees and left piles of debris.
A tornado that was rated EF2 with peak wind speeds of 130 mph (209 kph) struck Taopi near the Iowa border late Tuesday night, tearing the roofs off houses, overturning vehicles and bringing down power lines. There were no reports of serious injuries.
Volunteers arrived Wednesday to help residents clean up the debris in the community of about 80 people. Family members sifted through rubble looking for keepsakes.
“Half the town is gone,” City Clerk Jim Kiefer said. Of Taopi’s 22 homes, at least 10 are beyond repair, with roofs and walls missing, he said. Kiefer said his house is OK, but his mother’s home is a total loss.
“She won’t be going home,” he said.
Also, a blizzard struck North Dakota this week, closing the state Capitol, schools, government offices and some businesses for a third day Thursday.
The National Weather Service’s blizzard warning for much of the state and smaller sections of South Dakota and Montana remained in effect Thursday. More than a foot of snow (30 centimeters) has fallen in Bismarck with about 2 feet (61 centimeters) in Dickinson and Glenburn.
“For the month of April it’s not uncommon to get the snow. Now, snow of this magnitude — this is something that’s a little bit more unique,” said Rick Krolak, at the weather service’s Bismarck office.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/woman-killed-by-falling-tree-storms-hit-midwest-south/ | 2022-04-14T15:15:11 | 1 | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/14/woman-killed-by-falling-tree-storms-hit-midwest-south/ |
By MICHELLE CHAPMAN and MATT O’BRIEN
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is offering to buy Twitter, saying the social media platform he has criticized for not living up to free speech principles needs to be transformed as a private company.
Twitter Inc. said in a regulatory filing on Thursday that Musk, currently the company’s biggest individual shareholder, has proposed buying the remaining shares of Twitter that he doesn’t already own at $54.20 per share, an offer worth more than $43 billion.
Musk called that price his best and final offer, although he provided no details on financing. The offer is non-binding and subject to financing and other conditions.
“I invested in Twitter as I believe in its potential to be the platform for free speech around the globe, and I believe free speech is a societal imperative for a functioning democracy,” Musk said in the filing. “However, since making my investment I now realize the company will neither thrive nor serve this societal imperative in its current form. Twitter needs to be transformed as a private company.”
Twitter shares rose to $47.83, up 4.3% but well below Musk’s offer price, a sign that some investors may doubt the deal will go through. The stock is still down from its 52-week high of about $73.
Twitter said it has received Musk’s offer and will decide whether it is in the best interests of shareholders to accept or continue to operate as a publicly traded company.
Analyst Daniel Ives of Wedbush said in a client note that he believes “this soap opera will end with Musk owning Twitter after this aggressive hostile takeover of the company.” He thinks it would be hard for any other bidders or consortium to come forward and said Twitter’s board will likely be forced to accept Musk’s offer or start a process to sell the company.
Musk revealed in regulatory filings over recent weeks that he’d been buying shares in almost daily batches starting Jan. 31, ending up with a stake of about 9%. Only Vanguard Group’s suite of mutual funds and ETFs controls more Twitter shares. A lawsuit filed Tuesday in New York federal court alleged that Musk illegally delayed disclosing his stake in the social media company so he could buy more shares at lower prices.
The billionaire has been a vocal critic of Twitter in recent weeks, mostly over his belief that it falls short on free speech principles. The social media platform has angered followers of Donald Trump and other far-right political figures who’ve had their accounts suspended for violating its content standards on violence, hate or harmful misinformation. Musk has described himself as a “free speech absolutist” but is also known for blocking other Twitter users who question or disagree with him.
After Musk announced his stake, Twitter quickly offered him a seat on its board on the condition that he not own more than 14.9% of the company’s outstanding stock, according to a filing. But the company said five days later that he’d declined.
He didn’t explain why, but the decision coincided with a barrage of now-deleted tweets from Musk proposing major changes to the company, such as dropping ads — its chief source of revenue — and transforming its San Francisco headquarters into a homeless shelter.
Twitter hasn’t done as well as its social media rivals and lost money last year. The company reported a net loss of $221 million for 2021 largely tied to the settlement of a lawsuit by shareholders who said the company misled investors about how much its user base was growing and how much users interacted with its platform. Its co-founder Jack Dorsey resigned as CEO in late November and was replaced by new CEO Parag Agrawal.
Musk’s more than 81 million Twitter followers make him one of the most popular figures on the platform, rivaling pop stars like Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga. But his prolific tweeting has sometimes gotten him into trouble with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and others.
Musk and Tesla in 2018 agreed to pay $40 million in civil fines and for Musk to have his tweets approved by a corporate lawyer after he tweeted about having the money to take Tesla private at $420 per share. That didn’t happen, but the tweet caused Tesla’s stock price to jump. Musk’s latest trouble with the SEC could be his delay in notifying regulators of his growing stake in Twitter.
Both his 2018 comments about taking Tesla private at $420 per share and his latest bid to take Twitter private at $54.20 per share seemed to jokingly reference the number 420, a slang reference to marijuana. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-offers-to-buy-twitter-for-43-billion/ | 2022-04-14T15:15:16 | 1 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-offers-to-buy-twitter-for-43-billion/ |
TAOPI, Minn. (AP) — Residents of a small farming community in southeastern Minnesota are working to recover from a devastating tornado that destroyed half of the town’s homes, toppled tall trees and left piles of debris in its wake.
An EF2 tornado with peak wind speeds of 130 mph (209 kph) struck Taopi near the Iowa border late Tuesday night, tearing the roofs off houses, overturning vehicles and bringing down power lines. There were no reports of serious injuries.
Volunteers from the area arrived Wednesday to help residents clean up the debris in the community of about 80 people. Family members sifted through rubble looking for keepsakes.
“Half the town is gone,” City Clerk Jim Kiefer said. Of Taopi’s 22 homes, at least 10 are beyond repair, with roofs and walls missing, he said. Kiefer said his house is OK, but his mother’s is a total loss, the Star Tribune reported.
“She won’t be going home,” he said.
The community has been remodeling a former grocery store on Main Street which was to become the new town hall. But, a power pole landed on the historic wooden structure, which will now have to be razed, Kiefer said.
The season’s first round of severe weather also caused damage in Spring Valley in Fillmore County and other parts of southeastern Minnesota, according to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Kiefer was unsure what would happen to Taopi.
“We don’t know,” he said. “We are still trying to grasp what happened.” | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/tornado-destroys-half-of-communitys-homes-cleanup-underway/ | 2022-04-14T15:15:17 | 1 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/14/tornado-destroys-half-of-communitys-homes-cleanup-underway/ |
NEW YORK — Frank James posted dozens of videos ranting about race, violence and his struggles with mental illness. One stands out for its relative calm: A silent shot of a packed New York City subway car in which he raises his finger to point out passengers, one by one.
Even as police arrested James on Wednesday in the Brooklyn subway shooting that wounded 10 people, they were still searching for a motive from a flood of details about the 62-year-old Black man’s life.
An erratic work history. Arrests for a string of mostly low-level crimes. A storage locker with more ammo. And hours of rambling, bigoted, profanity-laced videos on his YouTube channel that point to a deep, simmering anger.
“This nation was born in violence, it’s kept alive by violence or the threat thereof, and it’s going to die a violent death,” says James in a video where he takes on the moniker “Prophet of Doom.”
After a 30-hour manhunt, James was arrested without incident after a tipster — thought by police to be James himself — said he could be found near a McDonald’s on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Mayor Eric Adams triumphantly proclaimed “We got him!” Police said their top priority was getting the suspect, now charged with a federal terrorism offense, off the streets as they investigate their biggest unanswered question: Why?
A prime trove of evidence, they said, is his YouTube videos. He seems to have opinions about nearly everything — racism in America, New York City’s new mayor, the state of mental health services, 9/11, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Black women.
A federal criminal complaint cited one in which James ranted about too many homeless people on the subway and put the blame on New York City’s mayor.
“What are you doing, brother?” he said in the video posted March 27. “Every car I went to was loaded with homeless people. It was so bad, I couldn’t even stand.”
James then railed about the treatment of Black people in an April 6 video cited in the complaint, saying, “And so the message to me is: I should have gotten a gun, and just started shooting.”
In a video posted a day before the attack, James criticizes crime against Black people and says things would only change if certain people were “stomped, kicked and tortured” out of their “comfort zone.”
Surveillance cameras spotted James entering the subway system turnstiles Tuesday morning, dressed as a maintenance or construction worker in a yellow hard hat and orange working jacket with reflective tape.
Police say fellow riders heard him say only “oops” as he set off one smoke grenade in a crowded subway car as it rolled into a station. He then set off a second smoke grenade and started firing, police said. In the smoke and chaos that ensued, police say James made his getaway by slipping into a train that pulled in across the platform and exited after the first stop.
Left behind at the scene was the gun, extended magazines, a hatchet, detonated and undetonated smoke grenades, a black garbage can, a rolling cart, gasoline and the key to a U-Haul van, police said.
That key led investigators to James, and clues to a life of setbacks and anger as he bounced among factory and maintenance jobs, got fired at least twice, moved among Milwaukee, Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York.
Investigators said James had 12 prior arrests in New York and New Jersey from 1990 to 2007, including for possession of burglary tools, criminal sex act, trespassing, larceny and disorderly conduct.
James had no felony convictions and was not prohibited from purchasing or owning a firearm. Police said the gun used in the attack was legally purchased at an Ohio pawn shop in 2011. A search of James’ Philadelphia storage unit and apartment turned up at least two types of ammunition, including the kind used with an AR-15 assault-style rifle, a taser and a blue smoke cannister.
Police said James was born and raised in New York City. In his videos, he said he finished a machine shop course in 1983 then worked as a gear machinist at Curtiss-Wright, an aerospace manufacturer in New Jersey, until 1991 when he was he was hit by a one-two punch of bad news: He was fired from his job and, soon after, his father — with whom he had lived in New Jersey — died.
Records show James filed a complaint against the aerospace company in federal court, soon after he lost his job, alleging racial discrimination, but it was dismissed a year later by a judge. He says in one video, without offering specifics, that he “couldn’t get any justice for what I went through.”
A spokesperson for Curtiss-Wright didn’t immediately respond to a call seeking comment.
James describes going in and out of several mental health facilities, including two in the Bronx borough of New York City in the 1970s.
“Mr. Mayor, let me say to you I’m a victim of your mental health program in New York City,” James says in a video earlier this year, adding he is “full of hate, full anger and bitterness.”
Breaking News
James says he later was a patient at Bridgeway House, a mental health facility in New Jersey, although that could not be immediately confirmed. Messages left with the facility were not returned.
“My goal at Bridgeway in 1997 was to get off Social Security and go back to f------ work,” he says in a video, adding that he enrolled in a college and took a course in computer-aided design and manufacturing.
James says he eventually got a job at telecommunications giant Lucent Technologies in Parsippany, New Jersey, but says he ended up getting fired and returned to Bridgeway House, this time not as a patient but as an employee on the maintenance staff. A message seeking comment was sent to Lucent Technologies.
“I just want to work. I want to be a person that’s productive,” he said.
Touches of that earnest, struggling man showed up after James’ parked car was hit in Milwaukee. Eugene Yarbrough, pastor of Mt. Zion Wings of Glory Church of God in Christ next door to James’ apartment, said James was impressed that the pastor owned up to hitting the car. Neither James nor anyone else was there to see the accident. And James called him up to say so.
“I just couldn’t believe it would be him,” Yarbrough said. “But who knows what people will do?”
AP reporters Michael Balsamo in Washington, Deepti Hajela in New York, Claudia Lauer in Philadelphia, Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, and Carrie Antlfinger in Milwaukee contributed to this report. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-aud-nw-brooklyn-subway-shooting-20220414-3ng42td52bblzpyh7mm2cxcmdi-story.html | 2022-04-14T15:16:28 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-aud-nw-brooklyn-subway-shooting-20220414-3ng42td52bblzpyh7mm2cxcmdi-story.html |
An Ohio man charged with storming the U.S. Capitol and stealing a coat rack testified that he joined thousands of protesters in ransacking the building last year on what he thought were orders from the president, Donald Trump.
Dustin Byron Thompson, 38, of Columbus, Ohio, said Wednesday he took to websites after being laid off from his exterminator job in March 2020 and in his pandemic doldrums fell under Trump’s sway as he bought into conspiracy theories and “went down the rabbit hole on the internet.”
On trial in U.S. District Court in Washington, Thompson testified that the claim that the election was stolen seemed credible to him because it was coming from the president. His defense team is the first to argue that Trump and those connected to him were responsible for the actions of the mob that day.
“It seems like everyone was attacking him (Trump). He needed someone to stand up for him, and I was trying to do that,” Thompson said.
Under questioning by the prosecution, Thompson acknowledged that he ignored signs he shouldn’t be at the Capitol — broken glass, alarms, chemical irritants in the air — and said he stole the coat rack to keep others from using it as a weapon. He also said he witnessed fierce fighting between police and rioters outside the building, and later ran away from officers. He said he realized weeks later that what he had done was wrong and now feels shame for his actions.
Thompson’s jury trial is the third among hundreds of Capitol riot prosecutions. The first two ended with jurors convicting both defendants on all counts. Thompson’s defense team is the first to argue that Trump and those connected to him were responsible for the actions of the mob that day.
“If the president is giving you almost an order to do something, I felt obligated to do that,” Thompson testified.
Thompson’s lawyer sought subpoenas to call Trump and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani as witnesses, but U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton rejected that request. Jurors on Wednesday began listening to recordings of speeches that Trump and Giuliani delivered at a rally before the riot. They were expected to finish listening to recordings Thursday morning and begin deliberations later in the day.
Breaking News
Thompson’s wife, Sarah Thompson, testified that she voted for Democrat Joe Biden, as well as Democratic presidential nominees Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. She said her husband’s views were more moderate then but shifted during the Trump years as he started encountering conspiracy theories. She said she did not share his views but helped arrange his travel to Washington for the “Stop the Steal” rally near the White House because he had a right to protest and she enjoyed having a quiet house.
Much of the prosecution’s case was built around testimony from several Capitol Police officers placing Thompson at the scene, wearing a bulletproof vest that he said he found, and carrying a coat rack he took from the Senate Parliamentarian’s Office.
More than 770 people have been charged with federal crimes arising from the Jan. 6, 2021, riot. Over 250 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors. Thompson is the fifth person to be tried on riot-related charges.
On Monday, a jury convicted a former Virginia police officer, Thomas Robertson, of storming the Capitol with another off-duty officer to obstruct Congress from certifying Biden’s 2020 electoral victory. Last month, a jury convicted a Texas man, Guy Reffitt, of storming the Capitol with a holstered handgun.
A judge hearing testimony without a jury decided cases against two other Capitol riot defendants at separate bench trials. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden acquitted one of them of all charges and partially acquitted the other.
Thompson is charged with six counts: obstructing Congress’ joint session to certify the Electoral College vote, theft of government property, entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.
A co-defendant, Robert Lyon, 27, pleaded guilty in March to theft of government property and disorderly conduct. Both counts are misdemeanors punishable by a maximum of one year imprisonment. Walton is scheduled to sentence Lyon on June 3. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-aud-nw-capitol-riot-defendant-20220414-kyv736sahzcrrc4kiotlhxfmmq-story.html | 2022-04-14T15:16:34 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-aud-nw-capitol-riot-defendant-20220414-kyv736sahzcrrc4kiotlhxfmmq-story.html |
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The coronavirus pandemic ushered in what may be the most rapid rise in homeschooling the U.S. has ever seen. Two years later, even after schools reopened and vaccines became widely available, many parents have chosen to continue directing their children’s educations themselves.
Homeschooling numbers this year dipped from last year’s all-time high, but are still significantly above pre-pandemic levels, according to data obtained and analyzed by The Associated Press.
Families that may have turned to homeschooling as an alternative to hastily assembled remote learning plans have stuck with it — reasons include health concerns, disagreement with school policies and a desire to keep what has worked for their children.
In 18 states that shared data through the current school year, the number of homeschooling students increased by 63% in the 2020-2021 school year, then fell by only 17% in the 2021-2022 school year.
Around 3% of U.S. students were homeschooled before the pandemic-induced surge, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The rising numbers have cut into public school enrollment in ways that affect future funding and renewed debates over how closely homeschooling should be regulated. What remains unknown is whether this year’s small decrease signals a step toward pre-pandemic levels — or a sign that homeschooling is becoming more mainstream.
Linda McCarthy, a suburban Buffalo mother of two, says her children are never going back to traditional school.
Unimpressed with the lessons offered remotely when schools abruptly closed their doors in spring 2020, she began homeschooling her then fifth- and seventh-grade children that fall. McCarthy, who had been working as a teacher’s aide, said she knew she could do better herself. She said her children have thrived with lessons tailored to their interests, learning styles and schedules.
“There’s no more homework ‘til the wee hours of the morning, no more tears because we couldn’t get things done,” McCarthy said.
Once a relatively rare practice chosen most often for reasons related to instruction on religion, homeschooling grew rapidly in popularity following the turn of the century before leveled off at around 3.3%, or about 2 million students, in the years before the pandemic, according to the Census. Surveys have indicated factors including dissatisfaction with neighborhood schools, concerns about school environment and the appeal of customizing an education.
In the absence of federal guidelines, there is little uniformity in reporting requirements. Some states, including Connecticut and Nevada, require little or no information from parents, while New York, Massachusetts and some others require parents to submit instruction plans and comply with assessment rules.
The new surge in homeschooling numbers has led state legislatures around the country to consider measures either to ease regulations on homeschool families or impose new ones — debates have gone on for years. Proponents of more oversight point to the potential for undetected cases of child abuse and neglect while others argue for less in the name of parental rights.
All of the 28 state education departments that provided homeschooling data to the AP reported that homeschooling spiked in 2020-21, when fears of infection kept many school buildings closed. Of the 18 states whose enrollment data included the current school year, all but one state said homeschooling declined from the previous year but remained well above pre-pandemic levels. (The exception, South Dakota, recently changed the way it collects data).
Minnesota, for example, reported that 27,801 students are being homeschooled now, compared to 30,955 during the last school year. Before the pandemic, homeschool figures were around 20,000 or less.
Black families make up many of the homeschool converts. The proportion of Black families homeschooling their children increased by five times, from 3.3% to 16.1%, from spring 2020 to the fall, while the proportion about doubled across other groups, according to U.S. Census surveys.
Raleigh, North Carolina, mother Laine Bradley said the school system’s shortcomings became more evident to families like hers when remote learning began.
“I think a lot of Black families realized that when we had to go to remote learning, they realized exactly what was being taught. And a lot of that doesn’t involve us,” said Bradley, who decided to homeschool her 7-, 10- and 11-year-old children. “My kids have a lot of questions about different things. I’m like, ‘Didn’t you learn that in school?’ They’re like, ‘No.’”
Bradley, who works in financial services, converted her dining room into a classroom and rearranged her work schedule to take over her children’s education, adding lessons on financial literacy, Black history and Caribbean history important to her heritage.
“I can incorporate things that I feel like they should know,” she said. Her husband, Vince, who retired from the Air Force last year, steps in at times. The couple also have a 14-month-old. They plan to continue homeschooling for as long as their children want it. Her social media posts about her experience have drawn so much interest that Bradley recently created an online community called Black Moms Do Homeschool to share resources and experiences.
Boston University researcher Andrew Bacher-Hicks said data showed that while homeschool rates rose across the board during the last school year, the increase was greater in school districts that reverted to in-person learning, perhaps before some parents were ready to send their children back.
Breaking News
He said the same health concerns that drove those increases are likely behind the continued elevated rates, despite additional upheaval in schools as parents and policy-makers debate issues surrounding race and gender and which books should be in libraries.
“It’s really hard to disentangle those two things because all of this is kind of happening at the same time,” he said. “But my my guess would be that a large part of the decisions to exit from the system do have to do with COVID-related issues as opposed to political issues, because those things come up frequently and we’ve never seen an increase in homeschooling rates like this before.”
He said parents also may be concerned about the quality of education delivered by schools that have had to rely heavily on substitute teachers amid pandemic-caused staffing shortages.
McCarthy, the mom from suburban Buffalo, said it was a combination of everything, with the pandemic compounding the misgivings she had already held about the public school system, including her philosophical differences over the need for vaccine and mask mandates and academic priorities.
The pandemic, she said, “was kind of — they say the straw that broke the camel’s back — but the camel’s back was probably already broken.”
“There are kids that don’t know basic English structure but they want to push other things on children, and it can be blatant but it can be, and mostly is, very subtle, very, very subtle,” McCarthy said. “So we were ready to pull them and will never send them back to traditional school. It’s just not a fit for us.”
“It’s just a whole new world that is a much better world for us,” she said. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-aud-nw-homeschooling-schools-covid-20220414-oycpbnvhojgnvk7trsw4awpoa4-story.html | 2022-04-14T15:16:41 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-aud-nw-homeschooling-schools-covid-20220414-oycpbnvhojgnvk7trsw4awpoa4-story.html |
EWA BEACH, Hawaii – Hannah Green shot a 6-under 66 on Wednesday to take the lead after the first round of the LPGA Lotte Championship.
Green had eight birdies, including five on the front nine, at breezy Hoakalei Country Club, a first-time venue in the 10th edition of the tournament. The Australian hit 11 of 14 fairways, 14 of 18 greens in regulation and needed just 26 putts.
“I’ve been hitting the ball good,” Green said. “I just felt like with the putter I just needed to see a couple go in. So, that’s kind of what led to my score today. Holed a couple longer ones, which is nice. Just made the hole feel a little bit bigger.”
She won both her tour titles in 2019, taking the major KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Cambia Portland Classic.
“I really enjoy coming to Hawaii,” Green said. “It’s such a relaxed vibe, and I think that’s what we need a little bit more of when we’re on the golf course. This afternoon, I’m probably going to go to the beach. Hopefully, doesn’t get too much windier or might not be too pleasant.”
Hyo Joo Kim, Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Aditi Ashok, Alison Lee and Gemma Dryburgh were a stroke back.
“We were lucky to get out kind of before it really started blowing,” Dryburgh said. “When we made the turn, it got pretty strong. Yeah, just used my Scottish knowledge.”
Defending champion Lydia Ko opened with a bogey-free 69.
“I felt like I kept it in play for most parts,” Ko said. “The wind picked up quite a lot over my back nine, which is the front nine, so it made it a lot tougher out there.”
Brooke Henderson, the only player to have won the tournament twice, had a 74. She had back-to-back bogeys on the sixth and seventh holes, then dropped two more strokes with a double bogey on the 180-yard, par-3 ninth.
Full-field scores from the Lotte Championship
Jennifer Kupcho, coming off a major victory two weeks ago at Rancho Mirage in the California desert, also posted a 74 and is tied for 77th.
Danielle Kang, who owns four top-10 finishes this year, including a win at the season-opening Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions in January and is third in the Rolex Player of the Year point standings, withdrew from the field following her round of 76 due to injury.
Inbee Park, who finished tied for second at last year’s Lotte Championship, opened with a round of 80, her highest single-round score since the second round of the 2019 Mediheal Championship, when she also shot an 8-over 80.
The event was played at Ko Olina Golf Club for its first eight years, was canceled in 2020 and moved to Kapolei Golf Club last year. | https://www.golfchannel.com/news/hannah-green-leads-hawaii-one-jennifer-kupcho-opens-74 | 2022-04-14T15:17:00 | 0 | https://www.golfchannel.com/news/hannah-green-leads-hawaii-one-jennifer-kupcho-opens-74 |
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Activate your digital account | https://www.news-journalonline.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.news-journalonline.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fhigh-school%2Fbaseball%2F2022%2F04%2F14%2Fthese-4-volusia-flagler-st-johns-high-school-baseball-teams-elite-spruce-creek-university%2F7302762001%2F | 2022-04-14T15:19:01 | 1 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.news-journalonline.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fhigh-school%2Fbaseball%2F2022%2F04%2F14%2Fthese-4-volusia-flagler-st-johns-high-school-baseball-teams-elite-spruce-creek-university%2F7302762001%2F |
Cedric McMillan, star bodybuilder, dead at 44
Bodybuilder Cedric McMillan has died at the age of 44, his sponsor confirmed Tuesday.
"We regret to inform you that our friend and brother @cedricmcmillan passed away today. Cedric will be greatly missed as an athlete, comrade, friend, and father," Black Skull USA, a supplements company, wrote in a post on Instagram. The company didn't provide further details about McMillan's death.
"Our prayers are with all his family and friends. He 'fought the good fight' and now he rests," it added.
McMillan won the 2017 Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition, and the organizer, the Arnold Sports Festival, said it was "heartbroken" in a tribute on Instagram.
Related video above: Highlights from the 2017 Arnold Classic, at which McMillan took home the top prize
"Known for his larger than life personality, his infectious smile, a gentle heart, and a sense of humor that was loved by fellow competitors and fans alike, Cedric will be deeply missed," the post reads.
The organization is named after famed bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the post includes a photo of McMillan and Schwarzenegger together.
McMillan won multiple titles and became a "star in the world of bodybuilding and fitness," as well as serving for more than 20 years in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class, the post continues.
"Above all, Cedric McMillan was a husband and a father, and we send our most heartfelt condolences to his family during this incredibly difficult time," it reads.
McMillan was a member of the South Carolina National Guard at the time of his death, a spokeswoman told CNN. She confirmed that the National Guard had been notified of his death, but declined to comment further. | https://www.wisn.com/article/cedric-mcmillan-bodybuilder-dead/39725602 | 2022-04-14T15:20:07 | 0 | https://www.wisn.com/article/cedric-mcmillan-bodybuilder-dead/39725602 |
Pfizer to seek COVID booster for healthy 5- to 11-year-olds
Pfizer said Thursday it wants to expand its COVID-19 booster shots to healthy elementary-age kids.
U.S. health authorities already urge everyone 12 and older to get one booster dose for the best protection against the newest variants -- and recently gave the option of a second booster to those 50 and older.
Now Pfizer says new data shows healthy 5- to 11-year-olds could benefit from another kid-sized shot.
In a small study, 140 youngsters who'd already gotten two shots were given a booster six months later, and researchers found the extra shot generally revved up their immune response. But a closer look at 30 of the children found a 36-fold increase in virus-fighting antibodies, levels high enough to fight the super-contagious omicron variant, Pfizer and its partner BioNTech said in a press release.
The data has not been published or vetted by independent experts.
Pfizer tested the kid booster while omicron was surging this winter. While COVID-19 cases now are at much lower levels in the U.S., in recent weeks an even more contagious version of omicron, called BA.2, has become the dominant type locally and around the world.
In the coming days, the companies plan to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to authorize a booster for healthy 5- to 11-year-olds. They also plan to share the data with European and other regulators.
Vaccinations are generally less effective against the omicron variant than earlier versions of the coronavirus -- but they do still offer strong protection against severe disease. While COVID-19 is a bigger threat to adults, youngsters can get seriously ill. But regulators will have to decide if healthy elementary-age kids really need a booster, and if so, when.
The Pfizer shots are the only vaccine available to U.S. children. Those ages 5 to 11 receive one-third of the dose given to everyone 12 and older. Just over a quarter in the younger age group have gotten two doses since vaccination opened to them in November, shortly before omicron struck.
The U.S. hasn't yet allowed vaccinations for children under 5. But certain 5- to 11-year-olds -- those with severely weakened immune systems -- already are supposed to get three doses, to give that high-risk group a better chance of responding. | https://www.wisn.com/article/pfizer-seek-covid-booster-for-kids/39723823 | 2022-04-14T15:20:17 | 1 | https://www.wisn.com/article/pfizer-seek-covid-booster-for-kids/39723823 |
Police search for critical missing Milwaukee girl
Patrice Harris, 11, was last seen Wednesday night
Police search for critical missing Milwaukee girl
Patrice Harris, 11, was last seen Wednesday night
BREAKING NEWS AND AT BREAKING NEWS HERE AT SIX RIGHT NOW MIAULWKEE POLICE NAMED YOUR HELP FINDING A CRITICALLY MISSING A CHILD. WE PULLED HER PICRE CHIL D.TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR SCREEN. THIS IS PATRICE HARRIS, SHE'’ 11 YEARS OLD. POLICE SAY SHE WAS LAST SEEN WALKING NEAR 14TH AND BURLEIGH AROUND 10:00 LAST NIGHT.
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Police search for critical missing Milwaukee girl
Patrice Harris, 11, was last seen Wednesday night
Milwaukee police need help finding a critically missing 11-year-old Milwaukee girl.Police said Patrice Harris was last seen walking near 14th Street and Burleigh Street around 10 p.m. Wednesday night. She is 5 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs 169 pounds. Patrice has black and red French braids. She was last seen wearing a red Puma hoodie with white lettering, multicolored pajama-like pants, and white Nike shoes.If you have any information you are asked to contact the police.
MILWAUKEE —
Milwaukee police need help finding a critically missing 11-year-old Milwaukee girl.
Police said Patrice Harris was last seen walking near 14th Street and Burleigh Street around 10 p.m. Wednesday night.
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She is 5 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs 169 pounds. Patrice has black and red French braids.
She was last seen wearing a red Puma hoodie with white lettering, multicolored pajama-like pants, and white Nike shoes.
If you have any information you are asked to contact the police. | https://www.wisn.com/article/police-need-help-finding-a-missing-girl-in-milwaukee/39724408 | 2022-04-14T15:20:27 | 0 | https://www.wisn.com/article/police-need-help-finding-a-missing-girl-in-milwaukee/39724408 |
With the BA.2 subvariant on the rise, what's safe and what's not?
As the United States navigates a third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, cases are rising modestly in the Northeast, Philadelphia has reinstituted an indoor mask mandate and some colleges are requiring masks during the final days of the spring semester.
People in the U.S. won't face a shutdown like the one currently in place in Shanghai, where no one is allowed to leave their residential compounds, COVID testing is mandatory and food supplies are running low. It's unlikely most Americans will see local governments bring back even moderate pandemic restrictions. That leaves it mostly to individuals to protect themselves.
After three years, most people know how to do that: vaccines, masks, physical distancing, handwashing and -- let's not forget -- ventilation.
But as we head into offices, schools and public spaces, there are some things we can control -- like masking -- and others that are not in our control, such as whether our offices have improved ventilation.
How should people weigh which precautions they want to follow? Should indoor mask mandates come back? Are there settings where people should consider masking outdoors? What if you have to go back to the office, and others aren't masking? And should we skip large indoor events again?
CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health helped answer these questions. She is also author of "Lifelines: A Doctor's Journey in the Fight for Public Health."
The following conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
CNN: Can you give us a quick refresher -- what protective measures are effective against this very contagious BA.2 variant?
Dr. Leana Wen: BA.2 is a subvariant of the omicron variant. It appears to be even more contagious than omicron. Like previous variants, it's spread through direct contact and is airborne. Someone coughing and sneezing will exhale droplets that can transmit the virus. The virus can also be carried on microscopic aerosols that are expelled by breathing. In addition, surfaces may play a greater role in omicron transmission. Someone who coughed onto their hand and then touched a door could seed virus there and transmit it to you if you touch that door and then your nose or mouth.
The protective measures we talked about early in the pandemic still work against omicron. Masks work very well, though here I would urge that people wear an N95 or equivalent mask, such as a KN95 or KF94. A simple cloth mask is much less effective, especially against a variant as contagious as BA.2.
Ventilation is very important. The risk of outdoor transmission is exponentially lower than indoor transmission, and a well-ventilated, less crowded space also has much lower risk than people packed together in an unventilated space. Surfaces play less of a role than aerosol transmission, but it's still good practice to wash your hands well or to use hand sanitizer if you shake people's hands and touch frequently used surfaces. That will reduce not only this coronavirus transmission but other respiratory and gastrointestinal pathogens, too.
We also have more tools at our disposal than we did in 2020. Namely, we have vaccines and boosters, which protect very well against severe illness and also reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Testing prior to getting together with others tells people if they are infectious and need to avoid the gathering. That's another key preventive measure that we now have access to.
CNN: What should people consider when deciding what precautions they want to bring back, like canceling restaurant reservations or masking up indoors?
Wen: I'd consider three things. First, what is the COVID-19 risk in your community? I've talked before about how the new guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be used here. If your community is in an orange, or "high risk," area by the CDC's metrics, you should mask indoors. If it's in green or yellow -- or "low" or "medium" risk -- you could choose not to, depending on the other two factors.
The second thing to think about is, what is your medical situation and the circumstances of others in your household? If you are generally healthy and fully vaccinated and boosted, your chance of severe illness from COVID-19 is very low. That's different if you are immunocompromised or live with someone who is elderly with multiple medical conditions. You would want to have a higher threshold for caution depending on your family's medical situation.
Third, how important is it to you to continue to avoid COVID-19? Of course, none of us want to get infected by the coronavirus, and no one should be trying to get it. But there are some people who want to avoid it at all costs and others who accept that if they engage in travel, resume parties, dine in restaurants and engage in other pre-pandemic activities, they will have some level of risk. That's a personal decision that will differ from person to person.
CNN: Does it make sense to mask in some situations but not others?
Wen: Absolutely. Risk is additive. You can bring back some things that are lower risk or higher value but still take some precautions. For example, if you work in an office that has pretty good ventilation and is well-spaced, and requires proof of vaccination, you may consider not masking in that setting. But you might still decide to mask in crowded, indoor places like grocery stores and train stations. Again, I'd urge that if you are wearing a mask, wear an N95 or equivalent mask, because it will be your best chance of protecting against the very contagious BA.2 variant.
CNN: What about outdoors? Is BA.2 so contagious that it could transmit there?
Wen: The risk of outdoor transmission is very low to the point that it's virtually nonexistent. Outdoor social gatherings are very safe, and certainly lower risk than the equivalent setting indoors. I do not think that people need to mask outdoors, but there may be situations where someone is extremely vulnerable -- for example, a cancer patient on chemotherapy -- and wants to be extra careful. In that case, they should definitely feel free to wear a mask when in outdoor and more crowded settings.
CNN: What if you have to go back to the office, and others aren't masking?
Wen: You need to decide what's best for you, with the understanding that one-way masking with an N95 or equivalent works very well -- that is, even if others around you aren't masking, you are still well-protected if you wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask at all times.
It also depends on the specifics of your workplace. Let's say you work in a well-ventilated office, everyone around you is vaccinated, and you are well-distanced from the next person. You could decide to remove your mask when sitting at your desk, but put it on again to go into a crowded elevator or a conference room where you're sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with other people. You could decide to go to an outdoor lunch with your colleagues, but skip the happy hour in a packed bar. These are all reasonable decisions depending on how you think about your own risk.
CNN: Should people avoid indoor gatherings, knowing that outbreaks can happen?
Wen: Not necessarily. It again depends on what's going on in your community, what your medical situation is, and how much you want to keep avoiding COVID-19. For me, my area, in Baltimore City, is in a green or "low-risk" area for COVID-19 transmission, according to the CDC. My husband and I are vaccinated and boosted. We have two little kids who are too young to be vaccinated, but we also recognize that it's going to be very difficult to keep them from getting the coronavirus given how transmissible this new variant is.
As such, I am attending large events, including indoor conferences and meetings. I'd prefer that these events require proof of vaccination and same-day negative test result. If they don't, they are less safe, and I certainly understand if others want to avoid them for the time being—just as I understand if others will want to keep attending them. This, to me, is no different from a decision to go back to the gym, resume travel or dine indoors in restaurants. Some will think those activities are worth the risk. Others will not. | https://www.wisn.com/article/with-the-ba2-subvariant-on-the-rise-whats-safe/39723745 | 2022-04-14T15:20:37 | 1 | https://www.wisn.com/article/with-the-ba2-subvariant-on-the-rise-whats-safe/39723745 |
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If you’re planning some spring and summer baking, you’ll be glad to hear that Costco is offering a deal on Kerrygold Pure Irish butter, which is beloved by bakers.
Now through May 8, Costco is selling 2-pound boxes (four 8-ounce bars) of Kerrygold for $7.99, a savings of $3.60 off the regular price of $11.59. You can choose between either unsalted or salted with a limit of three per member. If ordering online, the prices are higher than heading to your local store, so keep that in mind if you’re wanting it for the sale price of $7.99.
Like any warehouse club, you’ll need to have a membership to purchase the butter, so if you don’t already have one, head to Costco’s website and grab one before heading to your local location.
If you’ve never had Irish butter, you should know that it is a bit different than other butters and is the chosen butter for many bakers and pastry chefs.
European butters differ from American butters due to a different level of butterfat. While American butter contains 80% butterfat, European butter has been churned for a longer period of time, giving it an extra 2%.
While 2% might not seem like a big difference, going from 80% to 82% actually changes the flavor and texture of foods made with the butter, as more butterfat means it is more flavorful and spreadable. Bakers will also notice a difference in pastries, as having less water in the butter results in flakier biscuits, croissants and pie crusts.
Once you’re stocked up two (or more) pounds of Kerrygold, you’ll definitely need to get out your favorite pie and croissant recipes — or try some new ones!
If you want to find out if you really can taste the difference between Irish and American butter, try this recipe for Boston cream cupcakes, which use 12 tablespoons of butter in the cupcake batter, plus two more in the pastry cream. Though be warned that you might just taste a whole lot of deliciousness.
You may also want to try these lemon sweet rolls, which call for plenty of butter in the dough and the filling. Because this is a pastry recipe, using Irish butter should result in a flakier crust.
Happy baking!
This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for product reviews and other great ideas to save and make money. | https://www.wrtv.com/kerrygold-irish-butter-2-pound-boxes-7-99-costco | 2022-04-14T15:22:27 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/kerrygold-irish-butter-2-pound-boxes-7-99-costco |
President Joe Biden visits North Carolina Thursday afternoon to pitch the America Competes Act in the battleground state he narrowly lost in 2020.
Biden is scheduled to speak at 2:15 p.m. ET from North Carolina A&T in Greensboro. His address follows a tour of the university’s Harold L. Martin Sr. Engineering Research and Innovation Complex.
According to the White House, Biden will highlight provisions of the act key to retaining and strengthening the United States’ innovation and manufacturing capacity, as well as investing in STEM education and equity.
The House and Senate have been working on separate versions of the bill.
The America Competes Act, the Senate’s version of the bill, passed last month by a 68-28 margin, garnering the support of 18 Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Much of the bill is aimed at research and development as an attempt to quell reported shortages of semiconductors.
North Carolina’s two Republican senators split their vote, with Sen. Rich Burr voting against while Sen. Thom Tillis voted in favor.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the America Competes Act allocates at least $335 billion over the 2022-2031 period, mainly for provisions that involve research and manufacturing in the United States.
The bill also provides funding for wireless supply chain innovation and authorizes various programs and policies related to space exploration. Notably, the bill also prohibits federal funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology and imposes sanctions on China for cybersecurity and human rights abuses.
The legislation now goes to a conference committee comprised of House and Senate members. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national-politics/president-biden-pitches-america-competes-act-in-north-carolina | 2022-04-14T15:22:33 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national-politics/president-biden-pitches-america-competes-act-in-north-carolina |
PHILADELPHIA — In the City of Brotherly Love this week, residents are experiencing a blast from the recent past: masks are back in Philadelphia’s indoor spaces.
Cases there jumped by 50%, prompting the city to reinstitute its indoor mask mandate - the first major city to do so.
"If we wait to find out to put our masks back on, we'll have lost our chance to stop this wave,” said Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole.
According to The New York Times COVID tracker, cases are up 8% across the country in the past two weeks, but are trending higher in the Northeast: Vermont - up 46%, New York – up 63%, New Jersey – up 76% and Rhode Island – up 107%.
Meanwhile, the federal mask mandate on public transportation – like planes or trains – was set to expire next week, but has now been extended two weeks because of the uptick.
“There's a high population density and it's still fairly cold. So, people aren't outside as often as they could be in other parts of the country,” said Dr. Jessica Holzer, an assistant professor at the University of New Haven, who specializes in public health. “So, all of those things could be contributing to it.”
Dr. Holzer said that much like in the early days of the pandemic, the Northeast could be a canary in a coalmine of what awaits the rest of the country when it comes to COVID-19 cases.
“People from the Northeast will travel for spring break or something else: visiting family for Easter weekend,” she said. “All those sorts of things might absolutely affect case rates across the rest of the country.”
She said there is one thing that could prevent that: wearing a high-quality mask.
“Wearing a mask really does effectively cut down the spread,” Dr. Holzer said.
However, a new Axios-Ipsos survey finds that Americans are over it. The survey’s results show most believe the pandemic is no longer a crisis, with 75% calling it a ‘manageable problem.’ At the same time, 16% of those surveyed said it’s ‘no longer a problem’ at all.
“There's a baseline fatigue that we are dealing with for sure, but it's also worth recognizing that the more we focus on that fatigue, the more that fatigue presents itself to us,” Dr. Holzer said.
She added that fatigue will also make it harder for public health officials to manage any future COVID surges.
“But I believe that high-quality public health decision-making will say that, at a certain point, once case rates get high enough, once test positivity gets high enough, it's time to reinstate that mask policy for population well-being,” Dr. Holzer said.
It is a potential move that could put Americans’ COVID exhaustion to the test. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/as-covid-19-cases-rise-mask-mandates-could-face-public-fatigue | 2022-04-14T15:22:39 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/as-covid-19-cases-rise-mask-mandates-could-face-public-fatigue |
Kentucky’s legislature overrode the governor’s veto on a broad abortion bill.
House bill 3 bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
It prohibits physicians from performing, inducing or attempting to perform an abortion at that point of a pregnancy, unless there is a medical emergency.
The bill does not allow exceptions for cases of rape or incest.
The bill also requires that the names of physicians who provide medication abortions be published.
A state-run complaint portal will be set up so people can anonymously report providers who break the law.
Democratic governor Andy Beshear vetoed the bill last week, saying it is “likely unconstitutional.”
However, this week, the Kentucky state House voted to override the veto, making the change immediately effective due to its emergency clause.
Kentucky’s bill is modeled after Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban.
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing Mississippi’s anti-abortion law and if it rules that it is constitutional, Roe v. Wade could be overturned or considered “weakened.”
The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in June. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/kentucky-legislature-overturns-veto-on-abortion-ban-making-abortions-nearly-impossible-to-obtain | 2022-04-14T15:22:45 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/kentucky-legislature-overturns-veto-on-abortion-ban-making-abortions-nearly-impossible-to-obtain |
FLORENCE, Italy — As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, many Americans, both near and far, continue to lend a helping hand to refugees fleeing the country.
The list includes Stefanie Grassley, who called Springville home for 18 years before heading off to school at BYU.
Life has taken Grassley to many places, including Italy. She, her husband and two children moved to Tuscany back in 2018 after buying Castelo de Ristonchi.
Grassley said the 1,000-year-old castle has been mainly used to host events, weddings and even corporate retreats. But that all changed after the crisis in Ukraine.
"I just don't have the ability to look away, like I can't see someone struggling," said Grassley.
Grassley said she originally reached out to one of her Ukrainian friends, who had gotten married at the castle, looking for ways to help.
"When I put the information out on the website, Shelter for Ukrainians, then I was so nervous like, 'how am I going to pull this off?'" Grassley remembered.
She said her first family arrived on March 14 and they've had up to 50 Ukrainian refugees staying there at one time. Right now, Grassley said they have about 35 refugees, most being women and children as young as a year old.
Anna Vasyleska fled her home in Dnipro and is staying at the castle.
"This situation, I could not imagine a better place for us," said Vasyleska.
Vasyleska, her mom, sister and five-year-old niece have been staying at the castle for the past two weeks.
"We have all these other families from Ukraine and you know, we gather for dinners and we tried to cook some stuff for everyone and we make big tables and we have a chance to just sit down and talk and share our feelings," said Vasyleska.
Grassley got emotional when talking about some of the stories she's heard and pictures she has seen from the refugees staying at the castle.
"I've been on the verge of tears for, just, constantly because it is such a beautiful thing that they can come here and be safe and be together and build a community," said Grassley.
Grassley says she has had help along the way, from receiving donations and the local community.
"They started bringing up carloads of food and the local store brought up boxes of fresh produce," added Grassley.
The local community has also donated clothes, toys and even services, like English and Italian classes, yoga, hiking and more. Grassley said she's grateful to be able to help the refugees in their time of need.
"When I saw what was happening and like how can I help, what do I have to offer?" asked Grassley. "And I have rooms, I have space for people and a lot of people don't have that."
Grassley added they will continue to host families until the beginning of May.
You can follow updates on Castelo de Ristonchi's Instagram account @thecreatorscastle .
Grassley is looking for donations to help keep their doors open to the refugees that are currently in Italy, and more who may want to seek asylum. Anyone who can help can reach out to Grassley on her Instagram page.
Donations that are needed:
- Food and water for the refugees
- Heating in the guest rooms (the old castle is very expensive to heat)
- Laundry and cleaning supplies
- Baby supplies (diapers, baby food, etc)
- Electricity/utilities
- Transportation/gas
This story was first reported by Chris Arnold at KSTU in Salt Lake City, Utah. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/american-family-opens-doors-to-italian-castle-for-ukrainian-refugees | 2022-04-14T15:22:51 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/american-family-opens-doors-to-italian-castle-for-ukrainian-refugees |
PRINCETON, N.J. — We see movements at their apex.
We rarely see them when they’re a crayon in the hand of a cautious child.
“I was one of the only brown kids in my school," said Dr. Kani Ilangovan, a psychiatry specialist in Princeton, New Jersey. "And when I would draw pictures of myself, I would draw myself with a peach crayon because I didn’t want to emphasize my differences from other children.”
Decades later, Ilangovan saw those same peach-colored portraits at her child’s school. They inspired her to type an e-mail and start a movement.
“I wrote to the people in the central New Jersey Asian-American reading group I was in," she said, "to see if anyone wanted to work with me on getting AAPI curriculum in the New Jersey public schools. And five people responded. And that's how we started.”
The rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in the last two years has been widely reported. Nearly 11,000 incidents have been reported to the advocacy group Stop AAPI Hate. We hear far less about what’s being done to stop it. Ilangovan sent her email in March 2021, the same month when a gunman in Atlanta walked into three Asian-American spas and killed eight people.
“I felt like an outsider," Ilangovan said. "Asian-Americans are treated like perpetual foreigners. And actually, we’ve helped build this country.”
What happened next is its own education on how change gets made.
Ilangovan and her reading group wrote an Open Letter for AAPI Studies in New Jersey Public Schools. They produced versions in multiple languages. In two months, they garnered 1,500 signatures.
“In New Jersey, we have 15% of Asian American students," said Ying Lu, who translated it into Chinese. "Fewer than 2% of school administrators and teachers are Asian-American. It’s not surprising you don’t see them show up in the public space. But on WeChat, I see many, many activities."
By year’s end, a community stereotyped for not speaking out was holding rallies and speaking with New Jersey legislators. Students at high schools recorded testimonials.
“People were telling us that it wasn’t going to pass this year," Ilangovan said. "They said, 'You’re going to have to wait a while, but that’s good. You got started.' But we were very insistent that it need to pass now because our kids were suffering now.”
This past January, New Jersey became the second state after Illinois to sign into law a K-12 requirement for AAPI curriculum.
Many who pushed for this curriculum fear it won’t be enforced. They envision a long, drawn-out effort to ensure it is. But they also envision other states taking notice. Already, advocates in New Jersey have heard from those in Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and a handful of others. Seeds have been planted … just as they once were in a cautious child holding a peach-colored crayon.
"This is important," Ilangovan said. "This is us creating our belonging in this country.” | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/two-americas/advocates-built-a-movement-to-get-aapi-curriculum-into-schools | 2022-04-14T15:22:57 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/two-americas/advocates-built-a-movement-to-get-aapi-curriculum-into-schools |
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A decommissioned United States Navy Fletcher-class destroyer appears to be partially sinking at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park.
USS The Sullivans was seen listing heavily to its starboard side, and sitting lower in the water than usual on Thursday morning.
The ship was commissioned in 1943 and operated in the Pacific Theater during World War II. It is named after five brothers from Waterloo, Iowa. It is the only ship in the U.S. Navy to ever be named for more than one person. It was decommissioned in 1965 and has been in Buffalo, New York since 1977.
In 2018, the USS The Sullivans was sinking due to a crack in its hull. In 2019, a fundraising campaign was launched to repair the ship.
Last year, 4-year-old Arrow Swartwout started collecting pennies to repair the ship.
Earlier this month, Congressman Brian Higgins announced $490,000 in federal funding would be added to support preservation and repairs.
It is unclear whether the incident Thursday morning has caused any additional damage to the ship.
This story was originally reported by August Erbacher on wkbw.com. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/uss-the-sullivans-appears-to-be-partially-sinking | 2022-04-14T15:23:03 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/uss-the-sullivans-appears-to-be-partially-sinking |
(NEXSTAR) – Thursday is the new Friday at 38 companies in the U.S. and Canada that are testing out a shorter workweek in hopes of boosting productivity while keeping employees happy.
The companies are participating in a six-month trial working with the nonprofit 4 Day Week Global and researchers at Boston College.
“We establish their baseline before the trial,” explained Joe O’Connor, 4 Day Week Global’s CEO. “So we figure out what their company performance looks like under a range of different metrics like revenue, productivity, energy use, staff turnover, levels of absenteeism and sick leave, and then also their employees’ wellbeing.”
Those baseline levels under the five-day workweek will be compared with levels after testing out the reduced workweek.
Exactly what the schedule looks like at each company may vary a bit, O’Connor said. “Our prerequisite is that it must be genuine work time reduction. So it cannot be four 10-hour days. It can’t be the same hours compressed into four days,” he said.
Most employees will opt for a four-day workweek – and therefore a three-day weekend – when given the chance, O’Connor said. But he noted a minority of employees like to spread out their 32 hours of work across five days, giving them a chance to spend more time with their kids in the morning and after school.
No matter how they cut down their workweek, employers are not cutting back on pay; everyone gets the same salary and same benefits they had before.
The 38 participating organizations employ about 2,200 to 2,300 people, O’Connor said.
Not all 38 companies have decided to go public just yet, explained O’Connor. There are 20 companies and nonprofit organizations who have decided to disclose their participation in the pilot program. They are:
- Advanced RV
- Blue Sky Philanthropies
- CULTIQUE
- Floodlight Invest
- Fresh Squeezed Ideas
- GillespieHall Strategic Communications and PR
- GLIDE Design
- Healthwise
- IPR Denver
- Kickstarter
- Mental Health Advocacy Services
- Montana Nonprofit Association
- M’tucci’s Restaurants
- Own Trail
- Public Policy Lab
- Run for Something
- Seed&Spark
- simPRO
- USENIX Association
- WYNDR
While a four-day week is still rare in the United States, it’s gained popularity in other parts of the world. A study in Iceland involved moving about 1% of the country’s workforce to a 35- or 36-hour week, reports the Washington Post. They found employees loved the shorter week, and productivity either remained the same or improved.
“There is actually a fairly large amount – and growing – of current literature on the four-day workweek,” Timothy P. Munyon, associate professor of management at the University of Tennessee, told Nexstar’s WATE. “The general consensus is that it improves productivity, reduces burnout, and increases respite.”
O’Connor – who works a four-day week, by the way – is confident the participants will see similarly positive results from their trials. | https://www.cenlanow.com/business/looking-for-a-new-job-these-companies-are-piloting-a-4-day-workweek/ | 2022-04-14T15:23:22 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/business/looking-for-a-new-job-these-companies-are-piloting-a-4-day-workweek/ |
(NEXSTAR) – Toyota is issuing a safety recall to address a software glitch affecting approximately 460,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
Toyota says the problem concerns the cars’ Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) systems, a feature designed to help drivers “maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions,” according to the automaker’s website. Toyota says the VSC systems of the recalled vehicles may be experiencing an “error” that prevents the feature from automatically enabling in certain situations.
The voluntary recall notice, issued Wednesday, names 10 different models of Toyota and Lexus vehicles: Toyota Venza, Mirai, RAV4 Hybrid, RAV4 Prime, Sienna HV and Highlander HV models, and Lexus LS500h, LX600, NX350h and NX450h+ models.
“Owners of involved vehicles will be notified by the middle of June 2022,” Toyota says.
The fix will be provided free of charge at Toyota and Lexus dealers, the automaker added.
Customers can check with Toyota of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to see if their vehicles are affected.
Also on Wednesday, Toyota issued a recall for 4,000 additional 2022 Lexus NX vehicles (both HEV and PHEV) for potentially “incorrect welding” at the site of the front shock absorbers and the body panels.
“Incorrect welding could eventually cause a shock absorber to separate from the mounting area, resulting in a loss of driving stability and increasing the risk of a crash,” Toyota writes.
Owners will be notified by mid-June once a remedy is developed. | https://www.cenlanow.com/business/toyota-recalls-460000-vehicles-over-stability-control-issue/ | 2022-04-14T15:23:28 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/business/toyota-recalls-460000-vehicles-over-stability-control-issue/ |
BROUSSARD, La. (KLFY) Broussard Police are investigating after a man was found dead Wednesday.
Police Captain Zac Gerard said just after 7 p.m. officers responded to a report of shots fired at the Exxon gas station in the 1500 block of Bonin Road.
On scene, he said, police were directed to a vehicle in the parking lot.
Inside, he said, was the body of a male victim who had been shot to death.
So far, the victim has not been identified.
Gerard said the investigation is ongoing.
As of 10 p.m. the gas pumps remain roped off to customers as police process the crime scene.
Anyone who may have seen anything or who has information should call the Broussard Police department at 337-837-6259 or Crime Stoppers at 337-232-TIPS. | https://www.cenlanow.com/crime/man-found-shot-to-death-at-gas-station-in-broussard/ | 2022-04-14T15:23:34 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/crime/man-found-shot-to-death-at-gas-station-in-broussard/ |
RAPIDES PARISH, La. (WNTZ) – On May 28th, 2021, deputies responded to take a report of identity theft that occurred in the Glenmora, LA area. Deputies took the initial report and Detectives were assigned the case for a follow up investigation. Through their investigation, Detectives were able to identify Melissa Leanne Richardson, 33 of Hamburg, AR as a suspect. Over the last year, detectives continued their investigation working different leads from the original crime but were unable to make any arrests.
On January 27th, 2022 Detectives caught a break in their investigation when they discovered two more victims reporting identity theft that occurred in the Glenmora and Elmer, LA areas. From their investigation, Detectives established sufficient probable cause that supported the original, as well as additional allegations. Detectives were able to secure warrants for Richardson’s arrest in reference to two counts Access Device Fraud > $1000 < $25,000, one count Identity Theft > $1,000, and one count Identity Theft > $1,000 (Victim 60 years or older).
The warrants for Richardson’s arrest were put in the national database (NCIC) and on March 29th, 2022, Deputies with the Ashley County Sheriff’s Office arrested Richardson and booked her into the Ashley County Detention Center on the Rapides warrants. Deputies with the RPSO Transportation Unit later transported Richardson to the Rapides Parish Detention Center where she was re- booked on the warrants. Richardson currently remains in jail being held on a $10,000 bond.
Detectives say their investigation is still ongoing as there may be more victims. If anyone has information on this crime, they are asked to contact Detective Jared Salard, Kolin Sub-station, at 318-484-7350. | https://www.cenlanow.com/crime/woman-arrested-for-identity-theft-in-glenmora/ | 2022-04-14T15:23:42 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/crime/woman-arrested-for-identity-theft-in-glenmora/ |
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (StudyFinds.org) – Could pollen and seasonal allergens actually be protecting some people from COVID-19? Researchers in North Carolina found that people with allergic asthma are less likely to have a severe infection.
For people with allergic asthma, the same triggers which cause many people to sneeze when their allergies strike causes others to suffer an asthmatic attack. The study discovered the protective role interleukin-12 (IL-13) plays in the bodies of these individuals.
“We knew there had to be a bio-mechanistic reason why people with allergic asthma seemed more protected from severe disease,” says Camille Ehre, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics at the UNC School of Medicine in a university release. “Our research team discovered a number of significant cellular changes, particularly due to IL-13, leading us to conclude that IL-13 plays a unique role in defense against SARS-CoV-2 infection in certain patient populations.”
Keeping COVID from spreading in the lungs?
Normally, researchers can’t use cytokines such as IL-13 in clinical treatments because they trigger inflammation. However, the researchers in the study still found it important to study their mechanism of action and how they protect cells from foreign invaders. Doing so has the potential to reveal new therapeutic targets beyond cytokine use.
The research team used genetic analysis of human airway cell cultures infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) to study the gene expression of human protein ACE2 on specific cell types and the amount of virus found in the cell population.
Scientists used electron microscopy to look at the amount of virus from infected ciliated cells, which move mucus along the airway surface. They also found massive changes inside human cells from viral infection. The changes accumulated in infected ciliated cells, causing the airway surface to gradually shed away.
“This shedding is what provides a large viral reservoir for spread and transmission of SARS-CoV-2,” Dr. Ehre says. “It also seems to increase the potential for infected cells to relocate to deeper lung tissue.”
A key protein may block the virus
Further experiments on infected airway cells uncovered a large reduction of the mucus protein MUC5AC. The team suggests the depletion may have come from excess protein secretion as cells tried to trap invading viruses. However, in a rampant viral infection, the cellular efforts were futile as the virus’s presence continued to grow.
The importance of MUC5AC drew interest from researchers who knew from previous studies that patients with allergic asthma overproduce MUC5AC and are less susceptible to severe COVID. Additionally, they also knew that when patients with asthma are exposed to an allergen, the cytokine IL-13 increases MUC5AC secretion in the lungs.
Mimicking the airways of people with asthma, they infected human airway cells and then treated them with IL-13. Their findings showed a significant decrease in the amount of virus in the lungs, the rate of infected cell shedding, and the number of infected cells. The reduction remained even when mucus was removed from the cell cultures, indicating IL-13 has multiple methods to defend against SARS-CoV-2.
RNA sequencing analysis showed the IL-13 upregulated genes involved in antiviral processes and airway immune defense. IL-13 also decreases ACE2 expression, which serves as the viral receptor.
“We think this research further shows how important it is to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection as early as possible,” Dr. Ehre concludes. “And it shows just how important specific mechanisms involving ACE2 and IL-13 are, as we try our best to protect patients from developing severe infections.”
The study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/coronavirus/having-allergic-asthma-actually-protects-people-from-a-severe-case-of-covid-19/ | 2022-04-14T15:23:48 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/coronavirus/having-allergic-asthma-actually-protects-people-from-a-severe-case-of-covid-19/ |
Pfizer said Thursday it wants to expand its COVID-19 booster shots to healthy elementary-age kids.
U.S. health authorities already urge everyone 12 and older to get one booster dose for the best protection against the newest variants — and recently gave the option of a second booster to those 50 and older.
Now Pfizer says new data shows healthy 5- to 11-year-olds could benefit from another kid-sized shot.
In a small study, 140 youngsters who’d already gotten two shots were given a booster six months later, and researchers found the extra shot generally revved up their immune response. But a closer look at 30 of the children found a 36-fold increase in virus-fighting antibodies, levels high enough to fight the super-contagious omicron variant, Pfizer and its partner BioNTech said in a press release.
The data has not been published or vetted by independent experts.
Pfizer tested the kid booster while omicron was surging this winter. While COVID-19 cases now are at much lower levels in the U.S., in recent weeks an even more contagious version of omicron, called BA.2, has become the dominant type locally and around the world.
In the coming days, the companies plan to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to authorize a booster for healthy 5- to 11-year-olds. They also plan to share the data with European and other regulators.
Vaccinations are generally less effective against the omicron variant than earlier versions of the coronavirus — but they do still offer strong protection against severe disease. While COVID-19 is a bigger threat to adults, youngsters can get seriously ill. But regulators will have to decide if healthy elementary-age kids really need a booster, and if so, when.
The Pfizer shots are the only vaccine available to U.S. children. Those ages 5 to 11 receive one-third of the dose given to everyone 12 and older. Just over a quarter in the younger age group have gotten two doses since vaccination opened to them in November, shortly before omicron struck.
The U.S. hasn’t yet allowed vaccinations for children under 5. But certain 5- to 11-year-olds — those with severely weakened immune systems — already are supposed to get three doses, to give that high-risk group a better chance of responding. | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/coronavirus/pfizer-to-ask-fda-to-ok-covid-booster-for-healthy-kids-ages-5-11/ | 2022-04-14T15:23:54 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/coronavirus/pfizer-to-ask-fda-to-ok-covid-booster-for-healthy-kids-ages-5-11/ |
PINEVILLE, La. (WNTZ) – Two Louisiana Christian University science majors have earned highly competitive research experiences for undergraduates (REU) at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg this summer.
Joshua Poole, a sophomore pre-engineering with chemistry major of Lithia, Florida, will be doing his REU in the Polymer Science and Engineering department. Ethan West, a junior chemistry major of Pine Prairie, will be doing an REU in the Chemistry department. Poole’s National Science Foundation funded program focuses on “polymer innovations for a sustainable future.”
“Ethan West and Josh Poole are excellent students who make us very proud,” said David Elliott, chair of the Division of Natural Sciences. “Both are dedicated learners and gifted in math and science – but beyond this, they also aspire to careers in research. Both are aiming at graduate studies in the sciences once they complete their degrees at LCU, and this makes their summer REUs at the University of Southern Mississippi a wonderful opportunity. They will receive training and experience beyond that which they receive at LCU, but we have found from past students that their training here has prepared them well.”
Poole said he is excited about the opportunity this gives STEM students to experience what an actual job in their major would be like. Plus, it comes with a $6000 stipend.
“I also hope to make friends and connections so I can find that job in my major,” Poole said.
West is participating in a National Science Foundation funded program focusing on “sensing and assembly based on non-covalent interactions,” he said. The central focus of the program is in biochemistry, with the assembly of proteins and macromolecules, as well as the synthesis of bioactive molecules.
“I am participating in this program mostly for experience purposes,” West said. “I hope to gain knowledge in the field of chemical research.”
West said he plans to attend Southern Miss for his graduate studies after he graduates from LCU.
The REUs are nine weeks long and include research and professional training, and they culminate in a research symposium, said Sarah Payne, professor of chemistry and director of the C.S. Lewis Honors Program.
Poole and West are C.S. Lewis Honors scholars.
“Both of these LCU students are great examples of dedicated, hardworking students who are willing to commit the time required to be competitive with peers on the national level,” Payne said. | https://www.cenlanow.com/local-news/lcu-students-earn-summer-science-experiences-at-southern-miss/ | 2022-04-14T15:24:01 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/local-news/lcu-students-earn-summer-science-experiences-at-southern-miss/ |
OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – An extremely close call for an Opelika man who says his SUV was crushed by a fallen billboard on US 280 near interstate 85 in Opelika, while he was sitting inside of it.
The driver tells News 3 he was sitting in the vehicle early Thursday morning when the billboard toppled over, crushing the vehicle. The owner says he was able to climb out of a window, and suffered minor injuries in the incident. The owner of the vehicle believes a gust of wind toppled the sign.
The Lee County EMA confirms the scene is still being processed in front of the Circle K along Columbus Parkway. They are trying to see if strong winds toppled the massive sign.
Opelika police say the scene has been barricaded off. We will update you with any further information. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/falling-billboard-crushes-suv-in-opelika-with-man-inside-vehicle/ | 2022-04-14T15:24:07 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/falling-billboard-crushes-suv-in-opelika-with-man-inside-vehicle/ |
(NEXSTAR) – The Easter bunny will have the light of a full moon to hop by on Saturday as the Pink Moon rises on April 16.
This month’s full moon goes by many names, according to NASA. Native Americans named it the Pink Moon after the herb moss pink – one of the earliest widespread flowers of spring, found throughout the eastern U.S. Herb moss pink itself goes by several names – creeping phlox, moss phlox and mountain phlox.
Other names for the moon include nods to its springtime rise: the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon.
April’s full moon also has names with religious roots, such as the Pesach or Passover Moon, because Passover begins at sundown the day before, and the Paschal Moon, “from which the date of Easter is calculated,” NASA explains.
“The date of Easter is determined by the moon. Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox,” Kim Mandelkow, director of the Office for Worship with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, told Nexstar. Saturday’s full moon fits the bill.
Saturday morning, as twilight begins, NASA says four planets will be visible above the east-southeastern horizon: Mars, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter.
Last year’s Pink Moon was the biggest and brightest of 2021, causing astronomers to dub it a “supermoon.” To reach supermoon status, the moon must be within 90% of perigee, or at one of the closest points to Earth we see.
The next full moon, the Flower Moon, will rise on May 15. Skywatchers will have an extra surprise that day as well – a total lunar eclipse. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/full-pink-moon-to-dazzle-the-night-sky-ahead-of-easter/ | 2022-04-14T15:24:13 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/full-pink-moon-to-dazzle-the-night-sky-ahead-of-easter/ |
VENICE, Fla. (WFLA) — A jury trial has been ordered and scheduled for the lawsuit filed by the parents of Gabby Petito against the parents of Brian Laundrie.
The suit filed by Joe Petito and Nichole Schmidt last month claims Laundrie’s parents knew all along their son murdered 22-year-old Petito. The attorney for Chris and Roberta Laundrie has already filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, calling it “baseless.”
The jury trial, if it does happen, won’t begin anytime soon.
According to court documents obtained by Nexstar’s WFLA, a trial in front of a jury has been set for the week of Aug. 14, 2023, at the South County Courthouse in Venice, Florida. The trial’s term window doesn’t begin until next year due to scheduling in the Sarasota County court system.
The jury trial, barring dismissal, is expected to be open to the public, which could draw international media attention. It would mark the first time the Petito case reaches a courtroom and, while it would be a civil case instead of a criminal one, it could reveal the highly-anticipated evidence Petito and Schmidt claim to have to support their accusations that the Laundries were told their son murdered Gabby Petito and sought to help him flee the United States.
While a date has been set, the case still faces the possibility of being dismissed after the Laundries’ attorney filed the motion for dismissal on the grounds their clients exercised their constitutional right to refrain from speaking and have “continuously relied on counsel to speak for them.”
Judge Hunter W. Carroll responded to the motion for the lawsuit’s dismissal by allowing the attorneys for Petito and Schmidt 20 days to file an amended complaint he says was necessary due to a “perceived procedural deficiency” in the lawsuit.
“To be clear, the Court in today’s order is not passing on Defendants’ arguments that this lawsuit should be dismissed with prejudice,” Carroll wrote in his response. “The Court’s intent is to address the perceived procedural deficiency before addressing the merits of Defendants’ motion.”
Pat Reilly, the attorney for Petito and Schmidt, says he is preparing to file the amended complaint to state “separate causes of action on behalf of the Petito family against the Laundries.”
A ruling on whether the lawsuit will be dismissed is expected after Judge Carroll reviews the revisions. Steven Bertolino, the Laundries’ attorney in New York, tells WFLA.com his clients will still seek dismissal regardless of the changes made to the amended complaint.
“We are prepared for everything,” Bertolino said.
Reilly says he has a “high confidence level” the lawsuit will reach a jury trial, if it doesn’t get settled out of court.
“The court will have to decide whether the motion to dismiss has any merit, which I don’t believe it does,” said Reilly.
Petito and Schmidt are suing on the grounds of intentional infliction of emotional distress, alleging that the Laundries were told by their son of Petito’s murder “on or about” Aug. 28 and, rather than telling them of Gabby’s death, chose to remain silent. The lawsuit accuses the Laundrie family of acting “with malice or great indifference to the rights of” Petito’s family. Petito and Schmidt are seeking damages of at least $100,000, stating that they suffered pain and mental anguish as a result of the “willfulness and maliciousness” of the Laundries.
The Laundries, through their legal team, have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
The big question that looms ahead of a potential jury trial is the evidence Petito and Schmidt claim to have to back up claims made in the lawsuit.
“They’ll have to wait and see,” said Reilly when asked about the evidence. “If we didn’t believe it was true, we wouldn’t have put them in the complaint.” | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/jury-trial-ordered-in-petito-lawsuit-against-laundries-case-may-still-be-dismissed/ | 2022-04-14T15:24:19 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/jury-trial-ordered-in-petito-lawsuit-against-laundries-case-may-still-be-dismissed/ |
CHANDLER, Okla. (KFOR) – A man is recovering at a hospital in Oklahoma City after he was mauled by a pack of wild dogs Wednesday.
“The worst thing I’ve ever seen,” said Lincoln County Sheriff Charlie Dougherty. “As far as a dog injury.”
The 65-year-old man was on a morning walk along a rural stretch of road in Chandler when he was attacked by the wild dogs.
“The dogs come out and get him down and go mauling him,” said Dougherty. “Looks like he’d been out there quite a while. They’d ripped all his clothes off.”
The recently retired man lay on the dirt road for hours with open wounds until a passerby called 911 and reported finding a body. The man was later found to be alive and was flown to OU Health in Oklahoma City to undergo surgery.
“He received injuries pretty much all over his body, with the exception of maybe his neck,” said the sheriff.
Dougherty said the pack of wild dogs came from a marijuana grow operation sandwiching the street. Early in March, deputies and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics busted the grow for selling bud — the smokable part of a cannabis plant — on the “black market” and out of state. The operation had been licensed with the state.
“I don’t know if these dogs was supposed to protect the grow or if they’re just mean dogs altogether,” said Dougherty.
Two of the dogs were caught and taken to a local veterinary clinic. So far, it’s unclear if they’ll be put down.
“The investigators will be looking at trying to bring charges against somebody for some type of restitution for medical and different ones,” said the sheriff. “If you’re going to own dogs, you got to take care of them. You got to be responsible.”
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has been getting calls about more wild dogs in the area. If you know where they are, call the sheriff’s office so deputies can capture them. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/ripped-all-his-clothes-off-wild-dogs-maul-65-year-old-man/ | 2022-04-14T15:24:26 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/ripped-all-his-clothes-off-wild-dogs-maul-65-year-old-man/ |
HACKENSACK, N.J. (StudyFinds.org) – Tax Day is here again, and a new survey finds plenty of Americans are STILL waiting to file for 2021. In fact, one-third of taxpayers wait until the filing deadline to do their annual taxes. Unfortunately, that’s a big problem for many people because 56 percent of Americans don’t even know when that deadline is!
In a poll of more than 1,100 people, commissioned by IPX 1031, 32 percent say they procrastinate when it comes to doing their taxes because they don’t expect to get a refund. One in four say they hold off until the last minute because the process is just too complicated and stressful. For those who still don’t know, Tax Day 2022 is April 18.
Researchers also found that the nation’s younger taxpayers are more likely to procrastinate each year. Millennials rank as the most likely Americans to file their taxes at the last minute — despite receiving the largest average refunds among all generations! Overall, however, the survey found that one in four people will see a smaller refund this year in comparison to 2021.
Nevadans love to gamble — with their taxes
When it comes to which Americans avoid doing their taxes the longest, residents in Nevada are the new kings of procrastination. Famous for being the home of Las Vegas, the poll finds Nevadans also like to gamble on getting their taxes done on time. Nevada moved up three spots from number four in 2021, averaging more Google searches related to the Tax Day deadline than any other state in the nation.
Specifically, researchers looked at search phrases such as “what happens if I file my taxes late?”, “when is it too late to file taxes?”, and “can I file late taxes?” across all 50 states to compile their annual list.
Rounding out the top five are the same states that appeared on the 2021 list, including Hawaii (2nd), Georgia (3rd), Alaska (4th), and California (5th).
As for the Americans who get their taxes done in a timely fashion, Iowa (50th) continues to be home to the fewest tax procrastinators in the country. Wisconsin (49th) and Michigan (48th) followed closely behind.
Speaking of Las Vegas, the poll’s review of the biggest procrastinators by city found Sin City is still home to the most last-minute tax filers in the U.S. The survey finds there are more than 1,300 Tax Day searches for every 100,000 people in the city. Denver, Baltimore, and Seattle round out the top four — all averaging over 1,100 Tax Day deadline searches on Google.
Where’s the money going?
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Americans received an average refund of $2,815 in 2021. Unfortunately, confidence in the economy is much lower this year and respondents are only expecting to receive just over $1,900 this year.
For the 50 percent of Americans who say they have already filed their taxes, 11 percent admit they’ve already spent that money! Over a third (37%) plan to save that money when it arrives and one in five (22%) plan to use the money to pay down their debt. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/tax-day-2022-56-of-americans-dont-know-when-the-filing-deadline-is/ | 2022-04-14T15:24:32 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/tax-day-2022-56-of-americans-dont-know-when-the-filing-deadline-is/ |
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) – The 2021 tax deadline is quickly approaching. This year’s Tax Day falls on April 18, 2022.
Normally Tax Day would be on April 15, however during years like these when Good Friday lands on April 15, Tax Day is extended to the following Monday.
Owner of Taxes Done Right, Lagenia Arnold, explains to News 3 the best steps to take if you have not filed your taxes yet.
“April 18, 2022, is the timely filing deadline, so that’s going to be for people who have income taxes due. They need to gather all of their information, W-2’s, 1099’s, and either prepare them themselves or come to a professional, or expert to have their taxes prepared. That’s what they need to start doing, quickly,” Arnold advises.
For those who feel they will not make the April 18th deadline, Arnold confirms there is still an option for late filers.
A request for an extension may be filed with the IRS, the deadline for this is also April 18, 2022. Arnold warns about the downfalls when filing for an extension.
“Extensions are available, but the only thing about extensions, they do not stop late fees and penalties. They just say, ‘I’m filing, I’m just filing late,'” Arnold says penalties do vary for everyone.
Arnold also explains the stipulations behind the Child Tax Credits issued during the pandemic. She says the advancement was optional, and breaks down why some people are having to pay it back this tax season.
“When they started the child tax credit, they were being issued in advance Child tax credit from July to December. Some people chose to opt in. Some people chose to opt out. So those who did receive those payments from July to December, when it came time to file the 2021 taxes, they had to placed it on their tax return to show that they had received it already in advance. So if they had a refund, whatever that amount was, it was deducted from that refund in the amount they received from July to December… As far as what it was, it was in advancement towards their child tax credit they would have received this year. So they got it in advance which means and now you need to give it back to us,” she explains.
Arnold also says people have up to three years to claim a tax refund, the next deadline to be on the lookout for is Oct.15, 2022.
“A lot of people don’t know that if they have a refund due to them, they can still receive it up to three years after the last date. So, we’re in ‘21 now which would take that back to ’19, ’18. So if they haven’t filed their 2018 taxes, they have until October the 15th of this year to get their refund,” she informs. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/tax-deadline-approaches-how-to-prepare-what-to-know-about-child-tax-credits/ | 2022-04-14T15:24:39 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/tax-deadline-approaches-how-to-prepare-what-to-know-about-child-tax-credits/ |
HICKMAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) – Deputies rescued a woman from an alleged kidnapping and domestic violence situation in Tennessee Sunday after a convenience store customer noticed her discreet signal for help, according to Hickman County Sheriff’s Office officials.
The woman ran into the Twice Daily store and gave a signal with her hand by crossing her thumb over her palm and repeatedly covering her thumb with her four other fingers, witnesses said. The hand signal was made famous on the social media platform TikTok and is reportedly used to signal the need for help during a domestic violence situation.
Deputies responded to the scene and found a pickup truck leaving the parking lot as they arrived. Witnesses told deputies to follow the truck and when the deputies did, a pursuit ensued.
The pursuit lasted for around 10-15 minutes before the truck crashed in neighboring Dickson County. The driver, identified as 31-year-old Jonathan Smith, got out of the vehicle and ran before being tased and taken into custody. The woman was not injured.
Twice Daily customer Eric Streeval recalled seeing the woman enter the store and look over at him, also mouthing the word “help.” Streeval is a part of a motorcycle group that helps women in domestic violence situations. He credited the woman for reaching out.
“If you see something, say something,” Streeval said. “Domestic violence is a bad thing here in Tennessee. The victims, a lot of times they’re too afraid to speak out. And I credit the young lady in this situation with having the world’s most courage of actually speaking out because who knows what would have happened.”
Streeval said he’s since reached out to the victim on social media and hopes to put her in touch with local resources.
“I would just tell her lean on family if she’s got family, [or] find a complete stranger. If someone’s willing to listen, talk to him. Don’t think everything bundled up inside. Reach out to somebody and just believe the good in somebody.”
Smith is currently charged with aggravated kidnapping and aggravated domestic assault, with more charges pending, according to investigators. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/woman-uses-hand-signal-popularized-on-tiktok-to-escape-kidnapping-officials-say/ | 2022-04-14T15:24:45 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/woman-uses-hand-signal-popularized-on-tiktok-to-escape-kidnapping-officials-say/ |
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)– UPDATE, 9:18 a.m.: An officer-involved shooting happened overnight when the Lafayette Police Department (LPD) was attempting to arrest a man suspected of being responsible for a 13-year-old girl being shot Wednesday night, according to LPD.
LPD officers were trying to arrest Trevon Bonner, 18, of Lafayette for the shooting when he barricaded himself in his residence, which required the response of the Lafayette SWAT team and LPD negotiators.
While officers were attempting to negotiate Bonner out of the residence, the officer-involved shooting occurred.
The initial shooting that LPD responded to happened at 9:54 p.m. Wednesday night in the 800 block of Martin Luther King Dr., where they found a 13-year-old suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
ORIGINAL POST, 5:45 a.m.: According to Louisiana State Police, there was an officer-involved shooting in the 200 block of Paul Breaux Ave. around 2:30 this morning. One man was transported to a local hospital where he later died.
Thomas Gossen, LSP Troop D Public Information Officer, told News 10 this incident was the result of an attempt to execute a warrant in connection to the shooting of a 13-year-old girl being investigated by Lafayette Police Department. Police went to a home on Paul Breaux Ave. to execute the warrant. The SWAT team was also present. Police say an altercation broke out and shots were fired. No officers were injured.
Lafayette Police Department requested detectives from the LSP Bureau of Investigations to investigate the shooting. This is an active investigation and further information will be released when it becomes available. | https://www.cenlanow.com/state-news/lsp-one-dead-after-officer-involved-shooting/ | 2022-04-14T15:24:52 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/state-news/lsp-one-dead-after-officer-involved-shooting/ |
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — New state legislation could better protect our most vulnerable population during a natural disaster.
This is after a poor evacuation plan of over 800 nursing home residents turned fatal in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida. State representatives are now calling for a change.
Senate Bill 167 read in front of the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare this Wednesday would change how nursing homes’ emergency plans are reviewed and submitted.
“The law requires they submit a plan, but who is looking at the plan to see if it’s viable or not, or if it makes sense,” said Sen. Kirk Talbot.
If passed, this bill would allow the State Fire Marshals to review the evacuation locations instead of the Louisiana Department of Health. State Fire Marshal Chief Butch Browning says he jumped at the opportunity.
“We are talking about caring for people who need to be cared for, so our office certainly wants to be doing that,” Browning said.
The bill was inspired in the wake of a tragedy. Hundreds of nursing homes residents were evacuated to a location that was not equipped to handle that capacity during Hurricane Ida.
“They evacuated to a place that doesn’t have power, doesn’t have air conditioning, doesn’t have the proper facilities to take care of these elderly patients, and tragically, you know, a number of them died,” Talbot said.
Seven nursing homes owned by Bob Dean were shut down after the disaster, and several lawsuits were filed against Dean followed. Talbot asked who approved the evacuation plans from Dean’s nursing homes, but was unable to get a clear answer.
“How did this happen, who approved that evacuation plan to go to this facility, to this building — no power, no air conditioning, not enough port-a-lets, not enough health care to be provided with these people?” Talbot asked. “And I would just like to say we didn’t get a satisfactory answer, we didn’t get an answer, period.”
The concern about finances came up by the committee. Browning said they are equipped to take on this responsibility so that another tragedy like this doesn’t happen again.
“It just really makes sense that we use our resources to be a partner in this and really create a unified standard one-stop-shop across the state,” Browning said.
“The suffering these people endured was appalling and that should never ever happen again in this day in age in America, and clearly if they had just stayed where they were they would have been far better off,” Talbot said.
Talbot said the next step for the bill is to go to the Senate floor, possibly as soon as next week. | https://www.cenlanow.com/state-news/new-bill-could-change-how-louisiana-nursing-homes-plan-to-evacuate-during-disasters/ | 2022-04-14T15:24:58 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/state-news/new-bill-could-change-how-louisiana-nursing-homes-plan-to-evacuate-during-disasters/ |
SALADO, Texas (KXAN) — “That’s all I have left, just sighs,” Naomi Benavidez said Wednesday.
Bulldozers crunched through snapped trees and crumbled homes in Central Texas Wednesday, showing the impact of a bad storm. But it’s stories from people like Benavidez that show how a vicious tornado changes lives forever.
“She was picking up … holding onto her babies as much as she could,” Benavidez said.
According to Benavidez, her sister, her sister’s husband and their two kids are now in the hospital after a tornado tore through Salado Tuesday, about 50 miles north-northeast of Austin.
“The little girl — she had to hold onto her by her hair. They ended up getting lifted up from the trailer and just thrown into the trees,” Benavides said. “She was about three-months pregnant; she lost her baby today.”
Benavides and other relatives are walking through the area, collecting what’s still worth saving.
“I want to say this is probably the laundry room door,” Benavidez said as she picked up a door knob from the rubble.
Bell County Judge David Blackburn said the tornado tracked for eight miles, hurting 23 people. Twelve people ended up in the hospital. One was in critical condition as of Wednesday afternoon.
According to Bell County, the Cedar Valley tornado is a confirmed “high-end EF-3 tornado,” reaching a maximum wind speed around 165 mph.
Sixty-three structures were damaged.
“We believe we have accounted for all individuals that were in the path,” Blackburn said.
Still, people are without power and water. One of the main priorities is getting that restored and making sure no one is buried under rubble, according to Blackburn.
“It is not, in any sense, a minor miracle. As you look at the devastation .. created [Tuesday] night, it’s hard to imagine that that didn’t occur,” Blackburn said.
Now, carried by their faith, Benavidez hopes for another miracle as she waits for their family to recover.
“This is going to be a slow process for everyone,” Benavidez said. | https://www.cenlanow.com/weather/weather-headlines/pregnant-texas-woman-loses-baby-after-family-ripped-from-home-by-tornado/ | 2022-04-14T15:25:04 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/weather/weather-headlines/pregnant-texas-woman-loses-baby-after-family-ripped-from-home-by-tornado/ |
Secretary of State Bill Gardner, 73, second from left, announced he’d retire after 45 years as the state’s top elections official, the longest-serving one in the nation. Deputy David Scanlan, second from right, will hold the post through the current term that ends next December. Joining Gardner for the announcement was Senior Deputy Secretary of State Robert Ambrose, left, and Assistant Secretary of State Paula Penney, right.
After the Democratic National Committee voted Wednesday to make states apply for an early presidential primary instead of following the traditional order of states, Secretary of State David Scanlan reminded the party that in New Hampshire, the state runs the primary and a state law locks in New Hampshire's early spot.
"New Hampshire has a state law that says the presidential primary shall go before any similar event," Scanlan said. “That statute is really independent of party rules."
"Similar event" has usually been understood to mean a primary election where people cast ballots in voting booths, but not a caucus where people gather and argue for their choices.
In 2020, Iowa and Nevada held caucuses, but Nevada has since switched its presidential nominating contest to a primary election -- similar to what happens in New Hampshire and in the fourth traditional early-primary state of South Carolina.
Democrats have been wondering for years if it still makes sense for Iowa and New Hampshire to have the first contests. On Wednesday, the Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws committee voted to make states apply for early primaries. The committee is expected to start reviewing applications early this summer.
But because of its state law, Scanlan said, the New Hampshire primary will still be held before any other primary elections.
“When the time comes, we will follow New Hampshire’s law," he said.
Scanlan's predecessor, longtime Secretary of State Bill Gardner, used his post to advocate for the New Hampshire primary.
Scanlan said he will be watching the issue closely, and would work closely with the state's political parties.
“Advocating on the reasons why New Hampshire is well-qualified to hold the first-in-the-nation primary is going to be a joint effort." | https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/voters/secretary-of-state-nh-primary-is-independent-of-party-rules/article_188e5a61-dae8-59a7-88b4-213849a742bf.html | 2022-04-14T15:25:07 | 1 | https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/voters/secretary-of-state-nh-primary-is-independent-of-party-rules/article_188e5a61-dae8-59a7-88b4-213849a742bf.html |
Over the objections of dozens of business owners and residents, concrete barriers will return to downtown Nashua to allow expanded outdoor dining.
The ordinance permits the barriers for the next three years. Unlike the past two years, all the barriers will be painted the same brick-red color.
The ordinance passed 11-4 Tuesday night.
Plans have been scaled back, with fewer barriers and the restoration of two parking spaces in front of 100 Main St. To ease traffic flow, some of the barriers will not return.
The issue sparked much debate in the Gate City for weeks, fueled by hundreds of emails both for and against sent to aldermen and a task force.
Those in favor said the expanded outdoor dining brought a vibrancy to downtown. Those opposed cited traffic congestion, limited public safety access and lack of convenient parking.
During the meeting, Mayor Jim Donchess said a restaurant will need to ask for permission from their landlord before the barriers are placed.
“We cannot put up barriers and have no tables,” he said. “We are not going to do that.”
The city will work with all the interested restaurants before any of the barriers go up, he said.
The biggest debate revolved around whether San Francisco Kitchen at 133 Main St. could use one or two parking spots. The board voted 11-4 to allow two spots as part of an amendment. An agreement will likely have to be reached with Wingate Pharmacy, which wants a parking space out front.
Beauview Avenue resident Joanne St. John said the downtown is evolving.
“Now we are used to being like France or having outdoor dining when we didn’t used to do that,” she said.
Fawn Lane resident Matthew Gouthro spoke against the plan, pointing to gridlock, reduced parking and safety hazards. He called the plan “a pie-in-the-sky boondoggle.”
Some residents asked why restaurants were not being charged for their expanded outdoor dining space, as in other New Hampshire cities.
Alderman Melbourne Moran said he will expect some sort of fee schedule to be planned for the second and third years of the ordinance.
The outdoor dining will not include as many signs or orange barrels, said Tim Cummings, economic development director, in an email to the Union Leader last week. Barriers on Main Street just before Canal Street will not be included because of traffic.
“There will be additional parking spaces particularly on the westerly side of Main Street between Factory Street and Water Street,” he wrote.
He said it’s tough to say how many were in favor or opposed.
“There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ with this issue,” he wrote. “It really is a question of what type of downtown does a community want.” | https://www.unionleader.com/nh/food/barriers-outdoor-dining-to-return-to-downtown-nashua----with-a-few-changes/article_14cf0132-d684-5f09-924e-acd1ffd2fc89.html | 2022-04-14T15:25:13 | 1 | https://www.unionleader.com/nh/food/barriers-outdoor-dining-to-return-to-downtown-nashua----with-a-few-changes/article_14cf0132-d684-5f09-924e-acd1ffd2fc89.html |
Things to do: Comedy, films, a volkswalk, country and choral music
This weekend the city heats up with entertainment options. Laugh at politics, watch a sci-fi movie with IU ties, tap toes to country music, take a specially designed hike, hear a choral group and learn about gender identity, or see a documentary about trailblazing athlete George Taliaferro.
Hari Kondabolu to jab at politics
He's political and smart, and his one-hour comedy act is new. The New York Times called Hari Kondabolu "one of the most exciting political comics in stand-up.” He's one of those guys who can make us laugh at situations we thought were unlaughable. Watch him wrestle with sexism, social-class prejudice, racism and being a product of "a patriarchal society.”
His 2018 Netflix special "Warn Your Relatives" made many “best of” lists, including Time, Paste Magazine, Cosmopolitan, E! Online and Mashable.
In 2017, his truTV documentary "The Problem with Apu" was released to acclaim, inspiring a worldwide dialogue about representation and race. The Nation called it “a devastating critique of the ultimate comedic sacred cow: 'The Simpsons.'"
He'll be at the Comedy Attic,123 S. Walnut St., 812-336-5233, at 8 p.m. Thursday and 7 and 9:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $16-$20. Go to comedyattic.com/events.
To catch a pre-show glimpse, go to https://bit.ly/3JA9ZWD.
'Everything Everywhere' music by IU grad
"Everything Everywhere All at Once," a sci-fi action movie that is dramatic and comedic, has made such a mark since opening earlier this month that it has moved from being considered an art film to being shown in chain movie theaters, including a local AMC.
The film's musical score was created by Ryan Lott, a 43-year-old Broad Ripple resident who graduated from Indiana University with a degree in musical composition who performs experimental music through his band Son Lux. During his college days, Lott played keyboards in the Bloomington-based funk band Danagas from 1998 to 2001.
You can catch the film this weekend and enjoy its Indiana-grown music at the AMC Classic Bloomington 12 theater, 2929 W. Third St.
More on Bloomington film:The musical journey of 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' began in a Broad Ripple bedroom
Country music at the Bluebird
There's a nice-guy vibe about these musicians. The Eli Young Band is an American country music band coming to the Bluebird at 8 p.m. Friday.
Mike Eli (lead vocals, guitar), James Young (guitar), Jon Jones (bass guitar) and Chris Thompson (drums) released their first album 20 years ago. Next came "Level" in 2005 and "Jet Black and Jealous" in 2008. Then, a second big-label album, "Life at Best" and then "10,000 Towns." Four of the band's singles have hit No. 1: "Crazy Girl," "Even If It Breaks Your Heart," "Drunk Last Night" and "Love Ain't." As Mike Eli sings, "Keep on dreamin' even if it breaks your heart."
See them, for $25, at the Bluebird, 216 N. Walnut St., 812-336-3984, https://thebluebird.ws.
Walkers invited to join volkswalk
You won't need a Volkswagen for this event, just a good pair of walking shoes. The Bedford Hiking Club will co-sponsor a volkswalk with the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday.
Volkswalks or volksmarches (German for people’s walk) began in Europe and are walks designed to highlight areas of interest. The distance is usually 3.1 miles or 6.2 miles (5 or 10 kilometers).
The Bloomington walk begins at Woodlawn Shelter in Bryan Park, 1001 S. Henderson St. and offers the option of a 5K or 10K route. Walkers should check in to receive a map and directions anytime from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and plan to finish by 3 p.m. For those who are walking but not seeking credit, the event is free. For regular volkswalkers, the fee is $3 to have their effort credited.
The routes wind through four Bloomington parks and several interesting neighborhoods. Participants can walk however quickly they want and are encouraged to explore points of interest along the way. It is not a timed event. Leashed dogs are welcome, but please bring pick-up bags.
The Cade: Video and arcade gaming bar includes a side of trivia
Walkers are encouraged to bring water, but there will be a checkpoint with water halfway through. Participants interested in learning more about volkswalking can pick up a starter pack with a record book and coupons for three free walks.
For more details on the volkswalk, contact Teena Ligman at 812-278-0139 or at tdligman@att.net. Find the Bedford Hiking Club at www.bedfordhikingclub.com.
Local choral group to honor gender identities
Voces Novae choir will present "Gender 2.0" at 7 p.m. on three Mondays. The first is at 7 p.m. Monday at The Back Door bar (21 and older), in the alley behind 207 S. College Ave.
The 16 singers plus one conductor will explore the aspects of gender in a free 45-minute choral program with choreography. For instance, Facebook offers more than 50 gender options for its users. During this performance people will have the opportunity to reflect on the "four gender spectrums" — biological, gender expression, gender identity, gender attraction — as well as on transgender youth, non-binary/queerness and gender-neutral pronouns, and relationships between parents and their transgender, gay or queer children.
'The B1G Story: George Taliaferro' documentary
Although this is a private event for the Taliaferro family, film cast and crew, along with Big Ten Network personnel, some tickets to next week's special showing of "The B1G Story: George Taliaferro" are available for Indiana University Cinema patrons.
The documentary is about Taliaferro (1927-2018), who first gained recognition for his football prowess. When he played football for IU in the 1940s, the African-American athlete was forbidden to live in a dorm or dine in Bloomington restaurants because of his race. His response altered history and won him a place in history as he broke barriers and influenced generations. Taliaferro was the first Black player drafted by the NFL. He later became an administrator at his alma mater in Bloomington.
Tickets, at $40, must be purchased in advance. You can honor George Taliaferro's remarkable accomplishments, legacy — and IU Cinema — by seeing this documentary on a big screen. Part of IU's Additional Films and Guests series, the film directed by Kevin Weaver and Tucker Gragg was released last year and has been shown on the Big Ten Network.
See the film at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at the IU Cinema, 1213 E. Seventh St. Buy tickets at https://bit.ly/3KEuz9J. While masks are not required at IU Cinema, they are encouraged. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/entertainment/2022/04/14/hari-kondabolu-eli-young-things-to-do-bloomington-movies-vollkswalk/7294464001/ | 2022-04-14T15:26:11 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/entertainment/2022/04/14/hari-kondabolu-eli-young-things-to-do-bloomington-movies-vollkswalk/7294464001/ |
Theft of catalytic converter disables Girls Inc. bus in Bloomington
Thieves continue to steal catalytic converters off vehicles in Bloomington, extracting and selling their precious metals.
Since the beginning of March, 14 catalytic converters have been reported stolen in the city. The first disappeared from a 77-year-old woman's car on March 8 in the 1300 block of North Lincoln Street.
From March:Catalytic converter thefts continue; witness leads police to suspect at parking garage
The most recent catalytic converter theft was discovered April 12 after a thief struck a Bloomington nonprofit agency that serves youth. An employee at Girls Inc. of Monroe County on West Eighth Street reported the catalytic converter on the agency's GMC bus had been stolen.
Church buses also have been targeted in the recent past. So were delivery trucks parked at the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity's ReStore on the city's east side in 2020.
From February:Catalytic converter thefts rise in Bloomington, especially for Toyota Prius models
The thefts happen in locations around the city, on all sides of town. SUVs and large trucks and some Honda and Toyota passenger models, especially the Prius, are the most targeted vehicles. Repair costs range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the vehicle and whether refurbished parts are used.
Laws prohibit the unauthorized sale of catalytic converters and the metals they contain, but thieves find buyers despite attempts to slow the thefts. Bloomington police continue tracking and investigating the ongoing string of local thefts.
Contact reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com, 812-331-4362 or 812-318-5967. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/crime/2022/04/14/girls-inc-bus-latest-target-ongoing-catalytic-converter-thefts/7312200001/ | 2022-04-14T15:26:12 | 1 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/crime/2022/04/14/girls-inc-bus-latest-target-ongoing-catalytic-converter-thefts/7312200001/ |
Many kids gained extra weight during the pandemic. It isn't necessarily a bad thing.
People of all ages across the country gained weight during the pandemic, for reasons ranging from being sedentary while working from home to stress snacking. But kids, who often rely on school to provide healthful meals and exercise opportunities, were put in an even tougher spot.
A 2021 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the rate of of increase in body mass index of children ages 2 to 19 nearly doubled during the pandemic compared with earlier statistics.
Studies from across the country are displaying similar results. Research from the Journal of the American Medical Association from around the same time showed children ages 5 to 11 were most affected by weight gain.
Dr. Jeremy Mescher, a pediatrician with Riley Physicians in Bloomington, said he and his colleagues have seen an increase in patients struggling with weight since the pandemic began. But he doesn’t want to focus on the weight gain itself, which is often stigmatized, but rather the underlying causes.
“We try to make sure our families understand that we worry more about health than we do size,” he said, “and our interventions are aimed at reducing the risks of the downstream consequences of increased weight.”
Closed schools caused problems for families
When schools shuttered in the early stages of the pandemic, students were left without school-provided breakfast and lunch every day, leaving the burden of food preparation on parents.
“Our school districts tried their hardest to continue home delivery and access to school based meals, but there was still likely a reduction in usage,” Mescher said.
The pandemic also put a financial strain on many families, leaving them with fewer healthful food options and forcing them to rely on “convenience” foods which are more calorically dense, Mescher said.
Others are reading:Nearly 550 apartments, townhomes, duplexes coming to Bloomington's northwest side
Erin Reynolds, program director at the Ferguson Crestmont Boys and Girls Club, spent 16 months of the pandemic driving around neighborhoods to deliver sack lunches to kids.
The program has 290 members, Reynolds said. Many of the families in the program told her how much they needed the help.
Monroe County has always had food deserts, or areas with limited access to affordable healthful food, Reynolds said. The pandemic only exacerbated the problem.
Closed schools also meant a decline in after-school activities, such as school sports, which is how many students get their exercise, Mescher said. A 2020 study from the National Library of Medicine showed that kids, especially older ones, struggled to regularly exercise at the beginning of the pandemic.
Reynolds said that while she was out driving the neighborhoods every week earlier in the pandemic, she rarely saw kids outside playing, especially since local parks were closed for some time, too.
Although the increase in weight gain could have an effect on long-term public health, Mescher said, it's not too late to make gradual change.
"It will take time to create new healthy habits, especially for children of an age who may have not had these habits in a pre-pandemic world," he said.
Gaining weight sometimes isn't good or bad
Although nutrition and exercise are important for a healthy lifestyle, it can lead to a slippery slope, especially when only focusing on losing weight.
Christy Duffy is a Bloomington psychologist who runs Under the Umbrella LLC, which offers treatment for eating disorders. She said she has seen a “huge skyrocket” in eating disorder concerns in the community and nationwide.
“I haven’t found anybody, even in different states, who hasn’t had a lengthy waitlist during the pandemic because demand has gone up so high,” she said.
Duffy, who doesn’t work with younger children but has plenty of teen patients, said that many patients started coming in after the pandemic hit saying they had too much time on their hands and decided to spend it “getting healthy,” which eventually led to over-exercising and disordered eating habits.
Other patients came in reporting the opposite — that the pandemic caused them to sit on their couch and snack all day because the kitchen was accessible at all hours.
Like Mescher, Duffy doesn’t let her patients focus solely on weight gain or loss but rather on emotional wellbeing and balanced nutrition.
“We want to eat fruits and vegetables, but we also want to eat pizza and dessert,” she said.
This could mean, for example, if a patient finds themselves eating entire packs of Oreos in one sitting, the solution could be to keep Oreos in the house more often.
"If you're allowed to have Oreos whenever you want, and you're also eating all the other foods, you won't want to eat all the Oreos," she said.
Another way to help kids form a healthy relationship with food is to involve them in grocery shopping and meal preparation, Mescher said. This will ideally help reduce any food-based anxiety and give them a sense of ownership in meal planning.
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Duffy also said it’s important to remember that a person’s size isn’t necessarily an indication of their health.
“There are people in all different shapes and sizes that are both healthy and unhealthy,” she said. “We have anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder, and people usually have an image in their head of what a person in those three categories look like, and that’s usually not true.”
The incoming data about increased weight gain — in children and adults alike — can be nerve wracking, Duffy said. It’s important to look at the results in context of how the community has been hurting throughout the pandemic, she said, including financially and emotionally.
“We live in a culture where we advocate weight loss for pretty much every problem that comes up, but what we know from insane amounts of research is that doesn’t work,” Duffy said. “The weight gain itself isn’t the problem. … Just be gentle with yourself.”
Contact Herald-Times reporter Christine Stephenson at cstephenson@heraldt.com. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2022/04/14/covid-pandemic-cdc-data-kids-weight-loss-tips/9374087002/ | 2022-04-14T15:26:13 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2022/04/14/covid-pandemic-cdc-data-kids-weight-loss-tips/9374087002/ |
Audit requested after allegations of misconduct by former town employee in Ellettsville
ELLETTSVILLE — Ellettsville Town Council members recently have met twice behind closed doors in executive session to discuss allegations of misconduct by a former town employee.
According to the Indiana law cited in the meeting announcements — IC 5-14-1.5-6.1 (b) (6) (A) — the council met to receive information concerning the alleged misconduct of an "individual over whom the governing body has jurisdiction."
The meetings took place at Ellettsville Town Hall on March 31 and April 6.
“Just the only thing we can say is it was an internal personnel issue,” Ellettsville Town Council member William Ellis said.
Details about the matter could remain hazy to the public, Ellis said, since the potential misconduct concerns a non-elected town employee who has retired and no longer is employed by the town. Personnel matters are confidential.
Others are reading:Bloomington mayor proposes $31M county income tax hike. Here's how much it would cost you.
In response to questions submitted in a public records request, town clerk-treasurer Sandra Hash said the only town employee who has resigned, retired, quit or been terminated since March 1 of this year was William Jay Humphrey, a former deputy town marshal.
The state board of accounts has been asked to conduct an audit of the town marshal's office as part of the inquiry.
Humphrey could not be reached for comment. There was no mention of the issue during Monday night's town council meeting.
H-T reporter Laura Lane contributed to this story. Contact Patrick McGerr at pmcgerr@heraldt.com, 812-307-5636, or follow @patrickmcgerr on Twitter. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2022/04/14/ellettsville-council-alleged-misconduct-former-worker/9518591002/ | 2022-04-14T15:26:18 | 1 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2022/04/14/ellettsville-council-alleged-misconduct-former-worker/9518591002/ |
Storywalk, clubs, anime, wargaming among library's activities over coming week
Monroe County Public Library provides opportunities for local residents to read, learn, connect and create. The downtown library is at 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. and the Ellettsville branch is at 600 W. Temperance St. All events are free of charge. Event funding is provided by the Friends of the Library Foundation.
Library closed Easter Sunday
The downtown library, Ellettsville branch and bookmobile will all be closed Sunday. You can still use your library card to access ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music and much more online anytime. Get started at mcpl.info/digital.
Saturday Storytime
The whole family is invited to this weekend storytime. Books, puppets, music, movement, crafts and more encourage early literacy skills. For infants to age 6. It’s 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Tween D&D
Interested in Dungeons & Dragons? Join the library for a special stand-alone role-playing adventure! No prior experience is necessary. Ages 9-12. It’s 2:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
LEGO Club
Unleash your imagination and creativity with fellow LEGO builders and the library’s LEGOs! Ages 5-12. It’s 4-5 p.m. Monday in Ellettsville meeting room A. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Video game conversation group: Stardew Valley
Do you enjoy video games and want to talk with other people about them? Join the library to discuss a new game and talk about game design, stories, art and everything else. It's just like a book club, but with video games! In April you'll dive into Stardew Valley. Each month, the games will be available to play on the second floor of the downtown library near the video game collection. Ages 12 and older. It’s 6:30-8 p.m. Monday in meeting room 2A at the downtown library. Drop in.
Weekly math homework help for teens
Drop in for free one-on-one help with math and science-related assignments ––arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, physics, chemistry and ISTEP and SAT review. For middle school and high school students only. It’s 7-8:45 p.m. Mondays in program room 2B at the downtown library.
Little Makers
Explore your creativity with different materials and techniques at this fun, open-ended art experience. Dress to mess. For ages 3-6 and their families. It’s 10:30-11:15 a.m. in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Drop in.
Teen Artist Club: Stuffed animal taxidermy
Are you a teen artist looking to hang with others? Join the library to make fun stuff, show off your work, chat and relax. This time, it's weird taxidermy with stuffed animals! Ages 12-19. It’s 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Ellettsville Teen Space. Drop in.
Tuesday Night Music Club: “Nevermind”
Join other music fans to discuss classic albums virtually! This time it's Nirvana's “Nevermind”. Listen before the meeting, then come share your reaction. You’ll also listen to select songs as a group. The albums are available for streaming on Hoopla with your library card. Age 18 and older. It’s 6-7 p.m. Tuesday on Zoom. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Prenatal yoga
Prenatal yoga is a gentle exercise that supports your changing body's needs, builds strength, and deepens awareness of your mind, body, and connection with your baby. For pregnant adults. It’s 7-8 p.m. Tuesday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Please register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Wonderful 1s and Terrific 2s
Families with kids from infants to age 3 can play, sing, read and talk together with other little ones — then enjoy toy time. It’s 9:30-10:15 a.m. (infants-18 months) and 10:30-11:15 a.m. (18 months-3 years) Wednesday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Safe sleep education: Free pack 'n’ play
Learn how safe sleep practices for infants can save lives! Monroe County Healthy Families will host a 30-45 minute education session, with time for questions afterward. All participants will receive a brand new pack 'n’ play at the conclusion of the session. For parents and caretakers of infants under 12 months. Please be prepared to provide proof of your child’s age to receive the free gift. It’s 2-3 p.m. Wednesday in Ellettsville meeting room B. Space is limited. Register by calling or texting Veronica Rodriguez at 812-947-8301 or emailing vrodriguez@villages.org.
D&D Crafts
Learn how to make felt dice bags and your very own health potion! All skill levels are welcome. Ages 12-19. It’s 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday in The Ground Floor teen space at the downtown library. Drop in.
Mindful movement
Join yoga instructor Lauren Volpp for some physical and mental exercises in mindfulness. You'll set intentions, talk about identity and self-reflection, learn skills for having balance in transition and more! All abilities are welcome. Yoga mats are provided. Ages 7-12. It’s 5-5:45 p.m. Wednesday in the children’s program room at the downtown library. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Evening family storytime
Stories, songs, and rhymes get your preschooler talking, singing, and playing with books and words. For ages 3-6 and caregivers, but all are welcome. Note: The content of this storytime may be repeated in the next morning's Thursday storytime. It’s 6-6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Ellettsville meeting room B. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Preschool storytime and discovery
At preschool storytime, stories, songs and rhymes get your preschooler talking, singing and playing with books and words, followed by preschool discovery — fun, open-ended art experiences, STEAM adventures and letter exploration. It’s 10-10:25 a.m. and 10:30-11:15 a.m. Thursday in Ellettsville meeting rooms A and B. For ages 3-6 and caregivers. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Earth Month at the StoryWalk at Butler Park
Celebrate Earth Month with an eco-minded StoryWalk storytime at Butler Park! You'll enjoy “Tidy,” written and illustrated by Emily Gravett, alongside dancing, bubbles, a scavenger hunt and park cleanup. Pete the badger likes everything to be neat and tidy at all times, but what starts as the collecting of one fallen leaf escalates quickly and ends with the complete destruction of the forest. Will Pete realize the error of his ways and reverse his tidying habit? All ages. It’s 11:30-11:15 a.m. Thursday at Butler Park, 812 W. Ninth St. in Bloomington. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Intro to tabletop wargaming
If you enjoy D&D, miniature painting, and board games, tabletop war games like Warhammer are another fun option. The library will provide a light introduction to tabletop wargaming, as well as all the terrain, miniatures and snacks. All skill levels are welcome. For ages 12-19. It’s 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday in The Ground Floor teen space. Drop in.
Yoga with baby
Take care of your body and build strength after having your baby. This gentle exercise supports the changing body's needs and deepens awareness of the caregiver's mind, body and connection with their baby. For adults with babies up to age 2. It’s 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday in Ellettsville meeting room B. Register at mcpl.info/calendar.
Anime watch party
Join other fans of “My Hero Academia,” “The Way of the House Husband,” “The Promised Neverland” and more for a night of anime, crafts and chatter. Ages 12-19. It’s 6-8 p.m. Thursday in The Ground Floor teen space at the downtown library. Drop in.
Musical mastery: Compression
Looking to take your music to the next level? Join the library for any or all of the programs in this series to make your songs sound like the pros! In April, you’ll learn about compression — what it means, what it does, and how it can help your songs sound streaming-ready. Ages 12 and older. It’s 6-7 p.m. in the Level Up digital creativity space at the downtown library. Drop in.
More events online
This is a sampling of this week’s library events. For the full calendar, visit mcpl.info/events. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2022/04/14/storywalk-clubs-anime-wargaming-among-librarys-activities/7281573001/ | 2022-04-14T15:26:25 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/news/local/2022/04/14/storywalk-clubs-anime-wargaming-among-librarys-activities/7281573001/ |
Letter: Need for higher county income tax questioned
Re: The March 23, 2022, H-T issue article entitled "Mayor's tax hike plan draws support." The mayor stated on the 4/7/2022 WTIU TV News that it has been 30 years since the city raised the local income tax. But the overall county income tax all residents pay was increased by 0.25% for a separate public safety tax that started in October 2016, after approvals by the Bloomington City, Monroe County and Ellettsville Town councils.
Bloomington is the largest beneficiary of these tax proceeds. IU professor Justin Ross and IU Public Policy Director Tom Guevara assert that "Bloomington city needs to tell its citizens how much money it has"! This should be done! More emphasis on cost benefit accounting is needed over merely raising tax revenue. The city council just gave Catalent a $43 million tax break in which all local taxpayers have to make up the difference. Any job-producing employer needs to pay their fair share of income tax just like any other resident who makes use of city/county services.
It seems the city and county councils don't talk to one another like they should when a tax imposed by Bloomington city government affects Monroe County taxpayers.
Phil Schonhoff, Ellettsville | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/opinion/letters/2022/04/14/letter-need-higher-county-income-tax-questioned/9535863002/ | 2022-04-14T15:26:31 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/opinion/letters/2022/04/14/letter-need-higher-county-income-tax-questioned/9535863002/ |
Letter: Vote 'em out!
In regard to Mayor John Hamilton filing lawsuit for annexation: He is wasting taxpayer funds to satisfy his ego and thirst for more money to waste.
His comments on how the people who are against annexation (which is most of us out here) are not abiding by contracts ignore that were "strong armed" upon us. All of us have been paying our "fair share" of ever increasing water bills. The water company has been trying to "fix" the water problems for 20 years. His commentary is attempting to divide people, which is very dangerous.
After surviving a pandemic and economic hardships with ever increasing prices, I say to the mayor and his sidekick city council members: Live within your means when spending taxpayer money and stop mismanaging taxpayer funds. We all have to live within our means out here and be fiscally responsible. Maybe you can sell the BearCat to help pay your police more. Stop blowing taxpayer money. This mayor and city council members need to be voted out. They are determined to make Bloomington a sprawling mess. As my dear Irish Grandmother Elizabeth always said, "Follow the money."
Wise up, city of Bloomington residents. Vote 'em out!
Kathy Donnelly, Bloomington | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/opinion/letters/2022/04/14/letter-vote-em-out/7263846001/ | 2022-04-14T15:26:37 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/opinion/letters/2022/04/14/letter-vote-em-out/7263846001/ |
A 36-year-old female guidance counselor was walking into P.S. 69 Journey Prep School when the suspect rushed in behind her.
This happened inside the school on Thieriot Avenue in the Soundview section just before 8 a.m. before students had arrived.
The man is apparently the ex-boyfriend of the guidance counselor and she did not want to talk to him.
An assistant principal tried to intervene.
A veteran fifth grade social studies teacher, Mr. Jared Nash, also rushed over and held the suspect,
The 23-year-old suspect then pulled out a sharp object and slashed the teacher in the arm.
The 55-year-old school safety agent also intervened and was slashed behind the ear.
"An intruder who is, attempting to enter a school, according to preliminary information, attempted to assault a teacher. A heroic act by a school safety agent prevented it from taking place. She was slashed by the individual and that individual will be brought to justice. This is unacceptable," Mayor Eric Adams said during an event Thursday morning to announce the expansion of gifted and talented programs citywide.
In relation to this morning’s incident at @NYCSchools @NYPD43Pct P.S. 69 at 560 Thieriot Avenue in the Bronx, the subject has been apprehended and there is no further threat to staff, parents, and students. pic.twitter.com/05XQ02T1vR
— NYPD School Safety (@NYPDSchools) April 14, 2022
"Violence has absolutely no place in our schools, and this senseless act against an essential member of our school community is unacceptable. Our incredible educators and School Safety Agents work every day to keep our children safe, and I am grateful for their steadfast dedication to our schools. We are offering supports to this school community," Chancellor David C. Banks said in a statement.
The suspect fled, but Nash was able to give a detailed description of the suspect's car and a responding officer spotted the vehicle and pulled him over on the other side of the school.
Both the school safety agent and the teacher were taken to Jacobi Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The ex-boyfriend is in custody with charges pending.
The NYC School Safety Coalition releaased a statement on the slashing that said in part that "There have been 41 assaults on School Safety Agents during this school year. This is an increase of 30% compared to the previous school year.
"Last week, another School Safety Agent was assaulted at PS 158 in Brooklyn. PS 69 and PS 168 only have one School Safety Agent in the building due to the severe staff shortage caused by City Council budget cuts. Many schools throughout New York City only have one School Safety Agent to protect an entire building of teachers, staff, and hundreds of students.
"At our press conference on Monday, April 11th, we called on Mayor Eric Adams to increase the number of School Safety Agents inside our school buildings, as well as increase the number of Neighborhood Coordination Officers and Youth Coordination Officers outside our schools.
"The shortage of School Safety Agents jeopardizes the safety of our children, teachers, and all school staff.
"We call on Mayor Adams to please protect our children and hire more School Safety Agents."
WATCH | Witness describes chaos on subway train amid New York shooting
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The Kardashians were not the first celebrities to be famous simply for being famous, but they have earned more money than anyone else who could not sing, dance, act, or play a sport.
Their medium is social media, and like the old song says, "nobody does it better."
ALSO READ | On The Red Carpet: What to watch in April on TV, streaming
Together, the Kardashians have more than one and a half billion followers on social media. Kylie Jenner's total alone is almost equal to the entire population of the United States. So why do they need another TV series? And why should we watch?
"You see me doing my own thing, Kim doing her thing, we are all doing our own thing," Kourtney Kardashian said. "While I think on 'Keeping Up with the Krdashians,' we were always together like with another family member."
Led by the family matriarch, Kris Jenner, the Kardashians built a brand by showcasing their various businesses, and the new Hulu show does too.
The youngest of this clan never knew a life without cameras until the pandemic lockdown forced a new kind of privacy on all of them.
"I think the series is very special because you get to see more of Kendall and Kylie, and especially Kendall, who I think people find more elusive," Khloe Kardashian said.
She let her sisters do the talking when they were interviewed by sister station KABC's Karl Schmid for On the Red Carpet, but in a recent ABC News special hosted by Robin Roberts, Kendall's experience suggests that fame can be a double-edged sword.
"I struggle with my own mental health anxieties," she said.
ALSO READ | Anthony Anderson shares spotlight with mom on 'To Tell the Truth'
The series offers that inside look at the balance with which the stars struggle.
"You see there's a cost to all of this," ABC News' Rebecca Jarvis said. "There's the anxiety. There's the loneliness that can come from having millions of followers and having to put on a certain face for every single day."
The preview special is also available on Hulu, and it offer a great setup to the series.
Hulu is owned by Disney, the parent company of this ABC station. | https://abc7ny.com/the-kardashians-hulu-kim-kardashian-kourtney/11747435/ | 2022-04-14T15:27:28 | 0 | https://abc7ny.com/the-kardashians-hulu-kim-kardashian-kourtney/11747435/ |
E-cigs using synthetic nicotine come under FDA oversight
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators will soon begin cracking down on vaping companies using a now-closed loophole, including a line of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes that have become teenagers’ top choice.
Under a law taking effect Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration can regulate e-cigarettes and similar products that use synthetic nicotine.
The action targets Puff Bar and several other vaping companies that recently switched their formulas to laboratory-made nicotine to skirt FDA oversight.
The change “allows FDA to protect the public health from the harms of tobacco products, regardless of the source of nicotine,” the agency said in a statement Wednesday. Companies must register with the FDA and submit their products for review within 30 days.
Puff Bar did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
The FDA’s action does not automatically ban Puff Bar and similar products. Instead it brings them under the same regulatory scheme as older e-cigarettes that derived their nicotine from tobacco.
“The synthetic nicotine products do not necessarily just disappear on their own,” Robin Koval, chief executive of the Truth Initiative, an advocacy group that runs anti-tobacco ads. “The FDA will have to decide how they want to enforce the law and hopefully they will.”
The FDA has been reviewing applications for an array of vaping devices, formulas and flavors — rejecting more than 1 million, usually because of their potential appeal to youngsters. Anti-tobacco advocates hope the agency will quickly do the same for any applications submitted by Puff Bar and other manufacturers.
Nicotine, the chemical the makes smoking and vaping addictive, occurs naturally in tobacco plants.
The 2009 law that first gave the FDA oversight of cigarettes and related products only referred to tobacco-based nicotine. That left an opening for artificial nicotine, which is being used in e-cigarette liquids, nicotine pouches and other products.
Last month, Congress passed language clarifying that the FDA can regulate any form of nicotine, regardless of the source.
After appearing in 2019, Puff Bar has grown to become the most popular e-cigarette among teenagers, by far, sold in flavors like blueberry, strawberry banana and mango. Under FDA pressure, the company said it was halting sales in 2020, pulling its disposable vaping devices out of convenience stores, gas stations and vape shops.
Last February, the company announced a “fresh launch” of its colorful devices using synthetic nicotine. In marketing language, the company said its products “do not contain tobacco or anything derived from tobacco.” That put Puff Bar in a legal gray area, because federal, state and local restrictions nearly always apply to tobacco-based products, not nicotine itself.
Stanford researchers last year found synthetic nicotine products for sale via online platforms that prohibit tobacco sales, such as Amazon, eBay and Target. Under the new law, synthetic nicotine will be subject to the same federal age limit and sales restrictions as other tobacco products.
Using synthetic nicotine is not a new idea. Tobacco companies experimented with chemically derived nicotine as early as the 1960s, but deemed it too expensive for mass production. Manufacturing advances in recent years finally made it a viable alternative to tobacco-derived nicotine.
A large government survey last year showed Puff Bar had leapfrogged over better-known brands to become the top choice among high schoolers who vape. Juul — which is widely blamed for initially sparking the teen vaping trend — was the fourth most popular brand.
In 2020, the FDA restricted flavors in cartridge-based e-cigarettes like Juul to just menthol and tobacco, which are generally preferred by adults. But the flavor ban didn’t apply to disposable e-cigarettes like Puff Bar and other types of vaping devices.
Anti-tobacco groups worry that the FDA is always one or two steps behind whichever products are making inroads among kids.
“The lesson we can all take away from this is that when the FDA’s actions are incomplete and happen after the fact — which has often been the case with e-cigarettes — you will always be playing whack-a-mole and catch-up,” said Koval.
___
Follow Matthew Perrone on Twitter: @AP_FDAwriter
___
The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/e-cigs-using-synthetic-nicotine-come-under-fda-oversight/ | 2022-04-14T15:28:49 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/e-cigs-using-synthetic-nicotine-come-under-fda-oversight/ |
Experts eye ventilation improvements as COVID spikes continue
As another COVID-19 subvariant spikes around the country, experts want to mitigate further risks with indoor air quality control.
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Another COVID-19 subvariant is causing a new spike in cases in some areas across the U.S. But as the country tries to live with the potentially deadly virus, health and technology experts are working to mitigate risks, with a push to improve indoor air quality to help curb COVID.
“Improving the quality of our indoor air through having adequate ventilation in the space will reduce our risk,” said Dr. Krystall Pollitt from Yale University.
Pollitt focuses on environmental health sciences at Yale. She said better ventilation will cut some risk in places like schools, but she cautions ventilation overhauls are not going to make indoor spaces completely safe.
“We also have to think about how many kids are going to be in that classroom, what are they doing in that classroom? So is it going to be a very packed space where they’re playing wind and brass instruments where we have a lot of aerosols being generated?” said Pollitt.
The Biden White House recently released a so-called “Clean Air in Buildings Challenge”, laying out a roadmap for building owners to inspect and maintain their HVAC systems, circulating outdoor air indoors, and enhancing air filtration. Some in the biodefense community, like Eric Schlote’s company Synexis, are getting involved in the fight for reduced transmission.
“It goes everywhere the air goes, and it reduces microbial load, viruses, molds on air and surfaces,” said Schlote of his company’s “Dry Hydrogen Peroxide” technology.
Schlote said the technology deployed in indoor spaces fights viruses and bacteria. He said their product takes naturally occurring oxygen and humidity from the air and is reused to zap bacteria.
Schlote notes they are already seeing success in children’s hospitals and other indoor environments. The Synexis CEO argues indoor air quality is a national security issue, and he hopes to be involved in the White House’s action plan to make business and schools low-risk as the search for a new, safe, normal continues.
“Filtration’s important, ventilation’s important. We augment that,” said Schlote.
The American Rescue Plan passed last year provided $122 billion to schools. The White House said those funds can be used for ventilation and filtration upgrades.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/experts-eye-ventilation-improvements-covid-spikes-continue/ | 2022-04-14T15:28:55 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/experts-eye-ventilation-improvements-covid-spikes-continue/ |
Florida governor expected to sign abortion restriction bill
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was expected to sign a 15-week abortion ban into law Thursday as the state moves to join a growing conservative push ahead of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could limit access nationwide.
Republicans in several states have moved to place new restrictions on abortion after the conservative Supreme Court signaled it would uphold a Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks. The court’s decision, expected this summer, could potentially weaken or overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that declared a nationwide right to abortion.
The expected signing of the bill would also mark a significant blow to abortion access in the South, where Florida has provided wider access to the procedure than its regional neighbors.
The bill, which would take effect July 1, contains exceptions if the abortion is necessary to save a mother’s life, prevent serious injury or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality. It does not allow for exemptions in cases where pregnancies were caused by rape, incest or human trafficking. Under current law, Florida allows abortions up to 24 weeks.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/florida-governor-expected-sign-abortion-restriction-bill/ | 2022-04-14T15:29:04 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/florida-governor-expected-sign-abortion-restriction-bill/ |
Horses training on a treadmill:
Local horse owner prepares for start of harness racing season.
BRIDGEWATER, Maine (WAGM) -
It been a week of talking about running and treadmills. We continue that topic this evening, but this time it’s not humans are training on a treadmill but horses.
Neal Grass):” We built a treadmill to start getting some miles put on them. We are unable to get onto the track to much snow and the cold. Unable to get it cleared so we said let’s build a treadmill and start getting some miles on them.”
Every winter can a difficult time to train horses in Northern Maine. Grass stables has a small track on their farm, but it is not feasible to keep it cleared off in the winter for some training trips. The solution, build a treadmill.
Grass:” We wanted to build one for a couple of years, but just didn’t have the time. I have seen other horses and trainers do use them throughout the states. it seemed like the right thing for us not being able to get onto the track.”
This is American Flight getting in his steps on the treadmill. The Horse is not going at race pace, but is just conditioning and strengthening the muscles
Grass:” When you first start them out you don’t want them going to fast. It gives them a steady pace.”
Grass and his wife Sharon have six horses who they plan on racing this summer. They have been utilizing the treadmill as a training tool and Neal says the horses have been very good about getting onto the machine.
Grass:” We have been running six of them on it and they all seem to go on good. We got one that backs off it a little bit tough, but they seem to be doing pretty well on it.”
Now that it is warming and drying up they were finally able to get on their training track this week and are starting to do some light jogging.
Grass:” This week we are able to get onto our track. Probably the middle of next week I will be taking them down the Bangor to start training them down on a big track.”
Races at the Bangor track will begin in early May and Grass hopes to have all six horses race ready. He thinks that there will be an abundant amount of horses in the State to race at both Cumberland and Bangor and later this summer and fall on the fair circuit.
Grass:” Cumberland last week on Friday and Saturday and 12 races on the card both days and this Friday and Saturday they have 12 races on the card as well.”
Copyright 2022 WAGM. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/horses-training-treadmill/ | 2022-04-14T15:29:11 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/horses-training-treadmill/ |
WATCH: Dolphin attacks trainer during performance at Miami Seaquarium
Published: Apr. 14, 2022 at 11:09 AM EDT|Updated: 20 minutes ago
(CNN) - A dolphin show took an unexpected turn at the Miami Seaquarium this weekend.
The incident was caught on camera Saturday during a show in front of families and young children.
One of the dolphins, named Sundance, attacked a trainer.
Photographer Shannon Carpenter was there with his family and captured the video.
A spokesperson for the Miami Seaquarium said that the trainer and the dolphin collided by accident. The dolphin apparently responded by striking the trainer.
The trainer was taken to the hospital but did not sustain any serious injuries.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/watch-dolphin-attacks-trainer-during-performance-miami-seaquarium/ | 2022-04-14T15:29:17 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/watch-dolphin-attacks-trainer-during-performance-miami-seaquarium/ |
Woman killed by falling tree as storms hit Midwest, South
RISON, Ark. (AP) — A 20-year-old Arkansas woman was killed when a tree fell on her home as severe storms swept through the state and a possible tornado ripped roofs off homes in Alabama, officials said.
The woman’s death occurred Wednesday as part of a multiday severe weather outbreak that caused tornadoes, powerful winds and huge hail in parts of the central and southern United States.
A possible tornado tore roofs off homes in a public housing community and peppered cars with debris Wednesday night in rural Greene County, Alabama, located about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Birmingham. Billy Hicks, who lives in the area, told WBMA-TV he was lying down when he heard a rush of wind that lasted only a few seconds.
“I jumped up and put my clothes on, put my shoes on when everything was over with. I come to the side door and looked across the street. I knew that something had hit all these houses,” said Hicks, who got in his car to go check on neighbors.
Authorities swarmed the area but didn’t find anyone who was hurt, said Zac Bolding of Greene County Emergency Medical Services.
“Most of the people we talked to as we were doing a house-to-house search explained that they were in their bathroom or an interior hallway, so they were listening to those warnings and without that I think we would have been looking at a much different situation,” he said.
In Arkansas, the woman was died when a tree toppled on her home in Rison shortly after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, pinning her to the couch, said Stephen McClellan, Cleveland County’s emergency management coordinator. Rison is about 55 miles (90 kilometers) south of Little Rock.
A day earlier, 23 people were injured in the central Texas town of Salado. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth said Wednesday that the twister was rated an EF3 with peak wind speeds of 165 mph (265 kph).
Tornadoes were also reported Tuesday in parts of Iowa and Minnesota. Residents in the small southeastern Minnesota farming community of Taopi were cleaning up after a devastating tornado destroyed half of the town’s homes, toppled tall trees and left piles of debris.
A tornado that was rated EF2 with peak wind speeds of 130 mph (209 kph) struck Taopi near the Iowa border late Tuesday night, tearing the roofs off houses, overturning vehicles and bringing down power lines. There were no reports of serious injuries.
Volunteers arrived Wednesday to help residents clean up the debris in the community of about 80 people. Family members sifted through rubble looking for keepsakes.
“Half the town is gone,” City Clerk Jim Kiefer said. Of Taopi’s 22 homes, at least 10 are beyond repair, with roofs and walls missing, he said. Kiefer said his house is OK, but his mother’s home is a total loss.
“She won’t be going home,” he said.
Also, a blizzard struck North Dakota this week, closing the state Capitol, schools, government offices and some businesses for a third day Thursday.
The National Weather Service’s blizzard warning for much of the state and smaller sections of South Dakota and Montana remained in effect Thursday. More than a foot of snow (30 centimeters) has fallen in Bismarck with about 2 feet (61 centimeters) in Dickinson and Glenburn.
“For the month of April it’s not uncommon to get the snow. Now, snow of this magnitude — this is something that’s a little bit more unique,” said Rick Krolak, at the weather service’s Bismarck office.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/woman-killed-by-falling-tree-storms-hit-midwest-south/ | 2022-04-14T15:29:24 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/14/woman-killed-by-falling-tree-storms-hit-midwest-south/ |
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — A man charged in the death of his child nearly two years ago has been arrested.
Trevon M. Bishop is charged with Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Bodily Injury related to the Oct. 22, 2020, death of 1-year-old Elias Paez in a Joshua Lane apartment.
Police and medics were called to the apartment around 1:30 p.m. that fall day and arrived to find several people attempting life-saving measures on the child, who was “yellow and purple in color and had a bruise on his forehead with dark coloring inside of his left ear,” according to a probable cause affidavit. The toddler was “cold to the touch,” and medics pronounced him dead at the scene, the affidavit said.
An autopsy found young Elias died of tracheobronchitis, or an inflamed windpipe, with a contributing factor of multiple bruises of varying ages. His injuries were determined to be “abusive,” the affidavit said.
Doctors found a “large contusion to the back of the victim’s skull, but did not observe any immediate observation of brain injury,” the affidavit said. There was “evidence of abusive injuries to the back of the head and bottom lip along with previous abusive injuries.”
Elias’s mother left the baby with his father, Bishop, when she went to work for the day. When she got off work, she met Trevon at George’s International Grocery on Broadway, where Trevon explained there was “something wrong,” according to the affidavit.
The woman went to the apartment and found her son unresponsive on a mattress, according to the affidavit. She told police she “screamed and neighbors responded.”
A witness reported that she heard Bishop’s mother tell the mother, “Why did you leave him with my son? You know what happened last time,” according to the affidavit.
Bishop told police he got to the apartment at 4 a.m. that day and that he went in to check on the baby and change his diaper. He said he went to the couch and slept there until he got up around 11 or 11:30 a.m. When he checked in on the child, he noticed that he didn’t look normal and that the toddler looked discolored and stiff, the affidavit said.
He said he felt he should call EMS, but he wanted to talk to the child’s mother first, the affidavit said. They met at George’s because “he did not want to say it over the phone.”
He also said he knew the toddler was dead, the affidavit said. | https://www.wane.com/news/crime/father-charged-in-2020-death-of-toddler-arrested/ | 2022-04-14T15:29:42 | 0 | https://www.wane.com/news/crime/father-charged-in-2020-death-of-toddler-arrested/ |
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Oxford Street was closed Thursday morning due to flooding after a vehicle hit a fire hydrant.
Several drivers reported seeing high waters around 3:30 a.m. in the 4000 block of Oxford Street, between Meyer and Wayne Trace.
One car got stuck and had to be towed out.
Emergency crews at the scene said the flooding was due to a water main break nearby. Later Thursday morning, though, a city official said there was no water main break, but rather a vehicle hit a fire hydrant and drove off.
Oxford Street was expected to be close through early afternoon. | https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/oxford-street-closed-due-to-flooding/ | 2022-04-14T15:29:49 | 0 | https://www.wane.com/news/local-news/oxford-street-closed-due-to-flooding/ |
Donald Trump Jr. joins Charles Herbster on three-city tour campaign stop
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - Nebraska Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Charles Herbster hit the campaign trail on a three-city tour with Donald Trump Jr. Wednesday.
North Platte was one of three stops. They met with supporters at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds for a meet and greet.
Lincoln County rancher Trey Wasserburger introduced the pair.
The former president’s son is no stranger to the campaign trail. He visited Nebraska in 2020 during his father’s re-election campaign. He also, at one point, stumped for 2nd District Congressman Don Bacon.
Herbster was endorsed by Trump in October saying the Falls City farmer and businessman would “do a fantastic job.”
Since that announcement, Governor Pete Ricketts has said Herbster is not qualified for the job and endorsed Columbus hog producer and University of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen.
Copyright 2022 KNOP. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/14/donald-trump-jr-joins-charles-herbster-three-city-tour-campaign-stop/ | 2022-04-14T15:30:53 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/14/donald-trump-jr-joins-charles-herbster-three-city-tour-campaign-stop/ |
E-cigs using synthetic nicotine come under FDA oversight
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators will soon begin cracking down on vaping companies using a now-closed loophole, including a line of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes that have become teenagers’ top choice.
Under a law taking effect Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration can regulate e-cigarettes and similar products that use synthetic nicotine.
The action targets Puff Bar and several other vaping companies that recently switched their formulas to laboratory-made nicotine to skirt FDA oversight.
The change “allows FDA to protect the public health from the harms of tobacco products, regardless of the source of nicotine,” the agency said in a statement Wednesday. Companies must register with the FDA and submit their products for review within 30 days.
Puff Bar did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
The FDA’s action does not automatically ban Puff Bar and similar products. Instead it brings them under the same regulatory scheme as older e-cigarettes that derived their nicotine from tobacco.
“The synthetic nicotine products do not necessarily just disappear on their own,” Robin Koval, chief executive of the Truth Initiative, an advocacy group that runs anti-tobacco ads. “The FDA will have to decide how they want to enforce the law and hopefully they will.”
The FDA has been reviewing applications for an array of vaping devices, formulas and flavors — rejecting more than 1 million, usually because of their potential appeal to youngsters. Anti-tobacco advocates hope the agency will quickly do the same for any applications submitted by Puff Bar and other manufacturers.
Nicotine, the chemical the makes smoking and vaping addictive, occurs naturally in tobacco plants.
The 2009 law that first gave the FDA oversight of cigarettes and related products only referred to tobacco-based nicotine. That left an opening for artificial nicotine, which is being used in e-cigarette liquids, nicotine pouches and other products.
Last month, Congress passed language clarifying that the FDA can regulate any form of nicotine, regardless of the source.
After appearing in 2019, Puff Bar has grown to become the most popular e-cigarette among teenagers, by far, sold in flavors like blueberry, strawberry banana and mango. Under FDA pressure, the company said it was halting sales in 2020, pulling its disposable vaping devices out of convenience stores, gas stations and vape shops.
Last February, the company announced a “fresh launch” of its colorful devices using synthetic nicotine. In marketing language, the company said its products “do not contain tobacco or anything derived from tobacco.” That put Puff Bar in a legal gray area, because federal, state and local restrictions nearly always apply to tobacco-based products, not nicotine itself.
Stanford researchers last year found synthetic nicotine products for sale via online platforms that prohibit tobacco sales, such as Amazon, eBay and Target. Under the new law, synthetic nicotine will be subject to the same federal age limit and sales restrictions as other tobacco products.
Using synthetic nicotine is not a new idea. Tobacco companies experimented with chemically derived nicotine as early as the 1960s, but deemed it too expensive for mass production. Manufacturing advances in recent years finally made it a viable alternative to tobacco-derived nicotine.
A large government survey last year showed Puff Bar had leapfrogged over better-known brands to become the top choice among high schoolers who vape. Juul — which is widely blamed for initially sparking the teen vaping trend — was the fourth most popular brand.
In 2020, the FDA restricted flavors in cartridge-based e-cigarettes like Juul to just menthol and tobacco, which are generally preferred by adults. But the flavor ban didn’t apply to disposable e-cigarettes like Puff Bar and other types of vaping devices.
Anti-tobacco groups worry that the FDA is always one or two steps behind whichever products are making inroads among kids.
“The lesson we can all take away from this is that when the FDA’s actions are incomplete and happen after the fact — which has often been the case with e-cigarettes — you will always be playing whack-a-mole and catch-up,” said Koval.
___
Follow Matthew Perrone on Twitter: @AP_FDAwriter
___
The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/14/e-cigs-using-synthetic-nicotine-come-under-fda-oversight/ | 2022-04-14T15:30:59 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/14/e-cigs-using-synthetic-nicotine-come-under-fda-oversight/ |
WATCH: Dolphin attacks trainer during performance at Miami Seaquarium
Published: Apr. 14, 2022 at 10:09 AM CDT|Updated: 21 minutes ago
(CNN) - A dolphin show took an unexpected turn at the Miami Seaquarium this weekend.
The incident was caught on camera Saturday during a show in front of families and young children.
One of the dolphins, named Sundance, attacked a trainer.
Photographer Shannon Carpenter was there with his family and captured the video.
A spokesperson for the Miami Seaquarium said that the trainer and the dolphin collided by accident. The dolphin apparently responded by striking the trainer.
The trainer was taken to the hospital but did not sustain any serious injuries.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/14/watch-dolphin-attacks-trainer-during-performance-miami-seaquarium/ | 2022-04-14T15:31:06 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/14/watch-dolphin-attacks-trainer-during-performance-miami-seaquarium/ |
Report highlights the company's clean energy goals; diversity, equity and inclusion strategy; human rights commitment; and ESG governance
ALLENTOWN, Pa., April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) published its annual Sustainability Report today, highlighting the company's progress and approach on a wide range of environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, including its clean energy goals; diversity, equity and inclusion strategy; human rights commitment and ESG governance.
In addition to providing an overview of PPL's strategy and governance approach to key issues, the report includes a comprehensive record of PPL's 2021 performance in advancing a transition to a cleaner energy future; supporting communities; attracting and retaining a diverse, talented workforce; and providing long-term value to customers and shareowners.
"The past year was transformational for PPL Corporation as we took significant steps to strategically reposition our company for the future, while making progress on our environmental, social and governance strategy and performance," said Vincent Sorgi, president and chief executive officer of PPL Corporation. "This report tracks our progress as we pursue a long-term strategy that seeks to create value for all stakeholders. PPL has set goals and commitments to address climate change; make the grid more reliable and resilient; boost diversity, equity and inclusion; and make a long-term, positive impact in the communities we serve."
As highlighted in the report, PPL's 2021 ESG accomplishments included:
- Clean Energy – We set a new goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with interim reduction targets of 70% by 2035 and 80% by 2040, and we are committing to not burn unabated coal by 2050. We have also added ESG metrics as a performance measurement to long-term executive compensation.
- Innovation – We are deeply involved in industry efforts focused on advancing research in several key technology areas, including joining Energy Impact Partners' global investment platform, serving as an anchor sponsor of the Low Carbon Resources Initiative and launching an innovative partnership with the University of Kentucky's Center for Applied Research to study the capture of carbon dioxide emissions at natural gas combined cycle power plants.
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – We are dedicated to making a long-lasting impact through enterprise-wide DEI commitments. In 2021, we increased ethnic and racial diversity in senior leadership by 5% and women in senior leadership by 14%. We recently created a chief diversity officer position to lead these efforts across the company.
- Human Rights Commitment – We have published a Human Rights Policy Statement to affirm our commitment to promote, protect and support internationally recognized human rights principles.
- Governance – We have added corporate political contributions to the oversight function of the board's Governance, Nominating and Sustainability Committee (GNSC), the body responsible for overseeing PPL's sustainability strategy and ESG practices and positions. Our transparent disclosure has earned a trendsetter ranking by the CPA-Zicklin Index, which benchmarks the political disclosure and accountability policies and practices of leading U.S. public companies.
PPL's 2021 sustainability report is available online at www.pplsustainability.com.
PPL Corporation (NYSE:PPL), based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a leading U.S. energy company focused on providing electricity and natural gas safely, reliably and affordably to 2.5 million customers in the U.S. PPL's high-performing, award-winning utilities are addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions. For more information, visit www.pplweb.com.
Note to Editors: Visit our media website at www.pplnewsroom.com for additional news and background about PPL Corporation.
Contact for news media: Lissette Santana, 610-774-5997, losantana@pplweb.com
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SOURCE PPL Corporation | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/2021-sustainability-report-highlights-how-ppl-corporation-is-moving-energy-forward-our-community-customers-shareowners/ | 2022-04-14T15:31:14 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/2021-sustainability-report-highlights-how-ppl-corporation-is-moving-energy-forward-our-community-customers-shareowners/ |
TAIPEI, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Organization of Smart Cities (GO SMART), founded by Taipei City Government in 2019, is committed to becoming a platform for capacity sharing and matchmaking of all the stakeholders in the smart city development. To discover valuable inter-city PoC projects, since the establishment, GO SMART has called for solutions and is having the 4th edition this year. 2022 GO SMART Award attracted 42 projects from over 20 cities. GO SMART encourages cross-border and cross-domain smart city development projects from all over of world. After diversified and professional review, this year GSA has 3 winners, "I3 Systems and the City of Los Angeles" from the US; "Taipei Urban Intelligence Center" from Taipei, Taiwan and "Qlue Smart City Project: Alam Sutera Intelligent Mobility System" from Indonesia. Here is the briefing.
Citizen's mobility and transportation are one of the sectors that are affected by the exponential growth in urban areas. The increasing population and urban density will affect how people move inside the area. Alam Sutera as one of the growing urban areas in South Tangerang, Indonesia has been facing these problems in recent years. The traffic density inside city has rapidly increased due to its business and entertainment activities. It leads to increased traffic violations, citizen safety, and traffic congestion.
Qlue introduces the "Intelligent Mobility System," an AIoT based solution to help the decision maker and respond to real-time traffic conditions. Alam Sutera implemented four technologies, the Integrated Dynamic Traffic Controller, Illegal Parking detection, License Plate Recognition and Voice Guard Smart Speaker alert system. Each of these technologies has a different function and can solve different problems within the area.
GO SMART developed its technologies as smart city ecosystem solutions by leveraging AI and IoT. It works as an end-to-end process from acquiring, visualizing, analyzing, and dispatching data to the responsible decision-makers. The data then becomes the baseline for Alam Sutera to gain the insights of their town performance, especially in mobility sectors.
The project successfully reduces queues in intersections by 47%, traffic congestions by 35 % and significantly improves travel times by 30% faster. Align with Indonesia's mission to accelerate the transportation system as an effort to boost economic growth and social welfare, Qlue Intelligent Mobility System will provide urban authorities with comprehensive insights, helping them to make data-driven decisions to build better mobility for the people.
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SOURCE GO SMART | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/2022-go-smart-award-winners-ii-qlue-smart-city-project-alam-sutera-intelligent-mobility-system/ | 2022-04-14T15:31:20 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/2022-go-smart-award-winners-ii-qlue-smart-city-project-alam-sutera-intelligent-mobility-system/ |
NORTH BETHESDA, Md., April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) has named Anne Brunet, Ph.D., and Andrew Dillin, Ph.D., co-winners of the 2022 Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences. Drs. Brunet and Dillin have pioneered independent but complementary research that illustrates the evolution of two master regulators of aging at the cellular level. Dr. Brunet has shown how specific biochemical modifications of the protein structures around which an organism's DNA is organized can extend its life and that of its descendants. Dr. Dillin has revealed how mitochondria in neurons of the brain coordinate responses throughout the body that impact lifespan.
"The FNIH is delighted to award its 10th annual Lurie Prize to two individuals whose landmark discoveries addressing the genetic and molecular mechanisms of aging provide insights with tremendous potential to improve longevity and quality of life as humans age," said David Wholley, Interim President and Executive Director of the FNIH. "Age is a primary driver for so many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Drs. Brunet and Dillin are answering questions about fundamental processes both within the cell and across entire organisms that promise to help untangle the mysteries of aging and potentially of some of these diseases."
Dr. Anne Brunet is the Michele and Timothy Barakett Professor of Genetics at Stanford University, where she also directs the Brunet Lab. To tackle the complexity of aging, she has employed a unique approach that deploys multiple model organisms—including the C. elegans roundworm and the African killifish, whose short lifespans quickly recapitulate the entire aging process—to identify the genes that regulate aging. She has found that by using enzymes to modify the complex bundle of genetic material in a cell's nucleus called chromatin, which forms a scaffold around which DNA is organized, it is possible to alter the genes that play a role in aging. Dr. Brunet is investigating these partly by studying the lifespan of the killifish, a vertebrate whose circulation, immune, and other body systems mirror those of humans, but whose embryos can exist in a kind of "suspended animation" or state of diapause over many years. Using lab mice, Dr. Brunet has also studied the regenerative qualities of stem cells that exist in the aging brain to identify ways to counter age-related defects that bring on neurodegenerative disease. Her lab's work with mice has helped identify genes and pathways critical for maintaining neural stem cells that may help preserve brain function during aging.
"Receiving the Lurie Prize means so much to me and to our lab. It also provides wonderful recognition for the field of aging research," said Dr. Brunet. "Solving the big puzzle of aging is at the core of everything we do, and we hope our work helps amplify the work of other scientists. I'm deeply grateful that the Lurie Prize will help us to move our research forward. One day we hope to be able to slow or reverse aspects of brain decline during aging."
Dr. Andrew Dillin is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Distinguished Chair in Stem Cell Research at the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. His lab focuses on the questions of why an organism begins to lose control over the integrity of its proteome—the full complement of cells produced in the body—as it ages. Understanding that aging is coordinated across the body, Dr. Dillin has explored the function of mitochondria—structures that govern energy production in the cell—as a means of communicating across tissues and organs. His team developed and applied techniques to manipulate signaling pathways that involve specific proteins within a cell to observe how a tiny disturbance may affect the physiology of the whole organism. By reducing mitochondrial function in several cells in the nervous system, Dr. Dillin observed life extension in model systems ranging from worms to mice. Dr. Dillin's larger goal is to apply his findings toward uncovering new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of age-related pathologies in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases.
"The Lurie Prize greatly validates the work of my lab. Frankly we have always seen ourselves as a bit on the fringe, doing this quirky, funky, basic science that could nevertheless really have an impact on people. Receiving one of the top awards in the field of biomedical research provides a huge boost to our work and to the field of aging research," said Dr. Dillin. "Our efforts to unlock the architecture and the function of the cell in the context of an entire multicellular organism are an example of basic research that has implications across all of science. I'm also so grateful to be sharing this award with my esteemed colleague Anne Brunet. We started our labs at the same time, and our work ended up complementing and overlapping with each other. The whole world of research in aging has been open to and supportive of us both, and I am thrilled to be contributing to it."
Now in its 10th year, the Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences recognizes outstanding achievement by promising scientists aged 52 or younger. The prize includes a $50,000 honorarium to each awardee, made possible by a donation to the FNIH by philanthropist Ann Lurie, President of the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Foundation and President of Lurie Holdings, Inc.
"Drs. Dillin and Brunet are making significant advances toward a better understanding of how individual cells and the human body age, with critical implications for degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. I am excited to see the depth, breadth, and future impact of their work," said Ann Lurie.
A jury of five distinguished biomedical researchers selected Drs. Brunet and Dillin as this year's Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences recipients. The jury is chaired by Solomon H. Snyder, M.D., Distinguished Service Professor of Neuroscience, Pharmacology & Psychiatry, Founder and past Director of The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University, and Vice Chairman of the FNIH board.
For more information about the Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences and a list of previous winners, please visit fnih.org/LuriePrize.
About the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health
The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health creates and manages alliances with public and private institutions in support of the mission of the NIH, the world's premier medical research agency. The Foundation, also known as the FNIH, works with its partners to accelerate biomedical research and strategies against diseases and health concerns in the United States and across the globe. The FNIH organizes and administers research projects; supports education and training of new researchers; organizes educational events and symposia; and administers a series of funds supporting a wide range of health issues. Established by Congress, the FNIH is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For additional information about the FNIH, please visit fnih.org.
Media Contact:
Katherine Thompson
Foundation for the NIH
kthompson@fnih.org
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LOS ANGELES, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Acutus Medical, Inc. ("Acutus" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: AFIB).
Class Period: May 13, 2021 – November 11, 2021
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: April 18, 2022
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Acutus lawsuit, you can submit your contact information at www.glancylaw.com/cases/acutus-medical-inc/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights.
The complaint filed alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) a material percentage of the AcQMap systems under evaluation had been randomly installed at sites with little, if any, consideration given to whether the healthcare providers at the selected locations were likely to adopt, or desire, Acutus's products; (2) a material percentage of the AcQMap systems under evaluation had been installed in locations where Acutus did not possess the infrastructure necessary to appropriately educate, train, and support medical service providers on the system's operations; (3) as a result of the foregoing, Acutus was in the process of designing a strategic plan to terminate and relocate approximately 20% of then-existing AcQMap systems evaluation arrangements; (4) the termination and relocation of approximately 20% of existing AcQMap systems evaluation arrangements was reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Acutus Medical's 2021 financial results; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
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To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com, or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
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Campaign Shines a Light on the Conservation and Rehabilitation of Endangered Sea Turtles and Beach Pollution
- Multi-channel campaign includes broadcast, out-of-home-social and digital elements
- Campaign includes a donation to Sea Turtle, Inc., which will help the organization renovate, expand and modernize their facilities
IRVINE, Calif., April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia America has launched a multi-channel marketing campaign for the all-new 2023 Kia Sportage subcompact SUV, the fifth generation of Kia's longest-running nameplate that delivers more of everything for today's savvy, adventurous and eco-conscious consumers. The effort includes broadcast, print, out-of-home and digital components as well as a partnership with Sea Turtle, Inc., a non-profit organization based in South Padre Island, Texas, which is dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of the endangered sea turtle population.
The centerpiece of the campaign – a :30-second broadcast spot entitled "Beachcomber" – finds a Sportage X-Pro driver retrieving a drag rake from the SUV's spacious cargo area before connecting it to the vehicle's tow hitch and making multiple passes along the sand collecting trash, plastic bottles and other refuse. As the driver looks out at the crashing waves, scores of sea turtles emerge from the surf and begin making their way up the beach to nest in the sand. A voiceover intones, "Make more good, in the all-new Sportage X-Pro."
"The inspiring message is clear, to live in the world we want to, we all must be a part of making it a better place, and with hybrid and plug-in hybrid capabilities added to the all-new Kia Sportage lineup, we all can make a whole lot of good. With more, you can do more, and turn ambition into action," said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia America. "Kia's partnership with Sea Turtle, Inc., is the latest under Kia's 'Accelerate The Good' charitable initiative and encourages those inclined to make 'more good' in the world. We are proud to partner with Sea Turtle, Inc., as they strive to save these majestic creatures, and hope this campaign inspires others to become involved in this important work."
"We are grateful for Kia's interest in Sea Turtle, Inc., and the importance of rehabilitating the endangered sea turtle population," said Wendy Knight, chief executive officer, Sea Turtle, Inc. "Last year Sea Turtle, Inc., rescued more than 5,600 sea turtles. Kia's donation allows us to continue our mission and the awareness this partnership brings to the issue will endure for years to come."
Significantly larger, more capable, powerful and targeted to be more fuel efficient, the fifth-generation model debuts a number of Sportage firsts including an available dual panoramic curved digital display. Most Sportage trims will now be assembled in the U.S., alongside the award-winning Telluride, Sorento, and K5 at Kia's manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electrified vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
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SOURCE Kia America | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/all-new-2023-kia-sportage-suv-sets-out-make-more-good-multi-channel-creative-campaign/ | 2022-04-14T15:31:42 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/all-new-2023-kia-sportage-suv-sets-out-make-more-good-multi-channel-creative-campaign/ |
Family Entertainment Destination and Restaurant Brand Partner with Syracuse University's All-American Sean Tucker
WESTFORD, Mass., April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Apex Entertainment®, a family entertainment destination for people of all ages, and 110 Grill®, the fastest growing allergy-friendly restaurant brand in the Northeast, both located at Destiny USA in Syracuse, New York, are newly partnered with All-American Syracuse University football running back, Sean Tucker. This new alliance marks the third athlete at the top of their game that the brands have specially selected, thanks to the help of Elite NIL, to raise visibility with and increase community connection to the Syracuse market.
"We're strategic about the relationships we foster between our talent and brands, the alignment has to be there on multiple levels," said Mike Bristol, co-founder and president, Elite NIL. "Sean Tucker is not only one of the top running backs in the country, but he's a wonderful young man whose determination and dedication are attributes that are in sync with the values held in high regard by both Apex and 110 Grill."
After the 2021 policy change from NCAA officials that enables student-athletes to earn money off their names, images and likeness (NIL), there is now a new opportunity for both Apex and 110 Grill to showcase its commitment to supporting the best of the community and honoring excellence in youth. Elite NIL is uniquely fit to create these matches. Prior to Tucker, Elite NIL secured deals with Apex and 110 Grill for both basketball great Buddy Boeheim and lacrosse phenom Megan Carney. Tucker, who broke the Syracuse University program's 42-year-old single-season rushing record last season, is the third athlete to join the program.
"Performing my best during the season requires I remain focused and driven, but that doesn't mean I don't like to have some fun," said Tucker. "Staying active off the field and eating healthy is easy to do when I spend time at Apex or 110 Grill."
Apex Entertainment®, which first opened in Destiny USA in December 2018, is a family entertainment destination. It features 24 bowling lanes and attractions such as a large arcade, laser tag, bumper cars, axe throwing and more. Apex also features a full-service restaurant and boasts the largest meeting space in Destiny USA that is ideal for corporate outings and special occasions such as birthday and holiday parties.
110 Grill®, with its modern American cuisine and commitment to allergy awareness, first opened in Destiny USA in February 2019 and features a spacious dining area, large horseshoe shaped bar, open kitchen and an outdoor patio overlooking Lake Onondaga. 110 Grill® features a unique menu ranging from steaks to salads to burgers and sandwiches, but notably, the entire menu can be made to gluten free.
About 110 Grill®110 Grill® is the fastest growing restaurant brand in New England. With more than 30 locations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island, 110 Grill is recognized as one of the top allergy-friendly restaurant brands in the United States by AllergyEats and the best Gluten Free Multi-Unit Restaurant by New Hampshire Magazine. Headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts, and established in 2014, 110 Grill is part of RAVentures, which owns and operates hospitality brands and real estate and development companies. https://www.110grill.com/.
About Apex Entertainment®
Apex Entertainment® is a family entertainment destination for people of all ages. With four locations in Massachusetts, New York and Virginia, Apex Entertainment is the largest local space for indoor family fun with world class attractions all under one roof. Headquartered in Westford, MA and established in 2017, Apex Entertainment is part of RAVentures, which owns and operates hospitality brands and real estate and development companies. https://www.apexentertainment.com/.
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DALLAS, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Artisan Design Group ("ADG") is pleased to announce the addition of Steve Margolius as Chief Executive Officer. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ADG is a leading interior finishes provider to the single family and multifamily industry, operating from a national footprint.
Steve has over thirty years of operational and financial leadership experience in distribution, fabrication, installation services and manufacturing earned while serving in executive leadership roles at Distribution International ("DI"), HD Supply, Arrow Electronics and GE. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer and member of the DI Board of Directors, having held those positions since June 2017. Mr. Margolius has a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Albany and has attended business leadership programs at Harvard Business School and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
"Steve is the perfect fit to lead ADG on a continued path for success and we look forward to working with him," said Kent Wallace, Partner at The Sterling Group. "We would also like to thank Larry Barr and Wayne Joseph for their leadership since acquiring ADG, they were essential in building the company to what it is today and will continue to support ADG as members of our Board of Directors."
About Artisan Design Group
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ADG operates more than 135 distribution, design and service facilities and coordinates installation through over 3,000 personnel across 25 states. ADG was formed in 2016 through the combination of Floors Inc. and Malibu Floors. ADG has completed thirteen acquisitions over the past four years under Sterling's ownership. The company has completed twenty-one total acquisitions since its founding in 2016. ADG continues to seek local and regional market leaders to add to its family of flooring, cabinets and countertops specialists.
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SOURCE Artisan Design Group | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/artisan-design-group-announces-addition-steven-margolius-chief-executive-officer/ | 2022-04-14T15:31:56 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/artisan-design-group-announces-addition-steven-margolius-chief-executive-officer/ |
SHANGHAI, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Asieris Pharmaceuticals (688176.SH), a global innovative pharmaceutical company specializing in the treatment of genitourinary cancers and related major diseases, announced its 2021 annual report today. The company is currently making steady progress in multiple global clinical trials for its core investigational drugs and is actively implementing its integrated diagnosis-treatment strategy for commercialization. In addition, the company has sufficient capital reserves for increased R&D investment. It will continue to focus on genitourinary cancers and related major diseases and to explore other highly unmet medical needs. Asieris Pharmaceuticals is becoming a leading global pharmaceutical company in its areas of focus with combined capabilities in R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization, especially by providing the best integrated diagnosis-treatment solutions for patients in China and around the world.
Indication Expansion and Pipeline Globalization
In the genitourinary (GU) disease area, our core product APL-1202 (trade name: VesiqueTM), independently developed by Asieris, is a first-in-class, orally available and reversible MetAP2 inhibitor for anti-tumor treatment, currently in pivotal/phase III clinical trials. It is also the world's first oral therapeutics for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in the pivotal/phase III clinical phase. Patient recruitment for the combination of APL-1202 and intravesically instilled chemotherapy in relapsed intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC was completed in September 2019, with follow-up currently ongoing. Patient recruitment for APL-1202 monotherapy as a first-line treatment in naive, intermediate-risk NMIBC started in September 2021. In addition, an international multicenter phase I/II clinical trial for its oral APL-1202 in combination with BeiGene's tislelizumab as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) was approved by US FDA and China CDE in June and September 2021, respectively. Recruitment of the first patient has been completed. Previously, results from the phase II clinical trial of APL-1202 for the treatment of chemo-instillation relapsed high-risk NMIBC patients showed significant efficacy compared to chemo-instillation alone as a historical control, making APL-1202 potentially the first choice for second-line therapy in chemo-relapsed intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC patients.
APL-1706 (trade name: Hexvix®), another core product in the GU area from Asieris Pharmaceuticals, is the world's only approved imaging agent indicated for bladder cancer diagnosis or surgery. It has been marketed in more than 30 countries and received approval from China NMPA for a phase III bridging clinical trial in February 2022. APL-1706, combined with blue light cystoscopy, can effectively improve the detection rate of NMIBC (especially for carcinoma in situ), resulting in more complete resection and reduction of tumor recurrence rate.
APL-1501, independently developed by Asieris Pharmaceutical utilizing its proprietary Prodrug Accurate Drug Delivery (PADD) technology platform, is a second generation oral MetAP inhibitor for the treatment of GU tumors and drug-resistant urinary tract infections. A Phase I clinical trial is currently underway in Australia. Based on the results, Asieris Pharmaceuticals will continue the clinical development of APL-1501 for the treatment of GU tumors and drug-resistant urinary tract infections.
In the women's health area, Asieris' core product APL-1702 (trade name: Cevira®) is a drug-device combination photodynamic therapy product for non-surgical treatment of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) caused by any HPV subtypes. It has received regulatory approvals for an international multi-center phase III clinical trial in China, Hungary, Ukraine, Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Poland. Patient recruitment is well under way. At present, non-surgical options do not exist on the market for HSIL patients. APL-1702 could provide patients with a new option that alleviates the pain and risky side effects commonly associated with surgical treatments. APL-1702 will be especially beneficial to women of childbearing age by eliminating the adverse impact of surgical treatment on reproductive functions.
Innovation in Integrated Diagnosis & Treatment Solutions with Accelerated Commercialization
Asieris Pharmaceuticals has strategically developed its business in the genitourinary field, via a highly differentiated product portfolio covering bladder cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. We effectively address the unmet clinical needs in this field with innovative and integrated diagnosis-treatment solutions for doctors and patients. These include APL-1706, the world's only approved imaging agent indicated for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of bladder cancer; APL-1202, the only first-in-class orally administered reversible MetAP2 inhibitor for bladder cancers (NMIBC and MIBC); and APLD-2101, a versatile integrated single-use flexible cystoscope for diagnosing bladder diseases.
Asieris Pharmaceuticals is also making solid progress in commercialization by building an end-to-end team: from marketing, sales, commercial operations, market access, integrated operation of diagnosis and treatment, to sales efficiency. We have also launched related products in Hainan Province's Bo'ao Lecheng National Pilot Zone of International Medical Tourism.
On 20 May 2021, Asieris Pharmaceutical and Sinopharm Group signed a strategic collaboration agreement for launching innovative pharmaceutical and device products in Bo'ao Lecheng. As a result, selected Chinese patients had early access to APL-1706, which also subsequently received approval in March 2022 by the CDE to be included in the real-world clinical data pilot program.
Asieris Pharmaceuticals will continue to develop and implement other comprehensive integrated solutions for diagnosis and treatment to serve patients around the world.
Maintenance of a Healthy Financial Position. Implementation of an ESG Management System
Asieris Pharmaceuticals maintained a healthy financial position while steadily advancing various new drug R&D projects. In 2021, the R&D expenditures amounted to RMB 190.74 million yuan, an increase of 10.88% from the previous year; the monetary funds and trading financial assets at the end of this reporting period amounted to RMB 2.98 billion yuan, with a sufficient capital reserve.
In terms of non-financial indicators, the company has incorporated environmental, social responsibility and governance (ESG) into its corporate development strategy, and continues to build and improve its ESG management system, including paying close attention to environmental protection and the goals of "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality", addressing climate change, optimizing environmental management practices, contributing to green environmental protection, and promoting sustainable development; adhering to the people-oriented principle and incorporating talents development into the company's strategic goals, protecting employees' rights, and creating a respectful, equal and collaborative working environment; establishing good corporate governance, strictly abiding by national and local laws and regulations, adhering to the code of integrity and ethics, and creating value for shareholders, customers, employees, partners, and communities.
"In 2021, we have made steady progress across our R&D pipelines and have laid a solid foundation for commercialization and globalization", summarized Dr. Kevin Pan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Asieris Pharmaceuticals. "Going forward, we will continue to focus on our clinical specialties by delving deeply into the genitourinary oncology field, filling the gap in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer and cervical precancerous lesions, and bringing more innovative solutions to patients worldwide. The road is long and arduous, and we must press on to achieve our goals. We will continue to adhere to our differentiated development and commercialization strategy and act in alignment with our corporate mission of improving human health and making life more dignified."
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Founder and CEO Jeff Chapman Named Vice Chairman of the Board
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Babel Street, a leading open-source intelligence SaaS company using AI-enabled analytics to transform the world's data into knowledge, today announced that Michael Southworth has joined the company as Chief Executive Officer. Southworth succeeds Babel Street founder and CEO Jeff Chapman, who will assume a new role of Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. The company also announced that Brian Daum has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer.
Founded in 2009, Babel Street provides real-time situational awareness and intelligence on global topics of interest. The company's software platform allows its customers to collect, analyze, monitor, and report on publicly and commercially available information, and incorporate it into the overall intelligence cycle and common operational picture.
"I am proud to have served as CEO over the last decade, leading a dedicated team that has turned a mere idea into an industry-leading software company," said Jeff Chapman, founder and vice chairman of Babel Street's Board of Directors. "We have supported the missions of [hundreds] of organizations in the U.S. and internationally, helping them make the world safer and more prosperous. I am confident in this next generation of leadership at Babel Street and want to extend a warm welcome to Michael and Brian. Both share a genuine passion for serving customers and employees and have a proven track record of scaling software companies. I look forward to working with them in my new role as Vice Chairman."
"I'm excited to join Babel Street to advance the great work that our open-source intelligence experts have led, providing value through new insights and perspectives to customers," said Michael Southworth, CEO of Babel Street. "I also want to thank Jeff for his leadership and vision in building Babel Street into the category leader it is today. I am grateful for the opportunity to work closely with Jeff, the rest of the management team and our talented employees as we continue to support the missions of organizations throughout the world."
Michael Southworth has more than 20 years of experience building and growing software and analytics companies focused on digital transformation. As CEO, he will oversee the acceleration of Babel Street's growth, building on the company's legacy of providing crucial insights and innovative solutions that help ensure the success of customers' missions. Prior to joining Babel Street, Southworth served as President of TRANSFLO, a leading provider of SaaS-based engagement and payment solutions, where he led the company's business transformation and growth strategy. He previously led Verint Systems' AI and automation business and held executive roles with Contact Solutions, Corning Incorporated and MobileAccess Networks.
"The team at Babel Street has a market-leading reputation and I am eager to roll up my sleeves and get started," said Brian Daum, CFO of Babel Street. "I am thrilled to partner with Michael as we work together to move the company forward, building off of Jeff's success thus far."
Brian Daum's two-decade career has focused on maximizing value for shareholders in growth-stage software and technology companies, overseeing financial operations and managing the organic growth of SaaS organizations that will be instrumental in the success of Babel Street moving forward. He joins Babel Street from BlackSky, a leading geospatial intelligence SaaS business, where he led the company through its NYSE initial public offering. Prior to BlackSky, Daum served in CFO and COO positions at multiple technology companies, including MotionSoft, Savi Technology and Centrifuge Systems.
About Babel Street
Babel Street is the world's leading AI-enabled data-to-knowledge company. The company's technology allows customers to rapidly discover and decipher the insights they need to empower their missions, regardless of origin, language or platform. Babel Street's patented analytics software transforms the most relevant insights for our customers through AI-enabled, cross-lingual, conceptual and persistent search of information from around the world. State-of-the-art linguistics technology deciphers actionable insights from public or commercial data sources unbound by origin or language. With Babel Street, governments and organizations empower their teams with critical and timely insights on a single pane of glass for immediate analysis, action, and mission success. Babel Street software serves as a force multiplier for customers to uncover threats and opportunities – known and unknown, foreign or domestic, physical or cyber – and make the world a safer, more prosperous place. Babel Street is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area, with offices in London, Canberra and Ottawa. For more information, visit www.babelstreet.com.
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SOURCE Babel Street | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/babel-street-announces-new-chief-executive-officer-chief-financial-officer/ | 2022-04-14T15:32:11 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/babel-street-announces-new-chief-executive-officer-chief-financial-officer/ |
BATON ROUGE, La., April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, BBQGuys, the leading e-commerce retailer for grilling and outdoor living products, revealed their 2022 "Best Of" List. Their annual list includes the current ultimate selections of the best Pellet Grill, Kamado Grill, Charcoal Grill, Pizza Oven, Camping Grill, Outdoor Refrigerator, Patio Heater, Outdoor Furniture, BBQ Thermometer, Grilling Accessory, and beyond on the site.
BBQGuys handpick every product on their site based on quality, performance, and features. For the 2022 "Best Of" list, the specific product selections were curated by the BBQGuys team of experts with customers in mind – giving them the "best of the best" in one collective place. The list is intended to help customers kick off the BBQ season properly and make finding outdoor living products for the Spring/Summer as simple as possible.
BBQGuys' very own Product and Grilling Expert, Chef Tony Matassa was a key contributor to putting together the list. "Spring has sprung, and BBQ season is right around the corner!" mentioned Chef Tony. "We're so excited to bring our customers the 'Best Of' 2022 list. We developed this list with thought and care to make every shoppers' selection 10x easier on our site."
See the full 2022 list here: Best Grills, Smokers, & Outdoor Living Products 2022: BBQGuys
With an impressive 20-year track record, BBQGuys offers a comprehensive consumer experience, combining deep subject matter expertise, tailored fulfillment capabilities, a content engine that stokes enthusiast passions and a national dealer network supported by an on-the-ground, high-touch sales force.
About BBQGuys:
From grills and outdoor living products to full outdoor kitchen designs, homeowners and professional builders alike trust BBQGuys®. We believe the grill isn't just a natural gathering place; it's the backyard centerpiece for learning, sharing, and celebrating with good food and even better company. After starting as a cozy family store in 1998, we've dedicated ourselves to offering friendly advice, our favorite barbecue gear, and sharing every hosting trick we know. Our nationwide neighborhood counts over one million happy hosts — and it's growing by the day. Ready to swing by? We'll be waving from BBQGuys.com.
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SOURCE BBQGuys | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/bbqguys-releases-their-best-bbq-grills-outdoor-kitchens-more-2022/ | 2022-04-14T15:32:20 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/bbqguys-releases-their-best-bbq-grills-outdoor-kitchens-more-2022/ |
Claims School Engaged in Attempted Character Assassination in its Dismissal Efforts
NEW YORK, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm Becker & Poliakoff today announced it has filed an appeal in the case of a student who sued the Ross School for providing alcohol to underage students on a class trip and for bullying.
The family of Hayden Soloviev sued the private East Hampton, N.Y., school after teachers provided alcohol to students on the March 2020 trip to Patagonia. The Solovievs filed a $10M lawsuit in Supreme Court Suffolk County against the school, administration and teachers on behalf of Hayden, then in 11th grade. Supreme Court Justice William Condon dismissed the case on Dec. 7, 2021. Soloviev v. Ross School, Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Suffolk, Index No. 604967/2021
The appeal argued that the court erroneously granted the school's pre-answer motion. "The lower court erred in ignoring the facts alleged in Appellants' pleading and, instead, erroneously adopted as true the statement of facts as alleged in the Memorandum of Law submitted by Respondents' attorneys," the appeal said. Soloviev v. Ross School, Appeal #2021-09503
According to the appeal, the school created their own "version" of the facts. "Respondents' attorneys also engaged in what can only be described as an attempted character assassination of the Appellants as part of their desperate attempt to shift attention away from the Respondents' failures," the appeal added.
The underlying suit alleged that teachers distributed alcohol to the students, including Hayden, and bullied and verbally abused Hayden. The suit alleged negligence in hiring; breach of the enrollment contract and policies in the school's Handbook, unjust enrichment, breach of several duties including trust and duty to warn.
Becker & Poliakoff partner Glenn Spiegel said Hayden wants vindication and any money he wins would go to an anti-bullying charity. "The worst part was the teachers bullying Hayden. It still impacts him today," said Spiegel. "He doesn't want this to happen to anyone else."
About Becker & Poliakoff
Becker & Poliakoff, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists and other professionals at offices across the United States. For more information go to https://beckerlawyers.com.
PR Contact: Andrew Blum, AJB Communications
917-783-1680, ajbcomms@gmail.com
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SOURCE Becker & Poliakoff | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/becker-amp-poliakoff-appeals-ruling-10-million-case-student-who-sued-ross-school-providing-alcohol-teens-during-class-trip-patagonia/ | 2022-04-14T15:32:26 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/becker-amp-poliakoff-appeals-ruling-10-million-case-student-who-sued-ross-school-providing-alcohol-teens-during-class-trip-patagonia/ |
ARLINGTON, Va., April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bidscale and ContractPodAi are announcing their partnership in creating a Digital Contracting Office (DCO) to support Federal contracting teams by providing a unified pre-award and post-award contracting experience. With this partnership, Bidscale will accelerate the pre-award contracting experience and ContractPodAi will provide the post-award management platform. Bidscale develops software that fast-tracks the contracting process to accelerate government innovation. ContractPodAi is the leader in Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) services, improving the contract process from start to finish with AI-powered technology.
Federal contracting is an essential but complex process. It can take years for a contract to be planned, solicited, and awarded, ultimately delaying innovation. Much of the slow-down can be attributed to a lack of standardization and automation. With limited tools at their disposal, Government Contracting Officers are often forced to complete their work with pen and paper while working from documents not centralized in a single location.
It is a well-known but unaddressed concern that affects every American.
A DCO reduces the burden of complicated Federal contracting processes through automation and standardization, speeding up innovation and allowing the Government to provide cutting-edge solutions while using fewer resources and taxpayer dollars.
In the 2018 National Defense Strategy, former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis wrote, "The current bureaucratic approach…is proving to be increasingly unresponsive," adding, to remain successful the American Government must, "deliver performance at the speed of relevance."
This is the basis on which Bidscale was built. Founder, Tony Kwag, believes that with the right tools, the Government can surpass the speed of relevance and better keep up with the speed of innovation.
Kwag spent years working within this space before identifying the issue: "We did not set out to create a company to solve this challenge; we stumbled into this challenge and built Bidscale around it. We believe it is our duty to create intelligent technology that unblocks the Federal Government and enables our customers to better serve the American people."
While creating their solution, Bidscale worked directly alongside partners within the Federal Government contracting space to address their greatest blockers.
"We are pleased to partner with Bidscale," said Sarvarth Misra, co-founder and CEO, ContractPodAi. "We look forward to combining our award-winning contract management solution with their pre-award management solution to help government contracting officers in their bidding processes, specifically, and their digital transformation, more broadly."
About Bidscale
Bidscale is a Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) founded in 2019. Bidscale products are crafted to support Federal and Public Sector acquisition, procurement, and contracting teams through the delivery of comprehensive, intelligent tools that rapidly eliminate the backlog and produce world-class, efficient results.
About ContractPod Technologies (ContractPodAi®)
ContractPodAi is well-established as the leader in end-to-end CLM. From contract request and generation, through negotiation, execution, and post-execution management, ContractPodAi's solution fully streamlines the end-to-end CLM journey for contracting teams.
Media Contact
Emily Drooby
emdrooby@bidscale.com
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SOURCE Bidscale | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/bidscale-contractpodai-partner-launch-dco-first-ever-end-to-end-federal-contracting-solution/ | 2022-04-14T15:32:33 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/bidscale-contractpodai-partner-launch-dco-first-ever-end-to-end-federal-contracting-solution/ |
The tech-driven 'eatertainment' experience will open first Ohio location in 2022
DALLAS, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BigShots Golf®, ClubCorp's tech-driven entertainment and culinary experience offering fun for all ages and skill levels, plans to open a new facility at the renowned Firestone Country Club in fall 2022.
BigShots Golf Firestone, the seventh location nationwide, will begin construction this month. The 22,500‐square‐foot cutting‐edge golf, dining and entertainment venue will replace Hackers Bar & Grill and be open to the public. The venue will include a two-story tee-line with 44 interactive tee boxes and operate year-round, alongside Raymond C. Firestone Public 9 Golf Course.
BigShots Golf Firestone marks the first free-standing outdoor location that is connected to one of the clubs in the ClubCorp portfolio, demonstrating the company's continued commitment to diversifying the game by making it accessible to more people.
"BigShots Golf Firestone will bring a new level of entertainment and dining to Akron," said ClubCorp CEO David Pillsbury. "As golf continues to grow in popularity as a social, entertainment and sports endeavor, people are joining and experiencing the game in new, non-intimidating environments. BigShots Golf is leading the way with innovative technology, elevated dining and fun for the whole family."
BigShots Golf features cutting-edge technology powered by TrackMan Range and can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. Avid golfers can play full rounds on virtual golf courses all over the world, while beginner players, families and children can take part in interactive games such as Knockout and Pinball.
The entertainment experience will include a private event space, outdoor patio and an elevated sports bar serving a menu of local favorites, signature cocktails and craft beer.
"Bringing BigShots Golf to a legendary and iconic location like Firestone Country Club is game-changing for the golf entertainment industry, as we continue to create experiences that remove the friction that can accompany introduction to this great game," said BigShots Golf Chief Operating Officer TJ Schier. "Our concept is rooted in golf, but our passion is centered around creating exceptional experiences that bring people together through our innovative gameplay, elevated sports bar and unexpected events for the whole family. Having this location connected to Firestone Country Club allows us to transition beginners who find a passion for the game to the fairways of courses where the best in the game, like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, have triumphed."
BigShots Golf is open in Vero Beach, Florida; Fort Worth, Texas; Springfield, Missouri; Northwick Park, UK; and Bryan, Texas. Locations are currently under development in St. George, Utah, opening spring 2022; and Naples, Florida, opening Q1 2023.
About BigShots Golf®
Majority-owned by ClubCorp, BigShots Golf® is a tech‐driven entertainment and culinary experience offering fun for all ages and skill levels. Venues offer approachable virtual golf games and entertainment activities, elevated food including shareable bites and family‐style options, signature cocktails, craft beer and wine. The indoor and outdoor lounge seating, sports bars, mini golf, outdoor patios and private event spaces create the ideal atmosphere to hang out with families and friends. Players can compete in their own hitting bays, with other players at the same venue or in real time with players at other BigShots Golf locations through Live Play. More information is available at BigShotsGolf.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates at @BigShotsGolf.
About Firestone Country Club
Considered one of the most revered sites in professional golf – and now open to non-members through stay-and-play experiences – Firestone Country Club has welcomed legends of the game for decades. Its flagship layout, the South Course, was originally designed by Bert Way in 1929 and considerably revamped by Robert Trent Jones in 1960. The South has hosted numerous PGA Championships, World Golf Championships and is the current site of the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship. The club's other two championship-level courses are the venerable North Course, a Robert Trent Jones design and past site of professional tournaments, and the Fazio Course, a links-style Tom Fazio design that hosts the Ohio Senior Open. The world-class facility also boasts the Raymond C. Firestone Public 9, a well-manicured short course suitable for all golfers.
Firestone recently completed updates to many of its amenities and on-site accommodations. The club also added a fitness center adjacent to its famed men's locker room for members and guests, and La Vetta, an Italian chophouse that wonderfully pairs exquisite cuts of meats with fine wines and spirits. More information is available at FirestoneCountryClub.com.
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SOURCE BigShots Golf | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/bigshots-golf-coming-firestone-country-club-akron/ | 2022-04-14T15:32:40 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/bigshots-golf-coming-firestone-country-club-akron/ |
LOS ANGELES, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Black women in the U.S. are 3 to 4x more likely to die from pregnancy related causes than White women and Black infants are 2x more likely to die in their first year than White infants. America's medical establishment has turned giving birth into a battlefield for Black women and their babies, but activists are changing those negative outcomes. "Birthing Justice" goes behind the statistics and beyond the grief to amplify how Black women are taking control of their lives and transforming the birth experience to one of resilience and joy. An excerpt from the documentary will be screened as part of Black Maternal Health Week on Thursday, April 14th at 2pm ET/11am PT by the National Birth Equity Collaboration. View here. This documentary is produced by Women in the Room Productions.
Denise Pines, Co-Founder, Women in the Room Productions, says "Birthing Justice places Black women at the center of the fight to fix a broken system. In this documentary we examine the structures and systems that determine these mortality rates as well as the progress being made by health initiatives, dedicated practitioners and best practices. Our goal is to see the solutions presented in this documentary replicated nationally."
One major factor now recognized by experts is the impact of systemic racism and stress on Black women, negatively affecting their birth outcomes. "The key to solving this problem is complex, but a path exists," says Jacoba Atlas, Co-Executive Producer. Director Monique N. Matthews says, "Black women need to be heard, respected that they understand their own bodies and believed by medical professionals who serve them."
Birthing Justice is scheduled to be released in Fall, 2022. For more information on Birthing Justice visit www.birthingjustice.com. The documentary is produced by Women in the Room Productions, a comprehensive media company that drives social impact for women and persons of color through storytelling and community. For media interviews, contact Ginger Campbell (323) 933-2505 ginger@snap-productions.com.
Support for the film provided by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Missouri Foundation for Health, Meadow Fund, The California Endowment and others.
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SOURCE Women in the Room Productions | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/birthing-justice-documentary-examines-systemic-racism-identifies-solutions-address-shocking-infant-maternal-mortality-rates-us/ | 2022-04-14T15:32:48 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/birthing-justice-documentary-examines-systemic-racism-identifies-solutions-address-shocking-infant-maternal-mortality-rates-us/ |
Giveaway Entries Accepted Through May 20, 2022
DALLAS, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BSN SPORTS, a division of Varsity Brands and the nation's largest direct marketer and distributor of sporting goods to the school and league markets, today announced the launch of a $50,000 Campus Branding Giveaway. The Giveaway will award one school the opportunity to refresh the look and feel of their campus and athletic facilities through up to $50,000 of customizable products available within BSN SPORTS's Campus Branding line. The winning school will also have the opportunity to utilize the company's dedicated school mascot and branding design team, VIP Branding, for complimentary rebranding services included within the giveaway.
Entries on behalf of elementary, middle, and high schools looking to enhance their school spirit and brand recognition will be accepted through the Giveaway entry form until Monday, May 20, 2022. The randomly selected winning school will have access to BSN SPORTS' expansive campus branding selection – including wall and window branding products, furniture, media branding, flags, banners and more – fit for the classroom, athletic facilities and campus surroundings.
Helen Price, BSN SPORTS Vice President of Campus Branding, said, "Over nearly ten years of working hand-in-hand with coaches, principals and athletic directors to craft their schools' brand presence, we've come to recognize the resounding importance of a strong school identity. The substantial costs related to campus rebrands can often deter or prolong projects that could otherwise have an immediate positive impact on the academic and athletic experience of students. Through this giveaway, we are proud of the opportunity to provide a transformative experience for a community through a comprehensive and professional lens, and gift one lucky school the makeover they deserve."
Today's launch marks BSN SPORTS' largest branding giveaway to a single campus to date and is the latest school and coach recognition initiative within the company's larger 50th Anniversary Celebration. With a focus on supporting coaches in their efforts to inspire and encourage athletes on and off the field, this giveaway follows on the heels of a campus branding refresh recently awarded to Polytechnic High School (Fort Worth, TX) in which the school received a complete complimentary campus and brand design makeover. BSN SPORTS plans to continue ringing in its golden anniversary with a focus on giving back to coaches and school administrators year-round, amplifying the impact of standout coaches nationwide through its recently launched #ThankYouCoach campaign.
Terry Babilla, BSN SPORTS President, said, "For 50 years, our team has been focused on putting more time back in the days of coaches and administrators so that they can focus on what matters most – their students. These mentors are pivotal in molding our next generation and this Giveaway is designed to help inject pride and spirit into their hallways and lockers rooms, providing the environment needed for their work to thrive. By taking this opportunity to give back to our communities, we are excited to share the tangible and lasting influence that Campus Branding can provide to the look, feel and heart of a campus."
About BSN SPORTS
Dallas-based BSN SPORTS is the leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods apparel and equipment. A division of Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS markets and distributes its products to over 150,000 institutional and team sports customers in colleges and universities, middle and high schools, and recreational programs throughout the United States via catalog, e-commerce, and direct sales. Focused on providing game changing solutions through local partnerships, multi-brand selection and one-stop shopping for equipment and uniforms, BSN SPORTS' more than 3,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit www.bsnsports.com.
About Varsity Brands
With a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: BSN SPORTS, a Varsity Sport Brand; Varsity Spirit; and Herff Jones, A Varsity Achievement Brand. Together, these entities promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Through its dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year through competitions, camps and sales.
Media Contact
Lisa Bartek
Director of Communications, BSN SPORTS
lbartek@varsitybrands.com
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SOURCE BSN SPORTS | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/bsn-sports-launches-giveaway-transform-one-school-campus-through-50000-branding-makeover/ | 2022-04-14T15:32:55 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/bsn-sports-launches-giveaway-transform-one-school-campus-through-50000-branding-makeover/ |
GUANGZHOU, China, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 131st Canton Fair kicks off online on April 15, 2022. The Fair is ready to greet overseas buyers with numerous smart products. In the Home Decoration section, intelligent furniture featuring green materials becomes the trend. The signature products include memory foam mattresses capable of automatic temperature and odor control, electric tables and chairs featuring intelligent height adjustment, various melamine boards with functions such as formaldehyde degradation, degerming, mold proofing and fire resistance.
The furniture industry is representative of China's light industrial product exports, and one of the major forces of China's smart manufacturing going global. Despite the pandemic, rising costs and container shortages worldwide, China's furniture industry still recorded extraordinary achievements in 2021. Customs statistics show that the value of Chinese furniture and parts exports reached RMB431.64 billion from January-November 2021, up 21.7% YoY, largely driven by growth of the intelligent and green furniture market.
With the advent of the 5G era and the development of internet of things (IoT), cloud computing and AI technologies, Chinese furniture companies have stepped up the pace of intelligent and green development. Some tech companies have started R&D of a whole house smart strategy. At the same time, the "stay-at-home economy" has prompted the change of home decoration demands, with consumers opting for an energy-saving, eco-friendly and healthy home life.
To meet the peak carbon and carbon neutrality goals, the green and low-carbon transition has become a consensus in China's furniture industry. Companies have launched rattan sofas and other sets of new products, which are popular among international consumers. Others have designed and developed eco-friendly furniture to live up to environmental protection standards in Europe and the U.S. Some have achieved integration of traditional workmanship with modern intelligent equipment through technological improvements and equipment upgrades, forming an industrial pattern that is oriented by environmental protection and integrated design and production.
According to Alan Liu, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Canton Fair, China's furniture industry has kept quickening its pace of transformation and development over the past years. As China's No.1 Fair, the Canton Fair will take practical measures to upgrade exhibits, joining hands with Chinese furniture companies to present smart, green and comfortable home items for a better life.
Visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index#/foreign-email for more opportunities.
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SOURCE Canton Fair | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/canton-fair-2022-green-intelligent-manufacturing-china-empowers-better-home-life-world/ | 2022-04-14T15:33:01 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/canton-fair-2022-green-intelligent-manufacturing-china-empowers-better-home-life-world/ |
GUANGZHOU, China, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The official website of the 131st Canton Fair is open on April 15, 2022. A range of innovative products made with new materials, technologies and processes are uploaded by shoe manufacturers. Self-developed foaming technology and specialized breathable materials are applied to ensure lightness, elasticity and durability, as well as the internal and external air circulation of shoes, so as to reduce stuffiness and keep feet dry. Such innovations have become a norm.
China is one of the most outstanding players in the global footwear industry. After joining the World Trade Organization, thanks to its labor advantage, China's show makers have built a complete industry chain and multiple industry clusters specialized in various shoe categories through over 20 years of development. Such clusters include shoe production bases in Guangdong centered around Guangzhou and Dongguan, in Zhejiang around Wenzhou and Taizhou, a women's shoe production base around Chengdu and Chongqing and the Fujian sports shoe production base around Quanzhou and Jinjiang.
With the deepening of China's Smart Manufacturing Strategy, Canton Fair has actively motivated exhibitors to keep innovating. In recent years, more and more shoe exhibitors have benefited from independent innovation and gradually shaken off the labels of "original equipment manufacturer"(OEM), switching to high-end intelligent manufacturing and overseas brand expansion.
Among China's brands, represented by ANTA, Li-Ning, and Xtep, some made breakthroughs in materials and processes to expand from the sports and leisure shoe market to professional sports such as marathon, weightlifting and boxing. Some brands actively embrace the digital innovation trend, promote the integration of the shoe manufacturing industry with the internet, big data, robots and standardization, and introduce high-end intelligent assembly lines to control manufacturing costs and enhance efficiency.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Commerce, in 2021, China's exports of shoes and boots reached USD47.9 billion, up 35% YoY, with export prices retaining an uptrend, by 15%. The shoe manufacturing industry and supply chains showed strong momentum, helping stabilize foreign trade.
Alan Liu, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Canton Fair noted, "At the 131st Canton Fair, we will help companies expand new channels, promote domestic-international dual circulation and enable comfortable China-branded shoes to make their journey around the globe."
Visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index#/foreign-email for more opportunities.
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SOURCE Canton Fair | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/canton-fair-2022-intelligent-manufacturing-drives-chinas-pioneering-shoe-industry/ | 2022-04-14T15:33:08 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/canton-fair-2022-intelligent-manufacturing-drives-chinas-pioneering-shoe-industry/ |
Eufaula High head coach Ed Rigby used two words to describe how good linebacker Yhonzae Pierre could be in college.
“Impact player.”
The 6-foot-4, 231-pound Pierre committed to Alabama on Thursday morning, choosing the Tide over Florida State, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Florida, Penn State, Mississippi State and Auburn.
RELATED: An early look at top prospects in the Class of 2023
“The guy is relentless to the football,” Rigby told AL.com. “He is a high-motor, output player. He has the range, height, arm length, the wide shoulders and the football IQ. When you put all of that together you have a big-time high school player and, Lord willing, a big-time college player as well.”
RELATED: Briarwood QB commits to Clemson
Pierre was credited with 55 tackles, including 16 for a loss, and 7 sacks for the Tigers in 2021. The 247 composite rankings currently have him listed as the No. 18 player in the state of Alabama in the Class of 2023.
He is the Crimson Tide’s second commitment from Alabama in the class, joining Florence DB Jahlil Hurley, and the third overall.
Rigby said he had coached similar players to Pierre, but he doesn’t like to compare athletes. He did say Pierre was definitely an “upper-level SEC player.”
“He’s someone you have to game plan against,” Rigby added. “We use him all over the place. We bring him off the edge, up the middle, put him on the hash and let him cover folks. That’s the type of player they are getting.”
Rigby also said Eufaula would use Pierre some on offense this fall at tight end or in the slot.
“He’s got great hands,” he said.
Alabama ON3 recruiting analyst Jimmy Stein said Pierre is a versatile front seven defender.
“He’s labeled as an edge defender, but he’s pretty rangy,” Stein said. “He could maybe play off the ball, but he’s at his best rushing the passer and setting that edge in the run game.
“He’s a good fit at Alabama because he’s a physical player.”
Pierre is cousins with former Alabama standout Courtney Upshaw.
“On3 ranks him among the top 90 prospects in the country,” Stein said. “That makes him elite. He’s the 10th best prospect in Alabama in a historically loaded in-state class. Alabama is his dream school, and he fits their front seven like a dream.”
Stein pointed out that Alabama offered Pierre nearly a year ago. | https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2022/04/impact-player-eufaula-2023-dllb-yhonzae-pierre-commits-to-alabama.html | 2022-04-14T15:33:10 | 1 | https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2022/04/impact-player-eufaula-2023-dllb-yhonzae-pierre-commits-to-alabama.html |
Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure is scheduled to open May 14, and is hiring for more than 400 positions for the park’s 2022 season.
According to the park, positions include life guards, slide attendants, admissions team members, quality control, security, culinary, retail and ride operators.
All training is done in house and no previous experience is required.
Those hired will be eligible for monthly $100 bonuses, $50 gas cards monthly and free tickets to visit Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure, Six Flags, OWA and other attractions, as well as free employee events throughout the summer.
For more information, visit the website. | https://www.al.com/business/2022/04/alabama-adventure-splash-adventure-hiring-more-than-400-positions.html | 2022-04-14T15:33:16 | 0 | https://www.al.com/business/2022/04/alabama-adventure-splash-adventure-hiring-more-than-400-positions.html |
LOS ANGELES, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Child Neurology Foundation (CNF), a national nonprofit organization serving the one in five children in the U.S. who have a neurologic condition and the medical professionals who care for them, announced today that Breanna McCormley has joined its team as the Director of Development. McCormley most recently served as the Regional Advancement Director for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and has also held development roles for The Chordoma Foundation, WakeMed Hospital Foundation, and Health Services of North Texas.
"After spending much of my career in the rare disease nonprofit space, I'm so excited to continue that journey with an organization that is doing such impactful work on a broad scale," said McCormley. "CNF has a number of unique programs in place that speak to so many different diseases. I'm looking forward to helping them continue their success, as well as find new ways to expand their donor relations efforts."
Based in Lexington, Kentucky, CNF serves thousands of children and families across all 50 states and in over 70 countries around the world. CNF's research grants, family grants, medical symposiums and other programs have positioned the organization as the leader in this field,
convening the voices, minds and passions of families, physicians, teachers, caregivers, and researchers to change the conditions of care and the continuum of care for these young lives.
"We are so excited for Breanna to join our team at the Child Neurology Foundation," said Amy Brin, CEO and Executive Director. "Her experience in overseeing major fundraising initiatives at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society combined with her intricate knowledge of the heath-focused nonprofit industry will position her to build upon and contribute to the fundraising and revenue growth that CNF has seen over the last decade."
The appointment of McCormley follows a thorough recruitment process overseen by CNF in partnership with Envision Consulting—a nonprofit consulting firm based in Los Angeles, specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration and executive leadership transitions. Envision's commitment to DEI is integrated into its practices, including inclusive surveys and stakeholder interviews, focus groups, structured hiring processes, a focus on anti-biased decision making and more. In 2021, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color. www.envisionnonprofit.com
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SOURCE Envision Consulting | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/child-neurology-foundation-welcomes-director-development-breanna-mccormley/ | 2022-04-14T15:33:15 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/child-neurology-foundation-welcomes-director-development-breanna-mccormley/ |
Daniel Scheinert gets back to his home state every once in a while, but he loves hearing about how people in Alabama react to his weird movies.
He’s had family and friends from Birmingham tell him they’ve seen his and his co-director Daniel Kwan’s (billed together as “Daniels”) new film “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” now playing in theaters everywhere. But he recalls one story from 2016, when their film “Swiss Army Man” came out. The acclaimed film about a man stranded on a desert island with a farting corpse had its fans in Birmingham, but others shook their heads.
A friend told Scheinert they saw it at the Summit, and when the credits started rolling, someone in the row behind them sighed and said, “Daniel, Daniel, Daniel...”
“I never found out who it was, but I’m sure it was one of my teachers just being like, ‘What a weird kid,’” Scheinert told us.
And talk about acclaim: The Daniels’ latest film has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%. Ninety-seven. The consensus says, “Led by an outstanding Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once lives up to its title with an expertly calibrated assault on the senses.” The film follows an aging Chinese immigrant swept up in an insane adventure, where she alone can save the world by exploring other universes connecting with the lives she could have led.
While certainly the “assault on the senses” critics have labeled it, it’s a deeply personal work for the Daniels, particularly as it relates to their own parents and the generation gap widened by the age of the internet. And yes, Scheinert even worked a little Alabama into the multiverse.
Born in Birmingham, Scheinert attended Oak Mountain Elementary and Middle Schools before going to high School at the International Baccalaureate School at Shades Valley. His parents Ken and Becky now live in Guntersville. His dad said he got into filmmaking through local competitions and musical theater during high school.
Read the Q&A below where we discuss finding the filmmaking bug in Alabama, getting early support from his parents, directing bonafide movie stars, resisting internet bullying and, well, getting spanked legendary film icon Michelle Yeoh.
So I know you were born and raised in Birmingham, and I’d love to learn more about your background here. I understand you got the film bug through Sidewalk in young filmmaker competitions and in your time in musical theatre at Shades Valley. What was it in Alabama specifically that helped you unlock this passion for movies?
Daniel Scheinert: I think I’m lucky that my parents encouraged creative endeavors. My mom grew up in Guntersville, but she and all her sisters were super into music and the arts. My mom went to Auburn for art before getting a business degree and working for BellSouth. So they encouraged me and my brother to do Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination as a kid, which were creativity competitions that we did. And I got really into theatre. But the film bug, it was 20 percent just me doing what my brother did, because he and his friends were all making movies for fun, and they had a public access TV show that they only made like two episodes of, but I loved it. And Sidewalk Film Festival just blew my mind when I made a movie in high school with my best friends and it played for an audience and they liked it. I was like, “This is incredible.” So we just started trying to make movies and do all the Sidewalk Scrambles and enter all the competitions. I interned at Sidewalk Film Festival for a while, and it became my favorite thing to do my last three years of high school.
Do you ever get back to Alabama?
I got to go back last August for a while. I was really missing it during COVID because I hadn’t been for a bit. Sidewalk Film Festival is still my favorite film festival, so anytime I can go, I go. I always tell other filmmakers that it’s the right size of a film festival where you can walk to all the theaters, and it’s just one fun weekend. A lot of film festivals are like two weeks, and it’s all spread out. I come back for that whenever I can. I’ve shot a couple of movies in Alabama, and it’s so fun because it’s affordable and people are excited that you’re making a movie, as opposed to in Los Angeles, people are annoyed if you’re making a movie and want to charge you as much money as possible.
(Story continues below the photo)
I’m interested in your parents’ reaction to the movie. It’s very specifically about a Chinese family, and there is cultural specificity in terms of those dynamics, but much of that is universal in the sense that people work hard to please their parents and still don’t feel good enough. Your family seems very supportive, but did Evelyn and Joy’s experiences mirror yours in anyway, and what do you hope for when you show your parents your work?
Dan Kwan and I have been doing music videos and stuff for over 10 years together. We made a name for ourselves making somewhat bizarre, sometimes perverted music videos and short films that the internet would talk about. There was always this part of the process which was talking to our parents about our latest weird movie and trying to explain why on Earth we’re using our college tuition to make dancing boobs and penises happen. In a way, that inspired this movie. The main characters are of my parents’ generation. The husband and wife are in their 50s, and their daughter confuses them. She kind of grew up on the internet.
There’s a generation gap there that I think is extra-pronounced if you’re an immigrant, which Dan and I spent a lot of time talking about over the years meeting his parents who came from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Also, there’s a huge generation gap if you grew up on the internet. My generation was kind of desensitized to all sorts of wild, upsetting things that confused, understandably, folks who didn’t grow up on it. But I do think there is a lot of universality, and it’s wild that my mom grew up on a farm in Guntersville and now I’m getting to make movies with movie stars in Los Angeles. It’s pretty wild. And trying to bridge that gap and communicate is a constant process.
In another interview, you said it was sort of therapeutic to work on something so personal, that there were ways you didn’t even realize it was personal until you watched it through a different lens after someone pointed it out. Did you squeeze any piece of Alabama into it, whether you realized it or not?
Yeah. I think on one hand, it’s not that different. My parents grew up under very different circumstances than I did. Even though I also grew up in Alabama, I grew up in the suburbs of Birmingham as opposed to growing up in Guntersville where my mom grew up. My dad bounced around a lot. But I think Alabama can be somewhat close-minded sometimes and homophobic and really obsessed with tradition, and that can make you feel unwelcome as a kid if you’re weird. But also there’s so much beauty and I miss it and love the people. And this movie is a love letter to our parents at the same time as it’s kind of dealing with misunderstandings and generation gaps and dealing with the the struggle to communicate with folks that are in a family.
I read you talk about this production hitting an authentic sweet spot where it was a big indie that didn’t come with the kind of oversight that does with a full-blown studio picture, so you had enough freedom to make important choices you wanted to. I have to assume that includes casting, which I think is among the most inspired I’ve ever seen. While you had the freedom, what level of responsibility or pressure did you feel after casting legends like Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis, James Hong and Ke Huy Quan, specifically in roles like these that would stretch even the expectations their fans have for them?
That’s been the most rewarding part of it. We just cast the people we thought were right for the parts but stumbled into this fact that there’s a huge Chinese-American community and so many incredible Asian actors in general that are underutilized and very hungry to play complex roles. We lucked out that there’s this meta-narrative that in the movie you meet these laundromat owners and they end up containing multitudes as characters, and the hope is the audiences watch it and leave the theater a little more empathetic to folks that might look like these characters.
But then there’s this meta-narrative of like, even these stars like Michelle Yeoh that we’ve celebrated for years have been boxed in and all along they had so much more to offer. Michelle is so much more than the regal, beautiful woman she plays in “Crazy Rich Asians.” She’s vulnerable and funny and weird and strange, and Hollywood hasn’t given her a chance to kind of stretch those wings. So it makes us look really cool that all the sudden we get to do it, you know? But our job was easy. We just had to pick the right people, and they came in and brought their A-game.
(Story continues below the tweet)
Did you see the clip of Michelle Yeoh talking to GQ about her career, where she got emotional talking about this film and how she had been waiting on something like it to show her fans and others what she was capable of?
Oh my God. That clip made me so happy and makes me emotional every time I watch it. I’ve seen it several times. It’s funny, it’s similar to our character of Evelyn. Michelle can put up a tough front and act confident. She never told us that the script meant so much to her when we first met her. The day she recorded that interview, she came up to us that night and she was so mad at me and Dan. She was like, “My whole career, I’ve never cried in an interview. What did you do to me? I am a professional.” And I think she was kind of teasing us, too, but we were so proud of her. We were like, “You’re so vulnerable, and that’s so beautiful, and why didn’t you tell us the script meant so much to you?” For weeks, I couldn’t wait to see the clip because I had just heard about it because she told us she cried in an interview and was self-conscious. And she’s so articulate and says something so beautiful there that I hope people watch that clip and think about the hundreds of other actors like her that deserve a showcase. And I’d love to see more movies where we just pick all these awesome actresses who haven’t gotten to stretch their wings and give them a chance.
(Minor spoilers for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” below)
You’re in the movie, quite memorably. I believe I’ve heard you or Daniel Kwan say that day was one of Michelle Yeoh’s favorite days on set. What was that like acting in a, well, set piece with one of our greatest action stars?
Yeah, it was very intimidating. It’s a mild spoiler, but I get spanked, and I play a very small character that’s into BDSM. It kind of boiled down to an inside joke of sorts with the crew, where everyone gets to laugh at the director who gets a ball-gag put in his mouth now. And also I wanted Michelle to have a good time with that scene. If it had been a stranger, that would have been a very different dynamic, to be like, “Hi, nice to meet you. She’s gonna spank you.” So after me bossing her around and torturing her and putting her through the ringer and convincing her to do so many bizarre things, I think she was very happy to turn the tables and embarrass me on camera. [Laughs]
You said, “I think it’s a dangerous thing, making a movie. You can accidentally make the world a worse place.” And Daniel Kwan said, “We realized that as long as we went really far with the absurdity, we could go as corny as we wanted to be.” Kindness is such a driving force of this movie, and I’ve talked to other artists about the needed urgency of kindness. Why do you need art to spread that message right now?
I think it comes from a personal place that, on one hand, Dan and I are not agro-manly men. So when I watch a movie about a guy rescuing his family and fighting for what he believes in with guns, I don’t relate with it much. I don’t know what lesson to learn from it. Those stories, the subtext is violence is an answer, which I’m not that psyched about. This is a f----d example, but I think it’s documented that Osama bin Laden watched “Star Wars,” and he was like, “Cool, you can blow up the Death Star. Violence is an answer.” Which is scary to know your movie can have an unintended consequence. But it’s so rare that you regret being kind. It’s such a powerful tool that can change the world and so rarely hurt the world. So we kind of tried to find a way to celebrate that without oversimplifying it either.
This movie is a reaction to the internet and how overwhelming life can seem these days as you’re scrolling through feeds of upsetting, funny imagery. Someone commenting on your Facebook and you just having the urge to scream at them because they’re so stupid. And I struggle with anger as a lot of us do. I feel like, honestly, the Trump administration was a celebration of being a bully, and I jumped on the bandwagon, and I would bully back and get so angry. And I don’t like that side myself. I don’t like it in other people, and so we wanted to therapeutically reflect on our own anger and our own kindness and find a way to like, “How do you stay focused on the things you love in the middle of the chaos of modern life?”
I think this movie is wholly original, that you guys are the only two people who could have made it, so I don’t want to get caught up in influences. And maybe the ingenuity of the effects and set pieces reflects your background as music video directors, as Daniel Kwan referenced in a recent Twitter thread, but Michel Gondry is a name that sprung to mind, a few others but I just may be reading into it. But are there films or filmmakers that you think about where, even if indirectly, this film couldn’t have happened if not for them?
So many, yeah. I think most art is stealing either from other artists but also from your life. We love to steal from literature and science and try to steal from places not just from other filmmakers. Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry were massive influences. When we decided this was going to be about an Asian-American family, we got really excited thinking about the some of the film influences from Asia that we love so much like Hong Kong kung fu movies, Jackie Chan movies, also Stephen Chow who did “Shaolin Soccer” and “Kung Fu Hustle.” And we just love the Korean thriller renaissance of the 21st century where people like Bong Joon-ho are able to combine drama and slapstick comedy and somehow it works. Also, a lot of our movies should have been animated. They’re so weird. It’s like, why did you try to do that live-action. We draw so much influence from animators like Satoshi Kon who did “Paprika” or like [Hayao] Miyazaki who is so good at making fantastical epics that go into the gray area as opposed to just good guy/bad guy. Literature-wise, we’re huge fans of Kurt Vonnegut and how he uses science fiction to get at philosophical ideas but has a sense of humor along the way. Same could be said for Douglas Adams in Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy stuff. It’s so playful, but there’s big ideas underneath it. So that’s a couple of them.
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” is playing in theaters everywhere. The film will begin screening at the Sidewalk Cinema in Birmingham this weekend. | https://www.al.com/life/2022/04/one-of-the-daniels-on-his-alabama-roots-fitting-his-state-into-everything-everywhere.html | 2022-04-14T15:33:22 | 1 | https://www.al.com/life/2022/04/one-of-the-daniels-on-his-alabama-roots-fitting-his-state-into-everything-everywhere.html |
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for a springtime shopping spree, the Chrysler brand has launched the new Chrysler Store by Amazon, bringing hundreds of options for authentic licensed gear and merchandise to Chrysler brand fans and followers.
"Opening our dedicated Chrysler brand store on Amazon provides an opportunity for our owners, fans and followers in the U.S. to shop for their favorite products across multiple categories and with a seamless online experience," said Kim Adams House, head of all brands - licensing and merchandising, Stellantis - North America. "The Chrysler brand featured collections will offer the chance to shop a variety of products from family apparel, van lifestyle merchandise and vintage accessories."
The Chrysler Store by Amazon features apparel for men, women and kids, home gear, drinkware, as well as accessories.
Categories include the following:
To fully immerse consumers in all things Chrysler brand, the Chrysler Amazon storefront features three distinct merchandise collections that include:
Van Life - The Van Life merchandise collection is dedicated to the van lifestyle that comes with the Chrysler Pacifica. The collection features bright and playful merchandise for van moms, dads and kids alike, along with functional accessories for everyday commutes and long road trips. It has multiple graphic design approaches than can be seen through many product categories, such as drinkware, apparel, games and phone accessories.
300 Collection - The 300 Collection features the performance and detailed craftsmanship that comes with the Chrysler 300. The merchandise showcases the sleek, winged 300 grille and 300S badging on shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and phone accessories.
Heritage Collection - The Heritage Collection curates unique merchandise and accessories for every Chrysler history buff to showcase their pride and appreciation for innovation. It combines original and authentic licensed products across multiple product categories, from signage and blankets to accessories, featuring brands from Chrysler's past.
Chrysler Brand
The Chrysler brand has delighted customers with distinctive designs, craftsmanship, intuitive innovation and technology since the company was founded in 1925. The Chrysler Pacifica continues to reinvent the minivan, a segment Chrysler invented, with an unprecedented level of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling and the most advanced available all-wheel-drive system in its class. The available innovative hybrid powertrain takes this revolutionary vehicle a step further. It's the first electrified vehicle in the minivan segment and achieves more than 80 MPGe in electric-only mode, has an all-electric range of more than 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles. Chrysler Voyager offers fleet owners a budget-friendly minivan that also provides a well-equipped, exceptional driving experience. The Chrysler 300 lineup delivers on the brand's promise of iconic and elegant design executed with world-class performance, efficiency and quality – all at an attainable value. Chrysler is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.
Follow Chrysler and company news and video on:
Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Chrysler brand: www.chrysler.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrysler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrysler
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chrysler or @StellantisNA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/chrysler or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA
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SOURCE Stellantis | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/chrysler-store-by-amazon-opens-consumers/ | 2022-04-14T15:33:22 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/chrysler-store-by-amazon-opens-consumers/ |
Long before Judge Jim Wooten came under scrutiny for his role in the aggressive prosecution of drivers in Brookside, he was dealing with legal controversy in his personal and professional life.
In 2009, the year Wooten became the judge in the tiny town, the city of Birmingham sued him — it was the first of three lawsuits alleging he did not pay business license taxes for his law office. The dispute continued through the following decade — until Wooten moved his practice out of the big city in 2020.
Also in 2020, one of Wooten’s own family members filed a lawsuit, accusing him of taking money from her inheritance when she was a child.
But no one was paying attention to the judge or his troubles — that is until Brookside, a town of 1,253 just north of Birmingham, became a national example of policing for profit.
Wooten found himself in the news since January when AL.com published an investigation that detailed how Brookside officers bullied drivers and packed the town’s small courtroom while using newfound money from fines and forfeitures to expand the police force.
The judge was one of three key figures in the aggressive prosecution of drivers — the others were Mark Parnell, the prosecutor and town attorney, and Mike Jones, the former police chief who resigned in the wake of the AL.com investigation.
The town suspended its court in February. This week, Mayor Mike Bryan announced hearings will resume April 28, but Judge Wooten won’t be presiding over pending cases.
Wooten, in an order recusing himself from all pending cases in the town, said any allegations of misconduct leveled against him as a judge are false.
“However, the court is aware and cognizant that such allegations, public opinion and clamor could reasonably call into question the undersigned’s impartiality in any case currently pending before him,” Wooten wrote. “Therefore … in order to promote public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the Brookside Municipal Court, the undersigned hereby recuses himself from any and all cases currently pending before the court as of the date of this order.”
Yet, despite calls for his resignation, Wooten said he will not step down. Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, after hearing from dozens of people who shared stories of being stopped by Brookside police and fined in Wooten’s court, called on the state bar to investigate the judge.
“Jim Wooten should step down, because he has aided and abetted in this miscarriage of justice,” she told reporters at the Alabama State House in Montgomery a week after the AL.com investigation published.
Wooten said he recused himself to comply with the Alabama Canons of Judicial Ethics, a set of rules that govern how judges should act.
“As the undersigned has, at all times, conducted himself in accordance with all the laws and rules of the State of Alabama, to resign would be solely due to the influence of public opinion and clamor, which is prohibited,” he wrote in the order.
Wooten also defended his record in an earlier statement to AL.com and said he always decides cases on their individual merits and treats everyone with respect.
“I have no control over the number of tickets written,” Wooten told AL.com. “(B)y law, that is under the control of the police department and specifically in the case of Brookside, until his resignation, Chief Mike Jones. I had no knowledge of his actions or directives about how the tickets were given.”
[Read more: Investigator finds Brookside police preyed on the poor]
Indeed, Wooten was the town judge long before Brookside hired Jones in 2018, began to add police officers to its force and generate so many criminal cases.
As the Brookside Police Department expanded, bringing more people into Wooten’s courtroom, state and federal lawsuits started stacking up against the town. And – particularly as the town implemented COVID protocols – conspicuously long lines began forming outside the small courtroom. A parade of drivers appeared before Wooten on charges as minor as tag-light violations or driving in the left lane – not speeding or failing to signal, just using the left lane.
At the same time his docket began to swell, the judge began dealing with legal troubles in his personal life.
Last year, Wooten agreed to pay more than $200,000 to settle lawsuits after his niece accused him of taking money from her inheritance when she was a child.
In 2020, Wooten’s niece filed a lawsuit alleging that while serving as administrator of her late father’s estate, her Uncle Jim distributed more than $200,000 of her inheritance to his personal and business accounts. Wooten had been in charge of the estate since 2006, when his niece was 7 years old.
Wooten told AL.com that during the 13 years he handled the estate, he was paid an average of $16,200 annually, or more than he made in a year from Brookside during that time.
“By law, I was entitled to be paid from the estate for my services,” he said.
The lawsuit was settled late last year, court records show. Western Surety, the insurance and bonding company for the estate, paid to settle the case, Wooten said. The company did so, according to Wooten, based on an agreement that he pay Western Surety more than $250,000.
When the company filed a lawsuit last year seeking the payment, court records show, Wooten agreed to have a judgment entered against him for $262,668.
“As do many defendants in many lawsuits, I did not agree to any settlement because of any wrongdoing,” Wooten said. “I did so to avoid the mounting legal fees and potential fees I may have owed to the bonding company as well as to my own counsel.”
Attorneys for Wooten’s niece said a confidentiality provision prohibits them from talking about the case. An attorney for the insurance company declined to comment.
Wooten says he has paid the $262,668 and is waiting for the insurance company to confirm in court records that they have received the payment.
Wooten, who is 59, has been the judge in Brookside since 2009, according to his LinkedIn profile.
After being appointed to the position in 2008, Wooten told The Birmingham News, “It’s a title, and I’m thankful and proud to have it, but I don’t expect anyone to call me judge,” he said.
“I’m a part-time judge,” he added. “I’m a full-time lawyer, husband and father.”
Back then, the town had court proceedings just one night per month. “Fortunately, there aren’t a lot of municipal violations in Brookside,” Wooten told The News at the time of his appointment.
But more recently, as police pulled over and arrested more people, the number of cases increased and the town had court proceedings twice a month after COVID created a backlog. More cases also meant more work hours — and therefore more pay — for Wooten. He earned $20,000 in Brookside in 2021.
It is unclear when Wooten may return to the bench in Brookside. After announcing he would recuse from cases filed before April 4, he declined to answer questions about his role.
Wooten has been an attorney in the Birmingham area since 1987.
He had disputes with the city before he became a small town judge. The city of Birmingham sued Wooten three times in the past 13 years, alleging he did not pay business license taxes for his law office. In a 2009 lawsuit, court records show, a Jefferson County judge granted a request from the city to have sheriff’s deputies put a padlock on Wooten’s law office until he paid $8,279 in taxes, interest and penalties.
The city said in its lawsuit that Wooten had not paid the taxes for a period from 2003 to 2008. The case was dismissed in 2011, but details of the dismissal are not included in court records.
The city sued two more times — in 2015 and 2017 — again alleging Wooten had not paid business license taxes. A judge dismissed the 2015 lawsuit after the city filed a motion saying Wooten had paid “all sums due.” Wooten in 2020 reached a settlement with the city in the most recent case. Details of the settlement are not included in court records.
Wooten told AL.com he had a dispute with the city over taxes on income he made outside Birmingham. He moved his office out of the city in 2020. An attorney for the city declined to comment.
Fellow lawyers have also raised questions about how Wooten presides over Brookside’s court.
In one case, a man named Anyl Pascal and his attorney alleged in court records that Judge Wooten found him guilty of nine extra charges that he didn’t know about.
After Brookside police arrested him at a traffic stop last year, Pascal pleaded guilty to seven charges so he could appeal his case to state court. But after Pascal left Brookside court that day, Judge Wooten found him guilty of nine more crimes and doubled his fines to over $15,000, according to a motion filed by Pascal’s attorney Steven Gravlee.
Gravlee, who is also a part-time judge in neighboring Walker County, said neither he nor his client knew about the extra charges until they appealed two weeks later.
In his statement to AL.com, Wooten disputed those allegations. He said both Pascal and his attorney got copies of all the charges and were in court when he handed down the fines.
“At no time have I ever allowed a Defendant to plead guilty nor found a Defendant guilty unless they were present in Court and understood the charges and understood they were pleading guilty,” Wooten said. “Mr. Pascal is no exception.”
A Jefferson County judge last month dismissed Pascal’s criminal case after the Brookside prosecutor failed to appear in court.
That same judge last month threw out 41 more charges for 11 people who appealed their cases from Wooten’s court.
[Read more: Citing ‘rogue police force, district attorney drops dozens of felonies from Brookside]
Meanwhile, Brookside is the subject of at least a dozen lawsuits and multiple state investigations launched since January.
Wooten is not named as a defendant in any of the lawsuits, though the town’s court is identified as a co-conspirator in one federal suit that accuses Brookside and its police officers of conspiring with a towing company to take money and property from drivers.
The lawsuit alleges the court levied “excessive” fines that exceed what is allowed under state law and Alabama’s Rules of Judicial Procedure. The lawsuit seeks to have Brookside pay back the money and pay damages to anyone ordered to pay excessive fines.
Allan Armstrong, one of the attorneys who filed the lawsuit, said they did not name Wooten as a defendant because judges and prosecutors are protected by immunity.
“If we were to sue the judge and prosecutor, they would be summarily dismissed based on prosecutorial and judicial immunity,” Armstrong said. “That’s why the judge and prosecutor haven’t been sued.”
Wooten told AL.com that every fine, court cost and bond he has ever ordered was lawful. “The Court has implemented several programs to assist citizens with payment of fines and costs.”
AL.com’s John Archibald contributed to this story.
Read more stories from our Banking on Crime series:
- Police in this tiny Alabama town suck drivers into a legal ‘black hole’
- Pastor, sister say rogue Alabama police force sought revenge
- This Alabama county fastens ankle monitors on hundreds who aren’t convicted of crimes
- Life on an ankle monitor in Alabama: $10 a day and ‘inevitable imperfections’
- ‘Just passing through’ Brookside left scars, fear of Alabama
- How Alabama’s most notorious speed trap town was shut down
- The dark roots of policing for profit — and what to do about it | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/despite-recusal-brookside-judge-remains-defiant.html | 2022-04-14T15:33:28 | 1 | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/despite-recusal-brookside-judge-remains-defiant.html |
Reman Day recognizes the high standards and sustainability benefits of the remanufacturing process
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CNH Industrial Reman is excited to join the celebration for Global Remanufacturing Day today, April 14, 2022. Globally, Reman Day is hosted by the Remanufacturing Industries Council and celebrates and advances the remanufacturing industry through manufacturer-hosted events and workforce development initiatives.
"We celebrate Reman Day each year to help educate and raise awareness of remanufacturing industry," said Jamie Collins, director of sales and marketing at CNH Industrial Reman. "At CNH Reman, we are hosting an on-site celebration that includes refreshments and t-shirts for team members. We are also coordinating group photos of CNH employees representing Reman as they celebrate across the globe."
The annual multi-industry holiday celebrates remanufacturing as a rigorous industrial process held to the highest standards.
"There's a misconception that remanufactured parts are just repaired parts, which they are not," said Collins. "In reality, remanufactured parts are virtually indistinguishable from new parts. We're able to take advantage of the hindsight view of understanding the failure modes of parts and we can correct them. This gives end-customers the opportunity to upgrade parts at a lower cost while reducing their liability with an increased warranty."
In addition, Reman Day seeks to increase public awareness of remanufacturing, emphasize the importance of remanufacturing to the circular economy and empower remanufacturers around the world.
"The remanufacturing process allows us to drive longevity into a part by remanufacturing it back to current OEM specifications or greater," said Collins. "By reutilizing the raw materials from the original parts, we are able to lower the cost of ownership of a machine to the end-customer while also contributing to the circular economy. In fact, CNH Reman was able to keep 8.4 million pounds of raw materials out of landfills by remanufacturing parts and components back to OEM specifications in 2021."
Overall, by adhering to the remanufacturing process, CNH Reman can offer cost-effective parts and components that are environmentally sustainable. To learn more about CNH Industrial Reman, visit https://mycnhreman.com/.
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SOURCE CNH Industrial Reman | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/cnh-industrial-reman-celebrates-global-remanufacturing-day-2022/ | 2022-04-14T15:33:29 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/cnh-industrial-reman-celebrates-global-remanufacturing-day-2022/ |
A pillar of fire erupted on a manicured lawn in East Tennessee this week, and experts say it happened after a bolt of lightning defied odds and struck a buried gas line.
It happened April 12 in Knoxville, and the Knoxville Fire Department extinguished the fire without damage to nearby homes. The department said it confirmed the highly unlikely cause after conferring with the Knoxville Utilities Board.
Multiple photos shared on social media show the writhing pillar reached up to 20 feet tall, rivaling the height of an average two-story home.
Knoxville Realtor Kimberly Wright reported she is the homeowner and tweeted “there is a large crater in my yard leading to our meter.” She did not report any damage to the home.
“A hearty thank you to the Knoxville Fire Department for keeping the flames from my house, and to KUB for taking care of the gas line that was struck,” she wrote on Facebook.
The standard depth for gas lines is about 18 inches, but some can be as deep as 60 inches, the utilities board says.
Commenters on social media questioned the lightning-strike theory, noting a nearby tree was a more likely lightning target.
However, strikes are notorious for traveling great distances during a storm, experts say.
“The lightning may hit a tree then branch off and hit something else, or after the current travels through the tree trunk, it can also travel through the immediately surrounding area, and into anything or anyone nearby,” according to the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory.
“In urban areas, it may strike a pole or tree and the current then travels to several nearby houses and other structures and enter them through wiring or plumbing.”
©2022 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/how-lightning-created-a-strange-pillar-of-fire-on-a-tennessee-lawn.html | 2022-04-14T15:33:34 | 0 | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/how-lightning-created-a-strange-pillar-of-fire-on-a-tennessee-lawn.html |
Deal expected to stabilize costs for customers amidst volatile energy market
Expected to Stabilize Costs for Customers Amidst Volatile Energy Market
NEW YORK , April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Convergent Energy + Power (Convergent), a leading provider of energy storage solutions in North America, announced today its plans to provide Massachusetts's municipally-owned utility company Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) with a battery storage system expected to stabilize costs for its customers and further insulate against rising energy prices. Convergent's 5 MW/15 MWh utility-scale battery storage system for HG&E accelerates the clean energy transition through AI-powered energy storage. Convergent will own and operate the battery leveraging its proprietary energy storage intelligence, PEAK IQ®. The battery storage system is projected to come online in Holyoke, MA in 2023.
Energy storage is the linchpin of the clean energy transition because it optimizes renewable energy performance, reduces costs, and increases reliability if deployed and managed intelligently. Convergent's battery storage system for HG&E will dispatch at strategic times, storing energy when it is cheapest and cleanest and discharging energy to displace the most expensive and carbon-intensive periods.
"HG&E is constantly seeking sustainable and innovative energy solutions that will help keep rates stable for our customer base," says Jim Lavelle, HG&E's Manager. "We are excited to add another energy storage system to HG&E's portfolio, in partnership with Convergent Energy + Power."
Convergent has over a decade of expertise in financing, owning, and operating energy storage assets, both for commercial/industrial and utility customers, and is one of the original players in the energy storage sector. The company has over $400M invested in projects in operation or allocated to projects under development across North America.
"By building energy storage in local communities, we can insulate them against rising energy costs as well as increase renewable energy effectiveness across the grid," says Johannes Rittershausen, CEO, Convergent Energy + Power. "We are proud to partner with HG&E, which has shown a deep, ongoing commitment to its community and continues to set a positive example for its peers by deploying innovative solutions."
Convergent's energy storage system will be the third battery storage project for HG&E.
About Convergent Energy + Power
Convergent Energy + Power (Convergent) is a leading provider of energy storage solutions in North America. Convergent has over a decade of experience financing and managing all aspects of the energy storage development cycle to help customers reduce electricity costs and increase reliability. The company's commercial, industrial, and utility-scale assets can yield seven-figure savings while advancing the clean energy transition. Convergent's proprietary asset management platform, PEAK IQ® leverages machine learning and deep market knowledge to optimize asset performance and maximize value. With over $400M invested in projects in operation or allocated to projects under development, Convergent is a leading independent owner and operator of energy storage and solar-plus-storage solutions. For more information, visit convergentep.com or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.
About Holyoke Gas & Electric
For over a century, Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) has supplied innovative utility services to customers. HG&E is a municipally-owned utility company, which puts us in the unique position to make decisions based on the needs of the communities we serve, which include Holyoke and Southampton. Every day, your neighbors at HG&E work to make the quality of life for residents better and more affordable, while assisting in business growth and economic development. We are proud to be your neighbors.
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SOURCE Convergent Energy + Power | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/convergent-energy-power-provide-battery-storage-system-holyoke-gas-amp-electric/ | 2022-04-14T15:33:36 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/convergent-energy-power-provide-battery-storage-system-holyoke-gas-amp-electric/ |
Easter is Sunday and the Friday before (April 15 in 2022) is known as Good Friday. It’s a time when Christian around the world commemorate the crucifixion of Christ.
Easter dates can fluctuate widely each year and 2022′s date is considered late. The earliest day Easter can happen is March 22 but that won’t happen again until 2285. The latest Easter can take place is April 25, something that hasn’t occurred since 1943.
You can see more here on how the date of Easter is determined.
Neither Good Friday nor Easter are federal holidays, though Easter falling on Sunday means many government offices are closed anyway. Good Friday is recognized as a state holiday in 12 states – Connecticut, Texas, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina and North Dakota.
The U.S. Postal Service does not recognize Good Friday as a holiday meaning mail will run Friday. Post offices will be open regular hours.
The next federal holiday – and day where mail won’t be delivered – is Memorial Day on May 30th. The other federal holidays for the year will be:
June 20 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
July 4- Independence Day
Sept. 5 – Labor Day
Oct. 10 – Columbus Day
Nov. 11 – Veterans Day
Nov. 24 – Thanksgiving Day
Dec. 26 – Christmas Day (observed) | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/will-mail-run-on-good-friday-april-15-2022-is-the-post-office-open.html | 2022-04-14T15:33:41 | 0 | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/will-mail-run-on-good-friday-april-15-2022-is-the-post-office-open.html |
Shareholders with $400,000 losses or more are encouraged to contact the firm
LOS ANGELES, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Cerence Inc. ("Cerence" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CRNC).
Class Period: February 8, 2021 – February 4, 2022
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: April 26, 2022
If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.
The complaint filed alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that the global semiconductor shortage had a materially negative impact on demand for Cerence's software licenses; (2) that Defendants masked the impact of the semiconductor shortage on demand for the Company's software licenses by pulling forward sales; and (3) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
Follow us for updates on Twitter: twitter.com/FRC_LAW.
To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Frank R. Cruz, of The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-914-5007, by email to info@frankcruzlaw.com, or visit our website at www.frankcruzlaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
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SOURCE The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, Los Angeles | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/crnc-investors-have-opportunity-lead-cerence-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit/ | 2022-04-14T15:33:43 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/crnc-investors-have-opportunity-lead-cerence-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit/ |
A suspect was taken into custody Thursday morning in connection with the slaying of a Clanton man earlier this week.
Clanton police, Chilton County sheriff’s deputies and the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force made the arrest about 6:15 a.m. in northern Chilton County.
Police said the law enforcement officers surrounded two residences about 6:10 a.m. The suspect surrendered without incident.
Cordarious Genard Glover, 32, is charged in the shooting death of 38-year-old Dante Gervaise Milner, also of Clanton.
Miller was found with a gunshot wound to the face on Sunday in the 1200 block of First Avenue in Clanton. He was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham where he died about 2:20 p.m. on Monday.
Police said the shooting happened during an argument.
According to court records, Glover was arrested in January on a charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance and was out on bond when Sunday’s shooting happened. Prosecutors sought, and were granted, a revocation of that bond following the new charge against him.
Glover was booked into the Chilton County Jail at 6:56 a.m. and remains held. | https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2022/04/suspect-in-fatal-clanton-shooting-captured-in-morning-police-operation.html | 2022-04-14T15:33:47 | 1 | https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2022/04/suspect-in-fatal-clanton-shooting-captured-in-morning-police-operation.html |
User data to generate revenue opportunities for KamPay users and African continent
NEW YORK, April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Data Vault Holdings, Inc., leading the way in tokenomics and metaverse data visualization, valuation, and monetization, today announces a partnership with desktop and mobile app KamPay, which includes a universal currency, wallet, and digital platform to serve the African populace. The collaboration brings opportunities to optimize data sharing across the African continent while safeguarding and securing customers' digital assets.
The 54 countries of Africa, collectively, present a major opportunity to further implement cryptocurrency as an alternative financial solution for the more than 95 million unbanked across the continent. KamPay will help users to overcome challenges such as limited branch coverage, low trust, and lack of accessibility to central banks. In addition to more financial inclusion, KamPay will also help users to monetize personal data.
"The Datavault® platform will build on the complementary capabilities of KamPay in the midst of the mobile platform's rapidly growing digital asset ecosystem. We share with KamPay a vision in providing security and trust through the metaverse and blockchain. We will help the mobile and desktop app users to unlock derivative data within a personal account to transform into data objects for monetization, to be bought, sold, and traded through the Datavault® platform's Information Data Exchange®," says Nathaniel Bradley, co-founder and CEO of Data Vault Holdings.
Datavault® is powered using blockchain technology, meaning the information is protected and ownership is guaranteed. The platform's technology will provide Kampay with the tools to address issues such as digital data security; ownership rights; and data management. Coupled with the KamPay cryptocurrency, data monetization using Datavault's crypto technology will inspire independence, autonomy, and trust through an alternative currency system. The Datavault®-KamPay collaboration will create a foundation for new financial opportunities and growth throughout the African continent.
Additionally, KamPay users can confidently create NFTs using the Datavault® platform to mint unique digital assets from art, GIFs, collectibles, and more. KamPay users can also create income for themselves by donating personal data through surveys.
"KamPay, like Datavault®, has been made possible through blockchain technology, and the immense potential within our partnership sits at the convergence of various highly favorable market trends–increased use of smartphones, growth of African economies, and inadequate banking facilities. KamPay's universal African currency will help to drive the adoption of the Datavault® platform as users recognize the monetary value within data stored within their securitized, private accounts. We are excited at what the future will bring to KamPay's users, the millions of unbanked people throughout African nations, and individual African countries at-large," says Dr. Christopher Cleverly, CEO of KamPay.
Africa is home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies–Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Benin, to name a few. By 2050, the continent's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to grow from $2.6 trillion today to $29 trillion1,2. The collaboration between Datavault® and KamPay will ensure that data and crypto currency play a significant part in helping to revolutionize data acquisition, financial opportunity, and economic growth throughout African countries.
"With our partnership with KamPay, Datavault® sees our mission coming back full circle. We began our company with the goal of allowing individuals to donate their data to worthy causes of their choosing, and our patented platform empowers KamPay users with the ability to make data donations. We are thrilled at the chance to contribute to the burgeoning economic growth of many African countries, and believe that crypto technology and data monetization through the Datavault® platform will serve as key components of this growth," says Alfred Blair Blaikie III, President and co-founder of Data Donate Technologies.
1: "GDP Of Africa", Statistics Times, https://statisticstimes.com/economy/africa-gdp.php.
2: "The High-Growth Promise Of An Integrated Africa," Brookings Institute, August 2, 2019, https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/the-high-growth-promise-of-an-integrated-africa/.
About Data Vault Holdings Inc.
Data Vault Holdings Inc. is a technology holding company that provides a proprietary, cloud-based platform for the delivery of branded data-backed cryptocurrencies. Data Vault Holdings Inc. provides businesses with the tools to monetize data assets securely over its Information Data Exchange® (IDE). The company is in the process of finalizing the consolidation of its affiliates Data Donate Technologies, Inc., ADIO LLC, and Datavault Inc. as wholly owned subsidiaries under one corporate structure. Learn more about Data Vault Holdings Inc. here.
About KamPay
KamPay entered the cryptocurrency market to be part of an economic revolution that triggers positive changes across the African continent. The company is administered by a multifaceted team that combines efforts and knowledge to revolutionize the way users handle cryptocurrencies and mobile money. Additionally, KamPay offers digital solutions that can be groundbreaking for economies for various African countries, and the overall African GDP. As crypto and mobile adoption grows exponentially, KamPay envisions that its products and services can grow side-by-side with the world's largest growing economy and fulfill the particularities of the crypto market. Learn more about KamPay here.
Company Contact:
Data Vault Holdings Inc.
48 Wall Street, Floor 11
New York, NY 10005
1-844-DATA-400
Media Contact:
Angry Apples Marketing
1-844-GO-ANGRY
hello@goangry.com
www.goangry.com
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SOURCE Data Vault Holdings Inc. | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/datavault-monetize-data-kampays-18-million-subscribers-through-international-partnership/ | 2022-04-14T15:33:50 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/datavault-monetize-data-kampays-18-million-subscribers-through-international-partnership/ |
A Madison County jury this morning convicted a man in a 2016 crime spree that resulted in the death of a Huntsville woman.
WAFF is reporting that Warren Hardy was found guilty today of capital murder, two counts of kidnapping, domestic violence and discharging a firearm.
The trial will now move into the penalty phase.
In August 2016, prosecutors said, Hardy shot to death Kathleen Lundy, 72, after he stole her car to pursue his ex-girlfriend. Lundy was a NASA retiree.
The events began on Bailey Cove Road, authorities said, when Hardy kidnapped his ex-girlfriend’s daughter and stepfather from her Bailey Cove Road apartment and forced them to drive to a home on Morland Pointe to find his ex-girlfriend. Once at the home, Hardy forced the ex-girlfriend into the car at gunpoint, but before Hardy could get back in the car, the stepfather was able to drive away.
Hardy began walking down the street and accosted Lundy, who was leaving her residence by the front door.
Hardy demanded her car keys, shot her, then drove away in her car and was able to catch up to the car carrying his ex-girlfriend, her daughter and step-father. He fired multiple shots into the vehicle before they were able to get away without injuries, authorities said.
Hardy was taken into custody later in Tennessee. | https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2022/04/nasa-retiree-convicted-of-capital-murder-kidnapping-in-2016-huntsville-crime-spree.html | 2022-04-14T15:33:53 | 0 | https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2022/04/nasa-retiree-convicted-of-capital-murder-kidnapping-in-2016-huntsville-crime-spree.html |
Databricks users will now be able to get started with dbt Cloud from directly within the Databricks interface.
PHILADELPHIA , April 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- dbt Labs, the pioneer in analytics engineering, today announced the availability of dbt Cloud on Databricks Partner Connect. With this move, Databricks customers now have a risk-free, fast and frictionless way to experience the benefits of dbt Cloud on the lakehouse.
dbt has emerged as the industry standard for data transformation over the past two years, with demand largely driven by the industry-wide shift to cloud-based data platforms like Databricks. It enables data teams to transform data in-warehouse, and deploy analytics code following software engineering best practices.
Through Databricks Partner Connect, all Databricks users will now have the ability to quickly provision a new dbt Cloud trial that is pre-connected to their Databricks account. In just a few clicks, users will be set up with a dbt Cloud account - ideal for those looking to quickly get a feel for what the two can achieve together through a streamlined, pre-configured workflow.
"The dbt Community has long had interest in a joint solution with Databricks, and thanks to this accelerating partnership, we're now able to deliver a turnkey experience to Databricks customers looking to experience dbt Cloud," said Margaret Francis, Chief Product Officer at dbt Labs. "It's a natural fit - with dbt as the transformation framework running on top of a unified lakehouse, data teams have access to an open platform with incredibly deep community support."
"At Databricks, we want data analysts, engineers and scientists to have access to the same data-and-AI driven insights," said Adam Conway, SVP of Products at Databricks. "dbt and Databricks offer our joint customers a powerful set of tools to help eliminate data silos and unlock more value from their data in the lakehouse. Partner Connect makes the joint experience that much more frictionless."
The news comes amid a series of significant joint milestones as the two companies continue to expand and strengthen their partnership:
- Databricks has developed a new, dedicated dbt-Databricks adapter, bringing an easier installation process and a more optimized performance.
- Databricks Ventures participated as a strategic investor in dbt Labs' Series D funding round in February 2022.
- There are more than 1,000 members of the Databricks and Spark channel within the dbt Community Slack
- Databricks and dbt Labs will be hosting a joint hands-on workshop on April 20th, featuring a detailed look at what a workflow using the two solutions together looks like in practice.
- The two companies will be in close collaboration at each of their respective 2022 conferences. dbt Labs will be a Diamond Sponsor at the Databricks Data & AI Summit 2022 where the keynote will include CEO Tristan Handy, and Databricks will be an active participant at dbt Labs' Coalesce 2022 later in the year.
Felippe Felisola Caso, Business Analytics Manager at Loft, a Brazilian prop-tech company, had this to say: "dbt running on Databricks has made modeling accessible directly to business analysts. It all lives in one place and it's all access controlled, so we don't have to worry about writing to a separate data warehouse or a separate cloud... Having everyone in the same environment and accessing the same version of the same data, every time, is huge."
Since 2016, dbt Labs has been on a mission to help analysts create and disseminate organizational knowledge. dbt Labs pioneered the practice of analytics engineering, built the primary tool in the analytics engineering toolbox, and has been fortunate enough to see a fantastic community coalesce to help push the boundaries of the analytics engineering workflow. Today there are 11,000 companies using dbt every week, 27,000 practitioners in the dbt Community Slack, and 2,000 companies paying for dbt Cloud.
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SOURCE dbt Labs | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/dbt-labs-announces-availability-databricks-partner-connect/ | 2022-04-14T15:33:56 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/04/14/dbt-labs-announces-availability-databricks-partner-connect/ |