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FORT PIERCE, Fla. — A presumed front runner in the race to be the next St. Lucie County Sheriff has pulled out of the race.
St. Lucie County Chief Deputy Brian Hester announced his decision to end his campaign Friday morning on Facebook.
He said over the last 18 months so much has happened to test his family, recently losing his father and increasing needs for his daughter with special needs.
"Our deep and prayerful reflection on these events and the impact on our family has led us the decision to withdraw my candidacy for sheriff of St. Lucie County," Hester said. "My family needs me right now and they need all of me."
The election is still years away — not until 2024.
Port St. Lucie police Assistant Chief Richard Del Toro has also officially announced his campaign for sheriff. | https://www.wptv.com/news/treasure-coast/region-st-lucie-county/candidate-for-st-lucie-county-sheriff-drops-out-of-race | 2022-04-15T17:05:40 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/treasure-coast/region-st-lucie-county/candidate-for-st-lucie-county-sheriff-drops-out-of-race |
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — With inflation hitting a 40-year high in March, price hikes in food and gas are impacting Alabamians in need especially hard.
The Montgomery Area Food Bank helps thousands put food on the table, but recently inflation and the pandemic have made that harder, according to Communications Director Al Bloom.
“More people are having less buying power, which means that more people are food insecure because they’re making tradeoffs,” Bloom said.
The food bank serves 35 counties, feeding between 330,000 and 340,000 people every year. Bloom says they rely on retail grocery donations to stock the shelves. But with supply chain problems, they haven’t always been able to get shipments, having to spend money on food that usually goes toward operating costs.
“During the height of the pandemic when we had 300,000 or 400,000 additional unemployment claims, we spent over a million dollars in food,” Bloom said.
With more people in need, fewer volunteers and consumer prices at their highest in decades, Co-founder of Alabama Childhood Food Solutions Jim Jones is asking for help.
“It’s almost humorous, I go around just like this asking all of my friends and neighbors and churches and anyone I see, asking, ‘Can you help us feed those who are food insecure in central Alabama?'” Jones said.
Jones’s nonprofit serves seven counties in central Alabama, primarily focused on children and families. He says he’s seen a 22% increase in overall operating costs.
“We had this supplier from Chicago call us and say we will see a 30% increase before the first of July this year,” Jones said.
It’s not just food costs making a dent. Those with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama say transportation is also expensive.
“We put nine trucks on the road every day delivering food, so that has affected what we have to pay for gas, so it’s kind of hurting all around,” Interim Executive Director Nicole Williams said.
The USDA says to expect more increases coming, especially with poultry and eggs, in part because of a recent outbreak of bird flu. | https://www.cbs42.com/alabama-news/increased-costs-of-food-fuel-impacting-alabama-food-banks/ | 2022-04-15T17:07:02 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/alabama-news/increased-costs-of-food-fuel-impacting-alabama-food-banks/ |
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But are those microplastics inside of us?
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Today, On Point: Microplastics and your health.
Guests
Erica Cirino, communications manager at the Plastic Pollution Coalition. Author of Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis. (@erica_cirino)
Heather Leslie, she established the microplastics lab at the Free University of Amsterdam. Lead author of a new study which found microplastics and nanoplastics in human blood.
Also Featured
Mary Kosuth, researcher at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health.
Book Excerpt
Excerpt from Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis By Erica Cirino. Copyright © 2021, Published by Island Press. All rights reserved.
This program aired on April 15, 2022. | https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2022/04/15/what-microplastics-are-doing-to-human-health | 2022-04-15T17:07:06 | 0 | https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2022/04/15/what-microplastics-are-doing-to-human-health |
(NewsNation) — Some colleagues of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., are reportedly worried about her “rapidly deteriorating” memory and whether she’s fit for the job, according to The San Francisco Chronicle.
Feinstein, 88, is the oldest sitting U.S. senator, and in March 2021, she became the longest-serving U.S. senator from California.
“It’s bad, and it’s getting worse,” one anonymous Democratic senator told The Chronicle, adding that Feinstein has difficulty keeping up with conversations.
The newspaper states that Feinstein doesn’t seem to fully recognize longtime colleagues anymore and that one person had to reintroduce themselves to her multiple times during an interaction that lasted several hours.
Staffers also reportedly told The Chronicle that it appears Feinstein is no longer able to fulfill her job duties without the help of her staff.
NewsNation reached out to Feinstein for a response on the accuracy of the comments made by her colleagues and received the following statement:
“I remain committed to do what I said I would when I was re-elected in 2018: fight for Californians, especially on the economy and the key issues for California of water and fire.
“While I have focused for much of the past year on my husband’s health and ultimate passing, I have remained committed to achieving results and I’d put my record up against anyone’s.
“In the past few months, I successfully led the reauthorization of the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act, secured more direct government funding for my state than any other Democratic senator other than the chairman of the Appropriations Committee and secured additional funding to retain federal firefighters to help California prepare for the upcoming wildfire season.
“The real question is whether I’m still an effective representative for 40 million Californians, and the record shows that I am.”
The Chronicle also cited lawmakers who are defending Feinstein’s capabilities.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said it’s “unconscionable that, just weeks after losing her beloved husband of more than four decades and after decades of outstanding leadership to our city and state, she is being subjected to these ridiculous attacks that are beneath the dignity in which she has led and the esteem in which she is held.”
Journalist Eric Garcia, a senior Washington correspondent for The Independent, says it’s important to recognize that this isn’t about age.
“When she does answer questions, a lot of times it makes news because she’ll say something that is a little jarring,” Garcia said during an appearance Thursday night on NewsNation’s “Banfield.”
“She was sharp for a long time. I would say, even up to 2018 when she was running for reelection. That’s why it is so noticeable. This is a woman who is a pioneer in California politics,” Garcia added.
Conservative strategist Charmaine Yoast and Democratic strategist Bernard Whitman also shared their view on age limits in Congress during an appearance on “Banfield.” (See the video below.)
Feinstein’s term is set to expire in 2024. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/how-old-is-too-old-to-serve-in-congress/ | 2022-04-15T17:07:08 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/how-old-is-too-old-to-serve-in-congress/ |
HOMEWOOD, Ala. (WIAT) — For Homewood resident Adam Thrower, every time it rains, anxiety and worry take over. His home on East Linwood Drive has taken on significant amounts of stormwater during heavy rain events over the past couple years.
“I would estimate over the life of this we’ve spent many tens of thousands of dollars either cleaning up, replacing damage, putting in some improvements,” Thrower said.
Thrower bought his home back in 2015. He said 2020 was when he really started to see how badly his property floods during heavy rain events.
“We have stormwater going in directions it shouldn’t be,” he said.
Thrower’s been documenting the flooding and damages to his home over the past two years, with hopes the city of Homewood can help him resolve the stormwater problem. He believes the way the street has been paved, the city’s stormwater capacity issue and infrastructure problems are to blame for the large amount of stormwater entering his property when it rains.
“All the debris from the street gets washed into our property and clogs our drains and render them ineffective, then we really have some internal damage to the house,” Thrower explained.
Homewood is already dealing with a citywide stormwater problem. According to the city engineer, it’s also getting worse.
“In the past year, we’ve had 20 fewer rain days, but 24 more inches of stormwater compared to a typical year,” city engineer Cale Smith said. “So the result of that is more intense rainfall events and increased flooding.”
Smith explained the city is working on a Stormwater Master Plan, which will identify which areas need improvement. In addition, he said three capital improvement projects will be bid this summer.
Thrower, however, fears it’s not enough to save his property. The city already added a stormwater inlet near his home earlier this year, and he’s spent thousands of dollars in landscaping to protect his home from flood waters. While he said there’s been some improvement, so far nothing has worked.
His landscaper, Daniel McCurry with Father Nature Landscapes, said he’s had to rush over during storm events to help prevent water from damaging Thrower’s home.
“This is the worst storm water drainage problem I’ve seen at a residence,” McCurry said.
Thrower showed CBS 42 several documents he sent to Homewood city officials asking for help. He said he’s even offered to help pay for improvements to his street to mitigate flooding issues, but was denied.
“I’ve talked with numerous people at the city and still there’s no direction on how to solve these issues,” he said.
CBS 42 reached out to Mayor Patrick McClusky and Ward 4 City Councilors, but they did not comment on the issues with Thrower’s property.
If you live in Homewood and are dealing with flooding, you can use this website to tell city officials about your stormwater issues. | https://www.cbs42.com/your-voice-your-station/residents-frustrated-as-stormwater-issues-get-worse-across-homewood/ | 2022-04-15T17:07:14 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/your-voice-your-station/residents-frustrated-as-stormwater-issues-get-worse-across-homewood/ |
Alabama was just a few minutes away from a second straight national championship victory in January, but it just wasn’t meant to be. But the Crimson Tide are hungry to work their way back to the mountaintop behind Nick Saban and Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young, and fans can catch a glimpse at their progress during Saturday’s A-Day game in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Check out the following information to help you plan your day around the Crimson Tide’s annual spring game accordingly. And hey, it’s free again!
Have fun, be safe, and Roll Tide!
RELATED: Our favorite Alabama football fan photos 2021
BRYANT-DENNY STADIUM GATES OPEN: Noon
WALK OF FAME CEREMONY: Noon (at Denny Chimes)
WALK OF CHAMPIONS: 12:50 p.m.
KICKOFF: 2 p.m.
TICKETS: Free!
TV: ESPN+
JOHN MITCHELL & WILBUR JACKSON TRIBUTE
UA scheduled several events for The Integration of Alabama Football: A Celebration of John Mitchell and Wilbur Jackson for A-Day. Jackson became the Tide’s first Black scholarship football player in 1970, and Mitchell, in 1971, became the first Black player to appear in a game for the school.
Mitchell and Jackson will be recognized at Saturday’s Tide Pride luncheon before making their way to Bryant-Denny Stadium for a plaque unveiling ceremony at 12:30 p.m. The duo will also be honored on the field at halftime of the football game.
Commemorative posters featuring Mitchell and Jackson will be available throughout the perimeter of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Learn more about Mitchell and Jackson.
WALK OF FAME CEREMONY
The annual Walk of Fame Ceremony at Denny Chimes will take place at noon on A-Day, with Nick Saban. The 2021 captains include quarterback Bryce Young, outside linebacker Will Anderson, defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis and offensive tackle Evan Neal. The captains will then leave prints of their hands and cleats in the concrete as they join a long list of Crimson Tide greats.
The team will hold its traditional Walk of Champions, scheduled for 12:50 p.m., when it arrives at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Buses pull up at the Walk of Champions plaza where Nick Saban leads the team through the doors of the stadium, as adoring fans flank and cheer them as AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” blasts through the loudspeakers.
STADIUM INFORMATION
UA will have walk-through metal detectors at all gates of Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Alabama will also continue to enforce its clear bag policy in the interest of public safety and to significantly expedite entry into Bryant-Denny Stadium. The only non-clear plastic bag fans can bring into Bryant-Denny is a small clutch purse no larger than 4 1/2 inches-by-6 1/2 inches. If any larger, the bags must be clear and plastic. Fans can also bring in one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, similar to Ziploc bags you buy at the grocery store. Learn more about the clear bag policy.
TICKETS
While Alabama charged $5 for admission for the 2021 A-Day, the annual spring game is once again free for fans. Roll Tide on that.
WEATHER
Friday: Sunny skies with a high near 82, followed by late rain and an overnight low around 63.
Saturday: Showers and a possible thunderstorm and a high near 73, followed by mostly cloudy skies with an overnight low around 57 and a 30 percent chance of rain.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy skies with a high near 73 and a chance of showers after 1 p.m., followed by more rain and a possible thunderstorm with an overnight low around 58.
-- The National Weather Service
PARKING / TRAFFIC
Public parking is available for free on the east side of campus. Parking lots open at 7 a.m. on Saturday.
Disability parking is located at the Campus Drive Disability Deck.
Free shuttle service from public parking is provided to and from the Quad. Shuttle service begins at 7 a.m. on Saturday. Shuttle service is not available from the Capstone Deck.
Pregame traffic: Construction on Interstate 20/59 is complete. There are now three lanes through exit 73, McFarland Blvd. Fans are encouraged to use the McFarland Boulevard route to campus.
Postgame traffic: Fans parked on the east side of campus are encouraged to use the McFarland Boulevard route. Fans parked on the west side of campus should utilize the Downtown/I-359 route.
A-Day RV parking is available in the Northeast RV Lot for $100. Entry time is 6 p.m. on Friday.
TAILGATING
Free tailgating is located on the west side of the Quad. Open tailgate spaces on the Quad may be claimed beginning Friday morning. Quad drop-off times: Saturday from 7-10 a.m.
Quad tailgate supply drop-off is located on Colonial Drive.
BRYANT MUSEUM HOURS
The Paul W. Bryant Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Members and children under age 5 are admitted free. Adults: $5; Children (K-12): $3; Free admission to University of Alabama faculty, staff and students. Learn more.
TUSKA PLAZA
Fans enjoyed their first season with Tuska in 2021, the new addition to the gameday experience that is a selfie-must. The University of Alabama recently relocated of a seven-ton, 19-foot elephant statue named Tuska to the corner of University Boulevard and Wallace Wade Avenue, where the Strip meets campus -- not far from near Bryant-Denny Stadium. The statue depicts the elephant looking skyward with his two front feet slightly off the ground and trunk fully extended.
TIDE SOFTBALL GAMES
The Alabama softball team will host Mississippi State at Rhoads Stadium this weekend. They play Friday at 6 p.m. and then Saturday at 4 p.m. Learn more.
Stay up to date before, during and after the game by following AL.com’s Michael Casagrande, Mike Rodak, aldotcomTide or aldotcomSports on Twitter.
You can also follow UAGameday on Twitter for constant updates about this weekend’s festivities.
LINKS YOU MIGHT LIKE
What to watch in Alabama’s A-Day spring game
Nick Saban previews Alabama’s A-Day game, asks for big crowd to send message
Nick Saban lauds courage of Wilbur Jackson and John Mitchell, to be honored at A-Day
Nick Saban proposes equal pay to Alabama players to avoid ‘caste system’
How Bryce Young views young Alabama WRs, dropped passes
What Nick Saban sees from backup Alabama QBs Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson
A few of the speedy options Alabama has returning kicks
Bryce Young: Transfer addition ‘really big’ for shorthanded Alabama offensive line
BAMMERS PODCAST
“Bammers,” the podcast from AL.com that takes you inside the minds of Alabama football fans, is now available to download on all platforms.
The show focuses on fans’ obsession with the Crimson Tide and the lengths at which they’ll go with their fandom. Guests include like Paul Finebaum, Tim Brando, Laura Rutledge, Marcus Spears, Cecil Hurt, Warren St. John, Conrad Thompson, John Parker Wilson and Alabama football fans across the world.
Episodes cover Sidewalk Alumni, The Shula Years, RV Culture, Women who Love Alabama Football, How Alabama Fans Cope with Losing, Obsessive Alabama Basketball Fans and much more.
Subscribe on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Sticher, or wherever else you get your podcasts. Listen to every episode!
MORE ALABAMA FAN PHOTOS!
Look back at our favorite pregame photos from the 2021 season. | https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2022/04/alabama-football-a-day-2022-fan-guide-how-to-watch-tickets-kickoff-more.html | 2022-04-15T17:11:36 | 0 | https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2022/04/alabama-football-a-day-2022-fan-guide-how-to-watch-tickets-kickoff-more.html |
LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — Viktoria Kovalenko bore witness to the death of her husband and elder daughter when their car was hit by a shell in northern Ukraine.
By the time her loved ones got a proper funeral, she was 500 kilometers away, able to watch the burial only on a cellphone video sent to her by relatives.
Even in the relative peace of Lviv, a city little touched by violence in the war with Russia, it was an ordeal she couldn’t endure.
“Tears do not let me watch until the end,” she said as she played the video in a wooded area where she was pushing her one year-old daughter Varvara in a stroller.
In early March, Kovalenko and her family were in their car, fleeing the area of the city of Chernihiv, one of the war’s most intensely besieged.
At a Russian checkpoint near the village Yahidne, a shell exploded.
The windows of the car shattered, she said, and she and 12-year-old daughter Veronika were injured by the broken glass.
The next thing she remembers is the voice of her husband shouting at them to leave the car.
Then she saw Veronika.
“She already was lying near the car, she was headless. I saw everything clearly, how the blood was coming out of the neck,” she said.
It was in those shocking moments that Viktoria’s husband had also lost his life.
Viktoria and her younger daughter Varvara escaped, only to be caught by the Russian troops and taken to the basement of a school in Yahidne.
Locals said more than 300 villagers were forced into the basement. Then, during weeks of stress and deprivation, some began to die.
Kovalenko and Varvara spent weeks in the basement of the school, doing their best to stay alive.
Residents of Yahidne told The Associated Press they were made to remain in the basement day and night except for the rare times when they were allowed outside to cook on open fires or to use the toilet.
As people died one by one in the basement, neighbors were allowed from time to time to place the bodies in a mass grave in a nearby cemetery.
Kovalenko’s husband Petro and Veronika were at first buried in the woods, but later reinterred in the Yahidne cemetery, carried there in coffins along a rough path as friends and relatives wept and some placed flowers and in the grave and scooped in handfuls of dirt.
The re-burials took place after Russian troops left Yahidne in early April when forces pulled back to concentrate their fight in the eastern part of Ukraine.
Kovalenko’s searing memories are enmeshed in the twisted wreckage of their car.
And on a concrete block at a village checkpoing someone has spray-painted a macabre joke: the words “polite people,” the term that Russian authorities dubbed the forces who annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. | https://www.wmar2news.com/media/v/content/49a9fa921a20f0c063bd69464be61344 | 2022-04-15T17:11:40 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/media/v/content/49a9fa921a20f0c063bd69464be61344 |
Two Alabama lawmakers have issued a bi-partisan statement in favor of Huntsville remaining the headquarters for U.S. Space Command.
On Thursday, U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) and Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham), said Redstone Arsenal should stay the preferred location for the agency’s headquarters.
The statement comes in advance of an expected Government Accountability Office report into the decision-making process that resulted in Huntsville getting the nod.
“There is no better place for our nation’s Space Command headquarters than the Rocket City,” the statement reads.
“Huntsville is the world’s premier hub for space exploration and innovation, and we resoundingly support the 2021 decision to locate it there. We stand by the Air Force’s decision that Huntsville is the best and only home for U.S. Space Command. We look forward to reviewing the Government Accountability Office’s report and remain confident that an objective analysis of the facts will yield the same conclusion.”
Earlier this month, Colorado lawmakers said their advance review of the report points to “major flaws” in moving the headquarters of U.S. Space Command from Colorado Springs to Huntsville. Space Command’s interim home prior to the decision was at Peterson Air Force Base.
The decision to move to Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal triggered criticism and two federal investigations. The Air Force’s official report of its review, issued in 2021, said the review ranked Redstone “the preferred location” of the six finalists for the permanent headquarters.
Former President Donald Trump caused controversy last year when he told a syndicated radio show that he “single-handedly” decided on Huntsville as the command’s future home.
Last month, Sen. Tommy Tuberville gave his own defense of the decision. | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/no-better-place-for-space-command-hq-than-huntsville-alabama-congress-members-say.html | 2022-04-15T17:11:42 | 0 | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/no-better-place-for-space-command-hq-than-huntsville-alabama-congress-members-say.html |
Lifestyle contributor Limor Suss shares some Easter Treats!
PEEPS® creations made in collaboration with Duncan Hines, visit peepsbrand.com or readyseteat.com.
Celebrate spring with the new Santa Margherita Rosé now available nationwide.
Find all of your Easter Essentials at JCPenney stores and save on everything during their birthday sale!
Learn more here. | https://www.wmar2news.com/middaymaryland/limor-suss-easter-treats | 2022-04-15T17:11:46 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/middaymaryland/limor-suss-easter-treats |
WMAR-2 News Meteorologist and super shopper Stevie Daniels joins us each week to highlight her favorite local businesses!
Repeat Performance gives new life to gently used clothing! You can find name brand women's clothing, accessories, jewelry and more!
Ruth Shaw is a multi-brand store that carries high fashion finds from designers in France, Italy, Copenhagen, and Manhattan.
Octavia Boutique offers casual/contemporary-style clothing, jewelry, handbags, scarves, luggage, gifts, and items of special occasions such as bar mitzvahs and weddings.
If you're a small business owner who would like to be featured in an upcoming segment, email Stevie at stevie.daniels@wmar.com or reach out on Facebook and Twitter @StevieDanialsWX and on Instagram at stevie_daniels_ See more featured, LOCAL, businesses in our Shop Small with Stevie photo gallery. | https://www.wmar2news.com/middaymaryland/shop-small-with-stevie-april-15-2022 | 2022-04-15T17:11:52 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/middaymaryland/shop-small-with-stevie-april-15-2022 |
Weis Markets is proud to sponsor WMAR and Level the Playing Field’s Pack the Park initiative.
Leveling the Playing Field collects and distributes gently used sports equipment to underserved communities to make sure everyone gets the chance to play.
Pack the Park gives you an opportunity to clear out some clutter and helps ensure that kids who want to play sports have the equipment they need to participate. If you have gently used gear, gather it together and come donate on April 20, 2022 at Honeygo Run Regional Park in Perry Hall!
Learn more about Pack the Park and find a full list of accepted equipment here.
Learn more about Weis Markets here. | https://www.wmar2news.com/middaymaryland/weis-markets-pack-the-park | 2022-04-15T17:11:58 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/middaymaryland/weis-markets-pack-the-park |
TOWSON, Md. — Police are investigating the death of a woman in Baltimore County Thursday night.
Officers were called around 7:45pm for a wellness check in the unit block of Windjammer Court.
On scene they found 33-year-old Bradyna Henson dead, with apparent trauma to the body.
Police released no details as to what form of trauma the victim suffered. There's also no word on a potential motive or suspect.
Anyone with information can call police at 410-307-2020. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/homicide-detectives-investigating-after-wellness-check-leads-to-discovery-of-dead-woman-in-baltimore-county | 2022-04-15T17:12:04 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/homicide-detectives-investigating-after-wellness-check-leads-to-discovery-of-dead-woman-in-baltimore-county |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Police in Annapolis have charged a 56-year-old man in connection to a shooting Thursday evening.
Around 6:22pm officers were called to the 700 block of Newtowne Drive where they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the lower body.
Investigators gathered information that pointed to Donald Davis as the suspect. He was arrested the same day.
Police did not say what led to the shooting. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/man-charged-following-thursday-evening-shooting-in-annapolis | 2022-04-15T17:12:10 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/man-charged-following-thursday-evening-shooting-in-annapolis |
Humboldt County, Nevada is home to one of the largest sources of lithium in the world.
There is an estimated 9 square miles worth of lithium in Thacker Pass, and there are plans to mine it.
An ancient underground volcano left behind the mineral that is a major piece of renewable energy future.
"One percent of the lithium in the world gets produced by the United States, so this mine right here will produce about 25% of America's use of lithium projected out over the next 30 years," said Dave Mendiola, who is the county manager in Humboldt County.
A little over a year ago, the area was given the federal green light to build the open-pit mine. Currently, there is only one lithium mine in America.
Mendiola said the project will bring hundreds of jobs to the area. The country is already planning development projects to provide new homes to the people coming in.
"There'll be a lot of job opportunities, both at the mine itself and then in a lot of those ancillary businesses," he said.
However, current lawsuits and appeals by a diverse group of people, including Indigenous tribes, ranchers and environmental groups, are holding up progress for the mine’s development. According to John Hader, executive director of Great Basin Resource Watch, that’s a good thing.
"It's a big footprint when you put it in one of these mines, and that needs to be considered, and it's, I feel like it's not being considered enough," he said.
Hader’s group is concerned about many things— potential toxins from waste rock, the impact on Native lands, which it will be built on and the water footprint.
"People in the community are very concerned about the potential for expansion of the mine further down the road and requiring more water, before you know it, they can't grow their crops there, they can't do agriculture, you can’t do ranching anymore. That's what the long-term concern is," he said.
The next decision on the mine is expected this fall.
As the country looks for new ways to power the nation, similar issues will likely keep popping up.
"If you look the other way, then you're going to do environmental damage that also affects our climate and more so than necessary," said Hader.
"There are families who see their kids grow up and their kids go off to school or somewhere else looking for some great opportunity, but this is just another opportunity for our children to stay here in the community," said Mendiola. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national-politics/the-race/a-county-torn-over-lithium-mining-could-set-the-tone-as-america-looks-for-renewable-energy-sources | 2022-04-15T17:12:16 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national-politics/the-race/a-county-torn-over-lithium-mining-could-set-the-tone-as-america-looks-for-renewable-energy-sources |
VALMY, Nev. — Jan Morrison can see a lot of potential in the Valmy Coal Plant in Humboldt County, Nevada.
"It's going to be vibrant and it's going to be a vital part of our energy grid. It'll remain a vital part. So that's a win all the way," she said.
Morrison, the economic development officer at the plant, said it's the last of its kind in Nevada.
However, it won't be burning coal for much longer. The plan is to turn the plant into a solar wind farm.
"It is miles and miles and miles of desert, so it's a perfect opportunity to develop solar fields," said Morrison.
According to Brookings, some existing fossil fuel infrastructure, like the Valmy Plant, happens to be right where the strongest potential for renewable energy generation lies. Another plus of transitioning existing infrastructure to renewables is that the connections are already there.
"What's really unique about the Valmy power plant is that it has the infrastructure on the Western grid. I mean, it is a major, major hub, and so when you look at all the investment into that, why would you let that go," said Morrison.
According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institure, in 2019, the nation saw the second highest number of coal plant closures. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that coal mining employment has dropped by more than half since 2012. Switching existing infrastructure to renewables can help save jobs, but for many communities, the switch is costly.
The billions of dollars in the infrastructure bill should bring about more incentives for these transitions, potentially allowing a majority of the 1.7 million people who work in fossil fuels to keep their jobs.
As for Morrison, she’s excited that her community gets to be on the front lines of the transition to a greener future.
"The concept of renewable energy is very welcome out here," she said. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national-politics/the-race/energy-transitions-can-help-move-america-toward-renewable-energy-goals | 2022-04-15T17:12:23 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national-politics/the-race/energy-transitions-can-help-move-america-toward-renewable-energy-goals |
QUINTANA, Texas — A dolphin that was stranded on a Texas beach is now dead after a wildlife group said people tried to ride it.
Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network posted on Facebook that the dolphin was alive when it became stranded on Quintana Beach south of Houston.
The group said beachgoers pushed the dolphin back to sea and tried to swim with and ride the animal.
The dolphin died before rescuers arrived at the beach.
The rescue group said this type of harassment can stress out wild dolphins. It warns people should not interact with beached dolphins as it could be dangerous.
Instead, people are encouraged to call wildlife authorities immediately.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says it is illegal to feed or harass wild marine animals, including dolphins. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/dolphin-dies-after-beachgoers-in-texas-try-to-ride-it-rescue-group-says | 2022-04-15T17:12:29 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/dolphin-dies-after-beachgoers-in-texas-try-to-ride-it-rescue-group-says |
JERUSALEM (AP) — Palestinians have clashed with Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, a major holy site in Jerusalem.
More than 150 Palestinians were wounded.
Israeli authorities say Palestinians threw rocks at police after dawn prayers on Friday, igniting the clashes.
Palestinians view the deployment of Israeli police at the site as a provocation.
Order was later restored and tens of thousands of worshippers attended Friday prayers at midday.
Tensions have soared in recent weeks amid a series of deadly attacks in Israel and military raids across the occupied West Bank.
According to the New York Times, there had been expectations that tensions would rise surrounding the rare convergence of Ramadan, Passover and Easter.
Last year, protests and clashes in and around Al-Aqsa helped ignite an 11-day Gaza war. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/palestinians-clash-with-israeli-police-at-major-holy-site | 2022-04-15T17:12:35 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/palestinians-clash-with-israeli-police-at-major-holy-site |
Officers with the Greenfield Police Department in Massachusetts rescued an orphaned bear.
The department said the scared cub was spotted in a tree last week. Two officers were able to get the bear down from the tree and place it in the back of their cruiser.
It was taken to the police station until wildlife officials could pick it up.
The next day, the bear was transported to the wildlife clinic at Tufts University.
Veterinarians say the cub is approximately 12-weeks old and is in "good physical condition."
She will be taken to the Kilham Bear Center in New Hampshire for rehabilitation before being re-released into the wild.
Police believe the cub's mother and siblings were hit and killed by a car. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/police-rescue-orphaned-bear | 2022-04-15T17:12:40 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/police-rescue-orphaned-bear |
Nearly 30,000 Ukrainians are returning to Ukraine daily, posing new challenges for relief workers in the region, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said earlier this week.
Since the start of the battle in February, the UN agency said 870,000 Ukrainians have returned to the nation The agency said an increasing number of women and children are returning to Ukraine.
The office said that the return of Ukrainians poses new challenges as people will need support reintegrating into communities. The UN said some communities remain unviable for people to return to.
Since the start of the conflict, the UN estimates 4.7 million have fled the nation. The majority of refugees— some 2.7 million — have fled to Poland. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/nearly-30-000-ukrainians-return-to-ukraine-daily-un-says | 2022-04-15T17:12:46 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/nearly-30-000-ukrainians-return-to-ukraine-daily-un-says |
After nearly two years of addiction, Victoria Thierens said her life changed Nov. 30, 2019. In a cry for help, she called police and was taken to a behavioral unit to have a psych evaluation. There, she found out she was four weeks pregnant with her daughter.
"They let me know that due to that, that they would be calling Child Protective Services and that within a day's time that they would be coming to the house and we would be establishing some sort of plan to make sure that my children were safe," Thierens said.
Thierens has gone from being a victim to being victorious.
"I have been sober for two and a half years, and it's been an incredible journey," Thierens said.
Her story starts in high school. She said she's always been a very ambitious person and she was determined to graduate early so she could become a nurse-midwife. She also became a fitness coach who competed in body-building competitions and she started a business.
"At a certain point, I felt like I was kind of just, missing out on, like, the party scene and just exploring what was, you know, what life had to offer at the time," Thierens said. "What started out as just, you know, partying a little bit here and there, you know, I did a little bit of cocaine and was just like exploring and experimenting. Nothing too serious turned into quite a slippery slope. And I ended up getting addicted to crystal meth."
She said her descent into addiction was very gradual.
"It's kind of challenging in times to decipher when is it that you're no longer in control, you know," Thierens said.
The thought of losing her newborn and her other child wasn't something she could imagine, and it instilled in her the motivation to make a change. From that moment on, she's had the strength to stay away from drugs.
"I knew that it was a pivotal point and that these people were here to help me and that I had to choose to help myself," Thierens said.
According to a study conducted by Harvard Medical School professor of psychiatry Dr. John Kelly, roughly 10% of Americans are in recovery from an alcohol- or drug-use disorder.
"There are about 20 to 30 million people in recovery right now in the United States," Kelly said.
Kelly is also the director of the Recovery Research Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital. He said it may take a few or many years for someone to recover from addiction, but the latest data from the CDC and National Institute on Drug Abuse shows a majority of people who battle addiction eventually recover.
"75% of people who experience at some point in their life an alcohol or other drug use disorder will achieve remission," Kelly said.
Dr. Nora Volkow is the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. She said the more time a person is in remission, the greater their chances are of staying that way. The path to recovery differs from person to person, but she says there's one common denominator.
"A key component, that is extraordinarily important, like our backbone, is those social support systems that can help the person stay in recovery," Volkow said.
Those social support systems are what Thierens said have been very helpful for her.
"Having a group of women and like support teams that are there for you even if they haven't gone through addiction," Thierens said. "Just having a good group of friends who have aligned interests or similar interests as far as like wanting to progress as a human, as a being, as somebody that's dealing with life right now."
She says good sleep, eating habits and self-care have also been important in her journey. Now she's using her experience to help others through a book she recently co-authored, and one-on-one sessions to guide people who are struggling with addiction or depression and anxiety.
"I just love being a mom and I love really helping the world and sharing my story with the hopes of empowering other people and just showing up as my best self and my most authentic self as often as I can," Thierens said. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/support-systems-help-people-with-addiction-recovery-experts-say | 2022-04-15T17:12:53 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/support-systems-help-people-with-addiction-recovery-experts-say |
Two cases of bird flu have been confirmed in U.S. zoos, but officials said they won’t order widespread euthanasia of zoo birds the way they have on farms.
Agriculture Department spokesman Mike Stepien declined to release any details about the zoo cases Thursday.
Many zoos across the country have closed down their aviaries and moved birds inside whenever possible to help protect them from bird flu that officials believe is primarily being spread by the droppings of wild birds.
At many zoos, visitors are only allowed to see penguins because they’re usually the only birds that are kept behind a glass, where they’re shielded from spreading diseases.
That makes it harder for the bird flu to reach them.
Some zoos have taken steps to keep the bird flu from spreading.
They’re requiring zoo employees to change into clean boots and wear protective gear when entering bird areas.
Nearly 27 million chickens and turkeys have been slaughtered in 26 states to limit the spread of bird flu during this year’s outbreak.
Officials order entire flocks to be killed when the disease is found on farms. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/two-bird-flu-cases-confirmed-in-u-s-zoos | 2022-04-15T17:12:59 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/two-bird-flu-cases-confirmed-in-u-s-zoos |
Amid rising inflation, the Biden administration was delivered with good economic news: unemployment reached record lows in 12 states.
According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday, 14 states reported March unemployment rates below 3%. Only one state — New Mexico — and the District of Columbia had unemployment rates above 5%.
The unemployment rate is an indication of the number of people in the workforce actively looking for jobs. The unemployment rate does not include the number of Americans who have left the workforce altogether since the start of the pandemic.
Nebraska and Utah reported the lowest unemployment rate of 2%. Other states reporting below 3% unemployment rates include Indiana, Montana, Kansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Idaho, Oklahoma, Vermont, Wisconsin, Alabama and North Dakota.
Nationally, unemployment is down to 3.6%, which is down from 6% a year ago.
While workforce participation dropped significantly in the first year of the pandemic, it has crept up in the last year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workforce participation was 63.4% in February 2020, dropping to a low of 60.2% in April 2020. Workforce participation was reported at 62.4% in March 2022, up from 61.5% a year ago.
The Biden administration welcomed the positive economic news.
“Over the last year, the unemployment rate dropped in every state and many states have reached historic lows,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “These aren’t just numbers on a page: these are millions of Americans back at work and able to support themselves and their families with good-paying jobs and enjoy the dignity a job provides. “
While most Americans looking for work are employed, the nation’s workforce is encountering a higher cost of living. Earlier this week, federal officials said the cost of food increased 8.8% from a year ago. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/unemployment-rate-hits-record-lows-in-12-states | 2022-04-15T17:13:05 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/unemployment-rate-hits-record-lows-in-12-states |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Jobs in Maryland grew by 3,900 in March, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Leading the way was the Leisure and Hospitality sector with an increase of 2,900 jobs, followed by Mining, Logging, and Construction which grew by 1,800 jobs.
MORE: Jobs in Maryland grew by 16,700 in February rebounding from January's loss
The state's unemployment rate currently sits at 4.6 percent, the lowest rate since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Maryland has now gained 18,300 jobs in 2022. | https://www.wmar2news.com/rebound/hiring-during-coronavirus/jobs-in-maryland-grew-by-3-900-in-march-bringing-unemployment-rate-down-to-pandemic-low | 2022-04-15T17:13:11 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/rebound/hiring-during-coronavirus/jobs-in-maryland-grew-by-3-900-in-march-bringing-unemployment-rate-down-to-pandemic-low |
Frederick Gaudreau scores in OT, Wild beat Stars 3-2
Published 7:04 am Friday, April 15, 2022
DALLAS — Frederick Gaudreau scored at 1:40 into overtime after assisting on Kevin Fiala’s two regulation goals in the Minnesota Wild’s 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.
Gaudreau took a long pass from goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, skated into the Dallas zone around Jason Robertson and sent the puck past goalie Scott Wedgewood.
“I saw him out of the corner of my eye,” Fleury said. “I knew it was my chance. French sense.”
Fleury made 34 saves for Minnesota, allowing only Robertson’s two goals. Wedgewood stopped 24 shots.
Minnesota remained two points behind St. Louis for second place in the Central Division. The Blues won at Buffalo on Thursday night.
Dallas earned a point for the overtime loss, moving the Stars into a tie with Nashville, which lost to Edmonton on Thursday night, for the Western Conference wild-card lead. The Stars and Predators each have eight games remaining.
The Wild have a game in hand going into their game Saturday at St. Louis, where they lost 4-3 in overtime just last Friday night.
“We played a real good game in there,” Wild coach Dean Evason said. “Our confidence is good. Just the score didn’t go our way. It was real good game, and we had a real good game tonight.”
Gaudreau said: “They’re big games, like playoff games. Everybody’s going for the two points. To get two points on the road is great.”
“(Fleury) was looking like he was coming to me. If we had kept possession after that, I would have gone off the ice for a line change.”
Fiala scored his 27th and 28th goals, including his first short-handed goal. Robertson increased his team-leading total to 36.
Fiala received an assist on Gaudreau’s goal for redirecting the puck after Fleury came out of the net.
“I had my foot out and kicked it,” Fiala said. “It was lucky.
“It was a great play by Fleury. He sees the ice so well.”
Evason said, “He’s like a third defenseman. He can still make passes and his puck handling is elite.”
Minnesota is 4-1-1 in the last six games, and 5-1 with Fleury in goal since being acquired in a trade March 21 from Chicago.
“He made some great saves,” Dallas coach Rick Bowness said. “He’s a Stanley Cup champion, a Vezina Trophy winner, a Hall of Famer. Their defense helped him. They stopped two shots when they dove into shots that were going into a wide-open net.”
Fiala ended Wedgewood’s hope of his second shutout in three nights by putting in a backhand from in front of the net just 2:14 into the game. Gaudreau set up Fiala with a pass from the right corner.
Dallas tied it at 6:02 of the second on the first power play of the game. Robertson took a pass from Roope Hintz in front off the net and shot into Fleury’s pads. Robertson gathered the rebound, put the puck on his backhand and slid it into the mostly empty net.
On the Stars’ second power play midway through the second, Gaudreau knocked down a loose puck that went to Fiala ahead of Dallas’ Alexander Radiulov and John Klingberg. Fiala beat Wedgewood with a wrist shot under the crossbar from short range for his first career short-handed goal.
Robertson tied it 55 seconds into the third period, when his shot from the top of the slot went in off Fleury’s stick.
WORTH NOTING: Fiala has been on the ice as a penalty killer longer this season than in his first seven years combined (56 1/2 minutes to 43 1/2). He is having his best overall season, with career highs of 28 goals, 39 assists and 67 points. … Dallas C Joe Pavelski assisted on Robertson’s first goal. It was Pavelski’s 47th, breaking a tie for the most in his 16-year career. … Minnesota had no power plays for the first time since Jan. 14. The Stars’ last game without a penalty was Jan. 24.
UP NEXT
Wild: At St. Louis on Saturday.
Stars: Host San Jose on Saturday night. | https://www.austindailyherald.com/2022/04/frederick-gaudreau-scores-in-ot-wild-beat-stars-3-2/ | 2022-04-15T17:13:23 | 0 | https://www.austindailyherald.com/2022/04/frederick-gaudreau-scores-in-ot-wild-beat-stars-3-2/ |
Funeral notice: Marian Benson, 105
Published 10:15 am Friday, April 15, 2022
Jan. 17, 1917 – March 24, 2022
AUSTIN, Minn. – Marian Benson, 105, Austin, Minn., died Thursday, March 24, in her home.
Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m., Friday, April 22, at South Grove Lodge Senior Living in Austin. Masks are required. Private burial will be at a later date.
Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary.
www.clasenjordan.com | https://www.austindailyherald.com/2022/04/funeral-notice-marian-benson-105/ | 2022-04-15T17:13:29 | 1 | https://www.austindailyherald.com/2022/04/funeral-notice-marian-benson-105/ |
Florida is scrambling to prepare for the flood of calls expected when the country rolls out a three-digit suicide hotline this summer.
Starting in July, callers will just dial 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, making it much easier than dialing the current 10-digit number. With mental health now a crisis, some states have created dedicated ways to pay for more staff and upgrade technology to support their 988 call systems. Florida is relying on a patchwork of funding, with some counties more ready than others for the surge in volume projected.
Although the 911 system took decades to build, mental health experts say the country will need to move fast to add staff to man the call lines and update technology for 988 because in the first year alone, call volume is expected to increase by 300%. Florida’s increase could be even greater with suicide the third most frequent cause of death in the state.
“We are a large state, and we got a lot of people who need help,” said Gayle Giese, president of the Florida Mental Health Advocacy Coalition. “We are in a critical window. As national advertising rolls out, it would be horrible if people couldn’t get through.”
In South Florida, the need is great: Figures released by the Medical Examiner’s Office in Palm Beach County show a more than 31% increase in suicides in 2021 from the prior year. In Broward County, about 230 people a year have taken their lives on average over the past few years, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Broward County.
In many counties, including Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, people who call 988 most likely will end up talking to someone at an existing 211 call center, which already answers calls for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. There are 12 Lifeline centers in Florida.
Not all have been operating 24/7, but that would have to change when 988 launches.
“The question is will we all have enough staff to answer the increased volume and that is a big worry and that is a big unknown,” said Sharon L’Herrou. President/ CEO at 211 Palm Beach/ Treasure Coast. “So that’s why we’ve been pounding the pavement for additional dollars. We still need to build out our infrastructure.”
Martino, of NAMI Palm Beach County, said some Florida counties have a mental health crisis response system or a part of a system to build on, while others have none. “In Palm Beach we have something. Not particularly adequate but more than some counties. It is a shame that every county has to figure this out for themselves.”
When 988 goes live, someone having a mental health crisis can call or text the three digits and be diverted to a local crisis center, much like 911.
Trained professionals will answer and link the caller to follow-up care with a local resource or set up an in-person visit from a mobile response team that knows how to de-escalate a crisis. The goal is to steer people with mental-health emergencies away from 911 and avoid getting law enforcement involved unless necessary.
[ RELATED: Anxiety, depression? It’s easier than ever to tap mental health help from home ]
“This would keep a number of people out of the emergency room and out of jail,” said Marsha Martino, executive director of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Palm Beach County.
Congress approved 988 as the national suicide hotline in 2020 but did not provide full federal funding.
States such as Virginia, Colorado, Nevada and Washington put a tax on cellphones to cover the costs. Florida mostly has left it up to the counties to come up with funding sources. Vibrant Emotional Health, the administrator for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, projects it will cost $28 million in Florida in its first year.
The Florida Department of Children and Families, which oversees youth mental health programs has been criticized by mental health advocates for not doing enough to leverage federal dollars for 988. The agency did not respond to requests about progress on funding and whether Florida will be ready in July.
The 988 number will work in July regardless of which states are ready. Callers will have longer wait times in areas that lack enough trained call-takers or mobile responders.
“People are going to call for all kinds of reasons,” says Giese, of the Florida Mental Health Advocacy Coalition. “People with autism, and elderly people who are lonely, and people who are depressed, and people whose friends are contemplating suicide. It’s another number for them to call and it’s the right number because it’s specifically for behavioral health.”
“This could transform our system in a positive way,” she said. “I’m shocked we are not jumping on the bandwagon and making sure it gets funded.”
[ RELATED: Pandemic weight gain: South Florida doctors offer ways to make changes ]
The Health Report
Attorney Robby Holroyd, who represents the Florida Mental Heath Advocacy Coalition, says during the recent legislative session, some federal funds provided to the state were directed to local call centers and to mobile response teams. But he says the money from the state budget won’t be available until July 1, so Florida likely won’t be fully ready for the initial rollout.
The challenge, he says no one knows exactly what the call volume will be and how quickly Florida needs to ramp up.
Mental health advocates say they are concerned about Floridians losing trust in the system before the system is off the ground.
“It’s going to take some time and it’s going to require some local investment as well,” Holroyd said. “The ultimate goal is to make sure folks in crisis can get the best care possible.”
“When that hotline is activated, I think there’s going to be a giant thud” in Florida,” Marni Stahlman, president and CEO of the Mental Health Association of Central Florida recently told the Orlando Sentinel. “There just isn’t the infrastructure to provide the help people need. We’re really up against it here to get something in place.”
The current hotline number — 1-800-273-8255 — will remain in operation for people facing a mental-health crisis, still available after 988 begins nationally.
Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/health/fl-ne-florida-unprepared-for-988-20220415-xcqltb7hubf3hb654sosmh7wkq-story.html | 2022-04-15T17:16:48 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/health/fl-ne-florida-unprepared-for-988-20220415-xcqltb7hubf3hb654sosmh7wkq-story.html |
Black people are twice as likely as white people to develop Alzheimer’s disease — Latinx people, 1.5 times as likely. But barriers including access to health care, timely diagnoses and transportation often keep clinical trials — designed to test new treatments and diagnostic techniques — out of reach.
Clinical trials are also sometimes the only way for people to access diagnostic tools such as PET scans, which determine if amyloid plaques — a hallmark of Alzheimer’s — are present in the brain. These scans are generally free to patients in a clinical trial but can otherwise cost several thousand dollars and are not typically covered by health insurance or Medicare.
A clinical trial called Bio-Hermes is testing cheaper alternatives to PET scans with an emphasis on increasing minorities’ access to early diagnoses.
In partnership with the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation, research centers including K2 Medical Research in Maitland are comparing blood and digital biological marker diagnostic tests, including digital cognitive and voice assessments, to PET scans and traditional cognitive tests. The goal is to one day make these cheaper, easier tests commonplace in places like clinics or primary care doctor’s offices.
“If these biomarkers, these blood plasma tests, can be used instead of going to an imaging center [for a PET scan], they’ll spend less money and they’ll take less time to find out whether they can benefit from the drugs that are coming on the market, which is really important,” said John Dwyer, president of the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation.
The trial, still seeking participants, will not stop enrollment until at least 20% of its volunteers are Black or Latinx, Dwyer said. Only 1% of all clinical trial participants are Latinx and 5% are Black, according to the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, an advocacy affiliate of the Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit that supports Alzheimer’s care and research.
“We’re not excluding folks that are Caucasian. We’re just making sure that the Orlando Latino and African American communities know they are welcomed with open arms,” Dwyer said.
Black and Latinx people have higher rates of hypertension and diabetes, which both increase risk factors for Alzheimer’s by impacting brain function over time. Life stressors such as low socioeconomic status also increase Alzheimer’s risk, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Dwyer noted it’s important to include diverse samples in biomarker studies because evidence suggests racial differences in biological markers of Alzheimer’s, with one 2017 study from Emory University School of Medicine finding these differences could even contribute to an underdiagnosis of Black patients.
Keith Gibson, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Alzheimer’s Association Florida chapter, said diverse samples in Alzheimer’s clinical trials are crucial to ensure that diagnosis and treatment techniques work on everyone, not just white people.
Research needs to evolve from a “one size fits all” perspective, he added.
“We need to understand that the biology of a Black person is different from the biology of a Hispanic person and the biology of a white person,” Gibson said. “If we don’t look at infusing diversity in our research and our clinical trials, we’re going to see this disparity continue to grow.”
Along with increasing the understanding of the biological basis of Alzheimer’s in Black and Latinx communities, access to diagnostic services and health care needs to be improved, as does education about the signs and risk factors of Alzheimer’s, Gibson added. Even though Black and Latinx people are more likely to get Alzheimer’s than white people, they are less likely to be diagnosed, according to a March 2020 fact sheet from the Alzheimer’s Association.
“In these cultures, it’s not a matter of changing. We have to pretty much deconstruct and reconstruct a system that’s going to be inclusive,” Gibson said.
The Health Report
The Institutional Review Board-approved study is supported by partners such as the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, Lilly, and Merck. Lilly will provide full genomic sequencing of each Bio-Hermes Study volunteer, which will be used to research connections between genetics and the biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease.
“We are excited to partner with the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation and other leaders in the field on this landmark study as the utilization of biomarkers is critical to the advancement of Alzheimer’s research and clinical practice,” said Mark Mintun, senior vice president of pain and neurodegeneration research and development at Eli Lilly and Company. “We are hopeful that this partnership will result in diverse representation so that future treatments have broad relevance for all families battling this disease and improve health equity.”
The study will administer PET scans, cognitive tests, and blood and digital biological marker diagnostic tests to 1,000 people, ranging from healthy people to people with mild cognitive impairment — often the first stage of Alzheimer’s — or mild Alzheimer’s disease, Dwyer said.
Participation requires two visits with the research study staff and one visit to a local imaging site over approximately three months, with the potential for a follow-up phone call.
The study is still looking for as many as 100 volunteers aged 60 to 85 with significant memory concerns or an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in the Orlando area, Dwyer said. K2 Medical Research, the main site looking for participants, can be reached at 407-500-5252.
Dwyer expects the study to wrap up by the end of June.
ccatherman@orlandosentinel.com; Twitter: @CECatherman | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/health/os-ne-health-diversity-alzheimers-clinical-trial-orlando-florida-20220415-2yglf7kb5za7hc3zu2mswyujjm-story.html | 2022-04-15T17:16:55 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/health/os-ne-health-diversity-alzheimers-clinical-trial-orlando-florida-20220415-2yglf7kb5za7hc3zu2mswyujjm-story.html |
Gov. Ron DeSantis continued this week to sign into law some of the measures Florida’s Republican-led Legislature passed this session, but thousands of bills died in Tallahassee and never made it to the governor, including some on notable issues.
In the House and Senate, lawmakers proposed 3,685 pieces of legislation, but only about 285 passed in both chambers, slightly higher than the number since at least 2016, according to legislative records.
Lawmakers passed a $112 billion state budget, as the session ended after votes on controversial legislation aimed at cultural issues unsettled between conservatives and progressives.
DeSantis signed a bill Thursday banning most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Other new Florida laws ban instruction or conversations about sexual orientation or gender identity in some elementary grades, and allow parents to sue public schools if students were made to feel uncomfortable over lessons about historical events because of their sex or race.
Here’s a partial list of what lawmakers didn’t do during their 60 days of work.
Property insurance
Lawmakers didn’t tackle reforms over property insurance for homeowners, who have seen premiums surge ahead of hurricane season. Some insurance companies have pulled out of Florida, putting upward pressure on prices. Some policies have doubled in cost.
Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, and other lawmakers have formally asked that the Legislature consider the subject when it reconvenes next week for a special session to consider new congressional maps for Florida. Nothing has been set to happen yet.
Building safety
Months after the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium building in June killed 98 people in South Florida, lawmakers couldn’t agree on any new laws requiring mandatory inspections of such buildings — or how homeowners could be compelled to pay for necessary repairs — to prevent another disaster.
One bill died when the sponsors of the respective Senate and House bills, Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Orange Park, and Rep. Daniel Perez, R-Miami-Dade, could not agree on terms.
That bill would have established mandatory building inspections for all multi-family residential buildings three or more stories in height. The inspections would be performed once the building reaches 30 years old and then every 10 years. For buildings within three miles of the coast, the milestone inspection would be performed once the building reaches 20 years and then every seven years.
The bill also tried to compel building associations to establish reserves to fund critical maintenance. Negotiations between the bill sponsors broke down when they couldn’t come to agreement over when reserves needed to be established for critical structural repairs.
DeSantis said this week that if lawmakers were able to reach agreement, he would include the bill in the upcoming special legislative session.
“If they can do it, they can do it absolutely, but they have to agree on something,” DeSantis said. “The minute they tell me that that is something they can get across, we can add it absolutely.”
[ RELATED: Democrats demand DeSantis tell Legislature to take up post-Surfside condo reform ]
Also this week, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., urged DeSantis to get involved to help get the bill passed.
“I ask the governor and state lawmakers to find common ground to stop the next Surfside tragedy from ever happening,” Wasserman Schultz said. “We owe that much to the victims.”
Marijuana
Bills aimed at fast-tracking the legalization of recreational marijuana died. Democrats withdrew a doomed bill that would have laid the groundwork for how legal recreational marijuana could work in Florida. It would have mimicked tobacco usage legislation already in place.
“Just a really constant pattern of demonizing cannabis usage when a majority of Floridians don’t share that sentiment,” said Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando. She said she intended to file the bill again next year, if she wins re-election in November.
Eskamani said she hopes the next wave of House leadership is more open to legalized marijuana in Florida.
Kratom
A bill by Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, who is also chairman of the Florida Republican Party, would have regulated a different drug, kratom, a medicinal plant with opioid properties.
Gruters withdrew the bill after it passed two committees unanimously but then stalled. The Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act was intended to protect people’s rights to consume the drug safely in Florida, Gruters said.
Sarasota County has banned possession of kratom, citing the decision by the U.S. Army and Navy to ban the drug. Their findings said the drug has addictive properties and causes symptoms like dry mouth, insomnia, anorexia, hallucinations and confusion.
Gruters said the drug is good overall and wants to prevent manufacturers from mixing the drug with harmful substances. The drug can be found in many smoke shops around the U.S. and is typically consumed in tea.
Research on the drug is limited, but researchers are looking into its potential to help relieve chronic pain and withdrawal effects from other substances, mainly opioids. Recent studies showed that almost 95% of people who took kratom while on another drug stopped using the other drug, said Oliver Grundmann, a clinical professor at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy studying the drug.
One area of concern for researchers is the drug’s post-harvest process, said Christopher McCurdy, a UF medicinal chemistry professor and director of the UF Translational Drug Development Core.
A compound that appears to be generated after leaves are harvested needs to be eliminated from the market for safe use, and the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act would have helped do that, he said.
Impaired driving
A bill by Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach, would have expanded the types of drugs covered under Florida’s laws against driving under the influence. She withdrew the bill after failing to receive support from some lawmakers and criminal defense legal experts.
It would have closed what Berman called a gap in Florida’s impaired driving laws by expanding the definition of “controlled substances.” The new definition would include prescription, over-the-counter and psychoactive or designer drugs that could affect drivers behind the wheel. Currently, drivers who are pulled over under the influence of such drugs can be charged with reckless driving, not driving under the influence, which carries tougher penalties.
“We want people who are actually under the influence and who shouldn’t be driving to be actually charged with driving under the influence,” Berman said.
Critics feared the bill could cause unwarranted DUI arrests. Aaron Wayt, a DUI lawyer in Tallahassee and legislative chairman for the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said drinking an excessive amount of alcohol is not the same as taking a prescription medicine with a drowsiness side effect, and the two shouldn’t be punished the same way. One suggested change to the bill would have exempted people with a doctor’s prescription, Wayt said.
Digital license plates
A digital driver’s license pilot program is already underway in Florida, but the Legislature decided not to go ahead with a similar program for modernizing license plates.
A bill by Rep. Nicholas X. Duran, D-Miami, would have directed the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to conduct a pilot program testing out digital plates to replace metal ones. It passed two committees unanimously then was withdrawn when it appeared headed nowhere.
During legislative debate over the bill, Durant said it was important that the digital plates — which could be used to track a driver’s movements — keep such information private. The plates could also be used to pay tolls, display emergency alerts, such as those for missing people, or warn police that the car had been stolen.
Durant’s bill would have given Florida six months to plan and carry out the test program. Another option would have limited testing to government-owned vehicles. The cost of the plates could vary, depending on whether drivers were charged for their wireless connectivity. In other states, they cost several hundred dollars.
‘Free kill’ law
For a second consecutive year, lawmakers did not change a controversial Florida statute derided by critics as its “free kill” law, which prevents families from filing medical malpractice lawsuits against doctors or hospitals when victims are adults.
To keep malpractice costs low, lawmakers in 1990 prevented anyone over 25 from suing doctors for pain and loss judgments in malpractice lawsuits over the death of a parent if the parent were divorced or unmarried. The law permitted claims by surviving spouses or minor children. Critics said it eliminated a major consequence — big cash payouts to surviving family members — after botched surgeries or medical treatments.
The law also similarly prevented parents of unmarried or childless adult children from suing for those judgments. Lawmakers said they were trying to hold down medical malpractice insurance rates and discourage doctors from moving their practices to other states with friendlier business climates.
A bill by Sen. Ana Maria Rodgriguez, R-Doral, would have allowed parents of their adult children to win pain and suffering damages in medical malpractice lawsuits. It was postponed during the last few judiciary committee meetings, effectively killing its chances.
A House version of the bill, by Rep. Spencer Roach, R-North Fort Myers, cleared the House committees but died waiting for the Senate to take action. Advocates for changing the law said they planned to try again next year.
Plane tax exemption
An effort to repeal the sales tax on sales and leases of private planes — including expensive jets popular among CEOs, celebrities and athletes — failed. Lawmakers said the tax break would have encouraged plane manufacturers to come to or stay in Florida and created more jobs.
Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast, who filed one of the bills, said the measure would have cost local governments $6.9 million to $7.5 million in lost taxes. He said some other states were offering similar tax cuts. New York, Delaware, North Carolina and South Carolina are among states that have little or no sales tax on aircraft sales.
“We’re at fear of losing some of the manufacturers that we currently have here,” Hutson said.
Planes sold, delivered, used or stored in Florida are subject to a 6% sale and use tax.
Previous efforts to repeal the sales tax on aircraft sales had failed because the state couldn’t afford to lose those tax revenues, said Rep Toby Overdorf, R-Stuart, who filed the House version of the bill.
Free menstrual products in schools
Democrats withdrew a bill that would have required school districts to offer free menstrual products to students in school nurses’ offices or other school facilities, after it wasn’t making headway.
Rep. Kelly Skidmore, D-Boca Raton, and Rep. Michael Grieco, D-North Bay Village, sponsored the Learning with Dignity Act. Skidmore said these products are a necessity and should be viewed as equivalent to toilet paper or paper towels.
Skidmore said she was concerned about girls who have to leave class because they don’t have access to these products, or girls who can’t afford them.
About 62% of the 2.8 million public school students qualified financially for free and reduced lunch, according to figures from the Florida Department of Education.
“How do we keep our high expectations of students when we, as the adults in the room, don’t make sure they have what they need to be there and just show up?” Skidmore asked.
There isn’t a uniform agreement across Florida school districts how menstrual products should be distributed. Rep. Stan McClain, R-Ocala, chairman of the secondary education subcommittee where the bill died, told Skidmore he wanted more details about how each county deals with such distributions, she said.
In Tallahassee, the Leon County School District has installed 30 dispensers for menstrual products in eight middle schools and six high school girls’ bathrooms at a cost of $14,000, said spokeswoman Heather Thomas. The products are funded by a partnership with the Foundation for Leon County Schools and donations from the community.
California, New York, Illinois, New Hampshire, Virginia and other states have either agreed to offer free menstrual products in schools or are considering similar measures.
Children’s autopsies
Breaking News
Lawmakers considered keeping details secret about the deaths of children who die in domestic violence cases, in deference to the mother of two young boys murdered last summer by their father. Bills to block release of autopsy reports in such cases were making progress in the House and Senate, until the Senate version stalled and was withdrawn.
The effort was one of 36 bills to limit government records or information that must be disclosed under Florida’s public records law. In the end, lawmakers passed six of them, including a law protecting the identities of victims of sexual harrassment.
Under Florida law, autopsies are considered public records, which can be released to anyone who requests a copy. These new autopsy measures would have blocked public access to autopsies of anyone under the age of 18 who were killed in domestic violence.
Rex Reinhart, 14, and his brother, Brody, 11, were fatally shot by their father, Paul Reinhart, at the family’s vacation home in Dixie County before Paul set the home on fire and killed himself. His estranged wife, Minde Reinhart, told lawmakers she opposed public release of her sons’ autopsy reports, which showed they had been shot. During a frantic search while the boys were missing, deputies were operating under information that Reinhart did not own any guns.
Rep. Charles “Chuck” Clemons, R-Jonesville, said he will submit the bill again next year.
“I don’t think any friends of young students should have to be able to read stuff like that off of the internet, and have lasting memories or repercussions of the things they have read in the autopsy reports,” Clemons said. “I don’t think it’s reasonable.”
This story was produced by Fresh Take Florida, a news service of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. Steven Walker, Alex Lugo, Julia Cooper, Daniella Sevares, Abigail Hasebroock and Jack Prator contributed to this reporting. Wilder and Hernandez De La Cruz can be reached at annawilder@freshtakeflorida.com and mhernandezdlc@freshtakeflorida.com. You can donate to support the students at uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/025511-fresh-take-florida-support-fund | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/florida/fl-ne-florida-legislature-failed-bills-20220415-7qpxlrrhhrblrbmf6j7kpleywu-story.html | 2022-04-15T17:17:01 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/florida/fl-ne-florida-legislature-failed-bills-20220415-7qpxlrrhhrblrbmf6j7kpleywu-story.html |
MIAMI (AP) — A jury took just over an hour to convict a Miami-Dade officer of felony battery and official misconduct in the rough arrest of a Black woman who had called police for help.
Alejandro Giraldo was suspended after cellphone video circulated on social media in March 2019 showing him tackling Dyma Loving, who had called police to report that a neighbor had pointed a shotgun at her. Police body cameras also recorded the encounter.
“Police officers can put their hands on people to effectuate a lawful arrest. If the arrest is unlawful, they have no more rights than the rest of us. And he sure as heck can’t tackle her to the ground,” said prosecutor Tim VanderGiesen.
Giraldo insisted he acted lawfully in subduing an unruly woman who was interfering with an investigation.
“What you see there isn’t a crime. What you see there is a police officer working the streets, dealing with a situation and maybe his bedside manner was off,” his attorney, Andre Rouviere, told jurors. “When he arrested Dyma Loving, it was after warning after warning that she was being disruptive.”
Breaking News
Giraldo, who is Hispanic, faces up to five years in prison at sentencing. The jury consisted of two Black women, one Hispanic woman and three Hispanic men.
The video sparked outrage in a county where at least nine police officers from four different police agencies are awaiting trial on allegations they battered suspects while on duty, the Miami Herald reported. Three other officers have been acquitted since 2019 in excessive force cases.
The conviction of North Miami police Officer Jonathon Aledda was overturned by an appeals court in February. He had fired fired his weapon at an autistic man holding a silver toy truck, and hit the man’s caregiver. Prosecutors declined to try the case again.
In Giraldo’s case, video showed him pushing Loving into a fence and then taking her to the ground, where she was handcuffed. Loving was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence. Those charges were later dropped.
The arrest report inaccurately said that Loving was “causing a scene” and was being “uncooperative,” prosecutors said.
Giraldo’s defense attorney countered that it was Loving and another woman at the scene who were out of control.
“We thought that we had established that they couldn’t prove beyond a reasonable doubt the charges, but I guess the jury saw it a different way, and we have to accept the jury’s verdict,” Rouviere said after Giraldo was convicted on Thursday. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/florida/os-ne-miami-police-officer-convicted-assault-20220415-ewlkyeurfnaoleqoqzbfe4fosm-story.html | 2022-04-15T17:17:07 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/florida/os-ne-miami-police-officer-convicted-assault-20220415-ewlkyeurfnaoleqoqzbfe4fosm-story.html |
LINCOLN, Neb. — A top Republican candidate for Nebraska governor faced an onslaught of criticism Thursday after several women, including a GOP state lawmaker, alleged that he groped them at public events and forcibly kissed one woman.
The accusations drew widespread condemnation from Charles W. Herbster’s primary opponents, Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, and the 13 women from both parties who serve in the Legislature.
“This is beyond horrible,” said Ricketts, who has clashed publicly with Herbster. “Charles W. Herbster should beg forgiveness of the women he has preyed upon and seek treatment. Sexual assault is criminal behavior and should disqualify anyone from elected leadership.”
The allegations were first reported by the Nebraska Examiner. The online news outlet interviewed six women who claimed that the 67-year-old Herbster groped their buttocks, outside of their clothes, during political events or beauty pageants. A seventh woman said Herbster once cornered her privately and kissed her forcibly.
The Nebraska Examiner did not identify any of the women except for state Sen. Julie Slama. It reported that it corroborated six of the women’s accounts with at least one witness to each incident. And it said all of the incidents happened between 2017 and this year, and each woman was in her late teens or early 20s.
Herbster fervently denied the allegations, calling them a “dirty political trick” orchestrated by Ricketts and his preferred GOP candidate, University of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen. Ricketts cannot run for reelection because of term limits and has backed Pillen as his replacement while painting Herbster as unqualified for the job.
“It’s only after I’ve threatened the stranglehold the establishment has on this state (that) they stoop to lies this large,” Herbster said in a statement. “This story is a ridiculous, unfounded dirty political trick being carried out by Pete Ricketts and Jim Pillen.”
John Gage, a spokesman for Pillen, called Herbster’s statement “unhinged.” And a spokeswoman for Ricketts referred back to his original statement, saying the women should be commended for coming forward. In a statement, Pillen said: “Sexually assaulting women should be disqualifying for anyone seeking to serve as a leader. Suzanne and I are praying for the women targeted by Charles W. Herbster.”
Herbster is widely viewed as a top contender for governor and has won the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, a close ally who remains popular in Republican-dominated Nebraska. He has cast himself as a political outsider with experience as the owner of major farming and agribusiness operations.
Breaking News
Slama, a conservative Republican, said Herbster sexually assaulted her in 2019, when she was 22 years old. Slama said Herbster reached up her skirt and touched her inappropriately as she walked past him at the Douglas County Republican Party’s annual Elephant Remembers dinner.
Slama briefly recounted the experience in a February floor speech after another Republican senator was accused of inappropriate behavior, but she didn’t mention Herbster by name. She said at the time that she didn’t want to relive the trauma or have the incident define her career.
“I am not seeking media attention or any other gain, I simply was not going to lie and say it did not occur,” Slama said in a statement Thursday, asking for privacy.
Jane Kleeb, the chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, said the allegations show there’s a need to change who gets elected.
“Reprehensible behavior seems to have become commonplace in the Republican Party,” said Kleeb, urging voters to support Democratic state Sen. Carol Blood in the governor’s race.
Slama’s female counterparts in the Legislature also issued a joint statement condemning Herbster.
“Sexual assault is despicable and damaging,” said the statement, signed by all 13 senators. “This is not a question of politics — it is an issue of character and basic human decency.” | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-aud-nw-charles-herbster-nebraska-20220415-jkwyzpj2sngknpr5b7h6r2ltky-story.html | 2022-04-15T17:17:13 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-aud-nw-charles-herbster-nebraska-20220415-jkwyzpj2sngknpr5b7h6r2ltky-story.html |
DES MOINES, Iowa — Month by month, more of the roughly 40 million Americans who get help buying groceries through the federal food stamp program are seeing their benefits plunge even as the nation struggles with the biggest increase in food costs in decades.
The payments to low-income individuals and families are dropping as governors end COVID-19 disaster declarations and opt out of an ongoing federal program that made their states eligible for dramatic increases in SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps. The U.S. Department of Agriculture began offering the increased benefit in April 2020 in response to surging unemployment after the COVID-19 pandemic swept over the country.
The result is that depending on the politics of a state, individuals and families in need find themselves eligible for significantly different levels of help buying food.
Nebraska took the most aggressive action anywhere in the country, ending the emergency benefits four months into the pandemic in July 2020 in a move Republican Gov. Pete Rickett said was necessary to “show the rest of the country how to get back to normal.”
Since then, nearly a dozen states with Republican leadership have taken similar action, with Iowa this month being the most recent place to slash the benefits. Benefits also will be cut in Wyoming and Kentucky in the next month. Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Tennessee have also scaled back the benefits.
Republican leaders argue that the extra benefits were intended to only temporarily help people forced out of work by the pandemic. Now that the virus has eased, they maintain, there is no longer a need to offer the higher payments at a time when businesses in most states are struggling to find enough workers.
But the extra benefits also help out families in need at a time of skyrocketing prices for food. Recipients receive at least $95 per month under the program, but some individuals and families typically eligible for only small benefits can get hundreds of dollars in extra payments each month.
The entire program would come to a halt if the federal government decides to end its public health emergency, though the Biden administration so far hasn’t signaled an intention to do so.
For Tara Kramer, 45, of Des Moines, the decision by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to end the emergency payments starting April 1 meant her monthly SNAP benefit plunged from $250 in March to $20 in April. Kramer, who has a genetic disorder that can cause intense pain, said the extra money enabled her to buy healthier food that made her feel better and help her to live a more active life.
“My heart sank,” Kramer said. “All the memories from before the emergency allotment came rushing back.”
Alex Murphy, a spokesman for Reynolds, noted the extra benefits were always intended to help people who lost jobs because of the pandemic and said, “we have to return to pre-pandemic life.” Murphy pointed out that Iowa has over 86,000 job openings listed on a state unemployment website.
But Kramer said she’s not able to work and that even getting out of her apartment can be a struggle at times.
Vince Hall, who oversees public policy for the nationwide food bank network Feeding America, said ending the extra benefits ignores the reality that even as the pandemic wanes there hasn’t been a decline in demand at food banks.
Wages have been increasing in the United States and the national unemployment rate in March dropped to 3.6%, but those gains have been offset by an 8.5% increase in inflation compared to a year ago. Food is among items rising the fastest, leaving many families unable to buy enough groceries.
“The COVID pandemic is giving way to a hunger pandemic,” Hall said. “We’re in a real, real struggle.”
Feeding America, which represents 200 food banks, reports that demand for food has increased just as these organizations are seeing individual donations dwindle and food costs rise. The organization estimates the nation’s food banks will spend 40% more to buy food in the fiscal year ending June 2022 as in the previous year.
For people like Annie Ballan, 51, of Omaha, Nebraska, the decision by Ricketts to stop participating in the program reduced the SNAP payments she and her son receive from nearly $500 a month to $41. Both have health problems and can’t work.
“From the middle of the month to the end of the month, people have no food,” Ballan said, her voice rising in anger. “This is all the governor’s fault. He says he loves Nebraskans, that Nebraskans are wonderful, but he’s cut off our food.”
Breaking News
The demand on food banks will only grow as more states reduce their SNAP payments, which typically provide nine meals for every one meal offered by food banks, Hall said.
Valerie Andrews, 59, of St. Charles, Missouri, said the SNAP benefits that she and her husband rely on fell from $430 a month to $219 when Missouri ended the extra payments in August 2021. Andrews, who is disabled, said she tries to budget carefully and gets food regularly from a food pantry but it’s difficult.
“We’re barely making it from paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “It gets pretty rough most of the time.”
Officials at food banks and pantries said they will do their best to meet increased demand but there is no way they can fully offset the drop in SNAP benefits.
Matt Unger, director of the Des Moines Area Religious Council network of food pantries in Iowa’s capital city, noted the pantry’s cost for a 5-ounce can of chicken as jumped from 54 cents in March 2019 to a current price of $1.05.
“Costs are just going through the roof,” he said.
AP writer Grant Schulte contributed to this story from Omaha, Nebraska. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-aud-nw-covid-food-stamps-20220415-ih3jl4kk4ngexdtllkfx2o2iqu-story.html | 2022-04-15T17:17:20 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-aud-nw-covid-food-stamps-20220415-ih3jl4kk4ngexdtllkfx2o2iqu-story.html |
Our flight home to Chicago from Sarasota was one of thousands that were canceled during the first weekend of April. Sarasota’s airport is small. It grew hotter, louder and more crowded as we worried and waited.
Saturday morning, we learned that an engine repair had slightly delayed our flight. A 90-minute weather delay followed. Next, a five-hour delay was added, no reason given. Then our flight was canceled.
[ Flight cancellations continue at Orlando International after weekend of huge delays ]
Stranded in the hot chaos, we tried to use the rebooking links that United Airlines provided. We had no success. Not a single representative, from any airline, was on the concourse.
We went back to the main desk where one United Airlines representative was stationed. The line was packed with travelers as stressed as my husband, our two teens and me.
Worrisome news filtered through the line: no flights until Tuesday. We couldn’t even get a late checkout from our condo that morning. We knew we’d never find accommodations until Tuesday.
I secured a rental car reservation on my phone. We moved to the car rental line where we waited three hours. I prayed there would still be a car by the time we reached the front of the line. I was concerned about making the 20-hour drive home after a full day of anxiety and confusion.
I worried, too, for the people around me — senior citizens, people with disabilities, families with young children. All were struggling to problem-solve with no access to help, staff, information or resources. It all seemed so unhealthy, out of control and unsafe.
Political Pulse
Other travelers gave me hope. Kindness was everywhere. Travelers supported each other. They were patient. They helped. They offered whatever information they had. They held each other’s place in line. They were understanding when children melted down, cried, threw up, ran around or screamed. For all the stories I’ve read of passengers behaving badly on flights, this is not what I experienced in the Sarasota airport.
When I finally got to the front of the car rental line, I felt like a winning game show contestant: an SUV was available for us! The friends we made in line congratulated us. It felt wonderful to be on the road but also confusing to have waited so long in the airport just to be starting our long journey.
The conclusion I reached, during the long ride home, is that the airlines don’t deserve us. Airlines knew that this would be a busy spring break season, so they jacked up their prices and kept selling tickets. The industry has enjoyed record ticket sales. They knew they were short-staffed and they kept selling tickets. They are fully aware, too, that Easter will be a busy travel season, and they undoubtedly will sell as many tickets as they can with no regard for their passengers’ well-being.
Now I’m embroiled in the project of trying to get a ticket refund. The process is taking me hours. It seems deliberately confusing. I feel like I’m back in another long line.
We put up with so much to travel by plane. We pay handsomely for tickets, always trying to decide if it’s worth it to pay extra to ensure that they are refundable. We arrive at the airport two hours early. We carefully pack our bags according to federal security standards. We surrender control and roll with the delays and cancellations that come our way. We rent cars when we arrive at our destinations. At what point do all of these expenses and preparations outweigh the convenience of air travel?
I am starting to realize that we have a better option — one that gives us more control. Even a long drive is a cheaper, more freeing option. Driving through Atlanta in the middle of the night was beautiful. Seeing the sun come up in Nashville, Tennessee, was glorious. The open road is calling — since the skies just aren’t that friendly anymore.
Eileen Hoenigman Meyer is a freelance writer in Oak Park, Ill. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/guest-commentary/os-op-flight-cancellation-refund-travel-frustrations-ct-20220415-7nfntoea5fcgblsljpybahciyi-story.html | 2022-04-15T17:17:26 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/guest-commentary/os-op-flight-cancellation-refund-travel-frustrations-ct-20220415-7nfntoea5fcgblsljpybahciyi-story.html |
TALLAHASSEE — Florida is trying to fend off a challenge to a new law limiting out-of-state contributions to political committees proposing ballot initiatives, saying the restriction could help curb attempts by outsiders to change the state Constitution.
But groups that convinced a federal judge to issue a preliminary injunction against a similar measure last year say the new law violates First Amendment rights.
U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor in July issued the injunction against a 2021 law that placed a $3,000 limit on contributions from in-state and out-of-state donors to political committees gathering petition signatures for ballot initiatives.
The Legislature this year, however, passed a bill (HB 921) to make the $3,000 limit only apply to out-of-state donors, with Gov. Ron DeSantis signing the measure last week.
Winsor found that the 2021 law unconstitutionally restricted speech. But the overall challenge to the 2021 law remains pending, with the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and other plaintiffs seeking a summary judgment against the contribution limit. As a result, both sides filed briefs about how the new bill could affect the case.
Attorneys for the Florida Elections Commission, which is the defendant in the case, contended that the 2021 lawsuit is moot because of the changes in this year’s law. They wrote in a brief Thursday that plaintiffs should have to file a new lawsuit if they want to challenge the measure.
The state’s attorneys also defended the reasons for the new law, arguing in part that it addresses limiting the power of out-of-state interests to change the Florida Constitution.
“The state of Florida has an important interest in ensuring that out-of-state special interests — who are neither electors of Florida nor a part of Florida’s political community — are not able to bypass Floridians’ duly elected representatives and commandeer Floridians’ citizen initiative process from the outset to force upon them a statewide vote to change their own laws,” the brief said.
But attorneys for the plaintiffs filed a brief Wednesday that urged Winsor to grant summary judgment in the already-existing lawsuit and said this year’s law does not strengthen “any state interests that could support the contribution limit.” It said the measure continues to violate First Amendment rights.
“Narrowing the category of individuals or organizations subject to the limit does not change the constitutional analysis. … A new asserted interest in restricting out-of-state contributions or a claim that the contribution limit is now more narrowly tailored are both legally irrelevant,” attorneys for the ACLU Foundation of Florida wrote.
The 2021 law and this year’s bill were part of years of efforts by Republican leaders to make it harder to pass citizens’ initiatives. Political committees typically have to raise and spend millions of dollars to collect the hundreds of thousands of petition signatures needed to reach the ballot. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/politics/os-ne-lawsuit-amendment-initiative-contributions-20220415-sc46hx4kwjahrcoemaz63emkfe-story.html | 2022-04-15T17:17:32 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/politics/os-ne-lawsuit-amendment-initiative-contributions-20220415-sc46hx4kwjahrcoemaz63emkfe-story.html |
April’s full moon takes the spotlight Saturday night as the “Pink Moon.”
Earth’s closest neighbor won’t take on any new, rosé color. Rather, it received the name because of its association with a the flowers of the herb, moss pink, also known as creeping phlox, which blossoms during the spring, according to NASA.
April’s full moon is also known as the Paschal Full Moon, which is important in Christianity as Easter’s date is always set after the Paschal Full Moon, otherwise known as the first full moon of spring, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. In Judaism this is known as the Pesach or Passover Moon. Passover begins at sundown on Friday, April 15, and ends at nightfall April 23.
Other names for April’s moon include the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon and the Fish Moon, named in reference to shad swimming upstream to spawn, NASA said.
Saturday’s full moon will be at peak illumination during the day starting at 2:57 p.m. EDT, meaning Central Florida residents will get a big preview Friday night, and most full after sunset Saturday.
Last year’s Pink Moon just happened to also be a Super Pink Moon. Supermoon events take place when the moon moves closer to the Earth and appears larger; about 7% bigger and about 15% brighter than a typical full moon, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. Those combined with the trick of the eye that happens during moonrises that make it already look bigger mean supermoon rises are spectacular.
The next full moon will occur just after midnight May 16 over Orlando and will be an extra treat for stargazers, being a total lunar eclipse, according to timeanddate.com The event is known as a Blood Flower Moon, according to NASA. The moon will take a rustic, reddish color during the eclipse, hence why it is called a blood moon. The name “flower” is a reference to flowers blossoming under the May moon’s light, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
Jpedersen@orlandosentinel.com | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/space/os-bz-full-pink-april-moon-20220415-6p6rrmpsufeapc57wweb645myy-story.html | 2022-04-15T17:17:38 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/space/os-bz-full-pink-april-moon-20220415-6p6rrmpsufeapc57wweb645myy-story.html |
Orlando is reportedly one of the front-runners as a possible site for the ACC to move its headquarters.
According to a report by the Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer, multiple sources have indicated that Orlando and Charlotte are the leading contenders for the league, which is considering a move from its current location in Greensboro, North Carolina. A vote is expected no later than this month.
A conference spokesperson wouldn’t confirm the report or any specific timeline for such a move.
The ACC announced in October that the league it would look into the possibility of moving its current headquarters out of Greensboro, where it’s been since 1953. The league hired an outside agency in the Newmark Group to help with the assessment process as it began accepting bids from cities. The criteria used to select a possible site include population size and growth, access to a large airport, financial considerations and cities that host bowl games with ACC tie-ins.
Orlando currently hosts three bowl games, including the Cheez-It Bowl, featuring an ACC tie-in. The city also hosted the 2016 ACC Championship Game after the conference voted to move the game out of North Carolina due to the state’s controversial House Bill 2 that required people to use public bathrooms that matched their birth gender and discriminated against transgender individuals.
While Central Florida hasn’t hosted an ACC basketball tournament, it has been the site for multiple NCAA Tournament games and the American Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament. It’s also centrally located between two ACC schools in Florida State and Miami.
When reached for comment by the Orlando Sentinel, the Orange County mayor’s office said the Orlando Economic Partnership is leading the effort.
One concern for a move to Orlando mentioned in the News & Observer report is the possible political fallout from Florida’s recently passed “Don’t Say Gay” law, which bans the teaching of sexual orientation or gender identity in classrooms.
Charlotte, meanwhile, has hosted the ACC football championship at Bank of America Stadium since 2010. The city has also hosted the men’s basketball tournament and hosts the league’s football and basketball media events.
The NBA also moved the 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte because of the House Bill 2.
Greensboro reportedly also remains a finalist.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @osmattmurschel. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college-gridiron-365/os-sp-acc-reportedly-considering-orlando-for-new-headquarters-20220415-fjdsfwz6pfhmlavtgokcvcdqky-story.html | 2022-04-15T17:17:44 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college-gridiron-365/os-sp-acc-reportedly-considering-orlando-for-new-headquarters-20220415-fjdsfwz6pfhmlavtgokcvcdqky-story.html |
TOLEDO, Ohio — Ohio State University will pay $2 million to settle more lawsuits brought by men who said they were sexually abused decades ago by now-deceased team doctor Richard Strauss, increasing the number of survivors who’ve reached settlement agreements to nearly 290.
The payouts by the university have now reached just under $60 million to former athletes and other men who alleged Strauss carried out the abuse at campus athletic facilities, a student health center, his home and an off-campus clinic.
The latest settlement announced Friday ends lawsuits brought by 57 survivors whose cases had been dismissed by a federal judge who last year ruled that the legal window for such claims had passed.
Dozens of men whose cases were dismissed have appealed that decision and have yet to reach settlements.
The hundreds of survivors who have sued the university said it failed to stop Strauss despite students raising concerns during his 20 years at Ohio State as far back as the late 1970s. No one has publicly defended Strauss, who died in 2005.
Ohio State has said that an a law firm investigation for the university and lawsuits filed against the school have revealed more than 170 total instances of rape and more than 2,600 instances of fondling attributed to Strauss.
Many of the accusers said they were groped during required physicals or when they sought treatment for injuries.
The terms of the latest settlement call for the survivors to receive $35,000 on average, according to the university.
“Our clients are pleased to have resolved this matter and wish to express their support for all the victims of Richard Strauss,” said John Camillus, an attorney representing some of the men covered in the settlement. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/national-sports/ct-ohio-state-richard-strauss-settlement-20220415-3ciuh6xj2jao5bcgr423orpxhu-story.html | 2022-04-15T17:17:51 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/national-sports/ct-ohio-state-richard-strauss-settlement-20220415-3ciuh6xj2jao5bcgr423orpxhu-story.html |
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Two crashes only a mile apart from one another are causing major delays for motorists on I-95 northbound.
The first crash happened near mile marker 79 a little before 11:30 a.m. Two northbound lanes were closed in response.
About 40 minutes later, another crash took place within the traffic congestion of the first. This crash was located at mile marker 78m about 0.2 miles south of VA-161 exit 78.
The north right lane and right shoulder have been closed as a result.
The crashes have caused significant delays for motorists and a backup has reached as far back as mile marker 75 in Jackson Ward.
This is a developing story, check back for updates. | https://www.wric.com/news/two-crashes-only-a-mile-apart-cause-delays-on-i-95-north/ | 2022-04-15T17:19:40 | 0 | https://www.wric.com/news/two-crashes-only-a-mile-apart-cause-delays-on-i-95-north/ |
(NewsNation) — When Peter Cottontail hops down the bunny trail this year, he’ll be carrying pricier gifts than ever before.
From chocolate bunnies to jelly beans, the average cost of an Easter basket is now $61.83 — a more than 22% increase from spring 2019.
This is due to the 8.5% inflation rate causing a rise in the cost of raw materials such as the ingredients to make candy, higher gas prices to transport the candy to stores, and supply chain issues compounding the problem.
Most Easter treats, including a 6-ounce chocolate bunny, a 10-pack of Peeps, or a pound of jelly beans, are seeing a $1 increase.
If you’re looking to save, stick to candies such as Kit Kats — their prices have only risen by about a quarter.
According to the National Retail Federation, total Easter spending is expected to be about $20.8 billion. | https://www.wric.com/news/u-s-world/bunny-money-average-price-of-easter-basket-nearing-62/ | 2022-04-15T17:19:46 | 1 | https://www.wric.com/news/u-s-world/bunny-money-average-price-of-easter-basket-nearing-62/ |
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) — On Saturday — exactly 15 years after one of America’s deadliest mass shootings — Gov. Glenn Youngkin has ordered flags to be lowered across the Commonwealth in honor of the 32 people who lost their lives and the 17 who were injured when a student opened fire on the Virginia Tech campus on April 16, 2007.
You can read Youngkin’s full order below:
In accordance with the authority vested in me as Governor, I hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia in respect and memory of the 15th Anniversary of the Virginia Tech shooting which took the lives of 32 people.
I hereby order that the flags shall be lowered at sunrise on Saturday, April 16, 2022 and remain at half-staff until sunset.
Ordered on this, the 15th day of April, 2022.
Sincerely,
Glenn Youngkin
Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine issued the following statement, as well as a video of comments, ahead of the anniversary of the shooting:
Today, I’m thinking about the beautiful members of the Virginia Tech community whose lives were tragically cut short 15 years ago. These Virginians had so many dreams left to accomplish, and so much life ahead of them. I’m holding their loved ones in my heart.
I’m also thinking about how Virginia Tech has shown again and again that we have it in our power to band together during tough times and support one another. I’m still inspired by the Hokie Nation’s spirit that I saw in the wake of this horrific tragedy.
At the time, the Virginia Tech shooting was the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the United States. Since then, the Las Vegas and Orlando shootings have taken even more lives too soon. Enough is enough. We must take commonsense steps to prevent the heartbreak caused by horrific acts of gun violence.
Statement released by U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) on April 15, 2022
Kaine has long advocated for expanding access to mental health services and establishing universal background checks to make communities safer. For example, he introduced the Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act — a bill to federally enact a series of commonsense gun violence prevention measures adopted by Virginia, including universal background checks — in 2020. | https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/youngkin-orders-flags-at-half-staff-kaine-shares-remarks-for-15th-anniversary-of-virginia-tech-mass-shooting/ | 2022-04-15T17:19:52 | 1 | https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/youngkin-orders-flags-at-half-staff-kaine-shares-remarks-for-15th-anniversary-of-virginia-tech-mass-shooting/ |
Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan urged residents to mask indoors and get tested before seeing potentially vulnerable family members.
"Holidays are a time of togetherness, love and reflection," he said. "We wish everyone a happy and - most of all - healthy holiday. To stay safe, the Health Department strongly recommends masking in public indoor settings, especially when in groups where other people's vaccination status is unknown. We also strongly recommend people get a COVID test before or after attending any gatherings, and certainly before choosing to remove your mask at a holiday gathering. Encourage your friends and loved ones you will see this weekend to get tested as well before you gather."
To find a testing site or where to obtain an at-home test kit, visit NYC.gov/covidtest or call 311.
RELATED | CDC extends travel mask requirement to May 3 as COVID rises
Also Friday, the Broadway League announced the extension of current mask requirement for audiences through at least May 31, 2022, but many will no longer check vaccination status after April 30, 2022.
"Since resuming performances last fall, over five million attendees have seen a Broadway show, and the safety and security of our cast, crew, and audience has been our top priority," Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin said. "Our intention is that by maintaining strict audience masking through at least the month of May, we will continue that track record of safety for all. And of course, we urge everyone to get vaccinated."
It comes after New York state identified the emergence of two sub linages of the COVID-19 omicron subvariant BA.2, named BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1, that appear to have a 23% to 27% growth advantage over BA.2.
New York has had a recent surge of infections in the central part of the state, likely fueled by these two new subvariants that are highly contagious, but so far there's no evidence to suggest they cause more severe illness.
Both variants are sub-lineages of BA.2, which now accounts for 80.6% of COVID-19 infections in New York.
"We are alerting the public to two omicron subvariants, newly emerged and rapidly spreading in upstate New York, so New Yorkers can act swiftly," State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said. "While these subvariants are new, the tools to combat them are not. These tools will work if we each use them: get fully vaccinated and boosted, test following exposure, symptoms, or travel, consider wearing a mask in public indoor spaces, and consult with your healthcare provider about treatment if you test positive. I thank the Department's scientists for leading this effort and those contributing to this work throughout New York and around the world."
For the month of March, BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 rose to collectively comprise more than 70% prevalence in Central New York and more than 20% prevalence in the neighboring Finger Lakes region.
RELATED | Singer Barry Manilow misses opening night of off-Broadway show due to COVID
State health officials urge New Yorkers to continue to take precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The department recommends all New Yorkers:
--Get fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible
--Consider wearing a mask in public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status
--Test following exposure, symptoms, or travel
--If COVID-positive, stay home and consult with a healthcare provider about treatments
--Improve air ventilation or gather outdoors to reduce transmission and the risk of severe disease over the upcoming Easter and Passover holidays
The New York State Department of Health reminds all New Yorkers that COVID-19 remains a public health risk to individuals of all ages.
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on coronavirus
Submit a COVID Question | https://abc7ny.com/new-york-covid-omicron-subvariant-ba2/11751769/ | 2022-04-15T17:20:05 | 0 | https://abc7ny.com/new-york-covid-omicron-subvariant-ba2/11751769/ |
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – A man is accused of shooting out the windows of an SUV belonging to a state representative.
According to court documents, the incident happened n Dec. 8 on the St. Joseph Valley Parkway.
State Rep. Jake Teshka told police he was driving a GMC Acadia with his two children, ages 3 and 6, in the back seat when a maroon Dodge Caravan came up behind him at a high rate of speed.
Teshka, a Republican who represents House District 7, was in an exit ramp and attempting to merge into the southbound lanes of the bypass. The van passed him on the left side; both vehicles merged onto the bypass.
Not long after that, Teshka was going south in the left lane when he noticed the Caravan in the right lane. Traffic ahead on the right began slowing down and Teshka attempted to pass the Caravan. He told police he’d observed “unsafe” driving on the part of the van’s driver and wanted to pass it.
But the van wouldn’t let him get by, and the two vehicles were “traveling parallel.” Teshka saw the driver lower his driver’s side window and expected him to yell something. Instead, Teshka heard a pair of loud pops, according to court documents.
Teshka pulled over his SUV. When police arrived to investigate, they noticed the front driver’s side and front passenger’s side windows had shattered. There was a visible bullet hole on the front passenger door.
Police said it appeared a bullet went through the passenger’s side window just inches away from Teshka’s head. Teshka suffered an injury to his head from the shattered glass, police said.
Investigators recovered a bullet from the SUV and found a casing in the southbound lanes of the bypass.
Investigators said surveillance video backed up Teshka’s account of the “unsafe” driving behavior.
Edmande Hill, 51, was eventually charged in the case. License plate cameras tracked the van to a local rental company. Hill had rented the van on the day of the shooting, according to court documents.
When police interviewed Hill, he told them he’d rented a maroon van that day and had been in the area at the time of the shooting.
He recalled seeing the windows of a car next to him shattering and blamed it on two men who were “standing on the side of the bypass in some bushes shooting.” According to court documents, Hill “speculated that they were possibly hunting rabbits.”
Hill is charged with attempted battery by means of a deadly weapon and criminal recklessness, according to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office. | https://fox59.com/indiana-news/man-charged-after-gunshots-shatter-windows-of-state-reps-suv-with-children-in-the-back-seat/ | 2022-04-15T17:20:32 | 0 | https://fox59.com/indiana-news/man-charged-after-gunshots-shatter-windows-of-state-reps-suv-with-children-in-the-back-seat/ |
This week at the theater, there are two big releases that are expected to draw crowds.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is now out in theaters. It’s the third movie in the Harry Potter franchise prequel.
You’ve also probably seen previews for Father Stu. It’s a faith-based movie based on the real-life story of a boxer who became a priest. Mark Wahlberg stars in the movie.
Also in theaters, Paris, 13th District and Mothering Sunday.
If you’re looking to stream a new movie, you can watch Choose to Die. It’s a horror movie about a video game that, like the title says, has choices or death.
You can read movie reviews for the films here. Watch the video above to see some of Christopher Lloyd’s reviews of the movies.
Are you keeping up with Indy Now on social? Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for behind-the-scenes fun, the latest on what’s happening in central Indiana, information about the local businesses featured on the show and much more. | https://fox59.com/indy-now/film-yap-whats-new-at-the-theaters-this-weekend/ | 2022-04-15T17:20:33 | 1 | https://fox59.com/indy-now/film-yap-whats-new-at-the-theaters-this-weekend/ |
What is a credit score and why is it important?
Carl Britton, vice president of lending with Financial Center First Credit Union, tells viewers which factors are part of the credit score and what they can do it help improve it.
Britton said making payments on time is essential for a good score, as is keeping credit card balances at about 30% of the total credit line.
Learn more about Financial Center First Credit Union here. | https://fox59.com/indy-now/the-importance-of-understanding-your-credit-score/ | 2022-04-15T17:20:34 | 0 | https://fox59.com/indy-now/the-importance-of-understanding-your-credit-score/ |
You can count on plenty of staples when you go to a food pantry.But you don’t always know what you’ll get.
At Gleaners, there have been lots of vegetables and plant-based proteins available.
MasterChef Legends winner Kelsey Murphy show us what you can do with some of the things that are currently in stock at gleaners.
Vegetarian Burger Patty
Makes 4-6 burgers
- 1 can pinto beans
- 8 oz meat substitute crumbles
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 T milk
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 carrot
- 1/2 small onion
- 1 rib celery
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 T dried parsley
Pulse beans in food processor or mash with fork. Pulse carrots, onion, celery in food process or cut into very small dice. Place sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 T oil to pan and sauté until soft. In large bowl place beans, cooked veggie mixture, and rest of ingredients. Combine together using hands. Form into burger patties. Veggie burgers cook best on griddle pan sauté pan to avoid them breaking apart. Cook 3-4 minutes each side.
Mango Bean Salsa
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 can corn, rinse and drained
- 1/2 cup diced mango
- 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 2 jalapeños, finely diced
- 1/4c cilantro, finely chopped
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tsp salt1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste. | https://fox59.com/morning-news/recipes/masterchef-kelsey-murphy-creates-elevated-foods-with-food-bank-staples/ | 2022-04-15T17:20:41 | 0 | https://fox59.com/morning-news/recipes/masterchef-kelsey-murphy-creates-elevated-foods-with-food-bank-staples/ |
INDIANAPOLIS – It’s been a month like few others for the Indianapolis Colts.
In the span of 31 days, a team that traditionally bides its time during the otherwise chaotic and costly phase of the NFL’s offseason has made three seismic moves that have added Pro Bowl talent to the roster.
The latest: agreeing to a two-year, $23 million contract with cornerback Stephon Gilmore, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The deal includes $14 million in guarantees and immediately adds pedigree to a position of need.
Gilmore, 31, is the third roster-impacting domino to fall in a short period of time.
Today: Gilmore.
March 21: Acquiring quarterback Matt Ryan in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons. That was preceded by jettisoning quarterback Carson Wentz in a trade to the Washington Commanders.
March 16: Acquiring edge pass rusher Yannik Ngakoue in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. The cost: starting cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, which automatically created a significant need at the position.
Enter, Stephon Gilmore.
As the offseason has unfolded and other teams – Jacksonville, Miami, the Los Angeles Rams, etc. – have been ultra-aggressive, Ballard has preached patience.
It’s not a stretch to consider his reaction with Gilmore now in the fold.
It always works out the way it should.
During the NFL Scouting Combine in February, Ballard reinforced his philosophy of not overpaying for free-agent talent. But he also hinted he wouldn’t be averse to pursuing the appropriate prospects.
“If an opportunity presents itself we think is good – we think we’re getting a good player at a value we think is the right price – then we’ll do it,’’ he said. “Even if you have to overpay a little bit, I’m okay with that.’’
Also, owner Jim Irsay told Colts.com last month Ballard might pursue a high-profile defensive player “to come in and make a big difference . . . an addition that excites some.
“It’s possible. I know Chris Ballard is looking hard at that.’’
Irsay dispatched his personal jet to bring Gilmore in for a formal visit Wednesday, and the deal was consummated Friday.
By appearances, the Colts didn’t overpay for Gilmore. Spotrac.com projected Gilmore would command a two-year, $28 million contract on the open market. Pro Football Focus anticipated a two-year, $25 million deal.
Whatever the cost, Gilmore represents an immediate upgrade at cornerback and adds another playmaker to the defense.
He was the NFL’s 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, is a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection. Gilmore has started 125 of 132 regular-season games with Buffalo, New England and Carolina, and started seven postseason games with the Patriots. That includes earning a world championship ring when New England defeated the Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl LIII.
Gilmore finished 2021 with Carolina following a midseason trade from New England. He opened the season on the Patriots’ physically unable to perform list while rehabbing a torn quadriceps, but would appear in eight games with three starts. He finished with two interceptions and two passes defensed.
The offseason clearly has reshaped the secondary.
Gilmore slides in at one starting cornerback position, probably alongside Isaiah Rodgers. Pro Bowler Kenny Moore II remains a top-level nickel while free-agent acquisition Brandon Facyson offers proven depth.
At safety, the Colts signed 10-year veteran Rodney McLeod to either start alongside Khari Willis while Julian Blackmon recovers from a torn Achilles, or to serve as the third safety when Blackmon is 100%.
Listen to the Colts Blue Zone Podcast for weekly coverage and analysis of the Indianapolis Colts.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51. | https://fox59.com/sports/colts/matt-ryan-yannick-ngakoue-and-now-colts-add-stephon-gilmore/ | 2022-04-15T17:20:47 | 0 | https://fox59.com/sports/colts/matt-ryan-yannick-ngakoue-and-now-colts-add-stephon-gilmore/ |
STUART, Fla. (WFLA) — A man was arrested Thursday on fraud charges after police said his victim tracked him to a gas station.
The Stuart Police Department said they were called to a Wawa gas station to meet with a victim who was reporting fraudulent activity on her credit card at that gas station.
According to police, on Wednesday the victim saw multiple unauthorized transactions on her credit card from that Wawa. The victim was able to find out the suspect who used her card drove a white truck.
The victim decided to go to the gas station the next day at the same time the transactions went through the day before, police said. Her hope was the suspect was “a creature of habit’ and would show up to that gas station again.
Police said when the victim arrived she saw a man with a white truck pumping gas at two pumps and throw away several cards. The victim got fraud notices from her bank at almost at the exact same time and amounts were nearly the same from the day before.
That’s when police got the call from the victim.
When police arrived, they said they found Rosniel Jimenez Gonzalez at the pumps where the white truck was parked.
They said they found multiple steel tanks full of gas in the back of the truck and hidden under some carpet, wood pallets, a tire, and a construction cone in the bed of the truck. Police said they also found 28 more fraudulent credit cards in the truck.
Gonzalez was charged with trafficking in or possessing counterfeit credit cards, unlawful conveyance of fuel, obtaining fuel by fraud, fraudulent use of credit card more than two times within six months, and unlawful possession of personal ID of five or more persons. | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/florida-fraud-victim-tracks-down-suspect-herself-police-say/ | 2022-04-15T17:23:13 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/florida-fraud-victim-tracks-down-suspect-herself-police-say/ |
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Dramatic video of a shooting near the California border involving Nevada deputies and two suspects from the Tampa Bay area was released Wednesday.
According to Nye County Sheriff Sharon Wehrly, three deputies shot and injured Klim Miro, 28, who was being chased by California Highway Patrol and the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office. A second suspect, Jade Hugee, 32, suffered injuries from shattered glass.
The chase started in Tecopa, California on Sunday, April 10 just before 11 p.m. California authorities contacted the Nye County Sheriff’s Office to alert them they were headed toward the state line and in pursuit of a suspect who shot at civilians and patrol vehicles with a high-powered rifle.
Wehrly said her deputies set up a roadblock on State Route 372 just over the state line to keep the suspects from entering Pahrump. Miro and Hugee stopped at the roadblock at 12:46 a.m. California officers attempted to negotiate with the couple but were unsuccessful.
The Nye County SWAT team used distractionary devices and launched tear gas under the suspect’s car but got no response and the tactic changed shortly after 2 a.m. Monday.
“After several minutes of commands and less than lethal attempts the SWAT team utilized the BearCat (armored vehicle) to approach the vehicle. As the deputies approached the vehicle, the male subject in the back seat of the vehicle raised a shotgun and aimed it at the deputies. Three NCSO deputies returned fire striking the male occupant,” Wehrly said in a video release.
Body-worn camera video from the three officers involved in the shooting was released along with dashcam video from a patrol car.
Lt. James McRae, who fired four rounds, can be heard yelling “backseat” before a volley of shots is fired. Miro was seated in the backseat.
Deputy Nicholas Huggins fired two rounds and Deputy Elias Amandaris fired eight rounds, Wehrly said.
Following the shooting, deputies recovered a pistol and a shotgun from the car.
Miro is from St. Petersburg, Florida and Hugee is from Tampa, Florida and neither of them has criminal records, Wehrly said.
Miro was booked in absentia on seven counts of assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer and resisting a public officer with a firearm. Hugee will be charged with resisting a public officer with a firearm and being an accessory to commit a crime. Wehrly said California agencies will be submitting arrest warrants for the crimes committed in California.
Both suspects are recovering at University Medical Center in Las Vegas.
Nevada State Police are investigating the shooting. The three deputies are on paid administrative leave which is standard policy. | https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/video-shows-shootout-between-tampa-bay-residents-deputies/ | 2022-04-15T17:23:19 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/video-shows-shootout-between-tampa-bay-residents-deputies/ |
TROUTMAN, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A man was reportedly shot outside rapper DaBaby’s North Carolina mansion, according to Troutman Police.
Officers responded to Dababy’s property Monday around 7:45 p.m. to a report of a shooting.
When they arrived, officers found a man suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his lower body. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The police chief told Queen City News only two other people were around when the man was shot — DaBaby and another person.
Man heard screaming in 911 call
A 911 call that was released Thursday afternoon in connection to the shooting indicated the person who was shot may have unlawfully entered the property. Listen below:
Those nearby warn of DaBaby
“You just got to be a fool to test DaBaby, you just got to be,” said Anthony McCullah, who works nearby.
“Working around this area, it’s obviously pretty secured. To step over there and get in the way and get to him, you’re basically just writing your own death sentence,” Anthony’s brother Melvin McCullah said.
“He’s got a big, big, good, decent amount of land up there. If somebody was trespassing you’d have to spend a good day/day-and-a-half scoping it out. And still, to test DaBaby, you’re a dummy,” Anthony said.
A sign posted outside the Grammy-nominated rapper’s home reads: “We have guns and shovels.”
Investigation ongoing
Police did not immediately say who pulled the trigger or whether it was justified. Police said the man who was shot did not go inside the home.
“It is a large property, on the roadside, there’s a significantly tall concrete-type wall and it’s surrounded on the other sides by a pretty high chain link fence,” said Troutman Police Chief Josh Watson.
He wouldn’t say if DaBaby knew the man who was shot.
People are being interviewed and some evidence has been gathered, police say. They’ll present that to the district attorney who will determine if any charges are filed.
Queen City News is continuing to pursue additional information.
Not the first time DaBaby was involved in a shooting
DaBaby, whose real name is Jonathan Kirk, was involved in another shooting incident in 2018 at a local Walmart.
In 2018, 19-year-old Jaylin Craig was shot and killed at a Walmart in Huntersville, North Carolina. Police said a fight had broken out before the incident.
In an Instagram video, the rapper indicated he was shopping for clothes for his daughter but never said a fight took place.
“Two dudes walk in on you and your whole family, threatening y’all, whip out on y’all, let me see what y’all going to do,” DaBaby said in the video. “When the story comes out, and the footage comes out, [it] will show y’all how I was in there with my 1-year-old daughter and my 5-year-old, my baby mama, buying my baby some more winter clothes. A dude sees me buying baby clothes and wants to show me how tough he is.”
A misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed weapon against the rapper was dropped after a key witness, a Walmart employee, failed to show in court. Walmart security footage of the incident was also not shown in court but Craig’s family says it showed Jaylin trying to defuse the argument.
Craig’s family told Queen City News they were devastated when charges were dropped.
“We feel like we didn’t get any justice. To have the guy look at us in court with a smirk, like he won that battle,” mom Lawana Horsley said.
DaBaby did not speak to the media when he left the courtroom in 2019 after his charge was dropped.
The district attorney said at the time that no other charges would be filed in the deadly shooting. | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/man-shot-outside-rapper-dababys-nc-mansion-police-say/ | 2022-04-15T17:23:25 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/man-shot-outside-rapper-dababys-nc-mansion-police-say/ |
LARGO, Fla. (WFLA) — Largo police arrested a woman Wednesday on child neglect charges after she allegedly left her children at a local Family Dollar, according to an affidavit.
The Largo Police Department said Merissa Susan Bowers, 33, drove her two children to the Family Dollar and left them after they entered the store.
The children were found alone in the store’s parking lot by a bystander who stayed with them until law enforcement arrived, according to the affidavit.
Police found Bowers an hour later at her home. According to the affidavit, she was intoxicated and had no idea where her children were. | https://www.wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/mom-arrested-after-leaving-her-kids-at-largo-family-dollar-police-say/ | 2022-04-15T17:23:31 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/mom-arrested-after-leaving-her-kids-at-largo-family-dollar-police-say/ |
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A tenant in a Las Vegas apartment came back from a trip to California Sunday to find her home was overgrown with black mold, and she has lost access to everything she owns while an investigation plays out.
LaToya Barnes, 33, her husband Dante Gilmer, 31, and three young children have had to leave their University Gardens Apartments unit. It’s not a safe place anymore, with walls that were once white but are now mottled with black splotches. The floor looks like there’s hair growing on it, Barnes said.
Since then, the family has been staying with friends and using Air BnB rentals.
Barnes contacted 8 News Now on Wednesday with photos of the walls in her apartment. The photos appear to show mold that has spread throughout the apartment. Barnes says there is also a roach infestation.
The complex is just north of Flamingo Road at 3955 S. University Center Dr.
The mold was there before, but Barnes said the complex dismissed the problem as mildew when she reported it. A promise to “wipe” the mildew was never fulfilled. Before the trip to California, Barnes said the mold was in the ceiling, in the bathroom and under the carpet in her daughter’s room.
She alerted management that there was a leak in the shower before she left, but was told that there were other emergencies ahead of that problem.
Three weeks later, she returned to a nightmare. “This is the worst thing I’ve ever been through in my life,” Barnes said. Her kids don’t have a home anymore.
She recounted the events over the course of three phone calls Thursday as she dealt with the situation, finishing with a trip to the doctor’s office where she was having her children checked for respiratory problems that came back after returning to the apartment on Sunday. The problems had disappeared during the California trip.
She remembers walking into the apartment. “The stove light is on, but it’s pitch dark. And the walls are black with hairs,” Barnes said.
“My daughter was scared, because she needed to use the bathroom,” Barnes remembers.
Barnes was upset, thinking about everything that was ruined, and how she would pay to replace beds, clothes … everything she owned.
“This situation really made me hit rock bottom,” Barnes said. She is working on creating a GoFundMe page for help.
A spokeswoman for the apartment complex said the locks on the apartment had been changed when they went to check on the leak, and they had to call a locksmith to get in. That’s a violation of her lease, the spokeswoman said.
Details of when the lock was changed are unclear. Barnes’ husband, Gilmer, returned to Las Vegas after a week to get changes of clothes. He saw the mold then — he apparently had trouble getting through the door because of the mold at the time, but the family stayed in California to attend to problems there.
Today, Barnes has an appointment with a lawyer.
She says the lawyers have seen the photos, but they don’t know the details of everything that has happened between her and the apartment complex. She said she stopped paying rent in March.
A manager with University Gardens confirmed that Barnes was a resident, but could offer no more information because Barnes has contacted a lawyer. A representative of Westland Apartments, which owns the complex, responded with a statement on Thursday:
Westland University Gardens takes all appropriate actions to provide a safe community and environment for our residents, maintenance technicians, staff, and vendors.
— Dena Lerner, Westland Apartments spokeswoman
Ms. Barnes informed us of a leak in her bathroom on March 22, 2022. She did not give us permission to enter but instead insisted to be home during the maintenance work. We attempted to enter and understand the situation but the resident was not present. The staff attempted a second time to enter the unit the following day but the resident was not present to open the door. The resident informed management that she had left out of state for an emergency. During all of the conversations had between the staff and the resident, there was no mention of mold in the unit. The resident returned on 04/10 and reported that her unit now had mold. The office staff finally gained access to the unit and immediately called in an outside licensed vendor to remediate any mold issues. The unit was not inhabitable and the resident was offered an exact copy of her unit within the same complex. The resident rejected the offer and left. The resident returned the next day and became angry and belligerent when given the news that she could not enter her unit due to possible hazards. She then proceeded to verbally and physically assault the management staff. The resident was not under any eviction proceeding nor did she withhold rent in March. Ms. Barnes has recently renewed her lease with University Gardens in February 2022. Westland wants to resolve this unfortunate matter with the resident as soon as possible.
Barnes had another version of the confrontation on Monday, and said she was simply trying to keep office staff at a distance during a heated argument. | https://www.wfla.com/news/viral-news/photos-black-mold-destroys-apartment-during-familys-3-week-vacation/ | 2022-04-15T17:23:37 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/viral-news/photos-black-mold-destroys-apartment-during-familys-3-week-vacation/ |
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Easter is always on Sunday, which means the date for the holiday will vary from year to year—just like Memorial Day or Labor Day—and can sometimes fall on different months.
So how is the date for Easter determined?
The spring equinox and a full moon play an important role. Easter is always the Sunday after the first full moon that is after the spring equinox.
This year, the spring equinox was on March 20. The first full moon after that occurred on April 16. The first Sunday after that is on April 17, which is why Easter falls on that date this year.
The earliest Easter in the 21st century is on March 23, and the latest it will occur is on April 25. That’s a 34-day difference.
The full moon that decides Easter is known as the Paschal moon, but this year, the full April “Pink moon” decided the date. The pink moon was named after the pink wildflowers that bloom in early spring.
It is technically full at 12:55 pm April 16, so here in Florida we won’t see it at it’s fullest moment but it will appear full both Friday night and Saturday night.
Sunrise is at 7:02 am Sunday morning. Civil twilight will begin at 6:38 am.
It will be a warm and muggy start to the day with a few clouds in the sky but it should be dry. A light breeze will pick up in the morning and temps will warm into the upper 80s Sunday afternoon. A few scattered showers will be possible with a 20% rain chance. | https://www.wfla.com/community/holidays/how-is-the-date-for-easter-determined/ | 2022-04-15T17:27:33 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/community/holidays/how-is-the-date-for-easter-determined/ |
The father/daughter duo, Steve and Amanda Boisen, AKA “The Barnskickers”, join us for a performance to preview the upcoming Ukele Fest, taking place on Saturday, April 23 from 11AM-9PM in Downtown Clearwater District. Enjoy a free concert and even Ukulele lessons. Visit ukulelefestinthedistrict.com for information and tickets.
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Actress Aryln Broche chats with us about joining the cast of NBC’s “Young Rock” in the role of Dany Garcia, actor Dwayne Johnson’s college sweetheart and first wife. It’s a breakout role for the Cuban-American, who also shares how she is successfully juggling stardom and motherhood.
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You have been added to Breaking News Newsletter | https://www.wfla.com/daytime/arlyn-broches-breakout-role-in-nbcs-young-rock/ | 2022-04-15T17:27:45 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/daytime/arlyn-broches-breakout-role-in-nbcs-young-rock/ |
To apply for Leadership Tampa or to learn more about the program and application process you can visit tampabaychamber.com/lt Applications close on May 9th at 5pm.
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You have been added to Breaking News Newsletter | https://www.wfla.com/daytime/leadership-tampa-is-a-leadership-program-run-by-the-tampa-bay-chamber/ | 2022-04-15T17:27:59 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/daytime/leadership-tampa-is-a-leadership-program-run-by-the-tampa-bay-chamber/ |
Looking for a warm-weather getaway? Lifestyle Expert Jennifer Bonner joins us with her top tropical destinations for the ultimate vacation. Learn more and book your stay today at TourismBonaire.com and WestinPuertoVallarta.com!
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You have been added to Breaking News Newsletter | https://www.wfla.com/daytime/places-to-visit-this-year/ | 2022-04-15T17:28:06 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/daytime/places-to-visit-this-year/ |
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Three babies were taken to the emergency room after their families noticed odd behavior. Turns out, the children ate THC-infused goldfish-shaped crackers at their daycare in Stafford County.
On March 2, deputies responded to Stafford Hospital Center for several toddlers with exposure to THC. Three children, all one year of age, were taken to the hospital for treatment in the emergency room after their parents observed lethargic and uncoordinated behavior as well as glassy, bloodshot eyes.
Hospital staff recognized the symptoms and tested the children. It was confirmed that each child was exposed to THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the high sensation.
The connection between the three families was a licensed home-daycare provider in the Windsor Forest subdivision, according to police.
Detectives conducted a search of the daycare and collected the goldfish-shaped crackers around the highchairs of the toddlers.
The crackers were sent to the lab for testing and confirmed the presence of THC.
Child Protective Services was notified and became involved in the case. The daycare subsequently voluntarily surrendered their license, according to police.
As a result of the investigation the 60-year-old daycare owner, Rebecca Swanner, has been charged with 3 counts of cruelty and injury to children.
She self-surrendered on April 14 and was released by the magistrate on a $2,000 unsecured bond.
Police said the children are healthy and doing well.
It was not stated by police whether the daycare owner accidentally or intentionally gave the babies the THC-infused gold fish crackers. | https://www.wfla.com/news/crime/3-babies-hospitalized-after-eating-thc-infused-gold-fish-crackers-day-care-owner-charged/ | 2022-04-15T17:28:12 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/crime/3-babies-hospitalized-after-eating-thc-infused-gold-fish-crackers-day-care-owner-charged/ |
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — April 18 is tax day. Ahead of the deadline, a study by LendingTree found that among all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Florida taxpayers have the fifth highest refunds in the country.
LendingTree said the average refund for 2019 was $3,651 across the country. According to their study, Floridians usually get back about $4,300 on average, with 75% of taxpayers getting a refund. Wyoming get’s the most back, at $5,027.
“After Wyoming, the states with the largest average tax refunds were Connecticut, New York, the District of Columbia and Florida,” LendingTree reported. “With representation from the Northeast, South and West, no single region received a disproportionate average refund amount.”
The LendingTree data is based on analysis of 2019 tax information from the Internal Revenue Service. The company said in 2019, a little more than one-fifth of Americans owed the government money, with Massachusetts leading the states with highest amounts owed at $7,605.
While the deadline to file your taxes is coming up in just a few days, the past two years have been complicated due to economic upheaval during the COVID-19 pandemic. With additional items like stimulus checks, child tax credit payments, and emergency rental assistance, sometimes filing can be a struggle.
“Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we can’t make the deadline. If that’s the case, you can request a six-month extension to file until Oct. 17, 2022,” LendingTree said. “However, that doesn’t mean you get an extension to pay your taxes — in fact, you’ll have to pay estimated taxes to avoid any late fees. Extension requests are due by April 18, the standard filing deadline.”
According to the company’s chief credit analyst, Matt Schulz, a main reason to ask for an extension is to reduce penalties for paying your tax bill late.
“You’ll still be charged interest and a late-payment penalty if you pay late, but the amount you owe will be significantly less if you are granted an extension,” Schulz said.
The IRS allows extensions to be filed, giving taxpayers until October to pay up, but it means you’ll still have to pay them something. The extension can be requested with a Form 4868. The IRS said in a reminder about the tax deadline that they expect about 15 million taxpayers will ask for an extension.
The federal agency also said there was about $1.5 billion from 2018 that was never claimed, with 1.5 million taxpayers never filing their taxes that year. If those Americans don’t file their taxes for 2018 by the April 18 deadline this year, the $1.5 billion will belong to the U.S. Treasury Department. As long as the 2018 tax return is postmarked by April 18, 2022, the money can still be claimed, even if it’s sent as a hard-copy filing.
A full ranking of the 2019 tax refunds and amounts owed can be read below. | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/florida-ranks-5th-for-highest-tax-refunds-in-us/ | 2022-04-15T17:28:18 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/florida-ranks-5th-for-highest-tax-refunds-in-us/ |
HOUSTON – 250 area 5th Graders, from the three schools in the county, Houston, Houlka and Okolona, came out to the Chickasaw County Agri-Center on Thursday for the annual Ag Safety Day, hosted by the MSU Extension Service.
They took turns rotating around to the multiple stations addressing several types of safety.
These included: Food, Fire, Firearm, First Aid, ATV/Side by Side, Sun, Electric, Heimlich, Animal, Snake ID and Look a Likes, with the grand finale being the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
“Here at safety day, we have got a bunch of volunteers that come help out from the community, and these 5th graders really enjoyed this today,” said Cody Mills, Extension Agent/County Coordinator. “I think they’ve learned a lot. There’s some good material that they’ve been taught here. We’re tickled to death to have this and teach 5th graders how to be safer in their everyday life.”
The volunteers were a key aspect of the success too, according to Mills.
“We really appreciate all of the volunteers and all of the help that we got preparing for this day and helping these kids along the way."
Some of the volunteers included school groups such as HOSA and FFA, Houston Fire and Police Departments, Coroner Larry Harris, Natchez Trace Electric Power Association, MS Highway Patrol and game wardens.
Among those volunteers was Houston Police Office Lauren Gill, who remembers coming to the event as a 5th grader herself.
“It is really humbling to know that this is still going on and that we are still helping the kids of our community to learn safety in different areas, but the biggest difference is, it feels like there is a lot more stations than there was when I was a kid, and two, I feel like it is more inclusive of things that re going on today,” she said. “For example, we have the ATV section, and there have been a lot more ATV and four-wheeler wrecks lately, so we tried to center it around what is going on in today’s world.”
In addition to the educational aspects, the students also received a complimentary lunch and ice cream at the event. | https://www.djournal.com/chickasaw/ag-safety-day-welcomed-250-chickasaw-county-5th-graders/article_a6b280cd-98b6-5bd3-b08f-aedc82aac094.html | 2022-04-15T17:29:04 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/chickasaw/ag-safety-day-welcomed-250-chickasaw-county-5th-graders/article_a6b280cd-98b6-5bd3-b08f-aedc82aac094.html |
Chickasaw saw minimal damage from Wednesday storms By Robert Scott Chickasaw Journal Robert Scott Managing Editor Author email Apr 15, 2022 1 hr ago Comments Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Pictured is the car under the tree. Courtesy Photo Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save CHICKASAW COUNTY – Chickasaw County was once again in the path of a line of severe weather that rolled through the area this past Wednesday.Fortunately, according to Emergency Management Director Linda Griffin, the damage was minimal.She said that a tree fell on a car on the Natchez Trace, damaging the vehicle, but no one was injured.She said that was the only damage reported as of Thursday. robert.scott@djournal.com Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Tags Chickasaw County Linda Griffin Damage Weather Highway Meteorology Transports Management Natchez Trace Emergency Robert Scott Managing Editor Robert is managing editor of the Chickasaw Journal. Author email Follow Robert Scott Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Recommended for you Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. comments powered by Disqus 72° Sunny Houston, MS (38851) Today Sunshine this morning. Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 79F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. Low around 65F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Updated: April 15, 2022 @ 11:25 am Full Forecast Latest Posts Chickasaw Journal Chickasaw saw minimal damage from Wednesday storms 1 hr ago Chickasaw Journal Houlka to stay with state medical marijuana program 6 hrs ago Chickasaw Journal Houston Aldermen approve one-time garbage credit for citizens Apr 13, 2022 Chickasaw Journal Franklin, Ellison Place Top 3 in Local Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen Contest Apr 13, 2022 Chickasaw Journal Supervisors repairing, adding on to three voting precincts Apr 13, 2022 Chickasaw Journal Superintendent left 'high and dry' after game Apr 13, 2022 Latest e-Edition Chickasaw Journal Chickasaw Journal Newsletters Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. The Daily You'll receive our top headlines each morning, seven days a week, as well as each weekday afternoon. News Alerts & Top Stories Get news sent to your inbox as it happens, as well as our top stories each week. Prep Rally Sign up to receive area high school football scores and recaps each Friday night. Daily Journal E-Edition Delivery Are you a Daily Journal subscriber? Sign up to view our daily e-editions each morning with just a click. Chickasaw Journal E-Edition Delivery Are you a Chickasaw Journal subscriber? Sign up to view our weekly e-editions each Wednesday with just a click. You must select at least one email list. Please enter a valid email address. Sign up Manage lists
Robert Scott Managing Editor Robert is managing editor of the Chickasaw Journal. Author email Follow Robert Scott Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
Chickasaw Journal Franklin, Ellison Place Top 3 in Local Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen Contest Apr 13, 2022 | https://www.djournal.com/chickasaw/chickasaw-saw-minimal-damage-from-wednesday-storms/article_2a52b9b3-60af-50d5-a27f-e5d723a0713d.html | 2022-04-15T17:29:10 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/chickasaw/chickasaw-saw-minimal-damage-from-wednesday-storms/article_2a52b9b3-60af-50d5-a27f-e5d723a0713d.html |
AMORY • Physically, 11 weeks spent at Mississippi Delta Community College Law Enforcement Academy was grueling for Monroe County road deputy Kasi Gwin; mentally, the experience was even harder.
Gwin's 9-year-old son lost his father the day before she left for the academy, cutting her off from her child at a time when he needed her the most.
“When your son goes through something like that and looks at you and says, ‘Mama, you’ve got to go because you’ve got to be the police…’ The boots I wore there had my son’s name written in my left boot and my daughter’s name written in my right boot because they’re the reason I got up and put my boots on the ground every day there,” said Gwin, the first recipient of the M17 Scholarship created to honor the legacy of former Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy Dylan Pickle.
Pickle lost his life as the result of an accident at a safety checkpoint in Hamilton in July 2020, a few months before Gwin started a position as a jailer at the Monroe County Detention Center.
“I had an instructor ask me on day one, ‘Do you think you’re going to stay?’ I told him, ‘I don’t have a choice but to stay,'" she said. "It’s not just because of my kids, but I have everyone here counting on me ... I couldn’t let the department down. I couldn’t let my kids down."
Gwin’s father, who has served more than 30 years in law enforcement including positions in Pike and Lee counties and as Shannon’s police chief, inspired her career ambitions in the field.
“I knew when I came in that I wanted to go on patrol," she said. "I told the sheriff and people I interviewed with that’s what I wanted to do."
She said her jailer experience educated her about laws and built skills in how to deal with people.
“You learn people, and it’s better to learn how to control somebody in a controlled environment first before you’re out on the road," she said.
She said the academy gave her a different outlook after graduating.
“Sometimes people graduate and have the attitude that, ‘I graduated. I’m finished. I can be the police now,’" said Sheriff Kevin Crook. "The real truth is, ‘I passed the minimum standard of what it takes to move forward.'"
Gwin said no matter how many laws someone knows, it takes real life experience to master the job.
“That’s when your learning starts," she said. "When you get in that patrol unit and drive off, that’s where your learning starts."
Crook said as Gwin progresses and he sees what areas her heart is in most, the department will build on those levels of training.
“I think the Lord puts all this together and puts things on people’s hearts they want to do, and it’s our job to help make sure we allow that to happen,” he said, adding she’ll receive in-house training through the MCSO.
Gwin said before going to the academy, she received in-house training, which helped put her ahead of some other people in her class. | https://www.djournal.com/print-features/inaugural-m17-scholarship-recipient-graduates-police-academy-copy/article_f7b9bcc7-e1b1-58b8-840b-3577bf7e54f6.html | 2022-04-15T17:29:16 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/print-features/inaugural-m17-scholarship-recipient-graduates-police-academy-copy/article_f7b9bcc7-e1b1-58b8-840b-3577bf7e54f6.html |
Yet again, the U.S. is trudging into what could be another COVID-19 surge, with cases rising nationally and in most states after a two-month decline.
One big unknown? "We don't know how high that mountain's gonna grow," said Dr. Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University.
No one expects a peak nearly as high as the last one, when the contagious omicron version of the coronavirus ripped through the population.
But experts warn that the coming wave – caused by a mutant called BA.2 that's thought to be about 30% more contagious – will wash across the nation and push up hospitalizations in a growing number of states in the coming weeks. And the case wave will be bigger than it looks, they say, because reported numbers are vast undercounts as more people test at home without reporting their infections or skip testing altogether.
At the height of the previous omicron surge, reported daily cases reached into the hundreds of thousands. On April 14, the seven-day rolling average for daily new cases rose to 39,521, up from 30,724 two weeks earlier, according to data from Johns Hopkins collected by The Associated Press.
Dr. Eric Topol, head of Scripps Research Translational Institute, said the numbers will likely keep growing until the surge reaches about a quarter the height of the last "monstrous" one. BA.2 may well have the same effect in the U.S. as it did in Israel, where it created a "bump" in the chart measuring cases, he said.
Keeping the surge somewhat in check, experts said, is a higher level of immunity in the U.S. from vaccination or past infection compared with early winter.
But Ray said the U.S. could wind up looking like Europe, where the BA.2 surge was "substantial" in some places that had comparable levels of immunity. "We could have a substantial surge here," he said.
Both experts said BA.2 will move through the country gradually. The Northeast has been hit hardest so far — with more than 90% of new infections caused by BA.2 last week compared with 86% nationally. As of Thursday, the highest rates of new COVID cases per capita over the past 14 days were in Vermont, Rhode Island, Alaska, New York and Massachusetts. In Washington, D.C., which also ranks in the top 10 for rates of new cases, Howard University announced it was moving most undergraduate classes online for the rest of the semester because of "a significant increase in COVID-19 positivity" in the district and on campus.
Some states, such as Rhode Island and New Hampshire, saw the average of daily new cases rise by more than 100% in two weeks, according to Johns Hopkins data.
Joseph Wendelken, spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Health, said despite rising cases, hospitalizations remain relatively low, and that's the metric they are most focused on right now. About 55 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, compared with more than 600 at one point in the pandemic.
Officials credit high vaccination rates. State statistics show 99% of Rhode Island adults are at least partially vaccinated and 48% have gotten the booster dose that scientists say is key in protecting against severe illness with omicron.
Vermont also has relatively high levels of vaccination and fewer patients in the hospital than during the height of the first omicron wave. But Dr. Mark Levine, the health commissioner there, said hospitalizations and the numbers of patients in intensive care units are both up slightly, although deaths have not risen.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control shows that new hospital admissions of patients with confirmed COVID-19 were up slightly in New England and the New York region.
On the West Coast, modelers from Oregon Health & Science University are projecting a slight increase in hospitalizations over the next two months in that state, where cases have also risen steeply.
As the wave moves across the country, experts said states with low rates of vaccination may face substantially more infections and severe cases that wind up in the hospital.
Ray said government leaders must be careful to strike the right tone when talking to people about protecting themselves and others after COVID restrictions have largely been lifted. Philadelphia recently became the first major U.S. city to reinstate its indoor mask mandate after a sharp increase in infections. But Vermont's Levine said there are no plans to bring back any of the restrictions that were imposed earlier during the pandemic.
"It's going to be hard to institute restrictive, draconian measures," Ray said. "Fortunately, we have some tools that we can use to mitigate risk. And so I hope that leaders will emphasize the importance for people to watch the numbers," be aware of risks and consider taking precautions such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated and boosted if they're not already.
Lynne Richmond, a 59-year-old breast cancer survivor who lives in Silver Spring, Md., said she plans to get her second booster and keep wearing her mask in public as cases rise in her state and nearby Washington, D.C.
"I never really stopped wearing my mask…I've stayed ultra-vigilant," she said. "I feel like I've come this far; I don't want to get COVID."
Vigilance is a good strategy, experts said, because the coronavirus is constantly throwing curveballs. One of the latest: even more contagious subvariants of BA.2 found in New York state, known as BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1. And scientists warn that new and potentially dangerous variants could arise at any time.
"We shouldn't be thinking the pandemic is over," Topol said. "We should still keep our guard up." | https://www.djournal.com/print-features/its-not-over-covid-19-cases-are-on-the-rise-again-in-us/article_86ef6f9d-ffd7-5bb0-9d3c-c76831d8b6f3.html | 2022-04-15T17:29:22 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/print-features/its-not-over-covid-19-cases-are-on-the-rise-again-in-us/article_86ef6f9d-ffd7-5bb0-9d3c-c76831d8b6f3.html |
BOSTON • Jacky Hunt-Broersma runs like a woman possessed. And in a way, she is: The amputee athlete is trying to run at least 102 marathons in 102 days.
Last month, a little more than two-thirds toward her goal of setting a new world record for back-to-back marathons, the South Africa native posted something on Twitter that got people talking.
"The first thing I did after my run today was take off my leg. Felt so good," she tweeted. "Marathon 69 done. 31 marathons to go."
That was last month, and she's still running — covering the classic 26.2-mile (42.2-kilometer) marathon distance day in, day out, rain or shine, occasionally on a treadmill but mostly on roads and trails near her home in Gilbert, Arizona. If her streak remains intact heading into the Boston Marathon on April 18, it'll be marathon No. 92.
Unlike the 30,000 others running the storied course, Hunt-Broersma, 46, will have done a marathon the day before. Somehow, she'll have to rally body and soul to run another the day after. And another after that. And then eight more.
All on a carbon-fiber blade that's been her left leg ever since she lost the real thing below the knee to a rare cancer.
"You make peace with pain," she said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I think my pain threshold is probably quite high at the moment. It's one step at a time."
Boston is the only certified marathon she's including in her quest. The others she's running on one of two loops near her home or indoors on a treadmill — a monotonous machine many runners derisively call the "dreadmill."
In 2001, while she and her Dutch husband were living in the Netherlands, Hunt-Broersma was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare cancer more typically seen in children. Overnight, a golf ball-sized bulge appeared on an old scar that had become tender. A biopsy confirmed the worst, and within weeks, her leg was amputated below the knee.
"The biggest struggle was accepting that part of my body was gone," she said. (She's since made peace with that: A favorite T-shirt reads, "A Zombie Chewed It Off.")
Until five years ago, she wasn't at all athletic, but getting started was expensive. Carbon-fiber blades designed for running cost around $10,000 and aren't covered by health insurance. Survivors of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, which killed three spectators and wounded 260 others, ran into the same problem when they sought to reclaim their lives.
"Running really changed my life," she said. "It helped me accept myself as an amputee. It gave me a sense of freedom. I fell in love with the process of pushing my body further just to see what I could do."
Subsequent marathons led to ultrarunning over extended distances, including a 100-mile (160-kilometer) race. So when Hunt-Broersma learned that Alyssa Amos Clark,a nondisabledrunner from Bennington, Vermont, covered the marathon distance 95 days in a row in 2000, an idea was born: She'd do 100. That plan got foiled this week when British runner Kate Jayden completed 101 marathons in as many days, so Hunt-Broersma has a new goal: "Now I'm going for at least 102."
"I hoped it would inspire a lot of people to get out of their comfort zone and push a little bit farther," she said.
She worried her stump would become raw and painful, and the first two weeks were rough. Since then, though, she's gotten into a sustainable rhythm, taking care to ice and massage the stump. When it became swollen, she switched to a running prosthesis with a little more room.
But there have been mental challenges as well on the road to 102, which began on Jan. 17. On a recent outing, Hunt-Broersma — who's been averaging a little over five hours per marathon — felt near collapse at 15 miles (24 kilometers) and burst into tears. Suddenly the entire odyssey was in doubt.
"I had a total emotional breakdown. I was like, 'I just can't do this. What was I thinking?'" she said. "The trick for me is just to break it down into little goals. Just get to the next mile. And then the next one."
Her support team is her husband and their two young children, but she's also gained a large social media following.
This week, after logging marathon No. 85, well-wishers offered virtual applause. "You just seem to eat marathons for breakfast," one person tweeted. "In such bleak times, thank you for serving as an inspiration," commented another.
As she nears the end of her epic quest, Hunt-Broersma hopes she inspires a singular thought in others, regardless of their own physical challenges:
"You're stronger than you think — and you're capable of so much more." | https://www.djournal.com/print-features/jackys-quest-1-woman-1-leg-102-marathons-in-102-days/article_5b3b03d4-dddb-5101-b385-e5364a46906f.html | 2022-04-15T17:29:28 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/print-features/jackys-quest-1-woman-1-leg-102-marathons-in-102-days/article_5b3b03d4-dddb-5101-b385-e5364a46906f.html |
ATHENS • As the first civilian to enroll in the Columbus Air Force Base’s Airman Leadership School, Robbie Ross was a test pilot, of sorts.
The optometry technician and Aberdeen High School graduate completed the month-long course and earned one of three awards given to members of his class.
“Airman Leadership School is typically reserved for active duty personnel. When I took it, I wasn’t trying to win an award; I was trying my best to hang in there and pass it,” said Ross, who served in the U.S. Navy from July 1996 to July 2001.
His peers in the course nominated him and one other airman for the Commandant Award, which led to an interview before a master sergeant’s board before being selected.
“That’s where you have to practice military formalities, and they drill you with questions for about 20 minutes," Ross said. "It’s how you answer the questions and how you respond when you’re on the spot. They try to make you really nervous to see if you fold under any type of intimidation or pressure."
Ross said the school is an active duty requirement once enlisted members of the Air Force make the rank of sergeant.
“It’s usually taken by senior airmen right before they make sergeant," he said. "A lot of times, if they don’t have this course under their belt, it’s usually frowned upon for making the next rank."
Responsibilities included negotiations and problem-solving techniques, peer reviews and open discussions designed to build critical thinking skills for students to consider viewpoints outside of their own.
At the Columbus Air Force Base, Ross works in the medical group, which received an inquiry for candidates for the one open civilian seat in Airman Leadership School. He was selected because of his reputation and good evaluations in the medical group.
Ross realized Air Force leadership would pay close attention to his performance since he was the first civilian at the Columbus Air Force Base to enroll in the course, which solidified his own expectations.
“I realized I didn’t have to just pass this course, I had to do really good," he said.
He said several civilian employees don’t have a military background, and Airman Leadership School can offer how to learn the ways of the military in order for them to do their jobs better.
“At the end of the day in the 14th Flying Training Wing, we have one mission," he said. "Everybody on base plays a vital role, civilian and military alike, to accomplish that one mission – to train world-class pilots. For me, I keep them vision-ready." | https://www.djournal.com/print-features/local-civilian-employee-makes-columbus-air-force-base-history-copy/article_00e2ccd9-1b66-5d34-9501-07cbe82ae526.html | 2022-04-15T17:29:34 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/print-features/local-civilian-employee-makes-columbus-air-force-base-history-copy/article_00e2ccd9-1b66-5d34-9501-07cbe82ae526.html |
The Legislature appropriated $11 million dollars for faculty pay raises at Mississippi’s community college system but some say it is not enough to ensure their salaries stay competitive with K-12 after the historic teacher pay raise.
Mississippi’s 15 community colleges have long struggled to retain the best and brightest faculty due in part to a lack of state funding. A 2007 law mandates that community colleges receive mid-level funding, or half the per-student amount the Legislature appropriates to K-12 and the regional universities, but that has never happened.
Now some are saying the historic pay raise for K-12 teachers, coupled with the comparably modest sum lawmakers appropriated for community college instructors, means many faculty could be making more money if they switched to teaching K-12.
“I want to make it really clear, I’m pleased for the K-12 instructors,” said Thomas Huebner, Meridian Community College president. “But it will absolutely impact our ability to attract and retain instructors at the community college level.”
The likelihood a community college instructor will make more in K-12 will vary, and there is a lack of data to show how that could play out in aggregate. The Mississippi Department of Education has not calculated how the pay raise will affect average teacher salaries. It also can be tricky to make a direct comparison between K-12 and community college instructors because they work varying contract lengths and teach different subject areas.
For instance, if Brandi Pickett, a wellness instructor at Meridian Community College, went back to K-12, the historic teacher pay raise means she could make about $14,000 more due to her years of experience and status as a National Board Certified Teacher.
Pickett stays in her current position, with a base salary of $49,500 a year, because she went to community college and loves teaching students who remind her of herself. But she knows many community college faculty, especially those teaching general education courses like history or science, could be enticed to leave for K-12.
“Why is it (my salary) not comparable to K-12?” Pickett said. “Why aren’t people trying … to give an incentive to keep those great teachers and not have them move? Where I’m from, people can go to Alabama, right across the state line, and be able to teach.”
In March, the Legislature passed a $246 million K-12 teacher pay raise, the largest in state history. The average teacher in Mississippi made $46,862 during the 2020-21 school year, but that will increase with the pay raise. The average full-time community college instructor made $50,465 last year, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.
The presidents of Mississippi’s 15 community colleges initially asked the Legislature to appropriate $11 million for salaries, enough for a 3%-across-the-board raise for the system’s nearly 6,000 employees. But they increased that request to $25 million in January due to the rate of inflation and the historic amount that K-12 teachers were likely to get, said Kell Smith, the Mississippi Community College Board’s interim executive director.
The Legislature stuck to the first request.
Mississippi’s community colleges already struggle to retain faculty, especially those in career-technical education who can make significantly more working in the trade than teaching it. Huebner said MCC recently lost an instructor in the electric lineman program because the college could not match the salary offered by out-of-state industry. He described the process of trying to find a replacement as “unbelievable.”
“There have been situations where we went nine months trying to find a welding instructor, because our pay scale was so far under what industry was trying to pay those folks,” he said.
Without sufficient state funding, community colleges are hamstrung in their ability to raise faculty salaries on their own. Some colleges have pushed for higher property taxes to fill the budget gap or raised tuition, Huebner said. But the latter option makes it more difficult for community colleges to fulfill their charge: “Offering a working class option, or entry, into the higher ed system,” said Chris Stevenson, a history instructor at Itawamba Community College.
Stevenson says he and his wife like to joke that they “took a vow of poverty” when they decided to become teachers.
“It is a labor of love more than a labor of salary,” he said.
In 2007, the Legislature attempted to address these budget woes by passing the Mid-Level Funding Act, which was intended “to provide adequate funding for Mississippi’s community and junior colleges.” That would be accomplished by funding the community colleges at a level more than K-12 schools but less than regional colleges. After lawmakers passed the bill, the plan was to phase-in mid-level funding over a three year period.
Then the Great Recession hit. The Legislature has never funded the community colleges at a mid-level amount, Smith said. And the community colleges have stopped asking for it. MCCB now tailors its budget priorities to funding formula increases, workforce programs, and salary raises.
“Honestly, we never had much success with” mid-level funding, Smith said. “It seemed like it became such a large ask.”
According to MCCB, the Legislature would have needed to appropriate an additional $159 million to the community college system to meet mid-level funding this session. That includes the extra $64 million needed to bring community college instructor salaries to a mid-point between K-12 teachers and university faculty.
“It does make us feel less important,” said Jennifer Smith, a librarian at Hinds Community College. “We’re teachers too, and we feel like we’re just not valued by the state. We train people to go into the workforce, and so what we do is develop our state. But our state is not rewarding us for helping the state.”
After Smith finishes cataloging books, she goes to her second job making truffles at a bakery. She said that many of her coworkers work extra jobs, like teaching additional classes at nearby universities, taking on custodial work, tutoring students, or running Instacart or Doordash deliveries.
Without these jobs, Smith said, “we can’t really afford to live.”
Last year, the Legislature allocated enough funds for a 1%-across-the-board raise for community college employees. In Pickett’s nine years of teaching at MCC, she said it was the first time she’d seen lawmakers give community college employees an across-the-board raise.
Pickett, who is the president of the Mississippi Association of Community College Faculty, an advocacy group, said she appreciates the money lawmakers have given for raises. She hopes that one day lawmakers will show they’re “ready to invest.”
“We have one of the best (community college) systems in the nation,” she said. “What would happen if we’re no longer here, to the workforce? To that big gap of students that need the community colleges?” | https://www.djournal.com/print-features/we-re-teachers-too-community-college-faculty-feel-shortchanged-by-legislative-raises/article_9bf07366-3ee2-5bed-843c-b07ccc715b77.html | 2022-04-15T17:29:40 | 0 | https://www.djournal.com/print-features/we-re-teachers-too-community-college-faculty-feel-shortchanged-by-legislative-raises/article_9bf07366-3ee2-5bed-843c-b07ccc715b77.html |
STARKVILLE • Mississippi State will be hosting a spring scrimmage Saturday as opposed to the typical spring game during Super Bulldog Weekend.
Rather than the traditional intrasquad competition in which rosters are divided into two, Mike Leach’s squad will put on display a similar scrimmage to last week's.
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Depth chart groupings will take turns on drives usually starting at the offense’s 40-yard line. It’ll start with the first string players facing off before MSU’s staff starts to mix roles up. There will be no score kept.
Leach said the date of the what would be the spring game is earlier than usual as State aimed for it to overlap with baseball hosting games. It’s rare, but MSU will have four spring practices in the week following the spring scrimmage.
“I’m not a believer in this spring game, just go through the motions, run a couple of drills and wave at everybody,” Leach said. “I hate that. I can’t even fathom that on any level.”
For Leach, very little changes in what he hopes to see besides a step forward from the first spring scrimmage.
There likely won’t be much confusion about who the top quarterback is as Will Rogers continues to impress this spring above Sawyer Robertson. But those protecting the quarterback will be shuffling around.
Leach and offensive line coach Mason Miller are experimenting with various players replacing last season’s tackles. Left tackle Charles Cross is on his way to becoming a top draft pick in this year’s NFL Draft while right tackle Scott Lashley is out of eligibility and working as a student coach with the Bulldogs.
Junior college addition Percy Lewis is the favorite to fill Cross’ spot while Albert Reese appears to be taking Lashley’s. However, don’t expect them to be the only ones in those slots during first team reps.
Interior guys such as Kwatrivous Johnson took snaps on the exterior. And the offensive line is just a taste of the rest of the arrangements.
Saturday provides a good opportunity for fans to see a plethora of players find roles in the same way the coaching staff does at practice. Based on the intensity of MSU’s last few practices, the possibility of some skirmishes exists.
But as for determining who will be shining on Saturday’s in the regular season, fans shouldn’t put too much weight on the baseball game’s appetizer.
STEFAN KRAJISNIK is the Mississippi State athletics reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at stefan.krajisnik@djournal.com. | https://www.djournal.com/sports/college/mississippi-state/what-to-expect-from-mississippi-states-super-bulldog-weekend-scrimmage/article_d96c7af7-8c02-5937-9eec-4644689ba77a.html | 2022-04-15T17:29:46 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/sports/college/mississippi-state/what-to-expect-from-mississippi-states-super-bulldog-weekend-scrimmage/article_d96c7af7-8c02-5937-9eec-4644689ba77a.html |
Needing to make summer plans? Here's a list of activities for kids around Shreveport
Summer is quickly approaching and it's time to start thinking about fun activies to keep your kids entertained until school is back in session.
From gators at the exotic zoo to sneaking in a history lesson with one of many interesting museums to getting some fresh air in the great outdoors there is a lot to explore in Northwest Louisiana.
Gators and Friends Adventure Park and Exotic Zoo
Just outside of Shreveport, the largest adventure park in Northwest Louisiana sits in Greenwood and has an estimated 150 alligators that you can get a close-up look at. If gators aren't your thing, you can zipline over a swamp or speed around a Go-Kart track. Don't forget to stop by to feed and pet more than 30 types of exotic animals in their natural habitat.
Gators and Friends is located at 11441 Hwy. 80 in Greenwood. Open Thursday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Visit the Gators and Friends website for more information on admission prices, season passes and more.
Louisiana Military Museum
If you have kids who love a fun history lesson then they will love the exhibits at the Louisiana Military Museum. They can learn about uniforms, weapons, flags, training gear, aircraft and vehicles from almost every conflict in American History while learning stories about local heroes and unknown enemies.
The museum is open Wednesday Noon - 4 p.m. and Thursday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is always free.
Lake Claiborne State Park
If you're wanting a relaxing getaway that will keep the kiddos entertained, Lake Claiborne State Park provides a plethora of activies for all ages. Swimming, fishing, boating, waterskiing, hiking and camping are all options when you pull your RV in or rent out a cabin in the pine trees.
For more information on activities, RV reservations and cabin bookings, visit the Lake Claiborne State Park website.
Meredith G. White is the arts and culture reporter for the Shreveport Times. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at mgwhite@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/life/2022/04/15/heres-list-kids-summer-activities-around-shreveport/9479089002/ | 2022-04-15T17:31:46 | 0 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/life/2022/04/15/heres-list-kids-summer-activities-around-shreveport/9479089002/ |
Here's how to watch the Shreveport based horror film that just released
A new film that was released on Friday might look familiar to Shreveport residents.
Local filmmaker Eric Gibson served as a producer on Room 203, a horror film primarily shot in Shreveport and will premier at select theaters across the country and will be available through Video On Demand services.
The film follows two best friends who are terrified by the vengeful spirits dwelling in their apartment. The story is based on the novel by Nanami Kamon and published by Kobunsha.
Room 203 also features Shreveport-based talent like actors Patrick and Susan Kirton and Terry Nelson, editor Colby Doler, designer Hannah Roark and her husband Reece as well as a local crew.
"Room 203 is a good example of what we can do here in Shreveport with not a lot of money," said Gibson. "We were able to stretch the dollar a bit because the local people were willing to work extra hard."
According to Gibson, many of the local people who worked on the film are alumni of FilmPrize.
While the film will be showing in select theaters in New York, California, Texas, Arizona and more, for those looking to stream it, Room 203 will be available digitally on Apple/iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu and Google Play.
More:Can local filmmakers save the city's movie industry? Meet the Louisiana man who's all in
Meredith G. White is the arts and culture reporter for the Shreveport Times. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at mgwhite@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/life/2022/04/15/new-horror-film-shot-shreveport-premier-select-theatres/7324615001/ | 2022-04-15T17:31:52 | 1 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/life/2022/04/15/new-horror-film-shot-shreveport-premier-select-theatres/7324615001/ |
Joe White: Want spectacular color in your garden? Try azaleas and roses
Since the introduction of knock-out roses, their relatively low level of care compared to many other kinds of roses has made them attractive to many homeowners. Little or no deadheading, reduced disease control (except rose rosette which is not a fungal problem), less spraying and a good variety of colors make them a nice choice for those landscapes that can offer a site that is well-drained and can provide six hours of full sun.
Azaleas have been popular throughout the whole South. Ideally, they, along with other woody ornamentals, are best planted in the November to March period, but with good care, April has the advantage or allowing the buyer a glimpse of the flower so that the color and size of the flower can be determined.
There are several kinds of azaleas, including deciduous varieties, which lose their leaves in the winter season. But for decades the Indian types that often reach a height and width of twelve feet at maturity have been the most popular. And who can say that a full-grown Indian azalea in full bloom isn’t spectacular?
Within the Indian group are some varieties that bloom early, some that bloom in mid-season and others that bloom late. By planting a specimen of each, a long season of color can be enjoyed each spring. The Encore azaleas have somewhat smaller flowers and don’t grow as large as the Indian types, but have the advantage of being multi-season bloomers. They also bloom along with the other types in the spring, but may have sporadic summer flowers and often a nice fall bloom.
Most azaleas perform best in filtered shade such as under pine trees, but under broadleaf tees like oaks tend to struggle due to less light and greater root competition. When there is no shade, generous watering (especially in the summer) is critical.
Since azaleas have shallow root systems, they should be planted shallow. Dig the planting hole just deep enough that the root ball top will be no deeper than two inches below the surrounding ground. Next, backfill with soil removed from the hole after mixing with it with an acidic, slow-release fertilizer and a pint or so of peat moss. Then set the root ball on the fill which will raise it to about two inches above the surrounding ground. Slice the root ball on three or four sides about an inch deep to break up the circular root pattern. Finally, fill the remaining spaces with additional fill soil, lightly tamping with each addition. Now soak the whole planting.
If Indian type azaleas are still your preference and size is a concern, Judge Solomon (rosy pink) usually matures at a smaller size than many others. Encore azaleas feature varieties that range in size from around three to five feet. Two good and popular varieties are Autumn Amethyst and Autumn Twist. Prune Encore azaleas within two to three weeks following their spring bloom.
Joe White is a retired horticulturist with the LSU AgCenter. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2022/04/15/joe-white-want-spectacular-color-your-garden-try-azaleas-and-roses/7330268001/ | 2022-04-15T17:31:58 | 0 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2022/04/15/joe-white-want-spectacular-color-your-garden-try-azaleas-and-roses/7330268001/ |
Suspect in Shreveport Highland area shooting found dead after nearly 8-hour standoff
What began as a shots fired call late Thursday night in the Highland District of Shreveport, ended this morning with a male suspect found dead inside of a home on Atkins Street, just behind C.E. Byrd High School.
According to Chris Bordelon of the Shreveport police, officers responded to several shots fired calls in the area when a female in an SUV was found shot at the intersection of Creswell Avenue and Atkins Avenue.
She was transported to the LSU Ocshner Hospital in Shreveport where she later died.
A multi-agency response was at the location for more than 7-hours, entering the home just before 7:30 a.m. Friday.
According to Lt. Bart Cavanaugh, a member of the Special Operations Team of Bossier Police who assisted in the entry of the house, the man had what appeared to have a self-inflicted gunshot wound. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2022/04/15/standoff-shreveport-ends-after-shooting-suspect-found-dead/7330308001/ | 2022-04-15T17:32:04 | 0 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2022/04/15/standoff-shreveport-ends-after-shooting-suspect-found-dead/7330308001/ |
INDIANAPOLIS — The night of April 15, 2021, gunshots gave way to panic, which then gave way to chaos at the Indianapolis FedEx Ground facility on Mirabel Road.
In the wake of a tragic shooting that left eight employees dead and five others injured, others working at the facility that evening were unable to contact friends and family, since FedEx policy prohibited workers from having their phones on the production floor.
In the hours after the tragedy, FedEx sent WRTV a statement explaining why.
The statement read: "To minimize potential distractions around package sortation equipment and dock operations, cell phone access within certain areas of FedEx ground field operations is limited to authorized team members."
Most employee cell phones were in their lockers that night, which left many people stuck in the unknown.
Workers had scrambled to evacuate the facility, leaving their phones behind and locked up.
Today, according to several of those employees, the policy remain unchanged.
Nadia McGraw is a FedEx package handler at the company's Greenwood facility.
She says only managers and employees who are given green stickers to place on their badges can use a phone on the production floor.
McGraw also says she understands the rules governing cell phone restrictions at FedEx facilities, when it comes to safety.
"It's very noisy in the building and you can't really hear people if you have like an ear bud in or if you're listening to music or you're on your phone, "McGraw says, "and if you see a hazmat go by, you can't really catch it if you're on your phone."
Following the shooting, there were calls for FedEx to adjust its cell phone policy. Suggestions included allowing workers carry phones on their person and allowing smaller devices, like the Apple Watch.
McGraw says she would rather keep her phone nearby, just in case, "to tell my loved ones I'm okay or contact police or 911."
We requested to meeting, FedEx management declined an on-camera interview to discuss any changes to the company's cell phone policy, but the company did issue a statement.
It reads, in part: "We do not publicly disclose details of our security protocols but have a number of measures in place designed to keep our people safe, including physical security procedures as well as workplace violence awareness and prevention measures. We regularly assess our security programs and processes to identify any potential enhancement opportunities. This includes our cell phone policy, which is based on workplace safety considerations."
Federal regulations say employers can impose restrictions on production and manufacturing floors.
The "National Labor Relations Act" states employees have the right to use their personal phones during breaks and away from restricted areas.
Nadia McGraw says those are the rules she follows at FedEx.
"You can have it in a locker, but it's locked up," McGraw says, "So you can have it on break, you just can't bring it inside the facility past security guards."
FedEx's cell phone policy may be unchanged since the mass shooting, but WRTV has learned security measures have ramped up on its properties since that deadly mass shooting. The exact details of those security measures are not being publicly released due to company policy and for employee safety.
FEDEX ONE YEAR COVERAGE | First recipient named in Samaria Blackwell Memorial Scholarship | Mother of FedEx shooter supports lawsuit against FedEx, Securitas | Five families of FedEx victims file lawsuit | Sikh community honors victims of the FedEx shooting | https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/crime/fedex-shooting/revisiting-fedexs-cell-phone-policy-following-one-year-after-2022-tragedy | 2022-04-15T17:36:15 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/crime/fedex-shooting/revisiting-fedexs-cell-phone-policy-following-one-year-after-2022-tragedy |
BLOOMINGTON — Hari Kondabolu didn't know it, but he will always be a significant historical figure for WRTV. The comedian was the last in-studio guest we had on our News at Noon before the pandemic changed the way we do on air news — we wouldn't see another in studio guest until 2022. He did remember that last trip to Central Indiana, however, for the same reason.
"It was the next to last show I did before the world ended for two years," Kondabolu said ahead of his appearance this weekend at The Comedy Attic in Bloomington. "I remember it fondly. I thought about the show I did in Indianapolis and the show I did the next night in Cincinnati for two years. I was like 'those were good shows, and if those are the last shows I ever do, then I ended it on a bang.'"
Thankfully, Kondabolu survived the pandemic, tough as it was for him and just about every other artist and entertainer. "The growth of Zoom during the pandemic, the fact I was able to do shows for money via Zoom was surreal. Doing this show where you're getting paid, and the audience doesn't know whether you're wearing pants or not is very bizarre." (Hari was wearing pants, in case you're wondering)
You probably best know Kondabolu for a film he wrote and starred in that's still generating controversy five years after its release. "The Problem With Apu" was a TruTV documentary chronicling the Indian convenience store owner character on The Simpsons, voiced for decades by a white actor. Hari is also a regular on the NPR game show "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me," and he has done two successful projects with fellow comedian and friend W. Kamau Bell; the former FX show "Totally Biased" and the podcast "Politically Reactive."
Politics has always been part of Kondabolu's comedy, but given the current polarized climate — and the recent incident at the Oscars between Will Smith and Chris Rock, he says something happening to him on stage is in the back of his mind. "As much as I understand Will Smith's anger, I hate to see audience members get on stage and attack a comedian. I certainly say things that some people love and some people absolutely hate, and I would hate for that to happen to me."
There's more than politics and social topics to Kondabolu and his act, particularly since he became a parent during the pandemic. "He's not a pandemic baby. That's what happens when a baby is conceived during a pandemic. He's a Honolulu Ritz-Carlton baby, which is another kind of baby altogether — a vacation baby."
Hari Kondabolu is at The Comedy Attic in Bloomington for two shows per night through Saturday night, 7:00pm and 9:15pm. Click here for ticket information. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/hari-kondabolus-post-pandemic-tour | 2022-04-15T17:36:21 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/hari-kondabolus-post-pandemic-tour |
INDIANAPOLIS — You could one day see a plaque outside of Lucas Oil Stadium that has nothing to do with football.
"If you look at Lucas Oil Stadium, you have no idea that there used to be a vibrant, Arabic-speaking community here," Dr. Edward E. Curtis IV told WRTV.
Dr. Curtis is applying for a marker to be placed outside of the football stadium located at 500 S. Capitol Ave. to acknowledge what once was the city's Historic Syrian Quarters.
"What used to be here 120 years ago was the heart of an era in Indianapolis," Dr. Curtis said.
Willard Street once ran through what is now known as the home of the Indianapolis Colts.
From 1890 to 1920, Willard Street was packed with people who immigrated to the United States from the eastern Mediterranean, now known as Syria and Lebanon.
In the 30 years of its existence, it was a diverse community home to immigrants from Italy, Poland, Greece, Hungary, and African Americans. According to Dr. Curtis, the Syrian Quarters was known for its roasted lamb, Turkish coffee, tobacco water pipes, and narrow townhomes.
"People would sit outside on their stoops, especially on Sundays, where they'd share food...and sing their songs. And they lived as a multiracial neighborhood of Black, white, and brown people. We just don't know that," Dr. Curtis said.
After World War I, Arab Americans were given access to more housing in Indianapolis. As a result, according to Dr. Curtis, Arabs spread out from the east to the west side in search of more land to put their grocery stores, which was a significant part of Arab culture.
Curtis, the Chair of Liberal Arts and a professor of Religious Studies at IUPUI, has made it his life's work to bring the history of Arab Americans out of the shadows. More pointedly, Arab Americans of the Midwest.
"I grew up in rural southern Illinois. My grandmother — was like my second mother — brought me up to have pride in my Arab heritage," Dr. Curtis explained. "I just had no idea when I moved to Indianapolis several years ago that there was such a rich history here."
When the professor began to look for the presence of his ancestors in their migration to the U.S., he found not only the heartbeat of the Indianapolis Arabic community but several landmarks associated with Indiana history also marked the history of Arab Hoosiers.
What Curtis found in his research was so profound that he created a map, "The Arab Indianapolis Heritage Trail."
"The first Arab American statewide officeholder was a woman in the 1960s (Helen Corey). Nobody knows about her, but she should be a household name in Indiana," Curtis noted. "Arab Americans served in the military in World War I and after, and they are memorialized in the War Memorial. One of the most prominent stores on Monument Circle (Shaheen Oriental Rugs) is today the entrance to Hilbert Circle Theatre, where the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra plays, and that is from the 1920s part of our Indiana past and our Arab past."
The Arab Indianapolis Heritage Trail is just one of several efforts Curtis has made to bring the contributions of Arab Americans to the city and state's culture and economic growth to light.
In his 13th book, "Arab Indianapolis," Dr. Curtis documents Arab Hoosier history. It's a history that he says is "hidden in plain sight."
"I think it's got as many pictures as it does words," Dr. Curtis jokes.
In addition to photographs and history, Arab Indianapolis also has interviews, vignettes, and recipes.
"It really brings to mind the past of Arab Indianapolis. But also, the present. I partnered with the community to create portraits of people, of Contemporary Arab Americans in Indianapolis; we asked them to share their historic photographs. So it really celebrates the past and the present of Arab Indianapolis," Dr. Curtis said of his book.
In recognition of Arab American Heritage Month in April, Dr. Curtis enjoys sharing his heritage with others. He says that he recognizes that Arab Americans are a relatively small percentage of the country's population, but he doesn't want his history to be "something set aside. It's a part of" America's history.
"Arab people are not new to this place that we now call the United States. Before the country was formed, there were...Arabs here," Dr. Curtis explained. "Oftentimes, we're thought of as foreigners, as somehow we can't assimilate to this culture. But that's just not true. And the Arab American Heritage Month shows how much Arab Americans have contributed."
Arab Indianapolis is available for pre-order ahead of its June 7 publishing date on beltpublishing.com. WFYI is also premiering an hour-long documentary about Dr. Curtis' book, "Arab Indianapolis: A Hidden History," on June 16.
You can learn more about the self-guided Arab Indianapolis Heritage Trail on theclio.com and Dr. Curtis at edward-curtis.com.
MORE: An interstate erased the 'Lost Barrio of Indianapolis,' but its legacy lives on
WRTV Digital Reporter Shakkira Harris can be reached at shakkira.harris@wrtv.com. You can follow her on Twitter, @shakkirasays. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/indianapolis/new-book-documents-arab-american-history-in-indianapolis-thats-been-hidden-in-plain-sight | 2022-04-15T17:36:27 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/indianapolis/new-book-documents-arab-american-history-in-indianapolis-thats-been-hidden-in-plain-sight |
Humboldt County, Nevada is home to one of the largest sources of lithium in the world.
There is an estimated 9 square miles worth of lithium in Thacker Pass, and there are plans to mine it.
An ancient underground volcano left behind the mineral that is a major piece of renewable energy future.
"One percent of the lithium in the world gets produced by the United States, so this mine right here will produce about 25% of America's use of lithium projected out over the next 30 years," said Dave Mendiola, who is the county manager in Humboldt County.
A little over a year ago, the area was given the federal green light to build the open-pit mine. Currently, there is only one lithium mine in America.
Mendiola said the project will bring hundreds of jobs to the area. The country is already planning development projects to provide new homes to the people coming in.
"There'll be a lot of job opportunities, both at the mine itself and then in a lot of those ancillary businesses," he said.
However, current lawsuits and appeals by a diverse group of people, including Indigenous tribes, ranchers and environmental groups, are holding up progress for the mine’s development. According to John Hader, executive director of Great Basin Resource Watch, that’s a good thing.
"It's a big footprint when you put it in one of these mines, and that needs to be considered, and it's, I feel like it's not being considered enough," he said.
Hader’s group is concerned about many things— potential toxins from waste rock, the impact on Native lands, which it will be built on and the water footprint.
"People in the community are very concerned about the potential for expansion of the mine further down the road and requiring more water, before you know it, they can't grow their crops there, they can't do agriculture, you can’t do ranching anymore. That's what the long-term concern is," he said.
The next decision on the mine is expected this fall.
As the country looks for new ways to power the nation, similar issues will likely keep popping up.
"If you look the other way, then you're going to do environmental damage that also affects our climate and more so than necessary," said Hader.
"There are families who see their kids grow up and their kids go off to school or somewhere else looking for some great opportunity, but this is just another opportunity for our children to stay here in the community," said Mendiola. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national-politics/the-race/a-county-torn-over-lithium-mining-could-set-the-tone-as-america-looks-for-renewable-energy-sources | 2022-04-15T17:36:33 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national-politics/the-race/a-county-torn-over-lithium-mining-could-set-the-tone-as-america-looks-for-renewable-energy-sources |
COLLEGE GROVE, Tenn. — When Jeff Atwood's daughter began her senior year of high school, he started texting her life advice every morning. That daily ritual turned into a book years later.
"When she got to the beginning of her senior year of high school, it caught me by surprise, and I was like, 'Oh my gosh, this is sort of our last lap. Does she know what she needs to know?' I mean, it really was one of those things, where as a dad, you're like, I mean, 'This is—she's gonna go out into the world here and have I done my job as—my wife and I—have we done our jobs helping her?" recounted father of three daughters Jeff Atwood.
A very hands-on dad, he decided he would meet his 17-year-old daughter where she was.
"I decided, you know, that for her senior year of high school. I would just send her a text every morning of just something I thought she needed to know," explained Atwood. "Some of them are sweet and some I thought were pretty sturdy. And then you know, some are silly and that sort of thing. But it really was for me a chance to sort of say, 'these are the things that I need to make sure that you know. I'm your dad, you know, these are things that mom and I have talked to you about for 17 years, and I literally just have to put them in writing or in a text so that you know that these things are so important to us, and we hope that they're so important to you.'"
Atwood said during his daughter's senior year, he traveled a lot for his job.
"I thought 'Gosh, I gotta get up. You know, if I'm on the West Coast I gotta get up really early to send it to her before she goes to school,’ because it kind of became part of the rhythm of her senior year," explained Atwood.
Throughout that year, friends and family started hearing he was sending his daughter the texts.
"I would talk to my friends about it, 'You know what, man guys, this is it. This is our last go-round. You know, it doesn't matter if they're going off to school at a town or if they're gonna stay here and work or go to trade school or whatever. This, you know, even if they're still here, once they get that diploma, it changes and your role changes. And so, you know, I want to do all that I can to make sure that that stuff just sort of sits in her heart and in their mind.’"
He said other dads and parents kept asking him what he was sending in those messages and before long, he decided to write a book.
His book, "Need to Know for Graduates," which came out in Spring 2022 compiles his texts and even includes a page for the gift-giver to include their own words of wisdom for their graduate.
His daughter, McKenzie who received all her dad's texts her senior year said she remembers thinking, "It's a very Jeff thing to do. You know? It's a very on-brand thing."
She said they always had a close relationship and that year of messages was really further confirmation of that special bond.
"It made me really happy to just hear all these different pieces of advice and wonder whether the next one was going to be, you know? Some were serious career advice, or one of the fun ones that's like, ‘Can't go wrong with a chocolate chip cookie’ and I'm like, 'Yeah!' You never know what you're gonna get," recounted McKenzie with a smile. "My number one, though, and this is one that a lot of my friends know is ‘just show up.’ And ‘opportunity follows availability.’"
However, she said it is the very first page that is the most important.
"‘You are loved always forever no matter what. Everything else you need to know is secondary to knowing that you are loved.' Because that is just like a great, like an important place to start," explained McKenzie. "All of the advice and everything all of that comes from love. So I think that I've always enjoyed that that's the first one. It sets the tone and explains why the rest of the book exists."
Now the father of a 25, 24 and 23-year-old girl, Atwood said he hopes other parents do not feel they need to send a daily text but encouraged them to think about how they speak to their children in their youth and adulthood.
"You have to communicate with people the way they're used to being communicated to," he explained. "And so whatever is the rhythm and your family is. If the rhythm in your family is texting, do that. If the rhythm and your family is writing something on a whiteboard, if it's calling, if it's, I don't know, the carrier pigeons or hieroglyphics or whatever it is that your family does to communicate, do it and you have to do it frequently."
He explained through his experience as a father of three and his professional work, he learned it is not as much about how you do it, it is that you reach each child and know it is never too late.
"They have to know that you love them unconditionally. So be so intentional about it. Sit down with them, look them in the eye and say, 'I love you. And it's not because of what you do, or your grades or what you do in sports. I love you. I'm your dad and I love you.' And just be that intentional about it," Atwood said.
To read more about or buy Atwood's book, you will find details on his website.
This story was first reported by Claire Kopsky at WTVF in Nashville, Tenn. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/dad-turns-years-worth-of-daily-dadism-texts-to-daughter-into-a-book-for-all-graduates | 2022-04-15T17:36:39 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/dad-turns-years-worth-of-daily-dadism-texts-to-daughter-into-a-book-for-all-graduates |
QUINTANA, Texas — A dolphin that was stranded on a Texas beach is now dead after a wildlife group said people tried to ride it.
Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network posted on Facebook that the dolphin was alive when it became stranded on Quintana Beach south of Houston.
The group said beachgoers pushed the dolphin back to sea and tried to swim with and ride the animal.
The dolphin died before rescuers arrived at the beach.
The rescue group said this type of harassment can stress out wild dolphins. It warns people should not interact with beached dolphins as it could be dangerous.
Instead, people are encouraged to call wildlife authorities immediately.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says it is illegal to feed or harass wild marine animals, including dolphins. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/dolphin-dies-after-beachgoers-in-texas-try-to-ride-it-rescue-group-says | 2022-04-15T17:36:45 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/dolphin-dies-after-beachgoers-in-texas-try-to-ride-it-rescue-group-says |
DENVER — Tax Day is almost here, but many families are not getting the full refund they are owed. The IRS estimates 20% of people eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) are not claiming that money and that credit alone could mean thousands of dollars to families across the country.
“You've got to make sure that you get that money that you deserve,” said Xavier Farrell who works with AmeriCorps and prepares taxes for free.
Farrell has helped with all kinds of projects across the country, like stocking food banks and doing fire prevention, but now, their biggest mission: helping families get bigger tax refunds.
Doing this work helped him claim a bigger refund this year too.
“It's a huge help because, you know, I paid my way through school, and so kind of having that extra bump and it takes a little bit of the weight off,” said Farrell.
This year was the first year he could claim the earned income tax credit, a credit for low- and middle-income earners making up to $21,000 for single filers with no qualifying children and up to $57,000 for filers with qualifying children. The refund can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
“The level of awareness is actually pretty low for these things,” said Farrell.
Farrell and his team want to change that because this year more people can get the credit, and the maximum credit amount is nearly tripled.
Check if you qualify with this IRS Tool.
Single filers can get up to $1,502 and filers with kids can be refunded up to $6,728.
The maximum refunds are as follows:
- 1 qualifying child: $3,618
- 2 qualifying children: $5,980
- 3 + qualifying children: $6,728
For the first time, the credit is now available to both younger workers and senior citizens.
The Treasury Inspector General found about 5 million eligible Americans aren’t claiming these credits, leaving $7 billion unclaimed.
“That's a lot of money left on the table,” said Isabel Dickson, the economic mobility specialist with the Colorado Department of Public Health. Dickson said even if you already filed this year, there’s still a chance to claim the credit.
“Generally, you can file up to three years of back tax returns. So back to tax year 2018,” said Dickson.
She encourages everyone to file an amendment to claim past credits too. Tax help can be found here on Get Ahead Colorado’s website.
“Tax refunds can really make a difference, and when families have the financial resources they need, parents and children can thrive. They have better health outcomes, and kids can do better in school,” said Dickson.
With a quick search for the IRS VITA Site tool, you can find free local help to claim their tax credits too. Farrell hopes more people will take advantage of the help available because he’s seen the real change a refund can make.
“Seeing the excitement in their faces and knowing like, you know, that that was going to help take some of the burdens off. It was, it was nectar for the soul. That's the only way that I can describe it,” said Farrell.
If you need more time to file or want more time to ask for help on your taxes, you can file an extension, which will give you several more months to properly file your taxes and claim the refund you are owed. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/millions-of-americans-not-claiming-tax-credits-they-are-owed | 2022-04-15T17:36:51 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/millions-of-americans-not-claiming-tax-credits-they-are-owed |
Officers with the Greenfield Police Department in Massachusetts rescued an orphaned bear.
The department said the scared cub was spotted in a tree last week. Two officers were able to get the bear down from the tree and place it in the back of their cruiser.
It was taken to the police station until wildlife officials could pick it up.
The next day, the bear was transported to the wildlife clinic at Tufts University.
Veterinarians say the cub is approximately 12-weeks old and is in "good physical condition."
She will be taken to the Kilham Bear Center in New Hampshire for rehabilitation before being re-released into the wild.
Police believe the cub's mother and siblings were hit and killed by a car. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/police-rescue-orphaned-bear | 2022-04-15T17:36:57 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/police-rescue-orphaned-bear |
After nearly two years of addiction, Victoria Thierens said her life changed Nov. 30, 2019. In a cry for help, she called police and was taken to a behavioral unit to have a psych evaluation. There, she found out she was four weeks pregnant with her daughter.
"They let me know that due to that, that they would be calling Child Protective Services and that within a day's time that they would be coming to the house and we would be establishing some sort of plan to make sure that my children were safe," Thierens said.
Thierens has gone from being a victim to being victorious.
"I have been sober for two and a half years, and it's been an incredible journey," Thierens said.
Her story starts in high school. She said she's always been a very ambitious person and she was determined to graduate early so she could become a nurse-midwife. She also became a fitness coach who competed in body-building competitions and she started a business.
"At a certain point, I felt like I was kind of just, missing out on, like, the party scene and just exploring what was, you know, what life had to offer at the time," Thierens said. "What started out as just, you know, partying a little bit here and there, you know, I did a little bit of cocaine and was just like exploring and experimenting. Nothing too serious turned into quite a slippery slope. And I ended up getting addicted to crystal meth."
She said her descent into addiction was very gradual.
"It's kind of challenging in times to decipher when is it that you're no longer in control, you know," Thierens said.
The thought of losing her newborn and her other child wasn't something she could imagine, and it instilled in her the motivation to make a change. From that moment on, she's had the strength to stay away from drugs.
"I knew that it was a pivotal point and that these people were here to help me and that I had to choose to help myself," Thierens said.
According to a study conducted by Harvard Medical School professor of psychiatry Dr. John Kelly, roughly 10% of Americans are in recovery from an alcohol- or drug-use disorder.
"There are about 20 to 30 million people in recovery right now in the United States," Kelly said.
Kelly is also the director of the Recovery Research Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital. He said it may take a few or many years for someone to recover from addiction, but the latest data from the CDC and National Institute on Drug Abuse shows a majority of people who battle addiction eventually recover.
"75% of people who experience at some point in their life an alcohol or other drug use disorder will achieve remission," Kelly said.
Dr. Nora Volkow is the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse. She said the more time a person is in remission, the greater their chances are of staying that way. The path to recovery differs from person to person, but she says there's one common denominator.
"A key component, that is extraordinarily important, like our backbone, is those social support systems that can help the person stay in recovery," Volkow said.
Those social support systems are what Thierens said have been very helpful for her.
"Having a group of women and like support teams that are there for you even if they haven't gone through addiction," Thierens said. "Just having a good group of friends who have aligned interests or similar interests as far as like wanting to progress as a human, as a being, as somebody that's dealing with life right now."
She says good sleep, eating habits and self-care have also been important in her journey. Now she's using her experience to help others through a book she recently co-authored, and one-on-one sessions to guide people who are struggling with addiction or depression and anxiety.
"I just love being a mom and I love really helping the world and sharing my story with the hopes of empowering other people and just showing up as my best self and my most authentic self as often as I can," Thierens said. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/support-systems-help-people-with-addiction-recovery-experts-say | 2022-04-15T17:37:03 | 0 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/support-systems-help-people-with-addiction-recovery-experts-say |
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Twitter said in a statement Friday that its board of directors has unanimously adopted a “poison pill” defense in response to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s proposal to buy the company and take it private.
Twitter said the move, formally called a “limited duration shareholder rights plan,” aims to enable all its shareholders to “realize the full value of their investment” in the company by reducing the likelihood that any one person can gain control without paying shareholders a premium or giving the board more time.
Poison pills are often used to defend against hostile takeovers.
"The Rights Plan does not prevent the Board from engaging with parties or accepting an acquisition proposal if the Board believes that it is in the best interests of Twitter and its shareholders," the company said in a statement.
Musk offered to buy Twitter for $43 billion in cash. He currently owns about 9% of the company's stock.
The billionaire has taken issue with Twitter's ability to limit dialogue.
"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," Musk said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/twitter-adopts-poison-pill-defense-in-musk-takeover-bid | 2022-04-15T17:37:10 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/twitter-adopts-poison-pill-defense-in-musk-takeover-bid |
Amid rising inflation, the Biden administration was delivered with good economic news: unemployment reached record lows in 12 states.
According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday, 14 states reported March unemployment rates below 3%. Only one state — New Mexico — and the District of Columbia had unemployment rates above 5%.
The unemployment rate is an indication of the number of people in the workforce actively looking for jobs. The unemployment rate does not include the number of Americans who have left the workforce altogether since the start of the pandemic.
Nebraska and Utah reported the lowest unemployment rate of 2%. Other states reporting below 3% unemployment rates include Indiana, Montana, Kansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Idaho, Oklahoma, Vermont, Wisconsin, Alabama and North Dakota.
Nationally, unemployment is down to 3.6%, which is down from 6% a year ago.
While workforce participation dropped significantly in the first year of the pandemic, it has crept up in the last year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workforce participation was 63.4% in February 2020, dropping to a low of 60.2% in April 2020. Workforce participation was reported at 62.4% in March 2022, up from 61.5% a year ago.
The Biden administration welcomed the positive economic news.
“Over the last year, the unemployment rate dropped in every state and many states have reached historic lows,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “These aren’t just numbers on a page: these are millions of Americans back at work and able to support themselves and their families with good-paying jobs and enjoy the dignity a job provides. “
While most Americans looking for work are employed, the nation’s workforce is encountering a higher cost of living. Earlier this week, federal officials said the cost of food increased 8.8% from a year ago. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/unemployment-rate-hits-record-lows-in-12-states | 2022-04-15T17:37:16 | 1 | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/unemployment-rate-hits-record-lows-in-12-states |
2 in 5 US households now growing food following pandemic boom
Whether it was more time to start a new hobby during the pandemic, or some just looking for a healthier, cheaper way to get vegetables and herbs for the family, more and more Americans are now growing their own food.
"Food gardening," which is defined as household participation in vegetable, fruit trees, berries or herbs gardening, has seen "a significant uptick" since the COVID-19 crisis began, according to researchers at the National Gardening Association.
The association’s research division shares an annual survey to assess gardening activity and purchasing trends in the U.S. The 2022 survey, which is set to be released in the coming days, found that over two in five U.S. households (41%) participated in food gardening in 2021 — or roughly 53.7 million households.
Starting in 2018, the number of U.S. homes that reported food gardening stood at just 35.4%. It dropped to 33.1% in 2019 before skyrocketing in 2020 to 41.7% — the first year of the pandemic when many were forced to stay at home and picked up new hobbies.
In 2021, the second year of the pandemic, the number of U.S. households growing food decreased slightly to 41.3%, yet remained higher than what was reported in many previous years.
Overall, U.S. households spent an average of $88.24 on food gardening in 2021, the annual survey found.
Tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, beans, carrots, summer squash, onions, hot peppers, lettuce and peas were among the top homegrown vegetables in the U.S., according to a five-year analysis of food gardening by the association, released in 2014.
Pandemic prompts boom in US gardening
Last year’s survey highlighted the boom in U.S. gardening, sharing that 18.3 million people picked up some tools and started gardening in 2020. Experienced gardeners also got outside more with two-thirds trying a new gardening activity, it found.
Some 42% of gardeners in 2020 said they increased their activity due to the pandemic, and 88% of gardeners said they intended to increase or maintain their level of gardening activity in 2021 (36% more, 52% the same).
Researchers said the survey found that the intent to garden more was more pronounced among younger ages, gardeners with children, those living in apartments or condos, as well as Black and other gardeners of color.
Why people gardened more: mental benefits, food, exercise
Last year’s survey found that younger gardeners were overall more driven by growing food, as well as the benefits of doing a family activity together.
Meanwhile, older gardeners were more driven to garden in 2020 in an effort to beautify their homes and for exercise.
All age groups in last year’s survey cited the mental health and emotional benefits of gardening.
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This story was reported from Cincinnati | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/2-in-5-us-households-now-growing-food-following-pandemic-boom | 2022-04-15T17:37:46 | 1 | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/2-in-5-us-households-now-growing-food-following-pandemic-boom |
Officials: 9 students arrested, 13 suspended after fights at Marion County middle school
MARION COUNTY, Fla. - There were nine students arrested and 13 suspended after several fights broke out at a middle school in Marion County, officials said Friday.
According to Marion County Public Schools, four fights on the campus of Fort King Middle School on Wednesday led to the arrests and suspensions.
MORE NEWS: Deputies: 1 dead, 3 arrested after shooting at Tildenville Park in Winter Garden
"These fights were mainly the result of students making threats on social media the day before after school," officials told FOX 35 News.
The school principal reportedly sent a message home to parents encouraging them to discuss the importance of making positive choices and not ones that "get students suspended, arrested, or expelled."
Marion County Public Schools says Ocala police increased their presence on campus the following day and would continue next week.
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Click here for the latest Central Florida news, Florida stories, and local headlines. | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/9-students-arrested-13-suspended-after-several-fights-at-marion-county-middle-school | 2022-04-15T17:37:52 | 0 | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/9-students-arrested-13-suspended-after-several-fights-at-marion-county-middle-school |
Video shows Austin city skyline recreated in Minecraft
AUSTIN, Texas - How cool is this? Reddit user SavageManZhou recently shared images of a stunning recreation of the Austin city skyline and landmarks he created entirely in Minecraft!
He says he was inspired to build the skyline after moving to Austin to study at the University of Texas at Austin in 2020. He started the project at the end of 2020 and has been updating it since then, working on it mainly on weekends and breaks.
"When I first started, I didn’t intend to build the whole downtown skyline, [I] initially was only planning to finish the Texas capitol," he said. "It turned out well, so I added more buildings and garages around it along with the governor’s mansion."
All the measurements and references for the project are taken from Google Maps, Earth, and street view, he says, allowing him to measure distances and height of the buildings, as well as check archived satellite images and street views.
"Austin is a hilly town, and this Minecraft world is a flat world without any elevation changes, thus this Minecraft build does not necessarily accurately resemble the cityscape in real life," he said when asked what the most challenging part of the build was. "And the building process does require a lot of work and I’ve lost motivation quite a few times."
He says he's been playing Minecraft since he was 12 and only recently seriously began building actual replicas.
He says he has plans to expand the city, possibly westward along Cesar Chavez Street to Shoal Creek, with more buildings along Congress Avenue and around the Capitol, and even some of UT Austin.
Check out the video below to see more of his build:
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Deputies: 1 dead, 3 arrested after shooting at Tildenville Park in Winter Garden
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - Orange County deputies have arrested three men in a shooting that left one person dead and another injured in Winter Garden.
Deputies responded to Tildenville Park on Saturday night and said they found two men with gunshot wounds. Elijuah Peterson, 20, was listed in critical condition after the shooting. He has since passed away. The other victim, a man in his 30s, sustained a non-life-threatening injury.
Zachary Staffine, 18, has been arrested on a charge of First Degree Murder. Two other suspects were also arrested: David Manuel, 35, on a charge of Attempted First Degree Murder and Jason Owens, 38, on a charge of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Florida mom charged in 5-year-old’s death during high-speed chase, officials say
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A 32-year-old woman has been charged with aggravated manslaughter in the death of her 5-year-old daughter during a high-speed chase, officials said.
The Fourth District State Attorney’s Office on Thursday filed formal charges against the woman, who police said kidnaped the child late last month. When a police officer spotted her vehicle at a red light, she sped away and led law enforcement on a high-speed chase.
Her vehicle crashed into a retention pond along Interstate 95. The child’s body was found by divers outside of the vehicle at the bottom of the pond. The woman got out of the vehicle, but officials said she made no attempt to rescue the child.
RELATED: 5-year-old girl killed as Florida police chase suspected kidnapper
She was initially charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, firefighter or EMT, fleeing or trying to elude a law enforcement officer and vehicular homicide. In addition to manslaughter, she’s also now charged with battery on an emergency medical care provider, records show.
Court officials told news outlets the woman wasn’t present at her first appearance due to ‘disruptive’ behavior. An arraignment is scheduled for April 21. She remains in jail on a $2.2 million bond.
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According to WJXT, the child lived with her aunt and uncle after the Florida Department of Children and Families determined her mother was not fit to care for her. | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/florida-mom-charged-with-manslaughter-in-5-year-olds-death | 2022-04-15T17:38:10 | 1 | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/florida-mom-charged-with-manslaughter-in-5-year-olds-death |
Full pink moon rises this weekend: What to know
The first full moon of spring will shine this weekend, but don’t let its name fool you.
April’s full moon is known as the pink moon - named for the pink wildflowers that bloom in early spring in eastern North America, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. It's also linked to several major religious holidays, including Easter.
When to watch the 2022 full pink moon
The pink moon will light up by 3 p.m. Eastern Saturday, but you won’t be able to see it until after sunset. Sunset times depend on where you live; check your local forecast for sunset times. NASA says the moon will appear full for three days, from early Friday morning through early Monday morning.
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It won’t be a supermoon like it was for the past two years. Supermoons happen when the moon is full and its orbit is closest to Earth, making the moon appear slightly larger and more vivid.
The Pink Supermoon of April 2021 as seen from the Dutch city, Eindhoven, The Netherlands on April 26, 2021. (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
For the best views, the almanac suggests you find an open area at the time of moonrise, when the moon emerges above the horizon. That’s when it will look its biggest and brightest.
A moon with many names
This weekend’s moon is also the Paschal full moon for the Christian ecclesiastical calendar, or the moon cycle that determines when Easter will fall each year.
According to NASA, Paschal is a Latin version of the word Pesach, better known as Passover, a major Jewish holiday. This weekend’s moon - a moon with many names - is known as the Pesach full moon on the Jewish calendar to mark the start of Passover at sundown Friday, April 15.
For the Christian calendar, Easter falls on the first Sunday following the first spring full moon, or the first full moon to rise after the spring (vernal) equinox. This year it’s April 17th, but Easter can be as early as March 22 or as late as April 25 every year, depending on lunar cycles.
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In Hinduism, this full moon is tied to Hanuman Jayanti, the celebration of the birth of Lord Hanuman.
For Buddhists, especially in Sri Lanka, NASA says this full moon is known as Bak Poya, to commemorate when the Buddha visited Sri Lanka and helped settle a dispute to avoid war.
May’s full moon will be a total lunar eclipse
Next month’s full moon, known as the "full flower moon," will also coincide with a total lunar eclipse. This happens when the moon fully enters Earth’s shadow, blocking much of the sun from lighting up the moon. The sun that does get through Earth’s atmosphere during the eclipse is what makes it appear red when you look up at the sky.
The eclipse will start the night of May 15 and peak just after midnight Monday, May 16.
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New low-nicotine cigarettes hit Chicago stores exclusively, claim to reduce urge to smoke
CHICAGO - A new kind of cigarette designed to help smokers smoke less, is debuting exclusively in Chicago this week.
Circle K Stores across the city and suburbs are selling the new, low-nicotine cigarettes as part of a pilot program by Buffalo, N.Y.-based 22nd Century Group, developers of VLN cigarettes.
The company said in a statement that its cigarettes contain 95% less nicotine than conventional cigarettes with the help of genetically modified tobacco plants.
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The cigarettes are the first smokeable products authorized by Food and Drug Administration to help adult smokers smoke less.
VLN King and VLN Menthol King Cigarette at Circle K in Wheaton, IL on Monday, April 11, 2022. (Matt Marton)
After more than 50 clinical trials, research found those who smoked VLN cigarettes saw a 50% reduction of cigarettes per day after 20 weeks, a reduction in cravings and withdrawal symptoms and more smoke-free days and quit attempts, the company said in a statement.
Chicago Medical Society President Dr. Tariq Butt said in the 22nd Century Group statement that he intends to review the independent research cited by the FDA closely.
VLN King and VLN Menthol King Cigarette at Circle K in Wheaton, IL on Monday, April 11, 2022. (Matt Marton)
"As a primary care physician, I’ve lost patients because they were unable to quit smoking," Butt said in the statement. "We can’t ignore new products that could help people smoke less. If the FDA says this reduced nicotine cigarette will help people smoke less, then as doctors it’s something we need to consider for patients."
A pack of VLN cigarettes, which come in both regular and menthol, cost about the same as premium brands with full nicotine, the company said.
Photos of the 22nd Century Group Inc.'s VLN King and VLN Menthol King Cigarette at Circle K in Wheaton, IL on Monday, April 11, 2022. (Matt Marton)
The cigarettes are available exclusively at more than 150 Circle K convenience stores in Chicago, suburban Cook County and collar counties.
The company said it chose Chicago as its test market because smokers are found within every segment of the population. According to estimates by the CDC, 15.5% of Illinois adults smoke cigarettes, higher than the national average of 12.5%.
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22nd Century Group said it plans to expand sales nationwide following the three-to-six month pilot program in Chicago. | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/low-nicotine-cigarettes-chicago-exclusively-reduce-urge-smoke | 2022-04-15T17:38:22 | 1 | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/low-nicotine-cigarettes-chicago-exclusively-reduce-urge-smoke |
NJ man repeatedly ran over woman in horrific road rage incident, prosecutors say
NEW JERSEY - A New Jersey man faces multiple charges after he allegedly ran over a woman, repeatedly, when she attempted to take pictures of his vehicle following a collision.
According to the Union County Prosecutor's Office, Vincent Jean, 56, of Elizabeth, was driving a Mitsubishi SUV on Tuesday at about 8:30 a.m. when it collided with a 23-year-old woman's vehicle in the area of Salem Avenue and Aberdeen Road in Elizabeth.
Witnesses told prosecutors that Jean attempted to flee the scene and the woman, who was standing on the sidewalk, began taking photos of his car in order to be able to identify him to the police.
That's when Jean drove directly at the woman who ran onto a lawn. Jean then drove onto the lawn and struck the woman, backed up, and ran over her a second time, said prosecutors.
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Vincent Jean, 56, is accused of running over a woman, repeatedly, with his SUV after he collided with her vehicle in Elizabth, said the Union County Prosecutor's Office.
Police responded to a 911 call about the injured woman and found her lying on the lawn with severe injuries.
Jean fled the scene but was found sitting in his car parked on Jefferson Avenue. The SUV was visibly damaged, added police.
The victim was rushed to University Hospital in critical condition. Her family issued the following statement Thursday:
"The family would like to express its gratitude for the expedient response to this incident by the Union County Prosecutor's Office, the Elizabeth Police Department, EMS workers as well as Elizabeth Mayor, Chris Bollwage. We also want to thank the citizens of Elizabeth for their aid and support, especially the school bus driver who intervened and the neighbor who provided the security camera footage of this horrific crime.
Your actions and cooperation with law enforcement led to the quick apprehension of the perpetrator. These collective efforts along with the hard-working and diligent actions of the doctors and healthcare professionals at University Hospital, saved our daughter's life.
What this man did to our daughter was atrocious and no parent, child or any human being should ever have to endure this.
We want to be clear that this was not the result of any domestic dispute. This man was a complete stranger who committed a heinous act of road rage and attempted to kill our daughter simply because she was trying to get necessary information to lawfully report an accident while he was fleeing the scene.
Although we are heartbroken and deeply saddened by what happened, we are thankful that our daughter is alive. We are now focused on her care and recovery and will rely on the law enforcement professionals and the court system to dispense justice. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support but we ask that you respect our family's privacy during this time."
Jean was charged with first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, third-degree assault by auto, third-degree leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident with serious bodily injury, third-degree endangering an injured victim and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
He was held at the Union County jail pending a court appearance.
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Police asked anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Thomas Koczur 908-358-9675 or Detective Edward Benenati at 908-328-6972. | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/nj-man-charged-repeatedly-running-over-woman-crash | 2022-04-15T17:38:28 | 1 | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/nj-man-charged-repeatedly-running-over-woman-crash |
Officers rescue orphaned bear cub after car accident kills its entire family
GREENFIELD, Mass. - A young bear cub is recovering after a traumatic incident.
Police officers in Massachusetts discovered a young bear cub hiding in a tree after a car tragically struck and killed its mother and two siblings. Fortunately, officers were able to rescue the animal and brought it to a veterinary care facility in New Hampshire.
Officers with the Greenfield Police Department responded to reports of the accident last week, according to a post on the department's Facebook page. The accident occurred on Rt. 2 around 8:43 in the evening on April 8.
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"Upon arrival," the post states, "officers heard squealing and found a very scared third cub that was able to seek refuge and safety by climbing a tree. Knowing the danger the now orphaned cub was in, Officer Lagoy and Purinton, were able to rescue the cub. They placed it in the back a cruiser and brought it to the station. AMR assisted us by providing a kennel to keep him safe."
(Greenfield, Massachusetts Police Department)
At the time, the police department wrote that it would care for the cub overnight before bringing it to Tufts University the following day for long-term care.
The cub was originally taken to the Tufts Wildlife Clinic, where veterinarians determined that it was in good condition.
Fortunately, the cub appears to be recuperating after being relocated to New Hampshire's Kilham Bear Center, the Greenfield Recorder reports.
Deputy Chief William Gordon told the news outlet, "That word is foremost in my mind. They acted with compassion (for) that poor orphaned animal. They were worried for the welfare of the cub. That’s what we do every day. A lot of people paint (police officers) with a negative stroke but in reality our officers work with compassion (for) humans or animals or whoever needs help. And we don’t judge."
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Over 2 in 5 US households now growing food following pandemic boom
Whether it was more time to start a new hobby during the pandemic, or some just looking for a healthier, cheaper way to get vegetables and herbs for the family, more and more Americans are now growing their own food.
"Food gardening," which is defined as household participation in vegetable, fruit trees, berries or herbs gardening, has seen "a significant uptick" since the COVID-19 crisis began, according to researchers at the National Gardening Association.
The association’s research division shares an annual survey to assess gardening activity and purchasing trends in the U.S. The 2022 survey, which is set to be released in the coming days, found that over two in five U.S. households (41%) participated in food gardening in 2021 — or roughly 53.7 million households.
Starting in 2018, the number of U.S. homes that reported food gardening stood at just 35.4%. It dropped to 33.1% in 2019 before skyrocketing in 2020 to 41.7% — the first year of the pandemic when many were forced to stay at home and picked up new hobbies.
In 2021, the second year of the pandemic, the number of U.S. households growing food decreased slightly to 41.3%, yet remained higher than what was reported in many previous years.
Overall, U.S. households spent an average of $88.24 on food gardening in 2021, the annual survey found.
Tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, beans, carrots, summer squash, onions, hot peppers, lettuce and peas were among the top homegrown vegetables in the U.S., according to a five-year analysis of food gardening by the association, released in 2014.
Pandemic prompts boom in US gardening
Last year’s survey highlighted the boom in U.S. gardening, sharing that 18.3 million people picked up some tools and started gardening in 2020. Experienced gardeners also got outside more with two-thirds trying a new gardening activity, it found.
Some 42% of gardeners in 2020 said they increased their activity due to the pandemic, and 88% of gardeners said they intended to increase or maintain their level of gardening activity in 2021 (36% more, 52% the same).
Researchers said the survey found that the intent to garden more was more pronounced among younger ages, gardeners with children, those living in apartments or condos, as well as Black and other gardeners of color.
Why people gardened more: mental benefits, food, exercise
Last year’s survey found that younger gardeners were overall more driven by growing food, as well as the benefits of doing a family activity together.
Meanwhile, older gardeners were more driven to garden in 2020 in an effort to beautify their homes and for exercise.
All age groups in last year’s survey cited the mental health and emotional benefits of gardening.
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South Carolina inmate picks firing squad over electric chair
COLUMBIA, S.C. - A South Carolina prisoner scheduled to be the first man executed in the state in more than a decade has decided to die by firing squad rather than in the electric chair later this month, according to court documents filed Friday.
Richard Bernard Moore, 57, is also the first state prisoner to face the choice of execution methods after a law went into effect last year making electrocution the default and giving inmates the option to face three prison workers with rifles instead.
Moore has spent more than two decades on death row after being convicted of the 1999 killing of convenience store clerk James Mahoney in Spartanburg. If executed as scheduled on April 29, he would be the first person put to death in the state since 2011 and the fourth in the country to die by firing squad in nearly half a century.
The new law was prompted by the decade-long break, which corrections officials attribute to an inability to procure the drugs needed to carry out lethal injections.
In a written statement, Moore said he didn’t concede that either method was legal or constitutional, but that he more strongly opposed death by electrocution and only chose the firing squad because he was required to make a choice.
"I believe this election is forcing me to choose between two unconstitutional methods of execution, and I do not intend to waive any challenges to electrocution or firing squad by making an election," Moore said in the statement.
Moore’s attorneys have asked the state Supreme Court to delay his death while another court determines if either available method is cruel and unusual punishment. The attorneys argue prisons officials aren’t trying hard enough to get the lethal injection drugs, instead forcing prisoners to choose between two more barbaric methods.
His lawyers are also asking the state Supreme Court to delay the execution so the U.S. Supreme Court can review whether his death sentence was a disproportionate punishment compared with similar crimes. The state justices denied a similar appeal last week.
Photo via South CarolinaDepartment of Corrections
PREVIOUS: Firing-squad executions get the green light in South Carolina
South Carolina is one of eight states to still use the electric chair and one of four to allow a firing squad, according to the Washington-based nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center.
Only three executions in the United States have been carried out by firing squad since 1976, according to the nonprofit. Moore’s would mark the first since Ronnie Lee Gardner's 2010 execution by a five-person firing squad in Utah.
South Carolina's corrections agency said last month that it finished developing protocols for firing squad executions and completed $53,600 in renovations on the death chamber in Columbia, installing a metal chair with restraints that faces a wall with a rectangular opening 15 feet (4.6 meters) away. In the case of a firing squad execution, three volunteer prison workers will train their rifles on the condemned prisoner’s heart.
Moore is one of 35 men on South Carolina’s death row. The state last scheduled an execution for Moore in 2020, which was then delayed after prison officials said they couldn’t obtain lethal injection drugs.
During Moore’s 2001 trial, prosecutors said Moore entered the store looking for money to support his cocaine habit and got into a dispute with Mahoney, who drew a pistol that Moore wrestled away from him.
Mahoney pulled a second gun, and a gunfight ensued. Mahoney shot Moore in the arm, and Moore shot Mahoney in the chest. Prosecutors said Moore left a trail of blood through the store as he looked for cash, stepping twice over Mahoney.
At the time, Moore claimed that he acted in self-defense after Mahoney drew the first gun.
Moore’s supporters have argued that his crime doesn’t rise to the level of a death penalty offense. His appeals lawyers have said that because Moore didn’t bring a gun into store, he couldn’t have intended to kill someone when he walked in.
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The last person executed in South Carolina was Jeffrey Motts, who was on death row for strangling a cellmate while serving a life sentence for another murder. | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/south-carolina-inmate-picks-firing-squad-execution | 2022-04-15T17:38:47 | 1 | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/south-carolina-inmate-picks-firing-squad-execution |
You can stay at this 'Friends' themed Airbnb in Tampa, and the attention to detail is amazing
TAMPA, Fla. - For ten years, we welcomed Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey into our living rooms. Now there's a way to hang out in theirs... or at least one that looks just like it.
Fans of the Central Perk pals can book a Tampa Bay getaway and stay in a Friends-themed AirBnB at the same time.
The Tampa bungalow is just steps from Ybor City nightlife. Inside you’ll be whisked away to a space that’s part Monica and Rachel’s Manhattan apartment, part Central Perk cafe and part Chandler and Joey’s man cave.
Owner and Airbnb superhost Frank Albert, a self-described Friends diehard fan, has sprinkled Easter eggs throughout the two-bedroom, two-bathroom pad that fellow fans will love.
From purple walls, green door frames and bright blue cabinets, to a foosball table and a copy of Stephen King's "The Shining" inside the freezer (for safety reasons of course), the space drips with nostalgia.
"Pretty much all of the artwork is either replicas from the show or memorabilia that I think a lot of fans will appreciate when they walk through it," Albert said.
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One bedroom features brightly colored umbrellas reminiscent of the show's intro. There's even Joey's bedtime penguin pal, Hugsy, as well as other stuffed animals representing Marcel the monkey, the chick and the duck. And of course, there's a toy lobster as well – a reference to Phoebe's famous line, "He's her lobster!"
(Photo: FOX 13)
You can recreate Rachel’s beef and raspberry cream trifle in the open-cabinet kitchen or draw a bubble bath for two (or was it just one?) in the claw-foot tub.
Designer Erin Wertman says after bingeing the show again, she spent months – and sometimes a surprising amount of money – tracking down just the right Friends decor.
"I love how this kitchen came out. One of the things you always see in Monica’s kitchen is this clock-face timer. You would think a timer would be like $12, but I think that one was in the hundreds, but it's a must-have!" laughs Wertman. "It’s one of those things that you have to have, to make it feel realistic."
(Photo: FOX 13)
The space also features an Instagram-worthy purple and gold framed photo wall, replete with a pink neon "I’ll be there for you" sign that Wertman designed herself.
RELATED: People are 'overwhelmed' by the number of streaming options, Nielsen survey finds
Albert owns and manages dozens of AirBnBs around the Tampa Bay area, but says this is his first time trying out a theme.
"It's a gamble, but I feel like even people that aren't fans of the show will appreciate the quality of work," he said.
(Courtesy: Tony Sica Photography)
Fans of the show certainly do. Within an hour of listing the home on Airbnb, Albert already had his first booking.
It's a pretty good "pivot" from your typical Tampa stay.
The Friends-themed AirBnB starts at $250 per night. Click here to book a stay on AirBnB.
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To check out more designs and spaces from Albert and Wertman, you can find them on Instagram: @traveltampa and @erbnbtpa. | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/you-can-stay-at-this-friends-themed-airbnb-in-tampa-and-the-attention-to-detail-is-amazing | 2022-04-15T17:38:53 | 0 | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/you-can-stay-at-this-friends-themed-airbnb-in-tampa-and-the-attention-to-detail-is-amazing |
New USFL hoping to succeed where other spring leagues failed
NBC Sports president Jon Miller knows the perils of starting a spring football league. He was with NBC when the network teamed with Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment during the XFL’s first launch in 2001 and has seen other leagues crash and burn.
Miller is optimistic that a new version of the USFL could have some staying power.
"Hopefully, the fifth time is a charm. I think the timing is right, the partnership is right, and the model is bred for success," Miller said. "We’re optimistic, hopeful, and excited at the same time."
RELATED: USFL 2022: What to know ahead of inaugural season's debut this weekend
The USFL kicks off Saturday night in Birmingham, Alabama, when the New Jersey Generals face the Birmingham Stallions.
Fox and NBC Sports will each carry 22 games, including Saturday’s opener. It is the first time since the 2007 regular-season finale between the New England Patriots and New York Giants that a game will air on multiple broadcast networks.
Fox Sports owns the USFL and is making a $150 million investment over three years. The only similarity between the USFL of 1983-85 and this one is the team names.
Fox Sports executive vice president Michael Mulvihill thinks the XFL would have made it if it wasn’t for the coronavirus pandemic. The league suspended operations in April 2020 during the pandemic. It played five weeks before COVID-19 halted sports a month earlier.
In 2019, the Alliance of American Football shut down after eight weeks after running out of money.
"I think the viewership figures for spring football are good enough to give us a high level of confidence that the interest among fans is there," Mulvihill said. "It just becomes a matter of can we develop a business model that’s more effective than the leagues that have tried and haven’t succeeded. Because we’re structured the way we are, we have a pretty good chance of doing just that."
There are two significant differences with the USFL before it kicks off. It has waited until April to begin the season. The XFL and AAF immediately started their seasons after the Super Bowl and eventually had to go against the NCAA basketball tournament and the Masters.
RELATED: State-of-the-art weather station to monitor skies during USFL games in Birmingham
The USFL’s most significant competition for viewers will be the NBA and NHL playoffs through the end of May. The XFL averaged 1.5 million viewers on Fox and ABC during its final week of games while AAF ratings for games on NFL Network were similar to preseason NFL games.
The other difference is that the season will take place in two cities. The regular season will occur in Birmingham, with the playoffs slated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
"It’s beneficial for us to get on solid financial footing and then year two start to kind of dial it in. Our goal is year two. Nobody’s done that in a while," said former Dallas Cowboys standout and Fox NFL commentator Daryl Johnston, the USFL’s executive vice president of football operations.
Johnston also had front-office roles in the XFL and AAF. Brian Woods, the founder The Spring League, is the USFL’s president of football operations, while Fox NFL and college football rules analyst Mike Pereira will act as the head of officiating.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - FEBRUARY 22: Daryl Johnston, director of player personnel for the Dallas Renegades, looks on during the game against the Seattle Dragons at CenturyLink Field on February 22, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. The Dallas Renegades topp
The eight teams will play a 10-game schedule during the regular season, with the top two in the North and South divisions advancing to the playoffs. The championship game will be a matchup of division winners.
Among other things to watch with the new league:
Closer to the game
Fox and NBC will use drones in football game coverage for the first time. During last week’s scrimmages, the drone followed a player through the hole during one play to show his running path.
Two players from each team will also have cameras in their helmets. During the scrimmages, the helmet cams captured a player blocking a punt and a defensive back intercepting a pass in the end zone.
Telecasts will also have access to all the audio feeds of coaches and 32 players on both teams wearing mics.
"The technology will grow throughout the season because there are things that have never been tried before," said Fox Sports producer Chuck McDonald. "The biggest learning curve will be figuring out what’s great."
Rules changes
The technology won’t just extend to broadcasts. Instead, the USFL will not use chain gangs, relying on a chip inside the football to spot the ball. On close plays for first downs, Hawkeye technology — used in tennis to tell if a ball is inbounds — will be utilized to see if a player got the necessary yards.
Besides the extra point and 2-point conversion after touchdowns, teams can attempt a 3-point conversion from the 10-yard line. That means an 18-point deficit theoretically remains a two-possession game.
Teams will also have the option of running a fourth-and-12 play from the 33-yard line to make a first down and retain possession instead of attempting an onside kick.
RELATED: USFL 2022: Full schedule of games released for 10-week regular season
Most defensive pass interference calls will be 15 yards. It would be a spot foul if a defender intentionally tackles a receiver beyond 15 yards.
Teams, players and coaches of note
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Michigan Panthers and Tampa Bay Bandits are the co-favorites at 4.5-1.
Former Titans and Rams coach Jeff Fisher is directing the Panthers, while Todd Haley leads the Bandits.
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Michigan also has two of the more recognizable names at quarterback. Former University of Michigan standout Shea Patterson is in line to start, with Paxton Lynch serving as the backup. Lynch used to play for the Broncos and Seahawks. | https://www.fox35orlando.com/sports/new-usfl-hoping-to-succeed-where-other-spring-leagues-failed | 2022-04-15T17:38:59 | 1 | https://www.fox35orlando.com/sports/new-usfl-hoping-to-succeed-where-other-spring-leagues-failed |
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Many Broadway theaters will no longer require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 after this month, The Broadway League announced Friday.
The organization announced the shift in policy as it announced another extension of its rule that require patients to attend productions with a face covering. That rule will remain in place until at least May 31.
"Our intention is that by maintaining strict audience masking through at least the month of May, we will continue that track record of safety for all. And of course, we urge everyone to get vaccinated," president of the league, Charlotte St. Martin, said.
The announcement comes as New York tracks two omicron subvariants of the highly transmissible BA.2 strain that state health officials say are fueling "significant community spread."
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Face masks have been the rule of thumb regardless of vaccination status since Broadway unveiled its revamped mask and vaccination policy last summer. They must be worn at all times except for while eating or drinking.
The league didn't say which theaters would be dropping the proof of vaccine requirement, only that "many" were expected to do so next month. Up-to-date information on those requirements will continue to be provided by individual theaters and ticket sellers.
Children not yet eligible for vaccination have been allowed to attend shows with proof of a negative COVID-19 test. A negative PCR test can be taken within 72 hours of a show, whereas an antigen test is allowed within six hours of the start time.
Exceptions can also be made for ticket holders with a medical condition or "closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination."
More up-to-date information on Broadway's COVID policies can be found here. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/broadway-adjusts-vaccine-requirements-but-extends-mask-policy-through-may/3648032/ | 2022-04-15T17:40:47 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/broadway-adjusts-vaccine-requirements-but-extends-mask-policy-through-may/3648032/ |
Two omicron subvariants of the highly transmissible BA.2 strain are fueling "significant community spread" in parts of New York, state health officials say, calling their data the first charting such subvariant transmission rates in the U.S.
The emergence of subvariants BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 both sublineages of the BA.2, strain that some have described as the most contagious version of COVID yet, comes as that parent subvariant intensifies its already-dominant grip on America and New York, where data shows it's circulating at a faster rate than nationally.
New York state data puts BA.2's prevalence at 80.6% of COVID infections, though recently updated reports from the CDC suggest its share could be even higher. And early findings indicate the subvariants could be up to 27% higher than BA.2, which was said to be up to 60% more contagious than the original omicron strain that overtook the globe, leading to unprecedented case rates earlier this year.
Over the last few weeks, state health officials say they've been focusing on higher than average infection rates in Central New York, and they believe the highly contagious subvariants are fueling viral spread in that region.
For the month of March, BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 rose to collectively comprise more than 70% prevalence in Central New York and more than 20% prevalence in the neighboring Finger Lakes region, the state said in an advisory issued Wednesday.
Data for April indicate that levels in Central New York are now above 90%. While the evidence indicates the region is facing the most extensive subvariant-linked community spread in the U.S., health officials say there's no proof of increased disease severity linked to those strains. The data is continually assessed, though.
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As of Friday, Central New York owns the highest rolling positivity and case rates per 100,000 residents of all 10 New York regions, and it's not even close. The rolling case rate for the region that includes Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego counties has a 12.4% rolling positivity rate, well above the next closest (Finger Lakes, 9.5%) and dwarfing the rolling rate in New York City (3.1%).
The difference in cases per 100,000 is even starker. Central New York ranks first on a rolling basis (53.6 new cases per 100K over a seven-day average), nearly double the statewide average (28.3) and New York City's below-state average of 26.1.
Breakthrough infection rates have seen an uptick in recent weeks, but it's not clear what (or whats) is responsible. The increase could reflect waning vaccine efficacy among some who have yet to be boosted or another cause. Most importantly, the age-adjusted vaccine effectiveness rate in terms of new hospitalizations hasn't shifted in a statistically significant way. See the chart below for details.
New cases and new hospitalizations with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 among fully vaccinated and unvaccinated adults, and estimated vaccine effectiveness, age 18 years or older.
State reinfection data also puts Central New York's reinfection rate at a substantially higher level per 100,000 residents than the state's other regions. For now, hospitalizations remain manageable, though again, Central New York's rate per 100,000 (10.52) is well above the statewide average (5.53) and the city's (4.02).
Ultimately, officials say BA.2's dominance was expected and it's expected that some other COVID variant and subvariants will take their turns, too. That doesn't necessarily exacerbate community risk. But the numbers are worth monitoring.
"We are alerting the public to two omicron subvariants, newly emerged and rapidly spreading in upstate New York, so New Yorkers can act swiftly," State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. "While these subvariants are new, the tools to combat them are not. These tools will work if we each use them."
New York state intensely stepped up its variant surveillance efforts before the omicron wave started late last year, as did the city, though the share of cases sequenced to isolate variants remains a fraction of the total positives.
According to the CDC, the state has sequenced about 3.43% of cumulative samples since the start of the pandemic, a higher rate than high volume case states like Florida (2.54%) but lower than ones like California (5.79%).
In New York City, health department data puts BA.2 at 85% of positive COVID samples tested, but that data is a week behind that provided by the CDC. Officials say the omicron subvariant now accounts for most cases in the five boroughs.
Just how many cases are attributed to BA.2 may never be known. The city says 14% of all positive samples were sequenced in the latest week of data, fairly on par with its highest weekly rate of surveillance of 16%, notched in late March.
It's not clear from the city's health department page how many samples have been sequenced cumulatively.
Nationally, less than a half percent of America's nearly 80 million COVID cases to date have been genomically sequenced and made publicly available, CDC data shows, which likely reflects the exhaustive process that work entails.
As of Tuesday's update, BA.2 is about 86% of all national positive COVID samples genomically sequenced in the latest two-week data period, up from 72.2% in the CDC's prior weekly update and from 35% in the one two weeks before that.
BA.2 is said to be inherently more transmissible than the original omicron strain -- perhaps the most contagious form of the virus to date, according to a WHO official -- but has not been scientifically linked to more severe cases or proven to be more vaccine-resistant to this point, which is cause for caution but no alarm, experts say.
Anecdotally, reported symptoms are often exceptionally mild -- like those common with an innocuous cold that wouldn't otherwise lay people out. In the case of BA.2, though, positive tests could last for days, complicating matters for a city -- and a country -- fervently trying to reassert its footing amid the pandemic recovery effort.
Still, with more holiday gatherings ahead this weekend for Easter and Passover, health officials at all levels of government are urging enhanced caution.
New York City's health department, for example, reminded people of its recommendation to wear face coverings indoors, especially when in groups when others' vaccination status isn't clear. Also get tested before going, the city says.
"Encourage your friends and loved ones you will see this weekend to get tested as well before you gather," Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said. "To find a testing site near you, or where to obtain an at-home test kit, go to nyc.gov/covidtest or call 311. The Health Department wishes all New Yorkers joy, togetherness and good health."
Nationally, just 19 of America's more than 3,200 counties are considered "high" risk by the CDC, based on its recently debuted community level threat tracker. More than 95% of U.S. counties, including all five in New York City and the entire states of neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut, are considered low risk as well.
Parts of Central New York, though, like Onondaga and Cayuga counties, are now in the CDC's high-risk zone and some surrounding areas have turned yellow recently. New York's Department of Health on Wednesday announced the emergence of new subvariants of BA.2 which officials believe have fueled the sharp increase in Central New York and the surrounding areas.
Data from March in those regions shows that the two subvariants (BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1) were prevalent in more than 70 percent of cases in Central New York. In April, the rate has shot up to more than 90 percent of cases — making the findings the first reported instances of significant community spread caused by the new subvariants in the U.S.
Given the upticks, the feds plan to extend the nationwide travel mask mandate another two weeks at least, sources with knowledge of the decision said on Wednesday.
Though infections are rising, most counties still have low levels of transmission and hospitalizations, which means people who live in those areas don't need to wear masks indoors under CDC public health guidance.
Dr. Anthony Fauci said this week COVID will continue to circulate in communities for the foreseeable future, and people will have to make their own decisions about the risk they're willing to take based on their age and health status. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/ny-issues-covid-warning-as-new-omicron-subvariants-fuel-significant-community-spread/3647955/ | 2022-04-15T17:40:53 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/ny-issues-covid-warning-as-new-omicron-subvariants-fuel-significant-community-spread/3647955/ |
A person was shot and wounded outside the North Carolina home of rapper DaBaby, authorities said Thursday, but it was unclear if he himself was involved or hurt.
DaBaby and at least one other person were at the home when the shooting happened Wednesday evening, Troutman Police Chief Josh Watson told The Associated Press. But he wouldn't say who was shot or who did the shooting, citing an ongoing investigation. He said the injuries of the unidentified wounded person were not life-threatening.
A spokesperson for the rapper didn't immediately respond to an email request for comment on Thursday.
Troutman, located in Iredell County, is 35 miles (56 km) north of Charlotte.
The shooting is the latest in a series of incidents involving DaBaby, whose real name is Jonathan Kirk. In 2019, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed weapon after a fatal shooting at a Walmart in Huntersville, North Carolina, just south of Troutman. He was not charged in the shooting.
Last year, the Grammy-nominated rapper was arrested after he took a loaded gun into an upscale store on Rodeo Drive. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/person-shot-outside-of-dababys-north-carolina-home-police-say/3648011/ | 2022-04-15T17:41:05 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/person-shot-outside-of-dababys-north-carolina-home-police-say/3648011/ |
A U.S. ban on seafood imports from Russia over its invasion of Ukraine was supposed to sap billions of dollars from Vladimir Putin’s war machine.
But shortcomings in import regulations mean that Russian-caught pollock, salmon and crab are likely to enter the U.S. anyway, by way of the country vital to seafood supply chains across the world: China.
Like the U.S. seafood industry, Russian companies rely heavily on China to process their catch. Once there, the seafood can be re-exported to the U.S. as a “product of China” because country of origin labelling isn’t required.
The result is that nearly a third of the wild-caught fish imported from China is estimated to have been caught in Russian waters, according to an International Trade Commission study of 2019 data. For pollock and sockeye salmon, the rate is even higher — 50% to 75%.
“China doesn’t catch cod. They don’t catch pollock. But yet, they’re one of the largest exporters of these whitefish in the world,” said Sally Yozell, a former policy director at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who now is a senior fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington. “Having it labeled as a Chinese product is really not fair to the consumers and to restaurants.”
This story was supported by funding from the Walton Family Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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Fishing is big business in Russia, one closely linked to the Kremlin and Putin’s projection of power at sea. The country is the one of the world's top seafood producers and was the eighth-largest exporter to the U.S. last year, with more than $1.2 billion worth of sales, the bulk of it king crab.
But it’s unknown exactly how much manages to land in the U.S. by way of China, which sent another $1.7 billion in fish to the U.S. last year. Nor does the Biden administration’s ban require companies importing from China to find out.
Among Russia’s biggest seafood exports is Alaska pollock. A cousin of cod, Alaska pollock is the most harvested fish in the U.S., showing up in everything from imitation crabmeat to McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish. Every year, giant, floating factories in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska catch 1.5 million metric tons of the fish, the equivalent of more than four times the weight of the Empire State Building.
But the same species is also harvested in Russia in similar amounts, and once processed and imported from China, fills an important gap in the U.S. market. In lieu of tracing the country of origin, U.S. producers rely on the name recognition of Alaska pollock to signal where the fish was caught.
Even before the invasion of Ukraine, pressure had been building to prevent what Sen. Dan Sullivan, a Republican of Alaska, called “authoritarian” pollock from entering the U.S. Putin banned U.S. seafood in 2014 following American sanctions to punish him for the invasion of Crimea that year. Since then Russian exports entering the U.S. duty free have nearly quadrupled in value.
“Consumers can have confidence that if the name Alaska is on the box it unequivocally comes from Alaskan waters,” insisted Craig Morris, chief executive of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers.
U.S. trade data analyzed by The Associated Press show that the biggest importer of Russian-caught pollock from China last year was High Liner Foods. The company did not respond to the AP's request for comment.
While overshadowed by Russia’s role as an energy powerhouse, Russia’s seafood industry has increasingly been flexing its own muscle with strong support from the Kremlin.
Two of the country’s largest seafood exporters — Vladivostok-based Russian Fishery Co. and Russian Crab — are owned by Gleb Frank, the son of Putin’s former transportation minister and head of state-owned shipbuilder Sovcomflot. Frank, dubbed Russia's “Crab King," is also the son-in law of one of Russia’s richest men, Gennady Timchenko, who was among the first oligarchs sanctioned following the 2014 invasion of Crimea.
With generous state loans, Frank's companies have been at the forefront of an effort to renew Russia’s aging fleet. Last year, during a Navy Day ceremony at a St. Petersburg shipyard with Putin and 50 warships looking on, he launched an advanced supertrawler capable of hauling 60,000 tons of pollock per year.
After Frank himself was hit with U.S. sanctions last month, he sold part of his ownership stakes in both seafood companies and resigned as chairman. Russian Fishery Co. did not respond to a detailed list of questions about the U.S. embargo but Russian Crab said Frank has never played a role in management of the company.
It’s not just the industry’s ties to the Kremlin that are driving concern.
For years, activists have complained about Russia’s poor record caring for the oceans. The country was ranked No. 2 out of 152 nations in a recent study of global efforts to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing. Only China scored worse.
Allegations of illegal fishing have even followed Russia to the south pole, where a Russian ship in 2020 was accused of faking its location data to fish illegally off season. A Russian observer was also found to be behind anomalous catch data from several Antarctic fishing vessels. In both cases, Russia denied any wrongdoing.
At a congressional hearing this month on the Russian seafood ban, Rep. Jared Huffman, a California Democrat, led calls for the expansion of NOAA’s Seafood Import Monitoring Program, which aims to prevent illegal seafood from entering U.S. supply chains by tracking shipments from the point of catch. Currently the program covers just 13 species, only two of which — red king crab and Atlantic cod — are fished by Russia.
“Until that happens, Russian seafood will continue to line grocery store shelves and American consumers will continue to unwittingly support Putin’s war machine,” Huffman said.
Peter Quinter, a former U.S. Customs Service attorney, said that the Biden administration can easily close the China loophole by requiring importers to inspect their supply chains to make sure none of their fish comes from Russia.
“They can and should fix this,” said Quinter, who now advises seafood companies on compliance with American trade law. “The old days of being sure your fish is caught in a single place or country is no longer the case.”
___
Wieffering reported from Washington.
Click here for complete coverage of the crisis in Ukraine. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/us-sanctions-on-russias-seafood-has-a-big-loophole-china-processors/3648041/ | 2022-04-15T17:41:13 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/us-sanctions-on-russias-seafood-has-a-big-loophole-china-processors/3648041/ |