text string | url string | crawl_date timestamp[ms] | label int64 | id string |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif., April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ICECO JPPro Series got an upgrade from its classic JP series, bringing in a significant improvement by providing a completely new look with a modern exterior design. Available now on Indiegogo.
ICECO JPPro Series With Portable Battery
- Portable Fridge & Freezer, -4℉~68℉ cooling range, the best solution to freeze ice cream and keep essential daily food fresh.
- Reversible Lid Design, access the fridge by opening the lid from each side or completely take off the whole lid; no need to worry about how the fridge should be placed inside the vehicle.
- Optional On & Off UV Sterilizer; Max & Eco Mode; 3 Battery Protection Level; Anti-EMC System.
- 5 Year Warranty on SECOP/Danfoss Compressor, 1 Year for Other Parts. US Local After-Sales Service.
ICECO uses the top-tier SECOP/Danfoss compressor to ensure JPPro Series cooling performance. Compared with the traditional cooler, the JPPro series can keep everything frozen without any ice. It can be used as a 12v freezer or a 12v fridge; this provides what most people need on the road, to refrigerate and freeze food.
Portable refrigerators tend to be heavy and difficult to carry after storing food. Unlike the other types of portable refrigerators, the JPPro series are equipped with wheels and handles; this feature allows everyone to move the JPPro easily, making the outdoor life more comfortable.
The JPPro features a UV disinfection lamp to provide protection against viruses and bacteria. The best thing about this feature is that the UV light will automatically turn off when it senses the lid is about to open and can be turned off.
ICECO JPPro series represents a new generation of portable refrigerators. Its portability, convenience, safety, and reliable cooling performance make it the perfect companion for travel and road-trips.
ICECO JPPro Series is launched via Indiegogo with special deals and discounts for early adopters. To learn more about JPPro Series, visit their campaign page here.
Contact
Liz
Related Link: https://icecofreezer.com/
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iceco-announces-the-launch-of-jppro--a-mobile-fridge-that-doesnt-need-ice-301526362.html
SOURCE ICECO | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_food_beverages/iceco-announces-the-launch-of-jppro--a-mobile-fridge-that-doesnt-need-ice/article_b707f604-9532-50e2-b658-5d4eebe020a8.html | 2022-04-15T18:18:14 | 0 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_food_beverages/iceco-announces-the-launch-of-jppro--a-mobile-fridge-that-doesnt-need-ice/article_b707f604-9532-50e2-b658-5d4eebe020a8.html |
Monica Larner of Robert Parker Wine Advocate and Alison Napjus of Wine Spectator shared the stage for the first time during Vinitaly 2022. A "never before" event, with two leading wine critics and journalists combining their powers to tell the stories of seven women-led Italian wineries. Seven iconic women, seven signature wines, giving voice to the history and narrative that reveals the true soulfulness of Italian wine.
VERONA, Italy , April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- This unique event encompassed so much more than the sum of the individual women: two leading international female journalists, the female managing director of Vinitaly International, and seven renowned Italian women wine producers collaborated to create an event that set aside the natural competition between the players and focused instead on personal stories, camaraderie, and the aspiration all these women hold for the future of Italian wine.
Why has this event never happened before? An interesting question answered best by Monica Larner. "When Stevie Kim presented me with this idea, I was excited on many levels; however, most compelling was the opportunity to present beautiful Italian wines with a colleague whose magazine shares market space with my own. Robert Parks Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator have never collaborated on anything. With smug certainty I suspect our male colleagues would never pull resources together in this fashion for such a ground-breaking collaboration with important benefits. Post-pandemic we are all burning with a desire for new beginnings and being together. Inclusivity, camaraderie, creating togetherness. All seven of these individualistic and talents producers instantly recognised the importance and immediately agreed to participate."
Stevie Kim pointed out that this event was the definition of 'iconic': "Two women wine critic titans collaborating for the first time, with seven Italian women who are giants in their industry, is a true demonstration of what it means to be iconic: 'widely recognised and acknowledged for distinctive excellence.'"
Opening the event, Alison Napjus explained the real gravitas that informed the idea for the discussion. "Women are better communicators, using more words and more expressive words, with a better ability to listen and to empathise. These women are all around trailblazers, winery leaders, winery founders, wine makers. We all have to find new ways to connect and communicate after the pandemic pivot we all faced. This event gives us the chance to explore, as women, three particular themes in Italian wine; heritage/family, territory, wine ambassadors."
The women winery leaders came from 5 different regions and their age gap spanned 40 years. The idea of women in wine is not new, women are everywhere in the industry, but the gathering to share stories and important vintages, to exchange experiences, ideas and ask questions with leading wine writers was ground-breaking. The honesty and open attitude of all the women involved was clearly part of the magic in the room and what will attract young and savvy wine lovers to the unique soulfulness of Italian wine.
Chiara Boschis of E. Pira & Figli in Barolo, commented ""What do I have of iconic in my life? I am not an iconic woman, I work like a donkey all day, but this vineyard, Cannubi, this is an iconic place, and the diversity in the area is incredible. When I first got together with my friends, the Barolo Boys, I was the only girl, but we all wanted to shine a light on all the differences of our area and understand the potential of our terroir." She shared the 2010 vintage BaroloCannubi, a year that was important because her brother joined her, with his daughters who are all studying enology and will bring a new generation of women to the winery. "Wine makers usually work alone. When we start to work together, recognising everyone's unique terroir, we start to learn new things and appreciate all the traditions, we find more opportunities."
Elisabetta Foradori from Trentino expressed her perspective, in a different way. "I actually love making cheese, it's another kind of fermentation. I'm a farmer. Our country has a beauty and a richness of variety and we have a mission to transfer into a bottle this pure message of the different terroirs. We have a great responsibility to save and improve the genetic variety and express the terroir in the most healthy and connected way possible. Be creative and responsible farmers for the future." Her pomegranate logo represents 100s of tiny seeds, packed together in one beautiful container, 100's of ideas, creative thinking, and out of the box innovation.
Arianna Occhipinti, from Sicily, youngest of the group, added her experiences as an explorer with a model for young winemakers. "Frappato is the original grape from Vittoria where I grew up. I needed an important grape to grow up as a wine maker. Thanks to the character of this grape, I learned to make wine. Now I vinify parcel by parcel to get better expression of the soils, the limestone, the tufa, the red sand. Now I have treasure, for me it is important to show what Vittoria really is, the fresh wines we can make even in the deep south of Sicily."
Marilisa Allegrini spoke of her learning curve after the death of her father and finding her way in the world away from the winery. "Valpolicella was known for inexpensive wines in the 1980's, and Amarone was a niche wine for high end consumers, so it was a challenge for me to communicate. The first time I went to America, the importer wouldn't let me go out to promote the wine until I wrote down absolutely everything about the wine. Many people said they didn't want a Valpolicella on their wine list, so I knew I had to communicate everything to make this area known and understood."
Elena Fucci from Mt. Vulture in Basilicata felt much the same as she struggled to put her region on the map. "For me it is a dream to be with these special women in wine today. My journey started in 2000, when my family considered selling the vineyard because we weren't making wines, just selling the grapes to the consortium. I decided to change the course of my study so the house where I was born and lived with my family would not be sold. I went to university to study enology and winemaking. No one knew where Basilicata was. I had 6 hectares and a single grape: my wine, my life, my Titolo. I travel a lot to explain my region and my wine, modern but not modernist wine, I work to respect and understand the territory where we are. The vintage I am sharing is 2012 because ten years ago I had no idea what would happen to me and my wine in these ten years since 2012 and how much communicating it would take."
Heritage and legacy were addressed by Albiera Antinori with her family's Tignaello and Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta with her legendary Sassicaia. Antinori said, "For me, looking at the history of the past 50 years since the start of Tignanello, and the diversity and uniqueness of wines that can be made in Italy — the terroir and the story are the future, terroir still to be discovered, every day you get surprised by wonderful areas with local varieties, an elegance, a minerality, they've got the sun inside. Even traditional vineyards have been replanted so new things will be coming up, but we must be centered on quality, personality, history and the story we can explain." Regarding sustainability she added, "It's a complicated word to use, it can mean different things. For me it is a puzzle made of many things, with the final objective of leaving something better for the next generation. Not only in the winery but also for our workers, our sales force, we need one certification in Italy for sustainable, for economic sustainability as well."
Priscilla Incisa della Rocchetta looked at the idea of safeguarding Italian wine history from outside investors and influences. "It's not easy, there are real issues for family businesses, you have to have a strong sense of pride, family values and the family project. A responsibility to the next generations, we want to pass on what we got in an even better shape than when we received it. We are guardians. We have to combine financial goals with the family goals. Having a long-term view means we focus less on making short term cash, but we have to involve the family members to keep everyone interested, our estate is not only wine, we have other ventures and interests and my cousins and I have different interests on the estate. Consultancy helps deal with family generation change issues to and now we have the Primum Familiae Vini group which is a good place to share issues, know-how and support others in similar situations.
Summing up, Allegrini said, "We must put the agricultural product into the cultural context of Italy as a place of art, history, architecture, and beautiful landscape." Larner added, "This is the real way to help Italian wine be more competitive, to communicate differently and better, to tell that story, down to the soil, down to the producer, down to the winery, down to the vineyard, down to the very last rock." Stevie Kim remarked, "Everybody wants to be like Antinori, this is the problem I face as an agency, everyone wants that beautiful 26 generation story on their home page. Every winery has to find their own original story, not only the romance of generations and terroir, not only bio and organic and so on, but it has to be economically sustainable as well as. Each winery has to find the uniqueness of their story." Najus concluded that, "You can teach people about wine, but to find the story is much harder."
Looking back on this momentous event, Stevie Kim commented, "This session was never about men versus women or pigeon-holing anyone on the basis of gender, regionality, or points of view. Rather, Iconic Women in Wine at Vinitaly 2022 took a good long look at how to improve communication, highlight success and exalt the unique power of women to unite in challenging circumstances for a common good. Larner and Napjus absolutely found the story that needs to be told in order to secure the future of Italian wine in the global market.".
__________________
About Alison Napjus: Alison Napjus divides her time between New York, where Wine Spectator is based, and a second home in Tampa, Fla. She regularly travels abroad, both personally and professionally. After graduating from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, Napjus moved to New York to take a position as a manager at Tribeca Grill restaurant. She joined Wine Spectator in 2000 and was promoted to Senior Editor in 2012 and Tasting Director in 2016. She is lead taster for the wines of Spain, France's Champagne and Alsace regions, South Africa and wines from regions throughout Italy. As Tasting Director, she oversees the scope and content of Wine Spectator's annual reviews of more than 15,000 wines, working closely with the tasters and tasting coordinators in the New York and Napa offices.
About Monica Larner: Monica Larner is a Los Angeles native, her family moved to Rome when she was 11. After high school in both Italy and California, Monica earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalismfrom Boston University and New York University respectively. She worked for the Italian daily La Repubblica, followed by the Rome bureau of BusinessWeek and two years as a staff writer with Italy Daily of the International Herald Tribune where she penned her first wine column. Monica is an active member of the Ordine dei Giornalisti and a certified sommelier with the Italian Sommelier Association. In 2003, Monica was approached by Wine Enthusiast to be the magazine's first Italy-based correspondent, where her proudest achievement is the 185-page special collector's Wine Enthusiast "Wines of Italy" edition that showcases her decade-long body of work. She was awarded the "Best International Journalist" Silver Grape Leaf three by the Comitato Grandi Cru d'Italia. Gambero Rosso recognized her as a "Leader of Italian Excellence," and the Italian Trade Commission acknowledged her distinguished service to Italian wine. In 2013, she joined The Wine Advocate as the Reviewer for Italy.
About Vinitaly: the grand Vinitaly 2022 was held from April 10th to the 13th. Vinitaly 2022 counted 88,000 visitors of which 25,000 were top international buyers from 139 different countries. The premier event to Vinitaly, OperaWine "Finest Italian Wines: 100 Great Producers," which was held on the 9th of April, one day prior to Vinitaly, united international wine professionals in the heart of Verona, offering them the unique opportunity to discover and taste the wines of the 130 Best Italian Producers, as selected by Wine Spectator. Since 1998 Vinitaly travels to several countries thanks to its strategic arm abroad, Vinitaly International. In February 2014 Vinitaly International launched an educational project, the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) with the aim of divulging and broadcasting the excellence and diversity of Italian wine around the globe. VIA this year launched the 21st edition of its Certification Course. To date, there are 271 Certified Italian Wine Ambassadors of which 15 are also Italian Wine Experts.
Media Contact
Vinitaly International Academy Media Team, Just Do The Work, 0458101447, media@justdothework.it
SOURCE Vinitaly International | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_food_beverages/iconic-women-in-italian-wine-tasting-who-where-why/article_97a8d2b5-880a-5615-be75-a89a0dc946fc.html | 2022-04-15T18:18:21 | 0 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_food_beverages/iconic-women-in-italian-wine-tasting-who-where-why/article_97a8d2b5-880a-5615-be75-a89a0dc946fc.html |
Algorithmic Guided Appeals and Denial Letters
FRISCO, Texas, April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Aerolib Healthcare Solutions has launched the Aerolib Denials and Appeals Portal. The Tool enables hospitals with an Appeal Strength score and autogenerating an email and print ready Appeal letter in response to a denial. Hospitals are facing an increasing burden of denials for medical necessity. The Aerolib tool provides a prescreening score and appeal strength score with recommendations for appeals. Preview Appeal button will autogenerate the Appeal letter. This is the power of the management tool where it writes an appeal letter with clinical information and medico-legal discussion of why this case should be appealed with the justification and strength of appeal.
The Aerolib Denials and Appeals Management software uses Aerolib AI algorithm to predict postoperative complications and readmissions with multiple risk factors that have been analyzed using simple logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression. The Aerolib Tool has a Charts section for easy visibility on the number of cases reviewed, appeals written and appeals sent with the history section showing the appeal strength scores. Aerolib has included the Inpatient Only Surgery Lookup tool, Calculators for evidence-based clinical medicine, Decision Trees and Algorithms for documentation improvement in the portal.
The Aerolib Tool has multiple templates available to assist in surgical and medical appeal letters. Watch us in action with the process for algorithmic guided physician recommendations.
Aerolib Healthcare System has the Aerolib Ecosystem with a mission to empower healthcare organizations in achieving excellent patient care outcomes and regulatory compliance through financial planning, decision support and continuous clinical improvement. Aerolib is the only company to provide a scalable and expandable utilization review app that contains all aspects of utilization review from Case reviews, Microlearning education, Clinical decision support, Algorithms, Inpatient only Surgery look-up tool and TeleUR. The Aerolib Physician Advisors app provides the perfect combination of services and technology to streamline the utilization review process in one place with a ready to serve 1 Click UR process whereby the hospital can talk to an Aerolib provider for real time reviews and clarifications.
Aerolib's analytics process assists healthcare institutions with developing new strategies to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance, provides new skills to participating healthcare providers, and provides information to the case management and utilization teams for the purpose of developing a patient centered approach to total quality management. Determining an audit risk score using the proprietary Aerolib Analytics Summary assists with determining individual case features. Aerolib has determined that inadequate documentation in patient history, physical examination, discharge summary, and daily progress notes can increase the risk score significantly. Aerolib performs intergroup and intra-encounter case auditing for medical necessity.
Aerolib Medical Necessity Advisors are Experts in Utilization Review for Medical Necessity, Audits & Denials.
AEROLIB comprises of Aerolib Healthcare Solutions LLC, Aerolib Ventures LLC and Aerolib Insights LLC
Media Contact
Deepak Pahuja, Aerolib Healthcare Solutions LLC, 1 8884920254, CMO@Aerolib.com
SOURCE Aerolib Healthcare Solutions LLC | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/aerolib-healthcare-solutions-has-launched-the-aerolib-denials-and-appeals-portal/article_1014bad5-688a-5cb6-9424-86bfd7a6a0e0.html | 2022-04-15T18:18:27 | 0 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/aerolib-healthcare-solutions-has-launched-the-aerolib-denials-and-appeals-portal/article_1014bad5-688a-5cb6-9424-86bfd7a6a0e0.html |
LONG BEACH, Calif., April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ayal Willner, MD, is being recognized by Continental Who's Who as an Outstanding Otolaryngologist, Partner, and Owner in the Medical field and in acknowledgment of his work at Southern California Ear Nose and Throat (SCENT).
Ayal Willner, MD, is a Pediatric Otolaryngologist specialist with his own private practice, Southern California Ear Nose and Throat (SCENT). He has been serving the Long Beach, California community, for over 25 years.
He began his college education at Cornell University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Willner later received his Medical degree and completed an Otolaryngology residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He gained further training at a Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. He is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and has been in the medical profession for over 30 years.
Prior to opening SCENT, Dr. Willner worked as an Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology and Pediatrics at George Washington University. Currently, Dr. Willner treats children and adults, addressing a wide range of issues and performing complex ear, sinus, and skull surgeries. He and his highly trained staff perform balloon sinuplasty, sleep apnea treatment, tonsillectomy, thyroid cancer surgery, vertigo treatment, and hearing loss treatment.
SCENT has five California locations: Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Torrance, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach. Dr. Willner is affiliated with Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Miller's Children's Hospital, Reagan Street Surgery Center, Los Alamitos Medical Center, and Fountain Valley Regional Hospital.
He is a distinguished Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Society of Ear Nose and Throat Advances in Children, Orange County Head and Neck Society. On a personal note, the doctor speaks English and Hebrew.
In his free time, Dr. Willner is a participating surgeon and board member of Mending Kids, which organizes free healthcare for disadvantaged kids across the globe. He has provided his medical expertise and assistance through at least 14 mission trips to Tanzania and Guatemala. Dr. Willner is also involved in global ENT and Interventional Cardiology symposiums.
He has been recognized as a Top Doctor since 2014 by Castle Connolly. The doctor would like to thank his colleagues and entire staff for their professional support.
For more information, visit www.socalearnosethroat.com and www.mendingkids.org.
Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, pr@continentalwhoswho.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ayal-willner-md-is-recognized-by-continental-whos-who-301526589.html
SOURCE Continental Who's Who | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/ayal-willner-md-is-recognized-by-continental-whos-who/article_97d9389a-9caa-5df7-b2e7-044ac2479db1.html | 2022-04-15T18:18:33 | 0 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/ayal-willner-md-is-recognized-by-continental-whos-who/article_97d9389a-9caa-5df7-b2e7-044ac2479db1.html |
The platform will simplify the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card and enable 100 patients across the state of Massachusetts to apply for free
KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Elevate Holistics, a multistate solution provider in the medical marijuana industry, is bringing its platform to simplify the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card to Massachusetts and offering 100 free appointments to residents over the next 6 months.
"It's been a decade since medical marijuana was legalized in Massachusetts, but this fact has not resolved the problems of accessibility still plaguing patients," said Stephen Stearman, CEO of Elevate Holistics. "Bringing Elevate to Massachusetts will not only make it easier - and less costly, for 100 residents - to apply for a medical marijuana card, it will also smooth out the process on the clinician side and widen the availability of this valuable treatment option."
Elevate Holistics is a multi-state operator (MOS) serving patients and medical professionals with alternative advanced healthcare options, encrypted SSL safe-site security, turn-key business solutions for clinics, online cannabis healthcare clinics, and compassionate follow-up care. Encrypted online telehealth options, including medical cannabis evaluations, renewals, and online "Ask Me Anything" videos, help patients navigate state laws with confidence.
For more information about Elevate Holistics, to partner with the company, or to request a medical marijuana card, visit https://elevate-holistics.com/
About Elevate Holistics
Elevate Holistics, a Craft Health company, is a telehealth platform focusing on getting people their medical marijuana cards and physician's medical cannabis certifications/recommendations as simply and easily as possible. The vision was two-fold: increase accessibility to those in need and provide an easy to use platform for people who want the privacy of their own home. Today, Elevate Holistics operates in multiple states, has served thousands of HAPPY PATIENTS, and is innovating to provide doctors & patients a better medical marijuana evaluation experience. For more information, visit https://elevate-holistics.com/
Media Contact
Michael Stern
CEO, HeadStart
(609) 651-5301
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elevate-holistics-brings-medical-marijuana-access-to-the-bay-state-with-100-free-appointments-301526670.html
SOURCE Elevate Holistics | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/elevate-holistics-brings-medical-marijuana-access-to-the-bay-state-with-100-free-appointments/article_318158e5-aa54-5d4e-88d8-81c93928106b.html | 2022-04-15T18:18:39 | 1 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/elevate-holistics-brings-medical-marijuana-access-to-the-bay-state-with-100-free-appointments/article_318158e5-aa54-5d4e-88d8-81c93928106b.html |
The platform will simplify the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card and enable 100 patients across the state of New York to apply for free
KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Elevate Holistics, a multistate solution provider in the medical marijuana industry, is bringing its platform to simplify the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card to New York and offering 100 free appointments to residents over the next 6 months.
"Despite the fact that medical marijuana has been legal in New York for the past eight years, recent legislation to expand the program points to the fact that the accessibility barrier has yet to be overcome," said Stephen Stearman, CEO of Elevate Holistics. "Expanding into New York will hopefully ease or eliminate this barrier and ensure that this vital treatment option is available to all those who need it."
Elevate Holistics is a multi-state operator (MOS) serving patients and medical professionals with alternative advanced healthcare options, encrypted SSL safe-site security, turn-key business solutions for clinics, online cannabis healthcare clinics, and compassionate follow-up care. Encrypted online telehealth options, including medical cannabis evaluations, renewals, and online "Ask Me Anything" videos, help patients navigate state laws with confidence.
For more information about Elevate Holistics, to partner with the company, or to request a medical marijuana card, visit https://elevate-holistics.com/
About Elevate Holistics
Elevate Holistics, a Craft Health company, is a telehealth platform focusing on getting people their medical marijuana cards and physician's medical cannabis certifications/recommendations as simply and easily as possible. The vision was two-fold: increase accessibility to those in need and provide an easy to use platform for people who want the privacy of their own home. Today, Elevate Holistics operates in multiple states, has served thousands of HAPPY PATIENTS, and is innovating to provide doctors & patients a better medical marijuana evaluation experience. For more information, visit https://elevate-holistics.com/
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elevate-holistics-brings-medical-marijuana-access-to-the-empire-state-with-100-free-appointments-301526640.html
SOURCE Elevate Holistics | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/elevate-holistics-brings-medical-marijuana-access-to-the-empire-state-with-100-free-appointments/article_bdddcb3a-6983-55b8-8153-6d7843a708cb.html | 2022-04-15T18:18:45 | 1 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/elevate-holistics-brings-medical-marijuana-access-to-the-empire-state-with-100-free-appointments/article_bdddcb3a-6983-55b8-8153-6d7843a708cb.html |
The platform will simplify the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card and enable 100 patients across the state of West Virginia to apply for free
KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Elevate Holistics, a multistate solution provider in the medical marijuana industry, is bringing its platform to simplify the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card to West Virginia and offering 100 free appointments to residents over the next 6 months.
"West Virginia only recently legalized medical marijuana in 2017, and it took two more years for the law to go into effect and give West Virginians the ability to access this important method of treatment," said Stephen Stearman, CEO of Elevate Holistics. "We are excited to bring Elevate's services to the state and simplify the process for all residents, as well as offer 100 free appointments to break down yet another barrier for anyone without the means to pay for the application process."
Elevate Holistics is a multi-state operator (MOS) serving patients and medical professionals with alternative advanced healthcare options, encrypted SSL safe-site security, turn-key business solutions for clinics, online cannabis healthcare clinics, and compassionate follow-up care. Encrypted online telehealth options, including medical cannabis evaluations, renewals, and online "Ask Me Anything" videos, help patients navigate state laws with confidence.
For more information about Elevate Holistics, to partner with the company, or to request a medical marijuana card, visit https://elevate-holistics.com/
About Elevate Holistics
Elevate Holistics, a Craft Health company, is a telehealth platform focusing on getting people their medical marijuana cards and physician's medical cannabis certifications/recommendations as simply and easily as possible. The vision was two-fold: increase accessibility to those in need and provide an easy to use platform for people who want the privacy of their own home. Today, Elevate Holistics operates in multiple states, has served thousands of HAPPY PATIENTS, and is innovating to provide doctors & patients a better medical marijuana evaluation experience. For more information, visit https://elevate-holistics.com/
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elevate-holistics-brings-medical-marijuana-access-to-the-mountain-state-with-100-free-appointments-301526641.html
SOURCE Elevate Holistics | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/elevate-holistics-brings-medical-marijuana-access-to-the-mountain-state-with-100-free-appointments/article_9ca0ca15-4ee1-59fe-8392-0d6725d594a6.html | 2022-04-15T18:18:51 | 0 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/elevate-holistics-brings-medical-marijuana-access-to-the-mountain-state-with-100-free-appointments/article_9ca0ca15-4ee1-59fe-8392-0d6725d594a6.html |
PITTSBURGH, April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I'm a dentist and I wanted to create an improved method for containing germs from the oral cavity of a patient," said an inventor, from Lynnfield, Mass., "so I invented the DENTAL GARMENT MASK. My protective design would reduce the transmission of various infectious diseases and viruses."
The patent-pending invention protects against communicable diseases such as COVID-19 within dental offices. In doing so, it offers an alternative to traditional patient coverings. As a result, it reduces exposure to bacteria and viruses from the oral cavity and it enhances safety and peace of mind. The invention features an effective design that is easy to apply and use so it is ideal for dental offices. Additionally, it is producible in design variations and a prototype is available.
The original design was submitted to the Boston sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-BEC-128, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inventhelp-inventor-develops-protective-covering-for-dental-patients-bec-128-301520546.html
SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/inventhelp-inventor-develops-protective-covering-for-dental-patients-bec-128/article_4922f3a3-147a-535b-8bd4-066314bc7104.html | 2022-04-15T18:18:57 | 1 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/inventhelp-inventor-develops-protective-covering-for-dental-patients-bec-128/article_4922f3a3-147a-535b-8bd4-066314bc7104.html |
AANP celebrates Kansas as 26th state to empower patients with direct access to nurse practitioners
AUSTIN, Texas, April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With a stroke of the governor's pen, access to high-quality health care just improved for patients in Kansas. Today, Gov. Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2279 into law. This bipartisan victory makes Kansas the second state in 2022 and the 26th state in the nation, along with the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories, to adopt Full Practice Authority (FPA). The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) commends Gov. Kelly and the Kansas Legislature for empowering patients with direct access to comprehensive care from nurse practitioners (NPs) and other advanced practice registered nurses.
"This is a major milestone in health care for Kansas and for our nation," said April N. Kapu, DNP, APRN, ACNP- BC, FAANP, FCCM, FAAN, president of AANP. "We celebrate as Kansas becomes the 26th state to grant patients full and direct access to nurse practitioners' care. The majority of states have now adopted this legislative model, known as Full Practice Authority. We thank Gov. Kelly and the legislature for prioritizing patients and taking action to improve health care in the Sunflower State."
FPA is the authorization of NPs to evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatments under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing. This regulatory framework eliminates outdated requirements for NPs to hold a state-mandated contract with a physician as a condition of state licensure and to provide patient care.
"This law is a necessary step toward eliminating health care disparities, managing costs and building the health care workforce for Kansas," said Jon Fanning, chief executive officer of AANP. "States that have adopted Full Practice Authority are better positioned to address these critical issues. Today, patients in most states have full and direct access to NPs and these benefits. We call on the remaining states to follow suit and modernize their licensure laws to ensure patients have full and direct access to high-quality, nurse practitioner-delivered care."
NPs deliver high-quality health care in more than 1 billion patient visits each year. Currently, there are more than 355,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. providing care in communities of all sizes. Recently, U.S. News and World Report ranked the NP role first on its 2022 Best Health Care Jobs list.
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for nurse practitioners (NPs) of all specialties. It represents the interests of the more than 355,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NPs' patients and other health care consumers. To locate an NP in your community, visit npfinder.com. For more information about NPs, visit aanp.org.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kansas-law-strengthens-patient-access-to-health-care-301526657.html
SOURCE American Association of Nurse Practitioners | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/kansas-law-strengthens-patient-access-to-health-care/article_f40c1167-8cb2-5412-9fd1-76cfb19b8d42.html | 2022-04-15T18:19:03 | 1 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/kansas-law-strengthens-patient-access-to-health-care/article_f40c1167-8cb2-5412-9fd1-76cfb19b8d42.html |
PITTSBURGH, April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pittsburgh Job Corps campus has immediate availability to safely provide campus living, overall health and wellness, and educate qualified applicants and place them directly into employment in our community.
At the Pittsburgh Job Corps, the campus has the capacity to serve 699 students aged 16-24 in areas such as Clinical Medical Assistant, Cement Masonry, Security and Protective Services, and Electrical. In addition, the campus works directly with local and national employers to help them fill in-demand and well-paying positions. This includes Giant Eagle, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66, Mosites Construction, Beech Construction Inc, Southwestern Veterans Center, Allegheny Health Network and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the number of students the Pittsburgh Job Corps campus has served over the past year and a half. But with effective vaccines and continued health safety precautions, the campus is now ready to resume full operations and to expand its training opportunities.
"We are incredibly excited that our campus has reopened and expanded our training opportunities and are eager to bring in deserving young people and help them start their careers," said Bob Gottschalk, Center Director at the Pittsburgh Job Corps campus. "With a long track record of successfully placing our graduates into meaningful careers in the Pittsburgh Tri-State area, we want our community to know that Job Corps is a terrific first option for any interested young person."
The Pittsburgh Job Corps campus has already demonstrated they are able to provide safe and healthy residential living and serve students effectively despite COVID. The program has protocols and policies in place to track COVID symptoms, test, and prevent an outbreak.
"The past two years has been trying for all of us. This time has also shown us that Job Corps dedication to teaching trades to young people has made a big difference not only in the lives of our students and their families, but in the lives of Americans reliant upon the work Job Corps alumni have been trained to do," said Byron V. Garrett, CEO and President of National Job Corps Association. "Given our availability to immediately serve students, we know the potential for our campuses to transform lives and want everyone to know that Job Corps is reopened and ready to help."
For more information about student outreach and recruitment, contact:
Ariel Cypher
Outreach and Admissions Manager
Ph: (412) 441-8665
About ODLE Management
Founded in 2004 by Lisa S. Odle, President and CEO, ODLE Management Group, LLC is an experienced workforce development provider. ODLE is the prime contractor and manages the day-to-day operations of several Job Corps campuses to include outreach, admissions and placement services. Prime contracts are in Louisiana (New Orleans), Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), Virginia (Old Dominion in Monroe), Texas (El Paso) and Oklahoma (Tulsa). In addition, Odle is a subcontractor in New Mexico (Albuquerque), Florida (Pinellas County) and Washington, D.C. (Potomac).
ODLE has received distinguished honors from the Small Business Administration, Arizona Small Business Administration, and the Arizona Small Business Development Center. In February 2020, ODLE completed a merger with Eckerd Connects, a private, national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization; ODLE remains a separate organization and a wholly owned subsidiary.
Media Contact(s):
Trish Jones Mondero
Odle Management Group, LLC
Phone: (602) 622-7941
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pittsburgh-job-corps-center-is-reopened-and-ready-to-transform-lives-301526664.html
SOURCE Odle Management Group | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/pittsburgh-job-corps-center-is-reopened-and-ready-to-transform-lives/article_8135afe7-b6e3-53e3-8075-c1556e30e264.html | 2022-04-15T18:19:09 | 0 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/pittsburgh-job-corps-center-is-reopened-and-ready-to-transform-lives/article_8135afe7-b6e3-53e3-8075-c1556e30e264.html |
Urgency of 2022 Rx Summit underscored by overdose deaths topping 1 million since data tracking began; the event's 90+ educational sessions will focus on prevention, treatment, and recovery.
MALVERN, Pa., April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Following a significant spike in overdose deaths in 2021, HMP Global, the world's largest healthcare event and education company, today announced that President Joe Biden will address participants of the 11th annual Rx Summit on April 19, discussing his administration's commitment to stem the tide of U.S. overdose deaths.
President Biden's remarks will be delivered via recorded video message during the plenary session at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 19. This is the fourth time a sitting U.S. president will address the Rx Summit during their term. Former presidential speakers have included President Biden in 2021, Donald J. Trump in 2019, and Barack Obama in 2016. Former President Bill Clinton addressed attendees in 2018.
"An alarming spike in overdose deaths has put a heightened national focus on the opioid and addiction crises in the United States," said Doug Edwards, vice president, HMP Global, who directs the company's Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Learning Network. "More than 100,000 Americans died due to drug overdoses in the 12-month period ending in April 2021. Now more than ever, it is urgent that we work together to find solutions that address addiction and the overdose epidemic.
"President Biden's participation in the 2022 Rx Summit underscores the urgency of addressing this epidemic," said Nancy Hale, President & CEO, Operation UNITE (Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education, Inc.). "More than 1 million Americans have died of overdoses since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began collecting data. The COVID-19 pandemic compounded this crisis in 2020 and 2021, disrupting treatment, rehabilitation, and public health programs across the country. It is critical now that we work to address this crisis, and we appreciate President Biden addressing the stakeholders working every day to find solutions to this public health emergency."
The Rx Summit brings together more than 3,000 stakeholders involved in addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery. It is the largest national collaboration of its kind and facilitates important connections to address this public health emergency.
In addition to President Biden, the Rx Summit presenter lineup includes a multidisciplinary group of lawmakers, federal officials, community advocates, and other experts on the frontlines of the opioid and addiction epidemic. These include:
- U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers of Kentucky
- U.S. Rep. David Trone of Maryland
- U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee
- Dr. Robert M. Califf, Commissioner, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Dr. Lawrence A. Tabak, Acting Director, National Institutes of Health
- Dave Baker, State Representative, Minnesota District 17B
- Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Assistant Secretary, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
- Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy
- Todd Robinson, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs
- Dr. Debra Houry, Acting Principal Deputy Director, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Returning speakers include Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse; Patrick M. Shannon, Retired Tribal Judge; Kathryn Burgum, First Lady of North Dakota; Dr. Traci C. Green, Professor and Director of the Brandeis Opioid Policy Research Collaborative; Dr. Robert L. DuPont, President of the Institute for Behavior and Health, Inc.; Gary Mendell, founder and CEO of Shatterproof; Dr. Monty Burks, Director of Faith-Based Initiatives, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; and Jennifer S. Smith, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
National focus
The alarming increase in overdose deaths is spurring many local, state, and federal leaders to devote additional resources to address the crisis. In his State of the Union address on March 1, President Biden spoke to the substance use crisis in America.
"There is so much we can do," he said in the address. "Increase funding for prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery. … If you are suffering from addiction, know that you are not alone."
According to the White House, the President's FY2023 budget requests include $4.25 billion for drug policy efforts that will fund research, prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support services, as well as interdiction efforts to reduce the availability of illicit drugs in the U.S.
Overdose deaths do not reflect the full public health impact of substance use disorders. Individuals who misuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to develop chronic health conditions, experience poorer health outcomes, and have contact with the criminal justice system. The costs are high: The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that substance use disorders account for more than $400 billion annually related to healthcare, lost work productivity, and crime. Effective care, including access to programs that provide medication-assisted treatment, remain a challenge for most to access.
"We are grateful to President Biden for his participation and his voice," said Randy Robbin, President, HMP Education. "Tackling this crisis will take time, action, innovative approaches, and everyone working together."
At the Rx Summit, stakeholders can engage in discussions on best strategies and tactics backed by data from proven programs across the country. Attendees can gain the practical knowledge in their fields to help combat this epidemic.
The in-person format also allows for professional networking and collaboration among stakeholder groups to develop best practices for prevention, treatment, and recovery. Registration is now open. For agendas or to register, visit the event website. Rates (including the Maximum Access Package) are available here.
ABOUT HMP GLOBAL
HMP Global is the force behind Healthcare Made Practical—and is an omnichannel leader in healthcare content, events, and education, with a mission to improve patient care. The company produces accredited medical education events – in person and online via its proprietary VRTX virtual platform – and clinically relevant, evidence-based content for the global healthcare community across a range of therapeutic areas. Its brands include the HMP Global Learning Network, healthcare's most comprehensive source for news and information; Psych Congress, the largest independent mental health meeting in the U.S.; the Evolution of Psychotherapy, the world's largest independent educational event for mental health professionals; the Leipzig Interventional Course (LINC), the leading, global gathering for interdisciplinary cardiovascular specialists; EMS World Expo, North America's largest EMT and paramedic event; and the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC), the largest wound care meeting in the world. For more information, visit hmpglobal.com.
Media Contact
Sandi Beason, APR, HMP Global, 601-573-1737, pr@hmpglobal.com
SOURCE HMP Global | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/president-bidens-prerecorded-remarks-on-substance-use-epidemic-delivered-april-19-at-rx-summit/article_9d29edb9-2c25-5839-9b79-1e9672572567.html | 2022-04-15T18:19:15 | 1 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/president-bidens-prerecorded-remarks-on-substance-use-epidemic-delivered-april-19-at-rx-summit/article_9d29edb9-2c25-5839-9b79-1e9672572567.html |
PITTSBURGH, April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create a quick and easy means of capturing falling leaves around a tree," said an inventor, from Berkeley Springs, W.V., "so I invented the LEAF CAPTURE. My design could help to simplify the leaf collection and disposal process."
The invention provides an effective way to collect falling leaves around a tree. In doing so, it ensures that leaves can be easily transferred to a wooded area or for disposal. In doing so, it increases efficiency and it reduces the need to rake and pickup leaves. The invention features a simple and durable design that is easy to use so it is ideal for households, landscapers, etc. Additionally, it is producible in design variations.
The original design was submitted to the National sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-BDH-118, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inventhelp-inventor-develops-accessory-to-capture-falling-leaves-bdh-118-301520709.html
SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_pennsylvania/inventhelp-inventor-develops-accessory-to-capture-falling-leaves-bdh-118/article_d2fad71e-0253-5574-bb64-39a2cbc03c70.html | 2022-04-15T18:19:22 | 1 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_pennsylvania/inventhelp-inventor-develops-accessory-to-capture-falling-leaves-bdh-118/article_d2fad71e-0253-5574-bb64-39a2cbc03c70.html |
Reclaimed wood from Gaston County mills find new purpose with Chronicle Millworks
Brian Hackett and Eric Kessler of Chronicle Millworks want to use their custom furniture company to share Gaston County's mill history through customizing local mill wood.
"There's a history to this wood we're working with and we love hearing people share stories about it when they work with us," said Hackett, the founder of Chronicle Millworks.
Hackett started Chronicle Millworks, a custom furniture company, in 2015 with the goal to use reclaimed wood from local mills to create customized furniture locally.
Much of the wood used by the company comes from the Chronicle Mill which opened in 1904 along Catawba Street in Belmont.
During that time, the mill operated as a cotton processing textile mill. The mill will now be redeveloped into more than 200 luxury apartments with fitness, pool and lounge amenities.
"After John Church bought the Chronicle Mill in 2014, there was a need for something to be done with all this old wood while the mill is being repurposed," said Hackett. "We want to be a part of preserving the history of it."
Hackett and Kessler take the 500-year-old heart pine wood beams and hard-rock maple floorboards from the Loray and Chronicle Mills and turn them into custom stools, kitchen tables, barn doors, charcuterie boards and more.
The transformation happens through a process that includes sanding and cleaning the wood to create something not only usable today, but beautiful in its craftmanship.
Hackett and Kessler handle all the handiwork, marketing and all other operations for Chronicle Millworks.
"If we can get our hands on some of that old machinery from the mills, we'd like to include that in the pieces we do too," said Hackett. "That's usually cast iron from the 1800s."
Hackett and Kessler also like to keep some scratches and holes made in the wood by the mill machinery from when the mill was in use to preserve its history.
Chronicle Millworks has produced custom furniture projects for the city of Gastonia, Belmont, local libraries, the Warlick YMCA, Catawba Riverkeeper and more.
Hackett appreciates being able to incorporate the YMCA logo into the design of indoor and outdoor pool benches he made for the Warlick YMCA.
Recently, Chronicle Millworks created the trophy for the South Fork Sampler adventure race hosted by the Human Powered Movement at the Catawba Riverkeeper boathouse in McAdenville.
The custom woodworks business also made customized awards, paddles and more for the race and will also develop customized furniture for the Catawba Riverkeeper's new headquarters.
"We're developing their bar table, stools, conference table and doors," said Hackett.
They expect to finish the custom pieces for the project in May.
Hackett and Kessler take pride in keeping their customers involved in the design process for customized furniture.
"We show them several options and in 3D what the furniture will look like in their home and we show them renderings," said Kessler. "We want customers to be involved in tweaking things how they want."
They also take pride in using heart pine wood which creates customized pieces that can last customers hundreds of years.
Hackett and Kessler get excited about what projects their customers will bring them every day.
"Projects like our stools or a kitchen table might take a couple weeks but projects like the Catawba Riverkeeper might take some months," said Kessler. "There's something gratifying about being able to have an idea and come make it with our own hands."
Hackett and Kessler have more than 15 years of experience graphic design, construction and woodworking, and use that in creating their custom furniture.
"We get really excited about the history of this wood," said Hackett. "We really want to do something for the future and present custom furniture for families."
Reach Janiya Winchester at 980-319-6819 or jwinchester@gannett.com. | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/2022/04/15/old-wood-gaston-mills-find-new-purpose-chronicle-millworks/7269860001/ | 2022-04-15T18:19:24 | 0 | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/2022/04/15/old-wood-gaston-mills-find-new-purpose-chronicle-millworks/7269860001/ |
PITTSBURGH, April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create a simple and accessible sink that enables you to wash your hands immediately after using the toilet," said an inventor, from Leander, Texas, "so I invented the MINI SINK. My design would increase personal hygiene and it would eliminate the need to touch your clothing with soiled hands."
The invention provides a convenient way to wash hands after using the toilet. In doing so, it ensures that the hands are clean before repositioning clothing. As a result, it enhances sanitation. It also could help to conserve water. The invention features a practical design that is easy to use so it is ideal for households and commercial restrooms. Additionally, it is producible in design variations.
The original design was submitted to the Austin sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-AUP-967, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inventhelp-inventor-develops-convenient-sink-for-bathrooms-aup-967-301520650.html
SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_pennsylvania/inventhelp-inventor-develops-convenient-sink-for-bathrooms-aup-967/article_fa6ae81d-07f5-5142-a8af-326939eaa4e0.html | 2022-04-15T18:19:28 | 0 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_pennsylvania/inventhelp-inventor-develops-convenient-sink-for-bathrooms-aup-967/article_fa6ae81d-07f5-5142-a8af-326939eaa4e0.html |
Burns baseball keeps SPC 1A/2A title in play; Forestview creates logjam in Big South 3A
Burns made sure there would be no celebratory dogpile on its homefield Thursday night.
The Bulldogs avenged a loss earlier in the week, rebounding with a 6-1 win over visiting East Gaston at the “Dog Lot.”
Colby Putnam went the distance for Burns, allowing one run on five hits. He struck out seven in the win.
Limited to three hits two days earlier, the Bulldogs earned 11 on Thursday. Ben Mauney finished with two hits, including a home run. Joseph Webb and Reid Stroupe had two hits as well for Burns.
Riley Hawkins was 2-for-3 for East Gaston in a losing cause.
By virtue of its win, Burns moved back into first place in Southern Piedmont 1A/2A. The Bulldogs go into spring break with a 14-2 record, 9-1 in league play.
Only Shelby remains on their conference slate, the teams meeting April 26 and 29. Burns needs only one victory to earn a share of a league championship.
East Gaston’s (12-5, 10-2) conference title hopes also hinge on Shelby’s performance against the Bulldogs. A split by Shelby earns the Warriors a piece of the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A crown, with a Golden Lion sweep delivering it to them outright.
Cherryville (9-6, 6-4) is the only team in Southern Piedmont 1A/2A to sew up a spot in the postseason, earning their way into the 1A playoffs following a sweep of Highland Tech.
Playoff bound
Southern Piedmont 1A/2A’s softball playoff spots are now spoken for.
Burns and Cherryville are headed to the postseason, this after putting a bow on sweeps of conference foes.
The Lady Bulldogs earned a Class 2A playoff berth with a hard-fought 5-1 win over East Gaston.
Tied 1-all heading into the sixth, Meah Ivie’s RBI base hit gave Burns the lead. Chloe Hull had two RBIs, including a sixth inning triple, with Hunter Morgan and Laylah Haynes each contributing an RBI base hit. Jaycee Bivins had a double and scored a run in a winning effort.
Lexi Boulware was 2-for-3 for East Gaston in the loss.
Burns remained in contention for a Southern Piedmont 1A/2A title, staying in lockstep with Cherryville. The Lady Ironmen are playoff bound in Class 1A following a 13-4 victory at Highland Tech on Wednesday.
Reagan Nowowiecki had 12 strikeouts for Cherryville in the win. Six players finished with multiple hits as the Lady Ironmen outhit Highland Tech 15-5.
Cherryville (10-4, 8-1) sits a half-game behind Burns in the conference standings. The Lady Ironmen have a series with Bessemer City and a make-up game against East Gaston remaining on their schedule.
As for Burns (14-1, 9-1), it only has Shelby remaining in conference play.
Much still yet to be decided in Big South 3A baseball
For the first time in several years, Crest is suddenly looking up to another team in the Big South 3A baseball standings.
Kings Mountain is the leader heading into the clubhouse for spring break, the Mountaineers claiming their fifth straight win courtesy of 7-0 triumph over Stuart Cramer.
Charlie Melton struck out 13 and allowed a mere three hits in six innings of work, leading Kings Mountain to victory on Wednesday. Kenyon Moore was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, with Hunter Ellis also earning two hits, an RBI and a run scored.
Julian Hall had two of Stuart Cramer’s three hits on the night.
The Mountaineers assumed full control of Big South 3A following Crest’s 2-1 loss to Forestview on Wednesday.
Down a run entering the third, Forestview left the frame with a one-run lead that would stand up in the victory. Austin Parker was 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Cooper Botts had a hit and scored a run. Ethan Bray also scored for the Jaguars.
With the loss, Crest relinquishes Big South 3A’s top spot to Kings Mountain. Colby Hrumphries was 2-for-3 with a run scored. Cole Drewery brought him in with an RBI double.
Following a lengthy conference win streak that dated back to 2018, the Chargers have now lost twice to league opponents in as many weeks. The Chargers are now 8-2 in Big South 3A play, a game behind Kings Mountain.
Forestview’s win also creates a logjam for the conference’s No. 3 spot. The Jaguars are joined by North Gaston and South Point at 6-4 in league play.
South Point will take on Forestview and North Gaston in the season’s final weeks.
Wild, wild Western Foothills 3A
Wednesday was equally important for the East Lincoln and North Lincoln baseball teams.
Hoping to keep pace in a competitive Western Foothills 3A race, each of them can go into spring break on a high note.
Tied 3-all in the fourth with league leading Foard, East Lincoln exploded for four runs to take command in a 13-3 win. Gavin Houser was 2-for-5 with four RBIs and a run scored, while Isaac Armstrong and Trey Spees contributed two hits of their own.
Meanwhile, North Lincoln outlasted St. Stephens for a 2-1 win in a key Western Foothills 3A matchup.
Kellen Karr was 2-for-3, while Maddux Walker had an RBI double to lead the Knights.Reece Moody added an RBI base hit, while Matt Heavner earned a double and scored a run for the Knights. Landon Reeves allowed one run on eight hits, striking out five in North Lincoln’s gritty win.
By virtue of its win, North Lincoln moved to 9-2 in conference play and into a first place tie with Foard. East Lincoln also benefited from Wednesday’s happenings, now a game back of league leaders at 8-3.
Scoreboard
Thursday, April 14
Baseball
Burns 6, East Gaston 1
Davidson Day 11, Gaston Day 5: Colin Fayed was 2-for-4 with a double, RBI and a run scored, with Jason Johnson adding two hits and a run in a Spartan loss to Davidson Day. Brody Smith also had a hit and two RBIs in a losing effort.
East Lincoln 14, Bandys 8: Garrett Michel hit two home runs to go with three RBIs, while Isaac Armstrong hit a three-run homer of his own in a Mustangs win.
Gavin Houser (2-for-4, double, three runs) and Trey Spees (2-for-3, two runs) had a multi-hit game, with Evan Matile (double, three RBIs), Landon Burns (hit, RBI) and Seth Haigler (hit, RBI, run) did their part in an East Lincoln victory.
Northwestern (Rock Hill) 12, Lincoln Charter 4: Tyler Steele was 2-for-4 with a home run, but it wasn’t enough in a loss to Northwestern.
South Point 22, Ashbrook 4: The South Point hit parade made its way to Gastonia’s New Hope Road on Friday, earning 20 hits in a win over Ashbrook. Ryan Harris was 4-for-6 with a double, four RBIs and two runs scored. Justin Smith (3-for-6, double, two RBIs, two runs), Carson Shell (3-for-3, two doubles, RBI, five runs), Matthew Walker (2-for-5, double, two RBIs, three runs), Wyatt Triplett (2-for-4, double, four RBIs, run), and Cam Ashe (2-for-4, RBI, run) finished with multi-hit games.
Walker also struck out 11 in six innings of work on the mound.
Cooper York was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored for Ashbrook.
West Lincoln 11, West Caldwell 1: Noah Gantt finished a home run away from hitting for the cycle, going 3-for-4 with a double, triple, four RBIs and two runs scored in a win over West Caldwell. Landon Jenkins was 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and a run scored, with Zander Harrelson going 2-for-4 with a double, RBI and a run scored.
Noah Huss added a two-run homer for West Lincoln. He also earned the win, allowing one run on five hits and striking out five in 4.2 innings of work.
Softball
Burns 5, East Gaston 1
West Lincoln 10, West Caldwell 5: Farrah Richardson was 3-for-6 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored to lead the Lady Rebels to a win at West Caldwell. Chloe Norman was 2-for-5 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored, with Etta Godfrey going 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored.
Girls soccer
Bandys 2, West Lincoln 0
Burns 8, Bessemer City 0
East Gaston 2, Shelby 0
Foard 0, East Lincoln 0
Hunter Huss at Stuart Cramer: No score reported.
St. Stephens 4, North Lincoln 2
Wednesday, April 13
Baseball
Cherryville 11, Highland Tech 0: Kanon Willis was 2-for-2 with a double, three RBIs and two runs scored, with Will Heavner contributing two hits, an RBI and a pair of runs to lead the Ironmen to a sweep of Highland Tech. Chase Miller also had a hit and two RBIs in a winning effort.
Clover 12, Northwestern (Rock Hill) 4
East Lincoln 13, Foard 3
Forestview 2, Crest 1
Kings Mountain 7, Stuart Cramer 0
Lincolnton 14, East Burke 7
North Gaston 9, Hunter Huss 0: Ashton Pope went the distance Wednesday, allowing no runs on two hits and striking out 17 to lead the Wildcats past Hunter Huss. He also was 2-for-3 at the plate with a double, RBI and a run scored.
Wyatt McSwain was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, while Nate Williams had a hit and two RBIs. Austin Wood, Josh Lemley and Chase Sharpe also had RBI base hits.
North Lincoln 2, St. Stephens 1
Shelby 10, Bessemer City 0: Ryan McCracken earned the win, allowing one hit and striking out 10 for the Golden Lions. Parker Dixon was 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored. Elijah Rabb, Luke Williams, Caleb Ledbetter and Dallas Marzett also reached safely in the contest.
York (S.C.) 5, Lincoln Charter 4 (9 innings): Tyler Steele was 2-for-3 with two runs scored, while Jacob Smith also was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, but the Eagles couldn’t shake a tough York club in nine innings.
Softball
Cherryville 13, Highland Tech 4
Crest 18, South Point 3
East Burke 9, Lincolnton 1
East Lincoln 6, Foard 0: Taniyah Thomas was 3-for-4 with two runs scored, while Morgan Summey, Madison Currence (two RBIs) and Bailey Hardin (RBI) had two hits apiece for the Mustangs in a Lady Mustang win. Taliyah Thomas also hit a home run in a winning effort.
Kings Mountain 8, Forestview 4: Lily Smith and Madison Brown had RBI base hits for Forestview in a losing cause.
North Gaston 15, Ashbrook 0: Megan Towery set a new single-season record for North Gaston softball, hitting her eighth home run as part of a rout of Ashbrook.
North Lincoln 5, St. Stephens 1
Shelby 14, Bessemer City 11
West Lincoln 16, Newton-Conover 0: West Lincoln benefited from three hits, nine walks and five Newton-Conover errors in an easy win on Thursday.
Girls soccer
Ashbrook 3, North Gaston 1
East Gaston 9, Cherryville 0: Reagan Luckadoo scored three goals, while Ava Stillwell added two goals and an assist in her team’s win over Cherryville. Lydia Walls, Maddie Somers, Keyll Garcia and Jeseniya Peña scored in a Warrior rout.
Forestview 3, Kings Mountain 1: Layne Maitra earned a hat trick, with Grace Hite assisting on one of Maitra’s goals in a win over Kings Mountain. Melia Myers had the Lady Mountaineers’ only goal in a losing effort.
South Point 5, Crest 1: Grace Smith scored two goals, with Lexi Birtwistle netting one and assisting on two more to lead the Lady Raiders past Crest. Phoebe Smith scored a goal and assisted on another, while Jordan Villemagne added one of her own in a winning effort.
Track and field
Results from the Cleveland County track and field championships held on Wednesday, April 13 at Kings Mountain High School.
Boys
Kings Mountain 104, Burns 82, Shelby 65, Crest 18
100-meter dash: Bricen Kee, Shelby; 200-meter dash: Dwayne Black, Kings Mountain; 400-meter dash: L.J. Allen, Burns; 800-meter run: Owen Storie, Burns; 1,600-meter run: Parker Key, Kings Mountain; 3,200-meter run: Parker Key, Kings Mountain; 110-meter hurdles: Andre Willis, Kings Mountain; 300-meter hurdles: Andre Willis, Kings Mountain; 4x100-meter relay: Shelby; 4x200-meter relay: Kings Mountain; 4x400-meter relay: Burns; 4x800-meter relay: Kings Mountain; High jump: Andrew Parsons, Burns; Long jump: D’Andre Hoyle, Kings Mountain; Triple jump: D’Andre Hoyle, Kings Mountain; Pole vault: Nicholas Harrison, Kings Mountain; Discus: Jesse Love; Shot put: Caleb Byrd, Burns.
Girls
Burns 99, Shelby 76, Kings Mountain 60, Crest 31
100-meter dash: Makaiyah Ross, Burns; 200-meter dash: Makaiyah Ross, Burns; 400-meter dash: Sarah Day, Burns; 800-meter run: Kaylee Greene, Burns; 1,600-meter run: Kaylee Greene, Burns; 3,200-meter run: Raven Griffin, Shelby; 100-meter hurdles: Hannah Dover, Burns; 300-meter hurdles: Hannah Dover, Burns; 4x100-meter relay: Burns; 4x200-meter relay: Crest; 4x400-meter relay: Burns; 4x800-meter relay: Shelby; High jump: Kiara Hayes, Crest; Long jump: Makaiyah Ross, Burns; Triple jump: A’ariona Burris, Burns; Pole vault: Kinley Putnam, Kings Mountain; Discus: Kaniyah Hopper, Shelby; Shot put: Yahreia Peeler, Shelby
You can reach Joe Hughes at 704-914-8138, email jhughes@gastongazette.com and follow on Twitter @JoeLHughesII. | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/sports/high-school/2022/04/15/cleveland-gaston-and-lincoln-high-school-sports-scores-april-15/7274040001/ | 2022-04-15T18:19:30 | 0 | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/sports/high-school/2022/04/15/cleveland-gaston-and-lincoln-high-school-sports-scores-april-15/7274040001/ |
- Josef Newgarden scores his second-straight INDYCAR Series victory in the No. 2 Hitachi Dallara/Chevrolet
- Hitachi Astemo provides fuel-system components for INDYCAR engines
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Josef Newgarden drove Team Penske's No. 2 Hitachi Chevrolet to a second-consecutive INDYCAR Series victory at the Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday, April 10.
Newgarden is a two-time INDYCAR Series champion and is looking for his third series title and first Indianapolis 500 win in 2022. He took over the series points lead with his 22nd-career INDYCAR victory and his first at Long Beach.
Team Penske has opened this year's INDYCAR Series season with three-consecutive wins. Newgarden's Penske teammate Scott McLaughlin took the season opener at St. Petersburg, followed by Newgarden victories at the Texas Motor Speedway and Long Beach.
"This win is definitely up there on the my list," Newgarden said after the race. "This was a fight. This was not an easy race to win. The Hitachi car was on it. I knew coming in to the race we had a great strategy and with Team Chevy we were going to be alright."
Newgarden is now one step away from winning the PeopleReady "Force for Good" Challenge, that will go to the first driver to take the checkered flag on each of INDYCAR's three different style tracks – street circuits, road courses and ovals. The million-dollar prize will be split between the driver, his team and a charity of their choice.
"Congratulations to Josef Newgarden and Team Penske for another outstanding INDYCAR performance," said Rob Sharpe, senior vice president, sales & marketing, Hitachi Astemo Americas. "Their teammates at Hitachi and Hitachi Astemo are among their biggest fans. We will be cheering them on throughout the coming race season."
Sharpe noted that Hitachi Astemo is a technology partner with Chevrolet in the development of its highly successful INDYCAR engine program. The Hitachi name appears on the sides and rear wing of Team Penske's No. 2 car and Astemo appears on both front wings.
Hitachi Astemo provides fuel-system components for all of the 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged Chevrolet racing engines in the INDYCAR Series.
2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES -- Hitachi Primary Sponsored Races*
* Races where Hitachi logos will be prominently displayed on the car of Josef Newgarden, Hitachi's contract driver.
More info is available at Hitachi Astemo's motorsports webpage: https://www.hitachiastemo.com/en/motorsports/sponsorship/indy.html
Hitachi Astemo is a global automotive technology company formed by the recent merger of Hitachi Automotive Systems with Honda's Keihin, Showa and Nissin Kogyo groups. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company has approximately 90,000 employees and leadership positions in a wide range of product areas including AD/ADAS, software and powertrain, as well as chassis and motorcycle systems. Its headquarters for the Americas is in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
About Hitachi Astemo Americas, Inc.
Hitachi Astemo Americas, Inc. manufactures and markets engine management, electric powertrain and integrated vehicle controls for major automotive manufacturers worldwide, adhering to ISO/TS:16949:2009 industry standards. For more Hitachi Astemo corporate information, please visit www.hitachiastemo.com. Additional product information is available at www.hitachiastemo.com/en/products/.
About Team Penske
Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in motorsports history with 18 Indianapolis 500 victories, two Daytona 500 Championships, a Formula 1 win and victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
Newgarden entered the 2022 INDYCAR season with 15 pole positions and 20 wins. Born in Hendersonville, Tennessee, he lives in Nashville. More information is available at www.teampenske.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hitachi-sponsored-team-penske-car-wins-long-beach-grand-prix-301526646.html
SOURCE Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_sports/hitachi-sponsored-team-penske-car-wins-long-beach-grand-prix/article_1baebb1c-8eb8-508c-ae77-b1946501090e.html | 2022-04-15T18:19:34 | 1 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_sports/hitachi-sponsored-team-penske-car-wins-long-beach-grand-prix/article_1baebb1c-8eb8-508c-ae77-b1946501090e.html |
PITTSBURGH, April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create a pair of swim shorts with an added safety device that could be used in the event of an emergency during a water-based activity," said an inventor, from Birmingham, Ala., "so I invented the GILLY SHORTS. My design could help to reduce the risk of an individual drowning."
The invention provides an improved pair of swim trunks to enhance safety during water sport activities. In doing so, it offers a unique and comfortable alternative to traditional life jackets. As a result, it would help to keep the user afloat in the event of an emergency and it would eliminate the need to constantly swim or tread water. The invention features an effective design that is easy to wear and use so it is ideal for swimmers, boaters and other water sports enthusiasts. Additionally, it is producible in design variations and a prototype model is available upon request.
The original design was submitted to the Birmingham sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-BTK-147, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inventhelp-inventor-develops-modified-swim-shorts-to-enhance-safety-btk-147-301520544.html
SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_sports/inventhelp-inventor-develops-modified-swim-shorts-to-enhance-safety-btk-147/article_78035baa-b307-595f-8dc7-70dc1ad5d6c5.html | 2022-04-15T18:19:40 | 1 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_sports/inventhelp-inventor-develops-modified-swim-shorts-to-enhance-safety-btk-147/article_78035baa-b307-595f-8dc7-70dc1ad5d6c5.html |
PITTSBURGH, April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create a simple device to securely hold fishing rods on the exterior door of a boat's rod locker," said an inventor, from Henagar, Ala., "so I invented RANDY'S ROD KEEPER. My design ensures that the rods remain in place, even when the boat is moving or rocking."
The patent-pending invention provides an effective way to secure fishing rod/reels on a boat's rod locker. In doing so, it prevents the lines on the rods from becoming tangled or knotted. It also helps to keep the boat deck neat and organized and it saves time and effort. The invention features a practical design that is easy to install and use so it is ideal for fishing boat owners and fishing enthusiasts. Additionally, it is producible in design variations and a prototype is available.
The original design was submitted to the Birmingham sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-BTK-144, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inventhelp-inventor-develops-secure-rod-holder-for-fishing-boats-btk-144-301520529.html
SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_sports/inventhelp-inventor-develops-secure-rod-holder-for-fishing-boats-btk-144/article_1d887784-be69-58ec-bd8d-29b4cdc1afdb.html | 2022-04-15T18:19:46 | 0 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_sports/inventhelp-inventor-develops-secure-rod-holder-for-fishing-boats-btk-144/article_1d887784-be69-58ec-bd8d-29b4cdc1afdb.html |
Potential buyers are finding themselves struggling to find used cars within their budget and within their state. How far would Alabamians go for a good deal on a used car?
Quantrell Subaru, a Kentucky car dealership, had a company ask 2,690 buyers across the country just how far people were prepared to travel to buy a used car. The average person in Alabama said they would travel up to 426 miles to purchase a used car, the survey found, which is an average road trip to Lafayette, Louisiana.
That trip would cost hundreds of dollars one way in an Uber without traffic.
Across all 50 states, buyers would drive an average of 479 miles for a used car. Alabama was ranked 38th in that list, with an average of 426 miles. Setting the record for the buyers who would travel the furthest were people in Alaska. They were willing to travel 722 miles.
The lowest was Vermont with 286 miles.
“It’s an unprecedented time for the automotive industry. After a global pandemic brought automotive sales and production to a near stop, Americans have rallied and returned to the car market at full force,” Brentley Jones of Quantrell Subaru said in a press release. “Consequently, we’re witnessing a demand for cars, unlike anything we’ve ever seen. We are currently shipping 40% of our used car inventory to out-of-state buyers.”
To see the chart, click here. | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/heres-how-far-alabamians-are-driving-to-buy-a-used-car.html | 2022-04-15T18:19:50 | 0 | https://www.al.com/news/2022/04/heres-how-far-alabamians-are-driving-to-buy-a-used-car.html |
HILLSDALE, Mich., April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. (OTC: CNBB), the parent company of County National Bank, today announced earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Earnings during the first quarter of 2022 totaled $2.2 million, a decrease of $800,000 over the $3.0 million earned during the three months ended March 31, 2021 predominately as a result of a reduction in noninterest income. Basic earnings per share for CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") decreased to $1.03 during the three months ended March 31, 2022, down $0.38 from $1.41 during the first quarter of 2021.
As the asset size increased 14.2% year-over-year, the annualized return on average assets (ROA) decreased to 0.77% for the three months ended March 31, 2022, down from 1.40% for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The annualized return on average equity (ROE) decreased to 11.1% for the current quarter, down from 16.8% for the first quarter of 2021. Book value per share increased to $37.84 at March 31, 2022, up $3.10 from $34.74 at March 31, 2021.
John R. Waldron, President and Chief Executive Officer of CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. and County National Bank, remarked, "I have spent a lot of time over the last six months looking at industry-wide projections and have noted that the entire financial services industry is expecting a reduced profit scenario for 2022. We have seen that reduction thus far in 2022 in comparison to 2021 here at County National Bank. However, I am very excited for what 2022 has brought, and will continue to bring, to our bank, its employees and our customers. The Bank and its employees have been working diligently to bring in a large number of new customers in the last two years, and that growth is supporting a very strong Balance Sheet with increasingly strong Net Interest Income numbers. Combine these factors with our strong, hard-working customer base, and you can see why I am confident in CNB's position for 2022 and beyond."
Financial Highlights
- Total assets increased $147.8 million, or 14.2%, to $1.19 billion from March 31, 2021 and $39.9 million, or 3.5% from December 31, 2021.
- Net loans, exclusive of Paycheck Protection Program loans, increased $136.3 million, or 20.6%, to $797.2 million at March 31, 2022 compared to $660.9 million at March 31, 2021 and increased $30.2 million, or 3.9%, from December 31, 2021.
- Total deposits increased $143.8 million, or 15.3%, to $1.09 billion at March 31, 2022 from $941.3 million at March 31, 2021 and increased $40.1 million, or 3.8% from December 31, 2021.
- Book value per share increased $3.10, or 8.9%, to $37.84 at March 31, 2022, up from $34.74 at March 31, 2021 and up $0.21 from $37.63 at December 31, 2021.
- Total equity increased $7.2 million to $81.3 million from March 31, 2021. Shares outstanding were 2,180,181 as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
- Net income decreased $800,000, 26.6%, to $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2022 and basic EPS decreased $0.38, or 26.9%, to $1.03 from $1.41 in the first quarter of 2022.
- Net interest income for the first quarter of 2022 increased $367,000 to $8.9 million.
- Pre-tax, pre-provision income decreased $1.5 million to $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared to $4.7 million in the first quarter of 2021.
CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. (OTC:CNBB) is a one-bank holding company formed in 2005. Its subsidiary bank, County National Bank, is a nationally chartered full-service bank, which has served its local communities since its founding in 1934. CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. is headquartered in Hillsdale, Michigan and through its subsidiary bank offers banking products along with investment management and trust services to communities located throughout South Central Michigan.
This news release and other releases and reports issued by the Company may contain "forward-looking statements." The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company is including this statement for purposes of taking advantage of the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cnb-community-bancorp-inc-reports-first-quarter-2022-results-301526643.html
SOURCE CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_stocks/cnb-community-bancorp-inc-reports-first-quarter-2022-results/article_f2458579-5af2-5a09-b239-e91107d53e6b.html | 2022-04-15T18:19:52 | 0 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_stocks/cnb-community-bancorp-inc-reports-first-quarter-2022-results/article_f2458579-5af2-5a09-b239-e91107d53e6b.html |
A toddler girl died Thursday after she fell into a small lake in Calhoun County.
Oxford police were dispatched at 6:45 p.m. to a report of a child in the water on Cavasback Drive, said police Chief Bill Partridge. Officers immediately began CPR until Oxford Health Systems Paramedics arrived on the scene and continued to provide emergency care.
Partridge said the 2-year-old girl was taken to Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center and then transferred to Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham.
She was later pronounced dead.
The preliminary investigation showed the girl wandered outside of the home and fell into the lake. Her death is being investigated as an accident. | https://www.al.com/news/anniston-gadsden/2022/04/2-year-old-girl-dies-after-falling-into-lake-behind-east-alabama-home.html | 2022-04-15T18:19:56 | 0 | https://www.al.com/news/anniston-gadsden/2022/04/2-year-old-girl-dies-after-falling-into-lake-behind-east-alabama-home.html |
IRVINE, Calif., April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Starboard Realty Advisors has recently acquired the Arden Woods apartment community, a 308-unit, highly amenitized, Class A garden-style community located in Spring, Texas.
John Carr, Ben Fuller, and Tonya Chaffin of Cushman & Wakefield represented the Seller.
Arden Woods offers contemporary living comprising a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments and includes stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, ceiling fans, faux-wood flooring, and in-unit washer/dryer appliances. Select units feature an attached garage. Amenities at the property include a resort-style swimming pool with pavilions, BBQ grills & a fire pit, a wooded area, a dog park, storage units, and a fitness center.
The property's location provides easy access to everything North Houston, The Woodlands, and Conroe has to offer.
"The Arden Woods property is an excellent investment due to the projected 16.8% population increase in the surrounding area by 2026. We look forward to the opportunity it presents our investors", said Bill Winn, CEO of Starboard Realty Advisors, LLC.
About Starboard Realty Advisors, LLC Starboard Realty Advisors, LLC, headquartered in Irvine, California, acquires, manages, and operates multi-family, multi-tenant retail shopping centers and QSRs. Starboard is a privately held, fully integrated real estate firm, whose principals have more than 30 years of hands-on, cycle-tested experience in acquiring, developing, leasing, repositioning, managing, financing, and disposing of retail, multifamily, office and industrial real estate during which they have developed a network of relationships with brokers, sellers, retailers, and an array of other tenants. For more information, please visit http://www.starboard-realty.com.
19100 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 340
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 420-9300
Contact:
William H. Winn Jr.
CEO
(949) 420-9300
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/starboard-realty-advisors-announces-acquisition-of-highly-amenitized-apartment-community-in-spring-texas-301526649.html
SOURCE Starboard Realty Advisors | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_stocks/starboard-realty-advisors-announces-acquisition-of-highly-amenitized-apartment-community-in-spring-texas/article_0a3320f9-6de0-5f11-ad1b-638035e47f9d.html | 2022-04-15T18:19:58 | 1 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_stocks/starboard-realty-advisors-announces-acquisition-of-highly-amenitized-apartment-community-in-spring-texas/article_0a3320f9-6de0-5f11-ad1b-638035e47f9d.html |
Animal cruelty charges against a Walker County Great Dane breeder have been dismissed.
Jerie Dene Smith Click, of Alabama Danes, was arrested in February on three counts of second-degree animal cruelty. Additionally, authorities confirmed at the time, 16 dogs were seized.
All three charges against the 53-year-old Quinton woman were misdemeanors. The warrant stated that on Feb. 7, Click failed to properly seek veterinarian care for three Great Dane puppies to prevent illness/disease or to treat illness/disease causing injuries to the dogs’ health, according to charging documents.
The charges stemmed from an investigation that began with the death of a puppy – Apollo - sold by Click to a Birmingham law school student for her toddler son.
In an order issued this week in Walker County, District Judge Henry Prentiss Allred said the evidence and testimony during a hearing earlier this month showed “overwhelming support” that Click provided proper care for the puppies she sold.
The ordeal began in early February when Kimberlee King, a Cumberland Law School student, bought Apollo for $2,000, for her 2-year-old son.
Days later, the breeder called King to tell her that puppies from the same litter were dying from canine parvovirus – better known as parvo – which is highly contagious and is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces.
King took Apollo to the vet and learned that he had both parvo and worms. The breeder paid the deposit for King’s vet bill but refused to pay the entire bill, King said.
Apollo was started on plasma treatments and he and plight quickly gained sympathy and followers on social media, even getting his own TikTok handle.
A GoFundMe was launched to help with Apollo’s vet bills. There were glimmers of hope, but Apollo died on Feb. 11. “I am beyond hurt and disappointed,’’ King wrote earlier this year. “I tried everything I could possibly do to keep him alive. I will seek justice for Apollo and his litter.”
“I had no idea I was sold a puppy with parvo, but I’ve learned so much through this experience and the fight for justice is not over,’’ King wrote.
A hearing was held on April 5, and then continued and reset to resume April 11. Prior to the April 11 hearing, according to the judge’s order, prosecutors made a motion to dismiss the charges.
Click was represented by attorney Garve W. Ivey, III and the state was represented by Assistant District Attorney Thomas Burgett.
In the earlier hearing, the order states, one of the state’s witnesses – veterinarian Dr. Brandt Tolbert – testified that Apollo was infested with “very common” roundworms and parvo virus. He said that in his opinion, there was “no neglect” on the part of the Click in Apollo’s plight.
The judge also ordered that Click’s seized animals be returned to her.
In a press release, Ivey said Click and Alabama Danes are thrilled to be reunited with their animals.
“I have to believe that the frenzy of the opinions of key-board warriors on social media, the news
media attention and the like, placed such pressure on the local law enforcement and the Humane Society that they chose to turn a blind eye to the actual facts,’’ Ivey said. “It is important to remember that the state themselves, made the motion to dismiss when it became apparent through the state’s own expert that no abuse had occurred. My client was terribly mistreated by the system in this case, but we are grateful for the outcome.” | https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2022/04/animal-cruelty-charges-dismissed-against-alabama-great-dane-breeder.html | 2022-04-15T18:20:02 | 0 | https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2022/04/animal-cruelty-charges-dismissed-against-alabama-great-dane-breeder.html |
BullPerks, a decentralized VC and multichain launchpad, achieved 7030% of ATH ROI after 9 months
ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BullPerks has established itself as one of the most outstanding decentralized VC and multichain launchpads with a large community of crypto enthusiasts and prominent investors worldwide.
In October 2021, the project reached a skyrocketing 3840% of average ATH ROI on all deals and 1700% of average ATH ROI on IDO deals according to DEXTools. In April 2022, BullPerks achieved an astonishing 7030% of average ATH ROI as per the same source. These rapidly growing figures prove that BullPerks is a reliable crypto investment platform offering only top-quality deals to its users.
BullPerks has already given a powerful boost to many ambitious gaming, NFT, and blockchain projects, accelerating them to global popularity, such as Bloktopia, Polker, Monsta Infinite, HighStreet, Sidus, Blockchain Monster Hunt, and many others.
Prioritizing the community's needs from day one, the company has earned a reputation of one of the fairest and most community-dedicated crypto launchpads. BullPerks brings together passionate and like-minded people who want to invest in the best crypto projects on equal terms with venture capitalists.
What makes BullPerks different
BullPerks sets itself apart from other VCs and launchpads with its unique adaptive tier-based system aimed to democratize investments, providing a comparatively low entry to early-stage projects. The number of $BLP tokens users locked on the platform defines their tier and level of investment into a crypto project completing its IDO on BullPerks.
The company is committed to protecting users by performing rigorous due diligence on all projects, including their regulatory, legal, financial, and business capabilities, as well as inspecting core technology and founding team experience.
This approach allows BullPerks to choose the highest-quality projects, minimizing risk and maximizing ROI for retail investors. BullPerks also provides advice and support to all projects to ensure they are fully prepared for their launch.
About BullPerks
BullPerks is a decentralized VC and multichain launchpad dedicated to introducing the best-quality crypto projects to its users. BullPerks is quickly becoming a fully chain-agnostic platform, bringing the highest quality crypto investment opportunities of the next decade to its dedicated community.
Visit BullPerks on social media:
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/decentralized-vc-and-launchpad-bullperks-achieved-7030-of-average-ath-roi-301526651.html
SOURCE BullPerks | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_technology/decentralized-vc-and-launchpad-bullperks-achieved-7030-of-average-ath-roi/article_1a2c1eae-bbc3-585e-9a3f-8611e0097ac2.html | 2022-04-15T18:20:04 | 0 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_technology/decentralized-vc-and-launchpad-bullperks-achieved-7030-of-average-ath-roi/article_1a2c1eae-bbc3-585e-9a3f-8611e0097ac2.html |
Jackson County authorities say a Section man has been charged with attempted murder after his wife was shot this morning.
Deputies responded to a reported shooting on County Road 265 in the Macedonia community about 3 a.m. today, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said in a release. Officers found a woman shot inside the residence and arrested her husband, Bradley Austin Grey, 27.
The victim, whose name was not released, received treatment from the Macedonia fire department and Highlands Ambulance Service before she was airlifted from the scene to a hospital. Her condition is not known.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) bomb technicians were also contacted to investigate a “suspicious device” located inside the residence. Several weapons were located and seized, the sheriff’s office stated.
Grey has been charged with attempted murder and is being held in the Jackson County Jail. Bond has not yet been set. Additional charges may follow. | https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2022/04/north-alabama-woman-shot-husband-arrested-weapons-seized.html | 2022-04-15T18:20:08 | 1 | https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2022/04/north-alabama-woman-shot-husband-arrested-weapons-seized.html |
"fanaticTV is a Party in Your Pocket!"
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Twitch founding Chief Revenue Officer Jonathan Simpson-Bint has joined the Founding team of the live and social streaming company fanaticTV Inc.
Currently in stealth mode, the company is about to launch its 24/7 live-hosted app. fanaticTV is a live-hosted social TV platform; satiating FOMO for the youth and young adult market. fanaticTV empowers and excites fans to control and consume live social tv by participating in real time 24/7 and creating their own stations. fanaticTV is a Party in Your Pocket. Music, Influencers, Celebs, and More. Non-stop fan consumption, creation and interaction.
"This is still the early days of live and social video experiences, especially on mobile," says Jonathan Simpson-Bint. "fanaticTV is building a revolutionary streaming and social product that empowers fans to create and consume live social TV in real time. I'm excited to leverage my experience and expertise from the building and growth of Twitch to join as a Cofounder of fanaticTV."
"I remember the early days of Twitch when they spun out of Justin.tv" says fanaticTV CEO Drew Massey, "and was always an admirer of what they built and the tools they provided for gaming creators. My last company was a pioneer in live streaming entertainment empowering celebrities like Tom Green to host a nightly live talk show from his living room, but Twitch took it to the next level empowering users to be broadcasters. So I'm excited to have Jonathan Simpson-Bint join fanaticTV as a Cofounder. Jonathan was part of the core team that built Twitch to hundreds of millions of users so his expertise and passion for the space is boundless and invaluable. We're looking forward to changing the world a second time."
About Jonathan Simpson-Bint
fanaticTV Cofounder Jonathan Simpson-Bint was part of the executive team that built Twitch - the world's largest platform and community for the live streaming of games - and sold it to Amazon for nearly $1 Billion. After the acquisition, Jonathan Simpson-Bint continued to build Twitch at Amazon for another 4 years.
As an executive at Twitch for nearly 8 years, Simpson-Bint ran revenue and some of the biggest partnerships from the company's founding until December 2018.
Jonathan Simpson-Bint joined the company in late 2011 and spent much of the next year evangelizing the company's SDK strategy to the games market, meeting both publishers and developers persuading them to build Twitch functionality directly into their games. Today the +SDK program is a robust, multi platform part of Twitch's strategy and partners include Sony, Activision, Blizzard, Take Two and Electronic Arts as well as a plethora of indie publishers. Twitch was built directly into the mammoth selling Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 as well as into every EA game via Origin. Additionally, Jonathan Simpson-Bint worked extensively with Microsoft and Sony to get Twitch built directly into both the XBOX One and Playstation 4. Both hardware platforms launched with Twitch built in and as a major media partner.
After Twitch ended its sales representation relationship with CBSi Simpson-Bint led the effort to create Twitch's own internal sales team completely from scratch becoming CRO. Upon leaving Twitch and Amazon, Simpson-Bint left a thriving sales organization with offices in SF, LA, Chicago, Austin, New York, London, Stockholm, Frankfurt and Tokyo.
About Drew Massey
fanaticTV CEO Drew Massey is a prior Benchmark Capital & Intel Capital financed founder & CEO. An experienced and visionary technology-media entrepreneur. Massey Pioneered Internet TV with the 24/7 music video & pop-culture celebrity company maniaTV. And achieved a nearly $100 Million buyout offer from Viacom. VCs wanted $250 Million. Massey had the vision for next generation TV and grew the prior company to $10 Million revenue and break-even. Pioneered Online Live 24/7 TV with 25,000 music videos and Hollywood talent while converting over 200 leading brands to join the revolution.
Massey has extensive expertise in digital entertainment, technology, media and advertising with experience working with every major advertising agency, talent agency, music label, leading financiers and more. Been interviewed by innumerable media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, CNN, The New York Times, Advertising Age, Adweek, Mediaweek, and more. As well as having been an invited speaker at many industry events.
About FanaticTV
fanaticTV is a live-hosted social TV platform; satiating FOMO for the youth and young adult market. fanaticTV empowers and excites fans to control and consume live social tv by participating live 24/7 and creating their own stations. fanaticTV is a Party in Your Pocket. Music, Influencers, Celebs, and More. Non-stop fan consumption, creation and interaction. Sports and Gaming next. Iterative for future fan controlled features like AI, AR and VR and more...
About Koller Search Partners
Koller Search Partners is the trusted retained executive search partner for consumer media and enterprise companies looking to build winning leadership teams.
"Ed Koller, of Koller Search Partners, is responsible for the Cofounder matchmaking with Jonathan Simpson-Bint and myself," stated CEO Drew Massey, "leveraging his decades of experience and expertise in digital, technology and media he is the preeminent executive recruiter. Having worked with Ed for two decades he is always my first call as he has a wealth of knowledge, contacts, and invaluable counsel, with a special knack for building world class teams."
Koller Search combines art and science, with an emphasis on speed, diligence, transparency and results. For more than 25 years, the firm has been connecting diverse talent to in-demand career opportunities, and helping clients recruit key executives to take their businesses to the next level. Koller Search partners with a wide range of organizations who focus on delivering information on every platform and in every format (digital, video, audio, live/virtual events, data/research, and more) to targeted audiences, enabling these companies to grow revenue, profit, audience, market share and overall business success.
Please contact: Press@fanaticTV.com for more information.
Media Contact
Drew Massey, fanaticTV Inc., 1 9173125032, Press@fanaticTV.com
SOURCE fanaticTV Inc. | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_technology/twitch-founding-cro-jonathan-simpson-bint-joins-fanatictv-as-cofounder-to-build-another-live-streaming/article_065bcbff-14ff-50c9-a193-6398d95c4325.html | 2022-04-15T18:20:10 | 1 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_technology/twitch-founding-cro-jonathan-simpson-bint-joins-fanatictv-as-cofounder-to-build-another-live-streaming/article_065bcbff-14ff-50c9-a193-6398d95c4325.html |
SAN FRANCISCO, April 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Twitter, Inc. (NYSE: TWTR) today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously adopted a limited duration shareholder rights plan (the "Rights Plan"). The Board adopted the Rights Plan following an unsolicited, non-binding proposal to acquire Twitter.
The Rights Plan is intended to enable all shareholders to realize the full value of their investment in Twitter. The Rights Plan will reduce the likelihood that any entity, person or group gains control of Twitter through open market accumulation without paying all shareholders an appropriate control premium or without providing the Board sufficient time to make informed judgments and take actions that are in the best interests of shareholders.
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 Rights Plan is similar to other plans adopted by publicly held companies in comparable circumstances. Under the Rights Plan, the rights will become exercisable if an entity, person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of Twitter's outstanding common stock in a transaction not approved by the Board. In the event that the rights become exercisable due to the triggering ownership threshold being crossed, each right will entitle its holder (other than the person, entity or group triggering the Rights Plan, whose rights will become void and will not be exercisable) to purchase, at the then-current exercise price, additional shares of common stock having a then-current market value of twice the exercise price of the right.
The Rights Plan will expire on April 14, 2023.
Additional information regarding the Rights Plan will be contained in a Form 8-K to be filed by Twitter with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Twitter is what's happening and what people are talking about right now. To learn more, visit about.twitter.com and follow @Twitter. Let's talk.
Investors:
Press
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/twitter-adopts-limited-duration-shareholder-rights-plan-enabling-all-shareholders-to-realize-full-value-of-company-301526627.html
SOURCE Twitter, Inc. | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_technology/twitter-adopts-limited-duration-shareholder-rights-plan-enabling-all-shareholders-to-realize-full-value-of/article_94f19b87-f0ab-5c90-a3b6-4674546e77e0.html | 2022-04-15T18:20:16 | 1 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_technology/twitter-adopts-limited-duration-shareholder-rights-plan-enabling-all-shareholders-to-realize-full-value-of/article_94f19b87-f0ab-5c90-a3b6-4674546e77e0.html |
6-year-old in critical condition after being thrown by tornado, dangling from tree
Family of four, including baby, hospitalized; pregnant mother suffered miscarriage
SALADO, Texas (KWTX/Gray News) - An entire Central Texas family is in the hospital with critical injuries after an EF-3 tornado destroyed their mobile home Tuesday and flung them hundreds of feet away.
The most critically injured is Miriam Rios, 6, a girl found unconscious and dangling upside-down from a tree where the wind had tossed her hundreds of yards from her house. Her pregnant mother, Vanessa Rios, suffered a miscarriage.
The Rios family – including the mom, dad and their two children – were in their mobile home Tuesday night when the tornado warnings came in. The children’s uncle, Stephen Perez, said the family first tried to drive off, but when hail began to fall, they retreated back to their mobile home.
The situation quickly worsened. The tornado with peak winds of 165 mph tore the family’s home to shreds and flung each member of the family in a different direction.
Father Joel Rios was thrown to one side, and the mother landed on the other side. The couple’s 1-year-old, Ezra, landed somewhere in the fields nearby. Six-year-old Miriam was flung into a tree.
“(Their mom) remembers waking up, rolling over on her side, and seeing her daughter in a tree and she can’t get up or do anything. She just rolled over and cried,” Perez said.
After the entire family was rushed to the hospital, they learned the mother had miscarried.
Since then, Perez said members of the family have been in and out of various surgeries meant to repair broken pelvic bones and address spinal cord injuries.
Perez said baby Ezra miraculously suffered the mildest injuries and should be released from the hospital soon.
While the family is grateful for the baby’s health, they are still in awe of just how much they’ve lost. Miriam, a first grader, was set to celebrate her seventh birthday on Saturday.
The Rios family also lost their house and everything in it.
“It’s just the foundation that’s left. There’s absolutely nothing,” Perez said. “And (my sister) was really proud about that home.”
Community members have begun various efforts to help the family with medical bills and with their needs once they are released from the hospital. Perez has created a GoFundMe page to help his family rebuild.
In total, 23 people were injured and 12 hospitalized after the storm, according to Bell County Judge David Blackburn.
Copyright 2022 KWTX via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/6-year-old-critical-condition-after-being-thrown-by-tornado-dangling-tree/ | 2022-04-15T18:21:31 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/6-year-old-critical-condition-after-being-thrown-by-tornado-dangling-tree/ |
Alex Jones to recoup $75,000 in fines in Sandy Hook lawsuit
Published: Apr. 15, 2022 at 12:53 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) — Infowars host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones will be getting back the $75,000 in fines he paid to a Connecticut court for missing a deposition last month in a lawsuit over his assertions that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax.
A Connecticut judge on Thursday ordered the return of the money because Jones eventually appeared at a deposition in Bridgeport last week.
The escalating fines had been aimed at making sure Jones did appear for questioning.
Jones is being sued for defamation by relatives of some of the 20 children and six educators killed in the 2012 Newtown, Connecticut, massacre.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/alex-jones-recoup-75000-fines-sandy-hook-lawsuit/ | 2022-04-15T18:21:37 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/alex-jones-recoup-75000-fines-sandy-hook-lawsuit/ |
Sen. Feinstein pushes back against reports of health concerns
(CNN) - “I’d put my record up against anyone’s” is what Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., had to say after recent reports that other lawmakers are worried about her health, especially after losing her husband to cancer in February.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported four unnamed senators, three former Feinstein aides and a California Democratic member of Congress said her mental health has gotten worse recently, and they’re worried about her memory and ability to lead.
But Feinstein defended herself, calling the newspaper Thursday to say she’s committed to her work, meets regularly with leaders and puts in the hours.
She explained that the whole thing is puzzling to her.
Feinstein has faced questions about her ability to serve for a few years now and lost her post as the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee after her Democratic colleagues privately complained about her performance during the confirmation hearings for Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/sen-feinstein-pushes-back-against-health-concerns/ | 2022-04-15T18:21:43 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/sen-feinstein-pushes-back-against-health-concerns/ |
Shaquille O’Neal will pay funeral expenses for 3-year-old killed by stray bullet, family says
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB/Gray News) - Hall-of-fame basketball player Shaquille O’Neal is going to pay for the funeral expenses for a 3-year-old Louisiana boy who was killed by a stray bullet while in bed on Wednesday.
Baton Rouge police said Devin Page Jr. was sleeping inside a home in Baton Rouge.when the bullet hit him.
Family members confirmed to WAFB that O’Neal, a collegiate star at LSU, would take care of the costs.
Devin had just started preschool and loved playing with his siblings, his family said.
“Until it happens to you, until the gun is shot at your house, you know, until the bullets come through your window, you don’t get involved. You have nothing to say,” his grandmother, Cathy Toliver, said. “But you don’t want this feeling that we have right now. You don’t want the feeling of knowing that you’ll never see your grandbaby or your son again. You don’t want that feeling.”
Family members said they tried leaving the home after hearing gunshots nearby several nights in a row, but the mother was told she would have to pay thousands of dollars to move.
“I try to stick it out. Now that I stick it out, this is the outcome of what happened. My son got killed,” Devin’s mother Tye Toliver said.
Police have not announced any arrests, and investigators are continuing to work on the case.
Copyright 2022 WAFB via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/shaquille-oneal-will-pay-funeral-expenses-3-year-old-killed-by-stray-bullet-family-says/ | 2022-04-15T18:21:50 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/shaquille-oneal-will-pay-funeral-expenses-3-year-old-killed-by-stray-bullet-family-says/ |
States scale back food stamp benefits even as prices soar
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — 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.”
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.
___
Follow Scott McFetridge on Twitter: https://twitter.com/smcfetridge
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/states-scale-back-food-stamp-benefits-even-prices-soar/ | 2022-04-15T18:21:56 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/states-scale-back-food-stamp-benefits-even-prices-soar/ |
Trump adviser Miller grilled about Trump’s speech on Jan. 6
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers pressed Stephen Miller, a top aide to former President Donald Trump, during a daylong closed-door interview about Trump’s speech at a rally that preceded the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol, according to two people familiar with Miller’s testimony.
Miller was questioned for roughly eight hours Thursday by the House committee investigating the riot, which occurred when large crowds of Trump supporters stormed the building in hopes of preventing Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election won by Democrat Joe Biden.
Miller’s appearance grew contentious at times, particularly as he pushed back against claims that Trump’s speech contained incendiary, coded language that had spurred his supporters to act, according to two people familiar with the questioning. They spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the back-and-forth during the closed interview.
That language included Trump’s repeated use of the word “we” to address his supporters. At one point during the speech, Trump said: “We fight like hell. And if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.”
Miller rejected the significance of that language, the people said, arguing that personal rhetoric like that has been used in American politics going back to the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address.
Lawyers for Miller, who served as Trump’s domestic policy adviser and speechwriter, also asserted executive privilege multiple times during the session.
A committee spokesperson declined to comment Friday. The New York Times earlier reported on Miller’s testimony.
Miller is the latest in a series of sit-downs the committee has scored with those in Trump’s inner circle as lawmakers move closer to the former president by questioning people who were with him on the day of the attack or were his confidants in the weeks leading up to it.
In demanding his testimony last November, the panel’s chairman, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said Miller was aware of and had participated in “efforts to spread false information about alleged voter fraud” and had encouraged state legislatures to alter the outcome of the 2020 election by appointing alternate electors.
Thompson has also said that Miller helped prepare Trump’s remarks at the Ellipse.
___
Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/trump-adviser-miller-grilled-about-trumps-speech-jan-6/ | 2022-04-15T18:22:03 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/trump-adviser-miller-grilled-about-trumps-speech-jan-6/ |
Twitter adopts ‘poison pill’ defense to thwart Elon Musk’s takeover bid
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Twitter said 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.
The move would allow existing Twitter shareholders to buy additional shares at a discount, thereby diluting Musk’s stake in the company and making it harder for him to corral a majority of shareholder votes in favor of the acquisition.
Twitter’s plan would take effect if Musk’s roughly 9% stake grows to 15% or more.
Twitter said the poison pill would enable its investors to “realize the full value of their investment” by reducing the likelihood that any one person can gain control of the company without either paying shareholders a premium or giving the board more time to evaluate their offer. Such defenses, formally called shareholder rights plans, are used to prevent the takeover of a corporation by making any acquisition prohibitively expensive for the bidder.
Even if it discourages his takeover attempt, Musk could still take over the company by waging a “proxy fight” in which shareholders vote to retain or dismiss the company’s current directors. Twitter said the plan doesn’t prevent the board from engaging with parties or accepting an acquisition proposal if it’s in the company’s best interests.
“They’re gearing up for a battle here with Musk,” said Daniel Ives, an analyst for Wedbush Securities. “They also have to give themselves time to try to find another potential buyer.”
Twitter revealed in a securities filing Thursday that Musk offered to buy the company outright for more than $43 billion, saying the social media platform “needs to be transformed as a private company” in order to build trust with its users.
“I believe free speech is a societal imperative for a functioning democracy,” Musk said in the filing. “I now realize the company will neither thrive nor serve this societal imperative in its current form.”
Later on Thursday, during an onstage interview at a TED event, he went even broader: “Having a public platform that is maximally trusted and broadly inclusive is extremely important to the future of civilization.”
Musk revealed in regulatory filings over recent weeks that he’d been buying Twitter shares in almost daily batches starting Jan. 31, ending up with a stake of about 9%. Only Vanguard Group controls more Twitter shares. A lawsuit filed Tuesday in New York federal court alleged that Musk illegally delayed disclosing his stake in the social media company so he could buy more shares at lower prices.
After Musk announced his stake, Twitter quickly offered him a seat on its board on the condition that he would limit his purchases to no more than 14.9% of the company’s outstanding stock. But the company said five days later that Musk had declined.
Ives said Twitter’s poison pill path is a predictable defensive maneuver but could be seen as a “sign of weakness” on Wall Street.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/twitter-adopts-poison-pill-defense-thwart-elon-musks-takeover-bid/ | 2022-04-15T18:22:09 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/twitter-adopts-poison-pill-defense-thwart-elon-musks-takeover-bid/ |
Ukraine war weighs on pope’s Good Friday Colosseum ritual
ROME (AP) — The war in Ukraine loomed over the traditional Good Friday Colosseum procession in Rome, after the Vatican’s choice of a Russian woman to be among the cross-bearers angered Ukrainians.
For the first time since before the pandemic, the solemn torchlit procession at the ancient arena in Rome was to resume on Friday night. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists flocked to the site hours earlier, in hope of catching a glimpse of Pope Francis, who presides over the service from an elevated point near the Roman Forum.
Earlier this week, Ukraine’s ambassador to the Holy See and the archbishop of Kyiv denounced the Vatican’s plan to have a Ukrainian woman and a Russian woman carry the cross together during the procession. They objected to projecting what they saw as the idea of reconciliation while Ukraine is ravaged by war unleashed by Russia.
The Vatican didn’t respond to the protests or announce any program changes.
While Francis has denounced the Feb. 24 invasion and attacks on Ukraine as a “sacrilege,’’ he has refrained from naming Russia as the aggressor, although his references to Russian Vladimir Putin have been clear. The pope is pressing for negotiations to cease the fighting and bring peace, and has offered to go to Ukraine if his presence could further the cause of peace.
But other faithful in the world applauded the decision to pair the two women, who work together at a Rome hospital and are friends, to carry the cross during part of the procession, which recalls Jesus’ suffering as he was being brought to his crucifixion and death.
In Paris, hundreds of Catholics gathered for Good Friday prayers on the forecourt of Notre Dame cathedral, and followed its rector on a procession around the island on the Seine River that houses the medieval landmark.
“Well, you know today the pope has a woman from Ukraine and a woman from Russia holding the cross together at one of the Stations of the Cross,” Jennifer Kilgore-Caradec told The AP at Notre Dame. She called that a “very moving and meaningful symbol.” She added: “I think that real people in the real world are concerned about peace. We want peace, we don’t want war,” which brings suffering and pain. That is “not the message of the Christ on the cross.”
The faithful were not allowed inside the Paris cathedral, since it is still under reconstruction after a 2019 blaze collapsed its spire and destroyed its roof. French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting the cathedral Friday to mark the third anniversary of the fire.
In St. Peter’s Basilica, hours ahead of the Colosseum event, Pope Francis, wearing red vestments to symbolize the blood of Jesus, limped up the central aisle to take his place for an early evening prayer service. Francis, 85, has been suffering from a knee ligament problem.
Usually at the Good Friday basilica service at the Vatican, the pontiff would prostrate himself in prayer. But this time Francis, hobbled by pain for weeks, didn’t do so.
Francis dispatched his official almsgiver, Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, to Kyiv to lead a Good Friday procession in the capital city of war-ravaged Ukraine. Italian Rai state TV said Krajewski on Friday visited two of Ukraine’s hardest-hit locations, Bucha and Borodyanka, both in ruins. At one point, Krajewski prayed over some of the bodies and leaned over to touch one, partially covered, body.
Throughout his papacy, Francis has repeatedly denounced armaments accumulated by nations as unjustified. In an interview broadcast on Italian state TV on Friday, the pope elaborated on his view.
“I understand those governments that buy arms, I understand them. I do not justify them, but I understand them, because we have to defend ourselves,” Francis said. But, he added: “If there were a pattern of peace, this would not be necessary. But we live with this diabolical pattern of killing one another out of the desire for power, the desire for security, the desire for many things.”
Good Friday is one of the main days for Christians during Holy Week, which culminates in Easter, on Sunday.
In Jerusalem, where tens of thousands of faithful traditionally converge on the Israeli city’s Old City to visit sacred sites during Holy Week, Palestinians on Friday clashed with Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa mosque. The site is sacred to Jews and Muslims. This year, Ramadan coincides with Passover, as well as Holy Week.
Medics in Jerusalem said that more than 150 Palestinians were injured, in the most serious violence at the site in nearly a year.
___
John Leicester and Oleg Cetinic contributed from Paris.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/ukraine-war-weighs-popes-good-friday-colosseum-ritual/ | 2022-04-15T18:22:16 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/15/ukraine-war-weighs-popes-good-friday-colosseum-ritual/ |
This content is only available to subscribers.
Support Local Journalism
$1 for 6 Months.
Your subscription supports:
Are you a subscriber with digital access?
Sign in to your accountAre you a subscriber without digital access?
Activate your digital accountAre you a subscriber without digital access?
Activate your digital accountThis content is only available to subscribers.
Support Local Journalism
$1 for 6 Months.
Your subscription supports:
Are you a subscriber with digital access?
Sign in to your accountAre you a subscriber without digital access?
Activate your digital account | https://www.gastongazette.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gastongazette.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2F2022%2F04%2F15%2Fgaston-aquatics-announces-10-million-campaign-location-pool%2F7308981001%2F | 2022-04-15T18:23:38 | 0 | https://www.gastongazette.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gastongazette.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2F2022%2F04%2F15%2Fgaston-aquatics-announces-10-million-campaign-location-pool%2F7308981001%2F |
Twitter said the move, formally called a "limited duration shareholder rights plan," aims to enable its investors to "realize the full value of their investment" by reducing the likelihood that any one person can gain control of the company without either paying shareholders a premium or giving the board more time. Poison pills are often used to defend against hostile takeovers.
VIDEO: Is Elon Musk the next Thomas Edison or PT Barnum?
Twitter's plan would take effect if Musk's roughly 9% stake grows to 15% or more. Even then, Musk could still take over the company with a proxy fight by voting out the current directors. Twitter said the plan doesn't prevent the board from engaging with parties or accepting an acquisition proposal if it's in the company's "best interests."
The video in the media player above is from a previous report.
VIDEO: Elon Musk suggests turning SF headquarters into homeless shelter | https://abc7ny.com/elon-musk-twitter-poison-pill-tweets-defense/11751929/ | 2022-04-15T18:26:59 | 0 | https://abc7ny.com/elon-musk-twitter-poison-pill-tweets-defense/11751929/ |
Roger Williamson, the CEO and founder of Kent Mortgage Corporation, Roger Williamson, said in a Zoom interview with Eyewitness News that he expects this trend to continue.
"If we don't see an end to this inflationary period, we're gonna have it for a while. Inflation is a killer to interest rates. We're going to see higher rates. They're going to go into the fives. They're gonna possibly go as high as six, six-and-a-half, I expect in the sixes," Williamson said.
According to Freddie Mac, rates are increasing at the fastest pace since 1994. Just last week, they were at 4.72%.
Williamson said these hikes aren't having much of an effect on the buyers coming to his office.
"The reason, basically, is that the buyers today have really solid income, a good enough down payment, good enough credit and they are first-time buyers. The majority of our buyers are first-time buyers," he added.
This is a trend Williamson has seen for at least the last year- first-time home buyers eating inventory.
As demand continues with low supply, he expects the housing market to remain hot - at least in California - with mortgage loan rates not dropping any time soon.
"Four years from now, three years from now, the economic policies will change, the fed will succeed in bringing down inflation over time and we'll get back down under four again. Probably in three to four years, and that's the expectation that I have," Williamson said.
The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages also went up to 4.17% from 3.91% last week. | https://abc7ny.com/mortgage-rates-inflation-home-buyers-interest/11748913/ | 2022-04-15T18:27:05 | 1 | https://abc7ny.com/mortgage-rates-inflation-home-buyers-interest/11748913/ |
Updated April 14, 2022 at 12:43 PM ET
KYIV, Ukraine — If Nadiia Yerkhimovych hadn't fallen last December and hurt her hip, or if she wasn't so ill with a handful of other ailments, maybe she would have left. Instead she stayed, bedridden, in an old Soviet-era apartment building a short drive from the center of Kyiv.
The capital of Ukraine, which saw heavy fighting at the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of the country, still remains largely empty after about half of its nearly 3 million residents left for western parts of Ukraine or abroad, seeking safety from Russian troops. But in apartment buildings scattered throughout the city, you find the people who stayed behind, those who couldn't or weren't willing to leave.
Because not everyone can evacuate. Often, the ones left behind are elderly.
Staying behind means medicine and food can be hard to get
Yerkhimovych, nearly 90, spends most of her days watching TV, tuned to news of the war. "I wake up and I crawl to the TV and I watch news all day until I go to bed at night," she says. She jokes that she knows more about this "damn war" than anyone.
She is speaking to NPR from bed, her legs wrapped in blankets. Next to the bed, beautiful lace curtains hang at the window. Behind them, the glass panes are taped over with an X, so they won't break in a blast. Her son lives in the apartment too and takes care of her.
They've heard the explosions from Russian strikes throughout the city and the suburbs. The closest metro stop, a short walk away, was hit by missile fragments; the entrance is now burned and damaged.
During the first few days, Yerkhimovych urged her son to go down into the shelter in the basement, but he insisted he stay with her in the third-floor apartment. "We will be together," he told her.
Staying behind in Kyiv, as everything shut down and people left, has its challenges. Yerkhimovych has had trouble getting medicine. Drug stores are empty, she says, doctors are hard to get a hold of and she's nearly running out of diapers. Volunteers have been helpful, bringing some medicine and food to the house, but she still worries. She says she's praying for peace, hoping the war will end soon so she can enjoy the rest of her days.
"Even though my life isn't great," she says, "I don't want to die."
A love that's lasted a lifetime can keep you company in war
Down the hall, her neighbors, Tamara Vasylenko and her husband Pavlo Komodovskyi, approach the current situation with a bit more levity.
"We have lived many, many years," Vasylenko says with a laugh, "Maybe enough?"
She and Komodovskyi are both 87, though Vasylenko is quick to point out that she's older by 2 months. "Can't you tell?" she jokes affectionately, resting her hand on her husband's knee. They're sitting side-by-side on a floral couch in their living room.
They met as children; their parents were doctors at the same hospital. They've spent so much of their lives together, including the last several weeks, stuck in their apartment in Kyiv. They say they've been scared with the explosions so close, but they've found strength in each other. "We can handle this," says Vasylenko, "because we lean on each other." Komodovskyi adds: "When she cries I comfort her."
As kids, they fled to what's now Russia during World War II. It's hard to believe a place where they sought refuge could do such terrible things in Ukraine, they say. "Russia is our enemy," Vasylenko says, shaking her head, "it is impossible."
After they got married, Vasylenko taught English and Komodovskyi was a pilot in the Soviet military. He points to an enlarged black-and-white photo of him flying a plane in the early 1960s, prominently displayed in the living room. "I regret that I cannot lift up the birdie, that plane of mine," he says. "I am sad I am so old and that I cannot fight the bastards."
When your whole life is in Kyiv, where else would you go?
Across the courtyard, with its abandoned swings and slide, the NPR team takes a rickety elevator up to the ninth floor. At the threshold to apartment 50, Oleksandra Kurdomova, 84, opens the door with an exuberant greeting. "Don't take your shoes off," she yells, explaining that the floor is too cold for just socks. The building turned off the heat in April, but the weather outside still feels like winter, so she has her two gas burners on in the kitchen, to try to heat the apartment.
Kurdomova seems like a force of nature, despite her stature, with a sarcastic sense of humor. When asked if the building is tight-knit, she laughs. "Of course! Of course," she says — "but we don't kiss each other." She says this without even a hint of a smile.
Through the kitchen is the main room of the apartment. Sitting on the bed tucked to one side, her great-granddaughter, 11-year-old Oksana, is perched, her legs crossed, tinkering away on a plastic toy piano. She's teaching herself to be a musician, she says.
The apartment is filled with memories: Books, photos and memorabilia line the shelves and tables. Kurdomova opens a velvet box to show a medallion honoring her service as an engineer.
"Come girls," she says, gesturing to chairs that line the wall, "let me show you what I really want to show you." She unwraps several blue photo albums that were packed in protective covering in case the apartment was damaged in the war.
She spreads the album on her lap; inside, the patterned pages are filled with black-and-white photos — a collection of a life well lived. "This is me," she says, pointing to a studio portrait of a 3-month-old baby. "This is me," she says, pointing to a class photo from the first grade. There are portraits of her family when she was young, growing up on Trukhaniv Island, in central Kyiv. There are pictures of her children, born while she lived in this very apartment, more than 50 years ago.
"A lot of things happened here," she says of her home, and of the city of Kyiv. To leave all this, would be too hard. "Where would I go?"
After looking through the photo albums, Kurdomova shuffles us into the kitchen. "You can't escape my cabbage," she says, "I made some sauerkraut."
She sets out plates, slices some bread, and serves the sauerkraut with some cheese, as she details her recipe.
Notes from Oksana's piano tinkering, now mixed with her youthfully soft vocals, float into the room. After the meal, the 11-year-old says the song she's singing is an original, written just for the visitors from NPR and inspired by her great-grandmother's cabbage. In Russian, she sings:
I came home in the morning/ And friends came visiting/ I brought cabbage/ And treated my friends with it.
Olena Lysenko and Carol Guzy contributed to this story in Kyiv.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.mainepublic.org/npr-news/2022-04-12/theyve-spent-a-lifetime-in-kyiv-not-everyone-can-flee-russias-war-in-ukraine | 2022-04-15T18:31:41 | 0 | https://www.mainepublic.org/npr-news/2022-04-12/theyve-spent-a-lifetime-in-kyiv-not-everyone-can-flee-russias-war-in-ukraine |
Updated April 15, 2022 at 2:06 PM ET
Editor's note: Some of these images are graphic.
A senior U.S. defense official says the U.S. continues to see signs of Russian forces moving into eastern Ukraine for what is expected to be a large-scale offensive in the coming days.
This includes Russian command-and-control elements, support battalions, infantry and helicopters moving into the country's Donbas region, just across from its border with Russia.
Over the last couple of weeks, Russia withdrew forces from around Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, retreating north into neighboring Belarus. Those forces are now moving to the east of Ukraine.
Here is what it looks like on the ground:
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
<strong>April 14:</strong> A woman looks as Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) servicemen enter a building during an operation to arrest suspected Russian collaborators in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
<strong>April 14:</strong> Nadiya Trubchaninova, 70, stands in her bedroom holding a portrait of her sons Oleg Trubchaninov, 46, and Vadym, 48, who was killed by Russian soldiers last March 30 in Bucha, in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine.
<strong>April 15:</strong> Ukrainian servicemen stand guard at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Barvinkove, eastern Ukraine.
<strong>April 14:</strong> Volunteers carry the body of a man killed during the war to a refrigerated container in Bucha, in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine.
<strong>April 14:</strong> A cemetery worker carries a cross for the tomb of Tetyana Gramushnyak, 75, who was killed by shelling on March 19 while cooking food outside her home in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine.
<strong>April 14:</strong> A woman looks for goods dropped from the apartment building partly damaged by shelling, in Kramatorsk, Ukraine.
<strong>April 14:</strong> A firefighter works to extinguish a fire at a warehouse caused by recent Russian shelling in Kharkiv, Ukraine. After Russian forces retreated from areas around Kyiv, recent reports point to a new offensive as Russian forces have regrouped in the eastern part of the country bringing fears of an escalation of violence.
<strong>April 14:</strong> A pedestrian walks along a street past anti-tank obstacles shortly before a curfew in Dnipro, amid Russia's military invasion launched on Ukraine.
<strong>April 14:</strong> Women wait at a bus station in Kramatorsk, Ukraine.
<strong>April 15:</strong> A Ukrainian couple say goodbye as she leaves for Poland to escape the war at the Shehyni border crossing, in Ukraine.
<strong>April 13:</strong> The father (right) and a friend (left) of Anatoliy Kolesnikov, 30, who was killed by Russian soldiers while trying to evacuate from Irpin, a suburb of Kyiv, Ukraine, embrace outside the morgue in nearby Bucha.
<strong>April 13:</strong> Men walk along a street destroyed by shellings in Chernihiv, in northern Ukraine.
<strong>April 13:</strong> Iryna Homenko, a school director, walks down the hall of a Chernihiv school damaged in a Russian airstrike.
<strong>April 13:</strong> Residents of Lysychansk, in the Luhansk Oblast in eastern Ukraine, celebrate a birthday in the basement of a residential building to protect themselves from shelling.
<strong>April 13:</strong> A destroyed flat in Borodianka, near Kyiv, Ukraine. Rescue workers are still removing rubble from the area after Russian troops' withdrawal from the area as they refocus their invasion on eastern Ukraine.
<strong>April 13:</strong> Workers wearing protective gear exhume bodies on the grounds of the Church of Saint Andrew, where civilians were buried during Russia's occupation of Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv.
<strong>April 13:</strong> Mourners attend a memorial service for officer Taras Bobanych — whose call sign was "Hammer" — of Right Sector, the Ukrainian Volunteer Corps, at the Saints Peter and Paul Garrison Church in Lviv, in western Ukraine.
<strong>April 13: </strong>From left, Gitanas Nauseda, the president of Lithuania; Andrzej Duda, the president of Poland; Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine; Egils Levits, the president of Latvia; and Alar Karis, the president of Estonia; hold a press conference following talks in Kyiv.
<strong>April 13:</strong> Children play in Bucha, a suburb of Kyiv.
<strong>April 13:</strong> A woman collects wooden planks in a street destroyed by shellings in Chernihiv, in northern Ukraine.
<strong>April 13:</strong> Mourners sing the Ukrainian national anthem during the burial of Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Goshko in Starychi, in western Ukraine. Goshko died fighting Russian invaders near the town of Popasna, in the Luhansk Oblast in eastern Ukraine. | https://www.mainepublic.org/npr-news/2022-04-12/photos-russia-accuses-ukraine-of-retaliation-as-battle-in-the-east-intensifies | 2022-04-15T18:35:56 | 0 | https://www.mainepublic.org/npr-news/2022-04-12/photos-russia-accuses-ukraine-of-retaliation-as-battle-in-the-east-intensifies |
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Alabama State Troopers say a high-speed chase that spanned two Wiregrass counties ended with one arrest in Dothan.
On Thursday, around 1 p.m., an Alabama state trooper saw a red and white Suzuki motorcycle driving south in the northbound lane of Highway 231.
ALEA troopers say the chase reached speeds around 100 miles per hour.
The chase spanned from around Ozark through Dothan ending near a church on Honeysuckle Road, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Police closed off Wesley Way and Alderbrook Road along Honeysuckle Road to stop the chase.
Devin J. Edwards, 25, of Dade City, Florida was arrested on charges of attempting to elude and reckless endangerment.
Edwards is currently in the Dale County Jail with no bond set.
Stay with WDHN News for more on this developing story. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/crime/high-speed-chase-through-2-counties-ends-with-an-arrest-in-dothan/ | 2022-04-15T18:38:42 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/crime/high-speed-chase-through-2-counties-ends-with-an-arrest-in-dothan/ |
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – There’s a big white sign on Chesapeake Boulevard in Norfolk pointing to the home next door that reads: “Do not buy that house before talking to me.”
WAVY contacted homeowner Conner Jewell, who put up the banner-like sign. The neighboring house is undergoing work.
That house, like Jewell’s home, is owned and rehabbed by Mozart Investment LLC. Jewell said he is warning people of issues he’s had with his home since he and his wife purchased it.
“Flush our toilet, came out of the shower,” Jewell said.
Jewell said he had serious plumbing issues almost from the start of moving in. In fact, he and his wife had to move out days after closing on the house. The home’s problems ended up costing them thousands of dollars.
“Well, I was sitting back, and I had already taken my loss and I said if I am not going to get any of my money back, then what can I do to help the buyer of that house,” he said pointing to the house next door.
When you enter the Jewell home now, you see on the couch a blanket that has pictures of the Jewells.
They both grew up in Kentucky. Jewell and his wife, Michael (who is named after her father), were childhood sweethearts. They were married on July 14, 2018. He’s active-duty U.S. Navy fixing helicopters, and she is a special education teacher. On Oct. 7, 2021, they bought their first home at 2934 Chesapeake Boulevard, and it quickly became a house of horrors.
“I would flush the toilet. I turn on the water in either sink, and it would all come out in my bathtub … waste from the toilet would back up into the tub,” he said.
After spending $289,000 for the rehabbed house — it cost the seller only about half of that amount before the rehab process — Jewell’s plumbing issues demanded immediate attention. So, he got opinions from five master contractors.
“One came out, got under the house. The first thing he saw was raw sewage and water coming out of the pipe and right off the bat, found there were improper fittings … It was all back-graded into my house. There was no way for it to exit into the city sewer.”
Some of the problems were there in Jewell’s C & C Home Inspections report. One picture showed a pipe going sharply up and not down to take water out of the home and into the city pipe.
“Some of the pipes were at 90-degree angles. Sewage was backing up into the home,” Jewell said.
Jewell confronted the home inspector about the pipe. “They told me they are not code inspectors, so it is not their job,” he said.
WAVY spoke with the owner of C & C Home Inspections, Curt Lind, who has since renamed the company and operates out of his home.
“I refunded his money,” Lind said of Jewell. The amount was $325, but Jewell said he refused to cash the check, unhappy with the home inspector’s services.
Lind said, “I apologized to him, and that is why I sent it through to my insurance company,” to let them settle the dispute.
The insurance company supported their client, Lind, finding the home inspector “did his job on the day of the inspection.”
Lind added, “The day of the inspection, the water ran just fine and did not back up the day of the inspection … and we ran the water from the sinks and tubs.”
But when Lind went back to the house on a follow-up visit, there were issues.
“The day I went back over there, I met his wife, and the crawl space was flooded. I do not disagree … I could not go in there,” he said.
Jewell’s attorney sent a demand letter threatening to sue Mozart Investment LLC, which rehabbed the home and sold it to Jewell.
“The entire drain system was improperly installed, including plumbing pipes with improper 90-degree bends … the drain lines not vented properly and are back graded … and the main sewer in the crawlspace was installed improperly,” Jewell’s attorney, Bryan Peeples, said in a letter stating what the plumbers found.
Mozart Investment recently closed down. An attorney representing Mozart’s registered agent, Shiller Menard, responded to questions about why water and electric permits were not pulled in compliance with the City of Norfolk for the home refurbishing.
Kevin Brunick responded, “I do not believe they are under an obligation to do that.”
However, a city spokesperson said, “There were no plumbing or electrical improvements proposed or requested. … Adding new water lines and electrical wiring will require permits.”
WAVY obtained a notice of violation that Jewell received after he requested the city to inspect, and the violation states, “Work done with no permits … work not installed to code.”
Jewell speculated on how this all happened.
“[They are probably thinking] ‘Oh, he’s active duty. That’s just some dumb military kid,” he said. “He won’t know someone pushed something up under the rug. He’ll never know.’” | https://www.cbs42.com/news/do-not-buy-that-house-before-talking-to-me-sign-in-virginia-reads/ | 2022-04-15T18:38:48 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/do-not-buy-that-house-before-talking-to-me-sign-in-virginia-reads/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Alex McGough is just like any other 26-year-old making their way in Birmingham.
He plays video games, prefers dogs over cats and listens to plenty of music from country singer Morgan Wallen, whom he shares an uncanny resemblance with. However, where McGough might be different from many his age is how he’s been tasked with leading a brand new team in a brand new football league starting this Saturday.
Back in February, McGough was one of eight players invited to the inaugural USFL Draft. The league said they would only allow the top selections to attend in person.
“I assumed everyone was going to be there,” he said. “And then I got there and there were eight of us and I was like, ‘Oh, this is, this is pretty cool.’”
While McGough knew he was going in the first round of the draft, he didn’t know which team was going to pick him up. Then a familiar face appeared.
Skip Holtz has been a football coach for the better part of three decades. The son of legendary college coach Lou Holtz, the younger Holtz took the head coaching job for the revival of the Birmingham Stallions in late January. Entrusted with putting together a competitive team ready to take the field less than a month after being drafted, Holtz decided to go with a guy he had plenty of experience with.
While the head man for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, Holtz had two separate battles trying to contain McGough while he was behind center at Florida International University. Specifically, McGough gave the Bulldogs fits in the 2017 matchup.
“I think he threw for about 430 yards against us that day. It was a high-scoring event, I do know that, but we had to score 45 points just to win that game,” Holtz said.
His numbers are slightly off; McGough threw for over 280 yards and three touchdowns that night in Miami. It was just the third time the Bulldogs gave up that kind of passing in the season, and one of them was to future NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes.
But Holtz couldn’t deny McGough’s impact or skill during those games and he drooled over what the QB could do in his offense. So, with the sixth overall pick, McGough’s name was called, followed by congratulatory videos from Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and former Auburn legend Bo Jackson, as well as a bearhug from Holtz.
“It’s a real honor. There’s really not a lot of other words,” McGough said. “I’m grateful to be a part of this organization. I’m looking forward to a great season. It’s also an honor to be playing at the home site.”
And while there were nothing but smiles inside the draft room, many people were left wondering who this tall, long-haired kid from Florida was.
The draft was not televised, however, every pick was announced on the teams’ Twitter pages in real-time. At 6:17 p.m., the Stallions tweeted a photo of McGough saying, “We got our man under center.” The comment section was filled with bewildered gifs, befuddled pictures and plenty of question marks.
While there were scatterings of people singing his high praises, the majority of fans were still looking for answers to who the real Alex McGough is?
Simply put, in a world where quarterbacks are considered larger than life, McGough feels a bit more real, more like a friend or neighbor as opposed to someone who’s gone the moment the TV is turned off.
Like countless kids, McGough started playing football as soon as he could walk, but his father wouldn’t allow him to play contact ball. By the time he hit fourth grade, the football itch was too much for McGough, and he was finally allowed to put on pads and play the game.
From then on, he was hooked and started making big plans for the game he loved.
“I kind of just always had that dream,” McGough said. “In the back of my mind and I didn’t really ever not think it. I think if you stop thinking or you don’t think that you’re going to make it or be at the highest level or be the best, I don’t think you’ll ever achieve it. So, I always have that in my head like I could be the best and I want to be the best.”
With that goal in mind, McGough worked his way up to the Division I level at FIU, then making it to the coveted 1.2% of players drafted into the NFL. The Seattle Seahawks took him in the seventh round and planned him to back up Russell Wilson, one of the best and wealthiest quarterbacks in the league.
“I learned a lot, you know, as far as on the field and off the field,” he said. “Russ kind of was a prime example of how to be a pro, how to be a pro quarterback, you know, of living life off the field as well as on the field. And he, you know, took care of his body really well. And he always tried to get me, you know, to do the things he was doing. And I kept telling Russell…’I don’t get enough money like you. I can’t do that.”
But it wasn’t just Wilson he got to shadow. McGough made stops in Jacksonville where he was tutored by Nick Foles, a former Super Bowl MVP, and Houston where Pro Bowl regular Deshaun Watson was in charge.
Although his dream of making it to the NFL came true, it was anything but sweet. In October 2020, McGough was released by the Texans. He did get one more brief stretch with the Seahawks but on Aug. 23, 2021, he was cut. Like many others, McGough began looking for a life after football.
“I honestly didn’t know if I was going to play again,” he said. “I didn’t know if I wanted to, to be honest.”
McGough continued to stay in shape. Although he stayed away from football training, he was committed to avoiding packing on any weight. Not knowing what was next, he sat down with his agent, his family and his girlfriend, where they all reached the conclusion that above everything, McGough was a football player.
And that may be the most relatable part about McGough. The love his family gives him and the love he gives back. In his own words, McGough does it all on the field for them.
“I know a lot of people ask, like, what’s your why? Why do you play? That’s mine, my family,” he said. “Really all the people who love me and other people that I love, I want to make them proud. I want to make them excited. And I just want to play my hardest for them. And they just support me. It doesn’t matter how I do, how I perform. As long as I try my best and gave it my all, they’re going to be behind me and that’s really all you need.”
McGough placed his name in the USFL Draft pool, looking for that second chance amongst 500 other athletes, and he got it. Right after that moment with Holtz at the draft, the two immediately started getting to work on the season. In his short time here in Birmingham, McGough has been impressive leading up to the inaugural game against the New Jersey Generals.
“I think he’s done a really nice job picking it all up,” Holtz said. “As soon as we drafted him, he and I got a chance to meet together and sit down and start putting in the offense. He built flashcards, he’s learned it, he knows it really well, he’s executing really well. I think he’s doing a really nice job for us.”
But what fans may also want to know, is how will he and the team perform this season? Sportsbooks have them picked dead last going into the year. While he is stunned by this revelation, McGough always welcomes a challenge.
“Those Las Vegas people think they know everything,” McGough said. “I always play with a chip on my shoulder. I don’t put my mind into that. I played games in college where we were 24-point underdogs and won…I’m not too worried about it.”
In the end, McGough wants to make his family proud, prove his doubters wrong, and live his dream of playing football, all while helping put a new team together in the Magic City. | https://www.cbs42.com/sports/usfl/alex-thee-stallion-meet-birminghams-man-behind-center/ | 2022-04-15T18:38:54 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/sports/usfl/alex-thee-stallion-meet-birminghams-man-behind-center/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — It’s here! The World Games 2022 has officially released the official anthem of the sporting event, “Hope of Alabama.”
The song features performances by Randy Owen, Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks, Jamey Johnson, Bo Bice, Sara Evans, Yung Bleu, Pastor Mike McClure Jr., Worth the Wait, Chuck Leavell, Martha Reeves and the Blind Boys of Alabama.
The song was produced by World Games Artistic Director Dr. Henry Panion III and combines music stylings from a handful of genres.
“This song is a clarion call for the world when we need it the most – a call for hope and unity,” CEO of the games Nick Sellers said. “’Hope of Alabama’ is a testament to music’s power to lift humanity to a better place.”
In its announcement address of the anthem, the World Games 2022 said the song is meant to inspire and encapsulate a feeling of comradery, especially “at a time when global unity is needed more than ever.”
“Hope of Alabama” will be played during the opening and closing ceremonies of the World Games.
You can listen to the full song on streaming services now or by clicking here. | https://www.cbs42.com/sports/world-games-2022/how-to-listen-to-the-official-anthem-of-the-world-games-2022-hope-of-alabama/ | 2022-04-15T18:39:00 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/sports/world-games-2022/how-to-listen-to-the-official-anthem-of-the-world-games-2022-hope-of-alabama/ |
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Twitter said 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 its investors to “realize the full value of their investment” by reducing the likelihood that any one person can gain control of the company without either paying shareholders a premium or giving the board more time. Poison pills are often used to defend against hostile takeovers.
Twitter’s plan would take effect if Musk’s roughly 9% stake grows to 15% or more. Even then, Musk could still take over the company with a proxy fight by voting out the current directors. Twitter said the plan doesn’t prevent the board from engaging with parties or accepting an acquisition proposal if it’s in the company’s “best interests.”
Twitter had revealed in a securities filing Thursday that Musk offered to buy the company outright for more than $43 billion, saying the social media platform “needs to be transformed as a private company” in order to build trust with its users.
“I believe free speech is a societal imperative for a functioning democracy,” Musk said in the filing. “I now realize the company will neither thrive nor serve this societal imperative in its current form.”
Later on Thursday during an onstage interview at a TED conference, he went even broader: “Having a public platform that is maximally trusted and broadly inclusive is extremely important to the future of civilization.” | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/ct-biz-twitter-elon-musk-20220415-drkh2pzkabacdhyayc24s4iof4-story.html | 2022-04-15T18:46:46 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/ct-biz-twitter-elon-musk-20220415-drkh2pzkabacdhyayc24s4iof4-story.html |
TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s unemployment rate dipped to 3.2% in March, as workers shifted away from gigs at hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues for higher-paying jobs in manufacturing, warehousing and logistics.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity released a report Friday that said the March jobless rate was down from 3.3% in February. Continued decreases in the rate come despite employers reportedly struggling to retain workers.
For metro Orlando, the rate was even lower, falling to 2.9%, down from 3.4% in February.
The state has seen a shift in where people are finding work, with professional and business-services sectors topping the list for job gains in the monthly report, while the leisure and hospitality sector, which includes the tourism industry, had the largest decline with 5,500 fewer jobs than in February, the report said.
“The combination of [a] falling unemployment rate and a growing labor force is a very good sign for Florida’s economy,” Adrienne Johnston, the department’s chief economist, said in a conference call. “This means that more and more Floridians continue to enter the job market and they’re able to find work on a consistent basis.”
Johnston added that as people appear more optimistic about finding work if they leave their current jobs, conversations among economists have returned to pre-pandemic discussions about a “tight labor market.”
“We’re having those conversations that we were having two or three years ago, where all businesses, all industries in our state are growing,” Johnston said. “They’re competing for qualified talent and they’re having to find ways to compete. And that in some cases includes raising wages, it includes finding other ways to incentivize their employees.”
The March unemployment rate, which was down from 5.4% a year earlier, represented an estimated 339,000 Floridians from a labor force of 10.51 million.
The national jobless rate in March was 3.6%, down from 3.8% in February.
The U.S. Department of Labor reported Friday that Florida was among 37 states where the unemployment rate dropped from February to March, with the rate holding steady in the other 13 states and the District of Columbia.
“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.” | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-bz-florida-unemployment-march-2022-20220415-fu4ttwtywbdijgb2sps6uwxpri-story.html | 2022-04-15T18:46:52 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-bz-florida-unemployment-march-2022-20220415-fu4ttwtywbdijgb2sps6uwxpri-story.html |
Marvin J. Chomsky, the Emmy-winning director and producer who helmed episodes of beloved TV shows like “Roots” and “Star Trek,” died Monday, his son Peter Chomsky confirmed to Variety. He was 92.
A prolific director of the small-screen with a career spanning four decades, Chomsky won four Emmys over the course of his career, all for his work on various miniseries or television films: “Holocaust” in 1978, “Attica” in 1980,” “Inside the Third Reich” in 1982 and “Peter the Great” in 1986. He was additionally nominated for four other Emmys, and won two Director’s Guild of America awards out of four nominations.
Born in 1929 in New York City, Chomsky got his start in television as an art director and set director, before scoring his first directing credits in 1964, helming three episodes of medical drama “The Doctors and the Nurses.” Over the course of the 60s and early 70s, he directed episodes of numerous well-known and popular television series, such as “The Wild Wild West,” “Star Trek,” “Gunsmoke,” “The Magical World of Disney,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Police Story” and “Hawaii Five-O.” He also directed several TV movies, starting with “Assault on the Wayne” in 1971.
Chomsky had his breakthrough as a director in 1977, when he helmed two episodes of the groundbreaking ABC miniseries “Roots.” Based on Alex Haley’s 1976 novel of the same name, “Roots” told the story of a family of enslaved Black people in the American South over the course of several generations. The miniseries featured an all-star cast of actors, including LeVar Burton, John Amos, Louis Gossett Jr. and Leslie Uggams, and became a ratings juggernaut, with the finale holding the record for the third-most watched episode of any TV series in history. The show was nominated for 37 Emmy Awards, including for Chomsky’s direction of the third episode of the series.
Chomsky followed up “Roots” the next year by directing every episode of “Holocaust,” an NBC miniseries that follows the outbreak of World War II from the perspective of a German Jewish family. The miniseries earned Chomsky his first Emmy win, and featured a young Meryl Streep in her breakout role. Over the next few years, Chomsky worked prolifically as a director for TV movies and miniseries; his notable credits included “Evita Peron,” “I Was a Mail Order Bride,” “Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna” and “Strauss Dynasty.” He also began producing several of the miniseries he directed, including “The Deliberate Stranger,” “Billionaire Boys Club” and “Brotherhood of the Rose.”
In 1980, Chomsky directed “Attica,” a television movie about the real-life Attica prison uprising, which starred Morgan Freeman and earned him his second Emmy win. His third win was for the TV movie “Inside the Third Reich,” a TV movie about Albert Speer, the architect and ally for Adolph Hitler, while his final Emmy came for producing “Peter the Great,” about Russian czar Peter I. During his acceptance speech for “Inside the Third Reich,” he commented that he received awards for making projects about events that “”never should have happened.” His final credit before retiring was for directing and producing the 1995 TV movie “Catherine the Great,” which starred Catherine Zeta-Jones in the title role.
Chomsky is survived by his three sons, David, Eric and Peter, his daughter-in-law Genelle and granddaughter Liliana. His son Peter is a prolific television producer, whose credits include “Fargo,” “Charmed” and “Dead to Me.” | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/ct-ent-marvin-chomsky-roots-star-trek-20220415-rrgwvnqjvnhuxbnidnmg4sg2n4-story.html | 2022-04-15T18:46:58 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/ct-ent-marvin-chomsky-roots-star-trek-20220415-rrgwvnqjvnhuxbnidnmg4sg2n4-story.html |
A group of residents are urging Sanford leaders to add two new commission districts to provide more equal representation of its minority population in a city that has long struggled with racial tensions.
“It better ensures that every person who is a minority is represented,” said Pasha Baker, a Sanford native and director of the Goldsboro Westside Community Historical Association. “The city has been growing by leaps and bounds. And why shouldn’t the commission as well? The commission should always be a reflection of the community.”
But most Sanford commissioners said they are undecided about whether increasing the number of districts from the current four to six is needed.
“I’ve been studying this, and struggling with it, and I’m still not sure where I am on this,” Mayor Art Woodruff said at a commission meeting this week. “I’m trying to understand the perspective of the people who want the six districts, and the people who don’t want the six districts. But what I really came down to: We’ve got an election in a couple of months. And if we start drawing new maps now, are we going to confuse people?”
With nearly 61,000 residents — of those 38% are white and 27% Black — Sanford is Central Florida’s second most populated city, behind Orlando, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Sanford’s four commissioners are elected from individual districts, and the mayor is elected citywide. Adding two more districts would increase the number of voting representatives on the commission from the current five to seven.
Supporters note that only three Black residents have been elected to the city commission over the city’s 145 years: Bob Thomas, a commissioner from 1984 to 1995; Velma Williams, from 1995 to 2018; and current Commissioner Kerry Wiggins, elected in 2018. All have represented District 2, which is made up mostly of the historic Black community of Goldsboro.
District 2 has about 15,000 residents, of which 47% are Black and 29% are white, according to city data provided to a redistricting committee.
In mid-2020, Commissioner Sheena Rena Britton became the first Black commissioner to represent District 1 after she was appointed by the board to replace Woodruff. The district — made up of about 15,000 residents, of which more than 50% are white and about 25% are Black — includes the downtown and historic districts, and the area around the Orlando Sanford International Airport.
Woodruff was named Sanford’s mayor shortly after Jeff Triplett resigned to run for Seminole County property appraiser in June 2020.
So far, Britton, a lifelong Sanford resident, is the only commissioner to support adding two more districts. She pointed out that more residents are expected to move into District 1 as additional apartments and homes are built downtown and along East Lake Mary Boulevard near the airport.
Besides supporting another minority commission district, “I also would like to see six districts because of how large the city is growing,” Britton said. “We have all that massive development near the airport. About 60% of the items that we are approving are in District 1. And that’s a lot for whoever is in District 1.”
In 1983, a group of Black voters sued Sanford in federal court for individual member districts after white candidates consistently won seats on the commission despite the city having several historic Black neighborhoods. It led to a settlement agreement which required Sanford commissioners to represent specific districts, and Thomas becoming the city’s first Black commissioner in 1984.
Sanford is now the only local government in Seminole County with individual member districts. Seminole’s five commissioners, for example, are elected countywide but must live within their districts.
“It was sad then that African-Americans had to sue to get representation. It was sad,” said Mario Hicks, a Goldsboro resident and current candidate for the District 2 commission seat, in support of six districts. “I do not understand why won’t Sanford [commissioners] move forward. The only thing I can think of is that they do not want to relinquish power. I have a hard time understanding the problem with going to six districts.”
Sanford’s long history of racial tensions reached a climax in the weeks after Trayvon Martin’s shooting death in early 2012 when hundreds of protesters marched in the streets demanding that the city reform its police department after accusations of racial bias. And city leaders have worked over the past decade to rebuild that trust by reforming the police department.
According to the city’s charter, Sanford commissioners can approve redistricting maps and whether to add more districts. The board plans to discuss the redistricting issue again in May.
Breaking News
Commissioner Patrick Austin — whose District 3 straddles U.S. Highway 17-92 and West Lake Mary Boulevard — said he is “kind of torn” on whether to add more commission districts.
“I’ve seen how our city has grown. And I understand that side,” he said. “But I honestly think having six commissioners would seem messier. There would be too many different voices and too many different opinions on the dais. And it could even water down minority representation.”
Commissioner Patty Mahany — whose District 4 includes an area east of Interstate 4 and the Seminole Towne Center commercial district — said she hasn’t made up her mind. But she said a redistricting effort this year could become politically contentious.
“I think we’re too close to an election, and I don’t want to see this become a political issue at all,” she said. “But the truth is, we represent the entire city.”
Former Commissioner Williams spoke out at Monday’s commission meeting in support of another minority district, which would give Sanford’s Black residents a fairer representation in their city’s government.
“Do you think Black candidates’ chances of being elected are great? In America?” she said. “Let’s be real. It should be that way. But let’s just be real. We’re not there yet.”
mcomas@orlandosentinel.com | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/seminole-county/os-ne-sanford-black-vote-redistricting-20220415-x2ko3yrotvesbpytpw5hxzsxsm-story.html | 2022-04-15T18:47:05 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/seminole-county/os-ne-sanford-black-vote-redistricting-20220415-x2ko3yrotvesbpytpw5hxzsxsm-story.html |
For those of us who believe people deserve a second chance, the month of April brings good news. Hosted by the National Reentry Resource Center, the month of April is Second Chance Month, focused on the criminal-justice system.
Who hasn’t benefited from a second chance? When it comes to persons who find themselves involved in the criminal-justice system, second chances will soon be significantly enhanced in Central Florida. Osceola County has entered into a historic agreement with the aim of reducing recidivism and increasing employment and stability for persons recently released from jail.
When something is broken, our aim is to address the root cause and determine the best path forward in resolving the challenge. The criminal-justice system is currently reconsidering how it does business and how to best address the needs of individuals returning to society following incarceration.
Most segments of the criminal justice system either have adopted or are in the process of adopting a “person-first” results oriented and data-driven approach to transitioning the incarcerated into society and helping assure they have the necessary tools to meet with success and not return to the criminal justice system.
Reentry programs are the toolkits that are proving successful throughout the nation. The Florida Department of Children and Families has awarded a Criminal Justice, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Grant to Central Florida Cares Health System and this grant will allow the implementation of the Osceola County Corrections Emerge Re-Entry Program for their adult population transitioning back into the community.
Political Pulse
Programs like these have a proven track record of success at helping people become valuable contributing members of society while simultaneously reducing future and long-term costs to the taxpayers. In partnership with Osceola County Corrections Department and Turning Point Counseling & Consulting, we are currently implementing the Emerge Re-Entry Program. I praise the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners for having the foresight to support this program that will likely be a tremendous step forward in helping our community successfully face and address the challenge of re-entering society and doing so at less or no risk of returning to “the system.”
Emerge is a community reentry program for recently discharged individuals. The largest provider of behavioral-health services in the United States are the county jails. We recognize the impact of behavioral health issues on those involved in, or at risk of involvement in, the criminal justice system and the benefits of working collaboratively to enhance outcomes and reduce recidivism.
This expansion will focus on increasing public safety, averting increased spending on, and increasing accessibility to and effectiveness of treatment services for adults with mental health and/or substance use disorder(s) who are in or at risk of entering the criminal justice system. The individuals served are adults who may be at-risk due to factors that may include homelessness, unstable living situations, history of victimization and/or abuse, history of involvement with the criminal justice system, and/or those re-entering society from jail and/or a forensic facility.
The re-entry program includes collateral services which are key to reducing recidivism such as supportive housing, supported employment, training and education, peer recovery services, and access to mental health and substance use treatment services.
In conjunction with Mobile Response Teams in Law Enforcement, the Re-Entry programs are reshaping how our criminal justice system operates for those with mental-health issues and/or substance-use disorder. The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies to this community challenge. For countless decades, we have talked about “rehabilitation,” and with innovative approaches such as re-entry programs, we are embracing rehabilitation at its best.
With COVID-19, technological advances, and societal growth, there no longer is “business as usual.” These programs are transformative for not only the system and the individuals involved but also for our entire community. I applaud Florida’s Department of Children and Families for selecting Osceola Corrections for what will likely be a success story from which all Central Floridians will reap the benefits.
Maria Bledsoe is Chief Executive Officer of Central Florida Cares Health System, the state-designated managing entity for Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties which works to implement an affordable, high-quality behavioral health care system for persons with mental health and/or substance use disorders who are underinsured or uninsured. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/guest-commentary/os-op-second-chance-month-osceola-20220415-uuazo2o6yjeopduervzvxxmwcy-story.html | 2022-04-15T18:47:12 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/guest-commentary/os-op-second-chance-month-osceola-20220415-uuazo2o6yjeopduervzvxxmwcy-story.html |
I’m ticked off at the father-son duo that stole my dog’s leash from the Apopka dog park!
I am ticked off daily by motorcycle riders going as though I was parked even when I am keeping up with traffic traveling over the posted speed limit. This includes expressways and residential streets. It is frightening to see the risk that the riders are taking to self and others. They come up at incredible speeds so that if someone is changing lanes or turning there is no way to see their approach. They are an accident waiting to happen!
I’m ticked off! Will Smith gets a 10 year suspension from the Academy Awards. Big deal. Will Smith and Chris Rock could have made a back alley agreement to say it was a publicity stunt and played it off. What ever happened to Alec Baldwin and the shooting death of his film producer? Seems like it is being swept under the rug.
I am not ticked off. I am more than happy that the season has ended for the Orlando Magic. What a horrible season! And we are sick and tired of hearing the coach talk as if the team was a winning great team. Every coach has to be a motivator, but this coach of the Magic is too much.
I am ticked off at the car ad that advertises it’s “Stealth” mode when returning home from a ‘date’ night. They are ‘grilled’ by their daughter and made to feel guilty for going out. They are the parents, she is the child. It is not humorous for the parents to be portrayed as so stupid.
The flip side
Many thanks to my Courtleigh Park recycle truck driver. During a heavy rainstorm today he noticed that I was struggling with getting my packages into the house, and took the time to drag my blue bin back up the driveway and put it in my garage! Such a kind gesture totally made my day. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-op-ticked-off-041622-20220415-2fpbfqebjfblnhmli2ls5sbxdq-story.html | 2022-04-15T18:47:18 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-op-ticked-off-041622-20220415-2fpbfqebjfblnhmli2ls5sbxdq-story.html |
Eight years ago, Army Lt. Chuck Nadd was featured in a Budweiser Super Bowl commercial when his hometown of Winter Park threw him a parade when he returned from Afghanistan.
In 2022, Nadd is in the spotlight again, this time as a Republican primary challenger to Senate President Wilton Simpson in the race for agricultural commissioner.
Simpson has name recognition, has raised more than $1 million, and — most importantly in a Republican primary — has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
But Simpson notably doesn’t yet have the endorsement of Florida’s most prominent Republican: Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Nadd’s campaign shares a treasurer, Nancy Watkins of Tampa, with both DeSantis’ reelection campaign and the affiliated political group Friends of Ron DeSantis. Watkins also is listed as treasurer for Attorney General Ashley Moody.
“It seems to me that DeSantis is using the carrot-and-stick approach to endorsements,” said Aubrey Jewett, a professor of political science at the University of Central Florida. “... The carrot being, the implicit promise, not an explicit promise, but the implicit promise that he would back Simpson at some point in the future, but the stick being, ‘I haven’t done it yet, and there’s no guarantee I will, and especially if you cross me and some of my priorities. Then maybe I’ll endorse your opponent.’”
DeSantis has one last thing he wants the state Senate to do this year. The Legislature is reconvening on Tuesday to approve a congressional redistricting map after the governor vetoed the lawmakers’ original plan.
The governor wants a map that gives the GOP a 20-8 advantage in seats and would eliminate a Black access district in North Florida.
[ DeSantis hauls in $102 million for reelection. Who are his megadonors? ]
DeSantis has leverage over the Legislature, as he can still hamper their plans by wielding his line-item veto power on the state’s $112 billion budget. For Simpson, his endorsement for agricultural commissioner is another piece of leverage.
DeSantis was asked at a press conference in Miami on Tuesday if he would endorse Simpson, who was standing right next to him.
The governor laughed and said, “We’ve got some more work to do for the [session] coming up.” He then praised Simpson for working well with him.
While the event was official state business, DeSantis has not been shy about talking politics at them, at one point calling for “a red wave” in November.
Nadd, 32, is a Harvard graduate who flied Black Hawk helicopters and spy planes and served two tours in Afghanistan.
He is one of three other Republicans running for agricultural commissioner, along with Richard Olle of Hillsborough County and James Shaw of Vero Beach. Democratic incumbent Nikki Fried is leaving the job to run for governor, and so far just one Democrat, Ryan Morales of Clermont, is listed as running.
But neither of those other GOP candidates have had the exposure of being the star of an ad seen by millions. Or has a campaign run by the same person running DeSantis’ campaign.
On his website, Nadd ties himself to DeSantis, saying he was running “to promote clean water and a strong pro-growth, conservative agenda alongside Governor Ron DeSantis.”
Nadd, who filed earlier this month, has not released any contribution filings.
Nadd and his treasurer, Watkins, did not return requests for comment. But in a statement to Politico upon filing, Nadd “ripped into [Simpson] over guns and immigration and called him a ‘shill’ for the sugar industry,” Politico wrote.
Nadd “also contended that Simpson hasn’t been a strong enough supporter of Gov. Ron DeSantis,” the report said.
Simpson’s campaign could not be reached for comment.
Political Pulse
Simpson, who will finish out his time as state Senate president in November, filed to run for agriculture commissioner last year after getting the thumbs up from Trump.
“I hope he runs for Florida Agriculture Commissioner in 2022 — he will have my Complete and Total Endorsement!” Trump wrote in an email. “Wilton has been a great supporter and worked hard to get many good Conservatives elected in Florida.”
Simpson has also been endorsed by Attorney General Ashley Moody and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
But as former Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam found out, endorsements, or the lack of them, can play a key role in GOP primaries in Florida.
“We’ve seen that being part of the Republican establishment doesn’t mean that you get the nomination,” Jewett said. “DeSantis himself knocked off Adam Putnam” in the 2018 GOP primary for governor.
Putnam was the favorite until Trump’s endorsement of DeSantis, Jewett noted.
If Nadd gets DeSantis’ backing, “You know, he would have a chance,’' he added. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/politics/os-ne-gop-agriculture-commissioner-primary-20220415-6hsnyysxj5gmpi4usfzjq3zy6e-story.html | 2022-04-15T18:47:24 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/politics/os-ne-gop-agriculture-commissioner-primary-20220415-6hsnyysxj5gmpi4usfzjq3zy6e-story.html |
Boys and girls lacrosse teams at Lake Mary and Lake Highland Prep secured spots in FHSAA regional tournaments with district championship wins Thursday.
Lake Mary’s boys won 15-1 vs. visiting Oviedo as Josh Donovan finished with 3 goals and 2 assists and Caden Harshbarger added 2 goals and 4 assists.
The Rams’ girls, ranked No. 2 in Class 2A District 4, won 16-10 at top-seeded Oviedo.
Lake Highland’s boys avenged a loss last month against No. 1 seed Montverde Academy to claim the 1A District 5 title. The Highlanders defeated Montverde 13-8.
Jacqueline Jaskiewicz and Kylie Kearon each netted 4 goals while Lauren Pittman finished with 5 assists as Lake Highland’s girls won 16-8 vs. Bishop Moore.
Four district winners and four at-large teams based on FHSAA power rankings per region qualify for the state playoffs. Tournament brackets are expected to be updated Saturday. Class 1A regional quarterfinals are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. Class 2A quarterfinals will be played Friday and Saturday.
In other district finals, Windermere Prep junior Jackson Bennett finished with 5 goals and 2 assists as the Lakers won 8-6 vs. All Saints Academy. Freshman goalie Sam Juhnke tallied 13 saves.
Winter Park was led by Bronson Dowdell (5 goals) and Griffin Moore (2 goals, 3 assists) during a 16-4 win against Timber Creek. Windermere High’s Kade Fixler and Dalton Walker each finished with 3 goals and 2 assists in a 15-4 win against West Orange.
Lake Minneola got 5 goals each from Gentry Welch, Sage Barclay and Delaney Pechnik to help the program claim a girls district title for the time. The Hawks won 19-8 against All Saints.
Hagerty rolled to a 19-1 win over Winter Park as Catie O’Connor and Ellie Wilkins each netted 5 goals and Julia McCunney had 3 goals.
No. 2 seed Clermont East Ridge edged top seeded Windermere High 11-9 for the 2A-6 title.
District final results
BOYS
Class 2A District 4
No. 1 Lake Mary (17-2) d. No. 2 Oviedo (11-8), 15-1
Class 2A District 5
No. 1 Windermere High (16-2) d. No. 2 West Orange (10-9), 15-4
Class 2A District 6
No. 1 Winter Park (16-2) d. No. 3 Timber Creek (13-7), 16-4
Class 2A District 7
No. 1 Lake Nona (11-4) d. No. 2 Dr. Phillips (8-9), 15-6
Class 1A District 5
No. 2 Lake Highland Prep (9-8) d. No. 1 Montverde Academy (11-6), 13-8
Class 1A District 6
No. 1 Windermere Prep (12-4) d. No. 2 All Saints Academy (8-7), 8-6
GIRLS
Class 2A District 4
No. 2 Lake Mary (14-5) d. No. 1 Oviedo (16-4), 16-10
Class 2A District 5
No. 1 Hagerty (14-6) d. No. 3 Winter Park (10-9), 19-1
Class 2A District 6
No. 2 Clermont East Ridge (11-4) d. No. 1 Windermere High (12-5), 11-9
Sentinel Sports Final
Class 2A District 7
No. 1 Celebration (13-3) d. No. 2 Bartow (9-5), 24-12
Class 1A District 6
No. 1 Lake Minneola (13-2) d. No. 3 All Saints Academy (11-4), 19-8
Class 1A District 7
No. 1 Lake Highland Prep (13-2) d. No. 2 Bishop Moore (10-8), 16-8
This article originally appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email J.C. Carnahan at jcarnahan@orlandosentinel.com. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/os-sp-hs-lake-mary-lake-highland-fhsaa-lacrosse-district-champions-20220415-fy6yucja7jdbxgx6vxqq635un4-story.html | 2022-04-15T18:47:30 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/os-sp-hs-lake-mary-lake-highland-fhsaa-lacrosse-district-champions-20220415-fy6yucja7jdbxgx6vxqq635un4-story.html |
Here’s the latest installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, where South Florida Sun Sentinel writers David Furones and Omar Kelly answer questions from readers.
Q: Is there any chatter about a Christian Wilkins extension? His draft class is gonna blow up the DT market — him, Jeffery Simmons, Dexter Lawrence, Quinnen Williams, Ed Oliver...would be a good idea to lock him in before the other guys start signing deals. — John Cronce on Twitter
A: There is such chatter, and around the time of the scouting combine in early March, a league source told the Sun Sentinel that a multi-year extension for Christian Wilkins is a goal before utilizing a fifth-year option by the May 2 deadline.
Such a deal could make Wilkins one of the NFL’s 10 highest-paid defensive tackles.
Wilkins may actually set the market for the other defensive tackles from the 2019 draft mentioned more so than they would him, outside of maybe the Tennessee Titans’ Jeffery Simmons, who was a Pro Bowl selection last year, a distinction Wilkins has yet to achieve.
Quinnen Williams, Ed Oliver and Dexter Lawrence have been solid but not as consistently impactful as Wilkins, although Williams, the No. 3 pick in that draft to the New York Jets, has provided the most in terms of pass rush with his 15 ½ sacks over three seasons, 13 in the past two years. With the Bills, Oliver, also taken ahead of Wilkins, has been a liability in run defense. Lawrence, with the Giants, has not quite lived up to his billing as a top run-stopper.
Wilkins is coming off a third NFL season where he tied for the league lead in tackles among defensive linemen. His 89 tackles tied Pittsburgh’s Cameron Heyward for most last season, which was the highest mark for any down lineman since 2013. Ten of those tackles for Wilkins went for a loss.
“He had a heck of a year last year,” said Dolphins general manager Chris Grier when asked about the likelihood of picking up Wilkins’ fifth-year option. “I would say most likely, but we’ll make that decision when we get to that.”
Wilkins, starting every game, also upped his pass rush in 2021 with a career-high 4 ½ sacks, adding 13 quarterback hits, four pass deflections, a forced fumble and fumble recovery — oh, and of course, a touchdown reception with an epic celebration that followed.
If Miami can’t get an extension done before the May 2 deadline for exercising the fifth-year option, it would likely use the fifth-year option, guaranteeing the former Clemson standout $10,069,000 in 2023, a figure that is based on his playing time the past three years and the average salary of the third through 20th highest-paid defensive tackles.
A multi-year deal for Wilkins, who is slated to make $2.6 million in 2022, would likely earn him an annual salary in the $10-13 million range. The fifth-year option, which is only available for first-round picks, gives the Dolphins an extra season to get a deal done, but a multi-year extension would be more cap friendly.
The Dolphins, of course, have had various other maneuvers to prioritize this offseason before coming around to Wilkins. They signed left tackle Terron Armstead, traded for receiver Tyreek Hill and added running backs Raheem Mostert and Chase Edmonds in free agency among outside acquisitions. Miami gave cornerback Xavien Howard the extension he wanted, re-signed defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah and placed the franchise tag on tight end Mike Gesicki, among moves made to keep top returning players within the organization.
Have a question?
Sentinel Sports Final
Email David Furones, or tag @OmarKelly or @DavidFurones_ on Twitter.
Previously answered:
What could Dolphins’ draft strategy be?
How should Dolphins fill out O-line around Armstead?
Could AFC’s young guns at QB affect Dolphins’ commitment to Tua?
Why not throw downfield to Waddle more?
What do Dolphins think of practice squad rookie RB Gerrid Doaks? | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-q-a-christian-wilkins-20220415-pdmisezp2vawhmhltmo2qe2jpa-story.html | 2022-04-15T18:47:36 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-sp-dolphins-q-a-christian-wilkins-20220415-pdmisezp2vawhmhltmo2qe2jpa-story.html |
A year after UCF football received national attention for wearing special uniforms that featured the Twitter handles of players on their backs instead of their last names, the Knights are at it again.
During Saturday’s spring game, UCF will don jerseys with large QR codes on the back.
The QR codes — which are a type of barcode that stores information as a series of pixels in a square-shaped grid that can be scanned by a smartphone camera — will link to that player’s bio page on the UCF athletics website.
That page will then link to a player’s social media platforms and websites for fans to purchase player-branded merchandise.
The move, which like last year’s uniform experiment garnered national attention following the reveal, is UCF’s latest attempt at being ahead in the name, image and likeness (NIL) industry.
“We wanted to be the school that embraced it,” UCF coach Gus Malzahn told Sports Illustrated. “At the old traditional schools, there’s a lot of dynamics. Yeah, they’re for it but really, they’re not for it.
“We are a school that can fully embrace it — the young school, social media. It fits with us.”
Social media plays a large part in bringing together NIL deals for college athletes.
UCF Weekly
Nearly 75% of NIL activity comes from social media posts and content creation, according to a survey conducted by the University of Vermont. Additionally, football athletes dominate the NIL activity, accounting for 40% of all deals, the survey found.
And with one of the largest student bodies in the country — over 70,000 students as of fall 2021 — as well over 334,000 living alumni with an average age of 34, social media is a big deal at UCF.
UCF’s main athletics social media generated over 2 million interactions across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram in 2021 according to SkullSparks, which compiled a wide range of college athletics social media analytics throughout the year.
That number of interactions ranked most in the state of Florida and 12th nationally according to SkullSparks.
Malzahn, 56, at first joked at the idea of including social media information on the backs of football uniforms. The UCF coach has come to embrace the innovative move and NIL in general.
“It was a little weird early on. Now it’s not,” he said. “Now it’s part of the job description.”
Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @therealBeede. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/os-sp-ucf-football-spring-game-gus-malzahn-qr-code-nil-jason-beede-20220415-ujo6dg3ml5hpjcmlhm4mofbhpi-story.html | 2022-04-15T18:47:42 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/os-sp-ucf-football-spring-game-gus-malzahn-qr-code-nil-jason-beede-20220415-ujo6dg3ml5hpjcmlhm4mofbhpi-story.html |
Southeast Florida and The Keys
April 28-May 1: SunFest, waterfront art and music festival, 100 S. Clematis St., West Palm Beach, sunfest.com
April 30-May 1: Fort Lauderdale Air Show, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Fort Lauderdale Beach, fortlauderdaleairshow.com
May 4-8: Key West Songwriters Festival, various events and venues, keywestsongwritersfestival.com
May 6-7: Boca Bacchanal Wine and Food Festival, presented by Boca Raton Historical Society, bocabacchanal.com
May 6: Outstanding Natural Area Day at Jupiter Lighthouse, includes 2-for-1 entry, 500 Captain Armour’s Way, Jupiter, 561-747-8380, jupiterlighthouse.org
May 14: Stock Island Art Stroll, Stock Island Arts District, Florida Keys, ilovestockisland.org
May 20: Viernes Culturales Arts and Culture Festival in Little Havana, featuring food vendors and live entertainment, 801 SW 15th Ave., Miami, 305-643-5500, viernesculturales.org
May 21: Ocean Brews & Blues Beer Fest, 149 SE 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach, deerfield-beach.com/1601/Ocean-Brews-Blues
May 21: Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk, featuring live entertainment and an artisan market, Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street, floridashollywood.org/ArtWalk
May 27-30: Home Design & Remodeling Show, Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, homeshows.net
May 28-29: Miami Beach Air & Sea Show, featuring watersports, display village, kids fun zone, live music by 3 Doors Down, pyro-parachute demonstrations from the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and fireworks, usasalute.com
May 28-Sept. 5: Flotsam Fauna exhibit, featuring wildlife art made with flip flops and other debris picked up on South Florida shores. The sculptures are provided by Free Our Seas, a South Florida environmental organization. Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie, 954-473-2955, flamingogardens.org
Orlando and Central Florida
May 6-8: Hot Air Balloon festival, with entertainment, balloon and helicopter rides, Lakeland Linder International Airport, upupandawayflorida.com
May 14-15: Vero Beach Seafood Festival, Riverside Park, 3258 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, verobeachseafoodfestival.com
May 21-22: Vero Beach Arts & Crafts Festival, 3280 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, paragonfestivals.com/festival/vero-beach-arts-crafts-festival
Northeast Florida
May 21: Festival Latino, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala, ocalamarion.com/events/latino-festival-downtown-ocala
May 26-29: Jacksonville Jazz Festival, featuring United States Air Force Airmen of Note and others, jacksonvillejazzfest.com
Southwest Florida
May 7: Great Dock Canoe Race, featuring fun water events, 845 12th Ave. S. Naples, 239-825-1228
May 12: Evening on Fifth, featuring live entertainment on the sidewalks of the Fifth Avenue South shopping and dining district, 649 Fifth Ave. South, Naples, 239-692-8436, fifthavenuesouth.com
May 22: Naples Philharmonic and Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, artisnaples.org
May 27: Limón Dance Company with Naples Philharmonic, Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, artisnaples.org
Northwest Florida and the Panhandle
Travel Unraveled
May 5-8: Southern Shakespeare Festival, Tallahassee, southernshakespearefestival.org/free-festival/#
May 14-22: Soul of The Southside Arts and Humanities Festival, Lake Anita, Tallahassee, sosfesttlh.com
Caribbean Basin
April 30-6: Antigua Sailing Week, sailingweek.com
May 13-18: Grenada Chocolate Fest, grenadachocolatefest.com
May 25-30: Soul Beach music festival in Aruba, featuring Mary J. Blige and others, soulbeach.net
May 27-29: Festival de la Piña Paradisíaca, including live entertainment, vendors with pineapples and other foods, Lajas, Puerto Rico, discoverpuertorico.com/article/annual-festivals-puerto-rico
May 28: Puerto Rico Rum Festival, Taste of Rum, includes rum and rum seminars, Old San Juan, tasteofrums.com | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/explore-florida/fl-fea-florida-caribbean-may-events-calendar-20220415-bjznusr4kfa4dlavrs5he5eofi-story.html | 2022-04-15T18:47:48 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/explore-florida/fl-fea-florida-caribbean-may-events-calendar-20220415-bjznusr4kfa4dlavrs5he5eofi-story.html |
The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
Spring cleaning is upon us and if you have any carpeting in your home, you’ll probably be seeking out some supplies for cleaning them, like carpet shampooers.
Whether you have pets, children or simply a habit of tracking in dirt and spilling things on the floor, carpet shampooers are a must for removing stains and keeping your carpet fresh and clean. Depending on how well you treat your carpet and how often you clean it, carpet shampooers can keep it looking like new and lasting for many years.
While some carpet shampooers are good for general use, others are specific for pet owners, while some are made for deep cleaning. Take a look at some of the top-rated carpet shampooers you can order on Amazon and have shipped directly to your house so you can be cleaning your carpet in just a few days.
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Full Size Carpet Cleaner
This Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Full Size Upright Carpet Cleaner is priced at $227, with a portion of the purchase price going to the Bissell Pet Foundation and its efforts to save homeless pets. The carpet cleaner removes embedded dirt, stains and allergens, and comes with tools to remove pet messes on stairs and upholstery.
With more than 18,000 reviews, it has a rating of 4.6 out 5 stars. Reviewers say it does a great job deep cleaning and has good suction power for picking up pet hair.
You’ll want to make sure you have the correct shampoo for this specific cleaner, which is the Bissell 78H63 Deep Clean Pro 4X Deep Cleaning Concentrated Carpet Shampoo, priced at $19. If you want to use the cleaner to remove bacteria, Bissell also suggests using their Deep Clean + Antibacterial formula.
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max Clean Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner
Another carpet shampooer made for handling pet messes is the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max Clean Pet Pro. A full-size carpet cleaner, it is priced at $309 and weighs less than 18 pounds, making it nimble and easy to use. The machine can apparently remove tough pet stains and odors, including skunk, and has a MAX Cleaning Mode, which includes 12 rows of rotating brushes. It also comes with specific tools for removing pet hair, stains and odors from upholstery.
With more than 22,000 reviews, customers give the carpet cleaner an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, saying it is easy to put together and use, and makes their carpets look like new. The shampoo for this carpet cleaner is Bissell Professional Pet Urine Eliminator with Oxy and Febreze, which is priced at $24.
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine
Priced at $230, this Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine is currently 30% off, taking the price to $160 for a limited time. The machine removes dirt and tough stains with 360-degree brushes and strong suction. Weighing less than 19 pounds, it also includes HeatForce technology for rapid drying.
With more than 41,000 reviews so far, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with 74% of those that purchased the machine giving it a full 5 stars. Customers say it gets the job done and removes smells, including accidents from pets. If you’ll be buying this machine to clean up pet messes, you’ll also want to order Stuart Pet Supply Co. Professional Strength Deep Clean Carpet Cleaner Solution & Deodorizer, priced at around $30 for a gallon.
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner With Mat
This Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner with Mat is the same cleaner as above, but for $10 more, includes a storage mat where you can place the cleaner when it’s not in use to keep any water and dirt off your floor.
Also included is an 8-foot hose and tools for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, like stairs, upholstery and cushion crevices. The cleaner will come with a sample bottle of carpet cleaning solution, though you may want to buy the Stuart Pet Supply Co. Professional Strength Deep Clean Carpet Cleaner Solution & Deodorizer as well.
Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner Machine
Priced at $200, this Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner Machine comes in an attractive turquoise color and runs automatically, so you simply push it forward to clean and pull it back to dry. It also has an auto-mix feature, which mixes and dispenses cleaning solution, and auto-dry for faster drying. It comes with a storage mat, pet tool, sample bottle of cleaning solution, 12-foot hose and a storage bag for accessories.
With a total of nearly 16,000 reviews so far, 80% of customers give the machine a full 5 stars. Reviewers call it the “best cleaner ever” and list the smartwash feature and dry mode as some of the best features. The best shampoo for this cleaner is Hoover Renewal Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo, which is around $15 on Amazon.
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner
If you’re looking for something smaller — and lower-priced — this Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner is priced at $99 and weighs just 12.5 pounds. Good for pet messes and high-traffic areas, it has HeatForce for quick drying and comes with a tool for cleaning out the nozzle, plus a trial-size container of solution.
With more than 62,000 reviews, it has a total rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with people saying it works well for smaller spaces like an area rug and does a great job with pet hair. If you’ll be getting this carpet cleaner, you’ll want to also order Hoover Paws & Claws Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo with Stainguard, priced at $20.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories. | https://www.wmar2news.com/carpet-shampooers-cleaning-tough-carpet-stains | 2022-04-15T18:51:48 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/carpet-shampooers-cleaning-tough-carpet-stains |
Take a little time for you with Plexaderm!
This special cream uses silicate minerals from shale clay to minimize signs of aging, and it's not just for under eye bags!
Try Plexaderm on forehead lines, crows feet, mouth lines, and even loose neck skin. Plexaderm is a wonderful alternative to needles and expensive doctor visits and can be used under your favorite makeup.
Results last between 6-10 hours. If you've been wondering about Plexaderm, there's never been a better time to try it.
The Midday Maryland Special is available now - get your trial pack for just $14.95 plus free shipping here. | https://www.wmar2news.com/middaymaryland/plexaderm-skincare-april-15-2022 | 2022-04-15T18:51:54 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/middaymaryland/plexaderm-skincare-april-15-2022 |
A two-vehicle wreck on Old Birmingham Highway in Anniston involved a Calhoun County school system bus carrying 20 occupants Thursday, according to a press release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
At approximately 4:05 p.m. Thursday, ALEA was notified of the wreck and responded to the scene near Arnold Drive, assisted by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s office.
No injuries were reported — including the driver of the other vehicle — and the students on the bus were released to their parents following the crash, according to the press release.
Information on the driver of the other vehicle or who was at fault was not stated in the release as the incident is being investigated by ALEA.
The incident is the second accident involving a school bus in a week, following last week’s fender-bender in Oxford. | https://www.annistonstar.com/news/anniston/nobody-hurt-in-school-bus-wreck-on-old-birmingham-highway/article_e0634d8c-bcd7-11ec-8753-7fe02a319a4b.html | 2022-04-15T18:52:00 | 0 | https://www.annistonstar.com/news/anniston/nobody-hurt-in-school-bus-wreck-on-old-birmingham-highway/article_e0634d8c-bcd7-11ec-8753-7fe02a319a4b.html |
BALTIMORE — City leaders will vote next week to approve a $345,000 settlement with the parents of Elijah Gorham, the Mergenthaler High School football player who died after a head injury during a game last fall.
Baltimore City and City Schools have agreed to pay $345,000 to James Gorham Jr., and Shantres Shaw in exchange for the family releasing all claims against the mayor, city council, and city school board, according to the agenda item for the city's Board of Estimates.
The Board of Estimates is scheduled to vote on the item at its April 20 meeting.
According to the agenda: "On September 18, 2021, Elijah played football for MERVO [Mergenthaler High School] in a game against Dunbar. The game took place on the football field at Baltimore Polytechnic High School. During what appeared to be a routine and clean play in the endzone, Elijah and the defender from Dunbar both ran at full speed to catch a pass from the MERVO quarterback. Both athletes leapt for the football, and Elijah, unable to break his fall with his hands, was driven into the ground face-first by the momentum of the play, with the defender landing on top of him. Elijah did not immediately get up. After some time on the ground, he stood up on his own, appeared conscious, and began to walk back to his team’s sideline. Shortly thereafter, he collapsed and began seizing near the 10-yard line marker, until he became unconscious. Elijah was taken by ambulance to R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where he underwent surgery. He subsequently passed away on October 11, 2021 from cardiac arrest."
Elijah's sudden death stunned the Mervo community last year. Hundreds gathered at a vigil to honor the 17-year-old football player, Advanced Placement scholar and aspiring photographer; he was also memorialized at a special weekend service on the football field.
In December, the Mervo Mustangs carried Elijah's No. 7 jersey onto the field when they won the state championships - the first state football championship in Mervo's history.
A state bill labelled the "Elijah Gorham Act" was passed by the General Assembly this year; it requires Maryland middle schools and high schools to make specific emergency plans for student athletics. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/city-to-vote-on-345-000-settlement-with-parents-of-mervo-football-player-elijah-gorham | 2022-04-15T18:52:00 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/city-to-vote-on-345-000-settlement-with-parents-of-mervo-football-player-elijah-gorham |
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — McDonogh School in Owings Mills will dedicate a unique memorial next week to honor the slaves held by its founder, John McDonogh.
The April 19 private ceremony will be the culmination of the school's efforts for almost 20 years to create such a memorial on the 835-acre campus, which dates to 1873.
According to the school's website, "John McDonogh (1779-1850) was born in Baltimore but lived most of his adult life in New Orleans as a businessman, plantation owner, sometime-politician, and a supporter of the American Colonization Society. His estate, which led to the creation of McDonogh School, was built through the use of slave labor."
He "bought and sold hundreds of thousands of acres of land, dozens of plantations, and hundreds of enslaved people throughout his life. When he died in 1850, he owned 95 enslaved men, women, and children."
During the summer of 2020, protestors removed a John McDonogh statue in New Orleans and threw it in the Mississippi River. In response to that incident, David J. Farace, Head of McDonogh School, said in a statement at the time: "Shamefully and regrettably, slavery is part of our school’s history... Today, McDonogh is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, and in honoring this commitment, we must continue to acknowledge, confront, and denounce the evils of racism that contributed to our school’s founding, and that tragically and systemically still exist in our country."
The school's new memorial for enslaved people will be dedicated at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to a press release. Created by artist and faculty member Oletha DeVane, the memorial is an outdoor garden space that features a 14-foot sculpture called "Ascend." It incorporates the profiles of a man and woman to represent enslaved people, a water element cascading over the names of 95 slaves on McDonogh's plantations, a pedestal similar to platforms used in slave auctions, sugar cane stalks (because John McDonogh owned sugar and cotton plantations), sweetgum tree (whose burrs represented "an obstacle to freedom" and that was used for medicinal purposes in enslaved communities), a purple plant similar to the West African crop indigo.
The dedication ceremony will be private for students, faculty, staff, trustees and special guests. It will feature traditional African drumming by Baltimore-based Urban Foli, as well as a wreath-laying, a libation ritual, and the reading of the slaves' names. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/mcdonogh-school-to-dedicate-memorial-to-slaves-owned-by-founder-john-mcdonogh | 2022-04-15T18:52:06 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/local-news/mcdonogh-school-to-dedicate-memorial-to-slaves-owned-by-founder-john-mcdonogh |
SYLACAUGA — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has identified a Sylacauga man killed in a single-vehicle accident Thursday.
In a news release, ALEA said a single-vehicle crash at approximately 5:21 p.m. Thursday claimed the life of William E. White, 48, of Sylacauga.
White was fatally injured when the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree. The release said he was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash occurred on Sylacauga Fayetteville Highway, approximately two miles west of Sylacauga, in Talladega County. A previous release from ALEA sent at 6:11 p.m. Thursday said all lanes on Sylacauga Fayetteville Highway were shut down following the crash. The release also specified that the accident occurred near Shelvin Rock Road. ALEA did not say when the road returned to service.
Nothing further is available as Troopers with the ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate. | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_daily_home/dh_news/alea-identifies-man-killed-in-single-vehicle-crash-near-sylacauga-thursday/article_8339ced6-bce3-11ec-8309-a7ec012be6bd.html | 2022-04-15T18:52:12 | 0 | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_daily_home/dh_news/alea-identifies-man-killed-in-single-vehicle-crash-near-sylacauga-thursday/article_8339ced6-bce3-11ec-8309-a7ec012be6bd.html |
SALT LAKE CITY — Messages obtained by CNN show texts between Utah Sen. Mike Lee and President Donald Trump’s chief of staff Mark Meadows in which the two discuss the administration's attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
On Dec. 8, 2020, Lee floated the idea of some states sending Electoral College delegates contrary to the verified ballot counts.
"If a very small handful of states were to have their legislatures appoint alternative slates of delegates, there could be a path," Lee wrote.
But almost a month later on Jan. 3, 2021, Lee expressed frustration with the president.
"I don’t think the president is grasping the distinction between what we can do and what he would like us to do," expressed Lee, who also sent the following message:
"Again, all of this could change if the states in question certified Trump electors pursuant to state law. But in the absence of that, this effort is destined not only to fail, but to hurt DJT in the process."
The very next day, Trump seemingly responded to Lee's texts at a rally the two attended in Georgia.
“Mike Lee is here too, but I am a little angry at him today,” the former president said.
Trump's comment drew a text response to Meadows from Lee.
"I’ve been spending 14 hours a day for the last week trying to unravel this for him. To have him take a shot at me like that in such a public setting without even asking me about it is pretty discouraging," messaged Lee. "It’s not your fault. But I’ve been calling state legislators for hours today, and am going to spend hours doing the same tomorrow. I’m trying to figure out a path that I can persuasively defend, and this won’t make it any easier."
Lee, who faces reelection this year, did not personally respond to the texts, but his office sent a statement.
"The text messages tell the same story Sen. Lee told from the floor of the senate the day he voted to certify the election results of each and every state in the nation. They tell the story of a U.S. senator fulfilling his duty to Utah and the American people by following the Constitution," his office said.
The main candidates running against Lee reacted to the story.
"It's sad to read that. I want senators from either party to put country ahead of partisan divides and in this case, it looks like he literally wants to be Trump's lawyer," said Kael Weston. "It's sad. It's not right."
In a tweet, challenger Evan McMullen called Lee’s actions a spurious legal effort to overturn the 2020 election.
This article was written by John Franchi for KSTU. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national-politics/texts-show-sen-mike-lee-assisting-trump-efforts-to-overturn-2020-election | 2022-04-15T18:52:12 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national-politics/texts-show-sen-mike-lee-assisting-trump-efforts-to-overturn-2020-election |
Off Interstate 20 in the St. Clair County portion of Greenwave country lives a 28-year resident of Leeds — Matt Lovett. Lovett was raised in Leeds but moved to the Crestwood area for 10 years before returning home.
“Part of the reason I came back to Leeds is because it was home,” said Lovett. “My experience as a child and teenager here, I couldn’t have done that anywhere else. Leeds is a good place to make lifelong friends, and it’s small enough where everyone can be your friend.”
In the late 60’s, early 70’s, Lovett’s grandparents, Peter and Vivian Bonventre moved to Leeds from New York.
“Initially, my great grandfather moved to Leeds to be a manager in the watch factory,” said Lovett. “The factory was where Earthborn Pottery is now. After that, my grandfather moved down to do the same. My mom, aunts and uncles all graduated from Leeds.”
Happy to share his love of community with his children, Lovett’s daughter, Lilah Kate (LK), is a first-grader in Mrs. Jessica Crenshaw’s class at Leeds Primary School. Lovett’s son, Jones, will soon be a Leeds student, but for now he’s enjoying being three.
Since graduating from Colorado Technical University in 2006 with a degree in Business and Marketing, Lovett’s cultivated a career in graphic design. Now working with YotaMafia, an off-road company, for the past year in Digital Marketing, Lovett’s grateful for this opportunity.
“I get to handle every piece of advertising,” Lovett said. “T-shirts, race cars, social media and print ads, every graphic I’ve done.”
Lovett lists off-roading, camping and live music as his hobbies. His first concert was a Fourth of July performance by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra shortly after the Oak Mountain Amphitheater opened. And the most recent show Lovett’s taken in was Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at Avondale Brewing Company. His favorite musical groups are Phish, Dave Matthews Band and Widespread Panic. “I could totally see taking LK to a Phish show, but Jones’s first show will probably be Alan Jackson. He loves that song, Chattahoochee right down to the ‘Yee haw…that’s right.”
A few of Lovett’s favorite things are, first and foremost, his kids. He’s also a self-proclaimed Toyota Land Cruiser enthusiast. His perfect day includes being anywhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains camping or hanging out with his kids.
“LK, Jones and I spend time driving the back roads between here and Pell City with the windows down, taking in the sights and sounds and seeing what our community has to offer.”
As for what makes him laugh, it’s all about dry comedy and mindless humor. “Old Adam Sandler (think SNL and Billy Madison) and Animal House type stuff make me laugh.”
Regarding community, Lovett says to him, community is about working together.
“Pitching in to help your neighbor, whether it be helping set up a pool or helping promote a friend’s business.”
In fact, Lovett’s helped local businesses such as Kayla Jones’s store, Merch, in the heart of historic downtown Leeds and Anniston’s Foothills Fabrication & Services design their logos.
Learning to truly love life and his community was instilled in him by his own family, his grandparents, the Bonventre’s, Peter and Vivian, who decided to make a life for themselves in L.A., Leeds, Alabama. Lovett sees his grandparents a lot and loves his Italian roots. From his family, he’s learned to be a good neighbor and in return, here’s what Lovett believes makes a good neighbor.
“Helping out. If you get someone’s mail, walk it over to them.”
Perhaps, in today’s world, this suggestion of what makes a good neighbor is most important. Lovett says, “Be kind.” | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_st_clair_times/meet-your-neighbor-matt-lovett-of-leeds/article_669f5ff2-bc39-11ec-9a50-cfc07437c3e5.html | 2022-04-15T18:52:18 | 1 | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_st_clair_times/meet-your-neighbor-matt-lovett-of-leeds/article_669f5ff2-bc39-11ec-9a50-cfc07437c3e5.html |
GOLDEN VALLEY, Ariz. (AP) — An Arizona man was arrested after authorities say 183 dead animals were found in a freezer.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office says deputies and animal control officers found the animals in a garage freezer on April 3 after a woman reported that 43-year-old Michael Patrick Turland hadn’t returned the snakes she’d lent him for breeding.
Authorities say the frozen animals included dogs, turtles, lizards, birds, snakes, mice, rats, and rabbits.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office says Turland admitted to freezing to placing some of the animals in the freezer when they were still alive.
It's unclear why he was freezing the animals.
Turland faces animal cruelty charges. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/arizona-man-accused-of-stuffing-183-animals-in-freezer | 2022-04-15T18:52:19 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/arizona-man-accused-of-stuffing-183-animals-in-freezer |
PELL CITY— Pell City High School’s baseball team defeated Springville 10-3 to clinch a berth in the Class 6A playoffs on Thursday. With the win, the Panthers secured the second seed in Class 6A, Area 13. This is Pell City’s first time making the postseason since 2018.
“This was our goal from the beginning of the year, “Pell City head coach David Collins said. “We knew that Springville was a really tough team. We were in the same scenario last year, win or go home in the Springville series and Springville sent us home. That’s something that we have focused on all off-season. The kids did all the work, I can’t tell you how hard they worked in the off-season and it paid off.”
The Panthers put themselves in position for this winner-take-all game by handling business on Tuesday with an 8-4 win over the Tigers.
“Everyday coach (Collins) told us that he wouldn’t want to be with anybody else, so we all bought in and we put our heads down and worked,” senior Kentrell Borden said. “We are not the most talented team, but we are going to outwork everybody. That’s one thing about us; we are always going to work.”
After giving up a run in the first, Pell City responded by scoring two runs in the bottom half of the frame. Borden led off the inning with a triple. Allen Taut Nunnally hit a fielder's choice to the shortstop which allowed Borden to score. A few batters later, Austin Greene grounded out to second base which allowed Nunnally to score to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead.
Springville got back into the game in the third inning. After the first two batters of the inning got on base, Ethan Davis would deliver his second RBI of the game as he hit a single to left field to score Caleb McCarty.
Springville’s lead however was short-lived as the Panthers replied by scoring three runs in the bottom half of the frame.
Greene came through with another big hit for the Panthers in the third inning. The senior hit a two-run single up the middle to give Pell City a 4-2 lead. Greene would score a few batters later as Springville made an error on a throw to third base on a bunt by Andrew Hardy.
That would be all the run support that the Panthers would need. Pell City received strong performances from a pair of pitchers on Thursday. Daniel Cain earned the win as he recorded five strikeouts while allowing two runs in four-innings on the mound. Brady Laminack shut the Tigers in the last three innings as he only allowed one run while striking out two batters.
Pell City added insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings. The Panthers scored a run in the fifth and they exploded for five runs in the sixth to seal the win.
What to know
—Nick Wilson led the way for the Panthers with three hits against Springville. The senior hit a two-run double in the six-inning for the Panthers.
— Greene led the way for Pell City with three RBIs
—Nunnally recorded two hits and two RBIs for Pell City. Nunnally hit an RBI single to score Borden in the sixth inning.
—Ethan Davis was the losing pitcher for Springville.
Who said
—Collins on the insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings: “Timely hits are huge; we had some two-out hits. “It’s a momentum game, chipping away in those middle innings really helped. It felt close there in the fifth then Ashton Hamm was able to get that bunt down and a single from Daniel Cain to push that run across really changed the momentum of the game.
—Springville head coach Jonathan Ford on the loss: “We had a mixture of some bad luck and bad baseball. That’s not a good combination. I was talking to our coaches and we made mistakes today that we haven’t made all year. Tip your hats to Pell City, but I know we didn’t play our best today. That’s tough and it’s tough for these guys, especially with that game being that important and that big. I’m proud of the year and I’m proud of the position that we were in. Half of the team in the state weren’t in this position fighting.”
Up next
Pell City will close out the regular season on Saturday at Oak Mountain at 2 p.m. | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_st_clair_times/pell-city-defeats-springville-to-earn-playoff-berth/article_f186dc7c-bcbf-11ec-af7e-0b2d46ac73a7.html | 2022-04-15T18:52:25 | 1 | https://www.annistonstar.com/the_st_clair_times/pell-city-defeats-springville-to-earn-playoff-berth/article_f186dc7c-bcbf-11ec-af7e-0b2d46ac73a7.html |
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.wmar2news.com/news/national/dad-turns-years-worth-of-daily-dadism-texts-to-daughter-into-a-book-for-all-graduates | 2022-04-15T18:52:25 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/dad-turns-years-worth-of-daily-dadism-texts-to-daughter-into-a-book-for-all-graduates |
If you think you need to pay for tax preparation services, there is a good chance it is not necessary. The IRS released tips on Thursday for taxpayers to save money on tax preparation and assistance.
The IRS is reminding taxpayers that earn up to $73,000 a year that there are free electronic filing services. The IRS said that it can process nine out of 10 refunds via direct deposit within 21 days.
Taxpayers who earn more than $73,000 a year can still take advantage of the IRS’ electronic forms, but would have to fill by paper.
There are also free filing options for active duty and some veterans available through MilTax.
Those who generally make $58,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency who need assistance in preparing their taxes can get free tax advice through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance service. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program also offers free tax help to taxpayers, particularly those age 60 and older, the IRS said.
The two services combined have 70,000 volunteers who serve 2.5 million taxpayers annually.
The IRS said volunteers are trained to help taxpayers claim the tax credits they are entitled to such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents.
In case you forgot, Tax Day is Monday, April 18. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/irs-offers-free-electronic-filing-tax-help-before-tax-day | 2022-04-15T18:52:31 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/irs-offers-free-electronic-filing-tax-help-before-tax-day |
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.wmar2news.com/news/national/millions-of-americans-not-claiming-tax-credits-they-are-owed | 2022-04-15T18:52:37 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/millions-of-americans-not-claiming-tax-credits-they-are-owed |
Treadmills aren’t helping only humans get their steps in.
A group of horses in northern Maine are trotting on the machine to stay in shape.
Horse racing trainer Neal Grass said the cold temperatures and snow kept his horses from training on the track.
He took matters into his own hands and built a horse-friendly treadmill.
“I have seen other horses and trainers do use them throughout the States. It seemed like the right thing for us not being able to get onto the track," Grass said.
Horses will use the treadmill to condition and strengthen their muscles.
The plan is for the animals to race this summer. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/racehorses-train-on-treadmill-after-weather-makes-it-hard-to-practice-outside | 2022-04-15T18:52:43 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/racehorses-train-on-treadmill-after-weather-makes-it-hard-to-practice-outside |
Russia has formally protested the U.S. shipment of weapons to Ukraine, according to multiple news outlets.
CNN and The New York Times report that Russia sent a diplomatic note to the U.S. that warned of “unpredictable consequences” if the U.S. didn't halt the shipping of weapons to Ukraine.
The diplomatic note was reportedly not signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and it's unclear what “unpredictable consequences" entail.
This week, President Joe Biden informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the U.S. is sending Ukraine an additional $800 million in weapons, ammunition, and other security assistance.
Biden said the package includes artillery systems, artillery rounds, and armored personnel carriers. The U.S. is also transferring additional helicopters to the Ukrainian military.
The conflict in Ukraine has been going on for nearly two months and has resulted in thousands of deaths including civilians and children. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/russia-reportedly-warns-us-to-stop-sending-weapons-to-ukraine | 2022-04-15T18:52:49 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/russia-reportedly-warns-us-to-stop-sending-weapons-to-ukraine |
With the tight job market right now, some employers are changing how they do background checks. In addition to the initial background check, they're adding what's called “continuous monitoring.”
These are regular checks of court records that happen after you've been hired.
“Employees, I think, are increasing their expectations for safety and security across the board. And, as a result of that, I think you see a lot of organizations that are trying to make sure that they're putting solutions in place to help support that,” said Tom Miller, CEO at ClearForce.
Tom Miller with ClearForce works with employers who say they're adding continuous monitoring as they work to do more second-chance hiring, That means hiring people with a criminal record.
This impacts an estimated 70 million Americans.
Miller says how long continuous monitoring lasts varies by company and industry.
“Most importantly, they want to be able to provide environments where they can pick up on indications that would be helpful to them to get assistance to individuals that need assistance, to be able to really save and retain employees,” said Miller.
However, some attorneys are questioning the need for additional monitoring.
Ariel Nelson with the National Consumer Law Center says she's concerned about the errors that can come up in background checks, like mismatched or incomplete records.
“Say you have hired someone that, you know, that they have a criminal record and you are an employer who is interested in second chances, and has looked at the data and thought this person could be a good employee then,” said Nelson.
“I don't know that someone whose performance has been good getting another using a continuous monitoring check, do you really want to fire someone if their performance has been exactly what you need?” Nelson said.
Research shows Black Americans are arrested more often and may face disparities in the criminal justice system.
“When we're relying on criminal records, we know who is going to impact the most, and I think it's really important that we don't separate the issues between these background checks and the problems with our criminal justice system when we look at these issues,” Nelson said.
Miller says companies should be focusing on eliminating bias and discrimination in any continuous monitoring program they put into place. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/some-companies-adding-continuous-monitoring-to-check-employees-court-records | 2022-04-15T18:52:55 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/some-companies-adding-continuous-monitoring-to-check-employees-court-records |
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.wmar2news.com/news/national/twitter-adopts-poison-pill-defense-in-musk-takeover-bid | 2022-04-15T18:53:01 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/twitter-adopts-poison-pill-defense-in-musk-takeover-bid |
The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
Have you ever noticed how sometimes the best things in life make the biggest messes? Children and dogs come immediately to mind, for some reason …
Between the spilled drinks and dropped granola-bar crumbs from the kiddos and the dirt tracked in by muddy paws, there’s pretty much always something for parents and pet parents to clean. (OK, I must confess that sometimes — every now and then — I’ve dropped a splash of red wine or coffee on the rug, too. Whoopsie.)
That’s where having a carpet cleaner in the closet is a lifesaver. But you don’t have to get one of those carpet cleaners that’s bigger than your vacuum, as portable carpet cleaners are now just as capable. These lightweight upholstery cleaners tackle stains on sofas, drapes, carpets, car seats, boats or pretty much anywhere you’ve got a mess. You name it, really.
Here are a few portable carpet cleaners we really like that you can easily find online.
Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Bissell’s Little Green carpet cleaner is compact enough to store in a cabinet and easy to transport around the house or garage. The brand is a worldwide leader in home carpet cleaners, and this little device is as good as anything you’d expect from them.
One side of the machine contains the clean water tank and the other catches the dirty water. Use its included stain tool to lift and remove stains while suctioning them into the container that you can pop off and easily pour down the drain. It’s simple to use: You fill the tank with a mixture of cleaning solution and water, move it to the stain, flip the power switch and gently run the stain-cleaning tool over the spot. Turn it off and let it dry.
While in most cases this seems to work like a charm, some reviewers noted if the fabric feels stiff you can repeat the cleaning process using only water to correct it.
You can even keep the 48-ounce tank filled with the liquid formula so it can be ready at all times, which definitely takes some of the stress out of dropping everything to clean a sudden stain. Available on Amazon for $108, the Multi-Purpose Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner also comes with a trial size of Bissell’s cleaning formula.
More than 34,000 Amazon customers have graded the machine with an overall mark of 4.5 out of five stars.
“This has made my list of Top 5 Amazon purchases EVER,” wrote one reviewer, adding that it’s a “dog sitter’s best friend.”
Bissell SpotClean Pet Pro Protable Carpet Cleaner
Another powerful, handheld cleaning device from Bissell is the SpotClean Pet Pro Portable Carpet Cleaner. This machine uses strong suction and works on small- to medium-sized jobs. Amazon reviewers have also rated this device highly (4.6 stars overall), claiming it’s easy to use, durable and lightweight. Find it for $155.99.
Rug Doctor Pet Portable Spot Cleaner
Clean and neutralize odors with this rolling carpet cleaner from Rug Doctor that’s designed to tackle pet messes. (Users say it’s also great for stairs!) Several reviewers said they’d highly recommend it for cleaning up pet accidents. It’s available on Amazon for $167.64 and has an overall grade of 4.3 stars out of five.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories. | https://www.wmar2news.com/this-portable-carpet-cleaner-tackles-pet-messes | 2022-04-15T18:53:07 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/this-portable-carpet-cleaner-tackles-pet-messes |
TAMPA (WFLA) – Whether you’re heading to a church service or an egg hunt, Easter is a holiday to celebrate with family and friends.
Some businesses in the Tampa Bay area will be closed on Sunday to observe Easter.
The following stores are closed Sunday:
- Aldi
- Belk
- Best Buy
- Burlington
- Costco
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Dillard’s
- Five Below
- Hobby Lobby (closed every Sunday)
- HomeGoods
- JCPenney
- Joann Stores
- Kirkland’s
- Kohl’s
- Lowe’s
- Macy’s
- Marshalls
- Michaels
- Natural Grocers
- Nordstrom
- Nordstrom Rack
- Office Depot and OfficeMax
- Party City
- Ross
- Sam’s Club
- Target
- T.J. Maxx
- Tractor Supply & Co
- WestShore Plaza
Some local and national restaurants are open Sunday, but check with the restaurant as hours may vary. | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/whats-open-closed-on-easter-in-tampa/ | 2022-04-15T18:53:11 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/whats-open-closed-on-easter-in-tampa/ |
The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
If you’re heading back to the office after a few years away and realizing this means it’s time to exchange pajamas for suits, you’ll want to make sure you have some suit hangers that will keep your suits wrinkle-free and ready to wear — even if you’d rather stay in those PJs.
These Casafield suit hangers from Amazon are priced at $30 for a set of 20, which makes each hanger about $1.50. Constructed of lotus wood, the suit hangers have a 360-degree chrome hook and a non-slip bar for hanging pants. That makes them ideal for suits; they can accommodate a heavy suit jacket and a matching pair of slacks on the same hanger, which keeps your outfits organized in one place. The reinforced pants bar is covered with a vinyl, anti-slip casing to secure your clothing and prevent creases.
However, a good hanger is a good idea for all of your clothes. Plus, the suit hangers are designed to combine functionality and style, making your closet look organized and beautiful. The hangers can also be used for coats, dresses or other clothing items, as the rounded, contoured shoulders help your clothes maintain their shape and precisely-cut shoulder notches help secure delicate, strappy camisoles and silky items.
The hangers come in different colors, including black, white, cherry and walnut. Those are are all priced at $32.
With more than 3,300 reviews so far, these hangers have a total rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Around 87% of customers give them a full 5 stars. Reviewers say the hangers are well-made and attractive, came well-packaged and are priced right.
One reviewer who gave the hangers 5 stars says they are durable and look fantastic in their closet, comparing them to the types of hangers you’d find in a hotel.
“I always liked seeing these type of hangers in hotels and have been wanting these in my home for a while,” they wrote. “They also have a clear grip so my pants don’t slide off and stay put. I’ve been cleaning out and organizing my closet and I love seeing all the same hangers for a cleaner look. I would highly recommend.”
There are a handful of negative reviews. A few people said the colors they received weren’t as shown. Some noted that some hangers ended up breaking or cracking, especially where the supporting bar connects to the hanger.
You’ll also find more than a dozen similar hangers on Amazon if you’re wanting to try a different brand.
These JS Hanger Multifunctional High Grade Solid Wooden Suit Hangers come in a pack of 20 for $38, which is about $2 per hanger. With a pants bar, non-slip notches and a flat body design, the hangers keep your clothes neatly shaped while maximizing closet storage space.
With more than 2,500 reviews, they have a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers say they are well-made, of high quality and have a smooth finish.
The best-selling hangers on Amazon are these Amazon Basics Slim, Velvet, Non-Slip Suit Clothes Hangers, priced at around $20 for 30 hangers, or 68 cents each. The hangers have a durable metal construction with a non-slip velvet-textured surface and come in several different metal/fabric color combinations, including ivory or black with rose gold.
With more than 143,000 reviews, the hangers have 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviewers say these are of great quality and save space. If you need more than 20, you can also buy a pack of 50 or 100; a 100-pack costs about $45, or just 45 cents per hanger.
Happy shopping!
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories. | https://www.wmar2news.com/youll-want-hangers-organizing-suits | 2022-04-15T18:53:14 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/youll-want-hangers-organizing-suits |
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Pabst Blue Ribbon is putting an adult twist on the annual Easter egg scavenger hunt. This year, the popular brewing company is coming to Tampa to promote its “Easter Kegg Scavenger Hunt” where participants will be tasked with tracking down a 15-gallon vessel of PBR beer.
Instead of hiding eggs, the brewer will hide pastel-painted beer kegs — branded as “keggs” — around Tampa, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Portland on Saturday, April 16.
“Adults, are you sick of younger people having all the fun on Easter?” the company’s said in a promotional YouTube video. “Instead of chocolate or a dumb quarter, each of these semi-hidden pastel vessels contains over 15 gallons of PBR beer.”
PBR said that keg hunters, 21-years and older, will need to follow @pabstblueribbon on social media, where clues will be posted.
According to the official rules, the painted “keggs” will not contain actual alcohol. Instead, winners will receive a gift card that is equivalent to a full keg of the beer. If the hunt ends in a tie, the winner will be decided with a trivia contest.
Ffor more information, visit Pabstblueribbon.com/kegghunt. | https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/pabst-blue-ribbon-easter-kegg-hunt-coming-to-tampa-this-saturday/ | 2022-04-15T18:53:17 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/pabst-blue-ribbon-easter-kegg-hunt-coming-to-tampa-this-saturday/ |
The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
Spring cleaning is upon us and if you have any carpeting in your home, you’ll probably be seeking out some supplies for cleaning them, like carpet shampooers.
Whether you have pets, children or simply a habit of tracking in dirt and spilling things on the floor, carpet shampooers are a must for removing stains and keeping your carpet fresh and clean. Depending on how well you treat your carpet and how often you clean it, carpet shampooers can keep it looking like new and lasting for many years.
While some carpet shampooers are good for general use, others are specific for pet owners, while some are made for deep cleaning. Take a look at some of the top-rated carpet shampooers you can order on Amazon and have shipped directly to your house so you can be cleaning your carpet in just a few days.
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Full Size Carpet Cleaner
This Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Full Size Upright Carpet Cleaner is priced at $227, with a portion of the purchase price going to the Bissell Pet Foundation and its efforts to save homeless pets. The carpet cleaner removes embedded dirt, stains and allergens, and comes with tools to remove pet messes on stairs and upholstery.
With more than 18,000 reviews, it has a rating of 4.6 out 5 stars. Reviewers say it does a great job deep cleaning and has good suction power for picking up pet hair.
You’ll want to make sure you have the correct shampoo for this specific cleaner, which is the Bissell 78H63 Deep Clean Pro 4X Deep Cleaning Concentrated Carpet Shampoo, priced at $19. If you want to use the cleaner to remove bacteria, Bissell also suggests using their Deep Clean + Antibacterial formula.
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max Clean Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner
Another carpet shampooer made for handling pet messes is the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max Clean Pet Pro. A full-size carpet cleaner, it is priced at $309 and weighs less than 18 pounds, making it nimble and easy to use. The machine can apparently remove tough pet stains and odors, including skunk, and has a MAX Cleaning Mode, which includes 12 rows of rotating brushes. It also comes with specific tools for removing pet hair, stains and odors from upholstery.
With more than 22,000 reviews, customers give the carpet cleaner an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, saying it is easy to put together and use, and makes their carpets look like new. The shampoo for this carpet cleaner is Bissell Professional Pet Urine Eliminator with Oxy and Febreze, which is priced at $24.
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine
Priced at $230, this Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner Machine is currently 30% off, taking the price to $160 for a limited time. The machine removes dirt and tough stains with 360-degree brushes and strong suction. Weighing less than 19 pounds, it also includes HeatForce technology for rapid drying.
With more than 41,000 reviews so far, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with 74% of those that purchased the machine giving it a full 5 stars. Customers say it gets the job done and removes smells, including accidents from pets. If you’ll be buying this machine to clean up pet messes, you’ll also want to order Stuart Pet Supply Co. Professional Strength Deep Clean Carpet Cleaner Solution & Deodorizer, priced at around $30 for a gallon.
Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner With Mat
This Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner with Mat is the same cleaner as above, but for $10 more, includes a storage mat where you can place the cleaner when it’s not in use to keep any water and dirt off your floor.
Also included is an 8-foot hose and tools for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, like stairs, upholstery and cushion crevices. The cleaner will come with a sample bottle of carpet cleaning solution, though you may want to buy the Stuart Pet Supply Co. Professional Strength Deep Clean Carpet Cleaner Solution & Deodorizer as well.
Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner Machine
Priced at $200, this Hoover Smartwash Automatic Carpet Cleaner Machine comes in an attractive turquoise color and runs automatically, so you simply push it forward to clean and pull it back to dry. It also has an auto-mix feature, which mixes and dispenses cleaning solution, and auto-dry for faster drying. It comes with a storage mat, pet tool, sample bottle of cleaning solution, 12-foot hose and a storage bag for accessories.
With a total of nearly 16,000 reviews so far, 80% of customers give the machine a full 5 stars. Reviewers call it the “best cleaner ever” and list the smartwash feature and dry mode as some of the best features. The best shampoo for this cleaner is Hoover Renewal Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo, which is around $15 on Amazon.
Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner
If you’re looking for something smaller — and lower-priced — this Hoover PowerDash Pet Compact Carpet Cleaner is priced at $99 and weighs just 12.5 pounds. Good for pet messes and high-traffic areas, it has HeatForce for quick drying and comes with a tool for cleaning out the nozzle, plus a trial-size container of solution.
With more than 62,000 reviews, it has a total rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with people saying it works well for smaller spaces like an area rug and does a great job with pet hair. If you’ll be getting this carpet cleaner, you’ll want to also order Hoover Paws & Claws Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo with Stainguard, priced at $20.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories. | https://www.wptv.com/carpet-shampooers-cleaning-tough-carpet-stains | 2022-04-15T18:53:18 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/carpet-shampooers-cleaning-tough-carpet-stains |
Best coffee roasters in NJ named by national magazine
Food & Wine recently put out two articles ranking the best coffee roasters in every state. In March, the Trenton coffee shop, One Up One Down took the title and in April, it was a South Jersey favorite, Royal Mile Coffee Roasters.
One Up One Down is a family-owned coffee roastery and they say their simple mission, according to their website, is "roast consciously-sourced specialty coffee for a well-balanced cup, and present it in an unpretentious, down-to-earth setting."
Their interior setup is very chill and modern. It seems like the perfect place to sit with a cup of coffee or get some work done on your computer.
Food & Wine highlights One Up One Down by saying:
"Experienced roaster Vince Camiolo and wife Natalie Rockwell took the old punk rock Trenton Coffee House & Records (a former Food & Wine favorite) and poured their hearts into reviving the quirky space, where the theme is basically wood paneling, and then more wood paneling, but in the most charming way. A uniquely different shop than most you'll find on this list, almost like the blue-collar espresso bars you find in Europe, except this one sells vegan snacks, and your cappuccino automatically comes with oat milk, and nobody's blowing smoke in your face."
In April, Food & Wine highlighted Royal Mile Coffee Roasters, with two Jersey Locations. One in Cherry Hill and the other on White Horse Pike in Haddon Township.
The owner shares their story on their website, telling how in 2013 they took their passion project and began making small batches of coffee. By 2016 the business had really taken off and they stopped building websites for a living and turned to full-time coffee roasting.
Food and Wine highlights Royal Mile Coffee Roasters by saying:
"Stylistically diverse but never dull, it's a poorly kept secret that some of Philly's best coffee comes from this slightly scrappy South Jersey roaster, now at it for nearly a decade."
Next time you are craving a really good cup of coffee, take the trip to check out One Up One Down or Royal Mile Coffee Roasters for the best coffee Jersey has to offer. | https://nj1015.com/best-coffee-roasters-in-nj-named-by-national-magazine/ | 2022-04-15T18:53:19 | 1 | https://nj1015.com/best-coffee-roasters-in-nj-named-by-national-magazine/ |
BOCA RATON, Fla. — Hollywood's iconic larger-than-life scenic backdrops are going to be on display at an exhibit opening at the Boca Raton Museum of Art on Wednesday.
"The 22 backdrops we have... all created by MGM for great movies from the 30s to the 60s," said Irvin Lippman, Executive Director of the Boca Raton Museum of Art.
The oversized paintings of Hollywood's most iconic locations are perfectly preserved.
"They were rolled up and hidden in plain sight," said Karen L. Maness, who is the co-curator of the 'Art of the Hollywood Backdrop' exhibit.
The well-known scenes are from some of the biggest blockbusters.
"Sound of Music, Singing in the Rain, some of the largest scenic paintings ever made," Lippman said.
"I'm in front of Salzburg, one of my favorite places," said Thomas A. Walsh, Co-Curator of the 'Art of the Hollywood Backdrop,' as he stood in front of the Alps from where the hills were alive.
"When I first saw this painting, it was like seeing an old friend," said Maness.
Row Boat scene from The Sound of Music
"How can you not want to sit on the sofa? Where Donald O'Connor sang make you laugh in Singing in the Rain, or Mount Rushmore which is 90 feet wide. 30 feet high... or the Rome of Ben Hur," Lippman said.
Make 'Em Laugh - Singing in the Rain
Mount Rushmore Scene - North by Northwest
Curators at the @bocamuseum watch as workers hang the North by Northwest (91' x 30'), Mount Rushmore, MGM Studios (1959) backdrop. pic.twitter.com/PJ3nXGtvU4
— T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker) April 15, 2022
Walsh is the former president of The Art Directors Guild. He is ambitious about preserving Hollywood's artistic past from a group of scenic artists who painted backdrops but never appeared when the credits rolled.
"It was insulting you know. It was all work for hire. So they knew what they were doing. They knew that was the deal," said Walsh.
"I'm so honored to help these artists be seen," said Maness.
The curators want to make sure skills and techniques of the past are not lost to the future.
"Because what these [scenic] artists have to teach artists is critical and is almost lost to a contemporary generation who hasn't learned how to paint and draw from observation," Maness said.
"I'm hoping that this encourages the next generation of artists to follow in the footsteps of the masters from before little time machines," said Walsh.
"I feel like I'm a conduit from this old generation, especially through my Gen-X lens and eyes and hands and skill set to the next generation because they should be digitally and analog fluid they need to be to be successful without one you'll always be lacking," said Maness.
"We were very concerned about losing the collective memory of being a scenic artist," Walsh said.
They hope fans will get creative with their social media photos.
"This place is going to be Instagram heaven," said Maness. "[You could go to] Vienna you could go to Rome, you could be in Paris. You could be at the Westminster Abbey. You can be at Mount Rushmore," said Maness.
The 'Art of the Hollywood Backdrop' exhibit opens to the public on April 20 and runs through Jan. 22. | https://www.wptv.com/lifestyle/taste-and-see/how-to-put-yourself-in-an-iconic-hollywood-movie | 2022-04-15T18:53:23 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/lifestyle/taste-and-see/how-to-put-yourself-in-an-iconic-hollywood-movie |
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Valrico man was accused of molesting numerous young girls, many under the age of 12, between 1998 and 2020, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
While speaking with victims, detectives learned that Thomas David Lair, 62, molested several young girls after befriending them and their families, a news release said.
Lair was arrested Wednesday on five counts of lewd or lascivious molestation (victim under 12) and two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation (victim 12-15). An investigation is still ongoing.
“Our detectives are concerned that there could be other children affected, and we are asking anyone else who may be a victim not to be afraid to come forward and speak out,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “It’s important for parents to be cautious of any adult they entrust to care for their children and to also listen to their children if they say they are uncomfortable around an individual.”
Authorities said any additional victims are urged to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200. | https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/valrico-man-accused-of-molesting-several-young-girls-for-2-decades/ | 2022-04-15T18:53:23 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/valrico-man-accused-of-molesting-several-young-girls-for-2-decades/ |
Best sunrise and sunset spots in New Jersey, according to our listeners
There is no better way to start your day than to wake up and watch the sunrise, especially in the summer in New Jersey.
Our mountains can offer great views if you’re up for an early morning hike. The best spot, in my opinion, would be Mount Tammany. But you can check out my list of listener suggestions of the best hiking spots in NJ to find one near you.
The beaches in our state also offer so many great vantage points to watch the sunset.
For as long as I can remember, my Mom would rent a beach house in Beach Haven on 32nd street right across from Howard’s. One of our favorite parts of this trip was walking to our sunset spot, my mom with a glass of wine in a solo cup. Beach Haven also has benches at the top of the beach entry point where you can just sit and enjoy the sunrise or sunset.
Watching the sunrise and sunset is probably one of my favorite memories of summertime, and I know I can’t be the only one!
I asked our listeners where their favorite Sunrise and Sunset Spots are in New Jersey, and the overwhelming winner seems to be Cape May, but you can check out all their suggestions below:
@rjbrew2
Cape may for both. Beach Avenue for sunrise and …well…. Self-explanatorily enough, Sunset Beach for…well…ya know.
@JerseySil
Cape May for sunset!! Sunset Beach
@FuriousChef
Cape May. Across from Harry’s/The Montreal for sunrise and the Cove for sunsets.
@acapri74
Cape May
Nancy Grobarz Vlachos
Cape May
Danielle Krumme Delgado
Sunset- Cove Beach Cape May, honestly my favorite beach in NJ
Lynsey Rae Tomlinson
Sunset beach, Cape May!
Kristen Duesel Oleske
Liberty State Park is stunning. Lavallette or anywhere on the bay of the Jersey shore.
Donna Jean
Liberty State Park
@AJ1331
LBI!
Diane Wysokinski Dawicki
LBI
@JoanneC85932583
SUNRISE...AVON BY THE SEA BEACH
@Alythebeachbum
Avon
@cheryl_gamba
Point pleasant beach and at the gate area terminal B Newark Airport.
@dagostinosfarm
Any lagoon street, Island Beach Street Park or on the bay.
Emmanuel Devera
Point Pleasant for sunset
Kelly Reagle
Beach Haven for sunrise
@suetonyand
Ocean Shoreline for Sunrise
Diane Maris
Stewartsville, Warren County | https://nj1015.com/best-sunrise-and-sunset-spots-in-new-jersey/ | 2022-04-15T18:53:25 | 0 | https://nj1015.com/best-sunrise-and-sunset-spots-in-new-jersey/ |
SALT LAKE CITY — Messages obtained by CNN show texts between Utah Sen. Mike Lee and President Donald Trump’s chief of staff Mark Meadows in which the two discuss the administration's attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
On Dec. 8, 2020, Lee floated the idea of some states sending Electoral College delegates contrary to the verified ballot counts.
"If a very small handful of states were to have their legislatures appoint alternative slates of delegates, there could be a path," Lee wrote.
But almost a month later on Jan. 3, 2021, Lee expressed frustration with the president.
"I don’t think the president is grasping the distinction between what we can do and what he would like us to do," expressed Lee, who also sent the following message:
"Again, all of this could change if the states in question certified Trump electors pursuant to state law. But in the absence of that, this effort is destined not only to fail, but to hurt DJT in the process."
The very next day, Trump seemingly responded to Lee's texts at a rally the two attended in Georgia.
“Mike Lee is here too, but I am a little angry at him today,” the former president said.
Trump's comment drew a text response to Meadows from Lee.
"I’ve been spending 14 hours a day for the last week trying to unravel this for him. To have him take a shot at me like that in such a public setting without even asking me about it is pretty discouraging," messaged Lee. "It’s not your fault. But I’ve been calling state legislators for hours today, and am going to spend hours doing the same tomorrow. I’m trying to figure out a path that I can persuasively defend, and this won’t make it any easier."
Lee, who faces reelection this year, did not personally respond to the texts, but his office sent a statement.
"The text messages tell the same story Sen. Lee told from the floor of the senate the day he voted to certify the election results of each and every state in the nation. They tell the story of a U.S. senator fulfilling his duty to Utah and the American people by following the Constitution," his office said.
The main candidates running against Lee reacted to the story.
"It's sad to read that. I want senators from either party to put country ahead of partisan divides and in this case, it looks like he literally wants to be Trump's lawyer," said Kael Weston. "It's sad. It's not right."
In a tweet, challenger Evan McMullen called Lee’s actions a spurious legal effort to overturn the 2020 election.
This article was written by John Franchi for KSTU. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national-politics/texts-show-sen-mike-lee-assisting-trump-efforts-to-overturn-2020-election | 2022-04-15T18:53:29 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national-politics/texts-show-sen-mike-lee-assisting-trump-efforts-to-overturn-2020-election |
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — 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 the also 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 decadelong 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.
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.
Corrections Department Director Bryan Stirling reiterated in an affidavit last week that the agency still couldn’t obtain the drugs because manufacturers and compounding pharmacies contacted by the state refused to help.
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.
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.wfla.com/news/national/south-carolina-inmate-picks-firing-squad-over-electric-chair/ | 2022-04-15T18:53:29 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/south-carolina-inmate-picks-firing-squad-over-electric-chair/ |
GOLDEN VALLEY, Ariz. (AP) — An Arizona man was arrested after authorities say 183 dead animals were found in a freezer.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office says deputies and animal control officers found the animals in a garage freezer on April 3 after a woman reported that 43-year-old Michael Patrick Turland hadn’t returned the snakes she’d lent him for breeding.
Authorities say the frozen animals included dogs, turtles, lizards, birds, snakes, mice, rats, and rabbits.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office says Turland admitted to freezing to placing some of the animals in the freezer when they were still alive.
It's unclear why he was freezing the animals.
Turland faces animal cruelty charges. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/arizona-man-accused-of-stuffing-183-animals-in-freezer | 2022-04-15T18:53:30 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/arizona-man-accused-of-stuffing-183-animals-in-freezer |
America’s national parks, including those in New Jersey, are waiving admission fees this Saturday (4/16) to celebrate the first day of National Park Week.
National Park Week runs April 16-24 and Americans are urged to visit a national park and share their experiences on social media at #NationalParkWeek and #sParkDiscovery.
Each day of the week has a special theme. The first three are:
April 16: Park Discovery National Park Week kicks off with a fee-free day to encourage everyone to find something new by visiting a national park, especially one that may be close to home, a park you haven't considered visiting, or one you never realized is a national park! What new national park will you discover? #sParkDiscovery
Sunday, April 17: Park Creativity National parks have inspired artistic expression and creativity for generations. What is your park muse? What masterpiece can you create? #sParkCreativity
Monday, April 18: Park Collaboration We get along with a little help from our friends. Meet our many partners that help expand our reach and offerings and connect people to parks. How can you get involved or participate in opportunities? #sParkCollaboration
New Jersey’s officially designated national parks include the Paterson Great Falls National Park, the Morristown National Historical Park, and the Thomas Edison National Park in West Orange. Ellis Island is a national monument.
There has been a push to make the Delaware Water Gap a national park, but that hasn’t happened yet.
The other free admission days this year:
Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Sept. 24: National Public Lands Day
Nov. 11: Veterans Day
Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Doyle only.
You can now listen to Deminski & Doyle — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite afternoon radio show any day of the week. Download the Deminski & Doyle show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now:
NJ county fairs make a comeback: Check out the schedule for 2022
UPDATED 4/10: A current list of county fairs happening across the Garden State for 2022. From rides, food, animals, and hot air balloons, each county fair has something unique to offer.
(Fairs are listed in geographical order from South NJ to North NJ)
These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey
A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.
From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.
Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the
American Hiking Society.
If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.
Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.
You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.
Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.
If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.
Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.
I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:
Every NJ city and town's municipal tax bill, ranked
A little less than 30 cents of every $1 in property taxes charged in New Jersey support municipal services provided by cities, towns, townships, boroughs and villages. Statewide, the average municipal-only tax bill in 2021 was $2,725, but that varied widely from more than $13,000 in Tavistock to nothing in three townships. In addition to $9.22 billion in municipal purpose taxes, special taxing districts that in some places provide municipal services such as fire protection, garbage collection or economic development levied $323.8 million in 2021. | https://nj1015.com/enjoy-free-admission-to-new-jerseys-national-parks-to-kick-off-national-park-week/ | 2022-04-15T18:53:30 | 1 | https://nj1015.com/enjoy-free-admission-to-new-jerseys-national-parks-to-kick-off-national-park-week/ |
(The Hill) — Twitter adopted a so-called poison pill Friday that would help prevent it from undergoing a hostile acquisition after Elon Musk put in an offer to buy the social media company for $43 billion.
The board unanimously adopted the limited duration shareholder rights plan. Under the plan, if any person or group acquires 15 percent or more of Twitter’s stock without the board’s approval, other shareholders are allowed to purchase additional shares at a discount.
“The Rights Plan will reduce the likelihood that any entity, person or group gains control of Twitter through open market accumulation without paying all shareholders an appropriate control premium or without providing the Board sufficient time to make informed judgments and take actions that are in the best interests of shareholders,” Twitter said in a press release.
The plan is set to expire in one year.
A spokesperson for Twitter said the company won’t be commenting further.
The move is Twitter’s counterattack to an offer Musk filed Wednesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to buy the company.
Musk’s bid to take over Twitter came after he declined a spot on its board of directors, offered after he acquired a 9.2 percent stake in the company last week.
Dan Ives, an analyst at WedBush Securities, said the poison pill is a “predictable defensive measure” for the board, and it will “not be viewed positively by shareholders given the potential dilution and acquisition unfriendly move.”
“The Board has [their] back against the wall and Musk and shareholders will likely challenge the merits of the poison pill in the courts. We believe Musk and his team expected this poker move which will be perceived as a sign of weakness not strength by the Street,” Ives said in an email.
In Musk’s letter to Twitter board chair Bret Taylor, filed with the SEC, he said his offer was his “best and final.”
It is not yet clear what Musk’s next move will be, but at a TED conference Thursday he said he has a Plan B that he was not yet sharing publicly. | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/twitter-adopts-poison-pill-to-prevent-elon-musk-takeover/ | 2022-04-15T18:53:36 | 0 | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/twitter-adopts-poison-pill-to-prevent-elon-musk-takeover/ |
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.wptv.com/news/national/dad-turns-years-worth-of-daily-dadism-texts-to-daughter-into-a-book-for-all-graduates | 2022-04-15T18:53:37 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/dad-turns-years-worth-of-daily-dadism-texts-to-daughter-into-a-book-for-all-graduates |
How did these 10 random movies become hits on Netflix?
Netflix spent a reported $13.6 billion on original content in 2021. That enormous budget, one of the biggest of any entertainment company on the planet, funds a huge slate of films and television shows; Netflix uploads an average of two to three new movies or series every single day of the year. It’s a staggering amount of stuff to watch.
And yet despite the inordinate amount of money Netflix spends on its own content, and despite the fact that its algorithm directs users to Netflix’s movies and shows, the more you browse Netflix’s viewership data available at Top10.Netflix.com, the more you see that a lot of the most popular stuff on the site is not what they produce; it’s weird old junk from traditional Hollywood studios.
This week, for example, the most-viewed Netflix original in the U.S. is Judd Apatow’s new comedy The Bubble — but it came in sixth on the top ten films list behind five random catalog titles. The most popular movie amongst American Netflix users at the moment is the 2009 Sandra Bullock drama The Blind Side. (Shrek Forever After is #2.)
The more you dig into this Netflix Top10 website — which lets you look at the ten most popular movies and shows in every single country around the globe where the service is available — the more you find bizarre and obscure titles that are inexplicable smash hits on streaming. Here are just ten recent examples: | https://nj1015.com/how-did-these-10-random-movies-become-hits-on-netflix/ | 2022-04-15T18:53:37 | 1 | https://nj1015.com/how-did-these-10-random-movies-become-hits-on-netflix/ |
If you think you need to pay for tax preparation services, there is a good chance it is not necessary. The IRS released tips on Thursday for taxpayers to save money on tax preparation and assistance.
The IRS is reminding taxpayers that earn up to $73,000 a year that there are free electronic filing services. The IRS said that it can process nine out of 10 refunds via direct deposit within 21 days.
Taxpayers who earn more than $73,000 a year can still take advantage of the IRS’ electronic forms, but would have to fill by paper.
There are also free filing options for active duty and some veterans available through MilTax.
Those who generally make $58,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency who need assistance in preparing their taxes can get free tax advice through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance service. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program also offers free tax help to taxpayers, particularly those age 60 and older, the IRS said.
The two services combined have 70,000 volunteers who serve 2.5 million taxpayers annually.
The IRS said volunteers are trained to help taxpayers claim the tax credits they are entitled to such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents.
In case you forgot, Tax Day is Monday, April 18. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/irs-offers-free-electronic-filing-tax-help-before-tax-day | 2022-04-15T18:53:43 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/irs-offers-free-electronic-filing-tax-help-before-tax-day |
In time for Easter — Trev makes a pizza with peeps on it!
When I started this video I thought it would be a goof and I pictured my kids hating the idea of putting Peeps on pizza. Imagine my surprise when they not only liked it but devoured it!
We may have found a use for those disgusting hardening little lumps of sugar with birds heads on them. All you have to do is slice the Peeps and lay them across a slice of your favorite pizza. The sugar in the Peep mixes well with the gravy on the pizza to create a nice taste. Something I never expected when I started filming this video.
Hey, if they could put bacon in chocolate, why not peeps on pizza? When this gets out, you'll be seeing "Peepsa" in all your favorite pizzerias. Or as we say in North Jersey "Ahh Peeps!"
Happy Easter!
NJ Diners that are open 24/7
NJ county fairs make a comeback: Check out the schedule for 2022
UPDATED 4/10: A current list of county fairs happening across the Garden State for 2022. From rides, food, animals, and hot air balloons, each county fair has something unique to offer.
(Fairs are listed in geographical order from South NJ to North NJ)
These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey
A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.
From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.
Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.
If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.
Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.
You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.
Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.
If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.
Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.
I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions: | https://nj1015.com/in-time-for-easter-trev-makes-a-pizza-with-peeps-on-it/ | 2022-04-15T18:53:43 | 1 | https://nj1015.com/in-time-for-easter-trev-makes-a-pizza-with-peeps-on-it/ |
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.wptv.com/news/national/millions-of-americans-not-claiming-tax-credits-they-are-owed | 2022-04-15T18:53:49 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/millions-of-americans-not-claiming-tax-credits-they-are-owed |
Man shot dead — 4th homicide at Maple Shade, NJ apartment complex in 5 years
MAPLE SHADE — One man was killed and another seriously injured when shots were fired at an apartment complex early Friday morning for the second time this year.
Maple Shade police responded to the Fox Meadow Apartments on Route 73 about 3:30 a.m. on the report of a shooting on the first block of Laurel Drive. They found a man with gunshot wounds outside and the other victim inside, Burlington County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Joel Bewley said. He was identified as Maurice Kobassic, 26.
The man inside was taken to Cooper University Medical Center where he had surgery after being shot in the face and was in critical condition late Friday morning.
No arrests have been made in the case and a motive for the shooting is still under investigation. Bewley said the two men shared an apartment did not disclose their their relationship.
Two unsolved homicides at Fox Meadow in five years
On Jan. 16, Ezekiel Sanders Jr., a 32-year-old resident of Fox Meadow was fatally shot while in a parking lot off Gardenia Drive in a drive-by shooting.
On March 23, 2017, Sasikala Narra, 38, and her 6-year-old son, Anish Narra, were found stabbed to death after Narra's husband arrived home from work.
A $25,000 reward was posted by the FBI for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffey dismissed reports in the Indian media that the stabbing was a hate crime.
The homicides also led to a court battle over life insurance, with the insurance company refusing to pay the surviving relative because authorities had not officially ruled him out as a potential suspect.
Bewley asked anyone with information about any of the cases to call Burlington County Central Communications at 609-265-7113, or send an email to tips@mapleshadepd.com or tips@co.burlington.nj.us.
Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com
Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story.
Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com
Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story. | https://nj1015.com/man-shot-dead-4th-homicide-at-maple-shade-nj-apartment-complex-in-5-years/ | 2022-04-15T18:53:49 | 1 | https://nj1015.com/man-shot-dead-4th-homicide-at-maple-shade-nj-apartment-complex-in-5-years/ |
Man stole charity donations from a Wawa in Pleasantville, NJ
Cops in Pleasantville are asking for your help identifying a man wanted for stealing donations intended for a charity from a Wawa store.
Get our free mobile app
Authorities say the pictured man stole a coin container containing money for the Special Olympics Foundation that was located near a cash register at Wawa at Delilah Road and Route 9.
Police did not indicate when the theft took place.
If you can identify this man, you are asked to contact Pleasantville Police by calling 609-641-6100 or e-mail supervisor@pleasantvillepd.org.
21 of the Best Places to Get a Hoagie (or Sub) in South Jersey (Besides Wawa)
From one side of South Jersey to the other, these are some of the best places to grab a hoagie... enjoy! | https://nj1015.com/man-stole-charity-donations-from-a-wawa-in-pleasantville-nj/ | 2022-04-15T18:53:55 | 0 | https://nj1015.com/man-stole-charity-donations-from-a-wawa-in-pleasantville-nj/ |
Treadmills aren’t helping only humans get their steps in.
A group of horses in northern Maine are trotting on the machine to stay in shape.
Horse racing trainer Neal Grass said the cold temperatures and snow kept his horses from training on the track.
He took matters into his own hands and built a horse-friendly treadmill.
“I have seen other horses and trainers do use them throughout the States. It seemed like the right thing for us not being able to get onto the track," Grass said.
Horses will use the treadmill to condition and strengthen their muscles.
The plan is for the animals to race this summer. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/racehorses-train-on-treadmill-after-weather-makes-it-hard-to-practice-outside | 2022-04-15T18:53:57 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/racehorses-train-on-treadmill-after-weather-makes-it-hard-to-practice-outside |
Study says New Jersey is not the smelliest state
Take it for what it’s worth, but a jobs website took it upon itself to determine what the smelliest states are.
Zippia.com did the research by looking at:
- Dirty air
- Trash, or the percentage of each state that is landfill
To measure the dirtiness of the air, the referred Air Filters Delivered a thorough ranking on air quality. Cleaner air smells better.
For the trash rating, they simply used the EPA’s data on the percentage of each state’s land that is taken up by landfills.
From there, they decided to look into human smell factors. Because smell is other people:
- Population density
- Bad breath (Dental health by state)
They examined population density using population numbers from the US Census to find the number per square mile. The more people the smellier. They then sought to examine the dental hygiene of every state using a thorough study by Wallethub. This study looks into dental visits, brushing frequency, and other important oral hygiene factors.
Put all those factors together and New Jersey comes in at number 7 of the smelliest states. About New Jersey, the site says:
The tiny, densely populated state of New Jersey has a trash problem. In fact, 0.0421% of the state is landfill- More than any other state in the country. To put that into perspective, Alaska only has 0.0001% of its land mass dedicated to being filled with trash.
The top 10:
- Maryland
- California
- Florida
- Delaware
- Massachusetts
- Alabama
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Mississippi
Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Doyle only.
You can now listen to Deminski & Doyle — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite afternoon radio show any day of the week. Download the Deminski & Doyle show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now: | https://nj1015.com/study-says-new-jersey-is-not-the-smelliest-state/ | 2022-04-15T18:53:59 | 1 | https://nj1015.com/study-says-new-jersey-is-not-the-smelliest-state/ |
Russia has formally protested the U.S. shipment of weapons to Ukraine, according to multiple news outlets.
CNN and The New York Times report that Russia sent a diplomatic note to the U.S. that warned of “unpredictable consequences” if the U.S. didn't halt the shipping of weapons to Ukraine.
The diplomatic note was reportedly not signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and it's unclear what “unpredictable consequences" entail.
This week, President Joe Biden informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the U.S. is sending Ukraine an additional $800 million in weapons, ammunition, and other security assistance.
Biden said the package includes artillery systems, artillery rounds, and armored personnel carriers. The U.S. is also transferring additional helicopters to the Ukrainian military.
The conflict in Ukraine has been going on for nearly two months and has resulted in thousands of deaths including civilians and children. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/russia-reportedly-warns-us-to-stop-sending-weapons-to-ukraine | 2022-04-15T18:54:03 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/russia-ukraine-conflict/russia-reportedly-warns-us-to-stop-sending-weapons-to-ukraine |
Would you put down the pit bulls in NJ attack case?
Think about it. If your dog killed another dog would you have it euthanized? The owner of two pit bulls in Linden may be mulling that over today.
Two pit bulls are on a 10-day hold by the township after authorities say they apparently got loose and attacked and killed a Shih Tzu.
Police officers happened to witness the entire thing and they quickly intervened in the dog attack, they say. Linden PD says the dogs never tried to attack the officers and were easy to rein in. But according to police, the injuries suffered by the Shih Tzu were severe enough that the dog later died.
Say what you will about pit bulls being more aggressive than other dogs or capable of more damage. While it is certainly true that breeds that fall under the pit bull category are responsible for more fatal attacks than any other, we can save that debate for another day. Because any breed of dog can get aggressive. These particular dogs had no known history of causing any problems. And it’s believed they may have gotten out of a multiple-family residence by somebody forgetting to close a door.
So again, keep in mind this could happen with any breed. Therefore this is a question any dog owner might have to face. And even if authorities gave you back your dog after it killed another animal would you think about euthanizing it on your own?
Personally, I would. Unless there were very crazy extenuating circumstances I feel like an act so violent that left unchecked could only end up making the dog more aggressive later. It’s a heartbreaking thing to think about. But I’m sure the person who lost their Shih Tzu in Linden is pretty heartbroken, too.
Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Jeff Deminski only.
You can now listen to Deminski & Doyle — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite afternoon radio show any day of the week. Download the Deminski & Doyle show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now: | https://nj1015.com/would-you-put-down-the-pit-bulls-in-nj-attack-case/ | 2022-04-15T18:54:05 | 1 | https://nj1015.com/would-you-put-down-the-pit-bulls-in-nj-attack-case/ |
STAFFORD, Va. (AP) — The owner of a home day care in Virginia is facing child cruelty charges after three infants were exposed to edibles spiked with THC.
A Stafford County Sheriff's statement Friday says an investigation began when three families observed lethargic behavior and bloodshot eyes in their 1-year-old children and sought treatment.
The hospital confirmed that each child had been exposed to tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
A detective went to their day care and collected goldfish crackers from around their high chairs, and they were found to have THC.
The day care owner turned herself in and was released on bond. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/sheriff-thc-spiked-crackers-fed-to-3-infants-at-day-care | 2022-04-15T18:54:09 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/sheriff-thc-spiked-crackers-fed-to-3-infants-at-day-care |
Your NJ groceries are going up even more, here’s by how much (Opinion)
I don’t know about you but the cost of groceries is killing us.
We are a family of six and some of my kids even require special foods. Two of them have to have gluten-free and one of them also has to be casein free. Casein is a protein found in dairy products so you can imagine how frequently this comes up.
The gluten-free bread that we have to buy now stands at over $10 for a loaf. And you get less of it than a normal loaf of bread.
But even for families with no food allergies, no celiac disease, etc., people are struggling like I cannot ever remember with the high cost of groceries.
If you factor in things to your grocery bill like toiletries, laundry detergent, dish liquid, etc., I’m easily paying $1,200 a month. Imagine my happiness (said with a good measure of Jersey sarcasm) when I read prices are about to go up even more.
This bad news just came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They say prices will continue to increase throughout 2022. And they offered us this handy breakdown of categories and by how much they are expected to rise.
— Eggs 2.5% to 3.5% more
— Dairy products 4% to 5% more
— Fresh fruit 5% to 6% more
— Processed fruit and vegetables 4.5% to 5.5% more
— Fats and oils 6% to 7% more
— Poultry 6% to 7% more
Like that’s not bad enough, if you did have any money left to maybe try to treat your partner or family to a dinner out once in a while they say the cost of dining out will be going up as well. How much? 5 to 6%.
When’s the next presidential election again?
Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Jeff Deminski only.
You can now listen to Deminski & Doyle — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite afternoon radio show any day of the week. Download the Deminski & Doyle show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now: | https://nj1015.com/your-nj-groceries-are-going-up-even-more-heres-by-how-much-opinion/ | 2022-04-15T18:54:11 | 1 | https://nj1015.com/your-nj-groceries-are-going-up-even-more-heres-by-how-much-opinion/ |
With the tight job market right now, some employers are changing how they do background checks. In addition to the initial background check, they're adding what's called “continuous monitoring.”
These are regular checks of court records that happen after you've been hired.
“Employees, I think, are increasing their expectations for safety and security across the board. And, as a result of that, I think you see a lot of organizations that are trying to make sure that they're putting solutions in place to help support that,” said Tom Miller, CEO at ClearForce.
Tom Miller with ClearForce works with employers who say they're adding continuous monitoring as they work to do more second-chance hiring, That means hiring people with a criminal record.
This impacts an estimated 70 million Americans.
Miller says how long continuous monitoring lasts varies by company and industry.
“Most importantly, they want to be able to provide environments where they can pick up on indications that would be helpful to them to get assistance to individuals that need assistance, to be able to really save and retain employees,” said Miller.
However, some attorneys are questioning the need for additional monitoring.
Ariel Nelson with the National Consumer Law Center says she's concerned about the errors that can come up in background checks, like mismatched or incomplete records.
“Say you have hired someone that, you know, that they have a criminal record and you are an employer who is interested in second chances, and has looked at the data and thought this person could be a good employee then,” said Nelson.
“I don't know that someone whose performance has been good getting another using a continuous monitoring check, do you really want to fire someone if their performance has been exactly what you need?” Nelson said.
Research shows Black Americans are arrested more often and may face disparities in the criminal justice system.
“When we're relying on criminal records, we know who is going to impact the most, and I think it's really important that we don't separate the issues between these background checks and the problems with our criminal justice system when we look at these issues,” Nelson said.
Miller says companies should be focusing on eliminating bias and discrimination in any continuous monitoring program they put into place. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/some-companies-adding-continuous-monitoring-to-check-employees-court-records | 2022-04-15T18:54:15 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/some-companies-adding-continuous-monitoring-to-check-employees-court-records |