text stringlengths 2 522k | url stringlengths 18 697 | crawl_date timestamp[ns, tz=UTC]date 2022-04-01 00:00:00 2022-04-13 01:15:24 |
|---|---|---|
Multi-media personality, Toke Makinwa, is set to host the premiere of most anticipated reality show, The Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOLagos). Toke is no stranger to the entertainment industry, she has hosted numerous events, owns a TV show, a radio show, and a YouTube vlog, Toke Moments, where she discusses relationships and lifestyle. ‘The Real Housewives of Lagos’ follows the opulent lives of six of the most glamorous women in Lagos, Nigeria. The women are: Carolyna Hutchings, Laura Ikeji-Kanu, Chioma Ikokwu, Toyin Lawani-Adebayo, Iyabo Ojo, and Mariam Timmer.
The event will take place on Saturday, April 2, and it promises glitz and glam in the true Lagos style. The event, themed ‘Eko Glam’, will be attended by big names in the entertainment industry, and award-winning DJ Neptune will be holding it down with the music. Speaking on the announcement, Toke Makinwa said: “I am a big lover of reality series.
Hosting the premiere event of the Lagos edition of the international franchise is a big deal for me. I cannot wait to see all the drama and luxury the women will be bringing on the show.” One of the ‘housewives’, Carolyna Hutchings, is the CEO of Hutchings Limited, a real estate, oil and gas, and agriculture company. She is a mother of three children. Another ‘housewife’ is Laura Ikeji, a social media influencer, author and entrepreneur. The mother of two is married to a former Super Eagles player, Christopher Kanu. Chioma Ikokwu, a lawyer, is also a co-founder and CEO of luxury hair brand, Good Hair Limited, and Brass and Copper Restaurant and Lounge.
She also runs a women- and children-focused charity called the Goodway Foundation. Toyin Lawani-Adebayo is a renowned celebrity stylist, fashion designer, and CEO of Tiannah’s Place Empire. She is a mother of three kids, and is married to musician and photographer, Segun Wealth. Iyabo Ojo is a famous Nollywood actress, producer, TikTok sensation, brand influencer, entrepreneur and CEO of Fepris Limited. Ojo is divorced and a mother of two. | https://www.newtelegraphng.com/toke-makinwa-to-host-the-real-housewives-of-lagos-premiere/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:24Z |
Police: 6 killed in Pennsylvania pileup of 80 vehicles
POTTSVILLE, Pa. (AP) — State police said a deadly pileup involving 80 vehicles on a Pennsylvania interstate during a snow squall killed six people.
Police at the Frackville station said Wednesday morning that identities of the victims would be released “once death notifications have been made to their families.”
Police also said the crash during “an active snow squall” shortly after 10:30 a.m. Monday involved 39 commercial vehicles and 41 passenger vehicles, for a total of 80 — greater than earlier estimates of 40 to 60 vehicles.
The stretch of 1-81 opened at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Authorities say the crash took place in poor visibility.
It was captured in videos posted on social media that showed drivers and passengers lining the snowy road and jumping out of the way as the cascade of crashes unfolded.
Some vehicles were mostly burned and others melted onto the highway.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/police-6-killed-pennsylvania-pileup-80-vehicles/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:24Z |
BOSTON (AP) — A bill aimed at banning discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles in workplaces, school districts, and school-related organizations was unanimously approved Thursday by the Massachusetts Senate.
The vote comes two weeks after the Massachusetts House approved a similar bill.
Supporters say Black women in particular have faced pressure in school and the workplace to alter their hair to conform to policies biased against natural hairstyles.
The Senate added a provision to the House version of the bill that would include the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association to the list of school entities banned from adopting and implementing restrictions on natural hairstyles.
Advocates say the change will ensure those participating in sports and extracurricular activities will not be asked to change their natural or protective hairstyles in order to participate.
The bill has its roots in the case of a Massachusetts charter school that came under fire in 2017 for a policy of banning hair braid extensions. After intense criticism, the school abandoned the policy.
The U.S. House also approved a bill earlier this month that would bar discrimination against Black people who wear hairstyles like Afros, cornrows or tightly coiled twists in society, school and the workplace. The federal bill would explicitly say that such discrimination is a violation of federal civil rights law.
President Joe Biden has said he would sign the bill into law. It now heads to the U.S. Senate.
Lawmakers in the Massachusetts House and Senate now have to come up with a single version of the bill before taking a final vote and shipping it to Republican Gov. Charlie Baker for his signature.
If signed into law, Massachusetts would become the fifteenth state to adopt the measure, known as the CROWN Act. | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Bill-banning-hairstyle-bias-approved-by-17049811.php | 2022-04-01T00:43:25Z |
Zelensky calls on Congress to implement no-fly zone, block purchases of Russian oil
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participated in a call with a bipartisan group of more than 280 members of Congress on Saturday morning, during which the lawmakers said he laid out ways the U.S. could help his country’s fight against Russia.
Over Zoom, Zelensky requested additional airplanes, a stoppage of oil purchases from Russia and the establishment of a no-fly zone over Ukrainian airspace.
Both Democrats and Republicans lauded Zelensky after their virtual meeting and pledged to do what they could to assist Ukraine.
“Honored to hear from @ZelenskyyUa as he takes every measure to defend Ukraine from illegal Russian aggression & Putin’s indiscriminate attacks on civilians. Zelenskyy’s resilience & commitment to the people of Ukraine inspire the world. Proud to stand with you Mr. President,” the Senate Foreign Relations Committee tweeted.
Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, confirmed in a statement that Zelensky had asked for either a no-fly zone over Ukrainian airspace or planes for Ukraine.
“Ukraine needs airpower urgently and America should send it. Zelensky’s message is simple: ‘close the skies or give us planes.’ Let’s be clear-eyed about our options: A No-Fly Zone means sending American pilots into combat against Russian jets and air defenses — in a battle between nuclear powers that could spiral out of control quickly,” Sasse said.
“But Americans should absolutely send Ukrainians planes, helicopters, and UAVs. Let’s resupply Ukraine’s Air Force today and keep the Ghosts of Kyiv in the skies.”
A no-fly zone is instituted to stop nations from carrying out attacks over groups of people or flying in certain areas.
The Biden administration balked at declaring a no-fly zone over Ukraine, arguing that the move could easily escalate a the Russia-Ukraine conflict into a wider war.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) also voiced support to supply Ukraine with planes.
“President Zelenskyy made a desperate plea for Eastern European countries to provide Russian-made planes to Ukraine. These planes are very much needed. And I will do all I can to help the administration to facilitate their transfer,” he said in a statement.
Several senators also noted Zelensky asked for the U.S. to stop Russian oil and gas imports to further cripple the country’s economy. Russia accounts for 10 percent of the crude oil global supply, the third-largest producer behind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
“President @ZelenskyyUa said stopping the purchase of Russian oil and gas around the world would be one of the most powerful sanctions possible, ‘even more powerful than SWIFT,’ ” Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) tweeted.
“.@POTUS, enough is enough. Listen to this brave President and a growing bipartisan group of senators. Block imports of Russian oil and gas TODAY, and produce more oil and gas from America. #StandWithUkraine #BanRussianImports,” he added.
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, called on Congress to pass millions of dollars in humanitarian and economic aid for NATO and Ukraine.
Zelensky “underscored the urgent need for more military support and humanitarian aid from his Western partners,” Coons said in a statement.
“This call to action must lead to swift passage by Congress of the $10 billion in emergency supplemental aid that I have been calling for to give Ukraine and our NATO allies additional military, economic and humanitarian aid to respond to increasingly brutal Russian attacks on civilians and the rapidly growing humanitarian crisis in Eastern Europe,” he continued.
The call with U.S. lawmakers comes over a week after Russia invaded Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have fought fiercely against the Russian military, slowing its efforts to capture the country’s major cities.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said that Zelensky had detailed “numerous examples of war crimes” committed in Ukraine.
“There were numerous examples of war crimes provided by President Zelensky – mayors have been captured, imprisoned and murdered. There’s wholesale attacks on civilian targets, random, indiscriminate, and the Putin war machine, in my view, is in full blown war crimes mode,” Graham said in a video message posted on Twitter after the call.
“President indicated that labeling Putin a war criminal is the right thing to do, and he thinks would help tremendously.”
The remarks come as roughly 1.3 million people have fled Ukraine since Feb. 24, according to data from the United Nations refugee agency. The conflict has sparked some leaders to consider waiving travel requirements in order to handle the serious humanitarian crisis.
–Updated on March 6 at 6:19 a.m.
The Hill has removed its comment section, as there are many other forums for readers to participate in the conversation. We invite you to join the discussion on Facebook and Twitter. | https://thehill.com/policy/international/597002-zelensky-asks-congress-for-no-fly-zone-planes-cutting-off-russian-oil/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:23Z |
A DOSE OF DECADENCE James Beard award-winning master chef Mindy Segal has created precisely dosed, decadently delicious artisanal edibles to delight your tastebuds and invigorate your soul. Each flavor highlights a distinct memory for Mindy's culinary journey.
Flavors of just-picked sweet strawberries and blueberries with mulberries & huckleberries from the Pacific Northwest. Jammy with a touch of orange blossom.
No product reviews
Have you tried this product? Be the first to leave a review!
James Beard Award-winning chef Mindy Segal has partnered with Cresco Labs to create perfectly-dosed, delicious edibles. Chef Segal carefully crafts gummies in Glazed Clementine Orange, Cool Keylime Kiwi, Lush Black Cherry, Freshly Picked Berries, Honey Sweet Melon and Botanical White Grapefruit flavor options, and chocolates in Caramelized Chocolate Marshmallow Graham, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Brittle and Dark Chocolate Almond Toffee flavors. These iconic flavors are curated with thoughtful ingredients, utilizing chef-led quality and precision dosing.
Looking for a consistent edible experience? Find premium cannabis cuisine at a dispensary near you. | https://www.leafly.com/brands/mindys-edibles/products/mindys-edibles-freshly-picked-berries-gummies-100mg-50-pack | 2022-04-01T00:43:25Z |
Commanders deny alleged financial impropriety raised in report originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
The Commanders have denied a Washington Post report that the House Committee on Oversight and Reform is investigating allegations of financial improprieties by the team.
The Post cited multiple sources familiar with the matter when reporting on the Oversight Committee’s financial investigation. Those allegations stem from the ongoing congressional investigation into widespread sexual harassment and a “toxic” workplace environment for female employees under Daniel M. Snyder’s ownership. The Oversight Committee’s inquiry also includes the NFL’s handling of the matter.
“The team is not aware of any investigation by the House Oversight Committee regarding financial matters, despite vague and unsubstantiated claims today by anonymous sources,” a Commanders spokesman said in a statement provided to NBC Sports Washington. “The team categorically denies any suggestion of financial impropriety of any kind at any time. We adhere to strict internal processes that are consistent with industry and accounting standards, are audited annually by a globally respected independent auditing firm, and are also subject to regular audits by the NFL. We continue to cooperate fully with the Committee’s work.”
The Post reported some members of the 45-person Oversight Committee itself were either unaware of the financial aspect of the investigation or lacked specific details.
When asked by NBC Sports Washington if the workplace investigation now includes a financial component, a spokesman for the Oversight Committee responded with a statement that read:
“The Committee continues to investigate the hostile workplace and culture of impunity at the Washington Commanders as well as the National Football League’s inadequate response and lack of transparency. The Committee will follow the facts wherever they lead.”
The Oversight Committee’s investigation of the Commanders began in October. The NFL faced scrutiny for not publicizing a full report from attorney Beth Wilkinson after she spent 10 months investigating Washington’s workplace culture under Snyder. But the conclusions were provided to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell verbally and no written report was released.
The NFL fined the Commanders $10 million last July. Dan Snyder was not suspended, though he was instructed to remove himself from the organization’s day-to-day operations and his wife, Tanya Snyder, became co-CEO and represents the team at league meetings. As recently as Tuesday, Goodell insisted that Dan Snyder would not return to day-to-day operations with the Commanders in the ‘foreseeable future.’
On Feb. 3 the Oversight Committee held a roundtable with six former team employees who demanded that the league release Wilkinson’s investigation in full. Many allegations of harassment and misconduct had been detailed in stories by the Post in 2020 and 2021, but a new one surfaced during that roundtable discussion levied directly at Snyder by a former employee.
The NFL hired attorney Mary Jo White, the former chairwoman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to investigate the newer allegations on Feb. 18. Her work is ongoing and the NFL insists her findings will be made public.
The Commanders dropped their own internal investigation into the public accusation made during the Feb. 3 roundtable by ex-Washington Football employee Tiffani Johnston. She claimed Snyder made unwanted sexual advances toward her at an unspecified work dinner when he placed his hand on her thigh under a table. Johnston said she proceeded to remove Snyder’s hand from her thigh.
Johnston, a one-time team cheerleader and later a marketing and events coordinator for the organization, told the committee that later the same evening Snyder attempted to coax her into his waiting limousine before being dissuaded by a colleague who called it “a very bad idea.”
Snyder called Johnston’s allegations “outright lies” in a statement released by his attorney on Feb. 3.
Jason Friedman, who worked for Washington as vice president of sales and customer service for more than 20 years, submitted a letter to the Oversight Committee that corroborated Johnston’s account, according to Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., the committee chairwoman. | https://wtop.com/washington-commanders/2022/03/commanders-deny-alleged-financial-impropriety-raised-in-washington-post-report/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:26Z |
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is investigating some Guida’s Dairy milk that they said could be contaminated with diluted sanitizer.
The state department said the 1% low-fat half-pint milk cartons had limited distribution in New Jersey, but all institutional customers with 1% low-fat half-pint milk cartons with a sell-by date of April 11 are urged to dispose of the product.
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture said the Bureau of Regulatory Services is investigating an incident involving Guida’s Dairy in New Britain regarding 1% low-fat half-pint milk cartons with a sell-by date of April 11 that contains diluted sanitizer.
The preliminary investigation report indicates that the actual issue is limited to milk within a specific time range of 4:30 and 7:30 and code stamped on the cartons, according to the department, and this milk had limited distribution in New Jersey, according to the department.
None of the students were ill, but they were taken to the hospital as a precaution, according to a Camden County spokesperson.
However, out of an abundance of caution, Guida’s Dairy is asking all institutional customers possessing 1% low-fat half-pint milk cartons with a sell-by date of APR 11 to dispose of the product.
U.S. & World
Guida's Dairy said they're disposing of their milk that meets this criteria. They said the milk has a chemical-like smell.
"Nothing is more important than the well-being and health of those we serve. Once we were made aware of this issue, we took immediate action and tested impacted product to verify there is no food safety risk associated with this product," Guida's Dairy said in a statement.
They said this guidance only applies to institutional customers and the affected product is not available at retail outlets for consumer purchase.
The state Department of Agriculture said Guida’s Dairy is cooperating fully, according to the Department of Agriculture.
"The quality of our products is deeply important to the Guida’s Dairy team. We are
working with all appropriate regulatory agencies to make them aware of this issue and taking the necessary corrective actions," Guida's Dairy said. | https://www.nbcboston.com/news/national-international/some-cartons-of-guidas-dairy-milk-could-contain-diluted-sanitizer-state-dept-of-agriculture/2683215/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:25Z |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — As the United States prepares to accept up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees following Russia’s invasion of their country, existing communities in cities like Sacramento and Seattle are already mobilizing to provide food, shelter and support to those fleeing the war.
The federal government hasn’t said when the formal resettlement process will begin, but Ukrainian groups in the U.S. are already providing support to people entering the country through other channels, including on visas that will eventually expire or by flying to Mexico and crossing over the border.
“No refugee is waiting for you to be ready for them,” said Eduard Kislyanka, senior pastor at the House of Bread church near Sacramento, which has been sending teams of people to Poland and preparing dozens of its member families to house people arriving in California.
Since the war began in late February an estimated 3.6 million people have fled Ukraine and millions more have been displaced within the country. President Joe Biden said last week that the U.S. would admit up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees and provide $1 billion in humanitarian assistance to countries affected by the exodus.
The federal government has yet to provide a timeline for refugee resettlement — often a lengthy process — or details on where refugees will be resettled. It’s unlikely the United States will see a massive influx of Ukrainians on charter and military flights like happened with Afghan refugees last year.
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, said the White House commitment of accepting up to 100,000 Ukrainians does not come with a minimum. Aside from the refugee resettlement program, their main avenues will be seeking humanitarian parole and appearing at the border with Mexico, she said.
Many who reach the United States will likely go to cities that already have strong Ukrainian communities.
The Sacramento region is home to the highest concentration of Ukrainian immigrants in the country, with about 18,000 people, according to census data analyzed by the Migration Policy Institute. The Seattle, Chicago and New York City areas are also hubs.
Word is spreading about the resources available in Sacramento, where churches like House of Bread are connecting Ukrainians who have already arrived with host families who can offer shelter and help access government resources and transportation. Kislyanka called the church’s actions a “stop gap” measure designed to help as people await more clarity about the formal government resettlement process.
“Most of these people do not have any relations, like they don’t know anybody here,” said Kislyanka, who came to the U.S. as a child in the early 1990s. “Having somebody who can help them navigate the cultural shock and navigate the system. . . it just makes things a lot easier and smoother.”
Sacramento has been a destination for Ukrainians since the late 1980s and early 1990s, when many of those arriving were Christians taking advantage of a U.S. law offering entrance to anyone escaping religious persecution in the former Soviet Union.
Another wave of refugees began arriving after Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014. Of the 8,000 Ukrainians resettled by the organization World Relief since then, 3,000 have come to Sacramento, said Vanassa Hamra, the group’s community engagement manager in Sacramento.
Beyond the dozens of Slavic churches in the Sacramento region, there are schools that serve mainly Ukrainian and Russian students. Eastern European grocery stores and restaurants offer favorite foods like borscht, a type of beetroot soup, and varenyky, a boiled dumpling. Businesses started by Ukrainians try to hire others from their country.
All of that makes it easy for younger people to maintain a sense of connection to their heritage and for older immigrants to adapt without having to become fluent in a new language and culture.
“It’s very easy when you come here. Every door, it’s open for you,” said Oleksandra Datsenko, who came to the U.S. six years ago and works as a waitress at Firebird Russian Restaurant, which serves Eastern European fare in a Sacramento suburb.
Valeriy Goloborodko, who immigrated to Southern California in 2006, wanted to return to Ukraine until he settled with his wife in the Seattle area. There, he found a thriving Ukrainian community and went on to become the country’s honorary consul in Seattle in 2015, helping organize an annual festival where as many as 16,000 people a day would show up to feast on traditional food, listen to Ukrainian musicians and wear traditionally embroidered clothing.
“The Ukrainian community in Washington helped me to feel like I was at home — and this is my home now,” Goloborodko said. “We feel like this is a Little Ukraine.”
Since the invasion, Goloborodko and others in the Washington state Ukrainian community have lobbied hard for support from state officials. Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee has vowed that Washington will welcome Ukrainians fleeing the violence. The Legislature has set aside nearly $20 million to help pay anticipated costs of housing, job training, health care and legal aid for Ukrainian refugees. The Port of Seattle has promised to help welcome the refugees at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where they can begin to be connected with services.
In Sacramento, meanwhile, the state’s housing crisis could prove challenging as resettlement and community organizations look for lodging for new arrivals. Like much of California, the region is facing a housing crunch with limited supply and rising rents.
“People are coming here; we can help them; we can provide something. But it’s going to get swamped so quick,” said Kislyanka, the head pastor at House of Bread.
The International Rescue Committee’s Sacramento branch has an affiliated immigrant welcome center that’s already assisting people who entered the country illegally, said Lisa Welze, director of IRC Sacramento. Many are nervous to engage with resettlement agencies but in need of resources — particularly housing — as well as help navigating the immigration system to see if they can find a legal path to stay.
As for when the more formal resettlement process will begin, “we’ve been told we just need to wait,” Welze said.
___
Associated Press journalist Gene Johnson in Seattle contributed. | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/national/ukrainians-in-us-mobilize-to-help-100000-expected-refugees/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:26Z |
Arsenal could be without two key players when they take on Crystal Palace on Monday night in their return to Premier League football.
The Gunners have been told who they need to sign in order to catch up and compete to league leaders Man City and Liverpool. Mikel Arteta's side currently sit in fourth position in the Premier League but are still some distance behind the pace-setters and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has given them some advice on the kind of players that need to be acquired this summer.
If the club are able to make it into the UEFA Champions League next season, they may need to beat Tottenham Hotspur after a potential date has been earmarked for their rescheduled fixture to take place..
Here are Mirror Football's latest Arsenal headlines.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Arsenal cling onto fourth place in the Premier League this season? Comment below.
Arsenal duo a doubt
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Monday night and take on Patrick Viera's Crystal Palace.
However, the Gunners head into the game with fitness doubts over goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and right back Takehiro Tomiyasu, with both missing a behind closed doors friendly against Brentford on Wednesday afternoon. Both could feature for Mikel Arteta's side but it is more likely that Tomiyasu is selected over Ramsdale.
"I think he will be close. He’s been training more and more," Arteta said on Thursday of the possibility of the Japanese international featuring next week.
Carragher gives Arsenal transfer advice
Arsenal have mounted a serious top-four challenge under Arteta this season and could well be playing UEFA Champions League football before the year is out.
Should that be the case, the next step in the team's development would be to push on further and challenge for the Premier League title. In order for the north London-outfit to do so, former Liverpool defender and now Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal's next signings should mirror those that took Liverpool to the top, similar to the acquisitions of goalkeeper Alisson and defender Virgil van Dijk.
"They haven't got a [Cristiano] Ronaldo. They haven't got a [Harry] Kane," Carragher told Gary Neville's The Overlap Live Fan Debate.
Arsenal set for decisive Spurs showdown
Arsenal have been given a likely date for their rescheduled Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur.
The north London rivals were meant to play in January but the game was postponed after an injury and Covid-19 crisis prevented the Gunners from fielding a team at the start of the year. No official announcement has been made as to when the second North London Derby will be played this season.
But the week beginning May 9 has been pencilled in for the clash to be played with major UEFA Champions League qualifying implications on the line.
Read More
Read More | https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/arsenal-news-mikel-arteta-sent-26603273 | 2022-04-01T00:43:27Z |
Assembly Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASMB – Get Rating) CEO John G. Mchutchison sold 4,614 shares of Assembly Biosciences stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, March 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2.17, for a total value of $10,012.38. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link.
NASDAQ:ASMB traded down $0.02 on Thursday, hitting $2.06. 1,001,276 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 549,983. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $1.71 and a 200-day moving average price of $2.36. The company has a market cap of $98.60 million, a P/E ratio of -0.69 and a beta of 0.77. Assembly Biosciences, Inc. has a 52 week low of $1.40 and a 52 week high of $4.69.
Assembly Biosciences (NASDAQ:ASMB – Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, March 10th. The biopharmaceutical company reported ($0.41) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the Zacks’ consensus estimate of ($0.50) by $0.09. Research analysts anticipate that Assembly Biosciences, Inc. will post -1.71 earnings per share for the current year.
ASMB has been the subject of several analyst reports. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Assembly Biosciences in a research note on Thursday. They issued a “sell” rating for the company. Zacks Investment Research downgraded Assembly Biosciences from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, January 4th. Finally, Mizuho started coverage on Assembly Biosciences in a research report on Tuesday, March 22nd. They set a “buy” rating and a $14.00 price target on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $6.02.
Assembly Biosciences Company Profile (Get Rating)
Assembly Biosciences, Inc is a biotechnology company, which engages in the development of products for infectious diseases, such as chronic hepatitis B virus and illnesses associated with a dysbiotic microbiome. It focuses on two innovative platform programs: oral therapeutics for the treatment of hepatitis B virus, and the oral synthetic live biotherapeutics candidate.
Read More
- Get a free copy of the StockNews.com research report on Assembly Biosciences (ASMB)
- High-Yielding Walgreens Boots Alliance Goes On Sale
- Institutional Support Has Paychex On Brink Of New All-Time Highs
- Tough Comps and Declining Consumer Sales Makes McCormick a Hold
- 3 Mid-Cap Value Stocks Ready to Run
- These Are Rock Bottom Prices For Five Below
Receive News & Ratings for Assembly Biosciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Assembly Biosciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. | https://www.americanbankingnews.com/2022/03/31/john-g-mchutchison-sells-4614-shares-of-assembly-biosciences-inc-nasdaqasmb-stock.html | 2022-04-01T00:43:28Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said Thursday he won’t vote for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, expressing concerns about her record despite supporting her confirmation as an appeals court judge last year.
The South Carolina senator’s announcement had been expected after he criticized Jackson during her four days of hearings last week. But it gives Democrats one less Republican vote as they seek bipartisan backing for President Joe Biden’s pick to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer.
Graham, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska were the only three Republicans to vote to confirm Jackson on the appeals court in 2021. Collins announced Wednesday that she’ll vote for Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination, as well, giving Democrats at least one GOP vote. Murkowski has said she’s still undecided.
A final confirmation vote is expected next week. Jackson would be the first Black woman on the high court in its more than 200-year history, and the sixth woman.
In a speech on the Senate floor, Graham said his decision is based partly on what he sees as a “flawed sentencing methodology regarding child pornography cases,” echoing a line of questioning by some Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. Several senators, some eyeing a run for president, repeatedly asked her about her sentencing decisions in her nine years as a federal judge in an effort to paint her as too lenient on sex criminals.
Jackson told the committee that “nothing could be further from the truth” and explained her sentencing decisions in detail. She said some of the cases have given her nightmares and were “among the worst that I have seen.”
Democrats pointed to testimony last week by the chair of the American Bar Association committee that makes recommendations on federal judges. Ann Claire Williams, the head of that ABA panel, said the idea that Jackson is out of the mainstream on sentencing “never came up” in a review of more than 250 judges and lawyers. The review found Jackson and her record to be “outstanding, excellent, superior, superb,” Williams said.
Graham also mentioned Jackson’s her legal advocacy on behalf of terror suspects held at Guantanamo Bay more than a decade ago and her support from liberal groups. “After a thorough review of Judge Jackson’s record and information gained at the hearing from an evasive witness, I now know why Judge Jackson was the favorite of the radical left,” Graham said.
At the hearing, Graham also aired past grievances, asking Jackson about her religion and how often she goes to church — heated comments that he said were fair game after some Democratic questions about Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s Catholicism ahead of her confirmation hearings in 2020.
Graham’s “no” vote will be the first time he has voted against a Supreme Court nominee. He voted for President Barack Obama’s two picks, Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, and has often said that he believes a president’s nominees should win confirmation no matter the party. But he has become increasingly angry about the process in recent years, especially as Democrats enthusiastically opposed then-President Donald Trump’s three nominees. Graham has also expressed frustration that Biden didn’t pick the South Carolina judge he was pushing for the job.
“To my Democratic colleagues, I’ll work with you when I can, but this is a bridge too far,” Graham said.
Collins said Wednesday that she believes Jackson “possesses the experience, qualifications and integrity to serve as an associate justice on the Supreme Court.” She was the most likely Republican to support Jackson, and she also a history of voting for Supreme Court nominees picked by presidents of both parties.
It is unclear if any other GOP senators will vote for Jackson. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell set the tone last week when he said he “cannot and will not” support her, citing the GOP concerns raised in the hearing about her sentencing record and her support from liberal advocacy groups.
Jackson is still making the rounds in the Senate ahead of next week’s votes, doing customary meetings with Democratic and Republican senators. On Tuesday she met with Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, who said afterward that he was undecided about supporting her.
Romney said he had an “excellent meeting” and found Jackson to be intelligent, capable and charming. He said he probably won’t decide whether to vote for her until the day of the vote.
It is expected that all 50 Democrats will support her, though one notable moderate Democrat, Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, hasn’t yet said how she will vote. | https://www.mystateline.com/news/politics/graham-says-hell-vote-no-on-jackson-for-supreme-court/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:27Z |
When Will Smith slapped Chris Rock over an Oscars ceremony punchline, other comedians felt the sting.
“I know Chris and I know what it’s like to be on a stage in front of an audience that doesn’t like your material,” said stand-up comedian Judy Gold. “But to be physically assaulted, that’s a whole other thing. It felt like every comedian was smacked across the face. It really felt like that.”
Smith’s act comes during a stressful time for comedy. While boundaries for humor constantly shift — think George Carlin’s 1972 monologue on seven so-called “dirty words” banned by TV — comics say they have felt increased pushback from audiences and society. Comedy great Dave Chappelle drew sharpcriticism last year for what some deemed anti-transgender humor in his Netflix special “The Closer.” Kathy Griffin’s careerwas derailed in 2017 when she was photographed holding a mock-up of former President Donald Trump’s head.
Some comedians expressed concern that Smith’s behavior might embolden other displeased audience members.
“No one went up to Chris Rock and said, ‘Are you OK?’” Sheryl Underwood, co-host of “The Talk,” said on the show Tuesday. “I’m going to say this as a comic, I am afraid now to get on a stage, because in my third show, when everyone’s been drinking, if you don’t like my joke, do you now believe that you can get up and slap me? There’s got to be accountability quicker.”
Griffin tweeted that “now we all have to worry about who wants to be the next Will Smith in comedy clubs and theaters.”
“Which is the worst crime here?” veteran comedian Gilbert Gottfried said in an interview with The Associated Press. “Chris Rock being physically assaulted? Or Chris Rock making a joke? That’s it, pure and simple. He made a joke.”
Dean Obeidallah, a lawyer and stand-up comic who hosts a show on the SiriusXM Progress channel, said there is never “a place for a violent response to a joke” but doubted there would be copycat behavior. In his time in comedy clubs, he’s seen yelling, screaming and, once, a glass thrown at somebody. But he’s never seen a punch thrown, nor a comedian slapped.
“If someone were to strike a comedian, they’re going to be prosecuted criminally. They don’t have the privilege that Will Smith has,” Obeidallah said.
The Los Angeles Police Department said Sunday that it was aware of the incident, but Rock had declined to file a police report. Smith stayed through the rest of the ceremony Sunday and received the best-actor Oscar.
Gold said she’s been confronted but never struck, and she knows other female comedians have faced difficult circumstances. “People have been getting on stage, people have thrown things,” she said.
Comedian-actor Yamaneika Saunders calls Smith’s behavior upsetting and Sunday a sad day for ”two beloved Black men in entertainment.” She also views what happened through the lens of a “Black woman in comedy.”
“I’m constantly being threatened….by some man who doesn’t like some (expletive) I said about being a woman, some white guy who doesn’t like some (expletive) I said about being Black,” she said.
Insult humor isn’t new to high-profile ceremonies, which call on comics to liven up what can be tedious events. Ricky Gervais made a meal of celebrities at successive Golden Globe ceremonies, and they grin — or grimace — and bear it. The most famous bad sport: Trump at the 2011 White House correspondents’ dinner, where he sat stone-faced during then-President Barack Obama’s extended ribbing of him.
Rock wasn’t the first to tweak Smith or wife Jada Pinkett Smith at Sunday’s Oscars. Ceremony co-host Regina Hall made what appeared to be a veiled joke about their marriage in trying, unsuccessfully, to draw Smith into a comedy bit.
Rock’s wisecrack was targeted at Pinkett Smith. “Jada, I love you. ‘G.I. Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it,” the comedian said to Pinkett Smith, whose close-shaven head looked similar to Demi Moore’s in the 1997 movie. Whether Rock was aware that she has a hair-loss condition, alopecia, is unknown, but Smith reacted with the smack and an angry warning to “keep my wife’s name out your (expletive) mouth!”
A tearful Smith later accepted the top acting award for “King Richard,” his somewhat remorseful speech eliciting a standing ovation from the Dolby Theatre crowd. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has since condemned Smith’s attack and said it’s reviewing the matter.
Whatever the result, his actions indelibly marred the ceremony and ignited discussions about violence, toxic masculinity and the advantages of fame. Smith, who’d conspicuously left Rock out of his remarks Sunday, apologized to the comic and decried “violence in all of its forms” in a statement the next day issued by his publicist and posted on Instagram.
Pinkett Smith’s first public comment came in an Instagram post in which she said, “This is a season for healing and I’m here for it.”Rock referred briefly to the slap at a comedy show Wednesday in Boston, saying he was “still kind of processing what happened.” He appeared to become emotional as the audience gave him several standing ovations.
Whatever pushback comedians may encounter on stage, verbal or physical, they have to guard against censoring themselves to avoid it — and they will, said Obeidallah: “They shouldn’t change, and there’s nothing about this that tells me that they will change.”
They can’t because their role goes beyond providing laughs, as comedians see it.
“We are the truth tellers. We speak truth to power,” said Gold, author of the 2020 book, “Yes, I Can Say That: When They Come for the Comedians, We Are All in Trouble.”
Gottfried cites a favorite Carlin quote — “It’s the duty of the comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately” — and can’t resist serving up a punchline.
“If Will Smith is reading this, dear God, please don’t come to my shows,” he said.
—-
AP Television Writer Lynn Elber reported from Los Angeles, AP Media Writer David Bauder from New York. | https://www.fox44news.com/entertainment-news/will-smiths-oscars-slap-felt-by-comedians-beyond-chris-rock/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:28Z |
U.S. mortgage rates jump by the most in 11 years -MBA
(Reuters) - The interest rate on the most popular U.S. home loan jumped last week by the most in 11 years as bond market investors rapidly repositioned for the Federal Reserve to take more aggressive action to contain inflation, a survey showed on Wednesday. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)...
www.streetinsider.com | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2556550651461/u-s-mortgage-rates-jump-by-the-most-in-11-years-mba | 2022-04-01T00:43:30Z |
When you buy a domain name at Dan.com, you’re automatically covered by our unique Buyer Protection Program. Read more about how we keep you safe on our Trust and Security page.
Next to our secure domain ownership transfer process, we strictly monitor all transactions. If anything looks weird, we take immediate action. And if the seller doesn't deliver on their part of the deal, we refund you within 24 hours.
98% of all domain ownership transfers are completed within 24 hours. The seller first delivers the domain to us, then we send you your tailored transfer instructions. Need help? Our domain ownership transfer specialists will assist you at no additional cost.
Pay by bank wire and get a 1% discount or use one of the most popular payment options available through our payment processor, Adyen. Adyen is the payment platform of choice for many leading tech companies like Uber & eBay.
No matter what kind of domain you want to buy, we make the transfer simple and safe.
Here’s how it works | https://dan.com/buy-domain/njsxjdwx.com | 2022-04-01T00:43:30Z |
TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Andrada Polytechnic High School awarded the March Teacher Excellence Award on Thursday.
Automotive teacher Jim Nelson was chosen to receive the Excellence Award.
Nelson started the automotive program from the ground up.
He created partnerships with local dealerships to help students get internships.
"A lot of them are not college bound and be able to help them understand that they can be successful without having to go to college and they go directly in the industry," Nelson shared.
Nelson considers himself a job coach as he helps students become successful.
——-
Bivian Contreras is a real-time editor for KGUN 9. Bivian graduated from the University of Arizona School of Journalism with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Broadcast and is currently pursuing a degree in Broadcast Operational Meteorology at Mississippi State University. She is an Arizona native from Nogales and looks forward to becoming a meteorologist one day or a news anchor. Share your story ideas and important issues with Bivian by emailing bivian.contreras@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, and Twitter. | https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/andrada-polytechnic-high-school-awards-teacher-with-an-excellence-award | 2022-04-01T00:43:31Z |
Bella Hadid is Making Her Acting Debut
What is a model to do when she has completely dominated the fashion industry at the age of 25? Go out and get her SAG card, of course. Bella Hadid is getting into the acting game, and her first role is a fairly major one. The model will be joining the cast of Ramy for season three of the Emmy-nominated show, and this isn’t just a cameo we’re talking about.
According to Deadline, Hadid will be a “recurring guest star” on the Hulu show, which seemingly means she will pop up throughout the season. As of now, there’s no information on who Hadid will be playing, or how her character will tie into the storylines of the other characters. Season three of Ramy will continue to follow star Ramy Youssef’s titular character as he carries on with his journey to explore his connection to religion in a modern world. Deadline reports season three will find Ramy’s family “forced to confront having lived a life dedicated to worldly concerns...while Ramy all but abandons his spiritual journey, instead dedicating himself to him and his uncle’s diamond business.”
Hadid’s move to acting is hardly unprecedented. She joins a list of highly accomplished actors who got their start in the modeling industry, including Halle Berry, Brad Pitt, and even Cher. Hadid has also had an interest in acting for quite awhile. Back in 2017, she told The Telegraph, “I need to start taking acting classes and figure out a way to memorize things better because I have a really bad brain,” and even admitted that her longtime goal is: “The Oscar—one day.” | https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/bella-hadid-acting-debut-season-3-ramy | 2022-04-01T00:43:31Z |
To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.
Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy.
For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below. | https://www.bloomberg.com/tosv2.html?vid=&uuid=291e8fbc-b154-11ec-ab65-76527641586f&url=L25ld3MvYXJ0aWNsZXMvMjAyMi0wMy0zMS9jaGluZXNlLXN0b2Nrcy1kcm9wLWluLXUtcy1wcmVtYXJrZXQtYXMtYXVkaXQtZGlzcHV0ZS1kcmFncy1vbg== | 2022-04-01T00:43:31Z |
Biden oil move aims to cut gas prices
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden on Thursday ordered the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve for six months, a bid to control energy prices that have spiked after the United States and allies imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
The president said it was not known how much gasoline prices could decline as a result of his move, but he suggested it might be “anything from 10 cents to 35 cents a gallon.” Gas is averaging about $4.23 a gallon, compared with $2.87 a year ago, according to AAA.
“The bottom line is if we want lower gas prices we need to have more oil supply right now,” Biden said. “This is a moment of consequence and peril for the world, and pain at the pump for American families.”
The president also wants Congress to impose financial penalties on oil and gas companies that lease public lands but are not producing. He said he will invoke the Defense Production Act to encourage the mining of critical minerals for batteries in electric vehicles, part of a broader push to shift toward cleaner energy sources and reduce the use of fossil fuels.
The actions show that oil remains a vulnerability for the U.S. Higher prices have hurt Biden’s approval domestically and added billions of oil-export dollars to the Russian government as it wages war on Ukraine.
Tapping the stockpile would create pressures that could reduce oil prices, though Biden has twice ordered releases from the reserves without causing a meaningful shift in oil markets. Biden said Thursday he expects gasoline prices could drop “fairly significantly.”
Part of Biden's concern is that high prices have not so far coaxed a meaningful jump in oil production. The planned release is a way to increase supplies as a bridge until oil companies ramp up their own production, with administration officials estimating that domestic production will grow by 1 million barrels daily this year and an additional 700,000 barrels daily in 2023.
The markets reacted quickly with crude oil prices dropping about 6% in Thursday trading to roughly $101 a barrel. Still, oil is up from roughly $60 a year ago, with supplies failing to keep up with demand as the world economy has begun to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic. That inflationary problem was compounded by Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, which created new uncertainties about oil and natural gas supplies and led to retaliatory sanctions from the U.S. and its allies.
Stewart Glickman, an oil analyst for CFRA Research, said the release would bring short-term relief on prices and would be akin to “taking some Advil for a headache.” But markets would ultimately look to see whether, after the releases stop, the underlying problems that led to Biden's decisions remain.
“The root cause of the headache is probably still going to be there after the medicine wears off,” Glickman said.
Biden has been in talks with allies and partners to join in additional releases of oil, such that the world market will get more than the 180 million barrels total being pledged by the U.S.
Americans on average use about 21 million barrels of oil daily, with about 40% of that devoted to gasoline, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That total accounts for about one-fifth of total global consumption of oil.
Domestic oil production is equal to more than half of U.S. usage, but high prices have not led companies to return to their pre-pandemic levels of output. The U.S. is producing on average 11.7 million barrels daily, down from 13 million barrels in early 2020.
Republican lawmakers have said the problem results from the administration being hostile to oil permits and the construction of new pipelines such as the Keystone XL. Democrats say the country needs to move to renewable energy such as wind and solar that could reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and Putin's leverage.
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., blasted Biden’s action to tap the reserve without first taking steps to increase American energy production, calling it “a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.″
Daines called Biden’s actions “desperate moves″ that avoid what he called the real solution: ”investing in American energy production,″ and getting “oil and gas leases going again.”
The administration says increasing oil output is a gradual process and the release would provide time to ramp up production. It also wants to incentivize greater production by putting fees on unused leases on government lands, something that would require congressional approval.
Oil producers have been more focused on meeting the needs of investors than consumers, according to a survey released last week by the Dallas Federal Reserve. About 59% of the executives surveyed said investor pressure to preserve “capital discipline” amid high prices was the reason they weren’t pumping more, while fewer than 10% blamed government regulation.
In his remarks Thursday, Biden tried to shame oil companies that he said are focused on profits instead of putting out more barrels, saying that adding to the oil supply was a patriotic obligation.
“This is not the time to sit on record profits: It’s time to step up for the good of your country,” the president said.
The steady release from the reserves would be a meaningful sum and come near to closing the domestic production gap relative to February 2020, before the coronavirus caused a steep decline in oil output.
Still, the politics of oil are complicated with industry advocates and environmentalists both criticizing the planned release. Groups such as the American Petroleum Institute want to make drilling easier, while environmental organizations say energy companies should be forced to pay a special tax on windfall profits instead.
The administration in November announced the release of 50 million barrels from the strategic reserve in coordination with other countries. And after the Russia-Ukraine war began, the U.S. and 30 other countries agreed to an additional release of 60 million barrels from reserves, with half of the total coming from the U.S.
According to the Department of Energy, which manages it, more than 568 million barrels of oil were held in the reserve as of March 25. After the release, the government would begin to replenish the reserve once prices have sufficiently fallen.
News of the administration’s planning was first reported by Bloomberg.
SUBMIT FEEDBACK
Click Below to: | https://kdminer.com/news/2022/mar/31/biden-oil-move-aims-cut-gas-prices/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:31Z |
Police issue warning after 2-year-old ingests THC-laced gummies
OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - After several incidents, authorities in South Carolina are warning parents about the dangers of children ingesting THC-laced gummies.
WHNS reports deputies with the Oconee Sheriff’s Office, near the South Carolina-Georgia border, said a 2-year-old child had to be recently treated at a local hospital after consuming such a gummy.
And in separate incidents, a 14-year-old received medical treatment, and a 15-year-old was reported as being paranoid and talkative after eating a THC-laced gummy, according to the sheriff’s office.
Narcotics agents in Oconee County said minors could legally purchase these gummies if they contain less than 0.30 percent THC, with several available online.
But the sheriff’s office said the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is finding that more than half of the products tested contain a level of THC above the legal limit.
“This, unfortunately, is an unintended consequence of our state legalizing hemp,” said Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “There are no current regulations concerning these products. Law enforcement has to pay hundreds of dollars per test to have a private lab test the THC level in these products due to the state crime lab not being able to test THC levels in these types of products. Due to the lack of regulations, one gummy can have a much higher percentage of THC than another one in the same bag.”
The sheriff said his narcotics agents also see the varying THC levels in vapes sold as hemp.
“We wanted to send this alert out to parents and guardians so they can be aware of these products to make sure that their children do not have them in their possession,” Crenshaw said. “I also ask business owners to consider removing these products from their stores that can cause children to become ill.”
Copyright 2022 WHNS via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/police-issue-warning-after-2-year-old-ingests-thc-laced-gummies/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:31Z |
In the push to spread the wealth of Boston’s booming development industry far wider into disadvantaged communities, this could be a game changer.
All eyes should be on a city-owned 7.7-acre parcel in Roxbury known as P3. If fully developed, it has the potential to dwarf the benefits from the diversity effort at the new Omni hotel in the Seaport District. The massive hotel was built on land owned by the Massachusetts Port Authority, which used a novel approach to make sure work was awarded to a more diverse group of builders and subcontractors than has been the norm in Boston.
Advertisement
On the Roxbury site, two teams — HYM Investment Group/My City at Peace, and Tishman Speyer/Ruggles Progressive Partners — recently submitted bids to develop the long-dormant site along Tremont Street. Each proposes to spend more than $1 billion to build a mix of labs, housing, and civic space. That’s more than twice the cost of the Omni hotel.
The so-called Massport model ― which makes diversity a major factor in determining development rights on the agency’s property holdings ― has created wealth and opportunities for people of color, many of whom have used the experience to win other contracts. Since 2018, the Boston Planning & Development Agency has followed Massport’s cue for projects on 16 city-owned parcels. But with P3, Boston has a chance to take the model a big step further and show that such inclusivity on building projects can help to transform lower-income neighborhoods by creating wealth and opportunities for residents, not just the executives of a few companies.
What both P3 teams are pitching is extraordinary. Beyond bringing lab space to Roxbury, they envision forming partnerships with nearby Roxbury Community College, Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, and Madison Park High School to train students for life science jobs. Both teams also plan a significant amount of affordable homes that can be purchased, as well as rental housing.
Advertisement
“That is something we have pushed for,” said Norm Stembridge, cochair of the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee. “People have seen this as an opportunity to move the community forward.”
Like some other large projects in Boston, this one has a public space component. But unlike most, the plans for P3 feel like they have been carefully thought out so they accomplish more than just meeting a requirement. The HYM/My City at Peace team wants to house King Boston, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring the formative time that Dr. Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King spent in Boston. The “Embrace Center,” as they call it, would feature a museum, function space, and a home for King Boston’s economic justice research and policy work.
Tishman/Ruggles is partnering with the Museum of African American History to create a Roxbury Museum. The team also proposes to set aside space for pop-up businesses, as well as music and play areas for families.
The city has been trying to develop P3 for more than two decades, with plenty of false starts over the years. Everything from a BJ’s Wholesale Club to a soccer stadium for the New England Revolution to a state transportation headquarters has been considered.
At one point, the BPDA awarded the development rights to Feldco Development, but took them away in 2019 after the company struggled to secure financing. Meanwhile, the neighborhood had grown increasingly unhappy with the various proposals that came along over the years. They wanted a project that could produce a virtuous economic circle, one that creates good-paying jobs and careers, and puts people on the path to homeownership and generational wealth.
Advertisement
The BPDA will hold a series of community meetings in the coming months to review the bids. A decision could come by the fall.
The P3 process has also shone a spotlight on how development in Boston doesn’t have to be so white.
A who’s who of the Black business community have lined up to participate. Some have been working on real estate projects for years (Richard Taylor, Kevin Bynoe, JocCole “JC” Burton, Greg Minott, Herby Duverné, Darryl Settles, Kai Grant), while others are relatively new to the game (the Rev. Jeffrey Brown, Manikka Bowman, Chanda Smart, Ricardo Pierre-Louis, Sheena Collier).
For many, it represents a watershed moment for their business.
Minott, managing principal at Boston architectural firm DREAM Collaborative, said he has worked on plenty of major projects as a subcontractor, but this is the first time his firm will take the lead on designing the master plan.
A member of the HYM/My City At Peace team, Minott said that if awarded the bid, his company would double in size by by adding two dozen jobs. That’s great, but why did it take so long for a firm that has been around for 14 years to be the lead on a massive project?
Advertisement
“It’s always been a mystery to us,” Minott said. “We have the expertise and talented team. We are just as qualified and in some cases more qualified. Why not? We have not been invited to do it.”
Just as important is making sure that opportunities like these don’t always go to the same people of color. Doing so means the diverse pipeline can grow bigger.
Bowman launched her development firm, HarveyReed, in 2021, but Tishman managing director Jessica Hughes became familiar with Bowman when she was an executive at the Urban Land Institute.
“She knew I was competent and I was able to roll up my sleeves,” said Bowman. “She knew the value of investing in a woman and a Black woman launching a development firm.”
Bowman’s role is to oversee a fund that addresses displacement, which is one of the community’s biggest concerns, as new development usually drives up property values and pushes out longtime residents. Tishman/Ruggles proposes seeding the fund with $250,000 and growing it to $1 million to help low-to-moderate income Roxbury homeowners remain in their homes by offsetting tax increases and paying for maintenance.
For Ricardo Pierre-Louis, P3 represents a chance to realize a dream: owning a parking garage. As a college student, he worked as a valet parking cars on the weekends and then started his own company, Privé Parking. He met HYM managing partner Tom O’Brien a few years ago with the goal of getting into the development business.
The HYM/My City At Peace bid contains two garages with a total of 500 spaces. Privé would manage them and hold an equity stake in both properties.
Advertisement
“When you own something, now you’re in a different position,” said Pierre-Louis.
For another member of the HYM/My City at Peace team, working on P3 is a kind of homecoming. Smart, chief executive of OnyxGroup Development & Brokerage, spent part of her childhood a couple of blocks from the site. Her great-grandmother lived in Roxse Homes public housing on Tremont Street.
“It’s extremely exciting for us . . . how many people can say I grew up across the street and I have a part in this development?” said Smart.
Her great-grandmother passed away close to three decades ago. But if Smart is part of the winning P3 bid, she knows what she would have said: “I knew you could do it.”
Shirley Leung is a Business columnist. She can be reached at shirley.leung@globe.com. | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/31/business/roxbury-chance-build-massports-model-inclusive-development/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:31Z |
ANC outraged after Ekurhuleni caucus leader Masina is dragged out of council
Party says former mayor's ouster is unlawful
The ANC in Ekurhuleni has condemned the forced removal of its caucus leader Mzwandile Masina from council chambers on Thursday.
In videos circulated on social media, Masina, a former mayor in the City of Ekurhuleni, can be seen being dragged out of council chambers by at least security guards clad in uniform while members of the ANC tried in vain to stop this from happening.
In a statement, ANC caucus whip in Ekurhuleni Jongizizwe Dlabathi accused council speaker Raymond Dhlamini of abusing both council standing orders and law enforcement having Masina kicked out of chambers.
Masina is dragged from one end of the room and out of the Ekurhuleni council chambers in a matter of seconds. ANC female supporters can be heard screaming and yelling at the security to stop. #EkurhuleniCouncil @SowetanLIVE pic.twitter.com/jHCgOgh2Ma
— Nomazima Nkosi (@Zima_B_Nkosi) March 31, 2022
The ANC caucus strongly condemns the abuse of both the Council Standing Orders and law enforcement by the Ekurhuleni Speaker of Council, the party said in a statement.
"It was apparent that the questions for written reply had not reached the Speaker for proper Council engagement. When such a procedural matter was interrogated by our ANC caucus party leader, the incompetent speaker chose to suppress the enquiry and clearly ventured into suffocating the ANC caucus.
"Rightfully and as provided for in the Standing Orders, the ANC Caucus called for further recognition in a form of point of order, which was deliberately shun down by the incompetent speaker.
— Xabiso Mtwana 🇷🇺🇿🇦 (@MtwanaXabiso) March 31, 2022
"Instead of being patient, tolerant and engaging, he chose the route of abusing standing orders by calling for privately-hired securities and EMPD Officers to manhandle our ANC caucus party leader," Dlabathi said.
He further said Dhlamini failed to chair the meeting and instead, resorted to "apartheid bullying tactics".
This act will not be left unattended, especially when there was no grave disorder, but simple engagement.
He added the ANC caucus was disgusted by the unlawful conduct of the speaker to instruct EMPD to "manhandle" Masina.
"In the midst of this unfortunate incident, we commend ANC councillors for their resilience and their fighting spirit in defending the rights of elected public representative," he said.
On Thursday, the ANC had issued a release that Masina would issue his own alternative state of the city address. It remains unclear if this was the cause which led to the altercation shared on social media platforms.
Would you like to comment on this article or view other readers' comments? Register (it’s quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. | https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-03-31-anc-outraged-after-ekurhuleni-caucus-leader-masina-is-dragged-out-of-council/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:31Z |
Police curfew lifted in Colombo and suburbs
April 1, 2022 05:22 am
The police curfew imposed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in several police divisions in Colombo and suburbs will be lifted at 5.00 a.m. today (April 01), according to the Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa.
Accordingly, the police curfew which had been imposed until further notice within Colombo North, Colombo South, Colombo Central, Nugegoda and Mount Lavinia police divisions in the Colombo District and Kelaniya police division in the Gampaha District has now been lifted.
The curfew had been announced for the abovementioned areas late last night following widespread protests.
It was declared just hours after police had used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a large group of protesters who gathered near Pengiriwatta Mawatha, which leads to the President’s residence in Mirihana.
Police had resorted to using tear gas and water cannons on the protesters as the agitation turned violent with stones and other objects being hurled at security personnel and damages to public property.
At least two fires were also reported later at the in the vicinity with images on social media showing a torched bus amidst the tense situation which had rapidly escalated out of control.
The protesters, holding placards and shouting slogans, had gathered at the location demanding that the government provide immediate solutions to the fuel shortage, power crisis, gas shortage and the soaring commodity prices in the country.
Meanwhile another protest had completely blocked the Kandy-Colombo main road at Dalugama in Kelaniya last night.
Protesters had reportedly set fire to logs on the middle of the road, obstructing traffic movement along the road. | http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=81534 | 2022-04-01T00:43:33Z |
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – Senator Bill Cassidy introduced has introduced a bill that could bring over 10 million dollars to crawfish farmers and producers. It’s targeted to combat the biggest threat to the Louisiana crawfish industry, Chinese imports.
Crawfish processors remember when China first invaded the U.S. market with tail meat and offered it at half the price. This dumping below the cost of production is done specifically to drive Louisiana crawfish producers out of business
Andre Leger’s family has been in the Louisiana crawfish business since 1976. He owns Chez Francois Seafood in Lafayette, and he’s seen demand for the meat explode but also outside competition from China dumping in local and national markets.
“I remember when they first came in you could buy Chinese tail meat for two dollars and Louisiana tail meat was five dollars,” Leger stated. “If you’re going to compete with a product with half the cost, you can’t. You can’t compete with a product half the cost.”
When over 100 crawfish processors dropped to a few dozen, Congress acted making it federal law to pass all tariff funds from these illegal exports to American agricultural producers. However, Senator Bill Cassidy says administrative delays have prevented much of it from reaching businesses affected by China’s unfair trade tactics. “So we want the money to come which under federal law should from those tariff fees going to our crawfish farmers,” Cassidy urged.
Cassidy’s “China Trade Cheating Restitution Act” directs Customs and Border Protection to pay $38.5M from the interest on Chinese imports, including $10.6M for crawfish producers. “Whenever I eat my crawfish etouffee, I want Louisiana crawfish,” Cassidy said. “One, it’s our culture. Two it’s unfair, and three whenever you put a competitor out of business, you come back and triple the price, so long term it’s in the interest of everybody, particularly for we in Louisiana.”
But the money does not go toward every processor. Some like Leger say they have seen no funds from tariffs and would like to see other parts of bringing pond to plate not left out.
“I wish there was a way that the Chinese tariff bill would be written to support the whole industry. There’s not just farmers and processors. There’s farmers, there’s processors, there’s crawfish buying docks, and there are wild commercial fisherman that are all involved in the industry,” Leger concluded.
He also warned some of the Chinese crawfish brands hide their true intentions behind names like Boudreaux or Bernard for their store-bought products, so if you see a price suspiciously low, read the fine print. It may be trying to put Louisiana crawfish processors out of business.
Bill’s Background:
In 2000 Congress passed the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA), which instructed CBP to pay all collected anti-dumping (AD) duties and accrued interest to the U.S. producers that were injured by dumped imports. CDSOA applies to imports that entered the U.S. through September 30, 2007, but due to a range of delays, CBP is still assessing and collecting AD duties and interest on many of these imports.
The bill would:
Require CBP to distribute under CDSOA an estimated $35.6 million in accrued delinquency interest on the antidumping duties that CBP collected and wrongfully withheld
Amend the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 to move the date of interest collected by the CBP to be dispersed from October 1, 2014 to October 1, 2000 to account for substantial interest withheld by CBP beginning in 2000 | https://www.klfy.com/local/lafayette-parish/bill-protect-louisiana-crawfish-industry/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:33Z |
A News
LotteriesA2
Opinions A9
BusinessA10
Nation & WorldA12
ObituariesA14
Weather A16
B Sports
Scoreboard B2
High SchoolsB3
Marketplace B6
C Friday Fun
Puzzles Plus C2
Comics C3
TV / History C6
LOS ANGELES — The percentage of omicron subvariant BA.2 cases is rising in Los Angeles County, a trend seen elsewhere nationwide as officials …
The Virginia State Police on Sunday ensured that an anti-venom treatment was rushed to VCU Health to use on a man who was bitten by his own pe…
Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen — Metro-Richmond's family run, fresh donut food truck — is shutting down it's operations until further notice, according to a statement the company left on Facebook. Current owners Lucas Miller and his brother-in-law Samuel Amaya are in the process of acquiring a new operator.
A political consulting firm tells clients it will help them navigate the new Republican-controlled executive branch of Virginia’s government. …
A Midlothian woman who had drunk multiple cocktails and hard seltzers and was distracted by her cellphone when she crashed last year into a yo…
"As the mayor has previously stated, the many needs of our residents take priority over making a cash contribution to one of the wealthiest franchises in professional sports."
A Bermuda-based insurance company is planning to open a U.S. headquarters office in Henrico County that is expected to employ more than 70 people.
Virginia still wants the Washington Commanders to relocate to the state, but at the end of a month in which Maryland and D.C. tempered their e…
Some Atlee High School students are being suspended this week following their participation in a student-organized walkout on March 18 in prot…
As we walked around Hannah and Brandon Setzer’s place in the country and they introduced us to their chickens and baby goats and talked about …
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. | https://richmond.com/a1-index/article_e614cbce-9600-5af5-ae19-423dead6291e.html | 2022-04-01T00:43:33Z |
A DOSE OF DECADENCE James Beard award-winning master chef Mindy Segal has created precisely dosed, decadently delicious artisanal edibles to delight your tastebuds and invigorate your soul. Each flavor highlights a distinct memory for Mindy's culinary journey.
Deep, rich, super intense orange. Zesty and thick with notes of koumquat, clementine and candied orange rind.
No product reviews
Have you tried this product? Be the first to leave a review!
James Beard Award-winning chef Mindy Segal has partnered with Cresco Labs to create perfectly-dosed, delicious edibles. Chef Segal carefully crafts gummies in Glazed Clementine Orange, Cool Keylime Kiwi, Lush Black Cherry, Freshly Picked Berries, Honey Sweet Melon and Botanical White Grapefruit flavor options, and chocolates in Caramelized Chocolate Marshmallow Graham, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Brittle and Dark Chocolate Almond Toffee flavors. These iconic flavors are curated with thoughtful ingredients, utilizing chef-led quality and precision dosing.
Looking for a consistent edible experience? Find premium cannabis cuisine at a dispensary near you. | https://www.leafly.com/brands/mindys-edibles/products/mindys-edibles-glazed-clementine-orange-gummies-100mg-50-pack | 2022-04-01T00:43:32Z |
All lanes of I-85 south in Coweta County blocked due to major crash
Published: Mar. 31, 2022 at 7:10 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hours ago
COWETA COUNTY, Ga. (CBS46) – A crash on the southbound lanes of Interstate 85 in Coweta County is causing major delays for commuters Thursday afternoon.
As of 7:06 p.m., the wreck is blocking all lanes near exit 33. Commuters are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.
Very limited details are available at this time. Download the CBS46 app for the latest updates on this story.
Copyright 2022 WGCL. All rights reserved. | https://www.cbs46.com/2022/03/31/all-lanes-i-85-south-coweta-county-blocked-due-major-crash/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:33Z |
When you buy a domain name at Dan.com, you’re automatically covered by our unique Buyer Protection Program. Read more about how we keep you safe on our Trust and Security page.
Next to our secure domain ownership transfer process, we strictly monitor all transactions. If anything looks weird, we take immediate action. And if the seller doesn't deliver on their part of the deal, we refund you within 24 hours.
98% of all domain ownership transfers are completed within 24 hours. The seller first delivers the domain to us, then we send you your tailored transfer instructions. Need help? Our domain ownership transfer specialists will assist you at no additional cost.
Pay by bank wire and get a 1% discount or use one of the most popular payment options available through our payment processor, Adyen. Adyen is the payment platform of choice for many leading tech companies like Uber & eBay.
No matter what kind of domain you want to buy, we make the transfer simple and safe.
Here’s how it works | https://dan.com/buy-domain/njsyfsgc.com | 2022-04-01T00:43:33Z |
President Joe Biden is naming actor Taraji P. Henson and the NBA's Chris Paul to a presidential advisory board on historically Black colleges and universities.
They are among nine men and nine women Biden is appointing to the President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the White House announced Thursday.
Several HBCU presidents, the president of United Airlines and the first Black woman to become administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency are among Biden's selections.
They will join Tony Allen, the president of Delaware State University, and Glenda Glover, the president of Tennessee State University, who are serving, respectively, as chairperson and vice chairperson of the board, which was established during the Carter administration.
Henson is a Washington, D.C., native who studied acting at Howard University, a historically Black school and the alma mater of Vice President Kamala Harris. Paul is a 12-time NBA All-Star with the Phoenix Suns and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Besides Allen and Glover, the presidents of five other HBCUs will also join the board. They are Virginia State University, Norfolk State University in Virginia, Alabama State University, Prairie View A&M University in Texas and Dillard University in New Orleans.
Lisa Jackson, who became the EPA's first Black administrator in the Obama administration, and United Airlines President Brett Hart will also join the board.
U.S. & World
Biden also intends to appoint Paige Blake, a 20-year-old junior at Bowie State University, an HBCU in Maryland.
The White House said the administration has committed $5.8 billion in support to these historically Black colleges and universities through a combination of pandemic relief funding, grants and forgiving capital improvement debt. | https://www.nbcboston.com/news/national-international/taraji-p-henson-chris-paul-named-to-black-colleges-board/2683232/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:32Z |
The Nigeria Union of Railway Workers (NURW) has expressed shock over the death of the General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Musa-Lawal Ozigi, in the Kaduna train attack. The union’s Secretary General, Mr Segun Esan, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, described the incident as shocking and devastating. TUC had earlier confirmed the death of its General Secretary, Ozigi, who was among passengers on board the Abuja-Kaduna train attacked by terrorists on Monday night.
“It is most unfortunate and painful that such a resourceful and ebullient fellow as the general secretary of TUC would be lost to this attack. “May his soul rest in peace and may God imbue our government at every tier the wisdom to tackle this menace of attacks on innocent souls. Amen,’’ he said. Esan also described as unfortunate the increasing psychological trauma that survivors had to face following the attacks on trains. He said: “I hope the federal government will begin to initiate a comprehensive risk assessment of the railway industry with special attention on the elements of threats, vulnerability and consequences. “This is in order to end these frequent attacks on the trains.” | https://www.newtelegraphng.com/train-attack-railway-workers-mourn-tuc-scribe/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:33Z |
Viacoin (VIA) traded up 3.2% against the U.S. dollar during the twenty-four hour period ending at 20:00 PM E.T. on March 31st. One Viacoin coin can now be bought for about $0.12 or 0.00000269 BTC on cryptocurrency exchanges. During the last seven days, Viacoin has traded 46.1% higher against the U.S. dollar. Viacoin has a total market cap of $2.84 million and $24,192.00 worth of Viacoin was traded on exchanges in the last day.
Here’s how similar cryptocurrencies have performed during the last day:
- Dogecoin (DOGE) traded down 3.9% against the dollar and now trades at $0.14 or 0.00000303 BTC.
- Litecoin (LTC) traded down 5.8% against the dollar and now trades at $123.64 or 0.00271396 BTC.
- UNUS SED LEO (LEO) traded down 4% against the dollar and now trades at $5.81 or 0.00012760 BTC.
- Polymath (POLY) traded 1.9% higher against the dollar and now trades at $0.52 or 0.00001141 BTC.
- Syscoin (SYS) traded down 8.4% against the dollar and now trades at $0.65 or 0.00001418 BTC.
- ConstitutionDAO (PEOPLE) traded 15.6% lower against the dollar and now trades at $0.0681 or 0.00000150 BTC.
- Hellenic Coin (HNC) traded flat against the dollar and now trades at $3.68 or 0.00010892 BTC.
- Verge (XVG) traded up 11.4% against the dollar and now trades at $0.0136 or 0.00000030 BTC.
- Presearch (PRE) traded down 4.3% against the dollar and now trades at $0.18 or 0.00000405 BTC.
- XeniosCoin (XNC) traded 0% higher against the dollar and now trades at $0.65 or 0.00001426 BTC.
About Viacoin
According to CryptoCompare, “Viacoin is a digital currency similar to Bitcoin that allows the creation of applications on top of the Viacoin blockchain in a similar way that email and web are built on top of the internet protocol. This allows the building of fully decentralized exchanges, issuing of new currencies, asset tracking, betting, digital voting, reputation management and even form the basis of fully decentralized market places. Our protocol for this will be called ClearingHouse. “
Buying and Selling Viacoin
It is usually not possible to purchase alternative cryptocurrencies such as Viacoin directly using US dollars. Investors seeking to trade Viacoin should first purchase Bitcoin or Ethereum using an exchange that deals in US dollars such as Coinbase, Gemini or GDAX. Investors can then use their newly-acquired Bitcoin or Ethereum to purchase Viacoin using one of the exchanges listed above.
Receive News & Updates for Viacoin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and updates for Viacoin and related cryptocurrencies with MarketBeat.com's FREE CryptoBeat newsletter. | https://www.com-unik.info/2022/03/31/viacoin-via-trading-up-46-1-this-week.html | 2022-04-01T00:43:33Z |
State Department warns Americans not to travel to Russia
The State Department is warning Americans not to travel to Russia as its invasion of Ukraine continues and tensions increase between Western allies and Moscow.
The level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory released on Saturday also urges U.S. citizens in Russia to depart immediately, explaining that hostile authorities are enforcing “arbitrary” laws.
“Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens on spurious charges, denied them fair and transparent treatment, and have convicted them in secret trials and/or without presenting credible evidence,” the advisory says.
The State Department warned Americans looking to leave Russia about cash shortages and difficulties with credit and debit cards in the country.
Those looking to leave the country have limited options as flights are limited, some airports are closed and some airspaces are restricted around Russia, the State Department said.
“If you wish to depart Russia, you should make arrangements on your own as soon as possible. If you plan to stay in Russia, understand the U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens, and conditions, including transportation options, may change suddenly,” the advisory reads.
“U.S. citizens who are able to depart Russia for another country and are in need of emergency assistance upon arrival may contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in that country,” the notice continued.
Officials also warned Americans not to join any protests in the country, citing the risk of arrest.
The State Department has already issued Level 4 advisories for Ukraine and Belarus.
The U.S. sanctioned Russia over its brutal and ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and hostilities between the two nations have increased amid the conflict.
The Hill has removed its comment section, as there are many other forums for readers to participate in the conversation. We invite you to join the discussion on Facebook and Twitter. | https://thehill.com/policy/international/597003-state-department-warns-americans-not-to-travel-to-russia/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:32Z |
The makeup world is mourning the loss of one of their very own.
Celebrity makeup artist and beauty mogul AJ Crimson died on March 30 at the age of 27, his family said in a statement to E! News.
"AJ Crimson was a makeup industry leader that set a standard of beauty that was elevated, beautiful, and accessible to people of all color," the message read. "We as a family are heartbroken and devastated by his passing, but thankful for the lessons that he laid on each of us with his truth, directness, and leadership."
Thanking fans for their kind words about Crimson, the family said he was an "inspiration to us as much as he was a bright light to the rest of the world. There are no words that can sum up his whole. Until we meet again!"
Michele Marie PR said in a statement to E! News that they are "devastated" and "absolutely loved AJ, truly one of the sweetest, most humble people we have ever had the pleasure of working with."
Celebrity Deaths: 2022's Fallen Stars
Details surrounding Crimson's death have not been released to the public.
Entertainment News
The self-taught makeup artist founded his cosmetic brand in 2012.
After starting with just lipstick and glosses, his beauty products expanded into an inclusive line of powder and cream foundations, which are now being sold at Nordstrom and on Amazon.
His celebrity clientele included the likes of Angela Bassett, Brandy, Fergie, Regina King, Missy Elliott, Amerie, Hilary Duff and many more.
Following the news of Crimson's passing, several stars took to social media to mourn his loss, including actress Bresha Webb, who shared a touching post about her late friend on Instagram on March 31.
"I'm blessed to have been apart of your journey and I will keep your legacy alive," the A Fall From Grace actress wrote. "And wow did you leave a legacy. Praying for your spirit to be lifted up to the heavens and that the angels usher you in with all of the harmony and sweetness that you shared on this earth." | https://www.necn.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/celebrity-makeup-artist-aj-crimson-dead-at-27/2709140/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:33Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Thursday passed a bill capping the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for insured patients, part of an election-year push by Democrats for price curbs on prescription drugs at a time of rising inflation.
Experts say the legislation, which passed 232-193, would provide significant relief for privately insured patients with skimpier plans and for Medicare enrollees facing rising out-of-pocket costs for their insulin. Some could save hundreds of dollars annually, and all insured patients would get the benefit of predictable monthly costs for insulin. The bill would not help the uninsured.
But the Affordable Insulin Now Act will serve as a political vehicle to rally Democrats and force Republicans who oppose it into uncomfortable votes ahead of the midterms. For the legislation to pass Congress, 10 Republican senators would have to vote in favor. Democrats acknowledge they don’t have an answer for how that’s going to happen.
“If 10 Republicans stand between the American people being able to get access to affordable insulin, that’s a good question for 10 Republicans to answer,” said Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., a cosponsor of the House bill. “Republicans get diabetes, too. Republicans die from diabetes.”
Public opinion polls have consistently shown support across party lines for congressional action to limit drug costs.
But Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., complained the legislation is only “a small piece of a larger package around government price controls for prescription drugs.” Critics say the bill would raise premiums and fails to target pharmaceutical middlemen seen as contributing to high list prices for insulin.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said Democrats could have a deal on prescription drugs if they drop their bid to authorize Medicare to negotiate prices. “Do Democrats really want to help seniors, or would they rather have the campaign issue?” Grassley said.
The insulin bill, which would take effect in 2023, represents just one provision of a much broader prescription drug package in President Joe Biden’s social and climate legislation.
In addition to a similar $35 cap on insulin, the Biden bill would authorize Medicare to negotiate prices for a range of drugs, including insulin. It would penalize drugmakers who raise prices faster than inflation and overhaul the Medicare prescription drug benefit to limit out-of-pocket costs for enrollees.
Biden’s agenda passed the House only to stall in the Senate because Democrats could not reach consensus. Party leaders haven’t abandoned hope of getting the legislation moving again, and preserving its drug pricing curbs largely intact.
The idea of a $35 monthly cost cap for insulin actually has a bipartisan pedigree. The Trump administration had created a voluntary option for Medicare enrollees to get insulin for $35, and the Biden administration continued it.
In the Senate, Republican Susan Collins of Maine and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire are working on a bipartisan insulin bill. Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock has introduced legislation similar to the House bill, with the support of Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.
Stung by criticism that Biden’s economic policies spur inflation, Democrats are redoubling efforts to show how they’d help people cope with costs. On Thursday,the Commerce Department reported a key inflation gauge jumped 6.4% in February compared with a year ago, the largest year-over-year rise since January 1982.
But experts say the House bill would not help uninsured people, who face the highest out-of-pocket costs for insulin. Also, people with diabetes often take other medications as well as insulin. That’s done to treat the diabetes itself, along with other serious health conditions often associated with the disease. The House legislation would not help with those costs, either. Collins says she’s looking for a way to help uninsured people through her bill.
About 37 million Americans have diabetes, and an estimated 6 million to 7 million use insulin to keep their blood sugars under control.It’s an old drug, refined and improved over the years, that has seen relentless price increases.
Steep list prices don’t reflect the rates insurance plans negotiate with manufacturers. But those list prices are used to calculate cost-sharing amounts that patients owe. Patients who can’t afford their insulin reduce or skip doses, a strategy born of desperation, which can lead to serious complications and even death.
Economist Sherry Glied of New York University said the market for insulin is a “total disaster” for many patients, particularly those with skimpy insurance plans or no insurance.
“This will make private insurance for people with diabetes a much more attractive proposition,” said Glied. | https://www.mystateline.com/news/politics/house-passes-35-a-month-insulin-cap-as-dems-seek-wider-bill/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:34Z |
Snowflake Inc. (SNOW) Stock Moves -1.08%: What You Should Know
Snowflake Inc. (SNOW) closed the most recent trading day at $229.13, moving -1.08% from the previous trading session. This change was narrower than the S&P 500's 1.57% loss on the day. At the same time, the Dow lost 1.56%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.09%.
Coming into today, shares of the company had lost 12.49% in the past month. In that same time, the Computer and Technology sector gained 4.23%, while the S&P 500 gained 5.37%.
Wall Street will be looking for positivity from Snowflake Inc. as it approaches its next earnings report date. On that day, Snowflake Inc. is projected to report earnings of -$0.01 per share, which would represent year-over-year growth of 95.83%. Our most recent consensus estimate is calling for quarterly revenue of $409.62 million, up 78.94% from the year-ago period.
Looking at the full year, our Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of $0.12 per share and revenue of $2 billion. These totals would mark changes of +500% and +64.39%, respectively, from last year.
Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for Snowflake Inc.These recent revisions tend to reflect the evolving nature of short-term business trends. As such, positive estimate revisions reflect analyst optimism about the company's business and profitability.
Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell). It has a remarkable, outside-audited track record of success, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 16.78% higher. Snowflake Inc. currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
Investors should also note Snowflake Inc.'s current valuation metrics, including its Forward P/E ratio of 1878.08. For comparison, its industry has an average Forward P/E of 47.06, which means Snowflake Inc. is trading at a premium to the group.
The Internet - Software industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 213, putting it in the bottom 17% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
You can find more information on all of these metrics, and much more, on Zacks.com.
Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time.
This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.
Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>Click to get this free report
Snowflake Inc. (SNOW): Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/snowflake-inc.-snow-stock-moves-1.08%3A-what-you-should-know | 2022-04-01T00:43:33Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden marked Transgender Day of Visibility on Thursday by denouncing “hateful bills” being passed at the state level as the White House played host to “Jeopardy!” champion Amy Schneider, the first openly transgender winner on the popular quiz show.
Schneider met with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, who joined Rachel Levine, the assistant health secretary and the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the Senate, for a conversation with transgender kids and their parents.
Schneider used the moment in the Washington spotlight to speak out against bills affecting transgender people.
“They’re really scary and some of them in particular that are denying medical services to trans youth, those are, those are lifesaving medical treatments,” Schneider told reporters. “These bills will cause the deaths of children and that’s really sad to me and it’s really frightening.”
Biden, in a brief video message, said that “the onslaught of anti-transgender state laws attacking you and your families is simply wrong.” The president said his administration “is standing up for you against all these hateful bills. And we’re committed to advancing transgender equality in the classroom, on the playing field, at work, in our military and our housing and health care systems.”
The administration announced several actions to make the federal government more inclusive for transgender people and said the Health and Human Services Department will be the first agency to fly a trans pride flag.. The steps come as Republican leaders have advanced state measures targeting transgender people as part of a broader push to stoke culture wars heading into a critical election season.
The administration said the federal government will become more inclusive for transgender people, including through the use of a new “X” gender marker on U.S. passport applications, beginning on April 11, and new Transportation Security Administration scanners that are gender-neutral.
It is working to expand the availability of the “X” gender marker to airlines and federal travel programs and will make it easier for transgender people to change their gender information in Social Security Administration records.
Visitors to the White House complex soon will also be able to choose an “X” gender marker option in the White House Worker and Visitor Entry System, which is used to conduct screening background checks.
At airports, changes will be made to screening scanners along with the introduction of the use of an “X” for travelers going through Precheck who do not identify as male or female. Transportation Security Administration agents will receive new instructions on how to make screening procedures less invasive and will work with airlines to promote acceptance of the “X” gender marker.
“Jeopardy!” star Schneider spoke of “being a trans person out there that isn’t monstrous and isn’t threatening and is just a normal person, like we all are,” and said “the more that people like me can be seen, the harder it is to sustain the myths that are … kind of driving a lot of this hate and fear.”
In his video, Biden said there is work still to be done to end “the epidemic of violence against transgender women of color and girls of color” and to ensure that transgender seniors “can age with dignity.” He called anew on Congress to pass the Equality Act to help transgender people around the world “live free from discrimination and violence.”
Biden tried to reassure any transgender person who is struggling, telling them to remember that “you’re not alone.”
“You’re so brave. You belong. And we have your back,” Biden said.
The administration’s actions follow recent steps at the state level to limit activity by transgender people. At least 10 states have banned transgender athletes from participating in sports at all levels in a way that is consistent with their gender identity.
In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who is seeking reelection, has ordered the state’s child welfare agency to probe reports of gender-confirming care for kids as abuse.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican who is running for reelection and considering a 2024 presidential bid, on Monday signed into law a measure that bars instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. The law has drawn intense national scrutiny from critics who argue it marginalizes LGBTQ people. Republicans and advocates of the law argue that discussion of these topics should be between parents and their children.
___
Associated Press writers Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, and Colleen Long and Ben Fox contributed to this report. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/biden-to-mark-transgender-day-of-visibility-with-new-actions/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:34Z |
DELANO, Calif. (AP) — The death of an inmate at a central California prison is being investigated as a homicide, officials said Thursday.
Juan E. Mendoza, 26, was found unresponsive in his cell at Kern Valley State Prison shortly before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a statement from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
He had visible injuries and died a short time later despite life-saving efforts.
Mendoza shared his cell with another man, Jorge L. Mendoza, who was removed from the cell and placed in segregation while the death is investigated, authorities said.
Juan E. Mendoza went to prison in 2020 after receiving a six-year sentence in San Bernardino County for second-degree attempted murder and personal use of a dangerous weapon, officials said.
Jorge L. Mendoza was admitted from Monterey County in 2018 and was serving a sentence of life with the chance of parole for second-degree murder with the use of a firearm by a second-striker.
Kern Valley State Prison is located in Delano, northwest of Bakersfield. It has more than 3,200 inmates. | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/California-prison-inmate-death-investigated-as-a-17049814.php | 2022-04-01T00:43:37Z |
Wayne Community Schools Facility Plan Presentation Focuses On District Resources
WAYNE – Community members provided feedback after small group discussion and large group feedback to the 2019 Master Facility Plan at Wayne Community Schools. From the Wayne Jr/Sr High School Gymnasium, a special board of education meeting was held Tuesday evening. The meeting began with the hiring of...
waynedailynews.com | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2556552035784/wayne-community-schools-facility-plan-presentation-focuses-on-district-resources | 2022-04-01T00:43:37Z |
Daniel Radcliffe Has the Only Opinion on the Slap Worth Having At this Point
We know, you’re tired of hearing about the incident between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars after days of chatter about absolutely nothing else. At this point, everyone and there mother has given their opinion on the matter, and is there really anything left to say at this point as we wait for the Academy to complete their disciplinary proceedings? Despite the exhaustion of the topic, though, celebrities are still getting asked their thoughts on the situation, and Daniel Radcliffe just gave the only acceptable answer.
While promoting his new movie The Lost City on Good Morning Britain Thursday morning, the actor shut down a request for his thoughts on The Slap. “I’m just so already dramatically bored of hearing people’s opinions about it that I just don’t want to be another opinion adding to it,” he said, according to Variety.
Thank you, Daniel! Let everyone take note on how to perfectly handle this situation. Everyone else who has commented, no matter where they fall on the Rock v. Smith spectrum has been pretty much eviscerated on Twitter, so it was definitely smart to plead the fifth on this one. There are truly no winners here.
Radcliffe did, however, speak on what it’s like to be in an awards show audience when a host or presenter is making jokes about you, something he had to get used to at a young age. “When you’re going on stuff as a kid, you’re never quite sure if the joke’s with you or you’re the butt of the joke,” he recalled. “So you sort of have a mode of just being like ‘I’ll just keep smiling and laughing and maybe it’ll end soon.’”
As for those actually involved in the incident, they have been slowly speaking out publicly, starting with Smith, who shared a sort of apology on Instagram earlier this week. That was then followed by Jada Pinkett Smith who posted a message calling for “a season of healing,” a vague note assumed to be in response to The Slap. Rock even spoke out for the first time since Sunday during a stand up show in Boston on Wednesday night. “I’m still kind of processing what happened,” he said, explaining why he wouldn’t be speaking about it at that particular show. “So, at some point I’ll talk about that shit. And it will be serious and funny.” Until then, maybe we hold off on anyone else sharing opinions. | https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/daniel-radcliffe-dramatically-bored-opinions-will-smith-chris-rock-slap | 2022-04-01T00:43:37Z |
TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Oro Valley is announcing a contest to rename the 202 acres previously known as the Vistoso Golf Course.
The town has plans to preserve the area as a passive recreational space for all to enjoy.
A prize package valued at more than $1,700 is offered to the number-one choice.
This winner of Name OV’s New 202-Acre Outdoor Space! will receive the following items:
- One-year Premium Family Membership to the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center, which also includes access to the Oro Valley Aquatic Center ($1,200 value)
- Kickball Team entry, Fall 2022 ($350 value)
- Round-Up at the Ranch 5K, four entries ($100 value)
- Park Ramada Rental (4 hours) at Naranja, Riverfront or James D. Kriegh Park ($40 value)
- Assorted OV-branded merchandise
Anyone is welcome to submit names at the city's website.
The official contest rules for round one are as follows:
- Submissions cannot contain copyrighted or trademarked names or phrases.
- Any language deemed offensive or inappropriate (determination to be made at the Town’s discretion) will be immediately disregarded.
- The participant’s name and contact information is required for submission.
- You do not need to be an Oro Valley resident to submit a name.
- The submitter’s name and contact information are required for submission.
- Submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. PST on Sunday, April 17.
- Participants will claim no right to the name provided and agree to let the Town of Oro Valley use all or part of their submission idea for the naming process, final property name and related signage and promotion in Town communications.
After the submissions are reviewed, a five-member committee will narrow them down.
Round two of the contest featuring the top 10 choices consists of:
- Voting online only via survey link.
- This link will be posted to the Town’s website and social media for the duration of the voting period.
- Voters may select up to three (3) of the top 10 names.
- Voting is restricted to Oro Valley residents.
- The voter’s name and address are required for residency verification.
- Voting is tentatively scheduled to open the first week of May.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for later this year will feature the winner, debuting the new name.
RELATED: The former Vistoso Golf Course officially becomes public open space as sale finalizes | https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/can-you-help-oro-valley-rename-the-previously-known-vistoso-golf-course-area | 2022-04-01T00:43:37Z |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/mlb/san-francisco-giants/articles/39012130 | 2022-04-01T00:43:37Z |
OFFERS
Smart Source Coupons
Kingman Smart Buyer
928 Media Lab
SUBMISSIONS
General Submissions
Place an Ad
Subscriber Services (Start / Stop)
Obituary Submission Guidelines
Submit Event
MEDIA
Archives: Pre-Web
Receive e-News Alerts
Other Publications
Photo Galleries
Special Sections
COMMUNITY
About Us
Event Calendar
Organizations
Notices
Public Notices
Volunteer Opportunities
Worship Directory
e-Edition
TV Listings
NEWS
Local
State
National & International
Happenings & Events
Golden Valley News
Crime Watch
OPINION
Editorials
Letters
Columns
Rants & Raves
SPORTS
Kingman Academy High School
Kingman High School
Lee Williams High School
FEATURES
Blogs
Milestones
Out & About
OBITUARIES
CLASSIFIEDS
CONTACT
E-EDITION
MORE
Kingman Smart Buyer
928 Media Lab
About Us
Archives: Pre-Web
Event Calendar
Newsletter
Other Publications
Photo Galleries
Place an Ad
Public Notices
Real Estate Search
Smart Source Coupons
Special Sections
Submissions
TV Listings
Home Delivery Temporary Stop
Subscribe and Subscriber Services
Organizations
Worship Directory
NEWS
Local
State
National & International
Golden Valley News
Crime Watch
OPINION
Editorials
Letters
Columns
Rants & Raves
SPORTS
Kingman Academy High School
Kingman High School
Lee Williams High School
FEATURES
Blogs
Milestones
Out & About
OBITUARIES
CLASSIFIEDS
MORE
Log Out
Menu
Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now
e-Edition
Trusted local news leader for Kingman, Arizona & Mohave County
Thu, March 31
Weather
Subscriber Services
News Tips
Contact Us
Column | Have you slapped anybody lately?
Danny Tyree, National Columnist
Originally Published: March 31, 2022 2:16 p.m.
Tweet
To view this content you must be logged in as a subscriber.
Already have a digital account?
Log in here
4 WEEKS
$3.99
UNLIMITED
DIGITAL ACCESS
4 WEEKS
1 YEAR
$49.99
UNLIMITED
DIGITAL ACCESS
FOR 12 MONTHS
DAY PASS
$1.49
UNLIMITED
DIGITAL ACCESS
FOR 24 HOURS
Plans include full website access, e-Edition and exclusive online extras.
Print and Digital combo plans also available.
GET STARTED NOW
ALREADY A PRINT SUBSCRIBER?
GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS FREE
Donate
Report a Typo
Contact
Sign up for our e-News Alerts
SUBMIT FEEDBACK
Click Below to:
File a Rant or Rave about this story
Ask us a question
Submit a letter to the editor
Send us a news tip or story idea
Event Calendar
Submit Event
Subscribe to our mailing list
*
indicates required
Email Address
*
Please select which news alerts you would like to receive
Sports
Latest Sports News
Obituaries
Obituaries
Crime Watch
Latest Crime Watch News
News
Latest Headlines
State
Latest State News | https://kdminer.com/news/2022/mar/31/column-have-you-slapped-anybody-lately/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:37Z |
Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CERE – Get Rating) insider John Renger sold 10,000 shares of Cerevel Therapeutics stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.00, for a total transaction of $350,000.00. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.
John Renger also recently made the following trade(s):
- On Wednesday, March 16th, John Renger sold 25,000 shares of Cerevel Therapeutics stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.00, for a total value of $750,000.00.
- On Friday, March 18th, John Renger sold 20,000 shares of Cerevel Therapeutics stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $32.50, for a total value of $650,000.00.
- On Wednesday, February 9th, John Renger sold 25,000 shares of Cerevel Therapeutics stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.00, for a total value of $750,000.00.
Shares of NASDAQ:CERE traded up $1.39 on Thursday, reaching $35.01. The company had a trading volume of 365,072 shares, compared to its average volume of 476,232. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.18 billion, a PE ratio of -20.99 and a beta of 2.77. Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. has a 52-week low of $12.01 and a 52-week high of $46.16. The firm’s 50 day simple moving average is $29.07 and its 200-day simple moving average is $32.36.
Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of CERE. BlackRock Inc. boosted its position in shares of Cerevel Therapeutics by 26.8% in the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 3,363,278 shares of the biotechnology company’s stock worth $99,217,000 after purchasing an additional 710,720 shares in the last quarter. Polar Capital Holdings Plc boosted its position in shares of Cerevel Therapeutics by 1,400.0% in the 3rd quarter. Polar Capital Holdings Plc now owns 750,000 shares of the biotechnology company’s stock worth $22,125,000 after purchasing an additional 700,000 shares in the last quarter. Rock Springs Capital Management LP boosted its position in shares of Cerevel Therapeutics by 57.4% in the 3rd quarter. Rock Springs Capital Management LP now owns 1,600,589 shares of the biotechnology company’s stock worth $47,217,000 after purchasing an additional 583,644 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Cerevel Therapeutics in the 3rd quarter worth $15,038,000. Finally, Perceptive Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Cerevel Therapeutics by 9.6% in the 3rd quarter. Perceptive Advisors LLC now owns 5,086,727 shares of the biotechnology company’s stock worth $150,058,000 after purchasing an additional 443,632 shares in the last quarter. 99.58% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
Several research firms have commented on CERE. Zacks Investment Research upgraded Cerevel Therapeutics from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, January 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. initiated coverage on Cerevel Therapeutics in a report on Wednesday, January 5th. They issued an “overweight” rating and a $50.00 price target on the stock. HC Wainwright initiated coverage on Cerevel Therapeutics in a report on Thursday, December 16th. They issued a “buy” rating and a $50.00 price target on the stock. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Cerevel Therapeutics in a report on Tuesday, February 15th. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $27.00 price target on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Cerevel Therapeutics presently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $39.71.
About Cerevel Therapeutics (Get Rating)
Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings, Inc, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development of various therapies for neuroscience diseases. It is developing CVL-231, a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) that is in Phase Ib clinical trials for the treatment of schizophrenia; and Darigabat, a PAM, which is in Phase II proof-of-concept trials in drug-resistant focal onset seizures in epilepsy or focal onset epilepsy, as well as Phase I proof-of-principle trial for acute anxiety.
Read More
- Get a free copy of the StockNews.com research report on Cerevel Therapeutics (CERE)
- High-Yielding Walgreens Boots Alliance Goes On Sale
- 3 Mid-Cap Value Stocks Ready to Run
- These Are Rock Bottom Prices For Five Below
- Institutional Support Has Paychex On Brink Of New All-Time Highs
- Tough Comps and Declining Consumer Sales Makes McCormick a Hold
Receive News & Ratings for Cerevel Therapeutics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cerevel Therapeutics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. | https://www.americanbankingnews.com/2022/03/31/john-renger-sells-10000-shares-of-cerevel-therapeutics-holdings-inc-nasdaqcere-stock.html | 2022-04-01T00:43:38Z |
Hyper Light Drifter studio Heart Machine has revealed Hyper Light Breaker, a follow-up to the cult-classic indie action-RPG with gorgeous 3D visuals and co-op gameplay. Check out the reveal trailer just above.
The first trailer for Hyper Light Breaker shows off those striking violent-soaked visuals and at the end, reveals a Spring 2023 launch into early access. While the trailer doesn't show off any actual gameplay, the game's Steam page shows off a brief snippet showing the protagonist running through a wooded area. It's not much, but it's the first gameplay footage shown off publicly.
Hyper Light Breaker exists in the same world as Hyper Light Drifter, but Heart Machine insists that it isn't a sequel or prequel, but rather "a new game driven by new designs." As such, its official description describes it as a rogue-lite adventure game, whereas its predecessor is an action-adventure RPG in the vein of 16-bit classic like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. It even got what I consider the most beautiful collector's edition ever released with a faux SNES cartridge included.
Heart Machine launched Hyper Light Drifter back in 2016 and in 2021, launched Solar Ash, which we absolutely loved. But with Hyper Light Breaker, Heart Machine says it wants to "return to a more community-focused development process," which will apparently involve interacting with players via regular blog posts, content drops, streams, events, contests, and "perhaps" in-person events.
For more, here are 25 new indie games to keep on your radar in 2022. | https://www.gamesradar.com/hyper-light-drifter-non-sequel-revealed-with-stunning-3d-visuals-and-co-op/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:38Z |
The Star Entertainment Group chairman John O’Neill will pocket $125,000 a month to act as the casino group’s chief executive while it looks for a permanent replacement after its boss resigned this week amid an explosive public inquiry into its operations.
The company said on Friday it had started the search for a new managing director and CEO after Matt Bekier resigned on Monday, taking responsibility for the group’s probity failings.
The NSW inquiry into The Star Sydney, triggered by reports in this masthead, has heard how Mr Bekier tried to challenge an audit warning it was failing to tackle money laundering, while the casino ignored warnings it was working with “junket” partners linked to organised crime and enabled $900 million of fraudulent transactions on Chinese bank cards.
Mr O’Neill, a former Australian Rugby Union and Football Federation Australia boss and a Star board member since 2011, will be paid $1.5 million per year - or $125,000 per month - on top of his existing package, bringing his annual pay to $2 million.
Mr Bekier would be “available in the short term to provide handover assistance as the board requests”, the company said.
The Star also said that it “acknowledges the need for accelerated board change” and would make new director appointments in due course.
More to come
The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. | https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/the-star-chairman-to-step-up-as-ceo-flags-board-renewal-20220401-p5aa0o.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed | 2022-04-01T00:43:38Z |
The federal government unveiled its 2022 Budget on Tuesday night. It offered a few gems, but it was really light in the area a lot of us want them to focus – climate. In Labor’s Budget reply, delivered last night, the opposition gave the climate a little bit more attention.
While a federal election is yet to be officially called, it’s almost certainly coming in May. Budgets usually set out spending for the next financial year beginning July 1, but this year the Coalition delivered a pre-election Budget, which means the measures announced will only come into effect if they win the federal election.
Enter Labor leader Anthony Albanese.
On Thursday night, he laid out Labor’s plans in a Budget reply: he said he has a “real plan for a better future”. That future includes at least one registered nurse in aged care facilities and cheaper child care, as well as the promise to stand up a National Anti-Corruption Commission. While he made comments such as this one: “If I’m Prime Minister, I won’t go missing when the going gets tough – or pose for photos and then disappear when there’s a job to be done”, he also declared:
“Climate change is here and its consequences are devastating.”
Pointing to Labor’s policy on climate change, unveiled in December, Albanese said that was the proof Australians need to know the opposition will act on climate change.
To refresh your memory, under Labor’s plan, more than 200 of the nation’s heaviest polluters will be required to collectively lower their emissions over the next three decades to help achieve an economy-wide cut of 43 per cent by 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050. According to commentary from the Australian Financial Review, this will lower power prices, increase jobs and drive the uptake of renewable energy.
“Our policy will give businesses and workers the certainty they need,” Abanese said on Thursday. Noting also that Labor will “end the climate wars”.
“We will act on climate change and seize the chance to transform our country into a renewable energy superpower,” the Labor leader’s Budget reply speech continued. “It will make us more resilient and less dependent on global supply chains.”
On the Today Show this morning, Albanese said Labor’s climate change policy will create 604,000 new jobs by 2030.
Labor’s Budget reply also touched on previously announced initiatives around jobs creation, including bringing the total tech jobs figure to 1.2 million by 2030 and its ‘Startup Year’ promise. Here’s the summary:
- The Powering Australia plan to drive investment in cheap, renewable energy will see Labor create 604,000 new jobs by 2030, with five out of every six in the regions, and lower power bills for households and businesses.
- Plans for a Future Made in Australia – making more things here, diversifying the economy and revitalising the regions. Labor says using its National Reconstruction Fund, it will work with business to help turn good ideas into good, secure jobs and new homegrown industries.
- And the plan to invest in infrastructure, with Albanese saying roads, rail, ports and high-speed broadband are the building blocks of a stronger, more connected, more efficient economy.
There was a lot in Labor’s Budget reply that highlights the direction Albanese hopes to take the country if his party is successful at the upcoming election. If you want to read the rest of Labor’s measures, head over here, and the Coalition’s Budget can be found here. | https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2022/04/labor-budget-reply-climate/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:38Z |
SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — If you're hungry for foodie fun in San Diego, this weekend is an excellent opportunity.
The popular Taste of Third makes its annual return to Chula Vista's famous Third Avenue for one day only.
Feeling active? Head out to Balboa Park for a morning run to celebrate World Autism Acceptance Day. Or grab your crew and soak up the sun and enjoy wine tasting on San Diego’s vibrant waterfront at Uncorked: San Diego Wine Festival.
Here's some local happenings taking place this weekend.
THURSDAY
Taste of Third
Where: Chula Vista; Cost: $45
Enjoy tastes from more than 30 of South Bay's restaurants during the Taste of Third event in Chula Vista. Diners can walk around trying out samples of local cuisines while spending the afternoon shopping, and enjoying live entertainment.
FRIDAY
Goodguys 21st Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds; Cost: $10 - $25
(Friday - Sunday) More than 2,500 muscle cars, hot rods, trucks, and classic vehicles will gather at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the Meguiar's car show. The show will also feature a swap meet, a Kids Zone, and live entertainment.
SATURDAY
Uncorked: San Diego Wine Festival
Where: Spanish Landing Park; Cost: $65- $80
Sip and savor over 150 wines, ciders, and seltzers from across the globe while soaking in the coastal views. Guest will also enjoy local food trucks, live music, lawn games while kicking back at Spanish Landing Park. Proceeds benefits urban Surf 4 Kids.
North Park Festival of Beers
Where: Lafayette Hotel; Cost: $40 - $55
Get ready to sample more than 50 San Diego breweries as the North Park Festival of Beers makes a return to the neighborhood. The will also feature food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and live music from local bands including Mrs. Henry, The Petty Saints, and Signal For Pilot.
SUNDAY
San Diego Restaurant Week
Where: Various locations; Cost: $10 - $50
(Runs until April 10) San Diego Restaurant Week brings special pricing and delicious eats to hungry locals, with more than 90 restaurants taking part in the week-long event offering two-course lunch price points from $10 to $25, and three-course dinner options from $20 to $50. | https://www.10news.com/lifestyle/exploring-san-diego/exploring-san-diego-things-to-do-march-31-april-3 | 2022-04-01T00:43:38Z |
Editor’s note: The original version of this article was published in October 2021 on The Deal’s premium subscription website and has been edited to account for subsequent events. For access, log in to TheDeal.com or use the form below to request a free trial.
Climate change, diversity and cybersecurity risks are all now top issues for large institutional investors and their growing stewardship teams, while the power of large proxy advisers is diminishing.
That’s the view of Ian Robertson, 42, a senior executive and seven-year veteran of proxy solicitor Kingsdale Advisors. Robertson was promoted in October to become chief executive of the Toronto-based provider of proxy solicitation and strategic shareholder and special situations communications services. The adviser’s former CEO, Amy Freedman, departed the role at the end of 2021.
“We’re seeing more retail shareholders playing an active role at the same time as we are seeing the influence of proxy advisers start to wane as institutional investors develop their own policy teams,” Robertson told The Deal. “New issues are emerging. People are looking for solutions to climate change, diversity and cybersecurity risk.”
Kingsdale, which also has an office in New York, is the largest provider of proxy solicitation, shareholder and special situations communications services in Canada to both corporations and activist investors engaged in director contests or other disputes, though much of its business involves advising companies facing challenging executive compensation or stock option plan votes at annual meetings. The company’s founder, Wes Hall, left U.S. proxy solicitor Georgeson LLC in 2003 to start Kingsdale, with a Canadian and cross-border focus.
As CEO, Robertson said he will seek to enlarge the company’s Canadian and U.S. presence and focus on strategic initiatives.
“For every [Canadian] proxy fight, we’re called by both sides to see who can retain us,” Robertson said. “Our modus operandi is to defend companies, but if companies don’t need our help, we also work with shareholders to effect change. We think there is an advantage in knowing how both sides think.”
Before joining Kingsdale, Robertson spent 16 years in various roles in Canadian federal and provincial politics, including serving as a chief of staff and campaign manager to Progressive Conservative Ontario Premier candidate Tim Hudak. “The skill set I honed in politics applies here, but the laws of gravity in terms of the regulations for elections and otherwise are different here,” he said.
Pivotal Battle on the Home Front
Robertson and Kingsdale advised Christopher Hohn’s TCI Fund Management Ltd. in its campaign and minority-slate proxy contest targeting Canadian National Railway Co. (CNI), the largest North American director battle of the year after Engine No. 1’s fight at Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM).
TCI sought to install outside candidates on CN’s board as part of a campaign to remove chairman Robert Pace and CEO Jean-Jacques Ruest after CN’s failed attempt to buy Kansas City Southern (KCS). CN and Hohn settled in a deal that will add two mutually agreed upon directors, and the railroad installed new CEO Tracy Robinson.
The fight was reminiscent of activist Bill Ackman’s 2012 director contest at Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. (CP), which led to the installation of a new CEO, now-deceased Hunter Harrison, and a turnaround that drove the railroad’s share price up nearly 190% during Harrison’s tenure. Kingsdale advised Ackman in that battle, which Robertson argued was first-of-its kind in Canada because it was such a big shakeup at an iconic, blue-chip Canadian company.
At CN, a “mutually agreed to” special meeting to vote on TCI’s candidates was set for March 22, roughly six months after the activist requisitioned the meeting. Robertson noted that Canadian case law generally allows corporations to push out special meetings about 155 days from the date they were requisitioned and special meetings that take place near annual meetings are often combined into the annual meetings.
Corporations have advanced notice bylaws for AGMs, giving them more flexibility to replace incumbent directors in advance of an annual meeting “if they know they are going to lose otherwise.” Special meetings, alternatively, give companies less flexibility for contests.
Indexes May Flex Cross-Border Sway
Kingsdale, in its proxy solicitation role, has developed relationships with the big three U.S. index fund managers — BlackRock Inc. (BLK), Vanguard Group Inc. and State Street Corp. (STT) — giants that are often the large shareholders of Canadian corporations, though their investments in particular companies represent an immaterial percentage of their large multitrillion-dollar funds.
“U.S. index funds can own 6% or 7% stakes in Canadian companies,” he said. “A lot of Canadian companies view the big three index funds as critical investors, but those positions may not be material to them.”
BlackRock, with $9.5 trillion in assets, on Oct. 7 announced that in 2022 it will give roughly 850 of its biggest institutional investor clients with $1.5 trillion in assets the option to vote shares connected to their investments. Robertson said he wondered whether those funds have the capacity or interest in analyzing the hundreds or thousands of voting decisions, when the alternative is to continue to let BlackRock make voting choices for them.
“More institutional investors are developing their own policies on diversity and climate change and taking a more active role on contested situations,” he said.
The proxy solicitor also frequently advises corporations faced with controversial nonbinding shareholder proposals, focused on ESG issues. Unlike in the U.S., most Canadian shareholder proposals are withdrawn in advance of meetings as opposite sides reach a compromise.
“Shareholder proposals typically never get voted on because shareholders and companies have a collaborative working relationship,” he said. “A lot of proposals [in Canada] are on climate change risks, and we are seeing more on gender and [Black, Indigenous and People of Color] diversity.”
A Unique Perspective on Cross-Border Deals
In addition, Robertson argued that Kingsdale specializes in Canada-U.S. cross-border M&A situations, involving companies listed on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. In most M&A situations, Kingsdale will advise corporations, though at times it will work with activist investors targeting a deal.
In 2019, Kingsdale advised then-publicly traded Hudson’s Bay Co. in its response to a campaign launched by Land & Buildings Investment Management LLC’s Jonathan Litt.
It also worked with Canadian fund Catalyst Capital Group Inc. in its effort to intervene in Corus Entertainment Inc.’s 2016 C$2.65 billion acquisition of Shaw Communications Inc.’s (SJR) media assets, as well as Los Angeles-based Oaktree Capital Management LP in its last-minute but ultimately successful 2017 campaign targeting Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.’s (RYAM) $1 billion acquisition of Tembec Inc. Following Oaktree pressure, Rayonier hiked its acquisition bid by 17%.
“We not only understand the laws and processes on both sides of the border but we also have deep relationships with investors on both sides of the border,” Robertson said. “Oaktree called us on a Sunday, and within seven days we got the bidder to hike their bid, following an aggressive campaign.”
Kingsdale on Oct. 6 announced it had hired Kelly Gorman, a former regulator at the Ontario Securities Commission who helped set up a corporate whistleblower program in Ontario, as executive vice president for governance. It also added Tom Graham, ex-corporate finance director at the Alberta Securities Commission, as an executive vice president.
The new executives were brought on in anticipation of significant regulatory changes in climate disclosure and Canadian regulatory changes for corporations, Robertson said. | https://www.thedeal.com/activism/new-kingsdale-ceo-plots-cross-border-ma-esg/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:38Z |
Union supporters are narrowly trailing opponents in a union election at an Amazon warehouse in Alabama, the National Labor Relations Board said Thursday. But the vote was far closer than a vote at the same warehouse last year, when workers voted down the union by a more than 2-1 ratio.
The union had 875 yes votes versus 993 no votes, but the more than 400 challenged ballots are sufficient to potentially affect the outcome of the vote. The challenges will be resolved at a labor board hearing in the coming weeks.
Overall, roughly 2,300 ballots were cast in the election in Bessemer, Ala., out of more than 6,100 eligible employees.
Advertisement
The labor board mandated the revote, which was conducted by mail from early February to late March, after concluding that Amazon violated the so-called laboratory conditions that are supposed to prevail during a union election.
The labor board is also counting votes in another high-profile election at an Amazon warehouse on Staten Island in New York. At the end of the first day of counting, 57 percent of the ballots supported being represented by Amazon Labor Union, and 43 percent were opposed. The NLRB said the count should be finished Friday.
Workers who supported the union cited frustrations over low pay, inadequate break,s and overly aggressive productivity targets. Amazon has said its pay — just under $16 per hour for full-time, entry-level workers — is competitive for the area. It has also pointed to a benefits package that it says is attractive, including complete health care benefits for full-time employees as soon as they join the company. The company has said its performance targets reflect safety considerations and individual employees’ experience.
Several employees who backed the union said coworkers were generally less afraid to question management or show their union support this year. “People are asking more questions,” Jennifer Bates, an employee who helped lead the organizing effort both last year and this year, said in March. “More employees are standing up and speaking out.”
Advertisement
The union also cited key differences in its approach to the more recent election. Last year, the union curtailed in-person organizing efforts because of COVID-19 safety concerns, but this time its organizers visited workers at home. Other unions dispatched organizers to Alabama to aid in these efforts.
Workers also appeared to be more active in organizing within the plant. They wore union T-shirts to work twice each week to demonstrate support, and one group delivered a petition to managers with more than 100 signatures complaining of inadequate breaks and break room equipment.
Still, Amazon retained advantages, not least of which was its high rate of employee turnover, which made it difficult for organizers to sustain momentum as disaffected workers simply left their jobs.
The company also appeared to spend generously on its effort to dissuade employees from backing the union, hiring consultants and holding more than 20 anti-union meetings with employees per day before mail ballots went out in early February. Union supporters accused Amazon of excluding them from meetings to mute criticism and pushback, but Amazon denied the accusation.
The result was consistent with a broader trend in rerun elections, more than half of which unions have lost since 2010. | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/31/business/union-trails-amazon-vote-alabama-with-challenges-pending/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:38Z |
David Mabuza confirms SA and Mozambique in gas deal talks
Deputy President David Mabuza on Thursday confirmed that an agreement had been reached to buy gas from Mozambique.
“I can confirm that discussions between our minister of mineral resources [Gwede Mantashe] and Mozambique are quite advanced in terms of gas that we should transport from Mozambique to the country.”
Mabuza, who made the confirmation during a National Assembly sitting in Cape Town, said he was not aware of any gas or nuclear deals between SA and Russia.
Mabuza told MPs that the government had created a regulatory environment that is conducive to opening up the market for alternative power generation producers.
“Within the framework of the integrated resource plan [IRP], alternative energy generation measures are being explored and implemented to augment electricity supply and improve the stability of the grid.”
In addition, Mabuza said, President Cyril Ramaphosa had announced the amendment of schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulations Act 4 of 2006 by increasing the embedded generation threshold from 1MW to 100MW.
“In this regard, the department of mineral resources & energy and energy has amended the electricity regulations of new generation capacity and has put together processes to be followed to ensure requests by municipalities for own generation are speedily attended to.
“Now, 292 small-scale generators have registered with National Energy Regulator of SA [Nersa] and have generation capacity of 187MW. The Independent Power Producers Office is processing offers by independent power producers for approval by Eskom and the National Treasury,” said Mabuza.
He said Mantashe has issued a determinations on the required new generation capacity, in concurrence with Nersa.
“The determinations made resulted in the procurement of more than 7,309MW from renewable and non-renewable energy. Most of these power plants are already in operation, with less than 400MW still under construction,” said Mabuza.
Thus far, Mabuza said, preferred bidders for 2,600MW of renewable energy, known as Bid-Window 5, were announced in 2021 with financial close planned for April 2022.
“The request for proposals for 2,600MW of renewable energy under Bid-Window 6 is scheduled for release end-March 2022 and the request for proposal for 513MW of battery storage, is scheduled for release by end-April 2022.”
Request for proposals for 1,600MW of renewable energy under Bid-Window 7 will be issued by the end of August 2022, said Mabuza.
“We must make the point that Eskom’s load-shedding is not as a result of limited market roles for alternative power generation, but mainly a result of breakdowns encountered from the old and ageing power generation infrastructure,” he said.
He added that Eskom’s political task team continued to provide leadership support to ensure that the power utility meets its obligation of providing electricity.
On government’s just transition plans, Mabuza said, “Our energy generation is guided by the Integrated Resource Plan 2019, which provides for the use of all energy resources available in the country. This includes, among others, coal, gas and renewable energy sources.”
He said there are no plans for the discontinuation of the use of coal as 99% of SA’s electricity supply is derived from coal and 30% of liquid fuels are derived from the same commodity.
“Coal remains one of our largest natural endowments that will continue to form part of our energy mix in terms of the IRP 2019.”
He said the IRP 2019 proposes the use of high-efficiency, low-emissions coal technologies.
“Government is working on other measures such as the gas utilisation master plan and the renewable energy master plan.
“We are exploring the development of the nuclear procurement framework as proposed in the IRP 2019. All of these are part of the medium to long-term plans in ensuring security of energy supply.”
The government is working towards a planned optimised plant shutdown to balance capacity, environmental, social and economic considerations.
“This is inevitable because, in the main, these plants are approaching the end of their lifespan, and have become uneconomical, unpredictable and costly to run. Nine coal-fired power stations will be shut down by 2035, thereby affecting significantly on the reduction of generation capacity,” he said.
He conceded that the decommissioning of the existing coal-fired plants will drive the demand for new capacity.
“As coal-fired units and stations are shut down, it is essential that new capacity is added to the grid, to ensure energy security.”
The government is focusing on the implementation of the Just Energy Transition with Komati Power Station as the first coal-fired power station to be repurposed.
“It will be repowered in the next 12 to 18 months, using solar photovoltaic plant supported by 244MWh battery storage.”
TimesLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article or view other readers' comments? Register (it’s quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. | https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-03-31-david-mabuza-confirms-sa-and-mozambique-in-gas-deal-talks/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:38Z |
ST. MARTIN PARISH, La. (KLFY) The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in a felony theft investigation.
According to Sheriff Becket Breaux, detectives are seeking information on the owner and whereabouts of a gold or light brown Chevy dually pickup truck who they believe stole approximately 264 gallons of diesel fuel from a property in the 7300 block of Main Hwy., in St. Martinville.
The theft occurred around 8 p.m. on March 21, Breaux said.
He said the suspect is white male with a goatee who was wearing a red shirt and camouflage cap.
The estimated cost of the stolen fuel is approximately $1200, Breaux said.
Anyone with information as to the identity of this individual is asked to contact St. Martin Crime Stoppers by calling (337) 441-3030 or via the free P3 Tips App. All callers remain anonymous and if your tip leads to an arrest, you will be eligible for a cash reward. | https://www.klfy.com/local/st-martin-parish/smpso-man-driving-chevy-dually-steals-264-gallons-of-diesel-gas-in-st-martin-parish/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:39Z |
In Nation & World | Trump’s eight-hour gap: minute-by-minute during Jan. 6 riot | Page A12
A1 wire teaser
Related to this story
Most Popular
LOS ANGELES — The percentage of omicron subvariant BA.2 cases is rising in Los Angeles County, a trend seen elsewhere nationwide as officials …
The Virginia State Police on Sunday ensured that an anti-venom treatment was rushed to VCU Health to use on a man who was bitten by his own pe…
Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen — Metro-Richmond's family run, fresh donut food truck — is shutting down it's operations until further notice, according to a statement the company left on Facebook. Current owners Lucas Miller and his brother-in-law Samuel Amaya are in the process of acquiring a new operator.
A political consulting firm tells clients it will help them navigate the new Republican-controlled executive branch of Virginia’s government. …
A Midlothian woman who had drunk multiple cocktails and hard seltzers and was distracted by her cellphone when she crashed last year into a yo…
"As the mayor has previously stated, the many needs of our residents take priority over making a cash contribution to one of the wealthiest franchises in professional sports."
A Bermuda-based insurance company is planning to open a U.S. headquarters office in Henrico County that is expected to employ more than 70 people.
Virginia still wants the Washington Commanders to relocate to the state, but at the end of a month in which Maryland and D.C. tempered their e…
Some Atlee High School students are being suspended this week following their participation in a student-organized walkout on March 18 in prot…
As we walked around Hannah and Brandon Setzer’s place in the country and they introduced us to their chickens and baby goats and talked about … | https://richmond.com/a1-wire-teaser/article_a943e6af-fee0-525a-9f03-5a2930608459.html | 2022-04-01T00:43:39Z |
Prosecutors rest their case in Gov. Whitmer kidnap trial
(AP) - A man accused of leading a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was “antigovernment” and believed officials were out to “line their own pockets,” his longtime companion testified Wednesday before prosecutors rested their case.
Chastity Knight spoke to jurors on the 13th day of trial in federal court in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was asked about Barry Croft Jr.’s tattoos, including one with three stars — popular among extremists — and his attitude toward government.
“He was antigovernment,” Knight of Bear, Delaware, said. “He just thought the government’s not for him. The government doesn’t help the people out. They like to line their own pockets.”
The jury has heard key evidence from undercover FBI agents and an informant who was inside the group for months and made secret recordings. Two men who pleaded guilty provided critical testimony last week, including a desire for national chaos if Whitmer, a Democrat, could be abducted from her vacation home before the 2020 election.
Croft, Adam Fox, Daniel Harris and Brandon Caserta are charged with a kidnapping conspiracy. Fox, Croft and Harris face additional charges related to explosives.
Knight, 40, cried as she identified one of Croft’s daughters as the person who offered him a snack chip during a weapons training session in Luther, Michigan.
“Honey, I’m making explosives. Can you get away from me, please? ... I love you. Get out of here,” Croft said in recorded remarks.
Defense lawyers asked for a direct acquittal, a standard step in a criminal trial, arguing there wasn’t sufficient evidence to give the case to a jury. But U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker quickly swept it aside and especially noted the detailed testimony of two star witnesses who pleaded guilty, Ty Garbin and Kaleb Franks.
The defense got off to a rocky start: At least five people said they would assert their right to remain silent if called to the witness chair. They included an informant, Steve Robeson, who switched sides during the investigation and tipped off Croft that the FBI wanted to arrest him, according to the government.
The others who invoked the Fifth Amendment had participated in training as well as discussions about the plot but have not been charged.
The judge pressed lawyers to indicate soon whether Fox, Croft, Harris or Caserta will testify. The attorneys claim the group was engaged in a lot of crazy talk fueled by agents, informants and marijuana but not a conspiracy.
The men were arrested in October 2020 as they moved closer to obtaining an explosive that could blow up a bridge and hold back police from responding to a kidnapping at Whitmer’s second home, according to trial testimony.
Garbin said the men acted willingly and had hoped to strike before the election. He said they wanted to stop Joe Biden from winning the presidency.
The group was angry with COVID-19 restrictions and disgusted with government, recordings and social media posts show.
Whitmer rarely talks publicly about the kidnapping plot, though she referred to “surprises” during her term that seem like “something out of fiction” when she filed for reelection on March 17.
She has blamed former President Donald Trump for fomenting anger over coronavirus restrictions and refusing to condemn right-wing extremists like those charged in the case. Whitmer has said Trump was complicit in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
___
Find AP’s full coverage of the Whitmer kidnap plot trial at: https://apnews.com/hub/whitmer-kidnap-plot-trial
___
White reported from Detroit.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/prosecutors-rest-their-case-gov-whitmer-kidnap-trial/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:38Z |
As politicians and other individuals are preparing for next year election, organised labour under the auspices of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has equally expressed plans to mobilise Nigerian workers and the masses to change the country’s political narrative for transformative governance and social justice. President of the TUC, Quadri Olaleye, who stated this in Lagos, said it was regrettable that the country was still in the struggle for good governance after many years of independence. He said the union was mobilising members across the country to be fully involved and participate in the forthcoming general elections to elect good leaders. According to him, the inactive participation of Nigerian workers in the past general elections has put them in a pitiable condition, most especially in the area of implementation of the minimum wage.
To achieve its purpose, Olaleye inaugurated the TUC Southwest Political Commission, charged with the responsibility to sensitise workers and indeed Nigerians on the need to get their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) ready for the general elections. Part of the commission’s responsibilities, the TUC boss said, was to roll out an agenda that is sellable and making use of its large numbers.
Emphasising on the dangers inherent in workers staying away from politics, he said the leadership of the congress had resolved not to waste opportunities provided in a liberal democracy. Prior to this, the TUC had convened a Political Round Table with the theme ‘The Role of Organised Labour in Promoting Participatory Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria: Perspectives on 2023 General Elections,’ held in Abuja. This was done to be able to provide a platform to elicit conversations on varied political, social and economic challenges facing the country as well as the task before the labour movement in providing solutions through a political alternative to perennial leadership problems in the country. | https://www.newtelegraphng.com/tuc-mobilises-workers-for-2023-election/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:39Z |
James Beard award-winning master chef Mindy Segal has created precisely dosed, decadently delicious artisanal edibles to delight your tastebuds and invigorate your soul. Each flavor highlights a distinct memory for Mindy's culinary journey.
Bright, clean, and refreshing yet earthy. Flavors of honeydew & cantaloupe with a touch of honey. Balanced with slight fruity-floral lychee notes.
No product reviews
Have you tried this product? Be the first to leave a review!
James Beard Award-winning chef Mindy Segal has partnered with Cresco Labs to create perfectly-dosed, delicious edibles. Chef Segal carefully crafts gummies in Glazed Clementine Orange, Cool Keylime Kiwi, Lush Black Cherry, Freshly Picked Berries, Honey Sweet Melon and Botanical White Grapefruit flavor options, and chocolates in Caramelized Chocolate Marshmallow Graham, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Brittle and Dark Chocolate Almond Toffee flavors. These iconic flavors are curated with thoughtful ingredients, utilizing chef-led quality and precision dosing.
Looking for a consistent edible experience? Find premium cannabis cuisine at a dispensary near you. | https://www.leafly.com/brands/mindys-edibles/products/mindys-edibles-honey-sweet-melon-11-gummies-100mg-50-pack | 2022-04-01T00:43:39Z |
When you buy a domain name at Dan.com, you’re automatically covered by our unique Buyer Protection Program. Read more about how we keep you safe on our Trust and Security page.
Next to our secure domain ownership transfer process, we strictly monitor all transactions. If anything looks weird, we take immediate action. And if the seller doesn't deliver on their part of the deal, we refund you within 24 hours.
98% of all domain ownership transfers are completed within 24 hours. The seller first delivers the domain to us, then we send you your tailored transfer instructions. Need help? Our domain ownership transfer specialists will assist you at no additional cost.
Pay by bank wire and get a 1% discount or use one of the most popular payment options available through our payment processor, Adyen. Adyen is the payment platform of choice for many leading tech companies like Uber & eBay.
No matter what kind of domain you want to buy, we make the transfer simple and safe.
Here’s how it works | https://dan.com/buy-domain/nkwnhdyy.com | 2022-04-01T00:43:40Z |
Oscars producer Will Packer said Los Angeles police were ready to arrest Will Smith after Smith slapped Chris Rock on the Academy Awards stage.
“They were saying, you know, this is battery, was a word they used in that moment," Packer said in a clip released by ABC News Thursday night of an interview he gave to “Good Morning America.” “They said we will go get him. We are prepared. We’re prepared to get him right now. You can press charges, we can arrest him. They were laying out the options.”
But Packer said Rock was “very dismissive” of the idea.
“He was like, ‘No, no, no, I’m fine,” Packer said. "And even to the point where I said, ‘Rock, let them finish.’ The LAPD officers finished laying out what his options were and they said, ‘Would you like us to take any action?’ And he said no.”
The LAPD said in a statement after Sunday night's ceremony that they were aware of the incident, and that Rock had declined to file a police report. The department declined comment Thursday on Packer's interview, a longer version of which will air on Friday morning.
More Will Smith and Chris Rock Coverage
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences met Wednesday to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Smith for violations against the group’s standards of conduct. Smith could be suspended, expelled or otherwise sanctioned.
The academy said in a statement that “Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television."
Without giving specifics, the academy said Smith was asked to leave the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre, but refused to do so.
Smith strode from his front row seat on to the stage and slapped Rock after a joke Rock made about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, when he was on stage to present the Oscar for best documentary.
On Monday, Smith issued an apology to Rock, the academy and to viewers, saying “I was out of line and I was wrong.”
The academy said Smith has the opportunity to defend himself in a written response before the board meets again on April 18.
Rock publicly addressed the incident for the first time, but only briefly, at the beginning of a standup show Wednesday night in Boston, where he was greeted by a thunderous standing ovation. He said “I’m still kind of processing what happened.”
___
Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton | https://www.necn.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/oscars-producer-says-police-offered-to-arrest-will-smith/2709146/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:40Z |
Film tax credit remains intact after changes are removed from bill
ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) - Georgia senators have scrapped a measure that would have capped the state’s film tax credit program.
“The film industry and the cuts and caps and all that stuff has been eliminated from that bill,” said Senate Rules Committee Chairman Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga.
Earlier this week, the Senate Finance Committee voted to cap the state’s film tax credit at $900 million. Currently, the tax credits cap at more than $1 billion.
The move would have also blocked film and entertainment companies from transferring or selling their tax credits.
Workers in the film industry spoke out against the change, writing and calling lawmakers throughout the week.
“Let’s make no mistake, had this language passed, the motion picture industry in Georgia as we know it would have been gutted,” said Ray Brown, a production grip, and the president of the production grip and President of the IATSE Local 479 union.
Brown spoke with CBS46 Thursday from the set of the TV show “Panhandle” that’s filming in Savannah right now. “There is no doubt that the motion picture incentive in the state of Georgia is the very reason why these motion pictures are being made here,” he added.
He is thanking senators for taking the film industry out of the tax bill.
“I watched my [union] membership grow from 650 to 6,500 in the last 8 years. That incentive alone should let any senator know that this statistic is working and working well,” Brown said, adding that they are Georgia residents being put to work.
Senate Finance Chair Chuck Hufstetler, under major pressure from the film industry, decided to remove the film industry changes from his tax bill. But, he CBS46 he still thinks the industry cost needs changing.
“It is taking 1 out of 12 of our income tax dollars for a program that is .4% of our workers according to the bureau of labor and statistics,” Hufstetler wrote. “90% of the credits and over 50% of the labor expenditures go to out of state workers. We can keep Georgia competitive without taking such a huge amount of our taxes.”
He pointed to some film teams using the credits to pay for private jets, chefs and trainers.
“Those that are touting private jets and masseuses that would exist in some areas of the motion picture business but it’s a very, very small percentile. I would say that 3 or 4% of motion picture business operate like that,” Brown rebutted. “The show I’m on now in Savannah, there are no private jets, no private cars and no masseuses. We are all here working and making a terrific product.”
Overall, the lawmakers decided to scrap the changes this session and they won’t come up again any time soon. Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, says if Senators have an issue with a tax credit, they are supposed to formally study the impact of the credit and then begin discussions on a possible change. She says this issue was not studied. She was vocal in opposing the bill.
Copyright 2022 WGCL. All rights reserved. | https://www.cbs46.com/2022/04/01/film-tax-credit-remains-intact-after-changes-are-removed-bill/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:39Z |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge struck down portions of a Florida election law passed last year, saying in a ruling Thursday that the Republican-led government was using subtle tactics to suppress Black voters.
The law tightened rules on mailed ballots, drop boxes and other popular election methods — changes that made it more difficult for Black voters who, overall, have more socioeconomic disadvantages than white voters, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker wrote in his ruling.
“For the past 20 years, the majority in the Florida Legislature has attacked the voting rights of its Black constituents,” Walker wrote. Given that history, he said, some future election law changes should be subject to court approval.
Florida’s Republican-led legislature joined several others around the country in passing election reforms after Republican former President Donald Trump made unfounded claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him. Democrats have called such reforms a partisan attempt to keep some voters from the ballot box.
“It was only designed to fuel the narrative around the big lie and that the election was stolen from Trump,” Democratic state Rep. Fentrice Driskell, who is Black, said in a phone interview after the ruling was issued. “What we absolutely can’t have is a system that, I almost feel like, is separate and unequal. Making it harder for Black people to vote is unconstitutional.”
Democratic state Rep. Ramon Alexander said he and others argued before the bill passed that it would disproportionally affect voters of color, and he is glad Walker agreed.
“Florida has a long history of discrimination at the ballot box, and (the bill) was just another roadblock put in front of Black people trying to cast a legal vote,” said Alexander, who is Black.
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, who made the election bill a priority, said the state will appeal Walker’s decision and win.
“In front of certain district judges, we know we will lose no matter what because they are not going to follow the law,” DeSantis said at a news conference in West Palm Beach. He did not say specifically why he believes the ruling is incorrect.
Upon appeal, the case would go to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, Georgia, which is seen as being more conservative.
Republican Sen. Dennis Baxley, who sponsored the bill, didn’t immediately return a voicemail message seeking comment.
Much of the debate focused on vote-by-mail ballots and how they are collected and returned. Walker overturned a provision of the law limiting when people could use a drop box to submit their ballot, along with a section prohibiting anyone from engaging with people waiting to vote. Walker said the latter provision “discourages groups who give food, water, and other forms of encouragement to voters waiting in long lines from continuing to do so.”
“One way, then, to measure whether this provision will have a disparate impact on Black or Latino voters is to determine whether Black and Latino voters are disproportionately likely to wait in line to vote,” said Walker, citing testimony that showed that to indeed be the case.
Walker, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, also overturned a provision in the law putting new restrictions on groups that register voters, including requiring that people working to register voters submit their names and permanent addresses to the state.
Walker ordered that for the next 10 years, any attempt by the Legislature to write new laws on the issues he overturned will need court approval.
“Floridians have been forced to live under a law that violates their rights on multiple fronts for over a year,” he wrote. “Without preclearance, Florida could continue to enact such laws, replacing them every legislative session if courts view them with skepticism. Such a scheme makes a mockery of the rule of law.” | https://www.mystateline.com/news/politics/judge-strikes-down-parts-of-florida-election-law-cites-race/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:40Z |
President Joe Biden marked Transgender Day of Visibility on Thursday by denouncing “hateful bills” being passed at the state level as the White House played host to “Jeopardy!” champion Amy Schneider, the first openly transgender winner on the popular quiz show.
Schneider met with second gentleman Doug Emhoff, who joined Rachel Levine, the assistant health secretary and the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the Senate, for a conversation with transgender kids and their parents.
Schneider used the moment in the Washington spotlight to speak out against bills affecting transgender people.
“They’re really scary and some of them in particular that are denying medical services to trans youth, those are, those are lifesaving medical treatments," Schneider told reporters. "These bills will cause the deaths of children and that’s really sad to me and it’s really frightening.”
“Jeopardy!” star Schneider spoke of “being a trans person out there that isn’t monstrous and isn’t threatening and is just a normal person, like we all are,” and said "the more that people like me can be seen, the harder it is to sustain the myths that are ... kind of driving a lot of this hate and fear.” | https://www.nbcboston.com/news/national-international/white-house-hosts-transgender-jeopardy-star-amy-schneider/2683236/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:39Z |
Zara parent company closes all stores in Russia
Global fashion company Inditex, the parent company of Zara, announced on Saturday it was closing all shops in Russia amid the country’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The decision means the closure of 502 shops in Russia and a halt to all online sales in the country, Inditex told Reuters in a statement.
“In the current circumstances Inditex cannot guarantee the continuity of the operations and commercial conditions in the Russian Federation and temporarily suspends its activity,” the company said in the statement.
The company has about 9,000 employees who will be impacted by the closures, but the company said it had a support plan for the workers, Reuters reported.
Inditex also previously temporarily closed about 79 stores in Ukraine.
The Spanish fashion retailer is following big name brands that are closing up shop in Russia or cutting ties with the country, including rival H&M, Reuters noted.
Also on Saturday, PayPal said it would shut down its services and Samsung announced it was suspending shipments, BBC reported.
The Hill has removed its comment section, as there are many other forums for readers to participate in the conversation. We invite you to join the discussion on Facebook and Twitter. | https://thehill.com/policy/international/597005-zara-parent-company-closes-all-stores-in-russia/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:40Z |
WASHINGTON (AP) — An inflation gauge that is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve jumped 6.4% in February compared with a year ago, with sharply higher prices for food, gasoline and other necessities squeezing Americans’ finances.
The figure reported Thursday by the Commerce Department was the largest year-over-year rise since January 1982. Excluding volatile prices for food and energy, so-called core inflation increased 5.4% in February from 12 months earlier.
Robust consumer demand has combined with shortages of many goods to fuel the sharpest price jumps in four decades. Measures of inflation will likely worsen in the coming months because Thursday’s report doesn’t reflect the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which occurred Feb. 24. The war has disrupted global oil markets and accelerated prices for wheat, nickel and other key commodities.
Squeezed by inflation, consumers increased their spending by just 0.2% in February, down from a much larger 2.7% gain in January. Adjusted for inflation, spending actually fell 0.4% last month. The decline partly reflected a shift away from heavy spending on goods to a focus on services, such as health care, travel and entertainment, which consumers had long avoided during the worst of the pandemic.
Spending on such services grew 0.6%, the most since July, while purchases of autos, furniture, clothes and other goods dropped 2.1%. Many economists had previously suggested that a shift away from goods purchases might loosen supply chain snarls and cool inflation. But prices are still rising rapidly for goods, including a 1.1% increase in February.
Americans’ overall incomes rose 0.5% in February, the highest gain since November and up from just 0.1% in January. Wages and salaries jumped 0.8%, the most in four months.
Businesses have been raising pay to attract and keep employees — a trend that is benefiting workers but also giving employers cause to raise prices to offset their higher labor costs. That cycle is helping fuel inflation.
Last month, food costs climbed 1.4%, the most in nearly two years. Energy costs spiked 3.7%, the biggest such increase since October.
The Federal Reserve responded this month to the inflation surge by raising its benchmark short-term interest rate by a quarter-point from near zero, and it’s likely to keep raising it well into next year. Because its rate affects many consumer and business loans, the Fed’s rate hikes will make borrowing more expensive and could weaken the economy over time.
Michael Feroli of JPMorgan is among economists who now think the Fed will raise its key rate by an aggressive half-point in both May and June. The central bank hasn’t raised its benchmark rate by a half-point in two decades, a sign of how concerned it has become about the persistent surge in inflation.
On a monthly basis, prices rose 0.6% from January to February, up slightly from the previous month’s increase of 0.5% and matching the highest monthly figure since 2008. Core prices rose 0.4%, down from a 0.5% increase in January.
Gas prices have soared in the past month in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion, which led the United Kingdom and the Biden administration to ban Russia’s oil exports. The cost of a gallon of gas shot up to a national average of $4.24 a gallon Wednesday, according to AAA. That’s up 63 cents from a month ago, when it was $3.61.
Michael Pearce, an economist at Capital Economics, estimated that the gas price spike will cost Americans an annualized $100 billion in March.
Americans will likely dig into their savings to cover the higher gas costs in the near term, he said. “But if higher gasoline prices are sustained, that will eventually weigh on spending in other areas.”
On Thursday, President Joe Biden is expected to order the release of up to 1 million barrels of oila day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve in an effort to reduce gas prices.
Thursday’s report follows a more widely monitored inflation gauge, the consumer price index, that was issued earlier this month. The CPI jumped to 7.9% in February from a year ago, the sharpest such increase in four decades.
Many economists still expect inflation to peak in the coming months. In part, that’s because price spikes that occurred last year, when the economy widely reopened, will begin to make the year-over-year price increases appear smaller. Yet Fed officials project that inflation, as measured by its preferred gauge, will still be a comparatively high 4.3% by the end of this year. | https://www.fox44news.com/news/business-news/a-key-inflation-gauge-sets-40-year-high-as-gas-and-food-soar/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:41Z |
The House on Thursday passed a bill capping the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for insured patients, part of an election-year push by Democrats for price curbs on prescription drugs at a time of rising inflation.
Experts say the legislation, which passed 232-193, would provide significant relief for privately insured patients with skimpier plans and for Medicare enrollees facing rising out-of-pocket costs for their insulin. Some could save hundreds of dollars annually, and all insured patients would get the benefit of predictable monthly costs for insulin. The bill would not help the uninsured.
But the Affordable Insulin Now Act will serve as a political vehicle to rally Democrats and force Republicans who oppose it into uncomfortable votes ahead of the midterms. For the legislation to pass Congress, 10 Republican senators would have to vote in favor. Democrats acknowledge they don't have an answer for how that's going to happen.
"If 10 Republicans stand between the American people being able to get access to affordable insulin, that's a good question for 10 Republicans to answer," said Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., a cosponsor of the House bill. "Republicans get diabetes, too. Republicans die from diabetes."
Public opinion polls have consistently shown support across party lines for congressional action to limit drug costs.
But Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., complained the legislation is only "a small piece of a larger package around government price controls for prescription drugs." Critics say the bill would raise premiums and fails to target pharmaceutical middlemen seen as contributing to high list prices for insulin.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said Democrats could have a deal on prescription drugs if they drop their bid to authorize Medicare to negotiate prices. "Do Democrats really want to help seniors, or would they rather have the campaign issue?" Grassley said.
The insulin bill, which would take effect in 2023, represents just one provision of a much broader prescription drug package in President Joe Biden's social and climate legislation.
In addition to a similar $35 cap on insulin, the Biden bill would authorize Medicare to negotiate prices for a range of drugs, including insulin. It would penalize drugmakers who raise prices faster than inflation and overhaul the Medicare prescription drug benefit to limit out-of-pocket costs for enrollees.
Biden's agenda passed the House only to stall in the Senate because Democrats could not reach consensus. Party leaders haven't abandoned hope of getting the legislation moving again, and preserving its drug pricing curbs largely intact.
The idea of a $35 monthly cost cap for insulin actually has a bipartisan pedigree. The Trump administration had created a voluntary option for Medicare enrollees to get insulin for $35, and the Biden administration continued it.
In the Senate, Republican Susan Collins of Maine and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire are working on a bipartisan insulin bill. Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock has introduced legislation similar to the House bill, with the support of Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.
Stung by criticism that Biden's economic policies spur inflation, Democrats are redoubling efforts to show how they'd help people cope with costs. On Thursday, the Commerce Department reported a key inflation gauge jumped 6.4% in February compared with a year ago, the largest year-over-year rise since January 1982.
But experts say the House bill would not help uninsured people, who face the highest out-of-pocket costs for insulin. Also, people with diabetes often take other medications as well as insulin. That's done to treat the diabetes itself, along with other serious health conditions often associated with the disease. The House legislation would not help with those costs, either. Collins says she's looking for a way to help uninsured people through her bill.
About 37 million Americans have diabetes, and an estimated 6 million to 7 million use insulin to keep their blood sugars under control. It's an old drug, refined and improved over the years, that has seen relentless price increases.
Steep list prices don't reflect the rates insurance plans negotiate with manufacturers. But those list prices are used to calculate cost-sharing amounts that patients owe. Patients who can't afford their insulin reduce or skip doses, a strategy born of desperation, which can lead to serious complications and even death.
Economist Sherry Glied of New York University said the market for insulin is a "total disaster" for many patients, particularly those with skimpy insurance plans or no insurance.
"This will make private insurance for people with diabetes a much more attractive proposition," said Glied. | https://www.kgun9.com/news/national/house-passes-35-a-month-insulin-cap-as-dems-seek-wider-bill | 2022-04-01T00:43:43Z |
Patrick Demarchelier Has Died at 78
Patrick Demarchelier, the fashion photographer behind several enduringly iconic images, has died at age 78. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Demarchelier on March 31st 2022,” read a post on his official Instagram on Thursday. “He is survived by his wife Mia, his three sons Gustaf, Arthur, Victor and three grandchildren.” The cause of death remains unknown.
Demarchelier is perhaps best known to the public as the unofficial personal photographer of Princess Diana, whom he met on the very same day of his death in 1986. His pop cultural impact wasn’t limited to the royals; Demarchelier also photographed the cover of Britney Spears’s fourth studio album, 2003’s In the Zone and Janet Jackson’s famous 1993 topless Rolling Stone cover.
But in fashion, Demarchelier had been a household name since the late ‘70s, just a few years after he left Paris behind to join his then-girlfriend in the United States. After cutting his teeth as a freelancer alongside photographers such as the legendary Henri Cartier-Bresson, Demarchelier put his focus wholly on fashion, making a name for himself with high-fashion portraits of celebrities such as Madonna.
All that changed in February of 2018, in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Demarchelier was among a number of then-fashion photography mainstays accused of sexual misconduct in an investigation by The Boston Globe, leading many—including his longtime employer Vogue—to cut ties (Demarchelier denied the accusation). A number of the industry’s notable names were quick to mourn him in the comments of the Instagram announcing his death. “Oh I am so sad to hear this,” renowned hairstylist Sam McKnight, who worked with Demarchelier on his Princess Diana shoots, commented. “I had the BEST TIMES with Patrick, endless incredible iconic photos, wonderful memories, a lifetime of laughter, I have so much to thank him for, there will never be another.” The supermodel Amber Valletta also looked back fondly on her memories with Demarchelier, noting that he was one of the very first photographers she ever worked with. | https://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/patrick-demarchelier-dies | 2022-04-01T00:43:43Z |
Wall Street analysts expect Claros Mortgage Trust, Inc. (NYSE:CMTG – Get Rating) to announce earnings per share of $0.32 for the current quarter, Zacks Investment Research reports. Zero analysts have made estimates for Claros Mortgage Trust’s earnings. The business is scheduled to report its next quarterly earnings report on Monday, January 1st.
On average, analysts expect that Claros Mortgage Trust will report full-year earnings of $1.25 per share for the current year. For the next financial year, analysts anticipate that the company will report earnings of $1.33 per share. Zacks Investment Research’s EPS calculations are a mean average based on a survey of analysts that that provide coverage for Claros Mortgage Trust.
Claros Mortgage Trust (NYSE:CMTG – Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, March 14th. The company reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.28 by $0.02.
Shares of NYSE CMTG traded down $0.74 during trading on Thursday, reaching $17.14. The company had a trading volume of 256,125 shares, compared to its average volume of 30,165. Claros Mortgage Trust has a 52 week low of $14.96 and a 52 week high of $18.74. The business’s 50 day moving average is $17.34.
The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 31st will be given a dividend of $0.37 per share. This represents a $1.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.63%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 30th.
Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of CMTG. Sandia Investment Management LP acquired a new position in Claros Mortgage Trust during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $246,000. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Claros Mortgage Trust during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $1,163,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. acquired a new position in Claros Mortgage Trust during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $4,856,000. Millennium Management LLC acquired a new position in Claros Mortgage Trust during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $8,064,000. Finally, Long Pond Capital LP acquired a new position in Claros Mortgage Trust during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $13,091,000. Institutional investors own 12.97% of the company’s stock.
Claros Mortgage Trust Company Profile (Get Rating)
Claros Mortgage Trust, Inc, a commercial real estate (CRE) finance company, focuses on originating senior and subordinate loans on transitional CRE assets located in the United States markets. The company is qualified as a real estate investment trust (REIT) under the Internal Revenue Code. As a REIT, its net income would be exempt from federal taxation to the extent that it is distributed as dividends to shareholders.
Featured Articles
- Get a free copy of the StockNews.com research report on Claros Mortgage Trust (CMTG)
- High-Yielding Walgreens Boots Alliance Goes On Sale
- 3 Mid-Cap Value Stocks Ready to Run
- Institutional Support Has Paychex On Brink Of New All-Time Highs
- Tough Comps and Declining Consumer Sales Makes McCormick a Hold
- These Are Rock Bottom Prices For Five Below
Get a free copy of the Zacks research report on Claros Mortgage Trust (CMTG)
For more information about research offerings from Zacks Investment Research, visit Zacks.com
Receive News & Ratings for Claros Mortgage Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Claros Mortgage Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. | https://www.com-unik.info/2022/03/31/zacks-brokerages-anticipate-claros-mortgage-trust-inc-nysecmtg-will-announce-earnings-of-0-32-per-share.html | 2022-04-01T00:43:43Z |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/mlb/san-francisco-giants/articles/39012160 | 2022-04-01T00:43:43Z |
Tumultuous Week Ends with Coach’s Resignation
A week that started with a social media storm surrounding the potential firing of Okawville Lady Rockets basketball coach Michelle Hasheider-Burianek ended with her resignation Saturday morning. More than 100 members of the community...
www.okawvilletimes.com | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2556552699183/tumultuous-week-ends-with-coach-s-resignation | 2022-04-01T00:43:43Z |
A group of four US senators has written a letter urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to review Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard, citing concerns of accountability.
As first reported by The Wall Street Journal, the group of senators includes Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, and Sheldon Whitehouse. The lawmakers expressed in a letter to FTC chair Lina Khan concern that the deal might "exacerbate the flurry of sexual-abuse, harassment and retaliation allegations at Activision stemming from recent federal and state investigations."
A California District Court judge approved Activision Blizzard's $18 million misconduct settlement with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) earlier this week, officially resolving the EEOC's lawsuit against Activision Blizzard. But the group of US senators worry the deal could undermine a growing movement calling for accountability at Activision Blizzard. Specifically, the letter mentions Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who would be allowed to keep his position consistent with the terms of Microsoft's buyout.
"This lack of accountability, despite shareholders, employees, and the public calling for Kotick to be held responsible for the culture he created, would be an unacceptable result of the proposed Microsoft acquisition," the letter reads.
An Activision Blizzard spokesperson issued its own statement responding to the letter from the US senators.
"The transaction between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard will not interrupt any of the actions the Activision Blizzard's leadership team has implemented throughout 2021 and is continuing to implement in 2022 with regards to improving our workplace," reads the statement, in part. "Microsoft is supportive of the goals and the work being done. This is a compelling transaction for all stakeholders, including employees"
Activision Blizzard goes on to note that Kotick has seen his salary reduced to the California minimum of $62,500 for 2022, and won't see an increase until the Activision Blizzard board of director's Workplace Responsibility Committee has determined "appropriate progress toward achievement of the transformational gender-related goals and other commitments described in such announcement."
Read up on everything we know about the DFEH's ongoing Activision Blizzard lawsuit. | https://www.gamesradar.com/us-senators-ask-the-ftc-to-review-microsofts-activision-blizzard-buyout/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:44Z |
As summer approaches, many Americans will find themselves looking at the great outdoors as a way to break free from work, viruses and resorts. For people looking for something a bit different than a Sprinter with all-terrain tires, a seller on Bring a Trailer has something pretty wild. So long as you could afford the gas, this 1971 Ford Econoline Sportsmobile camper conversion is an Epic way to wheel and sleep outside.
Hearing the name Sportsmobile immediately makes my ears perk up. If you don’t know what Sportsmobile does, I’ll give a quick rundown. Imagine the boring van that your plumber drove up in to fix your broken toilet. Now imagine that van with an interior kitted out for camping. It’s been the Sportsmobile formula since 1961. Some of the company’s most popular vans go even further with 4×4 conversions and meaty tires; a far cry from their humble beginnings.
Joe Arlo had long had a dream of going on camping adventures in a van just like his father did. And while he had a camper van already, he really wanted something both vintage and with four-wheel-drive, something that his modern Ford Econoline camper did not have. That’s when he found the old Sportsmobile in March 2017.
Arlo correctly points out that even 10-year-old Sportsmobiles with some mileage will still set you back the better half of six figures. But this 1971 Ford Econoline Sportsmobile? He found it on eBay for $US21,495 ($29,839) or best offer.
Before Arlo even got its hands on the Sportsmobile in 2017 it had undergone a bit of a restoration. He says that it was found in a barn in Minnesota. Then in 2015, it was shipped out to Hawaii and landed into the hands of Dwayne Wemple. Out there, Wemple overhauled the powertrain.
It started life as an Econoline E-200, then Wemple upgraded it to E-300 specification. He overhauled the van’s 302 cubic-inch V8, added a Dana Spicer 20 twin-stick transfer case, a Dana 44 front axle and a Dana 60 rear axle.
Since the van came from Minnesota, it was also peppered in rust. Wemple took care of that and gave the van a fresh coat of paint.
The now 4×4 lifted beast was sent back to the mainland in 2016 when it ended up in the ownership of a new person in Palm Springs, California. The owner reportedly let it sit for a year before Arlo finally got it in his possession.
While Arlo found it to be in good overall condition, he had to put his own spin on it. The 302 cubic-inch V8 under the hood was tossed out for a 306 cubic-inch Ford crate engine V8 from BluePrint Engines in 2018.
This unit is advertised as making 370 HP and 159 kg-ft torque, more than healthy for this application. The listing lists other goodies that came with the engine:
Equipment includes aluminium cylinder heads, an Edelbrock Pro-Flo 4 fuel injection system, a 160-amp alternator, a heavy-duty radiator, and Hedman “shorty” headers.
Arlo then refurbished the interior.
He named it the 808Van after the Hawaii area code that the van spent some of its time in. His refreshing of the interior kept the ‘70s vibes that a van like this should have while also giving it modern amenities. The floral patterns and bamboo floors also make for a great callback to where the van was overhauled those years ago.
Living equipment is light and includes a sink, bed, refrigerator, power inverter and a 76 l tank for water. This isn’t exactly the best off-grid camping material, but it’s certainly a stylish way to go wheeling before camping under the stars.
Of course, if this is Arlo’s dream van you may wonder why in the world would he ever sell it? Well, he wants to trade a Hawaii van for just living in Hawaii.
Hopefully this van goes on to see some great adventures. As of now bidding is at $US26,000 ($36,093) with three days to go on Bring a Trailer. | https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2022/04/this-old-conversion-van-was-turned-into-an-epic-4x4-camping-rig/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:44Z |
- Analysis
- Business
- The economy
- Inside China
The ‘China model’ is being put to the test
By Li Yuan
A year ago, while many countries were still reeling from COVID-19, China seemed to be one of few places prospering through the pandemic. It was also the only major economy that reported growth in 2020. Global investors were bullish on Chinese stocks even as Beijing’s regulatory crackdown on its private sector became more like a political campaign.
That led some people in China to argue that its one-party authoritarian rule offered a compelling alternative to traditional liberal democracy. The United States was declining politically and economically, they said, and the world was “gravitating toward China.” Many Chinese cheered the narrative online.
A year later, the tone within China is more one of anxiety, anger and despair. In the past month, hundreds of millions of people there have struggled under lockdowns as coronavirus outbreaks spread across the country. Foreign investors are dumping Chinese stocks over geopolitical, regulatory and pandemic uncertainties. And the government’s support of President Vladimir Putin of Russia as he wages war in Ukraine has risked the world’s criticism, and potentially sanctions.
It’s all leading to increasingly anxious questions about the country’s path — and even about whether too much power has been concentrated in the hands of the country’s leader, Xi Jinping, who is seeking a third five-year term at the Communist Party congress late in the year.
On social media, a growing number of citizens are accusing the Communist Party of breaching its social contract with the people. They had tolerated, and sometimes praised, one-party rule in exchange for economic growth and social stability. But its stringent lockdown measures, which are straining entire cities, and its regulatory crackdowns are costing many of them jobs and income and leaving their futures looking much more uncertain and gloomier than a few years ago.
In private, some academics and businesspeople are discussing growing concerns about Xi’s focus on rivalling the United States and proving the viability of the Chinese political model — a focus that some worry has become an obsession.
The competition between countries, Xi has said, is ultimately competition between political systems. The handling of the pandemic “made it evident which country’s leadership and political system is superior,” he told top cadres in January 2021. “Time and momentum are on our side.”
Chinese citizens have to be extremely careful in criticising Xi, some of whose critics have been sentenced to as long as 18 years in prison. So some are resorting to quoting former top leaders to express their frustration that Xi has stepped away from the proven path of reform and opening that provided the country with decades of prosperity.
The public’s pent-up anger is not likely to be enough to sway Beijing’s decision-making or to threaten the rule of the Communist Party, which is accustomed to keeping people in line by using indoctrination and intimidation. But it marks a departure from the heavy silence that has prevailed under Xi’s rule.
Two years ago, China celebrated the merits of its top-down ruling approach by pointing to its success in building a new hospital in just 10 days in Wuhan and containing the spread of the coronavirus in three months. Today, many people view the makeshift quarantine centres as a symbol of Beijing’s stubborn insistence on a costly coronavirus policy that seems to mainly serve the purpose of proving the superiority of its system.
The country’s unforgiving pandemic control measures are being called the “white terror,” a nod to the vast army of neighbourhood workers who wear white hazmat suits. People have shared videos and photos of protests in which demonstrators chanted, “We need to work!” and “We need to eat!”
Some commenters said Beijing wasted its early success in pandemic control because it believed that its political will alone would suffice to beat the virus. They questioned why the government had not spent the huge resources it deployed in mass testing and quarantines on a vaccination drive, especially among older people. They asked whether Beijing was irresponsible in not approving the more effective Western vaccines for the sake of national pride.
Many accused the government of failing to see the huge sacrifices that businesses and individuals had to make, or complained that people were struggling to get by and falling behind on mortgages and other personal loans. They were angry that some people died of heart attacks, asthma, cancer and other diseases because hospitals turned them away under COVID restriction guidelines.
“As long as you don’t die of COVID, you can die of any cause,” goes a viral online quip.
Beijing remains unwavering in the face of public resentment.
“In the past two years, China has fully demonstrated the significant advantage in its political system and its strong national capacity in containing the pandemic,” read a commentary in the state-run People’s Daily newspaper Monday. The zero-COVID policy is a “line of defence that a nation of 1.4 billion people will have to hold,” it said.
The only policy area that Beijing has relented on somewhat has been its regulatory crackdowns on the private sector. After a heavy sell-off of Chinese stocks in mid-March, China’s economic czar, Liu He, urged government agencies to roll out market-friendly policies and to show caution in introducing any measures that risked hurting the markets.
But China’s political-campaign style regulatory crackdown has done its damage. Mass job cutting, once rare in China, is happening in tech, real estate, education and online games, some of the industries that were hit the hardest by the crackdowns. Posts about unemployment are shared widely as a gloomy sentiment grips the educated middle class.
“Standing at this historic turning point, we look back to the Golden Age,” read an online post about China’s four decades of economic transformation and dreams of individual prosperity. “We all thought it would be our future,” it said. “It turned out to be an illusory dream.”
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. | https://www.theage.com.au/business/the-economy/the-china-model-is-being-put-to-the-test-20220401-p5a9yb.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed | 2022-04-01T00:43:44Z |
SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — President Biden's decision to release 180 million barrels of oil could lower San Diego gas prices by 30 to 50 cents over the next several weeks, a GasBuddy analyst said Thursday.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said while the amount of oil being released over the next six months is not huge compared to U.S. consumption, it is enough to impact the supply crunch that occurred after Russia invaded Ukraine. Nonetheless, while oil and gas prices rise briskly, they fall much more slowly. De Haan said he expects the drop in price to happen over the next three to five weeks.
"It's the psychological effect of fear, it's a very profound and strong emotion and that's the way the market reacts to uncertainty," De Haan said in an interview.
On Thursday, the average gallon of regular gas in San Diego County was nearly $5.99, a couple of cents below the record set earlier this week. That means even with the drop, local gas prices would still hover around $5.50 a gallon.
"We're still in the middle of the pandemic, we're hoping we're coming out of it, but there's been a tremendous amount of supply chain issues that have held back U.S. oil production. That's part of the problem," De Haan said.
Plus, Californians continue to pay some of the highest gas taxes in the nation -- and the state is about to switch to its more expensive summer blend.
In all, it adds to frustration for San Diegans at the pump.
"It's not great. I think it makes people upset," said Azucena Lopez, who bought three gallons of $5.99 gas at a Shell station in Golden Hill Thursday. "I think most people just want to understand why, and know when it's going to go down." | https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/analyst-san-diego-gas-prices-could-drop-up-to-50-cents | 2022-04-01T00:43:44Z |
Chevron Corp. (CVX) has once again has turned to Scott Barshay at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP for legal counsel on an acquisition.
San Ramon, Calif.-based Chevron agreed to buy Renewable Energy Group Inc. (REGI) for $3.15 billion in cash in a deal announced Feb. 28. The energy giant turned to Kyle Seifried and Barshay at Paul Weiss for counsel and Suhail Sikhtian and Scott Grandt at Goldman, Sachs & Co. for financial advice. Managing counsel for major transactions Siva Barnwell Adams and chief governance officer Mary A. Francis worked on the deal at Chevron.
Barshay advised Chevron on a $13 billion purchase of Noble Energy Inc. in 2020 and a failed 2019 effort to buy Anadarko Petroleum Corp. Chevron struck a $33 billion agreement to buy Anadarko, which ended up taking a higher offer from Occidental Petroleum Corp. (OXY). Barshay also counseled Chevron on its $19 billion purchase of Unocal Corp. in 2005.
Renewable, an Ames, Iowa-based producer of biodiesel, tapped Bradley Faris, Mark Gerstein and David Owen of Latham & Watkins LLP for counsel and Alan Schwartz, James Schaefer, Dan Moore, Eric Rutkoske and Allen Otto of Guggenheim Securities LLC for financial advice. Justin Hovey of longtime company counsel Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP also worked on the deal. Renewable’s general counsel is Eric Bowen.
Faris and Gerstein also advised auto parts maker Tenneco Inc. (TEN) on an agreement to sell to Apollo Global Management Inc. (APO) for $7.1 billion in cash announced Feb. 23. The duo worked with Renewable director Walter Berger when he was the CFO at Leap Wireless International Inc., and he introduced them to the company. Pillsbury took Renewable public in 2012.
Chevron will pay $61.50 per share in cash for Renewable, a premium of 40% to the target’s closing price on Feb. 25 the last trading day before the deal was announced, and of 57% to Renewable’s average in the previous 30 days. The companies hope to close the deal in the second half of the year.
Request a demo of The Deal Analytics.
Editor’s note: The original version of this article was published earlier on The Deal’s premium subscription website. For access, log in to TheDeal.com or use the form below to request a free trial. | https://www.thedeal.com/mergers-acquisitions/deal-diary-chevron-uses-paul-weiss-for-renewable-energy-buy/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:44Z |
Community View | Observing National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Arizona is empowering its volunteers and encouraging the public to be a safe place for the thousands of local children who find themselves victimized or at risk. CASA of Arizona (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is asking Arizonans to consider stepping up to a role that could help save a child’s life by providing that extra layer of oversight and communication for this vulnerable group of children.
On any given day, there are more than 13,500 children and youths in Arizona living in foster care, or with relatives, group homes, shelters or residential treatment centers, due to being removed from their parents’ care. Statistics show the vast majority of these children were removed from their original homes after already suffering abuse of some kind. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges throughout the state to advocate for the best interests of these children in court and other settings. Right now, there are 1,235 CASA volunteers in Arizona serving 1,418 children. Tragically, there are more than 12,000 children on the waiting list.
CASA volunteers help children in the court system by serving as a consistent advocate for the child and an adviser to the judge in the child’s case. They are there to build very real and meaningful relationships and give the judge a perspective of the child’s situation that they may not otherwise see. These relationships very often become a safe and trusted place for a victimized or at-risk child to talk about what is happening at home.
According to Childhelp, a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds in the United States. Over the past six months in Arizona, the Child Abuse Hotline received 22,265 calls reporting information that led to a Department of Child Services report. In 2019, 100 Arizona children died as the result of abuse or neglect. Becoming a CASA is quite literally becoming a potentially life-saving outlet for children with nowhere to turn.
For the volunteer, the experience is often life-changing. It’s an opportunity to serve the community and to give a voice to a child that may otherwise feel voiceless. “I realized how I could fight for an individual child who is in a very vulnerable place,” shared a CASA Arizona volunteer. To volunteer visit www.AZCASAVolunteer.org.
(Charles Gray is the state of Arizona’s CASA Program Manager.)
SUBMIT FEEDBACK
Click Below to: | https://kdminer.com/news/2022/mar/31/community-view-observing-national-child-abuse-prev/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:44Z |
BOSTON (AP) — A bill aimed at banning discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles in workplaces, school districts, and school-related organizations was unanimously approved Thursday by the Massachusetts Senate.
The vote comes two weeks after the Massachusetts House approved a similar bill.
Supporters say Black women in particular have faced pressure in school and the workplace to alter their hair to conform to policies biased against natural hairstyles.
The Senate added a provision to the House version of the bill that would include the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association to the list of school entities banned from adopting and implementing restrictions on natural hairstyles.
Advertisement
Advocates say the change will ensure those participating in sports and extracurricular activities will not be asked to change their natural or protective hairstyles in order to participate.
The bill has its roots in the case of a Massachusetts charter school that came under fire in 2017 for a policy of banning hair braid extensions. After intense criticism, the school abandoned the policy.
The U.S. House also approved a bill earlier this month that would bar discrimination against Black people who wear hairstyles like Afros, cornrows or tightly coiled twists in society, school and the workplace. The federal bill would explicitly say that such discrimination is a violation of federal civil rights law.
President Joe Biden has said he would sign the bill into law. It now heads to the U.S. Senate.
Lawmakers in the Massachusetts House and Senate now have to come up with a single version of the bill before taking a final vote and shipping it to Republican Gov. Charlie Baker for his signature.
If signed into law, Massachusetts would become the fifteenth state to adopt the measure, known as the CROWN Act. | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/31/metro/bill-banning-hairstyle-bias-approved-by-massachusetts-senate/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:44Z |
Police: Student shoots a peer at S.C. school
A student was shot and taken to the hospital Thursday at a South Carolina middle school after being shot by another student, authorities said.
The teenage shooter was taken into custody near Tanglewood Middle School not long after the shooting that happened in the front part of the school, Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis said.
A police officer requested emergency backup around 12:30 p.m. and more than 200 deputies and other law enforcement officers rushed to the school.
The condition of the student who was shot is not known.
Ohio officer killed in attempt to stop car
A police officer in Ohio was struck and killed by a fleeing car on Interstate 75 during a high-speed chase through multiple counties Thursday, authorities said.
People are also reading…
The officer, Dominic Francis of the Bluffton police department, was struck around 2:30 a.m. while he was setting up stop sticks, which flatten tires, said Sgt. Brice Nihiser of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The chase had reached speeds up to 120 mph.
Francis, 42, had been an officer in Bluffton the past nine years, said Police Chief Ryan Burkholder. He also worked as a school teacher, bus driver and as a football and softball coach with Cory-Rawson schools.
U.S. airport screening edges gender-neutral
U.S. airport security procedures will become more gender-neutral, with changes to scanners used for screening and the use of an “X” for travelers going through Precheck who do not identify as male or female, the Biden administration said Thursday.
Transportation Security Administration officers will also receive new instructions on screening intended to make procedures less invasive, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.
The TSA will work with airlines to promote the acceptance of the “X” gender marker and will also update the guidance to remove gender considerations when validating documents, DHS said.
— From wire reports | https://richmond.com/briefs/article_97aebe80-417c-5e4f-89e1-4c700a9ed8b8.html | 2022-04-01T00:43:45Z |
Eskom welcomes 20-year sentences for fraudsters who stole R35m
Two men were each sentenced to an effective 20 years in jail for fraud and corruption that cost Eskom R35m.
The Johannesburg specialised commercial crimes court sentenced former Eskom financial controller Mosai Barnard Moraka and Eskom service provider Victor Vilosi Tshabalala on Tuesday after finding them guilty of 53 counts of fraud and theft.
The court also granted an order wherein both men will forfeit their respective properties to the state.
The properties were placed under a preservation order in November last year and will now be sold, with the proceeds being paid directly to Eskom.
The pair was immediately taken into custody on Tuesday to begin their sentences.
Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter said the sentencing was another welcome milestone in the power utility’s efforts to weed out corruption within its rank.
“While the sums involved in this particular case are relatively modest, the conviction and sentencing of these criminals should send a strong message to all Eskom employees that corrupt elements have no place in the organisation.
“This is only one of the many cases of corruption that Eskom is pursuing involving staff,” De Ruyter said.
The pair was arrested in October 2019 after an investigation initiated by Eskom's audit and forensics department.
The thieves had stolen just under R35m from Eskom in a corruption scam that occurred between January 2016 and September 2018, perpetrated through the creation of fictitious invoices and payments for services not rendered to Meagra Transportation, a company owned by Tshabalala.
Moraka was convicted for fraudulently creating 53 invoices and then paying Meagra Transportation.
The proceeds of the crime were squandered on expensive overseas travel — including holiday trips to places such as Disneyland in the US and Paris, and the acquisition of luxury motor vehicles and other properties.
De Ruyter said what was most pleasing about the judgment was that the taxpayers will recover some of the stolen funds through the sale of the ill-gotten property belonging to the convicts.
Sentencing the thieves, magistrate Emmanuel Magampa said the pair was motivated by greed, and that he had no choice but to impose the guaranteed 20 years' imprisonment for the convictions.
Magampa said the crime of fraud at state-owned companies drained the country's resources through the billions in cash bailouts that the government kept advancing to stricken parastatals.
“As an Eskom employee, Moraka was in a position of trust, which placed in him the duty not only to be vigilant and diligent in dealing with Eskom's resources, but also to be very protective and to jealously safeguard against theft,” said Magampa.
TimesLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article or view other readers' comments? Register (it’s quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. | https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-03-31-eskom-welcomes-20-year-sentences-for-fraudsters-who-stole-r35m/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:45Z |
(KTLA) – The IRS on Wednesday reminded tax filers to claim any missing third-round stimulus payment on their 2021 income tax return.
The tax season gives eligible people who never got the $1,400 payment the chance to claim it.
Since the IRS is no longer issuing the Economic Impact Payments, people who are missing a stimulus payment, or got less than the amount they’re eligible for, will have to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 or 2021 federal tax returns, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
Most eligible people have already received their stimulus payments and won’t need to include anything about the payment when they file their 2021 tax return.
The IRS says it has issued more than 175 million third-round payments worth more than $400 billion to people across the country. Most of those payments were sent out in the spring and early summer of 2021.
Still, there are many who haven’t gotten their payments.
Authorities have identified 644,705 potentially eligible people who had not received payments totaling $1.6 billion, according to a report issued last week by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
What to do if you never received the third payment
The IRS encourages residents to double check their bank accounts first to make sure they never got the third payment, especially in early spring and summer of 2021.
People can also access their IRS Online Account to view the total amount of the third-round Economic Impact Payment issued to them. For married couples filing jointly, each person will need to log into their own online account.
Once people confirm they never got the payment, and their IRS online accounts show a payment amount greater than $0, or if they got a Notice 1444-C or Letter 6475, they should contact the IRS as soon as possible to see if a payment trace is needed.
But they do not need to wait until their trace is complete to file their 2021 tax return, officials said.
When completing the Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet, taxpayers have two options: either use the amount on the Letter 6475 (or EIP 3 amount from the online account) to calculate the recovery rebate credit amount on line 30, or use the amount of stimulus payment the taxpayer believes they received to calculate the rebate credit amount on line 30. (Details on that can be found here.)
Those who contact the IRS to trace the stimulus payment amount will receive notification of the results. If it is found that the taxpayer didn’t get the money, the IRS will adjust the recovery rebate credit amount on the tax return and issue any refund.
If people make a mistake calculating the recovery rebate credit and claim an amount on line 30 for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, the IRS will have to correct the amount and send a notice about the changes made. If that happens, there may be a delay in processing the return, officials said.
What if I already filed my taxes?
An amended return may be needed to claim the credit if IRS records show no payment was issued.
For eligible people who didn’t claim a recovery rebate credit on their 2021 tax return (so line 30 is blank or $0), they will need to file a Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return to claim the remaining amount of stimulus money — if IRS records don’t show that they were issued a payment.
This includes people who think they didn’t get the full amount of their third-round Economic Impact Payment because their circumstances in 2021 were different than they were in 2020.
People trying to figure out if they should amend their original tax return can use this online tool.
More details on claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit can be found here. | https://www.klfy.com/national/never-got-the-3rd-1400-stimulus-payment-heres-what-to-do-when-filing-taxes/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:45Z |
…to set up new technical crew soon
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the dissolution of the technical crew of the Super Eagles following the failure of the team to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria played 1-1 draw with Ghana at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja on Tuesday, but could not go through due to away goal deficit.
The Technical Adviser of the team Austin Eguavoen was said to have voluntarily resigned his position a development that was tacitly confirmed by the NFF in a press statement released by the NFF Director of Media, Demola Olajire on Thursday “Following the failure of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the erstwhile Technical Adviser, Eguagvoen has stepped down from that position with immediate effect,” the statement read. However, the federation said it has terminated the appointment of other coaches in the crew including Emmanuel Amuneke, assistant coaches Yusuf Salisu, Joseph Yobo, Paul Aigbogun and goalkeepers’ trainer Alloy Agu. It said a new technical crew of the national team will be constituted in due time.
“The NFF has in the meantime withdrawn the two-and-half years contract offered the coaches and terminated the appointment of the entire technical crew of the team with immediate effect. A new crew will be announced after a proper review to lead the new charge of reinvigorating the Super Eagles to face future challenges appropriately,” the statement read. | https://www.newtelegraphng.com/world-cup-ouster-nff-fires-eguavoen-others/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:46Z |
A DOSE OF DECADENCE James Beard award-winning master chef Mindy Segal has created precisely dosed, decadently delicious artisanal edibles to delight your tastebuds and invigorate your soul. Each flavor highlights a distinct memory for Mindy's culinary journey.
Like jars of cherries soaked in cabernet and Luxardo with hints of orange and vanilla. Rich and luscious.
No product reviews
Have you tried this product? Be the first to leave a review!
James Beard Award-winning chef Mindy Segal has partnered with Cresco Labs to create perfectly-dosed, delicious edibles. Chef Segal carefully crafts gummies in Glazed Clementine Orange, Cool Keylime Kiwi, Lush Black Cherry, Freshly Picked Berries, Honey Sweet Melon and Botanical White Grapefruit flavor options, and chocolates in Caramelized Chocolate Marshmallow Graham, Milk Chocolate & Peanut Brittle and Dark Chocolate Almond Toffee flavors. These iconic flavors are curated with thoughtful ingredients, utilizing chef-led quality and precision dosing.
Looking for a consistent edible experience? Find premium cannabis cuisine at a dispensary near you. | https://www.leafly.com/brands/mindys-edibles/products/mindys-edibles-lush-black-cherry-11-200mg-20-pack | 2022-04-01T00:43:46Z |
When you buy a domain name at Dan.com, you’re automatically covered by our unique Buyer Protection Program. Read more about how we keep you safe on our Trust and Security page.
Next to our secure domain ownership transfer process, we strictly monitor all transactions. If anything looks weird, we take immediate action. And if the seller doesn't deliver on their part of the deal, we refund you within 24 hours.
98% of all domain ownership transfers are completed within 24 hours. The seller first delivers the domain to us, then we send you your tailored transfer instructions. Need help? Our domain ownership transfer specialists will assist you at no additional cost.
Pay by bank wire and get a 1% discount or use one of the most popular payment options available through our payment processor, Adyen. Adyen is the payment platform of choice for many leading tech companies like Uber & eBay.
No matter what kind of domain you want to buy, we make the transfer simple and safe.
Here’s how it works | https://dan.com/buy-domain/parts-cat.com | 2022-04-01T00:43:46Z |
Teen paralyzed in tornado walks out of hospital weeks later
ST. LOUIS (KSDK) – A teenage boy, paralyzed when a tornado hit his house, walked out of a hospital in St. Louis last week.
Kyle Koehn, 14, is on a journey to recovery at Ranken-Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital.
According to Dr. Connie Simmons, Kyle had a fracture that involved every vertebra in his back.
He was injured in December when the devastating quad-state tornado caused destruction over 200 miles across four states.
As the twister approached the Koehns’ home in Dresden, Tennessee, they huddled in a hallway.
“The house started dusting a little bit, and you could see it, and I was like, ‘This is for real,’” Kyle’s mom Kimberly Koehn said.
“I dove for the hall and no more than sat down and hear the house start splintering. That’s the last we remember until we woke up in the field,” Darwin Koehn said.
More than 20 businesses, 200 homes, the firehouse and two churches were destroyed or damaged in Dresden.
Most of the Koehn family was propelled 180 feet from their house – Kyle was a few yards away.
“He was moaning and I said right there, ‘That boy is hurt bad,’” Darwin Koehn said.
“I don’t remember the pain so much. I just remember it was cold and it was wet,” Kyle said.
Two weeks after the tornado, Kyle was admitted to Ranken-Jordan.
“He had no feeling from his umbilicus, his belly button and basically down,” Simmons explained.
Ranken’s mission is to transition kids from the hospital to home, and Kyle devoted himself to his therapy sessions. He turned “I wish,” into “I will. "
“We knew this kid was going to fight hard,” Simmons said.
“They’ll make you do stuff that you think is really hard, but they’ll make you do it,” Kyle explained.
Making it even more remarkable, Kyle was doing his rehab while the rest of his family was still in Tennessee. His parents were also hospitalized with broken bones.
“The first time we saw him was here, six weeks later,” Kimberly Koehn said. “That’s how long it took for us to recover enough to travel up here.”
After weeks of never giving up, Kyle was discharged from the center. He still has more recovery ahead, but Simmons said she expects he should be able to return to some fun teenage activities.
Copyright 2022 KSDK via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.kswo.com/2022/03/30/teen-paralyzed-tornado-walks-out-hospital-weeks-later/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:45Z |
Multi-million dollar settlement reached with family of Julian Lewis
Published: Mar. 31, 2022 at 8:00 PM EDT|Updated: 42 minutes ago
ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) - A settlement has been reached in the slaying of a man shot and killed by a Georgia State Patrol officer.
Julian Lewis was killed by GSP Trooper Jacob Gordon Thompson who pulled Lewis over for a broken taillight on a rural road in Screven County.
An investigation into the shooting proved neither taillights on Lewis’ car were in the condition to justify probable cause for a stop.
The family of Lewis has been awarded $4.8 million, which is the largest of it’s kind in Georgia state records dating back to 1990.
Copyright 2022 WGCL. All rights reserved. | https://www.cbs46.com/2022/04/01/multi-million-dollar-settlement-reached-with-family-julian-lewis/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:46Z |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Gay rights advocates sued Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday to block a new law that forbids classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.
The law has catapulted Florida and DeSantis, a potential 2024 Republican presidential candidate, to the forefront of the country’s culture wars. Critics call it the “ Don’t Say Gay ” law and argue that its true intent is to marginalize LGBTQ people and their families.
The challenge filed in federal court in Tallahassee on behalf of Equality Florida and Family Equality alleges that the lawviolates the constitutionally protected rights of free speech, equal protection and due process of students and families.
“This effort to control young minds through state censorship — and to demean LGBTQ lives by denying their reality — is a grave abuse of power,” the lawsuit says.
“The United States Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that LGBTQ people and their families are at home in our constitutional order. The State of Florida has no right to declare them outcasts, or to treat their allies as outlaws, by punishing schools where someone dares to affirm their identity and dignity,” the lawsuit says.
The law deliberately employs broad terms and invites arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement, empowering parents to be roving censors who can sue school boards for damages based on any perceived violation, the lawsuit adds.
The law states: “Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.” Parents would be able to sue districts over violations.
U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona met with LGBTQ students and their family members at a school in Orlando on Thursday, discussing privately how the legislation is affecting their lives. Cardona’s visit was one of several Biden administration events Thursday showing support for the queer community, including a presidential proclamation recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility.
“We know while many transgender students experience valuable support at school, many others face significant challenges because of hostility directed at them by others,” Cardona said. “This includes a growing number of state laws that bully and intimidate LGBTQI+ students and their families.”
DeSantis and other Republicans have repeatedly described the rules as reasonable, saying children should learn about sexual orientation and gender identity from their parents, not in schools.
“We will make sure that parents can send their kids to school to get an education, not an indoctrination,” the governor said when he signed it into law this week.
Many critics have said the law’s language, particularly the phrases “classroom instruction” and “age appropriate,” could be interpreted so broadly that discussion in any grade could trigger lawsuits, creating a classroom atmosphere where teachers would avoid the subjects entirely.
Intense public backlash followed the bill’s introduction in Florida’s Republican-controlled legislature this year, with the White House, Hollywood celebrities, students, Democrats and LGBTQ advocates condemning the policy. Legal challenges have been expected.
The filing by Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP and the National Center for Lesbian Rights seeks to block the law from taking effect and also names Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran and other education officials as defendants.
“Already, our children have told us that they are afraid that they will not be able to talk about their family at school,” Dan and Brent VanTice, parents of two first-grade students, said in the statement announcing the suit. “We are heartbroken that our children are already feeling isolated and stigmatized by this law.”
Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association union, said the law is politically motivated because elementary schools, especially in kindergarten through third grade, do not teach about these subjects and have state curriculum standards guiding classroom lessons.
The law adds fuel to a persistent feud between DeSantis and Democratic President Joe Biden, who tweeted after DeSantis signed the bill this week that “My Administration will continue to fight for dignity and opportunity for every student and family — in Florida and around the country.” Cardona has said his agency will be monitoring for any federal civil rights violations that result. | https://www.mystateline.com/news/politics/lgbtq-group-sues-florida-over-so-called-dont-say-gay-law/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:46Z |
K21 (K21) traded 2.4% lower against the U.S. dollar during the 1-day period ending at 19:00 PM Eastern on March 31st. In the last seven days, K21 has traded up 28% against the U.S. dollar. One K21 coin can currently be purchased for $0.87 or 0.00001895 BTC on major exchanges. K21 has a total market cap of $13.19 million and approximately $160,925.00 worth of K21 was traded on exchanges in the last 24 hours.
Here’s how other cryptocurrencies have performed in the last 24 hours:
- Binance USD (BUSD) traded up 0% against the dollar and now trades at $1.00 or 0.00002188 BTC.
- Polygon (MATIC) traded 3.9% lower against the dollar and now trades at $1.63 or 0.00003555 BTC.
- Polygon (MATIC) traded up 1% against the dollar and now trades at $1.65 or 0.00004286 BTC.
- Crypto.com Coin (CRO) traded up 5% against the dollar and now trades at $0.41 or 0.00001075 BTC.
- Dai (DAI) traded down 0% against the dollar and now trades at $1.00 or 0.00002184 BTC.
- Chainlink (LINK) traded 1% lower against the dollar and now trades at $17.01 or 0.00037169 BTC.
- Parkgene (GENE) traded flat against the dollar and now trades at $25.59 or 0.00045023 BTC.
- DREP (DREP) traded flat against the dollar and now trades at $1.96 or 0.00003398 BTC.
- DREP [old] (DREP) traded flat against the dollar and now trades at $1.96 or 0.00003399 BTC.
- FTX Token (FTT) traded down 4.3% against the dollar and now trades at $49.03 or 0.00107140 BTC.
K21 Profile
According to CryptoCompare, “Kanon recasts patronage, philanthropy, curation, and custodianship in equitable and innovative arrangements for mutual benefit baked into the code itself. K21 is the first product of Kanon. “
Buying and Selling K21
It is usually not presently possible to purchase alternative cryptocurrencies such as K21 directly using U.S. dollars. Investors seeking to trade K21 should first purchase Ethereum or Bitcoin using an exchange that deals in U.S. dollars such as Changelly, GDAX or Coinbase. Investors can then use their newly-acquired Ethereum or Bitcoin to purchase K21 using one of the exchanges listed above.
Receive News & Updates for K21 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and updates for K21 and related cryptocurrencies with MarketBeat.com's FREE CryptoBeat newsletter. | https://www.americanbankingnews.com/2022/03/31/k21-price-up-28-this-week-k21.html | 2022-04-01T00:43:48Z |
Israeli prime minister meets with Putin to discuss Ukraine
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow Saturday to discuss Russia’s war with Ukraine.
A spokesperson for Bennett’s said that he met with Putin at the Kremlin, and afterwards the Israeli leader spoke on the phone with Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelensky, Reuters reported.
An Israeli official said that the prime minister is coordinating efforts with the U.S., Germany and France on the issue, according to the wire service.
The meeting between Bennett and Putin lasted for three hours, but no major breakthroughs have yet been reported. The Israeli official said Bennett discussed how the fighting in Ukraine has affected the Jewish community at large.
Zelensky and Bennett are the only two Jewish heads of government in the world, according to The New York Times.
To meet with Putin, Bennett broke with the Sabbath to travel to Moscow, but his office said it was allowed under religious law because the aim of the meeting was to preserve human life, according to Reuters.
Before attending the meeting, Bennett spoke French President Emmanuel Macron to learn what he and Putin previously discussed, the Elysée Palace said.
Israel has voiced its support for Ukraine amid the invasion and is sending medical supplies, but said it would not cut off ties with Russia as the country hopes to find a resolution to the conflict, Reuters noted.
Along with the Ukraine conflict, Bennett and Putin discussed the 2015 Iran Nuclear deal.
Following his meeting in Russia, Bennett was headed to Germany to meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The Hill has removed its comment section, as there are many other forums for readers to participate in the conversation. We invite you to join the discussion on Facebook and Twitter. | https://thehill.com/policy/international/597023-israeli-prime-minister-meets-with-putin-on-ukraine-in-moscow/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:47Z |
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri nonprofit that was at the center of a corruption probe that involved several legislators is paying more than $8 million to the federal government and the state of Arkansas under an agreement with prosecutors announced Thursday.
Federal prosecutors announced the non-prosecution agreement with Preferred Family Healthcare, which agreed to forfeit more than $6.9 million to the federal government and pay more than $1.1 million in restitution to Arkansas.
The Missouri-based mental health care provider operated 50 clinics throughout Arkansas until October 2018 and no longer operates in the state. Prosecutors on Thursday said under the agreement, PFH admitted that its former officers and employees conspired to embezzle funds from the charity and bribe Arkansas legislators.
Several former executives from the charity, former Arkansas legislators and other have pleaded guilty in federal court as part of the corruption probe.
A lobbyist pleaded guilty in 2019 to bribing three Arkansas lawmakers, including the governor’s nephew, to benefit PFH. The lobbyist, Rusty Cranford, was sentenced to seven years in prison and in August was released to serve the remainder of his sentence from home.
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge in 2020 announced the firm had reached $6.5 million in federal and state settlements following an investigation by Rutledge's office into false Medicaid claims made by former PFH employees. | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Firm-paying-8M-to-Arkansas-feds-over-corruption-17049727.php | 2022-04-01T00:43:49Z |
Paid segment.
Lifestyle Expert Megan Thomas Head is here today highlighting a couple spring must haves items for everyone in the family.
CELSIUS is a better for you, premium alternative to traditional energy drinks. It has zero sugar and is made with premium ingredients like Ginger, Green Tea and Guarana – none of the bad stuff, just the essential energy you need. CELSIUS was created to help people LIVE FIT, exceed their goals and elevate their everyday lives.
Bols Cocktail Tubes are the latest addition to their revolutionary range of premium liqueurs and genevers. For more information about the full portfolio, please visit bols.com.
Perfect for taking your skincare essentials with you on the go. The Travel Set features The Face Wash, The Toner, and The Lotion for an ultra hydrating, 3-step skincare routine.
PackIt is the only foldable, freezable bag that keeps food and drinks cool for hours—no ice packs needed. The Hampton Freezable Lunch Bag contains EcoFreeze™ Technology which is a patented cooling technology that's built into the walls of the bag. | https://www.kgun9.com/the-morning-blend/bourbon-blonde-blog-spring-must-haves-w-megan-thomas-head | 2022-04-01T00:43:49Z |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/mlb/san-francisco-giants/articles/39012264 | 2022-04-01T00:43:49Z |
We love a tech deal, friends. Lucky for us, there are plenty of them around at all times.
If you love a red-hot deal as much as us, we’ve rounded up our top picks below. We’ll update this list fairly regularly, so be sure to check in often.
60% off Fire TV Stick
Amazon’s budget Fire TV stick has just become even more affordable. Now 60% off, you can grab the Fire TV Stick Lite for just $23.60.
With the Fire Stick Lite, you’ll be able to enjoy full HD streaming from your favourite providers including Netflix, Disney+, 9Now and YouTube. You can even use the sound of your voice to which between streaming platforms, as well as search for any TV show you’re hoping to watch.
Shop it here for $23.60 (down from $59).
Save on select SteelSeries gaming gear
SteelSeries is among the top gaming accessory brands on the market and is well known for combining affordability with sleek design. You can currently score up to 40% off a range of its best keyboards, mouses, headphones and more.
We’ve rounded up the best discounts below:
- SteelSeries Tusq in-Ear Mobile Gaming Headset — now $39, down from $69
- SteelSeries ARCTIS 3 Headphones — now $78, down from $139
- SteelSeries Prime+ FPS Gaming Mouse — now $96, down from $149
- SteelSeries Prime Wireless FPS RGB Gaming Mouse — now $137, down from $229
- SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – now $153, down from $239
You can explore all SteelSeries accessory deals here.
Bundle and save with a portable projector and Fire TV Stick
Want to turn your living room into a home cinema? Score some solid savings on a portable projector and Fire TV stick bundle if you join Amazon Prime for a free one month trial.
Here are the best deals we’ve spotted:
- ViewSonic M1 Mini Plus Smart LED Pocket Cinema Projector + Fire TV Stick — now $389, down from $478
- ViewSonic M1+ G2 Smart LED Portable Projector Silver/Black + Fire TV Stick — now $549, down from $648
- ViewSonic M2e Full HD Smart Instant LED Portable Projector + Fire TV Stick – now $919, down from $1,078
- Optoma UHD35+ Home Cinema Gaming Projector + Fire TV Stick — now $2,070, down from $2,378
You can check out Prime savings on a range of projector and TV stick bundles from here.
Save on select Renpho massagers
After a long, long week, sometimes all we want is to settle into an armchair and let our aching bodies rest. Pair that with an eye massager or foot massager and you’ve found the secret to de-stressing like a pro. But first you’ll need to take advantage of a few Renpho massager deals to make your relaxation dreams a reality.
Here are the best massager deals we’ve found:
- Leg massager — now $89.99, down from $129.99
- Foot massager — now $142.99, down from $219.99
- Back massager — now $49.99, down from $69.99
- Shiatsu neck and back massager with heat — now $199.99, down from $219.99
- Back and neck massaging seat — now $169.99, down from $219.99
40% off this highly-rated mini projector
As we tread deeper into cosy season, there’s never a better time to pick up a mini projector for your home. Take advantage of a cold night or rainy day and throw a movie night for your friends and family. If you don’t own a TV or you’re in limited supply, a mini projector is the best way to ensure you don’t miss out on any of your favourite shows without dropping too much cash upfront.
This bestselling mini projector by Elephas connect it to your smartphone via a single cable to offer a full HD 1080 resolution, a built-in Hi-Fi stereo speaker and a screen size of up to 200-inches. It’s super simple to set up, all you have to do is turn on your projector, connect it your Wi-Fi then pair your phone to the same Wi-Fi network and voila — instant home cinema. If you want to keep your phone on hand, you can also connect to it via a HDMI cable too.
Shop it here for $133.79, down from $229.99.
Save on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can save on last year’s Samsung model, the S21 Ultra over at Amazon Australia.
The standard 128GB model usually sells for a RRP of $1,849 and is now 20% off, bringing it down to $1,449. Meanwhile, the 512GB model usually sells for $2,149 at full price but has now been knocked down to $1,777.
If you’re someone who takes a lot of photos or videos on your phone, or maybe you have a large catalogue of mobile games, then it’s best you go for the 512GB model.
Both models are compatible with the S Pen stylus, use AI to nail the perfect shot every time and sports a seriously fast 5G connection.
Score 50% off this Dell 32-inch curved monitor
In the past, you might have wondered what is the difference between a flat screen monitor and a curved one? For starters, a curved monitor offers a more immersive experience when gaming or streaming YouTube videos. Because the length of the screen caters to your peripheral vision, you’re less likely to get distracted by external factors, like a bird at your window or a colleague shuffling at their desk beside you.
The next valuable feature that a curved monitor possesses is how it eliminates distortion. Usually when a flat screen monitor enlarges an image, it will try its best to stretch it in a straight line, whereas a curved monitor won’t, thanks to its unique LCD panel display. Overall, this is better for your eye comfort and can reduce straining.
If you’re interested in giving one a go, you can find a great deal on this Dell 32-inch curved monitor over at eBay Australia. While this one usually sells for a RRP of $598.99, you can grab one now for $298.75.
Grab this Autens USB charging station for 34% off
We’re not sure about you, but cable management has always been quite the battlefield for us. With so many devices these days and so little power points, it’s easier to grab an all-in-one charging station so you can keep them all in one place.
Instead of switching cords in and out of your wall adapter, take this AUTENS USB charging station. This charging station can replenish up to eight devices at the same time, so you no longer need to choose a device to prioritise if you’re in desperate need of a juice up. It even features an LCD digital display, which can show you each device’s charging status while you wait.
You can grab one here for $46.50 with coupon (down from $75.99).
Get one free year of Disney+ with a Telstra NBN plan
If you sign up for any of the below Telstra NBN plans, you’ll be able to enjoy one free year of Disney+ (valued at $119.99). The telco will even throw in three months of a standard Binge subscription, and you won’t have to pay a $99 service connection fee either.
Check out Telstra’s NBN plans below:
30% off on the Samsung Portable SSD T7 Touch
Whether you’re a creator who makes a vlog of your daily life, or a gamer who’s just upgraded to the latest console and wants to transfer your old games to your new one, a Solid State Drive (also known as an SSD) is the best way to get it done both quickly and efficiently.
This SSD by Samsung boasts a memory-size of 2TB and can facilitate read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000MBs respectively. For us, a big bonus is in its security options, which allows you to protect your files with either your fingerprint or a password. In the event of misplacement or theft, you’ll know that your personal videos or files will be safe and sound. | https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2022/04/todays-best-australian-tech-deals/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:50Z |
VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Russia’s tech workers are looking for safer and more secure professional pastures.
By one estimate, up to 70,000 computer specialists, spooked by a sudden frost in the business and political climate, have bolted the country since Russia invaded Ukraine five weeks ago. Many more are expected to follow.
For some countries, Russia’s loss is being seen as their potential gain and an opportunity to bring fresh expertise to their own high-tech industries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has noticed the brain drain even in the throes of a war that, according to the U.N. refugee agency, has caused more than 4 million people to flee Ukraine and displaced millions more within the country.
This week, Putin reacted to the exodus of tech professionals by approving legislation to eliminate income taxes between now and 2024 for individuals who work for information technology companies.
Some people in the vast new pool of high-tech exiles say they are in no rush to return home. An elite crowd furnished with European Union visas has relocated to Poland or the Baltic nations of Latvia and Lithuania.
A larger contingent has fallen back on countries where Russians do not need visas: Armenia, Georgia and the former Soviet republics in Central Asia. In normal times, millions of less-skilled laborers emigrate from those economically shaky countries to comparatively more prosperous Russia.
Anastasia, a 24-year-old freelance computer systems analyst from the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, chose Kyrgyzstan, where her husband has family.
“When we heard about the war on (Feb. 24), we thought it was probably time to leave, but that we might wait and see. On February 25, we bought our tickets and left,” Anastasia said. “There wasn’t much thinking to do.”
Like all the Russian workers contacted for this story, Anastasia asked to remain anonymous. Moscow was cracking down on dissent even before the invasion of Ukraine, and people living outside Russia still fear reprisals.
“As long as I can remember, there has always been fear around expressing one’s own views in Russia,” Anastasia said, adding that the war and “the background noise of patriotism” made the environment even more forbidding. “I left one day before they began searching and interrogating people at the border.”
The scale of the apparent brain drain was laid bare last week by Sergei Plugotarenko, the head of the Russian Association for Electronic Communications, an industry lobbying group.
“The first wave – 50,000-70,000 people – has already left,” Plugotarenko told a parliamentary committee.
Only the high cost of flights out of the country prevented an even larger mass exit. Another 100,000 tech workers nevertheless might leave Russia in April, Plugotarenko predicted.
Konstantin Siniushin, a managing partner at Untitled Ventures, a tech-focused venture capital fund based in Latvia, said that Russian tech firms with international customers had no choice but to move since many foreign companies are hastily distancing themselves from anything Russia-related.
“They had to leave the country so their business could survive, or, in the case of research and development workers, they were relocated by HQs,” Siniushin wrote in emailed remarks.
Untitled Ventures is helping in the migration; the firm charted two flights to Armenia carrying 300 tech workers from Russia, Siniushin said.
Some nearby countries are eager to reap the dividends.
Russian talent is primed for poaching. A 2020 Global Skills Index report published by Coursera, a leading provider of open online courses, found that people from Russia scored highest for skill proficiency in technology and data science.
As soon as the war started in Ukraine, the Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan radically streamlined the process for obtaining work visas and residence permits for IT specialists.
Anton Filippov, a mobile app programmer from St. Petersburg, and the team of freelancers with whom he works made the move to Tashkent, the Uzbek capital, where he grew up, even before those incentives were made public.
“On February 24, it was like we had woken up to this different terrible reality,” Filippov said. “We’re all young, less than 27 years old, and so we were afraid we might be called up to take part in this war.”
As in-demand tech workers explore their options, their diaspora resembles a roaming caravan. Some countries, like Uzbekistan, are picked as stepping stones because Russian citizens do not need visas for short-term stays. But young professionals like Filippov do not plan to necessarily stay where they first landed.
“If the conditions they find differ from the ones they were promised, they will simply move on,” he said.
In many cases, entire companies are looking to relocate to avoid the fallout from international sanctions. A senior diplomat from another Russian neighbor, Kazakhstan, made a naked appeal this week for fleeing foreign enterprises to come to his country.
Kazakhstan is eyeing high-tech investors with particular interest as the country tries to diversify its economy, which relies on oil exports. In 2017, the government set up a technology park in the capital, Nur-Sultan, and offered tax breaks, preferential loans, and grants to anybody prepared to set up shop there.
The uptake has been moderate so far, but the hope is that the Russian brain drain will give this initiative a major shot in the arm.
“The accounts of Russian companies are being frozen, and their transactions do not go through. They are trying to keep customers, and one available opportunity is to go to Kazakhstan,” said Arman Abdrasilov, chairman of Zerde Holding, an investment fund in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s business hub.
Not all countries are so eager, though.
“Russian companies or startups cannot move to Lithuania,” said Inga Simanonyte, an adviser to the Baltic nation’s Economy and Innovation Minister. “We do not work with any Russian company with their possible relocation to Lithuania, and the ministry has suspended all applications for startup visas since February 24.”
Security concerns and suspicion that Russians might spy or engage in cyber mischief abroad make some governments wary about welcoming the country’s economic refugees.
“The IT sector in Russia is very closely connected to the security services. The problem is that without an extremely strong vetting process, we risk importing parts of the criminal system of Russia,” Lithuanian political analyst Marius Laurinavicius told The Associated Press.
Siniushin, the managing partner at Untitled Ventures, is urging Western nations to throw open their doors so their employers can take advantage of the unusual hiring opportunity the war created.
“The more talent that Europe or the United States can take away from Russia today, the more benefits these new innovators, whose potential will be fully realized abroad, will bring to other countries,” he said.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://www.fox44news.com/news/business-news/as-russia-sees-tech-brain-drain-other-nations-hope-to-gain/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:49Z |
SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The San Diego Humane Society Thursday announced Thursday that it is waiving adoption fees for all adult dogs over the weekend.
According to Humane Society officials a large number of dogs are available for adoption at the organization's campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego.
"We have so many great dogs waiting to give a new family unconditional love," said Jessica Des Lauriers, San Diego Humane Society COO. "That's why we are waiving adoption fees this Friday through Sunday in hopes of having people open their hearts and homes, so that we can make space for more animals who need our help right now." According to the San Diego Humane Society, adoption benefits include:
-- getting an animal who has been assessed behaviorally and medically;
-- a Humane Society adoption guarantee, training advice, pet supplies and educational information to support pet families for the animal's lifespan;
-- a helpline with experts to ask about any behavior or training concerns; and
-- creating space in the shelter for other animals in need.
The San Diego Humane Society is open for walk-in adoptions 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday though Sunday, at its campuses in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside and San Diego.
To view animals currently available for adoption, go to www.sdhumane.org/. | https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/san-diego-news/san-diego-humane-society-waiving-dog-adoption-fees-this-weekend | 2022-04-01T00:43:50Z |
OpEd: Financings Hinge on Effective ESG Due Diligence
The following article was written by Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP partner Helene Banks and senior attorneys Peter Gioello and Lynn Schmidt.
Interest in environmental, social and governance, or ESG, matters has grown significantly in recent years and is expected to continue to grow as a focus for stakeholders across all sectors.
The interest has spilled over into corporate dealmaking and has led to an ESG focus in financing transactions, including loans, bonds and equity offerings.
Investment banks, lenders, funds and other financial institutions have established their own policies and net zero goals and are evaluating their portfolios and engagements to ensure that they align. Meanwhile, heightened focus on ESG has also led to an increase in so-called sustainable debt, or debt used for and tied to various ESG goals.
With ESG matters receiving ever-increasing levels of attention from investors, companies and governments, it is essential to assess ESG risks in all corporate transactions, including financings.
ESG risks can have a direct financial impact on a company, and investors are considering those effects in making credit and investment decisions. In addition, ESG disclosure requirements are rapidly evolving, adding a new dimension of review in financing transactions. As such, companies should be prepared for thorough ESG diligence as part of the legal and business review in their financing transactions.
Evolving Landscape of Disclosure Requirements
ESG tracking and reporting has been largely discretionary to date, but the development of legal standards and benchmarks is anticipated in the near term.
Credit ratings agencies such as Moody’s Investors Service Inc., S&P Global Inc. and Fitch Ratings Inc. now employ ESG scores that can directly affect a company’s credit rating.
Industry groups, meanwhile, have created standardization initiatives to ensure the credibility of disclosures.
The International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation established the International Sustainability Standards Board, which will sit alongside the International Accounting Standards Board and oversee global sustainability reporting standards.
The ISSB will work with the International Organization of Securities Commissions and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures to build a uniform set of ESG standards. Most recently, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures released the first beta version of its disclosure framework aimed at enabling and guiding organizations to report on evolving nature-related risks.
Governments, too, have begun to act.
In March 2021, the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation went into effect, which established standardized sustainability disclosure requirements for investment funds. Several other governments, including New Zealand and United Kingdom, have mandated TCFD-aligned disclosures for all or part of their respective economies.
U.S. regulators are also taking steps toward more stringent ESG legal requirements.
The SEC recently appointed a senior policy adviser for climate and ESG, and on March 21 the SEC announced proposed amendments to enhance and standardize climate related disclosures.
The agency has also created the Climate and ESG Task Force to “develop initiatives to proactively identify ESG-related misconduct.”[i] The Task Force will “identify any material gaps or misstatements in issuers’ disclosure of climate risks under existing rules” and will pursue ESG tips, referrals and whistleblower complaints.
The Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, meanwhile, has noted the financial and financial stability risks of climate change[ii] and created two new committees with functions related to climate change. The Supervision Climate Committee will identify financial risks of climate change for individual institutions, while the Financial Stability Climate Committee is focused on systemic issues in the financial system related to climate change.[iii]
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has committed to leading a regulatory review of the effects of climate change on financial stability through the Financial Stability Oversight Council, which will work to improve climate-related financial disclosures. Yellen previously recommended central banks conduct regular climate stress tests[iv], and in September, researchers at the New York Federal Reserve Bank developed a climate stress test for banks focused on the risks of transition to a less carbon-intensive economy.[v]
At the state level, the New York Department of Financial Services issued final guidance for New York domestic insurers on managing the financial risks from climate change in November, the first state-level framework in the country.[vi] In the context of a secured financing, too, ESG factors can have an impact on the value of collateral and the cost or availability of insurance.
Given the evolving landscape of requirements, companies, financing sources and their counsel must ensure that a company’s ESG-related disclosures are compliant with all legal standards and do not expose the company or its financing sources to reputational risk from potential allegations of greenwashing where a company’s disclosures may be compliant but are perceived as overstating its progress on its ESG goals.
Effective ESG Due Diligence in Financings
As standards for ESG continue to evolve, it is important for a company’s advisers to understand all facets of a company’s ESG profile, including its history, operations and the types and locations of its facilities.
Once a review of publicly available information is complete, the scope of further ESG due diligence can be determined depending on the type of transaction, relevant legal requirements, deal timeline and the extent to which financing sources consider ESG in risk analysis.
ESG screening tools — including the Loan Syndications and Trading Association’s ESG questionnaires — and third-party consultants can be helpful in the diligence process. In addition, both the European Leveraged Finance Association[vii] and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board[viii] have industry guides to help identify key ESG risk areas for a particular industry.
The LSTA ESG questionnaires[ix] for borrowers and asset managers, for instance, offer guidance when reviewing transactions and focus on:
- ESG Governance — Whether there is a formal ESG policy and board oversight, a list of key individuals and their ESG credentials and the internal reporting and benchmarking process.
- ESG Frameworks — Has the borrower adopted any of the 14 listed ESG frameworks.
- ESG Data and Reporting — How does the company gather and measure quantitative ESG data (e.g., climate change emissions) and the steps taken to address significant ESG risks, such as actions taken to manage water and energy consumption.
- Breakdown of Company Revenue — Disclosure on the percentage of revenue derived from a list of particularly sensitive activities or industries.
The Landmark Information’s RiskHorizon platform and solutions offered by S&P, Sustainalytics and Refinitiv can also help assess ESG risks, using a combination of industry and company-specific data. These reports typically provide an ESG score to facilitate comparison between companies. If a more in-depth review of specific ESG data is needed, a technical review by a third-party consultant such as Malk Partners, Ramboll or Bureau Veritas can help identify specific risks and liabilities.
During the in-depth review, counsel typically delivers a document request list to the company to obtain relevant nonpublic documents, which may include internal ESG policies and manuals, board minutes of any ESG committees, internal ESG presentations, written notices of claims, ESG communication with regulators or stakeholders, ESG metrics and data and any scientific or consultants’ reports that support the publicly disclosed information. Document review may reveal topics that require more explanation such as internal ESG management systems and policies, spending, company goals, anticipated ESG regulatory developments and any other unforeseen or unresolved ESG-related risks, liabilities or disputes.
The company, its financing sources and their counsels often participate in diligence calls where these more detailed questions about the company’s ESG program can be raised and discussed.
Once the information gathering is complete, results of diligence calls and document reviews are compared against public disclosures and offering documents for the transaction.
In the case of sustainable debt, an additional diligence step involves review of the company’s sustainability framework and the second-party opinion delivered to assess the framework. Any discrepancies between the information gathered and what has been disclosed will need to be reconciled, bearing in mind the overarching goal of avoiding any material omissions or misstatements.
[i] https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2021-42
[ii] https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/notes/feds-notes/climate-change-and-financial-stability-20210319.htm
[iii] https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/brainard20210323a.htm
[iv] https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/perspectives/publications/2021/02/biden-harris-bank-shot-part-1
[v] https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/staff_reports/sr977
[vi] https://www.dfs.ny.gov/industry_guidance/climate_change
[vii] https://elfainvestors.com/publications/elfa-diligence/
[viii] https://www.sasb.org/standards/download/
[ix] https://www.lsta.org/content/esg-diligence-questionnaire-borrower/; https://www.lsta.org/content/esg-diligence-questionnaire-managers/
Editor’s Note: For more from Cahill Gordon & Reindel, be sure to read “OpEd: ESG in Due Diligence Not Just Another Box to Check.” | https://www.thedeal.com/mergers-acquisitions/oped-financings-hinge-on-effective-esg-due-diligence/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:50Z |
Nathalie Miebach Exhibition
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Miebach’s exhibition, "Stay Healthy and Strong," features new...
www.northernexpress.comBased in Boston, Massachusetts, Miebach’s exhibition, "Stay Healthy and Strong," features new...
www.northernexpress.com | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2556552836485/nathalie-miebach-exhibition | 2022-04-01T00:43:50Z |
Actress Tina Bursill, currently starring in Ensemble Theatre’s production of Love Letters, and next month as the ugly stepmother in Cinderella at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, can sympathise with all NSW residents whose homes have been flooded.
The AACTA award-winning actress has been living in temporary accommodation in the Southern Highlands for the past six months since disaster struck her Bowral family home in the form of a burst water pipe.
“It wasn’t just the loss of the family home, but all the memories in my parents’ house,” says the former star of Prisoner, Doctor Doctor and Wentworth.
“Then having to go through everything and decipher what to keep – and what to discard – not to mention the smell of mould which no matter how much you wash never seems to go away.
“I have a huge place in my heart for all those people in northern NSW – I understand the heartache – even though the scale there is much worse,” she says.
Not only did she move from Bondi to the Southern Highlands last year, but she also had some health challenges recently and underwent breast surgery.
Bursill would be one of Australia’s best known female faces of the small screen. Which is why Denistone-based artist John Klein asked her to sit for his as a subject for this year’s Archibald Portrait Prize.
The two met at a Variety Club charity function at Chatswood Chase shopping centre, where Klein was working in marketing before he gave up his job to focus on his art. They spent several hours on a very hot Sydney day in his studio for the sitting, while he sketched her.
“I really wanted to show the blue of the sea that she loves and the sun and the sand from her time living in Bondi Beach before her move to Bowral,” says Klein.
“I also made her hair look windswept and wanted to include a piece of jewellery – a necklace that she has a special connection to and always wears,” he explains.
Bursill says:“The necklace was bestowed on me by one of Darlinghurst’s great characters who recently died. A woman called Elizabeth Burton who was a striptease artist who saw me at a time when I was undergoing a series of breast operations.”
“I met her at a wake and when she found out what I was going through she gave me the necklace with a turquoise stone from a Navajo Native American and including some crystals that belonged to her grandmother.
“She was aware of my vulnerability and took the necklace from around her neck and placed it on me. I always wear it now and treasure it,” she says.
“I tried to capture some of that vulnerability but also her strength in the painting,” says Klein, who admits he was nervous the first time he revealed the painting to Bursill.
“I was entranced by it straight away. I was able to see the brightness and my gaze – but I think he observed the longing in me,” Bursill says.
This week Klein was one of the hundreds of artists who personally delivered their entries in Australia’s best known portrait prize, which this year enters its 101st year.
As did Tony Costa, the 2019 winner for his portrait of Lindy Lee, who this year painted documentary photographer Roger Scott, in a sitting at Costa’s Strathfield studio.
“He’s a good friend and I was struck by his gentle, shy personality,” said Costa of his subject.
“I’m more interested in a person’s spirit and Roger has a strong spirit. He’s had some tragedy in his life and you can see it in his face, I tried to capture that.”
Costa, a 10-time Archibald finalist has been touring with the 2019 Archibald exhibition for the past two years, in between lockdowns, and one thing he learnt was how beloved the $100,000 art prize, named for the first editor of The Bulletin, J.F. Archibald, is.
“Everyone loves the Archibald. Artists usually choose to paint people who are special to them. It doesn’t have to be a celebrity, it can be your local garbo, as long as the person is special to the artist you will see it in the work,” he says.
‘It doesn’t have to be a celebrity, it can be your local garbo – as long as the person is special to the artist, you will see it in the work.’
2019 Archibald winner Tony Costa
Floods were a common theme among entrants this year, with artists such as Blak Douglas painting a picture of his friend Karla Dickens, from Lismore, wading in rainwater carrying leaky buckets.
For his entry in the Wynne Prize, Palm Beach photographer Paul Farrar painted an abstract painting of the Colo River, the area of the Hawkesbury along the Putty Road that regularly floods. Entitled Inner City Personal Landscape, Colo River Dawn #22, it recalled a flooded landscape, and even got wet from rain as he delivered it for judging.
The 2022 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes will be on display at the Art Gallery of NSW from May 14 until August 28, before touring to regional NSW and Victoria. The Archibald winner will be announced on May 13.
A cultural guide to going out and loving your city. Sign up to our Culture Fix newsletter here. | https://www.theage.com.au/culture/art-and-design/strong-spirits-and-special-people-the-secret-to-archibald-portraits-20220331-p5a9oq.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed | 2022-04-01T00:43:50Z |
Ducey ends 2-year-old virus state of emergency
PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Wednesday ended the state of emergency he declared at the start of the coronavirus pandemic more than two years ago.
The formal end of the statewide emergency came as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations dip to levels not seen since summer 2020. But deaths are falling at a slower pace.
It was initially put in place to allow the Department of Health Services to coordinate with hospitals and other medical providers to respond to an expected influx of COVID-19 cases and require them to report on hospital visits, admissions and capacity. The initial order also required free COVID-19 testing, lowered co-pays for virtual medical visits and waived some licensing requirements for medical workers.
The Republican governor later used the emergency powers to close schools and businesses, call up the National Guard, allow emergency licensing of health professionals and to take dozens of other actions.
Some Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature erupted in fury at the governor's business closure and other orders, advancing bills to block them in the future. On Wednesday, Ducey signed a bill that bars counties and cities from closing businesses during a state of emergency. The bill does not apply to Ducey or subsequent governors.
Virtually all of the executive orders issued under the umbrella of the emergency declaration have been rescinded over time. Last week, Ducey signed legislation that will allow nurses, doctors and other medical workers issued temporary licenses to keep them until the end of the year if his emergency declaration were to end.
That was one of the last steps needed before he could formally end the emergency. With the end of the emergency declaration, requirements for hospitals to report on COVID-19 patients also ended, but the state's Medicaid program is paying them to continue that reporting.
“This virus isn’t completely gone, but because of the vaccine and other life-saving measures, today we are better positioned to manage and mitigate it,” Ducey said in a statement.
Both the governor and the association that represents the state's major hospitals noted that new surges could happen and it's important to remain on guard.
“While we are relieved to see the conclusion of a two-year public health emergency and response effort, we know we aren’t out of the woods yet,” Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association President and CEO Ann-Marie Alameddin,
The Associated Press had documented just 11 cases of COVID-19 and no related deaths when the order was issued on March 11, 2020. Since then, the statewide toll has been staggering. The state of about 7.2 million residents reached a milestone of 2 million confirmed COVID-19 cases in latest state report issued Wednesday that also saw deaths top 29,000.
The number of new infections and additional deaths continued to decline along with virus-related hospitalization levels, according to public health officials and newly released data.
The state Department of Health Services on Wednesday added 10,143 additional cases in its weekly update but said most of those additional cases added to the pandemic total “date back to October and result from a provider resolving an electronic reporting issue."
Cases reported by the weeks they occurred continue to decline since a major peak in January.
With the newly reported cases and 385 additional deaths, the state's pandemic totals rose to 2,007,180 cases and 29,268 deaths.
Meanwhile, there were 429 COVID-19 patients occupying inpatient beds in hospitals statewide as of Tuesday. That's about one-eighth as many during the height of the omicron wave. Sharp decreases also have been seen in cases and deaths.
The governor said that Arizona was challenged by the virus, and no corner of the state or nation was spared.
“But we met that challenge head on by prioritizing lives, livelihoods and individual liberties,” Ducey said. "The time is right to move forward.”
Arizona's COVID-19 case rate is 11th highest among states and its death rate is third highest, according to federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
The state's pandemic case total reached the 1 million mark late last August.
SUBMIT FEEDBACK
Click Below to: | https://kdminer.com/news/2022/mar/31/ducey-ends-2-year-old-virus-state-emergency/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:50Z |
Several district attorneys said Thursday that a new law would be the best way to address potential injustices in which people who never killed anyone are serving lifetime sentences under “felony murder” rules that have since been abolished.
“A legislative fix is the most appropriate step to addressing the matter of individuals convicted of felony murder,” Suffolk District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden said in response to a Boston Globe Spotlight Team report about the issue. “This would provide a statewide framework to equitably address these cases, where there is currently no legal avenue to provide relief.”
In the meantime, his office’s Integrity Review Bureau “is prepared to review requests from any individual who believes that they received a fundamentally unfair sentence” in Suffolk County, Hayden said in a statement, referring to the panel created in 2019 that investigates past convictions for miscarriages of justice.
Advertisement
The Spotlight report published Sunday highlighted the stories of people sentenced to life in prison without hope for parole, even though they killed no one. They were convicted under the state common law of the time, which said that if someone died during the commission of certain serious felonies, everyone involved in the underlying crime could be on the hook for first-degree murder — even participants who inflicted no violence on the victim and may have never intended to hurt anyone. The penalty for first-degree murder is automatic life in prison without parole.
The Spotlight analysis identified nearly two dozen people who fell into this category, including Joseph Jabir Pope, 69, who last month argued before the state’s highest court that his felony murder conviction should be overturned and that he deserves a new trial, after serving 37 years in prison.
Reporters also found that, in some cases, the actual killer took a plea bargain and got a lighter sentence than the individual convicted of felony murder and given life without parole.
Advertisement
In 2017, the Supreme Judicial Court, in the landmark case of Commonwealth vs. Timothy Brown, narrowed the felony murder rule, deciding that from that date forward, no one could be convicted of felony murder unless prosecutors proved the defendant had murderous intent.
The SJC ruling was not retroactive, however, and did not apply to people already convicted under the old felony murder rule. The court said in its decision that closed cases may have been handled differently if prosecutors knew they had to prove murderous intent to secure a murder conviction.
The organization of public defenders also endorsed legislative reforms, and offered their services to help those convicted under the old rules.
“Public defenders would support any legislation making the Supreme Judicial Court’s decision abolishing felony murder retroactive,” said Anthony Benedetti, chief counsel for the Committee for Public Counsel Services. “We also stand ready and willing to represent any person seeking to have a conviction under this draconian theory of murder overturned.”
Candidates running for the state’s top prosecutor spots are also weighing in on this issue.
A legislative fix “is the best remedy because it applies to everyone caught up in the injustice of not making the felony murder decision retroactive. But it’s not the only remedy,’’ said Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, who is challenging Hayden for Suffolk County district attorney. “While we wait for legislative action, district attorneys should not sit on their hands.”
Advertisement
Arroyo said that if elected he would use the tools already made available through the Legislature, which includes resentencing. That requires an agreement with both the district attorney and the defense attorney, and an assent by a judge.
Plymouth District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz said in a statement that he “would certainly consider taking a look at any proposed bills that address parole eligibility.”
Rahsaan Hall, a civil rights lawyer running against Cruz for Plymouth DA, said, “There should be a legislative fix precisely because the criminal legal system has for too long paid far more attention to finality than with justice.”
State Representative Brandy Fluker Oakley, a Boston Democrat, proposed a bill that she said would give prosecutors the ability to address unjust felony murder convictions.
“Defendants who are sitting in prison today for actions that are no longer considered to be felony murder should have their sentences vacated or reduced,” Fluker Oakley said. “My bill . . . would empower our prosecutors to ask a court to reevaluate convictions like these after injustices in our law have been rectified.”
The bill has been assigned to the Judiciary Committee, which has set an April 15 deadline to either recommend the bill for passage or to squash it, said Fluker Oakley.
Bristol District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III said there were “good reasons the court did not make the Brown decision retroactive,” but said lingering injustices are best addressed through new legislation.
Advertisement
“If it appears that justice was not done in a prior felony murder conviction, a defendant should have the opportunity to have the case reviewed,” Quinn said in a statement. “This should be done on a case-by-case basis.”
Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey agrees that any sweeping change will have to come from the Legislature.
“A case-by-case examination is the more difficult course, but is likely the wiser path,” Morrissey said.
Mark Arsenault can be reached at mark.arsenault@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @bostonglobemark. Meghan E. Irons can be reached at meghan.irons@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @meghanirons. | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/31/metro/das-favor-new-legislation-address-possible-felony-murder-injustices/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:51Z |
The Richmond Greek Festival will not be returning in May or June this year, due to supply chain limitations and “out of an abundance of caution,” according to festival organizers.
One of the most popular festivals in Richmond, the Greek Festival has not been held since 2019 due to the pandemic.
The annual event, which was first held in 1976, typically draws more than 30,000 people to Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the West End.
“We completely understand the disappointment in the change to the festival — we are disappointed as well,” organizers posted to the event’s Facebook page on Thursday. “There is truly so much that goes into the planning for this large event that is impacted by many factors already in 2022.”
Organizers cited supply chain issues and rising costs, which they began experiencing in January.
“Due to supply chain limitations, we were faced with shortages and large price increases that have been difficult to navigate,” organizers posted.
People are also reading…
Most of the Greek Festival is run by volunteers, who typically begin cooking homemade dishes for the festival as early as February. But the festival cited a lack of volunteers this year, as the majority of their volunteer base is older and needs to be more cautious about health concerns.
“We are so honored that the Richmond community loves our festival so much. The festival is our single largest fundraising event for our Cathedral and we have certainly felt the impacts of not being able to hold it for the last few years,” organizers posted to Facebook.
In the past, the festival has given away $5,000 a day to various charities such as Richmond Friends of the Homeless and the Autism Society Central Virginia.
There will be a Richmond Mini-Greek Festival from Sept. 22-24 that will include a drive-thru and seated dining inside.
Organizers hope to bring back the full, outdoor festival in June 2023.
Check out their website and social media for more updates.
***
On the bright side, the Lebanese Food Festival will be returning to Glen Allen this year after a two-year hiatus.
The Lebanese festival will be held May 13-15 at St. Anthony Maronite Church, 4611 Sadler Road, in Glen Allen.
Roughly 30,000 people attend the food festival every year for homemade Mediterranean food like stuffed grape leaves and shish kabobs and to watch traditional Lebanese music and dancing.
For a full menu, check out the Lebanese Food Festival website at www.lebanesefoodfestival.com. | https://richmond.com/entertainment/greek-festival-canceled-for-third-year-lebanese-food-festival-to-return/article_c2375be8-7509-5013-9bc2-da6cc594757f.html | 2022-04-01T00:43:51Z |
(NEXSTAR) — Consumer goods company Unilever has initiated a voluntary recall of two of its Suave antiperspirant products due to concerns over benzene content – exposure to high levels of the chemical has been linked to several types of cancer.
The affected products are Suave 24-Hour Protection Aerosol Antiperspirants, both the “Fresh” and “Powder” scents. The 4-6 ounce spray cans feature the UPC codes:
- 079400751508
- 079400784902
- 079400785503
Items with these UPC codes and expiration dates through September 2023 are the only Unilever/Suave products affected by the recall.
Unilever explains that the antiperspirants themselves don’t contain benzene but a review showed “unexpected” levels from the propellant that sprays the product from the cans. The company says the 24-hour deodorant sprays were discontinued last year for unrelated business reasons and were previously in limited distribution at U.S. stores and online.
Retailers who carried the items have also been notified to pull any that remain, Unilever says. Anyone who has the affected products should discard them immediately.
Customers with questions or concerns can contact Unilever at (866) 204-9756. More information on the products and reimbursement can also be found at the Suave Recall page. The Food and Drug Administration says customers who may have experienced adverse reactions to the aerosols can report to its MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting.
Benzene
So what is benzene?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that benzene is a colorless or yellow liquid when at room temperature. It can be naturally occurring – in volcanoes, forest fires and oil, for example – or found in human manufacturing.
Benzene is among the top 20 chemicals used in the U.S., the CDC says. It’s used to make plastics, nylons and some types of lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents and drugs. Tobacco smoke is a large source of benzene exposure to humans.
How is it harmful?
The CDC reports benzene damages the human body by causing cells to malfunction. For instance, bone marrow can stop producing adequate amounts of red blood cells. Additionally, it can cause changes in antibodies and white blood cell loss. Immediate symptoms of exposure include headaches, dizziness, tremors, vomiting and confusion.
Long-term exposure (longer than a year) can result in cancers, per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. | https://www.klfy.com/national/some-suave-antiperspirants-recalled-due-to-high-levels-of-cancer-causing-chemical/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:52Z |
The Director-General (DG), World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called for coordinated action to address the recent sharp rise in commodity prices globally. According to her, the Ukraine crisis is threatening food security in many countries and this could further worsen food scarcity in the world. Speaking at an informal meeting of the General Council on Monday, Okonjo-Iweala stated that the war in Ukraine had dealt a severe blow to the global economy and has raised the spectre of food shortage in countries dependent on Ukraine and Russia for imports of key staples like wheat.
“For dozens of poor countries and tens of millions of people, basic food security is in danger. These countries already have seen some of the slowest economic recoveries from the pandemic, and international cooperation on trade is necessary to help mitigate risks of poverty, hunger, even famine and social unrest,” she said.
The Director-General noted that the UN Secretary-General had set up a three-tiered steering committee involving heads of government, heads of international organisations and technical experts to deal with the issue of surging energy and food prices. She explained that the WTO was expected to play a key role in finding solutions to the food crisis, noting that the chair of the WTO’s agriculture negotiations, Ambassador Gloria Abraham Peralta, of Costa Rica, was planning a food security conference that will take place at the end of April. “WTO secretariat staff have also been carrying out analysis on food security issues, which will be shared with members shortly.
We at the WTO have a solid basis on which to consider workable solutions to the present crisis. “In the near-term, international cooperation on trade will be needed to minimise the impact of supply crunches for key commodities where prices are already high by historical standards and to keep markets functioning smoothly. “While only 12 members have imposed export restrictions on food to date, coordinated government action is needed to avoid a repeat of the cascading export restrictions that exacerbated the rise of food prices in the crisis of 2008-2010,” she stated. Furthermore, the WTO boss called on countries with buffer stocks that can afford to share to coordinate the release of wheat, barley, other cereals and grains, and oils into international markets, thereby alleviating the supply squeeze.
“Countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina, and France could increase wheat cultivation while others such as China, Germany, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Nigeria could increase the global supply of fertiliser. “Africa, with plentiful land and other resources, can also take steps to produce more food itself by using more adaptable varieties of wheat, maize and other crops. “Trade facilitation measures could also be brought into play to ease the free flow of goods, while efforts should be made to allow the UN’s World Food Programme full access to humanitarian purchases.
“Prompt notification and information sharing regarding food supplies and stockpiles can help the international community better manage the situation and keep markets functioning more smoothly.” Meanwhile, following calls in some quarters to re-locate production and sourcing locally to ensure stable supplies of critical goods and staples, the WTO boss also called for deeper and more diverse international international markets to ensure supply resilience. She argued that concentrating on sourcing and production at home could create new vulnerabilities and may not be the best risk management strategy. Okonjo-Iweala maintained that trade has been and would remain a critical means of adaptation to the mounting global shocks that the world is currently experiencing, saying “this is not the time to retreat inward but the time to stress the importance of multilateralism, global solidarity and cooperation. “Concentrating sourcing and production at home, while understandable, could also create new vulnerabilities and may not be the best risk management strategy. A region’s wheat crop could be destroyed by drought, flooding, or other weather-based phenomena. A harsh winter and an earthquake could knock out electricity and factory production,” she added. | https://www.newtelegraphng.com/wto-dg-seeks-coordinated-action-against-hike-in-food-prices-insecurity/ | 2022-04-01T00:43:52Z |
When you buy a domain name at Dan.com, you’re automatically covered by our unique Buyer Protection Program. Read more about how we keep you safe on our Trust and Security page.
Next to our secure domain ownership transfer process, we strictly monitor all transactions. If anything looks weird, we take immediate action. And if the seller doesn't deliver on their part of the deal, we refund you within 24 hours.
98% of all domain ownership transfers are completed within 24 hours. The seller first delivers the domain to us, then we send you your tailored transfer instructions. Need help? Our domain ownership transfer specialists will assist you at no additional cost.
Pay by bank wire and get a 1% discount or use one of the most popular payment options available through our payment processor, Adyen. Adyen is the payment platform of choice for many leading tech companies like Uber & eBay.
No matter what kind of domain you want to buy, we make the transfer simple and safe.
Here’s how it works | https://dan.com/buy-domain/phpfdc.com | 2022-04-01T00:43:53Z |
We use cookies for certain features and to improve your experience. See our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy to learn more.
By accessing this site, you accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. | https://www.leafly.com/brands/mpx-melting-point-extracts/products/mpx-melting-point-extracts-00-orange-cured-resin-batter-1g-solvent | 2022-04-01T00:43:52Z |