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49ers get good injury news to open joint practices with Vikings
“Armstead is making his way back from an MCL sprain he suffered early in camp. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated Saturday that Armstead could’ve returned to practice prior to Wednesday, but the team wanted to hold him out until the joint practices in Minnesota. He was also a participant in individual drills only.”
Barrows: 49ers’ Trey Lance, Deebo Samuel heat up vs. Vikings, including big 4th-down play (paywall)
“On Wednesday, he looked a lot like he had in recent practices in Santa Clara, Calif. The offensive line crumbled around him at times, especially later in the practice. He missed Samuel on a potentially big play midway through the session. During a red-zone drill, George Kittle broke free and raised his hand to signal he was open but then couldn’t catch up to Lance’s overthrown pass. Overall, Lance was 11-of-18 in team situations with no interceptions.”
Cohn: The Good and Not So Good from Day 1 of the 49ers-Vikings Joint Practices: Trey Lance Cooks
“Completed 11 of 16 passes, and threw zero interceptions, which is most important. The 49ers don’t expect Lance to be a fully-formed, efficient pocket passer right away, but they do expect him to protect the football, unlike the previous starting quarterback, who was an interception machine, and Lance did that today. Lance also made an extremely clutch play on 4th and 10 during a two-minute drill. The Vikings rushed three, Lance scrambled to his right, spotted Deebo Samuel crossing the middle of the field and hit him for a 30-yard gain. So Lance is a game manager AND a play maker... As Lance gets older, he will need to improve from the pocket. Today, he missed a potential big play to Samuel over the middle — Lance sailed the pass. He also missed George Kittle in the end zone for an easy touchdown.”
Branch: New digs, old story: 49ers QB Trey Lance up and down in joint practice (paywall)
“Something that has improved: Lance’s rapport with Samuel, who missed the offseason program and the first three training-camp practices before signing his contract extension....One practice after Samuel had a camp-high five catches, they combined for two mirror-image connections on off-schedule plays. On each snap, Lance was flushed to his right and threw back toward the middle to Samuel, who had settled into a soft spot in the secondary.”
“His touch has gotten a lot better since he first got here,” Kittle said. “I’m pretty sure one of my first five-yard routes he threw it at my head and tried to take my helmet off. Now he’s got some nice touch to it.”
Nick Bosa, 49ers’ pass-rushing savant, sings praises of Kemoko Turay (paywall)
“I think Kemoko jumped off the tape, undoubtedly,” Bosa said. “I think he’s shown that he plays our style of football. And that he’s a game player. Not that he doesn’t show up in practice, but when the lights come on, he shows up even more. It’s something that you can’t really teach. And he’s got that.”
How Womack has made interesting impression on Bosa, Shanahan
“He’s always on the phone, so I don’t really get a read on him,” Bosa deadpanned. “I don’t know if it’s his girlfriend or what, but that guy never gets off his phone. But no, he’s nice. I’ve had a few chats with him. I told him to get off his phone, but he could play for sure. We need guys who can play.”
Donte Whitner can already tell 49ers rookie is going to be a star
“The second one was technical, but it showed me that it’s duplicatable based on the understanding of the defense, [Samuel Womack’s] understanding of leverage and being able to take that from practice to the NFL game field....They tried to sell a shallow route, which usually makes a young guy jump down and try to cut the route off and then he would’ve been wide open across the middle. He shuffled, stayed square, he got his hands on the wide receiver, and then they ask you to get on the inside hip, turn your head around and expect the ball. Perfect technique, executed perfectly, he’s going to be a rising star in this defense.”
“Three weeks into the first training camp with a new starter, these kinds of results, erratic as they may often be, would be a real feat for many teams. The thing that makes the 49ers different is that they were in the Super Bowl three seasons ago and the NFC championship game last season, and they moved on from the quarterback who started both those games with the rest of the roster still very much in a contention window. As the Trey Lance era takes shape in San Francisco, there are early signs that he can indeed give the team what it was missing. It’s just a question of whether they, too, will have to adjust their timing to him.” | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/8/18/23311045/49ers-news-vikings-joint-practice-trey-lance-hometown-kemeko-bosa-womack-whitner-deebo-samuel-nfl | 2022-08-18T09:52:11Z | ninersnation.com | control | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/8/18/23311045/49ers-news-vikings-joint-practice-trey-lance-hometown-kemeko-bosa-womack-whitner-deebo-samuel-nfl | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Automotive retailer America’s Car-Mart, Inc. (CRMT) has reported weaker than expected numbers for the first quarter of 2023 marked by its bottom-line lagging estimates. Shares of the company fell in after-hours trading yesterday in response.
Revenue increased 23% year-over-year to $344.88 million, outperforming estimates by $12.52 million. EPS at $2 though, came in short of consensus by $1.15. In comparison, CRMT had generated an EPS of $3.57 in the year-ago period.
While unit sales increased 2.1% sequentially to 15,536, units sold per dealership per month (productivity) remained flat at 33.6. The company expects productivity to improve once the market sees more supply of vehicles.
The quarter was marked by supply-demand imbalance and higher vehicle prices. In this challenging environment, CRMT achieved its second highest quarterly revenue so far. Impressively, our Website Traffic Tool had this revenue uptick written on the wall for our users, as the total online traffic to CRMT witnessed a jump of 8.4% in Q1. Additionally, our tool shows online visits to the company increased from 718,290 in Q1 2022 to 1.42 million in Q1 2023. This implies despite a challenging macro backdrop, CRMT continues to gain traction.
Who Is the CEO of Car-Mart?
The CEO of the company, Jeff Williams commented, “We are ever more convinced of our strong, unique place in the used vehicle market and have never been more optimistic about our future. Consumer demand for our offering is high and expected to continue increasing, and we are well-positioned relative to the competition.”
Additionally, the company continues to create shareholder value via share buybacks. During Q1 it bought back 57,856 shares for $5.2 million and since 2010 has repurchased 58.4% of its outstanding shares.
Learn how Website Traffic can help you research your favorite stocks.
Street Says Hold After Recent Price Run-Up
Jefferies analyst John Hecht has reiterated a Hold rating on the stock alongside a price target of $110. Overall, the Street has a Hold consensus rating as well. The average CRMT price target of $115.33 indicates a 3.47% potential downside in the stock. That’s after a 26.4% share price gain over the past month.
Steady Gains Bode Well For CRMT
CRMT shares may have fallen on a lower-than-anticipated bottom line but the company continues to make customer gains in a difficult environment. With a price-to-earnings multiple of 9.2 and a price-to-sales ratio of 0.55 CRMT looks fairly attractive at current levels.
Furthermore, the market continues to toss up attractive bargains, if one knows where to look. Our data shows CRMT was the fourth most visited website in the retail space in July. Here are the nine other top visited retail websites you should definitely check out.
Read full Disclosure | https://www.tipranks.com/news/americas-car-mart-drives-in-q1-earnings-miss-stock-drops-in-response | 2022-08-18T09:56:14Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/americas-car-mart-drives-in-q1-earnings-miss-stock-drops-in-response | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
At a time when the resumption in exports of grains from some Ukrainian ports has calmed down the rising food prices, the United States is on the brink of witnessing the lowest cotton production in over a decade, setting the stage for a sharp rise in its price.
While Food processing stocks like Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE: ADM) and Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) are expected to benefit from the falling food prices, rising cotton prices could prove to be beneficial for companies like Farmland Partners Inc. (NYSE: FPI).
Now, let’s take a closer look at the factors that are influencing the U.S. agriculture industry.
The Russia-Ukraine July Grain Export Deal
In order to manage the severe food crisis, the July grain export deal has been signed between Russia and Ukraine. The deal, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, has been currently signed for a period of 120 days and is renewable. As a direct consequence of the agreement, Ukraine can export up to 5 million tons of grain a month, which is at par with its pre-war level.
Under the deal, authorization has been given to 21 ships carrying corn, wheat, sunflower meal, soybeans, sunflower oil, and other products, which weighed around 563,317 metric tons, as per the United Nations (according to a Wall Street Journal report).
The timing of the deal is important as 18 million tons of grain were lying in Ukrainian warehouses as of July. Further, an additional 65 million tons of inventory will be produced from the country’s summer harvest.
According to a Wall Street Journal article, Ukraine was responsible for supplying around 10% of the global wheat demand and acted as a major exporter to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia regions.
The above-mentioned facts explain the deal leading to a decline in wheat prices to their lowest level of around $7.86 a bushel since the highs of around $12.94 a bushel due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The calming food prices are ideal for food processing companies and retailers but can weigh on the stocks that are involved in the primary trading of grains.
Let’s take a look at some food stocks that are well-poised to gain.
Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE: ADM)
ADM is a multinational food processing company, boasting a market cap of $48.53 billion. The company engages in the procurement, transportation, storage, processing, and selling of agricultural commodities, products, and ingredients across the globe.
As of now, the Street is cautious but optimistic about the stock. On TipRanks, the company has a Moderate Buy consensus rating, which is based on based three Buys and two Holds. ADM’s average price target of $100.25 implies 16.1% upside potential. Shares of the company have climbed about 29.1% so far this year.
Further, financial bloggers are 92% Bullish on ADM, compared to the sector average of 74%.
Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG)
Conagra Brands manufactures and sells processed and packaged foods and has a market cap of $16.91 billion. It has iconic brands like Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, and Healthy Choice in its portfolio.
According to TipRanks, analysts have a Hold rating on the stock, which is based on one Buy and six Holds. CAG’s average price forecast of $35 implies 0.7% downside potential. Shares of the company are up 6.3% year-to-date.
On the contrary, financial bloggers are 100% Bullish on CAG, compared to the sector average of 66%.
Climbing Cotton Prices in the U.S.
The cotton futures rose nearly 13% in the last week ending on August 12, witnessing the sharpest weekly jump since March 2011. The upside is widely driven by the shrinking cotton production due to extreme drought conditions in the Southwest regions of the United States.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reduced the estimate for the domestic cotton crop to 12.6 million bales, down 28% from the previous year. The USDA also projects to witness the lowest end-of-season inventories after a long period of time, which is setting the tone for a further rise in cotton prices.
Against this backdrop, investors could consider taking a look at the companies that majorly focus on primary crops like cotton. One of the companies that could gain from the rising cotton prices is given below:
Farmland Partners Inc. (NYSE: FPI)
With a market cap of $808.82 million, Farmland Partners is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that purchases, leases, and manages high-quality farmland throughout North America. FPI’s property portfolio focuses on primary crops like corn, soybean, wheat, rice, and cotton.
Turning to Wall Street, analysts seem to be cautiously optimistic about FPI, which has a Moderate Buy rating based on one Buy and one Hold. FPI’s average price target of $16 implies 7.1% upside potential. Shares of the company have grown about 23.5% year-to-date.
Meanwhile, financial bloggers are 100% Bullish on FPI against the sector average of 67%.
Final Thoughts
The agriculture sector will always remain the most important and essential industry. The change in the commodity prices might impact the margins of the players in the space, but they will continue to witness sustainable demand levels. However, with respect to the current environment, a sharp rise in food prices can be once again witnessed if there is an escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, the decline in cotton production is expected to hurt United States’ exportable inventories and its position as the top cotton exporter.
Read full Disclosure | https://www.tipranks.com/news/article/stocks-to-consider-amid-changing-dynamics-of-the-u-s-agri-industry | 2022-08-18T09:56:27Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/article/stocks-to-consider-amid-changing-dynamics-of-the-u-s-agri-industry | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Shares of independent energy company Denbury, Inc. (DEN) (GB:0I8A) closed higher yesterday after reports of a possible sale. Shares are now up 45.4% over the past month.
According to Bloomberg, the Texas-based company is looking at options that also include a possible sale. While talks are ongoing, a transaction may or may not come to fruition.
The development comes amid a spate of transactions in the energy sector, as energy prices stay buoyant due to global geopolitical tensions. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) (GB:0HN0) continues to pick up Occidental Petroleum (OXY) (GB:0KAK) shares. Devon Energy (DVN) (GB:0I8W) has agreed to acquire Validus for $1.8 billion, and Centennial Resource (CDEV) (GB:0HVD) is teaming up with Colgate Energy in a $2.5 billion transaction.
Denbury, on its part, had emerged from bankruptcy in September 2020 in a move that shifted control of the company to its creditors and wiped off $2.1 billion of its debt. At the time, lower oil prices and weak demand had led to multiple restructurings in the energy sector.
Earlier this month, the company reported a 60% year-over-year jump in its top line for the second quarter. Revenue of $482.16 million comfortably beat estimates by $73.6 million. EPS of $1.69 was in-line with expectations.
Importantly, Denbury exited Q2 with zero debt and its Board increased the share buyback program by $100 million, to $350 million. Additionally, the company’s enhanced oil recovery operations (EOR) injected 1.2 million metric tons of industrial-sourced CO2 during Q2. This is a 27% increase sequentially.
While elevated oil prices mean robust cash flow for the company, it also remains a key name in carbon capture. It has a planned CO2 storage site in Louisiana that covers about 18,000 acres. Additionally, 28% of its oil was carbon-negative or blue oil due to the injection of industrial-sourced CO2 in EOR. Impressively, Denbury injects more than four million tons of captured industrial-sourced CO2 per year.
Is Denbury a Good Stock to Buy?
Stifel Nicolaus analyst Michael Scialla has reiterated a Buy rating on the stock while increasing the price target to $144 from $132. This implies a massive 62.31% potential upside.
Overall, the Street has a Moderate Buy consensus rating on the stock alongside an average price target of $97.20.
Hedge funds though, are at the other end of the spectrum and have decreased holdings in Denbury by 742,200 shares in the last quarter. This implies a very negative hedge fund confidence signal in the stock.
Closing Thoughts
Despite the past month’s price rise, short interest in Denbury also remains high at nearly 11.4%. Which way the tide turns will hinge on the next developments at the company.
Read full Disclosure | https://www.tipranks.com/news/denbury-shares-jumped-yesterday-and-could-pop-even-more-heres-why | 2022-08-18T09:56:33Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/denbury-shares-jumped-yesterday-and-could-pop-even-more-heres-why | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
A majority of American retailers reported earnings this week. Retailers sent out mixed signals, with some beating Wall Street expectations handsomely while a few failed miserably. Undoubtedly, the stock prices of most of these companies had already priced in a weak earnings season.
Retailers have been struggling with the issue of excessive inventory since the March quarter. A few even warned that they would undertake mass write-downs, especially on discretionary items, as consumers shifted preferences to daily necessities amid the inflationary environment.
We analyzed data about select retail companies since April 1, 2022, and here’s what we found. Let’s look at what analyst ratings and insider trading indicate about the Retailer’s earnings season.
1) Analysts Mostly Maintained their Ratings for Retailers
TipRanks data shows that a vast majority of analysts retained their previous ratings for retail companies barring one. Lowe’s Companies (LOW) was the only stock to be downgraded by analysts.
Home improvement retailer Lowe’s reported mixed Q2FY22 results, beating earnings but missing revenue expectations. Ahead of Lowe’s results, several analysts downgraded the stock and also slashed their price targets. Nonetheless, seeing the earnings beat and FY22 guidance maintained, Robert W. Baird analyst Peter Benedict lifted the price target on Lowe’s to $235 (9.1% upside potential) from $225 and maintained a Buy rating.
On the contrary, another home improvement retailer, Home Depot (HD) surprisingly beat its Q2FY22 expectations with solid margins and reaffirmed its outlook for the rest of the year. Most of the analysts on TipRanks reiterated Buy ratings on HD stock following its earnings beat, while one analysts maintained a Hold.
Similarly, everyday low-price retailer Walmart (WMT) proved its resilience even in the worst macroeconomic backdrop. Walmart’s Q2FY23 results beat estimates on both top and bottom lines by huge margins. This was followed by a slew of upward price target revisions by already bullish analysts.
General merchandise retailer Target Corporation (TGT) failed to meet analyst expectations in its Q2FY22 results. Way ahead of its results, Target had already warned investors about the huge inventory pile-up, which would require mass discounts to clear up. And notably, its results were nothing to boast about. Analysts have been mixed on Target’s stock trajectory with a mix of price upgrades and downgrades during the quarter.
Another multi-price point chain of discount variety stores, Dollar Tree (DLTR) is scheduled to report second-quarter Fiscal 2022 results on August 25. The consensus for earnings is pegged at $1.59 per share. In the past, DLTR has been able to consistently beat earnings expectations. Per TipRanks data, 75% of ratings for Dollar Tree came with a higher price target.
2) How are Insiders Viewing the Retailers?
It is interesting to see how corporate insiders behave during the earnings season. Insiders generally have a fair knowledge of the actual happenings at a company which an average Joe does not. This makes them take positions on the stocks, which can be considered a good measure to gauge a company’s health.
Albertsons is an American food and drug retailer. ACI’s Q1FY22 results beat both earnings and revenue estimates. Despite that, TipRanks’ Insider Trading Activity shows that the Insider Signal is currently Very Negative on Albertsons. Per TipRanks’ data, a majority of insider transactions for Albertsons Companies (ACI) have been “Sell” calls. In fact, Corporate insiders have sold $17.3 million worth of ACI stock in the last quarter. Most recently, the company’s EVP & COO Susan Morris sold $14,391,862 worth of ACI stock.
Membership-only big box retailer, Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) also has seen most of its insiders sell their stock during the quarter. TipRanks’ Insider Trading Activity shows that Insider Signal is currently Negative on Costco, with corporate insiders selling $2.2 million worth of COST stock in the last quarter.
Notably, Costco is scheduled to report its Q4FY22 results on September 22. The consensus for earnings is pegged at $4.14 per share. Despite the inflationary setup, analysts remain bullish on COST stock, and some have even raised the price target on the stock recently.
Key Takeaways
The retail industry is facing a tough time, with record high inflation and looming recessionary fears. While consumer preferences are shifting, retailers are managing their inventories by offering discounts and cutting down on orders. If the latest inflation figure is any indication, the current undesirable scenario will soon be behind us and retailers will be able to recoup some of their past losses. Meanwhile, analysts and insiders have remained fairly positive about the retail industry. | https://www.tipranks.com/news/labs/heres-what-tipranks-data-tells-us-about-retail-stocks-earnings | 2022-08-18T09:56:39Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/labs/heres-what-tipranks-data-tells-us-about-retail-stocks-earnings | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Data from VandaTrack revealed that retail investors have put $54.2 million into Cathie Wood’s ARK Innovation ETF during the five trading days ending August 15. This is the highest that retail investors have invested in the ETF since a five-day period in May.
Investors continue to believe in the Ark Invest CEO’s ability to select the right stocks despite a decline in the value of growth stocks.
After gaining over 30% from a low in June last year, ARKK shares have lost 49% so far this year. Below is the fund’s price chart from TipRanks:
Read full Disclosure | https://www.tipranks.com/news/retail-investors-continue-to-lap-up-arkk-shares | 2022-08-18T09:56:45Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/retail-investors-continue-to-lap-up-arkk-shares | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Analog Devices (ADI) delivered Fiscal Q3 2022 earnings results that both increased from the year-ago quarter and exceeded Wall Street expectations. The company also issued an upbeat outlook for Q4. Despite its strong earnings, the stock price has fallen, probably because of management’s comments about slowing orders.
Massachusetts-based Analog Devices is a semiconductor company that makes signal processing and power management chips. Its competitors include Texas Instruments (TXN).
Analog Devices’ Management Commentary Spooks Investors
Right after the earnings release, Analog Devices stock fell almost 5%, once investors heard that economic uncertainty was starting to affect orders for the company’s products.
“The macro backdrop is dynamic and it’s clear that we’re at an inflection point. Economic conditions are beginning to impact demand with orders showing — orders slowing later in the quarter and cancellations increasing slightly,” cautioned Analog Devices CEO Vincent Roche.
In a comment of hope, though, the executive said, “While economic uncertainty is beginning to impact bookings, demand continues to outpace supply, resulting in higher backlog, paving the way for a strong finish to a banner year.”
Earnings Snapshot
The Analog Devices earnings report is for the three months ended July 30. Revenue increased 77% from the year-ago quarter to $3.11 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $3.06 billion. Adjusted EPS jumped 47% from the year-ago quarter to $2.52 and beat the consensus estimate of $2.43.
The company returned $1.3 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends during the quarter. Analog Devices has scheduled its next dividend distribution for September 8 to shareholders of record on August 30. The company is offering a dividend of $0.76 per share.
Analog Devices anticipates Q4 adjusted EPS of about $2.57 on revenue of about $3.15 billion. The internal projections are above Wall Street estimates for adjusted EPS of $2.50 on revenue of $3.09 billion.
Is Analog Devices a Good Stock?
Although ADI stock is down about 3% year-to-date, it has fared better than many chip stocks. Wall Street experts remain bullish on the stock. According to TipRanks’ analyst rating consensus, Analog Devices stock is a Moderate Buy based on seven Buys and three Holds. The average ADI stock forecast of $188.50 implies 11% upside potential.
Analog Devices is a favorite of elite investors. TipRanks’ Hedge Fund Trading Activity tool shows that confidence in ADI is currently Very Positive. Some 23 hedge funds increased their cumulative holdings of the stock by 2.5 million shares in the last quarter.
Final Thoughts
In addition to offering an above average dividend yield of 1.61%, Analog Devices has also been paying increasing annual dividends over the past 13 years. While macroeconomic headwinds may be a concern, Analog Devices’ business has bright long-term prospects considering the expanding application of its products.
Read the full Disclosure | https://www.tipranks.com/news/why-analog-devices-stock-fell-despite-strong-earnings | 2022-08-18T09:56:52Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/why-analog-devices-stock-fell-despite-strong-earnings | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
GRAND RAPIDS — For your children to learn and their teachers to teach, everyone inside school needs to feel safe. Tackling this safety issue is a group effort. Architects, consultants, state legislators, and then some have to work together to get the job done. This summer has been busy for many schols and districts as building security is top of mind.
Architect Matt Slagle with Tower Pinkster is an expert in K-12 design, and the team lead at his firm. He was integral in the design of the new Fruitport High School, which happens to be his alma mater.
Since his days in Trojan Nation, things have changed safety wise, he explains, "Adult eyes, that have good visual control over the entry and into the vestibule and even back into the school. This allows staff members to really see all the kids at once, at their lockers. This door actually can open and close this off."
Slagle said every design element his team puts inside every school serves a purpose, "this wing wall, and this wing wall allows for, there's a shadow zone that allows for kids to tuck away in the corner, if need be. Public safety officers, they like the bit of wing wall out here if something were to happen, because there's something to hid behind, instead of just a big open space," said Slagle.
"The addition of bullet resistant film, it provides an additional barrier. We have been fortunate to have received some large state safety grants, a community that has supported a bond project," said Fruitport Community Schools Superintendent Jason Kennedy.
Kennedy said the district takes a layered approach to security, that's why it just hired Secure Education Consultants to complete a threat assessment inside every building in the district.
Secure Education Consultants CEO Jason Russell started his business in West Michigan, now he works with schools across the nation. "I was a secret service agent, involved in law enforcement for about 20 years. Have kids in school, I'm a parent so I realized I could use some of my background to help schools be more safe and secure," said Russell.
We went inside Rockford High School with Russell and asked what was going well inside a classroom. Russell said, This is a very secure classroom. The door is excellent, it's in the locked position so they could go into lock down very easily. There's a lot of space on the walls here that would provide some cover, concealment for students if they were in a lockdown situation."
Rockford Public Schools and Fruitport Community Schools are just two of the 1,000 schools on Secure Education Consultants waitlist right now.
"We've been busy since December of last year we probably assessed 3 to 4 hundred schools since then. All over the state again, about 100 districts so far," said Russell.
Secure Education Consultants went inside Oxford High School after the tragedy on November 30 and completed a security assessment. The company has 30 consultants with extensive law enforcement backgrounds.
Ionia Public Schools uses Secure Education Consultants to keep the eye on the pulse of new technology, "There is a steel door barricade, right next to every door in our entire district. And then anybody if there is a crisis or emergency can pick the boot up and then secure their door," said Superintendent Ben Gurk. Gurk is referring to a system called "Smart Boot" the district will install in July 2023.
Slagle and Russell work together to make sure schools are safe, but still a fun place to be and learn, not like a jail, "that's really what we need to remember too is because schools are about teaching and learning and to be able to have a student come out here and sit here and work on something together and learn something but feel safe at the same time, that's the driving force behind this." said Slagle.
The state recognized security needs to be a priority. Legislators included $150 million in the Omnibus bill that will be split up between every school district in Michigan for security updates. The funding will be allocated based on the number of students in every district. The Michigan Department of Education will distribute the money in the Fall.
Meanwhile, the state also provided funding for every single district to hire security consultants to come inside buildings and complete an assessment of schools. It is not mandatory but encouraged, Russell said "the assessment is not a requirement. In fact, it is voluntary for schools to do it, and surprisingly we have reached out to some schools that were not interested, which is kind of disappointing. It's optional."
The Michigan State Police started the Office of Student Safety in 2019. The office awarded competitive school safety grants to many districts over the summer for security updates.
"Jenison was one of them. They received the maximum allowable of $250,000 and Jenison Public Schools are using those dollars to invest wisely in what we call access control systems, and then also the exterior doors. What I think is clear, is that we need to take a sustained approach to school safety, we can't let our guard down because we know that another Oxford or another Uvalde is potentially going to happen," said Office of School Safety Manager Kim Root.
Root said this school year, the office will host its first ever in person training for school resource officers across the entire state, and behavioral threat assessment training. That provides districts information to intervene ahead of a bigger issue.
Below is a list of West Michigan districts who applied for and received competitive school safety grants:
- Kalamazoo
- Hackett Catholic Prep High School
- Kent
- Holy Spirit School
- Algoma Christian School
- Byron Center Charter School
- Grand River Preparatory High School
- Grandville Calvin Christian Schools
- Hope Academy of West Michigan
- Plymouth Christian School
- River City Scholars Charter Academy
- St. Patrick School
- Wellspring Preparatory Academy
- West Side Christian School
- NexTech High School
- Cedar Springs Public Schools
- Comstock Park Public Schools
- Grand Rapids Christian Schools
- Kent Intermediate School District
- Mecosta
- (None)
- Muskegon
- Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System
- Divine Providence Academy at St. Joseph's Church
- Newaygo
- (None)
- Oceana
- Walkerville Public Schools
- Ottawa
- Jenison Public Schools
- South Olive Christian School
- St. Mary's School (Spring Lake)
- Allendale Christian School
- VanBuren
- St. Mary Catholic School (Paw Paw)
Allegan
- Fennville Public Schools
- Moline Christian School
- St. Stanislaus School
- Berrien
- Lake Michigan Catholic Schools
- Branch
- Branch Intermediate School District
- Pansophia Academy
- St. Mary’s Assumption
- Union City Community Schools
- Calhoun
- Lakeview School District
- Cass
- Heritage Southwest Intermediate School District
- Eaton
- Charlotte Public Schools
- East Intermediate School
- Eaton RESA
- Maple Valley Schools
- Ionia
- Faith Community Christian School | https://www.fox17online.com/news/morning-news/a-look-inside-school-building-safety | 2022-08-18T09:59:46Z | fox17online.com | control | https://www.fox17online.com/news/morning-news/a-look-inside-school-building-safety | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
WEST MICHIGAN — The forecast from FOX 17 Meteorologist Candace Monacelli: Another crisp start to the day with cooler morning temperatures. This afternoon will feature mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies, with a stray shower or thunderstorm possible during the late afternoon and evening hours. Mainly clear skies overnight will lead to a great night to potentially view northern lights! For more information on the viewing potential of northern lights in West Michigan tonight night, click here. Mainly dry conditions extend into Friday, with a mix of sun and clouds. High temperatures today and Friday remain in the lower 80s, along with some crisp overnight lows in the lower 60s. A slow-moving system builds into West Michigan late in the day on Saturday, bringing the next chance for widespread rainfall and a few thunderstorms. Rain chances extend into Sunday and Monday, along with cooler temperatures. High temperatures this weekend and early next week are likely to stay in the 70s. For the latest details on the weather in West Michigan, head to the FOX 17 Weather page.
TODAY: Mostly sunny and seasonable. A stray late afternoon/early evening pop-up shower possible. Highs in the lower 80s. Winds west-southwest at 5 to 10 mph.
TONIGHT: Mostly clear and cool. West wind around 5 mph. Lows around 60 degrees.
FRIDAY: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies. Highs reaching the low/middle 80s.
SATURDAY: Increasing clouds with the chance for showers and storms by evening and through the night.. Highs in the lower 80s.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with the chance for showers and storms. Highs in the mid/upper 70s.
MONDAY: Cloudy with the chance for showers. Highs in the upper 70s.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy and dry. Highs in the upper 70s.
For the latest details on the weather in West Michigan, head to the FOX 17 Weather page. | https://www.fox17online.com/weather/todays-forecast/todays-forecast-plenty-of-sunshine-again | 2022-08-18T09:59:58Z | fox17online.com | control | https://www.fox17online.com/weather/todays-forecast/todays-forecast-plenty-of-sunshine-again | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
CDC takes a small step toward fixing America's public health system
Public health experts say the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new plan to reform itself is generally a good plan — but that without much bigger, more fundamental changes, the U.S. might continue to be caught flat-footed by new threats.
The big picture: Systemic failures at the CDC have sown public distrust in health experts over the past three years, but America's public health problem is much bigger than any one agency — and the politicization of the COVID pandemic only made things worse.
Driving the news: The CDC yesterday vowed to change course after COVID thrust its shortcomings into the spotlight.
- The agency's diagnosis of itself as too slow, too academic and too confusing to the public is spot on, experts told Axios.
- "It is undeniably right that a system that is set up to deal with a relatively stable status quo is not equipped to handle rapid change. This recognizes that. And it is one step on the way to making things better and learning lessons from the last couple years," Harvard epidemiologist Bill Hanage said.
State of play: The country's public health problems are piling up.
- COVID-19 still kills around 400 people a day in the U.S., and around 100,000 new cases are still being reported each day. The virus is likely never going away.
- Meanwhile, experts are losing hope that monkeypox can be contained, at least in the short term, after the U.S. fumbled its initial response.
- A polio case was recently detected in New York, the first reported case since 2013 and only the second identified instance of community transmission of polio in the U.S. since 1979, per the CDC. Wastewater samples indicate the virus may have been circulating since as early as April.
- Vaccine rates for other diseases plummeted during the pandemic, anti-vaccine sentiment is on the rise and less than half of eligible Americans have received a even one COVID booster dose.
- On top of all that, the country's public health workforce is short-staffed and burned out.
Between the lines: The CDC's missteps date all the way back to the origins of the pandemic — when it failed to quickly produce accurate diagnostic tests — and have spanned both the Trump and Biden administrations.
- It's been criticized time and again for issuing confusing and convoluted guidance and for falling behind other countries in collecting data on the virus' evolution in real time.
Yes, but: Messaging problems have been exacerbated by the rise of misinformation and the political weaponization of COVID, resulting in deep partisan fissures over the pandemic response.
- And much of the country's public health response isn't run at the federal level.
- "I commend CDC for taking this on. But if you could really do a wonderful job of fixing the CDC challenges, that’s only fixing a part of the problem in this country. So much of this is still at the state and local health departments," said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.
The bottom line: How the CDC's reforms are implemented will be crucial, experts say, and there's plenty of work outside of the agency to be done.
- But “we should not make the best the enemy of the good," said Zeke Emanuel, vice provost for Global Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania. "Forward progress is important, and it’s really really needed." | https://www.axios.com/2022/08/18/cdc-public-health-covid-pandemic-monkeypox-polio | 2022-08-18T10:03:19Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/2022/08/18/cdc-public-health-covid-pandemic-monkeypox-polio | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Flying taxis get a big boost from military money
Next-generation aircraft companies are increasingly turning to the U.S. Defense Department to accelerate their path to commercial flight.
Why it matters: It can be difficult to earn regulatory approval — not to mention public acceptance — of newfangled flying machines like drones, flying taxis or supersonic jets. And investors usually aren't very patient.
- Military contracts can fill near-term revenue gaps and get test vehicles into the sky more quickly, helping to speed commercial development.
Driving the news: The latest example is Joby Aviation, which said last week that it is nearly doubling its existing contract with the U.S. Air Force's Agility Prime program.
- The program, created by the Air Force's innovation arm, works with private companies building innovative aircraft.
- The effort is meant to accelerate the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) for military and commercial use. (The U.S. military already uses gas-powered VTOLs, like Boeing's Osprey — though that aircraft is not without its issues.)
- Under the expanded contract, now worth up to $75 million, the U.S. Marine Corps will also test Joby’s eVTOLs in noncombat roles such as resupply, transport, and emergency medical response.
Between the lines: Joby executive chairman Paul Sciarra said the company's ultimate goal is still to launch a commercial air taxi service, but military business can help it get there by providing access to testing facilities, offering early operational experience, and offsetting some research and development costs.
- "We always thought it made sense to have a few shots on goal," he tells Axios.
- "This is about getting new technology to the Pentagon at a lower cost, and faster," he said. "But it also ties into a long history that the military is often a good first customer."
- And working with the U.S. Air Force or Marines will also help build consumer awareness and trust, he said, adding, "seeing them fly around on bases helps normalize them to consumers."
Other next-gen aviation companies have also turned to Defense Department contracts while working toward commercial deployment.
- Beta, another eVTOL company, earlier this year performed the first crewed eVTOL demonstration flights for Agility Prime.
- Boom Supersonic and Northrop Grumman are working on a supersonic special-mission aircraft that could be used by the government for rapid surveillance and reconnaissance, command and control, emergency medical evacuation, and troop transport.
- Skydio, a manufacturer of autonomous drones, struck a $100 million deal in February to supply drones to the U.S. Army.
- The parent of another drone company, Teal, won an Army contract in March to develop a next-generation autonomous drone system for surveillance and reconnaissance.
The big picture: The Defense Department has long invested in experimental aviation and transportation tech that it believes could give the U.S. a geopolitical edge over its rivals.
- The military is especially interested in eVTOLs because they're expected to be cheaper and easier to maintain than traditional helicopters — and quieter, too, which would help in stealth operations.
The bottom line: When you're inventing a new type of electric aircraft, diversification makes a lot of sense. | https://www.axios.com/2022/08/18/evtols-flying-taxis-supersonic-military | 2022-08-18T10:03:25Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/2022/08/18/evtols-flying-taxis-supersonic-military | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Climate change is a secret driver of inflation
Extreme weather worsened by climate change is a hidden cause of inflation, threatening to push up already high prices of everything from food and clothing to electronics.
Why it matters: Heavy rainfall, flooding, heat waves and droughts erode agriculture, infrastructure and workers' ability to stay on the job — all of which lead to supply-chain breakdowns and worker shortages.
Driving the news: Chip and solar panel factories in one of China's key manufacturing regions just shut down, as the country tries to ration power during a 60-year record heat wave.
- Dairy and meat prices in Europe are rising even higher as droughts zap lands meant for grazing and growing grain for feed.
- In the U.S., wheat fields in Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and cotton harvests in Texas have also been withering due to drought.
- And in California, production of processed tomato products are suffering due to a lack of rain while workers are starting to walk off the job at an Amazon delivery hub partially in protest of heat exhaustion.
- Destruction from historic rains and floods in the Northeast, North Carolina, Europe and South Korea demonstrates how ill-equipped our infrastructure is to withstand climate change impacts — and how difficult it is for communities to rebuild, let alone get back to work.
Between the lines: Extreme weather is affecting both the supply and demand sides of the economy, Tamma Carleton, a professor of environmental economics at UC Santa Barbara, tells Axios.
- Research hasn't yet quantified the exact impact extreme weather has on inflation. Some changes, such as the price of agriculture, are easier to pin down, while others — such as worker productivity — are harder to detect.
- When people take longer breaks to recover from heat exhaustion, or leave 15 minutes early, for example, it adds up day after day, Carleton said.
The big picture: As the pandemic has shown, disruption to supply chains and workers' productivity drives up the cost of doing business. And one way or another, companies pass those costs onto consumers.
- Workers facing more strenuous conditions tend to command a higher wage, Solomon Hsiang, a professor of public policy at UC Berkley, says.
- And if companies have to pay more to protect them or install new equipment like air conditioning in warehouses, "someone's got to pay and at the end of the day that someone is usually the consumer."
Threat level: Long-lasting heat waves like the ones in the U.S. and China are expected to become more commonplace — just as global inflation is leading to a slowdown of economic growth.
Go deeper: How jobs will change with a warming world | https://www.axios.com/2022/08/18/inflation-climate-change-economy-extreme-weather | 2022-08-18T10:03:31Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/2022/08/18/inflation-climate-change-economy-extreme-weather | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Bedford Lions help beautify Indian Creek Park
A community organization recently took the first step toward renovating a Bedford Township park long in need of some TLC.
The Bedford Lions Club began working on updates at a shelter at Indian Creek Park on Douglas Rd. on July 27. Several members were on hand to perform upgrades such as replacing all the boards and applying fresh stain on several picnic tables.
Club Vice President Kim Hooper said that a recent article in the Monroe News, which highlighted the need for some improvements in the park, helped spark the drive to get things done.
Hooper also recalled being in the park and noticing the Lions Club logo on the shelter. He felt a responsibility to ensure the community knew they were doing their part.
Indian Creek Park is owned by Bedford Public Schools, but has had past leases with the township to share general upkeep and maintenance on the grounds and facilities, which include soccer fields, walking paths, and a stadium.
BPS Superintendent Carl Shultz recently approached the Bedford Township Board of Trustees to advocate for a sale of part of the property to the township, which might help clearly define how and when maintenance is handled, as well as by whom. Following the proposal by Shultz, the board said that it may consider further discussion and action during a future meeting.
Hooper said that regardless of who owns the property in the end, he and others will still do their part to help with upkeep at the park.
“Bedford Lions Club is all about community,” he said. | https://www.monroenews.com/story/news/2022/08/18/bedford-lions-help-beautify-indian-creek-park/10298681002/ | 2022-08-18T10:08:19Z | monroenews.com | control | https://www.monroenews.com/story/news/2022/08/18/bedford-lions-help-beautify-indian-creek-park/10298681002/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Monroe is a stop on this summer's Extreme Tour
The popular Extreme Tour is coming to St. Mary’s Park.
The event will run from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
The tour includes musicians, poets, artists, athletes, advocates and activists who travel the country, offering music, love, hope and unity.
“It's primarily a concert with music from all different genres and various games between sets in which people can win money and prizes,” explained Andy Mullikin, campus pastor of 2|42 Community Church.
The tour is stopping in Monroe because of one of 2|42's pastors.
“Our worship pastor, Nate Jones, used to be a part of this tour,” Mullikin said. “Through his relationship with the tour, they wanted to come and perform a concert in Monroe. What’s awesome is that this is just for the community, and it’s not necessarily a ‘church thing.'"
Jones’ band, “Athens Creek” spent two weeks on the Extreme Tour in 2020 and ’21.
“I think it's a cool thing to note that the bands that come out do so as mission work and completely volunteer their time and resources,” Mullikin said
The Extreme Tour typically draws large crowds.
“The goal is to pack St. Mary's Park. The Extreme Tour has had headcounts over a thousand this year,” Mullikin said.
For more information, visit https://fb.me/e/2uZdzrVqG. | https://www.monroenews.com/story/news/2022/08/18/monroe-stop-summers-extreme-tour/10284913002/ | 2022-08-18T10:08:26Z | monroenews.com | control | https://www.monroenews.com/story/news/2022/08/18/monroe-stop-summers-extreme-tour/10284913002/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Re-creating the Monroe County Fair
The Balk family of Milan enjoys the Monroe County Fair so much they created their own miniature version.
The family tradition of building a scaled-down version of the fair continued for the eighth annual project, which takes many hours of preparation work, some of it weeks ahead of time, in order to be completed in time for fair week.
Jason Balk, 47, said 35 years ago in 1987, at age 12, he built his first fair on his bedroom floor using the toys and building sets to emulate the actual fair and he always tried to coincide the construction of his fairs with the real fair week.
"Photos of my original fairs are on the garage wall to show folks where this all started," he said. "Being creative all of my life, I would often re-create places and events my mom and dad took me to using my own toys at home."
His idea would later in life inspire him to involve his family, including his wife, Tammy, and their children Makayla, 7, and Brendan, 3. The last fair he built was in 1993,so he decided to recreate and restart the tradition in 2015 when his daughter was 1.
It all started with the K'nex Ferris Wheel at the center of the fair that he bought while visiting the Henry Ford Museum in 2012.
"I thought it looked more like what I really wish I had as a kid and that I could have some fun making a fair around it once again," Balk said.
From 2015 to 2018, the fair was built on a smaller scale inside the living room. In 2019, because of space, he to moved the project to the garage where it has been ever since.
"This was a blessing in disguise as it allowed me more room to expand the fair and include a much larger midway and more actual fair elements that can be seen at the real fair," he said. "We also changed things around the fair daily and do the different events at the grandstand."
In 2020 when the fair was canceled, the Balk family still set up their version to make sure at least one fair was occurring in Monroe County.
"My love of the actual Monroe County Fair is what inspired me to do this for 35 years and I am always happy to share it with family and friends whenever I can," he said. "We hope we can keep this tradition going."
The family is looking to move and one requirement of the new house is enough space to set up the fair. Or, perhaps, he can display it at the actual fair next year. | https://www.monroenews.com/story/news/2022/08/18/re-creating-monroe-county-fair/10329218002/ | 2022-08-18T10:08:32Z | monroenews.com | control | https://www.monroenews.com/story/news/2022/08/18/re-creating-monroe-county-fair/10329218002/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Safe waters: SurvivorKids campers learn what to do in emergencies on water
The children's laughter reached clear across the pond out at the Knabusch Math and Science Center off Waters Edge Drive in Monroe.
The kids were enjoying kayaking across the body of water as part of the SurvivorKids Camp, where they learned water rescue techniques from certified trainers.
“During water rescue, we have our campers practice tipping out of their kayaks and/or canoes and get back in,” said director Nicole Shaughnessy. “We do this because we would rather our campers have experience doing it and know how to 'save' themselves instead of panic if it ever happens to them in a real life situation.”
The campers also get the chance to go up into the air pocket created when a canoe tips over to show them that if they tipped over and were trapped under a canoe, they could get a deep breath of air from the pocket and swim out.
It was camper Hadley Schafer's turn to find the air pocket. The young camper - who will enter the second grade this fall - had no issues, showing no fear as she lowered herself underwater to go underneath the canoe.
"That was amazing!" she yelled as she re-emerged.
This summer, the camp has 450 registered for the SurvivorKids Camp which is for grades K-6. Registration for all of the Knabusch Center's camps started in May and filled up fast, said Shaughnessy.
The center's camps are run through a partnership between the Monroe County Intermediate School District, Monroe Public Schools and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. | https://www.monroenews.com/story/news/2022/08/18/survivorkids-campers-learn-what-to-do-in-emergencies-on-water/10142905002/ | 2022-08-18T10:08:38Z | monroenews.com | control | https://www.monroenews.com/story/news/2022/08/18/survivorkids-campers-learn-what-to-do-in-emergencies-on-water/10142905002/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Vensel appointed to vacant commissioner seat
The Republican candidate for the District 6 seat on the Monroe County Board of Commissioners will hold the position on an interim basis for the next four months.
The board on Tuesday voted 7-1 to approve Chairman Mark Brant's appointment of David Vensel to the seat that was vacated at the beginning of August with the resignation of Sharon Lemasters-Hill.
Vensel will now serve out Hill's remaining term, which runs through the end of the current calendar year. A permanent replacement for Hill will be chosen by voters in November's general election, where Vensel will go up against Democrat and former County Commissioner, Jerry Oley.
Per state law, the commissioners had 30 days from Hill's resignation to appoint an interim commissioner to serve out her remaining term. Failure to do so would have meant that the county, at its own expense, would have been required to hold a special election to fill the seat.
Brant had previously indicated that he was going to base his appointment on the results of the Primary Election that took place August 2. Oley edged out fellow Democrat Mary Gantzos 440-402 in the primary, while Vensel’s 606 votes defeated John Gonta’s 340 and Michele Paled’s 335.
"Mr. Vensel received more votes than any of the other (five) candidates that ran for that position," Brant said. "I see no reason why not to appoint him to that position."
Brant said that Vensel will be sworn in and receive a brief orientation by county staff prior to the commissioners' next meeting, at which point he will take his place along the dais.
Vensel thanked the commissioners for the appointment.
"I'm very much aware that this is a temporary appointment," he said. "I do appreciate the fairness of looking at the vote total in the primary, but the real vote total will happen in November. That's when a permanent solution will be decided for District 6. I fully respect that, and in the meantime I'll give you my best effort in the interim."
Several of the commissioners took an opportunity Tuesday to welcome Vensel to their ranks.
"I've known Mr. Vensel for a little over 50 years," said Vice-Chairman Randy Richardville. "I know of very few people in my life with the kindness, integrity and public service... I think that choosing somebody who was the single biggest vote-getter was a wise decision, and I hope he prevails in the general election.
"We'll be well-served by Dave, at least in the interim."
The only commissioner to vote against Vensel's appointment was Democrat George Jondro, who said he objected to the manner in which the appointment was made rather than the individual Brant chose.
"Since my letter of opinion sent to board on the subject of filling the empty commissioner seat was not offered for discussion, I'd like to make it clear that I don’t agree with the chairman’s appointment and vote no," Jondro said. | https://www.monroenews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/vensel-appointed-to-vacant-commissioner-seat-tuesday/65407731007/ | 2022-08-18T10:08:44Z | monroenews.com | control | https://www.monroenews.com/story/news/local/2022/08/18/vensel-appointed-to-vacant-commissioner-seat-tuesday/65407731007/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
What is man? A gift or just another animal
We are all aware of the myriad issues which divide left and right in this intensely ideological age. Some are quite consequential, some trivial.
But I think it is useful to look at the roots of this divide, and I think there are two that underlie all, which are inextricably linked. Does God exist? What is man? The answer to the first largely determines the answer to the second, but today I want to look at the second. What is man?
On the assumption that God exists, then it logically follows that man, and everything else, has been created by God. The Bible speaks eloquently on the subject. “So God created man in His own image … male and female He created them.” And, “You made them a little lower than the angels, and crowned them with glory and honor.” Under that understanding, man, male and female, are unique, and hold the highest possible perch just beneath the divine. Not only that, but God gave us dominion over everything else in Creation, since we are his image, and share, to our very limited extent, in His understanding and ability to create. This is the foundation of “orthodox” Christians, Jews and Muslims, and explains many of the ideological, theological and political stances, the “right,” which logically follow.
However, ever since the French Revolution (from which the terms “right” and “left” originate), the left has denied that God exists, often quite militantly and lethally, and therefore have a profoundly different answer to the question, “What is man?”
A popular book, published in 1967, under the title “The Naked Ape,” makes clear the distinction. Man is just another animal. Granted, man can speak much more eloquently than other animals, and certainly can engage in higher order thought, and has a much better grasp of economics, but these are all matters of degree. Man, in himself, is just another result of a few billion years of evolution, essentially no different than a clam. It’s all a matter of degree. Your basic ape sits on a much higher branch (literally and figuratively) than a clam on the evolutionary tree, but that’s simply an accident.
If we are no different from any other animal, then we may be treated no differently than any other animal. We are born today, die tomorrow, so what is our purpose, beyond eating and reproducing — the same as a fruit fly. We experiment on fruit flies, so why not experiment with man? Farmers use selective breeding to develop better cows, so why not selective breeding to develop better men?
The 20th century has seen the development of that thought to its logical and deadly conclusions. The late Margaret Sanger was a champion of eugenics (Greek for “better birth”). Clearly certain types of men were better than others. Darwinism, so many thought, clearly showed an upward march of better and better creatures, so why not help the process along?
Planned Parenthood has its roots in contraception as a solution to too many people of the wrong sort. The Supreme Court upheld forced sterilization, in case contraception didn’t work. The Nazis took this to extremes and settled upon annihilation as a much quicker means to the same end. After World War II revealed the horrors of eugenics, the idea was quietly dropped — although it is still there, bubbling just under the surface.
Abortion is a handy way of dealing with unwanted babies. “Right to Life”? Don’t be absurd. That which is in the womb is a fetus, a clump of cells, a “conceptus,” to be treated any way the woman carrying the “trespasser” sees fit. Grandma getting too old and out of it? In parts of Europe just call the folks in a van and they’ll come and take care of the situation.
What is man? If he comes from God, then he must be accorded the respect with which God has imbued him. If not — as Orwell’s "Animal Farm" suggests — then just another animal to be treated according to his usefulness by whoever is running the farm.
Charles Milliken is a professor emeritus after 22 years of teaching economics and related subjects at Siena Heights University. He can be reached at milliken.charles@gmail.com. | https://www.monroenews.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/08/18/charles-milliken-what-is-man-gift-or-animal/10341670002/ | 2022-08-18T10:08:50Z | monroenews.com | control | https://www.monroenews.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/08/18/charles-milliken-what-is-man-gift-or-animal/10341670002/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Moon landings had a Big Ten flavor
When man landed on the moon, there was a definite Big Ten flavor.
Of the 12 Americans who stepped on the lunar surface 1969-72, four were graduates of Big Ten universities. They included Neil Armstrong, the first to walk on the moon, who earned a Bachelor of Science from Purdue in aeronautical engineering in 1955.
During his time at Purdue, Armstrong wrote and co-directed two student musical productions, chaired the Purdue Aero Flying Club, and played baritone in the marching band, though his classroom performance was not exceptional. His grade-point average was a reported 4.8 on a 6.0 scale.
While Armstrong was the first to step on the moon, the last was fellow Purdue grad Gene Cernan, who took his turn as part of Apollo 17 in December 1972. Cernan exited the lunar module ahead of crewmate Harrison Schmitt, but reentered the craft after Schmitt, making him the final man on the moon’s surface.
Cernan received a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Purdue in 1956. Known for its outstanding aerospace program, Purdue claims to have sent alumni on a third of all American space flights, including 10 with more than one Purdue graduate.
However, the University of Michigan holds the distinction of having all three members of a single lunar landing mission as part of its alumni base. That expedition, Apollo 15, landed on the moon on July 30, 1971, the fourth of six American missions to set down on the surface.
The first one out of the module was David Scott, who was at Michigan on a swimming scholarship for one year before accepting an appointment to West Point in 1950. Following him was James Irwin, a 1957 graduate of Michigan with a pair of master’s degrees, in aeronautical engineering and instrumentation engineering.
Those were the same degrees earned at Michigan by Alfred Worden, who flew the command module for Apollo 15. Worden graduated from U-M in 1963.
While on the lunar surface, Scott and Irwin left a certificate establishing the U-M Alumni Club of the Moon, though contrary to popular belief, they did not leave a Michigan flag on the surface.
In recent years, Michigan produced a television commercial highlighting the Apollo 15 mission that depicts a module in orbit with the school’s legendary fight song, "The Victors," playing in the background.
Michigan was also represented by both astronauts on the Gemini 4 mission in 1965, including the first American to walk in space, Edward White.
White died in the catastrophic fire on the Apollo 1 test in 1967 that killed all three men inside the command module, including Purdue graduate Gus Grissom.
Of the dozen men to step on the moon, Irwin was the first to die, passing away on Aug. 8, 1991, after his third heart attack. Only four of the 12 survive today.
The majority of the men who walked on the moon were graduates of service academies, including West Point and Annapolis.
Tom Emery is a freelance writer and historical researcher from Carlinville, Ill. He may be reached at 217-710-8392 or ilcivilwar@yahoo.com. | https://www.monroenews.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/08/18/tom-emery-moon-landings-big-ten/10342640002/ | 2022-08-18T10:08:56Z | monroenews.com | control | https://www.monroenews.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/08/18/tom-emery-moon-landings-big-ten/10342640002/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Letter: Frenchtown did good hiring Uhl
Submitted
I would like to say that Frenchtown did a good job of hiring Dave Uhl from Dundee.
Dave worked on the Monroe County Sheriff's Department under me. I was a captain, and you never had to direct Dave on how to do something. I know Dave will grab a hold of his job with Frenchtown and run it with real professionalism.
I am a lifelong resident of Frenchtown. Best luck, Dave and Frenchtown.Tom Hoffman
Frenchtown Township | https://www.monroenews.com/story/opinion/letters/2022/08/18/letter-frenchtown-did-good-hiring-uhl/10329048002/ | 2022-08-18T10:09:02Z | monroenews.com | control | https://www.monroenews.com/story/opinion/letters/2022/08/18/letter-frenchtown-did-good-hiring-uhl/10329048002/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- An Oahu grand jury on Wednesday indicted Oscar Kanoa, 43, of Waianae for attempted murder.
Kanoa is accused of brutally attacking and critically injuring a 51-year-old woman at her home on Leihoku Street in Waianae. Police said the two had an intimate relationship.
Court documents filed on Wednesday reveal new details about what happened before and after the victim was attacked.
Police watched surveillance video, and discovered that last Friday, August 12, the victim returned home by herself at 7:57 p.m., and she appeared coherent and uninjured.
At 8:46 p.m. Kanoa arrived at the victim's home. August 12 was Kanoa's birthday.
At 9:03 p.m. police said Kanoa and the victim appeared to get into an argument in the garage, and police said the video showed Kanoa pushing the woman several times before forcibly pushing her into the home.
Early the next morning, on Saturday, August 13 at 3:28 a.m., police were called to the woman's home. Officers were told there was an unresponsive woman.
According to court documents, Kanoa initially told police that the woman had a seizure. He later changed his statement to say that the woman went limp while they were being intimate, and that's when he called 911. He later changed his story again, saying he went to use the restroom and when he came back he found her unresponsive.
Police said they noticed that Kanoa's left hand was swollen and appeared red around his knuckles.
According to court documents, Kanoa also changed his story in his written statement, saying when he arrived at the woman's home, he thought she was sleeping, and said she was dizzy and throwing up.
Kanoa also told the EMS paramedic a different story, saying the woman was drunk, had a seizure, and fell. He also told the paramedic, when asked about his injuries, that he and the woman were wrestling.
The victim was taken to The Queen's Medical Center, where the doctor said she has multiple facial fractures and injuries to her brain that are life-threatening. She also has bruises.
The following day, on Sunday, August 14, police located Kanoa near Kahana Bay Beach Park at around 2 p.m. and arrested him on suspicion of attempted murder.
Prosecutors charged Kanoa with attempted murder on Tuesday. Prosecutors say if the victim dies, Kanoa may be re-charged with murder.
In court on Wednesday, Kanoa's bail was reduced from $2 million to $1 million. If he bails out, he would have to be confined to his home in Waianae and would be subject to GPS monitoring.
Kanoa is still in custody at the Oahu Community Correctional Center as of Wednesday night.
Marisa Yamane joined KITV4 in January 2022 as an anchor and executive producer. She is an award-winning veteran journalist, who’s spent most of her career in Hawaii. She’s a proud graduate of Iolani School and UCLA. | https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/court-documents-reveal-new-details-about-the-brutal-attack-in-waianae/article_7d8f5846-1ed3-11ed-bd16-73edfba797c2.html | 2022-08-18T10:16:43Z | kitv.com | control | https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/court-documents-reveal-new-details-about-the-brutal-attack-in-waianae/article_7d8f5846-1ed3-11ed-bd16-73edfba797c2.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- The rental in the Craigslist post looks like a deal.
Free parking in Waikiki, it advertises. A 1 bedroom condo is listed a half block from the beach at $50 per night.
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- The rental in the Craigslist post looks like a deal.
Free parking in Waikiki, it advertises. A 1 bedroom condo is listed a half block from the beach at $50 per night.
The person behind the posting responded in a text that there was no time to view the property due to "security reasons," but to send a deposit to hold the room using an electronic cash payment app. That was red flag number 1.
Number 2 came after the poster texted a photo ID saying "Here is a copy of my ID."
But the man in the ID says he has never posted a condo rental on craigslist. He's a local. And KITV tracked him down. "I had gotten one message on LinkedIn from a lady that said, 'Are you legit renting condos?' I said no," Jon Laurion said.
The message Jon Laurion received last month startled him. It read, "Hi, confirming here if you are renting condos in Honolulu. Or if someone is using your ID to do that."
The woman later revealed the photo of Jon's ID had been sent to her via an 808 cell number.
It's the same 808 number that responded to the listing KITV responded to. We were told to rush over a deposit using PayPal or the banking app Zelle. The poster then followed up aggressively for a response.
Jon says he made the mistake of sending a picture of his ID when he was looking to rent a place Memorial Day for a small vacation rental gathering.
"They sent me a picture of their driver's license and said, hey can you respond back and make sure you're legit. I was like ok alright, here's my license. And there were just little things that didn't add up. Weird ways of phrasing things or spelling things," Jon told KITV. He started to think the poster was in another country.
Jon didn't hand over any money he says, but the photo of the ID is now out there. The ad currently posted by the account using Jon's ID misclassifies the Waikiki rental under the Big Island. It has occasional errors in grammar, or the use of a wrong preposition.
In texts, the person was overly formal, constantly referring to the recipient as "Sir." Texts came in as early as 5:46 in the morning demanding payment.
John isn't the only one misrepresented here in Hawaii. Harrison Beacher is a real Washington DC Realtor who has been contacted by others about fake postings coming up under his name here in this last year.
Beacher told KITV, "Because it's a part of my business to be verified and confirmed legit by actual referrals and people looking for me, I do have an established and updated presence on pretty much every social media channel."
And that presence is being used by the poster for a 1 bed room in Waikiki at an unrealistic 870 dollars a month. The poster replied using Beacher's name and an email address claiming he was Beacher.
The Beacher doppelgänger also tried to direct respondents to another rental site that requires sign up, but then the correspondence would go cold. The account posted another listing as recently as July.
"It's a game of numbers. They do it enough times, unfortunately some people think it's legit enough, will give that deposit amount or give that application free and that's why they do it. They fish!" Beacher warned.
And any accounts demanding electronic cash payment for a rental, sight unseen, is a giveaway somebody is trying to reel you in.
Both men who had their IDs stolen had not filed a police report. One told KITV, "Seems unlikely anything useful would come of it."
Honolulu CrimeStoppers, however, recommends that a police report is filed for documentation purposes. The FBI recommends complaints be filed at the website ic3.gov.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com
Reporter
Jeremy Lee joined KITV after over a decade & a half in broadcast news from coast to coast on the mainland. Jeremy most recently traveled the country documenting protests & civil unrest.
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New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved interest subvention of 1.5 per cent on short-term agriculture loans of up to Rs 3 lakh for all financial institutions, a move aimed at ensuring adequate credit flow in the farm sector.
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved restoring interest subvention on short-term agriculture loans of 1.5 per cent for all financial institutions, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said.
The 1.5 per cent interest subvention will be provided to lending institutions (public and private sector banks, small finance banks, regional rural banks, cooperative banks and computerised Primary Agriculture Credit Societies) for the financial year 2022-23 to 2024-25 for providing short-term agri loans of up to Rs 3 lakh to farmers.
"This increase in Interest Subvention support requires additional budgetary provisions of Rs 34,856 crore for the period of 2022-23 to 2024-25 under the scheme," an official statement said.
The increase in interest subvention will ensure sustainability of credit flow in the agriculture sector as well as financial health and viability of the lending institutions.
Union Cabinet approves Rs 34,856 crore
With RBI hiking the lending rate, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday earmarked Rs 34,856 crore towards the interest subvention scheme to help banks provide short term agriculture loans of up to Rs 3 lakh at a rate of 7 per cent.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said the Cabinet has decided to restore interest subvention on short term agriculture loans to 1.5 per cent for all financial institutions.
The interest subvention support requires additional budgetary provisions of Rs 34,856 crore for the period of 2022-23 to 2024-25 under the scheme, an official statement said.
Thakur said the government's support to banks for the interest subvention scheme was stopped in May 2020 as lenders were themselves able to provide short term agriculture loan at 7 per cent.
However, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increasing the repo rate or short-term lending rate thrice by 140 basis points in recent months, it became necessary to compensate banks so that they can continue providing agriculture loans at 7 per cent.
Thakur also said the government has not let the fertiliser prices to rise despite the increase in global prices.
Further, the minister said the fertiliser subsidy in the current fiscal year is likely to be more than Rs 2 lakh crore.
In the Union Budget for 2022-23, the fertiliser subsidy was estimated at Rs 1.05 lakh crore. The subsidy was Rs 1.62 lakh crore in the last financial year.
On the interest subvention scheme, the official statement said the government support will ensure sustainability of credit flow in the agriculture sector as well as ensure financial health and viability of the lending institutions, especially regional rural banks and cooperative banks.
Banks will be able to absorb the increase in the cost of funds following the hike in repo rate by RBI and will be encouraged to grant loans to farmers for short term agriculture requirements.
This will also lead to generation of employment since short term agriculture loans are provided for all activities including animal husbandry, dairying, poultry, and fisheries, the statement said.
The government had introduced Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS), now renamed as Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), to provide short term credit to farmers at subsidised interest rates.
Under the scheme, short term agriculture loan of up to Rs 3 lakh is available to farmers engaged in agriculture and other allied activities at 7 per cent. An additional 3 per cent subvention (Prompt Repayment Incentive - PRI) is also given to the farmers for prompt and timely repayment of loans. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/business/2022/08/18/interest-subvention-agriculture-loans-short-term.amp.html | 2022-08-18T10:16:55Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/business/2022/08/18/interest-subvention-agriculture-loans-short-term.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank on Wednesday sought views from the public on fees and charges in payment systems, with an aim to make such transactions affordable as well as economically remunerative for the entities involved.
The payment systems include Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system, Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system and Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Debit cards, credit cards and Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) are among the other payment instruments.
The focus of RBI's initiatives in the payment systems has been to ease frictions which may arise from systemic, procedural or revenue-related issues, the central bank said while releasing a discussion paper on 'Charges in Payment Systems'.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has sought public views on 40 specific questions with regard to charges and levies in payment systems by October 3.
While there are many intermediaries in the payments transaction chain, consumer complaints are generally about high and non-transparent charges.
RBI stressed that charges for payment services should be reasonable and competitively determined for the users, and also provide optimal revenue stream for the intermediaries.
"To ensure this balance, it was considered useful to carry out a comprehensive review of the various charges levied in the payment systems by highlighting different dimensions and seeking stakeholder feedback," it said.
Charges in a payment system are the costs imposed by the Payment Service Providers (PSPs) on the users (originators or beneficiaries), for facilitating a digital transaction. The charges are recovered from the originators or the beneficiaries depending on the type of payment system.
In a funds transfer payment system, the charges are generally recovered from the originator of the payment instruction. These are usually levied as an add-on to the amount earmarked for remittance.
In the case of a merchant payment system, the charges are generally recovered from the final recipient of money (merchant). This is generally done by deducting the same from the amount receivable by the merchant or a discount to the amount receivable by the merchant.
Entities involved in providing digital payment services incur costs, which are generally recovered from the merchant or the customer or is borne by one or more of the participants.
While there are both advantages and disadvantages of customers bearing these charges, they should be reasonable and should not become a deterrent in the adoption of digital payments, the RBI had said earlier. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/business/2022/08/18/rbi-charges-payment-systems-neft-upi-google-pay.html | 2022-08-18T10:17:15Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/business/2022/08/18/rbi-charges-payment-systems-neft-upi-google-pay.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
- Core CPI +4.0% vs +4.0% y/y prelim
No change to the initial estimates as euro area inflation continues to surge higher. That continues to make it a tough balancing act for the ECB.
No change to the initial estimates as euro area inflation continues to surge higher. That continues to make it a tough balancing act for the ECB.
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Must Read | https://www.forexlive.com/news/eurozone-july-final-cpi-89-vs-89-yy-prelim-20220818/ | 2022-08-18T10:17:30Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/news/eurozone-july-final-cpi-89-vs-89-yy-prelim-20220818/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Greedy Dogs: These are the 10 greediest breeds of adorable doggo that can easily become fat - including the hungry Labrador Retriever 🐶
Some dog breeds just love their food so need their families to make sure they don’t pile on the puppy pounds.
One of the unexpected effects of the global pandemic – and the resulting series of lockdowns – was an increase in demand for puppies.
And the extent of that soaring in demand has been shown by the latest registrations statistics from the UK Kennel Club, up nearly 40 per cent from 250,649 in 2020 to 349,013 in 2021.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
Our lifestyle has a huge bearing on which type of dog will work best for us – if you have limited space you might want to look at small dogs, while the more elderly pet owner should place certain breeds at the top of their wishlist.
Meanwhile, certain breeds have particular attributes which mean that they need a little extra looking after, including some dogs that are predisposed to putting on weight and becoming unhealthy.
These dogs just don’t know when they are full, so careful portion control, ensuring they aren’t able to steal food, and regular weigh-ins are key to them living long and healthy lives.
Here are the 10 greediest breeds of dog, according to the American Kennel Club.
Read more: | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/greedy-dogs-these-are-the-10-greediest-breeds-of-adorable-doggo-that-can-easily-become-fat-including-the-hungry-labrador-retriever-3352212 | 2022-08-18T10:21:24Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/greedy-dogs-these-are-the-10-greediest-breeds-of-adorable-doggo-that-can-easily-become-fat-including-the-hungry-labrador-retriever-3352212 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Loving and Independent Dogs: Here are the 10 most and least affectionate breeds of adorable dog - from the Afghan to the Lab 🐕
Here are the dog breeds that just love to snuggle up, and the pups that are likely to prefer their own space.
Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last couple of years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared by nearly eight percent – and post-lockdown demand for puppies remains high.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt. One thing worth considering before making a decision is that certain breeds of dog are very loving and affectionate, liking nothing more than snuggling up to their owners for a cuddle.
Meanwhile, others just aren’t so demonstrative, having a more independent attitude and more likely to keep themselves to themselves in their own bed of an evening – rather than on the couch next to you. So, here are the 10 most and least affectionate breeds of dog.
Read more | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/loving-and-independent-dogs-here-are-the-10-most-and-least-affectionate-breeds-of-adorable-dog-from-the-afghan-to-the-lab-3589268 | 2022-08-18T10:21:44Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/loving-and-independent-dogs-here-are-the-10-most-and-least-affectionate-breeds-of-adorable-dog-from-the-afghan-to-the-lab-3589268 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Labour's emergency cost-of-living plan shows why all politicians are not the same – Ian Murray MP
The cost-of-living crisis is a national emergency on the scale of the pandemic.
If energy prices soar as predicted, 50 per cent of people could fall into fuel poverty. Inflation has hit a 40-year high, with prices rising faster than wages, precipitating a devastating recession ahead.
Without action, the tragic truth is that people will die.
Businesses will go bust, people will lose their jobs, and public services including the NHS will be beyond breaking point.
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You often hear people say they’re not interested in politics, or that nothing changes regardless of who is in power, that all politicians are the same.
But the coming months will show just how important political decision-making is to ordinary lives. Government action – without delay – is vital.
Yet we’ve seen nothing of value from holidaying Boris Johnson and his zombie government, or those squabbling to replace him.
This is a national economic emergency, but the Conservatives are putting the profits of oil and gas giants before the interests of the public.
Only Keir Starmer has a solution. He has put forward a fully costed plan to freeze bills this winter, typically saving households £1,000, paid for by taxing oil-and-gas producers which are making record profits.
The Labour plan to freeze bills is the only way. People just can’t afford any further increases. It’s as simple as that. We can either freeze bills or see people freeze.
In Scotland, we’ve seen little of substance from the SNP, which cares more about grievance than using Holyrood’s powers to help.
In fact, the First Minister said last week she could do nothing and mocked Keir Starmer for saying he was “set to” announce a major energy crisis policy.
Just imagine being First Minister and waking up each day thinking another toxic referendum is more important than fellow Scots being unable to afford to heat their homes.
Instead, Scottish Labour is calling for emergency legislation to be put before the Scottish Parliament, as the starting point to give Scots immediate help.
Our plan sets out areas where Holyrood can act urgently, and it could be passed as an Emergency Cost of Living Act when the Scottish Parliament returns.
From freezing rising rents to supporting struggling businesses, Scottish Labour is determined to act.
We would freeze energy prices for six months.
We would end the premium paid for energy by around 425,000 customers in Scotland who use prepayment meters.
We would extend energy-bill support to all off-grid households, offering help to up to 217,000 Scottish households.
We would support businesses in energy-intensive industries with a £1 billion fund.
And all this would lower inflation by four per cent.
People across the UK deserve better than two governments trivialising our politics and ignoring the issues that matter.
The total lack of ideas and ambition from both our governments has been all too clear.
More of the same won’t do.
There’s no task more central to Labour’s ambitions for Britain than making the country and its people better off, which is why Labour will fight the next election on economic growth.
We need a response that matches the scale of this crisis, at both Scottish and UK levels, and only Labour has provided the ideas that the country so desperately needs.
Ian Murray is Labour MP for Edinburgh South | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/labours-emergency-cost-of-living-plan-shows-why-all-politicians-are-not-the-same-ian-murray-mp-3809768 | 2022-08-18T10:25:29Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/labours-emergency-cost-of-living-plan-shows-why-all-politicians-are-not-the-same-ian-murray-mp-3809768 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Readers' letters: Bin workers deserve a bigger pay rise
As a citizen of Edinburgh and an ex-Community Councillor I would like to know what council leader Cammy Day’s plans are to deal with the forthcoming bin strike.
When he took up his post he pledged to ensure the basic services of CEC were delivered. Surely refuse collection is the most basic.
I fully support the bin men in seeking higher wages - what they have been offered is derisory when inflation is at 9 per cent and rising. They perform an invaluable service and did so throughout the pandemic.
If this strike goes ahead, in a very short space of time we will have overflowing bins in hot conditions in the middle of the festival, with bags ripped open by seagulls and the possibility of a rat infestation in the city - in short a public health emergency.
Reports in the press state that the majority of SNP representatives on Cosla voted to offer five per cent, however Labour and Conservatives opposed this.
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This would probably have resolved the crisis; for example, the police have recently accepted a five per cent offer.
While local authorities blame the Scottish Government and vice-versa it is us, the council tax paying public, who will suffer the very depressing consequences of this strike.
I would suggest that he re-examines his budget and comes up with a more worthwhile offer in order to avoid the catastrophic consequences if this strike goes ahead.
James Park, Edinburgh.
Police need more car charging points
Some time ago I heard that police in California were moving back to using fossil-fuelled cars because their electric vehicles were sometimes running out of power during a police chase.
I now read that our own Scottish Police Force have purchased considerable numbers of electric police cars but that insufficient charging points have been arranged to charge them up.
There is such a shortage of chargers apparently, that I hear that some cars are being powered up by cables slung out of police station windows!While I don't know how many charging points our police force is currently short of, I do know that we are to be short of 850 police officers by the end of this year, because that figure has been announced by the same Scottish Police Authority who organised the purchase of those electric police cars !
Archibald Lawrie, Kingskettle.
Is factory farming making us sick?
It has been more than 20 years since our TV screens were filled with the sight of animal carcasses burning on pyres, in a desperate effort to combat the spread of foot and mouth disease. Six million farmed animals were killed as a result.
In the 1990s, the outbreak of BSE resulted in 4.4m cows being killed. Those scenes seem a distant memory, but it is important to ask if anything has changed.
The current outbreak of avian flu in the UK has resulted in the deaths of thousands of wild birds and the ‘active culling’ of 2.75m farmed birds. It is caused by a deadly new form of the H5N1 strain, which originated in poultry farming.
It is thought that three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases come from animals, and this highlights a disturbing pattern which needs to be addressed in order to alleviate further suffering and disease.
For further information, readers may wish to download Animal Aid’s free report ‘Is Factory Farming Making Us Sick?’ from our website, as well as information on adopting an animal-free diet. www.animalaid.org.uk
Fiona Pereira, Tonbridge.
Write to the Edinburgh Evening News
We welcome your thoughts. Write to [email protected] including name, address and phone number – we won't print full details. Keep letters under 300 words, with no attachments. If referring to an article, include date, page number and heading.
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Subscribe at www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion/letters/readers-letters-bin-workers-deserve-a-bigger-pay-rise-3808966 | 2022-08-18T10:25:56Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion/letters/readers-letters-bin-workers-deserve-a-bigger-pay-rise-3808966 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Wife's tragic death inspires motor mechanic to follow new career with Edinburgh care team
A motor mechanic who gave up his own business to care for his dying wife has found his true vocation in life.
After 35 years in vehicle maintenance, Pete Jensen decided to switch his attention to people – supporting those in need of care and companionship to live in their own homes.
It was his wife Maureen’s diagnosis with multiple sclerosis that persuaded Pete it was time to give up the garage he had run from 1987 to 1992 in order to be by her side. This, and her death in March 2007, opened his eyes to the importance of caring roles and took him on a new career path.
Initially working as a forensic care assistant with the Scottish Borders Council, Pete went on to work in a day centre. He then joined a care agency in the Capital, which led him to apply for a care assistant role with a home care provider Bluebird Care Edinburgh
Inspired by the individuals he cares for and passionate about helping to enhances lives in a positive and purpose-driven sector, he immediately fell in love with the job and recently celebrated his 11th anniversary as part of the Bluebird Edinburgh team.
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Pete, 69, said: "I love doing this as I am not the sort of person who likes to sit in the office all day, so my preference is to be out in the community helping people less able than myself.
"Many people I have worked with over the past 11 years are always very grateful for the help they receive, as well as the opportunity to stay in the comfort of their own homes. This for me is what stands out in my job, when customers say thank you for the help.”
His advice to anyone considering a career in care is “go for it”.
“Most new care assistants say that I have helped them settle into their new roles, which is great. This can be a very daunting time, when someone goes to a customer for the very first time, so, most of them are glad for a little help and a nudge in the right direction,” he added.
"It is a great career path, which can lead to other careers in the care sector. You don't know until you try.” | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/wifes-tragic-death-inspires-motor-mechanic-to-follow-new-career-with-edinburgh-care-team-3810543 | 2022-08-18T10:26:35Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/wifes-tragic-death-inspires-motor-mechanic-to-follow-new-career-with-edinburgh-care-team-3810543 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
One in four Scots unlikely to go on holiday this year
More than a quarter of Scots are unlikely to take a holiday this year according to new research citing the cost of living crisis, rising fuel prices, and disruption at airports, on the railways and with ferries as major factors affecting decision-making.
Holidays in Scotland are expected to be the main choice for Scots this year, with breaks in the Highlands and Edinburgh top of their list of preferred destinations.
One in three Scots have been on holiday in Scotland so far this year, compared to just 19 per cent who had headed for Europe, and four per cent on a long-haul trip.
However more than half of holidays in Scotland were booked within a month of their departure date.
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The new research emerged as tourism industry leaders warned that the soaring rate of inflation would have a “significant” impact on the sector.
More than 1000 Scots took part in the new research, carried out from 1-2 August by consultancy 56 Degree Insight.
Managing partner Jim Eccleston said: “The cost of living crisis is having a major impact on holiday choices. Around 84 per cent of Scots claim their 2022 holiday choices have been impacted.
“Rising petrol and diesel costs are also having an impact amongst 70 per cent (an especially important factor for domestic markets), and we see that Covid continues to play a role in decision-making.
“Travel disruption has been significant over the summer - and this has also been an important consideration for many.”
Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said: “While it’s heartening to read that many Scots have chosen to holiday at home, the levels of spending by domestic and UK visitors is not enough to provide businesses with the financial comfort they would like and now need as we move into the shoulder season.
“More worryingly, in recent weeks as inflation continues to rise, this has put added pressure on the balance sheet, as well as sparking a slowdown in booking by UK households.
“The situation remains fluid in terms of the cost-of-living crisis and with the announcement around the rise in inflation, it would seem likely more people will put plans on hold and almost certainly curtail spending.
“The economic outlook for the industry is likely to be worse than what we’ve experienced throughout Covid.
"I would urge both governments to take immediate action to lower VAT rates, put a freeze on the energy price cap, introduce a price cap for businesses plus extend relief on business rates and to do so immediately before we see a wave of business closures and job losses.”
Leon Thompson, executive director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: “Given the financial pressures people are already experiencing it is not surprising they are still to decide on holidays and booking late. Our members have been reporting last-minute and late bookings for some time.
“Another area of concern is that people are looking to lower expenditure whilst on holiday, impacting takings in bars, restaurants and coffee shops.
“The shoulder months present a particular difficulty. With so few advance bookings many hospitality businesses are considering whether they can remain open through the autumn and winter.
"Without financial assistance from our governments on energy and business rates there will be businesses that will not survive.” | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/one-in-four-scots-unlikely-to-go-on-holiday-this-year-3809981 | 2022-08-18T10:27:31Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/one-in-four-scots-unlikely-to-go-on-holiday-this-year-3809981 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
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2022 Cincinnati | https://www.wtatennis.com/videos/2748213/cincinnati-pegula-comes-from-a-set-down-to-defeat-kostyuk | 2022-08-18T10:29:19Z | wtatennis.com | control | https://www.wtatennis.com/videos/2748213/cincinnati-pegula-comes-from-a-set-down-to-defeat-kostyuk | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
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2022 Cincinnati | https://www.wtatennis.com/videos/2748215/cincinnati-former-champ-keys-wins-first-strike-battle-over-ostapenko | 2022-08-18T10:29:25Z | wtatennis.com | control | https://www.wtatennis.com/videos/2748215/cincinnati-former-champ-keys-wins-first-strike-battle-over-ostapenko | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The most successful people are those who rely heavily on the power of networking since the way of the world is meeting people through other people.
The world in which we are in is a global village and it’s not possible for anyone to survive in isolation.
It is often said that your network equals your net worth meaning that the kind and status of people in and around you goes a long way in showing your relevance and worth in society.
We all need one another to make the most out of life, thus establishing the need for people to network as much as they can.
Pursuing opportunities to connect with individuals, leaders or professionals with varying interests and perspectives is critical not only to your own growth, but also to your career growth since networking is the No. 1 unwritten rule of success in life and business.
It is important that everyone build their network for the following reasons.
1. Networking contributes to your social well-being
As social beings, networking with others helps develop your social well-being. Reaching out and connecting to different individuals from different walks of life helps you become a better social being.
Networking also contributes to your overall well-being since it affords you the opportunity to relate and even have fun with others.
2. It broadens your horizon
Networking with people from different professions, nationalities, and cultures gives you a broader scope of life.
Your horizon increases every time you socialise with people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and points of view.
Another advantage of networking is that it teaches you open-mindedness, which helps you become a better team player in all spheres of life.
3. It helps relieve stress
According to Mayo Clinic, a strong social support network can be critical to help you through the stress of tough times, whether you’ve had a bad day at work or a year filled with loss or chronic illness. And the lack of social support can lead to isolation and loneliness.
Meeting people who are going through similar experiences or have overcome obstacles you may be facing is always a great learning opportunity to make you a better individual and give you a ray of hope.
4. It helps in career/business growth
One of the undeniable benefits of networking is its impact on your business or career. Experts agree that success has a direct link to your networking skills. This is why the most connected individuals end up as the most successful.
Investing in both personal and professional relationships pays back throughout your career course as networking is an investment in your business. Even though it takes time, when done correctly it can yield great results for years to come.
Through interacting with people, you will be in touch with current trends and meet prospective clients, partners, and mentors.
Besides developing and improving your skillset, networking gives you access to the resources necessary to foster your career development.
5. It improves your self-confidence
Networking helps build self-confidence and promotes self-esteem. Your ability to network helps in building your self-confidence over time and this has a great way of rubbing off on your self-esteem.
So, the more effectively you network, the more self-confidence you build over time.
The need for networking especially in today’s world cannot be overemphasized since it has a great way of impacting our lives, career and overall success in life. Always remember that, if you’re not networking, you’re not working.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
- ‘39.6 percent of unmarried university students use sexual performance-enhancing drugs’
- Tips on building a happy and healthy relationship
- Safety precautions to observe at the airport | https://tribuneonlineng.com/5-reasons-you-should-build-your-network/ | 2022-08-18T10:30:34Z | tribuneonlineng.com | control | https://tribuneonlineng.com/5-reasons-you-should-build-your-network/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Keeping the home clean and in an orderly manner can be a heck of a chore, especially for busy working-class individuals. The thought of having to daily put the house in order, especially for individuals with young ones can be stressful, time-consuming and exhausting.
Regardless of the stress that comes with keeping the home clean, the health of one’s family is of priority so the cleanliness of the home should not be neglected.
Are you the busy type that hardly has time for yourself not to talk about cleaning the home? Have you been trying but have found cleaning the home a draining process? Check out these tips to help you keep your home clean seamlessly.
1. Putting things where they rightfully belong
Not returning items used in the home back to the rightful position after use is the number one way of getting the home disorganised and dirty.
The home gets dirty on time when gadgets and other household items are littered around. Trying to get the home clean after all the items have been scattered around the home can be draining as you will keep moving from one place to another around the home.
To avoid stressing yourself out during the process of cleaning ensure you return all household items back to their rightful position after use.
2. Do not procrastinate
Procrastination is said to be the killer of time. Procrastinating your chores will not help in the cleanliness of your home in any way rather it will turn your home into a dump site.
Doing all your chores at the right time saves you unnecessary stress. For instance, if you decide to postpone washing your dishes to a later time rather than immediately after use, some of the food particles may get stuck on the plates, thereby making it more difficult to wash.
To ensure the cleanliness of your home, do not procrastinate.
3. Getting help
Gone are the days when you have to do all your chores or home cleaning yourself. In today’s world, there are people whose means of livelihood is helping in house cleaning and other household activities.
If you don’t have the time to use in keeping your home clean or you find it quite exhausting, you can simply get people to come around based on your schedule to help you clean your home and in return, you pay them for the service rendered.
Alternatively, you can simply get a maid or housekeeper that stays with you and help in keeping your home clean.
4. Create a cleaning schedule
When it comes to keeping the home clean, there is no hard and fast rule to it, meaning, you have the liberty of choosing when and how to keep your home clean.
If you’re the busy type, a tip that is helpful in keeping your home clean is drafting of a cleaning schedule. If you’re free on weekends, you can plan all major household cleaning on weekends while you keep to the minor activities during weekdays.
5. Get cleaning appliances
Another way of keeping your home clean seamlessly is by getting cleaning appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, air purifier and so on.
You don’t have to get your home clean by doing it yourself, the various technological innovations daily provide us with appliances to make life easier.
It is important you make the cleanliness of your home a top priority to you because it does not only guarantee the health of your family, it also speaks volumes about your person.
Moving out of a rental property soon, check out how to clean up
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
- ‘39.6 percent of unmarried university students use sexual performance-enhancing drugs’
- Tips on building a happy and healthy relationship
- Safety precautions to observe at the airport | https://tribuneonlineng.com/5-secrets-to-achieving-a-clean-home/ | 2022-08-18T10:30:40Z | tribuneonlineng.com | control | https://tribuneonlineng.com/5-secrets-to-achieving-a-clean-home/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Towards the end of this overall infuriating story about “crisis pregnancy centers” in Texas, we come to a quote that stunned me so hard I had to step away from the computer for a few minutes.
If they can get an “abortion-minded” woman to have a conversation, Pinson feels confident that the center’s staff can change her mind. In their counseling sessions, Pinson says, they “pour into girls,” persuading them that, no matter the obstacles in their lives, they can become successful mothers.
Pinson welcomes even the most devastating cases.
“I’ve seen a lot of 13-year-olds do phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be a negative thing.”
She closely followed the case of the 10-year-old rape victim who was denied an abortion in Ohio last month. If that girl came into her center, Pinson would suggest she consider adoption, she said, adding that abortion would not fix the girl’s problems.
“That life is still a life and, even at 10, she knows a life is inside her.”
The level of disregard for the lives of these children utterly took my breath away. Let’s be clear that every one of these children has been raped, most likely by someone close to them – family member, friend, teacher, coach, clergyman, neighbor. Let’s also be clear that the health risks of carrying a pregnancy to term for young girls is significantly higher than it is for adult women, partly because these girls are smaller and less developed than adult women. Because, you know, they’re children. Let’s be clear that the trauma and adverse mental health effects on these children is something all of us who have not had any personal experience with is far greater than we think. To sweep all of that aside because your “values” tell you that an embryo is of greater value than that child and its interests must be put above those of that child, I struggle to form the words in response. I just know that I would never want to let you near any child I have ever known.
This is a long and detailed story about a phenomenon that has plagued us for a long time and is now going to get worse, with more and greater adverse health effects brought to more women and girls. You should read it, though I warn you it will make you very angry. Use that anger, and make more people like you angry in the same way, because this is what we’re fighting. | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106508 | 2022-08-18T10:31:02Z | offthekuff.com | control | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106508 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Texas Progressive Alliance weekly roundup is not classified as Top Secret and thus can be safely taken home with you.
Off the Kuff takes a look at some more in depth polling data about attitudes towards abortion in Texas.
SocraticGadfly saw the obits news last week, and immediately remembered Michael Badnarik as “Mr. Driving Without a License,” and gave the 2004 Libertarian presidential nominee a “proper salute” for that and more.
Stace gives us his Thoughts on Viernes about the FBI raid, Abbott’s Human Trafficking bus, and Beto’s MF’in comments.
=========================
And here are some posts of interest from other Texas blogs.
G. Elliott Morris reassesses the landscape for Democrats following the Kansas abortion vote.
Mean Green Cougar Red warns us about the threat to monarch butterflies.
Juanita finds some more ridiculousness stemming from the A**x J***s lawsuit.
Your Local Epidemiologist has a plan for the upcoming school year.
The Texas Living Waters Project says that the bipartisan infrastructure bill will provide a bounty of funding to help us deal with our growing water problems.
The Houston Press finishes off its Houston Bucket List with some honorable mentions. | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106522 | 2022-08-18T10:31:09Z | offthekuff.com | control | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106522 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
A judge rejected a second attempt by a bail bonding business to put an end to a Harris County rule requiring defendants accused of violent offenses to pay a minimum 10 percent fee to secure their release from jail, officials said Monday.
55th District Court Judge Latosha Payne ruled Aug. 9 against a temporary injunction stemmed from civil litigation lodged in April against the Harris County Bail Bond Board that attempted to prevent the premium policy from taking effect. A judge blocked the initial attempt as well.
All About Bail Bonds owner and plaintiff Sunya Claiborne argued in the lawsuit that the policy jeopardizes her business — calling the minimum fee requirement “classic price fixing and a per se antitrust violation.” The lawyer for the plaintiff, Kevin Pennell, said he plans this week to appeal the judge’s order.
Without the minimum fee, Claiborne planned to “offer competitive pricing of less than 10% of the face amount of the bond to consumers who desire to purchase a bail bond for themselves, or their loved ones charged with a designated offense and qualify for reduced payment terms,” according to court documents.
The Harris County Attorney’s Office — whose attorneys were unaware of the judge’s ruling until the order was uploaded Monday to the Harris County District Clerk’s Office — defended the Bail Bond Board against the lawsuit. The policy was prompted by a Commissioners Court resolution urging the board members to adopt rules regulating the minimum fee that a bondsman must collect to secure a defendant’s release on violent charges.
“People accused of violent crimes should not get any discounts while they await trial,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, who proposed the fee minimum to county commissioners, said in a statement. “This affects no one accused of the most minor, nonviolent offenses who would be stuck in jail because they aren’t able to pay.”
See here and here for some background. The original hearing was in the 269th Civil Court, and the second hearing was to have been on May 6. I don’t know why the change of court and I don’t know if the second hearing was delayed or if it just took that long for a ruling, but here we are. I thought the “price fixing” argument was weak and as such I’m not surprised at this outcome. I don’t see the appeals being successful, but maybe there’s some technical point of law on which they can get a rehearing. Given the speed of the appellate process, expect it to be a long time before the next update. | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106610 | 2022-08-18T10:31:17Z | offthekuff.com | control | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106610 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
First I’d heard of this, but it should be pretty routine.
Houston will ask voters in November to approve a $478 million bond program to buy fire and police vehicles, renovate or replace city facilities and give the city’s animal shelter a new home.
City Council voted 16-1 Wednesday to approve an election for Nov. 8, Houston’s first bond referendum since 2017. District G Councilmember Mary Nan Huffman was the lone no vote.
If approved by voters, the city would sell the bonds to investors and use the proceeds on infrastructure. It would pay back the money, plus interest, with debt service over a longer term. The proposed debt package does not include an increase in property taxes.
Mayor Sylvester Turner said the strategy in formulating the plan was to be “very pragmatic” and avoid creating a “wish list” of spending items. A massive increase in debt service would put a drag on the city’s operating budget, he said. Houston has paid an average of $340 million over the last four years to pay down past public improvement bonds.
To that end, the package primarily would be used to fund $194 million in already-planned projects in the city’s capital budget that have no current funding source. They are listed in the plan as being paid for by a “future bond election.”
The proposal also would hold $156 million to address the city’s backlog of deferred maintenance and $60 million to help cover higher inflation costs. Also included are $45 million for a new animal care building, $13 million for new parks facilities, and a $10 million earmark for improvements to Agnes Moffitt Park in Timber Oaks. District A Councilmember Amy Peck won council approval on an amendment to tack that project onto the proposal during the vote Wednesday.
[…]
In the broader bond package, more than half — $277 million — would go to public safety, $50 million to parks, $47 million to BARC, $29 million in general government improvements, $26 million for libraries and $6 million for Solid Waste Management.
Among the projects already in the works: $87.5 million for police and fire vehicles and equipment, the $13.7 million replacement of Fire Station 40 on Old Spanish Trail, $9.2 million in other fire station renovations, $8.8 million for the renovation of five health and multi-service centers, and $2.8 million in upgrades to City Hall.
All of that spending will be dependent on voters’ approval in November.
There will also be a Harris County bond referendum on the ballot as well. If past form holds, both will be split into multiple items, each one specific to a purpose. In 2017, two years after the last Harris County bond referendum, all five Houston items passed with 72 to 77 percent of the vote. I will be surprised if there’s any serious opposition to this. | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106632 | 2022-08-18T10:31:24Z | offthekuff.com | control | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106632 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Baldwin County Schools adding school safety director position
The Baldwin County School District is creating a school safety director position.
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Baldwin County School District is adding more safety measures by creating a new position.
The position of ‘School Safety Director’ will proactively ensure a safe and secure school environment.
Safety remains a concern for school leaders in the district, and that’s why Superintendent Dr. Noris Price says the position is important.
“We will have somebody that is solely devoted to school safety,” she said. “Someone who will be on-site, familiar with all of our facilities, and will be able to respond if we have any type of emergency.”
Price says after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas and several meetings with other school leaders, she knew more measures had to be taken.
The duties previously fell under several people who had other responsibilities.
“We’ll have someone who is walking our facilities, making sure that all the doors are secured, ” she said. “For example, they’ll assess any possible threats that we’re not thinking about.”
Qualifications for the position include having a first aid/CPR certification and a minimum of 10 years experience in Law Enforcement.
Maj. Scott Deason with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office says the requirements are a must.
“We have four deputies stretched out through the six schools they have,” he said. “It will help with that, and a lot of times the presence is a deterrence.”
Teachers like Mandy Hopkins say the school district already has safety measures in place that make her feel safe, like cameras and panic buttons, but Hopkins says you can never be too safe.
“I think in this day and age, we need as much support as far as safety goes,” she said. “Our teachers and our children are our top priority.”
The School Safety Director Position is part-time for now, but that could change by the end of the year.
The application will go live on Monday. | https://www.41nbc.com/baldwin-county-schools-adding-school-safety-director-position/ | 2022-08-18T10:33:32Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/baldwin-county-schools-adding-school-safety-director-position/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
Baldwin County Schools adding school safety director position
The Baldwin County School District is creating a school safety director position.
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Baldwin County School District is adding more safety measures by creating a new position.
The position of ‘School Safety Director’ will proactively ensure a safe and secure school environment.
Safety remains a concern for school leaders in the district, and that’s why Superintendent Dr. Noris Price says the position is important.
“We will have somebody that is solely devoted to school safety,” she said. “Someone who will be on-site, familiar with all of our facilities, and will be able to respond if we have any type of emergency.”
Price says after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas and several meetings with other school leaders, she knew more measures had to be taken.
The duties previously fell under several people who had other responsibilities.
“We’ll have someone who is walking our facilities, making sure that all the doors are secured, ” she said. “For example, they’ll assess any possible threats that we’re not thinking about.”
Qualifications for the position include having a first aid/CPR certification and a minimum of 10 years experience in Law Enforcement.
Maj. Scott Deason with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office says the requirements are a must.
“We have four deputies stretched out through the six schools they have,” he said. “It will help with that, and a lot of times the presence is a deterrence.”
Teachers like Mandy Hopkins say the school district already has safety measures in place that make her feel safe, like cameras and panic buttons, but Hopkins says you can never be too safe.
“I think in this day and age, we need as much support as far as safety goes,” she said. “Our teachers and our children are our top priority.”
The School Safety Director Position is part-time for now, but that could change by the end of the year.
The application will go live on Monday. | https://www.41nbc.com/baldwin-county-schools-adding-school-safety-director-position/ | 2022-08-18T10:33:32Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/baldwin-county-schools-adding-school-safety-director-position/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
Baldwin High School expanding culinary opportunities for students
Baldwin High School is giving its students an opportunity to pursue a career in culinary arts.
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Baldwin High School is giving its students an opportunity to pursue a career in culinary arts.
The school district partnered with Helms College to offer a $10,000 scholarship. High school students in the district’s culinary arts course will receive credit that will count toward Helms College.
Principal Jason Flanders says the culinary course has caught students’ attention since it started in 2020.
“Students will see how culinary is being used at the post-secondary level,” he said. “They’ll see how college students are using the skill set and how it can be applied to career fields. It really opens their eyes to a whole new level.”
Students must be enrolled in the course to apply for the scholarship. | https://www.41nbc.com/baldwin-high-school-expanding-culinary-opportunities-for-students/ | 2022-08-18T10:33:38Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/baldwin-high-school-expanding-culinary-opportunities-for-students/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Baldwin High School expanding culinary opportunities for students
Baldwin High School is giving its students an opportunity to pursue a career in culinary arts.
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Baldwin High School is giving its students an opportunity to pursue a career in culinary arts.
The school district partnered with Helms College to offer a $10,000 scholarship. High school students in the district’s culinary arts course will receive credit that will count toward Helms College.
Principal Jason Flanders says the culinary course has caught students’ attention since it started in 2020.
“Students will see how culinary is being used at the post-secondary level,” he said. “They’ll see how college students are using the skill set and how it can be applied to career fields. It really opens their eyes to a whole new level.”
Students must be enrolled in the course to apply for the scholarship. | https://www.41nbc.com/baldwin-high-school-expanding-culinary-opportunities-for-students/ | 2022-08-18T10:33:38Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/baldwin-high-school-expanding-culinary-opportunities-for-students/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | null |
BS Report: August 17th – Braves: The Roaring Twenties
The Braves are building a new dynasty by keeping young talent through the decade.
The Braves are building a new dynasty by keeping young talent through the decade. Bill Shanks explains how these latest deals will keep the Braves in a solid winning position that will last for years to come. | https://www.41nbc.com/bs-report-august-17th-braves-the-roaring-twenties/ | 2022-08-18T10:33:44Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/bs-report-august-17th-braves-the-roaring-twenties/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
BS Report: August 17th – Braves: The Roaring Twenties
The Braves are building a new dynasty by keeping young talent through the decade.
The Braves are building a new dynasty by keeping young talent through the decade. Bill Shanks explains how these latest deals will keep the Braves in a solid winning position that will last for years to come. | https://www.41nbc.com/bs-report-august-17th-braves-the-roaring-twenties/ | 2022-08-18T10:33:44Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/bs-report-august-17th-braves-the-roaring-twenties/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Giuliani faces grand jury in Georgia 2020 election probe
ATLANTA (AP) — Rudy Giuliani faced hours of questioning Wednesday before a special grand jury in Atlanta as a target of an investigation into attempts by former President Donald Trump and others to overturn his 2020 election defeat in Georgia.
The former New York mayor and Trump attorney left the Fulton County courthouse without commenting to reporters roughly six hours after the special grand jury convened Wednesday as part of a rapidly escalating investigation that has ensnared several Trump allies.
Giuliani’s questioning took place behind closed doors, as grand jury proceedings are secret. Swarmed by news cameras Wednesday morning as he stepped out of a black SUV at the courthouse steps, Giuliani said he didn’t plan to talk about his testimony.
“Grand juries, as I recall, are secret,” said Giuliani, who came to court with his attorney, Robert Costello. “They ask the questions and we’ll see.”
Though grand jury secrecy rules prohibit people present during grand jury testimony from discussing it, that prohibition does not apply to witnesses, including Giuliani. As a former federal prosecutor, he is likely familiar with those rules.
It’s unclear how much the former New York mayor and attorney for Trump was willing to say after his lawyers were informed Monday that he’s a target of the investigation.
Giuliani’s Atlanta-based attorney, Bill Thomas, declined to comment after Giuliani left the courthouse. Costello did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The investigation by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has brought heightened scrutiny to the desperate and ultimately failed efforts to overturn Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 election win. It’s one of several investigations into Trump’s actions in office as he lays the groundwork for another run at the White House in 2024.
Willis opened her investigation after the disclosure of a remarkable Jan. 2, 2021, phone call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. On the call, Trump suggested that Raffensperger could “find” the exact number of votes that would be needed to flip the election results in Georgia.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing. He has described the call as “perfect.”
Willis last month filed petitions to compel testimony from seven Trump associates and advisers. She has also said she’s considering calling Trump himself to testify, and the former president has hired a legal team in Atlanta that includes a prominent criminal defense attorney.
Other Trump allies swept up in the probe include U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. His attorneys filed a legal motion Wednesday asking a federal judge to put Graham’s special grand jury appearance set for Aug. 23 on hold while the South Carolina Republican appeals an order compelling him to testify.
Fulton County prosecutors want to ask Graham about phone calls they say he made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and his staff in the weeks following the vote.
Graham’s attorneys, including former Trump White House counsel Don McGahn, are fighting the subpoena in federal court. They argue Graham’s position in Congress protects him from having to appear before the grand jury. A federal judge rejected that notion and ordered the senator to testify. Graham has said he plans to appeal.
In seeking Giuliani’s testimony, Willis noted that he was both a personal attorney for Trump and a lead attorney for his 2020 campaign.
She recalled in a petition how Giuliani and others appeared at a state Senate committee meeting in late 2020 and presented a video that Giuliani said showed election workers producing “suitcases” of unlawful ballots from unknown sources, outside the view of election poll watchers. The claims of fraud were debunked by Georgia election officials within 24 hours. Yet Giuliani continued to make statements to the public and in subsequent legislative hearings claiming widespread election fraud using the debunked video, Willis noted in her filing.
Two of the election workers seen in the video, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, said they faced relentless harassment online and in person after it was shown at the Dec. 3 Georgia legislative hearing in which Giuliani appeared. At another hearing a week later, Giuliani said the footage showed the women “surreptitiously passing around USB ports as if they are vials of heroin or cocaine.” They actually were passing a piece of candy.
Willis wrote in the court filing that Giuliani’s hearing appearance and testimony were “part of a multi-state, coordinated plan by the Trump Campaign to influence the results of the November 2020 election in Georgia and elsewhere.”
Willis also wrote in a petition seeking the testimony of attorney Kenneth Chesebro that he worked with Giuliani to coordinate and carry out a plan to have Georgia Republicans serve as fake electors. Those 16 people signed a certificate declaring falsely that Trump had won the 2020 presidential election and declaring themselves the state’s “duly elected and qualified” electors even though Biden had won the state and a slate of Democratic electors was certified.
Giuliani’s attorneys tried to delay his appearance before the special grand jury, saying he was unable to fly due to heart stent surgery in early July.
But Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney, who’s overseeing the special grand jury, said during a hearing last week that Giuliani needed to be in Atlanta on Wednesday and could travel by bus, car or train if necessary.
Asked how he made the trip, Giuliani told reporters, “I’ll give you one answer: I didn’t walk.”
___
Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report. | https://www.41nbc.com/giuliani-faces-grand-jury-in-georgia-2020-election-probe/ | 2022-08-18T10:33:50Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/giuliani-faces-grand-jury-in-georgia-2020-election-probe/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 18 |
Giuliani faces grand jury in Georgia 2020 election probe
ATLANTA (AP) — Rudy Giuliani faced hours of questioning Wednesday before a special grand jury in Atlanta as a target of an investigation into attempts by former President Donald Trump and others to overturn his 2020 election defeat in Georgia.
The former New York mayor and Trump attorney left the Fulton County courthouse without commenting to reporters roughly six hours after the special grand jury convened Wednesday as part of a rapidly escalating investigation that has ensnared several Trump allies.
Giuliani’s questioning took place behind closed doors, as grand jury proceedings are secret. Swarmed by news cameras Wednesday morning as he stepped out of a black SUV at the courthouse steps, Giuliani said he didn’t plan to talk about his testimony.
“Grand juries, as I recall, are secret,” said Giuliani, who came to court with his attorney, Robert Costello. “They ask the questions and we’ll see.”
Though grand jury secrecy rules prohibit people present during grand jury testimony from discussing it, that prohibition does not apply to witnesses, including Giuliani. As a former federal prosecutor, he is likely familiar with those rules.
It’s unclear how much the former New York mayor and attorney for Trump was willing to say after his lawyers were informed Monday that he’s a target of the investigation.
Giuliani’s Atlanta-based attorney, Bill Thomas, declined to comment after Giuliani left the courthouse. Costello did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The investigation by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has brought heightened scrutiny to the desperate and ultimately failed efforts to overturn Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 election win. It’s one of several investigations into Trump’s actions in office as he lays the groundwork for another run at the White House in 2024.
Willis opened her investigation after the disclosure of a remarkable Jan. 2, 2021, phone call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. On the call, Trump suggested that Raffensperger could “find” the exact number of votes that would be needed to flip the election results in Georgia.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing. He has described the call as “perfect.”
Willis last month filed petitions to compel testimony from seven Trump associates and advisers. She has also said she’s considering calling Trump himself to testify, and the former president has hired a legal team in Atlanta that includes a prominent criminal defense attorney.
Other Trump allies swept up in the probe include U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. His attorneys filed a legal motion Wednesday asking a federal judge to put Graham’s special grand jury appearance set for Aug. 23 on hold while the South Carolina Republican appeals an order compelling him to testify.
Fulton County prosecutors want to ask Graham about phone calls they say he made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and his staff in the weeks following the vote.
Graham’s attorneys, including former Trump White House counsel Don McGahn, are fighting the subpoena in federal court. They argue Graham’s position in Congress protects him from having to appear before the grand jury. A federal judge rejected that notion and ordered the senator to testify. Graham has said he plans to appeal.
In seeking Giuliani’s testimony, Willis noted that he was both a personal attorney for Trump and a lead attorney for his 2020 campaign.
She recalled in a petition how Giuliani and others appeared at a state Senate committee meeting in late 2020 and presented a video that Giuliani said showed election workers producing “suitcases” of unlawful ballots from unknown sources, outside the view of election poll watchers. The claims of fraud were debunked by Georgia election officials within 24 hours. Yet Giuliani continued to make statements to the public and in subsequent legislative hearings claiming widespread election fraud using the debunked video, Willis noted in her filing.
Two of the election workers seen in the video, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, said they faced relentless harassment online and in person after it was shown at the Dec. 3 Georgia legislative hearing in which Giuliani appeared. At another hearing a week later, Giuliani said the footage showed the women “surreptitiously passing around USB ports as if they are vials of heroin or cocaine.” They actually were passing a piece of candy.
Willis wrote in the court filing that Giuliani’s hearing appearance and testimony were “part of a multi-state, coordinated plan by the Trump Campaign to influence the results of the November 2020 election in Georgia and elsewhere.”
Willis also wrote in a petition seeking the testimony of attorney Kenneth Chesebro that he worked with Giuliani to coordinate and carry out a plan to have Georgia Republicans serve as fake electors. Those 16 people signed a certificate declaring falsely that Trump had won the 2020 presidential election and declaring themselves the state’s “duly elected and qualified” electors even though Biden had won the state and a slate of Democratic electors was certified.
Giuliani’s attorneys tried to delay his appearance before the special grand jury, saying he was unable to fly due to heart stent surgery in early July.
But Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney, who’s overseeing the special grand jury, said during a hearing last week that Giuliani needed to be in Atlanta on Wednesday and could travel by bus, car or train if necessary.
Asked how he made the trip, Giuliani told reporters, “I’ll give you one answer: I didn’t walk.”
___
Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report. | https://www.41nbc.com/giuliani-faces-grand-jury-in-georgia-2020-election-probe/ | 2022-08-18T10:33:50Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/giuliani-faces-grand-jury-in-georgia-2020-election-probe/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 18 |
ICYMI: Stories you may have missed today on 41NBC News
Top stories from August 17, 2022
-
Couple arrested and charged for fatal Waverly Pointe Townhouse shooting
-
18-year-old shot in critical condition after Wednesday afternoon shooting
- For other stories you may have missed today on 41NBC News, click here. | https://www.41nbc.com/icymi-stories-you-may-have-missed-today-on-41nbc-news-125/ | 2022-08-18T10:33:56Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/icymi-stories-you-may-have-missed-today-on-41nbc-news-125/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ICYMI: Stories you may have missed today on 41NBC News
Top stories from August 17, 2022
-
Couple arrested and charged for fatal Waverly Pointe Townhouse shooting
-
18-year-old shot in critical condition after Wednesday afternoon shooting
- For other stories you may have missed today on 41NBC News, click here. | https://www.41nbc.com/icymi-stories-you-may-have-missed-today-on-41nbc-news-125/ | 2022-08-18T10:33:56Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/icymi-stories-you-may-have-missed-today-on-41nbc-news-125/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Macon church pressing forward after gunfire damages building
Community Church of God is continuing to hold services after gunfire damaged the church's windows and doors in July.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Community Church of God is continuing to hold services after gunfire damaged the church’s windows and doors in July.
The shooting also led to water damage from the church’s sprinkler system.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office reports deputies responded to gunfire in the area around 10 p.m. on July 26. Deputies say they found shell fragments and water leaking inside the church.
The congregation is now holding services in a tent until repairs are made.
Pastor Jason McClendon says he’s not letting this situation slow down their mission.
“I have to tell the truth, it hurt, I was shocked, I was surprised, but then again as a pastor, all the good we’re doing in the community, we just know things happen, things are going to get you down to make you slow down, but it’s just helping us to keep going,” he said.
Pastor McClendon believes the church was not the intended target of the shooting.
The church hosts a crime intervention program that holds events like sports leagues, food services, senior aid and rehab programs.
Pastor McClendon says the congregation plans to meet in the tent for another two months. The church is located at 5555 Bethesda Ave.
If you would like to help the church, visit maconcommunity.church. | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-church-pressing-forward-after-gunfire-damages-building/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:02Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-church-pressing-forward-after-gunfire-damages-building/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
Macon church pressing forward after gunfire damages building
Community Church of God is continuing to hold services after gunfire damaged the church's windows and doors in July.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Community Church of God is continuing to hold services after gunfire damaged the church’s windows and doors in July.
The shooting also led to water damage from the church’s sprinkler system.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office reports deputies responded to gunfire in the area around 10 p.m. on July 26. Deputies say they found shell fragments and water leaking inside the church.
The congregation is now holding services in a tent until repairs are made.
Pastor Jason McClendon says he’s not letting this situation slow down their mission.
“I have to tell the truth, it hurt, I was shocked, I was surprised, but then again as a pastor, all the good we’re doing in the community, we just know things happen, things are going to get you down to make you slow down, but it’s just helping us to keep going,” he said.
Pastor McClendon believes the church was not the intended target of the shooting.
The church hosts a crime intervention program that holds events like sports leagues, food services, senior aid and rehab programs.
Pastor McClendon says the congregation plans to meet in the tent for another two months. The church is located at 5555 Bethesda Ave.
If you would like to help the church, visit maconcommunity.church. | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-church-pressing-forward-after-gunfire-damages-building/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:02Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-church-pressing-forward-after-gunfire-damages-building/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
Macon County residents get access to high speed fiber internet
30% of Macon County residents now have access to fast speed internet.
OGLETHORPE, Georgia(41NBC/WMGT) – Almost 3,000 Macon County residents now have access to high speed internet for the first time.
It’s all thanks to a partnership between the county and Kinetic Wireless.
The county held a ribbon held ceremony Wednesday to announce Kinetic’s expansion of high speed internet.
Michael Foore, Kinetic’s President of Operations in Georgia, says this will benefit thousands of business and homes.
“It’s a big day,” Foore said. “We enjoy coming to rural communities in Georgia and letting them know that through Kinetic, by Windstream’s investment, there’s now fiber in there downtown area and even extending beyond that to reach around 3,000 households and businesses.”
Georgia Representative Patty Bentley, who was at Wednesday’s ceremony, says the community needed more internet access.
“There’s so many things that go on where we need internet,” Bentley said. “This is going to help the county with educational efforts, health care, bringing in new industry, keeping all of our seniors and young adults connected.”
30% of the county now has access to fast speed internet. Oglethorpe councilwoman Jill Harrison says residents needed this to keep up with the times.
“This is a internet world,” Harrison said. “It’s not going anywhere, and it’s not changing, so I’m glad that Kinetic took it upon themselves to help our county.”
Foore says the county and customers can sign up for service at windstream.com. | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-county-residents-get-access-to-high-speed-fiber-internet/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:09Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-county-residents-get-access-to-high-speed-fiber-internet/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
Macon County residents get access to high speed fiber internet
30% of Macon County residents now have access to fast speed internet.
OGLETHORPE, Georgia(41NBC/WMGT) – Almost 3,000 Macon County residents now have access to high speed internet for the first time.
It’s all thanks to a partnership between the county and Kinetic Wireless.
The county held a ribbon held ceremony Wednesday to announce Kinetic’s expansion of high speed internet.
Michael Foore, Kinetic’s President of Operations in Georgia, says this will benefit thousands of business and homes.
“It’s a big day,” Foore said. “We enjoy coming to rural communities in Georgia and letting them know that through Kinetic, by Windstream’s investment, there’s now fiber in there downtown area and even extending beyond that to reach around 3,000 households and businesses.”
Georgia Representative Patty Bentley, who was at Wednesday’s ceremony, says the community needed more internet access.
“There’s so many things that go on where we need internet,” Bentley said. “This is going to help the county with educational efforts, health care, bringing in new industry, keeping all of our seniors and young adults connected.”
30% of the county now has access to fast speed internet. Oglethorpe councilwoman Jill Harrison says residents needed this to keep up with the times.
“This is a internet world,” Harrison said. “It’s not going anywhere, and it’s not changing, so I’m glad that Kinetic took it upon themselves to help our county.”
Foore says the county and customers can sign up for service at windstream.com. | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-county-residents-get-access-to-high-speed-fiber-internet/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:09Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-county-residents-get-access-to-high-speed-fiber-internet/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
Macon Film Festival is back this weekend
It's lights, camera, action for the 17th annual Macon Film Festival.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It’s lights, camera, action for the 17th annual Macon Film Festival.
The festival starts Thursday, August 18 and continues through Sunday, August 21 with film screenings and events in multiple venues throughout the city.
More than 80 films from around the world will be showcased during the four-day festival, including a documentary about the life of Yogi Berra at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday.
Those who attend will be able to watch independent films and attend workshops.
Macon Film Festival President Justin Andrews says they’re excited to be back in person.
“This year we are back to 100% go for the whole festival,” Andrews said. “So we’re using the Grand Opera House, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Theater Macon and the Douglass to show these films for these four days this weekend.”
Tickets are available for purchase at maconfilmfestival.com. | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-film-festival-is-back-this-weekend/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:15Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-film-festival-is-back-this-weekend/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 2 |
Macon Film Festival is back this weekend
It's lights, camera, action for the 17th annual Macon Film Festival.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It’s lights, camera, action for the 17th annual Macon Film Festival.
The festival starts Thursday, August 18 and continues through Sunday, August 21 with film screenings and events in multiple venues throughout the city.
More than 80 films from around the world will be showcased during the four-day festival, including a documentary about the life of Yogi Berra at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday.
Those who attend will be able to watch independent films and attend workshops.
Macon Film Festival President Justin Andrews says they’re excited to be back in person.
“This year we are back to 100% go for the whole festival,” Andrews said. “So we’re using the Grand Opera House, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Theater Macon and the Douglass to show these films for these four days this weekend.”
Tickets are available for purchase at maconfilmfestival.com. | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-film-festival-is-back-this-weekend/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:15Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-film-festival-is-back-this-weekend/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 2 |
Man dies in work-related accident at Dublin tire shop
UPDATE: The Dublin Police Department says that Rogers was working on a tire when the rim separated from the tire and hit him. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — An employee at Duncan Tire Company in Dublin died in a work-related accident this afternoon.
Nathan Stanley, the Deputy Coroner for Laurens County, told 41NBC that the accident happened around 2 p.m. Wednesday. Stanley says there was an explosion involved, but not many other details are available as the case is under investigation.
The accident resulted in the death of Duncan employee Stephen Rogers, a 32-year-old man from Wrightsville Georgia. Rogers was pronounced dead shortly after the accident, at 2:21 p.m. | https://www.41nbc.com/man-dies-in-work-related-accident-at-dublin-tire-shop/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:21Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/man-dies-in-work-related-accident-at-dublin-tire-shop/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Man dies in work-related accident at Dublin tire shop
UPDATE: The Dublin Police Department says that Rogers was working on a tire when the rim separated from the tire and hit him. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — An employee at Duncan Tire Company in Dublin died in a work-related accident this afternoon.
Nathan Stanley, the Deputy Coroner for Laurens County, told 41NBC that the accident happened around 2 p.m. Wednesday. Stanley says there was an explosion involved, but not many other details are available as the case is under investigation.
The accident resulted in the death of Duncan employee Stephen Rogers, a 32-year-old man from Wrightsville Georgia. Rogers was pronounced dead shortly after the accident, at 2:21 p.m. | https://www.41nbc.com/man-dies-in-work-related-accident-at-dublin-tire-shop/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:21Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/man-dies-in-work-related-accident-at-dublin-tire-shop/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Man found dead in Vienna motel room
VIENNA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A 30-year-old man was found dead in a motel room in Vienna on Monday.
The Vienna Police Department says just after midnight on August 15th, police and Dooly County EMS responded to Vienna Travel Inn in reference to an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, first responders identified the man as 30-year-old Daniel Athon, who was deceased in one of the motel rooms.
The Dooly County Coroner’s Office and Sheriff’s Office both responded to investigate. Athon’s body will be sent to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy to be performed.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Chief Ketorie Sales, Vienna Police Department or Investigator Richard Eschenbach, Dooly County Sheriff’s Office. | https://www.41nbc.com/man-found-dead-in-vienna-motel-room/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:27Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/man-found-dead-in-vienna-motel-room/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Man found dead in Vienna motel room
VIENNA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A 30-year-old man was found dead in a motel room in Vienna on Monday.
The Vienna Police Department says just after midnight on August 15th, police and Dooly County EMS responded to Vienna Travel Inn in reference to an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, first responders identified the man as 30-year-old Daniel Athon, who was deceased in one of the motel rooms.
The Dooly County Coroner’s Office and Sheriff’s Office both responded to investigate. Athon’s body will be sent to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy to be performed.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Chief Ketorie Sales, Vienna Police Department or Investigator Richard Eschenbach, Dooly County Sheriff’s Office. | https://www.41nbc.com/man-found-dead-in-vienna-motel-room/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:27Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/man-found-dead-in-vienna-motel-room/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Sisters share dream of becoming pilots
Students at MGA's Eastman campus got a chance to look at aircraft and watch them take flight during a Fly-In event Wednesday.
EASTMAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Middle Georgia State University is celebrating Aviation Week.
Students at the Eastman campus got a chance to look at aircraft and watch them take flight during a Fly-In event Wednesday.
Breland Wray, a senior in the Aviation Program at MGA, has wanted to fly helicopters since she was a little.
“My uncle, he was a Blackhawk pilot in the Army, and just him coming and telling me stories, that just really inspired me,” she said.
Her fraternal twin, Sydni, is also in the program. Wray says her uncle’s pilot background was an inspiration for her career goals.
“I’ve just generally always thought that helicopters were more of a challenge,” Wray said. “They give me more of a challenge than fixed-wing would. I think that’s what really drew me to them.”
She shares what it’s like to have the same career goals as Sydni.
“It keeps us accountable, it’s like having your best friend with you, built-in best friend,” she said. “It’s made it very easy to navigate at this school.”
Sydni and Breland said they didn’t have female role models to look up to in aviation growing up.
Earlier this month, Haley Jo Lucas, a MGA graduate, made history as Georgia State Patrol’s first female pilot in the Aviation Division.
“I hope that someday I can do that for younger girls as well, and help them navigate their way in this industry,” she said.
Sydni hopes she can also inspire young women to join the field.
“Especially as she [Haley] came from this school and started where I am right now,” she said. “And for me, that’s like one day I can achieve something like that as well.”
At one point, Breland doubted her ability to become a pilot. She shares advice for anyone dealing with similar doubts.
“Talk to people around you that are in the industry,” Wray said. “I would say do it. It’s amazing.”
If you missed the Fly-In event in Eastman, the Macon campus is having a helicopter fly-in Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in the SLC parking lot. | https://www.41nbc.com/sisters-share-dream-of-becoming-pilots/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:33Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/sisters-share-dream-of-becoming-pilots/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
Sisters share dream of becoming pilots
Students at MGA's Eastman campus got a chance to look at aircraft and watch them take flight during a Fly-In event Wednesday.
EASTMAN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Middle Georgia State University is celebrating Aviation Week.
Students at the Eastman campus got a chance to look at aircraft and watch them take flight during a Fly-In event Wednesday.
Breland Wray, a senior in the Aviation Program at MGA, has wanted to fly helicopters since she was a little.
“My uncle, he was a Blackhawk pilot in the Army, and just him coming and telling me stories, that just really inspired me,” she said.
Her fraternal twin, Sydni, is also in the program. Wray says her uncle’s pilot background was an inspiration for her career goals.
“I’ve just generally always thought that helicopters were more of a challenge,” Wray said. “They give me more of a challenge than fixed-wing would. I think that’s what really drew me to them.”
She shares what it’s like to have the same career goals as Sydni.
“It keeps us accountable, it’s like having your best friend with you, built-in best friend,” she said. “It’s made it very easy to navigate at this school.”
Sydni and Breland said they didn’t have female role models to look up to in aviation growing up.
Earlier this month, Haley Jo Lucas, a MGA graduate, made history as Georgia State Patrol’s first female pilot in the Aviation Division.
“I hope that someday I can do that for younger girls as well, and help them navigate their way in this industry,” she said.
Sydni hopes she can also inspire young women to join the field.
“Especially as she [Haley] came from this school and started where I am right now,” she said. “And for me, that’s like one day I can achieve something like that as well.”
At one point, Breland doubted her ability to become a pilot. She shares advice for anyone dealing with similar doubts.
“Talk to people around you that are in the industry,” Wray said. “I would say do it. It’s amazing.”
If you missed the Fly-In event in Eastman, the Macon campus is having a helicopter fly-in Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in the SLC parking lot. | https://www.41nbc.com/sisters-share-dream-of-becoming-pilots/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:33Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/sisters-share-dream-of-becoming-pilots/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
Staying rainy and cool Thursday
During the day Thursday we could see some sunshine, but rain and storms will be back, especially during the afternoon.
We saw a start to our rainy weather pattern today, with much of Middle Georgia seeing at least a few showers.
More scattered showers are possible overnight, but the better rain chances will wait until Thursday.
During the day Thursday we could see some sunshine, but rain and storms will be back, especially during the afternoon.
A few thunderstorms are possible.
Highs Thursday will be staying the low and mid 80s across Middle Georgia.
By Friday a stationary boundary, that is currently to our south, will lift north, bringing us more gulf moisture.
This means that thunderstorms and heavy rain will be more likely on Friday.
Highs will once again stay well below normal, in the mid 80s.
Although thunderstorms are possible, severe weather is not expected.
Not much changes as we head into the weekend other than a small warm up.
Rain chances will dip slightly on Saturday and Sunday, but widespread rain is still possible.
Next week is looking pretty soggy as well, but highs stay in the mid 80s. | https://www.41nbc.com/staying-rainy-and-cool-thursday/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:39Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/staying-rainy-and-cool-thursday/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
Staying rainy and cool Thursday
During the day Thursday we could see some sunshine, but rain and storms will be back, especially during the afternoon.
We saw a start to our rainy weather pattern today, with much of Middle Georgia seeing at least a few showers.
More scattered showers are possible overnight, but the better rain chances will wait until Thursday.
During the day Thursday we could see some sunshine, but rain and storms will be back, especially during the afternoon.
A few thunderstorms are possible.
Highs Thursday will be staying the low and mid 80s across Middle Georgia.
By Friday a stationary boundary, that is currently to our south, will lift north, bringing us more gulf moisture.
This means that thunderstorms and heavy rain will be more likely on Friday.
Highs will once again stay well below normal, in the mid 80s.
Although thunderstorms are possible, severe weather is not expected.
Not much changes as we head into the weekend other than a small warm up.
Rain chances will dip slightly on Saturday and Sunday, but widespread rain is still possible.
Next week is looking pretty soggy as well, but highs stay in the mid 80s. | https://www.41nbc.com/staying-rainy-and-cool-thursday/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:39Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/staying-rainy-and-cool-thursday/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
The End Zone Game of the Week Preview: Baldwin vs Peach County, Pt. 2
The End Zone Game of the Week is scheduled for Friday, August 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Braves Field.
FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Our first End Zone Game of the Week for the 2022 season features the Baldwin Braves hosting the Peach County Trojans.
The visiting Trojans finished last season 8-4 and lost in the GHSA 3A state quarterfinals. Even with a record four games above .500, it was the Trojans’ worst record since 2013, which was also the last season that Peach County faced Baldwin.
Both teams scrimmaged two weeks ago, and here’s Peach County head coach Chad Campbell on what the Trojans need to improve on.
“There’s a lot of things that need to be fixed, but we put ourselves in bad situations all night. Turned the ball over a couple of times, giving them good field position, dropped balls, passes left and right, busted coverages left and right, and missed tackles left and right. So it’s all correctable things, and we see Friday night if we’ve gotten better at the little basic things,” said Campbell.
The End Zone Game of the Week is scheduled for Friday, August 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Braves Field.
Live pre-game coverage begins Friday at 5, 5:30, and 6 p.m., with highlights and scores on The End Zone at 11 p.m. on 41NBC. | https://www.41nbc.com/the-end-zone-game-of-the-week-preview-baldwin-vs-peach-county-pt-2/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:45Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/the-end-zone-game-of-the-week-preview-baldwin-vs-peach-county-pt-2/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
The End Zone Game of the Week Preview: Baldwin vs Peach County, Pt. 2
The End Zone Game of the Week is scheduled for Friday, August 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Braves Field.
FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Our first End Zone Game of the Week for the 2022 season features the Baldwin Braves hosting the Peach County Trojans.
The visiting Trojans finished last season 8-4 and lost in the GHSA 3A state quarterfinals. Even with a record four games above .500, it was the Trojans’ worst record since 2013, which was also the last season that Peach County faced Baldwin.
Both teams scrimmaged two weeks ago, and here’s Peach County head coach Chad Campbell on what the Trojans need to improve on.
“There’s a lot of things that need to be fixed, but we put ourselves in bad situations all night. Turned the ball over a couple of times, giving them good field position, dropped balls, passes left and right, busted coverages left and right, and missed tackles left and right. So it’s all correctable things, and we see Friday night if we’ve gotten better at the little basic things,” said Campbell.
The End Zone Game of the Week is scheduled for Friday, August 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Braves Field.
Live pre-game coverage begins Friday at 5, 5:30, and 6 p.m., with highlights and scores on The End Zone at 11 p.m. on 41NBC. | https://www.41nbc.com/the-end-zone-game-of-the-week-preview-baldwin-vs-peach-county-pt-2/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:45Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/the-end-zone-game-of-the-week-preview-baldwin-vs-peach-county-pt-2/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
UPDATE: 18-year-old dies after Wednesday afternoon shooting
An 18-year-old who was shot Wednesday afternoon has died.
UPDATE (10:20 p.m.) – An 18-year-old who was shot Wednesday afternoon has died.
Deputy Coroner Luanne Stone pronounced Ashton Fort dead at the hospital at 9:22 p.m.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – An 18-year-old male is in critical condition following a shooting Wednesday afternoon.
That’s according to a Bibb County Sheriff’s Office news release, which says the shooting happened “in the area” of Nisbet Drive just after 4:30.
Deputies and EMS arrived at a home in the 5000 block of Nisbet Drive, where the victim was located, and took him to the hospital.
The shooting is under investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 1-478-751-7500 or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68CRIME. | https://www.41nbc.com/update-18-year-old-dies-wednesday-shooting/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:51Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/update-18-year-old-dies-wednesday-shooting/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
UPDATE: 18-year-old dies after Wednesday afternoon shooting
An 18-year-old who was shot Wednesday afternoon has died.
UPDATE (10:20 p.m.) – An 18-year-old who was shot Wednesday afternoon has died.
Deputy Coroner Luanne Stone pronounced Ashton Fort dead at the hospital at 9:22 p.m.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – An 18-year-old male is in critical condition following a shooting Wednesday afternoon.
That’s according to a Bibb County Sheriff’s Office news release, which says the shooting happened “in the area” of Nisbet Drive just after 4:30.
Deputies and EMS arrived at a home in the 5000 block of Nisbet Drive, where the victim was located, and took him to the hospital.
The shooting is under investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 1-478-751-7500 or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68CRIME. | https://www.41nbc.com/update-18-year-old-dies-wednesday-shooting/ | 2022-08-18T10:34:51Z | nbc.com | treatment | https://www.41nbc.com/update-18-year-old-dies-wednesday-shooting/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | null |
BRASÍLIA, Brazil, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CAIXA ECONÔMICA FEDERAL ("CAIXA"), the largest Brazilian bank in number of customers, credit, digital accounts and savings deposits, announces its consolidated result for the second quarter result (2Q22).
HIGHLIGHTS:
I. Highest quarterly mortgage loan volume in the bank's history, totaling R$ 39.7 billion, up by 15.4% QoQ and 9.6% YoY.
II. 11.0% increase in mortgage loans with SBPE funds compared to 2Q21, totaling R$ 23.4 billion.
III. Balance of R$ 595.2 billion in the mortgage loan portfolio, up by 11.0% YoY.
IV. 20.7% increase in the balance of payroll-deductible loans compared to 2Q21, reaching R$ 90.2 billion.
V. 247.3% increase in Agro loans over 2Q21, reaching R$ 13.3 billion.
VI. Balance of R$ 30.8 billion in the Agro loan portfolio, up by 202.3% YoY.
VII. R$ 127,8 billion in credit granted to the Brazilian population in 2Q22, up by 18.6% QoQ and 17.5% YoY.
VIII. Balance of R$ 928,2 billion in the total loan portfolio, up by 13.7% YoY.
IX. Delinquency rate of 1.89% in 2Q22, down by 0.57 p.p. over 2Q21 and 0.44 p.p. over 1Q22.
X. Allowance for loan losses covers 2.4 times the delinquent balance, the highest ratio since December 2020.
XI. R$ 5,4 billion collected by CAIXA Lotteries in 2Q22, up by 23.3% YoY.
XII. Total assets under management amounted to R$ 2.8 trillion, up by 5.6% YoY.
XIII. Net Equity of R$ 118.7 billion, up by 10.5% compared to 2Q21.
XIV. 135,4% increase in Insurance Income from Services compared to 2Q21.
XV. Basel Ratio of 18.6%, 7.1 p.p. higher than the regulatory minimum, and Tier 1 Capital of 15.2% in 2Q22.
XVI. 41 Public-Private Partnership projects in structuring stage, directly contributing to R$ 15.5 billion in private investments in 163 municipalities, benefiting 14.0 million Brazilians.
WEBCAST FOR THE 2Q22 RESULTS: August 18, 2022, 9:00 a.m. (US EDT)
2Q22 EARNINGS DOCUMENTS: earnings release, presentation and financial statements available at: https://ri.caixa.gov.br/en/
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SOURCE Caixa Econômica Federal | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/caixa-reaches-managerial-net-income-r-49-billion-1h22/ | 2022-08-18T10:40:39Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/caixa-reaches-managerial-net-income-r-49-billion-1h22/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Molecular Partners AG ("Molecular Partners" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: MOLN) of a class action securities lawsuit.
CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Molecular Partners investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud. This lawsuit is on behalf of a class consisting of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired: (a) Molecular Partners American Depositary Shares pursuant and/or traceable to certain documents issued in connection with the Company's initial public offering conducted on or about June 16, 2021; and/or (b) Molecular Partners securities between June 16, 2021, and April 26, 2022. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:
MOLN investors may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500.
CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that defendants made false statements and/or concealed that: (i) the Company's product, ensovibep, was less effective at treating COVID-19 than defendants had led investors to believe; that (ii) accordingly, the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") was reasonably likely to require an additional Phase 3 study of ensovibep before granting the drug Emergency Use Authorization ("EUA"); (iii) waning global rates of COVID-19 significantly reduced the Company's chances of securing EUA for ensovibep; (iv) another of the Company's product candidates, MP0310, was less attractive to Molecular Partners' collaborator, Amgen, than defendants had led investors to believe; (v) accordingly, there was a significant likelihood that Amgen would return to global rights of MP0310 to Molecular Partners; (vi) as a result of all the foregoing, the clinical and commercial prospects of ensovibep and MP0310 were overstated; and (vii) as a result, documents issues in connection with the Company's initial public offer and defendants' public statements throughout the class period were materially false and/or misleading and failed to state information required to be stated therein.
WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Molecular Partners during the relevant time frame, you have until September 12, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you are a class member, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket costs or fees. There is no cost or obligation to participate.
WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
55 Broadway, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10006
jlevi@levikorsinsky.com
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
www.zlk.com
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SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/moln-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-molecular-partners-ag-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 2022-08-18T10:42:28Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/moln-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-molecular-partners-ag-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Outset Medical, Inc. ("Outset Medical" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: OM) of a class action securities lawsuit.
CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Outset Medical investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud. This lawsuit is on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased Outset Medical common stock between September 15, 2020, and June 13, 2022. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:
OM investors may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500.
CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that defendants made false statements and/or concealed that: (1) the Company's flagship product, Tablo Hemodialysis System ("Tablo"), would require an additional 510(k) application to be filed with The United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), as defendants had "continuously made improvements and updates to Tablo over time since its original clearance"; (2) as a result, the Company could not conduct a human factors study on a cleared device in accordance with FDA protocols; (3) the Company's inability to conduct the human factors study subjected the Company to the likelihood of the FDA imposing a "shipment hold" and marketing suspension, leaving the Company unable to sell Tablo for home use; and (4) as a result, defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and /or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Outset Medical during the relevant time frame, you have until September 6, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you are a class member, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket costs or fees. There is no cost or obligation to participate.
WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
55 Broadway, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10006
jlevi@levikorsinsky.com
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
www.zlk.com
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SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/om-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-outset-medical-inc-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 2022-08-18T10:42:41Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/om-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-outset-medical-inc-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Dover, Del.--A federal appeals court has ruled that a lawsuit filed by Delaware’s attorney general seeking to hold the petroleum industry responsible for climate change effects in the state must be heard in state court instead of federal court.
Wednesday's ruling by a three-judge panel also applies to a similar lawsuit filed by the city of Hoboken, New Jersey, against the fossil-fuel industry.
The lawsuits were filed in state courts but oil companies sought to move them to federal courts, arguing that they involved tort claims under federal law because they involved substantive federal issues and offshore oil production. The companies also argued that they were acting under federal officers in exploring and drilling for oil.
The Third Circuit panel, like four other circuit courts around the country, rejected those arguments and upheld district court rulings remanding the complaints to state courts in Delaware and New Jersey.
“Climate change is an important problem with national and global implications,” Judge Stephanos Bibas noted in writing the panel opinion. “But federal courts cannot hear cases just because they are important.”
Addressing specific arguments raised by the oil companies, Bibas said the lawsuits do not assert claims regarding actions that the oil companies were directed to take by federal officers. The companies based that argument on the fact that the federal government leases them offshore drilling rights, and that they have contributed oil to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and have provided specialty fuels to the military.
“In their complaints, both Hoboken and Delaware insist that they are not suing over emissions caused by fuel provided to the federal government,” Bibas noted.
The court also determined that oil exploration and production on the Outer Continental Shelf, which could invoke federal jurisdiction, “is too many steps removed from the burning of fuels that causes climate change.”
“Most federal-question cases allege violations of the Constitution, federal statutes, or federal common law. But Delaware and Hoboken allege only the torts of nuisance, trespass, negligence (including negligent failure to warn), and misrepresentation, plus consumer-fraud violations, all under state law,” Bibas wrote.
The court said those state laws are not pre-empted by federal statutes, and it rejected the defendants’ arguments of pre-emption under federal common law.
A spokesman for Democratic Attorney General Kathleen Jennings said the Delaware Department of Justice agreed with the court’s “clear and unanimous opinion.”
Jennings announced in September 2020 that the state was suing Exxon, Chevron, BP, the American Petroleum Institute and 27 other defendants, saying they are responsible for “decades of deception about the role their products play in causing climate change.”
The complaint alleges that the defendants are responsible for causing and accelerating climate change that has had “devastating economic and public health impacts” on the state. Those alleged harms include sea level rise resulting in flooding, saltwater intrusion into groundwater, and threats to infrastructure, as well as coastal erosion, loss of wetlands, and an increase in “extreme weather events.” | https://www.wboc.com/news/delaware-suit-against-oil-industry-is-state-issue/article_b7d3f524-1ed9-11ed-8b84-0f300073da05.html | 2022-08-18T10:42:45Z | wboc.com | control | https://www.wboc.com/news/delaware-suit-against-oil-industry-is-state-issue/article_b7d3f524-1ed9-11ed-8b84-0f300073da05.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Forecast Updated on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at 3:55am by WBOC Meteorologist Mike Lichniak
Today: Mostly sunny. Highs: 80-88. Winds: NW-W 5-15 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Lows: 65-72. Winds: W-SW 5-10 mph.
Friday: Partly to mostly sunny and a bit more humid. Highs: 83-89. Winds: SW 5-15 mph.
Friday Night: Increasing clouds throughout the night with a chance of showers by morning. Lows: 68-74. Winds: S-SE 5-15 mph.
Saturday: A chance of rain showers early in the day before clearing out slowly throughout the afternoon and evening. Highs: 78-85. Winds: SE-E 5-20+ mph.
Sunday: Partly to mostly sunny. Highs: 82-91. Winds: S 5-15 mph.
Quiet weather has settled into the area as high pressure is in control of the weather forecast the rest of the workweek. Temperatures will remain comfortable on Thursday with highs in the mid 80s for most, upper 80s in some places. Expect to see lots of sunshine as the wind begins to turn more out of the west and southwest by the evening hours. This will usher in warmer and more humid air from the south and will drive our temperatures up near 90 on Friday for many as the dew points steadily climb up into the 60s and low 70s by Friday evening.
We are watching an area of low pressure that looks to develop to our south during the day on Friday and approach us for Friday night and early Saturday. Here is the problem with Saturday’s forecast: every model has been all over the place with the idea of this low. There has been no consistency on the strength and position of this low. This makes pinpointing how much rain we get and who gets rain and for how long extremely difficult. At the moment, as you read this early on Thursday…I think we will have to deal with some morning rain showers and then things should settle down by Saturday late in the afternoon and evening. The pick of the weekend at this point is Sunday with sunshine and highs approaching 90 degrees again.
A weak front brings the chance for a few thunderstorms on Monday evening before the Bermuda high looks to establish control over the forecast for much of next week. This will have our temperatures driving up into the 80s and low 90s, especially as we get into late next week. | https://www.wboc.com/weather/forecast-summary/quiet-and-warmer-to-wrap-up-work-week/article_da0ceb50-1eca-11ed-8804-077b2d79a9b1.html | 2022-08-18T10:42:51Z | wboc.com | control | https://www.wboc.com/weather/forecast-summary/quiet-and-warmer-to-wrap-up-work-week/article_da0ceb50-1eca-11ed-8804-077b2d79a9b1.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Atlantic Ocean:
Thursday: SW 5-15 knots. Seas: 3-4 feet.
Friday: SW 5-10 knots. Seas: 2-3 feet.
Chesapeake Bay:
Thursday: W 5-10 knots. Waves: 1 foot.
Friday: SW 5-10 knots. Waves: 1 foot.
Delaware Bay:
Thursday: W 5-10 knots. Seas: 1-2 feet.
Friday: SW 5-10 knots. Seas: 1-2 feet. | https://www.wboc.com/weather/on-the-waters/marine-forecast-for-thursday-august-18-2022/article_f2809128-1eca-11ed-8dfe-8bd44a3173e1.html | 2022-08-18T10:42:57Z | wboc.com | control | https://www.wboc.com/weather/on-the-waters/marine-forecast-for-thursday-august-18-2022/article_f2809128-1eca-11ed-8dfe-8bd44a3173e1.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Weber Inc. ("Weber" or the "Company") (NYSE: WEBR) of a class action securities lawsuit.
CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Weber investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud. This lawsuit is on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Weber Class A common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the Company's August 2021 initial public offering. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:
WEBR investors may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500.
CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that defendants made false statements and/or concealed that: (1) Weber was reasonably likely to implement price increases; (2) as a result, consumer demand for Weber's products was reasonably likely to decrease; (3) due to the resulting inventory buildup, Weber was reasonably likely to run promotions to "enhance retail sell through"; (4) the foregoing would adversely impact Weber's financial results; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects, were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Weber during the relevant time frame, you have until September 27, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you are a class member, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket costs or fees. There is no cost or obligation to participate.
WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
55 Broadway, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10006
jlevi@levikorsinsky.com
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
www.zlk.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/webr-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-weber-inc-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 2022-08-18T10:43:48Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/webr-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-weber-inc-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
It was about the size of a dog — it walked on two legs, ate plants and had spiky armored plates on its back — kind of like its distant family member the stegosaurus.
Copyright 2022 NPR
It was about the size of a dog — it walked on two legs, ate plants and had spiky armored plates on its back — kind of like its distant family member the stegosaurus.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.klcc.org/2022-08-18/scientists-in-argentina-have-unearthed-a-new-kind-of-dinosaur | 2022-08-18T10:51:38Z | klcc.org | control | https://www.klcc.org/2022-08-18/scientists-in-argentina-have-unearthed-a-new-kind-of-dinosaur | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
More than 50 million children are slowly returning to classrooms for the new school year — the third year in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If the first year was defined by widespread school closures, and the second by bitter fights over masking, what stories will define this year?
For answers, we went to one of the earliest districts to open this summer.
Hot butter
Jackson Public Schools serve more than twenty thousand students in Mississippi's capital city. In August, walking feels like swimming in hot butter. The grits, though, are incredible because they're swimming in hot butter.
At North Jackson Elementary, kindergarteners line up outside as teachers and staff crowd the curbs in bright orange tee-shirts, cheering families and handing out stickers to students to make clear how they'll be getting home: bus or car.
Nearly all children arrive wearing cloth masks; Jackson was unusual last year in that it required them. This year, though, masks are optional.
The Jackson district's superintendent, Errick Greene, hurries across the street in a forest-green and blue plaid jacket. Bald on top with a sharp, frosted beard, Dr. Greene, as he's known to students and staff, moves like a man on fire.
His harried schedule for the week includes stops at 26 of the district's schools.
Welcome to the national labor shortage
Inside North Jackson Elementary, Greene pops in and out of classrooms.
In one first-grade room, he jokes with the children.
"Good morning! Is this second grade?"
"No!" the students respond, giggling. Greene is a serious man with serious things on his mind, and the kids clearly enjoy watching him play the fool.
"Third grade?" he asks.
"First grade!" the children answer, savoring the chance to correct their teacher's boss' boss.
At her desk, 6-year-old M'Lyah colors, gripping a blue crayon between her newly painted orange and glittery-silver fingernails.
"Look at that. You're better than me," Greene laughs.
At all four of the day's stops, Greene not only meets with teachers and scholars (that's what he calls the students), but also custodians and cafeteria workers.
"I know this is a big job," he tells one custodian, who shyly responds, "It's all in a day's work."
This is when the story in Jackson, and the challenges its educators and families face this year, starts to feel like the story of so many districts right now.
The tight labor market has meant custodians, bus drivers and cafeteria workers can often find better wages elsewhere.
So Greene makes sure his staff feel valued.
"Listen, I know you got it," Greene tells the custodian, "but I want you to know that we see you."
'Not today, Satan'
Jackson, like many big-city districts, struggles with poverty.
One in three families here with a student in the public schools lives below the poverty line, and most students qualify for food assistance at school.
After the district attempted to desegregate, around 1970, white families left in droves, for private schools or the suburbs.
Today, Confederate General Robert E. Lee's face still adorns the school district's central office building, even as 95% of Jackson students are Black.
The city's aging water system is a slow-motion disaster and already complicating Greene's urgent plans. Many school water fountains are taped off, the water regularly under a boil warning.
During the first week of classes, every school is given bottled water, and several schools barely have enough water pressure to flush their toilets.
Jackson's school buildings also need constant repair.
"I had to do something," says science teacher Tanya Fortenberry who, when her classroom air conditioner broke, built her own out of styrofoam.
"I put, like, 10 to 12 bottles of water in the freezer, put 'em in there. This little fan here blows the air out," she says. "Right now it's not working 'cause the ice has melted, but in the morning it's pretty cool!"
Fortenberry wears a lanyard with a pin that captures the mood of so many educators and families in Jackson right now. It says, "Not Today Satan."
"We're gonna get it done," Fortenberry explains. "Throw all your wrenches at us if you want to, you know? No air conditioner? That's alright, we're gonna work through it, you know? Not today Satan."
The good news is, Jackson is getting help.
A bond measure allowed the district to renovate all of its high school libraries in the past two years, adding comfortable, welcoming furniture and coffee stations for students.
Congress also sent the district more than $200 million dollars in pandemic aid.
Superintendent Greene says he'll spend nearly a third of that on building upgrades, including new H-VAC in six of his seven high schools.
"You know, a sizeable chunk. [I'm] thankful that we've got it. Unfortunate that we've got to spend it on [facilities]."
Greene would rather spend those federal dollars on learning.
The pandemic's academic fallout
As in many big-city school districts, most Jackson students spent the entire 2020-'21 school year learning online — or trying to. When students returned to buildings in fall of '21, test scores showed proficiency levels had plummeted.
In 2019, before the pandemic, roughly 27% of Jackson students were at or above grade level in English Language Arts. After a year of online learning, that dropped to just 18%.
LaTosha Bew-Cancer saw the backsliding firsthand as a second-grade teacher last year.
"I had children in second grade [reading] on a kindergarten level, and it was difficult," says Bew-Cancer. "Although they may not have made it to be second-grade probable readers, they did grow. And that was the goal."
The story in math was even worse. In 2019, nearly 24% of Jackson students were at or above grade level. After a year of online learning, just 9% were.
So last year, Greene and his team did what many schools across the U.S. were doing: Everything they could. Most importantly, they carved dedicated blocks of time into students' daily schedules for academic intervention.
Students who needed help catching up in math or reading got it, either from classroom teachers or dedicated interventionists.
Preliminary data from last spring suggest the push made a big difference: Proficiency levels are nearly back to where they were before the pandemic.
Of course, those levels are still low, and Superintendent Greene knows he needs to keep pushing if the district is to make its turnaround goals.
'We're hopeful'
Greene arrived in Jackson five years ago, after helping manage the schools in Tulsa. He agreed to lead the city's troubled district out of academic and administrative crisis, after Mississippi leaders threatened a state takeover.
Today, Jackson is in the fourth year of a five-year turnaround plan; Greene's success or failure to meet the plan's lofty goals will be his legacy.
Unfortunately, no one imagined a pandemic when those goals were set.
"We've got a ways to go. But we're hopeful we'll continue to make some pretty big leaps," Greene says from a conference room in the district's central office.
Making those leaps will mean asking even more of Jackson's teachers. And some are still exhausted from the past few years.
"I'm constantly encouraging [teachers], 'Please don't leave. I'm begging you not to leave,' " says Akemi Stout, president of the Jackson chapter of the American Federation of Teachers. "The extra hours. Oh, my gosh. I've had so many phone calls about that just since [the school year started]."
The state's governor recently signed a big teacher pay raise, which should help the district hold onto some of the teachers it loses every year to better wages in neighboring states.
Bew-Cancer, who's teaching third grade this year, says she's ready for the challenges of this new year — and hopeful, like Greene.
"We had a writing exercise today, and it was difficult to look at. We have work to do, but I'm optimistic," Bew-Cancer says, because the students tried. "I'm ready for this year. I'm excited."
'COVID is still here'
Perhaps the biggest question facing the educators and families of Jackson, and the rest of the country this school year, is emotional: How are they feeling about returning to school with COVID refusing to go away?
"I'm a good mom, but I'm not a good teacher," laughs Colandra Moore after walking her 10-year-old son to class. Translation: She's thrilled that school has started and that there seems little chance of the district going remote again.
Jackson Public Schools was unusual in that it required masks all of last year and still allowed some students to work remotely. This year, it's doing neither.
Latrenda Owens says she lost a cousin to COVID and that her son, a ninth-grader, is still going to wear his mask.
"Because COVID is still here. I mean, I know some have they feelings about it, but my thing is, vaccinated or not, it's still here. So why not still have them wear masks. Why not still have them protect themselves."
Jackson's schools are also focusing on other ways to protect students — not just from COVID but from the emotional toll it's taken.
'I felt like she was an angel on earth'
The district has a relatively new social-emotional learning program, with teachers starting every day checking in with kids and working with them to name and manage their fears and frustrations.
And staff are paying special attention to students who've lost a loved one.
"Maybe my younger kids would draw pictures about that loved one and tell me some special things about them," says elementary school counselor Tiffany Johnson, who set up a grief group for students last year.
One little girl, who lost her mother to COVID, liked to visit Johnson's office and play with a tower of brightly-painted Jenga blocks.
"I told her, that's kinda like your emotions sometimes: Everything could be perfect and the Jenga looks perfect now, but once we start to pull and move things, then, you know, something happens. Everything's gonna fall. But guess what, we can build it back up again."
Fifteen-year-old Makalin Odie and her 17-year-old sister, Alana, lost their mother to COVID early in the pandemic.
"To me, can't nobody compare to my mom. Can't nobody come close to her," Makalin says.
"I would sneak in her bed at night, lay up under her," Alana remembers. "I was just very, very attached to her. She'll do anything for the people that she love. Even the people that she don't know, she'll do anything for them. I felt like she was an angel on earth."
Makalin says she got help last year with her grief from a counselor at school, and this year, she says, she feels ready to put herself out there in a way she didn't feel comfortable last year, trying out for track and maybe even soccer.
"I mean, sometimes I'd just get a burst of anger, and I'd have to let it out. Or I'd just cry," Makalin says. "Or sometimes I just don't even wanna get up, I just wanna sleep all day. But then I have to get up and go. I just gotta. I gotta do it."
No one thinks this new school year will be easy, but resilience, like Makalin's, abounds in Jackson, along with a hopefulness for what the year could be.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.klcc.org/npr-news/npr-news/2022-08-18/as-a-new-year-starts-schools-prepare-for-fewer-masks-more-learning-and-joy | 2022-08-18T10:52:02Z | klcc.org | control | https://www.klcc.org/npr-news/npr-news/2022-08-18/as-a-new-year-starts-schools-prepare-for-fewer-masks-more-learning-and-joy | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Many Indian Women Have More Sexual Partners Than Men, Govt Data Shows
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Statistics is, perhaps, the most foolproof method when it comes to dismissing stereotypes. The fifth edition of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) does just that through its data from several Indian cities to that show the prevalence of sexual activity among women doesn’t correspond to society’s notion that women are chaste, and men have multiple sexual partners by virtue of their inability to control physical urges. Turns out, that women aren’t lagging too far behind men in terms of their “body count,” as it’s referred to often in popular culture.
Conducted between 2019 and 2021, the data from NFHS-5 included responses from more than a lakh of men and women, each. Their assessment suggests that in urban areas, on average, men had 1.7 sexual partners in their lifetime, closely followed by women with 1.5 partners. With 1.8 partners, rural women, interestingly, even outdid their urban counterparts. Meanwhile, in many states and union territories — like Assam, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu — women actually had more sexual partners than men.
Survey respondents of the two genders also admitted to having engaged in intercourse with individuals who were neither their spouses nor live-in partners — hinting that there may have been a decline in the stigma against sex outside of marriage. But without data on the exact nature of the dynamics shared by sexual partners — and, more importantly, on consent — that analysis could be premature. Further, it’s also pertinent to bear in mind that the data reflects the sex lives only of the individuals surveyed; the actual estimate could vary — to what extent, one can’t be completely sure.
Nonetheless, the results are remarkable. The fact that women have nearly as many — if not more — sexual partners than men isn’t nearly as surprising as their willingness to admit it in a society that doesn’t hesitate to slut-shame women for far lesser. Interestingly, though, this could also mean that not all women surveyed were honest about their “body count,” which could completely skew the aforementioned stereotype on its head — but that’s merely a possibility with nothing to attest to it, at the moment.
Related on The Swaddle:
Women’s Sexual Health Ads Were Censored on Facebook, Finds Report
As journalist Rema Nagarajan opined, though, “While it is difficult to imagine all respondents being entirely frank about their sexual liaisons, just the fact that so many, especially women, were willing to speak about sexual partners, including sex outside marriage, is telling… [T]here could be underreporting among women, in the case of men there could also be a touch of wishful exaggeration in some cases.”
But cultural interpretations aside, the data is instructive in other ways, too — especially in terms of reshaping how public health perceives women’s sexuality. Women are not only engaging in sexual intercourse with their spouses. This challenges the current framework of women’s health that prioritizes family planning over their sexuality. But with women exploring desire beyond the scope of their family, there is a need to raise awareness about other key aspects — sexually transmitted infections (or, STIs) is one of them, of course.
A report from 2017 that even in Kerala, which has the highest literacy rate in the country, women’s awareness of STIs remains low. Moreover, even if women want to get tested, cultural barriers in the form of potential judgment and ostracization by families, communities, and even medical professionals make them hesitate — at times, to fatal consequences.
“In December, I thought I should get tested for HIV; I last had it in 2014… I went to this hospital in Nashik, and it was a National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) center. The doctors tried to dig and ask what I wanted to get tested for; I explained that it was a random test and that they should be okay with it. They did not agree to it,” P. told The Swaddle’s Rohitha Naraharisetty in April.
Related on The Swaddle:
All You Need to Know About Getting Tested For Sexually Transmitted Infections
“Only premarital counseling or marital counseling usually involves these conversations [about sex and STIs] because these are spaces where patients feel comfortable talking about their sexual history… STI testing should become a part of preventive screenings. But again, it’s such a sensitive issue that it needs to be introduced gradually,” Dr. Renuka Dangare noted, adding, “In Western culture, it’s assumed that you are sexually active — unless you mention otherwise. It’s exactly the opposite side in India… Unless we remove the taboo around sex in this country, it will be tough to address the public health problem [of low STI testing].”
Overlooking women’s sexual activity beyond their culturally-sanctioned roles as “wife” and “mother,” then, could become life-threatening to them. And when cultural beliefs get in the way of healthcare, it’s high time society learns to grow out of them.
And so, it may be time for public healthcare to devote significant energy toward sensitizing women about regular screenings for STIs — besides educating them about them being vaccinated against infections like HPV (or the human papillomavirus), which can not only damage cardiovascular health, but also cause cervical cancer.
In the meantime, the collation of data has also thrown up a jarring possibility: we’re simply not looking at data outside the gender binary and heterosexual encounters. This ignores a significant part of the population, and subsequently deprices public healthcare of valuable data to similarly customize healthcare policies to their needs. In doing so, society’s reluctance to grant basic personhood to marginalized groups may be denying them adequate healthcare too — in the long run, at least, if not immediately. | https://theswaddle.com/many-indian-women-have-more-sexual-partners-than-men-govt-data-shows/ | 2022-08-18T11:05:23Z | theswaddle.com | control | https://theswaddle.com/many-indian-women-have-more-sexual-partners-than-men-govt-data-shows/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
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Luxury Travel Advisor LTA Connect LTA Ultra Summit Travel Agent Central Travel Agent University Hotels Cruises Your Business People Destinations Europe North America Caribbean Mexico & Latin America Asia Africa & Indian Ocean Middle East Australia & New Zealand South Pacific Antarctica & Arctic Tours Transport Resources Webinars Deals e-Learning Quizzes Subscribe What are you searching for? Enclose phrases in quotes. Use a + to require a term in results and - to exclude terms. Example: +water -Europe Subscribe Hotels Cruises Your Business People Destinations Europe North America Caribbean Mexico & Latin America Asia Africa & Indian Ocean Middle East Australia & New Zealand South Pacific Antarctica & Arctic Tours Transport Resources Webinars Deals e-Learning Quizzes Subscribe Luxury Travel Advisor LTA Connect LTA Ultra Summit Travel Agent Central Travel Agent University | https://www.travelagentcentral.com/europe/europe-tears-down-walls-and-builds-bridges | 2022-08-18T11:10:22Z | travelagentcentral.com | control | https://www.travelagentcentral.com/europe/europe-tears-down-walls-and-builds-bridges | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Luxury Travel Advisor LTA Connect LTA Ultra Summit Travel Agent Central Travel Agent University Hotels Cruises Your Business People Destinations Europe North America Caribbean Mexico & Latin America Asia Africa & Indian Ocean Middle East Australia & New Zealand South Pacific Antarctica & Arctic Tours Transport Resources Webinars Deals e-Learning Quizzes Subscribe What are you searching for? Enclose phrases in quotes. Use a + to require a term in results and - to exclude terms. Example: +water -Europe Subscribe Hotels Cruises Your Business People Destinations Europe North America Caribbean Mexico & Latin America Asia Africa & Indian Ocean Middle East Australia & New Zealand South Pacific Antarctica & Arctic Tours Transport Resources Webinars Deals e-Learning Quizzes Subscribe Luxury Travel Advisor LTA Connect LTA Ultra Summit Travel Agent Central Travel Agent University | https://www.travelagentcentral.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta-heats-fall-and-winter-events | 2022-08-18T11:10:28Z | travelagentcentral.com | control | https://www.travelagentcentral.com/mexico/puerto-vallarta-heats-fall-and-winter-events | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Luxury Travel Advisor LTA Connect LTA Ultra Summit Travel Agent Central Travel Agent University Hotels Cruises Your Business People Destinations Europe North America Caribbean Mexico & Latin America Asia Africa & Indian Ocean Middle East Australia & New Zealand South Pacific Antarctica & Arctic Tours Transport Resources Webinars Deals e-Learning Quizzes Subscribe What are you searching for? Enclose phrases in quotes. Use a + to require a term in results and - to exclude terms. Example: +water -Europe Subscribe Hotels Cruises Your Business People Destinations Europe North America Caribbean Mexico & Latin America Asia Africa & Indian Ocean Middle East Australia & New Zealand South Pacific Antarctica & Arctic Tours Transport Resources Webinars Deals e-Learning Quizzes Subscribe Luxury Travel Advisor LTA Connect LTA Ultra Summit Travel Agent Central Travel Agent University | https://www.travelagentcentral.com/tours/intrepid-unveils-citizen-science-program-ahead-inaugural-antarctica-season | 2022-08-18T11:10:34Z | travelagentcentral.com | control | https://www.travelagentcentral.com/tours/intrepid-unveils-citizen-science-program-ahead-inaugural-antarctica-season | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
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Benefits help provide workers with income protection as financial and mental health pressures mount
COLUMBUS, Ga., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, a leading provider of supplemental health insurance products in the U.S., today announced the launch of its newly enhanced Aflac Individual Short-Term Disability Insurance to help employers better support the changing needs of their valued workers amid economic uncertainty and enduring pandemic challenges. The company's income protection insurance product provides policyholders with a source of monthly income when a mental health condition or another covered injury or sickness leaves them unable to work.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 21%, or nearly 53 million U.S. adults, experienced mental illness in 2020, and 46% of adults with mental illness received treatment.1 They go on to report that serious mental illness causes $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year.
"Today, more Americans are grappling with challenges that, in the past, may have received less attention, but in the wake of the pandemic it is increasingly clear that mental health is a major concern for our customers," said Aflac U.S. Deputy President Virgil Miller. "That is why Aflac is enhancing its offerings in the mental health space to provide solutions for consumers who seek to protect not only their physical health, but their emotional well-being as well."
Aflac's Individual Short-Term Disability product is a workplace benefit that can help protect the overall physical, financial and mental health of an employer's workforce. With a variety of options, employees can tailor coverage to their specific needs and budgets, so they can focus on recovery and getting back to work rather than financial stress.
"Events and conditions leading to disability that prevent people from working and generating income are more common than many think," said Kim Rudeen, vice president, Aflac Product Development and Management. "When a disability leaves a person unable to earn a living, increased out-of-pocket expenses could rapidly strain their finances. In fact, 1-in-3 employees (36%) could not go for more than one month without a paycheck, which is a high degree of fragility."3
- Expanded coverage for disabilities caused by common mental health conditions, including but not limited to schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, substance and alcohol use disorders.
- Expanded coverage with no rate increases to policyholders.
- Optional riders to help further amplify income protection coverage.
For more information visit Aflac.com/business.
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) is a Fortune 500 company helping provide protection to more than 50 million people through its subsidiaries in Japan and the U.S., paying cash fast when policyholders get sick or injured. For more than six decades, the insurance policies of Aflac Incorporated's subsidiaries have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the U.S., Aflac is the number one provider of supplemental health insurance products.4 Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of medical and cancer insurance in Japan, where it insures 1 in 4 households. In 2021, Aflac Incorporated was proud to be included as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the 16th consecutive year. Also in 2021, the company was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index and became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). In 2022, Aflac Incorporated was included on Fortune's list of World's Most Admired Companies for the 21st time and Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for the third consecutive year. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/español. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to ESG and social responsibility at investors.aflac.com under "Sustainability."
Media contact: Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com
Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@aflac.com
1 National Alliance on Mental Health (2022). Mental Health Stats. Accessed July 20, 2022, from https://www.nami.org/mhstats.
2Integrated Benefits Institute (2019). IBI Benchmarking Analytics Series: Which Diagnoses Drive STD Incidence, Costs and Lost Time? Accessed from https://f.hubspotusercontent10.net/hubfs/8926463/Resource%20Assets/Benchmarking%20Analytics/IBI-Benchmarking-Analytics-STD-condition-drivers.pdf.
3 Aflac (2021). 2021-2022 Aflac WorkForces Report. Accessed July 5, 2022, from https://www.aflac.com/docs/awr/pdf/2021-overview/2021-aflac-awr-health-wellness-power-benefits.pdf
4 LIMRA 2021 US Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report.
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A two-car crash in Providence early Thursday morning sent one vehicle into a home.
Crews responded to the scene around 5:30 a.m. at the corner of Atwells and Academy avenues
A 12 News crew on scene saw at least one person taken to the hospital.
No word on the extent of their injuries or what led up to the crash.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
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GUELPH, ON, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. ("Canadian Solar" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022, with solar module shipments, revenue and gross margin all at or exceeding the high end of prior guidance.
Highlights
- Solar module shipments of 5.06 GW, at the high end of 4.9 GW to 5.1 GW guidance range.
- 62% increase in revenue year-over-year ("yoy") to $2.31 billion, above the high end of $2.2 billion to $2.3 billion guidance range.
- 16.0% gross margin exceeds the guidance range of 14.5% to 15.5%.
- Net income attributable to Canadian Solar of $74 million, or $1.07 per diluted share.
- Accelerating upstream capacity expansion plans to further increase control over supply chain.
- Global Energy solar project pipeline expands to 26 GWp and storage pipeline expands to over 31 GWh, as of June 30, 2022.
- Carve-out IPO of CSI Solar Co., Ltd. ("CSI Solar" or the "CSI Solar subsidiary") remains on track awaiting completion of the CSRC registration.
Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO, commented, "We achieved strong results in the second quarter of 2022, with solar module shipments, revenue and gross margin all at or exceeding the high end of prior guidance. Sequentially, we grew our module shipments by nearly 40% and battery storage solutions revenues by 2.8 times, while significantly expanding our profitability and completing a large volume of project sales. Our capacity growth strategy is also well on track, which we expanded per our recent announcement to invest in our own polysilicon capacity in a region rich in renewable energy resources. This will allow us to gain further control over sourcing, technology and supply chain, and is part of a long-term plan to increase our market share while meaningfully reducing the carbon footprint of our supply chain. We provide additional details of our environmental efforts and performance in our latest ESG Sustainability Report, published last month.
"We are also excited to see the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, in the U.S. coming into effect. We believe it will drive a big acceleration in demand for clean energy, especially for solar energy and battery storage.
"Separately, CSI Solar's carve-out IPO remains on track awaiting registration with the China Securities Regulatory Commission."
Yan Zhuang, President of Canadian Solar's CSI Solar subsidiary, said, "CSI Solar delivered strong results in the second quarter, significantly growing volume and increasing pricing, while taking cost control measures in a difficult environment as polysilicon prices continue to go up. Our performance in the second quarter was also boosted by a substantial foreign exchange gain from a strong U.S. Dollar relative to the Renminbi. From a market standpoint, we are encouraged by signs of a shift in customer behavior driven by a growing awareness of solar energy's attractive economics and its importance in energy security and climate change mitigation efforts, especially when paired with battery storage. Reflecting this positive trend, our battery storage shipments in the first half of 2022 have already exceeded 1 GWh, a record level for us. We will continue to build on our strong channels and relationships, especially in premium markets, and make capacity expansion preparations to accelerate our global market share gains in the coming years."
Ismael Guerrero, Corporate VP and President of Canadian Solar's Global Energy subsidiary, said, "We delivered significant growth in the second quarter by monetizing approximately 880 MWp of project sales across Australia, the U.S., Japan and the U.K. We also continued to expand and diversify our global project pipeline, strengthening our leadership position in key markets while allowing us to be more selective in developing the highest quality assets. We are particularly encouraged by the passing of the IRA in the U.S. as our subsidiary, Recurrent Energy, has one of the largest and best quality project pipelines, with a total of 8 GWp of solar and 16.5 GWh of battery storage. Additionally, we are making progress executing on our O&M (operations and maintenance) growth strategy to increase the share of stable, recurring income, including a recent expansion of our platform in Europe, as we evaluate complementary growth opportunities worldwide."
Dr. Huifeng Chang, Senior VP and CFO, added, "In the second quarter, we achieved 85% sequential growth in revenue to $2.3 billion and doubled our gross profit to $371 million, achieving a 16% gross margin. We were able to support the accelerated growth rate and reduce the impact of inflation due to our prior strategic decision to increase inventory during the first quarter. We continue to prioritize cash generation and are pleased with the increase in net cash flow provided by operating activities to $293 million in the second quarter of 2022, from $159 million in the first quarter of 2022. We ended the second quarter with a total cash position of $1.9 billion, giving us significant financial flexibility to fund long-term growth opportunities, including accelerating our upstream capacity expansion."
Second Quarter 2022 Results
Total module shipments recognized as revenues in the second quarter of 2022 were 5.06 GW, up 37% yoy. Of the total, 126 MW were shipped to the Company's own utility-scale solar power projects.
Net revenues in the second quarter of 2022 were $2.31 billion, up 85% quarter-over-quarter ("qoq") and 62% yoy. The sequential and yoy increases were mainly driven by higher project sales, higher solar shipment volumes and average selling price, and significant growth in the Company's battery storage solutions business.
Gross profit in the second quarter of 2022 was $371 million, up 105% qoq and 101% yoy. Gross margin in the second quarter of 2022 was 16.0%, above prior guidance, and compared to 14.5% in the first quarter of 2022. The sequential gross margin increase was mainly driven by higher module pricing, lower manufacturing costs from the depreciation of the Renminbi relative to the U.S. Dollar and scale benefits from higher volume.
Total operating expenses in the second quarter of 2022 were $255 million compared to $165 million in the first quarter of 2022 and $158 million in the second quarter of 2021. The sequential increase was mainly driven by higher shipping and handling expenses and an impairment charge related to certain manufacturing assets.
Depreciation and amortization charges in the second quarter of 2022 were $63 million, compared to $66 million in the first quarter of 2022 and $66 million in the second quarter of 2021.
Net foreign exchange and derivative gain in the second quarter of 2022 was $6 million, compared to a net gain of $3 million in the first quarter of 2022 and a net loss of $3 million in the second quarter of 2021.
Income tax expense in the second quarter of 2022 was $28 million, compared to a $5 million income tax benefit in the first quarter of 2022 and a $2 million income tax benefit in the second quarter of 2021. The expense was a result of the Company's higher income before income tax.
Net income attributable to Canadian Solar in the second quarter of 2022 was $74 million, or $1.07 per diluted share ("diluted EPS"), compared to net income of $9 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2022, and net income of $11 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2021.
For the three months ended June 30, 2022, diluted EPS of $1.07 was calculated to include the dilution effect of the outstanding convertible notes. Diluted EPS of $1.07 was calculated from total earnings of $76 million, adding back the 2.5% coupon of $1.3 million, divided by 71.1 million diluted shares, including 6.3 million shares issuable upon the conversion of the convertible notes. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, diluted EPS of $0.14 was calculated from total earnings of $9 million divided by 64.7 million diluted shares. For the three months ended June 30, 2021, diluted EPS of $0.18 was calculated from total earnings of $11 million divided by 61.3 million diluted shares.
Net cash flow provided by operating activities in the second quarter of 2022 was $293 million, compared to net cash flow provided by operating activities of $159 million in the first quarter of 2022. The increase in operating cash inflow was mainly driven by higher earnings and monetization of project assets.
Total debt was $2.7 billion as of June 30, 2022, unchanged from March 31, 2022. Non-recourse debt used to finance solar power projects decreased to $264 million as of June 30, 2022, from $550 million as of March 31, 2022, mainly due to the monetization of project assets.
Corporate Structure
The Company has two business segments: Global Energy and CSI Solar, which operate as follows:
The Global Energy segment carries out the Company's global project development activities for both solar and battery storage project development, which include sourcing land, interconnection agreements, structuring PPAs and other permits and requirements. The Global Energy segment develops both stand-alone solar and stand-alone battery storage projects, as well as hybrid solar plus storage projects. Its monetization strategies vary between develop-to-sell, build-to-sell, and build-to-own, depending on business strategies and market conditions, with the goal of maximizing returns, accelerating cash turn, and minimizing capital risk.
The CSI Solar segment consists of solar module manufacturing and total system solutions, including inverters, solar system kits and EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) services. The CSI Solar segment also includes the Company's battery storage system integration business, delivering bankable, end-to-end, turnkey battery storage solutions for utility scale, commercial and industrial, and residential applications. These storage systems solutions are complemented with long-term service agreements, including future battery capacity augmentation services.
Global Energy Segment
Canadian Solar has one of the world's largest and most geographically diversified utility-scale solar and energy storage project development platforms, with a strong track record of originating, developing, financing, and building over 6.8 GWp of solar power plants across six continents. The Company has built a leadership position in solar project development with 26 GWp total pipeline, as well as in energy storage project development with over 31 GWh of aggregate pipeline.
The continued pipeline expansion and strong project development track record will support Global Energy's growth in three key areas:
1. Project sales: The Company plans to grow its volume of project sales by a compound annual growth rate of approximately 50% to 2026, while holding and accumulating assets through investment vehicles (see below) in order to better capture asset value.
2. Investment vehicles: The Company is optimizing its project monetization strategy by establishing local investment vehicles that will help maximize the value of its project assets. The Company also intends to retain minority ownership in these vehicles. By 2026, the Company plans to reach 1.3 GW of combined net ownership in solar power projects through these vehicles. This approach will help the Company build and grow a stable base of long-term cash flows from contracted electricity. The Company plans to recycle a large portion of the capital into developing new solar projects for growth. Meanwhile, Canadian Solar expects to capture additional operational value throughout the partial ownership period, including long-term cash flows from power sales, O&M, asset management and other services (see point 3). The Company currently owns a 15% stake in the Canadian Solar Infrastructure Fund ("CSIF", TSE: 9284), the largest Japanese infrastructure fund listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and has also established the CSFS Fund I, a closed-ended alternative investment fund of a similar nature in Italy. Through launching these localized vehicles, Canadian Solar is building its expertise in designing investment vehicles in local markets that will help maximize the value of its project assets.
3. Services: Canadian Solar currently manages over 3.1 GW of operational projects under long-term O&M agreements, and an additional 2.4 GW of contracted projects that will be operated and maintained by the Company once they are placed in operation. The Company's target is to reach 20 GW of projects under O&M agreements by 2026.
Management targets to achieve the following over the next few years:
Solar Project Pipeline
As of June 30, 2022, the Company's total project pipeline was 26.2 GWp, including 1.3 GWp under construction, 3.9 GWp of backlog, and 21.0 GWp of projects in advanced and early-stage pipelines. We have updated our project pipeline classification as follows:
- Backlog projects are late-stage projects that have passed their Risk Cliff Date and are expected to start construction in the next 1-4 years. A project's Risk Cliff Date is the date on which the project passes the last high-risk development stage and varies depending on the country where it is located. This is usually after the projects have received all the required environmental and regulatory approvals, and entered into interconnection agreements, feed-in tariff ("FIT") arrangements and PPAs. Over 90% of projects in backlog are contracted (i.e., have secured a PPA or FIT), and the remaining are reasonably assured of securing PPAs.
- Advanced pipeline projects are mid-stage projects that have secured or have more than 90% certainty of securing an interconnection agreement.
- Early-stage Pipeline projects are early-stage projects controlled by Canadian Solar that are in the process of securing interconnection.
The following table presents Global Energy's total solar project development pipeline.
Battery Storage Project Pipeline
In addition to developing utility-scale solar power projects, the Global Energy segment has also been developing hybrid solar plus energy storage projects, as well as stand-alone battery storage projects. Since the first quarter of 2021, the Company has been co-hosting energy storage facilities with solar power plants on the same piece of land for nearly all projects under development. By using a single interconnection point per project, the Company expects to significantly enhance the efficiency of its development and the value of its assets under development.
Canadian Solar's storage development business model also includes signing storage tolling agreements with a variety of power purchasers, including community choice aggregators, investor-owned utilities, universities, and public utility districts. In addition, the Company has signed development services agreements to retrofit operational solar projects with battery storage, many of which were previously developed by the Company.
The table below sets forth Global Energy's total storage project development pipeline.
Solar Power Plants and Battery Storage Projects in Operation
As of June 30, 2022, the Company's solar power plants in operation totaled 311 MWp, with a combined estimated net resale value of approximately $270 million to Canadian Solar. The estimated resale value is based on selling prices that Canadian Solar is currently negotiating or comparable asset sales.
Operating Results
The following table presents select unaudited results of operations data of the Global Energy segment for the periods indicated.
CSI Solar Segment
CSI Solar's 2022 and 2023 capacity expansion targets are set forth below.
Operating Results
The following table presents select unaudited results of operations data of the CSI Solar segment for the periods indicated.
The table below provides the geographic distribution of the net revenues of CSI Solar:
CSI Solar shipped 5.06 GW of modules to more than 70 countries in the second quarter of 2022. The top five markets ranked by shipments were China, the U.S., Spain, Brazil and Germany.
Battery Storage Solutions
Within CSI Solar, the battery storage solutions team provides customers with competitive turnkey, integrated battery storage solutions, including bankable and fully wrapped capacity and performance guarantees. These guarantees are complemented with long-term service agreements, which include future battery capacity augmentation services and bring in long-term, stable income.
The table below sets forth CSI Solar's battery storage system integration's project pipeline as of June 30, 2022.
LTSA projects are operational battery storage projects delivered by CSI Solar that are under multi-year long-term service agreements and generate recurring earnings. Contracted/in construction projects are expected to be delivered within the next 12 to 18 months. Forecast projects include those that have more than 75% probability of being contracted within the next 12 months, and the remaining pipeline includes projects that have received exclusivity agreements or have been shortlisted, but still have a below 75% probability of being contracted.
Business Outlook
The Company's business outlook is based on management's current views and estimates given factors such as existing market conditions, order book, production capacity, input material prices, foreign exchange fluctuations, anticipated timing of project sales, and the global economic environment. This outlook is subject to uncertainty with respect to, among other things, customer demand, project construction and sale schedules, product sales prices and costs, the global impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and shutdowns, supply chain constraints, and geopolitical conflicts. Management's views and estimates are subject to change without notice.
For the third quarter of 2022, the Company expects total revenues to be in the range of $2.0 billion to $2.1 billion. Gross margin is expected to be between 15.0% and 16.5%. Total module shipments recognized as revenues by CSI Solar are expected to be in the range of 6.0 GW to 6.2 GW, including approximately 140 MW to the Company's own projects.
For the full year of 2022, the Company raises total revenue guidance to $7.5 billion to $8.0 billion, from $7.0 billion to $7.5 billion previously. The Company expects full year volume targets for CSI Solar and Global Energy to remain unchanged from the ranges communicated in the prior quarter: total module shipments of 20 GW to 22 GW and battery storage shipments of 1.8 GWh to 1.9 GWh (CSI Solar), and total project sales of 2.1 GW to 2.6 GW (Global Energy).
Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO, commented, "We are off to a strong first half for 2022, and expect continued solar module volume growth through the remainder of the year as we ramp up capacity towards 2023 volume growth targets. The second quarter will likely be the largest quarter of the year for us due to the timing of project sales and battery storage shipments. However, we expect profitability to remain healthy through the second half of the year, driven by continued manufacturing processing cost reductions and lower logistics costs partially offset by higher polysilicon prices. We continue to build on our long track record of innovation, and we are excited to officially introduce our long-awaited battery storage products for utility and residential applications in the upcoming Solar Power International exhibition in California. In a gradually improving market backdrop aided by strong policies such as the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, Canadian Solar is strongly positioned to achieve profitable growth as we continue to focus on long-term investments and create lasting value for shareholders."
Recent Developments
On August 10, 2022, Canadian Solar announced that a wholly owned subsidiary of CSI Solar entered into an investment agreement with the municipal government of Haidong City in Qinghai Province to invest in a polysilicon manufacturing facility. Under the agreement, CSI Solar plans to build a facility with an annual capacity of approximately 50,000 tons of high-purity polysilicon later in 2022 and the facility is expected to commence production in mid-2024. Subject to market conditions and approvals from its board of directors, CSI Solar may also build other manufacturing facilities, including ingots, wafers, cells, modules, and other auxiliary materials in Haidong.
On July 25, 2022, Canadian Solar completed the sale of two fully permitted and construction ready solar and battery energy storage projects in the U.K. to specialist alternative asset manager, Gresham House. The two projects comprise a collocated solar and battery energy storage project in Durham, with 50 MWp solar capacity and 38 MW (or 76 MWh) of battery energy storage, and a standalone solar project in Warwickshire of 28 MWp.
On July 25, 2022, Canadian Solar published its latest ESG Sustainability Report, which highlights the Company's progress in advancing its sustainability strategy from an environmental, social, and governance perspective.
On July 7, 2022, Canadian Solar completed the sale of two solar farms, Suntop and Gunnedah totaling 345 MWp in New South Wales, Australia to CalEnergy Resources (Australia) Limited, a subsidiary of Northern Powergrid Holdings Company. Both projects have reached substantial completion.
On June 16, 2022, Canadian Solar acquired two standalone energy storage projects in the South Load Zone of the Texas ERCOT market from Black Mountain Energy Storage. The projects are each anticipated to store up to 200 MWh of energy, with notice to proceed expected in 2023 and commercial operation in the second quarter of 2024.
On June 15, 2022, Canadian Solar secured 136 million Brazilian reais (approximately US$28 million) non-recourse project financing from Banco do Nordeste do Brasil S.A. to support construction and operation of its 79 MWp Lavras II solar power project in Brazil.
On June 6, 2022, Canadian Solar signed an agreement with SPIC Brasil, a leading power generation company in Brazil to sell 70% stake in the Company's 738 MWp Marangatu and Panati-Sitia solar projects in Brazil. Both projects are expected to begin construction in late 2022 and reach commercial operation in late 2023.
On May 27, 2022, Canadian Solar announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Recurrent Energy successfully completed the construction on the 100 MW Sunflower solar power plant in Mississippi. Recurrent Energy developed and built the solar power plant under a Build Transfer Agreement for Entergy Mississippi which owns the plant for the life of the facility after the completion of construction.
Conference Call Information The Company will hold a conference call on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Daylight Time (8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 18, 2022 in Hong Kong) to discuss its second quarter 2022 results and business outlook. The dial-in phone number for the live audio call is +1-877-704-4453 (toll-free from the U.S.), 800-965-561 (toll-free from Hong Kong), 400-1202-840 (local dial-in from Mainland China) or +1-201-389-0920 from international locations. The conference ID is 13731878. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available on the investor relations section of Canadian Solar's website at www.canadiansolar.com
A replay of the call will be available 2 hours after the conclusion of the call until 11:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday, September 1, 2022 (11:00 a.m., September 2, 2022, in Hong Kong) and can be accessed by +1-844-512-2921 (toll-free from the U.S.), or +1-412-317-6671 from international locations. The replay pin number is 13731878. A webcast replay will also be available on the investor relations section of Canadian Solar's website at www.canadiansolar.com.
About Canadian Solar Inc.
Canadian Solar was founded in 2001 in Canada and is one of the world's largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. It is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules, provider of solar energy and battery storage solutions, and developer of utility-scale solar power and battery storage projects with a geographically diversified pipeline in various stages of development. Over the past 21 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered around 76 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Likewise, since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built and connected over 6.8 GWp in over 20 countries across the world. Currently, the Company has 311 MWp of projects in operation, 5.3 GWp of projects under construction or in backlog (late-stage), and an additional 21 GWp of projects in advanced and early-stage pipeline. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.
Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, including those regarding the Company's expected future shipment volumes, revenues, gross margins and project sales are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include general business, regulatory and economic conditions and the state of the solar and battery storage market and industry; geopolitical tensions and conflicts, including impasses, sanctions and export controls; volatility, uncertainty, delays and disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic; supply chain disruptions; governmental support for the deployment of solar power; future available supplies of high-purity silicon; demand for end-use products by consumers and inventory levels of such products in the supply chain; changes in demand from significant customers; changes in demand from major markets such as Japan, the U.S., China, Brazil and India; changes in effective tax rates; changes in customer order patterns; changes in product mix; changes in corporate responsibility, especially environmental, social and governance ("ESG") requirements; capacity utilization; level of competition; pricing pressure and declines in or failure to timely adjust average selling prices; delays in new product introduction; delays in utility-scale project approval process; delays in utility-scale project construction; delays in the completion of project sales; continued success in technological innovations and delivery of products with the features that customers demand; shortage in supply of materials or capacity requirements; availability of financing; exchange and inflation rate fluctuations; uncertainties related to the CSI Solar carve-out listing; litigation and other risks as described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 28, 2022. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today's date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
Investor Relations Contacts:
FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW
The following tables provide unaudited select financial data for the Company's CSI Solar and Global Energy businesses.
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CAAS announces the conference call and webcast information for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 9:00 AM local time, or 9:00 PM EDT on August 25, 2022
WUHAN, China, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- China Automotive Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAAS) ("CAAS" or the "Company"), a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of China Automotive Systems, Inc. will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 9:00 AM local time at the Second Floor Meeting Room, D8 Henglong Building, Optics Valley Software Park, No. 1 Guanshan First Avenue, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, the People's Republic of China. The Company has also set up a conference room on August 25, 2022 at 9:00 PM at Henglong USA Corporation, 2546 Elliott Drive, Troy, Michigan, U.S., for the Company's shareholders to participate via a WebEx connection.
Shareholders may access the annual meeting by dialing U.S./Canada +1-408-792-6300, pin number 2632 965 7608, and ask for the China Automotive Systems AGM conference call.
A live webcast of the conference call will be available at: https://caas-usa.webex.com/caas-usa/j.php?MTID=m93d47af4c7da5c6291044a30454ca9b9
Meeting number (access code): 2632 965 7608
Meeting password: GHzJcrH37F3
About China Automotive Systems, Inc.
Based in Hubei Province, the People's Republic of China, China Automotive Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of power steering components and systems to the Chinese automotive industry, operating through ten Sino-foreign joint ventures. The Company offers a full range of steering system parts for passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. The Company currently offers four separate series of power steering with an annual production capacity of over 6 million sets of steering gears, columns and steering hoses. Its customer base is comprised of leading auto manufacturers, such as China FAW Group, Corp., Dongfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd., BYD Auto Company Limited, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. in China, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Ford Motor Company in North America. For more information, please visit: http://www.caasauto.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that are "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the qualitative and quantitative effects of the accounting errors, the periods involved, the nature of the Company's review and any anticipated conclusions of the Company or its management and other statements that are not historical facts. Our actual results may differ materially from the results described in or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to certain risks and uncertainties. As a result, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2022, and in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If the outbreak of COVID-19 is not effectively and timely controlled, our business operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected as a result of the deteriorating market outlook for automobile sales, the slowdown in regional and national economic growth, weakened liquidity and financial condition of our customers or other factors that we cannot foresee. Any of these factors and other factors beyond our control, could have an adverse effect on the overall business environment, cause uncertainties in the regions where we conduct business, cause our business to suffer in ways that we cannot predict and materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. A prolonged disruption or any further unforeseen delay in our operations of the manufacturing, delivery and assembly process within any of our production facilities could continue to result in delays in the shipment of products to our customers, increased costs and reduced revenue. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For further information, please contact:
Jie Li
Chief Financial Officer
China Automotive Systems, Inc.
Email: jieli@chl.com.cn
Kevin Theiss
Investor Relations
Tel: +1-212-510-8922
Email: Kevin@awakenlab.com
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NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Outset Medical, Inc. ("Outset Medical" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: OM) of a class action securities lawsuit.
CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of Outset Medical investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud. This lawsuit is on behalf of all persons or entities who purchased Outset Medical common stock between September 15, 2020, and June 13, 2022. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:
OM investors may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500.
CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that defendants made false statements and/or concealed that: (1) the Company's flagship product, Tablo Hemodialysis System ("Tablo"), would require an additional 510(k) application to be filed with The United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), as defendants had "continuously made improvements and updates to Tablo over time since its original clearance"; (2) as a result, the Company could not conduct a human factors study on a cleared device in accordance with FDA protocols; (3) the Company's inability to conduct the human factors study subjected the Company to the likelihood of the FDA imposing a "shipment hold" and marketing suspension, leaving the Company unable to sell Tablo for home use; and (4) as a result, defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and /or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Outset Medical during the relevant time frame, you have until September 6, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you are a class member, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket costs or fees. There is no cost or obligation to participate.
WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
55 Broadway, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10006
jlevi@levikorsinsky.com
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
www.zlk.com
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ROBBINSVILLE, N.J., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NorthStar VETS veterinary emergency and specialty veterinary hospital in New Jersey is issuing a warning to people in the area with pets. Over the past several months-to-years, there has been a marked increase in the number of Parvovirus cases treated at critical care hospitals across the country.
Deborah Mara, VMD, a veterinarian on the Emergency and Critical Care team at NorthStar VETS, along with Sarah Burns, R.T. (MR) (ARRT), Certified Veterinary Technician, made the following statement, "We want pet parents to be aware that untreated Parvovirus has a fatality rate of more than ninety percent, and to consider vaccinating their at-risk pets to prevent spread of this highly contagious disease. Vaccination can be performed by their regular veterinarian." Learn more about Parvovirus
Steven Berkowitz, DVM, DACVECC, a Critical Care specialist at NorthStar VETS, added, "It's possible that we're seeing a more virulent and/or debilitating strain in the United States, but this particular virus is easy to prevent with vaccinations, which are extremely effective in preventing the progression and dissemination of the virus." Dr. Berkowitz also included that, "Parvovirus can remain on surfaces for up to six weeks, so cleaning surfaces with which pets come into contact is equally important, and positive cases should be isolated from all unvaccinated or at-risk dogs."
- Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is a highly contagious gastrointestinal virus that commonly affects younger dogs, but can affect dogs of any age.
- The virus is spread through direct dog-to-dog contact or indirect contact through the environment and/or people.
- There is no cure for this fatal disease, but an effective vaccine for CPV-2 has been developed and is widely available.
- Due to the severity of the disease, many dogs are hospitalized for three-to-seven days in the Intensive Care Isolation Unit.
- Contact your regular veterinarian to see if they recommend the Parvovirus vaccine for your pet.
- Vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
Located in Robbinsville, NJ, NorthStar VETS is the region's leader in providing advanced veterinary services by board-certified, residency trained, or highly experienced veterinarians 24/7. As an American Animal Hospital-Accredited (AAHA) Referral Practice, NorthStar VETS continues to set the standard in medical excellence for dogs, cats, birds, exotics, and other family pets. www.northstarvets.com
CONTACT:
Phillip Barnes
pbarnes@northstarvets.com
6092231513
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Pineland Farms' "New Gloucester, a Cotswold-style cheese" brought home a Gold Medal in the open category – Cheeses with Flavor Added
BANGOR, Maine, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pineland Farms Dairy won a Gold Medal at the 39th annual American Cheese Society (ACS) Judging and Competition. The ACS competition is the largest event of its kind for American-made cheeses.
The judging took place May 9-20, 2022, at the Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus. The winners were announced during the ACS Annual Conference held in Portland, Oregon from July 20 – 23, 2022. 1,387 products from 196 entering companies across 120 categories were evaluated for excellence in cheesemaking and commitment to food safety.
"New Gloucester" is a fresh take on a historical cheese. Based on an Old-World English village recipe called Double Gloucester, this cheese dates back over 200 years. "Cotswold" was a variation that added green onions and chives. Pineland Farms Dairy began making cheese almost 20 years ago in New Gloucester, Maine and is now bringing "New Gloucester, a Cotswold-style cheese" to the New World.
The judges were impressed by the appealing, savory aroma from just the right blend of onions and garlic. Smooth and creamy, this cheese is a perfect balance of flavor and color, beautiful on a cheese board or with a selection of fresh fruit. It is an excellent cracker cheese or can go from a snack to an omelet staple.
Pineland Farms Dairy Company is located in Bangor, Maine, and produces all-natural dairy products for both the retail and foodservice industries across the Northeast. The company supports local dairy farmers by using 100% fresh Maine milk to handcraft their specialty cheeses and fluid milk products. For more information, please visit www.pinelandfarmsdairy.com.
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SAN FRANCISCO and MIAMI, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm, today announced that Ross Devor has joined the firm as a Partner. Based in Miami, he will co-lead Thoma Bravo's growth equity strategy, which focuses on minority investments in industry-leading software and technology companies. Devor's appointment reflects Thoma Bravo's expanding leadership team and underscores the strength of its growth investment platform. Devor had first joined Thoma Bravo in 2009 and served as a key member of the investment team for more than four years.
"We are thrilled to welcome Ross back to Thoma Bravo as we continue to scale our growth investment platform and capitalize on opportunities to help companies maximize their growth potential at an earlier stage," said Orlando Bravo, a Founder and Managing Partner at Thoma Bravo. "Ross's deep expertise in enterprise software investing will be an asset in helping us expand our market reach."
"I couldn't be more excited to be re-joining the Thoma Bravo team," said Devor. "The software and technology investment space has transformed in the years since I was last with the firm, and Thoma Bravo has proven to be the investor and partner of choice for companies across all sectors of the industry and at various stages of growth. I look forward to the many opportunities ahead working alongside Tre Sayle and the rest of the Growth team."
Devor previously served as a Managing Director at Insight Partners where he focused on enterprise software investments. He began his career as an Analyst at Morgan Stanley. Devor holds a BA in economics from Northwestern University.
About Thoma Bravo
Thoma Bravo is one of the largest private equity firms in the world, with more than $114 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2022. The firm invests in growth-oriented, innovative companies operating in the software and technology sectors. Leveraging the firm's deep sector expertise and proven strategic and operational capabilities, Thoma Bravo collaborates with its portfolio companies to implement operating best practices, drive growth initiatives and make accretive acquisitions intended to accelerate revenue and earnings. Over the past 20 years, the firm has acquired or invested in more than 380 companies representing over $190 billion in enterprise value. The firm has offices in Chicago, Miami and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.thomabravo.com.
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SOURCE Thoma Bravo | https://www.wbko.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/ross-devor-joins-thoma-bravo-partner/ | 2022-08-18T11:19:51Z | wbko.com | control | https://www.wbko.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/ross-devor-joins-thoma-bravo-partner/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in TG Therapeutics, Inc. ("TG Therapeutics" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: TGTX) of a class action securities lawsuit.
CLASS DEFINITION: The lawsuit seeks to recover losses on behalf of TG Therapeutics investors who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between January 15, 2020 and May 31, 2022. Follow the link below to get more information and be contacted by a member of our team:
TGTX investors may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500.
CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that defendants made false statements and/or concealed that: (i) clinical trials revealed significant concerns related to the benefit-risk ratio and overall survival data of the Company's therapeutic product candidates, Ublituximab and Umbralisib; (ii) accordingly, it was unlikely that the Company would be able to obtain approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the Umbralisib marginal zone lymphoma and follicular lymphoma New Drug Application, the Biologics License Application for Ublituximab in combination with Umbralisib, the supplemental New Drug Application for Ublituximab in combination with Umbralisib, or the Ublituximab relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis Biologics License Application in their current forms; (iii) as a result, the Company had significantly overstated Ublituximab and Umbralisib's clinical and/or commercial prospects; and (iv) therefore, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in TG Therapeutics during the relevant time frame, you have until September 16, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you are a class member, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket costs or fees. There is no cost or obligation to participate.
WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
55 Broadway, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10006
jlevi@levikorsinsky.com
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
www.zlk.com
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SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP | https://www.wbko.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/tgtx-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-tg-therapeutics-inc-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 2022-08-18T11:20:37Z | wbko.com | control | https://www.wbko.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/tgtx-lawsuit-alert-levi-amp-korsinsky-notifies-tg-therapeutics-inc-investors-class-action-lawsuit-upcoming-deadline/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Two children and two adults have been injured after being hit by a car in Chatham. Kent Police was called to the scene at approximately 5.40pm yesterday evening (August 17).
Officers and paramedics attended the incident where a man, a woman and two children were treated for injuries. They were then moved to a hospital for further treatment.
The driver, a Chatham woman in her 30s, was then arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving whilst under the influence of drugs. She was later released pending further investigation.
Read more: Drivers failing to declare medical conditions could get £1,000 fine
The full statement from Kent Police reads: “Kent Police was called at around 5.40pm on Wednesday 17 August to a collision involving a car and four pedestrians in Dock Road, Chatham.
“Officers and paramedics attended the scene where a man, a woman and two children were treated for injuries. They were taken to a local hospital for further medical attention.
“The driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst under the influence of drugs and she was taken into custody. The driver, who is in her 30s and from Chatham, was later released pending further investigation.”
If you have seen or heard anything you think we should know about, or in relation to this, please contact the KentLive newsdesk by email at kentlivenewsdesk@reachplc.com . Alternatively, you can get in touch with us via our Facebook page
or on Twitter @kentlivenews.
READ NEXT | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/chatham-car-crash-leaves-four-7479712 | 2022-08-18T11:20:51Z | kentlive.news | control | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/chatham-car-crash-leaves-four-7479712 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Budget high street retailer Home Bargains has sent shoppers into a frenzy after they spotted shower gel that is worth £60 going on sale for as little as 99p in stores. It is important to mention that it is the real deal and definitely not a dupe.
Eagle eyed shoppers spotted the Kiwi Botanicals Nourishing Shower Gel for Women in the Manuka Honey scent on shelves for less than £1. The shower gel normally has a RRP of £60, meaning a saving of a whopping £59.01 if you buy it at Home Bargains.
Customer Stacey Betts noticed the product in her local Home Bargains store and couldn't resist taking some home. The MEN reported that Stacey shared the exciting news on popular Facebook group, Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK.
READ MORE: DWP sends urgent PIP warning to claimants at risk of losing £628-a-month
In the post, Stacey said: "For pennies compared to the online price of £60 per bottle of shower gel, I took a look this morning and got this little lot. Not sure how much the body conditioner should be but that as well as the shower gel is only 99p in Home Bargains.
"Will look in a different store tomorrow to see if they have any other items from the collection."
Many other shoppers praised the retailer for selling the products at such a low price.
Dawn replied and said: "A bargain ! Tried last night skin feels really soft today."
Jen also said: "I couldn’t get the body butter but got the face cleanser, shower gel and body conditioner." However some customers were simply horrified at the thought of spending £60 on shower gel.
Claire asked: "Who would buy a bottle of shower gel for £60? Even Molton brown doesn’t cost that."
Whilst Julie added: "Those original prices are mad! just proves to me how much profit these big companies are making and what fools we are to cough up the full amount!"
If you want to get yourself a bargain you can find the Kiwi Botanicals in stores now but stock may vary depending on the store.
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- Boyfriend of tragic soldier dies just weeks after her death at army base | https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/shopping/shower-gel-worth-60-spotted-7479705 | 2022-08-18T11:20:56Z | kentlive.news | control | https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/shopping/shower-gel-worth-60-spotted-7479705 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
With September and the return to school fast approaching, Tesco is helping parents prepare for the new school year for as little as £1.50. It's not just own-brand food that the supermarket giant offers to help consumers save; it now has its own school uniform items.
As well as being kind to the wallet, Tesco's school uniforms come with a 100-day guarantee across all their items. Any parent knows that kids grow fast and get into all kinds of scrapes and bumps, so it gives you full peace of mind about replacing or exchanging clothing in the first few weeks of term.
The range includes various school essentials, like boys’ and girls’ triple-pack shirts, in both long and short sleeves and trousers with adjustable waists. Here's a look at the range in more detail - as well as the great value prices.
Read more: Iceland will allow customers to pay for food in instalments amid cost of living crisis
Staple items like the boys’ and girls’ triple-pack shirts, in both long and short sleeves, start from just £1.50 per shirt and come in a range of fits, including regular, slim, and stretch, reports Manchester Evening News. A three-pack of boys Tesco F&F long-sleeve shirts, in white or blue, are also available from £5.50, coming out to £1.83 for a shirt.
The range also includes trousers for boys and girls with adjustable waists and in a range of colours, starting from just £3.50 per item. Like the shirts, these are available in regular, slim and stretch fits so that every child is comfortable in their clothes.
Several trouser styles also come with ‘grow with me hems', designed with extra length in the hems to be let down over the school year as your children grow. This will save you money as you won't have to go and buy a whole new set after every growth spurt.
As well as being budget-friendly, the Tesco range also has Teflon Eco Elite stain repellent technology to help tackle even the toughest of stains and once again help to reduce the need for mid-year replacements. It's eco-conscious as well, with many items made with at least 50% recycled materials.
The colours for all the times are made to last no matter how often uniform gets washed. Easy iron features, reinforced seams, and permanent pleats all help to make laundry day that much easier as well.
“We know that getting ready for September can be a big task for families and recognise that school uniforms get so much wear," said Head of Buying for Kids & Baby at F&F, Jennie Burbage. "At Tesco we know that price and quality, along with style, comfort and durability, are the most important factors for parents and children choosing new items.
"This is why our range is affordable and made to last. We’ve done everything we can to help make going back to school as practical and affordable as possible.”
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Morrisons delights shoppers on shoestring budget as supermarket follows in Asda's footsteps
Tesco and Sainsbury's under fire for reportedly cutting back on lower-cost items | https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/shopping/tesco-offering-back-school-uniforms-7479795 | 2022-08-18T11:20:57Z | kentlive.news | control | https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/shopping/tesco-offering-back-school-uniforms-7479795 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Fresh Capital Used to Build on Trial Library's Mission to Improve Health Equity by Expanding Access to Cancer Precision Medicine
Spearheaded by Dr. Hala Borno, Leading UCSF oncologist and Health Equity Researcher
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Trial Library, Inc., an oncology clinical trials company, today announced it has come out of stealth mode and received its first funding to address the need for equity in patient recruitment to oncology clinical trials. The $5 million seed round was led by Deena Shakir, Partner at Lux Capital, with participation from Julian Eison, Managing Partner at NEXT VENTŪRES, Unseen Capital, as well as other notable angel investors. This investment supports the growing need for more inclusivity in oncology clinical trials, and will expand the usage of the Trial Library platform among community oncologists who are patients' trusted sources for advice on clinical trials.
After a decade of researching inequities in clinical trials with a team of veteran researchers and best-in-class physicians in cancer digital health, Trial Library CEO and founder Dr. Hala Borno, a University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) oncologist and experienced health equity researcher, introduced a new, tech-enabled approach that prioritizes the need for diverse and underrepresented patient groups. While advancements in personalized oncology therapeutics continue to produce astounding results, not all patients are afforded the opportunity to receive the latest therapies available. Along with co-founder and Chief Product Officer Steve Buck, former vice president and general manager at Ro Pharmacy and an accomplished healthcare entrepreneur who co-founded cancersurvivalrates.com and RxDividends (a company sold to GoodRx that he joined as a co-founder), the two have built Trial Library's virtual care navigation platform with 24/7 delivery. As a result, patients who decide to participate in a clinical trial will be supported throughout their journey to a clinical trial site.
"The lack of equity in access is a huge barrier that needs to be solved," said Trial Library CEO and founder Dr. Hala Borno. "As a society, we've invested so much into exciting new biotech therapies and we're optimistic that many of these personalized treatments will extend patients' lives. However, there are still many obstacles that exist, and we aim to combat the barriers experienced by all participants in our research ecosystem - the patients, providers and researchers."
"The flow of a more diverse set of patients in trials is an important and measurable outcome that will only come if community oncologists are motivated to participate," said co-founder and Chief Product Officer Steve Buck. "About half of all patients undergoing treatment for cancer rely upon a community oncologist for advice on next steps. If these clinicians are not actively exploring nearby trial opportunities, there's little chance a patient will find out about a trial or go to one on their own. We need to promote engagement with community providers through a combination of better technology and reimbursement opportunities. Trial Library will be the go to for community providers that have been overlooked to date."
Research indicates that 90% of patients and physicians do not participate in oncology clinical trials.1 Trial inclusion and exclusion criteria have become more complex for oncology practices attempting to screen for eligible patients. As a result, participation in trials, especially among community oncology practices, has fallen far down on the list of priorities for oncologists treating patients. A net outcome is that racial and ethnic minorities and women are far less likely to be offered and recruited into clinical trials compared to non-Hispanic white men.2
"There is a renewed need and desire from the major stakeholders in healthcare to start facilitating more inclusive clinical trials, especially as it relates to cancer precision medicine, in order to achieve broader health equity goals," said Deena Shakir, Partner at Lux Capital. "Trial Library's deep understanding of this complex space has enabled them to align on incentives and stakeholders, and build a platform that patients, providers and researchers can trust. For years, Dr. Borno has been my go-to diligence call for all things precision medicine, and I couldn't be more excited to back her and Steve in their effort to take this vision to market."
"Growing up, many of my family members lost hard-fought battles to cancer. It brings joy to my heart to know that we can look to technology, community support, and research to be our superpowers in defeating health inequities and improving clinical outcomes," said Julian Eison, Managing Partner at NEXT VENTŪRES. "We fundamentally believe that Trial Library's strategy of enabling physicians to provide contextually relevant awareness and enrollment pathways is novel and promising. It's been an honor to partner with Dr. Borno and Steve, as their combined experiences represent hope and promise in an industry chock-full of competition."
"The lack of representation in clinical trials has had significant ramifications on the design and outcome of oncology treatments," said Dr. Ivor Horn, an advisor toUnseen Capital. "Trial Library has an incredible potential to tackle the systemic barriers underrepresented individuals face in accessing clinicals trials."
How it Works
Trial Library aims to solve the lack of equity in clinical trial participation in two ways. Initially, Trial Library targets the "first mile" problem by providing fair reimbursement to local, community oncology practices who today are offered little, if any, reimbursement for pre-screening and managing patient referrals to trials. The company reimburses community oncology practices for its time and effort of screening patients for nearby trials. Oncology practices can use the Trial Library website to discover paid pre-screening opportunities and register to participate in a few keystrokes.
Second, Trial Library solves the "last mile" problem by providing patients, many with limited economic means and resources, with navigation support to get to clinical trial sites regardless of distance. The company provides free "Ally" navigator services that are available 24/7 to direct patients to resources for travel, logistics, food, or other support needed. Trial Library also taps into many social determinants of health assessment tools to help personalize support.
Trial Library has support from a host of credible partners including the Association of Community Cancer Centers, UCSF, as well as advisors such as Dr. Alan Ashworth from UCSF, and noted health equity researchers like Dr. Lori Pierce from the University of Michigan and Dr. Robert A. Winn from Virginia Commonwealth University.
About Trial Library
Trial Library is an oncology clinical trials company helping patients, providers, and pharmaceutical sponsors of clinical trials. With an unprecedented level of investment in cancer research that is poised to produce a vast new array of therapeutic options, Trial Library seeks to improve access for all patients right when therapies are available. For more information, visit us at TrialLibrary.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
1 "MAKING THE CASE FOR ONCOLOGY CLINICAL RESEARCH" American Society of Clinical Oncology, May 2020. https://www.asco.org/sites/new-www.asco.org/files/content-files/research-and-progress/documents/2020-ASCO-RCF-MakingCaseOncologyResearch-AtaGlance.pdf
2 "Clinical Trial Enrollment of Racial, Ethnic, and Underrepresented Groups—Leveraging a Digital Infrastructure" JAMA Oncology, August 5, 2021. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2782739
Contact:
Hala Borno
hala.borno@triallibrary.com
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SOURCE Trial Library, Inc | https://www.wbko.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/trial-library-emerges-out-stealth-with-5-million-seed-funding-led-by-lux-capital/ | 2022-08-18T11:20:57Z | wbko.com | control | https://www.wbko.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/trial-library-emerges-out-stealth-with-5-million-seed-funding-led-by-lux-capital/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Fifth consecutive annual dividend increase
HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRTS), which operates a multi-manager asset management business, today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly common stock cash dividend of $1.65 per share. This is the company's fifth consecutive annual increase of its quarterly dividend and represents a 10% increase from the previous quarterly dividend of $1.50 per share.
"This increase in our dividend reflects the strength of our balance sheet and free cash flow generation," said George R. Aylward, president and chief executive officer. "We are committed to delivering value to our shareholders by balancing our capital priorities of investing in growth, returning capital, and maintaining an appropriate level of leverage."
The third quarter 2022 common stock dividend will be paid on November 15, 2022 to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 31, 2022.
Future declarations of dividends will be subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
Virtus Investment Partners (NASDAQ: VRTS) is a distinctive partnership of boutique investment managers singularly committed to the long-term success of individual and institutional investors. We provide investment management products and services from our affiliated managers, each with a distinct investment style and autonomous investment process, as well as select subadvisers. Investment solutions are available across multiple disciplines and product types to meet a wide array of investor needs. Additional information about our firm, investment partners, and strategies is available at virtus.com.
This press release contains statements that are, or may be considered to be, forward-looking statements. All statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs or expectations, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by such forward-looking terminology as "expect," "estimate," "plan," "intend," "believe," "anticipate," "may," "will," "should," "could," "continue," "project," or similar statements or variations of such terms. Our forward-looking statements are based on a series of expectations, assumptions and projections about our company, are not guarantees of future results or performance, and involve substantial risks and uncertainty, including assumptions and projections concerning our assets under management, cash inflows and outflows, operating cash flows, our ability to expand distribution and product offerings, and future credit facilities, for all forward periods. All of our forward-looking statements are as of the date of this release only. The company can give no assurance that such expectations or forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Actual results may differ materially.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. | https://www.wbko.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/virtus-investment-partners-increases-quarterly-common-stock-dividend-10-165-per-share/ | 2022-08-18T11:21:18Z | wbko.com | control | https://www.wbko.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/virtus-investment-partners-increases-quarterly-common-stock-dividend-10-165-per-share/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has issued an order mandating all schools and pre-university colleges in the state to make students sing the national anthem every morning, during the mass prayer.
The order dated August 17 applies to all government, aided and private schools, and pre-university colleges.
According to the order, despite the government order being in force in this regard, some primary and secondary schools in Bengaluru have not been practicing the mass singing of the national anthem during morning prayers, and the government has received complaints about this.
It said following the complaints, Deputy Directors of the Department of Public Instruction, Bengaluru North and South divisions have visited the schools concerned and confirmed that the singing of the national anthem in the morning prayer was not happening there.
The order cites Section 133(2) of the Karnataka Education Act, which gives the government the power to issue directions.
The order also says in case there is no space for mass prayer, the national anthem should be sung in classrooms. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2022/08/18/karnataka-national-anthem-schools-colleges-compulsory.amp.html | 2022-08-18T11:22:13Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2022/08/18/karnataka-national-anthem-schools-colleges-compulsory.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has issued an order mandating all schools and pre-university colleges in the state to make students sing the national anthem every morning, during the mass prayer.
The order dated August 17 applies to all government, aided and private schools, and pre-university colleges.
According to the order, despite the government order being in force in this regard, some primary and secondary schools in Bengaluru have not been practicing the mass singing of the national anthem during morning prayers, and the government has received complaints about this.
It said following the complaints, Deputy Directors of the Department of Public Instruction, Bengaluru North and South divisions have visited the schools concerned and confirmed that the singing of the national anthem in the morning prayer was not happening there.
The order cites Section 133(2) of the Karnataka Education Act, which gives the government the power to issue directions.
The order also says in case there is no space for mass prayer, the national anthem should be sung in classrooms. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2022/08/18/karnataka-national-anthem-schools-colleges-compulsory.html | 2022-08-18T11:22:16Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2022/08/18/karnataka-national-anthem-schools-colleges-compulsory.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
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