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T-Mobile and SpaceX are teaming up to provide more complete coverage in the U.S.
The mobile carrier says it will leverage SpaceX's satellites to offer cell service in even the most remote locations in the U.S.
“More than just a groundbreaking alliance, this represents two industry-shaking innovators challenging the old ways of doing things to create something entirely new that will further connect customers and scare competitors," said Mike Sievert, CEO of T-Mobile.
T-Mobile says the wireless industry has struggled to provide service to certain areas because of land-use restrictions and terrain limits. The companies believe satellites are the solution to that problem.
“The important thing about this is that it means there are no dead zones anywhere in the world for your cell phone,” said SpaceX Chief Engineer Elon Musk.
T-Mobile expects the near-total text coverage service to be rolled out in select areas by the end of 2023. Voice and data coverage is expected to follow. | https://www.katc.com/news/national/t-mobile-teaming-up-with-spacex-to-improve-coverage-in-remote-areas | 2022-08-26T17:15:16Z | katc.com | control | https://www.katc.com/news/national/t-mobile-teaming-up-with-spacex-to-improve-coverage-in-remote-areas | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
St. Martin Parish firefighters got a workout yesterday, with two huge fires to fight.
No injuries, of residents or firefighters, were reported.
The first happened Thursday afternoon, when units were called to an apartment building in the 1000 block of Grand Pointe Avenue in Breaux Bridge. The two-story building was on fire; the blaze started on the second floor. Firefighters worked to bring the fire under control, but also to protect a nearby building from catching fire as well. The cause of that fire is under investigation by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office.
Units and personnel responded from Breaux Bridge, Arnaudville, Cecilia, Henderson, Parks, and Evangeline.
Then around midnight, crews were called to a commercial building in the 400 block of Cemetery Street, just outside St. Martinville. Firefighters found a large commercial building heavily involved in fire. The cause of this fire is under investigation by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office.
Units and personnel responded from Evangeline, Breaux Bridge, Cade, Catahoula, Coteau Holmes, Henderson, and Parks. | https://www.katc.com/news/st-martin-parish/two-huge-fires-in-st-martin-parish-yesterday-investigations-underway | 2022-08-26T17:15:35Z | katc.com | control | https://www.katc.com/news/st-martin-parish/two-huge-fires-in-st-martin-parish-yesterday-investigations-underway | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
St. Martin Parish firefighters got a workout yesterday, with two huge fires to fight.
No injuries, of residents or firefighters, were reported.
The first happened Thursday afternoon, when units were called to an apartment building in the 1000 block of Grand Pointe Avenue in Breaux Bridge. The two-story building was on fire; the blaze started on the second floor. Firefighters worked to bring the fire under control, but also to protect a nearby building from catching fire as well. The cause of that fire is under investigation by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office.
Units and personnel responded from Breaux Bridge, Arnaudville, Cecilia, Henderson, Parks, and Evangeline.
Then around midnight, crews were called to a commercial building in the 400 block of Cemetery Street, just outside St. Martinville. Firefighters found a large commercial building heavily involved in fire. The cause of this fire is under investigation by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office.
Units and personnel responded from Evangeline, Breaux Bridge, Cade, Catahoula, Coteau Holmes, Henderson, and Parks. | https://www.katc.com/news/st-martin-parish/two-huge-fires-in-st-martin-parish-yesterday-investigations-underway | 2022-08-26T17:15:35Z | katc.com | control | https://www.katc.com/news/st-martin-parish/two-huge-fires-in-st-martin-parish-yesterday-investigations-underway | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 1 |
SUZHOU, China and ROCKVILLE, Md. , Aug. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK), a global biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancers, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and age-related diseases, today announced its 2022 interim results. During the reporting period, Ascentage Pharma remained steadfastly committed to its strategy of global innovation and made remarkable progress in clinical development and commercialization. Highlighting these results, Ascentage Pharma reported the first half-year sales and the accelerating commercialization of its first approved product, olverembatinib.
During the reporting period, Ascentage Pharma achieved steady improvement to its cash flow. As of June 30, 2022, the company's cash and bank balances were RMB1,698 million, which remained relatively constant when compared with the cash and bank balances as of December 31, 2021. Meanwhile, the company's revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2022 substantially increased by 636.9%, from the same period last year, to RMB95.76 million. This increase in revenue was mainly attributable to the sales of olverembatinib, commercialization license fee income of patented IP and service income from customers. It is worth noting that since its approval in last November till the end of June 2022, olverembatinib has already realized an accumulated invoiced sales revenue amount of RMB95.93 million (unaudited, inclusive of value added tax).
Accelerated the commercialization of olverembatinib while continued to explore the drug's therapeutic potential
Olverembatinib, the first and only drug approved for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) harboring the T315I mutation in China and Ascentage Pharma's core asset that was designated a National Major New Drug Development and Manufacturing Program, effectively ended of the lack of treatment options for patients with CML harboring the T315I mutation, therefore has enormous clinical value. Since being approved till the end of June 2022, olverembatinib has realized an accumulated invoiced sales revenue amount of RMB95.93 million (unaudited, inclusive of value added tax).
To date, Ascentage Pharma has built a commercial organization possessing a wealth of experience in hematology and entered into a strategic collaboration with Innovent Biologics to jointly commercialize olverembatinib in China. In the months since its approval till June 2022, olverembatinib has been included by 34 government-backed local supplementary insurance programs in 10 provinces, substantially expanding the drug's accessibility to patients. Meanwhile, olverembatinib was included into the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) Guidelines and the China Anti-Cancer Association's (CACA) 2022 Guidelines for the Holistic Integrative Management of Cancers, thus provided clinicians the necessary guidance in their practices. As a China-developed novel drug with clear global best-in-class potentials, olverembatinib is bringing clinical benefits to a growing number of patients around the world.
In partnership with Tanner Pharma, a global pharmaceutical services provider of specialty access solutions, Ascentage Pharma launched an innovative Named Patient Program (NPP) similar to the early access programs seen in the city of Boao in Hainan province, to allow Tanner to supply olverembatinib to healthcare providers on a named patient basis in countries where the drug is not commercially available. The NPP plans to cover more than 130 countries and regions around the world.
In July 2022, the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) accepted and granted Priority Review designation to a New Drug Application (NDA) that will support the full approval of olverembatinib in patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP) who are resistant and/or intolerant of first- and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Following the conditional approval for olverembatinib in 2021, this marks another milestone development that would expedite olverembatinib's journey to a broader population of patients with CML in China.
Currently, Ascentage Pharma is actively advancing the clinical development of olverembatinib globally. During the reporting period, olverembatinib was cleared by Health Canada to enter a Phase Ib study in patients with refractory CML or Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), making it Ascentage Pharma's first clinical study in Canada. Prior to this, olverembatinib had already been cleared to enter clinical trials in the US.
In addition to hematologic indications, the company is also exploring olverembatinib's clinical utility in other therapeutic areas. At the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Ascentage Pharma released the first dataset of olverembatinib in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). These results showed promising antitumor activity in patients with TKI-resistant succinate dehydrogenase- (SDH-) deficient GIST with a clinical benefit rate (CBR) of 83.3%.
Furthermore, a new preclinical study discovered olverembatinib's therapeutic potential as an alternative treatment for patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 infections. These preclinical data have already been published by the EMBO Molecular Medicine, a renowned scientific journal affiliated to the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO).
These studies demonstrated olverembatinib's therapeutic potential and differentiated clinical utility in a wide range of therapeutic areas. With expected further expansion of its indications, olverembatinib will benefit a broad patient population globally.
Executing the strategy of global innovation as a pioneer for the industry
In the first half of 2022, Ascentage Pharma continued to increase its investment in innovation, with the research and development expenses increased by 7.5% year on year, to RMB341 million. Pressing ahead with its global clinical development programs, nine of Ascentage Pharma's candidate drugs have already entered the clinical stage, currently being evaluated in more than 50 Phase I/II clinical studies in China, the US, and Australia. Meanwhile, Ascentage Pharma has further strengthened its intellectual property portfolio, paving the way for its accelerating research and development. As of June 30, 2022, the company holds 205 issued patents and more than 600 patent applications globally, among of which, 148 patents were issued overseas.
During the reporting period, Ascentage Pharma made rapid progress with its momentous clinical development programs covering an array of therapeutic areas. In addition to the company's apoptosis-targeting assets and kinase inhibitors, Ascentage Pharma has also made strides with the development of candidate drugs targeting other novel targets, including its embryonic ectoderm development (EED) protein inhibitor that has attracted widespread interest from the research community. The EED inhibitor, APG-5918, was cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enter a first-in-human study evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of APG-5918 in patients with advanced solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, and the IND for APG-5918 has already been accepted by the CDE in China. As the first China-developed EED inhibitor entering clinical development, APG-5918 underlines Ascentage Pharma's capabilities in discovering and developing first-in-class/best-in-class novel assets.
While making strides with its global innovation, Ascentage Pharma was granted two Fast-Track designations and two Rare Pediatric Disease designations by the US FDA, and a total of 16 Orphan Drug designations by the US FDA and the EMA of the EU, a record number for any Chinese biopharmaceutical company.
Multiple highly differentiated clinical programs are steadily approaching fruition
As a global leader in the development of apoptosis-targeted drugs, Ascentage Pharma has presented the clinical data of its investigational assets at multiple international scientific congresses showcasing the first-in-class and best-in-class potential of these assets.
A Phase II pivotal study of lisaftoclax (APG-2575), the first China-developed Bcl-2 selective inhibitor entering clinical development and a key member of the company's apoptosis-targeted pipeline, for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (R/R CLL/SLL) was approved by the CDE at the end of 2021 and dosed its first patients in March 2022, making lisaftoclax the second Bcl-2 selective inhibitor entering pivotal trials globally. To date, lisaftoclax is being investigated in a total of 19 studies globally for the treatment of multiple hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, and has shown promising therapeutic potentials.
During the reporting period, Ascentage Pharma announced the updated data of lisaftoclax in Chinese patients with R/R CLL/SLL at the 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting. These data showed an objective response rate (ORR) of 67.4% and favorable tolerability. In terms of safety, most adverse events were manageable, no dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed at the maximum dose of 800mg, and the risk of clinical tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) in patients on daily dose ramp-up was minimal.
Furthermore, Phase I data of lisaftoclax in Chinese patients with relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (r/r NHL) were released at the 2022 European Hematology Association (EHA) Hybrid Congress. These data showed, lisaftoclax was well tolerated at doses of up to 800 mg/day, without evidence of TLS, and has antitumor activity in a range of relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies such as CLL/SLL, marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and T-cell NHL. In the 11 efficacy evaluable patients with CLL (all of whom were heavily pretreated and had failed prior therapies such as chemoimmunotherapies and Bruton's tyrosine kinase [BTK] inhibitors, and the majority had at least one type of adverse prognostic factors such as 17p deletion/TP53 mutation), there were 8 efficacy evaluable patients in cohorts received 200 mg or higher doses, including 3 complete responses (CRs) and 4 partial responses (PRs), thus demonstrating an ORR of 87.5%. There is a growing body of evidence signifying the global best-in-class potential of lisaftoclax.
While at the 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting, Ascentage Pharma reported the updated clinical data of alrizomadlin (APG-115), a MDM2-p53 inhibitor that is also a key asset in the company's apoptosis-targeted pipeline, in combination with pembrolizumab. These data validated the antitumor efficacy of the combination therapy in patients with immuno-oncologic- (I-O) drug-resistant or recurrent melanoma, including two CRs, an ORR of 11% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 57%. The study also observed promising clinical benefit to patients with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), demonstrated by a DCR of 50%. MPNST is a rare pediatric type of sarcoma lacking effective treatment options. These results provide additional evidence validating the synergy and the first-in-class potential of MDM2-p53 inhibitors plus immuno-oncologic drugs.
Also at the 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting, Ascentage Pharma released the first dataset from the Phase I study of the company's novel FAK inhibitor and third-generation ALK/ROS1 TKI, APG-2449, in patients with second-generation TKI-resistant ALK/ROS1+ non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or mesothelioma. According to these results, 4 of the 14 ALK+ patients resistant to second-generation TKIs achieved PRs, 10 TKI-naïve patients achieved an ORR of 80%, at a DCR of 100%. APG-2449 is the first China-developed third-generation ALK inhibitor. The candidate drug's clinical progress is a manifestation of Ascentage Pharma's R&D capabilities in the field of solid tumors.
Dr. Dajun Yang, Chairman & CEO of Ascentage Pharma, said, "In the first half of 2022, Ascentage Pharma made solid progress in both commercialization and clinical development, successfully navigated the challenging circumstances posted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid and successful commercialization of olverembatinib, the first and only third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor, in the months after the NDA approval, has led to substantial revenue growth, allowing us to maintain a healthy cash flow that is essential to the company's long-term development.
While forging ahead with the commercialization of olverembatinib in China, we launched a global NPP to offer patient access to olverembatinib in areas where the drug is not yet commercially available, in efforts to meet the unmet medical needs of patients from around the world. The NPP highlights olverembatinib's differentiated clinical value and serves as a very important prelude to the drug's future global launch. To our surprise, we discovered olverembatinib's therapeutic potential as an alternative treatment for COVID-19 infections, and we plan to further evaluate the drug in clinical settings.
Executing on our strategy of global innovation, we presented the latest research data and clinical results of lead assets including olverembatinib, lisaftoclax, alrizomadlin, and APG-2449, at multiple international congresses such as the ASCO, EHA, and AACR annual meetings. These data readouts are indicative of our rich portfolio and promising clinical programs that are steadily approaching the point of fruition.
As a company focused on original pharmaceutical innovation, we will continue to expand the accessibility, advance the indication expansion and global clinical development of olverembatinib, while pressing ahead with the development programs of other investigational assets. We will remain steadfastly committed to global innovation and the mission of addressing unmet clinical needs in China and around the world, to create additional value for our investors and bring much needed novel therapies to our patients as soon as possible."
About Ascentage Pharma
Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK) is a globally focused biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel therapies for cancers, chronic hepatitis B, and age-related diseases. On October 28, 2019, Ascentage Pharma was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code 6855.HK.
Ascentage Pharma focuses on developing therapeutics that inhibit protein-protein interactions to restore apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The company has built a pipeline of nine clinical drug candidates, including novel, highly potent Bcl-2, and dual Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitors, as well as candidates aimed at IAP and MDM2-p53 pathways, and next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Ascentage Pharma is also the only company in the world with active clinical programs targeting all three known classes of key apoptosis regulators. The company is conducting more than 50 Phase I/II clinical trials in the US, Australia, Europe, and China. Olverembatinib, the company's core drug candidate developed for the treatment of drug-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), was granted Priority Review status and a Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and is already approved for the indication. In addition, olverembatinib was also granted an Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and a Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the US FDA, and an Orphan Designation by the EU. To date, Ascentage Pharma has obtained a total of 15 ODDs, 2 FTDs, and 2 Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) designations from the FDA and 1 ODD from the EU for four of the company's investigational drug candidates. Ascentage Pharma has been designated for multiple Major National R&D Projects, including 5 National Major New Drug Discovery and Manufacturing projects, 1 New Drug Incubator status, 4 Innovative Drug Programs, and 1 Major Project for the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases.
Leveraging its robust R&D capabilities, Ascentage Pharma has built a portfolio of global intellectual property rights and entered into global partnerships with numerous renowned biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and research institutes such as UNITY Biotechnology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Merck, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer. The company has built a talented team with global experience in discovering, developing, launching, and commercializing innovative drugs and is setting up world-class commercial manufacturing and Sales & Marketing teams. One pivotal aim of Ascentage Pharma is to continuously strengthen its R&D capabilities and accelerate its clinical development programs, in order to fulfil its mission of addressing unmet clinical needs in China and around the world for the benefit of more patients.
Forward-Looking Statements
The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, Ascentage Pharma undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development.
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PELLA, Iowa, Aug. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes has named Pella Corporation among the 2022 Best-In-State Employers List, ranking the company No.1 in the state of Iowa.
This recognition is the latest Pella has earned as an employer of choice. Most recently, the company was named a 2022 Best Workplace for Innovators and Most Innovative Design company by Fast Company.
"It's an honor to be recognized again by Forbes, and to earn No.1 in our state is a powerful testament to the great culture we've built here at Pella," said John Bollman, chief human resources officer, Pella Corporation. "We want to be a place where people find purpose in their work, are valued, and continuously learn and grow – and we are doing that."
Pella employs more than 10,000 employees nationwide with over 4,500 residing in Iowa, operating across multiple locations, including its headquarters in Pella, Iowa and manufacturing facilities in Sioux Center, Carroll, Shenandoah, and Pella. The company's average team member tenure is 14 years, with more than 1,700 inducted into their Chairman's Club for 25 years of service since the program began in 1989. Pella attributes the retention to their caring culture as well a focus on career development for everyone. Competitive benefits such as retirement contributions that do not require an employee match are also contributing factors.
The company was named one of America's Best Large Employers in 2021 by Forbes and received Employees' Choice Best Place to Work in 2020 by Glassdoor and Pella's CEO Tim Yaggi was recognized as an Employees' Choice Top CEO in 2019 by Glassdoor.
If you're ready to innovate, create and go beyond, visit Pella.com/careers to see open positions.
America's Best-in-State Employers 2022 were identified in an independent survey based on a sample of nearly 70,000 Americans working for companies with over 500 employees. Evaluations were based on direct and indirect recommendations.
Pella Corporation designs and manufacturers windows and doors for residential homes and commercial applications. The company is headquartered in Pella, Iowa and employs more than 10,000 people with 18 manufacturing locations and more than 200 showrooms across the country. For more information, visit pressroom.pella.com
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SOURCE Pella Corporation | https://www.wbko.com/prnewswire/2022/08/26/pella-corporation-ranked-no1-forbes-best-in-state-employers-list/ | 2022-08-26T17:24:09Z | wbko.com | control | https://www.wbko.com/prnewswire/2022/08/26/pella-corporation-ranked-no1-forbes-best-in-state-employers-list/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department on Friday released a partially blacked out document explaining the justification for an FBI search of former President Donald Trump's Florida estate this month, when agents removed top secret government records and other classified documents. The 32-page affidavit, even in its redacted form, contains additional details about an ongoing criminal investigation that has brought fresh legal peril for Trump just as he lays the groundwork for another presidential run. Among other things, the affidavit says 14 of the 15 boxes recovered from Mar-a-Lago earlier this year contained documents with classification markings.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Fourteen of the 15 boxes recovered from former President Donald Trump's Florida estate earlier this year contained documents with classification markings, according to an FBI affidavit released Friday explaining the justification for the search of the property this month.
The 32-page affidavit, even in its redacted form, contains additional details about an ongoing criminal investigation that has brought fresh legal peril for Trump just as he lays the groundwork for another presidential run. It underscores the volume of sensitive government documents located at Mar-a-Lago and reveals FBI concerns that the records were being retained illegally.
Though the document offers the most substantial description of the investigation, federal officials also redacted significant portions of it to protect the identity of witnesses and to avoid revealing sensitive investigative tactics.
The FBI submitted the affidavit, or sworn statement, to a judge so it could obtain a warrant to search Trump's property. Affidavits typically contain vital information about an investigation, with agents spelling out the justification for why they want to search a particular property and why they believe they're likely to find evidence of a potential crime there. But affidavits routinely remain sealed during pending investigations, making the judge's decision to reveal portions of it all the more striking.
In an acknowledgment of the extraordinary public interest in the investigation, U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart on Thursday ordered the department by Friday to make public a redacted version of the affidavit. The directive came hours after federal law enforcement officials submitted under seal the portions of the affidavit that they want to keep secret as their investigation moves forward.
The redactions proposed by the Justice Department are extensive given the sensitivity of the investigation, lessening the likelihood that the document will offer a comprehensive look at the basis for the unprecedented search or significant insights about the direction of the probe. Yet even a redacted affidavit can contain at least some fresh revelations about the investigation, and is likely to help explain why federal agents who had tried for months to recover sensitive government records from Mar-a-Lago ultimately felt compelled to obtain a search warrant.
Documents previously made public show the FBI retrieved from the property 11 sets of classified documents, including information marked at the top secret level. They also show that federal agents are investigating potential violations of three federal laws, including one that governs gathering, transmitting or losing defense information under the Espionage Act. The other statutes address the concealment, mutilation or removal of records and the destruction, alteration or falsification of records in federal investigations.
It's possible that the affidavit, particularly in its unredacted form, could shed light on key unanswered questions, including why sensitive presidential documents — classified documents, among them — were transported to Mar-a-Lago after Trump left the White House and why Trump and his representatives did not supply the entire tranche of material to the National Archives and Records Administration despite repeated entreaties.
It could also offer additional details on the back-and-forth between Trump and the FBI, including a subpoena for documents that was issued last spring, as well as a June visit by FBI and Justice Department officials to assess how the materials were being stored.
The Justice Department had earlier contested arguments by media organizations to make the affidavit public, saying any disclosure could contain private information about witnesses and about investigative tactics. But Reinhart, acknowledging the extraordinary public interest in the investigation, said last week that he was disinclined to keep the entire document sealed and told federal officials to submit to him in private the redactions it wanted to make.
In his order Thursday, Reinhart said the department had made compelling arguments to leave sealed broad swaths of the document that, if disclosed, would reveal grand jury information; the identities of witnesses and "uncharged parties"; and details about the investigation's "strategy, direction, scope, sources and methods."
But he also said he was satisfied "that the Government has met its burden of showing that its proposed redactions are narrowly tailored to serve the Government's legitimate interest in the integrity of the ongoing investigation and are the least onerous alternative to sealing the entire Affidavit." | https://www.yakimaherald.com/justice-dept-releases-redacted-mar-a-lago-search-affidavit/article_85a5a18c-2560-11ed-a17c-b3e8dd9d9f11.html | 2022-08-26T17:26:53Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/justice-dept-releases-redacted-mar-a-lago-search-affidavit/article_85a5a18c-2560-11ed-a17c-b3e8dd9d9f11.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Since the day he first signed as a 16-year-old out of the Dominican Republic, the Mariners have always known they have something special in Julio Rodriguez.
And as he grew from potential-filled prospect, to baseball phenom, to every-day center fielder and now the face of their franchise, the idea of him wearing any other uniform but theirs six years from now wasn’t an option.
Now, they are making sure he stays a Mariners for years to come with a massive long-term contract extension.
MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez reported that the Mariners and Julio Rodriguez are close to finalizing a long-term contract extension with more than $200 million in guaranteed money that could reach up to $450 million.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the deal is for 14 years and includes player and team options.
As a 21-year-old rookie, Rodriguez has been the Mariners best player this season. In 108 games, he’s posted a .269/.328/.471 slash line with 19 doubles, three triples, 20 homers, 64 RBI, 64 runs scored and 23 stolen bases. Per Baseball Reference, he has 4.3 wins above replacement, which is highest on the team.
He’s the leading candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year award.
Rodriguez’s mixture of charisma and talent accentuated by the joy that he brings to the field every day has already elevated him into a superstar status in the Pacific Northwest reminiscent to Ken Griffey Jr.’s arrival in 1998.
His performance in the home-run derby where he finished second to Juan Soto while displaying his ebullient personality and Herculean baseball gifts to a national audience has elevated him as one of the future stars of Major League Baseball.
This story will be updated. | https://www.yakimaherald.com/sports/professional_sports/mariners/report-julio-rodriguez-mariners-finalizing-massive-long-term-contract/article_8d2a13ee-255f-11ed-a45a-b7ee87e9d070.html | 2022-08-26T17:26:59Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/sports/professional_sports/mariners/report-julio-rodriguez-mariners-finalizing-massive-long-term-contract/article_8d2a13ee-255f-11ed-a45a-b7ee87e9d070.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Big Ten Conference's, seven-year deal with Fox, CBS and NBC has not only set the benchmark for college sports rights, it has established the latest ground rules for realignment.
With the additions of Southern California and UCLA in 2024, the conference will have schools in the nation's top three media markets and in every time zone from coast to coast. Whether other conferences follow the Big Ten's lead will start to be known over the next couple years.
Since realignment can cause outlooks to change, here’s what we know about the current collegiate landscape and what might happen in the future:
WHY IS TV MONEY SO IMPORTANT TO COLLEGE ATHLETICS?
Television rights — the right to broadcast or stream conference games, NCAA tournaments and the College Football Playoff, for example — have become the leading source of revenue for the Power Five conferences, supplanting ticket sales and donor contributions. With fewer funds available from student fees or state assistance, media rights provide some certainty due to the length of contracts.
“The rule of thumb is that football drove 80-85% of the rights. It is now 85-90%,” said Jeff Nelson, the president of Navigate, a market research company with clients in sports and entertainment. “With the way football produces the type of viewership numbers, it is more crucial to have football rights.”
HOW BIG ARE THE CONTRACTS NOW?
The Big Ten will be the first to receive at least $1 billion per year in its deals with Fox, NBC and CBS. If the Big Ten remains at 16 schools in 2025, each program will get at least $162.5 million from conference rights.
WHICH CONFERENCES AND NETWORKS ARE AT THE FOREFRONT?
The Big Ten and Southeastern conferences. Fox has emerged as a power player in college sports with its relationship with the Big Ten, starting with the two joining forces to form the Big Ten network in 2006. At the other end is ESPN, which will have all SEC programming in 2024 when it takes over the CBS Saturday afternoon football package that is worth $3 billion over 10 years.
WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS ON OTHER LEAGUES?
As Nelson notes “there will be a division” between the top two (Big Ten, SEC) and next three (Big 12, Pac-12 and ACC).
There will likely be another flurry of realignment. The Big Ten could expand to 20 and the SEC could counter by attempting to raid the ACC, even though the conference's grant of rights agreement levies huge financial penalties if a school tries to leave early.
Notre Dame will have a lot to say about the future. Will it finally join a conference in football, especially now with NBC, its longtime broadcast partner, teaming up with the Big Ten or will it remain an independent?
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Pac-12 and Big 12 each have their deals expiring soon. The Pac-12's ends in 2024 and the conference has already started negotiating as it tries to prevent more schools from leaving. The Big 12's ends in 2025 and it will have a more diverse roster with Cincinnati, Houston, Central Florida and BYU joining the next couple years to replace Texas and Oklahoma, which will be in the SEC by then.
If the Big Ten added three or four Pac-12 programs, that would put the Big 12 in position to snap up most of the remaining schools. Goodbye Power Five and hello Big Four.
Navigate projects all of the Power Five programs to earn at least $50 million from media rights by 2028, but most will still be far behind the SEC and Big Ten. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/college-media-rights-what-has-happened-and-whats-next/article_98a1dcaa-253e-11ed-bace-0b18f82a92dc.html | 2022-08-26T17:28:38Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/college-media-rights-what-has-happened-and-whats-next/article_98a1dcaa-253e-11ed-bace-0b18f82a92dc.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Elton John and Britney Spears have collaborated for the first time, creating the slinky, club-ready single “Hold Me Closer” that sees the pop icons take old sounds and fashion something new.
The funky, piano-driven single uses John’s 1971 hit “Tiny Dancer” as the skeleton and adds elements from his songs “The One” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” all with Spears voice soaring and fluttering.
While John has been releasing new music in the past few years — including the 16-track 2021 album “The Lockdown Sessions” — the song represents Spear’s first new music since her 2016 album “Glory” and her first offering since the ending of her contentious conservatorship.
“She truly is an icon, one of the all-time great pop stars and she sounds amazing on this record. I love her dearly and am delighted with what we’ve created together,” John said in a statement. Spears, in her statement, told John it was an honor to be asked: ”I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to work with you and your legendary mind.”
The track is produced by Andrew Watt, who has worked with such acts as Ed Sheeran, Eddie Vedder, Ozzy Osbourne, Justin Bieber, Post Malone and Miley Cyrus.
The song begins with both stars singing the opening lyrics of “The One” — “I saw you dancing out the ocean/Running fast along the sand/A spirit born of earth and water/Fire flying from your hands.” It then seamlessly moves to ”Tiny Dancer”: “Hold me closer, tiny dancer/Count the headlights on the highway/Lay me down in sheets of linen/You had a busy day today.”
The track calls to mind last year’s hit “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix),” which melded John’s songs “Kiss the Bride,” “Rocket Man,” “Where’s the Shoorah?” and “Sacrifice” into a dance bop featuring vocals by Dua Lipa.
John and Spears first met in 2014 at an Oscar viewing party and she later tweeted her love of “Tiny Dancer,” sowing the seeds for the latest collaboration. John is in the midst of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/elton-john-and-britney-spears-unite-on-a-new-dance-single/article_0d50f95a-253f-11ed-942f-5ba5e33ab32f.html | 2022-08-26T17:28:45Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/elton-john-and-britney-spears-unite-on-a-new-dance-single/article_0d50f95a-253f-11ed-942f-5ba5e33ab32f.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
GASPORT — Two people were injured, one fatally, after a motor vehicle struck a tree and overturned several times on the 7900 block of Ridge Road early Friday.
Niagara County central dispatch fielded a 911 call about the accident at 1:22 a.m. Responding sheriff's deputies observed two occupants in the vehicle and summoned EMS. The passenger, a female, died at the scene, according to the sheriff's office. The driver was extricated by EMS and transported to Erie County Medical Center by Mercy Flight.
The names of the driver and passenger were withheld pending notification of family. The sheriff's Accident Investigation Unit is reviewing the incident. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/1-dead-after-single-vehicle-crash-in-gasport/article_45225120-2559-11ed-9c5f-2f253afe559e.html | 2022-08-26T17:28:51Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/1-dead-after-single-vehicle-crash-in-gasport/article_45225120-2559-11ed-9c5f-2f253afe559e.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Driven by moral outrage over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, U.S. governors and other top state officials made it clear: They wanted to cut their financial ties with Russia.
A few states quickly followed through. Idaho sold $300,000 of bonds in a Russian oil company in early March. A day before the invasion, the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System sold its shares in the Russian bank Sberbank.
But those examples are outliers. Six months into a war that has killed thousands of Ukrainians and displaced over 12 million more, most of the pledges to drop Russian investments — some made with great fanfare during news conferences — have gone unfulfilled, according to an Associated Press review, state retirement administrators and firms that invest state funds.
Swift global reaction has cut off much of Russia's economy from the rest of the world. That has made it nearly impossible for divestment by state pension funds, university endowments and other public-sector holdings — as well as private investments such as those in 401(k) accounts.
“These pension funds want to get out, but it’s just not realistic to sell everything in the current environment,” said Keith Brainard, research director at the National Association of State Retirement Administrators.
Benjamin Smith, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island treasury, said the factors that make it hard to divest also show that a worldwide effort to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin is working.
“This is good news because it means that pressure from investors across the world, including Rhode Island, is succeeding in exacting a toll on the Russian economy, making it more difficult for Putin to fund his military operation, state-owned companies, and corrupt network of oligarchs,” he said in an email, noting that Rhode Island's pension plan exposure in Russia never exceeded 0.3% of its assets.
Any pre-war investments in Russia are now worthless, or nearly so. That's raising questions from some officials and fund managers about whether divesting is even necessary.
In Hawaii, one of a handful of states where top administration officials did not pledge to divest, Gov. David Ige said at a May 5 news conference that the state's employee pension system had “very little to almost nothing” invested in Russia.
“The few remaining investments are quite small, and so I didn’t feel compelled to just make a statement for political reasons that we would be divesting,” he said.
Before Russia's invasion in late February, many government-controlled investments had only small holdings — a fraction of 1% in every reported case — in Russian investments. But even that could amount to millions of dollars.
The largest U.S. public-sector retirement fund, California’s CalPERS, said just 17 cents of every $100 of its portfolio was in Russian investments as the war broke out. Even so, that translated into $765 million worth of stocks, real estate and private equity.
By the end of June, the value had shrunk to $194 million. The entire loss was because the holdings dropped in value; none had been sold.
There is no way to know how much state government entities in the U.S. have invested in Russia or companies based there, but collectively they were worth billions of dollars before the war. Much of the money was invested in Russian government bonds, oil and coal companies as part of emerging-markets index funds.
Quick to condemn the invasion, state officials said they could put pressure on Putin by dumping their Russian investments.
“Our moral imperative before these atrocities demand that you act to address Russia’s aggressions and immediately restrict Russian access to California’s capital and investments,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote in a letter Feb. 28 to the boards overseeing the massive pension funds that serve teachers, state and local government workers and university employees.
Across the country, governors and other top officials made similar statements.
Just after the invasion began, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order calling for divestment “to the extent possible,” while Arizona's Board of Regents voted to exit any Russian investments.
The treasurers for 36 states plus the District of Columbia and U.S. Virgin Islands signed a joint letter in March advocating divestment of publicly controlled funds from Russia. They noted a financial reason for doing so: “The current crisis also constitutes a substantial risk for states’ investments and our economic security.”
A major chunk of the government holdings in Russia are in the form of index funds that investors use to mimic overall stock market performance. Russian stocks were commonly part of funds specializing in emerging markets. MCSI and other firms that decide which stocks should be in the funds quickly dropped Russian securities.
But the companies that sell investment products based on those indexes were left in the lurch, still leaving pieces of Russian stocks in their investors' portfolios.
As part of the sanctions, stock markets in the U.S. and elsewhere stopped the trading of Russian stocks. And the Moscow Stock Exchange was closed for nearly a month, reopening with tight controls that keep U.S. investors from selling.
The assets sank in value amid the invasion, though the precise value isn't always clear.
Maryland said that as of the beginning of February, $197 million of its state retirement and pension system funds were invested in Russian assets. A month later, the state estimated the value had plunged and amounted to just $32 million. The state has been unable to unload its investments.
For the handful of states in which top officials have not endorsed divestment, eroding values like that are a main reason.
Shortly after the invasion, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said the amount of state investments in Russia was “miniscule” and noted that the value was about to “shrink to almost nothing as the Russian economy is being virtually shut off from the world.”
In Florida, Lamar Taylor, the interim executive director of the agency that oversees investments of pension funds, said during a cabinet meeting that some investment managers might seek to unload Russian assets as soon as they’re able, while others could hold on in case they’re worth more later.
At the meeting, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the State Board of Administration has a legal responsibility to try to make money for the retirement system.
“That would violate your fiduciary duty, if you liquidated at massive losses for political reasons rather than for the best interests of the beneficiaries,” he said.
But DeSantis said there was a way to make it easier: Lawmakers passing a bill banning investment in Russia.
“If the Legislature could speak clearly, that would be something we’d welcome here, just to make sure we’re not furthering investments in parts of the world that are not reflective of our interests or values,” he said.
Hank Kim, executive director of the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems, said he has told member pension funds that taking steps to divest is important even if it can’t be completed right away.
"The public has a right to know that it was debated in a serious manner,” he said. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/russia-divestment-promises-by-us-states-largely-unfulfilled/article_04a73040-253e-11ed-ba72-87334ec9cca0.html | 2022-08-26T17:28:57Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/russia-divestment-promises-by-us-states-largely-unfulfilled/article_04a73040-253e-11ed-ba72-87334ec9cca0.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The McMinn County Sheriff’s Office has charged two staff members of a local private Christian school in connection to a sexual assault involving a minor.
Sheriff Joe Guy says the principal of Liberty Christian Academy, 46-year-old Jason Kennedy, has been charged with two counts of Sexual Assault by an Authority Figure and one count of Solicitation of a Minor.
Sheriff Guy says 28-year-old Brittany Branham, a secretary and home school coordinator at Liberty Christian, has been charged with one count of Solicitation of a Minor.
Sheriff Guy says the assault happened off campus and involved a minor who was previously a student at the school.
Both Kennedy and Branham were booked at the McMinn County Jail on Friday morning.
Kennedy was given a $60,000 bond and Branham was given a $15,000 bond.
Sheriff Guy says both have since made bond and were released.
Stay with the Local 3 News app for updates to this story. | https://www.local3news.com/local-news/principal-secretary-at-local-private-school-charged-in-sexual-assault-involving-a-minor/article_e29f0dce-255b-11ed-b379-4b657deb3bd5.html | 2022-08-26T17:29:01Z | local3news.com | control | https://www.local3news.com/local-news/principal-secretary-at-local-private-school-charged-in-sexual-assault-involving-a-minor/article_e29f0dce-255b-11ed-b379-4b657deb3bd5.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
As many people know, the latest restrictions passed by the New York State Legislature on those who have concealed carry weapon permits take effect on Sept. 1. Because of this new law, the county pistol permit office has been overwhelmed with many questions from current permit holders and received an unprecedented number of new applications for processing. As of Thursday, over the past nine days the pistol permit office had accepted 700 new applications, compared to 1,429 applications in all of 2021.
I want to acknowledge and thank the pistol permit office staff for their efforts to process this voluminous paperwork, and let those who have waited in long lines to submit their applications know that we appreciate their patience.
So far, we know change is coming on Sept. 1, but in many regards exactly what that change will be is still up in the air. I'm part of the Statewide County Clerks Association, and I sit on the association's pistol permit committee. I can tell you that county clerks across the state are trying to coordinate and talk through what the process is going to look like moving forward. The only thing I am sure about right now is that there is going to be considerably more paperwork and supporting documentation that will be required to submit a pistol permit application.
We are also very concerned about how we are going to communicate the new mandates to current permit holders so they can stay in compliance. Indeed, we have also been receiving a great number of questions from pistol permit holders, many of which are very specific to their individual permit. While we are trying our best to answer these questions, the unfortunate fact of the matter is that those on the front lines of the permit process — county clerks and the sheriff's office — simply have not been provided the information to answer these questions. And yes, that is very frustrating. But I can promise you that as we get more information, we will be sure to get it out to the public.
I want to stress one thing that we do know. The way that the law is written, under the new training requirements, every pistol permit issued before Sept. 1, 2022, will now have a requirement for 16 hours of safety course classroom instruction and two hours of live fire before that permit can be recertified. Plus, under the new law, recertification is now required every three years instead of the previous five-year requirement under the SAFE Act.
These additional requirements will be placing a huge burden on both permit holders and our county clerks' offices throughout the state which simply do not have the staff to handle the extra paperwork that accompanies these new mandates. And of course, there is always a cost that comes with more bureaucracy and red tape. The state legislation, not surprisingly, is silent on this issue, but you can pretty much assume that this will once again be an unfunded state mandate passed on to Niagara County taxpayers.
For now, as your Niagara County Clerk, once again, I am advising people seeking a pistol permit to apply under the current rules. I know that the lines and the wait time are long, but do not let that stop you from exercising your Second Amendment rights. The downstate legislators who rushed through this poorly drafted legislation, along with Governor Hochul, are hoping that if they put up enough hurdles, people will simply stop applying. Let's all pray together that the courts will find this awful law unconstitutional. In the meantime, be sure to stay informed. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/opinion/new-concealed-carry-rules-are-a-big-burden/article_94c4d55a-24d6-11ed-91c6-df165f617ffb.html | 2022-08-26T17:29:03Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/opinion/new-concealed-carry-rules-are-a-big-burden/article_94c4d55a-24d6-11ed-91c6-df165f617ffb.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The FBI told a judge that there was "probable cause to believe" that classified national security materials were improperly taken to "unauthorized" locations at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, and that a search would also likely find "evidence of obstruction," according to a redacted version of the search warrant affidavit released Friday.
"There is probable cause to believe that additional documents that contain classified (National Defense Information) or that are Presidential records subject to record retention requirements currently remain at (Mar-a-Lago)," the FBI affidavit says. "There is also probable cause to believe that evidence of obstruction will be found at (Mar-a-Lago.)"
Federal investigators used the affidavit to convince a judge to authorize the search that was carried out earlier this month.
The Justice Department also released a redacted legal brief explaining why it proposed the redactions to the affidavit, including possible threats to witnesses.
The DOJ argued that, without the proposed redactions, "the affidavit could be used to identify many, if not all, of these witnesses." What follows is two paragraphs of redacted material.
"If witnesses' identities are exposed, they could be subjected to harms including retaliation, intimidation, or harassment, and even threats to their physical safety," the filing said. "As the Court has already noted, 'these concerns are not hypothetical in this case.'"
Reiterating language prosecutors previously used to describe why the affidavit should be kept secret, the DOJ's legal brief said its details would provide a "road map" to the investigation and that revealing "this information could thus adversely impact the government's pursuit of relevant evidence."
It appears that one example of this risk is laid out in a redacted paragraph.
"In addition, revealing this information could severely disadvantage the government as it seeks further information from witnesses," the filing said. "In short, the government has well-founded concerns that steps may be taken to frustrate or otherwise interfere with this investigation if facts in the affidavit were prematurely disclosed."
A high-stakes search approved by the court
The affidavit was one of the documents the Justice Department filed in court to get judicial authorization for the FBI's extraordinary search of Trump's Florida home. In it, investigators had to lay out why they believed there was probable cause a crime was committed, and that evidence of that crime existed at Mar-a-Lago.
According to other documents released connected to the warrant, the FBI is investigating the willful retention of national defense information, concealment or removal of government records and obstruction of federal investigation.
The Justice Department sought the warrant after the National Archives engaged in a protracted months-long effort to retrieve documents from Trump's White House that were being stored at Mar-a-Lago. After the Archives organized the return of 15 boxes of presidential materials from Mar-a-Lago in January, the Archives referred the matter to the Justice Department for a criminal investigation.
FBI agents reviewed the 15 boxes provided to the National Archives in May, and the affidavit details the amount of classified material that was found.
Federal investigators wrote there were "184 unique documents bearing classification markings, including 67 documents marked as CONFIDENTIAL, 92 documents marked as SECRET, and 25 documents marked as TOP SECRET."
The affidavit says that there were markings on the documents with multiple classified compartmentalized controls. "Based on my training and experience, I know that documents classified at these levels typically contain" national defense information, wrote the special agent who authored the affidavit.
"Several of the documents also contained what appears to be (the former President)'s handwritten notes," the affidavit says.
The FBI search of Mar-a-Lago on August 8 occurred two months after a trip top department officials took to the resort, where they were shown where Trump was storing some of the materials. In the time between, investigators became suspicious members of Trump's team weren't being fully truthful about the situation and that documents were being withheld in the efforts to return the records to the federal government.
Fight over releasing the affidavit
The affidavit was released after a fight in court over the transparency the public was owed into a search with the historic significance of one involving the home of a former president. Soon after news of the search broke, news outlets, including CNN, and other entities filed in court, seeking the release of the warrant materials.
The Justice Department was initially willing to release some of the warrant documents publicly, with Attorney General Merrick Garland telling reporters earlier this month that Trump team's public confirmation of many aspects of the search made the move appropriate in the face of the DOJ's usual habit of keeping such materials secret.
But prosecutors balked at releasing the warrant affidavit itself, which they said would provide a "road map" to the investigation and chill the cooperation of witnesses in this and other probes. They also argued that once the necessary redactions were made, the document would be devoid of meaning. But US Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart -- who approved the warrant in early August and presided over the document release dispute -- did not buy that argument. Under his instruction, the DOJ instead proposed redactions, which he found acceptable, prompting his order for the release.
Trump calls for document's release but sits out court back-and-forth
Trump has publicly called for its release as he baselessly claimed that he was the target of a "witch hunt."
But his attorneys did not make any formal move to weigh in on the dispute before Reinhart. Only two weeks after the search did his legal team raise objections to it in court -- but in a separate legal action filed that landed before a different judge in the Southern District of Lawsuit.
In that lawsuit, Trump is asking for a third party known as a "special master" to oversee the FBI's review of the materials it seized at Mar-a-Lago. His filing this week referenced a desire to see the affidavit in full, but he didn't request an order from the judge to do so. Other apparent legal shortcomings in the complaint prompted the judge, Trump-appointee Aileen Cannon, to order he make new submissions by Friday midnight laying out exactly what he wanted and why she had the authority to grant it.
The quick pace of the proceedings around learning more about the FBI's search has showcased the disarray in Trump's legal response to the investigation. The narrative that Trump and his allies have put forward about his handling of the documents in their PR response to the search has not matched what Trump's legal team claimed in the private negotiations with the Archives that started a year and a half ago, according to documents that have been made public from those conversations.
This story has been updated with additional details.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/justice-department-releases-redacted-mar-a-lago-search-warrant-affidavit/article_55e3c757-8254-55e2-9b05-d5629986a0c2.html | 2022-08-26T17:29:35Z | local3news.com | control | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/justice-department-releases-redacted-mar-a-lago-search-warrant-affidavit/article_55e3c757-8254-55e2-9b05-d5629986a0c2.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
It's been a tough summer for Republicans intent on taking back the Senate in November, with candidates struggling to raise money, break out from their primaries and failing to take advantage of a beneficial political environment.
But GOP committees and outside groups, many of which have watched the summer malaise with concern, are increasing their planned spending in races across the country, hoping that closing the spending gap Democrats currently enjoy could help Republicans buck the summer doldrums. Democratic operatives and strategists believe that spending will help Republicans close most polling gaps in key states, ending what has been a sunnier-than-expected summer for Democratic Senate candidates and bringing races to where they will eventually end up: Remarkably close.
The latest burst in spending comes from One Nation, the public policy arm of the Senate Leadership Fund super PAC, which plans to pour more than $10 million in television, radio and digital ads in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Wisconsin, operatives tell CNN. The money comes on top of what the group is already spending in each state. The ads, which look to boost Republican Senate candidates in each of those states, will begin running this week and run through early September.
"Democrats spent the summer living a lie, pretending to be innocent bystanders in slick television ads while they worked with Joe Biden to trash our economy and raise our taxes," said Steven Law, head of the Senate Leadership Fund.
The spending, however, comes after a summer that has laid bare a set of difficult issues for Republican candidates.
In Pennsylvania, Republican Mehmet Oz has struggled to raise money and squandered months during which Democrat John Fetterman was off the campaign trial. In Georgia, a series of shaky campaign appearances by Republican Herschel Walker raised concerns among top members of his party -- and created questions about his ability to take on Democratic Sen. Rafael Warnock. And in Ohio, a state few Republicans believed they would be forced to spend money in, Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan has dwarfed Republican J.D. Vance's fundraising as he paints the conservative author as an Ohio outsider.
Bruising primaries also forced some of the GOP candidates to spend millions earlier in the cycle, making it difficult to keep the spending going at the outset of the general election. And those same Republican primaries forced candidates to move to the right, complicating each candidate's ability to pivot back to the middle as the general election begins.
Even still, Republican operatives hope that the helpful environment will mean even late spending will be enough to put GOP candidates over the edge.
"There was an onslaught of spending from the Democrats that we knew was coming. All of their spending happens earlier than ours. We just had to compensate, "said a Republican operative working on Senate campaigns. "From now until election day, we just need to spend enough to be on parity or close to parity."
There is also a sense among Democratic operatives and campaign officials that the summer of rosier headlines and surprising public polling will end soon, and the party is preparing for races from Georgia to Pennsylvania to Arizona to tighten in the coming weeks and months. Democrats have benefited from dominating the airwaves over the last few months, the operatives argued, but as Republican money floods in, races where polls show Democrats with sizable leads will tighten to dead heats.
"When the spending disparity tightens -- and it is going to tighten in their favor -- the races will look much more like what they will look on election day," said a top Democratic campaign aide.
Democrats' strong summer
Even with the difficult national environment they face -- voters traditionally want to punish the party in power two years after the presidency changes hands and polls have shown some skepticism around Democratic leadership in Washington -- the party took advantage of several advantages over the summer.
Few of their top races had competitive primaries, allowing their nominees to stockpile cash and focus on the general election --- something that could not be said for Republicans.
Those messy Republican primaries also provided Democrats with scores of attack points, many of which were used over the summer and are sure to be the center point of attacks in the closing months of the midterms.
The party has also dominated spending on television, radio and digital over the summer.
In Arizona, Sen. Mark Kelly has put his sizable campaign war chest to work, spending well around $16 million on television and radio ads between the start of May and to late August. Blake Masters, the Republican who was locked in a contentious Senate primary, only spent a fraction of that during the same amount of time.
In Pennsylvania, where Republican concerns are most pressing, Democrat John Fetterman has spent more than $8 million over the same time, compared to Oz, who until recently was largely off the air since spending millions in the closing days of his contentious primary.
And in New Hampshire, Republicans have been forced to endure a late primary -- voters won't select their nominees until September 13 -- that has allowed incumbent Democrat Sen. Maggie Hassan to stockpile money while several Republican candidates struggle to break out of the field.
As sunny as some of these races have been for Democrats, most operatives are certain that the coming months will be trying.
"Senate Republicans are plagued with a roster of deeply flawed candidates running on unpopular policy positions, but the DSCC is taking nothing for granted and we are operating under the assumption that each of our battleground races will be extremely close," said David Bergstein, top spokesperson at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Republican money is coming in
Republicans have been aggressive in pushing back against the idea that their candidates wasted the summer and start the fall in a worrisome position.
While several Republican operatives acknowledged the tough summer, they added that they are confident that once Republicans emerge from their primaries and voters begin to pay attention to the forthcoming midterm elections, the races for Senate will simply become a choice between the party in power and the challengers.
And when that choice kicks in, they argue, Republican money will be streaming in -- most notably from the Senate Leadership Fund.
To date, the Republican super PAC has reserved nearly $180 million worth of ads in Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Ohio, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
"We're going to make sure voters know who's to blame for their pain," said Law, head of the super PAC. "And the only way to stop it is to elect a Republican Senate majority this fall."
The National Republican Senatorial Committee has also pushed back against allegations that they have not been involved in key Senate races until recently, noting that they have spent more than $42 million on ad spending so far, with a bulk of that money going to North Carolina, Arizona and Georgia.
"Our strategy from the beginning of the cycle was to spend early to keep our candidates in the fight until the fall when the big spending from the outside groups picks up," said Chris Hartline, spokesman for the committee. "As we've seen in the past, you can't win elections in May or June but you can lose them."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/republican-groups-look-to-boost-spending-on-senate-campaigns-after-summer-of-missed-opportunities/article_79e45818-032b-537d-9ed5-4bf26513380a.html | 2022-08-26T17:29:41Z | local3news.com | control | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/republican-groups-look-to-boost-spending-on-senate-campaigns-after-summer-of-missed-opportunities/article_79e45818-032b-537d-9ed5-4bf26513380a.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ROUND ROCK, Texas, Aug. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Flix Entertainment LLC, owner-operator of the popular Flix Brewhouse chain of dine-in cinema breweries, today announced the appointment of Chance A. Robertson as CEO effective December 30, 2022, succeeding founder Allan Reagan. Robertson, currently the company's COO, will also join the company's board.
"Chance is a high-energy executive and battle-tested leader in the cinema dining space who has done a superlative job spearheading our resurgence from pandemic depths to admissions and market share growth exceeding all expectations. With day-to-day operations at Flix generating solid free cash flows, Chance is ready to step up strategically and direct growth of the overall Flix brand," Reagan said.
Prior to joining Flix in fall 2021, Robertson was Vice President of Operations at 26-unit Cinépolis USA and Executive Vice President at Moviehouse & Eatery when it was acquired by Cinépolis. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he spent 15 years crafting his skills at a variety of casual dining concepts before joining Moviehouse.
"I'm incredibly honored to lead Flix Brewhouse as CEO. Our team for its size is unmatched in skill and ability. Their dedication enabled a rapid recovery from the pandemic and will most certainly generate new successes as we continue to create and deliver compelling and evolved experiences for our guests," Robertson said. "Allan started something special when our first Flix, still going strong, opened over a decade ago. His vision, mentorship, immense knowledge, and tenacity over the years and through the pandemic has fostered a solid foundation for future growth."
From its 2011 start in suburban Austin, Flix Brewhouse has grown to nine full-service theaters in Texas, Iowa, Indiana, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma, totaling 78 screens. The chain is renowned for its award-winning craft breweries in each theater and tradition of innovation, which most recently includes its bespoke Easy Glider 2 best-in-class in-theater dining console and fleet of 28 banded robotic food runners.
For further information contact:
Summer Hasan, Head of Marketing and Brand
Flix Entertainment LLC shasan@flixbrewhouse.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Flix Brewhouse | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/26/chance-robertson-named-flix-brewhouse-ceo/ | 2022-08-26T17:30:30Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/26/chance-robertson-named-flix-brewhouse-ceo/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Mr. Stephen Rocheford, the President, CEO, and founder of Lavender Media, is presented the Minnesota Superior Civilian Service Award during a ceremony at the Veteran’s Service Building in Saint Paul, July 7, 2022.
This work, Minnesota National Guard recognizes partnership with LGBTQ+ community leader, veteran [Image 4 of 4], must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7389956/minnesota-national-guard-recognizes-partnership-with-lgbtq-community-leader-veteran | 2022-08-26T17:33:00Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7389956/minnesota-national-guard-recognizes-partnership-with-lgbtq-community-leader-veteran | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Living on Lake Wawasee, Cindy Peterson remembers it was once a sparkling clean lake.
“In the spring, you can see the bottom. It’s perfectly clear, very few weeds, beautiful,” she said. “And now we’re seeing more and more of the weeds, the algae blooms. ”
She worries about whether her grandchildren will be able to enjoy this well-loved northern Indiana lake as they get older. That’s why she offers her boat to researchers from the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams at Grace College. The student employees head out on the lake weekly during the summer to test for harmful algae blooms and the conditions that produce them.
“It’s going to become a dead lake if we don’t maintain it. And that’s what they’re doing with all this testing,” Peterson said.
This partnership between local residents and environmental groups is unique — but it's becoming more necessary as toxic algae blooms increase with the combination of rising water temperatures and fertilizer run-off from fields. The only way to know if a bloom is toxic is to test and sometimes toxins can even be present without a visible algae bloom. Yet many states are not routinely testing their lakes before people or pets get in the water.
Due to funding and staff restrictions, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management can only test a small number of Indiana’s lakes. The Lilly Center takes over in Kosciusko County, which has the most lakes in the state — too many for IDEM to test. In the last two years, it also started sharing that information in a newsletter so visitors and residents can recreate safely.
Having people like Peterson who care about the lakes is a large part of what makes a program like this work. The other pieces are staff, labs and the money to pay for all of it, according to Jed Harvey, a research technician who runs the testing program.
“Science is tricky because you often have to follow the money, know where it’s coming from to see what gets done,” said Harvey. “But we are really blessed to have a lot of people around here who really care about the lakes.”
The Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams is entirely funded by donors. It gets its name from the pharmaceutical Lilly family, who have made significant donations through the Ruth Lilly Philanthropic Foundation. Much of the funding also comes from the well-off residents of Lake Wawasee where massive homes and expensive boats scatter across the lakefront.
For instance, donations from the residents enabled the Lilly Center to design a buoy for Lake Wawasee that cost tens of thousands of dollars. It collects essential algae data in real-time. Most lakes don’t get nearly the same level of monitoring.
“We are aware that we will end up doing more on this lake than on other lakes,” said Harvey.
State algae testing
In the Midwest, state algae testing programs are often limited. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management tests only 18 lakes because of a lack of staff and funding.
“We have a very specific goal of protecting public health at swimming beaches and that's how we kind of keep this program on a smaller scale than just sampling all lakes in Indiana,” said Kristen Arnold, the chief of IDEM’s watershed assessment planning branch. “That would be impossible, so we have a very narrow focus of our project.”
When they do test, agencies look for toxins such as microcystin, cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxin, anatoxin-a and nodularin. Many other states only test when there has been a report of an algae bloom or someone has fallen ill. In Missouri, officials at the Department of Natural Resources said that’s because staff and funding is also an issue.
“Our water quality monitoring group, whenever something comes up they have to find somebody that's available to squeeze it in between projects,” said Lynn Milberg, director of the department’s Environmental Services Program.
Missouri DNR is also limited to accepting samples from lakes that are publicly managed. Milberg said the department knows alerting residents to harmful algae blooms is important, so it is working on an app that allows lake goers to easily report blooms that will then update an online map.
States like Iowa and Nebraska have routine monitoring of a larger number of lakes. Besides the public health benefit of gathering that information before people get in the water, there are other advantages to testing weekly, according to Daniel Kendall, an environmental specialist at Iowa Department of Natural Resources who manages the lake and beach monitoring programs.
“In my opinion, it keeps costs at a reasonable level, because we're able to do everything in-house,” Kendall said. “The cost is pretty reasonable when you're able to bulk sample and bulk process samples.”
State-wide testing also means that it is easier for lake-goers to find the results of the testing, which keeps people safer, according to Anne Schechinger, the Midwest director of the Environmental Working Group.
“If you have a state level program that tests a lot of water bodies, then, it's just the one website you go to check,” she said. “Or you know that this one lake is gonna be tested because it's on the schedule for the state agency.”
‘We can’t do everything’
In Missouri, about 200 volunteers work to help monitor the state's lakes. The Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program, which is run by the University of Missouri and supported by various state agencies, recently celebrated its 30th year.
Seven years ago the group started testing for blue-green algae after watching Toledo, Ohio shut down its drinking water due to a harmful algae bloom in Lake Erie. Though the group’s testing isn’t seeing the high numbers of toxins as in some other states, program manager Tony Thorpe said testing is essential because it often finds toxins before visible blooms appear.
“We've seen cases where the lake is clear and pristine and beautiful, and yet we'll get hits on the toxins,” Thorpe said.
Yet relying on volunteers can also be limiting, especially when they are scarce in some places. Thorpe said he knows there are lakes that need more testing. Mozingo Lake in northwest Missouri, for example, has had algae blooms in the past and is also a drinking water reservoir for the city of Maryville.
“We've been trying to get somebody sampling on that lake for a few years,” Thorpe said.
Though it tests more routinely than the DNR, the volunteer program’s data is mostly for research purposes. Each lake is sampled about eight times during the summer and processed during the winter. Thorpe said the group would take on weekly testing, but it simply doesn’t have the funding or the staff to do so — and the problem isn’t going away.
“If we listen to the climate science, it seems to indicate that this is only gonna get worse and water is a scarce resource,” he said.
Given the limits of local testing, state governments and the federal government should be doing more, according to Schechinger.
“A lake that's publicly accessible, that should really be the state or the federal government's job to do the testing, not the people who live on the lake. It's a public resource,” she said.
Schechinger knows that state agencies want to do more testing, but it’s often up to the state legislature to direct more funding to the programs. Still, she said, relying too heavily on local testing could cause equity issues.
“People who live in an area where they're aware of the issue and have enough money to pay for testing are the ones who are going to get a lot more testing,” said Schechinger.
The Lilly Center’s Harvey said that focusing locally on Kosciusko County in Indiana has been working really well. But he acknowledged the impact of climate change on algae blooms could make it difficult for local groups to keep up.
“We can’t do everything for the whole state,” Harvey said, “but as blooms like this increase, it may be something where in some places the state needs to step up.”
Harvest Public Media’s Dana Cronin contributed to this story.
Eva Tesfaye covers agriculture, food systems and rural issues for KCUR and Harvest Public Media and is a Report For America corps member. Follow Eva on Twitter @EvaRTesfaye.
This story was produced in partnership with Harvest Public Media, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest, and the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk. | https://www.kcur.org/2022-08-26/testing-the-waters-how-groups-monitor-toxic-algae-in-the-absence-of-state-testing | 2022-08-26T17:33:38Z | kcur.org | control | https://www.kcur.org/2022-08-26/testing-the-waters-how-groups-monitor-toxic-algae-in-the-absence-of-state-testing | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Kansas officials announced that the state will launch sports gaming at a "soft launch" on noon of Sept. 1.
Sports betting in Kansas will be overseen by the Kansas Lottery, and will officially open fully on Sept. 8, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The four casinos with contracts to receive bets are Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Dodge City, Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, and Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel in Pittsburg.
Butler National Corporation, an Olathe-based organization, manages Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City. Butler already has a partnership with two national sports betting brands, Bally Sports and Draft Kings, according to Butler Vice President, Chris Reedy.
Boot Hill Casino’s focus has been on the behind-the-scenes elements of sports wagering.
"There's all sorts of testing going on in the background. I mean, from a security perspective," Reedy said. "There are a lot of controls both state level and federal level that we need to comply with—a lot of that background information that a patron will never know and may never see."
Many worry about the dangers sports gambling can present, specifically addiction. Max Bichsel, vice president of U.S. business at the Gambling.com Group, said it's easy to point a finger, but gambling addiction is similar to alcohol and tobacco.
"There's structures in place to make sure that people are as protected as possible and is incumbent upon the entire ecosystem. It's not just the operators. It's not just the casinos. It's not just the players," Bichsel said. "We use Boot Hill and Draft Kings as examples. Draft Kings has algorithms in place to identify problematic behavior. They start to look at how many times people are wagering or their stake sizes growing".
- Chris Reedy, vice president of the Olathe-based Butler National Corporation
- Max Bichsel, vice president of U.S. business at the Gambling.com Group | https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2022-08-26/sports-betting-is-coming-to-kansas-just-in-time-for-football-season | 2022-08-26T17:33:38Z | kcur.org | control | https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2022-08-26/sports-betting-is-coming-to-kansas-just-in-time-for-football-season | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
A lawsuit filed by two Olathe residents that asked for preservation of Johnson County’s 2020 election data in order to aid in Sheriff Calvin Hayden’s ongoing investigation into local elections has been dismissed by a district court judge.
The suit, filed without an attorney by Katie Roberts and Hannah Mingucci Aug. 4, sought a temporary injunction that would prevent county election officials from destroying ballots, computer equipment and other records after September 4.
Officials are allowed by law to destroy old data twenty-two months after an election.
The two plaintiffs said they spoke for many others in their skepticism about the 2020 election results. Their suit, which they said was filed independently of Sheriff Hayden, did not ask that anything be done with the records, only that they be preserved.
Though recent polling data shows a sizable minority of Americans — and nearly 70% of Republicans — now profess the belief that the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump, the election’s validity has been repeatedly reaffirmed and dozens of lawsuits seeking to challenge those results around the country have been dismissed.
The lawsuit
District Court Judge James Vano concluded Roberts and Mingucci did not have standing to sue, noting they did not have sufficient claim of harm or injury if the records were destroyed.
The 101-page petition cited theories from election skeptics across the country that have evoked fears about the integrity of the election process since Donald Trump lost his reelection bid to Joe Biden.
The suit mentioned concerns and doubts about various election systems, but Vano questioned whether the plaintiffs had verified those claims for Johnson County.
The suit named Election Commissioner Fred Sherman, County Commission Chair Ed Eilert and the board of county commissioners as defendants.
This week’s hearing
At a hearing Monday, Roberts said she is not an attorney, but it was “put on my heart to do this.”
“We’re not lawyers, we’re not cyber experts, we’re not even election experts,” she said. “I’m just a mom. I have incredible instincts and when something feels off more than likely it’s off.”
Roberts explained that she began to be suspicious of the results on Election Night 2020.
She went to bed that night thinking Donald Trump had won reelection, but was astonished when returns continuing the next day indicated otherwise.
After doing her own research, she said she came to believe the voting machines were not safe and that a hand recount or vote audit would be in order.
Roberts then related the explanation she gave to her 10-year-old. She likened it to a card game in which one child kept losing at cards. At some point, that child would suspect the other player of cheating and ask to show the cards, she said.
“We want the other side to prove they are not cheating and that our vote actually is who we cast our vote for,” she concluded.
Johnson County Deputy Director of Legal Services Cynthia Dunham argued that Roberts and Mingucci did not prove any personal harm should the records be destroyed.
She also said the county would continue to preserve the 2020 election data during Hayden’s ongoing investigation, which she noted in Monday’s hearing may be completed soon.
Hayden’s office has not responded to the Post’s request for comment on when the investigation may conclude.
The judge’s ruling
Vano noted in his decision that Roberts and Mingucci did not give sufficient reason why they waited until almost the end of the 22-month period — nearly two years after the 2020 election — before filing their petition.
The two could also not legally claim to represent a larger group of concerned citizens, he said.
Nor could they claim to be acting on behalf of the sheriff or other officials, who can make their own request for record preservation, Vano said.
Roberts did say in Monday’s hearing that they filed their lawsuit on their own, independent of Hayden.
“It has not been made clear to the Court how or why a court action like this gets any more useful information,” Vano wrote. “It seems instead the prayer for an injunction of indefinite length and purpose is only to keep a vague notion alive to undermine the finality of the 2020 election.
“That said, if there is a flaw in the election process, uncovering it and correcting it going forward is a worthy nonpartisan project in the best interest of the public. It has simply not been made clear to the Court how the indefinite retention of certain election year data is necessary to address that goal,” he said.
This story was originally published on the Shawnee Mission Post. | https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2022-08-26/johnson-county-judge-throws-out-lawsuit-attempting-to-undermine-2020-election-results | 2022-08-26T17:33:39Z | kcur.org | control | https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2022-08-26/johnson-county-judge-throws-out-lawsuit-attempting-to-undermine-2020-election-results | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Kansas’ vote Aug. 2 was the first time since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade that an abortion access proposal has been put in front of voters.
Fifty-nine percent voted against an amendment that would have removed the right to an abortion from the state constitution. A partial recount confirmed the resounding margin.
“This was a big political event,” said Jake Haselswerdt, a professor of political science at the University of Missouri.
“You can bet that in states with ballot initiatives, people are paying attention,” he added.
Several states, including California, Kentucky, Montana and Vermont, have abortion ballot measures cued up for upcoming elections. Most Americans say they would like the chance to vote on an abortion measure in their state, according to a recent USA Today poll.
In Missouri, groups can file initiative petitions to appear on the ballot. They must obtain enough signatures to represent 8% of legal voters in six of the state’s eight Congressional districts. Signed petitions are due six months before an election.
“We’re changing the constitution all the time in Missouri,” Haselswerdt said.
Voters in reliably Republican Kansas upholding abortion rights raises questions about how Missourians might vote on the matter, given some of the states’ electoral similarities over the past two decades. Both voted Republican in the previous six presidential elections, and there have been Republican supermajorities in both states’ legislatures for at least 20 years.
In recent years, Missourians voted to overturn the state’s “right-to-work” law, expand Medicaid access and legalize medical marijuana. In November, an initiative to legalize recreational marijuana will appear on the ballot.
Ballot initiatives take a lot of coordination and money, Haselswerdt said. In fact, grassroots efforts seldom have the organization to build a successful campaign, he said. Often, large interest groups provide the expertise, and sometimes funding, to get a proposal to a ballot.
The campaign to protect the right to abortion in Kansas, called Kansans for Constitutional Freedom, was funded by groups such as the Sixteen Thirty Fund, which supports affordable health care and action on climate change, the Kansas Reflector reports. A large amount of funding also came from Stacy Shusterman, a philanthropist and businesswoman in Oklahoma, and Planned Parenthood.
Other funders who contributed included billionaire Michael Bloomberg, director Steven Spielberg and actress Kate Chapshaw, according to The Kansas City Star.
It’s possible these same funders could have an impact in Missouri, Haselswerdt said. People and initiatives tend to be connected across state lines.
Often, campaigns must get at least double the number of signatures needed since it’s common for signatures to be deemed invalid for reasons ranging from the person not being registered in the correct county to the writing being illegible, Haselswerdt said. Even with millions of dollars, it often takes months to collect enough signatures.
In 2019, an abortion rights group called No Bans on Choice attempted to halt a Missouri law that restricted abortion access. They group sought to do that via a referendum, which puts a law not yet into effect up to voters.
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft initially rejected the proposal, saying that part of the law in question had already gone into effect. A court eventually ordered Ashcroft to approve the measure, but, with only two weeks left for organizers to gather signatures, the petition never made it in front of voters. Earlier this year, the Missouri Supreme Court upheld the lower court's decision.
Now that Missouri has enacted a law prohibiting most instances of abortion, an abortion ballot measure in the state would be an initiative, which amends the state’s constitution.
With no chance for an abortion initiative to appear on November’s ballot since the May 8 deadline has long passed, the earliest a measure could appear is next year. There’s also the possibility that groups may wait until a big election year, such as 2024, in hopes of higher turnout.
But what Kansas’ vote proved is that it may not matter when the election is held, Haselswerdt said. Despite it being a primary election, when voter turnout is historically lower, nearly half of registered voters cast ballots. That’s a jump from other recent Kansas primaries that saw less than 35% of voters show up.
“Abortion is so salient. I don't think you're going to be able to hide it from people,” Haselswerdt said. “I think if you scheduled it for a school board primary election in April, people would still show up.”
The Missouri Secretary of State’s office will begin looking at new ballot petition applications as early as Nov. 9, following the upcoming election, a Secretary of State office representative said in an email.
Since Missouri’s state government is a majority Republican that does not support abortion access, there’s a possibility lawmakers could respond to an amendment approved by voters by creating new measures to complicate its implementation. Recently, lawmakers advanced a bill that would have asked voters to overturn the Medicaid expansion ballot measure that voters passed.
Meanwhile, groups that support abortion access are doing what they can to increase access in the state, said Maggie Olivia, policy manager at Pro-Choice Missouri. Many were aware and organizing long before the federal abortion protections fell.
“On the ground here in Missouri, movement partners in abortion access, work and advocacy, have been working very hard to be as prepared as possible for the fall of Roe v Wade, or to mitigate as much harm as possible,” she said.
That could be in the form of a ballot initiative down the line, she said. But, it’s also supporting reproductive health measures such as the new law new law in St. Louis that allocates federal COVID-19 relief funding to help women travel out of state to receive an abortion.
“Pro-Choice Missouri is playing the long game, to make sure that we are very thoughtfully and intentionally not only rebuilding abortion access in Missouri, but equitable abortion access, which was never really a reality for our state,” Olivia said.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri is also continuing its fight for access. “The ACLU of Missouri will continue to fight for abortion rights in the courts, in the statehouse, at the ballot box through ballot measures and other races, and in the streets - not just today – but for the foreseeable future,” a representative said in an email.
This story was originally published on the Missouri Business Alert. | https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2022-08-26/what-the-kansas-abortion-vote-could-mean-for-missouri-people-are-paying-attention | 2022-08-26T17:33:41Z | kcur.org | control | https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2022-08-26/what-the-kansas-abortion-vote-could-mean-for-missouri-people-are-paying-attention | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 23rd Wing speaks with a first sergeant during a Developmental Special Duty expo at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 17, 2022. The expo allowed Airmen to speak to current and former DSD Airmen to learn more about the duties of each career field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Deanna Muir)
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U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Allen, 81st Training Wing vice commander, delivers remarks during Keesler’s 81st Birthday Celebration inside the Levitow Training Support Facility at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Aug. 25, 2022. In 81 years, Keesler has evolved into the leading joint training installation and the single largest employer in South Mississippi. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
This work, Keesler celebrates 81st Birthday [Image 4 of 4], by Kemberly Groue and Kemberly Groue, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7389998/keesler-celebrates-81st-birthday | 2022-08-26T17:34:28Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7389998/keesler-celebrates-81st-birthday | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
U.S. Air Force Airman Basic Sebastian Ramirez, 335th Training Squadron student, and Retired Master Sgt. Larry McAnally, who trained at Keesler in 1966, participates in a cake cutting ceremony during Keesler’s 81st Birthday Celebration inside the Levitow Training Support Facility at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Aug. 25, 2022. In 81 years, Keesler has evolved into the leading joint training installation and the single largest employer in South Mississippi. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)
This work, Keesler celebrates 81st Birthday [Image 4 of 4], by Kemberly Groue, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7390001/keesler-celebrates-81st-birthday | 2022-08-26T17:34:47Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7390001/keesler-celebrates-81st-birthday | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
KENNEWICK, Wash.-
Around 8 a.m. Friday Kennewick Police responded to a single vehicle rollover accident near the intersection of 10th and Edison.
According to Officer Ramos with the Kennewick Police, the driver was removed from the car at the scene.
Police are currently assessing the situation and are advising drivers to avoid the area if possible.
They will advise the public when the roadway is cleared. | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/car-rolls-on-edison-in-kennewick/article_d518a1e8-2555-11ed-8871-530d4bbe2a09.html | 2022-08-26T17:35:36Z | nbcrightnow.com | control | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/car-rolls-on-edison-in-kennewick/article_d518a1e8-2555-11ed-8871-530d4bbe2a09.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash.-
Deputies from the Yakima County Sheriff's Office and medics from Fire District 5 responded to an injury collision in the 1300 block of Lateral A road around 5:50 a.m. Thursday.
According to a press release from the Yakima County Sheriff's Office, a Toyota Corolla travelling north was rear-ended by a Ford F-250, that was also travelling north.
The driver of the Ford reportedly did not see the Corolla until it was too late to stop. They were uninjured in the crash.
The driver of the Corolla suffered serious injuries and was transported to the hospital.
The passenger of the Corolla, Marisol Chavez, 40, of Wapato, died at the scene of the crash.
Intoxicants are not believed to be a factor in the crash at this time.
The Yakima County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating the collision. | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/deadly-crash-in-yakima-county/article_7efdfcb4-2559-11ed-bcd0-5bca9348c73e.html | 2022-08-26T17:35:42Z | nbcrightnow.com | control | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/deadly-crash-in-yakima-county/article_7efdfcb4-2559-11ed-bcd0-5bca9348c73e.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
WHITE SWAN, Wash.-
Crews with the Yakima County Fire District #5 responded to a haystack fire in White Swan around 12 a.m. Friday.
The hay fire in the 900 block of Towtnuk Road also lit some surrounding grass on fire.
The grass fire was quickly put out and crews are expected to remain on scene for a few hours to monitor the haystack fire. | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/haystack-burns-in-white-swan/article_84e586f8-2552-11ed-b4f6-0b20e17e727e.html | 2022-08-26T17:35:48Z | nbcrightnow.com | control | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/haystack-burns-in-white-swan/article_84e586f8-2552-11ed-b4f6-0b20e17e727e.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
RICHLAND, Wash.-
The Kadlec Healthplex offers a collaborative approach to therapy and outpatient care, providing around twenty services in one location at 1268 Lee Boulevard in Richland.
In addition to being a great place to host community health events, the Healthplex offers a broad range of resources, including physical and rehabilitative therapy, a health library, teaching space, a demonstration kitchen, and an indoor walking path. | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/kadlec-healthplex-offers-broad-range-of-services-in-richland/article_f3cd667e-254a-11ed-a2a2-f76f858ced59.html | 2022-08-26T17:35:54Z | nbcrightnow.com | control | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/kadlec-healthplex-offers-broad-range-of-services-in-richland/article_f3cd667e-254a-11ed-a2a2-f76f858ced59.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
RICHLAND, Wash.-
August, 26th, is National Dog Day and Kadlec hospital in Richland will introduce the newest members of its K-9 security team today.
Handler Pete and K-9 Major will be introduced to the hospital and community at 10 a.m. at the Kadlec Healthplex at 1268 Lee Boulevard in Richland.
Pete and Major will join Phil and K-9 Colonel, who have been with Kadlec since 2019.
The Kadlec K-9 security program is funded by the Kadlec Foundation. | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/kadlec-set-to-introduce-new-k-9-team-on-national-dog-day/article_6befab46-255d-11ed-b95f-8baee5494d89.html | 2022-08-26T17:36:01Z | nbcrightnow.com | control | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/kadlec-set-to-introduce-new-k-9-team-on-national-dog-day/article_6befab46-255d-11ed-b95f-8baee5494d89.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The New Jersey Boardman Birthplace Historic marker is located on the Boardmian Crest (a popular view sight-on Newfound Lake'...read more of the post\nLakefront ﴷ連 Home of Historic Taftsville Inn Availabl... read more>><| iHeartMedia has ventured into the virtual world by launching its own entertainment space in Fortnite.
On Wednesday, the media giant debuted iHeartLand, which they plan to host events and concerts in hopes of attracting younger audiences, The Hollywood Reporter reported.
The space will have several different areas, including a main stage called State Farm Park and mini-games.
The company said the space was developed by Atlas Creative, a game developer specializing in Fortnite Island development.
“Our goal is to meet audiences where they are - delivering innovative, incredible programming to constantly challenge ourselves to take entertainment to the next level. iHeartLand will feature a full calendar of music and podcast performances at State Farm Park that give fans a chance to play and interact with shows and artists in awesome new ways,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group, in a news release.
The company says 20 events are planned over the next 12 months.
The first of which will kick off on Sept. 9 with a special two-part performance by Charlie Puth. | https://www.fox17online.com/news/national/iheartmedia-launches-its-own-space-in-fortnite-to-host-events-concerts | 2022-08-26T17:43:19Z | fox17online.com | control | https://www.fox17online.com/news/national/iheartmedia-launches-its-own-space-in-fortnite-to-host-events-concerts | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
GREENWOOD, Ind. — Authorities in Indiana say the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old high school student at an Indianapolis-area bus stop was caused by a "minor conflict."
During a Friday news conference, Greenwood Police Chief James Ison said that the 18-year-old suspect knew the victim,16-year-old Temario Stokes Jr., and lived in a neighborhood about a mile away from him.
During the conference, Ison called on parents and guardians to teach their children proper conflict resolution skills to prevent similar situations.
"I stand up here asking parents: Please be engaged in your child's world. Know what's going on in their lives. Teach them the value of life and the consequences for their actions. Teach them appropriate conflict resolution and that violence is never the answer.
"It's all too often these days that we're seeing our youth resort to pulling a trigger as a result of minor conflicts; not necessarily here in Greenwood — we saw that yesterday — but any time you turn on the news, it seems like it's a pretty common story anymore. That's a problem. We've got to teach our kids that there's other ways to resolve these conflicts.
Ison also revealed police located the suspect about three hours after the shooting near a cornfield. He was "soaking wet" with dirtied clothes at the time, Ison said.
Greenwood police first responded about 7 a.m. in the Summerfield subdivision for a shooting report. It was there they found the Whiteland Community High School sophomore shot several times, lying on the ground.
Responders aided Temario, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene.
About three hours later, officers saw a person later identified as the suspect walking near a cornfield and then into a yard on Declaration Drive. He was then taken into custody on suspicion of murder.
The suspect graduated from Whiteland Community High School just last year. At the same time, Temario had just transferred there and attended classes for only four days before his death, according to Clark-Pleasant School Corporation Superintendent Patrick Spray.
"Thoughts and prayers are not enough to lift this unimaginable pain upon Temario Stokes' family. To his family, please know we are here for you. We will do what we need to do to try to make your family whole," Spray said.
Spray also thanked Greenwood police and other agencies assisting in the Thursday response.
Mental health services will be made available to all students and staff at Clark-Pleasant, Spray said.
Police have said Temario was shot at a school bus stop, but his family tells WRTV he was still on his way to the stop when shots rang out.
Ison declined to specify the nature of the conflict that led to the shooting and other details, citing an ongoing investigation.
But he did speak to what he called "an abnormal amount of homicides" this year in Greenwood.
"I think the times we're living in, we're seeing more violence all around the country and it tends to be migrating into the suburbs. Greenwood is still a very safe place. We have a wonderful police department and very dedicated officers," he said. "I don't think there's any concern of rising crime necessarily; just a run of bad luck and chance."
Ison also noted that the Johnson County Prosecutor's Office reviewed the case and said he expects an update on possible charges as early as next week.
Johnson County Coroner Michael Pruitt said an autopsy had been scheduled for Saturday.
"As a result of yesterday, there's a 16-year-old young man that lost his life, there's a family that's experiencing unimaginable grief because of that loss. But there's also a family that lost an 18-year-old that's now incarcerated for murder. And for what? A minor conflict? It's just not worth it," Ison said.
The full conference can be viewed here. | https://www.fox17online.com/news/national/police-minor-conflict-led-to-fatal-shooting-of-16-year-old-at-bus-stop | 2022-08-26T17:43:31Z | fox17online.com | control | https://www.fox17online.com/news/national/police-minor-conflict-led-to-fatal-shooting-of-16-year-old-at-bus-stop | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Aug. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Encompass Health Corp. (NYSE: EHC) today announced it plans to build a freestanding, 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Norristown, Pennsylvania. The hospital will be located at 2660 Audubon Road in Lower Providence Township.
Complementing local acute care services, the future hospital will serve patients recovering from debilitating illnesses and injuries, including strokes and other neurological disorders, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and complex orthopedic conditions. In addition to 24‑hour nursing care, this hospital will offer physical, occupational and speech therapies to restore functional ability and quality of life. Care will be provided by highly specialized nurses, therapists and physicians.
The hospital will feature all private patient rooms, a spacious therapy gym with advanced rehabilitation technologies and an activities of daily living suite, cafeteria, dining room, pharmacy and therapy courtyard.
"We are excited to expand and grow our rehabilitation services in Southeast Pennsylvania," said Pat Tuer, president of Encompass Health's Northeast region. "We remain committed to making a difference in the communities we serve by improving access to high-quality, individualized rehabilitative care, and this new hospital will allow even more residents to receive specialized care close to home."
The planned hospital, once opened, will be Encompass Health's 10th inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Pennsylvania.
About Encompass Health
Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) is the largest owner and operator of rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. With a national footprint that includes 152 hospitals in 36 states and Puerto Rico, the Company provides high-quality, compassionate rehabilitative care for patients recovering from a major injury or illness, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. Encompass Health is ranked as one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For and Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work in Healthcare. For more information, visit encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release which are not historical facts, such as those relating to the likelihood, timing and effects of the completion of this hospital project, are forward-looking statements. In addition, Encompass Health may from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning the matters described herein. All such estimates, projections, and forward-looking information speak only as of the date hereof, and Encompass Health undertakes no duty to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Encompass Health's actual results or events may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the regulatory review and approval process, any adverse outcome of various lawsuits, claims, and legal or regulatory proceedings that may be brought by or against the Company; the possibility this project will experience unexpected delays; the ability to successfully complete this project consistent with Encompass Health's growth strategy, including realization of anticipated revenues and avoidance of unforeseen exposure to liabilities; the continued spread of COVID-19, including the speed, depth, geographic reach and duration of the spread; the actions to be taken by Encompass Health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in the regulation of the healthcare industry at either or both of the federal and state levels; competitive pressures in the healthcare industry and Encompass Health's response thereto; the hospital's ability to maintain proper local, state and federal licensing; potential disruptions, breaches, or other incidents affecting the proper operation, availability, or security of Encompass Health's information systems; Encompass Health's ability to attract and retain nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals in a highly competitive environment with often severe staffing shortages and the impact on Encompass Health's labor expenses from potential union activity and staffing shortages; changes, delays in (including in connection with resolution of Medicare payment reviews or appeals), or suspension of reimbursement for Encompass Health's services by governmental or private payors; general conditions in the economy and capital markets; and other factors which may be identified from time to time in Encompass Health's SEC filings and other public announcements, including Encompass Health's Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2021 and Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022.
Media contact:
Danielle Hall | 205-970-5912
danielle.hall@encompasshealth.com
Investor Relations contact:
Mark Miller | 205-970-5860
mark.miller@encompasshealth.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Encompass Health Corp. | https://www.wave3.com/prnewswire/2022/08/26/encompass-health-announces-plans-build-50-bed-inpatient-rehabilitation-hospital-norristown-pennsylvania/ | 2022-08-26T17:43:58Z | wave3.com | control | https://www.wave3.com/prnewswire/2022/08/26/encompass-health-announces-plans-build-50-bed-inpatient-rehabilitation-hospital-norristown-pennsylvania/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Exclusive Preview: X-Force #31
Exclusive Preview: X-Force #31
Dark times have come for the mutants of Krakoa, and for the members of X-Force. Following a crisis on the island, Quentin Quire is missing and presumed dead without a chance to be resurrected. Wolverine has quit the team, and new members Omega Red and Deadpool aren’t exactly reliable. At the same time, the Eternals have declared war on all mutants. And the Avengers’ attempts to save both sides have only awakened a new Celestial that intends to pass judgment on the entire world. X-Force #31
Meanwhile, Omega Red maimed Deadpool and left him for dead on their first mission together. It was less a betrayal, and more like Deadpool just got on Omega Red’s nerves. Some time later, Kraven the Hunter found Deadpool’s dismembered body in the belly of a slain polar bear. However, Kraven has a much bigger game in mind.
In Superhero Hype’s exclusive preview for X-Force #31, Benjamin Percy and artist Robert Gill follow Kraven as he makes his boldest move yet. Rather than running from the Judgment Day event, he is embracing it. Now, Kraven come all the way out to Avengers Mountain to face the Celestial alone.
RELATED: First Look At Fantastic Four #46
Here’s the official description from Marvel.
“KRAVEN’S MUTANT HUNT! Mutants have staked their claim as the dominant species. That just means it’s time for Kraven to prove once more he’s the apex predator. Benjamin Percy’s saga continues with a Kraven tale unlike any other, sure to reverberate for decades to come!“
You can read the full preview in our gallery below. X-Force #31 will hit comic book stores on Wednesday, August 31.
What did you think about this preview? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Marvel Comics: 75 Years of Cover Art
Cover illustrated by Joshua Cassara and colored by Dean White. Pages illustrated by Robert Gill, colored by Guru-eFX, and lettered by Joe Caramagna.X-Force #31 cover
X-Force #31 page 1
X-Force #31 page 2
X-Force #31 page 3
We are also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate advertising program also provides a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. | https://www.superherohype.com/comics/518402-exclusive-preview-x-force-31 | 2022-08-26T17:44:16Z | superherohype.com | control | https://www.superherohype.com/comics/518402-exclusive-preview-x-force-31 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Matt Shakman In Negotiations To Direct Marvel’s Fantastic Four Reboot
Marvel’s Fantastic Four reboot has been in need of a new director since Jon Watts left the project in April. However, Watts’ replacement may be signed soon. As originally reported by The Direct and now confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, WandaVision helmer Matt Shakman is in talks to take over the new FF movie. Shakman had been lined up to direct the next Star Trek movie with the Kelvin timeline cast as well. But since Star Trek 4‘s 2023 release is so close to Fantastic Four‘s, he may not be able to handle both.
Shakman made his name as a director in television prior to joining Marvel’s WandaVision. Some of his TV directorial credits include The Boys, Game of Thrones, Fargo, Mad Men, Succession, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. That’s a very eclectic mix of genre, drama, and comedy.
RELATED: Kevin Feige Says Fantastic Four Reboot Won’t Be An Origin Story
Presuming Shakman does sign on for FF, the next order of business would be to line up the cast. Despite John Krasinski’s cameo as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, there are no indications that he will reprise his role. By the time the movie gets released, it will be nine years after the disastrous Fant4stic film that bombed on arrival in 2015.
Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the Fantastic Four in 1961, and their adventures became the cornerstone for the Marvel Universe. Marvel Studios is giving the reboot film a prime position as the first movie in its Phase 6 films. Fantastic Four will hit theaters on November 8, 2024.
What do you think about Matt Shakman taking on the FF? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Fantastic Four Vol. 1: New Departure, New Arrivals
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate advertising program also provides a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. | https://www.superherohype.com/movies/518394-matt-shakman-in-negotiations-to-direct-marvels-fantastic-four-reboot | 2022-08-26T17:44:22Z | superherohype.com | control | https://www.superherohype.com/movies/518394-matt-shakman-in-negotiations-to-direct-marvels-fantastic-four-reboot | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
HBO Renews House of the Dragon For Season 2
It’s official: fire will continue to reign on HBO. The Hollywood Reporter brings word that House of the Dragon has been renewed for a second season.
The renewal comes less than a week after the series’ pilot debuted on the network and set a new ratings record for HBO. According to reports, nearly 10 million viewers watched the show’s first episode, making it the most-viewed premiere in HBO history. Since it aired last Sunday, those numbers have increased to 20 million across all available platforms, including HBO Max and on demand.
“We are beyond proud of what the entire House of the Dragon team has accomplished with season one,” said Francesca Orsi, executive VP of HBO programming. “Our phenomenal cast and crew undertook a massive challenge and exceeded all expectations, delivering a show that has already established itself as must-see-TV. A huge thank you [to co-creator and executive producer George R.R. Martin and co-creator and showrunners Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik] for leading us on this journey. We couldn’t be more excited to continue bringing to life the epic saga of House Targaryen with season two.”
RELATED: House of the Dragon’s Paddy Considine Turned Down Game of Thrones
House of the Dragon is the first Game of Thrones spinoff to premiere since the flagship series ended its own run in 2019. But in light of its ratings success, it definitely won’t be the last. The original Game of Thrones finale may have polarized and even alienated longtime fans when it aired just three years ago. Regardless, if the new show’s viewers numbers proved anything, it’s that there’s still an appetite for tales set in Westeros. This bodes well for the seven additional GoT spinoff series currently in development.
The second episode of House of the Dragon will air this Sunday at 9pm on HBO.
Are you glad the show is coming back for another season? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones
We are also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate advertising program also provides a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. | https://www.superherohype.com/tv/518392-hbo-renews-house-of-the-dragon-for-season-2 | 2022-08-26T17:44:29Z | superherohype.com | control | https://www.superherohype.com/tv/518392-hbo-renews-house-of-the-dragon-for-season-2 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
(The Hill) – A redacted FBI affidavit used to convince a judge for a search warrant for former President Trump’s Florida home noted that authorities found 184 classified documents in their initial review of recovered boxes in an effort that began just a few months after he left office.
Authorities’ concern that Trump may have additional national security information at his private residence was spurred by a review of the 15 boxes recovered by the National Archives in January.
The affidavit indicates that among the 184 documents were 25 that contained top secret information, including those gained from “clandestine human sources,” information prohibited from being shared with foreign governments, and information obtained by monitoring “foreign communications signals.”
The 28-page affidavit contains numerous redactions but indicates authorities believed “evidence, contraband, fruits of crime, or other items illegally possessed” would be found at Mar-a-Lago.
Entirely redacted is a provision explaining why the government believed additional “classified [national defense information]” would be found on the premises.
In a separate filing explaining the rationale behind its redactions, DOJ said it had to protect “a broad range of civilian witnesses,” warning they would likely face intimidation.
The same federal magistrate judge who approved the search ordered DOJ to release the affidavit that convinced him to approve the warrant. Judge Bruce Reinhart concluded Thursday that proposed redactions from DOJ were narrow enough to allow for public disclosure while protecting their ongoing investigation.
The affidavit offers new information about the extent of the saga to recover documents from Mar-a-Lago. The document says the National Archives first reached out about retrieving records as early as May 6, 2021 — just a few months after Trump left office.
Yet it wasn’t until late that year that the Trump team alerted Archives that they had 12 boxes ready for pick up. The agency would instead leave with 15.
The release of the redact affidavit follows the disclosure of the warrant that allowed for the search of Trump’s home, indicating that storing documents there may have violated the Espionage Act, as well as two other statutes.
One bars concealing, removing and mutilating government documents, and the other prohibits similar actions when done “with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence [an] investigation.”
An inventory released alongside the warrant indicated the FBI recovered 11 different sets of classified documents during the search, along with information about “the president of France” and Trump’s pardon of his ally Roger Stone.
Trump had called for the release of both the warrant and the affidavit. He filed a separate case however seeking an injunction to stall the FBI’s investigation and asking a court to appoint a special master for the case. Doing so would let an outside party approved by the court first review the evidence taken during the search before the FBI can review it.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/national-news/heavily-redacted-affidavit-says-184-classified-docs-found-at-trump-residence/ | 2022-08-26T17:46:57Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/national-news/heavily-redacted-affidavit-says-184-classified-docs-found-at-trump-residence/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
(The Hill) – The Justice Department on Friday complied with a judge’s order to release a redacted version of the affidavit that convinced him to approve a warrant to search former President Trump’s Florida home.
Its release comes after Judge Bruce Reinhart ordered the Justice Department to propose redactions to a document that the department argued a full release of would compromise their ongoing investigation.
Read the redacted document below.
The Justice Department previously unsealed portions of the warrant related to the search of Mar-a-Lago earlier this month, indicated that the government seized 11 different sets of classified materials, along with other information about Trump’s decision to pardon ally Roger Stone.
The warrant also indicated that Trump was under investigation for a possible violation of the Espionage Act, as well as two other statutes: one that bars concealing, removing and mutilating government documents, and another that prohibits similar actions when done “with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence [an] investigation.” | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/politics/read-the-unsealed-department-of-justices-trump-warrant-affidavit/ | 2022-08-26T17:47:24Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/politics/read-the-unsealed-department-of-justices-trump-warrant-affidavit/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — A man who admitted to grievously harming a 7-week-old infant received a life sentence Wednesday for the abuse, as reported by our news partners, the Coeur d'Alene Press.
Nicholas T. Branson, 27, of Hayden, pleaded guilty in June to injury to a child and forcible sexual penetration by foreign object, both felonies.
District Judge John Mitchell sentenced Branson to life in prison with 25 years fixed for sexual penetration and 10 years for injury to a child. The sentences, which are the maximum allowed for the crimes, will run concurrently.
That means Branson will be eligible for parole in about 25 years.
In late March, Hailey N. Harris pleaded guilty to felony injury to a child for her role in the abuse and received the maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
A married couple, Branson and Harris were arrested in January after a monthlong investigation by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, triggered by a report of an infant with “traumatic” injuries at Kootenai Health.
A doctor who examined the child described brain injuries as “very specific to abuse” and “not seen in accidental head injury.”
The child had bleeding around her brain, according to court documents, as well as in the backs of her eyes and in her lower back.
She sustained at least 14 fractures, including multiple fractures to both legs. Rib fractures consistent with blunt force trauma or squeezing appeared to have occurred at different times.
Tests indicated liver damage, likely caused by trauma to the abdomen.
Medical staff also discovered trauma to the child’s genitals, which Branson admitted to causing.
A medical expert reportedly testified at Branson’s sentencing that the genital injuries were the worst she had seen in a child that age. Physical evidence of child sexual abuse is rare, she said.
The child was reportedly discharged from the hospital in late December and entered foster care.
The long-term impacts of the abuse are not yet known, prosecutors said.
The Coeur d'Alene Press is a KREM 2 news partner. For more from our partners, click here.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email webspokane@krem.com. | https://www.krem.com/article/news/crime/hayden-man-life-sentence-abuse/293-4400bf73-1582-4dad-b99d-e26310466eba | 2022-08-26T17:49:32Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/news/crime/hayden-man-life-sentence-abuse/293-4400bf73-1582-4dad-b99d-e26310466eba | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
BELLEVUE, Wash. — The parents of Sam Martinez, the Bellevue teen who died after a 2019 Washington State University (WSU) hazing incident, urge other families to learn from their story.
As thousands of young people in Washington prepare to head off to college, Martinez’s mother, Jolayne Houtz, said one of their greatest fears is hearing of another death to hazing.
“I will take that so personally if it happens. And I pray that it doesn’t. We just can’t afford to lose any of our young people and especially to something as bizarre and medieval as hazing,” Houtz said. “It’s really hard to talk about what happened to Sam but I couldn’t forgive myself if we didn’t try to share our story in a way that could reach someone.”
Martinez joined WSU’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity (ATO) in August 2019.
In November of that year, he attended the frat’s annual “Big-Little Night” party where new recruits find out who their “big brother” will be throughout college. Police records show Martinez’s big brother provided a half-gallon of rum to Martinez and another freshman to split between the two – the equivalent of 40 shots. Fraternity members tried to help Martinez when he became extremely inebriated by helping him to the basement of the house and putting him to bed on a couch with a bucket nearby for vomiting, according to police.
But no one recognized the signs of alcohol poisoning. No one called 911 for help until finding Martinez unresponsive in the morning. By the time first responders arrived, Martinez was dead of acute alcohol poisoning.
“I saw him last night when I walked in here and he was fine. And I woke up this morning and he was just face down and we turned him over,” a fellow freshman told Pullman police the morning Martinez died. “It’s just a lot. I didn’t think this would ever happen.”
A Pullman police investigation determined Martinez was illegally hazed by upperclassmen by encouraging him to drink to excess as part of becoming a member of ATO.
“He’s the first thing we think about and the last thing we think about before going to sleep,” Houtz said. “The hole in our lives is palpable, it is ever-present, and it hurts.”
Martinez’s parents urge other families to do research before choosing a fraternity, sorority or other campus club.
When Martinez went off to school, there was no information on the WSU website or provided at student orientation about the history of hazing at any of the school’s fraternities, including ATO.
“ATO was well-known to have a terrible track record for having disciplinary issues,” Houtz said. “At the highest levels of WSU, they knew this was a troubled chapter and people kept intervening for them and covering for them and none of it was published. I had no access. We had no access to that information.”
“Nothing negative. Everything was bright and solid,” said Martinez’s dad, Hector. “It was totally covered up.”
Sam’s Law goes into effect
A bill championed by Houtz and Hector Martinez in the last legislative session, Sam’s Law, officially went into effect July 1. It requires all colleges in the state to provide hazing training to incoming students. It also mandates that schools track and publicize incidents of hazing on the school website.
Sam’s Law is designed to take the cloak of secrecy off hazing.
“(Now on the WSU website) you see the names, the same chapters getting into trouble over and over again. That’s a red flag and sadly we didn’t have that information, but now parents (have access to that),” Houtz said. “This would have been a non-starter for me. I would not have wanted Sam to join, and I don’t think he would have wanted to join if we had known (the track record of hazing infractions).”
“I do expect it will save lives over time. I think it will save lives this fall as they start to go through (training). More and more people will understand the dangers (of hazing),” said state Rep. Mari Leavitt, D-University Place, who sponsored the bill. Leavitt is vice chair of the House College and Workplace Development Committee.
“To those who think that hazing is just something that’s done and that you can’t impact or change that culture, I would submit that that’s not the case. I think the Sams of Washington state; there are several families I can name off that have been impacted by this. And it’s a serious situation for those families and those communities and it just really has to stop.”
Parents didn’t recognize signs of hazing
In the first months of Sam Martinez’s affiliation with ATO, his parents recall him mentioning activities that at the time didn’t register as hazing, but now they know otherwise. Martinez told his parents he was tired from having to get up early and walk across campus from his dorm to the fraternity for cleaning chores alongside other freshmen. Martinez also told his parents upperclassmen had the pledges do “wall sits,” an exercise where you lean against a wall and hold a sitting position.
“And I will regret that every day for the rest of my life that I didn’t see the signals,” Houtz said. “They weren’t strong signals, but they were there.”
The police investigation into Martinez’s death revealed widespread hazing before the “Big-Little Night” tragedy. Detectives found pledges received “various punishments” for failing to do fraternity tasks appropriately, such as cleaning up after parties or missing answers to fraternity history tests.
“New members reported eating or taking bites of onions, drinking some type of mixture as a group, cleaning up disgusting messes, having to clean messes with a toothbrush and completing physical tasks like pushups and wall sits,” wrote a Pullman detective in a narrative associated with the case.
“They were sworn to secrecy. It’s the brotherhood, and it hurts me that he had to go through that,” Houtz said. “In the end, it was just us. There was nobody who had (Martinez’s) back. Not the brotherhood, not the fraternity and definitely not WSU. They were not our partners. They did not have our backs.”
Pullman police and hazing experts underscore that “force” is not necessary for hazing to occur. Even if a person being recruited to a fraternity, athletic team or other student group agrees to activities such as drinking to excess or doing physical exercises, hazing is still taking place, as it may appear necessary to join the group.
According to Washington state law, hazing is defined as “any act as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation, (or) pledging…is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm or…emotional harm…regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.”
“In many (people) there’s a strong need to belong and belong to this group. So, they’re willing to do just about anything to be part of this organization,” said Pullman Police Chief Gary Jenkins. “Being willing to do something that’s potentially harmful to you; that’s what hazing is.”
Additional hazing legislation to be proposed
In the next legislative session that begins in January, Martinez’s parents and state Rep. Leavitt will team up again in an effort to pass another hazing bill. This one would increase the crime of hazing from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor. And in cases where hazing leads to substantial bodily harm or death, the bill will call for a felony charge.
Martinez’s parents hope awareness and the knowledge that all hazing is dangerous will prevent another death like the one that’s shattered their lives.
“I’m still picking shards of glass out of the life that I thought we were going to have together,” Houtz said. “All of us as a family. And I feel there’s so much more work to do.” | https://www.krem.com/article/news/investigations/sam-martinez-wsu-hazing-warning-new-school-year/281-b84c044c-3bdf-46a0-a1a1-2ef6d5459227 | 2022-08-26T17:49:38Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/news/investigations/sam-martinez-wsu-hazing-warning-new-school-year/281-b84c044c-3bdf-46a0-a1a1-2ef6d5459227 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SEATTLE — Julio Rodriguez is reportedly finalizing a contract extension worth over $200 million with the Seattle Mariners Friday morning, as the team positions its future around its star centerfielder.
Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reported that Rodriguez' extension will be for 14 years and $210 million guaranteed. The 21-year-old could earn as much as $450 million if he qualifies for certain contract incentives, Sanchez tweeted.
The length of Rodriguez' contract puts him in rarefied history in Major League Baseball (MLB). The last time a player signed a contract of 14 years or more was Fernando Tatis in February 2021.
Rodriguez has totaled 20 home runs, 64 runs batted in, 64 runs and 23 stolen bases along with a .269 batting average in his standout rookie MLB season. He's produced 4.3 wins above replacement for the Mariners, the 10th highest mark in the American League, according to Baseball Reference.
For his efforts, Rodriguez became one of just 14 position players under the age of 22 named to All-Star team in their rookie season. That list is littered with current and future Hall of Famers like Albert Pujols, Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Tim Raines, Johnny Bench and Rod Carew.
In his first home run derby, Rodriguez battled with Juan Soto, arguably the best hitter in Major League Baseball. He finished as the first-ever player to hit multiple 30-HR rounds in a single derby. The burgeoning superstar already surpassed Ken Griffey Jr.'s (59) all-time mark in the Home Run Derby before the final even kicked off.
Rodríguez finished his first derby with 81 home runs. Soto, the eventual winner, had 53 home runs.
It was then that Rodriguez' star was born.
The burgeoning superstar has been instrumental in bringing the Mariners to the brink of making the playoffs for the first time since 2001. In May, the Mariners nearly matched a franchise record with 14 consecutive wins.
Seattle has a 91.3% chance of claiming one of six playoff spots in the American League, according to ESPN.com. | https://www.krem.com/article/sports/mlb/julio-rodriguez-14-year-210-million-extension-seattle-mariners/281-a3c8e689-32bf-40e6-9bc6-f3b746e4c829 | 2022-08-26T17:49:45Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/sports/mlb/julio-rodriguez-14-year-210-million-extension-seattle-mariners/281-a3c8e689-32bf-40e6-9bc6-f3b746e4c829 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
More than 1,200 people arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel on August 26, the highest daily total since current records began in 2018. Some 27 boats made the journey, the provisional Ministry of Defence data said, which suggests an average of around 48 people per boat.
This comes as more asylum seekers received letters saying they will be deported to Rwanda, the Guardian reported this week. The latest notices are being issued ahead of a High Court hearing which will determine whether or not the policy to send asylum seekers arriving through “irregular routes” is lawful. Charity Freedom from Torture reacted on Twitter saying: “We still don’t know when the flights will be, but one thing is sure - we have to get to work. All of us. The flights were stopped before. They can be again.”
A deportation flight was grounded in June after a series of legal challenges, including last-minute interventions by the European Court of Human Rights. Kent Refugee Action Network previously told KentLive that the Rwanda deal will not stop people from making this journey. For more news and features about our minority communities, sign up to Untold Stories here.
READ MORE: Sandwich aqua park re-opens after visitors' mystery illness prompts water tests
How many people crossed the Channel this year?
More than 22,600 people have arrived in the UK after making the 22-mile journey across the channel in small boats risking their lives in the hope of a better life, according to official figures. At the equivalent point in 2021, the cumulative total was just under 12,500. Overall, 28,526 people made the crossing last year. The reasons suggested behind the high numbers of crossing include the hot weather and the effective interception of bats at sea. In August only, 6,271 people have been recorded making the crossing.
When was Home Secretary Priti Patel’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda revealed and how many people crossed the Channel since then?
It is four months since she unveiled plans to send them to Rwanda in a bid to curb Channel crossings. Since then, 17,402 people have arrived in the UK after making the journey. Britain has already paid Rwanda £120 million to take asylum seekers. The UK government stands to lose the money if the plan is ruled unlawful by the courts.
How many applications has the UK received?
According to the UN Refugee Agency, there were 135,912 refugees in the UK, 83,489 pending asylum cases and 3,968 stateless people in the UK as of mid-2021. This is far behind Germany which reported almost 1.24 million refugees and 233,000 asylum seekers during the same period. The UK received 48,540 in 2021, compared to Germany with 127,000 applications and France with 96,000. According to the UK government, this is 63 per cent more than the previous year and the highest number for almost two decades.
The UK offered protection, in the form of asylum, humanitarian protection, alternative forms of leave and resettlement, to 14,734 people (including dependants) in 2021. Of these:
81 per cent were granted refugee status following an asylum application (‘asylum’)
6 per cent were granted humanitarian protection
2 per cent were granted alternative forms of leave (such as discretionary leave, UASC leave)
11 per cent were granted refugee status through resettlement schemes
How was Ms Patel’s plans received by campaigners and charities?
Several asylum seekers, the Public and Commercial Services union and charities Care4Calais, Detention Action and Asylum Aid are challenging the legality of the Home Office policy, with the next court hearings due in September and October. Protests will be organised across the country on September 5 including outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London. This will be the first day of a five-day hearing to decide on the lawfulness of the Rwanda plan.
Why KentLive uses the word 'people' when referring to 'migrants'
KentLive uses the term people when referring to those who cross the Channel and arrive on our shores.
That's because, regardless of their status at the point of entry, those moving from one country to the other are human beings.
You will have seen them commonly referred to as migrants. This is not incorrect.
The UN Migration Agency defines a migrant as - any person who is moving or has moved across an international border or within a state away from his/her habitual place of residence, regardless of the person’s legal status, whether the movement is voluntary or involuntary, what the causes for the movement are, or what the length of the stay is.
KentLive also refers to people in these circumstances as refugees.
The UN definition of refugees is - people who are outside their country of origin for reasons of feared persecution, conflict, generalised violence, or other circumstances that have seriously disturbed public order and, as a result, require international protection.
Are there any safe and legal routes for refugees and asylum seekers?
There are no safe and legal routes for asylum seekers. Many have to take irregular routes as the only way to get asylum status is to be in the UK.
There are a few options for refugees:
UK resettlement scheme
The scheme was started in February 2021 and is available to people recognised as refugees. It aims to bring vulnerable refugees to the UK and prioritises refugees, including children in regions of conflict and instability.
Figures from the Home Office show that they had resettled 345 refugees between January and March 2021 across all resettlement schemes.
Refugee family reunion
This route is available for family members to join those who have already been recognised as refugees in Britain. The Home Office said earlier this year that it has granted more than 29,000 Refugee Family Reunion visas in the last five years.
Community sponsorship scheme
Local community groups provide housing and support to resettled families or individuals and it works in much the same way as the UK Resettlement Scheme.
Mandate resettlement scheme
This is a smaller global scheme that resettles refugees who have a close family member in the UK who is willing to accommodate them.
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- Syrian refugee family wanted to leave Kent but reveal why they are starting to settle
- The best Caribbean restaurants in Kent according to Tripadvisor | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/asylum-seekers-start-rwanda-deportation-7514499 | 2022-08-26T17:51:06Z | kentlive.news | control | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/asylum-seekers-start-rwanda-deportation-7514499 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The EURUSD is lower, but is still above the low for the day and the 100 hour MA.
The current price is at 0.9977. The low for the day reached 0.99459. That took the price briefly below the 0.99515 level which was the low from July 14 low.
The July 14 low stalled the fall at the time and led to run up to 1.0378. The price fell below that level earlier this month on the way to a new low at 0.98992 (bid side). Call it 0.9900. A move back below 0.99515 should give sellers the go-ahead to push toward the lows for the year (and new 20 year lows).
The 100 hour MA is just above that July 14 low level at 0.99635.
Of note today is the move to the downside in the EURUSD has been somewhat buffered by a report earlier today that the ECB should consider 75 bp hike at the next meeting. Seeing that the ECB has 1 tighten of 50 BPs under it's belt, getting some room to the upside, even if growth is on the verge of falling off a cliff may provide the shove into a dark recession. The reality is the EU is hostage to Russia. Russia needs to open the spigots for them to see a recovery. If they don't open the spigots, there is risk of runaway inflation that monetary policy will have a tough time cracking and with it recessionary lower growth.
Meanwhile in the US, the Fed chair is ready to fight inflation to the the death but at least he/they have the benefit of a strong labor market and continued growth. That may change, but the dynamics favor the dollar even if ECB does raise by 75 basis points. | https://www.forexlive.com/technical-analysis/just-a-reminder-of-the-eurusd-downside-levels-to-keep-in-mind-20220826/ | 2022-08-26T17:51:15Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/technical-analysis/just-a-reminder-of-the-eurusd-downside-levels-to-keep-in-mind-20220826/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
People are being urged to avoid Tesco in Broadstairs due to an ongoing incident. Fire crews are currently dealing with an incident in the vicinity of the petrol station at Westwood Cross. It is believed that a fuel tanker leaked fuel on the A254 Margate Road between Coxes Lane and the A256 Haine Road. All motorists are urged to avoid the area as a result of the leakage.
Considerable traffic queues are forming in the area following the incident which happened some time around 5.30pm today (August 26). Traffic is also building on the A256 and delays are to be expected for anybody attempting to travel in the area. In a tweet posted at 5:54pm, KFRS said: "Firefighters are asking people to avoid the vicinity of #Tesco petrol station at #WestwoodCross, #Broadstairs due to an ongoing incident. Please share this information with loved ones who do not use social media."
READ MORE: Latest phase of A21 Tonbridge Bypass roadworks confirmed as closures to last three weekends
Traffic site INRIX has said: "A254 Margate Road in both directions closed due to fuel tanker leaking fuel from Coxes Lane to A256 Haine Road (Westwood Cross). Most roads around Tesco Petrol Station are closed and fire services are on scene."
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Kent Fire and Rescue Service statement continued:
Kent Police is also in attendance and engineers from the fuel company are enroute to assist. I'll have more details on our website in due course, but for the moment we're asking everyone to avoid the area as a precautionary measure.
'Leaking fuel tank' the cause of the police incident
Kent Fire and Rescue Service has said:
We have firefighters in attendance at the Tesco petrol station at Westwood Cross following a call received at 4.33pm. They're dealing with an ongoing incident where a 50m cordon has been set up for public safety due to a leaking fuel tank.
Tesco Extra closed
Kent Police has blocked the entrance to the Tesco Extra superstore at Westwood Cross. This comes as a result of the suspected fuel or gas leak which was reported some time after 5:30pm this afternoon.
'Suspected gas leak'
A suspected gas leak has been suggested as the cause of the police incident at Westwood Cross this afternoon. Large areas have had to be evacuated as a result of the incident with witnesses at the scene suggesting a gas leak was the potential cause.
Numerous shops and buildings closed
The Tesco Superstore as well as the Canterbury Bell remain closed following an incident at Westwood Cross. Some of the car parks which serve the shopping centre have been cleared whilst Kent Fire and Rescue Service go about their work. | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/live-westwood-cross-incident-updates-7516568 | 2022-08-26T17:51:16Z | kentlive.news | control | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/live-westwood-cross-incident-updates-7516568 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Two people who murdered a Folkestone man in his own home in an "extremely violent" attack have been jailed for life. Paul Wakefield was was found with serious injuries on the evening of January 2.
He was taken to hospital and died the following day. Detectives found that the 66-year-old had received four visitors on the day of the attack, two of whom were Shane Myles and Kayleigh Halliday.
The other two guests had left before Halliday and Myles severely beat the victim, who was also stabbed with a broken bottle. The pair then left the scene.
Read next: Dead puppies discovered dumped at nature reserve
Mr Wakefield was discovered at 8.50pm and police officers established Halliday and Myles had been at the property. They were tracked down and arrested elsewhere in Folkestone around three hours later.
Myles had Mr Wakefield's bank card on him and traces of the victim's blood were found on both suspects' shoes. Detectives later used CCTV to work out the route taken by the pair following the attack and Mr Wakefield's phone was found discarded on that route.
Halliday and Myles both tried to blame each other for the murder. They were sentenced on Friday (August 26), with life sentences imposed on both.
Myles was convicted of murder following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court and the 31-year-old, formerly of Rock Avenue, Gillingham, was ordered to serve a minimum of 22 years in prison. Halliday, 36, formerly of Crown Road, Sittingbourne, admitted murder part-way through the trial and has been ordered to serve a minimum of 21 years and three months before she is eligible for parole.
'Cowardly and extremely violent attack'
Detective Inspector Ross Gurden of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: 'This was a cowardly and extremely violent attack on a man in his own home and I am pleased the court has recognised the seriousness of the offence with these sentences. Mr Wakefield's death was deeply upsetting for his family, friends and the local community and I am sure their sense of loss will continue well beyond today.
"However, I hope the fact that the case has been quickly dealt with and two people are now starting life sentences helps Mr Wakefield's relatives as they attempt to rebuild their lives."
Get more on the latest news from KentLive straight to your inbox for free HERE .
READ NEXT: | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/pair-jailed-life-extremely-violent-7516366 | 2022-08-26T17:51:26Z | kentlive.news | control | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/pair-jailed-life-extremely-violent-7516366 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Heading into the holiday weekend, business is looking up for Los Angeles County’s hotel industry. Thousands of hotel employees have returned to work following the pandemic. Overall, there were about 37,000 more hospitality jobs in July 2022 compared to the same time last year.
Hotel worker union Unite Here Local 11 would like to take credit for this recovery. Union co-president Susan Minato recently boasted, “We are proud of the work we have done…to put people back to work in good union jobs.”
But the union is far from deserving a standing ovation. A recent report released by the Center for Union Facts details how Local 11 spent more time looking out for its own interests rather than protecting workers during the pandemic.
It turns out the union actually fought against federal aid for the hospitality industry, pushed to keep hotels from reopening safely, and potentially even exploited the Paycheck Protection Program.
In May 2021, Unite Here Local 11 sent a letter to Congress establishing its “firm opposition to the ‘Save Hotel Jobs Act,’” decrying it as a “federal handout” to the hospitality industry. The bill in question — which was introduced by a Democratic senator and had the support of the Unite Here International — provided “new grants and tax credits to help pay hotel employees, bring back laid-off workers, and ensure safe workplaces.” Apparently, this didn’t seem like a good plan to the union.
Instead, the union recently threw its weight behind California’s Hospitality Workers Right to Return law, an ambiguously-worded mandate that it has subsequently used to target disfavored hotels.
In December 2020, Local 11 called for a second lockdown – including hotel closures. At the time, unemployment in the tourism and hospitality industry — the very industry Local 11’s members primarily make up — was at 90 percent. Los Angeles County had instituted reopening protocols that addressed health and safety, meaning hospitality workers could return to their jobs safely. But the union still fought to keep members unemployed. Meanwhile, Local 11 was still happy to send in-person canvassers to Georgia, where a contentious Senate race was taking place.
The union also raised the cost of dues for its struggling members during the pandemic. It’s worth noting that none of the union’s co-presidents took a substantial pay cut – even when the vast majority of union members were unemployed.
Local 11 may have even exploited a loophole in federal pandemic aid to divert money meant from one of its nonprofit arms back to the union. Several Local 11 employees had a sudden career shift around the same time that the union’s nonprofit, the Los Angeles Hospitality Training Academy (HTA), qualified for a substantial Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. Even after taking on new roles at HTA, evidence shows these staff members continued to operate on behalf of the union. My organization even filed a complaint against the union with the Small Business Administration to investigate a potential abuse of the PPP loan.
Despite all evidence to the contrary, Local 11 is determined to take credit for getting hotel employees back to work. But this so-called victory rings hollow after years spent fighting against hotel reopenings and keeping its own members out-of-work. After all, there wouldn’t be any jobs to bring back if business didn’t ramp up at hotels.
The hotel industry in Los Angeles is recovering not because of Local 11, but in spite of the union’s tactics. As for the union’s own recovery, Local 11 should ask itself if workers would really want to join an organization with this type of track record.
Charlyce Bozzello is the communications director at the Center for Union Facts, a 501c3 dedicated to accountability and transparency in today’s labor movement.
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At a recent panel discussion featuring Marine astronauts at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, questions ranged from how their experience as a Marine helped them to how they use the bathroom in space.
“That’s my favorite topic,” Sgt. Joseph Acaba answered to a room full of chuckles. Acaba, a Marine Corps reservist, is one of three Marine astronauts training to go to the moon in 2024 as part of NASA’s Artemis program.
Acaba was joined by fellow astronauts Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden Jr. and Col. Robert Cabana for the Aug. 13 panel discussion, “Journey to Space: Stories of Marines.” The panel ran alongside the museum’s temporary exhibit, “Spaceflight: The Marine Astronauts,” which includes information about all three panelists and is on display until January 2024.
Also on the panel were Sgt. Katie Maynard, NASA’s chief of protocol, and Master Sgt. Randolph Harris, deputy chief of NASA’s Enterprise Management Office.
Bolden was NASA’s administrator from 2009 to 2017. Before that, he flew four Space Shuttle missions, including the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope and the first joint mission between the U.S. and Russia.
He talked about his initial response to the idea of the joint mission. “I have no interest in doing that,” Bolden said. “I don't wanna fly with any damn Russian… I've trained all my life to kill them and them to kill me.”
But Bolden said his supervisor at NASA persuaded him to have dinner with the Russian cosmonauts.
“The three of us talked about our families… we talked about the kind of world that we wanted our kids to grow up in.” And after the dinner, he changed his mind. “It is the time I cherish more than my other 14 years in the space program because of the opportunity to meet them and learn that you really can work with anybody.”
The relationships forged by Bolden on the STS-60 mission helped lay a foundation that eventually led to the International Space Station. Cabana, currently NASA’s associate administrator, was part of the first assembly mission for the space station and one of the first people to set foot on the vessel. Acaba, the only active astronaut on the panel, traveled to the space station twice, in 2012 and 2018.
Asked to recall memorable moments, Acaba said, “Probably the most memorable is the first time you see Earth from space… It is just amazing to have that view. To understand the work that went into getting us up there… We’re lucky to fly into space.”
The panel fielded questions from people of all ages, including one that surprised Bolden. One little girl, sitting on her mom’s lap, asked whether any of the astronauts flew on the Saturn V rocket, which powered the Apollo missions in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
“How old are you?” asked Bolden, “How do you know about the Saturn V?”
None was a part of the Apollo missions, but Cabana told another story.
“When I was a midshipman at the Naval Academy, the physics honor society took a field trip to the Kennedy Space Center, and I got to see Apollo 13 launch to the moon,” he recalled. “Jim Lovell was a Naval Academy graduate. He was the commander, a Naval aviator, a test pilot and an astronaut. I said, ‘You know, maybe I could do that,’ and so that was pretty awesome.” | https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/video-from-marines-to-astronauts/article_0c0e609c-255c-11ed-bd40-5f126b2dfd5d.html | 2022-08-26T17:53:00Z | insidenova.com | control | https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/video-from-marines-to-astronauts/article_0c0e609c-255c-11ed-bd40-5f126b2dfd5d.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
I know how challenging it can be to find your place in a new country.
In 1981, my family fled the Soviet-Afghan War and were resettled here in Northern Virginia. We spoke no English, had no community and encountered a completely different way of living. For me, as a young Afghan woman, this meant pursuing an education in secret. Today, I’m an English professor at Northern Virginia Community College.
I don’t just teach reading and writing but help Virginians share their stories. Storytelling is how we build trust and foster empathy. It brings people together. That’s why I’m launching “Journeys to NoVa” a new column for InsideNoVa. Virginia is home to 1.1 million immigrants, including more than 6,000 Afghan evacuees. By sharing some of their experiences with you, I hope all of us can better know our neighbors.
To start, I spoke with Yalda Royan, an Afghan women’s rights activist and colleague at NVCC. Growing up in Afghanistan, Royan bucked every social norm in leaving her abusive husband years before and fighting to establish independence for herself and two daughters. In Kabul, she served as the deputy chief of party for Musharikat, a pillar of Promote, the largest USAID-funded program for Afghan women, and consulted for U.N. Women, the World Bank and the feminist organization VOICE Amplified.
When Kabul fell to the Taliban on August 15, 2021, Royan immediately became a target because of her advocacy work and ethnic and religious background. Further, she feared her ex-husband would try to keep her and their daughters in Afghanistan rather than allowing them to leave and seek safety elsewhere.
It took two attempts to drive to the airport under the hail of gunfire before she and her daughters finally made it into the terminal. When passing Taliban forces on the road, “I kept my eyes closed,” Yalda said. “I didn’t want to see those ugly faces. I wanted to remember the beautiful memories I have of Kabul.”
Still, the scenes inside the airport were traumatic. For two days, the family waited among thousands of frightened evacuees without food and with little water. She grieved those who’d been left behind. For years, she had provided financial support to several families in her community. After Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, with the banks closed, she hadn’t been able to leave them money for food, let alone travel.
Royan and her daughters were lucky – not just to have passage but to have secured their passports and other important documents before fleeing their home. This made it much easier to be granted humanitarian parole, a temporary legal status, once they landed at Dulles International Airport. The team at VOICE Amplified launched a GoFundMe to help Royan and her daughters secure an apartment, and her aunt, who lives in Herndon, helped them find donated and second-hand furniture.
Still, Royan felt wildly out of control. “I was an independent woman back home,” she told me. “Then overnight, I became a recipient of help. I was embarrassed.”
Everyone assured her that Americans were happy to assist. But Royan comes from a culture that views accepting help as shameful. She was relieved when her work visa was approved five months after being relocated to Virginia and she was hired in NOVA’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
With one daughter enrolled in school and the other searching for work, and Royan’s new career providing much-needed financial stability, she began to flourish. Around this time, a colleague introduced us, and we bonded over our shared feelings of inferiority. We love our homeland, but our culture is not empowering for women.
“Most of the time, I keep things in my heart rather than say them and risk saying the wrong thing,” Royan told me. “The trauma and cultural things women face in Afghanistan make it difficult to convince ourselves that we are strong and good enough.”
And yet we push against the doubt. For Royan, that means advocacy. In the past year, she’s spoken twice at the U.N. Security Council about the dangers Afghan women and girls are facing. She has urged leaders to hold the Taliban accountable. And she continues her work with VOICE Amplified. At NOVA, she works with community partners to address the needs of minority students.
It’s a blessing for both of us to have made our homes here in Virginia. Though she arrived many years after I did, she has become a role model for me. As I watch her battle her own insecurities and work tirelessly for Afghan women, I’m reminded how powerful and strong we are. No matter how much we are repressed or the number of challenges we face, we continue to rise up.
Sophia Aimen Sexton is a professor of English at Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale campus. | https://www.insidenova.com/opinion/guest-opinion-rising-up-despite-the-challenges/article_96dac042-24fa-11ed-b417-57a3e2cc1683.html | 2022-08-26T17:53:06Z | insidenova.com | control | https://www.insidenova.com/opinion/guest-opinion-rising-up-despite-the-challenges/article_96dac042-24fa-11ed-b417-57a3e2cc1683.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation eased last month as energy prices tumbled, raising hopes that the surging costs of everything from gasoline to food may have peaked.
According to a Commerce Department report Friday that is closely watched by the Federal Reserve, consumer prices rose 6.3% in July from a year earlier after posting an annual increase of 6.8% in June, the biggest jump since 1982. Energy prices made the difference in July: They dropped last month after surging in June.
Yet on the same day at the Federal Reserve’s annual economic symposium in Jackson Hole, Chair Jerome Powell delivered a stark message: The Fed will likely impose more large interest rate hikes in coming months and is resolutely focused on taming inflation.
There was hope that the Fed might signal a moderation in rate increases if inflation were to show further signs of easing.
So-called core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 4.6% last month from a year earlier after rising 4.8% in June. The drop — along with a reduction in the Labor Department’s consumer price index last month — suggests that inflationary pressures may be easing.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices actually fell 0.1% from June to July; core inflation blipped up 0.1%, the Commerce Department reported.
And the Fed appears ready to continue efforts to ensure prices are moving in the right direction.
Inflation started rising sharply in the spring of 2021 as the economy rebounded with surprising speed from the short but devastating coronavirus recession a year earlier. Surging customer orders overwhelmed factories, ports and freight yards, leading to delays, shortages and higher prices. Inflation is a worldwide problem, especially since the Russian invasion of Ukraine drove up global food and energy prices.
On Friday, regulators in the U.K. said that residents will see an 80% increase in their annual household energy bills.
In the United States, the Commerce Department’s personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index is less well known than the Labor Department’s consumer price index (CPI).
But the Fed prefers the PCE index as a gauge of inflationary pressures, partly because the Commerce index attempts to measure how consumers adjust to rising prices by, for example, substituting cheaper store brands for pricier name brands.
There is evidence just in the last several months that that is taking place at numerous levels.
CPI has been showing higher inflation than PCE; Last month, for instance, CPI was running at an 8.5% annual pace after hitting a four-decade high 9.1% in June. One reason: The Labor Department’s index gives more weight to rents, which have soared this year.
The Commerce Department also reported Friday that Americans’ after-tax personal income rose 0.3% from June to July after adjusting for inflation; it has fallen in June. Consumer spending rose 0.2% last month after accounting for higher prices.
Spiking prices have become a political threat to the current administration and President Joe Biden was quick to point to the latest data that could show inflation is loosening its grip.
“The American people are starting to get some relief from high prices, and the Inflation Reduction Act that I signed last month will also help bring prices down,” Biden said Friday. “Gas prices decreased every day this summer – the fastest decline in over a decade. And, today’s report showed that personal income was up last month as well.”
The Fed was slow to respond to rising inflation, thinking it the temporary result of supply chain bottlenecks. But as prices continued to climb, the U.S. central bank moved aggressively, hiking its benchmark interest rate four times since March.
On Friday, Powell warned more explicitly than he has in the past that the Fed’s continued tightening of credit will cause pain for many households and businesses as its higher rates further slow the economy and potentially lead to job losses.
“These are the unfortunate costs of reducing inflation,” Powell said. “But a failure to restore price stability would mean far greater pain.”
Price pressures may already be easing as the U.S. economy slows. Gross domestic product — broadest measure of economic output — shrank in the first half of 2020 as borrowing costs increased. The housing market has been hit especially hard. And supply chain backlogs have started to unsnarl.
“Inflation appears to have peaked in mid-2022 and should slow on a year-over-year basis through the rest of this year and in 2023,″ said Gus Faucher, chief economist at PNC.
Nick Zawitz, who runs Tangle Creations, a South San Francisco company that makes Fidget Toys among others, said that shipping costs have plunged and raw materials prices have dropped slightly. Meanwhile, the company’s sales are up 45% over the past year. “Things are chugging along,’’ Zawitz said. | https://www.wpri.com/money/hints-of-cooling-prices-but-fed-vows-firm-inflation-stance/ | 2022-08-26T17:53:38Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/money/hints-of-cooling-prices-but-fed-vows-firm-inflation-stance/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
MarketplaceContests Actions Facebook Tweet Email Jurassic Quest Contest! Posted at 1:21 PM, Aug 26, 2022 and last updated 2022-08-26 13:21:07-04 Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for the Headlines Newsletter and receive up to date information. now signed up to receive the Headlines Newsletter. Click here to manage all Newsletters Apps ABC 27 Streaming | https://www.wtxl.com/marketplace/contests/jurassic-quest-contest | 2022-08-26T17:56:38Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/marketplace/contests/jurassic-quest-contest | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
iHeartMedia has ventured into the virtual world by launching its own entertainment space in Fortnite.
On Wednesday, the media giant debuted iHeartLand, which they plan to host events and concerts in hopes of attracting younger audiences, The Hollywood Reporter reported.
The space will have several different areas, including a main stage called State Farm Park and mini-games.
The company said the space was developed by Atlas Creative, a game developer specializing in Fortnite Island development.
“Our goal is to meet audiences where they are - delivering innovative, incredible programming to constantly challenge ourselves to take entertainment to the next level. iHeartLand will feature a full calendar of music and podcast performances at State Farm Park that give fans a chance to play and interact with shows and artists in awesome new ways,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group, in a news release.
The company says 20 events are planned over the next 12 months.
The first of which will kick off on Sept. 9 with a special two-part performance by Charlie Puth. | https://www.wtxl.com/news/national/iheartmedia-launches-its-own-space-in-fortnite-to-host-events-concerts | 2022-08-26T17:56:44Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/news/national/iheartmedia-launches-its-own-space-in-fortnite-to-host-events-concerts | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, dethroned Joe Rogan as the top podcaster on Spotify.
Meghan released her highly-anticipated podcast this week. In the first episode of "Archetypes," Meghan interviews tennis star Serena Williams.
The pair discusses the challenges of motherhood, especially the stigmas faced by ambitious women.
“The Joe Rogan Experience” has been consistently the No. 1 podcast on Spotify.
It remains to be seen whether Meghan will permanently overtake Rogan as the No. 1 podcast.
Next week’s episode of Archetypes will feature Mariah Carey.
Meghan said the goal of her podcast is to "investigate, dissect, and subvert the labels that try to hold women back." | https://www.wtxl.com/news/national/meghans-new-spotify-podcast-tops-joe-rogan | 2022-08-26T17:56:50Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/news/national/meghans-new-spotify-podcast-tops-joe-rogan | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
It's been over a month since someone in Illinois won the $1.337 billion Mega Millions jackpot, and according to state lottery officials, the winnings have yet to be claimed.
According to the Illinois Lottery, the winning ticket was bought in July at a Speedway gas station in Des Plaines, about 20 miles outside Chicago.
But as of Friday, the winnings haven't been claimed.
On Friday's "Today" show, co-anchor Hoda Kotb said state lottery officials are urging those in the state to recheck their tickets.
The winning numbers were: 13-36-45-57-67, Mega Ball: 14, the Associated Press reported.
"For a prize of this magnitude, it's not unusual for the winner to take a while to claim," said Harold Mays, the state's Lottery Director, in a previous statement. "I'm sure they're going through a range of emotions."
Illinois Lottery spokesperson Emilia Mazur told the Associated Press that state lottery winners who win more than $250,000 could choose to stay anonymous per Illinois regulations.
According to state lottery rules, although winners have up to 12 months to claim their prize, they have 60 days from the drawing date to choose the cash option or be paid annually over 29 years, the Associated Press reported.
The news outlet reported that if the winner chooses the cash option, they could likely receive $780.5 million.
According to the Associated Press, the huge jackpot was the third-largest ever lottery prize in the U.S. | https://www.wtxl.com/news/national/winner-of-1-3-billion-mega-millions-jackpot-has-yet-to-claim-prize-lottery-officials-say | 2022-08-26T17:56:58Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/news/national/winner-of-1-3-billion-mega-millions-jackpot-has-yet-to-claim-prize-lottery-officials-say | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
By Scott Prater
Mountaineer staff
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Fort Carson conducted its annual Full-Scale Exercise at various locations on post Aug. 16-19, 2022.
The event, dubbed Mountain Guardian 22, was designed to test on-post organizations’ corroboration, communication and response to a large-scale crisis situation. In past years, exercise leaders have tested the installation’s response to simulated natural disasters, aviation crashes and active-shooter scenarios. This year’s event measured how the installation could respond to and recover from a large-scale power outage.
On Aug. 16, 2022, event planners simulated a traffic crash. As part of the scenario, a vehicle crashed into an electrical substation near Titus Boulevard on the post’s south side. A power outage then subsequently impacted the entire south side of the installation, including Butts Army Heliport, Gate 19, Fort Carson Range Control, the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and the 4th Infantry Division Headquarters area.
Fort Carson leaders responded by setting up an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and began working with Colorado Springs Utilities to rectify the situation.
The EOC included leaders and staff of the Fort Carson operations team, the Directorate of Emergency Services, the Directorate of Public Works and various subject matter experts. In response to the simulation, EOC decision makers partnered with Colorado Springs Utilities to augment generator capabilities; they set up a shelter for impacted residents and advised both on-post motorists and residents on proper actions.
“In day-to-day operations, we normally wouldn’t operate in the same room,” said Col. Sean M. Brown, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Carson. “But, during an emergency type scenario, we come together into the Emergency Operations Center. That allows us to coordinate more closely with each other and flatten decision making. All of the people with information that impacts decision making are present in one location. The sooner we can make more decisions more rapidly, the better.”
Annual full-scale exercises allow Fort Carson to evaluate emergency response plans, identify capability gaps and refine processes so that in the event of a real catastrophic situation, the installation is ready to respond while continuing to care for Soldiers and Families. This training is a culmination of smaller exercises completed by the garrison staff throughout the year to ensure the post is prepared to respond to any potential emergency situation that may arise.
“Power outages are fairly common along the front range,” Brown said. “So, this is something that we do experience from time to time. And, we have various plans, depending on the scope and scale of the power outage. If it’s limited to a few buildings, we have the ability to react ourselves, but if it’s more widespread, we have to involve a lot more of our community partners. And of course, if it’s terribly widespread, that may become more of a state or even national emergency.”
Leaders and EOC personnel also performed after-action reviews often.
“After the exercise, and actually during the exercise, we collect feedback from ourselves,” Brown said. “We study those things that went well; we set out a plan to maintain those things and then we look at those things that didn’t go as well as they could have. We dissect and figure out how we can do it better and then encapsulate that so the next time we experience a similar situation we’ll have the benefit of lessons learned from our exercise.”
Next year, post leaders are planning to incorporate some sort of fire scenario, which will allow decision makers to exercise preparedness for community Families.
This work, Power outage simulation tests garrison response, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/news/428118/power-outage-simulation-tests-garrison-response | 2022-08-26T17:59:26Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/news/428118/power-outage-simulation-tests-garrison-response | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
A memorial service for Master Sgt. Richard Agosto will be held at 2 p.m., Sept. 1, 2022 The Rock Chapel in Baumholder, Germany.
Agosto, an Operations NCO with the 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion-Enhanced, 2d Theater Signal Brigade, died June 21, 2022.
“The 44th has lost a member of our family,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Keenan, 44th ESB-E Commander. “We share in the sorrow felt by Richard’s loved ones, and we must not forget the valuable contribution he made to our Nation, and the impact he has left on our organization.”
The memorial service will also be streamed via Facebook Live on the 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion-Enhanced Facebook page at www.facebook.com/44thESBE/
Contact the 2d Theater Signal Brigade Public Affairs office at usarmy.wiesbaden.2-sig-bde.list.pao@army.mil for more information.
This work, 44th ESB-E to host Memorial Service for Servicemember, by Candy C Knight, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/news/428124/44th-esb-e-host-memorial-service-servicemember | 2022-08-26T17:59:57Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/news/428124/44th-esb-e-host-memorial-service-servicemember | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
14-year-old boy arrested for carrying a weapon aboard CTA Red Line train
CHICAGO - A 14-year-old boy who was allegedly carrying a weapon aboard a CTA Red Line train in Englewood is facing a felony charge.
Chicago police said officers were conducting a platform check Thursday night at a Red Line station in the 200 block of West 63rd Street when they saw the boy crossing between train cars.
After approaching the teen, officers discovered he was carrying a weapon and marijuana, according to police.
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The boy was taken into custody and charged with a felony count of unlawful use of a weapon and a misdemeanor count of possession of cannabis.
(FOX 32 Chicago)
He was also issued a citation for crossing between train cars through a prohibited access point, police said.
He was due in juvenile court Friday. | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/14-year-old-boy-arrested-for-carrying-a-weapon-aboard-cta-red-line-train | 2022-08-26T18:01:42Z | fox32chicago.com | control | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/14-year-old-boy-arrested-for-carrying-a-weapon-aboard-cta-red-line-train | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
'Momma's going to have robot, prosthetic legs': Victim of 'Playpen' accident talks about her recovery
CHICAGO - Nearly two weeks after her feet were severed in a boating accident at the "Playpen" in downtown Chicago, Lana Batochir says she still hasn’t seen her two young children but expects to be discharged from the hospital by the end of the week.
She hasn’t told her 6-year-old daughter yet that both her legs were amputated below the knee.
"I really want to tell her sooner than later and just be able to hug her and kiss her," she said in a video update from her hospital bed on Wednesday. "I know she’s going to accept me. And she’s going to understand that momma’s going to have robot, prosthetic legs. And hopefully she’ll think it’s cool."
Batochir, 34, said she’s been video chatting with her kids every day but said "it’s just not the same."
"This is why I feel so lucky. I could’ve died — and I’m alive. And I’m able to hug my kids. I’m able to kiss them," she said. "I’ll be able to see my kids grow up and see them graduate from high school, college. It’s going to be good. That really keeps me going."
She said the accident "feels like it was a long time ago, but then it feels like it was yesterday. It feels like it was a nightmare. It doesn’t feel real but I know it’s real because I’m sitting here with half my legs gone. I’m still recovering."
The accident happened late in the afternoon on Aug. 13 as the captain of a rented yacht struggled with a malfunctioning anchor and began drifting, according to a preliminary accident report.
To correct the drifting, the captain placed the boat in reverse and it smashed into a floating raft. Some people on the raft fell into the water, and Batochir and another woman got caught in the yacht’s propeller. The other woman lost a finger and cut her arm.
Batochir said her husband saved her life by pulling her from the water.
Authorities said they planned to interview more than two dozen people who witnessed the accident. It’s unclear when the investigation will be completed and if any charges will be filed.
Batochir said she has had a near constant stream of visitors to her hospital bed. "How much love they’ve been giving me, it’s overwhelming. I feel so lucky, I feel so blessed to have people like this in my life."
She recently had her IV removed, so she’s able to wear regular clothes "and be free."
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She said she’s especially touched by the home-cooked food brought by her parents. "Your dad’s food, your mom’s food just hits different," she said. "They’ve been able to feed me and not make me eat hospital food, even though it’s not too bad. Eating your own Mongolian food is just the best medicine."
For a rare moment, she had the hospital room to herself on Wednesday and decided to make a video.
Batochir said she’s decided to document her recovery from the "life-changing experience" in a series of videos. "It’s important for me to remember and document it for my sake, and remember how it started and, down the road, how it’s going to end up."
She expects to start rehab in the next week and "hopefully I’ll be as normal as possible. And my life will be as normal as possible. And I’ll just be that mom that goes to her kids’ school, and just be that regular soccer mom, maybe, I don’t know, what my kids want.
"Know that I’ll be OK and that I’m doing better," she said. | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/mommas-going-to-have-robot-prosthetic-legs-victim-of-playpen-accident-talks-about-her-recovery | 2022-08-26T18:01:56Z | fox32chicago.com | control | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/mommas-going-to-have-robot-prosthetic-legs-victim-of-playpen-accident-talks-about-her-recovery | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Northern Illinois University reports its first case of monkeypox
DEKALB, Ill. - A student at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb has tested positive for monkeypox, university officials announced Thursday.
It's the first reported case of the virus at the west suburban school, University President Lisa Freeman said in an email to students, faculty and staff.
The student is self-isolating and is receiving care from NIU and health care providers, Freeman said.
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Freeman said the student had minimal contact with members of the school community and has not attended in-person classes.
The DeKalb County Health Department initiated contact tracing with the students close contacts, who are being advised to monitor for any symptoms over the next three weeks, the email said.
School officials said anyone who receives a call from the DCHD at any time during the academic year is expected to fully participate in contact tracing efforts.
Symptoms of monkeypox usually begin within three weeks of exposure to the virus. Someone who has flu-like symptoms can typically expect to develop a rash within one to four days. Most cases are resolved within two to four weeks.
Any students who experience symptoms are advised to contact the Northwestern Medicine Student Health Center at (815) 306-2777. | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/northern-illinois-university-reports-its-first-case-of-monkeypox | 2022-08-26T18:02:02Z | fox32chicago.com | control | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/northern-illinois-university-reports-its-first-case-of-monkeypox | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
West Rogers Park man charged with kidnapping 9-year-old, indecent solicitation
CHICAGO - A 20-year-old West Rogers Park man was arrested Monday for allegedly trying to solicit two females and kidnap a 9-year-old in separate incidents this August.
Police said Terran McKethan solicited a 13-year-old girl and her 50-year-old mother for sex around 10 p.m. on Aug. 14 in the 6600 block of North Damen Avenue.
Prosecutors said the girl and her mother were walking on Damen Avenue, returning home, when McKethan approached them and asked if they wanted to have a threesome among other solicitations.
The following day, the girl, her sister and her mother were walking in the neighborhood when McKethan approached them again and followed them home. He then tried to open their door. They called Chicago police, but McKethan had fled the scene.
Terran McKethan | Chicago police
On Aug. 17, in a separate incident, prosecutors said McKethan attempted to kidnap a 9-year-old girl who was walking with her grandmother near the entrance of Cermak Finer Foods in West Rogers Park.
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McKethan allegedly grabbed the girl as her grandmother turned to get a shopping cart. He started running away with her and let her go roughly a block away when she began screaming and bit McKethan on the hand, prosecutors said.
McKethan was arrested on Aug. 22, at 4:40 p.m., in the 2500 block of North Clybourn Avenue after the victims identified him.
He was charged with one count of indecent solicitation of a child and one count of aggravated kidnapping.
McKethan is being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court next on Sept. 12. | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/west-rogers-park-man-accused-of-kidnapping-indecent-solicitation | 2022-08-26T18:02:15Z | fox32chicago.com | control | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/west-rogers-park-man-accused-of-kidnapping-indecent-solicitation | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Forecast for Chicago's fall is warm and dry
Chicago - It's not officially here yet, but there are hints of fall in the air already.
The sun starting rising after 6 a.m. last week and began setting before 7:30 p.m. this week. We will wake up to lows in the upper 50s Saturday morning.
Autumn is less than a week away. Meteorological fall begins next Thursday with the start of September. What can we expect for the fall of 2022? I'll get to that in a second, but first I want to focus on the long term temperature trend we have been observing for fall here in Chicago.
AN EARLY OUTLOOK FOR CHICAGO'S WINTER
On average, our falls have been getting warmer. Climate Central analyzed 51 years (1970-2020) of fall temperature data for 246 locations across the United States, including Chicago. 95% of the locations they analyzed had an increase in average fall temperatures since 1970. 57% of the cities saw a warming of at least 2 degrees since then.
Chicago saw an increase of just over 1 degree during the period. Warmer falls do have impacts. Climate Central noted the following repercussions:
- The incursion of summer heat and humidity into the fall season extends the threat of pollen allergies and disease-carrying pests like mosquitoes and ticks.
- Extreme heat—the #1 weather-related cause of death in the U.S.—presents a risk of serious illness and hospitalization. The risk is raised for children, people over 65, and lower-income communities.
- Air conditioners are run later into the year, upping energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Hotter falls also mean a longer wildfire season. This, combined with a heat-driven rise in air pollution, puts air quality at stake.
- A warmer-than-expected fall season may negatively impact the timing of natural events like bird migrations, hibernation, and fruit ripening.
I scanned through the climatological records for Chicago and found a few interesting observations about our falls. 6 of the 25 warmest falls have occurred since 2005. 7 of the wettest falls on record have occurred since 2001.
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The National Weather Service's fall outlook hints at a warmer than average and drier than average season ahead.
The seasonal temperature outlook has us "leaning above" average overall from September through October. The only part of our country forecast to be below average is a portion of Alaska.
The seasonal temperature outlook has us "leaning below" average for autumn. Most of the middle part of our country falls into this category.
We still have a few days of summer to squeeze out before the arrival of autumn. It looks like the last month of summer will end on a warm note. August is running just barely above average. So far this month we are .3 degrees above overall. Our model suggests a warm weekend and start to next week with highs in the middle 80s from Saturday through at least Tuesday. Despite a cooler day today and a cooler last day of August next Wednesday, we will end the month and the entire season of summer above average.
The long range temperature outlooks starts off near normal and then warm us up above average overall as we start September. The 6-10 day outlook covers the period from next Wednesday through the following Sunday. It has us near normal overall for the last day of August and first few days of September.
The 8-14 day temperature outlook looks at the period from next Friday through the following Thursday. It has us "leaning above" average overall for the first week of September.
The long range precipitation outlooks seem to correspond to the seasonal outlook for fall. The 6-10 day outlook has us "leaning below" average overall.
The 8-14 day precipitation outlook keeps that overall dry pattern coming. It also has us "leaning below" average through the first week of September.
Curious about this winter? I posted an early outlook just a few days ago. | https://www.fox32chicago.com/weather/forecast-for-chicagos-fall-is-warm-and-dry | 2022-08-26T18:02:21Z | fox32chicago.com | control | https://www.fox32chicago.com/weather/forecast-for-chicagos-fall-is-warm-and-dry | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Istanbul: Former Europa League champions Manchester United will take on Real Sociedad while fellow English side Arsenal will meet PSV Eindhoven in the group stage following the draw on Friday.
United, who lifted Europe's second-tier club competition trophy in 2017, will also play Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol and Cypriot outfit Omonoia in Group E.
Arsenal's other opponents in Group A include Bodo/Glimt and FC Zurich, as the two-time runners-up look to capture a maiden title in the competition.
Europa Conference League champions AS Roma were drawn with Ludogorets, Real Betis and HJK Helsinki.
The winners of the group stage, which begins from September 8, will advance directly to the round of 16 that will take place from February onwards.
Group runners-up will progress to the knockout stage play-off round where they will meet one of eight teams that have finished third in their groups in the top-tier Champions League.
Third-placed teams in the Europa League groups will drop to the third-tier Europa Conference League where they will play the group runners-up from that event in the knockout round play-offs.
The Europa League final will take place at Budapest's Puskas Arena on May 31 next year. | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/08/26/europa-league-manchester-united-drawn-with-real-scociedad.amp.html | 2022-08-26T18:07:09Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/08/26/europa-league-manchester-united-drawn-with-real-scociedad.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The 49ers wrapped up their preseason with a loss on the road against the Houston Texans. The offense never really got it going, and the effort overall looked like what you would expect from a team playing a meaningless game on a short week. Here are five takeaways I had from the preseason finale.
Lack of discipline
The 49ers were flagged for 11 accepted penalties for a total of 104 yards in this game, repeatedly giving the Texans momentum while halting their own. Unfortunately, it was a sloppy effort on both sides of the ball, and it felt like every time some momentum was being built, it would be offset by an egregious penalty that never should have happened.
Preseason games don’t count, but that is no excuse for how sloppy the 49ers looked in all three phases of the game. In what will be their final game for the next 17 days leading into week one, ideally, there is a higher level of execution that leaves you feeling good heading into the regular season.
There were a handful of missed blocking assignments, a couple of pass interference penalties resulting in a fresh set of downs, and even a punt that somehow resulted in a touchback after landing inside the Texans ' yard line surrounded by 49ers on the coverage team, with multiple players getting their hands on the ball well outside the end zone.
Ultimately it doesn’t have any bearing on how the team will play when they hit the field in Chicago a little over two weeks from now, but the overall lack of execution across the board was a discouraging way to close out what has otherwise been an encouraging preseason.
Offensive line struggles
In my pregame article, I mentioned that the 49ers’ first-team offensive line struggled to find consistent run blocking during the preseason. Not only did their issues paving the way in the ground game continue in this game, but they also struggled to contain a Texans pass rush that generated three sacks and double-digit pressures.
What was more concerning was the way that they lost at the line of scrimmage while running the ball in short-yardage situations, especially on fourth down, where they were 0/3 on the night. The 49ers’ ground game never found any consistent rhythm, going for 51 yards on 24 carries for a paltry 2.1 yards per rush.
Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey both did not take the field in this game, and the addition of two of the best run blocking tackles in football should alleviate some of the stress currently being placed on the offensive line’s ability to run block.
Pass rush looks strong
The 49ers defensive line racked up three sacks in this game, with all three coming from players who will make the team and be an integral part of the rotation on the front four. Samson Ebukam dominated a couple of reps, picking up right where he left off when he finished last season by contributing to a sack in seven of the last eight games to close out the season.
Charles Omenihu got a sack in his first game back at NRG stadium since being traded by the Texans last season, and Jordan Willis tallied one as well. In a game where the 49ers struggled to stop the run, the pass rush was one of the few bright spots in a game where they had serious struggles stopping the run early.
Samuel Womack continues to build on a strong preseason
Womack contributed to yet another turnover, the third time this postseason that Womack has been the primary reason for the 49ers defense registering a takeaway. Womack was able to play through the ball on a pass intended for Chris Moore in the end zone, tipping the ball in the air for safety Tarvarius Moore to come down with the interception.
Womack has continued to display an extremely impressive amount of poise and IQ for a rookie, and based on his physical traits, he gives the 49ers some severe upside as their slot cornerback moving forward. Another bonus, Womack lined up on the outside in this game, adding versatility to the ever-growing list of things Womack has done to impress early on in his NFL career.
Brock Purdy made a strong case to be the primary backup behind Trey Lance
Purdy was by far the best 49ers quarterback in this game, capping off a preseason that has seen the final pick in the 2022 draft make a strong push for the QB2 spot. Purdy has looked calm, cool, and collected throughout the action he has seen in three preseason games, leaving Kyle Shanahan with a tough decision while finalizing the depth chart at the quarterback position despite the two million in guarantees owed to Nate Sudfeld.
Purdy finished the preseason finale going 13-20 for 182 yards and a pick, also having as sure of a touchdown as you could have without actually recording one on a ball dropped by Willie Snead in the end zone.
There have been a couple of throws downfield by Purdy in particular that have stood out, threading the needle to layer the ball over an underneath defender on multiple occasions over the last couple of games.
Purdy just has a certain moxie to his game that is hard to quantify but evident the more and more you see him play. His ability to consistently know where to go with the football is something that has likely made him extremely endearing to Shanahan, and his services come at a much more discounted rate than Sudfeld’s and the majority of other reliable backup quarterbacks who might be available on the open market any time soon. | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/8/26/23322782/49ers-texans-preseason-takeways | 2022-08-26T18:07:10Z | ninersnation.com | control | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/8/26/23322782/49ers-texans-preseason-takeways | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan began his postgame press conference by saying Thursday night’s loss to the Texans was “pretty rough.” He’s not wrong, and that’ll be the theme during this version of Winners and Losers.
Shanahan summed the preseason up with a perfect quote, however:
“Preseason is important, but I compare it to the driving range: whatever happens doesn’t matter, but you’ve got to practice it to get better.”
Winners - Samson Ebukam
Ebukam made the most of his playing time. He had a sack on the first drive and beat his man several times. Ebukam’s effort doesn’t go unnoticed and will be a big reason why he’ll be in the running for runner-up in sacks on the team this year.
This season is a contract year for Ebukam. He’s in a fantastic position to earn a lot of money next off-season. Remember, this is only Ebukam’s second full year as an edge rusher. He came on strong at the end of 2021 and appears to have picked up where he left off.
Charles Omenihu
This feels like a segue to the regular season, with multiple defensive linemen listed as winners. Omenihu found himself in the backfield often. He finished the game with three tackles, all for loss, including a sack. Everyone knows how deep the defensive line is, but seven tackles for loss as a unit is impressive, preseason or not.
Teams will sell out to stop Nick Bosa this season. Therefore, the 49ers must get production from their non-starters. I refuse to call them backups, as Omenihu and Drake Jackson are starters for most teams.
Samuel Womack
After the game, Shanahan applauded Womack for not quitting on the times he was targeted. It’s refreshing and new to see a 49er cornerback make plays on the ball. Yes, Womack had a pass interference. He also took points off the board by deflecting a pass in the air in the end zone for an interception.
Womack showed veteran savviness on a separate deep pass as he went to hand-fight with the wide receiver. This helps break the wideouts’ stride and, thus, his concentration.
We’ll see how Womack holds up against the run during the regular season, but the Niners have a slot cornerback that can cover vertical routes. That’s the greatest weakness in DeMeco Ryans’ defense. Limiting those plays gives opposing offenses next to nothing to attack. Womack looks like the real deal.
Losers - The offensive line
Summing the offensive line’s performance in one word: Yikes. The quarterbacks were sacked three times. The Texans had six other tackles for loss as well as a quarterback hit. And if not for Trey Lance and Brock Purdy’s athleticism, we’re looking at at least four more sacks.
Jaylon Moore just returned to practice this week, so I want to cut him some slack. However, Moore didn’t make it easy. There were plays where the quarterback dropped back, and multiple linemen were beaten.
The struggles up front weren’t limited to the passing game. San Francisco ran the ball 24 times for 2.1 yards per carry. And in those 51 yards included gains of 12, 8, 7, and 8. So, 35 of those 51 yards came on four carries. Double yikes.
Spencer Burford struggled. Jordan Mills wasn’t much better. Keaton Sutherland had a false start, and he was the center. Everyone’s favorite rookie Jason Poe underwhelmed, too. Let’s hope the Niners don’t suffer any catastrophic injuries along the line, as their issues were on full display.
Execution
You don’t expect your 2s and 3s to execute at the same level as your starters. That goes without saying. But it would have been tough for the 49ers to play any sloppier Thursday night. They went 0-for-3 on fourth down, threw two interceptions that you can’t make, dropped a (meaningless) touchdown at the end of the game, and had 11 penalties on the evening. There were also two fumbles, but the team recovered both.
Safety play
Shanahan confirmed safety Jimmie Ward would begin the season on the injured reserve. Dontae Johnson didn’t play, which gave George Odum, Tarvarius Moore, and Tashaun Gipson a chance to prove themselves worthy of starting. Odum missed a tackle early on, resulting in the receiver running for a first down. That was Odum’s second missed tackle in only four attempts this preseason.
One of Ward and Jaquiski Tartt’s greatest strengths was bringing players down in the open field. Moore left the game briefly as he had to be looked at by team doctors during the game before returning. Moore gets credit for the interception, but that play was all Womack.
Gipson was responsible for a touchdown. He looked like a guy who hadn’t played in a while and appeared to be a step slow.
With Ward missing the first four games, the Niners could be in trouble — especially in Week 3 and 4, when they face Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford.
Outlook
As painful as Thursday’s loss was to watch, I don’t know if we learned anything new. You can get away with starting Banks because he’ll have Trent Williams lined up next to him. The same applies to Burford and Mike McGlinchey. The quarterbacks spent most of the night under duress, while the running backs had to deal with defenders in the backfield more often than not.
The offense won’t deal with a heavy pass rush the first two weeks of the season, and that will be beneficial for Kyle Shanahan and serve as a perfect warm-up for the rookies. If anything, we might see more designed runs for Lance early in the season as Shanahan figures out which plays he can run while the offensive line gels.
The constant pressure the defensive line showed without its starters during the preseason was encouraging. Again, 15 core players didn’t play against the Texans. So any analysis omitting that should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s the preseason. None of this will matter if the 49ers win double-digit games. | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/8/26/23322848/49ers-texans-winners-losers-lance | 2022-08-26T18:07:16Z | ninersnation.com | control | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/8/26/23322848/49ers-texans-winners-losers-lance | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Let’s take a break from overreacting to meaningless football. ESPN’s Mike Clay recently updated his NFL position group rankings. Let’s see where he lists the 49ers in relation to the rest of the NFC West.
QB:
- ARI — 10
- LAR — 5
- SF — 20
- SEA — 32
Clay believes the Seahawks, who just named Geno Smith the starter, have the shakiest QB room in the NFL. Let’s see Kyler Murray perform in the second half before we crown him as a top-10 QB. And while Matthew Stafford proved last year he’s worthy, are we sure his arm is OK?
As for Lance, I don’t know where you rank him since there is so much unknown. However, I wouldn’t argue with a higher or lower ranking. The talent on the 49ers roster suggests he’ll be closer to single digits than 20, though.
RB:
- ARI — 23
- LAR — 19
- SF — 26
- SEA —27
According to the rankings, this is the worst positional group in the division. The Niners running backs will be a product of the offensive line, as we saw Thursday night. I’m curious to see who will emerge as RB1 by the second half.
Will Elijah Mitchell stay healthy? Does the lightbulb come on for Ty Davis-Price? Is Trey Sermon anything more than a special teamer? We won’t get those answers during the first month of the season.
OL:
- ARI — 20
- LAR — 21
- SF — 18
- SEA — 28
Perspective is everything. Yes, San Francisco looked like they had five trash cans protecting Trey Lance at times during the preseason. Clay still believes they have the best line in the division.
Everyone has question marks along the offensive line. Andrew Whitworth is gone from the Rams. Seattle is relying on a rookie left tackle. Arizona has Rodney Hudson, and that’s it.
The 49ers must be patient with Aaron Banks and Spencer Burford as they learn the ropes. Kyle Shanahan must take as much pressure off them as possible until they’re up to speed.
Wide receiver
- ARI — 4
- LAR — 9
- SF —16
- SEA — 7
16? Perhaps I’m projecting too much with Brandon Aiyuk as he has yet to surpass 850 receiving yards in a season. I’m banking on Aiyuk getting over 1,000 yards this year, with Deebo Samuel right there as well.
Danny Gray is the ultimate wild card, as his speed will make a difference. A part of me feels like Jauan Jennings will get phased out of the offense with the addition of Ray Ray McCloud, but the coaching staff loves Jennings.
The Cardinals’ ranking makes zero sense. We’ll see if Allen Robinson is a difference-maker. Seattle’s duo is a proven commodity, so there is no argument there. Either way, Aiyuk, and Samuel alone should have the Niners in the top 10.
Tight end
- ARI — 6
- LAR — 14
- SF — 3
- SEA — 8
The NFC is stacked at tight end, huh? We know why San Francisco is ranked so highly. Arizona has Zach Ertz and just used a second-round pick on a tight end. Does the addition of Noah Fant propel the Seahawks this high? I have my doubts.
We’ll be back with the defensive side of the ball. Which rankings do you disagree with the most? | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/8/26/23323370/49ers-espn-offense-position-rankings | 2022-08-26T18:07:22Z | ninersnation.com | control | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/8/26/23323370/49ers-espn-offense-position-rankings | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
In a huge relief for Indian football, FIFA lifted the suspension on the All India Football Federation on Friday evening.
The world football body communicated its decision in a press release. The AIFF had been suspended on August 15 for 'undue influence from third parties'.
"The decision was taken after FIFA received confirmation that the mandate of the committee of administrators that was set up to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee had been terminated and that the AIFF administration had regained the full control of the AIFF's daily affairs," the FIFA release said.
"FIFA and the AFC will continue to monitor the situation and will support the AIFF in organising its elections in a timely manner.
"As a consequence, the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 scheduled to take place on 11-30 October 2022 will be held in India as planned," the FIFA said.
The ban on the national body was a first in its 85-year history. It was on the cards after the Supreme Court removed Praful Patel as AIFF president in May for not holing elections due in December, 2020. | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/08/26/fifa-lifts-suspension-all-india-football-federation.html | 2022-08-26T18:07:28Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/08/26/fifa-lifts-suspension-all-india-football-federation.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Kochi: Deepa Neupane scored a hat-trick in Don Bosco FA's 6-0 win over SB FA Poovar in the Kerala Women's League at the Maharaja's College Ground here on Friday.
Reshma P scored a brace while Pushpa Parab found the target once.
Don Bosco led 3-0 at the half-time break.
Result: Don Bosco FA 6 (Reshma P 14, 21; Deepa Neupane 23, 77, 80; Pushpa Parab 48) bt SB FA Poovar 0. | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/08/26/kwl-deepa-scores-hat-trick-in-don-boscos-big-win.amp.html | 2022-08-26T18:07:34Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/08/26/kwl-deepa-scores-hat-trick-in-don-boscos-big-win.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
On the Market: Freeport home offers 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 half on 1.5 acres
Address: 1443 Lacresta Drive, Freeport
Description: This home is nestled on 1-and-a-half acres and offers 2,126 square feet of living space. Inside, there are five bedrooms, two full baths and two half baths. The formal living room offers a fireplace that is flanked by built-in bookcases. The spacious kitchen has stainless steel appliances and plenty of cupboard space. The upper level features four bedrooms, two full baths and a bonus room. The lower level is finished and features a family room with a fireplace and a fifth bedroom. The enclosed porch in the back of the house leads to the patio and a fenced-in backyard.
Asking price: $235,000
Realtor: Toni Vander Heyden, Keller Williams Realty Signature, 815-315-1110
About this series
Each week, we feature a unique property for sale in the area. Have a property you'd like to see featured? Email online@rrstar.com and put "On the Market" in the subject line.
Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, kdecoster@rrstar.com or @DeCosterKen. | https://www.journalstandard.com/story/news/local/2022/08/26/freeport-real-estate-being-sold-for-235000-dollars/65413553007/ | 2022-08-26T18:21:30Z | journalstandard.com | control | https://www.journalstandard.com/story/news/local/2022/08/26/freeport-real-estate-being-sold-for-235000-dollars/65413553007/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Edinburgh Festival Fringe comedy reviews: Comedy Estonia | Gerry Carroll | Daphna Baram | Ashley Haden | Vix Leyton
The Fringe isn’t dead yet, you just have to explore its “real Fringes” for signs of creative life argues Kate Copstick in her latest comedy round-up
Comedy Estonia ***
Laughing Horse @ the Counting House, until 28 August
Ivor Dembina, who is something of a Fringe elder statesman, stops me to impart the kind of news that there should be every other day at a real arts festival Fringe. “Whaddaya think?” he says, gesturing to overflowing wheelie bins and dumpsters, surrounded by piles of plastic bin-bags in all directions. He has been given an award, he tells me, for his Edinburgh City-wide art installation, entitled 'Rubbish'. “It is fully interactive,” he enthuses, pointing at a group of youngsters flinging artisan noodle boxes onto the oozing heap. “No one ever sees exactly the same installation twice.” Genius. “It should be reported in Scotland on Sunday,” says Ivor. Now it is. With people like Ivor around, I am reassured that the Fringe is not dead yet.
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But it is overgrown and fat and has become a bully whose weapons are big money, big management and big bureaucracy. And that is giving the Fringe's heart big problems. So be glad we still have Ivor and a few others like him.
I spend my last few days seeing shows on word of mouth. Or because the performer flyers me. The old fashioned way. Imagine then, my surprise when Luca Cupani, after recommending Comedy Estonia, shows me a photo of Ari Matti Mustonen playing to a huge, packed venue in Canada. His is genuinely comedy without borders. And, he tells us, available in a variety of expedient accents depending on who he is talking to. We need him here, beautifully, pointedly ripping into Edinburgh City Council, bringing fresh eyes on the horror that is Cowgate at night. His material on the current war situation with Russia is both jaw-droppingly informative and brutally funny. It is a privilege to see him close up like this. Karl Alari Varma is our host and a genial presence (albeit it is very un-Estonian) as he introduces us to his sniper friend, the Estonian Milk and Dairy Museum and fights an ongoing battle with the mic stand. He is due thanks for teaching us some potentially life-saving Russian phrases. I should point out that all of these guys are doing this in their third language. And they are properly, cleverly funny.
The wonderful, unpredictable darknesses of this gig are continued by Sardu Oigus and his explanation of food allergies and alcoholism in Estonia, followed by a traumatising tale about the unimaginable horror of sleeping in a bunk bed. I do not know if there is an Estonian word for 'icky', but there should be.
Gerry Carroll: A Man in My Position ***
Just the Tonic at the Grassmarket Centre, until 28 August
Gerry Carroll's hour is strangely sweet and raw and like nothing else I have seen. It might have been more comfortable being slightly formatted or directed in spoken word, but the odd pick'n'mix of memories and poems, comic chat and Leonard Cohen feels properly, honestly personal, and is even funny in parts. I would far rather watch this more-than-slightly shambolic hour, in its shambolic venue, than anything that is only here to take your money and promote its tour.
Daphna Baram: Out and About ***
Laughing Horse @ 32 Below, until 28 August
Daphna Baram's Israeli accent has recently acquired Hollywood cachet; she is absolutely the only comic in Edinburgh who cares enough about couture comedy to match her mic muff with her outfit and she rescues vegetables on a regular basis. What is not to like? OK she is menopausal and her doctor says she is overweight, but she has a comedy mum, a painfully true comedy critique of several irritating aspects of English behaviour, and some kick-ass stuff about kids and war and hair-trigger 'offence'. This is time-served, grown-up comedy. Go and remind yourself what that is like.
Ashley Haden: On the Outside Pissing In ***
Laughing Horse @ the Counting House, until 28 August
Ashley Haden is a new generation, old-school, shouty, sweary, political comic. It is lovely to watch. Nice to see the informed anger gene has not ENTIRELY skipped a generation. He is every bit as nihilistic as his ‘Genocidal Liberal’ soubriquet suggests. His main targets are the new legislation proposed by the government. This is the stuff of nightmare and there is the sound of an embryonic Mark Thomas here. And it is wonderful. He is absolutely merciless about anyone over the age of seventy and has never had a decent Baked Alaska, but his thoughts (thankfully, just the one) about “not being able to help everyone all of the time” are the most fist-clenchingly-stupid-verging-on-destructive load of First World childish whining I have heard. Other than that he is terrific.
Vix Leyton: Pedestrian ***
Just the Tonic at the Mash House, until 28 August
This is Vix Leyton's first Fringe. And she has done it just right. Apart from placing her show in the hands of a front-of-house 'staff' whose interest in chat and shared confectionary vastly outweighs any thought of getting an audience into a show – leaving the performer distraught, the audience irritated and the show requiring a ten-minute edit so as not to mess with the schedule.
Vix is naturally funny and her debut is a 'best of' her club sets woven into a seamless 50 minutes of laughs made from well-crafted anecdotage, smart, zingy one liners and plans for her funeral. It also features her comedy mum, who sounds like an hour of hilarity by herself. Vix, smartly, gives us the highlights. And they are joyously full of funny. It is a joy to see a strong female stand-up doing strong female stand-up and sharing interesting, intelligent thoughts without dragging us down some 'searingly honest' rabbit hole. I am genuinely looking forward to next year's show already.
It has been a difficult Fringe for the smaller acts, the newer acts, the Fringe acts. But I have never seen so many good shows as I have this year on the real Fringes. Down here people co-operate, people support each other. It is a miracle and a huge relief to know that this attitude is still alive, that the spirit of crazy and creative lives on, that passion for performing still counts, despite all that has been done to squash it. You can still have freedom and fun at the Fringe. And that should be treasured and encouraged. | https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/edinburgh-festivals/edinburgh-festival-fringe-comedy-reviews-comedy-estonia-gerry-carroll-daphna-baram-ashley-haden-vix-leyton-3820862 | 2022-08-26T18:23:38Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/edinburgh-festivals/edinburgh-festival-fringe-comedy-reviews-comedy-estonia-gerry-carroll-daphna-baram-ashley-haden-vix-leyton-3820862 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Scotsman Fringe Awards: this year's Edinburgh festival prize-winners
Manic Street Creature, Experiment Human and Bloody Elle are among the Fringe shows set to travel far beyond Edinburgh after winning prestigious awards this morning.
This year’s Scotsman Fringe Awards, hosted by our chief theatre critic Joyce McMillan, revealed the winners of this year’s Brighton Fringe Award, the Adelaide Fringe’s Holden Street Theatres Award, and the Mental Health Fringe Award, set up by the Mental Health Foundation in partnership with the Scotsman and the Tron Theatre.
The Brighton Fringe Award was won by Experiment Human by Hooky Productions, a surreal comedy in which an alien creature called Monkion kidnaps the actor Benedict Cumberbatch; the show is now set to travel to the 2023 Brighton Fringe.
On its way to Adelaide is Bloody Elle, a gig musical written and performed by Lauryn Redding, after winning the Holden Street Theatres Award.
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The winner of this year’s Mental Health Fringe Award was Manic Street Creature – already a Fringe First winner – a powerful piece of gig theatre which will now be invited to next year’s Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. The award is run by the Mental Health Foundation in partnership with the Tron Theatre in Glasgow and the Scotsman. Manic Street Creature was described in the Scotsman’s review as a “an engrossing piece filled with evocative, appropriate songs”
Also included in this year’s ceremony were the Filipa Braganca award, which recognises the best solo performance by an emerging female artists; this year’s award was won by Chloe-Ann Tylor for the show Svengali.
The Sit-Up Award, which supports plays that raise awareness about social issues and encourage audiences to ‘take action’ if they are affected by the work on stage, was won by previous Fringe First winner The Beatles Were a Boyband.
The Scotsman Fringe Awards also included live performances by Manic Street Creature creator Maimuna Memon and the casts of Fringe Firsts winners Breathless and Brown Boys Swim.
The awards ceremony opened with week three of The Scotsman’s own Fringe First awards, presented in partnership with the University of Edinburgh – and listed below.
Age Is A Feeling (written by Haley McGee)
Summerhall, until 28 August
What we said: “An entire life is crammed into Age Is A Feeling, but each audience only gets to experience part of it. That is because the solo show from Canada-born, London-based actor and writer Haley McGee has a cleverly conceived structure: twelve intertwined stories from the same life, only six of which are performed at each show. It is a neat idea, an arresting echo of the fact that we only ever see snippets of other people’s lives… It also results in a really nice story, a decades-long, fathoms-deep yarn about life and death, ambition and resentment, illness and ageing, and, well, just about everything that constitutes existence. Directed by Adam Brace, this is a superb performance and a sensitive, smartly structured piece of writing, full of wit and an astonishing amount of wisdom.” (Fergus Morgan)
This Is Not A Show About Hong Kong (written by Max Percy)Underbelly, Cowgate, until 28 AugustWhat we said: “The world tilt towards a dangerous new stand-off between two hostile power-blocs has happened so swiftly, over the last half-decade, that few theatre-makers in the west have yet come to grips with it. For the company presenting This Is Not A Show About Hong Kong, though, there has been no choice in the matter; and over a fragmented but immensely vivid hour, they conjure up a series of impressionistic images of a generation of young Hong Kong people ever more oppressed and hemmed in by increasingly authoritarian rule from Beijing, in direct breach of the promises when the UK handed control of Hong Kong to China, in 1997. The show reminds us that “feeling safe all the time” is an increasingly rare luxury, in a world reeling under new waves of authoritarianism.” (Joyce McMillan)
This Is Memorial Device (adapted by Graham Eatough from the novel by David Keenan)
Wee Red Bar, until 29 August
What we said: “There many shows about fandom on this year’s Edinburgh Fringe; there’s none more poignant, though than This Is Memorial Device, Graham Eatough’s new stage version of the 2017 novel by David Keenan about ‘the greatest band that never existed’, an imaginary punk-art combo from Airdrie in Lanarkshire. Paul Higgins delivers a poignant and beautiful performance as a man still obsessed with those moments of musical glory and communion that shaped their youth; and with that moment, just after the turn of the 80s, when Scottish working-class artists had both the means and the motive to commune with the greatest minds of the 20th century underground and avant-garde, and to create their own counter-culture.” (Joyce McMillan)
Silkworm (written by Vlad Butucea)
Assembly Roxy, until 29 August
What we said: “Britain’s asylum system, and its absurd inhumanities, play a key role in this show by Glasgow-based playwright Vlad Butucea. In a Glasgow tower-block flat, two Nigerian women wait for a Home Office decision on whether they will be allowed to stay in Britain. They are in love, and hope that their status as a gay couple will help them avoid being forced to return to a fiercely homophobic society at home; but their love is more shy and tentative than flamboyant, and the official asylum process - with its endless required revisiting of past trauma - almost impossible to bear. The production perfectly evokes the horror of a world in which the victims of colonialism still have to beg at the gates of an openly racist British immigration system, and a human life has to be reframed as a convincing performance.” (Joyce McMillan)
Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen (written by Marcelo Dos Santos)
Summerhall, until 28 August
What we said: “In a city full of stand-up comics, this show is an intriguing proposition: a one-man play in which an actor (Samuel Barnett) plays a stand-up comic with enough issues to fill every inch of the Gilded Balloon. In Marcelo Dos Santos’ turbo-fuelled monologue his life and his act flow seamlessly into one another. Our nameless protagonist seems to pass his days in a barely contained state of panic. He sees death everywhere, and sabotages his chances of happiness with cocaine-fuelled Grindr hook-ups with strangers. But then he falls in love, with an American working on a PhD who has “arms like a Disney prince” and “John Singer Sargent eyes”. The only drawback is that the American suffers from cataplexy, a rare nerve condition: if he laughs he could actually die. Dos Santos seems to have an intuitive sense of how stand-up is structured, and Barnett is utterly convincing in his delivery.” (Susan Mansfield)
Scotsman Fringe Awards, Pleasance Beyond (Pleasance Courtyard), Friday 26 August, 10am. Book free tickets here using the promo code FringeAwards22. | https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/edinburgh-festivals/scotsman-fringe-awards-this-years-edinburgh-festival-prize-winners-3818569 | 2022-08-26T18:24:18Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/edinburgh-festivals/scotsman-fringe-awards-this-years-edinburgh-festival-prize-winners-3818569 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
First exhibition tells story of Sir William Burrell's astonishing art collection
The story of how the “wonderful” Burrell Collection came to be will be explored in the first exhibition at the museum since it reopened following a major refurbishment.
The Burrells’ Legacy: A Great Gift to Glasgow, which opens on Saturday August 27, charts the collecting and legacy of Sir William Burrell and his wife Constance, Lady Burrell.
The collection was amassed by Sir William Burrell and donated to Glasgow by the shipping magnate and his wife in 1944.
The museum, situated in Glasgow’s Pollok Park, closed to the public in October 2016 and reopened in March this year following a £68.25 million project that increased its gallery space by 35%.
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The new exhibition features more than 100 objects which help tell the story of the Burrell’s evolution, from a couple’s private art collection to a civic museum of international significance.
Laura Bauld, Burrell project curator at Glasgow Life Museums, said: “It’s been an absolute joy working on this exhibition. Sir William and Lady Burrell, had a lifelong commitment to collecting, and their generosity in donating their wonderful collection to Glasgow is astounding.
“Their gift has allowed generations of people, just like me, to enjoy breath-taking art from across the world and across time.”
She added: “Burrell was such a thorough, prolific collector, we could have shown so much more.
“I hope people enjoy discovering more about the Burrells and how the world-class museum came to be located in Glasgow.”
Before they decided to make the donation, the Burrells had rarely collected objects from ancient civilisations.
However, once they had committed to giving their collection to Glasgow, Sir William turned his attention to ensuring it was more representative of worldwide history.
The Burrells donated about 6,000 objects in 1944 but by the time they died: Sir William in 1958 and Lady Constance in 1961; they had given about 3000 more.
The exhibition explains Burrell’s renewed focus on this area of collecting and introduces ceramics, jewellery and art from Greece, Egypt, and ancient Mesopotamia as well as Japanese prints and many medieval objects including textiles, tapestries, stained glass and armour.
One of the objects on show is a fragment of a mosaic floor from 100 BC.
Purchased in 1954, it shows a cockerel with golden wings and long green tail feathers, and once decorated the floor of a Roman villa.
For the first time, the Burrell will also show some works the Burrells gifted to the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The family lived in Hutton Castle in the Borders and in 1949 they donated 42 paintings to Berwick, establishing the Berwick Art Gallery.
The exhibition also explores the search for somewhere to build the Burrell Collection and some of the designs for the museum.
Also on show will be Mallard Rising, by Glasgow Boy Joseph Crawhall, and a sculpture by Camille Claudel, which was acquired by the museum in 2021.
L’Implorante is the first sculpture by a woman to enter the collection and it is said to be the first public UK collection to acquire a work by French sculptor Claudel.
The exhibition will run until April 16 2023 and admission is free.
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article. | https://www.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/first-exhibition-tells-story-of-sir-william-burrells-astonishing-art-collection-3819489 | 2022-08-26T18:25:25Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/first-exhibition-tells-story-of-sir-william-burrells-astonishing-art-collection-3819489 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
There was an 'ECB sources' leak along these lines earlier but I don't see any of this as any more than a token 'put it on the table' effort. Either that or the ECB has no idea what kind of energy storm is coming.
A separate interview cites the ECB's Knot who says the ECB is considering 'strong' interest rate hikes.
The meeting is Sept 8. | https://www.forexlive.com/centralbank/ecbs-holzmann-75-bps-should-be-part-of-the-debate-in-sept-20220826/ | 2022-08-26T18:25:51Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/centralbank/ecbs-holzmann-75-bps-should-be-part-of-the-debate-in-sept-20220826/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Nasdaq is now down almost 400 points on the day, or 4%. The chart isn't a pretty one with the recent bounce evaporating and falling into a wide space with little support.
The crispness on the message from Powell really caught the market off guard.
I'd also say that virtually everyone (or at least the loudest ones) thought the July-August rally was a bear market bounce so there are a lot of sellers out there. With what's happening in Europe and China along with some economic uncertainty and midterms starting to factor into the equation, there's a case to be made.
I'm still optimistic about the US growth picture and I think the student debt forgiveness and 'anti-inflation' bill add to that case, but that's not the way the wind is blowing right now and technically, a return to the below 11,000 is compelling. | https://www.forexlive.com/news/nasdaq-extends-decline-to-3-20220826/ | 2022-08-26T18:25:57Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/news/nasdaq-extends-decline-to-3-20220826/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Basset Hound Facts: These are 10 fun facts you might not know about the adorable and droopy Basset Hound dog breed 🐶
They are one of the UK’s most instantly recognisable breeds of dog, but how much do you know about the droopy and loving Basset Hound?
The last two years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership rise by nearly eight per cent over the global pandemic.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
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 dog that often appears on people’s canine wishlists is the Basset Hounds – instantly recognisable, they are one of the UK’s most popular breeds and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
Read more | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/basset-hound-facts-these-are-10-fun-facts-you-might-not-know-about-the-adorable-and-droopy-basset-hound-dog-breed-3459181 | 2022-08-26T18:26:10Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/basset-hound-facts-these-are-10-fun-facts-you-might-not-know-about-the-adorable-and-droopy-basset-hound-dog-breed-3459181 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Border Terriers Names: These are the 10 most popular puppy names in the world for adorable Border Terrier dogs 🐶
If you’re poised to get a new Border Terrier pup but can’t decide what to call it, here’s some inspiration from the global family of dog owners.
A huge number of us decided to welcome new puppies into our homes in the last two years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared by nearly eight percent and post-lockdown demand for four-legged friends 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.
But even when you’ve settled on a type of dog, there’s still the tricky task of choosing a name.
If you’ve opted for an adorable Border Terrier then personalised gift site yappy.com can help – they’ve surveyed thousands of their customers to come up with the most popular names people choose for their loveable Border Terrier.
Here are their top 10 Border Terrier names.
Read more | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/border-terriers-names-these-are-the-10-most-popular-puppy-names-in-the-world-for-adorable-border-terrier-dogs-3475389 | 2022-08-26T18:26:36Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/border-terriers-names-these-are-the-10-most-popular-puppy-names-in-the-world-for-adorable-border-terrier-dogs-3475389 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Deion Sanders is running a tight ship at Jackson State.
The Tigers football coach set expectations for his players as they returned to class this week, detailing how they should dress and where he wants them to sit.
“I want you to listen to me clearly and succinctly,” Sanders began as the Tigers gathered inside JSU’s newly renovated team room.
“No slides. No armpits exposed. No wife-beaters. Sit in the front of the classroom and be the perfect gentleman because when it comes down to it, and you need help, that professor is going to recall your character and who you’ve been consistently in that class,” he continued.
For Sanders’ crew, it goes way beyond that — with good hygiene, specifically.
“Now, make sure you shower before you go to class,” Sanders said. “I don’t want to get a report that you was in some bull-junk in our apparel, representing us. Kids in the back of class making noise, he’s free-styling to the whole class while I was trying to teach it with a Jackson State football shirt on. Not going to happen. When it gets back to me, it’s going to get back to your [position] coaches first, and then it’s going to get back to me. When it gets back to me, it’s going to be a problem.”
Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former MLB outfielder, has carved out a niche as coach of the Tigers. The HBCU has gone 15-5 in his first two years at the helm. It’s paid off with recruiting coups and whispers that he may be ready for a bigger program.
For now, the 55-year-old and his collegiate charges are preparing for their Sept. 4 season opener against Florida A&M. | https://nypost.com/2022/08/26/deion-sanders-sets-perfect-gentleman-expectations-for-his-players/ | 2022-08-26T18:27:19Z | nypost.com | control | https://nypost.com/2022/08/26/deion-sanders-sets-perfect-gentleman-expectations-for-his-players/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Clean Dogs: Here are the 10 cleanest breeds of adorable dog that need very little grooming and bathing 🐕
These breeds of dog need little in the way of pampering and won’t cost you a fortune at the pet salon.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged by around eight per cent over the pandemic.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
Many dogs need plenty of attention to keep their coats in good order – with daily brushing an essential and regular visits to a professional groomer important to keep them in tip-top condition.
But others need little more than an occasional bath to keep them looking beautiful – saving you time and money. Here are 10 of the dogs that need the least amount of grooming, according to the American Kennel Club.
Read more | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/clean-dogs-here-are-the-10-cleanest-breeds-of-adorable-dog-that-need-very-little-grooming-and-bathing-3325378 | 2022-08-26T18:27:27Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/clean-dogs-here-are-the-10-cleanest-breeds-of-adorable-dog-that-need-very-little-grooming-and-bathing-3325378 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Corgi Trivia: These are 10 fascinating facts you need to know about the adorable Welsh Corgi dog 🐶
They are one of the UK’s most popular breeds of dog, but how much do you know about the cute and lovable Welsh Corgi dog?
The last two years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership rise by nearly eight per cent.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
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 dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Welsh Corgi – they are one of the UK’s most popular breeds and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the Welsh Corgi.
Read more: | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/corgi-trivia-these-are-10-fascinating-facts-you-need-to-know-about-the-adorable-welsh-corgi-dog-3418641 | 2022-08-26T18:27:39Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/corgi-trivia-these-are-10-fascinating-facts-you-need-to-know-about-the-adorable-welsh-corgi-dog-3418641 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Everyone is gaga for Gucci — and the love is RealReal.
The high-end Italian fashion house is the most wanted designer brand of the year, according to the RealReal. The popular consignment shop released its annual luxury resale report this week, which declared Gucci the No. 1 label shoppers are buying secondhand.
Namely, fashionistas are clamoring for the Gucci Blondie, a vintage handbag that debuted in 1971, which was spotted making a comeback on the runway in Gucci’s Love Parade in November. Now declared an It Bag, the curved design with the iconic logo saw a 126% rise in demand — and a 500% increase in searches, according to Vogue UK — over the past year, namely after celebs like Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway were seen swinging it around.
Gucci shoes like the ever-popular loafer, which first launched in 1953, are favored by the likes of Billie Eilish and Hailey Bieber, and were the accessories most resold on the site, along with Louis Vuitton bags and Chanel shoes.
Gucci was also the most bought and sold brand last year — perhaps thanks to buzz for Lady Gaga-led and Oscar-nominated “House of Gucci” — proving the stylish creations have no bounds in terms of time.
The label was also amongst the brands most likely to fetch a higher price when flipped — or bought then resold for profit — on the RealReal along with Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Hermès.
As for who is selling off these designer duds, Gen X and Gen Z are the ones doing the majority of buying and reselling, the consignment company noted. Those born between 1965 and 1980 are reselling the most, however, savvy shoppers born after 1997 are flipping fastest. Overall, there’s been double the amount of flipping, partly due to pandemic doldrums and closet cleanouts.
Those groups, along with Millennials (1981 to 1996) are doing the most buying secondhand on the RealReal, which saw a 44% increase in items purchased and 5.3 million new site users — the majority of whom called out the importance of sustainability.
While Gucci was the most in-demand brand, Balenciaga saw the greatest demand growth in the entire Top 10, namely with Gen Z who admire Y2K celeb trends as of late. The most coveted of all the brand’s goods is its motorcycle-style bag, which was the “It Bag of the early 2000s,” carried by the likes of Kate Moss, the Olsen twins and many more.
The iconic bag is a stark contrast to Balenciaga’s latest offerings, many of which have gone viral for their puzzling designs. One such head-scratcher is a $1,790 drawstring bag that looks like a Hefty garbage bag, which designer Demna Gvasalia said was created to be the “most expensive trash bag in the world.”
The jury’s out on how much it will resell for someday. | https://nypost.com/2022/08/26/gucci-soars-as-hottest-vintage-brand-demand-increases-500/ | 2022-08-26T18:27:56Z | nypost.com | control | https://nypost.com/2022/08/26/gucci-soars-as-hottest-vintage-brand-demand-increases-500/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Could Patrick Beverley’s trade to the Lakers be indicative of Russell Westbrook’s future status on the roster?
The Lakers point guard — who has been at the center of trade rumors throughout the NBA offseason — might not suit up for Los Angeles in the 2022-23 season, according to The Athletic.
“Beverley’s arrival makes it more likely that Westbrook will be off the active roster by the start of training camp, either through a trade or the team sending him home a la the Rockets with John Wall last season,” a source close to the situation told the outlet.
John Wall signed a two-year contract with the Clippers last month after reaching a buyout agreement with the Rockets in late June. Wall did not play last season after both parties agreed that the All-Star point guard, 31, would sit out as Houston focused on rebuilding and developing its young talent in Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr.
Wall split his time last season by working out solo in Miami, participating in practices, and sitting on the bench during games. Elsewhere, Wall was also involved in trade rumors with Westbrook this summer.
If the Lakers are unable to find a trade for Westbrook — who exercised his $47.1 million option in June to return to Los Angeles, in what would be the final year of his contract — the so-called Wall treatment is reportedly an option.
Earlier this week, the Lakers made a swift play for Beverley after their plan of a point guard swap with Westbrook and Nets star Kyrie Irving hit a dead end, according to a separate report by The Athletic.
Kevin Durant’s sudden recommitment to the Nets apparently derailed the Lakers’ plan to offload Westbrook for Irving, which was said to be a LeBron James demand.
On Thursday, however, James said he “can’t wait for [Westbrook] to go off this season,” in response to a message from internet personality Cuffs the Legend, who tweeted, “The Westbrook disrespect and vitriol is still corny regardless of how you feel about last season. Some people gotta get a life man.”
Beverley’s return to Los Angeles comes a year after the Clippers dealt him to the Grizzlies in August 2021. He landed with the Timberwolves a short while later and played for Minnesota during the 2021-22 season. Before landing with the Lakers, Beverley had been traded to the Jazz as part of a multi-player deal in July 2022, when Timberwolves acquired Rudy Gobert.
The Lakers sent the Jazz Talen Horton-Tucker as part of the Beverley trade.
With the acquisition of Beverley, the Lakers have added a savvy point guard to their roster, not to mention a much-needed boost of defensive energy after Los Angeles ranked 21st in defense last season.
The Lakers failed to make the playoffs last season in what was one of Westbrook’s worst offensive campaigns to date. His efficiency plummeted to 0.844 points per possession, putting him second-to-last for any player with at least 1,000 possessions, according to Synergy Sports.
Westbrook could be forced to accept a different role on the Lakers’ roster under coach Darvin Ham — if they decided to put Beverley at point guard.
Upon Beverley’s trade to the Lakers this week, the internet had a field day given the former second-round pick’s chippy history with Westbrook.
The bad blood between the two stems from when Beverley dove into Westbrook’s knee while the latter was calling a timeout in during the 2013 playoffs, injuring the then-Thunder star. They’ve gone at it many times in press conferences and on social media as well.
Beverley most recently mocked Westbrook in a Lakers-Timberwolves game in March, when he held his nose and yelled, “He’s trash,” at the Lakers’ bench.
Beverley was drafted by the Lakers in the second round in 2009. | https://nypost.com/2022/08/26/russell-westbrook-could-get-john-wall-treatment-after-lakers-trade/ | 2022-08-26T18:28:46Z | nypost.com | control | https://nypost.com/2022/08/26/russell-westbrook-could-get-john-wall-treatment-after-lakers-trade/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
An October trial date has been set in the New York lawsuit accusing Kevin Spacey of sexually abusing a teen decades ago.
Anthony Rapp’s case alleges that the former “House of Cards” actor sexually assaulted him in Manhattan in 1986 when he was just 14.
Manhattan federal court Judge Lewis Kaplan scheduled the case to start jury selection on Oct. 6, according to an order from Thursday.
In June, Kaplan shot down Spacey’s bid to toss Rapp’s whole case – allowing claims including third-degree sexual abuse to move forward to trial, while tossing out a sexual assault allegation due to the statute of limitations.
Rapp’ case accuses the 62-year-old actor of grazing his butt and laying partially across him before Rapp managed to “wriggle out” of his grasp.
Under New York’s Child Victims’ Act, the accuser was able to file the suit despite the statute of limitations running out on the alleged incident. The legislation opened a two-year look-back window for victims of childhood abuse to bring old claims.
In May, UK prosecutors charged Spacey with sexual assault stemming from allegations that he assaulted three men in London between March 2005 and August 2008 and in western England in April 2013.
Spacey said he would voluntarily appear in that case to defend himself and prove his innocence.
Rapp’s lawyers declined to comment. Lawyers for Spacey didn’t immediately return a request for comment. | https://nypost.com/2022/08/26/trial-date-set-in-sex-abuse-suit-against-kevin-spacey/ | 2022-08-26T18:29:06Z | nypost.com | control | https://nypost.com/2022/08/26/trial-date-set-in-sex-abuse-suit-against-kevin-spacey/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Dogs With Eye Problems: Here are the 10 breeds of adorable dog most prone to eye infections - including the loving Labrador Retriever 🐕
Prospective dog owners should be aware their beloved pups may be predisposed to developing eye problems.
A huge number of us decided to welcome new puppies into our homes over the last two years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared and post-lockdown demand for four-legged friends 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.
Another thing to take into consideration is that some breeds are prone to particular health issues.
There are a number of canine disorders relating to the eyes – from conjunctivitis to glaucoma – with some breeds far more likely to be affected than others.
Here are the 10 least breeds of dog genetically predisposed to having issues with their eyes.
Read more: | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/dogs-with-eye-problems-here-are-the-10-breeds-of-adorable-dog-most-prone-to-eye-infections-including-the-loving-labrador-retriever-3403002 | 2022-08-26T18:29:19Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/dogs-with-eye-problems-here-are-the-10-breeds-of-adorable-dog-most-prone-to-eye-infections-including-the-loving-labrador-retriever-3403002 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
French Bulldog Puppy Names: These are the 10 most popular dog names for adorable and snuggly French Bulldogs 🐶
If you’re poised to get a new French Bulldog pup but can’t decide what to call it, here’s some inspiration from the global family of dog owners.
A huge number of us decided to welcome new puppies into our homes over the last two years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared by nearly eight percent and post-lockdown demand for four-legged friends 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.
But even when you’ve settled on a type of dog, there’s still the tricky task of choosing a name.
If you’ve opted for an adorable French Bulldog then personalised gift site yappy.com can help – they’ve surveyed thousands of their customers to come up with the most popular names people choose for their loveable Lab.
Here are their top 10 French Bulldog names.
Read more | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/french-bulldog-puppy-names-these-are-the-10-most-popular-dog-names-for-adorable-and-snuggly-french-bulldogs-3463743 | 2022-08-26T18:29:45Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/french-bulldog-puppy-names-these-are-the-10-most-popular-dog-names-for-adorable-and-snuggly-french-bulldogs-3463743 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Less Family Friendly Dogs: Here are the 10 breeds of adorable dog that not suitable for families with young children 🐕
While these adorable pups can make fantastic pets, they should be avoided by prospective owners who have young children, or those planning a family.
A huge number of us decided to welcome new puppies into our homes over the last two years – Kennel Club figures show dog ownership soared and post-lockdown demand for four-legged friends 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.
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 or temperaments which mean that they simply aren’t suitable for households with young children.
Here are the 10 breeds of dogs that should be avoided by young families, according to the American Kennel Club.
Read more: | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/less-family-friendly-dogs-here-are-the-10-breeds-of-adorable-dog-that-not-suitable-for-families-with-young-children-3365791 | 2022-08-26T18:31:24Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/less-family-friendly-dogs-here-are-the-10-breeds-of-adorable-dog-that-not-suitable-for-families-with-young-children-3365791 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Most Clever Dogs: Here are the 10 most intelligent breeds of adorable dog that are brainy as they are beautiful - including the loving Labrador 🐕
As demand for puppies continues to soar post-lockdown, here are the breeds that have both brains and beauty – our list of genius dogs.
If you, like many of us, want to welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from. You should consider what matches well with your way of life.
For example, those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
If you are looking for a dog that’s as smart as it is adorable though, there’s scientific research into the subject that can guide you. Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ is a landmark piece of canine literature, judging breeds’ relative IQs by looking at instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
So these are – officially – the top 10 brightest breeds of pooch.
Read more: | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/most-clever-dogs-here-are-the-10-most-intelligent-breeds-of-adorable-dog-that-are-brainy-as-they-are-beautiful-including-the-loving-labrador-3316751 | 2022-08-26T18:31:56Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/most-clever-dogs-here-are-the-10-most-intelligent-breeds-of-adorable-dog-that-are-brainy-as-they-are-beautiful-including-the-loving-labrador-3316751 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The American ventured across the pond to the European continent's gateway city, Lisbon, Portugal, for my birthday.
Lisbon is unrivaled, with an authentic blend of artistic tiles along many of the city's buildings and the coast's natural beauty is striking.
There is a stellar aerial view when a plane meets the Portuguese coastline. There is a 50/50 chance of seeing the ethereal sight of the Christ the King statue, inspired by Rio de Janeiro's famous Christ the Redeemer statue.
The city merges prolific history as Europe's second oldest capital and is complemented by modern feats including the European Union's longest bridge. Lisbon is home to the world's oldest bookstore, Livraria Bertrand.
"If Lisbon and Portugal were a person in a group, with other southern European countries, it would be the quiet one listening to slow music," said Sergio Perreira, a Portuguese native, who aptly described the city's tranquil ambiance.
The navigable centralized Portuguese capital is a maritime city with a population of about 3 million, which is about the size of the Minneapolis metro area.
Arriving is a breeze with a reasonable two Euro, 20-minute clean and comfortable underground transit from the airport into the city. A majority of Portuguese people speak fairly fluent English.
Portugal's story is complex
One of Europe's longest reigning empires was the Portuguese Empire. Portugal once held Brazil, the largest piece of land to become a single country after Canada. Today Brazilians comprise about 211,000 of Portugal's 10 million person population. It is evident in street performances and music that there is much cultural exchange and migration between the two countries.
A fascinating observation became apparent on my first day. There are substantial similarities between Lisbon and San Francisco.
I first noticed when the hills of Lisbon's streets would abruptly get extremely steep.
During a 1755 earthquake, 85% of Lisbon's buildings were destroyed, and in 1906 an earthquake destroyed more than 80% of San Francisco’s. The cities are built on seven hills, and both have the iconic city symbols of cable cars to deal with the steep hills.
Both cities also have impressive massive dark red suspension bridges gracing their skylines facing mammoth oceans.
A notorious colonial power for more than six centuries, Portugal is comparable to the much larger and more populated powers of Great Britain, France, and Spain. Portugal ruled over parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America.
I was curious about how diverse Portuguese culture is when visiting the presidential residence of Palácio Nacional de Belémother.
Despite Black Portuguese people making up less than 2% of the country's population, within the national sport of soccer, don't be surprised to see a quarter of a team’s players being Black.
There have been four Black representatives since Portugal became a republic in 1974, with the most recent being elected in 2019.
The city is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and iVisa ranked Lisbon the happiest city in 2022.
Lisbon has a range of interests that not many cities can match, including unending preserved history through museums, galleries, and the streets with beach activities. Castles and palaces dot several city corners.
The atmosphere is unique with seafood serving as a staple, and nostalgia driven Fado music complimenting sunsets and an exciting nightlife in Bairro Alto.
A must-eat:
Pastéis de Belém is a to-die-for pastry; a crunchy, sweet, rich mixture of custard, egg and sugar.
Must-sees:
Visually, the city hosts some of the finest architecture the world can offer.
Notable mentions: Belém Tower, Sintra Palácios, Praça do Comércio, and Jerónimos Monastery. | https://www.stlamerican.com/arts_and_entertainment/living_it/lisbon-a-paradise-packed-with-history-and-culture/article_ae56617a-2533-11ed-b25f-b3ff97c89c32.html | 2022-08-26T18:32:08Z | stlamerican.com | control | https://www.stlamerican.com/arts_and_entertainment/living_it/lisbon-a-paradise-packed-with-history-and-culture/article_ae56617a-2533-11ed-b25f-b3ff97c89c32.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Calling it “an amazing opportunity,” Lakesha Robinson has been appointed as Mayor Tishaura O. Jones’ Senior Advisor for Children, Youth, and Families.
“I look forward to working with Mayor Jones to make St. Louis a place where all our youth can succeed and thrive.”
A St. Louis native, Robinson most recently served as Horizons St. Louis executive director, as United 4 Children community engagement director.
She has worked in the field of education for 15 years, promoting youth development and “advocating for innovative new strategies to improve outcomes for youth,” she said.
Robinson holds a Master’s in Social Work from Saint Louis University, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Studies from Southeast Missouri State University. Robinson will assume her new role on August 29. Her headshot is attached.
“As a mom, I understand firsthand how important it is we offer our children every chance to succeed, and we need a proven leader who can help advocate for our babies at the highest levels,” Jones said in a release.
“I am excited to welcome Lakesha Robinson into my administration to help make St. Louis safer and stronger for children and their families.
Robinson is filling the role of Wilford Pinkney, who recently became the city Director of the Office of Violence Prevention. In addition, Policy Director Nahuel Fefer will be moving to the Community Development Administration (CDA) as its new executive director.
Fefer has been drafting the administration’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending priorities. In his new role he will help implement those priorities at CDA with a focus on equitable neighborhood development.
Special Projects Manager Angela Pearson is shifting from communications to 0perations, with a focus on cross-departmental collaboration and supporting department performance.
The Mayor’s Office is accepting applications for Policy Director and Community Communications and Engagement Assistant on the City’s website, www.stlouis-mo.gov/government. | https://www.stlamerican.com/business/business_news/young-at-heart/article_ae690326-24dd-11ed-9ac2-63bbb8dca1a7.html | 2022-08-26T18:32:14Z | stlamerican.com | control | https://www.stlamerican.com/business/business_news/young-at-heart/article_ae690326-24dd-11ed-9ac2-63bbb8dca1a7.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Non Velcro Dogs: Here are the 10 least clingy breeds of loyal dog that won't stick to you like glue - including the loving Jack Russell Terrier 🐕
Are you looking for a dog that will be perfectly happy amusing themselves rather than sticking to you like glue? Then here are are few breeds that should top your list.
A huge number of us decided to welcome new puppies into our homes in the last couple of years – Kennel Club figures show dog ownership soared by nearly 8 percent when the pandemic hit and post-lockdown demand for four-legged friends 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.
Before setting your heart on a particular breed it’s important to realise that different breeds have very different personalities and attributes. Some pups hate to be separated from their owners for even short periods, affectionately known as ‘velcro dogs’, and need constant attention, approval and entertainment.
Meanwhile, others are far more sure of themselves – still loving their human family but perfectly happy to take some time out, entertain themselves, or just curl up by themselves for a nap. So, here are the 10 most independent breeds of dog.
Read more: | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/non-velcro-dogs-here-are-the-10-least-clingy-breeds-of-loyal-dog-that-wont-stick-to-you-like-glue-including-the-loving-jack-russell-terrier-3526053 | 2022-08-26T18:32:34Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/non-velcro-dogs-here-are-the-10-least-clingy-breeds-of-loyal-dog-that-wont-stick-to-you-like-glue-including-the-loving-jack-russell-terrier-3526053 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Pomeranian Trivia: Here are 10 interesting dog facts about the adorable Pomeranian dog 🐶
They’re one of the UK’s most popular breeds of small dog, but how much do you know about the fluffy and adorable Pomeranian? 10 fun and interesting dog facts about adorable Pomeranians.
The last two years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership rise by nearly eight per cent.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
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 dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Pomeranian – they are one of the UK’s most popular small dogs and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
Read more | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/pomeranian-trivia-here-are-10-interesting-dog-facts-about-the-adorable-pomeranian-dog-3425884 | 2022-08-26T18:32:54Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/pomeranian-trivia-here-are-10-interesting-dog-facts-about-the-adorable-pomeranian-dog-3425884 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
(KTLA) – Residents in L.A.’s Hollywood Hills neighborhood spotted an A-list celebrity Thursday morning, but it wasn’t George Clooney or Beyoncé.
Instead, it was a full-grown mountain lion, and most likely P-22 — aka “L.A.’s most famous feline.”
The puma, who resides mostly in the Griffith Park area and is believed to be about 12 years old, was caught on a doorbell camera walking down a residential street.
Video from one home shows the cougar strolling down the street in broad daylight. Other cameras captured the big cat strolling through yards at night.
“It’s wild. It’s wild. You hear of it, but usually there’s so many people out between the cars or people jogging or walking their dogs, you don’t think it would come around our part of the neighborhood,” said Jeffrey Drew, who lives in the area.
Drew’s partner, Jon-Eric Baer, said he was concerned for their small dog.
“I’m from the inner city, so I’m good with gang members, but with big-a– cats, I’m not that good,” Baer said. “That thing was huge.”
The area is no stranger to bobcats, deer, skunk and other creatures, but “rarely do you see a cat that big,” Drew added.
“It’s the big news. I thought it was exciting,” he said.
While the National Parks Service has yet to confirm if this particular lion is P-22, it seems likely given the cat’s size and the monitoring collar visible around its neck. P-22 was also spotted outside a Hollywood Hills home in April. | https://www.wwlp.com/news/national/doorbell-cam-captures-large-mountain-lion-roaming-hollywood-hills/ | 2022-08-26T18:33:00Z | wwlp.com | control | https://www.wwlp.com/news/national/doorbell-cam-captures-large-mountain-lion-roaming-hollywood-hills/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Sausage Dog Facts: These are 10 of the most fascinating facts about the adorable Dachshund dog 🐶
They’re one of the UK’s most popular breeds of pup, but how much do you know about the intelligent and adorable Dachshund?
The last two years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership soar.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thought needed when choosing your perfect pup. Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
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 dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Dachshund – they were the UK’s fifth most popular pet in 2020 (only bested by the Labrador Retriever, French Bulldog, English Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel) and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
Read more: | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/sausage-dog-facts-these-are-10-of-the-most-fascinating-facts-about-the-adorable-dachshund-dog-3360230 | 2022-08-26T18:33:19Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/sausage-dog-facts-these-are-10-of-the-most-fascinating-facts-about-the-adorable-dachshund-dog-3360230 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Scotland Dog Names: Here are the 10 most popular Scottish girl puppy names 🐶
If you’re poised to get a new girl puppy but can’t decide what to call her, here’s some inspiration from the Scottish family of dog owners.
A huge number of us decided to welcome new puppies into our homes during the pandemic – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared by nearly eight percent – and post-lockdown demand for four-legged friends 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.
But even when you’ve settled on a type of dog, there’s still the tricky task of choosing a name. Help is at hand from Rover.com, the world’s largest network of five-star pet sitters and dog walkers, who recently launched their annual pet names report for 2021.
They have totted up the figures which reveal the most popular female dog names in Scotland this year. Here are their top 10 monikers for loving girl pups.
Read more | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/scotland-dog-names-here-are-the-10-most-popular-scottish-girl-puppy-names-3481876 | 2022-08-26T18:33:25Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/scotland-dog-names-here-are-the-10-most-popular-scottish-girl-puppy-names-3481876 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Shiba Inu Trivia: These are 10 fun dog facts you might not know about about the adorable Shiba Inu dog breed 🐶
They’re one of the UK’s more unusual breeds of dog, but how much do you know about the loveable and loyal Shiba Inu pup?
The last 18 months have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership rise by nearly eight per cent over 2020.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
Read more:
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 dog that sometimes appears on people’s canine wishlists is the Shiba Inu – they are one of the more unusual dogs to be seen in the UK’s parks but have a range of positive attributes that make them a great household pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed. | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/shiba-inu-trivia-these-are-10-fun-dog-facts-you-might-not-know-about-about-the-adorable-shiba-inu-dog-breed-3434230 | 2022-08-26T18:33:38Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/shiba-inu-trivia-these-are-10-fun-dog-facts-you-might-not-know-about-about-the-adorable-shiba-inu-dog-breed-3434230 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Snuggly Dogs: Here are the 10 breeds of adorable dog that have the softest and fluffiest coats 🐕
If you are looking for a new dog and a luxuriant, fluffy coat is top of your canine wish list, then there are certain breeds you really should consider first.
Prospective owners looking for a new puppy have 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, along with numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you choose your new best friend.
The last couple of years have seen many of us add a new furry friend to our families, with the Kennel Club reporting that dog ownership has risen by nearly eight per cent since the start of the pandemic.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallerganic dog.
For all the latest dog news, pictures, advice and information, join our Scotsdog Facebook group here
Meanwhile, some people prize a soft, fluffy coat over all other attributes – a dog that seems to have been designed to be cuddled.
Here are the 10 fluffiest dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club.Read more: | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/snuggly-dogs-here-are-the-10-breeds-of-adorable-dog-that-have-the-softest-and-fluffiest-coats-3493126 | 2022-08-26T18:33:51Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/snuggly-dogs-here-are-the-10-breeds-of-adorable-dog-that-have-the-softest-and-fluffiest-coats-3493126 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Tricky To Housetrain Dogs: Here are the 10 breeds of adorable dog that are hardest to toilet train - including the loving Pug 🐶
If you value your carpets and don’t like mess then these dog breeds could drive you around the bend.
A huge number of us decided to welcome new puppies into our homes in the last couple of years – Kennel Club figures show dog ownership soared by nearly eight per cent when the pandemic hit and post-lockdown demand for four-legged friends 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.
One of the trickiest prospects for new owners is ensuring their new pet is quickly toilet trained – knowing to go outside to relieve themselves. Some breeds practically train themselves, while others may continue to do their business inside well into adulthood. Here are the 10 breeds of dog that are most difficult to house train. | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/tricky-to-housetrain-dogs-here-are-the-10-breeds-of-adorable-dog-that-are-hardest-to-toilet-train-including-the-loving-pug-3517711 | 2022-08-26T18:35:14Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/tricky-to-housetrain-dogs-here-are-the-10-breeds-of-adorable-dog-that-are-hardest-to-toilet-train-including-the-loving-pug-3517711 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Whisky tourism back on the map at Talisker and Caol Ila
Whisky and tourism, especially to regions such as Speyside and Islay, go hand in hand.
Figures from the Scotch Whisky Association reveal growing whisky curiosity contributed to over two million distillery visits in 2018, and that since 2010 distillery visits had jumped by 56 per cent. Obviously Covid-19 put a stop to travelling and tourists, but we seem to be getting back to a kind-of normal.
One company that hasn’t rested on its laurels over the last few years is Diageo. The company opened their flagship Johnnie Walker visitor experience in autumn of last year and have invested a significant amount in distilleries that help create the famous blend. This has resulted in snazzy new visitor centres, including Cardhu Distillery in Speyside, Glenkinchie in East Lothian and the Singleton near Inverness.
Now two of their brands, Talisker and Caol Ila, which are arguably situated in the most heavily visited parts of Scotland, are reopening to the public. Talisker reopened on August 5 and Caol Ila will reopen later this month.
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Talisker has been regularly referenced in pop culture everywhere from Robert Louis Stevenson to DC Comics ‘Justice League’, and its home has stood proudly by the sea for more than 150 years. Now the distillery has been renovated and the visitor experience completely transformed as part of Diageo’s £185 million investment in Scotch whisky tourism in Scotland.
Of the Talisker reopening, Barbara Smith, managing director of Diageo’s Scotland Brand Homes, said: “Talisker is inseparable from the unique Isle of Skye landscape and its whisky inherently shaped by the sea and landscape that surrounds it. Our new brand home celebrates that deep connection with the sea and Talisker’s commitment to preserving the wonderful marine environment in Scotland and around the world.”
Caol Ila distillery on Islay, which has also undergone a transformation, is the final opening as part of this extensive investment and completes the Four Corners project, the aim of which is to encourage visitors to travel nation-wide in the pursuit of flavour and new whisky experiences.
Guests can look forward to tours, tastings and getting back inside the homes of these much loved distilleries, which have been closed now for some time.
With such a large investment, the future of whisky and tourism, in a post-pandemic world, certainly looks bright.
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article. | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/food-and-drink/whisky-tourism-back-on-the-map-at-talisker-and-caol-ila-3820891 | 2022-08-26T18:35:40Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/food-and-drink/whisky-tourism-back-on-the-map-at-talisker-and-caol-ila-3820891 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Holland America Line is now experiencing a rise in demand for its longer voyages leaving from U.S. homeports, without having to travel via international flights.
In response, the cruise line has launched its “See the World from Your Doorstep” campaign visiting 225 different ports in 91 countries, from the U.S., with five North American port options.
Holland America Line’s Response to Demand Increase
As the cruise industry begins to ease its protocols and procedures, major cruise lines, such as Holland America Line, have seen an increase in guests traveling via cruise ships.
Holland America Line is currently launching a new campaign, “See the World from Your Doorstep”, offering more roundtrip travel options from U.S. homeports.
The cruise line is preparing for a larger number of guests traveling their line and anticipates growth in demand for guests who want to explore global destinations without taking an international flight.
The Vice President of Marketing and E-commerce for Holland America Line, Kacy Cole, states, “Over the past year we’ve seen a shift in the way people are vacationing due to the unpredictability of air travel and desire to explore more, and there’s higher interest when it comes to longer voyages from our U.S. homeports.”
“Travelers love the idea of discovering the islands of the South Pacific or Africa’s exotic shores with just a simple drive or short flight to one our homeports.”
The new itinerary options include convenient roundtrip cruises departing from Boston, Massachusetts; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; San Diego, California; and Seattle, Washington.
Currently, four roundtrip Grand Voyages from the U.S. are offered by the line for guests who want to experience global destinations such as Africa, South America, or Australia.
Read Also: Holland America Line Reaches Over 240 Cruises Since Restart
Monthlong cruise options include itineraries from San Diego to Hawaii, Tahiti, and Marquesas, or a roundtrip sail from Boston with ports of call in Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and the British Isles.
Departing from Ft. Lauderdale, guests can now book longer itineraries such as sails on a 128-day Grand World Voyage, a 74-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage, or a 73-day Grand Africa Voyage.
Holland America Line now offers more roundtrip cruises over 15 nights departing from the U.S. to global destinations than any other cruise line, sailing to 225 ports in 91 different countries.
The line will continue to offer its shorter roundtrip sail options from U.S. departure ports and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada of less than 15 nights. These popular itineraries visit destinations such as the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Canada, Alaska, and Mexico.
Holland America Line’s Return to Service
The Carnival Corporation & plc-owned line, Holland America, recently announced a relaxation of its health and safety protocols, removing pre-cruise testing for vaccinated passengers on a majority of sailings.
The line’s new protocols take effect on September 6, 2022, and guests will no longer need to present a negative pre-cruise test prior to embarking. Currently, all cruises visiting Australia, Canada, and Greece are still requiring guests to test before setting sail.
It was the second cruise line under the ownership of Carnival Corporation to remove testing requirements for certain voyages sailing in Europe and the UK.
The line resumed cruising after the global shutdown on July 24, 2021, via 86,700 gross-ton Nieuw Amsterdam, the line’s first ship to return to service from Seattle, Washington.
Since the line’s return to service in July 2021, it has sailed over 242 cruises that visited over 169 ports and just welcomed its last ship back into service, Westerdam, on June 2022. | https://www.cruisehive.com/interest-for-longer-voyages-increases-for-holland-america-line/79797 | 2022-08-26T18:35:49Z | cruisehive.com | control | https://www.cruisehive.com/interest-for-longer-voyages-increases-for-holland-america-line/79797 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
There is no denying that many of the things we do and experience in daily life have been transformed by Elon Musk and his many companies, such as Tesla and SpaceX. Now Starlink is set to force some significant changes in the cruise industry.
SpaceX launched Starlink Maritime in July of this year. Now, all the necessary permits are in place for the company to offer internet speeds never seen before onboard ships. The system covers many popular cruise destinations but won’t be available worldwide for years.
Starlink Is Just What The Cruise Industry Needed
Only days ago, Carnival Cruise Line reported that internet access onboard Carnival Legend and Carnival Magic would be limited due to satellite coverage issues. And over the last months, we’ve seen that traditional maritime satellite internet companies are having more and more problems providing ships with stable connections.
Those issues have even gone as far as cruise companies limiting internet access onboard. Besides the known issues, these traditional internet connections are notoriously slow and unreliable in certain areas.
And this is where Elon Musk comes in. Just a few weeks ago, SpaceX launched its new Starlink Maritime program. The installation and running costs won’t come cheap. Monthly costs are around $5,000 a month for two terminals, with a $10,000 one-off installation and equipment fee.
While those amounts might seem excessive, traditional satellite connections for at-sea internet can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each month, up to several million in some cases. Starlink will not just be a welcome improvement in speed; potentially, the cost of internet onboard will also be dropping in the coming months and years.
For the money you pay for a Starlink connection on your cruise, you get high-speed, low-latency internet access with speeds of up to 350 Mbps. Rates that are unheard of onboard ships and which are even faster than what some currently have in their homes.
Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas employed at least six satellite terminals when it was shown to be testing the Starlink system. This would mean comfortably streaming videos and sports and keeping up to date with those at home for thousands of guests onboard.
Royal Caribbean stated in June: “We believe our work with SpaceX, the first of its kind in the cruise industry will set the standard for other cruise operators and will mean a leap in terms of guest experience and business operations while at sea.”
Not Available Everywhere
The issue that is currently at play with Starlink is that many cruise companies still have contracts with satellite internet companies and will likely need to keep those going for now.
This is because Starlink Maritime is by no means available worldwide. Currently, the connectivity is restricted to the coastal areas of the United States but does not include Alaska. In Europe, the majority of the Mediterranean and Western Europe are covered, but Sweden, Finland, and Norway are not.
The service does cover Southern Australia and New Zealand, but the entire Asian region is not covered.
While plans are in place to expand connectivity in 2022, 2023, and beyond, until that does happen on a much broader scale, chances are slim that you will see 350 Mbps on your cruise, especially if you sail on a voyage to the Norwegian Fjords, Alaska, Asia, or an expedition cruise to the Arctic or Antarctic.
The cost factor will likely not be solved until Starlink can fix these coverage issues. Switching between high-speed internet and the current low-speed connection when changing covered areas will also be more of a hindrance than a solution.
That being said, the arrival of Musk’s Starlink Maritime does show that fast internet onboard a cruise ship is possible. While we may have to wait sometime before systems are available everywhere, we can be sure that the slow connections that we see now will soon be a thing of the past. | https://www.cruisehive.com/starlink-will-transform-internet-on-cruises-but-not-everywhere/79849 | 2022-08-26T18:35:56Z | cruisehive.com | control | https://www.cruisehive.com/starlink-will-transform-internet-on-cruises-but-not-everywhere/79849 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Cameron House Hotel Fire: Inquiry told hotel did not hold fire drills at night
Management at a hotel where two guests died in a blaze did not hold fire drills at night, an inquiry has heard.
Andy Roger, 43, was resort director at the Cameron House hotel, near Balloch, on the shores of Loch Lomond, at the time of the fire in December 2017.
Simon Midgley, 32, and his partner, Richard Dyson, 38, from London, died in the blaze.
Night porter Christopher O'Malley emptied ash and embers from a fuel fire into a plastic bag, and then put it in a cupboard of kindling and newspapers, a Fatal Accident Inquiry taking place at Paisley Sheriff Court has heard previously.
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Mr Roger told the inquiry that they did not do fire drills at night, and when asked by Sheriff Thomas McCartney what time they were held, was told: "We generally took them around 10.30 to 11 in the morning or three or four in the afternoon. Between 10 and four, generally, the hours of the drills."
Questioned by Crown counsel Graeme Jessop about roll-play drills after hours, Mr Roger said: "That was not something we did, in hindsight that's something we have done differently, we have done silent drills since we re-opened to capture that."
As part of the evacuation plan, workers were instructed to pick up a bag which included equipment to help with the roll-call of guests. However, on the night, as the intensity of the fire in reception grew, it was left behind.
Mr Roger was asked by the Mr Jessop if there was any back-up.
"A duplicate of equipment? Not that I can recall," he told the court, before adding many of its systems were cloud-based and could be accessed from a laptop.
The inquiry was told about the hotel's fire plan which, under its general section, stated: "Combustible material of any kind must not be stored in general electrical or boiler rooms."
Hotel operator Cameron House Resort (Loch Lomond) Ltd was previously fined £500,000, with night porter Christopher O'Malley given a community payback order over the fire.
Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard in January last year that the fire started after O'Malley emptied ash and embers from a fuel fire into a polythene bag, and then put it in a cupboard of kindling and newspapers.
The hotel firm admitted failing to take the necessary fire safety measures to ensure the safety of its guests and employees between January 14 2016 and December 18 2017.
The company admitted two charges of breaching the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005.
O'Malley admitted breaching sections of health and safety laws which relate to the obligation on an employee to take reasonable care for the health and safety of people affected by their acts or omissions at work.
The inquiry continues. | https://www.scotsman.com/news/cameron-house-hotel-fire-inquiry-told-hotel-did-not-hold-fire-drills-at-night-3821013 | 2022-08-26T18:36:00Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/news/cameron-house-hotel-fire-inquiry-told-hotel-did-not-hold-fire-drills-at-night-3821013 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Serial Scottish rapist brought to justice with the help of two dead victims
Statements from two women who subsequently died played a key role convicting a brutal serial rapist.
Alexander Thomson, 42, was convicted of 17 charges of rape and physical attacks between 2013 and 2019 across West Lothian.
This included knocking one victim's teeth out and making her swallow them.
He also put a plastic bag over another terrified woman's head as she slept and tried to choke her.
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Two of the women had since passed away, but special permission was granted for their brave police statements to be read to the High Court in Glasgow by a female officer.
A judge yesterday made Thomson the subject of an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR) meaning he may never be released to strike again. He will have to convince a panel of experts that he is fit to return to our streets.
Thomson carried out his reign of terror on four women in Livingston, Bathgate and Broxburn, his home town.
After one rape, Thomson casually walked away from his victim and offered to make her coffee.
Another victim endured Thomson gouging her with a knife where a tattoo of an ex-boyfriend's name was.
The court heard he once kicked her on the head causing teeth to break.
Thomson ordered her to then swallow them and he also pulled part of a tooth out with pliers.
The thug must also serve a minimum four years behind bars before he can attempt to have the OLR lifted, but is unlikely to succeed given the extent of his offending.
Following sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Steven McMillan said: “Thomson is a dangerous, serial abuser who presents a threat to women. Today’s sentencing will hopefully ensure that others are kept safe from him. He inflicted some of the most horrendous and shocking abuse I’ve ever come across.”
Judge Tom Hughes paid tribute to the victims whose testimony finally brought Thomson to justice.
He told the thug: "You have a dreadful record of convictions. A social work report confirms the danger you pose to society and female partners."
Thomson was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for an indefinite period and served with a Non-Harassment Order banning him from contacting the surviving victims.
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article. | https://www.scotsman.com/news/crime/serial-scottish-rapist-brought-to-justice-with-the-help-of-two-dead-victims-3821301 | 2022-08-26T18:36:07Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/news/crime/serial-scottish-rapist-brought-to-justice-with-the-help-of-two-dead-victims-3821301 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) — President Joe Biden called on Democrats Thursday "to vote to literally save democracy once again" — and compared Republican ideology to "semi-fascism" — as he led a kickoff rally and a fundraiser in Maryland 75 days out from the midterm elections.
Addressing an overflow crowd of thousands at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Biden said: "Your right to choose is on the ballot this year. The Social Security you paid for from the time you had a job is on the ballot. The safety of your kids from gun violence is on the ballot, and it's not hyperbole, the very survival of our planet is on the ballot."
"You have to choose," Biden added. "Will we be a country that moves forward or a country that moves backward?"
The events, in the safely Democratic Washington suburbs, were meant to ease Biden into what White House aides say will be an aggressive season of championing his policy victories and aiding his party's candidates. He is aiming to turn months of accomplishments into political energy as Democrats have seen their hopes rebound amid the legacy-defining burst of action by Biden and Congress.
From bipartisan action on gun control, infrastructure and domestic technology manufacturing to Democrats-only efforts to tackle climate change and health care costs, Biden highlighted the achievements of the party's unified but razor-thin control of Washington. And he tried to sharpen the contrast with Republicans, who once seemed poised for sizable victories in November.
Just months ago, as inflation soared, Biden's poll numbers soured and his agenda stalled, Democrats braced for significant losses. But the intense voter reaction to the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade and a productive summer on issues of core concern to Democrats have the party feeling like it is finally on the offensive heading into the Nov. 8 vote, even as the president remains unpopular.
Ahead of the rally, Biden raised about $1 million at an event with about 100 donors for the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Grassroots Victory Fund in the backyard of a lavish Bethesda home.
After his speech at the rally, Biden lingered with the largely mask-free crowd for nearly 30 minutes, diving back into the style of campaigning that had been disrupted for Democrats for more than two years by the COVID-19 pandemic. The president, who was identified as a close contact of first lady Jill Biden on Wednesday when she was diagnosed with a "rebound" case of the virus, did not appear to wear a face covering as he posed for selfies and hugged supporters.
Biden's Thursday events come a day after the president moved to fulfill a long-delayed campaign pledge to forgive federal student loans for lower- and middle-income borrowers — a move that Democrats believe will animate younger and Black and Latino voters.
Republicans, though, saw their own political advantage in the move, casting it as an unfair giveaway to would-be Democratic voters.
"President Biden's inflation is crushing working families, and his answer is to give away even more government money to elites with higher salaries," said Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell. "Democrats are literally using working Americans' money to try to buy themselves some enthusiasm from their political base."
Biden on Thursday expanded on his effort to paint Republicans as the "ultra-MAGA" party — a reference to former President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan — opposing his agenda and embracing conservative ideological proposals as well as Trump's false claims about the 2020 election.
"What we're seeing now is either the beginning or the death knell of an extreme MAGA philosophy," Biden told donors at the fundraiser. "It's not just Trump, it's the entire philosophy that underpins the — I'm going to say something, it's like semi-fascism."
"I respect conservative Republicans," Biden said later. "I don't respect these MAGA Republicans."
The Republican National Committee called Biden's comments "Despicable."
"Biden forced Americans out of their jobs, transferred money from working families to Harvard lawyers, and sent our country into a recession while families can't afford gas and groceries," said spokesperson Nathan Brand. "Democrats don't care about suffering Americans — they never did."
Since the June Supreme Court ruling removing women's constitutional protections for abortion, Democrats have seen a boost in donations, polling and performance in special elections for open congressional seats. The latest came Tuesday in a Hudson Valley swing district that, in a Republican wave year, should have been an easy GOP win. Instead, Democrat Pat Ryan, who campaigned on a platform of standing up for abortion rights, defeated Republican Marc Molinaro.
"MAGA Republicans don't have a clue about the power of women," Biden said, noting the resonance of the abortion issue with women voters as some in the GOP push a national ban on the procedure. "Let me tell you something: They are about to find out."
The shift is giving Democrats a new sense that a Republican sweep of the House is no longer such a sure bet, particularly battle-tested incumbents polling better than Biden work their districts.
Meanwhile, Democrats have benefited from Republican candidates who won primaries but are struggling in the general campaign. Trump-backed Senate candidates have complicated the GOP's chances in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona, while several Trump-aligned candidates in House races were not always the party's first choice.
Trump's grip on the GOP remains strong and has perhaps even become tighter in the aftermath of the FBI search of his Mar-a-Lago home.
JB Poersch, the president of Senate Majority Project, an outside group that is working to elect Democrats to the Senate, said the Republican candidates are "getting caught up in the Trump tornado once again — that is exactly what voters of both parties don't want."
Biden's political event, sponsored by the Democratic National Committee, comes as the president and members of his Cabinet are set to embark on what the White House has billed as the "Building a Better America Tour" to promote "the benefits of the President's accomplishments and the Inflation Reduction Act to the American people and highlight the contrast with Congressional Republicans' vision."
Meanwhile, the White House has benefited from a steady decline in gasoline prices, which, while still elevated, have dropped daily since mid-June.
"Our critics say inflation," Biden said, dismissing GOP attacks that his policies resulted in inflation being at a 40-year high. "You mean the global inflation caused by the worldwide pandemic and Putin's war in Ukraine?"
In Maryland, Biden was joined by gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore and a host of other officials on the ballot. Moore, introducing Biden, said his Trump-backed rival "Dan Cox is not an opponent. He's a threat."
Months ago, Democratic lawmakers facing tough reelection fights sought to make themselves scarce when Biden came to town, though White House aides said Biden could still be an asset by elevating issues that resonate with voters and sharpening the distinction with Republicans.
Now, allies see the fortunes beginning to change and the president as more of a direct asset to campaigns.
"Joe Biden is not the ballot technically," said House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer. "But Joe Biden is on the ballot, and Joe Biden needs your support." | https://www.wboc.com/news/biden-rallies-in-maryland-for-democrats-slams-semi-fascism-in-gop/article_67344378-2553-11ed-9b2c-d7177856b626.html | 2022-08-26T18:36:25Z | wboc.com | control | https://www.wboc.com/news/biden-rallies-in-maryland-for-democrats-slams-semi-fascism-in-gop/article_67344378-2553-11ed-9b2c-d7177856b626.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
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