text string | url string | crawl_date timestamp[ns, tz=UTC] | source_domain string | group string | id string | in_blocksbin int64 | in_noblocksbin int64 | tag string | minhash_count string |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Co-founder Pankaj Risbood appointed CEO to manage next growth phase
Co-founder Jonathan Matus becomes Zendrive Chairman and CEO of Fairmatic
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Zendrive , the insurance industry's leader in Mobility Risk Intelligence, today announced the spin-out of a new commercial insurance company, Fairmatic, which is leveraging the company's data to rewrite the business model of commercial fleet insurance. With Zendrive bucking industry trends with five additional consumer apps recently added to its network, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Pankaj Risbood has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to manage the company's next growth phase as it eyes other corporate development opportunities, with Co-founder and CEO Jonathan Matus transitioning to Chairman of the Board and founding CEO of Fairmatic.
Since its inception, Zendrive's leading Mobility Risk Intelligence (MRI) platform has analyzed over 200 billion miles of data gathered from hundreds of millions of users across the globe. It has also detected hundreds of thousands of real-world collisions, making it the world's most accurate and robust smartphone-centric telematics provider and a major force in saving lives on the road.
Risbood has been assuming broader corporate responsibilities since the beginning of this year, he now formally assumes the title of CEO. Under his leadership, the company has added 50M users to its network in the US alone. His background in leading engineering and growth at Walmart and Google positions him well to take Zendrive through its next growth phase.
"I'm delighted to be taking over as CEO to help the company expand further by offering tailored solutions across the entire customer insurance lifecycle," said Pankaj Risbood, co-founder and CEO. "Our vision remains to help make insurance fairer and smarter through our partners while making roads safer for consumers. We will announce more corporate development initiatives and partnerships in the coming months."
"With Zendrive's success in transforming insurance data and analytics, I'm now focused on transforming one of the biggest sectors, commercial insurance," said Jonathan Matus, co-founder, and Chairman of the Board. "I leave Zendrive in Pankaj's extremely capable hands and look forward to continued growth and success for Zendrive and Fairmatic."
Zendrive is powered by the world's largest and fastest-growing proprietary mobility data set, which comprises over 200 billion miles of analyzed data to date—and scores driving
characteristics using industry-leading AI and machine learning algorithms. The company's AI platform enables smartphone-centric driving behavior solutions capable of generating risk models 10x more predictive of risk than industry standards while informing users about their driving behavior and delivering feedback via smartphone apps
" Zendrive continues to leverage its industry-leading platform to develop new business models while staying core to its mission of making driving safer for all of us," added Brian Yee, Partner at ACME Capital and board member of Zendrive. " Given the traction and scale of Zendrive's insurance business, we felt it was the appropriate time to spin out Fairmatic to maximize value for both companies."
For more information about Zendrive, visit Zendrive.com
Zendrive's mission is to make roads safer through data and analytics. Its award-winning Mobility Risk Intelligence (MRI) platform — powered by 200 billion miles of data gathered from 100s of millions of drivers across the globe — helps insurers understand and mitigate mobility risk, reducing the likelihood of collisions by 49%. The platform also helps insurers find and acquire preferred risk drivers through Zendrive's vast publisher network with access to hundreds of millions of users. With an engaging test drive experience, participating consumer applications deliver savings to their customers while also diversifying revenue streams. The company has been recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and won the 2017 Best Startup in San Francisco award.
Media Contact
zendrive@consortpartners.com
Consort Partners for Zendrive
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Zendrive | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/31/zendrive-bolsters-leadership-team-manage-growth-spins-out-commercial-insurance-start-up/ | 2022-08-31T13:51:22Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/31/zendrive-bolsters-leadership-team-manage-growth-spins-out-commercial-insurance-start-up/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Beating the Dognappers Part 2: These are 10 expert tips on keeping your adorable dog safe from thieves while out on a walk 🐕
Many people have welcomed new four-legged friends into their homes over the last couple of years but this has also led to an increase in dogs being stolen.
Data collected by Direct Line Pet Insurance found that around 2,760 dogs were stolen last year – 321 more than in 2020, a 16 per cent rise since 2015, and the equivalent of nearly eight dogs every day.
The most targeted breeds are French Bulldogs, Jack Russell Terriers, Chihuahuas and Pugs, with dognappers most commonly taking pups from gardens, parks and cars.
Due to this threat to our furry friends, experts at PuppyHero.com have collated a list of the top tips to prevent dog theft.
Here’s what you can do when you’re out walking to protect your precious pup.
Read more: | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/beating-the-dognappers-part-2-these-are-10-expert-tips-on-keeping-your-adorable-dog-safe-from-thieves-while-out-on-a-walk-3690810 | 2022-08-31T13:52:24Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/beating-the-dognappers-part-2-these-are-10-expert-tips-on-keeping-your-adorable-dog-safe-from-thieves-while-out-on-a-walk-3690810 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Cost of Dogs: Here are the lifetime costs of 10 of the most popular breeds of adorable dog across their entire lifetime - from French Bulldog to the Labrador 🐶
It is a pricey business owning a pup – and you might be a little surprised how much the costs stack up over your dog’s entire loving life.
Having a pet is a popular choice for many, but before making the commitment to get your own it’s important to consider all of the financial costs involved across their lifetime and how much more you could be paying for certain breeds.
Online discount code experts Savoo have analysed the total costs you can expect to pay to own one of the UK’s most popular breeds, analysing the cost to buy or adopt, along with food, insurance, grooming, toys and booster vaccine costs, as well as training classes, and bedding.
For all the latest dog news, pictures, advice and information, join our Scotsdog Facebook group here
They also looked at the cost of cats, finding that your average feline costs a remarkable £23,077 over the course of its lifetime – surprisingly more expensive thasn the typical pooch that costs a relatively inexpensive £17,848 by the same metric.
And there’s a similar disparity between canine breeds, as these figures show.
Read more: | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/cost-of-dogs-here-are-the-lifetime-costs-of-10-of-the-most-popular-breeds-of-adorable-dog-across-their-entire-lifetime-from-french-bulldog-to-the-labrador-3711224 | 2022-08-31T13:52:29Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/cost-of-dogs-here-are-the-lifetime-costs-of-10-of-the-most-popular-breeds-of-adorable-dog-across-their-entire-lifetime-from-french-bulldog-to-the-labrador-3711224 | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 4 |
Cost of Dogs: Here are the lifetime costs of 10 of the most popular breeds of adorable dog across their entire lifetime - from French Bulldog to the Labrador 🐶
It is a pricey business owning a pup – and you might be a little surprised how much the costs stack up over your dog’s entire loving life.
Having a pet is a popular choice for many, but before making the commitment to get your own it’s important to consider all of the financial costs involved across their lifetime and how much more you could be paying for certain breeds.
Online discount code experts Savoo have analysed the total costs you can expect to pay to own one of the UK’s most popular breeds, analysing the cost to buy or adopt, along with food, insurance, grooming, toys and booster vaccine costs, as well as training classes, and bedding.
For all the latest dog news, pictures, advice and information, join our Scotsdog Facebook group here
They also looked at the cost of cats, finding that your average feline costs a remarkable £23,077 over the course of its lifetime – surprisingly more expensive thasn the typical pooch that costs a relatively inexpensive £17,848 by the same metric.
And there’s a similar disparity between canine breeds, as these figures show.
Read more: | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/cost-of-dogs-here-are-the-lifetime-costs-of-10-of-the-most-popular-breeds-of-adorable-dog-across-their-entire-lifetime-from-french-bulldog-to-the-labrador-3711224 | 2022-08-31T13:52:29Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/cost-of-dogs-here-are-the-lifetime-costs-of-10-of-the-most-popular-breeds-of-adorable-dog-across-their-entire-lifetime-from-french-bulldog-to-the-labrador-3711224 | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 4 |
May The Paws Be With You: Here are the UK's 10 most popular Star Wars dog names - including Yoda 🐕
It’s one of the most popular film franchises of all time and there are no shortage of dog-owning Star Wars fans – as these popular pet names show.
Today is May the Fourth (be with you), which is now the date for an international celebration of everything to do with the Star Wars films and television spinoffs.
To celebrate we thought we’d look at the most popular dog names inspired by the sci-fi franchaise, whether it’s ‘Chew-bark-er’, or ‘Dog Vader’ (neither of which, sadly, make the top 10).
Pet insurance provider, Animal Friends, who have more than a million animals on their books, have analysed their internal data to see just how many British pets have a Star Wars-inspired name, and which prove to be the most popular.
And while some will be no surpise – with the likes of Yoda and Chewie making an appearance – Force fans might be shocked to see some of the notable absences, including Grogu, Jabba and Skywalker.
Here’s which names made the cut.
Read more: | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/may-the-paws-be-with-you-here-are-the-uks-10-most-popular-star-wars-dog-names-including-yoda-3679392 | 2022-08-31T13:53:02Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/may-the-paws-be-with-you-here-are-the-uks-10-most-popular-star-wars-dog-names-including-yoda-3679392 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Fort Smith schools achieve goals
The Fort Smith School District has used more than $134 million to renovate spaces and reconfigure classes as laid out in Vision 2023.
Vision 2023 is a districtwide plan to improve Fort Smith schools. The schools received most of the money to bring the plan to life from a millage that voters passed in 2018. The millage produced $123.8 million, Deputy Superintendent Martin Mahan said.
The rest of the money came from a hodgepodge of sources. About $5 million came from state money. The Peak Innovation Center, which opened in March, garnered $2.5 million in grants that went specifically to the site, and refinancing bonds produced about $3 million, bringing the total up to more than $134 million.
The Peak Innovation Center is a place where students can earn certifications and take college-level courses. The center offers classes in advanced manufacturing, health care sciences, information technology and visual arts, according to the center's website.
Mahan said that Peak is one of only a few such centers in the nation. It will continue to have an impact for decades to come.
“It’s community driven. It’s industry-driven. It’s business-driven, and it’s a beautiful facility that really will stand out in Arkansas, in this region, and it also allows our students to really focus on career paths like never before," Mahan said about the Peak Innovation Center.
As part of Vision 2023, the district built ninth-grade centers at each of the high schools, moving ninth-graders up to Northside and Southside. Officials also moved sixth grade from the elementary schools up to middle schools with seventh and eighth graders.
Last year was the first year that students attended the newly reconfigured schools.
“They’re getting the attention they need to ensure that we are getting the students’ needs met, their interests met," Mahan said about the reconfiguration of grades.
After a districtwide assessment and meetings with the community, the district also created secure entries for every school, requiring people to buzz into the schools and enter through the office.
Through Vision 2023, the school board focused on improving technology and safety, Mahan said.
“I think our school board’s focus on technology and also the safety back in the initial days was visionary due to the fact that we have seen what’s happened with the pandemic that caused us to really need the things we had in place already," Mahan said. "We were ahead of the curve there, and then also knowing that our safety and security vision the board allowed us to move on is very timely as well as we’ve seen so many instances of school violence."
Alex Gladden is a University of Arkansas graduate. She previously reported for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and The Jonesboro Sun before joining the Times Record. She can be contacted at agladden@swtimes.com. | https://www.swtimes.com/story/news/2022/08/31/vision-2023-saw-schools-upgrade-buildings-rearrange-classes/7876302001/ | 2022-08-31T13:53:20Z | swtimes.com | control | https://www.swtimes.com/story/news/2022/08/31/vision-2023-saw-schools-upgrade-buildings-rearrange-classes/7876302001/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Top 10 high school football games for Week 1 in Fort Smith area — and predictions
There isn't any real question as Northside travels to Greenwood to what will be not only the biggest high school football game of Week 1. It's also the matchup fans will reference for the rest of the year as being a key game for either team.
Game of the Week
Northside (1-0) at Greenwood (0-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The Grizzlies are riding high behind their running game, and the Bulldogs are flying on Hunter Houston's arm. The game will come down to which team shows the most versatility.
Northside had 523 yards of offense with 303 on the ground in the season opener to beat Southside.
Greenwood had 374 yards through the air and just 63 rushing in its 41-27 loss to Oklahoma's No. 2 Stillwater.
Northside defeated Greenwood last season, 29-20. However, the Bulldogs have a 6-3 record in meetings against the Grizzlies.
Prediction: Northside 34, Greenwood 32
LINEMAN HELPS MOVE OFFENSE:How Northside's Eric Barrientos helped the offensive line dominate Southside
Other games
Pocola (1-0) at Hackett (0-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Pocola travels to Hackett in the Battle of Backbone Mountain. Pocola is looking for its first win against the Hornets.
Hackett came up short to Centerpoint, 34-32, while Pocola defeated Heavener, 52-35.
The Hornets defeated Pocola last season, 36-22, and Hackett owns a 6-0 record against the Oklahoma school in the past 20 years.
Prediction: Hackett 30, Pocola 28
LAST WEEK'S TOP PERFORMERS:The top football performers for Week Zero in Arkansas and Oklahoma
Alma (1-0) at Siloam Springs (0-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Alma seeks to build momentum while Siloam Springs eyes a course correction.
Joe Trusty put on a show for Alma to guide the Airedales past Van Buren for the first time in four years. Siloam Springs came up short to Class 7A Heritage, 16-14.
The last time Alma saw Siloam Springs was in 2015, when the Airedales beat the Panthers, 41-24.
Prediction: Siloam Springs 22, Alma 19
TRUSTY ENDS LOSS STRING TO POINTERS:Alma football ends losing streak to Van Buren behind quarterback Joe Trusty
Ozark (1-0) at Booneville (1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The 85th meeting between the Bearcats and the Hillbillies brings two teams riding high on their first wins of the season.
Class 3A Booneville beat Pine Bluff Dollarway 36-6. Ozark topped Clarksville, 49-28.
The Bearcats defeated Ozark, 42-12, in 2021 and have won the last two games. Booneville has held a 53-27-4 record over Ozark since 1924.
Prediction: Booneville 33, Ozark 27
STATE RANKINGS:Arkansas high school football statewide rankings for Week 1
Van Buren (0-1) at Southside (0-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Injuries plague both teams as each is looking for their first win of the season.
Missing five starters, the Pointers struggled against the Airedales in the second half in the 27-7 loss. Southside couldn't keep up with Northside, 42-24.
The last time Van Buren saw Southside was in 2007. Southside was the Rebels, and both teams were in the 7A West Conference.
Prediction: Southside 22, Van Buren 14
Stilwell (0-0) at Roland (0-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Class 4A Stilwell begins 2022 with a road trip to Class 2A Roland. Roland fell to Muldrow, 34-6, in its season opener.This will be the first meeting between the two teams in at least five years.
Prediction: Stilwell 24, Roland 13
Waldron (1-0) at Lamar (1-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Both Waldron and Lamar are looking for their second wins of the season. The Warriors beat Huntsville, 35-12, and Waldron picked up a 48-7 win against Paris. Last season, Lamar defeated Waldron, 40-27, in a conference game.
Prediction: Lamar 28, Waldron 14
Mansfield (1-0) at Paris (0-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Mansfield has the opportunity to go 2-0 as it heads to Paris. The Eagles were routed by Waldron, 48-7, while Mansfield ran away with a 41-6 win at Magazine.
Paris and Mansfield last faced each other in 2019 when the Tigers won 41-28. However, the Eagles have won 10 of the last 16 meetings.
Prediction: Mansfield 28, Paris 12
Spiro (0-0) at Panama (0-0)
When: 7 p.m., Thursday
Both Spiro and Panama begin their 2022 season this week. Last year, Spiro finished 5-5 overall after starting the year 4-0. Panama was 2-8 in 2021.
The Bulldogs beat the Razorbacks last season, 41-6.
Prediction: Spiro 30, Panama 12
Lavaca (0-0) at Magazine (0-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The Golden Arrows open Hobbs Memorial Stadium for the 2022 season hosting the Rattlers. Lavaca finished 5-5 last season and didn't make the playoffs. Magazine went from 9-2 in 2020 to 1-7 last season.
The last time Lavaca and Magazine met was in 2019, when the teams shared the same conference for four years. Lavaca holds the edge, but Magazine won the last meeting, 44-13.
Prediction: Lavaca 33, Magazine 14 | https://www.swtimes.com/story/sports/high-school/2022/08/31/top-high-school-football-games-for-week-1-fort-smith-area-2022-predictions/65459170007/ | 2022-08-31T13:53:26Z | swtimes.com | control | https://www.swtimes.com/story/sports/high-school/2022/08/31/top-high-school-football-games-for-week-1-fort-smith-area-2022-predictions/65459170007/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Edinburgh crime news: Motorcycle instructor in the Capital set upon by group of youths in balaclavas as they try to kick him off his bike
A motorcycle instructor in Edinburgh was on a lesson when a group of youths in balaclavas started trying to kick him off his motorbike.
Fraser, who works for Two Wheels in the Capital, was out with a client when a group of youths on electric bikes came out of a junction and almost hit them.
The group were all wearing tracksuits and balaclavas, heading from Moredunvale Road.
Fraser explained: “Immediately I knew this was no normal encounter with some lads just acting a bit silly on bikes.
Most Popular
-
1
Outlander’s Jamie Fraser actor Sam Heughan goes viral with ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ TikTok trend as he shares throwback photos
-
2
Edinburgh bin strikes: Biddy Mulligans in historic Grassmarket daubed with ‘scab’ graffiti
-
3
Edinburgh crime: Lee Makel who played for clubs like Hearts, Livingston, Newcastle and Blackburn Rovers admits threatening to kill wife after affair
-
4
East Lothian crime: mother and son were victims of unprovoked attack in Musselburgh
-
5
Edinburgh bin strike: Pictures show major clean-up operation as workers return after two-week strike
"They began to harass my novice trainee rider with their bikes, intimidating him by coming dangerously close to his bike and braking in front of him.
"I quickly positioned myself in front of my student to act as a buffer between him and the four balaclava wearing youths.
"They continued their reckless, dangerous riding in front of my bike at which point one of them collided with my bike.
"All four of them then began to attack me, kicking out at me and my bike trying to knock me off, shouting “GET HIM OFF, GET HIM OFF”.”
The behaviour then appeared to stop temporarily as traffic started to overtake as they approached Cameron Toll.
However, the group of youths quickly escalated it again by riding ahead and stopping directly in front of a car, causing the driver to perform an emergency stop.
Fraser continued: "At this point they had now turned their attention back to myself.
"I just managed to defend myself against the four of them, breaking through between them as they had surrounded me, kicking at the bike and myself.
"They then chased me around Cameron Toll Roundabout, still kicking at the bike trying knock me off shouting “GET HIM OFF, GET HIM OFF”.
"They had no regard for me or anyone else’s safety on the road.
"This was all at a potentially dangerous speed now so the possibility of a member of the public being seriously injured or killed was significant.
"It was a minor miracle no one was.
"During this time, I was in constant communication with my student trying to ensure him that he was safe and that their attention was on me and not him.
"All I kept thinking was I need to try get him back to our premises.
"I managed to evade the youths twice around Cameron Toll roundabout, twice more having to battle my way through when they attempted to put me into a wall and then a parked car.
"I managed to get back to Two Wheels with my student and both of our bikes.”
Neil Roberts, Managing Director of Two Wheels added that after this incident, he was concerned for the safety of his staff.
"The concerns for individuals coming into contact with these criminals are extremely obvious and alarming.
“My staff are now nervous and I’m very concerned for their safety. Do I now have to send them out in pairs? Do I invest in tracking tools, cameras, etc? What should they do when surrounded by balaclava-wearing bikers?”
Police Scotland has been contacted for comment. | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/crime/edinburgh-crime-news-motorcycle-instructor-in-the-capital-set-upon-by-group-of-youths-in-balaclavas-as-they-try-to-kick-him-off-his-bike-3825688 | 2022-08-31T13:53:28Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/crime/edinburgh-crime-news-motorcycle-instructor-in-the-capital-set-upon-by-group-of-youths-in-balaclavas-as-they-try-to-kick-him-off-his-bike-3825688 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Edinburgh woman 'heartbroken' after her mum and stepdad die within eight weeks of each other
An Edinburgh man died of a broken heart, just weeks after he lost his beloved partner of 29 years.
Robert Japp, known as Bob, was devastated by the loss of his wife Matilda, who went by Matty.
The couple met in 1993 at a party, and according to Matilda’s daughter Kelly, they hadn’t spend a day apart since.
However, in May, Matty, who suffered from COPD, fell seriously ill with an infection and was hospitalised.
Most Popular
-
1
Outlander’s Jamie Fraser actor Sam Heughan goes viral with ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ TikTok trend as he shares throwback photos
-
2
Edinburgh bin strikes: Biddy Mulligans in historic Grassmarket daubed with ‘scab’ graffiti
-
3
Edinburgh crime: Lee Makel who played for clubs like Hearts, Livingston, Newcastle and Blackburn Rovers admits threatening to kill wife after affair
-
4
East Lothian crime: mother and son were victims of unprovoked attack in Musselburgh
-
5
Edinburgh bin strike: Pictures show major clean-up operation as workers return after two-week strike
She was diagnosed with terminal delirium and was taken home to be cared for by her family members. Matty died at home, surrounded by her loved ones, on June 29.
Her husband Bob struggled with the loss of his long-term companion, and shortly after the funeral, he became withdrawn and stopped eating and drinking.
He became seriously unwell, and was eventually taken into hospital, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. While doctors did everything they could to treat him, his condition quickly worsened.
On August 25, eight weeks after his wife’s death, the 55-year-old died in hospital.
His stepdaughter, Kelly Hunter, said: “He gave up, he had no fight left in him. He said that he really wanted to be with my mum.
"I think he died of a broken heart."
Friends and family have paid tribute to the couple. One wrote: “So so sad and sorry to hear of your massive losses”, while another described Matty and Bob’s relationship as a “powerful love story”.
Kelly, who said she is “heartbroken”, took time off work to care for her mum and stepdad. Now, she is struggling to pay for the two funerals in such a short period of time.
"It’s had a huge impact on our finances”, she said.
Already in debt from her mum’s funeral, Kelly has launched a fundraising page to raise money to give her parents the send off they deserve.
While Kelly admitted she is embarrassed asking for help, she said: “It’s the only choice we had.”
So far, £2,382 has been donated, however, this is only a fraction of the £10,000 that Kelly is paying for her mum and stepdad’s funerals.
You can help Kelly with funeral costs by donating to her GoFundMe page here. | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/edinburgh-woman-heartbroken-after-her-mum-and-stepdad-die-within-eight-weeks-of-each-other-3824344 | 2022-08-31T13:54:15Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/edinburgh-woman-heartbroken-after-her-mum-and-stepdad-die-within-eight-weeks-of-each-other-3824344 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
West Lothian community councils to act as speed cops?
Police officers have suggested that community councils could help stop speeders in their towns and villagers by acting as a “high visibility” deterrent to fast drivers.
The suggestion comes as local officers hope to secure their own speed guns to back up hard pressed traffic police units in tracking West Lothian speeding drivers.
Funding has been found for equipment and training.
But there’s uncertainty at suggestions that the public actually “join” the force to trap speeders through their registration plates.
Most Popular
-
1
Outlander’s Jamie Fraser actor Sam Heughan goes viral with ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ TikTok trend as he shares throwback photos
-
2
Edinburgh bin strikes: Biddy Mulligans in historic Grassmarket daubed with ‘scab’ graffiti
-
3
Edinburgh crime: Lee Makel who played for clubs like Hearts, Livingston, Newcastle and Blackburn Rovers admits threatening to kill wife after affair
-
4
East Lothian crime: mother and son were victims of unprovoked attack in Musselburgh
-
5
Edinburgh bin strike: Pictures show major clean-up operation as workers return after two-week strike
At Linlithgow’s latest Local Area Committee, chair Councillor Sally Pattle said that community councillors in Newton, a village which has seen huge problems with speeding and HGV traffic heading for the Queensferry Crossing, might be interested in taking part.
But Labour’s Tom Conn warned that the public should think twice.
He said: “If there’s an issue with speeding in a community then why aren’t Police Scotland dealing with it? I really think it is for Police Scotland to do this rather than for members of the community who could actually face verbal abuse and threats.”
Community Sergeant Mike Hart told the meeting that teams were seeking funding to equip and train local officers to use radar speed detection guns in areas where there is a problem. He explained the initiative- Community Speed Watch- had been trialled with community councils in Fife, where training was given “using speed tracking devices”.
Members of the public note down vehicle details but do not interact with drivers.
The information is passed back to Police Scotland who engage with motorists and advise them that, if Police Scotland had caught them speeding they would have been given fixed penalty notices and points on their licences.
Sergeant Hart said: “It’s not something for members of the public to stop vehicles. I need to press that. It’s more just high visibility in the community. Signage.
“The police identify a suitable area on the roadway for people to stand. The only responsibility is to use the equipment to collect the number. Police collate the information and we contact the registered keeper of that vehicle to give them some corrective advice.”
He conceded that of the two community councils spoken to, Ecclesmachan had expressed an interest but not followed it up, and Fauldhouse and the Breich Valley “basically refused the offer, to put it politely”, he added.
He stressed the project was: “very much in its infancy”.
Lead officer for the Linlithgow LAC Graeme Struthers suggested that the proposals should go before wider council committees as well as the Joint Forum of Community Councils.
Speaking to the Community and Public Safety PDSP a few days later Supt Alan Carson answered concerns raised by Bathgate Labour councillor Tony Pearson who said: “I’d be worried about the community getting involved.”
Supt Carson told the meeting the scheme ”worked very well in Fife”. | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/politics/west-lothian-community-councils-to-act-as-speed-cops-3825525 | 2022-08-31T13:54:41Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/politics/west-lothian-community-councils-to-act-as-speed-cops-3825525 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
First News: Sticker fans footie mission
Try First News for free today.
Sticker mission for footie fan
A nine-year-old schoolboy is on a mission to get 500 packets of Panini football stickers signed by every single player in the Premier League.
Most Popular
Zakai Vaknin, from Spixworth in Norfolk, has been buying stickers since December last year with the hope of getting them all signed by the league’s famous footballers.
The kind-hearted footie fan doesn’t intend to keep them though! He’s actually collecting them all to auction off and raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
Zakai, who is a huge fan of Tottenham Hotspur, decided he wanted to help the famous hospital because of the treatment it’s been able to give his friend Charlie Grimes, who has cerebral palsy.
Eleven teams have already signed Zakai’s cards, with the schoolboy counting players Harry Kane (pictured above) and Son Heung-min among his proudest autographs. He now hopes to continue his mission until he makes it a full house!
YOUR NEWS
Young people! Send us your news and photos to [email protected] and have your story published on this page and, perhaps, in First News too.
CAMP BESTIVAL
My family and I have been to Camp Bestival several times now, and this year we returned for its 14th anniversary.
Bestival really outdid themselves this year, and I thought it was better than ever! There were amazing acts such as Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, Kool & the Gang, Sister Sledge, Rudimental, Jo Whiley’s ‘90s anthems and many more.
This year’s theme was DISCO! Everyone showed up on Saturday night in their best fancy dress and we had the best time. They even broke the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest disco, which was accompanied by the world’s largest disco ball!
My personal favourite activity was the silent disco.
DIARY DATES
National Doodle Day
September 2
Celebrities and artists are putting pen to paper to show their support for people who are affected by epilepsy. You can learn more by going to epilepsy.org.uk/doodleday.
Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On
September 2
The famous lights in the seaside town are being switched on during a special concert. The illuminations will light the night sky for four months.
WOW!
Dugongs, otherwise known as sea cows, have been declared extinct in China. The dugong is the only marine mammal that is a strict herbivore (plant eater). | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/read-this/first-news-sticker-fans-footie-mission-3825574 | 2022-08-31T13:55:08Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/read-this/first-news-sticker-fans-footie-mission-3825574 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
(WFLA) — An Alabama deputy faced an unusual obstacle last week when he found that his patrol car had been taken over by goats, and it was all caught on camera.
Deputy Casey Thrower in Madison County was serving civil papers Friday morning when some hungry goats decided to check to see if there was anything to eat in his vehicle.
“Get out of there!” Thrower said after finding the goats. “Are you kidding me?”
According to the sheriff’s office, Thrower sometimes leaves his patrol vehicle open in case he has to run from dogs.
This time instead of dogs, he found a couple of hungry goats munching on the paperwork in his vehicle.
“Quit eating that! Get out of here!” Thrower shouted as he tried to scare the goats. Video shows one goat inside the vehicle and a smaller one traipsing around on top of the car.
Eventually, he managed to get the goats off his vehicle. The sheriff’s office shared the video to make people laugh.
“Deputy Thrower has been serving the citizens of Madison County for about 40 years and is considered one of our G.O.A.T deputies,” the sheriff’s office said. “We got a huge kick out of this today and hope it brought a smile to your face as well.”
According to livescience.com, goats are herbivores, with grass being their favorite food. However, they typically feed on such things as shrubs, woody plants, weeds and briars as well.
“Many domestic goats will also eat trash, house plants or any other items they find lying around,” the publication stated.
Perhaps that’s how goats — with their four-compartment stomachs — got their reputation for eating any and everything. | https://www.wwlp.com/news/national/are-you-kidding-me-goats-take-over-deputys-car-eat-his-paperwork/ | 2022-08-31T14:05:25Z | wwlp.com | control | https://www.wwlp.com/news/national/are-you-kidding-me-goats-take-over-deputys-car-eat-his-paperwork/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Amid criticism, work begins to move ‘Pieta’ replica from St. Adalbert Church in Pilsen to another parish
CHICAGO - Work began over the weekend to uproot a statue inside a shuttered but beloved church in Pilsen and install it at another parish blocks away, surprising neighbors and those who have been fighting to conserve the more than a century-old church.
The plan is to remove a marble replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta — which depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother, Mary, after the Crucifixion — from St. Adalbert Church, 1650 W. 17th St. and move it to St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 2127 W. 22nd Place, the Archdiocese of Chicago said in a statement Tuesday.
An 8 by 10 foot section of the church’s east exterior wall will need to be removed to get the statue. The archdiocese said the parish consulted engineers "who determined this was the safest way to remove the statue," adding that "the hole will be closed as soon as possible."
But work is on hold for now because of issues with the permit, which were discovered after concerned neighbors called police Saturday when crews showed up and started removing bricks from the church, according to Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez.
Officers arrived on site and questioned workers, who produced a permit, said Julie Sawicki, president of the Society of St. Adalbert, who spoke to neighbors. However, work was stopped because the permit allowed for removal of a section of the west exterior wall, not the east, according to Sawicki and Sigcho-Lopez.
Sigcho-Lopez said his office wasn’t notified when the permit was issued by the Department of Buildings on July 20 "despite multiple attempts to connect with the archdiocese so that we can have a discussion about the work so that we can properly notify residents."
"We want to make sure that this is done with the due process," he said, adding that his office requested a halt to the work while issues with the permit are sorted out and they get more information.
St. Adalbert was built by Polish immigrants in the early 1900s and opened its doors to parishioners in 1914. It was announced in 2016 the church would close, and on July 14, 2019, St. Adalbert held its last Mass. Its parishioners were merged with St. Paul.
The church needed significant and costly repairs that were cited by the archdiocese as factors in the decision to close its doors. It has since been left deteriorating.
Sigcho-Lopez introduced an effort to downzone St. Adalbert from residential to public space earlier this year, a move he said would ensure the community has input in what happens to the church.
Sawicki, who has fought for years to protect the church, said she doesn’t want the church to be picked apart while the future of the site is in the air.
"Don’t loot it, don’t loot it, " Sawicki said. "This is valuable artwork, there’s a lot of stuff inside the church that is valuable artwork. It’s very distressing."
She also criticized the archdiocese for trying to make changes to the church without properly notifying the community.
"It’s just astounding to me how brazen this is," Sawicki said. "The damage that’s been done, what they’ve done so far, is the city going to pay for that? And the bricks that were removed, where are those bricks — are they saved? Can they be, you know, put back in place? I’m flabbergasted."
Sawicki said the church represents the accomplishments of immigrants in the city and changing the site means changing the fabric of the community as well. She hopes nothing else gets removed from the church.
"We don’t want to lose the murals, we don’t want to lose the Pieta, we don’t want to lose the stained glass windows. We don’t want to lose any of that." | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/amid-criticism-work-begins-to-move-pieta-replica-from-st-adalbert-church-in-pilsen-to-another-parish | 2022-08-31T14:10:50Z | fox32chicago.com | control | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/amid-criticism-work-begins-to-move-pieta-replica-from-st-adalbert-church-in-pilsen-to-another-parish | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
BOONE, IOWA — The 2022 Farm Progress Show is underway in Boone County. Roger Riley attended the first day of the show.
Local News
Close
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
Subscribe Now | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/2022-farm-progress-show-begins-in-boone/ | 2022-08-31T14:10:52Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/2022-farm-progress-show-begins-in-boone/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
CHARSADDA, Pakistan (AP) — Rubina Bibi was cooking food for her family in her mudbrick home in her village in northwest Pakistan when the nearby mosque blared a warning from its loudspeaker. Flood waters were coming, it announced, everyone should move to safer ground.
She and her family didn’t take it seriously. There had been flooding in their village of Majooki more than a decade ago, and they hadn’t needed to flee.
This time, however, it was on a different scale entirely. Days of torrential rains had sent a massive surge of water down the nearby Swat River — so powerful that on that day, last Friday, it broke through a reservoir that usually controls the river’s flow.
When the water hit Majooki hours after the warning, it poured into the house where the 53-year-old Bibi lived with her two sons, a daughter-in-law and her grandchildren.
One of her grandchildren, 5-month-old Dua Humayun, was sleeping on a cot in the house’s courtyard. In an instant, the baby was swept away by the rushing waters. It was too fast for anyone to even think of saving her. She was gone.
Pakistani officials say the flooding that has hit across the country over the past weeks is like nothing they have seen before. It has been caused by unprecedented heavy and unrelenting monsoon rains, fueled they say by the world’s changing climate.
Millions in villages, towns and cities around Pakistan were caught off guard by the swiftness and power of the waters.
Bibi spoke to The Associated Press at a tent camp set up in a sports complex in the city of Charsadda for hundreds of people left homeless by the deluge. She spoke of her granddaughter’s death with composure, but inside the tent, her daughter-in-law could be heard sobbing.
“The floodwaters entered our house suddenly. We didn’t have time to take anything as we were leaving,” Bibi said. She, her sons and daughter-in-law carried her surviving grandchildren tightly as they waded through waist-deep water out of their home. They then walked in the stifling summer heat for four kilometers (2.5 miles) to Charsadda.
More than 1,160 people have been killed in flooding across Pakistan since mid-June, hundreds of them in the major surge that began last week. More than 33 million people in the country of 220 million have been affected, including those left homeless by the destruction of more than 1 million homes. Pakistani officials have put the economic damage at some $10 billion, including everything from collapsed bridges and roads to destroyed crops.
The district around Charsadda has been one of the hardest hit areas. The Swat River meets the Kabul River nearby, and the nearby farmlands are laced with tributaries — all of them still surging with swollen waters despite a pause in rain in recent days. Authorities have warned that more rains are expected in coming weeks.
The city of Charsadda, home to more than 120,000, has been trashed. On Tuesday, some neighborhoods remained flooded with water shin-deep or higher.
Residents whose homes still stood took out their soggy blankets and furniture and other possessions to dry. Others surveyed wrecked mud-brick or shoddy cinder-block homes with collapsed walls and roofs. Deep, thick mud coated everything.
Bibi’s home village of Majooki, once home to 2,500 people, remains under waist-deep water. The rice and wheat that residents stored in their homes to meet the year’s need have been ruined. Hundreds of thousands of villages across Pakistan lost crops.
Many of Majooki’s residents are now at the tent camp in Charsadda’s Abdul Wali Khan Sports Complex. Hundreds of tents stood in rows, and children lay inside on plastic mats with what few belongings they took with them piled nearby. Some eat rice or other staples being distributed by the government.
“It is very hot here. We have a tent and a plastic mattress, but there is no fan. We are not getting enough food,” Bibi said.
A widow, Bibi had worked washing clothes and cleaning in homes, and one of her sons was a construction worker. Now they are without work for the foreseeable future. She and others from the village have not been able to return and have no idea what remains of their homes.
“We are facing a lot of difficulties. We want more help so that we can start our life again,” Bibi said.
The floods’ devastation has hit Pakistan as it is already struggling to keep its crisis-stricken economy from collapse. The government is severely strapped for cash, and inflation has been spiraling. The International Monetary Fund gave a boost this week by releasing a long-awaited, $1.17 billion tranche of a bailout negotiated in 2019, but only after the government promised painful austerity measures.
The United Nations on Tuesday launched an emergency appeal for $160 million in aid to help flood victims. Planeloads of food, medical supplies and other aid have arrived in recent days. But Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif warned on Tuesday that any delay in the provision of help would be disastrous.
At the sport complex tent camp, another Majooki resident, Saifoor Khan, recalled how he too ignored the call to flee that came from the mosque loudspeaker that day.
Majooki was hit by the last major floods in 2010, but in that case no houses were destroyed and no one fled, he said. When the waters hit on Friday, the 50-year-old taxi driver, his wife and his seven children also had to wade their way to safety.
“I have no idea for how many days and weeks we will have to live in these tents,” he said.
“I pray that no one faces such an ordeal.” | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/international/for-pakistan-flood-victims-waters-hit-swiftly-and-brutally/ | 2022-08-31T14:10:59Z | siouxlandproud.com | control | https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/international/for-pakistan-flood-victims-waters-hit-swiftly-and-brutally/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Debris on I-57 damages eight vehicles
COOK COUNTY, Ill. - At least eight vehicles were damaged from tire debris while driving Wednesday morning on Interstate 57 in Cook County.
Illinois State Police said they responded to a report of tire debris around 5:11 a.m. in the right northbound lane of I-57 near 123rd Street.
The damaged vehicles were relocated to the 119th Street ramp as police cleared the debris, according to state police
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FOX 32 YOUTUBE CHANNEL
No injuries were reported and all lanes reopened around 6:17 a.m.
No further information was immediately available. | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/debris-on-i-57-damages-eight-vehicles | 2022-08-31T14:11:02Z | fox32chicago.com | control | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/debris-on-i-57-damages-eight-vehicles | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Officially summer does not end until that planetary phenomena on September 22nd, the equinox, when day and night everywhere in the world are of precisely equal length. From then on here in the northern hemisphere, it’s shorter days, colder weather, Halloween decorations, and patio furniture dragged into storage before the snow comes.
While that official end of summer is still a few weeks away, the signs of its coming are starting to pop up all around us.
Summer glorious northeastern summer. In California and Bolivia, the two places I lived before Lockport, blue sky days and temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s were a dime a dozen. People took them for granted. Not here. People in this part of the country, and in Niagara County, grab onto them like something sacred.
This summer especially has felt like a rebirth of sorts after two summers of pandemic and the loss of so many traditions. But now the gatherings are back, and the festivals, and most especially live music played outside in front of actual human beings. Thank you everyone who worked so hard this summer to bring us great live music at the Kenan Center, Summer Sizzler, the Lockport Community Farmers Market, the Olcott Pirate Festival, the Bewley Building, Canal Street, Cornerstone CFCU Arena, and so many other places. Thank you to all the great musicians who showed up so happy and eager to play live for us once again.
Summer, when the streets around us are filled with the sounds of children on bikes, scooters and skateboards, reminding us what freedom looks like in those glorious months when we are children and school is written out of our days.
Summer, when the clothes we wear inside our house and the clothes we wear outside are the same. The season when I can walk across the street, or even to the mailbox, without need of a coat, hat or boots.
Summer, when our local farmers bring out the glorious fruit they have been tending to in the soil for months. We have had weeks of delicious, local and fresh blueberries, cherries and strawberries. How do any of us stop eating?
My first early warning of summer’s last lap came in a late evening recently at RJ’s Ice Cream. I can bicycle from my house to a double scoop of Perry’s White Lightning (Queen of Hearts if they’re out) in just under three minutes. That usually happens around 9 p.m. when I realize the summer staff there is still on duty. In May and June when the sun still hovers overhead at that late hour, I would arrive and get in line with a crowd of excited families taking in the glories of their first scoops of the season. By late August the novelty has worn thin and I often find myself alone with no line at all.
Other signs of summer’s end come to us from the trees that have decided to jump to the front of the line and start tossing their brown leaves to the ground early. The sun now drops below the horizon a full hour earlier than it did in June. The calendar tells us that Labor Day Weekend is upon us. The Lockport High School football team is on the practice field at Emmet Belknap. The Bills opener is just a week away. Long sleeves and long pants will not be far behind.
Next week that daily sight of tiny training wheels rolling by will be replaced by the big wheels of yellow school buses taking those same children to their first days of school. In my family, one of them will be leaving behind her training wheels for her first day of kindergarten. Summer passed too quickly. So did five years.
It has been a beautiful summer here in western New York, one we all needed, and I am grateful for it. But soon we will be in the midst of autumn, glorious autumn.
My summer sneakers will return to their shelf in the basement until the spring and I’ll ride my bike with a scarf around my neck once again. At the Lockport Nature Trail the trees will launch into their grand finale of bright color and rainfall of fall leaves. Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises will make its last voyage. Becker Farms will have its festival of pumpkin madness and fresh donuts. The community market will mark its last days outside.
We have a few weeks left to squeeze all the last sweet juice out of the season of short pants and long evenings. We have a few final days to watch our children enjoy the joys of raw freedom. We can still feast on our favorite flavors of ice cream before all the “closed for the season” signs come along to replace those double scoops.
Summer is in its last lap, with autumn ready to grab the baton close behind. Life changes. Nothing is permanent. and the change of seasons reminds us once again to take no joy for granted. But of course, no one ever did themselves any harm by stashing a half gallon of Perry’s White Lightning in the freezer, as a mid-winter reminder that summer will eventually return.
Jim Shultz is the founder and executive director of the Democracy Center and a father and grandfather in Lockport. He can be emailed at jimshultzthewriter@gmail.com. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/opinion/jim-shultz-summers-last-lap/article_e11d48f8-27f4-11ed-bd34-335ccaf01b8c.html | 2022-08-31T14:11:03Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/opinion/jim-shultz-summers-last-lap/article_e11d48f8-27f4-11ed-bd34-335ccaf01b8c.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Man, 23, shot in Chicago gangway
CHICAGO - A man was shot and wounded Monday night in the Woodlawn neighborhood.
The 23-year-old was in a gangway between two buildings around 8:50 p.m. in the 6400 block of South Vernon Avenue when a gunman started shooting at him, according to Chicago police.
He was shot once in the knee and was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was listed in fair condition, police said.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FOX 32 YOUTUBE CHANNEL
No one is in custody as Area One detectives investigate. | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/man-23-shot-in-chicago-gangway | 2022-08-31T14:11:14Z | fox32chicago.com | control | https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/man-23-shot-in-chicago-gangway | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
12 mins ago - Health
FDA authorizes Omicron boosters
The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized updated versions of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna that are tailored to be more effective against the Omicron variant.
Why it matters: The updated shots, retooled to target the BA.5 strain that accounts for most cases in the U.S. today, are expected to become available after Labor Day.
Between the lines: The reformulated mRNA shots got regulators' blessing without first being tested in humans.
- They are also the first to move ahead without an FDA advisory committee weighing in, marking a shift that more closely mirrors the annual flu shot approval process.
- The Biden administration is prioritizing speed over having all the data on how the vaccines work in real life. Some experts warn that this could make some people leery about getting the reformulated shots.
What to watch: Less than half of fully vaccinated Americans have received a first booster dose, per the CDC. Of those with a booster dose, only a third have received a second, although many Americans aren't yet eligible.
- A key CDC advisory committee is scheduled Thursday and Friday to consider whether or not to recommend Americans get the shot.
- The federal government is expected to authorize them for everyone 12 and older, although only Pfizer's shot will be available for children under 18. | https://www.axios.com/2022/08/31/fda-retooled-covid-boosters-omicron | 2022-08-31T14:11:35Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/2022/08/31/fda-retooled-covid-boosters-omicron | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Royals hand freefalling White Sox 5th straight loss
CHICAGO - Rookie Nick Pratto hit two home runs to highlight a career-high four-hit performance and the Kansas City Royals sent the Chicago White Sox to their fifth straight loss, 9-7 on Tuesday night.
White Sox manager Tony La Russa missed the game because of an unspecified medical issue. The team said the 77-year-old Hall of Famer was out on the recommendation of his doctors and would undergo further testing Wednesday.
La Russa’s absence was announced about one hour before the first pitch. He showed no signs of health trouble during his pregame session with reporters. Bench coach Miguel Cairo took over as Chicago fell for the 10th time in its last 12 games since moving to a season-high five games over .500 on Aug. 16.
"We’re going to find out (Wednesday) what is going on, and hopefully he’s going to be fine and he’s back (Wednesday) to do his duties," Cairo said. "We are going to keep him in our thoughts and hopefully everything is fine."
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FOX 32 YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Gavin Sheets homered twice and drove in five runs for the White Sox.
"It was weird," Sheets said of La Russa’s sudden departure. "We didn’t have much of a heads up. I don’t know all the details. We’re obviously praying for him, praying for a full recovery."
Salvador Perez and Michael A. Taylor each homered and drove in three runs for the Royals. Pratto added a double and also had three RBIs.
Pratto hit solo home runs in each of his first two at-bats against Lucas Giolito (10-8), and his single off reliever Tanner Banks sparked a two-run sixth. Pratto hit a ground-rule double off Jake Diekman to score Ryan O’Hearn in the seventh.
Pratto is 8 for 17 with four doubles, three homers and 10 RBIs in his last four games. This marked the first multi-homer game of Pratto’s career.
"I’m just focusing more on what I want to go after and making better decisions in the box," Pratto said. "That’s the essence of it. I’m definitely making fewer mistakes."
Perez went 3 for 3 against Giolito, raising his career batting average against him to .419 (13 for 31) with three homers and 10 RBIs. Perez’s two-run, opposite-field drive to right extended the Royals’ lead to 3-0 in the third, and his RBI single in the fifth made it 5-0.
"We face (Giolito) a lot," Perez said. "I’m not afraid to swing. If I hit a homer like that, I won’t be afraid to swing at that pitch. I’m super aggressive sometimes."
Perez is batting .448 (13 for 29) with two homers and nine RBIs in his last seven games.
The White Sox chased starter Brady Singer with four runs in the fifth, capped by a three-run homer from Sheets. Singer had a 1.37 ERA in his last four starts prior to Tuesday.
Sheets hit a two-run homer in the ninth for his second career multi-homer game.
"We know there’s a sense of urgency," Sheets said after the White Sox fell six games behind Cleveland in the AL Central. "This is the final sprint, 33 games left and we got to go."
Jose Cuas (3-2) relieved Singer and pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win.
Eloy Jimenez, whose RBI single preceded Sheets’ homer, led off the seventh with a homer against Carlos Hernandez.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Royals: INF Vinnie Pasquantino (right shoulder discomfort) increased the intensity of his work in the batting cage, manager Mike Matheny said. … OF Edward Olivares (left quad strain) started a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha, going 1 for 3 with an infield hit and two strikeouts in a game.
White Sox: OF Luis Robert (left wrist) missed his fourth consecutive start due to lingering discomfort. … 3B Yoan Moncada (left hamstring strain) fielded grounders before Tuesday’s game. Moncada is eligible to return from the 10-day injured list Sept. 5. … LHP Aaron Bummer (left lat strain) started a minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A Charlotte. Bummer hasn’t pitched in a major league game since June 7 but plans to return next week. … LHP Garrett Crochet threw for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery April 5.
TRANSACTIONS
White Sox: C Yasmani Grandal (left knee hyperextension) likely will be activated before Wednesday’s game, La Russa said.
UP NEXT
Royals: Will start LHP Kris Bubic (2-9, 5.62) on Wednesday. Bubic allowed a season-high six earned runs in four innings in a 13-5 loss Friday to the Padres.
White Sox: Will start RHP Lance Lynn (3-5, 5.00), who will be activated from the bereavement list. Lynn allowed two runs in six innings of a 4-3 loss Thursday to the Orioles. | https://www.fox32chicago.com/sports/royals-hand-freefalling-white-sox-5th-straight-loss | 2022-08-31T14:11:50Z | fox32chicago.com | control | https://www.fox32chicago.com/sports/royals-hand-freefalling-white-sox-5th-straight-loss | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
U.S. senior diplomat to visit Jerusalem, Ramallah for talks with Israelis, Palestinians
Barbara Leaf, the State Department’s most senior diplomat for the Middle East, will arrive in Israel on Thursday for talks with Israeli and Palestinian officials in Jerusalem and Ramallah, Israeli and Palestinian officials told Axios.
Why it matters: Leaf's visit comes as the U.S. tries to convince Palestinian leadership, which is frustrated with the diplomatic stalemate in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, not to pursue a bid at the UN Security Council for full UN membership.
Driving the news: Hady Amr, the State Department’s point person on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, arrived in Jerusalem on Tuesday to prepare Leaf’s visit, Israeli and Palestinian officials said.
- Palestinian officials in recent days doubled down on their intention to pursue a vote at the Security Council, saying they will push for it even though they know the U.S. will veto it.
- According to Palestinian officials, President Mahmoud Abbas is planning to start the process immediately after his speech at the UN General Assembly, which starts on Sept. 20.
Between the lines: Palestinian officials were disappointed that President Biden's visit in July didn’t result in any political deliverables.
- A potential UN bid would be a way for Abbas to try to win points domestically, especially as the Palestinian Authority continues to grow weaker amid increased tensions in the occupied West Bank.
The big picture: The Biden administration wants to de-escalate the situation on the ground in the West Bank, but also avoid a showdown with the Palestinians at the UN and the need to use its veto power.
- The U.S. wants Israel to help by implementing several of the steps it committed to during Biden’s trip, including easing delays Palestinians experience when traveling through the Allenby bridge and allowing the installation of 4G cellular networks in the West Bank.
What’s next: After her meetings in Jerusalem and Ramallah, Leaf is expected to travel to Jordan to meet King Abdullah II. | https://www.axios.com/2022/08/31/us-state-leaf-visit-israel-palestinians-talks | 2022-08-31T14:11:53Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/2022/08/31/us-state-leaf-visit-israel-palestinians-talks | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Chicago to feature sunshine, 80-degree temps through the rest of the week
CHICAGO - There are no weather concerns today.
It will be a bit warmer with lots of sunshine and temps in the low to mid 80s.
Tomorrow, expect more sunshine with temps in the mid to upper 80s.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE FOX 32 YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Same story on Friday with similar weather overall.
The chance of showers on Saturday doesn’t look like much with highs over the holiday weekend in the 80-85 degree range.
I’ve removed showers from my forecast for Labor Day itself. | https://www.fox32chicago.com/weather/chicago-to-feature-sunshine-80-degree-temps-through-the-rest-of-the-week | 2022-08-31T14:11:57Z | fox32chicago.com | control | https://www.fox32chicago.com/weather/chicago-to-feature-sunshine-80-degree-temps-through-the-rest-of-the-week | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Exclusive: Zendrive to spin out a commercial insurance startup
Zendrive, which uses smartphone sensors to measure and improve driver safety, has announced that it's spinning out a new company called Fairmatic, a commercial insurance service that taps such data to determine its pricing.
Why it matters: By relying on actual driving experience rather than more abstract underwriting methods, the company says it can save customers 10% to 20%.
Details: The formal spinout actually happened last year, but Zendrive has kept the change in stealth mode until today, when it is announcing $42 million in Series A funding for Fairmatic.
- Also, Zendrive co-founder Jonathan Matus will become Fairmatic CEO, with Zendrive's other co-founder, Pankaj Risbood, becoming that company's CEO.
- Zendrive will retain a stake in Fairmatic, which raised $42 million in Series A funding, led by Foundation Capital, with former Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang among the others investing.
- Fairmatic has recruited several insurance industry heavyweights, including former Allstate unit president Jamie Trish and Ed Ford, former chief actuary for Progressive Insurance.
How it works: Fairmatic uses smartphones or other sensors to get actual data on miles driven as well as information on safety issues, including hard braking, sharp turns and any time spent distracted looking at the phone. Prices adjust monthly based on the data.
- The company, which has grown to 70 employees from 5 a year ago, is focusing on commercial drivers that aren't long-haul truckers, an area Matus said is wide open for disruption.
Between the lines: Commercial insurance prices have been steadily rising, Matus said, with little opportunity for fleets to control their costs. With Fairmatic, Matus says companies can lower their rates by helping their riskier drivers improve (or by parting ways with drivers who remain unsafe).
- Matus said Zendrive started out working with other insurance companies, but said it often took partners two years to decide what to do and another year to actually do it.
- "We have learned that being a partner for insurance companies can be very slow and somewhat frustrating," Matus told Axios.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify that it's drivers, not "customers," who may be unsafe. | https://www.axios.com/2022/08/31/zendrive-spin-out-commercial-insurance-startup-fairmatic | 2022-08-31T14:12:00Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/2022/08/31/zendrive-spin-out-commercial-insurance-startup-fairmatic | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Arizona's Katie Hobbs looks to burnish border security credentials in new ad
Katie Hobbs is casting herself as tough on the border in a new TV ad that aims to burnish her credentials on an issue that Republicans have made the centerpiece of their campaign against her.
Driving the news: The Democratic gubernatorial nominee's ad features testimonials from border sheriffs and fellow Democrats Chris Nanos, of Pima County, and David Hathaway, of Santa Cruz County.
- They also make an obligatory appearance at the Arizona-Mexico border, a frequent campaign staple in Arizona.
What they're saying: "Katie Hobbs will deliver whatever resources are needed to keep you safe, my team safe, our state safe. She's not here to politicize the border. Katie Hobbs has a plan and solutions," Nanos said.
The other side: The Republican Governors Association (RGA) has hammered Hobbs on border security and illegal immigration, showcasing those issues in every TV ad it's run against her since the primary election.
- "The drug cartels and sex traffickers are running wild because Joe Biden is too weak to stop them," a woman in one RGA ad proclaims. "Katie Hobbs would make the border situation even worse."
Kari Lake — Hobbs' opponent — released a statement saying, "Hobbs is literally on record saying 'it's ridiculous' that we're talking about border security in a governor's race. Katie's ad won't be taken seriously because nobody, including her, believes that she will protect our border."
Context: Hobbs has emphasized that immigration and border security are federal issues but says there are things the governor of Arizona can do, like provide financial resources for law enforcement in border communities and money for things like health care that are also affected by illegal immigration.
- Her campaign spokesperson, Joe Wolf, said the ad was a response to voters who want to know where Hobbs stands on border security and support for law enforcement, not a response to RGA's ad campaign against her.
Yes, but: Hobbs told The Arizona Republic earlier this year that it was "ridiculous" that candidates were discussing Title 42 as a core issue in the gubernatorial race.
- Title 42 is a policy Trump enacted early in the COVID-19 pandemic to expedite, on public health grounds, the expulsion of people caught entering the country illegally. President Biden unsuccessfully tried to end Title 42.
- Wolf said Hobbs was referencing the way Lake and candidate Karrin Taylor Robson were distorting the issue and her views on it.
Of note: Hobbs earlier this year appeared to defend Biden's decision, saying Title 42 "isn't working" but later said lifting it would be "a disaster."
Meanwhile: Lake has made border security and illegal immigration central issues in her campaign, vowing to finish former President Trump's border wall, destroy tunnels beneath the border and even authorize Arizona National Guard soldiers to arrest people suspected of entering the country illegally or smuggling drugs.
- Lake embraces a controversial theory that Arizona can declare under the U.S. Constitution an invasion at its southern border, which she's said she would do on her first day as governor.
Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Phoenix.
More Phoenix stories
No stories could be found
Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Phoenix. | https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/08/31/hobbs-burnish-border-security-credentials-new-ad | 2022-08-31T14:12:06Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/08/31/hobbs-burnish-border-security-credentials-new-ad | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
54 mins ago - Food and Drink
Phoenix's Chris Bianco featured on Netflix's "Chef's Table: Pizza"
Arizona culinary darling Chris Bianco will be featured on Netflix's hit show "Chef's Table," which is focusing exclusively on pizza this season.
- The new season drops Sept. 7.
Details: The show will feature three American pizza chefs, two from Italy and one from Japan.
- The selected chefs are creative in ways that "elevate this ordinary dish to an art form via their unique flavors, inspiring backgrounds and passion for creating the perfect slice," according to a Netflix statement.
Context: The original Pizzeria Bianco opened in the back corner of a Phoenix grocery store in 1988.
- Bianco has since opened two sit-down locations in Phoenix and another in L.A.
- He's also opened a sandwich shop called Pane Bianco and Tratto, an upscale Italian restaurant.
Our favorite pies: He really has perfected artisanal pizzas, so it's hard to pick just one favorite. But we'll try.
- Jessica's order: The Rosa — red onion, Parmigiano-Reggiano, rosemary and pistachios.
- Jeremy's order: The Sonny Boy — tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, soppressata and Gaeta olives.
Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Phoenix.
More Phoenix stories
No stories could be found
Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Phoenix. | https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/08/31/phoenix-chris-bianco-featured-netflix-chef-table-pizza | 2022-08-31T14:12:18Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/08/31/phoenix-chris-bianco-featured-netflix-chef-table-pizza | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
If you consider yourself a movie or TV show junkie, investing in your television setup is probably something you take seriously — the perfect sectional, a cozy throw blanket and, of course, a high-quality TV. What else could upgrade your TV-watching experience? A soundbar.
Sure, pixel-perfect video is a huge factor, but the audio is the other half of the puzzle.
“Sound is a powerful storytelling tool that can bring audiences closer to whatever they are watching – whether that’s an Academy Award-winning film or their favorite football team playing in the big game. While a great picture is important, sound is the other half of any entertainment experience,” Mathias Bendull, VP of Living Room at Dolby Laboratories, told the New York Post.
“Adding a sound bar is a great way to create a truly cinematic experience in your home that will unlock the ultimate audio experience for all your favorite entertainment.”
What qualities should I look for in a soundbar?
All of your questions, answered by an expert.
- Consider the type of solution that’s best for you. For those prioritizing simplicity, a “bar only” option (meaning a single sound bar) will do the trick. For those wanting a full entertainment setup, look for a system with dedicated rear speakers and a subwoofer for added bass. Additionally, access to the best Dolby Atmos height experience will require the device you are considering to have dedicated upward-firing drivers.
- Make sure it supports Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is a revolutionary audio experience that enables premium, multidimensional sound when enjoying your favorite entertainment that goes beyond the constraints of stereo or traditional surround sound. Whether gaming, watching your favorite movie or show, or listening to that new track on repeat, Dolby Atmos will take your audio to new levels.
How to install a soundbar
“Soundbar placement can make or break your sound experience. The following checklist will guarantee you’re getting the most out of your dedicated setup,” said Bendull.
- Is your soundbar flush against the wall? Mount it or place it on the edge of your entertainment center, so the audio is reflecting outward into the room.
- Do you have any decorations or plants or plants obstructing the soundbar? Ensure your system’s audio drivers, especially the side-firing and up-firing drivers, aren’t blocked by anything.
- Is your TV directly over the sound bar? Check that your TV isn’t directly over the soundbar, which could cause the soundbar to blast the audio into your TV, impacting sound performance.
Looking for more tech-related content? Check out our articles on the best streaming devices, portable Bluetooth speakers and an expert-based TV buying guide.
The best soundbars
1. VIZIO M-Series Elevate 5.1.2 Immersive Soundbar, $798
The new VIZIO M-Series Elevate 5.1.2 Immersive Soundbar has a revolutionary design (42 inches with a wireless subwoofer). Enjoy Adaptive Height Speakers that are integrated into the soundbar and automatically rotate up or forward to optimize the system’s performance. When rotated up, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks are strikingly immersive. When rotated forward, the height speakers are repurposed to deliver music with breathtaking power and dynamics.
Other new features include:
- Patented Adaptive Height Speakers, now available in M-Series
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound wrapped in an award-winning design
- Advanced connectivity like HDMI eARC for performance without compromise
- user-selectable LED lighting
2. Sonos Arc by Dolby, $899
Experience the breathtaking, realistic sound and a 3D experience by Dolby Atmos with Sonos Arc Soundbar. This option features 11 precisely engineered internal speakers, including two dedicated height channels, allowing it to fire sound in all directions, rendering every whisper, explosion and beat with dramatic clarity, detail and depth.
3. Samsung HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar with Dolby Audio, $165, original price: $200
The Samsung HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar with Dolby Audio offers enhanced real-time audio tracking with Adaptive Sound Lite. Plus, it includes a wireless subwoofer with Bass Boost to enjoy deep bass right out of the box. The best part? You can easily set up this soundbar thanks to the wireless connectivity to your TV.
4. Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker, $98, original price: $130
Enjoy your favorite TV shows in enhanced sound quality delivered by this Sony two-channel soundbar with a Bass Reflex speaker. The HT-S100F’s slim profile design fits easily in your home and sits comfortably within any interiors.
5. Sonos Beam (Gen 2), $449
Enrich all your entertainment with the latest generation of Sonos’ compact smart soundbar, Beam, now with Dolby Atmos.
Experience panoramic sound and crystal-clear dialogue for shows, movies, and games. Stream music and more from all your favorite services when the TV is off. Control is easy with the Sonos app, your voice, and Apple AirPlay 2. Add speakers to create a wireless surround sound system and enjoy multiroom listening. Everything connects over WiFi.
For more content, check out the New York Post Shopping section. | https://nypost.com/article/best-soundbar-buying-guide-per-experts/ | 2022-08-31T14:12:27Z | nypost.com | control | https://nypost.com/article/best-soundbar-buying-guide-per-experts/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Most kids in Washington state got COVID
More than 7 in 10 children in Washington state have already been infected with COVID-19, according to the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Driving the news: Earlier this month, the CDC released results from its latest survey on the seroprevalence of antibodies in children.
- Blood samples taken in May and June suggest 71.4% of Washington children between the ages of 6 months and 17 years have been infected with COVID-19 at least once.
The big picture: That's lower than the national average, which was 79.7%.
Why it matters: The latest BA.5 subvariant of Omicron is now the dominant strain of the coronavirus in the U.S., and it's the most transmissible since the start of the pandemic, Axios' Tina Reed writes.
- The new strain is more resistant to vaccines and can evade antibodies from prior Omicron infections.
- While studies suggest long COVID is rarer in children, they can still develop it.
- Of note: Although vaccines protect against hospitalization and serious illness, they don't always prevent infection, particularly with newer variants.
Zoom in: About 86.5% of Washington state's population ages 16 and older has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. But younger residents have a much lower vaccination rate.
- Only 37.3% of Washingtonians ages 5 to 11 have gotten their first vaccine dose, per the state Department of Health.
- The figure is even lower for children ages 6 months to 4 years old, who have only been eligible to receive vaccines since June.
What we're watching: Whether the start of school will drive a new round of infections — especially with masks no longer required in the classroom.
- Booster shots geared toward fighting the Omicron BA.5 variant are expected to be available to people 12 and older starting next week.
Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Seattle.
More Seattle stories
No stories could be found
Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Seattle. | https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2022/08/31/kids-infected-washington-state-covid-omicron | 2022-08-31T14:12:36Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2022/08/31/kids-infected-washington-state-covid-omicron | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Toyota ups the ante in battery arms race
Toyota is investing an additional $2.5 billion in its U.S.-based battery production facility.
Why it matters: Domestic battery production is shaping up to become a billion-dollar gold rush on the heels of the IRA.
What's happening: Toyota's $2.5 billion will go to its newest battery production facility in North Carolina, and it has allocated $5.6 billion to battery production investments going forward.
- The North Carolina facility is expected to begin production on EV and hybrid batteries in 2025.
- It had initially invested $1.29 billion in the facility in 2021.
Zoom out: The battery production arms race is on in the U.S., with the recently passed IRA adding renewed urgency throughout the industry.
- Honda and Korea's LG Energy Solution said Monday they're investing $4.4 billion in a new U.S. EV battery plant likely located in Ohio, per Axios Generate.
- Ford is building two factories in Kentucky, which will be able to produce 86 gigawatt hours' worth of batteries annually.
- The IRA includes provisions for domestic battery production, including a tax credit of $35 per kWh for each U.S.-produced battery cell and $10 per kWh for U.S.-produced battery modules.
- That represents 35% of today's average cost of producing a battery cell and 33% of the cost of assembling an EV battery pack, respectively.
Yes, and: U.S. produced critical materials and minerals also get a 10% tax credit, and the EV rebate for consumers is limited to those with U.S.-produced components.
The bottom line: Auto manufacturers are rising to meet demand as quickly as possible with a billion-dollar rapid buildout of manufacturing facilities across the country. | https://www.axios.com/pro/climate-deals/2022/08/31/toyota-invests-domestic-battery-production-facility | 2022-08-31T14:12:49Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/pro/climate-deals/2022/08/31/toyota-invests-domestic-battery-production-facility | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The market is now fully pricing in 75 bps so that's what is expected now. That raises a new round of risks for the euro as it flirts with parity.
At the same time, I wonder if it stumbles even if the ECB hikes by 75 bps. There are some flows to be found on higher yields in Europe with higher rates but debt could explode further on the energy crisis and growth could contract badly. | https://www.forexlive.com/centralbank/ecbs-holzmann-the-minimum-next-week-is-50-bps-and-75-bps-should-be-debated-20220831/ | 2022-08-31T14:16:17Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/centralbank/ecbs-holzmann-the-minimum-next-week-is-50-bps-and-75-bps-should-be-debated-20220831/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Most people are watching Europe and the unfolding energy crisis but the collapse in confidence in Chinese real estate could also be a multi-year drag on growth.
The WSJ today reports on comments from Country Garden Holdings, which for years ranked as the top developer in China in terms of sales. It cited weakening expectations, sluggish demand, declines in property prices and resurgent covid.
“All these exert mounting pressure on all participants in the property market, which has slid rapidly into severe depression,” the company said.
To illustrate, it earned $89m in the first half compared $2.2b a year earlier. That's a relatively rosy performace compared to some of its competitors, which are struggling with solvency and inventory that won't move. | https://www.forexlive.com/news/chinas-property-market-is-in-a-severe-depression-top-developer-says-20220831/ | 2022-08-31T14:16:23Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/news/chinas-property-market-is-in-a-severe-depression-top-developer-says-20220831/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Booster shots will be rolled out shortly that target omicron. Hopefully this change can prevent omicron altogether, or come close. Of course, it's only a matter of time until the virus mutates again. It will also be interesting to see the uptake on this round of shots.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW | https://www.forexlive.com/news/fda-approves-omicron-covid-19-booster-shots-20220831/ | 2022-08-31T14:16:29Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/news/fda-approves-omicron-covid-19-booster-shots-20220831/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
MILL CREEK, Wash. — Mill Creek police say at least two elderly people have been targeted for their jewelry in the past two weeks and similar instances have been reported in Bellevue in Renton.
The alleged crimes are unusual and appear to catch all the victims off guard.
Mark Horner encouraged his mother-in-law to call the police and report what happened.
“My mother-in-law is still processing and she’s a lovely woman and we’re glad that she’s OK and we think that she’s going to be a little bit, even more wary of people approaching her going forward, sadly,” Horner said.
Her necklace and ring were just two of the pieces taken by a group of people, including a child, who spotted her out walking and stopped to ask for directions to the nearest church on Monday.
Horner said the thieves hugged his mother-in-law, shook her hand and when they were gone so was her jewelry.
"The variations in the vehicles, slight variations in the descriptions of the suspects, different ages of the kids that were with them tell us that this was a group and it's an organized, well-rehearsed tactic,” Capital Joe Nault of the Bellevue Police Department told KING 5 earlier this month.
Bellevue police released footage from June of the thieves, possibly the same ones, at work. The department is calling this an organized crime ring they believe is operating up and down the West Coast. They believe the group is using rental cars and to date have hit Bellevue, Renton and Mill Creek.
“She’s shaken I think that she’s still misses - obviously - the things that were stolen because they have sentimental value but she’s not physically harmed and that’s a good thing,” Horner said.
Law enforcement is warning elderly people especially to be cautious of overly friendly people approaching them while walking.
“I think that more than anything the reason I’m speaking out and I have my mother-in-laws permission to do so is that we just want to help give the shout-out to the community to be on the lookout,” Horner continued. | https://www.krem.com/article/news/crime/jewelry-thieves-targeting-elderly-bellevue-renton-mill-creek-king-snohomish-counties/281-8eb32460-2e6f-4fb3-8cfe-bc07aa4939c1 | 2022-08-31T14:18:04Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/news/crime/jewelry-thieves-targeting-elderly-bellevue-renton-mill-creek-king-snohomish-counties/281-8eb32460-2e6f-4fb3-8cfe-bc07aa4939c1 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
WASHINGTON — The U.S. on Wednesday authorized its first update to COVID-19 vaccines, booster doses that target today’s most common omicron strain. Shots could begin within days.
The move by the Food and Drug Administration tweaks the recipe of shots made by Pfizer and rival Moderna that already have saved millions of lives. The hope is that the modified boosters will blunt yet another winter surge.
“You’ll see me at the front of the line,” FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks told The Associated Press shortly before his agency cleared the new doses.
OTHER NEWS: Government to pause free COVID test orders soon
Until now, COVID-19 vaccines have targeted the original coronavirus strain, even as wildly different mutants emerged. The new U.S. boosters are combination, or “bivalent,” shots. They contain half that original vaccine recipe and half protection against the newest omicron versions, called BA.4 and BA.5, that are considered the most contagious yet.
The combination aims to increase cross-protection against multiple variants.
“It really provides the broadest opportunity for protection,” Pfizer vaccine chief Annaliesa Anderson told the AP.
The updated boosters are only for people who have already had their primary vaccinations, using the original vaccines. Doses made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are for anyone 12 and older who's due for a booster while Moderna's updated shots are for adults. They're not to be used for initial vaccinations.
There’s one more step before a fall booster campaign begins: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must recommend who should get the additional shot. An influential CDC advisory panel will debate the evidence Thursday — including whether people at high risk from COVID-19 should go first.
“As we head into fall and begin to spend more time indoors, we strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to consider receiving a booster dose with a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants," FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said in a statement.
The U.S. has purchased more than 170 million doses from the two companies. Pfizer said it could ship up to 15 million of those doses by the end of next week.
The big question is whether people weary of vaccinations will roll up their sleeves again. Just half of vaccinated Americans got the first recommended booster dose, and only a third of those 50 and older who were urged to get a second booster did so.
It’s time for U.S. authorities to better explain that the public should expect an updated COVID-19 vaccination every so often, just like getting a fall flu shot or a tetanus booster after stepping on a rusty nail, said University of Pennsylvania immunologist E. John Wherry.
“We need to rebrand it in a societally normal-looking way,” rather than a panicked response to new mutants, Wherry said. “Give a clear, forward-looking set of expectations.”
Here’s the rub: The original vaccines still offer strong protection against severe disease and death from COVID-19 for most generally healthy people, especially if they got that important first booster dose. It’s not clear just how much more benefit an updated booster will bring — beyond a temporary jump in antibodies capable of fending off an omicron infection.
One reason: The FDA cleared the modifications ahead of studies in people, a step toward eventually handling COVID-19 vaccine updates more like yearly flu shots.
First, FDA checked human studies of earlier Pfizer and Moderna attempts to update their vaccines — shots matching the omicron strain that struck last winter. That recipe change was safe, and substantially boosted antibodies targeting the earlier variant — better than another dose of the original vaccine — while adding a little protection against today's genetically distinct BA.4 and BA.5 omicron versions.
But FDA ordered the companies to brew even more up-to-date doses that target those newest omicron mutants instead, sparking a race to roll out shots in less than three months. Rather than waiting a few more months for additional human studies of that recipe tweak, Marks said animal tests showed the latest update spurs “a very good immune response.”
The hope, he said, is that a vaccine matched to currently spreading variants might do a better job fighting infection, not just serious illness, at least for a while.
What's next? Even as modified shots roll out, Moderna and Pfizer are conducting human studies to help assess their value, including how they hold up if a new mutant comes along.
And for children, Pfizer plans to ask FDA to allow updated boosters for 5- to 11-year-olds in early October.
It’s the first U.S. update to the COVID-19 vaccine recipe, an important but expected next step -- like how flu vaccines get updated every year.
And the U.S. isn’t alone. Britain recently decided to offer adults over 50 a different booster option from Moderna, a combo shot targeting that initial BA.1 omicron strain. European regulators are considering whether to authorize one or both of the updated formulas.
AP Health Writer Matthew Perrone contributed to this report. | https://www.krem.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/vaccine/us-clears-updated-covid-boosters/507-dbcaf088-0dc4-43e9-9294-129373d83086 | 2022-08-31T14:18:06Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/vaccine/us-clears-updated-covid-boosters/507-dbcaf088-0dc4-43e9-9294-129373d83086 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SEATTLE — Nurses at Seattle Children’s hospital are expected to vote Thursday on a contract agreement that would increase pay for entry-level nurses by nearly 50%.
“This is the first time I’ve felt a sense of relief in months,” Edna Cortez, co-chair of the union and a Seattle Children’s registered nurse, said in a statement.
Under the agreement, 1,700 nurses would receive a pay increase of $10 per hour over the next 12 months.
By August 2024, the base rate for newly graduated nurses would be $47.60 per hour, which would be the highest in the city, according to the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA). This translates to a pay increase of 49.7% for a nurse at the bottom of the wage scale, the association said.
Elizabeth Ford, distinguished practitioner in residence at the Seattle University School of Law, said the inclusion of measures that raise the pay floor even for incoming workers is a trend to watch.
"The idea that both the union and the hospital are saying, let's invest in the future," Ford said. "Which is a risky thing and a brave thing to do- because those nurses are not all among the nurses that will vote on ratifications."
WSNA said in a statement Monday that the hourly increase was “unprecedented” at Seattle Children’s, calling the deal a “historic contract.”
The three-year contract also changes how nurses earn wage increases to make it more equitable for part-time employees. Under the agreement, nurses will advance on the wage scale based on years of experience versus hours worked. Nurses who are below where they should be on the wage scale based on hours worked will move up to the appropriate step under the contract agreement.
"Our biggest hope is that this will hold onto the nurses that are at Children's," WSNA labor counsel Pamela Chandran said. "Children's Hospital is unique in that it is a specialty hospital that really requires a very specialized practice for nurses. But this inevitably will have an impact on the rest of the hospitals in Seattle and King County and Pierce County, as other hospitals see they need to come up."
Seattle Children's spokesperson Jeanine Takala confirmed a tentative agreement was reached.
"We appreciate everyone working so hard to achieve this outcome," Takala wrote. "The new contract includes measures that will enhance safety, retention and recruitment, and recognizes the dedication, professionalism and quality of the 1,700-person nursing team at Seattle Children’s as well as the extraordinary circumstances they have been working under throughout the pandemic."
Takala said the hospital's focus remains on providing "high-quality, safe and equitable care to the largest pediatric region in the country so that our patients can live their healthiest and most fulfilling lives.”
The union reached an agreement with Seattle Children’s on Aug. 16 after 19 hours of talks. However, the agreement came after five months of discussion and an informational picket on Aug. 9 where nurses made their concerns public.
Previously, WSNA said nurses were concerned about a high vacancy rate, a need for pay raises and the impact of rising inflation.
WSNA said most, if not all, of the hospitals it represents are facing staffing shortages. A recent report from the Washington State Hospital Association raising alarms about hospital budgets declared a 200% rise in temporary labor costs statewide.
Ford says while only the hospital can comment on reasoning for the agreement, it's likely that they considered the costs of retaining current nurses as opposed to using more temporary labor, specifically travel nurses.
"The bargaining unit is saying- we understand we are making a decision to invest in the future, and that is a hopeful trend that I don't think would happen without a union," Ford said.
Both Ford and Chandran say they believe this temporary agreement, if approved by nurses, could pave the way for pushes across the region to significantly increase nurse pay. | https://www.krem.com/article/news/health/seattle-childrens-nurses-contract-agreement/281-ae0eee10-5ec6-419e-b4aa-cb000c235938 | 2022-08-31T14:18:07Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/news/health/seattle-childrens-nurses-contract-agreement/281-ae0eee10-5ec6-419e-b4aa-cb000c235938 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
BEND, Ore. — Donald Surrett Jr., 66, was one of the two victims who died Sunday evening in the shooting at a Safeway in Bend. Bend police say he attempted to disarm the shooter and likely prevented further violence.
"I'm not surprised that he stood up and tried to take on the gunman. I am surprised he's dead," said Robert Landers, a commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization in Bend.
Surrett, a Bend resident, was a veteran who was a combat engineer. He served at the DAV organization as treasurer.
His friends and family said they weren't surprised to hear of his bravery. They believe his instincts kicked in and he did what he could to save others.
"He's going to be hard to replace," said Robert Cusick, the senior vice commander of the organization, while holding back tears.
Surrett was the victim killed near the rear of the store. He was working in the produce section of the Safeway on Sunday when the gunman came in and opened fire, police said.
The night of the shooting, Surrett hid behind a cart and waited until the suspect got close enough for him to attack him with a produce knife. The suspect shot and killed Surrett and later shot and killed himself.
Investigators discovered a string of more than 100 shell casings that stretched from the shooter's apartment complex behind The Forum shopping center, through the parking lot and into the store.
The second victim, 84-year-old Glenn Edward Bennett, was also a Bend resident and a veteran who served as a medic in the Korean War, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his family.
Bennett was shot and killed at the front of the store. After they saw Bennett get shot, two Safeway shoppers rushed back in to pull him out of the building where medics tried to save him, police said.
On Tuesday, police confirmed that the shooter had worked at that Safeway for a short time and that he bought his three guns, including an AR-15 style rifle, legally.
GoFundMe pages have been set up for both Surrett and Bennett to help their family with funeral expenses. Safeway and Alberton's will also be collecting donations at the registers of all Oregon and southern Washington stores. | https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/bend-oregon-safeway-shooting-victims/283-d7cf17d0-438b-467c-ba96-2931b193bbb7 | 2022-08-31T14:18:08Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/bend-oregon-safeway-shooting-victims/283-d7cf17d0-438b-467c-ba96-2931b193bbb7 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is warning about an increase of Chronic Wasting Disease cases in deer this year.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a neurological illness that occurs in animals, causing excessive salivation, drooping head or ears, tremors, low body weight and odd behavior like showing no fear of humans or a lack of coordination.
Animals can be infected for months or even years before exhibiting symptoms, according to IDFG. The disease is always fatal and there are no treatments or vaccines available.
CWD was first detected in Idaho last year, when five animals, including mule deer, white-tailed deer and elk, tested positive for the virus in hunting Unit 14, which is in Idaho County between Riggins and Grangeville. Now that the disease is in the Gem State, IDFG said, hunters will have to be more aware of the disease and the resulting rules around it.
Unit 14 and Unit 15 are designated as a CWD Management Zone, meaning:
- Hunters who harvest a deer, elk or moose in a CWD Management Zone are required to have the animals tested for CWD by depositing the head (antlers may be removed) at a designated drop-off site. Here's a map of drop-off site locations.
- Carcasses or any part of a deer, elk, or moose harvested in Units 14 or 15 are not permitted to be transported out of those units, except quarters or deboned meat that does not include brain or spinal tissue, and edible organs that do not include brains. To see other exceptions go to the CWD rules webpage.
IDFG said more hunting units may be added to Idaho's CWD Management Zone, if the disease spreads to other areas. They will continue monitoring CWD statewide, to make sure they detect any cases that fall outside of the management zone.
Detection efforts will be focused on units near the Utah, Wyoming and Montana borders, all states with known cases of CWD. A map of units needing samples this year is available on the CWD monitoring webpage.
While IDFG requires hunters harvesting deer, elk or moose in the CWD Management Zone to test for the disease, it is not recommended for hunters to bring in kills from outside that area to be tested. They also recommend not eating meat from animals that test positive for CWD.
According to the Center for Disease Control, it is unknown whether the prions from a CWD-infected animal can spread to people; as of 2021, no known Chronic Wasting Disease infections have been reported in humans, but non-human primates like monkeys have caught the disease from eating infected meat.
For hunters needing to have their deer, elk or moose tested, a head or lymph node sample needs to be taken to a Fish and Game Regional office, or another designated sample collection site. Just the lymph nodes or brain stem is able to be tested for the disease, not muscle or meat, and can take about six weeks to get results.
Hunters are also able to request a CWD test sampling kit if they would like to extract the lymph nodes themselves and have them tested. IDFG is providing kits and free testing; the kits will be provided by IDFG by mail or at the regional offices, but will take around a week to deliver.
There are no live tests, vaccines, or cures for CWD. Removing it from the environment is practically impossible, but IDFG hopes to contain and manage the disease through early detection.
To minimize spread, biologists with Fish and Game are aiming to contain the disease to a small geographic area. Ideally, they would like to see levels less than 2%, as a higher rate would be more likely to spread.
Some states with CDW-positive deer and elk populations have documented long-term declines and shifts in the herd's age structure, resulting in fewer mature bucks and bulls when the disease was left unmanaged.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
Download the KTVB mobile app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips. | https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/fish-and-game-warn-of-increase-of-chronic-wasting-disease-in-deer/277-268a5217-e7c0-47d8-8603-a8175978658b | 2022-08-31T14:18:24Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/fish-and-game-warn-of-increase-of-chronic-wasting-disease-in-deer/277-268a5217-e7c0-47d8-8603-a8175978658b | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SEATTLE — New research from the University of Washington found restaurants that identified as "Black-owned" in 2020 saw decreases in visits compared to those without a label.
"In the long run, especially the last months of 2020 the black-owned businesses declined faster than those restaurants that revealed their ownership," said Bo Zhao, an associate professor of geography at the University of Washington, who led the study through his Humanistic GIS Lab.
In 2020 several companies began "Black-owned" labeling campaigns. They were designed to help customers support Black-owned businesses. However, the research released Monday by the University of Washington said there were statistically significant differences between Black-owned and “ownership-unreported” restaurants.
Zhao said his team looked at geographic information from 45 million cellphones in 20 cities. What they saw is most Black-owned restaurants saw an initial spike in business at the start of the labeling campaign, but data shows visits in many cities during the later months of 2020 declined faster at Black-owned labeled restaurants than locations where ownership wasn't reported.
New Orleans and Detroit showed the greatest declines, while New York showed the least. Seattle's graph showed several ups and downs, which Zhao said indicates the difference between the two is not significant enough to draw a conclusion.
Zhao wants the study to get the attention of tech companies that launched these labeling campaigns. He sees an opportunity for a tech company to think critically about how it supports the Black community.
"It can definitely be improved, be more helpful if we think more critically about the consequences and also inform the community of color about the consequences," said Zhao, "There's a lot of room to make improvements from the tech companies, but also everyone."
The study further discovered while a restaurant can choose not to select a label, it can still be labeled as "Black-owned" based on previous online reviews. Zhao said a complete opt-out isn't an option. | https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/uw-study-black-owned-restaurants-disproportionately-impacted-pandemic/281-6d4a9148-e59e-45ee-adb3-8715cea49e5e | 2022-08-31T14:18:36Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/uw-study-black-owned-restaurants-disproportionately-impacted-pandemic/281-6d4a9148-e59e-45ee-adb3-8715cea49e5e | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
WASHINGTON — School's starting up. That means new textbooks, new clothes — and maybe a few new name, image and likeness deals for college and high school athletes eager to earn some money.
Whether it's social media posts, in-person appearances, hosting sports camps (or even fishing tournaments), the ability to cash in is still relatively new for athletes. Here's what you need to know as the athlete compensation era heads into its second full sports season.
WHAT HAS THE IMPACT BEEN ON COLLEGE SPORTS?
To hear coaches tell it, NIL deals have either helped bring them the players they were looking for or it's just another level of competition to land the most elite athletes. Recall the sparring in May between Nick Saban, the coach of perennial national title contender Alabama, and rival Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M — with Saban's side foray into criticism of HBCU standout Jackson State and its famous coach, Deion Sanders.
Many athletes have become entrepreneurs, and some have agents. NIL also has allowed athletes to enter the transfer portal looking not only for a different team but also for a better shot at more cash from companies, brands or through the many collectives sprouting up everywhere since the July 2021 launch of the NIL era.
WHY DID IT TAKE SO LONG?
NIL's blossoming started with a seed: a 2009 class-action lawsuit filed by former UCLA basketball player Ed O'Bannon that argued the NCAA should not be allowed to use the likeness of football and men's basketball players — past and present — to make money. O'Bannon won on the antitrust component.
In June 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court said schools can't limit education-related benefits for athletes, effectively striking down NCAA rules that kept students from getting paid or financial support beyond full-ride scholarships.
In anticipation of the ruling, California led the U.S. in passing a NIL bill in 2019, forcing the NCAA to clear the way on July 1, 2021, for athletes to earn endorsement money and kicking off a rush by other states.
WHAT ARE NIL DEALS?
Social media posts are the top activity that athletes get paid for, followed by licensing rights, autographs/appearances and running camps or lessons. The money is coming from brands, fans and donors. In many states, athletes aren’t allowed to endorse liquor, tobacco or sports betting.
WHO REGULATES NIL DEALS?
This is a state-by-state situation, and while the laws are largely the same, there are variations.
Many states allow for a third party to connect businesses with athletes for NIL deals.
In Georgia, schools can ask athletes to pool up to 75% of their NIL money to be shared with other athletes, but it is not a requirement. In Connecticut, athletes can use their school's logo if the school agrees to it. And NIL contracts that Louisiana athletes report to their universities are considered confidential.
A few states, including Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Dakota and South Dakota, don't have NIL laws for college athletes. In those cases, college athletes must adhere to the NCAA's guidelines and interim policy. The NCAA says that schools can't engage in “pay-for-play” nor violate recruiting laws, meaning athletes can't get NIL money to play for a school or for their athletic performance.
The NCAA does not oversee compliance for reporting NIL deals or compliance with state laws. That is either on the school or the athlete, depending on the rules in that state. But the NCAA recently requested that member schools help with any investigations into potential violations.
WHY ISN'T THERE A NATIONAL NIL LAW?
It's not for lack of trying. The NCAA and a couple of Power Five conference leaders have asked for federal legislation. Two members of the U.S. Senate — Republican Tommy Tuberville, the former Auburn coach, and Democrat Joe Manchin — are drafting a bill and want to hear from the SEC commissioner and others about how to change NIL laws. But there's been no actual movement in Washington.
Some states have “right of publicity” laws, which allow an individual to decide whether their name or image can be used for commercial gain. There is no such federal law.
The NCAA itself could set a national NIL policy for its three divisions, though the organization has pushed for federal legislation instead.
WHO BENEFITS FROM NIL?
Male athletes lead the way in NIL activities — 62.7% vs. 37.3% for women, according to NIL platform Opendorse. Football players and men's basketball players received the highest percentage of deals when looking at the full slate of college sports (from data reported by Opendorse and other NIL platforms INFLCR and Athliance).
A few women's sports tend to follow those two, especially basketball, volleyball, softball and gymnastics.
The money is largely concentrated in Division I athletics, though DII, DIII and NAIA players have been able to obtain deals.
The more niche the sport, the less likely it is to draw blockbuster deals; think tennis, field hockey, ice hockey and rowing. But there are exceptions, as waterskiing and rifle see average deals of about $1,400 and $6,000, respectively.
CAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES JOIN THE GOLD RUSH?
Depends on where they live. More than a dozen states are OK with high schoolers doing NIL deals, and others have considered it.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR NIL?
More money and maybe more regulation.
Opendorse projects $1.14 billion worth of NIL deals in 2022-23, with Power Five conference schools having the biggest share of that and, by region, the Southeast. Collectives will play a large part in the growth of NIL as they look to organize and collect funding for school-specific athletes. Look for states without NIL laws to add laws — and for states with laws to continue tinkering.
The NCAA also faces another lawsuit, which is currently in the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, that argues athletes should be recognized as employees of their schools. | https://www.krem.com/article/news/nation-world/name-image-and-licensing/507-943c7bf6-486b-4914-96f0-688235f8f18a | 2022-08-31T14:18:42Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/news/nation-world/name-image-and-licensing/507-943c7bf6-486b-4914-96f0-688235f8f18a | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ATLANTA — Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson remembers the old days of college recruiting.
“You used to talk about graduation rates and majors,” Clawson said. “Now the first question is, ‘What are you guaranteeing me year one, two, three and four?’”
Clawson isn't necessarily talking about playing time, either. After more than a year, prospects are far more familiar with ways they can profit off their fame through endorsement deals and are looking hard at whether schools can help them do it.
When the NCAA instituted a policy last summer allowing athletes to earn money off use of their name, image and likeness, the notion was that it would give players a chance to make a little money but wouldn’t be used as a recruiting weapon.
Get ready for the college football season with the Locked On Podcast Network, bringing you daily podcasts on your school or conference school. Find yours today!
That’s not how it’s worked out. Pay-for-play situations or improper inducements are still banned, but there is nothing stopping colleges from letting recruits know how athletes on campus are already profiting through NIL deals and how much support is available to them if they're interested.
For instance, Ohio State has a Twitter account in which it boasted this summer that it had surpassed 1,000 disclosed NIL deals for its athletes. The school was among the first to publicly disclose how much its athletes have earned, putting the number at nearly $3 million just six months into the NIL era.
“It’s basically becoming an arms race,” said Andy Stefanelli, the football coach at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Olney, Maryland, which has a handful of top recruits, according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports. “It’s going to be, I think, as much of a factor in recruiting as anything else – facilities, winning, coaching, all that. It’s going to be right up there with those factors for kids, at least for the high-level recruits.”
Willie Howard, the football coach and activities director at Cooper High in New Hope, Minnesota, is a former Stanford and Minnesota Vikings defensive end. His son, defensive end Jaxon Howard, is a top-100 prospect who has verbally committed to LSU.
The Howards say that every college they visited during Jaxon's recruitment used the same approach in addressing NIL issues. Each would discuss opportunities athletes had received while pointing out that nothing’s guaranteed and recommending that recruits don’t pick a school based on NIL possibilities.
“The message was always the same,” Willie Howard said. “It felt like it was cookie-cutter at times because it’s like, ‘We’re not going to be stuck with NCAA compliance coming after us and saying that we've done something we’re not supposed to do.’“
Jaxon Howard recently hired an agent, as the state of Minnesota allows high school athletes to explore NIL opportunities. But he added that NIL wasn’t a factor in his college choice.
“I don’t want to put my whole focus on something like name, image and likeness when my end goal is to make a multimillion-dollar deal one day in the NFL,” he said.
Still, On3 surveyed 85 notable 2023 recruits and found that 30% of them would be willing to attend a school that isn’t an ideal fit from a football or academic perspective if that’s where they could get the best NIL deal.
The emergence of collectives fueled by boosters has led to criticism that they indirectly lead recruits to a particular school, even though the NCAA handed down guidance earlier this year noting that boosters remain prohibited from recruiting or providing benefits to prospects.
Stefanelli says he hears the complaints from college coaches who visit his school.
“Frankly, some of them were saying, ‘Yeah, we’re losing recruits because X, Y or Z school is throwing a bunch of money at them,’" Stefanelli said.
The issue has crept into some of the public comments from coaches, which could be seen as indirect recruiting pitches. Alabama’s Nick Saban said last month that his players made more than $3 million in NIL deals over the last year and his SEC rival, Georgia's Kirby Smart, got even more specific.
“We may have had the highest-paid defensive lineman last year in NIL in Jordan Davis,” Smart said. “We had the highest-paid tight end in Brock Bowers. Kelee Ringo I would argue is probably one of the highest-paid corners there is in NIL. So NIL can be a good thing, and they can learn to manage money at a young age.”
Many coaches say they would like more oversight from the NCAA with different state laws in place across the country. Saban and Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher swapped barbs over the summer over the allegation that the Aggies had “bought” the nation's top-ranked recruting class.
“Change is inevitable,” Fisher said. “That’s the rules we have to play by, so we all have to adapt and adjust.”
There are ways in which schools can make their NIL cases directly to prospects – or players who have entered the transfer portal - without flat-out offering them incentives.
Many have hired staffers to work on maximizing NIL opportunities for athletes already on campus. Some have partnered with groups that can advise them on what they’re permitted to say to recruits on NIL-related matters.
“What we work with them on is what do you know, how do you sell your program, what is your program’s philosophy and how do you integrate NIL within that without making it solely just about a dollar amount that is sometimes actually being offered or what the media is reported is being offered,” said Celine Mangan, a senior account executive with Altius, whose client list of about 30 schools includes Georgia, LSU and Texas among others.
Schools need to have a good idea of what to say about NIL issues because prospects certainly are asking about them.
“Some kids will come in your office and it’s the first question they ask,” Boston College coach Jeff Hafley said.
They’re not just asking the coaches. Upperclassmen are fielding NIL-related questions from prospects.
“That’s probably one of the top questions is, you know, like the NIL deal thing,” TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston said. “But the thing with recruits, they always come in and think, you know, that NIL is just a given.”
Johnston says he reminds recruits that NIL deals come only after players have done the work on the field, in the classroom and in the community.
As for those conversations Clawson has with Wake Forest recruits, he says he keeps any NIL-related discussions within both the letter and spirit of NCAA rules. But he adds that “clearly that’s not happening" everywhere.
“That is gone,” Clawson said. “I don’t see there’s any way that’s going to come back.”
AP sports writers Aaron Beard, Stephen Hawkins and Michael Marot contributed to this report. | https://www.krem.com/article/sports/arms-race-nil-compensation-now-a-potent-recruiting-weapon/535-9408ce88-8660-4816-a430-51e67258304e | 2022-08-31T14:19:24Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/sports/arms-race-nil-compensation-now-a-potent-recruiting-weapon/535-9408ce88-8660-4816-a430-51e67258304e | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SEATTLE — Editor's note: This story is part of KING 5's Seahawks season preview series.
Predicting the National Football League (NFL) is essentially impossible.
The league changes every season, rookies make an immediate impact, and teams that benefited from a fortunate schedule last year now have a difficult pathway to the playoffs. It leaves a morass of NFL teams that interchangeably move from the bottom tier in the league to playoff contender every season.
It's why we love the NFL, after all.
Yet, despite the impossibility of predicting the league, we are going to do it anyway with a game-by-game look at the 2022 Seattle Seahawks.
KING 5 SEASON PREVIEW: All of our stories breaking down the 2022 Seahawks
Please be nice!
Let's start with Week 1 against Russell Wilson's Denver Broncos. (That's still weird to type and read and process.)
Week 1: vs. Denver Broncos (Sept. 12)
Game prediction: Broncos 27, Seahawks 13.
The Big Game will end with a Big Seahawks Loss. (Sorry.) The home fans will certainly bring the energy for the entire game, but it won't be enough to push the Seahawks to a win.
KING 5 SEASON PREVIEW: What are our favorite Russell Wilson era memories?
Seahawks current win-loss record: 0-1
Week 2: at San Francisco 49ers (Sept. 18)
Game prediction: 49ers 24, Seahawks 17.
This game could end up being closer than expected, with the Seahawks having a chance to pull off a road victory. It will still be early on in Trey Lance's tenure as starting quarterback, which is good for Seattle because he's capable of making mistakes that could swing the result of a game.
KING 5 SEASON PREVIEW: How Seahawks stack up against NFC West opponents
Seahawks current win-loss record: 0-2
Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons (Sept. 25)
Game prediction: Seahawks 20, Falcons 17.
The Seahawks' first win! Though this one is also in doubt, with the Falcons adding rookie wide receiver Drake London to its receiving corp and a possible second-year breakout season for tight end phenom Kyle Pitts. Still, let's give the Seahawks a nice home victory.
Seahawks current win-loss record: 1-2
Week 4: at Detroit Lions (Oct. 2)
Game prediction: Lions 31, Seahawks 30.
Another game that could go either way, with the Lions positioned to improve upon its 3-13-1 record in 2021. (Because how could it get worse?) Detroit has home-field advantage and more familiarity in their offense, giving them the slight edge.
KING 5 SEASON PREVIEW: Main takeaways from Seattle's three preseason games
Seahawks current win-loss record: 1-3
Week 5: at New Orleans Saints (Oct. 9)
Game prediction: Saints 20, Seahawks 10.
On the road in New Orleans in one of the toughest environments for visiting teams. This one is a loss, but maybe Jameis Winston gifts the Seahawks with a few turnovers to make it interesting.
Seahawks current win-loss record: 1-4
Week 6: vs. Arizona Cardinals (Oct. 16)
Game prediction: Cardinals 28, Seahawks 21.
With Wilson at quarterback, Seahawks-Cardinals was must-watch television. With Geno Smith at quarterback, these games should be relegated to pay-per-view.
KING 5 SEASON PREVIEW: Long-term QB options for the Seahawks
Seahawks current win-loss record: 1-5.
Week 7: vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Oct. 23)
Game prediction: Chargers 38, Seahawks 14.
Justin Herbert is on track to be one of the NFL's best quarterbacks. He'll have no problem taking control of the game and handing the Seahawks its sixth loss in the first seven games.
Seahawks current win-loss record: 1-6.
Week 8: vs. New York Giants (Oct. 30)
Game prediction: Seahawks 31, Giants 24.
Now here is a much-over-do win. Thank you, Daniel Jones.
Seahawks current win-loss record: 2-6.
Week 9: at Arizona Cardinals (Nov. 6)
Game prediction: Seahawks 17, Cardinals 10.
Hello, winning streak! Chalk this up to a schedule quirk for the favored Cardinals, who have three pivotal games against playoff contenders (Rams, 49ers and Chargers) immediately after their home game against the Seahawks. The Cardinals looking past the scrappy Seahawks will lead to an anemic offensive performance and an upset on the road.
KING 5 SEASON PREVIEW: Biggest storylines for the 2022 Seahawks
Seahawks current win-loss record: 3-6
Week 10: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Nov. 13)
Game prediction: Buccaneers 41, Seahawks 13.
Tom Brady playing in Germany in a nationally televised game, with something to prove to a new market of fans, spells real trouble for the Seahawks. You should watch this game with your eyes closed if you are a Seahawks fan.
KING 5 SEASON PREVIEW: Ranking the 5 best games on the Seahawks schedule
Seahawks current win-loss record: 3-7
WEEK 11: BYE
A much-needed rest after a casual 5,200-mile plane trip to Germany.
Seahawks current win-loss record: 3-7
Week 12: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Nov. 27)
Game prediction: Raiders 31, Seahawks 30.
The Raiders will need every win they can to survive in the AFC West Death of Death (trademark pending), but they will have some real trouble putting away the Seahawks at home.
KING 5 SEASON PREVIEW: The Seahawks to draft and avoid in fantasy football
Seahawks current win-loss record: 3-8
Week 13: at Los Angeles Rams (Dec. 4)
Game prediction: Rams 21, Seahawks 10.
It took over three months to finally play the Super Bowl defending champions. Unless Matthew Stafford's arm injury worsens by this time, the Rams will win at home in a convincing fashion.
Seahawks current win-loss record: 3-9
Week 14: vs. Carolina Panthers (Dec. 11)
Game prediction: Panthers 20, Seahawks 17.
A very winnable game that will end with the Panthers booting a game-winning field goal as time expires. Not great.
Seahawks current win-loss record: 3-10.
Week 15: vs. San Francisco 49ers (Dec. 15)
Game prediction: Seahawks 17, 49ers 14.
The Seahawks have the advantage of A) already being at home and B) not having to travel before this nationally televised game kicks off Thursday night. Maybe this loss puts a damper in the 49ers' playoff aspirations.
KING 5 SEASON PREVIEW: Can Seahawks win with a run-heavy game plan?
Seahawks current win-loss record: 4-10.
Week 16: at Kansas City Chiefs (Dec. 24)
Game prediction: Chiefs 45, Seahawks 13.
Sigh. Please don't be too mean, Patrick Mahomes.
Seahawks current win-loss record: 4-11.
Week 17: vs. New York Jets (Jan. 1)
Game prediction: Seahawks 20, Jets 10.
Could this be the last win of the Seahawks' 2022 season?
KING 5 SEASON PREVIEW: Meet the rookies that could make an impact in 2022
Seahawks current win-loss record: 5-11.
Week 18: vs. Los Angeles Rams (Jan. 8)
Game prediction: Rams 28, Seahawks 7.
(Yes, last week was the last win of the Seahawks season.)
Seahawks current win-loss record: 5-12. | https://www.krem.com/article/sports/nfl/seahawks/game-by-game-prediction-seahawks-2022-nfl-season/281-f5065c34-046f-403b-a70b-2f2b366adcf4 | 2022-08-31T14:19:30Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/sports/nfl/seahawks/game-by-game-prediction-seahawks-2022-nfl-season/281-f5065c34-046f-403b-a70b-2f2b366adcf4 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
NEW YORK — The Major League Baseball Players Association passed out union authorization cards to minor league baseball players this week, attempting to to unionize minor leaguers, reversing decades of opposition.
MLBPA head Tony Clark is confident that at least 30% of minor league players will sign recently distributed union authorization cards in the coming days and weeks, paving the way for thousands more players to potentially join the organization.
Signed cards from 30% of minor leaguers in the bargaining unit would allow the union to file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board asking for a union authorization election, which would be decided by majority vote. Minor league players would have a separate bargaining unit from their big league counterparts.
On the Locked On Sports Today podcast, Locked On MLB Prospects host and minor league expert Lindsay Crosby joined Peter Bukowski to break down why this is happening and why it's so important for minor league players.
SUBSCRIBE to the daily Locked On Sports Today podcast, bringing you expert conversations on the biggest stories in sports, every morning, in under 30 minutes.
The typical fan may not even know that minor league baseball players weren't even a part of the MLBPA. More are probably unaware of the circumstances and conditions that many minor league baseball players face.
"Think about the last two years and a lot of the conversation around minor league baseball has been the substandard wages," Crosby said on Locked On Sports Today. "Most guys in the minor leagues make $500 or $600 dollars a week. We've had conversations about the housing situation, four, five guys to the same bedroom, sleeping on air mattresses or in cars. We've had conversations about guys not getting paid in the offseason or minor league contraction where they went down to 120 teams and just eliminated minor league baseball in 30 or 40 cities across the country."
"Forming a union and being able to collectively bargain gets around all of those issues and allows minor league baseball players to advocate for themselves, for each other, and ultimately to get paid a living wage to play baseball," Crosby continued.
While the average major league salary is above $4 million, players with minor league contracts earn as little as $400 a week during the six-month season.
“The working conditions facing these players have been nothing short of offensive,” union head Tony Clark wrote in a letter Sunday to player agents. “Poverty wages, oppressive reserve rules, discipline without due process, ever-expanding offseason obligations, appropriation of intellectual property, substandard attention to player health and safety, and a chronic lack of respect for minor leaguers as a whole (to name just a few) — these cancers on our game exist because minor league players have never had a seat at the bargaining table. It’s time for that to change.”
So how would this work and what will the connection be between MLB players and minor league players?
"The Major League Baseball Players Association would represent both the Major League players and the minor league players, but their contracts would be bargained separately," Crosby said. "And so when you're bargaining from the same unit, you're able to, in essence, share notes and form a strategy. So, for instance, if Major League players are negotiating a reduction in the amount of service time required to get a season, the minor league players can then negotiate some sort of incentive for teammates to call their players up early. The idea is by being able to coordinate everything, you can better have a cohesive strategy and you can work around whatever loophole management's trying to do to deny this thing to the players."
Why did it take so long to get here?
"I think a few reasons," Crosby said. "The first one is obviously Major League Baseball has this antitrust exemption. They've had it for over 100 years, and there's never really been a lot of momentum to fix it. But in the last few years, especially fueled by the 2020 contraction of the minor leaguers, you've seen Congress get involved, you've seen letters, you've seen threats of hearings, and you've seen the Supreme Court actually address the existence of the antitrust exemption and say that they don't think it should exist."
"And so all of the movement that you've seen positively for the players, whether it's salaries, whether it's living conditions, all of that came because Major League Baseball was trying to preemptively get out in front of the public groundswell of support for minor leaguers and against the major league organization in management," Crosby said. "And I think the lockout kind of exacerbated a lot of this, at least Major League Baseball see that no, the average fan is more aware of these poor conditions and they're not going to be as accepting of ice continuing to do this, and we're going to have to fix it. And ultimately, they haven't done enough."
Crosby said if 30% of unionization cards are returned, then an election can be held to declare a union. However, Crosby said he has spoken to people who expect an overwhelming majority of cards to be returned, likely paving the way for Major League Baseball to voluntarily recognize the union.
The Associated Press contributed to this story
SUBSCRIBE to the Locked On MLB Prospects podcast, your go-to daily podcast covering the minor leagues and the nation's best prospects. Free and available on all platforms | https://www.krem.com/article/sports/why-the-mlbpa-pushing-to-unionize-minor-league-players-is-so-important-for-baseball/535-578eb525-eb59-402e-a20a-35ccc226b3dd | 2022-08-31T14:19:36Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/sports/why-the-mlbpa-pushing-to-unionize-minor-league-players-is-so-important-for-baseball/535-578eb525-eb59-402e-a20a-35ccc226b3dd | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
import *, {} /* Type declarations */ import * \nfrom 'events\n/** Module Import for all the modules that have imports (used to handle common\n * functions when building a single module vs having each one being imported sepertaly) **/ /*** Confluera Logging **** IST-JUDE ** This logging functionality should be a top object that handles everything and can send information back in various modalities... and the level is the level When you need tasty greens on your plate, and you need them fast, look to sautéed spinach.
You can find spinach almost anywhere — maybe there’s some in your fridge now! — and it cooks up easily and quickly. Best of all, it’s really easy to jazz it up with just a few little tweaks.
EatingWell shared a super-easy spinach recipe that’d look right at home on a restaurant menu: sautéed spinach topped with zingy balsamic vinegar and yummy Parmesan cheese. No special equipment or techniques required: just a pan, a trusty utensil and a matter of minutes.
First off, select your spinach. This recipe recommends avoiding baby spinach in favor of full-grown, mature spinach. The larger leaves hold up better during cooking — we want them tender, sure, but not totally sad and wilted.
Next, mince some garlic. As always, feel free to tinker with the amount of garlic in your cooking. For folks like me, there’s never enough; for others, just a clove is plenty.
Heat extra-virgin olive oil at medium in a large pot or high-sided skillet. Once that’s going, you’ll add your garlic. Then, grab that spinach! Throw it all in! Season to taste with salt and pepper, then toss the pan’s contents to coat evenly.
As you’ll see, the spinach quickly begins to wilt once it hits the heat. Within minutes, the intimidating heap of raw spinach releases its water and collapses into soft, pliable leaves.
When spinach is cooked down to your liking, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. That’s it! Plate it up as a side with anything you wish.
Personally, I’d love to fold this into a bowl of linguine with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a touch more Parm, maybe some cherry tomatoes if they’re handy. But that’s just me — for the full amounts and detailed method, visit Eating Well’s recipe page and serve it your way!
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories. | https://www.fox17online.com/balsamic-parmesan-sauteed-spinach-recipe-makes-tasty-healthy-side | 2022-08-31T14:19:37Z | fox17online.com | control | https://www.fox17online.com/balsamic-parmesan-sauteed-spinach-recipe-makes-tasty-healthy-side | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
For the second year in a row, life expectancy at birth in the United States dropped sharply amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data released this week.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Centers for Health Statistics, life expectancy in 2021 dropped to 76.1 years, down from 77 a year ago and 78.8 in 2019. Life expectancy in 2021 was the lowest since 1995.
The drop in life expectancy was more pronounced among males than females. It dropped from 76.3 years in 2019 to 73.2 in 2021. For females, life expectancy fell from 81.4 years in 2019 to 79.1.
The drop in life expectancy was also more pronounced among American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Males in this group saw a 7.1-year drop in life expectancy while females also saw a 2.3-year decline.
The CDC said COVID-19 was the top reason why life expectancy decreased. But increases in unintentional injuries, heart disease, liver disease and cirrhosis and suicide also played a role in the drop in life expectancy.
The CDC noted that a drop in deaths related to influenza, pneumonia, lower respiratory diseases, Alzheimer's disease, perinatal conditions and Parkinson’s disease all helped offset some of the losses in life expectancy. | https://www.fox17online.com/news/national/us-life-expectancy-sharply-drops-again-amid-covid-19-pandemic | 2022-08-31T14:20:08Z | fox17online.com | control | https://www.fox17online.com/news/national/us-life-expectancy-sharply-drops-again-amid-covid-19-pandemic | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Country
United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary
People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe | https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/in_our_schools/lcsd1-continues-free-online-tutoring-program/article_4370d148-2893-11ed-9128-0fb6175e97f1.html | 2022-08-31T14:20:44Z | wyomingnews.com | control | https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/in_our_schools/lcsd1-continues-free-online-tutoring-program/article_4370d148-2893-11ed-9128-0fb6175e97f1.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Bittersweet: How Central Jersey restaurants ravaged by Hurricane Ida are doing a year later
Take one look at Summer Ville Homemade Ice Cream in Somerville today and it’s hard to imagine that one year ago, 3 to 4 feet of flood water from the remnants of Hurricane Ida filled the nautical-themed ice cream shop, ruining “every single thing,” said owner Elio DeFranco.
That’s because after the $215,000 rebuild, $170,000 of which was recouped by insurance, it looks “almost identical,” he said; minus a misplaced mounted plastic marlin or two.
“I even put most of the decorations back in the same spots, except for a few because I forgot where they were,” DeFranco said.
You can’t blame him for forgetting. He was finally able to reopen the shop in late March, nearly seven months after Ida ravaged it. Half of the sheetrock was destroyed. The waterproof freezers began floating and then flipped over, breaking and spilling their ice cream contents onto the floor.
"There was so much ice cream on the floor it was unbelievable," DeFranco said.
The situation was just as dire elsewhere in Somerville. The usually placid brook that runs through the heart of the county seat became a raging torrent. Cars in the Brookside Gardens apartment complex were carried away in the flash flood. Some of the cars were still in the middle of Mercer Street the next day. One car had flipped on its roof, another almost slid into the brook and was stuck on the bank, and another ended up on top of another car.
It took two weeks just to get all the ice cream off the floor at Summer Ville Homemade Ice Cream. The shop had to be aired out for two weeks, then, its floors, sheetrock and electric and plumbing systems had to be redone. All equipment had to be replaced, some that DeFranco rebuilt himself when certain items weren’t available due to supply chain issues.
Since the reopening – which DeFranco said felt “fantastic” – it hasn’t all been smooth sailing, either. Supplies and ingredients are up at least 50% due to inflation, and the shop has seen a slowdown in business which DeFranco also attributes to the economy.
Looking back:Somerset County food businesses reel from Ida’s destruction
Despite the loss of profit and the cost of rebuild, DeFranco doesn’t regret reopening.
“It was rough, but I knew I had to do it,” he said. “I like keeping busy, I like the business and it’s fun, so it wouldn’t have mattered what it cost.”
Reopening while surrounded by devastation
Another ice cream shop across the county line in Hunterdon, which tied Somerset in having the most storm-related deaths of state counties with five, also fought to reopen its doors after immense Ida damage. Its opening, too, wasn’t easy.
Nearly two months after the storm, Owowcow Creamery in Lambertville opened again after “all hands on deck” completed the rebuild, said managing director Shira Tizer Wade. It cost $150,000 and only $15,000 was recouped from insurance. Floors were poured, walls were built, storage units were installed, and freezers were found while also battling supply chain obstacles. However, the reopening – just in time for Lambertville’s iconic Halloween celebration – was bittersweet.
NJ had 30 deaths related to Ida.Here's what we've learned about the people we lost
“The reopening was difficult because that part of Lambertville has still not completely recovered,” Wade said. “People just started moving back in in the last few months. It wasn’t an easy winter for us because no one wanted to come down to that part of Lambertville and I think it was because there were a lot of bad memories for people."
After Ida, Owowcow Creamery was filled with 6 feet of water, and its 1,000-pound ice cream case was “floating on top of the water like a boat,” recalled Wade. Everything, from the equipment to the t-shirts, was lost.
“Literally everything you could touch was gone,” Wade continued. Plus, the shop had to rebuild its floors and walls, as well as electric and HVAC systems.
Lambertville went from quaint to chaotic on Sept. 1 when 11 inches of rain fell there. The creeks that flow at both ends of the city swelled, causing the worst flash flooding in living memory.
A community rallies together:Lambertville to host benefit concert for Ida victims
Owowcow Creamery used the rebuild as an opportunity to upgrade its Lambertville store by revamping lighting and installing updated countertops, walls and flooring with new color schemes and decor. It looked into other insurance options and created a plan to mitigate future flood damage by storing items higher and putting more items on wheels for easy transfer.
A closing after 30 years in business
However, not all businesses ravaged by Ida – and there were many, especially in Central Jersey, which saw some of the greatest storm devastation in the state – found lifeboats.
Maria Mikiewicz, owner of European Deli in Manville, decided early this year to make the deli's closing after Ida permanent, ending a more than 30-year legacy of offering fresh kielbasa, 13 types of pierogi and other European specialties. Today, the former storefront remains vacant, as do many others in the borough.
In Manville, the Raritan River on the borough's northern border reached 27.66 feet. The Millstone River on the borough's eastern border reached another record: 23.73 feet. Walmart's parking lot on North Main Street was under 2 feet of water, and borough hall was also underwater.
It would have cost Mikiewicz about $100,000 out-of-pocket to rebuild after insurance recoup. The cost, time needed to rebuild and material shortages all factored into the decision not to reopen. It also would have marked the third major rebuild that Mikiewicz has had to do following storms, following Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
“It wasn’t an easy decision for the family, for any of us,” said Jan Chwiedosiuk, Mikiewicz’s nephew and co-owner of Jersey Cyclone Brewing Company. “Much of my life, including my childhood, was spent there with my family.”
Three feet of water filled the deli. Fifty percent of its products were either destroyed or had to be thrown out, partly because most of the refrigeration was destroyed and all the air conditioning no longer worked. Most of the cabinetry and wall fixtures were gone. All the sheetrock below the water line would have had to be replaced.
Bracing for the future: 'I just don't know when'
Sherban's Diner, a 63-year-old cornerstone of South Plainfield, was able to reopen a few weeks after 2 feet of water from Ida destroyed its $50,000 boiler and caused an additional $10,000 worth of damage to its 120-person private event room.
Much of Middlesex County was spared from the worst of Ida, however, some areas – such as parts of South Plainfield – bore the brunt of the storm's wrath. Nine inches of rain fell on the borough, which is home to Spring Lake and Bound Brook, the latter of which neighbors Sherban's Diner.
Insurance covered nothing for Sherban's Diner because it does not have flood insurance.
“Our boiler takes care of the steam table, so you can’t have hot food without it, meaning it’s not something where you can say, ‘Oh, maybe I’ll fix it next month,” said Kateina Ganiaris, co-owner of the family-owned business. “Flood insurance is very expensive so for right now, I have to wait and see if business comes up and if I can afford it, I will get it.”
Things haven’t been easy for the family since COVID-19 struck. When they reopened six months after the pandemic, business was down 50%. Now, with inflation, lingering pandemic concerns and a loss of corporate clientele, it's down 30%, but they hope to afford flood insurance for the diner as soon as possible.
“Of course it worries me that this kind of storm damage will happen again,” said Ganiaris. “In five years, I’ll definitely have some kind of flood insurance because I think a storm like this is coming again. I just don’t know when.”
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA Today Network New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Contact: JIntersimone@Gannett.com or @JIntersimone. | https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/entertainment/dining/2022/08/31/hurricane-ida-central-nj-restaurants-businesses/65416739007/ | 2022-08-31T14:22:45Z | mycentraljersey.com | control | https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/entertainment/dining/2022/08/31/hurricane-ida-central-nj-restaurants-businesses/65416739007/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
From lattes to treats on a stick, here's where to find pumpkin spice everything in NJ
Temperatures may still be hitting the 90s here in New Jersey, but make no mistake — fall is on its way. And even if you’re rocking a tank top and a pair of jorts at the checkout line, now that it's September, go ahead and order a pumpkin spice anything.
There are a lot more pumpkin spice-flavored foods to enjoy out there than just a latte from Starbucks. Central Jersey bakeries and coffee shops are giving pumpkin spice its own fresh twist, in every sense of the word.
For everything from a pumpkin spice latte that’s as natural as it gets to pumpkin spice on a stick, here’s where you can find pumpkin spice everything in Central Jersey.
Vegan pumpkin spice cookie: BAM Desserts, Somerset
Today, vegan desserts can be found in nearly every bakeshop. But four years ago, that wasn’t the case — and BAM Desserts owner Melissa Jenkins had heard her share of requests for vegan-friendly sweets.
So, that fall, she launched the shop’s first vegan cookie — a pumpkin spice vegan cookie made simply of pumpkin puree, flour, oil, sugar and spices. It quickly became a hit with everyone from vegans to carnivores.
“It is absolutely delicious — it is a soft chewy cookie that has a warm spice pumpkin flavor and is topped with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar,” Jenkins said. “People have said they would not even know it was vegan if they hadn’t been told.”
Every year, the pumpkin spice vegan cookie hits the BAM Desserts menu in September and stays through the end of November, and many customers visit weekly to get the cookies. And once in a while, they even share them.
“They are larger sized cookies so they can be shared, but we hear people say they end up eating the entire cookie by themselves,” Jenkins said.
Go: 1830 Easton Ave Suite 4, Somerset; 732-325-0315, bamdesserts.com.
Vegan and kosher pumpkin spice roll: Cinnaholic, Metuchen
This autumn, Metuchen locals will get a taste of a pumpkin spice cinnamon roll for the first time when Cinnaholic, a vegan cinnamon roll chain that opened its first Middlesex County location in August, adds its fall-flavored roll to its menu.
The vegan and kosher pumpkin spice roll includes pumpkin spice frosting, homemade pumpkin bread and cinnamon sugar, and is topped with Cinnadoodle cookie bites. It will be available from late September through early January.
A new addition:Cinnaholic opening first Middlesex County location in Metuchen
The roll has been on the menu seasonally for about four years and has been extremely popular with customers for just as long, said Heather Stennis, vice president of marketing.
“Our customers love when we offer anything pumpkin-related,” she continued. “It's got a great combination of cinnamon sugar and pumpkin.”
Go: 33 New St., Metuchen; 732-318-6240, cinnaholicmetuchen.com.
Roasted pumpkin spice latte: The Coffee Box, Rahway
Throughout the fall, you might catch a Coffee Box employees carving a pumpkin — but they won’t be making a jack-o-lantern. Instead, the Rahway coffee shop roasts its own pumpkin and combines it with a homemade spice mix, brown sugar and maple syrup to create roasted pumpkin spice lattes.
“We wanted to do our own special take on pumpkin spice,” said Jeff Spelman, owner of the Coffee Box. “Most coffee shops use bottle syrups often containing corn syrup and artificial ingredients. We make our own sauces from scratch.”
Cheap eats:Everything is expensive, but these meals in Central NJ are still good deals
The popular latte, which will be available once fresh pumpkins are available in late September through Thanksgiving, also includes two shots of espresso and a choice of steamed milk. It’s also available iced.
“The taste is incredible,” Spelman continued. “Our espresso is from Brazil giving a natural sweet, rich body taste. Our daily milk is from a five-generation farm from the Hudson River Valley which is steamed to perfection. The sauce gives the cozy warm flavors of fall with the pumpkin and seasonal spices. It is all natural.”
Go: 1465 Irving St., Rahway; 732-943-2354, cofbx.com.
Pumpkin spice magic waffle wand: Fresh Tiki Bar, Somerville
Fresh Tiki Bar doesn’t mess around when it comes to fun flavors. And they’ve found the perfect place to put them — atop their magic waffle wands, which are freshly baked waffles on a stick with warm butter glaze, toppings and drizzles.
The waffle hails from a decades-old family recipe, and 10 flavor varieties are available, including caramel apple pie, warm maple butter bacon and Nutella cookie.
But for the first time, in early September, the pumpkin spice magic waffle wand debuted, which includes a mixture of sugars and spices, cream cheese frosting and pumpkin pie cookie crumble. It will be available through Nov. 30.
Food news:Woodbridge cops are behind the wheel of this new empanada food truck inside a school bus
Fresh Tiki Bar co-owner Aimee Suprenant was inspired to offer the pumpkin spice magic waffle wands after she launched a menu of pumpkin spice-themed sweets last year, which includes items like pumpkin spice cookie ice cream and a caramel spice pumpkin pie a la mode sundae.
“The pumpkin spice magic waffle wand is like a pumpkin spice latte, only in waffle form,” said Suprenant. “It’s like a freshly baked pumpkin pie, but it’s on a stick and the perfect portion for one person to enjoy.”
Go: 15c Division St., Somerville; 908-307-6002, instagram.com/freshtikibar/.
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA Today Network New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Contact: JIntersimone@Gannett.com or @JIntersimone. | https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/entertainment/dining/2022/08/31/pumpkin-spice-where-to-find-lattes-desserts-in-central-nj/65418416007/ | 2022-08-31T14:22:45Z | mycentraljersey.com | control | https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/entertainment/dining/2022/08/31/pumpkin-spice-where-to-find-lattes-desserts-in-central-nj/65418416007/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Travel + Leisure names 4 Central Jersey small towns among state's best
FLEMINGTON – With a new ghost tour, craft distillery, planned downtown revitalization and now-bustling Stangl Road, the Hunterdon County seat is becoming the happening place it once was.
Flemington garnered the attention of Travel + Leisure, which recently named it one of the 12 best small towns in New Jersey. Westfield, Cranbury and Lambertville were also named to the list.
The internationally recognized travel resource cited Flemington’s wealth of historical sites, one-of-a-kind attractions, locally owned shops and restaurants, and busy event calendar.
“We are thrilled to be recognized as a top New Jersey small town. Flemington’s historic sites, beautiful architecture, exciting farm-to-table eateries, high-energy events and eclectic shops make our small town a destination,” said Robin Lapidus, executive director of the Flemington Community Partnership (FCP), in a release.
“We invite everyone to visit our beautiful and historic Main Street and to support our businesses during construction of the Courthouse Square project this fall by joining us for the many seasonal events we have planned, dining in one of our fabulous restaurants or participating in the many workshops offered at our newest cultural attraction, Flemington DIY,” she continued.
Things to do:Union Hotel ghosts, hauntings at historic courthouse revealed on new Flemington Ghost Walk
A new addition:Flemington's Skunktown Distillery is moving to historic grain station on Stangl Road
Some of the Flemington attractions referenced by Travel + Leisure include Northlandz, the Flemington Castle Museum, The Gift Horse Candle Shop, Factory Fuel Coffee House, Lone Eagle Brewing, Teaberry’s Tea Room and Humdoo Ice Cream.
Travel + Leisure isn’t the only resource noticing Flemington. The borough is being considered as the 2023 Destination of the Year by Jersey’s Best, a lifestyle and entertainment brand, according to the release.
More is coming to the quaint downtown. It received a $100,000 New Jersey Economic Development Authority Opportunity Zone Challenge Grant to help the community choose desired improvements; and a grant from the Neighborhood Preservation Project/New Jersey Department of Community Affairs that gives $125,000 every year for five years to build an Arts and Cultural District, the release said.
“The message is pretty clear,” said Mayor Betsy Driver in the release. “Flemington is a progressive and growing town that embraces innovative business and investment.”
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA Today Network New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Contact: JIntersimone@Gannett.com or @JIntersimone. | https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/2022/08/31/travel-leisure-nj-small-towns-flemington-westfield-lambertville-cranbury/65463890007/ | 2022-08-31T14:22:47Z | mycentraljersey.com | control | https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/2022/08/31/travel-leisure-nj-small-towns-flemington-westfield-lambertville-cranbury/65463890007/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Retiring Sayreville Police Chief John Zebrowski recalls job's greatest challenges, rewards
SAYREVILLE – John Zebrowski is making good on a promise to his family.
Zebrowski, the Sayreville police chief who joined the department in 1988 and served as its top cop for the last 11 years, is retiring. He will work his last day on Wednesday, during which a traditional walkout and change-of-command ceremony will be held.
The chief, who also serves as the borough's Office of Emergency Management director, recently completed a one-year term as president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP). He currently serves as chairman of that organization’s foundation.
A lifelong borough resident, Zebrowski, who served in both the patrol and detective divisions, said he was inspired to join law enforcement by his uncle, Auggie Charmello, a former South Amboy police officer.
“He was a great role model,” the chief said. “Everyone knew him as Auggie the cop. He was an inspiring guy because even though he stood for law and order, he was a police officer you wanted to be, and everyone wanted to talk to. That’s what I’ve tried to emulate throughout my career.”
The Borough Council was scheduled to hold a special meeting Tuesday night to discuss the chief’s replacement, a borough official said.
"During my tenure on the council, the chief has been an integral part of our borough," Mayor Victoria Kilpatrick said. "As a new mayor during COVID, I don't know what I would have done without his support and guidance. I wish him well on his future endeavors and know that it will be difficult to fill his shoes."
Challenges and rewards
Zebrowski said the job, in which he oversaw 91 officers, had its challenges and rewards.
One of the greatest challenges, “which you never really recover from,” he said, is the loss of an officer.
Detective Matthew Kurtz was found shot to death in 2016 in a vehicle next to the former Amboy Cinemas. His death was ruled a suicide.
"You move on, but you don't forget," Zebrowski said. "I think as a chief it's an extremely difficult thing to have occur. We have resilient officers and they've done an awful lot to keep him in our memories."
The COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy also stick in the chief’s mind.
"COVID was tough," he said. "We had to modify schedules to try to keep our officers separated as much as possible when they were working. We were looking for PPE just like everybody else. There was testing. It was a difficult time for our officers, but they were out there doing their job."
Hurricane Irene was a good experience for how to prepare for Sandy, Zebrowski said, adding that "unfortunately, Sandy was so much larger than any storm we had experienced before, but we were prepared for that."
There were lifesaving efforts and checks being made to ensure everyone was safely out of their homes, he recalled. The homes had to be protected from people breaking in to steal residents’ belongings, as well as copper and metals, he said. The department also assisted with visiting dignitaries.
“We also had officers who were directly impacted by Sandy," Zebrowski said.
Even the police department building couldn't escape the wrath of Sandy, as the storm left some areas of the building in the dark.
"It was quite an effort," Zebrowski said.
The chief said a major achievement during his career was that resolutions were reached in the cases involving the death of Timothy Wiltsey and the arrest of Barnegat man in the slaying of Nancy Noga in 1999.
On May 25, 1991, Wiltsey was reported missing from a Memorial Day weekend carnival in Sayreville, which he attended with his mother, Michelle Lodzinski. Decades later in May 2016, Lodzinski was convicted of murdering her 5-year-old son and imprisoned, but the New Jersey Supreme Court vacated her conviction in 2021 and she was released from prison.
Last year, Barnegat resident Bruce A. Cymanski was indicted on first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree kidnapping and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in the killing of 17-year-old Noga.
"It's very gratifying that we had conclusions in both of those cases." Zebrowski said. "Our officers and investigators were so diligent over the years to keep them as active investigations and that says an awful lot about the department."
Zebrowski said he was deeply involved in the Noga case because the night she went missing, he was the initial investigator who responded to her father's apartment.
"You carry burdens with these things, especially when you're involved in the initial stage, and you want to see it through," Zebrowski said.
Zebrowski reflected on the legalization of recreational marijuana in New Jersey and the NJSACOP.
"The big issue I still see there is that there is no identifiable and reliable testing to detect impairment," he said. "The Chiefs Association felt that before recreational marijuana was legalized this should have been resolved."
The NJSACOP was instrumental in getting a new law in place that requires all law enforcement officers to hold a valid, active license issued by the Police Training Commission (PTC) in order to be employed as officers in the state, Zebrowski said, adding the standards are still being worked out.
One of the biggest challenges facing the department, as well as other police departments in the state, now and in the future is recruitment, the chief said.
"I think because of some of the social justice issues that took place in other states, plus getting over the COVID pandemic, created the perfect storm where moms and dads no longer wish or hope their sons and daughters become police officers, and moms and dads are the best recruiters," he said. "We need to change that narrative so once again those best recruiters are working on our behalf."
The chief’s advice for new recruits, "Don't be afraid to interact with the public."
"I believe that's where you build relationships," he said. "That's how you gain trust and that's how the public gains confidence in your work."
What's next
Zebrowski, 59, said he believes that now is the appropriate time to retire.
"I promised my family that once my obligation to the NJSACOP was completed, I would think seriously about leaving," he said.
Zebrowski, who enjoys sports and classic cars, said he is going to take some time to figure out his future.
What he will miss most, he said, is interacting with the residents.
"I enjoy going out and talking about what's going on in the town and I'm going to miss not having the opportunity to possibly make a change as a result of something somebody complained about or discussed," he said. "That'll be hard."
He said he also will miss the officers and staff in the department.
Zebrowski and his wife, Kim, have three children: Matthew, 26, a detective with the Sayreville Police Department who serves as a school resource officer; Jonathan, 23, who is a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, currently stationed inItaly; and Jessica, 19, a student at Fordham University.
The chief graduated from Sayreville War Memorial High School and attended Rutgers University, Seton Hall Law School and the Union County Police Academy.
Zebrowski served as the borough's first zoning official and on various boards, including planning, zoning and recreation.
Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com
Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. | https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/middlesex-county/2022/08/31/sayreville-nj-police-chief-john-zebrowski-retires/65416516007/ | 2022-08-31T14:22:48Z | mycentraljersey.com | control | https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/middlesex-county/2022/08/31/sayreville-nj-police-chief-john-zebrowski-retires/65416516007/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
NJ's 'oldest and largest' Labor Day parade returns in South Plainfield
SOUTH PLAINFIELD – The borough is gearing up for its annual Labor Day festivities, which include a parade, race and fireworks.
The 63rd Annual Labor Day Parade − the state's oldest and largest – steps off at noon Monday, with a theme of "Parade Around The World." The event will honor achievements of worldwide cultures as it winds through the borough, according to the South Plainfield Public Celebrations Committee.
Many floats will highlight different countries and their traditions. Participating in the parade will be bands, stilt walkers, a unicyclist, juggler and antique vehicles as well as appearances from other special guests.
A longstanding tradition, the Labor Day Parade begins at the PAL building, following a route down Maple Avenue and concluding at the middle school. There is no rain date.
As Honorary Grand Marshal for the parade, the committee chose businesswoman and volunteer Darlene Tedesco-Cullen. The founder of Tapinto South Plainfield, Tedesco-Cullen served on the Borough Council from 1999-2001 and many boards and commissions.
Immediately after the parade, more festivities will commence at Veterans Park, 327 Elm St., behind the South Plainfield Senior Center. There will be music, food, drinks, desserts, games, arts and crafts and a variety of vendors. Fireworks will take place at 8:30 p.m. at Spring Lake Park.
Local:Court orders mediation in South Plainfield police whistleblower suit
At the after-parade party, entertainment will be provided by DJ Troy and others. There will be an interactive Hula Show at 3 p.m. as well as roaming entertainers throughout the afternoon. Later at 7 p.m., DJ Troy will return and once again entertain those in Spring Lake Park awaiting the firework display. This year’s fireworks program will be provided by "Garden State Fireworks."
In addition, the borough will hold its 30th annual Labor Day 5K Race and 1.5 Mile Family Fitness Walk at South Plainfield Middle School, 2201 Plainfield Ave. Participants can run along the parade route right before it starts and parade spectators cheer on the runners. The race begins and ends on Lake Street next to the middle school. Both the 5K Race and Family Walk will begin at 11:30 a.m., depending on the parade marshals, with registration starting at 10:15 a.m.
The event is sponsored by the South Plainfield Alliance for Substance Awareness (SPASA) and the South Plainfield Education Foundation (SPEF) with support from The Club at Ricochet. The event is open to participants of all ages, with trophies and prizes awarded to the top finishers in a variety of age groups.
The hope for the annual event is to increase the number of participants in support of family togetherness and a positive drug-free, fun-filled fitness lifestyle.
Registration ends at 10:59 p.m. Sept. 4. The cost to participate is $20 plus a $3.25 sign-up fee for the race and $5 plus a $2.50 signup fee for the walk per person/family. Computer timing will be handled by Best Race Systems.
All proceeds from the race go to supporting the efforts of the SPASA and the SPEF.
To register for the race and/or walk, go torunsignup.com/Race/NJ/SouthPlainfield/5KLaborDayRace.
Parking for the parade is available on side streets and school parking lots.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter forMyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or@CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. | https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/middlesex-county/2022/08/31/south-plainfield-nj-labor-day-parade/65461921007/ | 2022-08-31T14:22:54Z | mycentraljersey.com | control | https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/middlesex-county/2022/08/31/south-plainfield-nj-labor-day-parade/65461921007/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
US clears updated COVID boosters targeting newest variants
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. on Wednesday authorized its first update to COVID-19 vaccines, booster doses that target today’s most common omicron strain. Shots could begin within days.
The move by the Food and Drug Administration tweaks the recipe of shots made by Pfizer and rival Moderna that already have saved millions of lives. The hope is that the modified boosters will blunt yet another winter surge.
“You’ll see me at the front of the line,” FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks told The Associated Press shortly before his agency cleared the new doses.
Until now, COVID-19 vaccines have targeted the original coronavirus strain, even as wildly different mutants emerged. The new U.S. boosters are combination, or “bivalent,” shots. They contain half that original vaccine recipe and half protection against the newest omicron versions, called BA.4 and BA.5, that are considered the most contagious yet.
The combination aims to increase cross-protection against multiple variants.
“It really provides the broadest opportunity for protection,” Pfizer vaccine chief Annaliesa Anderson told the AP.
The updated boosters are only for people who have already had their primary vaccinations, using the original vaccines. Doses made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are for anyone 12 and older while Moderna’s updated shots are for adults — if it has been at least two months since their last primary vaccination or their latest booster. They’re not to be used for initial vaccinations.
There’s one more step before a fall booster campaign begins: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must recommend who should get the additional shot. An influential CDC advisory panel will debate the evidence Thursday — including whether people at high risk from COVID-19 should go first.
“As we head into fall and begin to spend more time indoors, we strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to consider receiving a booster dose with a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine to provide better protection against currently circulating variants,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said in a statement.
The U.S. has purchased more than 170 million doses from the two companies. Pfizer said it could ship up to 15 million of those doses by the end of next week.
The big question is whether people weary of vaccinations will roll up their sleeves again. Just half of vaccinated Americans got the first recommended booster dose, and only a third of those 50 and older who were urged to get a second booster did so.
It’s time for U.S. authorities to better explain that the public should expect an updated COVID-19 vaccination every so often, just like getting a fall flu shot or a tetanus booster after stepping on a rusty nail, said University of Pennsylvania immunologist E. John Wherry.
“We need to rebrand it in a societally normal-looking way,” rather than a panicked response to new mutants, Wherry said. “Give a clear, forward-looking set of expectations.”
Here’s the rub: The original vaccines still offer strong protection against severe disease and death from COVID-19 for most generally healthy people, especially if they got that important first booster dose. It’s not clear just how much more benefit an updated booster will bring — beyond a temporary jump in antibodies capable of fending off an omicron infection.
One reason: The FDA cleared the modifications ahead of studies in people, a step toward eventually handling COVID-19 vaccine updates more like yearly flu shots.
First, FDA checked human studies of earlier Pfizer and Moderna attempts to update their vaccines — shots matching the omicron strain that struck last winter. That recipe change was safe, and substantially boosted antibodies targeting the earlier variant — better than another dose of the original vaccine — while adding a little protection against today’s genetically distinct BA.4 and BA.5 omicron versions.
But FDA ordered the companies to brew even more up-to-date doses that target those newest omicron mutants instead, sparking a race to roll out shots in less than three months. Rather than waiting a few more months for additional human studies of that recipe tweak, Marks said animal tests showed the latest update spurs “a very good immune response.”
The hope, he said, is that a vaccine matched to currently spreading variants might do a better job fighting infection, not just serious illness, at least for a while.
What’s next? Even as modified shots roll out, Moderna and Pfizer are conducting human studies to help assess their value, including how they hold up if a new mutant comes along.
And for children, Pfizer plans to ask FDA to allow updated boosters for 5- to 11-year-olds in early October.
It’s the first U.S. update to the COVID-19 vaccine recipe, an important but expected next step -- like how flu vaccines get updated every year.
And the U.S. isn’t alone. Britain recently decided to offer adults over 50 a different booster option from Moderna, a combo shot targeting that initial BA.1 omicron strain. European regulators are considering whether to authorize one or both of the updated formulas.
___
AP Health Writer Matthew Perrone contributed to this report.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wave3.com/2022/08/31/us-clears-updated-covid-boosters-targeting-newest-variants/ | 2022-08-31T14:28:51Z | wave3.com | control | https://www.wave3.com/2022/08/31/us-clears-updated-covid-boosters-targeting-newest-variants/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The 49ers have been the source of multiple stunning news stories in the Kyle Shanahan era. They broke the bank to sign a fullback, they traded DeForest Buckner to the Colts, and now they’re bringing back Jimmy Garoppolo to back up Trey Lance. While I think this could potentially split the locker room if Trey struggles, Kyle Shanahan didn’t see it that way yesterday.
During the conference call, Shanahan said all quarterbacks face pressure from fans and media that are calling for the backup quarterback during rough patches. “I don’t know how anyone could be successful in this business if they get caught up in that stuff,” Shanahan said, “I don’t believe that stuff has an effect on whether a guy succeeds or not. I think it’s what he does in here and what he does on the field.”
Some players clearly are more affected by outside criticism than others. Mike McGlinchey, for one, admitted he was doom scrolling two years ago during tough times and that it hurt his play on the field. We still haven’t seen enough of Trey Lance to learn how he’ll deal with the spotlight that comes from being the starter.
But there’s also pressure that comes from inside the locker room as well. General managers and coaches have to worry about the long-term health of a franchise, but players only care about that week’s game. They don’t care who gets them a win or how; they just want a W.
There were plenty of calls for Jimmy to be benched last season, to be sure. But they came from outside the team because Jimmy had built up credibility with his teammates thanks to the Super Bowl run in 2019. Trey Lance doesn’t have that same credibility yet. If he struggles, players will begin to wonder why a guy that’s been on the winning side so often as a starter is sitting on the bench.
Yesterday I asked Kyle if Garoppolo is a bigger threat to Lance in that way than Trey was last year.
“I don’t know, that’s not what it felt like from the outside every single game, every time that Jimmy had a bad pass, every single game we lost, I didn’t think that’s how anybody handled that. We were good in the building here and nothing will change now. So I don’t see any difference.
I think the quarterback position is really tough. No matter what, if you don’t win games that’s stuff’s gonna come. If you have a guy on the bench who has done it, yeah, that’s what the narrative’s gonna be, to put him in. If you have a rookie who hasn’t done it before, the narrative’s gonna be put the rookie in and see what you got. If you’ve got a guy that’s never played before, usually the backup quarterback’s always the most popular guy.
So like, no, I don’t see a difference. I see different stories but I see the same result. When you don’t play good in this league at quarterback, or you don’t win games, something’s coming. It’s all pretty much at the same level, it’s just what’s the obvious thing that they’re going to choose?”
One of the strongest parts of the Shanahan era has been the culture he’s built in the locker room. It’s possible that cracks within the team never form if Lance doesn’t have success right out of the gate. But it has happened in plenty of other places before.
Pete Carroll did a pretty good job building the Seahawks culture in 2012, and players on that team nearly revolted after Russell Wilson lost his first game as a pro. It can happen even in the best of locker rooms simply because there’s incredible urgency to win all the time.
The 49ers have never been afraid to make a big bet since this regime came to power in 2017. Right now, they’re betting that the locker room is strong enough to handle anything in 2022.
Make sure you follow the Niners Nation Podcast Network now! Our daily 49ers in Five podcast gives you the latest news, the most interesting press conference and radio interview clips, and everything else that you need to know - all in less time than it takes to finish your morning coffee. | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/8/31/23329940/49ers-in-five-kyle-shanahan-doesnt-see-jimmy-garoppolo-as-a-threat-to-trey-lance | 2022-08-31T14:31:09Z | ninersnation.com | control | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/8/31/23329940/49ers-in-five-kyle-shanahan-doesnt-see-jimmy-garoppolo-as-a-threat-to-trey-lance | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Let’s take a breather from all of the quarterback talk. Last week, ESPN ranked each position on offense, and we compared how the 49ers stack up against the rest of the NFC West. We’ll do the same today but flip over to the defensive side of the ball.
Defensive interior:
- ARI — 16
- LAR — 1
- SF — 7
- SEA —15
This is where the 49ers made their most significant strides over the second half of the season, and you can point to one player for that. Arik Armstead finished the season in the top 10 in total pressures last year among all interior linemen, despite playing half a season there. However, Armstead was just outside of the top-10 in both sacks and run stops. The addition of Javon Kinlaw proves timely, as D.J. Jones was one of the best run defenders in the NFL.
Expect to see plenty of Charles Omenihu, Kerry Hyder, and even Drake Jackson lining up inside this year.
The Rams are No. 1, thanks to Mr. Helmet-swinger. The Cardinals are crossing their fingers that J.J. Watt makes it to the second half of the season, while Seattle added Shelby Harris to pair with Poona Ford. They should probably be a tick higher.
Edge:
- ARI — 25
- LAR — 24
- SF — 6
- SEA — 31
This is the biggest discrepancy in the division at any position. Omenihu, Hyder, and Jackson will all get reps when Samson Ebukam and Nick Bosa need breathers. But No. 97 is why the 49ers are viewed so highly. This was supposed to be the year he took off since Bosa was removed from his ACL injury. It didn’t slow him down last year, which seems unfair. Bosa will be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.
That’s a steep drop-off to the rest of the division and should give 49er fans confidence that Trey Lance will have time in the pocket this year.
Off-ball linebacker:
- ARI — 17
- LAR — 5
- SF — 1
- SEA — 31
Arizona drafted linebackers in the first round in back-to-back years, and one looked lost last year as a rookie, while the other was moved to slot cornerback so he could get on the field during the preseason. So, things are going well for the Cardinals.
The Rams get a Bobby Wagner bump, but this isn’t the Wagner you remember. This ranking must include Leonard Floyd, or else it makes zero sense.
Kyle Shanahan will have the Seahawks’ linebackers chasing their tail in Week 2.
Azeez Al-Shaair and Dre Greenlaw would have an argument for the best linebackers in the division if not for their teammate. Some believe Fred Warner had an off year in 2021, which tells you how dominant he was in 2020.
Cornerback:
- ARI — 32
- LAR — 13
- SF — 18
- SEA — 31
You have Jalen Ramsey. Then, in a tier or two below, Mooney Ward. And after that, Emmanuel Moseley might be the best option. The Rams brought back Troy Hill, but are relying on a cornerback they drafted in the third round in 2019, David Long, who has yet to amount to anything.
The Seahawks are starting two Day 3 rookies and a cast-off from the Jaguars at cornerback to give you an idea why they’re ranked second to last.
Arizona’s cornerbacks overperformed last year. They’re starting an undrafted free agent and a fourth-rounder from the 2021 draft alongside Byron Murphy, who is small and slow. Arizona traded for Trayvon Mullen Tuesday, who allowed as many touchdowns as he had interceptions during his Raiders career.
The 49ers don’t have much depth. Samuel Womack is the ultimate wildcard. He had an impressive preseason and will be called upon to start on the perimeter if there’s an injury. Womack has big shoes to fill, as K’Waun Williams was a difference-maker, but it looks like he’s up to the task.
Safeties:
- ARI — 11
- LAR — 23
- SF — 22
- SEA — 9
This is the one area where the 49ers will be deficient at on defense, with Jimmie Ward expected to land on the injured reserve and miss the first four games. Jaquiski Tartt ain’t walking through that door, and that means we’re looking at Talanoa Hufanga as the best safety on the field for the Niners.
I’m a believer in Tarvarius Moore, but he’s coming off a torn Achilles and can be an inconsistent tackler. But he’s an upgrade over George Odum or Dontae Johnson. The 49ers are hoping whoever starts in Ward’s spot can hold the fort down until he returns without costing the Niners big plays or, worse, a game.
As you can see, the Rams have question marks of their own at the position. I think the world of Budda Baker. Arizona’s ranking might even be low, as Jalen Thompson showed promise.
Seattle should be ranked highly because of Quandre Diggs. We know who Jamal Adams is, and that’s far from a coverage safety. | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/8/31/23330205/49ers-espn-defensive-rankings | 2022-08-31T14:31:15Z | ninersnation.com | control | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/8/31/23330205/49ers-espn-defensive-rankings | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
1. Here's your chance to visit a couple of museums in Grand Rapids without having to pay admission.
The Bank of America Museums on Us program is offering free weekend general admission to Bank of America, Merrill, and Bank of America private bank credit and debit cardholders.
You can visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Grand Rapids Art Museum this Saturday and Sunday.
To get in, just show your card.
2. Splash pads in Grand Rapids will be open during Labor Day weekend.
There are 10 locations throughout the city and they're open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
To find those locations, visit the city's website or Facebook page.
3. A special companion helping kids learn how to manage their diabetes.
Meet Rufus the Teddy Bear. Each child received one over the weekend at a special clinic hosted by the juvenile diabetes research foundation and Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
During the clinic, kids took Rufus to several stations and learned how to use a diabetes pump, how to manage nutrition, and much more.
By the end, each child was certified as an official Rufus caretaker with diplomas in hand.
4. You've heard of firefighters rescuing cats from trees, but how about a bird?
The Muskegon Professional Fighters Union says the macaw must have wanted to do a test flight at Pere Marquette Beach recently. But when it was time to come down, it needed a little help.
First responders got out its ladder truck for the rescue and then safely reunited the bird with its owners.
5. NASA will once again attempt its new rocket, Artemis, on Saturday.
Engine trouble prevented Monday's launch.
One of the rocket's four main engines did not cool as much as necessary before ignition. Engineers say they will change fueling procedures to deal with the issue.
NASA's rocket program manager says aiming for a Saturday launch allows the team to continue evaluating all parts of the failed launch and troubleshoot any other problems that might come up. | https://www.fox17online.com/morning-mix/morning-buzz-august-31-2022 | 2022-08-31T14:41:21Z | fox17online.com | control | https://www.fox17online.com/morning-mix/morning-buzz-august-31-2022 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – Detailed allegations were released in the first lawsuit filed against Rockstar Cheer and its owner.
This lawsuit follows the death of Rockstar Cheer owner, Scott Foster, who committed suicide on August 22, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the alleged victim and her mother and father, who live in Greenville County.
The lawsuit stated that beginning in 2020, Foster began to take an interest in Plaintiff upon her promotion to the top tier team within Rockstar.
“Over the next 6 months, Foster had multiple communications with Plaintiff, primarily through Snapchat, that
included messages of a sexual nature, nude pictures of himself and requests for nude pictures of
Plaintiff. Plaintiff provided nude pictures to Foster via Snapchat,” the lawsuit stated.
“Over the following year on at least ten occasions, Plaintiff was persuaded into performing various sexual acts including oral and penetrative sex with Foster. These acts occurred at Foster’s home, in Foster’s vehicle, Rockstar’s facility, at hotels during competitions, and in both South Carolina and Florida,” the lawsuit stated.
“During multiple of these occasions, Plaintiff was provided alcohol by Foster in an effort to further persuade Plaintiff to perform sexual acts with him.”
Along with Rockstar Cheer, a lawsuit was also filed against Varsity Spirit, the United States All Star Federation and the National Center for Safety Initiatives.
The lawsuit stated the United States All Star Federation and the Varsity Spirit received complaints prior to and during the conduct against Foster and failed to act in a manner reasonable given the seriousness of the allegations.
To read the entire lawsuit, click here. | https://www.wspa.com/news/local-news/first-lawsuit-filed-against-rockstar-cheer-owner/ | 2022-08-31T14:42:11Z | wspa.com | control | https://www.wspa.com/news/local-news/first-lawsuit-filed-against-rockstar-cheer-owner/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
In California’s committed quest to deal with climate change, the state is acting on two fronts: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the reality of a changing climate.
There is one area in which those two objectives come together – increasing the fire resiliency of California’s landscape.
Because of that, there is a dual benefit to programs such as thinning forests, conducting prescribed burns and increasing grazing to reduce fine fuels. They help California adapt — and they curtail emissions.
The state has wisely made investments in those areas in recent years. Carrying out those projects must now be put on the fast track.
The increasing severity and frequency of catastrophic wildfires has been well documented and is evident to every Californian who has witnessed skies turn orange, felt the onset of poor air quality, observed charred hillsides, or, in too many cases, been forced to evacuate their communities.
Less understood is the effect these escalating wildfires have had on the state’s total inventory of greenhouse gas emissions. In the worst of years – and there have been many of those of late – wildfires are one of the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. In 2020, when 4.3 million acres burned, more carbon dioxide was emitted from wildfires than from all the factories in California combined.
The Air Resources Board estimates that 106.7 million metric tons of carbon were spewed by wildfires in 2020 – an amount that represents nearly 25 percent of all emissions that year. Of other sources, only the combined, full-year emissions of California’s 30 million cars and trucks exceeded that amount.
In 2018, wildfire emissions were not much better – an estimated 45.5 million metric tons.
Year-after-year, California’s leaders take additional steps to address climate change, and polling has shown consistent support for the billions that are invested every year by Sacramento for this purpose. With this in mind, it must be asked how much will really be gained if targeted reductions from the electrical, industrial and transportation sectors are reached, but emissions from wildfires continue to soar?
Wildfires have been part of California’s ecological history forever. But the scale, size and catastrophic nature of wildfires over the last decade have grown exponentially, just at a moment when preserving the climate becomes one of our leaders’ largest priorities. It will take decades for new growth to absorb all the carbon the firestorms of the last few years have unleashed. And there will be more to come. Fire season has just started for 2022.
Scientists predict that the factors that have spawned this era of megafires will likely worsen. Prolonged droughts and rising temperatures will be coupled with a massive amount of untreaded vegetation that remains tinder dry.
To protect the health and economic well-being of Californians, we must act quickly and aggressively to make our landscapes more resilient to fire. By thinning forests and reducing underbrush and fine fuels, applying prescribed fire at the right times of the year, as well as encouraging grazing, we can limit the scope of these disasters.
Every acre that is saved also prevents an acre’s worth of stored carbon from rising into the atmosphere. As we adapt to elevated fire risk by reducing fuels, we also lower emissions.
That’s exactly what the imperative of climate change requires at this moment. We must move quickly and decisively by ensuring the billions that are being made available to improve the fire resiliency of our lands result in treated acres now, not later. We have the money, the momentum and a united objective. It’s time to put those plans to work today.
Mike Williams is a cattle rancher in Acton, California, and founding President of the LA County Cattlemen’s Association.
Join the Conversation
We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/08/31/climate-action-begins-with-urgency-to-prevent-wildfires-rather-than-just-respond-to-them/ | 2022-08-31T14:42:17Z | pasadenastarnews.com | control | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/08/31/climate-action-begins-with-urgency-to-prevent-wildfires-rather-than-just-respond-to-them/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it’s Labor Day weekend.
This weekend is the traditional end of summer, as all of you know, You’re supposed to stop wearing white shoes, which won’t be a problem for me, because I don’t own any.
This might be the end of summer for our California tourist season, but it starts what my boss likes to call “locals summer.” This is the time when the beaches empty out and people start repopulating the country of Germany and the states of Iowa and Indiana.
This means that those of us who live here can finally get a parking place in our favorite seaside location. For me, that’s Laguna Beach, but I do realize some of you have other choices, all of which are wrong.
Since September is still hot as the blazes, we have plenty of time to cavort in the waves on empty beaches, while the great white sharks swim offshore, keenly estimating our body weight to figure who will make the best lunch.
I’m joking, because I’m not actually afraid of sharks. As the aquarium people will happily tell you over and over again until you want to duct tape their mouths, sharks have much more to fear from humans than vice versa, because we’re slowly decimating the seas of them for tasty morsels like shark fin soup.
I’ve actually touched sharks in the outdoor touch tank at the Aquarium of the Pacific and I recommend the experience. Now, these are tame, well fed sharks so they’re somewhat unlikely to leap up and take off your fingers.
But my son and his friend swam with wild hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos Islands, and survived with all their limbs intact. Even though hammerheads look frightening, apparently they have no interest in humans. So I let my kids go into the water with them.
Now, there was no way I was going into the water with sharks, even if they all wore dentures, but I didn’t mind sending my son and heir and his girlfriend. They came back rather thrilled yet still terrified, which is how they emerge from the many adventure sports in which they engage.
The interesting thing about my 25-year-old son, Cheetah Boy, is that he will jump out of an airplane or rappel down a sheer cliff, but it scares him to be on a boat.
Since he was a little boy, he always had to be forced to go boating, and usually fell asleep lulled by the sound of the motor. Based on this extremely scientific evidence, I have concluded that he probably drowned on a boat in his last life. Maybe on the TItanic.
I actually do believe in reincarnation, which some of you will think is just wacko, but then think carefully about your own religious beliefs. I won’t go into some of them because I don’t want to get angry emails, but, hey, just think about it.
Plus, if you lived in India, you’d be considered wacko if you didn’t believe in reincarnation. So there.
I have no idea how I managed to segue from Labor Day weekend to reincarnation, by the way. Sometimes, I’m just brilliant.
Summer is my least favorite season here in Southern California, because I have many body parts that rub together, and that’s not fun when it’s hot. And nowadays it’s considered unhealthy to smear your body with coconut oil and lay out to get a tan, so what else is there to do? No one will let me do any team sports, having seen the way I run.
I’m not much of a baseball fan, and going to the beach involves sand and great white sharks (see above), For whatever reason, none of my friends ever invite me over for backyard cookouts. That’s wrong, don’t you think? Just because my dog stole the steaks that one time doesn’t mean I should be banned from all gatherings involving fire.
Meanwhile, the stores are all starting to push Halloween décor on you. Next time I go to Costco, I’m pretty sure they’ll be selling tubs that contain 30 pounds of candy. I can’t personally buy those because the candy would never last until Halloween, and I always wonder who thinks it’s a good idea to buy a perishable item like candy seven weeks in advance. Is that you? Please. Tell me why.
I think it should be illegal to sell Halloween products until the thermometer drops below 90 degrees. A hot pumpkin spice drink at Starbucks just sounds disgusting, although when my daughter worked there, she told me customers would line up outside the door on the first day just to obtain one.
It’s already Halloween at Disneyland, although they call it Halloween Time, probably because that’s a name they can trademark. People flock to the park to experience the over-the-top decorations, so officials keep moving “Halloween” earlier and earlier every year. Pretty soon you’ll be able to celebrate Halloween on the 4th of July.
So happy Labor Day, whatever you’re doing. And I’ll see you in September.
Join the Conversation
We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/08/31/frumpy-middle-aged-mom-its-september-time-for-our-summer/ | 2022-08-31T14:42:30Z | pasadenastarnews.com | control | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/08/31/frumpy-middle-aged-mom-its-september-time-for-our-summer/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Southern California theme parks have turned Halloween from a one-night event into a two-month marathon of blood, guts, gore and screams that stretches throughout September and October.
Universal, Disney, Six Flags, Knott’s, SeaWorld and Legoland all offer differing takes on the Halloween season from spine-chilling scares designed to make you jump out of your skin to family fun that’s focused more on sugar highs than blood-curdling screams.
SEE ALSO: Jordan Peele’s ‘Nope’ theme park draws inspiration from Knott’s and Magic Mountain
Universal’s Horror Nights is definitely an R-rated evening of terrifying scares. Knott’s Scary Farm, Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest and SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream fall into the PG-13 category — with the fear factor and quality levels also falling in that order. Disney’s Oogie Boogie Bash is a PG affair that focuses on the spooky while Legoland’s Brick or Treat G-rated event is about as family-friendly as Halloween can get.
Let’s take a closer look at the Halloween hauntings from the scariest to the friendliest taking place at Southern California theme parks.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Halloween Horror Nights takes over Universal Studios Hollywood for another bloody Halloween season with a host of new and returning haunted mazes and scare zones.
The maze lineup includes The Weeknd: After Hours Nightmare, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, The Legend of La Llorona, Scarecrow: The Reaping, Universal Horror Hotel, Universal Monsters: Legends Collide, Horrors of Blumhouse and another take on John Carpenter’s 1978 cult classic Halloween.
Three new scare zones include El Pueblo del Terror, Sideshow Slaughterhouse and Clownsawz. Plus the Death Eaters will take over the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for the first time.
The Jabbawockeez dance crew will be back and the Terror Tram will take riders through scenes inspired by Jordan Peele’s “Nope” and “Us.”
Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights from Thursday, Sept. 8 through Oct. 31.
Knott’s Berry Farm
The new Grimoire and Bloodline 1842 haunted mazes join a lineup of seven returning mazes and five returning scare zones at Knott’s Scary Farm 2022.
The 49th season of Halloween Haunt kicks off on Sept. 22 and runs on 26 select nights through Oct. 31 at Knott’s Berry Farm.
The returning mazes include The Depths, Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind, Origins: The Curse of Calico, Dark Ride, Wax Works, Pumpkin Eater and Dark Entities.
Haunt fans will once again be able to venture into the fog into five scare zones: Gore-ing 20’s, CarnEvil, Forsaken Lake, The Hollow and the legendary Ghost Town Streets that started it all.
Also back are the “Puppet Up! Uncensored” improv comedy and puppet show and updated versions of “Le Magnifique Carnaval du Grotesque” carnival act show and “Conjurers: Dark Magic” illusion show.
SEE ALSO: Knott’s Scary Farm tour takes fans behind the scenes of haunted mazes with lights on
Six Flags Magic Mountain
This year’s Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain will include a new maze (Truth or Dare), two new scare zones (Devil’s Triangle and CarnivHell) and two new shows (The Rising and Spirits with Spirits).
The 29th season of Fright Fest at Magic Mountain will feature six haunted mazes, eight scare zones and four live shows on 23 select nights from Sept. 10 to Oct. 31.
The returning Fright Fest mazes include Aftermath 2: Chaos Rising, Willoughby’s Resurrected, Vault 666 Unlocked, Condemned: Forever Damned and Sewer of Souls.
Magic Mountain turns off the lights on Tatsu, Viper, X2 and other roller coasters for a thrilling ride in the dark during Fright Fest.
SeaWorld San Diego
Billed as San Diego’s largest Halloween nighttime event, Howl-O-Scream 2022 promises to be bigger and run longer than the kick-off season in 2021.
Howl-O-Scream runs on select nights from Sept. 16 to Oct. 31 at the San Diego marine park.
The first Howl-O-Scream event in 2021 at SeaWorld San Diego featured three haunted houses, six scare zones and a live show. Howl-O-Scream 2022 adds two more haunted houses to the mix and updates many of the returning elements of the fledgling haunted event.
On the entertainment front, Howl-O-Scream will retool the opening Scare-emony that kicks off each evening and add a new thrilling and energetic live show. Each haunted house will be accompanied by a themed bar with DJ-powered party zones throughout the park.
The Electric Eel, Emperor and Journey to Atlantis roller coasters will remain open throughout Howl-O-Scream for thrill seekers in need of a high-speed jolt.
SEE ALSO: 6 ghost pepper treats turn Disneyland into the Hottest Place on Earth this Halloween
Disney California Adventure
Tickets for the Oogie Boogie Bash event at Disney California Adventure on select nights in September and October sold out in early July.
The after-hours, separate admission event will run on select nights from Sept. 6 through Oct. 31.
Familiar nighttime entertainment will be back as part with Oogie Boogie Bash with the Frightfully Fun Parade, Villains Grove and “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” show returning. Character costumes, food and merchandise will also have a seasonal flair.
Disneyland
Fans who didn’t move fast enough to snag tickets for DCA’s Oogie Boogie Bash after-hours party will still be able to enjoy the Halloween Time décor that takes over DCA and Disneyland during the All Hallow’s Eve season that now stretches throughout September and October.
Halloween Time runs at Disneyland from Sept. 2 through Oct. 31 and Plaza de la Familia takes over DCA’s Paradise Gardens on Sept. 2 through Nov. 2.
All the Halloween attraction overlays you’ve known from seasons past will also return to the parks – including Haunted Mansion, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters.
SEE ALSO: Knott’s Berry Farm bans unaccompanied minors from Scary Farm in wake of teen fights
Legoland California
The kid-friendly Halloween celebration that’s light on horror and heavy on sugar returns to Legoland California this Fall with Lego Monster characters, live shows, trick-or-treating stations and a new seasonal 4D movie.
Billed as the largest children’s Halloween celebration, Brick-or-Treat runs on Saturdays from Sept. 17 through Oct. 29 at the San Diego theme park.
“The Great Monster Chase” Halloween movie debuting during Brick-or-Treat follows a group of tweens as they crash a Monsters-only party.
A seasonal ride overlay will transform Legoland’s signature roller coaster into the Disco Dragon Coaster with a groovy monster soundtrack.
Join the Conversation
We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/08/31/how-do-you-halloween-southern-california-theme-park-haunts-range-from-spooky-to-terrifying/ | 2022-08-31T14:42:36Z | pasadenastarnews.com | control | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/08/31/how-do-you-halloween-southern-california-theme-park-haunts-range-from-spooky-to-terrifying/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
I don’t always read the letters to the editor in other publications; perhaps I feel I spend enough time copy-editing the ones that come to us as it is.
But I did take a bit of a busman’s holiday the other day when looking over the Opinion pages of the Los Angeles Times, and a Pasadena address after one letter-writer’s name caught my eye.
The letters editor had sent out a call for readers to suggest what Southern California streets they would like to see closed to automotive traffic in the wake of Los Angeles shutting down a Griffith Park roadway to cars after a deadly crash there.
“I live in Pasadena,” Sarah Richart wrote “and I’d like to see Green Street blocked off to car traffic. It’s already a one-way street, it’s got amazing tree cover, and there are lots of beautiful buildings with retail space that could be revived with this type of use.”
Right on, Ms. Richart, says me.
Which just shows what a pushover I am for closing something, anything, especially in the Old Pasadena area, just to see how it goes.
Because readers may recall that back in the dark ages at the beginning of the recent plague, I was all about turning Colorado Boulevard, and perhaps some of the intersecting north-south thoroughfares, into walking streets.
It was that time when restaurants and bars were shutting down and then reopening in the open air, searching for sidewalk space, negotiating with the city for the parking-place seating that now, more than two and a half years later, is an ordinary, happy, open-air-dining part of our lives.
Not to mention affordable add-on space for the restaurateurs who were hit so hard by the coronavirus, supply-chain problems, hard-to-find-help, skyrocketing wages and other workplace nightmares.
But, hey, I’ll take Green Street.
The towering ficus trees she’s referring to do provide amazing shade.
How fun it was, back before the thing, when the Playhouse District Association would close a couple of blocks of Green and build a long table in the middle of the street and throw a party.
So how far should Green be carless, with the exception of early-morning deliveries for the restaurants and merchants? From Pasadena Avenue on the west, at the edge of Old Pas, all the way east to Lake? Or just to El Molino and the Playhouse?
You decide.
Richart’s letter concludes: “Pasadena has lots of car traffic, and I truly believe this could be alleviated by more dedicated bike lanes. These conversions have been painfully slow in Pasadena, however, despite growing numbers of citizens pushing for it.”
So, as of this week, Pasadena has a new city manager in Miguel Marquez.
Along with other challenges, he might be looking for ways to put an innovative stamp on the start of his administration.
What better way than to experiment with some walking and biking streets … like, for instance, Green?
Wednesday at random
What a cool concert experience over the weekend This Ain’t No Picnic on the fairways of Brookside Golf Course adjacent to the Rose Bowl was. The crowds were big but not too big; the traffic manageable; the sound was good and not too excessively loud here in the neighborhoods along the Arroyo Seco; it made a lot of money for the cash-strapped stadium. More Picnics, please, especially when you can get talent the likes of hometown heroine Phoebe Bridgers, the women of Wet Leg all the way from the Isle of Wight and that left-handed Fender shredder Courtney Barnett all the way from Australia. No one else there but me knew that the Fairway Stage was set up on the real fairway of the par-4 No. 1 hole of Brookside’s No. 2 course; also, no one else cared. They were having a really good rock ‘n’ roll time … I was very sad to see last week the news of the death at 84 of my neighbor and friend Bryce Nelson, the longtime L.A. Times reporter and USC Annenberg J-school professor. I was in the minor leagues, he in the majors, but he loved to talk journalism with me when he came by the Linda Vista branch library to — what else? — to read all the papers. A Harvard man, a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, a big-time national correspondent for the Washington Post and New York Times, he was always so encouraging to me, who stayed on the small-paper side of life. RIP. … My friend Lawton Gray, principal at one of my beloved almas maters, John Muir High, took exception to my mentioning in passing last week, in the context of the private security guard at San Rafael Elementary, that I had seen three Metro Patrol cars on Lincoln Avenue while driving by Muir one day. “That quick mention makes people who are reading your article about San Rafael now think, Lord, what is going on at John Muir,” Lawton writes. “Thus, it really did not serve a purpose. I would much rather you said that you have seen Metro Patrol at schools before, which I am sure you have, but to single out John Muir, I do not know why that was necessary. Myself along with so many students, parents, staff and community members have worked to create the amazing atmosphere that we have on our campus. Which is evident by our enrollment growing from 760 five years ago to now 1,010.” I should have noted that there was indeed nothing going on at the peaceful campus and that the cars were just parked. More on Muir from its principal: “Pablo Miralles’ film ‘Can We All Get Along: The Segregation of John Muir High School’ will be screened in John Muir’s auditorium on Saturday, Sept. 3. The documentary will have its TV premiere Sept. 8th at 8:30 p.m. on PBS SoCal and Sept. 14 at 8:30 pm on KCET.”
Write the public editor at lwilson@scng.com.
Join the Conversation
We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/08/31/im-all-in-for-making-green-street-a-carless-wonder-plus-this-aint-no-picnic/ | 2022-08-31T14:42:42Z | pasadenastarnews.com | control | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/08/31/im-all-in-for-making-green-street-a-carless-wonder-plus-this-aint-no-picnic/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
NEW YORK -- Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins defeated two-time champion Naomi Osaka 7-6(5), 6-3 in the first round of the US Open. Seeded No.19, Collins snapped her three-match losing streak with a powerful baseline display to earn her first win in four tries against Osaka. She will face Spain's Cristina Bucsa in the next round.
"When you lose to someone three times you get a lot of information on what you can do better," Collins said. She had been 0-6 in sets against Osaka.
"With Naomi being the player that she is, she definitely whooped me the last time. I just had to learn from that and make adjustments and I think I did that."
Day 2: Cornet makes history, beats Raducanu | Venus bows out | Stephens advances | Swiatek leads Top 10 charge
Three takeaways on Collins' triumphant return to New York:
The hitting in this match was magnificent: After Osaka burst to a 3-0 lead in under 10 minutes, Collins responded immediately to level the score at 3-3. From there, the quality of shot-making rose with every game, with both women going toe-to-toe for power.
"I got lucky in some big moments," Collins said. "But I was working really hard for the points. She wasn't giving me a ton much free ones. Really overall I think it was a solid match, high level of tennis from both of us."
After saving a late break point to hold to 6-5, Osaka found herself down an early mini-break in the tiebreak. But a double fault and backhand error from Collins allowed Osaka to level at 4-4. The American responded by hitting a desperation lob winner that stunned Osaka when it landed in.
The margins continued to be razor thin as the set inched toward the finish, as Osaka saved one set point only to see the set disappear with a forehand error.
Danielle Collins' cmon: elite. pic.twitter.com/KdNUIPyOda
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2022
After a long absence, Collins makes a statement: Tennis is a fickle sport with a short memory. Jessica Pegula comes into this tournament as the highest-ranked American, with Coco Gauff and Madison Keys as plausible title favorites.
But it was Collins who set the bar for the American contingent at the start of the season. Her run to the Australian Open final boosted her into the Top 10 and she could count herself as the standard-bearer for American tennis until Pegula overtook her in July.
Seeded No.19, Collins came into New York well under the radar. She had not played since Lausanne in July and had lost her last three matches dating back to Roland Garros. After Lausanne, she chose to step away from the tour to address a neck injury and put in a solid training block.
But Collins cut a relaxed and confident figure in her pre-match interview with Pam Shriver, saying this was as healthy and fit as she's felt all season. It showed.
"When I made finals in Australian Open, I didn't play any warmup tournaments," Collins said. "That gave me a lot of confidence. I was thinking my best results in Slams have been when sometimes I don't play a warmup tournament. I made the quarterfinals of the French back in 2020. Didn't play any clay court tournaments that year before. Just went out and felt really good. I guess it works for me sometimes."
Every shot that Osaka screamed her way was met with an even bigger ball off Collins' racquet. And if there was any rust, Collins showed no signs of it. In a match that combined for 48 winners, two from Collins' trusty Babolat stood out. Her stunning stab lob at 4-4 in the first-set tiebreaker and another clutch desperation volley to save break point in the fourth game of the second set. Those are shots you miss when you've been sidelined from competition. Collins nailed them.
Collins finished the match with 23 winners to 24 unforced errors. She converted three of the five break points she earned while saving six of eight on her own serve.
Danielle Collins is into Round 2 of the #USOpen pic.twitter.com/rUZa0hWKHx
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2022
Osaka played a stellar match but came up short: The two-time champion said she was feeling anxious ahead of tough opener. Unseeded and ranked No.44, Osaka was the underdog on paper. She had not won back-to-back matches since her run to the final in Miami in April.
Despite her lack of momentum, Osaka played a strong match. She finished with 25 winners to 19 unforced errors, striking eight aces to zero double faults. Serving at 65%, she won 80% of her first serve points and landed 67% of her returns.
"I thought she was really aggressive on my second serve, so I had to change it up a little bit," Osaka said. "She still was able to be quite aggressive, so I thought that was really good on her. I also felt like her plan was to immediately put me in defense, so she would have hit the ball no matter what type of ball I hit on her side of the court."
Ultimately, the difference was a handful points as well as Osaka's second serve. She won just 23% behind it. But that's all it takes on a fast hard court when one of the game's best ball-strikers is playing in her element.
Naomi always has time for the fans 💙
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2022
See you next year, champ. pic.twitter.com/R97NqEfKFh | https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2770473/takeaways-collins-powers-past-osaka-in-us-open-first-round | 2022-08-31T14:44:12Z | wtatennis.com | control | https://www.wtatennis.com/news/2770473/takeaways-collins-powers-past-osaka-in-us-open-first-round | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Game-by-game predictions for Colorado State football’s 2022 season
I was recently a guest on a radio show in Albuquerque and the host asked how Colorado State football fans view the New Mexico Bowl.
My answer: Depends on the year. The 2008 and 2013 editions are great memories for fans, with thrilling wins over Fresno State and Washington State.
The 2017 edition? Not so much. Fans had much higher expectations for the team that season and it was a letdown to spend the postseason in Albuquerque.
So, what’s my point?
It’s all about where the program is at and trending. In 2022, a trip to the New Mexico Bowl would be well-received. That's an easy bowl for fans to attend and this season, it would represent a launching point at the end of Jay Norvell’s first season leading the Rams.
Consider bowl eligiblity and a trip to something like the New Mexico Bowl a solid, achievable goal for CSU this season.
Will it happen? We’ll see, but here’s what I think will happen in my official 2022 predictions column.
Week 1: CSU at No. 6/8 Michigan football (Sept. 3)
I’m calling this the soft open for Fort Air Raid. It will be fun for fans to get a look, but we all know it won’t be totally smooth. The real thing starts the next week but this is a chance to be on the biggest stage and get a test against one of the best.
Depth chart:Check out the depth chart for Colorado State football vs. Michigan
Prediction: Michigan 41, CSU 17
Week 2: CSU vs. Middle Tennessee football (Sept. 10)
Most CSU fans probably aren’t too familiar with Middle Tennessee, but this team is not bad. The Blue Raiders went 7-6 last season, beating Toledo (a team CSU also beat) in a bowl game. It’s a kind of tricky home opener but I think the energy of this game will power CSU, and the Air Raid will put on a bit of a show with the clutches of Michigan’s defense in the rearview mirror.
Prediction: CSU 38, Middle Tennessee 24
Week 3: CSU at Washington State football (Sept. 17)
Washington State has gone through so much chaos over the last year and is a tough team to project this season. The Cougars likely won’t be great and there’s a chance CSU could steal a P5 win here. If this were later in the season and the Rams had more game time under the belt, I might call an upset. Washington State QB Cameron Ward could be electric to watch.
Prediction: Washington State 30, CSU 21
Week 4: CSU vs. Sacramento State football (Sept. 24)
Did you know CSU has lost two of its last three games against FCS opponents? That’s bad! Sacramento State is another good FCS team (No. 7 in the preseason poll) and put a bit of a scare in Cal last season, but the Rams need to win this. They will.
Prediction: CSU 34, Sacramento State 17
Week 5: Bye
Week 6: CSU at Nevada football (Oct. 7)
The Norvell Bowl. This should be really fun and I’m very intrigued to see the reception for not only Norvell, but all the other former Nevada players like Clay Millen, Tory Horton, Melquan Stovall, etc. In large part because of the big shift of Nevada to CSU, the Wolf Pack are in quite a rebuild. The energy around this game makes it trickier to call, but CSU has the better roster.
Key players:CSU football players who need to shine in 2022
Prediction: CSU 37, Nevada 23
Week 7: CSU vs. Utah State football (Oct. 15)
How good is Utah State? How much of last season was a perfect storm?
A few things go differently (such as Steve Addazio actually having a special teams coach) and the Aggies don’t win the Mountain West. Utah State didn’t look great in a Week 0 win over a bad UConn team and I think there’s a chance they’ll be revert to a middle of the pack MW team. But for now, Logan Bonner is a top QB and I can’t talk myself into this win for the Rams yet (this is my toughest call right now).
Prediction: Utah State 34, CSU 31
Week 8: CSU vs. Hawaii football (Oct. 22)
Hawaii coach Timmy Chang was a CSU assistant for a hot minute before Norvell helped advocate for him to lead his home team, and he’s bringing energy back to that program. His problem right now is it’s a huge rebuild and Hawaii is just overmatched. Friends off the field, but Norvell’s CSU will roll Chang and Hawaii.
Prediction: CSU 45, Hawaii 17
Week 9: CSU at Boise State football (Oct. 29)
CSU can’t beat Boise State (0-11 all-time) and I just can’t predict anything else (especially on the road) yet. I don’t think this is a great Boise State team, so maybe CSU can finally break through but I have to pick the Broncos right now.
Prediction: Boise State 27, CSU 23
Week 10: CSU at San Jose State football (Nov. 5)
The Spartans are another one tough to call. A great 2020 but back to earth in 2021. I think SJSU has a good defense and transfers Chevan Cordeiro (QB from Hawaii) and Elijah Cooks (WR from Nevada) should re-spark the offense. One of the swing games on the season and I think CSU has a chance to win it, but I’ll go with the hosts.
Prediction: San Jose State 30, CSU 24
Week 11: CSU vs. Wyoming football (Nov. 12)
Fan pressure is picking up on Craig Bohl, as there are some signs that his old-school style of play isn’t working. CSU has a great chance to get the Boot back. Wyoming’s limited offense can’t hang with the Air Raid.
Prediction: CSU 33, Wyoming 13
Week 12: CSU at Air Force football (Nov. 19)
Another team CSU has struggled mightily against lately. Freddie Banks is a bright defensive coordinator and Norvell is familiar with Air Force, so at least they won’t be psyched out by the option as much as previous coaches. Still, I think this is the Mountain Division favorite and will be a tough game for CSU to win.
Prediction: Air Force 33, CSU 27
Week 13: CSU vs. New Mexico football (Nov. 25)
It’s the reverse of the Boise State record, since CSU doesn’t lose to New Mexico. The Rams have 11 consecutive wins in the series. That will continue, especially if bowl eligibility is on the line.
Rams rising:National experts expect Colorado State football to make improvements
Prediction: CSU 47, New Mexico 17
Final record
I'm saying CSU goes 6-6. It’s bowl time. Anyone up for a trip to Albuquerque?
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on Twitter and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle. | https://www.coloradoan.com/story/sports/csu/football/2022/08/31/game-by-game-predictions-for-colorado-state-football-2022-season/65464509007/ | 2022-08-31T14:48:41Z | coloradoan.com | control | https://www.coloradoan.com/story/sports/csu/football/2022/08/31/game-by-game-predictions-for-colorado-state-football-2022-season/65464509007/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Samantha's upcoming film 'Yashoda' is all set to hit theatres soon. The makers on Wednesday released a poster of the film, which is going viral. The actress wears a very intense look in the film and it looks like the click was taken post an edge-of-the-seat action sequence. The movie, which was earlier slated to release on August 12, is touted to be a pure science fiction thriller.
The makers have revaled that they will release the teaser of the film on September 9.
Mollywood actor Unni Mukundan also plays a prominent role in the movie directed by filmmakers duo Hari-Harish. Senior producer Sivalenka Krishna Prasad is super confident about the output and is planning for a grand release across five languages in theatres under Sridevi Movies banner soon.
Besides Samantha and Unni, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Rao Ramesh, Murali Sharma, Sampath Raj, Shatru, Madhurima, Kalpika Ganesh, Divya Sripada, Priyanka Sharma and others are playing major roles. Manisharma has composed music for the film. | https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/08/31/samantha-yashoda-poster-teaser-release-update.html | 2022-08-31T14:49:01Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/08/31/samantha-yashoda-poster-teaser-release-update.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Tech. Sgt. Alexander Graves, an Air Force Global Strike Command Det. 7 special missions aviator, helps steady an Airman and a litter on the side of the 413th Flight Test Squadron’s UH-1 Huey’s hoist at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida Aug. 23. The 413th FLTS, the Air Force’s only rotary wing developmental test unit, provided an extra bit of realism to the tactical air control party Airmen’s extraction training. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
This work, Eglin helo lifts special operators [Image 12 of 12], by Samuel King Jr., identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7395862/eglin-helo-lifts-special-operators | 2022-08-31T14:50:16Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7395862/eglin-helo-lifts-special-operators | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, talks with 97th Training Squadron aircrew students at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 25, 2022. Minihan discussed student training after answering questions from the Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)
This work, Wellness, health in focus during AMC commander visit [Image 9 of 9], by SrA Kayla Christenson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7395864/wellness-health-focus-during-amc-commander-visit | 2022-08-31T14:50:29Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7395864/wellness-health-focus-during-amc-commander-visit | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
1
weather alerts
1
closings/delays
Watch Now
Watch Now
1
weather alerts
1
closings/delays
Menu
Search site
Watch Now
Watch Now
Close
x
Live
Watch
Alerts
Search site
Go
News
Local News
Florida News
Georgia News
National News
Politics
Submit A News Tip
First To Know Weather
Daily Forecast
Hourly Forecast
Alerts
Interactive Radar
Hurricane Center
Investigative Features
Insiders
Sports
College Sports
High School Sports
ABC27's Friday Night Overtime
WTXL's Scholar Athlete of the Week
Inside Seminole Football
Inside Seminole Basketball
Traffic
Video
Latest Video
Watch ABC 27 News
Watch Breaking News Live
Community
Totally Tallahassee and Beyond
Our Town
Better Together
Lifestyle
Entertainment
TV Guide
Contests
Station Info
Apps
Contact Us
ABC 27 News Staff
Advertise with Us
Employment
Submit a News Tip
What should WTXL be covering in this community?
Sign In
Newsletters
Sign Out
Manage Emails
Apps
Careers Search
Bob Hernandez
Social
Apps
ABC 27 Streaming | https://www.wtxl.com/bob-hernandez | 2022-08-31T14:50:47Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/bob-hernandez | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
Once the buzz around the first day of school fade, it doesn’t take long for that excitement to turn into complaining. About two weeks into the new school year, they sorely miss the carefree fun they had all summer.
Two classes many students have a hard time engaging with once school ramps up again are math and science. For some kids, the connections between numbers and scientific concepts and the real world just don’t compute. And, honestly, the topics aren’t always taught in the most interesting ways at school.
The good news for parents struggling to find ways to inspire their kids to connect more with math and science is that you don’t need to be an expert to bring these unfairly maligned subjects to life in fun and interactive ways.
We found a number of at-home projects that can get your students engaged in science and math content that don’t require worksheets or tedious studying. In fact, all of these ideas should get your kids excited to keep working, despite the fact they are actively using math and science skills.
Use a 3D Printer
One tool that can spark some interest in science, math and engineering for everyone in the family is a 3D printer. These amazing machines take computer printers to the next dimension — literally! A 3D printer translates a three-dimensional model created on a computer and builds it, often out of a plastic resin, using a layering technique.
When they first came out, the best 3D printers had a hefty price tag. Thankfully, these days, you don’t have to invest a ton of money to get the best 3D printer for personal projects. You can even find them on Amazon! If you live near a large public library, there’s even a chance that it has a 3D printer that can be used by members.
So, how can a 3D printer be a gateway into the worlds of science and math for your bored student? When kids can see how an object is created from beginning to end and then hold the final product, it holds more meaning than just reading about it.
Many websites offer free designs that work with 3D printers. We love All3DP.com as a resource. They curate all kinds of projects from across the internet for all ages, including a wind-up bathtub boat. This project can teach about gears, water displacement and floatation, and even propulsion and motion!
Build Balloon Cars and Rockets
Almost everyone has balloons around the house waiting to be blown up and put to good use. Your young science explorer can build a balloon rocket with a straw, a balloon, two chairs, some tape and a long piece of string. You can get the full directions on how to make a balloon rocket as one of the 10 STEM activities you can do at home from Kiddie Academy.
Or, if you have more of a car enthusiast at home, how about taking the same principle and applying it to those?
Whether your child loves to build their own cars or already has a toy race car that just needs an “engine,” they can add a balloon and a straw to harness the power of air for movement. It’s a great lesson about air pressure, thrust and momentum that will get them thinking about how these principles are applied in bigger machines.
Create a Water Cycle in a Bag or Bottle
Kids can create their own weather or water cycle right at home to get a first-hand look at how the atmosphere gets its rains. We all remember the chart from our elementary and middle school classrooms that showed the water cycle, right?
But, wouldn’t it be better for kids to see how this process actually works?
Playosmo.com provides a simple water-cycle experiment that the whole family can do using just a few simple items. You’ll need a resealable bag or bottle, water, food coloring, and other things easily found around the house. The directions are a cinch to follow, come with worksheets and even discussion questions to help boost learning!
Learn Coding Basics With Beads or Legos
There is so much to love with this idea we found from Little Bins for Little Hands! It incorporates learning math skills and basic computing coding skills. And, even young children can do it! All you need to provide is either some colored beads or Lego bricks.
By combining the beads and bricks with the helpful handouts from Little Bins for Little Hands, your child can learn about the binary code, which is the mathematical language computers use to “read” our commands.
Builders can create their own designs based on this fundamental code and it can be the foundation for learning all sorts of new information about video game programming, computers, design and more.
A little curiosity and some quick online investigation to lead you to enjoyable and fun projects for the whole family!
This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for product reviews and other great ideas to save and make money. | https://www.wtxl.com/fun-science-math-projects-get-kids-into-stem-home | 2022-08-31T14:50:53Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/fun-science-math-projects-get-kids-into-stem-home | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — A Florida man has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $2.6 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
Daniel Joseph Tisone, 35, of Naples, pleaded guilty Monday in Fort Myers federal court to wire fraud, bank fraud, illegal monetary transaction and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, court documents show. He faces up to 60 years in federal prison at a hearing scheduled for Dec. 5.
Tisone submitted false and fraudulent applications to the Small Business Administration and banks seeking several different kinds of loans between March 2020 and April 2021, according to the documents, which allege that the applications contained false information about his criminal history, average monthly payroll, number of employees and gross revenues. Tisone also submitted false payroll and tax documents, as well as a fake commercial lease, according to the allegations.
He received one Main Street Lending Program loan, four Economic Injury Disaster Loans and five Paycheck Protection Program loans, totaling more than $2.6 million, authorities said. He allegedly used the money to purchase two homes in Naples, stocks and investment securities, a 2019 Tiara 34LS boat, a 4.02-carat engagement ring and ammunition. As part of his plea agreement, Tisone must pay back the money and forfeit the homes, boat and ring.
The Paycheck Protection Program involves billions of dollars in forgivable small-business loans for Americans struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The money must be used to pay employees, mortgage interest, rent and utilities. It's part of the coronavirus relief package that became federal law in 2020.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is designed to provide economic relief to small businesses that are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The Main Street Lending Program was designed to provide support to small and medium-size businesses and their employees across the United States during the pandemic. | https://www.wtxl.com/news/local-news/florida-man-pleads-guilty-to-2-6m-covid-19-relief-fraud | 2022-08-31T14:51:00Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/news/local-news/florida-man-pleads-guilty-to-2-6m-covid-19-relief-fraud | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Army has grounded an entire fleet of its H-47 Chinook helicopters after fuel leaks reportedly caused engine fires.
The order affects about 400 helicopters, according to CBS News.
An Army spokesperson told ABC News that it has identified the cause of the leak and is working to fix the problem.
The engine fires have not led to any deaths or injuries, the spokesperson added.
"The safety of our Soldiers is the Army’s top priority, and we will ensure our aircraft remain safe and airworthy," Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith told ABC News. | https://www.wtxl.com/news/national/army-grounds-chinook-helicopters-following-engine-fires | 2022-08-31T14:51:06Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/news/national/army-grounds-chinook-helicopters-following-engine-fires | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, poses for a photo with Vacharin Panboon Bedesem, owner of Charlie’s, at Altus Air Force Base (AAFB), Oklahoma, Aug. 25, 2022. Charlie’s has hosted aircrew for 40 years and welcomes back every Airmen who passes through AAFB again. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)
This work, Wellness, health in focus during AMC commander visit [Image 9 of 9], by SrA Kayla Christenson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7395870/wellness-health-focus-during-amc-commander-visit | 2022-08-31T14:51:06Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7395870/wellness-health-focus-during-amc-commander-visit | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, coins 97th Maintenance Group (MXG) members at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 25, 2022. The 97th MXG is one of the few maintenance groups in the Air Force to be composed of only civilian maintainers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Christenson)
This work, Wellness, health in focus during AMC commander visit [Image 9 of 9], by SrA Kayla Christenson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7395872/wellness-health-focus-during-amc-commander-visit | 2022-08-31T14:51:18Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7395872/wellness-health-focus-during-amc-commander-visit | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
DALLAS, TX. (WTXL) — Former Florida A&M Rattler Marquese Bell made the 53 man roster for the Dallas Cowboys, one of four safeties to make the team.
Bell was undrafted in this year's NFL Draft, but shined all summer and this preseason for the Cowboys.
In his final season in orange and green, Bell led the Rattlers to the FCS Playoffs for the first time in two decades, leading the team with 95 tackles. | https://www.wtxl.com/sports/college-sports/famu/former-florida-a-m-football-player-markquese-bell-makes-dallas-53-man-roster | 2022-08-31T14:51:24Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/sports/college-sports/famu/former-florida-a-m-football-player-markquese-bell-makes-dallas-53-man-roster | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
If you’d like to cut back on your screen time, but need a bit of an incentive to do so, how does some cold hard cash sound?
Reviews.org is looking to pay someone $2,400 to go 24 hours without technology. That includes all screens, from your phone and iPad to computers, gaming consoles and televisions. It even includes smart watches and smart devices, so if you have something that controls the lights in your home, for example, you’ll need to unplug it.
If chosen for the Reviews.org 24-hour 2022 Digital Detox Challenge, you will not be allowed to scroll on social media, binge-watch, play games, use your smartwatch to track exercise or even Google something when you have a question. You can still use a microwave to make food for yourself. Of course, if you have an emergency and need to your use your cell phone, an exception will be made.
If you’re selected, you must also submit a screen time report to show that you actually went 24 hours without technology. You’ll also need to submit a report telling Reviews.org about your experience, any challenges you faced, benefits you found from the detox and if you plan on cutting down on screen time in the future.
The selected Digital Detoxer will receive $2,400 at the end of the challenge and a $250 Amazon Gift Card to build a “techless survival kit” during the time period. This can be used for items like a typewriter to replace your laptop, board games to replace video games, books to replace social media scrolling, and stationery and art supplies.
You must be at least 18 years or older, and you should apply by Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. MST. You’ll need to answer a few questions, like how “addicted” you are to technology and why you would be perfect for the job. You may also have a better chance of being chosen if you’re following Reviews.org on its social media channels. This year’s selected challenger will be announced Sept. 30 on Reviews.org’s YouTube channel.
Do you think you could go 24 hours without technology for that amount of money?
This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for product reviews and other great ideas to save and make money. | https://www.wtxl.com/you-can-get-paid-2400-avoid-all-screens-24-hours | 2022-08-31T14:51:42Z | wtxl.com | control | https://www.wtxl.com/you-can-get-paid-2400-avoid-all-screens-24-hours | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Airman 1st Class Arvel Parker, 52nd Security Forces Squadron patrolman, checks IDs at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Aug. 29, 2022. Security Forces Airmen are the first line of defense in Spangdahlem AB’s Integrated Base Defense network. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Marcus Hardy-Bannerman)(This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring out identification badges.)
This work, 52nd SFS stands as the first line of defense [Image 5 of 5], by A1C Marcus Hardy-Bannerman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7395900/52nd-sfs-stands-first-line-defense | 2022-08-31T14:51:55Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7395900/52nd-sfs-stands-first-line-defense | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The global blockchain market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 56.3% over the next seven years to reach $163.83 billion by 2029 from $7.18 billion in 2022, according to a report by Fortune Business Insights. The market was valued at $4.67 billion last year. Riot Blockchain Inc. (NASDAQ:RIOT), which has lost 81.5% over the past year, is one stock that stands to benefit from this opportunity, which will primarily be driven by blockchain technology’s ability to provide open access to data.
What Does Riot Blockchain Do?
Headquartered in Colorado, Riot Blockchain offers industrial-scale digital infrastructure. The company is also engaged in Bitcoin mining, with operations and a mining data center in central Texas. Additionally, it has electrical switchgear engineering and fabrication operations in Denver, Colorado.
Recently, RIOT reported financial results for the second quarter of 2022. Let’s find out how did the company perform during the quarter.
A Snapshot of Riot Blockchain’s Q2 Results
Revenues increased 112% year-over-year to $72.9 million, driven by a 47% rise in mining revenue to $46.2 million. Data center hosting revenue totaled $9.8 million and the Engineering segment’s revenue stood at $16.9 million.
The amount of Bitcoin produced more than doubled to 1,395, and adjusted EBITDA came in at a negative $65.2 million, compared to $2.4 million reported in the year-ago quarter.
Riot Blockchain posted a loss of $2.81 per share during the quarter versus a profit of 22 cents per share in the second quarter of last year. A goodwill impairment charge of $349.1 million and a $99.8 million accounting impairment charge on Bitcoin pushed the company into the red.
Is Riot Blockchain a Buy?
Analysts seem to be very bullish on Riot Blockchain. On TipRanks, RIOT stock has a Strong Buy consensus rating based on six unanimous Buys. RIOT’s average price forecast of $14.83 implies 115.2% upside potential to current price levels.
Following the release of RIOT’s quarterly results, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Josh Siegler said, “Riot is a best-in-class pick in the cryptocurrency mining industry due to its strong balance sheet and vertically-integrated positioning.” The analyst has maintained a Buy rating on RIOT stock but lowered his price target to $12 from $42 (74.2% upside potential).
Last month, Lucas Pipes of B.Riley Financial (NASDAQ:RILY) added Riot Blockchain to the financial services provider’s “25 for 2022” pick list. The analyst is of the view that the company “represents the best combination of growth and value.”
Contrary to analysts, hedge funds and retail investors have a Neutral view on RIOT stock. The view seems to be in line with a score of four out of 10 on TipRanks’ Smart Score Rating system.
Read full Disclosure | https://www.tipranks.com/news/article/lets-talk-about-riot-blockchain-stock-nasdaqriot | 2022-08-31T14:55:31Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/article/lets-talk-about-riot-blockchain-stock-nasdaqriot | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The market landscape has started to become quite treacherous lately for home builders. While home builders enjoyed fantastic growth tailwinds last year, the worsening macroeconomic environment has already reversed that trend. As stock prices of home builders have been on the decline, some of them have likely sold off quite excessively. One of them is M.D.C. Holdings (NYSE:MDC), which now appears to be too cheap to ignore. Especially considering the company’s strong dividend. I am bullish on the stock.
What is Impacting MDC’s Stock Price?
MDC shares have suffered significantly over the past year, with the primary reason being the sudden change in investors’ expectations due to the ongoing macroeconomic setup.
Remember that while the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the U.S. economy between 2020 and 2021, surprisingly enough, demand for homes surged.
This was supported at the time by the working-from-home economy driving demand for new homes and home renovations. Another significant factor, however, was that home buyers were able to take advantage of low mortgage rates at the time, which persisted as the Fed tried to keep the economy afloat. Accordingly, home builders like MDC experienced a wonderful trading environment during the two previous years.
However, the narrative has reversed lately. With inflation levels remaining sky-high, which is likely to negatively impact consumers’ purchasing power, demand for new homes is set to ease. Further, rising energy prices as a result of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine are set to take a further chunk of consumers’ disposable income, further pressuring the value of homes.
On top of that, following years of historically low mortgage rates, buyers are now being greeted with higher financing costs for home purchases, as the average rate on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has risen nearly 200 basis points year-over-year.
Driven by unease over the raised uncertainty caused by these and various other factors, investors have grown increasingly tense over the earning prospects of M.D.C. Holdings. This is not speculation, as M.D.C.’s latest quarterly results have already started to display the effects of the ongoing reverse from what was previously positive momentum.
MDC’s Q2 Results Indicate That Demand for Homes is Plunging
MDC’s Q2 2022 results revealed a fierce reverse in the trend of demand for new homes. On the surface, the company reported 6% year-over-year revenue growth in its home sales.
However, there are two things to note here. Firstly, the company actually reported a 7% decline in unit closings, with revenue growth only being driven by a 14% rise in average selling prices. Secondly, these numbers account for orders that had already been placed previously. When it comes to the company’s forward-looking backlog, there is a clear plunge in demand for new homes.
This is evidenced by the 29% year-over-year drop in unit orders during the quarter, and the fact that cancellations as a percentage of beginning backlog surged 400 basis points to 9.7% from 5.7% compared to last year. Thus, not only are the number of new home buyers shrinking, but existing home buyers that previously placed an order are now canceling.
The company now expects to achieve home deliveries between 2,200 to 2,500 in Q3 at an average selling price of $580,000 and $590,000. Based on these estimates, the company should achieve Fiscal Year 2022 earnings per share of just over $9.00 based on my calculations. Note that earnings per share of $9.00 would indicate a year-over-year increase of 10.7%.
However, with demand for homes declining and economies of scale reversing (i.e., shrinking margins), investors should not expect similar performance in the next couple of years.
MDC Stock is Cheap
As the decline in future home deliveries indicates, MDC’s earnings per share are set to normalize in Fiscal Year 2023 and beyond, possibly falling below 2021’s $8.13. While it’s speculative to do so, if we project an EPS of $4.50 for Fiscal Year 2023, then that would be lower than the $5.33 in 2020. Yet, at its current share price of $32, this would imply a P/E ratio of 7.1, which I believe is cheap on a normalized basis, even for a home builder with cyclical revenues.
Additionally, MDC has seen its equity value increase over the past few years amid robust profitability. Indeed, its book value per share currently stands at $40.39, implying significant upside potential from the current price.
The Dividend Should Help Lift MDC Stock
MDC has a long track record of strong dividend payments. At a quarterly rate of $0.50, the dividend should remain covered even if the company’s earnings take a strong hit in the short term. Further, following the stock’s massive decline, the dividend yield currently stands at over 6%.
Thus, there is a strong incentive for shareholders to hold the stock, as it offers an increased margin of safety when it comes to the total return potential. One could argue that the market is essentially pricing the stock for a dividend cut, but dividends should remain covered even if earnings were to drop below $4.00 per share.
Is MDC Stock a Buy?
Turning to Wall Street, MDC stock has a Hold consensus rating based on two Buys, one Hold, and one Sell assigned in the past three months. At $36.88, the average M.D.C. Holdings stock forecast implies 15.3% upside potential.
Takeaway – Concerns Remain, but Don’t Give Up on MDC Stock
MDC is about to experience a shaky residential market environment where earnings will most definitely normalize by next year. The market has already tried to price this in, as evidenced by the steep stock price decline. However, the market may have oversold the stock, with MDC appearing quite cheap on normalized future earnings and book value basis. With a hefty dividend yield attached, I wouldn’t give up on the stock now. | https://www.tipranks.com/news/article/mdc-stock-is-too-cheap-to-ignore-despite-numerous-concerns | 2022-08-31T14:55:37Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/article/mdc-stock-is-too-cheap-to-ignore-despite-numerous-concerns | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Signet Jewelers (SIG) is a jewelry retailer. It operates through brands such as Zales, Banter, Diamond Direct, Jared, and Kay Jewelers. The company plans to report its Q2 Fiscal 2023 earnings on September 1, before the opening bell. TipRanks’ Website Traffic tool hints at upbeat results. The report is for the quarter ended July 31.
In a business expansion move, Signet recently acquired online jewelry retailer Blue Nile in a $360 million cash deal. The company has leaned on acquisitions in recent years to fuel its growth. Its other recent acquisitions include Diamonds Direct and Rocksbox.
Signet’s Website Traffic Jump Signals Strong Customer Interest
TipRanks’ Website Traffic tool, which uses data from SEMrush Holdings (SEMR), the world’s biggest website usage monitoring service, provides insights into Signet’s performance this quarter.
The tool shows that the Signet website recorded a 27.4% increase in global visits in Q2 compared to Q1. Moreover, Signet website traffic has jumped 44.2% year-to-date.
TipRanks’ Website Traffic tool offers insights into customer interest in a company’s products. A rise in website traffic can indicate increased demand for the company’s products, which can indicate strong earnings. In contrast, a decline in traffic trends can suggest weak demand and hint at downbeat earnings.
Learn how Website Traffic can help you research your favorite stocks.
What is Wall Street Saying about Signet’s Q3 Earnings?
Wall Street expects Signet to deliver EPS of $2.59 on revenue of $1.75 billion. Signet’s internal guidance calls for revenue of nearly $1.75 billion. It did not provide EPS guidance. Citing tightening consumer spending because of inflation, the company lowered its revenue outlook to $1.75 billion from the previous outlook range of $1.79 billion to $1.82 billion. In the year-ago quarter, Signet reported EPS of $3.57 on revenue of $1.79 billion. Those results surpassed Wall Street expectations.
Is Signet Jewelers Stock a Buy?
Signet stock has dropped almost 30% year-to-date. According to TipRanks’ analyst rating consensus, SIG stock is a Moderate Buy based on two Buys and three Holds. The average SIG stock forecast of $79.20 implies 20.1% upside potential.
Signet stock is getting favorable mentions on financial blogs. TipRanks data shows that financial blogger opinions are 93% bullish on SIG stock, compared to a sector average of 64%.
Final Thoughts
Signet lowered its Q2 revenue outlook on inflation concerns. However, website traffic trends suggest that the company continued to see strong customer interest in its products during the quarter. As a result, the upcoming earnings report may deliver a pleasant surprise for SIG stock investors.
Read full Disclosure. | https://www.tipranks.com/news/article/signet-jewelers-nysesig-stock-website-traffic-signals-upbeat-q2-results | 2022-08-31T14:55:43Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/article/signet-jewelers-nysesig-stock-website-traffic-signals-upbeat-q2-results | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Shares of the home goods retailer Bed Bath & Beyond (NASDAQ: BBBY) are down significantly today after the company announced plans to sell more shares to raise money while looking to save money by closing stores and cutting its staff. In addition, BBBY’s preliminary Q2-2022 results are disappointing.
Bed Bath & Beyond claims to have secured over $500 million in financing and plans to issue no more than 12 million shares to help repay its long-term obligations, which stood at roughly $1.4 billion as of its last report.
Regarding cost-cutting, BBBY intends to shut down 150 stores and let go of 20% of its staff. The retailer believes that it can reduce costs by $250 million in this fiscal year. In the process, however, same-store sales are expected to drop 20% this year.
In addition, the company’s preliminary sales results of $1.45 billion (for the three-month period ended four days ago) came in about 3.5% lower than the expectations of $1.5 billion and fell 25% year-over-year. Moreover, its free cash flow will come in at -$325 million in Q2.
Shares of BBBY stock are currently down about 23.5%.
Should You Avoid BBBY Stock? Analysts Say Yes
Turning to Wall Street, Bed Bath & Beyond stocks earns a Strong Sell consensus rating based on zero Buys, one Hold, and 12 Sell ratings assigned in the past three months. The average BBBY stock price prediction of $3.54 implies 61.8% downside potential.
Conclusion: Things Aren’t Looking Good for BBBY Stock
Things are not looking good for Bed Bath & Beyond. The stock is still up roughly 90% in the past month alone, while the company itself is performing poorly, and analysts think the stock has much lower to go.
With so much uncertainty surrounding the stock, it’s likely best to be avoided. However, it will be interesting to see if the company can pull off its cost-saving plans and turn around the sinking ship. | https://www.tipranks.com/news/heres-why-bed-bath-beyond-stock-plummeted-today | 2022-08-31T14:55:50Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/heres-why-bed-bath-beyond-stock-plummeted-today | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Pennyworth’s Paloma Faith Teases a ‘More Cartoony’ Season 3
Amid all the cancellations and cutbacks happening at HBO Max right now, one unlikely hero managed to survive the ongoing purge. Last fall, the streaming service ordered a third season of Epix’s Pennyworh. And in just over a month, the series will begin airing new episodes with “The Origin of Batman’s Butler” tacked onto its title. Given the current status quo at Warner Bros. Discovery, it’s hard to imagine the show getting lucky with a fourth season renewal after this. But even if it is the series’ last hurrah, co-star Paloma Faith seems to think they pulled out all the stops for season 3.
Faith has been part of Pennyworth’s main cast since the series debuted in 2019. But her character, Bet Sykes, has evolved quite a bit over the course of the last two seasons. Bet was originally introduced as an enforcer for the fascistic Raven Society. However, she later had a change of heart and teamed up with Jack Bannon’s Alfred Pennyworth to bring down her former employers during a civil war against the British government. The last time we saw her, Bet was a full-fledged soldier in the English League. And while speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Faith teased what’s in store for the series’ return.
RELATED: Pennyworth Season 3 Trailer Reveals a Brand New Subtitle
“We’re in the ’70s now in Pennyworth, we’ve been kidnapped,” said Faith. “Things have moved on a bit in terms of inventions. It’s hotting up, it’s getting a bit more DC, more cartoony. It’s quite fun.”
The new season of Pennyworth picks up five years after the end of season 2, so it should be interesting to see how the characters adjust to a brand new decade. For now, it’s anyone’s guess what Faith means by the episodes’ “more cartoony” tone this year. Regardless, season 3 is expected to bring more superhumans into the fold, which might explain what she means by “more DC.”
Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butler will premiere its third season on October 6.
Are you looking forward watching the new episodes this fall? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Batman: Earth One Vol. 2
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/518528-pennyworths-paloma-faith-teases-a-more-cartoony-season-3 | 2022-08-31T14:56:53Z | superherohype.com | control | https://www.superherohype.com/tv/518528-pennyworths-paloma-faith-teases-a-more-cartoony-season-3 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Rings of Power Review: There and Back Again, and Again
On the heels of a surprisingly compelling Game of Thrones prequel series, it’s a shame to have to say that the first episode of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is rough going. Much like the Star Wars prequels, it may be best suited to fans so dedicated that they can stand characters talking at length about politics in the fictional universe. Stephen Colbert and Jeff Bezos may enjoy those parts, but will you? It may depend upon your tolerance for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Elves — generally the blandest fantasy race of all when portrayed onscreen. And your passion for listening to them aloofly discussing the various reasons not to panic that they never found the body of that bad guy they’re totally sure is dead by now. No need to worry. rings of power review.
The series begins with what may as well be Tolkien’s Garden of Eden creation story, then skips ahead to Elves leaving their paradise of a homeland and going across the sea to Middle-earth. (That Middle-earth is a continent rather than a world may be surprising to many.) There’s a big war with Orcs and a villain named Morgoth, whom we never see. We do, however, get a look at the familiar armored silhouette of his sorcerer, Sauron. Yes, that one. If you were hoping there would be a Sauron origin story here, that’s a big nope, unless we see flashbacks later. He enters the narrative fully formed.
RELATED: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Teaser Looks To the Skies
We also meet humans and Harfoots, who are sort of like Gypsy Hobbits, expert in camouflage, and all speaking in either Irish or English farmer accents. Things pick up in episode 2 when we get to the Dwarves, who all appear as angry Scotsmen. Episode 2 fortunately picks up the pace after the deathly boring, overly serious exposition dump of its predecessor, and it adds monsters in key scenes. There’s even a character who could become Gandalf later, or just be a big swerve. He’s a bit like Dougie in season 3 of Twin Peaks — best to enjoy the barely verbal version, and maybe cheer if he suddenly busts out “You shall not pass!” in episode 10 or whatever.
For now, Elrond (Robert Aramayo) and Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) take center stage, with both on different adventures. They look younger and prettier than the actors who previously played them, and are less interesting to boot. But they’re arguably less uptight: Elrond’s a chill dude who wants to be friends, and Galadriel’s a warrior woman more in the vein of Eowyn.
RELATED: Evil Rises in New Trailer For Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Give or take the occasional Leonard Nimoy song, most Tolkien fans take their fantasy super-seriously, and that can turn into quite the problem for prequels. These actors essentially recite scripture to the faithful, but it’s not a lot of fun for more casual viewers. The angry Scottish Dwarves help to break things up, but this franchise badly needs a Han Solo type who’s just a little cynical about all the magic, immortality, and heroics. Or some good villains. If Sauron’s as distant a presence as in the movies, and it looks that way so far, then the show really needs a decent Gollum or Wormtongue substitute.
It may seem unfair to compare very different fantasy shows, since Tolkien and George R.R. Martin have little in common besides dragons and two middle initials beginning with R. But only two episodes in, House of the Dragon lets us know what’s at stake, and who the major players are. The Rings of Power relies a bit too much on mystery elements for now, at least for the non-hardcore who don’t know where all the lore goes. Galadriel wants to find Sauron’s body, but aside from that, what does everyone else want? What’s stopping them?
RELATED: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Score Gets a Vinyl Pressing
As long as the focus stays on Elrond and Dwarf Prince Durin (Owain Arthur) as mismatched frenemies, the show stays fun. When it wanders from that, so might your attention span. If this show seriously intends to go five seasons, it has got to pick things up and do better. Even the trailer for the upcoming season offers few hints of a coalescing narrative.
But at least it does have a Balrog.
Grades: 1.5/5 for Episode 1, 2/5 for Episode 2.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power‘s first two episodes drop Sept 2 on Prime Video.
Recommended Reading: J.R.R. Tolkien 4-Book Boxed Set: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
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. Rings of power review. Also rings of power review. | https://www.superherohype.com/tv/518537-the-rings-of-power-review-there-and-back-again-and-again | 2022-08-31T14:57:00Z | superherohype.com | control | https://www.superherohype.com/tv/518537-the-rings-of-power-review-there-and-back-again-and-again | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
It’s a gas, man! And I mean that both metaphorically and literally. I love the graphic and physical artifacts that have long been produced by the petroleum industry. I’ve also imagined that classic gas pumps—those that stand at attention in front of service stations, with their glowing globe logos perched atop the dispensing mechanism—are akin to gas attendants ready to extend their arms to you and your car.
Like most things that are made passé by time, gasoline ephemera is among the finest graphic and industrial design artifacts that once were. Today, most of the old pumps have been replaced by large angular forms housing digital read-outs, (some) with LED screens (perhaps because drivers cannot abide a five-minute wait).
Whatever one believes about the petroleum industry’s dangerous byproducts—and there are many—gas station identities exert a genuine hypnotic allure on many of us. Americans also take gas and gas stations for granted, but until all those promised electric charging stations become widespread, it’s fuel that ties people and a nation together. The artifacts below, which come from an Italian catalog, “Il Design Nelle Stazioni Di Servizio 1900–1960,” are essential midcentury modern designs that represent this and other well-oiled nations. | https://www.printmag.com/daily-heller/the-daily-heller-designing-fossil-fuels/ | 2022-08-31T14:57:22Z | printmag.com | control | https://www.printmag.com/daily-heller/the-daily-heller-designing-fossil-fuels/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Three weeks after five Malayalis secured medals at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the Kerala government announced cash prizes for the winners.
The cabinet that met Wednesday announced Rs 20 lakh for gold winners and Rs 10 lakh for silver medallists.
Among the Malayalis at the Games, triple jumper Eldhose Paul was the sole gold medallist.
Another triple jumper, Abdulla Aboobacker, long jumper M Sreeshankar, hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and badminton player Treesa Jolly secured silver medals.
Treesa Jolly had also secured a bronze in women's doubles in addition to the silver from the team event.
Sreejesh, who was part of the Indian men's hockey team that lost in the final to Australia, was the last of the Malayalis to secure a medal, with his podium finish coming on August 8.
The state government was criticised for its delay in announcing cash prizes in the past as well.
After the Tokyo Olympics last August, the LDF government headed by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had not announced a cash prize for Sreejesh, the lone Malayali winner, until a week later.
Sreejesh was given a cash reward of Rs 2 crore for his contribution to India's bronze medal win in the Tokyo Olympics. | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/other-sports/2022/08/31/commonwealth-games-medallists-cash-prize-kerala-government.html | 2022-08-31T15:01:45Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/other-sports/2022/08/31/commonwealth-games-medallists-cash-prize-kerala-government.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Osaka: Star Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth registered a stunning straight-game win over world number 4 Lee Zii Jia but Commonwealth Games champion Lakshya Sen suffered a shock defeat in the opening round of the Japan Open Super 750 tournament here on Wednesday.
Srikanth, a former world number 1, recovered from his early exit from last week's World Championships, to outwit fifth seed Lee 22-20 23-21 in his men's singles opener that lasted 37 minutes. It was his first win over the Malaysian in four meetings.
The 21-year-old Sen, a 2021 world championships bronze medallist, however, squandered an opening game advantage to go down 21-18 14-21 13-21 to world number 21 Japanese Kenta Nishimoto in his first match.
London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal was also no match for top seed Akane Yamaguchi as she lost 9-21 17-21 to the local favourite in 30 minutes.
Fast-rising men's doubles pairing of MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila, who jumped nine places to reach world number 26 after a quarterfinal finish at the World Championships, also lost 21-19 21-23 15-21 to Korean combination of Choi Sol Gyu and Kim Won Ho after wasting a match point in the second game.
In other results, Birmingham Commonwealth Games bronze medallists Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly lost 17-21 18-21 to seventh seeds Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai of Thailand in women's doubles category.
Mixed doubles pair of Juhi Dewangan and Venkat Gaurav Prasad lost 11-21 10-21 to Chinese top seed Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong in 23 minutes.
It was a gritty performance from world number 14 Srikanth, who is often guilty of not being able to close out narrow matches, despite doing all the hard work in setting up the points.
On Wednesday, Srikanth once again found himself in a similar position when he almost wasted a 15-11 advantage by allowing Lee to grab three game points but the Indian held on to his nerves to reel off five points on the trot to leave his younger rival stranded and seal the opening game.
Stung by the opening game reversal, Lee showed a lot of purpose after the change of sides. He opened up a 2-0 lead early on and ensured a slender one-point advantage in the interval.
Lee stepped up a gear to move to 14-11 but soon things changed as Srikanth turned the tables to grab a 18-16 lead and then stood just two points away from a win at 20-18.
It seemed there will be another twist in the tale as Lee this time saved two match points and earned himself a game point but Srikanth ensured there were no hiccups as he pocketed the required three points to shut the door on the Malaysian.
In the other singles, Lakshya was by far the better player in the opening game as he quickly ran up a 7-2 lead and jumped to 15-9 at one stage, before pocketing the game comfortably.
The Indian also made a good start to the second, opening up 8-4 lead but soon he lost control as Nishimoto dished out a sensational fightback to win 9 of the next 10 points to roar back into the contest.
Suddenly the momentum completely shifted as Lakshya seemed clueless even as Nishimoto dominated right from the start to keep moving ahead as the Indian crumbled in the decider.
On Tuesday, HS Prannoy had advanced to the second round after his opponent Hong Kong's Ng ka Long Angus retired midway through the opening match. | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/other-sports/2022/08/31/srikant-kidambi-lakshya-sen-japan-open-super-750.amp.html | 2022-08-31T15:01:47Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/other-sports/2022/08/31/srikant-kidambi-lakshya-sen-japan-open-super-750.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
All districts in Kerala barring Kasaragod are expected to receive rains on Tuesday. Heavy rains had lashed the districts of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki on Monday.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an yellow alert for the 13 districts. Rains with thunderstorms are expected in various places in the state until September 2.
Fisherfolk along the Kerala, Lakshadweep shores have been warned to not venture into sea until September 2.
The state government informed that more teams of the NDRF will be deployed in the wake of the prevailing rain situation.
At present, two teams are camping in Kerala and five more will land on Tuesday. The force will be deployed in the districts of Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/08/29/imd-alert-kerala-rain-ndrf-teams-deployed.amp.html | 2022-08-31T15:06:04Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/08/29/imd-alert-kerala-rain-ndrf-teams-deployed.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Food and Drug Administation authorized reformulated versions of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines that aim to protect against the omicron variant.
The new shots target both the original strain of the coronavirus and the omicron BA.4/BA.5 subvariants that most people are catching now. This double-barreled vaccine is called a bivalent vaccine.
"The FDA has been planning for the possibility that the composition of the COVID-19 vaccines would need to be modified to address circulating variants. ... We have worked closely with the vaccine manufacturers to ensure the development of these updated boosters was done safely and efficiently," said Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in an agency statement. "The FDA has extensive experience with strain changes for annual influenza vaccines. We are confident in the evidence supporting these authorizations."
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use as a single booster dose in people 18 and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech booster is authorized for people 12 years and up. People are eligible for the new boosters two months after completing their initial vaccination or their last booster shot.
The federal government plans to make the boosters available starting next week. In advance of the FDA's decision, Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator told NPR that the new boosters represented "a really important moment in this pandemic."
Public health officials hope they will help contain a possible fall and winter surge.
But there is also skepticism about how big a difference the boosters can make. "It could be problematic if the public thinks that the new bivalent boosters are a super-strong shield against infection, and hence increased their behavioral risk and exposed themselves to more virus," John Moore, an immunologist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, told NPR.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.klcc.org/npr-health-fitness/npr-health-fitness/2022-08-31/fda-authorizes-first-revamp-of-covid-vaccines-to-target-omicron | 2022-08-31T15:06:23Z | klcc.org | control | https://www.klcc.org/npr-health-fitness/npr-health-fitness/2022-08-31/fda-authorizes-first-revamp-of-covid-vaccines-to-target-omicron | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SLOVYANSK, Ukraine — When you enter this small city in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, a metal sign above the road greets you saying, "Slovyansk is Ukraine." After more than six months of Russia's invasion, it still is.
The front line of Russian-held territory in the east — where fierce fighting has reached a stalemate in recent weeks — is just about 10 miles away. Ukrainian officials have ordered evacuations, saying resources are too scarce and it's just too dangerous to stay. Three residential areas of Slovyansk are without electricity, which won't be able to be repaired in the near future. There is a dire shortage of fuel and constant shelling most nights.
Despite all this, and a mostly shuttered city center, nearly 20% of residents — about 20,000 people — remain, according to Svitlana Viunychenko, the mayor's spokesperson.
Among them are Oksana Morgun and her longtime friend Oleksandr Olaiarov. They're biking home together, for safety; a habit they started when the war began.
"We sleep separately [as couples] but everything else is together," says Morgun, who, along with her husband, is neighbors with Olaiarov and his family. She has a bag of grapes tied to her bright orange bike. Many people here travel by bike since electricity is spotty and there's no public transit anymore.
The two friends are constantly in touch, especially at night, when the city is shelled.
"When night comes and the thunder from the missiles begins, we are on the phones: 'Everything is fine? Everything is fine? Everything is fine?' we ask each other," says Morgun. "It's really difficult. We survive, we don't live."
Most shops in the city center are boarded up, the public gardens and parks are overgrown and buildings are damaged from recent shelling. A few coffee shops remain open, mostly fueled by the groups of Ukrainian soldiers stopping in for a coffee and to relax before heading back out to the front.
"We are stationed nearby," explains a soldier who goes by the call sign Petrovich. He doesn't want to use his full name for safety reasons. He says the lines haven't moved much in recent weeks, and a stalemate for troops means you're constantly on edge without much happening.
A recent missile strike here left a crater along a residential boulevard, and damaged eight residential buildings and a school, according to the mayor. The damage drew several onlookers, mostly older residents who live in the buildings nearby.
Liudmyla Fakhrutdinova and her neighbor stopped by to look on their way home from picking up humanitarian aid at a local church. Their bags are filled with food and clothes, thanks to Ukrainian and international donors. She says she had just finished watching a movie the night before when she heard the blast. She and her neighbors have been spending nights in the hallway of their building since their bedrooms have windows.
For Viktoria Batychenko, looking at the damage is painful.
"I feel total despair," says Batychenko, as she sobs. "I think about the people who lost their homes."
Her grief is deepened, she says, because of the history here. Slovyansk was the first city to be seized by Russia-backed fighters in 2014. Ukraine claimed it back soon after and Batychenko says they worked hard to rebuild.
"We're Ukrainians," she says, "we've always been part of Ukraine. I want to live in Ukraine."
Nearby Liubov Mahlii, 75, with an orange kerchief tied around her head, is listening to the conversation. She points to a building just beyond the missile's crater. "This is my house," she says. "I saw the missile last night. But we're used to it by now."
She lives in the fifth-floor apartment by herself. Her husband passed away and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have all left Slovyansk for the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and other parts of Europe.
For months, water was out in the city, so Mahlii had to carry jugs up five flights of stairs. About two weeks ago, officials reestablished the water supply, so she finally has water back in her apartment, though, she says, it's finicky.
Still, she's not planning on leaving anytime soon. Who would watch her home, keep her apartment safe? she asks.
"I can't leave," she says. "I don't want strangers in my home."
She passes the days writing and reciting poetry.
She shares one with NPR, about bringing peace to her home:
"I'm looking forward to peace
Although it makes us wait so long
Our patience has not run out yet
Peace is near, we eagerly await
Let there be peace
That is so hoped-for
And let the storms go too
Long live Donbas and Slovyansk!"
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.klcc.org/npr-news/npr-news/2022-08-31/along-the-front-lines-in-ukraine-cut-off-from-resources-a-resilient-city-holds-on | 2022-08-31T15:06:29Z | klcc.org | control | https://www.klcc.org/npr-news/npr-news/2022-08-31/along-the-front-lines-in-ukraine-cut-off-from-resources-a-resilient-city-holds-on | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The U.S. on Wednesday authorized its first update to COVID-19 vaccines, booster doses that target today’s most common omicron strain. Shots could begin within days.
The move by the Food and Drug Administration tweaks the recipe of shots made by Pfizer and rival Moderna that already have saved millions of lives. The hope is that the modified boosters will blunt yet another winter surge.
“You’ll see me at the front of the line,” FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks told The Associated Press shortly before his agency cleared the new doses.
Until now, COVID-19 vaccines have targeted the original coronavirus strain, even as wildly different mutants emerged. The new U.S. boosters are combination, or “bivalent,” shots. They contain half that original vaccine recipe and half protection against the newest omicron versions, called BA.4 and BA.5, which are considered the most contagious yet.
The combination aims to increase cross-protection against multiple variants.
“It really provides the broadest opportunity for protection,” Pfizer vaccine chief Annaliesa Anderson told the AP.
The updated boosters are only for people who have already had their primary vaccinations, using the original vaccines. Doses made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are for anyone 12 and older who's due for a booster while Moderna's updated shots are for adults. They're not to be used for initial vaccinations.
There’s one more step before a fall booster campaign begins: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must recommend who should get the additional shot. An influential CDC advisory panel will debate the evidence Thursday — including whether people at high risk from COVID-19 should go first.
The U.S. has purchased more than 170 million doses from the two companies. Pfizer said it could ship up to 15 million of those doses by the end of next week.
The big question is whether people weary of vaccinations will roll up their sleeves again. Just half of vaccinated Americans got the first recommended booster dose, and only a third of those 50 and older who were urged to get a second booster did so.
It’s time for U.S. authorities to better explain that the public should expect an updated COVID-19 vaccination every so often, just like getting a fall flu shot or a tetanus booster after stepping on a rusty nail, said University of Pennsylvania immunologist E. John Wherry.
“We need to rebrand it in a societally normal-looking way,” rather than a panicked response to new mutants, Wherry said. “Give a clear, forward-looking set of expectations.”
Here’s the rub: The original vaccines still offer strong protection against severe disease and death from COVID-19 for most generally healthy people, especially if they got that important first booster dose. It’s not clear just how much more benefit an updated booster will bring — beyond a temporary jump in antibodies capable of fending off an omicron infection.
One reason: The FDA cleared the modifications ahead of studies in people, a step toward eventually handling COVID-19 vaccine updates more like yearly flu shots.
First, FDA checked human studies of earlier Pfizer and Moderna attempts to update their vaccines — shots matching the omicron strain that struck last winter. That recipe change was safe, and substantially boosted antibodies targeting the earlier variant — better than another dose of the original vaccine — while adding a little protection against today's genetically distinct BA.4 and BA.5 omicron versions.
But FDA ordered the companies to brew even more up-to-date doses that target those newest omicron mutants instead, sparking a race to roll out shots in less than three months. Rather than waiting a few more months for additional human studies of that recipe tweak, Marks said animal tests showed the latest update spurs “a very good immune response.”
The hope, he said, is that a vaccine matched to currently spreading variants might do a better job fighting infection, not just serious illness, at least for a while.
What's next? Even as modified shots roll out, Moderna and Pfizer are conducting human studies to help assess their value, including how they hold up if a new mutant comes along.
And for children, Pfizer plans to ask FDA to allow updated boosters for 5- to 11-year-olds in early October.
It’s the first U.S. update to the COVID-19 vaccine recipe, an important but expected next step -- like how flu vaccines get updated every year.
And the U.S. isn’t alone. Britain recently decided to offer adults over 50 a different booster option from Moderna, a combo shot targeting that initial BA.1 omicron strain. European regulators are considering whether to authorize one or both of the updated formulas. | https://www.katc.com/news/national/coronavirus/covid-boosters-targeting-newest-variants-cleared-by-fda | 2022-08-31T15:06:30Z | katc.com | control | https://www.katc.com/news/national/coronavirus/covid-boosters-targeting-newest-variants-cleared-by-fda | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
In a motion to a federal court, the Department of Justice said it opposes efforts to appoint a special master to oversee the documents taken from President Donald Trump’s residence earlier this month.
The DOJ said that documents were “concealed and removed” from a storage room and that efforts were “likely taken to obstruct the government’s investigation.”
As part of its standard procedure following searches, a filter team sorted documents relevant to the investigation while removing those where attorney-client privilege could be invoked. The filter team involves a different group of agents who are not involved in the probe.
The DOJ’s response also claimed that Trump does not have legal standing over the presidential records, saying that those records do not belong to Trump. Prosecutors also say that the “appointment of a special master is unnecessary and would significantly harm important governmental interests, including national security interests. Appointment of a special master is disfavored in a case such as this.”
The DOJ said that 28 boxes that contained confidential information were taken from Mar-a-Lago earlier this month. Some of the information was considered top secret.
Trump has claimed that he declassified the documents before he left office.
“Number one, it was all declassified,” Trump wrote. “Number two, they didn’t need to ‘seize’ anything. They could have had it anytime they wanted without playing politics and breaking into Mar-a-Lago. It was in secured storage, with an additional lock put on as per their request. They could have had it anytime they wanted—and that includes LONG ago.”
A judge is expected to rule in the coming days whether to appoint a special master to filter documents taken by investigators. Doing so could slow down the DOJ’s investigation of whether Trump and his associates violated U.S. laws pertaining to the storage of confidential records. | https://www.katc.com/news/national/doj-rejects-trumps-call-to-appoint-special-master-following-mar-a-lago-search | 2022-08-31T15:06:33Z | katc.com | control | https://www.katc.com/news/national/doj-rejects-trumps-call-to-appoint-special-master-following-mar-a-lago-search | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration late Tuesday after massive flooding in Jackson, Mississippi, caused the city’s water system to fail.
The approval will allow Federal Emergency Management Agency resources to augment local and state officials in responding to the crisis. Nearly 170,000 residents in the Jackson area lack access to water.
On Tuesday, residents lined up for bottles of water as city pumps have failed to provide water to some residents. Even the residents who have little water pressure are urged not to drink tap water directly and to boil water before cooking or washing dishes and produce.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said that the state is bringing in pumps to help return water pressure. He said he was hopeful a new pump could be installed Wednesday morning.
“This is not a situation that’s gonna be solved immediately and it’s not gonna be solved overnight, but we’re gonna make, we’re gonna make decisions to make incremental progress as we navigate through this,” Reeves said.
Mayor Chokwe Lumumba told CNN that the city’s water system is an aging system.
“We have over three decades of deferred maintenance in our water treatment facility,” Lumumba said. “We have repeated challenges that take place time and time again, and so what we have been reverberating for more than two years is that it’s not a matter of if these systems will fail. It’s a matter of when these systems will fail.”
Reeves previously declared a state of emergency as he said there is not enough water in Jackson to meet residents’ basic needs, such as taking a bath or fighting fires.
The flooding in Jackson began late last week. Officials said they did what they could to prevent the system from failing. The water level on the Pearl River in Jackson reached 35.4 feet Monday, nearly 7 feet above the flood stage. The water is expected to slowly recede this week, falling below flood stage on Thursday.
The flooding came following back-to-back days of record rainfall in Jackson. The city had nearly 9 inches of rain in two days last week. | https://www.katc.com/news/national/president-biden-approves-emergency-declaration-as-mississippis-largest-city-lacks-water-access | 2022-08-31T15:06:39Z | katc.com | control | https://www.katc.com/news/national/president-biden-approves-emergency-declaration-as-mississippis-largest-city-lacks-water-access | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Cecilia Junior High School will dismiss at 12:30 today due to a water outage.
The water outage is contained to the immediate area of Cecilia Junior High and will not affect any other school.
Cecilia Primary, Teche Elementary, and Cecilia HIgh as well as all other parish schools will remain open and will dismiss at their normal time today.
Officials want to be clear that the only school dismissing at 12:30 is Cecilia Junior High. | https://www.katc.com/news/st-martin-parish/cecilia-junior-high-will-close-early-today-due-to-water-issues | 2022-08-31T15:06:51Z | katc.com | control | https://www.katc.com/news/st-martin-parish/cecilia-junior-high-will-close-early-today-due-to-water-issues | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Cecilia Junior High School will dismiss at 12:30 today due to a water outage.
The water outage is contained to the immediate area of Cecilia Junior High and will not affect any other school.
Cecilia Primary, Teche Elementary, and Cecilia HIgh as well as all other parish schools will remain open and will dismiss at their normal time today.
Officials want to be clear that the only school dismissing at 12:30 is Cecilia Junior High. | https://www.katc.com/news/st-martin-parish/cecilia-junior-high-will-close-early-today-due-to-water-issues | 2022-08-31T15:06:51Z | katc.com | control | https://www.katc.com/news/st-martin-parish/cecilia-junior-high-will-close-early-today-due-to-water-issues | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The EURUSD pushed lower in the European session and in doing so broke below the 100/200 hour MA and a swing level at 0.99796. The low price reached 0.99705. Sellers had their shot below the 100/200 hour MA and the swing lows seen recently on the hourly chart (green numbered circles), and missed. The sellers turned to buyers.
The run back to the upside has seen the pair move to - and now above a swing area between 1.0022 and1.00328. The price is currently trading at 1.0050 as buyers retest the earlier high for the day. The high reached 1.00593. Staying above the swing area has been difficult to maintain. However, buyers are making a play now. Can they keep the momentum going?.
Last Friday, the price spiked above the 38.2% at 1.00782 on the back of the lower than expected Core PCE data in the US. However, the momentum could not be sustained and the price moved lower (helped of course by the Powell speech at Jackson Hole). The 38.2% is the next key target. If the buyers can not get and stay above the 38.2%, the correction of the move lower is simply a plain-vanilla correction in a bearish market.
The buyers are making a play. The 1.0022 is now close risk for the bulls/buyers. | https://www.forexlive.com/technical-analysis/eurusd-trades-to-a-new-day-and-week-high-looks-toward-382-20220831/ | 2022-08-31T15:13:15Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/technical-analysis/eurusd-trades-to-a-new-day-and-week-high-looks-toward-382-20220831/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
KCUR made a beer, and we’re inviting everyone to come try it!
Casual Animal Brewing has selected KCUR as the latest nonprofit organization to participate in its Local Motive “give-back tap,” during the months of September and October 2022.
Throughout the program, $2 from every pint sold of Local Motive beer goes directly to support KCUR’s nonprofit journalism.
KCUR will kick off its two-month residency on First Friday, this Friday, Sept. 2! Join KCUR staff, Generation Listen members and friends at 6 p.m. at Casual Animal's taproom in the Crossroads Arts District. We'll be trying out our new beer and sampling some empanadas from Mom’s Empanadas.
KCUR worked with the Casual Animal brewery team to create a unique Local Motive offering: a Cold IPA. This relatively new style of beer is described as crispy and clean with a dry finish, and appeals to the beer-curious and beer-veterans alike.
“We can't think of a nonprofit that aligns with our school of thought more than KCUR,” says Casual Animal co-founder Lara Gray. “Sure, good beer is important, but unbiased, approachable, and insightful journalism is essential to powering a community. We are thrilled to partner with KCUR this fall and look forward to conversations about their local news coverage and perceptive podcasts over a shared pint in the taproom."
As part of the collaboration, KCUR will be hosting a handful of events at Casual Animal, located at 1725 McGee. Stay tuned for more details.
You can also purchase a pint of the KCUR Local Motive beer anytime at the taproom throughout September and October.
Check out photos from KCUR's brew day with Casual Animal below. | https://www.kcur.org/inside-kcur/2022-08-31/beer-public-radio-kcur-casual-animal-brewing | 2022-08-31T15:13:17Z | kcur.org | control | https://www.kcur.org/inside-kcur/2022-08-31/beer-public-radio-kcur-casual-animal-brewing | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Hypercar maker Ariel has offered a glimpse of what can be achieved with batteries and backup engines in the form of the new Hipercar.
The small British firm in 2017 announced plans for a high-performance extended-range electric vehicle code-named the Hipercar, one outfitted with a gas-turbine range extender. It seemed to be the trend back then as there were a handful of companies with similar concepts that year.
Hipercar, which stands for “High Performance Carbon Reduction,” is a fitting code name as the car should deliver hypercar-like performance. Things are still at the prototype stage but Ariel has already locked in some of the specs.
There will be multiple variants of the Hipercar, with the range-topper to feature a four-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain consisting of two electric motors at each axle. Each motor drives a wheel via a single-speed transmission, and combined output of the system is 1,180 hp and 1,342 lb-ft of torque—impressive when you consider the targeted weight is 3,430 lb. A tamer rear-wheel-drive option with two electric motors at the rear axle and half the output will also be offered.
Powering the electric motors is a lithium-ion battery with a usable 56 kwh of capacity. The range on battery power alone is estimated at 150 miles but to boost this Ariel will offer the option of a gas-turbine range extender, which can use fuel to recharge or maintain battery charge—or augment it.
What does all of this translate to? According to Ariel, 0-60 mph acceleration in about two seconds, 0-100 mph in about 4.4 seconds, and a top speed of 155 mph. Figures claimed by Ariel are for the more powerful four-motor version.
As for the chassis, it consists of a bonded-aluminum monocoque structure with removable aluminum front and rear subframes. The Hipercar’s suspension features double wishbones at all four corners with dampers supplied by Bilstein. Forged or carbon-fiber composite wheels will be available, wrapped in beefy 265/35-size tires at the front and 325/30 at the rear. Ariel is also developing a new power steering system to provide superior feedback to the driver.
Ariel targets a start of production in 2024. Pricing information will be announced closer to that date.
Note, Ariel isn’t the only company working on an insane electric pocket rocket. There’s also fellow British firm McMurtry which plans a road-going version of its record-breaking Speirling track car.
Related Articles
- Aston Martin Valhalla minimalist interior shown quietly during Pebble Beach
- Lamborghini Miura: 100 Cars That Matter
- New $4.4B US battery plant to supply future Honda, Acura EVs
- Review: 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport hyperactivates the hypercar experience
- Toyota BZ3 is a Corolla-size electric sedan coming to challenge the Model 3 | https://www.wpri.com/automotive/internet-brands/ariel-hipercar-revealed-as-1180-hp-ev-with-gas-turbine-range-extender/ | 2022-08-31T15:13:21Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/automotive/internet-brands/ariel-hipercar-revealed-as-1180-hp-ev-with-gas-turbine-range-extender/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
New voting laws that went into effect in Missouri on Aug. 28 include the requirement that voters need government-issued photo identification to cast a ballot.
That can be a current Missouri driver or non-driver license, a non-expired military ID or veteran's ID card, or a non-expired U.S. passport. Even a government-issued photo ID that expired after the most recent general election in 2020 will be good this November.
Secretary of State John Ashcroft says the new law "makes it a little bit more difficult to cheat" and pointed to a 2016 race for the Missouri House that involved voter fraud.
Ashcroft was emphatic that even if you don't have one of the acceptable forms of identification when you get to the polls, you can still vote with a provisional ballot.
That ballot will count if you make it back to your polling place on Election Day with acceptable identification or if the signature you provide on the provisional ballot is verified as matching the signature on your voter registration record.
There is still time to get the required photo ID. The Missouri Department of Revenue, through its license offices, can provide one non-driver license for free to people who want a photo ID to vote; they must bring the necessary documents.
Ashcroft also pointed out that his office can help voters obtain some of those documents, including ones from other states and the federal government for which his office will cover the fees.
- John R. Ashcroft, Missouri Secretary of State | https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2022-08-31/missouri-secretary-of-state-to-registered-voters-you-will-be-able-to-vote-and-your-vote-will-count | 2022-08-31T15:13:23Z | kcur.org | control | https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2022-08-31/missouri-secretary-of-state-to-registered-voters-you-will-be-able-to-vote-and-your-vote-will-count | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Search Query
Show Search
Podcasts & Shows
Radio schedule
All programs
KCUR podcasts
Up To Date
Kansas City Today
A People's History of Kansas City
Hungry For MO
Real Humans By Gina Kaufmann
Fish Fry
Night Tides
The Session with Hermon Mehari
Radio schedule
All programs
KCUR podcasts
Up To Date
Kansas City Today
A People's History of Kansas City
Hungry For MO
Real Humans By Gina Kaufmann
Fish Fry
Night Tides
The Session with Hermon Mehari
News
Local news
Election 2022
En Español
Coronavirus
History
Education
Health
Politics
Housing & development
Climate
Local news
Election 2022
En Español
Coronavirus
History
Education
Health
Politics
Housing & development
Climate
Collaborations
KC Media Collective
Corruption in Kansas City, Kansas
Midwest Newsroom
Kansas News Service
Harvest Public Media
KC Media Collective
Corruption in Kansas City, Kansas
Midwest Newsroom
Kansas News Service
Harvest Public Media
Arts & Life
All arts
Kansas City guide
Creative Adventure
Food
Sports
Local music
Visual arts
Performance
Film
Books
All arts
Kansas City guide
Creative Adventure
Food
Sports
Local music
Visual arts
Performance
Film
Books
Support
Donate now
Membership FAQs
Update my monthly membership
Honoring Aviva's legacy
RadioActive 2022
Vehicle donation
Planned giving
Corporate sponsorship
Volunteer with KCUR
Donate now
Membership FAQs
Update my monthly membership
Honoring Aviva's legacy
RadioActive 2022
Vehicle donation
Planned giving
Corporate sponsorship
Volunteer with KCUR
Connect
Your Voice
Jobs
Internships
Inside KCUR
Sign up for KCUR's newsletters
Your Voice
Jobs
Internships
Inside KCUR
Sign up for KCUR's newsletters
Shop
91.9 Classical KC
facebook
twitter
instagram
© 2022 Kansas City Public Radio
Menu
NPR in Kansas City
Show Search
Search Query
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
On Air
Now Playing
KCUR
On Air
Now Playing
91.9 Classical KC
All Streams
Podcasts & Shows
Radio schedule
All programs
KCUR podcasts
Up To Date
Kansas City Today
A People's History of Kansas City
Hungry For MO
Real Humans By Gina Kaufmann
Fish Fry
Night Tides
The Session with Hermon Mehari
Radio schedule
All programs
KCUR podcasts
Up To Date
Kansas City Today
A People's History of Kansas City
Hungry For MO
Real Humans By Gina Kaufmann
Fish Fry
Night Tides
The Session with Hermon Mehari
News
Local news
Election 2022
En Español
Coronavirus
History
Education
Health
Politics
Housing & development
Climate
Local news
Election 2022
En Español
Coronavirus
History
Education
Health
Politics
Housing & development
Climate
Collaborations
KC Media Collective
Corruption in Kansas City, Kansas
Midwest Newsroom
Kansas News Service
Harvest Public Media
KC Media Collective
Corruption in Kansas City, Kansas
Midwest Newsroom
Kansas News Service
Harvest Public Media
Arts & Life
All arts
Kansas City guide
Creative Adventure
Food
Sports
Local music
Visual arts
Performance
Film
Books
All arts
Kansas City guide
Creative Adventure
Food
Sports
Local music
Visual arts
Performance
Film
Books
Support
Donate now
Membership FAQs
Update my monthly membership
Honoring Aviva's legacy
RadioActive 2022
Vehicle donation
Planned giving
Corporate sponsorship
Volunteer with KCUR
Donate now
Membership FAQs
Update my monthly membership
Honoring Aviva's legacy
RadioActive 2022
Vehicle donation
Planned giving
Corporate sponsorship
Volunteer with KCUR
Connect
Your Voice
Jobs
Internships
Inside KCUR
Sign up for KCUR's newsletters
Your Voice
Jobs
Internships
Inside KCUR
Sign up for KCUR's newsletters
Shop
91.9 Classical KC
facebook
twitter
instagram
detasseling | https://www.kcur.org/tags/detasseling | 2022-08-31T15:13:29Z | kcur.org | control | https://www.kcur.org/tags/detasseling | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Rivian has a new feature on the way that’s sure to be handy the next time you’re camping or perhaps using the vehicle at a worksite.
It’s called Camp Mode, and it will be available in the next over-the-air update for Rivian’s R1T and R1S electric pickup truck and SUV. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe took to Twitter over the weekend to give a preview of just what Camp Mode entails.
Had help beta testing Camp Mode. Can’t wait for you to try it! Rolling out very soon in next OTA update… pic.twitter.com/JNoOAjWupr
— RJ Scaringe (@RJScaringe) August 27, 2022
The highlight is the ability to have the vehicle’s suspension automatically level itself if parked on a slope. For anyone who likes to sleep in their vehicle, it means no more nights where it feels like you’re sleeping on the side of the hill. Someone using the vehicle for work can also ensure that everything will be plumb; the vehicle can be evened out to level a cooking surface, something you can also do with Rivian’s available slide-out kitchen.
The mode also adjusts ambient settings like the noise level and switches off the displays, for example, if you want a quiet and dark atmosphere to sleep at night. And there’s the ability to dial down how much energy the vehicle is using while stationary, helping to preserve the battery, something Scaringe referred to as the “vehicle going into a deep sleep.” There’s also the ability to control exterior lights in case you want to light up certain parts of a campsite.
Rivian’s vehicles have already impressed us so much so that we awarded the R1T our Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2022 award. However, the company continues to improve the vehicles with features like Camp Mode. In June it also added a Pet Comfort feature that allows drivers to control the interior climate while away so that a pet left behind for short stays will remain comfortable.
Following a price increase earlier in the year, Rivian’s R1T and R1S now start from $73,000 and $78,000 respectively. Those prices net a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and standard battery good for about 260 miles of range.
Related Articles
- Ariel Hipercar revealed as 1,180-hp EV with gas turbine range extender
- Review: 2022 Lincoln Navigator’s Activeglide system cruises into second place
- New $4.4B US battery plant to supply future Honda, Acura EVs
- Toyota BZ3 is a Corolla-size electric sedan coming to challenge the Model 3
- Zeekr taps CATL for promised 621-mile range Qilin battery | https://www.wpri.com/automotive/internet-brands/rivian-ceo-previews-new-camp-mode-designed-to-automatically-level-vehicle-at-campsite/ | 2022-08-31T15:13:35Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/automotive/internet-brands/rivian-ceo-previews-new-camp-mode-designed-to-automatically-level-vehicle-at-campsite/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Stocks are modestly higher in early trading Wednesday as Wall Street prepares to close the books on a rocky August that started off strong, but left the market deeper in the red.
The S&P 500 is up 0.4% as of 10 a.m. Eastern. The benchmark index is coming off a three-day skid and is on pace to end the month with a 2.9% loss after surging 9.1% in July.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 37 points, or 0.1%, to 31,823 and the Nasdaq rose 0.7%.
Communications, technology and health care companies helped lift the market. Meta Platforms rose 5.2%, PayPal gained 4.2% and Amgen added 1.2%.
Energy companies fell along with crude oil prices. Occidental Petroleum slid 2.1%.
Bed Bath & Beyond sank about 23% after announcing a major restructuring and a stock sale, while Snap, the operator of the Snapchat messaging app, jumped 10.3% after announcing it will lay off 20% of its work force.
Bond yields rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury, which influences interest rates on mortgages and other consumer loans, rose to 3.13% from 3.11% late Tuesday.
European markets were lower and Asian markets closed mixed Wednesday.
Stocks got off to a solid start in early August, continuing a July rally. Investors were encouraged to see that signs that inflation, while still high, was leveling off. That fueled optimism on Wall Street that the Federal Reserve might be able to ease back on raising interest rates, its main weapon in its fight to bring inflation down. Those gains followed a weak first half of the year where the S&P 500 dropped 20% from its most recent high and entered a bear market.
That optimism faded by mid-August as the central bank signaled it would keep raising rates as long as necessary to tame the the hottest inflation in four decades. On Friday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell underscored the Fed’s intention in a speech at the central bank’s annual symposium.
Wall Street is worried that the Fed could hit the brakes too hard on an already slowing economy and veer it into a recession. Higher interest rates also hurt investment prices, especially for pricier stocks like technology companies.
Traders are now trying to get a better sense of how far and how quickly the Fed’s rate hikes will go, beginning with the central bank’s upcoming interest rate policy meeting September 20-21. The Fed has already raised interest rates four times this year and is expected to raise short-term rates by another 0.75 percentage points at its September meeting, according to CME Group.
Investors have been closely watching economic data for any additional signs that the economy is slowing down or that inflation may be cooling or at least holding at its current level. Businesses and consumers have been hit hard by rising prices on everything from food to clothing, but recent declines in gasoline prices have provided some relief.
Strong U.S. employment data have helped fuel expectations of more interest rate hikes. The Labor Department reported Tuesday there were two jobs for every unemployed person in July, giving ammunition to Fed officials who argue the economy can tolerate more rate hikes to tame inflation that is at multi-decade highs.
More employment reports are on tap for later in the week, with jobless benefits data coming Thursday and the August jobs report scheduled for Friday. Analysts expect both to show a robust labor market.
In Europe, markets fell after a report showed inflation in countries using the euro hit another record in August as energy prices soared, largely because of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Annual inflation in the eurozone’s 19 countries rose to 9.1%, up from 8.9% in July, according to the European Union statistics agency Eurostat.
Inflation is at the highest levels since record-keeping for the euro began in 1997. The latest figures add pressure on European Central Bank officials to continue raising interest rates, which can tame inflation, but also stifle economic growth. | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/ap-business/ap-asian-stocks-follow-wall-st-lower-after-strong-us-jobs-data/ | 2022-08-31T15:13:47Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/ap-business/ap-asian-stocks-follow-wall-st-lower-after-strong-us-jobs-data/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 24 |
Stocks are modestly higher in early trading Wednesday as Wall Street prepares to close the books on a rocky August that started off strong, but left the market deeper in the red.
The S&P 500 is up 0.4% as of 10 a.m. Eastern. The benchmark index is coming off a three-day skid and is on pace to end the month with a 2.9% loss after surging 9.1% in July.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 37 points, or 0.1%, to 31,823 and the Nasdaq rose 0.7%.
Communications, technology and health care companies helped lift the market. Meta Platforms rose 5.2%, PayPal gained 4.2% and Amgen added 1.2%.
Energy companies fell along with crude oil prices. Occidental Petroleum slid 2.1%.
Bed Bath & Beyond sank about 23% after announcing a major restructuring and a stock sale, while Snap, the operator of the Snapchat messaging app, jumped 10.3% after announcing it will lay off 20% of its work force.
Bond yields rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury, which influences interest rates on mortgages and other consumer loans, rose to 3.13% from 3.11% late Tuesday.
European markets were lower and Asian markets closed mixed Wednesday.
Stocks got off to a solid start in early August, continuing a July rally. Investors were encouraged to see that signs that inflation, while still high, was leveling off. That fueled optimism on Wall Street that the Federal Reserve might be able to ease back on raising interest rates, its main weapon in its fight to bring inflation down. Those gains followed a weak first half of the year where the S&P 500 dropped 20% from its most recent high and entered a bear market.
That optimism faded by mid-August as the central bank signaled it would keep raising rates as long as necessary to tame the the hottest inflation in four decades. On Friday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell underscored the Fed’s intention in a speech at the central bank’s annual symposium.
Wall Street is worried that the Fed could hit the brakes too hard on an already slowing economy and veer it into a recession. Higher interest rates also hurt investment prices, especially for pricier stocks like technology companies.
Traders are now trying to get a better sense of how far and how quickly the Fed’s rate hikes will go, beginning with the central bank’s upcoming interest rate policy meeting September 20-21. The Fed has already raised interest rates four times this year and is expected to raise short-term rates by another 0.75 percentage points at its September meeting, according to CME Group.
Investors have been closely watching economic data for any additional signs that the economy is slowing down or that inflation may be cooling or at least holding at its current level. Businesses and consumers have been hit hard by rising prices on everything from food to clothing, but recent declines in gasoline prices have provided some relief.
Strong U.S. employment data have helped fuel expectations of more interest rate hikes. The Labor Department reported Tuesday there were two jobs for every unemployed person in July, giving ammunition to Fed officials who argue the economy can tolerate more rate hikes to tame inflation that is at multi-decade highs.
More employment reports are on tap for later in the week, with jobless benefits data coming Thursday and the August jobs report scheduled for Friday. Analysts expect both to show a robust labor market.
In Europe, markets fell after a report showed inflation in countries using the euro hit another record in August as energy prices soared, largely because of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Annual inflation in the eurozone’s 19 countries rose to 9.1%, up from 8.9% in July, according to the European Union statistics agency Eurostat.
Inflation is at the highest levels since record-keeping for the euro began in 1997. The latest figures add pressure on European Central Bank officials to continue raising interest rates, which can tame inflation, but also stifle economic growth. | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/ap-business/ap-asian-stocks-follow-wall-st-lower-after-strong-us-jobs-data/ | 2022-08-31T15:13:47Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/ap-business/ap-asian-stocks-follow-wall-st-lower-after-strong-us-jobs-data/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 24 |
‘I watched her take her last breath’: Mother of teen killed by downed electrical line shares final moments
MONROE, Mich. (WTVG/Gray News) – Elizabeth Jacobsen, 14, was set to start her freshman year, but now her family is making plans to honor her memory after she was electrocuted by touching a downed power line.
According to Monroe police detectives, Jacobsen was walking with a friend in her backyard when they believed they could “smell a bonfire.”
“My daughter thought that it was a twig on the ground and went to go pick it up and 13,800 volts went through her body. It was a wire no smaller than a charger cord,” Elizabeth’s mother, Marthajean Hunter told WTVG.
The teen was still touching the wire when emergency crews arrived, but rescue workers couldn’t help her until the power was disconnected. By then, it was too late.
“I watched her take her last breath, which was not easy. I just wanted to rip that wire off of her,” Hunter said, adding that she feels numb.
Hunter said her daughter wanted to be a police officer. Elizabeth like to give to others and will continue to do so by donating some of her organs.
“I’m wishing this was just a very horrific nightmare, but I know it’s not,” Hunter said while clutching one of the last things her daughter touched – Elizabeth’s beloved “Sofia the First” blanket.
DTE Energy is covering the costs of Elizabeth’s funeral.
Copyright 2022 WTVG via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.witn.com/2022/08/31/i-watched-her-take-her-last-breath-mother-teen-killed-by-downed-electrical-line-shares-final-moments/ | 2022-08-31T15:14:05Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/2022/08/31/i-watched-her-take-her-last-breath-mother-teen-killed-by-downed-electrical-line-shares-final-moments/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Thiruvananthapuram: Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday dropped yet another hint about his interest to contest for the post of Congress president.
During a brief interaction with media on the sidelines of an event here, Tharoor reiterated that an election would only be good for the party.
However, it was his switching over to Hindi during the interaction that made his intentions clear. Asked if the party president has to be someone from the Hindi belt, Tharoor responded in Hindi that if a person from that region should be the president then he has to come through election.
“It’s important to be an Indian,” the Thiruvananthapuram MP, who belongs to the group of leaders that has been calling for reforms in the party, said.
Speculations about Tharoor’s possible candidature started doing the rounds after it became almost clear that nobody from the Nehru-Gandhi family would be in the fray.
Party president Sonia Gandhi, who took charge as an interim chief after her son Rahul Gandhi quit the post following the rout in the 2019 parliament elections, has reportedly asked senior leader and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to run for the post.
Meanwhile, state Congress chief K Sudhakaran on Wednesday said Tharoor is qualified to contest for the party's presidential election.
Sudhakaran said if Tharoor wishes to contest the polls he can do that as the Congress is a democratic party and its members have the right to contest for the top party post. "What is there to wonder about? Is he not an eligible candidate? All members of the Indian National Congress have the right to contest as it is a democratic party. If I wish to contest, I could also do that. The party will accept it. If I get the votes, I will win," Sudhakaran told reporters here. He said the Congress has the strength to address such issues through the democratic process.
Amid the speculation over his possible candidature, Tharoor on Tuesday had said he would decide whether to throw his hat in the ring only after the election notification came out. At the same time, Tharoor has also termed as "only speculation" the reports about the possibility of him contesting for the party president's post.
The Congress Working Committee on Sunday decided to hold the election for the party's full-time president on October 17. The notification for the election will be issued on September 22, while the filing of nominations would begin on September 24 and continue till September 30, the party's central election authority chairman Madhusudan Mistry had said after a nearly 30-minute meeting of the CWC.
(With inputs from PTI) | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2022/08/31/congress-president-polls-shashi-tharoor-drops-a-hint-in-hindi-sudhakaran-says-qualified.amp.html | 2022-08-31T15:14:46Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2022/08/31/congress-president-polls-shashi-tharoor-drops-a-hint-in-hindi-sudhakaran-says-qualified.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
LUND, Sweden, Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Alfa Laval has acquired Scanjet, a leading global supplier of tank cleaning equipment and solutions for marine, offshore and industrial applications. The acquisition will extend Alfa Laval's broad tanker offering, creating a more comprehensive product portfolio for cargo tanks.
Scanjet's intelligent tank management solutions will be a valuable complement to Alfa Laval's sustainable marine offering as they reduce the water usage and energy consumption connected with tank cleaning. Adding Scanjet to Alfa Laval's portfolio will support customer efficiency at every stage of cargo handling.
Scanjet employs about 150 people and has global presence with factories in Sweden, Poland and Indonesia, and a turnover of about SEK 300 million.
This is Alfa Laval
Alfa Laval is a world leader in heat transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling, and is active in the areas of Energy, Marine, and Food & Water, offering its expertise, products, and service to a wide range of industries in some 100 countries. The company is committed to optimizing processes, creating responsible growth, and driving progress to support customers in achieving their business goals and sustainability targets.
Alfa Laval's innovative technologies are dedicated to purifying, refining, and reusing materials, promoting more responsible use of natural resources. They contribute to improved energy efficiency and heat recovery, better water treatment, and reduced emissions. Thereby, Alfa Laval is not only accelerating success for its customers, but also for people and the planet. Making the world better, every day.
Alfa Laval has 17,900 employees. Annual sales in 2021 were SEK 40.9 billion (approx. EUR 4 billion). The company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.
For more information please contact:
Johan Lundin
Head of Investor Relations
Alfa Laval
Tel: +46 46 36 65 10
Mobile: +46 730 46 30 90
Eva Schiller
PR Manager
Alfa Laval
Tel: + 46 46 36 71 01
Mobile: +46 709 38 71 01
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
The following files are available for download:
View original content:
SOURCE Alfa Laval | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/31/alfa-laval-has-acquired-scanjet/ | 2022-08-31T15:14:52Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/08/31/alfa-laval-has-acquired-scanjet/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.