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The spouse, right, of 1st Lt. Rafael Eirea Lamberto, center, an engineer officer assigned to the “Gila Battalion,” 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, at Fort Stewart, Georgia, pins the Ranger tab towards the top of his left shoulder sleeve during the U.S. Army Ranger graduation ceremony at Victory Pond on Fort Benning, Georgia, Dec. 10, 2021. Eirea has pushed himself to the limit throughout his entire life, leading him to graduate both Ranger School and the Sapper Leader Course in the same year and compete in the Best Sapper Competition two years in a row. (Courtesy Photo)
This work, Third Infantry Division engineer officer goes for it all [Image 2 of 2], must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7136477/third-infantry-division-engineer-officer-goes-all | 2022-04-11T08:15:47Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7136477/third-infantry-division-engineer-officer-goes-all | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
When the pediatrician recommended Lisa Pascoe have her then-toddler tested for lead poisoning, she thought there was no way he could be at risk. Everything in her South St. Louis home had been remodeled.
But then the nurse called to say her son's blood lead level was dangerously high — five times the level federal health officials then deemed elevated.
Pascoe said she was "completely shocked."
"After you hang up on the phone, you kind of go through this process of 'Oh my gosh, my kid is lead poisoned. What does that mean? What do I do?'" she said.
That same week, St. Louis city health workers came out to test the home to identify the source of the lead.
The culprit? The paint on the home’s front window. Friction caused by opening and closing the window caused lead dust to collect in the mulch and soil outside of the house, right where her son played every day.
A decade later, the psychological scars remain. Pascoe and her toddler ended up leaving their St. Louis home to escape lead hazards. To this day, she’s extra cautious about making sure her son, now a preteen, and her two-year-old daughter aren’t exposed to lead so she doesn’t have to relive the nightmare.
Pascoe’s son was one of almost 4,700 Missouri children with dangerous levels of lead in their blood in the state’s 2012 report — decades after the U.S. started phasing lead out of gasoline and banned it in new residential paint and water pipes. Missouri’s lead poisoning reports run from July through June. Though cases have fallen precipitously since the mid-20th century, lead is a persistent poison that impacts thousands of families each year, particularly low-income communities and families of color.
Eradicating it has been a decades-long battle.
No safe level
Omaha, Nebraska, has been cleaning up contaminated soil from two smelters for more than 20 years. The Argentine neighborhood of what is now Kansas City, Kansas, grew up around a smelter that produced tens of thousands of tons of lead as well as silver and zinc. About 60% of homes in Iowa were built before 1960, when residential lead-based paint was still used. Missouri is the number one producer of lead in the United States.
The four states have some of the most lead water pipes per capita in the country. While representative data on the prevalence of lead poisoning is hard to come by because screening rates lag in many areas, one study published last year found that the four states struggled with some of the highest rates of lead poisoning.
Over the next few months, The Missouri Independent and NPR’s Midwest Newsroom are collaborating to investigate high levels of lead in children of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. By analyzing scientific research, delving into state and local data and interviewing parents, experts and advocates from across the country, the project will shed light on a public health disaster that continues to poison children every year.
“We know that there is no safe level, that even at really low levels, it can affect intellectual growth, cognitive development. And we can prevent that type of harm,” said Elizabeth Friedman, a physician and director of the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit for Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa. “So why wouldn't we?”
David Cwiertny, director of the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination at the University of Iowa, said it’s “unacceptable” for anyone to be exposed to lead.
“We should go to the ends of the Earth to invest in staff and preventing it from happening if we can."
“We should go to the ends of the Earth to invest in staff and preventing it from happening if we can,” Cwiertny said.
At Pascoe’s St. Louis home, workers encapsulated the flaking paint and replaced the top layer of tainted soil outside the home. During encapsulation, lead paint is coated and sealed to prevent the release of lead dust or paint chips. Her toddler’s blood lead level began to drop from its high of 25 micrograms per deciliter.
But that wasn’t enough to keep his lead level low.
Even though Pascoe kept her son from playing outside, cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter provided by the health department and wiped off everything that could track lead dust in the home — from shoes to the family dog’s feet — her son’s level hovered at six micrograms per deciliter for nearly a year.
In 2013, Pascoe and her son moved out of the city and into a home without lead in St. Louis County. Finally, his levels dropped below one.
An invisible toxin
Lead is a dangerous neurotoxin commonly used in water pipes, paint, gasoline and household products until the late 20th century, decades after scientists began sounding the alarm about its danger.
In high doses, lead can be fatal. Women in the 19th century used it to induce abortions and sometimes ended up poisoning themselves. Children who are lead poisoned now, however, have much lower levels and don’t show blatant or immediate symptoms.
Even after the source of the exposure is eliminated, long-term effects of the toxin linger.
“Once a kid is exposed to lead, it is not reversible."
Officials with the World Health Organization warn there is no safe level of lead in blood. Even levels as low as five micrograms per deciliter can cause behavioral difficulties and learning problems in children.
Lead-poisoned children may have trouble with language processing, memory, attention and impulsivity, Yohannan said. Many require special education services in school.
Now in sixth grade, Pascoe’s son has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year updated its blood lead reference value to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter from five. The reference value represents the 2.5% of children with the most elevated blood lead levels who should be prioritized for investigations and resources. It’s not a health standard, and CDC leaves it to the state and local authorities to determine at what levels they will take action depending on state laws, local ordinances and the resources they have available.
The Healthy Homes program in St. Louis County, where Pascoe now lives with her husband Daniel Pascoe, only follows up with a home inspection if a child’s blood lead level exceeds 10 micrograms per deciliter unless a family makes a request for an assessment below that level. The city of St. Louis separated from St. Louis County in the late 19th century and operates as a separate local government.
Follow-up on lower levels of exposure is focused mostly on educating parents and families about the risks and dangers of lead.
For higher levels of exposure, health workers use an x-ray fluorescence analyzer during assessments to test components of the home for lead.
“The most common source of lead exposure in the county is lead-based paint. So majority of the time, that's our main focus,” said Tammi Holmes, supervisor of the Healthy Homes program.
“We're looking for anything that's original to the house, original windows, original doors, door casings, things like that, that may have led based paint on them.”
Pascoe says she never saw her son eat lead paint chips. And while lead poisoning due to consumption of paint chips is fairly common, Holmes said it's not always a factor.
“A lot of times people think that the only way kids are exposed is just by eating and ingesting lead based paint,” Holmes said. “But that's not always the case, the main route of exposure, a lot of times is inhalation and it's the dust.”
Environmental racism
Lead poisoning disproportionately affects Black children and kids in low-income neighborhoods.
In predominantly Black neighborhoods of North St. Louis, across town from Pascoe's old home, children suffer some of the highest rates of lead poisoning in the city. Black children in Missouri are nearly twice as likely to suffer lead poisoning as their white peers.
“And this has happened because of the racist historical practices and policies that continue to segregate children and families of color into older, sometimes less-maintained, overburdened and under-resourced neighborhoods where lead exposures are more common,” Friedman said.
Philip Landrigan, a lead researcher for 50 years, did research and testing near an enormous smelter in Kellogg, Idaho, in the early 1970s.
“And the doctor who was the doctor for the lead company…told me one time in a meeting that the only kids in Kellogg, Idaho, who got lead poisoning are 'the dumb and the dirty,’” Landrigan said. “...And even though that was 50 years ago, that line of thinking is still alive and well.”
While many cities have grants or loans available to help remediate homes, low-income families in rental housing don’t always have the final say.
Amy Roberts, who runs the lead poisoning prevention program in Kansas City, Missouri, said landlords are often cooperative and allow for repairs when their tenants’ children are lead poisoned. But not always.
“Sometimes we get pushback from landlords who don't want to do it, or they'll do a little bit, or they'll just take a long time,” Roberts said, “or they'll evict the family.”
It’s illegal to evict a family because of lead exposure, Roberts said. But if a landlord has cause to evict a family that they haven’t acted on, they might do so rather than deal with the Health Department coming in.
“They'll say, ‘Well, we didn't evict them because of the lead. We evicted them because they were behind on their rent,’” Roberts said. “And so would they have allowed them to stay if we hadn't gotten involved because of the lead? It's hard to know.”
In Omaha, Nebraska, where an old lead smelter left behind contamination over 27 square miles centered on downtown, local ordinances have more teeth. Naudia McCracken, the lead program supervisor for Douglas County, said landlords are required to repair any lead hazards.
“There’s no ifs, buts, maybes,” McCracken said. “They have to fix it.”
While Omaha has struggled with contamination brought on by the smelters, she said that legacy has allowed the county and city to be more aggressive in remediating contamination and preventing lead poisoning.
Omaha provides a home inspection to any family with a child whose blood lead level is greater than 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. And the city provides inspections to families in any house built before 1978.
Speaking only for herself, McCracken said she’d like to see more money go into removing lead paint and improving housing nationwide.
“In the majority of the country, in the way that the programs are, we're waiting for there to be a child with (an elevated) lead level for action to take place,” she said. “And I think that's kind of backward.”
An overdue conversation
The water crisis in Flint, Michigan, shone a light on the devastating effects of lead. Scientists’ conclusion there is no safe level of lead and President Joe Biden’s pledge to remove the estimated 10 million water service lines underground add momentum toward finally eradicating the metal.
Bruce Lanphear, a longtime lead researcher and professor at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, said the U.S. has typically made progress on lead when crises or new research galvanized public support for action. But regulations and action to clean up lead contamination often depend on what is considered feasible.
Cwiertny noted the issue of lead poisoning through drinking water had risen in prominence following crises.
"The concern I have is people will — through the rhetoric of politicians talking about what great progress we're making by getting $15 billion here and allocating recovery funds there to address this — is that people will think it's a problem that gets solved and there won't be any accountability,” Cwiertny said.
By the time the U.S. started phasing lead out of gasoline, banned it in residential paint in the 1970s and outlawed lead water pipes in 1986, scientists had been warning of the dangers of lead for decades.
In 1925, as use of lead in gasoline gained momentum, Yandell Henderson, a professor at Yale University, told a gathering of engineers that it would slowly poison vast numbers of Americans.
“He said that if a man had his choice between the two diseases, he would choose tuberculosis rather than lead poisoning,” the New York Times wrote at the time.
A concerted effort by the lead industry staved off regulations, Lanphear said.
Lanphear said he was invited to speak to Omaha residents 20 years ago about lead poisoning. At the end, he took questions.
“There was this big burly guy with a flannel shirt, beard (who) got up — truckers hat — and he got teary and he said, ‘I worked at the smelter for years, and every morning, I was ordered to reverse the flow and discharge all the contaminants that they had scrubbed out during the day.’”
There are stories that “just break your heart” showing how flawed regulation was, Lanphear said, and how “irresponsible” the industry was.
The legacy of the lead is well-documented among adults who grew up surrounded by the metal.
Forty years ago, more than 90% of children had blood lead levels above 10 micrograms per deciliter, almost triple the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new reference value, updated to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter in October.
Researchers estimated last month that just over half of Americans alive today were exposed to high lead levels as children, especially those born between 1951 and 1980. On average, lead cost those people 2.6 IQ points.
Childhood exposure to the metal causes a 70% increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.
“But it was largely overlooked, largely forgotten,” Lanphear said. “All of the focus was on lifestyle choices, which was convenient. Industry didn't have to do anything. Government didn't have to change regulations.”
Acute lead poisoning results in noticeable symptoms, including loss of appetite, constipation and stomach pain, fatigue and a blue tinge around the gums.
But lead poisoning now is nearly always chronic, low-level poisoning that may not show obvious symptoms. It can manifest later in behavioral challenges, lowered IQ and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Scientists in the second half of the 20th century started documenting links between low-level lead poisoning and lowered IQs. In the early 1970s, there were children with lead levels above 40 micrograms per deciliter who experienced convulsions and comas, Landrigan said. Some children died of lead poisoning at that time.
Before 1970, blood lead levels were considered elevated above 60 micrograms per deciliter. The surgeon general reduced that to 40 in 1970. The CDC reduced it to 30 in 1978; 25 in 1985; 10 in 1991; five in 2012; and 3.5 last year.
“So we were really breaking new ground when we tested those children around the El Paso smelter and the Kellogg, Idaho, smelter and determined that children with no obvious symptoms had reduced IQs and slow reflexes,” Landrigan said.
Lanphear said it was difficult for researchers to come to grips with the fact that they had all been exposed to dangerous levels of lead when they were children.
“So there was sort of this disbelief, and I think that happened almost at every level,” he said. “How could it be that in the 70s, virtually, by today's standards, all kids were lead poisoned?”
The Pascoes are vigilant about researching the products the family uses now. Their two-year-old daughter only uses toys and crayons that are lead-free and the family eats from glass dishes to avoid contact with lead that could leach into food from ceramic plates and bowls.
Lisa avoids wearing jewelry the toddler might put in her mouth and doesn’t visit older or recently renovated homes that could be lead hazards.
Other parents are often shocked when Pascoe tells them about her son’s lead poisoning.
“Some people probably think kind of like I did initially. Like, ‘Oh well, that will never happen to me,’” she said. “Well that happened to my son and we weren’t thinking it could happen to him at all.”
She warns other families, especially in older houses, to get a home lead assessment.
“I thought it was a thing of the past,” she said, “that lead poisoning had just been something I’d heard about in the 90s.”
Parents often blame themselves for their children’s lead poisoning, Lanphear said. And there are steps families can take to avoid lead and other contaminants: Adding landscaping to bare soil, dusting surfaces, avoiding plastic and canned foods. But he said it’s primarily up to federal health officials.
Once, Lanphear said, he was being interviewed for a book. The author asked him about his own family.
“He says, ‘You do this for a living, right?’ I said yes.
“‘You have kids.’
“Yes.
“‘Can you protect your own children?’
“Absolutely not.”
The Missouri Independent and the Midwest Newsroom are jointly exploring the issue of high levels of lead in the children in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
The Iowa Capital-Dispatch’s Jared Strong contributed to this report.
Do you have a question for us or a story to share? Email: akite@missouriindependent.com, nsavage@missouriindependent.com or shorton@missouriindependent.com.
Let's Talk
Join us April 19 at 7 p.m. CST for a conversation about The Missouri Independent and NPR Midwest Newsroom's investigation of elevated blood lead levels in children across the Midwest. Hear from the individuals featured in this story, and bring any questions you might have about the topic to the virtual event on The Missouri Independent Facebook page. | https://www.kcur.org/health/2022-04-11/known-to-be-toxic-for-a-century-lead-still-poisons-thousands-of-midwestern-kids | 2022-04-11T08:26:00Z | kcur.org | control | https://www.kcur.org/health/2022-04-11/known-to-be-toxic-for-a-century-lead-still-poisons-thousands-of-midwestern-kids | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
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To find out more about Kwakol, or set up a meeting during the iFX EXPO International, contact the team here. | https://www.forexlive.com/Education/kwakol-markets-comprehensive-tools-give-traders-an-edge-20220411/ | 2022-04-11T08:26:06Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/Education/kwakol-markets-comprehensive-tools-give-traders-an-edge-20220411/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
- Eurostoxx -0.5%
- Germany DAX -0.8%
- France CAC 40 -0.1%
- UK FTSE -0.3%
- Spain IBEX -0.3%
US futures are also marked lower, with S&P 500 futures down 0.6% at the moment. It's a sluggish start to the new week after the already poor showing last week for equities. This comes as the bond market rout is still playing out while global growth worries continue to linger as well. | https://www.forexlive.com/news/european-equities-down-at-the-open-20220411/ | 2022-04-11T08:26:19Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/news/european-equities-down-at-the-open-20220411/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The present global economic landscape represents a heady cocktail of uncertainties and volatility, which is enough to scare investors away from the capital markets. It is because of these uncertain trends that making a prudent investment decision to protect and grow one’s investments has become so burdensome.
However, in these testing times, investors can find shelter in some of the most trusted names in the consumer goods sector. Consumer goods products have brand recognition, an easy recall value, and are used by the general public in their everyday lives.
To that end, TipRanks brings to you three Analysts’ Top stocks in this sector that can be a solid choice for investors. Let’s have a look at them.
Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT)
Minneapolis, MN-based retail giant and department store chain operator Target has been an established player in the consumer goods sector for decades. As of 2021, the company operates 1,926 stores throughout the United States.
In terms of price performance so far this year, Target has outperformed its sector – the S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index. While Target is up 0.6%, the index is down a whopping 14.3% over the same period.
In its latest quarterly results, Target’s revenue and earnings witnessed impressive growth. While revenue was up 9.4% year-over-year to $31 billion, its earnings stood at $3.19 per share, up 19.2% from the same quarter last year. Analysts had expected the company to post earnings and revenue of $2.86 per share and $31.41 billion, respectively.
On April 8, Gordon Haskett Corporation analyst Charles Grom upgraded the stock to Buy from Hold and raised the price target from $255 to $300, which implies upside potential of 28.6% from current levels.
According to the analyst, Target’s prospects look strong. Grom is of the opinion that the company has the requisite wherewithal to tide through the current economic headwinds in the global economy.
Overall, the Street is cautiously optimistic about the stock and has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 15 Buys and six Holds. TGT’s average price target of $278.63 implies that the stock has upside potential of 19.4% from current levels. Shares have gained 13.8% over the past year.
Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII)
Established in 1954, Polaris is a Roseau, MN-based manufacturer of motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and neighborhood electric vehicles.
Although the stock has been a laggard so far this year, declining 5.2%, it performed better than the S&P 500 Index, which dropped over 6.4% in the same period.
The company’s latest quarterly results were also upbeat, as both revenue and earnings surpassed estimates. Revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, stood at $2.17 billion, up 1% year-over-year. Further, the figure surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.13 billion. Although EPS fell 35.3% from the year-ago period to $2.16, it comfortably surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.02 per share.
On April 8, Robert W. Baird analyst Craig Kennison reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a price target of $150, which implies upside potential of 43.5% from current levels.
According to the analyst, although the company remains impacted by supply chain problems and other economic headwinds, its valuation remains a source of comfort. Further, the analyst opines that its market-leading position and active buyback programs make it an attractive choice for investors in the long run.
Consensus among analysts is a Strong Buy based on six Buys and two Holds. Polaris’ average price target of $140.13 implies upside potential of 34% from current levels. Shares have declined 26.1% over the past year.
Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE: LEVI)
San Francisco, CA-based apparel major Levi Strauss has been catering to the lifestyle needs of customers since 1853. Presently, the company has roughly 2,800 company-operated stores worldwide.
The stock has declined almost 24% so far this year, much worse than the S&P 500’s decline of 6.4%. However, the fall can be attributed to wider market concerns that have burnt a hole in consumers’ pockets.
Meanwhile, Levi Strauss’ solid quarterly results lend credence to the fact that the company has strong fundamentals. LEVI reported quarterly net revenues of $1.6 billion, up 22% year-over-year. Further, the figure surpassed the consensus estimate of $1.54 billion. Its EPS for the quarter stood at $0.46, up 35.3% from the same quarter last year, topping the consensus estimate of $0.41 per share.
On April 7, UBS analyst Jay Sole reiterated a Buy rating on the stock. The analyst, however, lowered the price target from $37 to $34, which implies upside potential of 81% from current levels.
According to the analyst, even though the macroeconomic headwinds in the near future can hurt the company’s prospects in the short term, its brand value, market-leading position and global franchise give it a strong footing. Moreover, the stock is fairly valued at current levels.
Consensus among analysts is a Strong Buy based on 10 unanimous Buys. LEVI’s average price forecast of $30.90 implies upside potential of 64.5% from current levels. Shares have declined 29% over the past year.
Bottom Line
Considering the current volatile market trends, the aforementioned stocks may be a safe bet for investors who want to stay away from unnecessary risks.
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Read full Disclaimer & Disclosure | https://www.tipranks.com/news/article/3-consumer-stocks-on-top-analysts-radar/ | 2022-04-11T08:26:22Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/article/3-consumer-stocks-on-top-analysts-radar/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
This isn't so much so a surprise after the move to ban Russian coal. As mentioned here last week, coal may not be a major dent to Russia but it is a symbolic step by the EU towards acting on Russian energy. The biggest impediment remains Germany, who is also Europe's biggest economy, as they rely extremely heavily on oil and gas from Russia to run its economy.
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The one good thing about a market downturn? You get lots of opportunities to load up on shares at a discount entry point. And who doesn’t like a discount?
With the way the markets have performed so far this year, there are stocks in every segment which could potentially offer plenty of rewards.
CNBC’s Jim Cramer thinks there are several names in the retail sector which look particularly enticing right now, ones for which the term “beaten-down” readily applies. Some rallied nicely toward the end of last week, but following the severe market-wide pullback, Cramer notes that it will take “many more days” before multiple names approach “being expensive again.”
Taking a look at Cramer’s choices, we ran through the TipRanks database three stocks the Mad Money host thinks will make good additions to investors’ portfolios. This way we can gauge whether Wall Street’s cadre of experts agree with his selections. Let’s take a look at the results.
Bath & Body Works (BBWI)
Lots of stocks might be on sale right now but the same cannot be said of household goods. Prices are on the up, and macroeconomic worries around consumer spending amid rising inflation have investors feeling shaky in 2022. Shares of Bath & Body Works have suffered from this development and are down by 41% from the peak notched in November.
The company is the U.S.’s biggest specialty home fragrance & fragrant body care business, boasting more than 2,000 U.S. and international stores, a meaningful online presence and serving north of 50 million consumers. Last August, the company rebranded from L Brands to its current moniker and spun off its Victoria’s Secret business. Now, its three main revenue generating segments – home fragrance, body care & fragrances and soaps & sanitizers – helped the company deliver revenue of $7.882 billion in 2021 (for the period ending on Jan 31).
At the same time, the company raked in record sales in 4Q21, dialing in a set of results which beat Street expectations. Revenue increased by 11.4% year-over-year to reach $3.03 billion, just beating the Street’s $2.96 billion estimate. Non-GAAP EPS of $2.30 also beat Wall Street’s forecast – by $0.03.
However, the company’s forecast called for modest earnings declines for Q1 and for the full-year 2022, developments investors did not like, while CEO Andrew Meslow’s departure on health reasons further clouded the outlook.
That said, BMO’s Simeon Siegel agrees with Cramer’s assessment that the stock is ripe for the picking at present. The analyst writes: “We believe the challenging environment, a broad lack of investor appetite and expectations of this conservative guide have created extremely compelling long-term entry points and we suggest buying the recent weakness as we see upside to the reset numbers and long-term multiple re-rating.”
To this end, Siegel rates BBWI shares an Outperform (i.e. Buy), backed by an $83 price target. This makes room for one-year growth of ~80%. (To watch Siegel’s track record, click here)
Judging by the consensus breakdown, other analysts are in agreement. 12 Buys and 2 Holds add up to a Strong Buy consensus rating. In addition, the $78.93 average price target brings the upside potential to 71%. (See BBWI stock forecast on TipRanks)
Signet Jewelers (SIG)
For the next Cramer pick, let’s shift gears and move from fragrance to jewelry. Signet is nothing less than the largest diamond jewelry retailer in the world. Operating mostly in the middle market jewelry segment, the company also boasts leading market positions in Canada and the UK specialty jewelry sectors, while also claiming top spot in the mid-tier U.S. jewelry and watch market. This is a sizeable market worth over $90 billion of which Signet claims ~6% share and has set its sights on growing to ~10% over the next few years.
Once again, we are talking of a stock that has shed plenty of its value recently. Shares are down by 34% since November’s high as the same set of worries that has plagued others has driven the share price lower – inflation’s impact on discretionary spending and the prospect of a recession. Plus, Signet has already said it will no longer purchase gems from Russia – the world’s largest source of gems.
These are things to be concerned about but going by the company’s latest set of quarterly results and outlook, Signet appears to be coping just fine.
Non-GAAP EPS of $5.01 hit Street targets and revenue increased by 28.3% year-over-year to reach $2.81 billion, in turn beating the analysts’ $2.41 billion forecast. Even more promisingly, in today’s difficult environment, for 1Q23, the company expects total revenue to come in between $1.78 billion to $1.82 billion. Consensus had that figure at $1.74 billion.
That is an impressive feat, says Wells Fargo’s Ike Boruchow, who backs Cramer’s take too.
“With QTD remaining very strong (during a key selling period, Valentine’s Day) we believe it shows that a weakening low-end consumer doesn’t take the SIG bull case off the rails,” the analyst said. “In fact, SIG may be the first company in our space to guide 1Q numbers up. With a war chest of cash on the balance sheet and fundamental momentum, we view the story as one of the best in the space today and SIG remains a ‘Top Pick’ for us.”
Bearing this in mind, Boruchow rates SIG an Outperform (i.e. Buy) along with a $105 price target. Should this target be met, a twelve-month gain of ~50% could be in the cards. (To watch Boruchow’s track record, click here)
Looking at the consensus breakdown, analysts are split right down the middle when it comes to SIG. 2 Buys and 2 Sells add up to a Moderate Buy consensus rating. Additionally, the $109.25 average price target implies ~56% upside from current levels. (See SIG stock forecast on TipRanks)
Macy’s (M)
Smelling fragrant and looking sparkly, it’s time to head out to the department store, to fabled U.S. institution Macy’s. While the company cannot claim anymore to own the world’s largest department store, its flagship New York City spot is still the U.S’s biggest, boasting retail space of 1.25 million square feet. That store is just one of 725 department stores spread out across the U.S. which includes the Macy’s, Macy’s Backstage, Market by Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and bluemercury brands. Macy’s also has an international presence, with licensed stores in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and Al Zahra, Kuwait.
Department stores suffered badly during the height of the pandemic lock down period of 2020 but staged a big comeback last year. Macy’s fortunes aligned with the overall trend, and the improvement was evident in the company’ latest quarterly financial statement for 4Q21.
Revenue increased by ~28% from the same period last year to clock in at $8.67 billion coming in ahead of the Street’s call of $8.45 billion. There was a fine beat on the bottom-line as adj. EPS of $2.45 beat the $1.99 consensus estimate.
There was more good news on the outlook. Macy’s guided for 2022 revenue and EPS of $24.46-$24.70 billion and $4.13-$4.52, respectively, which at the mid-point came in 2% and 7% above Street expectations, respectively.
So, with shares having adhered to the trend, and down by 36% since November’s yearly high, you can see why Cramer thinks it is time to load up. However, Morgan Stanley’s Kimberly Greenberger begs to differ, and explains why she holds a bearish view on Macy’s prospects.
“At first blush the guidance suggests M’s performance could be relatively stable against last year’s strong consumer environment with 2022 revenue flat to up 1% y/y. However, management’s outlook implies outsized 1Q y/y revenue growth followed by revenue declines y/y in 2Q-4Q as the business laps peak consumer demand,” Greenberger explained. “M’s best financial performance may be in the rear-view mirror. As such, we remain cautious on L-T revenue & earnings growth potential.”
Accordingly, Greenberger rates Macy an Underweight (i.e. Sell) and her $20 price target suggests shares will drift 16% lower over the coming months. (To watch Greenberger’s track record, click here)
The Street’s outlook for M stock is a little confusing; on the one hand, based on 4 Holds and 3 Buys and Sells, each, the stock makes do with a Hold consensus rating. However, the average target is resolutely positive; at $31.22, the figure implies gains of 31% could be in store over the one-year timeframe. (See Macy’s stock forecast on TipRanks)
To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment. | https://www.tipranks.com/news/article/are-these-3-jim-cramers-stock-picks-a-buy-heres-what-analysts-think/ | 2022-04-11T08:26:27Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/article/are-these-3-jim-cramers-stock-picks-a-buy-heres-what-analysts-think/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) has divested its 25% stake in GEFCO S.A., an auto transport company based in Europe. The buyer in the transaction was CMA CGM Group, a Europe-based supplier of logistics and transport services.
The financial terms of the stake sale have not been disclosed by the parties involved in the transaction. Shares of Stellantis slipped 0.6% to close at $14.85 on Friday. However, the stock rebounded and gained 1% in the extended trading session to close at $15.
Stellantis is a specialist in designing and manufacturing automobiles, light commercial vehicles, transmission systems, production systems, and others products. It also provides rental, leasing, financing, and other services. The company is headquartered in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.
STLA was formed after a former French carmaker, Peugeot S.A., merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. in January 2021. The resultant company of this merger was named Stellantis N.V. in 2021.
Inside the Headlines
Stellantis’ CEO, Carlos Tavares, commented that the stake disposition in GEFCO was in line with its efforts to exit “the transportation and logistics industry.”
He added, “Moving forward, Stellantis now has an efficient global supply chain with diverse logistics suppliers, among which GEFCO continues to play a meaningful role.”
It is worth mentioning here that a 75% stake in GEFCO was sold to Russian Railways by Peugeot S.A. in 2012. Thereafter Stellantis acquired the remaining 25% interest in GEFCO as a result of the merger between Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler.
Presently, a 100% stake in GEFCO is owned by CMA CGM Group.
Analysts’ Take
Recently, Jose Asumendi, a J.P. Morgan analyst, reiterated a Buy rating on Stellantis with a price target of €21 or $22.84 (53.80% upside potential).
Also, two weeks ago, Tom Narayan of RBC Capital kept intact a Hold rating on the stock with a price target of €19 or $20.66 (39.15% upside potential).
Overall, the company has a Strong Buy consensus rating based on seven Buys and one Hold. Stellantis’ price forecast of $27.38 suggests 84.38% upside potential from current levels. Over the past year, shares of Stellantis have lost 16.5%.
Bloggers Sentiment
Per TipRanks data, the financial blogger opinions are 100% Bullish on STLA, as compared with the sector average of 68%.
Conclusion
Stellantis’ exit from its non-strategic business, GEFCO, will likely prove advantageous in the years ahead as the financial resources from this stake-sell will empower the company to strengthen its core and profitable businesses.
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Meta Platforms to Explore Alternative Revenue Sources | https://www.tipranks.com/news/stellantis-exits-non-strategic-business/ | 2022-04-11T08:26:28Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/stellantis-exits-non-strategic-business/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
- Domestic sight deposits CHF 666.5 bn vs CHF 664.1 bn prior
Prior week's release can be found here. A slight rise in overall sight deposits which could allude to the SNB doing some intervening in trying to keep the pressure away from EUR/CHF testing parity. | https://www.forexlive.com/news/snb-total-sight-deposits-we-8-april-chf-7394-bn-vs-chf-7372-bn-prior-20220411/ | 2022-04-11T08:26:31Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/news/snb-total-sight-deposits-we-8-april-chf-7394-bn-vs-chf-7372-bn-prior-20220411/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Tesla (TSLA) has teamed up with Block (SQ) and Blockstream on a Bitcoin mining project. In addition to making electric vehicles, Tesla also supplies systems for generating and storing solar energy.
The Jack Dorsey-led Block (formerly known as Square) and Blockstream, seek to demonstrate that Bitcoin can be mined with renewable energy. In June 2021, they announced that they would set up a solar-powered Bitcoin mining facility in the U.S. According to a Reuters report, Blockstream CEO Adam Black said that now they have tapped Tesla to build the solar power infrastructure for the facility. The facility will be based in Texas.
The rest of the Street is cautiously optimistic about the stock with a Moderate Buy consensus rating. That’s based on 15 Buys, five Holds, and six Sells. The average Tesla price target of $1,005.64 implies 1.9% downside potential from current levels. Shares have increased 46% over the past year.
Blogger Opinions
TipRanks data shows that financial blogger opinions are 77% Bullish on TSLA, compared to a sector average of 68%.
Key Takeaway for Investors
The project to mine Bitcoin with renewable energy could benefit Tesla in a number of ways. First, it promises to create demand for Tesla’s solar power products as similar projects are launched by other miners seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, mining with renewable energy could reduce Bitcoin’s adverse environmental impact and make it more attractive for Tesla to accept as a form of payment.
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ConAgra Brands Posts Upbeat Q3 Results | https://www.tipranks.com/news/tesla-enters-bitcoin-mining-venture/ | 2022-04-11T08:26:40Z | tipranks.com | control | https://www.tipranks.com/news/tesla-enters-bitcoin-mining-venture/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Top news and notes from around Northern Virginia and beyond.
5. Property tax rise
The recent rise in the value of used vehicles appears likely to lead to an unusual increase in most personal property tax bills for Prince William County residents, a levy that historically shrinks over time.
4. New equity officer
Nearly five months into her job heading up a new equity office for Prince William County Public Schools, Lucretia Brown says she’s almost ready to launch.
3. Warming up
A frost advisory remains in effect until 9 a.m., but then a warmup begins, with temperatures reaching the 70s by midweek. Click here for a detailed forecast by ZIP code.
2. Data centers and the economy
The data center industry provided $126 billion in capital investment and supported more than 28,000 jobs across Virginia in 2021, according to a new regional report.
1. Expansion plans
Rappahannock County’s largest private business – the renowned Inn at Little Washington – is working to translate its dazzling culinary success to a broadened hospitality and retail enterprise focused on what its ever-inventive leaders think of as “life-affirming experiences.”
InsideOut
The six local churches in the Great Falls Area Ministries once again will host a traditional Easter-morning sunrise service outdoors at the Great Falls Park Visitor Center on April 17 at 6:30 a.m. | https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/infive-car-values-famed-eatery-expanding-and-warming-up-today/article_f1528b50-b965-11ec-9342-b393596735ff.html | 2022-04-11T08:32:43Z | insidenova.com | control | https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/infive-car-values-famed-eatery-expanding-and-warming-up-today/article_f1528b50-b965-11ec-9342-b393596735ff.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Mumbai: Rakshit Shetty and Sangeetha Sringeri-starrer "777 Charlie" will be released in cinemas on June 10, the makers announced on Sunday.
The Kannada adventure comedy drama film is directed by Kiranraj K.
Produced by Shetty and G S Gupta under the banner of Paramvah Studios, '777 Charlie' also stars Raj B Shetty.
According to the official synopsis, the movie follows the 'endearing journey of a stray dog Charlie into the protagonist Dharama's life'.
"On this divine occasion of Rama Navami, we are elated to announce Dharma and Charlie's arrival. #777Charlie in cinemas from June 10th 2022," Shetty, known for the hit film "Kirik Party", tweeted.
The Malayalam version of "777 Charlie" will be presented by actor Prithviraj Sukumaran's banner Prithviraj Productions.
"Here is the 'reveal' you have been waiting for! Get ready to witness the concoction of love, laughter and friendship. #777Charlie in theatres from June 10th 2022," Sukumaran's production house tweeted.
Filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj's production banner Stone Bench Films will present the movie's Tamil version.
"777 Charlie" went on floors in 2018 and wrapped production last year. | https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/04/11/rakshit-shetty-777-Charlie-prithviraj-malayalam-cinema.amp.html | 2022-04-11T08:38:28Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/04/11/rakshit-shetty-777-Charlie-prithviraj-malayalam-cinema.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Chennai: Actress Aishwarya Rajesh on Sunday released the trailer of director Susienthiran's upcoming action thriller 'Kuttram Kuttrame', featuring actors Jai, Bharathiraja and Harish Uththaman in the lead.
Releasing the grim and gripping trailer, Aishwarya tweeted, "Happy to unveil the trailer of 'Kuttram Kuttrame'. Love the trailer, curious to watch the movie premiere on Kalaignar TV on April 14 at 10:30 am."
The film, which is to have a direct release on television, also features Divya Duraisamy, Smruthi Venkat and Arul Doss among others.
Produced by A K V Durai, the film has music by Ajesh and cinematography by Velraj.
Dialogues for the film have been penned by Baskar Sakthi and art direction is by Sekar B | https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/04/11/trailer-jai-action-thriller-kuttram-kuttrame-aishwarya-rajesh.amp.html | 2022-04-11T08:38:41Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/04/11/trailer-jai-action-thriller-kuttram-kuttrame-aishwarya-rajesh.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Chennai: Actress Aishwarya Rajesh on Sunday released the trailer of director Susienthiran's upcoming action thriller 'Kuttram Kuttrame', featuring actors Jai, Bharathiraja and Harish Uththaman in the lead.
Releasing the grim and gripping trailer, Aishwarya tweeted, "Happy to unveil the trailer of 'Kuttram Kuttrame'. Love the trailer, curious to watch the movie premiere on Kalaignar TV on April 14 at 10:30 am."
The film, which is to have a direct release on television, also features Divya Duraisamy, Smruthi Venkat and Arul Doss among others.
Produced by A K V Durai, the film has music by Ajesh and cinematography by Velraj.
Dialogues for the film have been penned by Baskar Sakthi and art direction is by Sekar B | https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/04/11/trailer-jai-action-thriller-kuttram-kuttrame-aishwarya-rajesh.html | 2022-04-11T08:38:47Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/04/11/trailer-jai-action-thriller-kuttram-kuttrame-aishwarya-rajesh.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has called for a collective of states "to fight, to resist" the central government and "create a truly federal India".
The DMK leader, who hailed Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as "one of the iron men of India" was speaking at the 23rd Party Congress of the CPM in Kannur.
He was addressing a seminar titled 'centre-state relations', which was marked by the presence of Congress leader KV Thomas, who had defied his party to participate.
Stalin accused the union government of decimating the powers of villages thus acting against the nation's constitution.
"The Union government has often breached the jurisdiction defined by the Indian Constitution and is encroaching on the powers of the states, intent on expanding its boundaries.
"I explicitly accuse the Union Government of having a tendency to concentrate powers with an intent to subjugate the states and local bodies, something that even the British didn’t undertake," said Stalin.
'Parliament devoid of debates'
"If our rulers in Delhi derive joy in subjugating and making the states crawl before them -- isn’t that treachery against the people?" asked Stalin.
"All acts are now legislated without any debate. Parliament is now devoid of any special, meaningful debates and there are no appropriate answers to any questions raised. The government in Delhi acts in a manner that is accountable to none.
"The Union BJP Government is now operating with impunity and thirst for power, to control even the co-operative societies in our villages.
"Given that they have a majority, they are executing every action with impunity. They think that all these acts can be implemented using the Office of Governor in each state."
'Unite for victory'
Stalin has called for the formation of a collective of states "to face and overcome these active efforts of disruption".
"We must form a collective of the chief ministers of South India, and then form a collective of chief ministers of all the states of India, separately.
"The Constitution of India needs to be amended to bestow more rights to the states. To make this happen, we must come together, united, looking beyond the boundaries of politics," said Stalin.
The Tamil Nadu leader said that victory was possible only if "like-minded political parties came together".
"That will ensure the sustenance of this country, the ideals of social justice, equality, and secularism.
"I hereby request every party to initiate action to ensure such a victory. Let us fight for state autonomy. Let us create a truly federal India. Red salute, comrades." | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/09/kv-thomas-mk-stalin-pinarayi-cpm-seminar-kannur.amp.html | 2022-04-11T08:40:31Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/09/kv-thomas-mk-stalin-pinarayi-cpm-seminar-kannur.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Kochi: The Crime Branch on Friday arrested cyber hacker Sai Sankar, 29, of Eroor Pishari Kovil, who allegedly helped actor Dileep to erase crucial data from his mobile phones in connection with the case involving conspiracy to finish off police officers probing the actress' sexual harassment and abduction case.
The accused was later released on bail by the Aluva First Class Judicial Magistrate.
Sai Sankar said that he had surrendered before the Crime Branch headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram while the police claimed that he was taken into custody from Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh.
According to the police, Sai Sankar erased the documents from Dileep's two mobile phones in an irretrievable manner with the connivance of the two lawyers representing the actor.
While speaking to the media outside the court, Sai Sankar also confirmed the police version.
He admitted to the media that he had deleted the documents contained in Dileep's phones and it included even court-related documents.
Meanwhile, the police filed an application in the magistrate court with a request for recording the secret statement of Sai Sankar.
Sai Sankar, who is accused in several extortion-cum- honey trap cases, is the seventh accused in the conspiracy case. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/09/sai-sankar-dileep-actor-assault-case.amp.html | 2022-04-11T08:40:44Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/09/sai-sankar-dileep-actor-assault-case.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Guruvayur: A hoax bomb threat spread panic at the renowned Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur on Saturday evening.
Just after 9 pm, the police control room in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram received a phone call that claimed that a bomb had been planted at the temple, located in Thrissur district of Kerala.
The police in Guruvayur immediately rushed to the temple and ordered pilgrims gathered there to vacate the premises. An inspection was soon carried out and it was found that the threat was a hoax.
Authorities also identified the caller. It was a person named Sajeevan Kozhiparambil, a resident of Nenmini in Guruvayur, they said. “A case was earlier registered against Sajeevan by the Thrissur West police for making a similar bomb threat over the phone regarding the District Collectorate,” said a police officer. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/bomb-threat-at-guruvayur-temple.html | 2022-04-11T08:41:15Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/bomb-threat-at-guruvayur-temple.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
CPM central committee member and former chairperson of the Kerala Women's Commission M C Josephine died here on Sunday. She was 74.
She had collapsed while attending the 23rd Party Congress in Kannur.
Josephine, who entered public life through student, youth and women organisations, became a CPM member in 1978, in the aftermath of the Emergency. Josephine herself had stated that she was appalled by the violence unleashed on communist workers during the Emergency.
Her rise was quick in the party. In 1984, she became a member of the CPM Ernakulam District Committee. In 1987 she was nominated to the State Committee. She has been a CPM central committee member since 2002.
However, it was as a powerful women's leader that Josephine had made her mark. Her organisational skills and ideological rigour are considered legendary within the party circles. Josephine was one of the leading inspirational figures that attracted a new generation of women leaders like T N Seema into the CPM. Her fiery speeches were a big draw, and hugely inspirational.
Josephine became the national vice president of Mahila Association in 1996. She is also the central committee member of Mahila Association.
It was her stern Marxist ideals that had perhaps made her align with former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan during the protracted intra-party power struggle that lasted nearly two-and-a-half decades. Though skilled at mobilising the cadre, especially women, Josephine had never tasted parliamentary success. Thrice she had been in the fray - twice for Assembly (Angamalay - 1987 and Mattancherry - 2011) and once to the Lok Sabha from Idukki (1989) - but had lost.
Nonetheless, she was Angamaly Municipality councillor for 13 years.
Her tenure as Women's Commission chairperson had also ended on a sour note after her haughty manner with a domestic complaint victim during a live television channel programme provoked widespread bitterness. She had no sympathisers within the party either.
In 2018, when a female DYFI member accused former CPM MLA PK Sasi of sexual abuse, Josephine sought to approach the crime as if it was something trivial.
"This is nothing new," she said. "We are all human beings, mistakes do happen," she added.
She also refused to take up the case saying the victim had not lodged a complaint with the Women's Commission.
This was when the National Commission for Women (NCW) had already taken cognisance of the case.
Josephine then went on to make the controversial remark that the CPM had its own system to handle such complaints.
Then, in January last year, Josephine provoked deep anger when she insisted that an 89-year-old, a victim of a physical assault, appear before the Commission.
The old lady, through an emissary, had informed the Commission that she was unable to travel.
Even while conceding that she was at fault, close women leaders in the CPM had said that her rough exterior had kept her sensitive side effectively masked.
It was also known, at least within CPM circles, that Josephine had never really overcome the death of her husband, the trade union leader Pallippattu P A Mathai who died in March 2020, also of a heart attack. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/cpm-leader-mc-josephine-dies.amp.html | 2022-04-11T08:41:33Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/cpm-leader-mc-josephine-dies.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury hailed Kerala's secular model and has urged other Indian states to emulate it.
"Kerala is the only state in the country where a person who comes will not be asked to identify himself based on his caste or religion," said Yechury addressing the closing ceremony of CPM's 23rd Party Congress in Kannur on Sunday.
"They'll be treated as human beings here.
"If that is possible in Kerala, why is it not possible in other parts of India?" Yechury asked.
The veteran communist leader said his party wants to put forth the Kerala model of secularism for the rest of the country.
Yechury said Kerala emphasises equality, respect and democracy and tackling people's issues. "We want to carry forth this pro-people alternative.... to tackle the Narendra Modi government that is looting our country and ruining the lives of our people." | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/cpm-party-congress-kannur-closing-ceremony-yechury-pinarayi-brinda-karat.html | 2022-04-11T08:41:52Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/cpm-party-congress-kannur-closing-ceremony-yechury-pinarayi-brinda-karat.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Kerala unit of the CPM has left the weighty issues of cobbling up a Left-Secular Front to isolate and defeat the BJP to its central unit. Pushing through SilverLine, tentatively estimated at Rs 64,000 crore, seems to be the Kerala CPM's sole political mission.
At the conclusion of the 23rd Party Congress, Sitaram Yechury who was elected as the general secretary for the third time enunciated the party's national plans. But the party's two biggest leaders in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, spend their time before the mike arguing for the SilverLine. The BJP's divisive politics, which had charged up other-state CPM leaders, Kerala leaders had no time for.
They were so engrossed in their semi high speed dreams that even the bold things that the LDF government had done, like passing the first ever Assembly resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act, was left to other comrades like Brinda Karat to articulate.
There was nothing new in what the Kerala leaders said about SilverLine but the manner in which they made their points, especially the chief minister, demonstrated a renewed vigour to go ahead with the project. There was speculation that the Party Congress would force some introspection in the Kerala unit about SilverLine. Even the Congress party's belief that K V Thomas would not take part in the CPM seminar could not have been more wrong.
“This Party Congress has given us the mandate to go ahead without any fear,” Pinarayi Vijayan said, concluding his presidential address. "Don't try to scare us with your cheap tricks," he added.
The chief minister pushed for the semi high speed rail by flaunting his report card. He listed the LDF government's achievements one by one. Widening of the national Highway. Laying of the GAIL Pipeline. Drawing of the Edamon-Kochi power highway.
After elaborating on an achievement, he would ask: “Was it wrong that we got it completed. Was it right that the previous UDF government did nothing about it.” He also spoke of the transformation of the general education and health sectors. And then he spoke of the waterway from Bekal to Kovalam and asked whether it was wrong for the LDF government to speed up its completion.
“Change is happening everywhere in this land. Is this wrong,” the chief minister asked.
K-Rail he said was part of this change. He said the UDF did not want the project to materialise during the LDF tenure. “They can have high speed rail but LDF cannot implement a semi high speed rail,” the chief minister said, trying to expose the hypocrisy of the UDF. His reference was to the high speed rail that was mooted during the previous UDF regime. However, the UDF leaders had clarified in the Assembly that the project was done after a feasibility study revealed that it was unsuited to Kerala.
The chief minister also expressed confidence that the Centre would grant its approval for the K-Rail project. He even subtly hinted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was confident of his administrative acumen. “During my meeting with the prime minister, I told him about an AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) in Kerala. He said many states that had been sanctioned an AIIMS had not completed it. I then told him to grant Kerala one and see for himself. He then told me he knew we would get it done,” Vijayan said.
Kodiyeri Balakrishnan attempted to portray the opposition to the K-Rail project as an attack on the public sector. “They are trying to block a project coming in the public sector. They would not have had a problem had this project been implemented by the Tatas or Ambanis.” the state secretary said.
Both the leaders, as has become the habit for the CPM, reserved their harshest criticism for the media, which they blamed for taking sides and scuttling development. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/defeating-bjp-can-wait-running-semi-high-speed-rail-cpm-concern.amp.html | 2022-04-11T08:41:58Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/defeating-bjp-can-wait-running-semi-high-speed-rail-cpm-concern.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Kerala unit of the CPM has left the weighty issues of cobbling up a Left-Secular Front to isolate and defeat the BJP to its central unit. Pushing through SilverLine, tentatively estimated at Rs 64,000 crore, seems to be the Kerala CPM's sole political mission.
At the conclusion of the 23rd Party Congress, Sitaram Yechury who was elected as the general secretary for the third time enunciated the party's national plans. But the party's two biggest leaders in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, spend their time before the mike arguing for the SilverLine. The BJP's divisive politics, which had charged up other-state CPM leaders, Kerala leaders had no time for.
They were so engrossed in their semi high speed dreams that even the bold things that the LDF government had done, like passing the first ever Assembly resolution against the Citizenship Amendment Act, was left to other comrades like Brinda Karat to articulate.
There was nothing new in what the Kerala leaders said about SilverLine but the manner in which they made their points, especially the chief minister, demonstrated a renewed vigour to go ahead with the project. There was speculation that the Party Congress would force some introspection in the Kerala unit about SilverLine. Even the Congress party's belief that K V Thomas would not take part in the CPM seminar could not have been more wrong.
“This Party Congress has given us the mandate to go ahead without any fear,” Pinarayi Vijayan said, concluding his presidential address. "Don't try to scare us with your cheap tricks," he added.
The chief minister pushed for the semi high speed rail by flaunting his report card. He listed the LDF government's achievements one by one. Widening of the national Highway. Laying of the GAIL Pipeline. Drawing of the Edamon-Kochi power highway.
After elaborating on an achievement, he would ask: “Was it wrong that we got it completed. Was it right that the previous UDF government did nothing about it.” He also spoke of the transformation of the general education and health sectors. And then he spoke of the waterway from Bekal to Kovalam and asked whether it was wrong for the LDF government to speed up its completion.
“Change is happening everywhere in this land. Is this wrong,” the chief minister asked.
K-Rail he said was part of this change. He said the UDF did not want the project to materialise during the LDF tenure. “They can have high speed rail but LDF cannot implement a semi high speed rail,” the chief minister said, trying to expose the hypocrisy of the UDF. His reference was to the high speed rail that was mooted during the previous UDF regime. However, the UDF leaders had clarified in the Assembly that the project was done after a feasibility study revealed that it was unsuited to Kerala.
The chief minister also expressed confidence that the Centre would grant its approval for the K-Rail project. He even subtly hinted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was confident of his administrative acumen. “During my meeting with the prime minister, I told him about an AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) in Kerala. He said many states that had been sanctioned an AIIMS had not completed it. I then told him to grant Kerala one and see for himself. He then told me he knew we would get it done,” Vijayan said.
Kodiyeri Balakrishnan attempted to portray the opposition to the K-Rail project as an attack on the public sector. “They are trying to block a project coming in the public sector. They would not have had a problem had this project been implemented by the Tatas or Ambanis.” the state secretary said.
Both the leaders, as has become the habit for the CPM, reserved their harshest criticism for the media, which they blamed for taking sides and scuttling development. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/defeating-bjp-can-wait-running-semi-high-speed-rail-cpm-concern.html | 2022-04-11T08:42:04Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/defeating-bjp-can-wait-running-semi-high-speed-rail-cpm-concern.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Thiruvananthapuram: Drunk drivers beware! The Kerala Police has resumed vehicle checks at night to identify drunk drivers. Such checks had been stopped in March 2020 following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the state government withdrawing all COVID-related restrictions last week, the Director-General of Police (DGP) issued instructions to district police chiefs to resume regular vehicle checking from the night of Saturday, April 9.
As per the order, the police will no longer carry out inspections to ensure compliance of COVID-19 rules by the public. In short, officials will not penalise people who fail to wear masks. Instead, drivers would be subjected to checks with breath analyzers or asked to blow from their mouth to detect whether they are drunk.
A breathalyzer or breathalyser is a device for estimating blood alcohol content (BAC) or to detect viruses or diseases from a breath sample. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/kerala-police-ramps-up-night-checks.amp.html | 2022-04-11T08:42:29Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/kerala-police-ramps-up-night-checks.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Thiruvananthapuram: Drunk drivers beware! The Kerala Police has resumed vehicle checks at night to identify drunk drivers. Such checks had been stopped in March 2020 following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the state government withdrawing all COVID-related restrictions last week, the Director-General of Police (DGP) issued instructions to district police chiefs to resume regular vehicle checking from the night of Saturday, April 9.
As per the order, the police will no longer carry out inspections to ensure compliance of COVID-19 rules by the public. In short, officials will not penalise people who fail to wear masks. Instead, drivers would be subjected to checks with breath analyzers or asked to blow from their mouth to detect whether they are drunk.
A breathalyzer or breathalyser is a device for estimating blood alcohol content (BAC) or to detect viruses or diseases from a breath sample. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/kerala-police-ramps-up-night-checks.html | 2022-04-11T08:42:35Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/kerala-police-ramps-up-night-checks.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Finally, K V Thomas spoke at a seminar organised by the CPM as part of its ongoing Party Congress in Kannur on Saturday. Thomas made his trip to Kannur after creating a flutter. The Congress had barred the veteran, along with its other leaders, from attending the event citing the opposition's differences of opinion with the CPM, especially on the SilverLine project.
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee was derided by many for its gag order, ignoring the larger political picture in the country. It was accused of being petty, undemocratic and supportive of the BJP government at the Centre by those in the Left spectrum.
Nevertheless, Thomas, whose ouster from the party looks imminent and entry into the Left fold a probability, has just proven his party's attempt to thwart his Kannur trip was right.
The former Union minister attended the CPM event ignoring his party diktat, making lofty claims about being part of a secular coalition to fight the anti-federal policies of the BJP regime. He reiterated he was attending the seminar as a Congressman and was hence voicing his party's position at a national event.
However, finally, when it was time to speak, he sounded like an ardent Pinarayi Vijayan backer -- and an amateur one at it.
With his brazen silence, the 75-year-old professor-turned-politician endorsed the criticism the CPM threw showered at his own party and its leaders. He proved the Congress right from the beginning as he patiently sat through CPM Kannur district secretary M V Jayarajan's welcome speech, in which the latter described KPCC president K Sudhakaran as someone even "Congressmen abhor".
“The ban on the Congress leaders from attending such events of national importance is a disaster caused by the appointment of someone even the Congressmen hate as the party's state president,” Jayarajan's contempt of Sudhakaran was not at all concealed.
Neither while hearing it nor while speaking later did Thomas bother to point out the undemocratic overtones in Jayarajan's choice of words.
Instead, as expected, Thomas gave a lecture to his own partymen about how it used to be more democratic in its approach to the Left in the past. He struck the right chord with Kannur when he referred to the respect Pandit Nehru had for Communist stalwart A K Gopalan.
He praised former LDF Chief Minister E K Nayanar's generosity in having his predecessor K Karunakaran inaugurate the Cochin International Airport along with him.
He wanted to cite it as a fine example of Kerala's political bonhomie when it comes to the cause of development. However, he conveniently forgot how the first Pinarayi Vijayan government had sidelined Oommen Chandy at the inauguration of the Kochi Metro even though most of the works on the mega project were done during the Congress leader's tenure as CM. The Karunakaran-Nayanar bonhomie is history in the fast-moving wheel of politics, while Vijayan's Chandy snub happened just five years ago.
In projecting himself as a pro-development politician, Thomas evidently lost the lofty narrative he had set around his attending the event and sounded too partisan.
He hailed Vijayan as one of the best chief ministers of the state. To support his claim, he pointed out the CM's willpower in implementing the GAIL project. Again, he was silent on the CPM's protests against the project, when the Congress tried to complete it.
Then came Thomas' open support to the Pinarayi government's ambitious yet controversial SilverLine project. “I'm being blamed for supporting the K-Rail project. What else should I do,” he asked amid applauds from the crowd of comrades. His argument was that it is wrong to oppose a project just because Pinarayi Vijayan is behind it. Thomas feigned ignorance about the Congress' criticism against the project on the grounds of environmental impact and economic burden, which a wide range of experts support.
These praises were evidently meant for the CPM rank and file on the dais and in the audience.
From his speech, it is evident that Thomas wanted the CPM stage only to proclaim his political plans after being sidelined in his own party ever since the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, when he was denied a ticket to contest for another term.
He has been sulking for some time and the Congress had paid scant regard to it. The only time the party tried to placate him was when it appointed him a KPCC working president for a brief period ahead of the assembly polls last year.
Now with his Kannur show, the crux of which was political betrayal, he has set the stage for his exit.
In this easily predictable political script, his next role is most likely to be that of a 'victim (of Congress)) for saying the truth'. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/kv-thomas-silverline-cpm-party-congress-political-intentions-clear.amp.html | 2022-04-11T08:42:41Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/kv-thomas-silverline-cpm-party-congress-political-intentions-clear.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Thiruvananthapuram: Well-known quiz master Dr Abraham Joseph passed away following a heart attack at a private hospital in the state capital on Saturday. He was 60 years old.
Joseph was the professor and head of the English Department at Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram. He retired in 2018.
Joseph’s body will be brought to his residence at Ulloor in the capital by 4pm on Sunday and funeral will take place in the cemetery at Mar Ivanios Vidya Nagar at 10.30 am on Monday.
He was a member of the Vaidyan Veedu family in Chengannur. He was the son of late Abraham Joseph, former Children's Encyclopedia director, and Susan Joseph, former Principal of Mar Theophilus Training College .
He has conducted several quiz programmes at the national and state level. He was the quiz master of Malayala Manorama's 'Ente Malayalam' competition.
He is survived by wife Nisha Achi Thomas (Teacher as St Mary's Higher Secondary School, Pattom) and three children.
Children: Dr Indu Susan Abraham (Gynaecologist, Idukki GOvernment Medical College), Thara Susan Abraham (student), Megha Mary Abraham (student)
Son-in-law: Dr Bijoy V Alias (Cardiology Department Doctorate of Medicine Student, Kottayam Medical College) | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/noted-quiz-master--professor-abraham-joseph-passes-away.html | 2022-04-11T08:43:07Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/noted-quiz-master--professor-abraham-joseph-passes-away.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Kozhikode: The chief minister and two ministers had approved the purchase of Personal Protect Equipment (PPE) kits at price three times higher than the market rate through Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited (KMSCL), it was revealed.
The procurement, made during the first COVID-19 wave, had run into a controversy, with fingers pointing at the then-health minister K K Shailaja.
A response from the health department to an application filed under the Right to Information Act by Advocate C R Pranakumar revealed that Shailaja approved the file after the secretaries of the health and finance departments and the chief secretary had cleared it.
The purchase of PPEs for Rs 73.96 crore was later sanctioned by the then finance minister T M Thomas Isaac and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan with retrospective effect.
The government defended the purchase even as it snowballed into a controversy. Replying to the Opposition charges against Shailaja in the State Assembly, the chief minister defended the decision, terming it "unusual measures during unusual times."
Shailaja had earlier clarified that the PPEs were procured with the knowledge of the chief minister.
The KMSCL had procured PPE kits and N95 masks from various companies since the beginning of 2020. However, following the decision by a committee formed to address the medical emergency in the State, Kerala purchased PPEs and other equipment worth Rs 73.96 crore between March 24 and April 4.
The KMSCL forwarded the relevant file to the health department for high-level sanction on April 14. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/pinarayi-shailaja-issac-ppe-kit-controversy-kerala.html | 2022-04-11T08:43:27Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/pinarayi-shailaja-issac-ppe-kit-controversy-kerala.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Six men were arrested for raping a 17-year-old woman for nearly a year at Thodupuzha.
The incident came to light when the young woman complained of stomach pain and was found to be five months pregnant.
The hospital authorities informed the childline and the Thodupuzha Police who tracked down six men who allegedly raped the young woman at various places.
The survivor was living with her sick mother after her father abandoned them.
A man called Baby, who knew her situation, introduced her to Thodupuzha-native Thankachan, promising her a job. Thankachan raped her.
Later, Koodikkulam-native Chacko, Binu from Edavetty, Sajeev of Vellaramkunnu, Ramapuram-native Thankachan and Perinthalmanna-native Johnson are also accused of raping the young woman.
They have been arrested under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act.
The Thodupuzha Police suspect the involvement of more men and are probing the case. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/pocso-case-against-six-arrested.amp.html | 2022-04-11T08:43:29Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/pocso-case-against-six-arrested.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Six men were arrested for raping a 17-year-old woman for nearly a year at Thodupuzha.
The incident came to light when the young woman complained of stomach pain and was found to be five months pregnant.
The hospital authorities informed the childline and the Thodupuzha Police who tracked down six men who allegedly raped the young woman at various places.
The survivor was living with her sick mother after her father abandoned them.
A man called Baby, who knew her situation, introduced her to Thodupuzha-native Thankachan, promising her a job. Thankachan raped her.
Later, Koodikkulam-native Chacko, Binu from Edavetty, Sajeev of Vellaramkunnu, Ramapuram-native Thankachan and Perinthalmanna-native Johnson are also accused of raping the young woman.
They have been arrested under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act.
The Thodupuzha Police suspect the involvement of more men and are probing the case. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/pocso-case-against-six-arrested.html | 2022-04-11T08:43:35Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/pocso-case-against-six-arrested.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is likely to witness isolated cases of heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and thunderstorm till April 14, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The national weather agency has issued a yellow alert for Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts on April 13 (Wednesday), and for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts on April 14 (Thursday).
There are also chances of high-speed winds across the state.
On Friday, heavy rainfall was reported from various places across the state. The rainfall was highest in Kottayam (8.16 cm) followed by Alappuzha (6.20 cm), Karipur (5.72 cm) and Kochi (4.24 cm). | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/rain-thunderstorm-kerala-update.amp.html | 2022-04-11T08:43:41Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/rain-thunderstorm-kerala-update.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Kannur: The 85-member new Central Committee that was elected at the 23rd Party Congress has chosen Sitaram Yechury as the CPM general secretary. Yechury is taking over the reins of the party for the third consecutive term. Yechury was first elected at the CPM Party Congress held in Visakhapatanam, Andhra Pradesh, in 2015.
The 85-member new Central Committee has 15 women and 17 new faces of which four (P Rajeev, K N Balagopal, P Sathidevi and C S Sujatha) are from Kerala. The 17-member politburo has three new entrants.
CS Sujatha, P, Sathidevi, P Rajeev and K N Balagopal are among the Keralite comrades who have made it to the Central Committee (CC) of the CPM for the first time. Another Keralite, A Vijayaraghavan has been made a member of the Politburo. The elections to these apex bodies were held at the ongoing 23rd Party Congress which is set to conclude in Kannur on Sunday evening.
In a first, the CPM brought in a Dalit to the Politburo. Ramachandra Dom, a Bengali comrade, thus made history.
The Central Committee is the apex decision-making body of the left party. The Politburo on the other hand is empowered with making day-to-day political decisions, which must later be ratified by the Central Committee.
Rajeev and Balagopal are currently ministers in the LDF Government in Kerala.
(To be updated) | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/vijayaraghavan-set-for-elevation-to-politburo.html | 2022-04-11T08:44:07Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/vijayaraghavan-set-for-elevation-to-politburo.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Thrissur: A 38-year-old who killed his parents after a trivial squabble surrendered before the police in the wee hours of Monday.
Anish had fled soon after killing his parents on Sunday. He had owned up to the murder to the police in a telephone call.
As a manhunt was on, Anish gave himself up and arrived at the office of the Commissioner of Police, Thrissur at about 4 am on Monday.
His arrest was registered at the Thrissur East police station where he was taken.
Subramanian and his wife Chandrika were killed on Sunday morning by Anish after a quarrel over planting a mango sapling. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/youth-hacks-parents-to-death-in-kerala-thrissur.html | 2022-04-11T08:44:15Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/10/youth-hacks-parents-to-death-in-kerala-thrissur.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
London: Aravindan Balakrishnan, 81, hailing from Mayyanad in Kollam district, better known as "Comrade Bala", died in London while undergoing imprisonment at Dartmoor Jail.
He was undergoing a jail sentence for committing extreme torture on many women, including his daughter, for years together.
Once the London court found him guilty in 2016 for six counts of indecent assault, four counts of rape and two counts of actual bodily harm, he was sentenced to death for a period of 23 years.
Aravindan left Kerala at the age of 8 years for Singapore where his father was working in the British Army.
After completing his graduation in Singapore, he migrated to Britain. He then took a degree from the London School of Economics. It is there that he met Chanda, whom he married in 1969 at about the time he began his collective.
Aravindan later formed a secret Maoist Commune at the Workers' Institute of Marxism–Leninism–Mao Zedong Thought in London.. Soon, he began a campaign that the British Government was a fascist set-up and his attempt was to overthrow it.
He first enrolled Malaysian-origin nurses in his organisation. Many got attracted to his leadership. But Comrade Bala assiduously made his followers slaves and tortured them continuously for years. He managed to do this by making his followers believe that he had transcendental powers.
But to the astonishment of all, his daughter Kyatti Morgan Davis, who managed to escape from his slavery camp after 30 years, narrated to the outside world the cruelties of her father. After being subjected to such cruelty, she was literally in a state of devastation when she revealed everything to the world.
The daughter described her situation in court as "horrible, dehumanising and degrading".
Sentencing Balakrishnan in January 2016, the judge said: "You decided to treat her as a project, not a person. You claimed to do it for her to protect her from the outside world, but you created a cruel environment."
Kyatti's mother was Siyan Davis. Comrade Bala had another wife named Chanda.
Scotland Yard raided the couple's flat in Brixton, south London, in November 2013 after two followers had called the Palm Cove Society charity seeking help.
Balakrishnan had denied charges of rape and told the jury that he was the focus of competition between jealous women who made sexual advances at him.
The sentencing followed a lengthy investigation into a case which Scotland Yard detectives described as completely unique.
Detective chief superintendent Tom Manson, from the Metropolitan Police's Organised Crime Command, said at the time: "It seems extraordinary that Balakrishnan could command such control over so many people, however all of the victims have told us in great detail that they very much believed his claims of power and greatness and the threats he made to them. They all described feelings of fear and being totally controlled him.
"All of the women have faced huge challenges in adapting to day-to-day life since they left Balakrishnan's control but with the support of a number of charities and professionals are making exceptional progress and their bravery deserves recognition and praise, he added.
Comrade Bala, who was an ardent fan of Mao and Pol Pot, used to tell his followers that they should celebrate the news of the death of any anti-Communist. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/11/comrade-bala-aravindan-balakrishnan-dies-london-jail.amp.html | 2022-04-11T08:44:21Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/11/comrade-bala-aravindan-balakrishnan-dies-london-jail.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Thiruvananthapuram: A mahout was trampled to death by an elephant that ran amok on Monday at Mukkukada near Navayikkulam in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district.
Unni, a native of Vellannoor, was killed by the elephant which was brought to carry timber from a private property in the area.
Unni was one of the two mahouts of the elephant. Attempts to tame the elephant were on.
A large number of police personnel have arrived at the spot.
(To be updated) | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/11/elephant-tramples-mahout-to-death-in-thiruvananthapuram.html | 2022-04-11T08:44:48Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/11/elephant-tramples-mahout-to-death-in-thiruvananthapuram.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is likely to witness isolated cases of heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and thunderstorm till April 14, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
Isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Kerala on April 11, 13 and 14.
The national weather agency has issued a yellow alert for Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts on April 13 (Wednesday), and for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts on April 14 (Thursday). There is no yellow alert issued for Monday and Tuesday.
There are also chances of high-speed winds across the state.
Under the influence of trough over south Peninsular India in lower tropospheric levels and a cyclonic circulation over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of north Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu in lower and middle tropospheric levels, the IMD release said.
Light fairly widespread or widespread rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm and lightning is very likely over Kerala-Mahe during next 5 days. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/11/rain-thunderstorm-yellow-alert-kerala.html | 2022-04-11T08:45:27Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/11/rain-thunderstorm-yellow-alert-kerala.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Kochi: Three members of a family committed suicide at Vennala in Ernakulam last night. A suicide note found at the house revealed they resorted to suicide owing to financial troubles.
Girija, her daughter Rajitha and Rajitha's husband Prashant are the dead.
Their bodies were found on Monday morning by children.
Girija and her son-in-law were found hanging. Rajitha apparently consumed poison.
The children of Rajitha and Prashant alerted the neighbours as soon as they found the bodies.
The orphaned children are aged 12 and 5 years respectively.
Their father Prashant ran a flour mill. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/11/three-of-family-found-dead-in-vennala.html | 2022-04-11T08:45:52Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/04/11/three-of-family-found-dead-in-vennala.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Douglas Ross: Voting Tory is ‘best shot’ at securing UK government cash
Voters are being told that backing the Tories in next month’s local government elections will give parts of Scotland the “best shot” at winning extra funding from the UK Government.
The Scottish Conservatives said its councillors would “put in every possible bid” for cash from the UK Government Levelling Up and Community Renewal funds.
SNP ministers have raised concerns that by spending money directly in Scotland, Westminster is seeking to undermine devolution.
But Scottish Tory leader, Douglas Ross, said: “More direct UK Government investment in Scotland can only be a good thing.
“The SNP can shout about power grabs all they like but what’s really important is the money reaches Scotland’s communities, not which Government is spending it.”
A total of £190 million of cash has gone to Scotland from the funds, the Tories said, with £172 million coming from bids made under the Levelling Up scheme and £18 million from the Community Renewal Fund.
The £190 million-plus of UK Government investment comprises £172 million for successful Levelling Up Fund bids, £18 million for successful Community Renewal Fund bids, with areas including Aberdeen, Falkirk, and Dumfries all having benefits.
SNP MP, Mhairi Black, however, urged Scots to vote for her party to elect “SNP councillors who will work tirelessly for communities, and to cast a verdict on Tory Government’s dire record and blatant power grab move”.
Ms Black said: “Beyond the Tory smoke and mirrors, the reality is that there is a litany of figures amounting to a staggering £5.46 billion exposing how Tory Westminster governments have form on short-changing Scotland.
“When it comes to Levelling Up funding, Boris Johnson and Michael Gove led a Brexit campaign that promised £1.5 billion a year for Scottish devolved services when the UK left the EU.
“Instead all we have heard announced is £172 million. To put that in context, for every £1 they promised they’ve given 11 pence – Scotland has been short-changed by 89%.”
She added: “This Westminster Tory Government has presided over a series of power grabs and attacks on devolution – seeking to bypass the devolved Governments and dictate spending over devolved areas.
“And it’s clear that rather than standing up for Scotland’s communities and interests, the Scottish Tories are more interested in falling into line behind their Westminster bosses and selling out Scotland.” | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/douglas-ross-voting-tory-is-best-shot-at-securing-uk-government-cash-3648561 | 2022-04-11T09:00:38Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/douglas-ross-voting-tory-is-best-shot-at-securing-uk-government-cash-3648561 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Council will be key to recovery for businesses - Liz McAreavey
A perfect storm of adverse conditions continues to challenge many businesses in Edinburgh keen to regain the ground they lost during the pandemic.
They equally face the important but mystifying quest for net zero, as Edinburgh seeks to move to the city’s shared vision for a greener, fairer future.
While Edinburgh’s business community has shown enormous resilience and innovation throughout the past two difficult years, the speed and quality of our economic recovery is going to depend to a considerable extent on the national and local policy environment.
That is why when the people of Edinburgh take to the polls on May 5 th to elect councillors responsible for our city’s administration, the business community will be watching with keener interest than ever.
And it is also why Edinburgh Chamber and Essential Edinburgh, our Business Improvement District partner are co-hosting a business hustings event which is being chaired by Euan McGrory, editor of the Edinburgh Evening News, this week at the George Hotel.
The event will give representatives of the five major parties the opportunity to speak directly to the city’s businesses and answer questions posed from them.
Following from the Prospectus for Growth we published last year as a result of engagement with the Edinburgh Business Resilience Group, many themes are likely to be of continued importance:
Edinburgh Chamber has led calls to reset the relationship between local and national Government and the business community, making the economy a major priority through, for example creating an economy committee, appointing a Business Champion and through increased collaborative working
Create a more encouraging and positive policy environment – for example through improving pre-planning processes and simply making it easier and more affordable to do business in Edinburgh.
Take an innovative approach to business taxation models, moving to fairer and more transactional models
Greater collaboration on skills building to tackle shortages – in particular as we move to higher skilled, higher paid models we need to build on our already well-educated local workforce to ensure we are meeting the demands for skills that are needed today and in our green and digital future.
Considerable policy support also needs to be established to help businesses in moving to greater sustainability through a just economic transition. This will need to include engaging with the SMEs who make up 99% of our business population and employ around 50% of our private sector workforce, supporting knowledge sharing, training and empowering the workforce to drive growth and productivity.
The recently published Scottish Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation, setting out its priorities for the decade ahead, contains more than 70 actions across five key priority programmes that have been identified as having the greatest potential to create a fairer and more sustainable economy.
And it was encouraging to note that the governance structure to be created to ensure delivery will be co-led by business and will have immediate Ministerial access. A clear sign that Government has been listening to the view of the private sector, that the relationship between business and Government – local and national – needs to be reset.
The Capital’s economic recovery will depend on how we can navigate the challenges we face, and it is all going to happen over the course of the next council administration’s watch.
It is critical that we not only ensure the voice of our membership and the wider business community is heard and acknowledged, but also that candidates make commitments and are held to account.
With trust in politicians at an all-time low, now is the time for our locally elected members to step up and truly listen and collaborate. Without the success of Edinburgh, Scotland will make little progress towards its National Strategy. We need to hear the ideas, the passion and the ‘how’ we will secure a prosperous, but also fair and green economy.
Liz McAreavey, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/council-will-be-key-to-recovery-for-businesses-liz-mcareavey-3642735 | 2022-04-11T09:01:18Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/council-will-be-key-to-recovery-for-businesses-liz-mcareavey-3642735 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Hibs verdict: Summer rebuild a nice idea but current team needs to put in complete performance at Hampden
In the end, it came down to a penalty call at Pittodrie. Had that spot-kick for Ross County not been awarded, or Aberdeen had equalised, the combination of results would have seen Hibs sneak into the top six.
Equally you could look at Elias Melkersen’s late chance against Dundee United last weekend, or any of the other opportunities the side has passed up since the start of the season.
As both captain Paul Hanlon and manager Shaun Maloney suggested in the aftermath of the derby defeat by Hearts, a top-six berth should have been tied up well in advance of the trip to Tynecastle.
"For a club this size and with the players we’ve got, we should be in the top six,” the skipper admits. “It should have been secured before the derby but it came down to this game and we produced a second-half performance that was nowhere near good enough.”
But clubs cannot rely on events elsewhere. It could be argued that Hibs, on balance, haven’t been consistently good enough for the top six this season.
In the Gorgie sun we saw the best and the worst of Hibs under Maloney. A goal after five minutes and relentless hassling and pressing by Hibs in the first 30 minutes gave hope to the 3,000 away fans in the Roseburn Stand.
Maloney afterwards questioned the mentality and footballing ability of his side after a meek second-half performance in which they failed to lay a glove on Hearts. Hibs could have played out of their skins and still lost 3-1. The fact they didn’t is the biggest concern.
The Easter Road boss doesn’t often go after his players but he did in the depths of the Tynecastle main stand on Saturday afternoon. He bemoaned the traits he has been trying to eradicate since his arrival that crept back into the performance in EH11.
Maloney also referenced the young age of the team and suggested that he could make changes for next weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final.
Despite Hanlon’s long association with the club, and his status as club captain, boyhood supporter, and scorer of a late equaliser at the home of Hibs’ rivals en route to lifting the Scottish Cup after 114 long years in 20126, the Easter Road skipper isn’t often one for extremes when it comes to emotions.
Yet his anger after Saturday’s defeat was palpable.
"I don’t think it’s about picking the players up after that. I want them to really feel the disappointment so we can avoid feeling it again,” he says quietly.
The Easter Road squad will be back in at training today after having Sunday to mull over Saturday’s unpleasantness. One suspects the video analysis sessions will be grim viewing for some.
With the world-weary sigh of a player who has been here far, far too often before, Hanlon adds: "We’ll feel sore for a few days but then it will be a case of picking back up and refocusing for a massive game.”
And Saturday’s game is massive for Hibs, for several reasons. Pride, obviously: neither side wants to lose to their rivals in any game, never mind at the national stadium in the last four of a cup, but there is also the financial boost of reaching the final.
Finishing in the bottom six and missing out on Europe – unless they win the Scottish Cup – will mean less money for next season.
There’s also the elephant in the room, the one with ‘season tickets’ scrawled in large green and white letters on its side. The manner of Saturday’s defeat could have a worrying effect on those considering committing to the club for the upcoming campaign.
Reversing the result at Hampden could at least help overturn that but there must be a fear that at least some damage has already been done to an increasingly apathetic fanbase.
Hibs have been working hard on fostering good relations with the supporters and helping transform the club on and off the park but uninspiring results and unacceptable performances will have taken their toll on some followers.
It is hard to properly judge Maloney on 15 league games with half a team out injured for much of that time. There have been fleeting signs of positivity, although not enough.
Maloney will be given time to bring in his own players who are capable of playing the style of football he wants. The club hierarchy identified him as the perfect fit for a forward-thinking club with an eye to finishing regularly in the top three or four, playing European football, and reaching the latter stages of both domestic cup competitions.
Reading between the lines of his comments in recent weeks, there could be a significant turnover in players during the summer. It could be ruthless. Perhaps that is what the team needs.
He knows what type of players he wants to sign and in what positions. He respects the traditions and history of the club but there will be little room for sentiment when it comes to improving the product on the pitch.
For now, though, he has to work with the players he has available. He has to pick them up ahead of next weekend and coax the best out of every single player who will set foot on the pitch at the national stadium. He must inspire them to put together a complete performance; three lots of the first half-hour at Tynecastle, if you like.
The frustrating aspect was that, for an all-too-brief period on Saturday, we saw what Hibs could be like under Maloney. Hearts didn’t like it one bit and judging by the noise from the home stands, neither did their fans. If Hibs can do it for 30 minutes, why not the full 90?
Hanlon talked about Hibs not yet putting in a complete performance under Maloney.
This Saturday at Hampden would be an ideal time to change that. | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/hibs-verdict-summer-rebuild-a-nice-idea-but-current-team-needs-to-put-in-complete-performance-at-hampden-3648317 | 2022-04-11T09:02:20Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/hibs-verdict-summer-rebuild-a-nice-idea-but-current-team-needs-to-put-in-complete-performance-at-hampden-3648317 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Specialty broker expands NFP capabilities and expertise
NEW YORK, April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NFP, a leading insurance broker and consultant providing property and casualty (P&C), corporate benefits, retirement, and individual solutions, today announced it has acquired Irish-owned ReSure Corporate Brokers, a specialist commercial insurance broker. This latest announcement marks NFP's third acquisition in Ireland within the past two years, having acquired local brokers HMP Insurance and Pension Advisors and Aiken Insurance Limited.
Established just over two years ago, Dublin-based ReSure currently employs 14 people and is among the fastest growing corporate insurance brokers in the Irish market, generating gross written premiums valued at more than €24m/$26.2m USD in 2021. To date, the business has focused on building and enhancing its specialist capabilities by supporting complex risk placements of restructuring, recycling, real estate, construction, domiciliary homecare and financial lines among others.
John Paul Allcock, UK and Ireland managing director at NFP, commented: "NFP always looks for quality over quantity and the market feedback about ReSure's business, culture and management team was exemplary. We have acquired a great business with great clients, and a group of extremely talented brokers and client managers. Most importantly, we are confident they will fit into the culture of NFP, which encourages independence, entrepreneurial spirit, ethics and a focus on doing the right thing for employees and clients."
ReSure's directors, Aidan Brady, Ross Barron and Garry Fitzroy, have built on their deep experience over two decades working in the global and local insurance broking environment. The Directors and full team at ReSure will continue in their roles and remain fully engaged in the growth of the business, working with NFP to bring added value to new and existing clients.
"Our ambition at ReSure is to continue our incredible growth journey to scale the business and support our clients as they expand into new markets and sectors. In joining the NFP family, we also see great value in integrating our insurance solutions and services with NFP's corporate benefits and wealth management clients.
I cannot let this moment pass without acknowledging the overwhelming support we have enjoyed from our loyal clients and our excitement in continuing our strong partnership for years to come," said Aidan Brady, managing director at ReSure.
He added: "In NFP, we have found a likeminded partner with shared values that will help us accelerate and achieve this plan and help to create further opportunities for our talented team to continue to thrive and prosper."
Commenting on what this latest acquisition means for NFP, Matt Pawley, NFP's managing director in Europe said: "We are delighted to welcome the ReSure team to the NFP family. They are a great fit in terms of people, expertise and attention to customer service and relationships. We are very confident they will make significant contributions that elevate our business further in Ireland and across Europe as we continue to expand and seek new opportunities for growth, both organically and through further additional acquisitions."
About NFP
NFP is a leading insurance broker and consultant providing specialized property and casualty, corporate benefits, retirement, and individual solutions through its licensed subsidiaries and affiliates. NFP enables client success through the expertise of over 6,600 global employees, investments in innovative technologies, and enduring relationships with highly rated insurers, vendors, and financial institutions. NFP is the 5th largest benefits broker by global revenue, 7th largest US-based privately owned broker, 9th best place to work in insurance and 13th largest broker of U.S. business (Business Insurance); 10th largest commercial lines agency by P&C commercial lines revenue and 10th largest property and casualty agency (Insurance Journal); and 13th largest global insurance broker (Best's Review).
Visit NFP.com to discover how NFP empowers clients to meet their goals.
About ReSure
ReSure Corporate Brokers are proud to be among the fastest growing Commercial Insurance brokers operating in the Irish & UK market. Our goal is to forge partnerships with our clients and build a relationship where trust is at the core, whilst providing the necessary peace of mind through access to reliable insurance markets. We pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and professional approach; and we believe strongly that with the experience our team has acquired in the global insurance broking environment, combined with our local business knowledge, we have a unique blend of qualities to offer clients.
ReSure placed over €24m Gross Written Premium (GWP) into the Irish and UK markets in 2021. We are projecting €30m GWP in 2022, and our success has been achieved to date by working hand in hand with our clients to attain the best possible results in the insurance market.
We are a growth-orientated business and have exceeded targets to date by focusing on particular niches in Restructuring, Recycling, Real Estate, Construction, Domiciliary Homecare and Financial Lines among others. We specifically target markets where we can add value and make a real difference to our loyal clients, forming an integral partnership with their business.
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SOURCE NFP Corp. | https://www.wave3.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/nfp-acquires-resure-continues-grow-business-ireland/ | 2022-04-11T09:06:48Z | wave3.com | control | https://www.wave3.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/nfp-acquires-resure-continues-grow-business-ireland/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
NEWINGTON, Conn., April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PCX Aerosystems, LLC ("PCX"), a market-leading producer of advanced mechanical systems for the aerospace industry, today announced the April 1, 2022 acquisition of Honematic Machine Corporation ("HMC" or "Honematic") from the Cusimano family, whose stewardship of HMC began in 1992. HMC is a leading supplier of extendable refueling probes for the rotorcraft market. In addition to supplying fully tested complex assemblies, HMC excels in precision, large-format drilling, boring, milling and finishing for mission-critical defense, aerospace, and industrial applications.
"The HMC acquisition adds value both by enabling the vertical integration of certain existing production processes on flight-critical masts and shafts, and by creating the opportunity to deliver complete, fully-integrated mechanical assemblies. We are particularly excited about the potential for collaboration between HMC and the recently-acquired Aero-K business. Aero-K supplies aerial refueling boom sub-assemblies and complex mission-critical components and assemblies for fixed wing aviation and submarine applications," said Tom Holzthum, CEO of PCX. The acquisition of Aero-K, an El Monte, a California-based specialty manufacturer, was completed in January, 2022.
Greg Cusimano, President of Honematic, said "Joining the PCX family represents a great opportunity for both our customers and our team. With the resources and relationships that PCX brings to the table, we will be better able to meet growing customer demands and identify new applications for our know-how. For our employees, this will create both stability and opportunity."
About PCX
Headquartered in Connecticut, PCX Aerosystems is a leading privately-owned supplier of highly engineered, precision, flight-critical assemblies for rotorcraft and fixed wing aerospace platforms. PCX focuses on producing complex parts machined from alloys such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and steel - where tight tolerances and quality are imperative. The company provides direct delivery of components and large assemblies to customers such as Boeing, General Electric Aircraft Engines, Bell and Sikorsky. PCX Aerosystems is owned by Greenbriar Equity Group, L.P.
To learn more about PCX please visit www.pcxaero.com.
About Honematic
HMC is a Boylston, Massachusetts-based manufacturer of precision deep-bored, turned and honed components, with specialized assembly and testing capabilities. Since 1956, HMC has reliably delivered medium- and large-format customer solutions across Aerospace, Defense, Power Generation and other Industrial markets.
For more information:
Trevor Hartman
Vice President – Sales & Marketing
(860) 594-4388
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SOURCE PCX Aerosystems | https://www.wave3.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/pcx-aerosystems-llc-announces-acquisition-honematic-machine-corporation/ | 2022-04-11T09:06:54Z | wave3.com | control | https://www.wave3.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/pcx-aerosystems-llc-announces-acquisition-honematic-machine-corporation/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
TAIZHOU, China, April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co., Ltd. (the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group",Stock code:2179.HK) is pleased to announce that, on April 9, 2022, the Company has received the European Union (EU) Qualified Person Declaration issued by a Qualified Person ("QP") for the Group's manufacturing facility for its recombinant protein COVID-19 vaccine, ReCOV ("ReCOV") in Taizhou, the People's Republic of China (the "PRC").
Pursuant to Eudralex Vol 4 regulations (EU Good Manufacturing Practice) and the guiding principles of International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) and International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), etc., this EU QP audit mainly focused on the bulk and preparation of antigen and the novel adjuvant BFA03, covering manufacturing management system, quality management system, production equipment and facility management system, validation and computerized systems, material management systems, product testing and release management and other aspects of a comprehensive systematic and in-depth inspection. This signifies the Group's manufacturing facility in Taizhou and its quality management system have met EU GMP standards, laying a solid foundation for the high-quality development and future international commercialisation of ReCOV.
ReCOV is a recombinant COVID-19 vaccine being developed by the Group with its technology platforms including the novel adjuvant and protein engineering platforms. Based on the relevant studies conducted by the Group, ReCOV has shown favourable neutralizing effect and immune persistence against variants including Omicron variant and Delta variant. Clinical data from the Group's phase I trial for ReCOV in New Zealand also showed that it has an overall favorable safety profile and may potentially induce similar or higher level of neutralizing antibodies than other marketed mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine candidates.
About Recbio
Recbio is an innovative vaccine company founded in 2012. With the vision of "Become the Leader of Innovative Vaccine in the Future," Recbio takes "Protect Human Health with Best-in-Class Vaccines" as its mission. It has established three major cutting-edge technology platforms including novel adjuvants platform, protein engineering platform, and immunological evaluation platform. Recbio has a high-value vaccine portfolio consisted of HPV vaccine candidates, COVID-19 vaccine candidates, shingles vaccine candidates, influenza vaccine candidates, adults TB vaccine candidates etc. The core management team has more than 20 years of experience in the development and commercialization of innovative vaccines. For more information, please visit https://www.recbio.cn/.
About Recombinant Two-Component COVID-19 Vaccine (ReCOV)
In May 2020, Recbio, together with Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention ("Jiangsu CDC") and Taizhou Medical New & High-tech Industrial Development Zone, jointly developed a recombinant two-component COVID-19 vaccine(ReCOV). Under the guidance of Professor Fengcai Zhu from the Jiangsu CDC, the R&D team thoroughly optimized the vaccine using protein engineering and new adjuvant technologies, so that ReCOV has promising safety and strong immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern such as Omicorn and Delta. A series of comprehensive advantages such as better cross-protection against emerging variants, easy scale-up of production, cost advantages, worldwide accessibility, good preparation stability, and storage and transportation at room temperature which become a very competitive second-generation new COVID-19 vaccine.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Recbio, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Recbio does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.
These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Recbio with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Recbio's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Recbio's competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.
Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co., Ltd.
Investor Inquiry:
Email: ir@recbio.cn
Tel: +86-0523-86818860
Media Inquiry:
Email: media@recbio.cn
Tel: +86-0523-86818860
Related Links:
https://www.recbio.cn/
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SOURCE Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co., Ltd. | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/successful-passing-eu-qualified-person-audit-groups-manufacturing-facility-recov-taizhou/ | 2022-04-11T09:07:28Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/successful-passing-eu-qualified-person-audit-groups-manufacturing-facility-recov-taizhou/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
WASHINGTON — You’ve likely heard a lot lately about Title 42, the pandemic-related public health policy that kept over a million migrants seeking asylum out of the U.S. last year.
President Biden has said that will end next month, on May 23rd, frustrating those who are concerned about a mass migration event at the border. So what is happening right now to prepare for the spike?
HISTORY OF SEEKING ASYLUM
Seeking asylum is permitted by U.S. law and is typically understood as escaping persecution from another country.
During the pandemic, however, the Trump and Biden administrations expanded the authority of the Department of Homeland Security to remove asylum-seeking individuals because of COVID-19 concerns.
That is what Title 42 is generally understood to be.
FRUSTRATION OVER CHANGE
“This isn’t our first time warning about this,” House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) told reporters on Capitol Hill at a recent briefing about Title 42.
"You are already seeing mayhem down at the border," McCarthy added.
The policy change, though, is frustrating conservatives like McCarthy, as well as moderate Democratic senators like Senator Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Senator Jon Tester of Montana.
Their concern is that more than 1.6 million migrants were expelled under Title 42 in the last year or so from the United States and in theory many will soon be able to try again, possibly overwhelming the border.
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION'S PLAN
So what do we know about President Biden's plan for the border after this controversial rule goes away next month?
For one the Department of Homeland Security is acknowledging an increase in numbers is “likely.”
As a result, preparations are underway to increase coordination with non-profits to ensure proper shelter and supplies. DHS is also creating new border facilities in key areas ahead of the expected surge.
The Department is also redirecting employees to the region to help with the processing of migrants. Additional preparations are underway so that air and ground transportation is available to send migrants to less crowded facilities should issues arise in one area.
WHY TITLE 42 IS ENDING?
If you are wondering why the policy is ending, Physicians for Human Rights recently testified in front of Congress saying COVID-19 should have never been an excuse to deny people help.
“These exclusionary practices are not now, and were not ever based on sound public health principles,” Dr. Adam Richards said.
Progressive groups have pressured the Biden administration to end Title 42 for over a year. Expect to hear more on the issue in the coming weeks.
A COVID-19 funding bill in Congress remains stalled because some in the Senate want the president to change his mind on Title 42. | https://www.katc.com/news/national-politics/what-is-title-42-and-what-is-being-done-to-address-an-expected-surge | 2022-04-11T09:17:56Z | katc.com | control | https://www.katc.com/news/national-politics/what-is-title-42-and-what-is-being-done-to-address-an-expected-surge | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
This mind-boggling optical illusion can reveal interesting facts about your brain depending on what you see first.
The tricky images are designed to confuse your brain as you might see something that others don’t- and what you spot first can reveal a lot about you.
The difference in perception can cause debate about what the picture really shows.
This baffling image, designed by Gala Spins has divided opinions as some see a yellow butterfly while others see two faces.
A total of 71 percent are able to identify the butterfly while 29 percent see two faces looking at each other.
Bhavin Shah, an optometrist at Central Vision Opticians, explains why we see different things.
Bhavin said: “Many people will see the butterfly first, before zeroing in on the detail of the faces.
“Humans have a propensity to human faces and are always drawn to them.
“There are parts of the brain that respond specifically to faces so once we’ve seen it in the illusion, we’ll tend to see that more.”
Some neuroscientists believe we have special relationships to faces, as we have regions of the brain specifically dedicated to processing them.
Meanwhile, another optical illusion has left viewers baffled as circles appear to vanish before their eyes.
A “simple, yet brilliant illusion” has left viewers stumped as they cannot guess what’s behind the image.
And this hollow mask illusion can say a lot about how your brain is wired.
This story originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced here with permission. | https://nypost.com/2022/04/11/this-mind-boggling-optical-illusion-reveals-bizarre-facts-about-your-brain/ | 2022-04-11T09:19:31Z | nypost.com | control | https://nypost.com/2022/04/11/this-mind-boggling-optical-illusion-reveals-bizarre-facts-about-your-brain/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland lawmakers enter the last day of their legislative session on Monday with most high-profile measures already passed into law, including tax relief, a paid family leave program and an extensive measure aimed at slowing climate change.
Democrats, who control the legislature, and Republican Gov. Larry Hogan already have signed a bipartisan budget deal with nearly $1.86 billion in tax relief over five years for Maryland retirees, small businesses and low-income families in a year of enormous budget surplus for the state's $58.5 billion budget.
The deal included a tax credit as an incentive for employers and businesses to hire and retain workers from underserved communities and sales tax exemptions for child care products such as diapers, car seats, and baby bottles, and health products for dental hygiene, diabetic care and medical devices.
“I think we’ve gotten some remarkable work done,” Senate President Bill Ferguson, a Baltimore Democrat, said after session on Saturday. “We’ve passed an incredible budget that invests in Maryland, gives money back to taxpayers, invests in seniors and working families.”
They also agreed on a one-month gas tax suspension to provide about $100 million in additional relief from high prices at the pump. Lawmakers decided against extending the suspension, which expires at the end of the week.
Democrats still had their disagreements with the term-limited governor, who is in his last year in office. They needed to get priority bills to him early in order to override them while still in session - a strong incentive for getting the bulk of their priorities already passed. Since this is the last year of the term before elections, bills vetoed by the governor after the legislature adjourns can't be overridden next year.
Lawmakers overrode Hogan's veto on Saturday to create a paid family leave insurance program that has been discussed for years in the state. Maryland workers will be able to take up to 12 weeks of partially paid leave to deal with such family issues as having a baby, caring for a sick relative or dealing with a military deployment. Up to 24 weeks could be taken in some cases, such as when someone who took 12 weeks due to an illness has a child later.
They also overrode the governor's veto of legislation to expand access to abortion in the state. Maryland will end a restriction that only physicians perform abortions, enabling nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and physician assistants with training to perform them.
Lawmakers passed a broad measure aimed at slowing climate change. Hogan said Friday he would let the bill go into law without his signature. The “Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022” speeds up Maryland’s current goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 40% of 2006 levels to 60% by 2031. It also sets a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 in the state.
Lawmakers also approved a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana in July 2023, giving the final decision to voters in November. A measure lawmakers passed to take initial steps toward implementation went into law without Hogan's signature. Licensing and taxing issues will be taken up next year, if voters approve.
Legislators and the governor also agreed to a new congressional map for the state, after a judge struck down the map approved by lawmakers over Hogan's veto in December as a “product of extreme gerrymandering.” The General Assembly redrew the state's eight U.S. House districts to be more compact, and Hogan signed the measure last week.
A measure to ban so-called "ghost guns," which do not have serial numbers, is going into law without Hogan's signature. Lawmakers overrode Hogan's veto of a bill to require firearms dealers to have certain security measures in place as stores.
The General Assembly also approved juvenile justice reforms. Lawmakers overrode the governor's veto of a bill that prohibits a law enforcement officer conducting custodial interrogation of a child, unless the child has consulted with an attorney.
Lawmakers are still working on details related to enhancing the state's cybersecurity defenses.
“We have to finish out cyber on Monday, but I think there's large agreement so that's probably one of the biggest issues that's outstanding,” Ferguson said Saturday. | https://www.wboc.com/news/maryland-legislature-enters-last-day-most-priorities-done/article_f05a6e00-b967-11ec-8e6d-73e6e35f41f4.html | 2022-04-11T09:23:22Z | wboc.com | control | https://www.wboc.com/news/maryland-legislature-enters-last-day-most-priorities-done/article_f05a6e00-b967-11ec-8e6d-73e6e35f41f4.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Forecast Updated on Monday, April 11, 2022 at 3:00am by WBOC Meteorologist John Conway
Monday: Mostly sunny in the morning, then a mix of clouds and sun in the afternoon. Winds will shift to a southerly direction, at 5 to 10 mph. Warmer, with highs in the 60s inland, and 50s along the shore.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy and mild. Lows in the lower 50s.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy, with a low chance of a few showers. Highs in the mid 70s. Chance of rain less than 20 percent.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s.
Thursday: Scattered showers, with a few rumbles of thunder possible. Highs in the mid 70s. Chance of rain 50 percent.
Friday: A few lingering showers early, then partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 60s. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Saturday: Partly cloudy. Highs near 70°F.
Sunday: Chance of showers. Highs in the mid 60s.
Forecast Discussion:
A ridge of high pressure will continue to loiter off the Carolina coast Monday. Delmarva will be on the northern edge of the high, but will reap the benefits of its presence in the form of warmer temperatures this week.
Winds will shift to a more southerly direction by Monday afternoon, which means temperatures will climb into the mid 60s inland. With Atlantic and Chesapeake water temperatures only within a few degrees of 50°F, our beach and a few shore communities will likely be held to the 50s.
By Tuesday, a weak cold front will sag into Delmarva, but won't stick around long, and is not likely to have much of an effect on our weather, save for a very low chance of a few stray showers and wind gusts. Temperatures will continue to warm, into the mid 70s inland, 60s on the coast.
Wednesday will be partly cloudy and mild, with highs in the mid 70s.
The cold front departs by Wednesday as a warm front ahead of the next weather-maker, which will be a cold front that will sweep across Delmarva
Thursday afternoon and evening. With the front will come a chance for more widespread showers and gusty winds. Thunderstorms are not very likely, but a few rumbles of thunder here and there can't be ruled out.
Then Friday into the weekend is looking reasonably quiet, with partly cloudy skies and seasonable temperatures in the 60s.
Some, but not all, long-range guidance is suggesting a coastal storm could bring heavier rainfall next Sunday into Monday, but confidence is low, so watch this space for updates. | https://www.wboc.com/weather/after-a-chilly-start-turning-warmer-this-afternoon/article_ef2c7d4e-b96b-11ec-8a6f-33e1f1d1986d.html | 2022-04-11T09:23:28Z | wboc.com | control | https://www.wboc.com/weather/after-a-chilly-start-turning-warmer-this-afternoon/article_ef2c7d4e-b96b-11ec-8a6f-33e1f1d1986d.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
HONOLULU (KITV)- Mechanics tell KITV4, business is good right now. Prices on car parts however are not doing so well. The owner of A's Automative, Anwar Allwer says prices have more than doubled for vital parts needed for your vehicle to operate.
He believes the rising prices for metals such as nickel that's used in batteries, have a large part to play in the inflation. "A battery that used to cost $80, you can't get that battery for $150 now. Some cars, the cost increase depends on the cast of the engine. It depends on what kind of material is mixed together to create the part. There's aluminum, iron, and steel cast into some parts. So it comes depends to the manufacturer and how much nickel they use inside of their material for the price. A lot of people's exhaust is being ripped out because now those parts cost almost double the price. Whoever is stealing the part, is selling it for double the price they used to sell it for," said Allwer.
Allwer says he's not just concerned about how the rising costs are affecting him and his customers. He's also concerned about an increase in the number of specialized crimes that are going on involving precious metals that are in cars. "Precious metal is inside a catalytic converter and even the oxygen sensor. You can sell the oxygen sensor for $50 now. It doesn't matter if it works or not. They can reuse the metal inside of it. It's a lot of precious metal," said Allwer.
Nickle is bad for the environment, but has some advantages when it comes to car parts. "It makes the part look nicer, and the part performs better," said Allwer. With rising prices you have to wonder if it is worth it to use nickle parts. As for other repairs, Allwer says drivers will find its worth it getting those done. "Take care of the car and the car is going to take care of you," said Allwer.
Scarity of key parts and computer chips for cars is also being attributed to metal price increases and shipping issues. | https://www.kitv.com/news/business/some-mechanics-say-rising-metal-costs-affecting-car-part-prices/article_19e52224-b96d-11ec-b4c1-ebf287e90a56.html | 2022-04-11T09:30:35Z | kitv.com | control | https://www.kitv.com/news/business/some-mechanics-say-rising-metal-costs-affecting-car-part-prices/article_19e52224-b96d-11ec-b4c1-ebf287e90a56.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
49ers Now Projected to Take ‘Best of the Rest’ From DL Group
“Drake Jackson, defensive end, USC.... Jackson is among the list of 2022 NFL Draft prospects who spoke with the 49ers at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis during the first week of March. Jackson also told reporters he has a family member who’s a 49ers fan: [his grandma].”
49ers can afford to take a couple big swings in this year’s draft
“Betting on traits is how the 49ers continue stumbling into late-round gems like George Kittle, Dre Greenlaw, DJ Jones and Elijah Mitchell. All those players wound up contributing relatively quickly, but they all had very strong physical tools that made them appealing in the later rounds. San Francisco wasn’t reaching for specific needs in the fifth and sixth rounds and they landed some of their best selections of the Shanahan-Lynch era.”
“He’s a monster off the edge. Michael Badejo is a Texas Southern graduate, soon to graduate again with his Master’s degree.”
49ers 2022 mock NFL Draft roundup: Who are the experts picking?
“There are surely plenty of other mocks out there we didn’t get to cover, but it’s interesting to see the majority of those polled prompted the idea of San Francisco grabbing a defensive back with its first pick.”
“However, should the 49ers choose to target the running back position later in the draft, there’s a certain sleeper candidate that could be utilized well by newly-acquired running backs coach Anthony Lynn: Alabama State running back Ezra Gray.”
Cohn: Mike McGlinchey Appears to Have Lost Significant Weight
“To be fair, the season starts in five months, so McGlinchey has lots of time to lift and eat and prepare himself for the season opener. But it’s starting to look like he won’t be ready Week 1. It’s starting to look like his recovery could drag into the season.”
“Whitner: I just remember Vernon still crying like a little baby. He was crying all through the locker room. It was like that catch (Terrell Owens) had. It was a rendition of that. He was crying and crying and crying.” | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/4/11/23019885/49ers-news-nfl-draft-mock-prospects-edge-offensive-line-trey-lance-jimmy-deebo-trade-contract | 2022-04-11T09:33:06Z | ninersnation.com | control | https://www.ninersnation.com/2022/4/11/23019885/49ers-news-nfl-draft-mock-prospects-edge-offensive-line-trey-lance-jimmy-deebo-trade-contract | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The action includes finalizing regulations that deal with ghost guns — weapons that do not have serial numbers that can be used to track them and are sometimes sold as kits to be assembled at home.
Copyright 2022 NPR
The action includes finalizing regulations that deal with ghost guns — weapons that do not have serial numbers that can be used to track them and are sometimes sold as kits to be assembled at home.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.klcc.org/2022-04-11/biden-will-announce-steps-to-curb-gun-violence-in-the-u-s | 2022-04-11T09:43:37Z | klcc.org | control | https://www.klcc.org/2022-04-11/biden-will-announce-steps-to-curb-gun-violence-in-the-u-s | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Eleanor Beardsley began reporting from France for NPR in 2004 as a freelance journalist, following all aspects of French society, politics, economics, culture and gastronomy. Since then, she has steadily worked her way to becoming an integral part of the NPR Europe reporting team. | https://www.klcc.org/2022-04-11/frances-presidential-runoff-emmanuel-macron-faces-marine-le-pen | 2022-04-11T09:43:49Z | klcc.org | control | https://www.klcc.org/2022-04-11/frances-presidential-runoff-emmanuel-macron-faces-marine-le-pen | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Boston Marathon is a week away. Dozens of runners who live in Russia or Belarus may no longer compete because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and its use of Belarus as a staging ground.
Copyright 2022 WBUR
The Boston Marathon is a week away. Dozens of runners who live in Russia or Belarus may no longer compete because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and its use of Belarus as a staging ground.
Copyright 2022 WBUR | https://www.klcc.org/2022-04-11/runners-from-russia-and-belarus-are-banned-from-this-years-boston-marathon | 2022-04-11T09:44:13Z | klcc.org | control | https://www.klcc.org/2022-04-11/runners-from-russia-and-belarus-are-banned-from-this-years-boston-marathon | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ISLAMABAD — Pakistani lawmakers are to choose a new prime minister on Monday, capping a tumultuous week of political drama that saw the ouster of Imran Khan as premier and a constitutional crisis narrowly averted after the country's top court stepped in.
The leading contender is Shahbaz Sharif, opposition lawmaker and a brother of disgraced former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. But his election will not guarantee a clear path forward — or solve Pakistan's many economic problems, including high inflation and a soaring energy crisis.
Khan, a former cricket star whose conservative Islamist ideology and dogged independence characterized his three years and eight months in office, was ousted early Sunday after losing a no-confidence vote in Parliament. Deserted by his party allies and a key coalition partner, his opposition pushed Khan out with 174 votes — two more than the required simple majority in the 342-seat National Assembly.
The opposition has selected Shahbaz Sharif as its candidate for prime minister, claiming it has enough votes in his favor.
Hundreds of thousands rally for Khan
Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or Pakistan Justice Party, has put forward former foreign minister and seasoned politician Shah Mahmood Qureshi as its candidate. But Qureshi on Sunday muddied the waters by saying that many lawmakers in Khan's party were contemplating resigning from Parliament after Monday's vote for prime minister.
In a show of strength and precursor to the political uncertainty ahead, Khan rallied hundreds of thousands of supporters late Sunday to protest his ouster, and describing the next government as an "imposed government." In cities across Pakistan, Khan's supporters marched, waving large party flags and vowing support. The youth, who make up the backbone of Khan's supporters, dominated the crowds.
Some were crying, others shouting slogans promising Khan's return.
Khan has also demanded early elections, though the balloting is not due before August 2023. He has tapped into anti-American sentiment in Pakistan, accusing Washington of conspiring with his opponents to topple him. His conspiracy theory resonates with his young support base, which often sees Washington's post 9/11 war on terror as unfairly targeting Pakistan.
Pakistan's political drama began on April 3 when Khan sidestepped an initial no-confidence vote demanded by the opposition by dissolving Parliament and calling early elections. The opposition, which accuses Khan of economic mismanagement, appealed to the Supreme Court. After four days of deliberations, the court ordered Parliament re-instated and the no-confidence vote went ahead. After a marathon Parliament session that started Saturday and that also saw the resignation of parliament speaker, Asad Qaiser. Khan was ousted early Sunday.
Khan claims the opposition colluded with Washington to topple him, allegedly because of his independent foreign policy favoring China and Russia. He was also criticized for a visit he made on Feb. 24 to Moscow, where he held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine.
The U.S. State Department has denied any involvement in Pakistan's internal politics.
Path ahead for opposition parties remains unclear
The road ahead will be stormy for the opposition coalition, which consists of parties that cross the political divide, from the left to the radically religious. The two largest parties are the Pakistan Muslim League, headed by Sharif, and the Pakistan People's Party, co-chaired by the son and husband of slain ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
In Pakistan, a few wealthy and powerful families have dominated politics for decades, with power most often alternating between the Sharifs and Bhutto camps. Both political houses have been accused and occasionally convicted of widespread corruption — and both have denied the allegations.
Nawaz Sharif was unseated by the Supreme Court in 2015 after being convicted in connection with financial irregularities revealed in the so-called Panama Papers — a collection of leaked secret financial documents showing how some of the world's richest hide their money and involving a global law firm based in Panama. He was disqualified by Pakistan's Supreme Court from holding office.
Asif Ali Zardari, Bhutto's husband who served as president of Pakistan after the 2008 elections, has spent more than seven years in prison, convicted on corruption charges.
Both families have dismissed corruption allegations against them as being politically motivated.
Khan came to power in 2018, promising to break family rule in Pakistan but his opponents claimed he won the elections with help from the powerful military, which has ruled Pakistan for half of the country's 75-year history.
Ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted in 1999 in a military coup and Benazir Bhutto's government was ousted several times after the military sided with her opposition. In Pakistani politics, where loyalties are often fluid, Bhutto's fiercest opposition came from Sharif's party.
Shahbaz Sharif has served three times as chief minister of Pakistan's largest, most influential Punjab province, where 60% of the country's 220 million people live. His son Hamza was elected by the Punjab provincial parliament last week as new chief minister, ousting Khan's nominee. Khan's party is challenging that election and the younger Sharif has yet to be sworn in.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.klcc.org/npr-news/2022-04-11/pakistani-lawmakers-to-elect-new-prime-minister-after-imran-khan-ouster | 2022-04-11T09:45:02Z | klcc.org | control | https://www.klcc.org/npr-news/2022-04-11/pakistani-lawmakers-to-elect-new-prime-minister-after-imran-khan-ouster | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
If you're one of the more than 25 million people in the U.S. with irritable bowel syndrome, there's a good chance your symptoms worsened at some point over the past two years. Or maybe you developed symptoms for the first time.
"We found reports of increased constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain," says Kendra Kamp, a researcher at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She surveyed IBS patients with anxiety or depression about their experiences early in the pandemic. More than 90% reported increased stress and 81% reported increased anxiety. Another survey sponsored by a pharmaceutical company found half of IBS patients say their symptoms have been more challenging to manage, and many reported an initial onset of IBS amid the pandemic.
"The pandemic created an environment of uncertainty, isolation and less access to supportive resources that people depended on for well-being," says Suzanne Smith, a nurse practitioner at UCLA's Integrative Digestive Health and Wellness program. The center combines diet and stress management treatment approaches, and Smith helps patients understand the brain-gut connection in IBS.
IBS was once considered a problem of the gut, but scientists now know that disturbances in the way the nervous system, brain and gut interact can cause changes that lead to IBS symptoms, including stomach pain, gas, bloating and abnormal bowel movements. "There's a continuous feedback loop between the brain and the gut," explains Smith. Information flows along the vagus nerve, which connects brain to gut, so what's happening in the mind affects the gastrointestinal system.
Finding the triggers
Stress is one factor that can trigger symptoms or make them harder to manage. Diet, sleep, exercise and social connections are important, too. "All these things play a role in digestive health," Smith says.
Doctors also look for triggers such as an infection or bacterial overgrowth that can require antibiotics, but the goal, Smith says, is to wrap all the elements into a holistic treatment approach.
Smith teaches a mindfulness course that can help patients tamp down the anxiety linked to their symptoms. In 2020, a study of patients who participated in the 8-week course, called Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, found that 71% of the patients had robust improvements in their GI symptoms. "There was a significant improvement in quality of life and overall well-being," Smith says. The participants were taught a range of techniques to foster awareness of the present moment, limit anticipatory anxiety, and halt the feedback loop that can amplify the unpleasant feelings and sensations associated with IBS symptoms.
"It was life-changing for me," says Vicki Mayer, 52, who was a participant in the study. She first noticed stomach issues, on and off, back in college, but in recent years her symptoms worsened. "Any time that I was going out for dinner or lunch or coffee, I would be riddled with a lot of anxiety and fear," she recalls, anticipating that she may need to urgently find a bathroom or leave the restaurant. She began to avoid going out.
When her doctor recommended the mindfulness class, she was hesitant. "I was probably the most skeptical person in the room," she recalls. "I thought, 'Oh, I'll have to lay down for an hour. I can't keep my mind completely quiet.'"
But after the class began, she was hooked. "We would practice different types of meditation, whether it was a body scan, a three minute breathing exercise, or a walking meditation," Mayer says, further explaining that each of these techniques awakened a sense of calm and a new way to tune into her body.
Meditation didn't change her symptoms overnight, but she did begin feeling control over her emotional reactions. She realized much of her anxiety was caused by worst-case scenario thinking, such as anticipating an embarrassing restaurant incident. But, if she stayed in the moment, the situation really wasn't so dire. And, instead of allowing her mind to weave a story about what might happen, she learned to reframe her thoughts.
"I'm going to be OK, there's always a bathroom available," she would tell herself if she went out for a meal, recognizing that excusing herself from the table would cause no harm. "Once I changed my mindset, I had a far reduced level of anxiety, and I could get through the meal with little to no issues."
Studies show that mindfulness can increase both attention and emotional regulation. "If you have a better capacity to regulate your attention, then you can move your attention to something that's more helpful," says Smith, just as Mayer learned.
Mayer says she feels much better these days. "It's incredibly powerful to know how to change your mindset and see the physical results of that in a positive way," she says. And, she's keeping up the meditation practice: "You can do a one or two minute breathing exercise while you're standing in line at the grocery store."
The power of the right diet
Changing what's on the menu is another key tool for people to manage IBS. "We've developed diet strategies that can be quite effective," says William Chey, a gastroenterologist at the University of Michigan who has documented the benefits of integrative care.
Michigan has had a dedicated GI nutrition program since 2007. "When I started to talk about diet as an important part of treating patients with IBS at that time, people literally laughed at me," Chey says. "But now almost every gastroenterologist accepts that diet is an important part of the solution."
Over the past 15 years, many studies have shown that dietary strategies can help control symptoms.
The FODMAP diet has gained the most attention from researchers. Studies show somewhere between 52% to 86% of participants report significant improvement in their symptoms after following the diet, including reduced gas and bloating. The FODMAP diet requires elimination or reduction of certain foods, including gluten, lactose, excess fructose (found in some fruits and corn syrup) as well as certain nuts, beans and starchy vegetables. Researchers at Monash University in Australia explain that the FODMAP diet is based on the understanding that certain compounds in our diet can't be completely digested or absorbed, so they can end up in the large intestine where they're fermented by gut bacteria. This leads to gas and bloating.
"I saw the benefits almost within the first week," says Karen Beningo of Northville, Mich., who was treated at the University of Michigan. She started the FODMAP diet last October and found her energy level improved significantly. "The distension and the bloating went away very quick," she says. After following the diet strictly, she's now added some foods back to her diet. She knows gluten is a trigger, so she remains gluten-free.
"I discovered other things, and most of them were things that I was suspicious of anyway," she says. She realized that onions, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, as well as some nuts, make her gassy. "And it was only through calming down my system and then reintroducing [them] that I pretty much confirmed, yeah, I've got a problem with those things," she explains. (This Monash University FODMAP app can help people follow the diet, detailing which foods, in which amounts, are ok, and which ones should be avoided.)
Where to get help
Beningo was fortunate to live near a major academic center. The University of Michigan has registered dieticians in their GI program who can support patients through diet changes, which can be somewhat frustrating and confusing to follow. But what can people do if they don't have access to this type of integrative care?
The majority of gastroenterology practices don't have a registered dietician, psychologist or stress-management professional on staff. "Most doctors don't have the tools or the training to be able to effectively implement the science as it's emerging in their practices," Chey says.
To fill in the gaps, there's a shift toward virtual support to help people access behavioral care, stress management tools and dietary strategies. "Digital tools that are coming online will help these integrated strategies scale up to a more national level," Chey says. He points to three examples. Mahana is an FDA-authorized digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy app that doctors can prescribe to IBS patients to deal with stress. Zemedy is another CBT-based digital app. There's also Nerva, a mobile app that delivers gut-directed hypnotherapy to help manage symptoms.
"Those three are all evidence based, meaning that they've all done at least observational clinical trials to show efficacy," Chey says. And there are many more digital products in development, he says, adding that he's involved with some of the companies as an investigator. Chey says large-scale clinical trials with some of the tools are planned to better understand how to effectively use them. "This is a very rapidly growing space," he says.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.klcc.org/npr-news/2022-04-11/pandemic-anxiety-was-hard-on-ibs-patients-heres-how-to-find-relief | 2022-04-11T09:45:08Z | klcc.org | control | https://www.klcc.org/npr-news/2022-04-11/pandemic-anxiety-was-hard-on-ibs-patients-heres-how-to-find-relief | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The landscape has shifted.
When President Biden took office, it was widely believed that Republicans had a strong chance of taking back the House but, thanks to a friendly map for Democrats, the Senate was more competitive.
It was possible, if not likely, that Democrats — who control the Senate, which is split 50-50 — would retain the upper chamber and maybe even pick up a seat or two.
That is not the thinking now. With Biden's struggling approval ratings in states across the country and high inflation a top concern for voters, Republicans have significantly improved their likelihood to take control of the Senate, based on conversations with operatives and strategists in both parties.
Unlike in the House, when all 435 seats come up for election every two years, only a third of Senate seats do. (Senators serve six-year terms.)
Of the 14 Democratic seats up this cycle, Biden won all of those states in the 2020 presidential election. In contrast, 21 Republican-held seats are up and Biden won in two of those states – Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. But overall, several of the states up for grabs were very close in 2020, and the slightest push in the GOP's direction could tip the balance.
As it is, Republicans have an advantage this year because traditionally midterm elections are lower-turnout affairs and the party out of power is able to more easily turn out its base, angry with the president. The Senate is less subjected to dramatic shifts, as compared to the House, but the party out of power in a president's first midterm has still won a net gain of two seats on average in the Senate since 1950.
With that background in mind, here is the first NPR Top 10 Senate seats most likely to change hands in 2022.
The analysis is based on reporting in the field, conversations with Democratic and Republican operatives and strategists, as well as publicly available data, such as ad spending and polling. We will update this periodically through Election Day.
1. Pennsylvania (R-Open)
The top of this top 10 is difficult, but an open seat in a state Biden won, where Republicans are facing a messy primary, is a place to start. This seat opened up when Republican Sen. Pat Toomey announced he would not run for reelection.
Lt. Gov. John Fetterman has a big lead in the Democratic primary and is raising lots of money while Republicans have spent millions against each other. This is the Democrats' top target. With Wisconsin, they are two critical places for Democrats to try and hold the Senate. But they are facing stiff headwinds, however, as only about a third of Pennsylvania voters say they approve of the job Biden's doing.
Former President Donald Trump stepped into the Republican primary fight over the weekend between David McCormick, a former hedge fund manager, and TV's Dr. Mehmet Oz, who faced controversy over his residency because he had been seen often at his home in New Jersey. Trump picked Oz, despite McCormick traveling to Mar-a-Lago recently in search of Trump's support and being married to a former top Trump aide. Privately, Republicans say they would be happy with either candidate, but that McCormick is viewed as the more mainstream conservative. Both candidates are very wealthy. They have already spent tens of millions of dollars, as have outside groups, and this is expected to be one of the most expensive races in the country.
2. Georgia (D-Warnock)
Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock is running for his first full term after winning a special election last year. Georgia has seen lots of close and heated political fights in the last few years as the Sun Belt continues to change demographically. In a surprise, Biden won Georgia, but only by fewer than 12,000 votes out of almost 5 million. Notably, Warnock, the former pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church, won his special election over former Sen. Kelly Loeffler by a wider margin. But Biden's approval has taken a nosedive in the state, with only about a third saying they approve of the job he's doing.
The leading Republican in the race is former NFL running back Herschel Walker. Walker, a former Heisman-winning University of Georgia Bulldog who has Trump's endorsement, may have high name identification in the state, but he's untested as a candidate. Walker has written about his battle with dissociative identity disorder and is facing allegations of domestic abuse from past relationships and that he exaggerated his post-football business success. So far, Warnock has the money advantage, raising $30 million to Walker's $9 million, as of their last filings at the end of the year. Polls have had them neck and neck.
3. Nevada (D-Cortez-Masto)
This race doesn't get as much attention as some of the others. Freshman incumbent Catherine Cortez-Masto has largely maintained a low profile in Washington.
But Republicans are more bullish about their chances here than in any other race. Nevada is one of those states that always seems to be close — Biden won it by just over 2 percentage points in 2020 and Cortez-Masto won it by a similar margin in 2016 when she had the benefit of presidential-year turnout. It's also another state where Biden's approval rating is underwater, and if Democratic base groups aren't fired up — particularly Latino and Asian American voters in a state where they are key — that could make it difficult for Cortez-Masto.
Cortez-Masto has the money advantage over likely Republican nominee Adam Laxalt, the state's former attorney general. And Democrats traditionally have a strong turnout operation in a state where most of the Democratic vote is concentrated in one place — Clark County (Las Vegas). With the passing of former Sen. Harry Reid, who is credited with building the ground game, there is an open question of how it will perform.
Trump endorsed Laxalt, who has backed Trump's election lies, including in Nevada, which Trump lost by more than 33,000 votes. There are question marks about the strength of Laxalt as a candidate, considering he lost his bid for governor in 2018, though that was in a Democratic wave year and was by just 4 points.
4. Wisconsin (R-Johnson)
Incumbent Republican Ron Johnson, a close Trump ally and antagonist of the left, is the most vulnerable GOP senator up for reelection this cycle. Johnson has survived in worse climates for Republicans, like in 2016. But his favorability ratings in the state are poor and Democrats are ready to spend tens of millions on trying to oust him.
Biden won Wisconsin in 2020, but only by about 20,000 votes out of more than 3 million, and, reflecting the trend nationally, his approval rating in the state is upside down. Given the late primary (Aug. 9), it won't help Democrats that they will be fighting each other over the next four months.
The leading Democrats are Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who starts out with a name ID and polling advantage, and Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry, 34, who worked in the Obama White House, is the son of Bucks owner Marc Lasry and appears willing to spend some of his own money on this race.
5. Arizona (D-Kelly)
Democratic incumbent Mark Kelly cuts a good profile as a candidate — he's a former astronaut and has raised a substantial amount of money. Biden's approval has declined dramatically in Arizona, something Democrats think Kelly can weather because of his brand and he's seen more favorably. But in a difficult environment for Democrats and in a state that was decided by only about 10,000 votes in the 2020 presidential election, this one is shaping up to be close.
Republicans, though, aren't off to a quick and easy start. They were unable to persuade Gov. Doug Ducey to run against Kelly and instead, they are engaged in a messy primary that won't be decided until August. Their top candidates are state Attorney General Mark Brnovich and two others who are far wealthier and whose campaigns have more money — Blake Masters, a former venture capital executive, and Jim Lamon, a former owner of a solar energy company.
Trump is a factor in this race. After saying there was no evidence of election fraud in the state, Brnovich now says there are "questions" about the 2020 election. Lamon calls himself an "America First conservative" and Masters released a video with him saying right at the beginning "I think Trump won in 2020."
Look for immigration to become a big issue, as it always is in this border state. Republicans are looking to use the Biden administration's reversal of Title 42, which turned away migrants due to COVID concerns, against Kelly. And it's likely why Kelly has broken with the administration and criticizes it for not having a "sufficient" plan.
6. New Hampshire (D-Hassan)
Incumbent Democrat Maggie Hassan is seen as vulnerable because New Hampshire is often close. When she first won election in 2016, it was by about 1,000 votes. Hassan has some advantages, however — notably money and an uncertain Republican primary field, which won't be decided until a September primary.
Republicans lost a key recruit when moderate Gov. Chris Sununu declined to run. Lots of candidates are in or eyeing the race, including Chuck Morse, the state Senate president; Bruce Fenton, a wealthy Bitcoin enthusiast with a libertarian streak; retired Army Gen. Don Bolduc, who finished second in the GOP Senate primary in 2020 and recently hired a high-profile GOP consultant; and Kevin Smith, former town manager of Londonderry. The filing deadline here isn't until June, so a lot can happen between now and then.
7. North Carolina (R-Open)
The state has seemed to get less attention than at the outset of the cycle when Democrats were hopeful about potentially winning this open seat held by retiring Sen. Richard Burr. Part of that is a sleepy Democratic primary. Cheri Beasley, the first Black woman to serve as chief justice on the state Supreme Court, is expected to prevail in the May 17 primary, while Republicans are still undecided between Trump-backed Rep. Ted Budd, former Gov. Pat McCrory and to a lesser extent, ex-Rep. Mark Walker.
If the environment were more positive for Democrats, they might be making a stronger push, but Senate Majority PAC, the outside group with the goal of electing Democratic senators, is not currently spending on ad buys in the state. Republicans see Beasley as a weak candidate and point out this is a state Biden lost in 2020 and his approval rating has nosedived here to below 40% and is underwater on his handling of issues, ranging from COVID and education to the economy and Ukraine. Democrats hope the Republican primary gets messier, no one gets above 30%, and it is forced to a runoff, which would mean two more months of GOP infighting. Trump certainly wants to avoid that and held a rally in the state Saturday, in part to try and boost Budd.
8. Ohio (R-Open)
This has been a state that has trended away considerably from Democrats in the last few presidential elections as the party has struggled with white, working-class voters. Rep. Tim Ryan, who has spoken to this problem and unsuccessfully challenged Nancy Pelosi for the House speakership, has the state party's endorsement.
The Republican side, on the other hand, is crowded and bitter with candidates angling against each other — and for Trump's endorsement. Sen. Rob Portman's announced retirement has opened up quite a fight — almost literally — among Republicans here. Former state Treasurer Josh Mandel and investment banker Mike Gibbons got in each other's face and had to be separated at a debate last month over Gibbons' investment record and Mandel's inexperience in the private sector, which led to Mandel bringing up his military service in Iraq.
Polls have shown Gibbons and Mandel locked in a dead heat, but not very far ahead of Hillbilly Elegy author J.D. Vance and former state GOP Chair Jane Timken. Mandel has had national ambitions for a while but he's a controversial figure who failed in a Senate bid in 2012 and dropped out during the 2018 primary.
There are millions of dollars in ads coming from the candidates (Gibbons had spent almost $6 million already by the end of 2021), super PACs and dark money groups in this race, and with the polls as close as they are, it's not entirely clear where this primary is headed. The good news for Republicans is all that will be over with in about three weeks with the May 3 primary, and early voting is already underway.
9. Florida (R-Rubio)
Democrats have lost Florida in presidential elections by increasingly wider margins since Barack Obama won it in 2008. And Biden's approval in the state, like elsewhere, is down. That makes this a longshot for Democrats to start with. Incumbent Sen. Marco Rubio starts out with the clear advantage, but Democrats are pleased with the fight that Rep. Val Demings is waging.
She was on pace in fundraising with Rubio, as of the end of the year, in this very expensive state because of its multiple media markets. Rubio leads in the polls, but isn't above 50% in many, and Democrats see this as a defensive liability for Republicans, where they may have to spend some money to defend Rubio if the race gets closer.
10. Colorado (D-Bennet)
If the wave is big enough, this could be one that becomes competitive. Republicans believe it's winnable if there are swings like the ones seen in Virginia and New Jersey in 2021. They say Colorado is a difficult state for them largely because of the state's highly educated population, which has made Trump unpopular, even among many Republicans
Democratic incumbent Michael Bennet is favored to win reelection, but even Democrats acknowledge Colorado — and Washington state — is a state they are not taking their eyes off.
Republicans don't have an obvious candidate. The primary is in late June, and it has been sleepy so far. Though there are a number of candidates, it's largely a three-way race between Jim O'Dea, a construction company executive who is the only candidate on the airwaves so far and is spending some of his own money; former Olympian Eli Bremer; and Gino Campana, a former Fort Collins city councilman and owner of a development company.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.klcc.org/npr-news/2022-04-11/the-top-10-senate-races-that-are-most-likely-to-flip-to-the-other-party | 2022-04-11T09:45:14Z | klcc.org | control | https://www.klcc.org/npr-news/2022-04-11/the-top-10-senate-races-that-are-most-likely-to-flip-to-the-other-party | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
U.S. Air Force Maj. Thomas Evans, a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft pilot assigned to 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, inspects the outside of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th EARS before flight operations at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, April 6, 2022. The 340th EARS deployed with the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), is responsible for delivering fuel to U.S. and partner nation forces, enabling airpower, deterrence, and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Ruano)
This work, 340th EARS refuels Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon [Image 8 of 8], by TSgt Christopher Ruano, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7136493/340th-ears-refuels-air-force-f-16-fighting-falcon | 2022-04-11T09:55:38Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7136493/340th-ears-refuels-air-force-f-16-fighting-falcon | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last couple of years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared by nearly eight percent – and post-lockdown demand for puppies remains high.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt..
So, here are breeds of dog that Coren found were the brightest and those that are prone to being a bit dumb (but still loveable and popular pets).
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1. Border Collie
Starting with the canine masterminds and the Border Collie, which is the undisputed top dog when it comes to intelligence. Commonly utilised to herd sheep, that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to their intellect. They can learn a huge number of words and commands, and can turn their paw to a wide range of jobs and tasks.
Photo: Canva/Getty Images
2. Poodle
Don't let their curly hair and cute demeanor fool you - Poodles have a razor-sharp brain second only to the Border Collie. All three sizes - Standard, Miniature and Toy - are hugely smart, making great service and therapy dogs.
Photo: Canva/Getty Images
3. German Shepherd
Used for everything from drug detection to sniffing out explosives, the German Shepherd is another breed in the top tier of canine intelligence - understanding a new command after only five repititions and following the command at least 95 per cent of the time.
Photo: Canva/Getty Images
4. Golden Retriever
One of the world's friendliest dogs is also one of the most intelligent. Golden Retrievers are perfect as seeing dogs and search-and-rescue dogs due to their obedience, big brains and dedication to tasks.
Photo: Canva/Getty Images | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/the-10-most-and-least-intelligent-breeds-of-adorable-dog-from-the-clever-border-collie-to-the-dumb-afghan-hound-3613681 | 2022-04-11T09:56:45Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/the-10-most-and-least-intelligent-breeds-of-adorable-dog-from-the-clever-border-collie-to-the-dumb-afghan-hound-3613681 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
British Airways axed at least 64 domestic or European flights to or from Heathrow.
Affected UK routes were between the west London airport and Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle.
Among the international routes affected were services to and from Berlin, Dublin, Geneva, Paris and Stockholm.
British Airways said passengers were given advanced warning of the cancellations.
The airline decided last month it would reduce its schedule until the end of May to limit the need to cancel flights at short notice due to staff shortages.
It has focused on routes with multiple daily flights, meaning passengers can be offered alternative departures on the same day they booked.
EasyJet cancelled at least 25 flights to or from Gatwick, affecting routes between the West Sussex airport and Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Glasgow and Milan.
The low-cost carrier said cancellations are being made “in advance to give customers the ability to rebook on to alternative flights”.
There has been a surge in demand for flights as many families have travelled abroad for the school Easter holidays, which are the first since the UK’s coronavirus restrictions for international travellers were dropped.
Airlines have been keen to attract as many bookings as possible after suffering huge losses due to the virus crisis but are struggling to cope with staff shortages.
The issue is partly caused by difficulties finding new recruits and getting their security checks processed after thousands of jobs were cut during the pandemic.
There are also high levels of coronavirus-related staff absences.
Travellers using Birmingham, Heathrow and Manchester airports have reported long queues. | https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/ba-flight-cancellations-uk-flights-including-routes-from-aberdeen-and-edinburgh-axed-as-airlines-struggle-with-staff-shortages-3648859 | 2022-04-11T09:57:04Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/ba-flight-cancellations-uk-flights-including-routes-from-aberdeen-and-edinburgh-axed-as-airlines-struggle-with-staff-shortages-3648859 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Universal Credit payments will rise from today giving benefit claimants more money in their account amid the cost of living crisis.
Benefits claimants will see a boost to their usual payments in April as rates rise by 3.1%, with the increase coming in line with the start of the new tax year which came into effect on 6 April.
Benefits usually rise every year to keep pace with the growing costs of everyday goods, including food and petrol prices, but with the current cost of living crisis, this month’s increases will be a welcome relief to many families.
Universal Credit, Child Benefit and the State Pension are among the payments increasing from April. If you claim any of the following benefits, here’s what you need to know about the changes.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is changing from 11 April and the new monthly rates are as follows:
Standard allowance
- For those who are single and aged under 25, the standard allowance is rising from £257.33 to £265.31- For those who are single and aged 25 or over, the standard allowance is rising from £324.84 to £334.91- For joint claimants both aged under 25, the standard allowance is rising from £403.93 to £416.45- For joint claimants where one or both are aged 25 or over, the standard allowance is rising from £509.91 to £525.72
Extra amounts for children
- For those with a first child born before 6 April 2017, the extra amount is rising from £282.50 to £290- For those with a child born on or after 6 April 2017, or second child and subsequent child, the extra amount is rising from £237.08 to £244.58- For those with a disabled child, the lower rate addition payment is rising from £128.89 to £132.89 and the higher rate from £402.41 to £414.88
Limited capability to work
- For those deemed to have limited capability to work, the extra amount is rising from £128.89 to £132.89- For those deemed to have limited capability for work or work-related activity, the extra amount is rising from £343.63 to £354.28
Carer support
- Those who care for a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week can expect a rise of £163.73 to £168.81.
Increased work allowance
- The higher work allowance (no housing amount) for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capability to work is rising from £557 to £573- The lower work allowance for someone claiming Universal Credit with one or more dependent children or limited capability to work is rising from £335 to £344
Child Benefit
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) confirmed the new Child Benefit payments will come into force from 11 April 2022.
There are currently two Child Benefit rates for claimants. The first is £21.15 per week for the eldest child, and the second is £14 per week for any additional children. This means claimants receive £84.60 per month for one child, or just over £1,000 per year.
Benefits for additional children amount to £56.00 per month, or just over £700 per year.
From 11 April, these weekly payments will increase to the following rates:
- Eldest or only child - £21.80- Additional children - £14.45
State Pension
This is a regular payment from the government for those who have reached the State Pension age, currently set at 66 years old.
From April, the full rate of the new State Pension is rising from £179.60 a week to £185.15. For the basic part of the old state pension, the rate is rising from £137.60 to £141.85.
Housing benefit
Single person
- Aged under 25 - rates are rising from £59.20 to £61.05- Any age and on main phase ESA - rates are rising from £74.70 to £77.00- Aged between 25 and state pension credit age - rates are rising from £74.70 to £77.00- Reached State Pension age - rates are rising from £191.15 to £197.10
Lone parent
- Aged under 18 - rates are rising from £59.20 to £61.05- Any age and on main phase ESA - rates are rising from £74.70 to £77.00- Aged between 18 and state pension credit age - rates are rising from £74.70 to £77.00- Reached State Pension age - rates are rising from £191.15 to £197.10
Couple
- Both aged under 18 - rates are rising from £89.45 to £92.20- One or both aged between 18 and state pension credit age - rates are rising from £117.40 to £121.05- Any age and on main phase ESA - rates are rising from £117.40 to £121.05- One or both have reached State Pension age - rates are rising from £286.05 to £294.90
Other
- Dependent child, or young person aged under 20 - rates are rising from £68.60 to £70.80
Pension Credit
People who are retired can get their low income topped up with Pension Credit.
For single retirees, the rate is rising from £177.10 per week to £182.60, and for couples rates are rising from £270.30 to £278.70.
You could get the ‘Savings Credit’ part of Pension Credit if both of the following apply:
- you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016- you saved some money for retirement, for example a personal or workplace pension
This part of Pension Credit will rise from £14.04 a week to £14.48 for single people, and from £15.71 to £16.20 for couples.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who require help or care because of a severe disability or illness. It is paid at two different rates depending on the level of care required.
The higher rate is rising from £89.60 to £92.40, while the lower rate is rising from £60 to £61.85.
Carer’s Allowance
Those who care for someone who is disabled at least 35 hours per week and they get certain benefits can claim for Carer’s Allowance.
In April, the rate is rising from £67.60 to £69.70 per week.
Disability Living Allowance
The Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for disabled people.
You can only apply for DLA if you are under 16. Older people whose DLA claim has not come to an end may see payments go up.
- Highest amount is rising from £89.60 to £92.40- Middle amount from £60.00 to £61.85- Lowest amount from £23.70 to £24.45
For the mobility component:- Higher amount from £62.55 to £64.50- Lower amount from £23.70 to £24.45
Employment Support Allowance
You can apply for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work. The new rates from April are:
- Under 25-year-old - rising from £59.20 to £61.05- Age 25 and older - rising from £74.70 £77.00- Lone parent under 18 - rising from £59.20 to £61.05- Lone parent 18 or over - rising from £74.70 £77.00
You may also get further rates if you are a couple, have a disability, or have caring responsibilities.
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) provides support to those who are unemployed while they look for work. It is being replaced by Universal Credit, but those still claiming JSA will see payments go up next year.
For under 25-year-olds, contribution-based and income-based payments are rising from £59.20 a week to £61.05, and for those 25 and over, rates are rising from £74.70 to £77.00 per week.
There are also further rates for couples, those with children, disabilities or caring responsibilities.
Maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay increase
Statutory rates are rising from £151.97 to £156.66 for maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay in April.
Parental bereavement pay is also rising by the same amount.
Maternity allowance
New mums who do not qualify for standard maternity pay could get payment from maternity allowance instead, which is rising from £157.97 to £156.66 in April.
Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payments (PIP) help with extra living costs for people with long-term physical or mental health issues, disabilities, or health conditions. You can apply for PIP even if you have savings or are in work.
Payments for the daily living component is rising from £89.60 to £92.40 for enhanced and from £60 from £61.85 for standard.
For the mobility component, rates are rising from £62.55 to £64.50 for enhanced, and £23.70 to £24.45 for standard.
Statutory Sick Pay
Statutory sick pay (SSP) is paid by employers for up to 28 weeks if you are too unwell to work.The SSP rate is rising from £96.35 per week to £99.35 in April. | https://www.scotsman.com/read-this/new-rates-for-universal-credit-as-payments-rise-from-today-3601693 | 2022-04-11T09:57:11Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/read-this/new-rates-for-universal-credit-as-payments-rise-from-today-3601693 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The week ahead has several events that have the potential to move the market. In France, the presidential election is in the spotlight. Following the first round this weekend, incumbent president Emmanuel Macron will face Marine Le Pen in the election runoff.
There are fears that Le Pen, who is seen as a representative of the extreme right, could receive strong support, and a potential win might negatively impact France's relationship with the EU and NATO in the long term. With France being the second largest economy in the EU, potential polls favouring Le Pen in the runoff could have some impact on the European markets and the euro.
This week will also see the release of several surveys in Europe, the US CPI m/m, the US PPI, the RBNZ rate statement and official cash rate, the CPI y/y for GBP. The BOC and ECB will both have press conferences and some comments from BOJ Gov Kuroda and FED members are also expected. Friday is a bank holiday in Europe so low volatility is expected as traders are heading into the Easter holiday.
The US CPI is expected to rise again and it's likely to add to FED hawkishness which could boost the USD. The DXY is at the highest level in two years, and it could go higher in the near term.
RBNZ seems committed to raising rates aggressively to keep inflation under control. Some analysts believe there's a possibility they overtighten and if this happens the bank could be forced to reprioritize to limit the negative growth effect.
In the medium term the prospects for NZD are bullish, but in the short term the NZD/USD H1 chart looks good for selling opportunities. A correction is expected, and the first level of resistance is at 0.6905. If rejected the next target could be 0.6729.
At the next ECB meeting the bank's policy is expected to remain unchanged, but analysts at Barclays believe that high inflation will likely pressure the ECB to signal its future policy plans.
The stagflation narrative in Europe seems to be the main theme at the moment with fears that an economic slowdown in China and rising commodity prices will put pressure on the euro area.
Citi analysts point out that Europe "is facing the worst terms of trade shock since the 70s, which opens up the risk of European recession this year -- albeit their base case is that this is narrowly avoided." If the ECB begins its policy normalization it could support the Euro "if it slows structural outbound European sovereign yields vs FX hedged USTs."
EUR/USD has prospects for further depreciation. From a technical perspective on the H1 chart we can see a bullish divergence which means the pair can have a bigger correction until 1.0970. If that level holds it can continue its descending trend with the next targets at 1.0825 and 1.0760.
For the Canadian dollar, analysts at Citi now expect 50 bp hikes from the BOC in April, June and July this year, followed by 25 bp increments to reach 2.7% by the end of the year. The CAD will also be supported by high commodity prices for the near future.
However, the USD/CAD closed near the 1.2600 level of resistance last week, and even if the overall outlook is bearish, it's possible that the pair could climb higher until the end of the month. The next level of support is at 1.2525 and if rejected the pair can go to test the resistance at 1.2650.
Despite favourable conditions for the CAD, the USD was strengthened by the rising US yields and more US data points like the CPI, PPI and Retail Sales are expected to show gains for March, which will further support the USD.
According to analysts at Scotiabank, the upcoming BOC policy statement, the monetary policy report and Governor Macklem’s press conference will have a hawkish undertone for the CAD, but "there's a risk that either a) policy makers fail to deliver what is already priced in for the next week or b) do not prove sufficiently hawkish guidance to justify what the swaps curve have priced in for the coming months." The analysts advise a neutral stance on CAD until more developments this week.
As for other currencies, GBP remains bearish in the near future with the mention that there are usually some strong seasonal performances for GBP in April that may be linked to fiscal and dividend impacts. For the last few years, the GBP/USD has had a bullish seasonality in April. Whether this will repeat this year it remains to be seen. In terms of monetary policy, it is more likely for the BOE to have a hawkish message than the ECB, BOJ and even SNB. Inflation in the UK is likely to rise further to 6.5% year over year.
Nothing new is expected from Kuroda this week as it seems a weaker JPY is not seen as a problem for now. I expect that USD/JPY will enter a consolidation phase in the week ahead and the JPY to remain weak until something new comes that could change the narrative.
The SNB is not yet signalling a dovish stance despite further CHF strength. In the future, "a push below parity vs EUR, if seen, may trigger political pressure on the SNB to weaken CHF via modest FX intervention," City analysts say.
This article was written by Gina Constantin. | https://www.forexlive.com/Education/market-outlook-for-the-week-of-april-11-15-20220411/ | 2022-04-11T09:57:16Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/Education/market-outlook-for-the-week-of-april-11-15-20220411/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
There isn't anything too significant on the board for today with light expiries seen around current levels.
As such, trading sentiment will still be dictated by the flows as sentiment (from the bond market especially) is the key driver for the time being. For USD/JPY, just be wary that there is a lack of meaningful expiries at and above 125.00 so there isn't much to hold the pair down in the event of a firmer breakout.
Besides that, the Easter break will start to kick in on Friday so that explains the lack of interest on the board for the day itself.
For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here. | https://www.forexlive.com/Orders/fx-option-expiries-for-11-april-10am-new-york-cut-20220411/ | 2022-04-11T09:57:22Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/Orders/fx-option-expiries-for-11-april-10am-new-york-cut-20220411/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Striker John Robertson and full-back Callum Crane featured in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Forfar that kept the Citizens on course for a fourth-place finish.
The Capital outfit are three points better off than Stenhousemuir with just three matches left to play.
City control their own destiny as they chase down a play-off spot for the second successive season after losing in last season's final to Dumbarton.
The victory over the Loons was Maybury's first since replacing Gary Naysmith who was sacked last month. The club's remaining three fixtures are away to Cowdenbeath on Saturday before the visit of Annan and a trip to Stirling Albion at the end of the month.
A delighted Maybury said: "We're getting more numbers back so it's giving us more options off the bench. The squad is looking as strong as it has in the last couple of weeks. It was good to get Callum and John both back on the pitch. It's giving us a chance to move things around and not weaken the team. Hopefully we can build on this.
"It's been a good return to get four points out of Kelty and Forfar. It's one games less, it's still in our own hands so we just need to keep picking up enough points to get us into the play-offs.
"I'll get footage of Cowdenbeath's win on Saturday - I've already watched their one before that so I know what to expect. I have an eye on my team to so the real preparation starts now."
Ryan Shanley made sure of the win at Ainslie Park from the penalty spot adding to Danny Handling's first-half strike.
Former Hibs attacker Shanley said: "It is really tight in the league but we've just to take each game as it comes. It was good all our preparation for Forfar came off. It's been good having the gaffer in and he's helping us in different ways. It was relief to get the second goal as a 1-0 lead can be dodgy at times. It was good to get the three points."
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Thank you for reading this article. If you haven't already, please consider supporting our sports coverage with a digital sports subscription. | https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/edinburgh-city-players-coming-back-at-right-time-as-alan-maybury-targets-play-offs-3648883 | 2022-04-11T09:57:25Z | scotsman.com | control | https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/edinburgh-city-players-coming-back-at-right-time-as-alan-maybury-targets-play-offs-3648883 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
EUR/USD is holding up 0.3% on the day, trading around 1.0910 at the moment. While the dollar is holding slightly firmer across the board, the euro is getting some respite from the results of the first round of the French election yesterday.
Macron has a decent lead but the runoff on 24 April may be a tight one between himself and Le Pen, as voters for Mélenchon will be split between the two and also abstaining from voting in general.
But for now, the euro is seeing a bit of a relief in European morning trade; recovering some ground after the opening gap higher earlier in the day was erased amid a firmer dollar.
It would be more convincing if the euro can get above the highs in the past few days around 1.0938-40. Otherwise, I'd argue that sellers are still in a comfortable spot for the time being. | https://www.forexlive.com/Orders/macrons-first-round-lead-a-light-comfort-for-the-euro-20220411/ | 2022-04-11T09:57:28Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/Orders/macrons-first-round-lead-a-light-comfort-for-the-euro-20220411/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
- 85 of 102 economists forecast a 50 bps rate hike in May
- 56 of 102 economists forecast a follow-up 50 bps rate hike in June
- Fed funds rate now expected at 2.00% - 2.25% at the end of the year (previously 1.50% - 1.75%)
- Fed funds rate then expected to be at 2.50% - 2.75% at the end of 2023
That's quite the aggressive view but I guess it reflects what we're hearing from Fed policymakers recently. But again, how exactly will the economy take to all this when rate hikes aren't exactly the solution to rampaging inflation? I still don't see how the Fed can get away with an unimpeded path to hike towards 2% considering the economic backdrop.
If they do get there, it's going to be a short-lived one if anything else as rate cuts are surely going to return to the table soon when the economy stutters. Some analysts in the poll are already calling for that in Q4 2023.
ING economist, James Knightley, says that:
"Given the shift in official commentary with inflation pressures visible throughout the economy, we believe the Fed will deliver half-point interest rate increases at the May, June and July policy meetings. With the Fed seemingly feeling the need to 'catch up' to regain control of inflation and inflation expectations, a rapid-fire pace of aggressive interest rate increases heightens the chances of a policy misstep that could be enough to topple the economy into a recession."
The Reuters poll also shows a median 1/4 chance of a recession in the US during the coming year, with the odds rising to 40% in the next 24 months. | https://www.forexlive.com/news/fed-to-deliver-back-to-back-50-bps-rate-hikes-in-may-and-june-reuters-poll-20220411/ | 2022-04-11T09:57:35Z | forexlive.com | control | https://www.forexlive.com/news/fed-to-deliver-back-to-back-50-bps-rate-hikes-in-may-and-june-reuters-poll-20220411/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
I drive by the construction work being done to extend the White Oak bike trail so that it connects to the Heights bike trail on the north side of the MKT Bridge. I’ve been keeping an eye on its progress and occasionally taking some pictures to document it – see here for the previous update, about a month ago. Here’s what I saw in mid-March:
Most of the work appears to have been done to the side of where the actual trail is – see the second photo in the link above for comparison. That became even more apparent two weeks later, when I took this picture:
I don’t honestly know what’s going on to the right of the trail-to-be. My daughter and I were speculating about it when I pointed it out to her, but neither of us came up with something that sounded plausible to me. I assume it will become evident at some point, but for now I’m scratching my head.
Meanwhile, for that closer view in the back, where that little culvert is:
That part is surely an extension of the bayou, perhaps to make it slightly less likely that Studemont will flood out at the I-10 underpass. I’m just guessing here. It’s not a lot of capacity if that is what it is, but I suppose every little bit helps. Note that the dug-out stuff next to the trail is above where this is.
One more thing, on the side where the Height bike trail approaches the MKT Bridge, coming from White Oak Drive. There has never been an official entry point to the trail from the neighborhood there. You can access it from White Oak Drive, or from where the trail crosses Oxford Street next to White Oak, where the Golden Bagel shop had been, but if you’re approaching the trail from the east side of Studewood, which is to say from the Woodland Heights, that’s some extra redundant distance to go if what you want to do is go towards downtown, maybe using the trail to get to Target or something else in that area. I spotted this in mid-March while out on a Sunday dog walk:
That is what I figure will soon be if it isn’t already a paved connection from Frasier Street to the Heights bike trail, making this the closest entry point to the trail from the Woodland Heights that doesn’t involve biking on Studewood itself (you can access the trail from the little parking lot they put in just north of I-10) or on Watson/Taylor, which requires dodging traffic that’s trying to enter I-10. It’s the closest point that I personally feel safe using to access, in other words. We didn’t need this bit of pavement to get there, but this not only makes it easier when it’s been raining and you now get to avoid biking over mud, it also just seems more inviting, like there’s finally recognition that someone would want to do this. Whatever the motivation, I approve.
I’ll post another update as merited. Still no evidence that the bridge itself is being repaired, which remains a source of frustration. But at least this is making progress. | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=104974 | 2022-04-11T09:57:43Z | offthekuff.com | control | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=104974 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
This was quite the journey.
Starr County District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez said Sunday he has filed a motion to dismiss a murder charge against a woman for performing a “self-induced abortion.”
Ramirez said the Starr County Sheriff’s Department “did their duty in investigating the incident brought to their attention by the reporting hospital” but this was not a criminal matter under Texas law.
The Starr County Sheriff’s Office arrested 26-year-old Lizelle Herrera on Thursday and held her in custody on $500,000 bond. By Saturday night, Herrera was released from custody after an abortion rights advocacy fund posted bail on her behalf.
The specifics of the case and the strength of the case against Hererra were murky from the start.
Steve Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law, said that based on the information available, the murder charge didn’t make sense.
“The Texas murder statute does apply to the killing of an unborn fetus,” he said, “but it specifically exempts cases where the person who terminated the fetus is the pregnant woman.”
Vladeck said Herrera’s situation showed what will happen as legal protections around abortion crumble. “I think what this case really is, is an ominous portent of what things are going to look like on the ground in states that have aggressive abortion restrictions,” he added.
Jessica Brand, a former prosecutor and founder of the WREN Collective, a criminal justice nonprofit organization, agreed. “We’ve had a lot of wake up calls in Texas for how far people are willing to go to prosecute women to strip women of their rights,” she said.
Melissa Arjona, who co-founded South Texans for Reproductive Justice, said the arrest is a consequence of SB 8, which criminalized abortion as early as six weeks and deputized private citizens to sue anyone who provides an abortion or “aids and abets” a procedure.
“I mean, they criminalized pregnancy, basically, and abortion access,” she said. “And so we knew something like this was bound to happen eventually.”
I saw this story hit on Friday night but didn’t have time to delve into it. By the time I did get to it, the charges had been dismissed. I’ll get to that in a minute, but first this AP story from Saturday does some legal analysis of what was then an arrest with not a whole lot else known.
It’s unclear whether Lizelle Herrera is accused of having an abortion or whether she helped someone else get an abortion.
Herrera was arrested Thursday and remained jailed Saturday on a $500,000 bond in the Starr County jail in Rio Grande City, on the U.S.-Mexico border, sheriff’s Maj. Carlos Delgado said in a statement.
“Herrera was arrested and served with an indictment on the charge of Murder after Herrera did then and there intentionally and knowingly cause the death of an individual by self-induced abortion,” Delgado said.
Delgado did not say under what law Herrera has been charged. He said no other information will be released until at least Monday because the case remains under investigation.
Texas law exempts her from a criminal homicide charge for aborting her own pregnancy, University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck told The Associated Press.
“(Homicide) doesn’t apply to the murder of an unborn child if the conduct charged is ‘conduct committed by the mother of the unborn child,’” Vladeck said.
A 2021 state law that bans abortions in Texas for women who are as early as six weeks pregnant has sharply curtailed the number of abortions in the state. The law leaves enforcement to private citizens who can sue doctors or anyone who helps a woman get an abortion.
The woman receiving the abortion is exempted from the law.
However, some states still have laws that criminalize self-induced abortions “and there have been a handful of prosecutions here and there over the years,” Vladeck said.
“It is murder in Texas to take steps that terminate a fetus, but when a medical provider does it, it can’t be prosecuted” due to U.S. Supreme Court rulings upholding the constitutionality of abortion, Vladeck said.
Lynn Paltrow, the executive director of National Advocates for Pregnant Women also noted the state law exemption.
“What’s a little mysterious in this case is, what crime has this woman been charged with?” Paltrow said. “There is no statute in Texas that, even on its face, authorizes the arrest of a woman for a self-managed abortion.”
Another Texas law prohibits doctors and clinics from prescribing abortion-inducing medications after the seventh week of pregnancy and prohibits delivery of the pills by mail.
Medication abortions are not considered self-induced under federal Food and Drug Administration regulations, Vladeck said.
“You can only receive the medication under medical supervision,” according to Vladeck. “I realize this sounds weird because you are taking the pill yourself, but it is under a providers’ at least theoretical care.”
At this point, we still don’t know a lot about what happened. One hopes we will learn more starting today, and one hopes that Lizelle Herrera will collect a ton of restitution against Starr County if the facts warrant it. I’ll turn this over to Twitter to fill in the rest for now, starting with Prof. Vladeck and a reminder that stupidity is often the simplest explanation for this kind of malfeasance. Which, to be fair, doesn’t make it any less scary or damaging.
.
On one hand, it would be a relief if this was just an overreaction by a misinformed local prosecutor vs. something more coordinated. On the other, it’s a sobering reminder of both the power of prosecutors and the unavailability in TX of legal abortions after 6 weeks of pregnancy.— Steve Vladeck (@steve_vladeck) 12:49 PM – 10 April 2022
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First, it is completely unclear what law anyone thought was being applied – frightening enough. But that “by the reporting hospital” could very well mean that the person wrongly accused went to the hospital seeking medical care and was turned into the police as a result.— Andrea (@nonsequiteuse) 1:53 PM – 10 April 2022
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This is why abortion doesn’t even to be 100% banned before people die – if you’re weighing seeking medical care versus going to jail, you can be at risk for death.— Andrea (@nonsequiteuse) 1:53 PM – 10 April 2022
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This is not a drill. This is why I joined forces with some amazing and powerful advocates to go sit in the Senate gallery back in the day in our handmaids’ robes. We knew this could happen and here it goes.It’s all on the line this November. Which is terrifying also. ###
— Andrea (@nonsequiteuse) 1:53 PM – 10 April 2022
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Nice statement BUT WHO presented the “case” to the Grand Jury if it wasn’t the DA’s office? This situation is crammed full of facts not made public to the extent of being reprehensible on numerous fronts.— Steve Bresnen (@SteveBresnen) 12:14 PM – 10 April 2022
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LULAC’s president, Domingo Garcia, sent a statement on Starr Co. abortion indictment tonight:“We must know all the facts, in this case, to see whether a charge of murder is even warranted. This situation should not be turned into a sensationalized headline for political gain.”
— FRANCO (@ocnarfjimenez) 10:10 PM – 9 April 2022
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This story is important. I want y’all to know how we found it and broke it now that we’re paywall. No one sent us a press release or told us. We found out by checking booking reports and making calls. We’ll follow this case closely. https://myrgv.com/free/2022/04/08/woman-arrested-in-starr-county-for-illegal-abortion/ via @myrgvnews— Mark Reagan (@RGVReagan) 12:00 PM – 9 April 2022
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Follow up: This is the indictment recently unsealed and obtained by @ocnarfjimenez.It indicates the incident was from Jan. 7, 2022.
The indictment was then filed March 31, according to court records. Herrera’s jail paperwork was still being worked on as of this evening.
— Valerie Gonzalez (@ValOnTheBorder) 10:23 PM – 8 April 2022
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I was never a prosecutor in TX, but in 30 years I never once brought a charge (whether by Information or Indictment) that did not include a citation to the applicable criminal statute.— Glenn Kirschner (@glennkirschner2) 7:16 AM – 10 April 2022
Like I said, I hope we learn a lot more soon, because this stinks and it’s scary. MSN and the Trib have more. | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=104993 | 2022-04-11T09:57:47Z | offthekuff.com | control | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=104993 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
(iSeeCars) – One of the key factors to consider when purchasing an electric car is its long range capabilities. This is the maximum driving range an electric vehicle can go on a single charge. Although most of us don’t drive hundreds of miles every day and deplete a full charge, no one wants to worry about running out of juice and not being able to find a place to plug-in. This concern around this issues is such that the EPA includes estimated range figures in its fuel economy evaluations for electric cars, although what you achieve in real-world driving may vary. The constant expansion of the charging network makes it easier than ever to find a convenient charger, and the time it takes to fully charge an electric car is also improving. Electric vehicles also include infotainment systems with features that help make it easy to track your range and locate a charging station.
Gone are the days when there were only a few electric cars for sale. Today there are dozens of electric vehicles to choose from with a wide range of options from minimalist to luxurious. Electric car powertrains include single-motor options with front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive and dual-motor options with all-wheel drive for slippery/snowy roads. Some electric cars have three electric motors for more advanced AWD capability, which delivers improved handling over FWD or RWD models. Whether you want a luxury sedan, hatchback, crossover, entry-level compact car, or even a pickup truck, there’s an electric vehicle with an incrreasingly long driving range out there for you. Here we break down the longest range electric cars you can buy both new and used along with pricing. We even take a peek at future electric cars due over the coming months and years.
New EVs with the Longest Range
There are some electric cars with very low ranges. These include the Mazda MX-30, which has only 100 miles of range and the MINI Hardtop 2-Door, which gets 114 miles on a full charge. These cars have smaller battery packs, which makes them a challenge if you’re planning a road trip. Most new electric vehicles, however, get over 200 miles of range per charge, with a wide spread of price points and maximum range figures so you don’t have to worry as much about finding a place to plug-in. Note that some electric cars have both standard range and long range batteries so you can get a range version that best suits your needs
Sitting at the top of the range list for new electric vehicles is the luxurious Lucid Air sedan. It starts at $139,000 with a range of up to 520 miles on a single charge. If you want something with a long range and the performance specs of a sports car, you can’t beat the Lucid Air. There’s also the luxurious Mercedes EQS sedan, which delivers a range of 350 miles. If you’re in the market for a truck, then the fullsize 320-mile Ford F-150 Lightning, or mid-size Rivian R1T with its 314 miles per charge, should be on your list. If a premiumg-branded full-size truck is more to your liking there’s the GMC Hummer, which gets 329 miles per charge. The Tesla Model X gets the top spot for an electric SUV with 348 miles of range while the more affordable Kia EV6 is the crossover with the longest range at 310 miles per charge. If you want more of a sports car with an electric motor and a long range, there’s the Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV with 300 miles of range per charge. Here’s the full breakdown of new electric cars and their ranges so you can avoid range anxiety.
Used EVs with the Longest Range
EVs are still newcomers to the automotive landscape, so the selection of used vehicles isn’t as strong. The smaller number of models in existence means there simply aren’t as many used electric cars on the market. Some of the models on our list of new electric vehicles just came out this year, meaning they haven’t had time to make their way to the used car marketplace. There’s also a notable lack of trucks since those are currently new models only. If you want an electric truck you’ll have to go with a new one or wait a bit for used models to make an appearance.
The Tesla Model 3 sedan has the longest range of used electric cars at 310 miles per charge. Tesla also comes out on top for SUVs with its Model X getting a maximum of 295 miles per charge. If it’s a crossover you’re after the Chevrolet Bolt EV with its 238 miles of range will get you further than the competition. While the selection of used electric vehicles is limited, you will save money by buying used as long as you don’t mind the limited number of choices. This can help you get a premium electric car at an entry-level price.
Future Electric Vehicles With Even Longer Ranges?
What about the future? Despite the small number of electric vehicles available compared to the wide range of gas-powered vehicles you can buy, options are increasing. Just one year ago there were no trucks, but today there are three. That number is set to increase with the introduction of the Chevrolet Silverado EV this spring with an impressive predicted range of up to 400 miles per charge. Cadillac is about to introduce its first EV, the Lyriq SUV, which is coming sometime later this year with a range of up to 300 miles.
If you want to go off-road you’ll want to look for the Jeep Wrangler EV, which is expected later this year with range figures under wraps. There will also be the Subaru Solterra crossover, which has all-wheel drive capability and an estimated range of over 220 miles. There are new electric vehicles coming from practically every automaker in every category over the coming years. If you don’t see what you want today, it won’t be long before the perfect electric vehicle for you makes its debut.
More from iSeeCars.com:
If you’re in the market for a new or used electric vehicle you can search over 4 million used electric cars, SUVs, and trucks with iSeeCars’ award-winning car search engine that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, like the iSeeCars free VIN check report and Best Cars rankings. Filter by vehicle type, front or all-wheel drive, and other parameters in order to narrow down your car search.
This article, Electric Cars with the Longest Range, originally appeared on iSeeCars.com. | https://www.wwlp.com/news/the-electric-cars-with-the-longest-range/ | 2022-04-11T10:02:18Z | wwlp.com | control | https://www.wwlp.com/news/the-electric-cars-with-the-longest-range/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Last week, the Missouri House passed a state budget for the coming year in a series of 15 bills that cover different areas of spending — from schools to Medicaid to transportation. Together they added up to a price tag of $46.5 billion. But a whole $1.8 billion in general revenue remains untouched.
"I'm alarmed that we left that much sitting on the table, particularly as we sent that budget over to the Senate, who we know have been really reckless," says Missouri Rep. Ingrid Burnett of northeast Kansas City.
Burnett is part of House Democratic leadership and sits on the Budget Committee. She joined KCUR's Brian Ellison to take a deeper dive into what the budget pays for, and what's been left on the cutting room floor.
Contact the show at news@kcur.org. Follow KCUR on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news.
Kansas City Today is hosted by Nomin Ujiyediin. It is produced by Byron Love with Trevor Grandin and edited by Gabe Rosenberg and Lisa Rodriguez.
You can support Kansas City Today by becoming a KCUR member: kcur.org/donate | https://www.kcur.org/podcast/kansas-city-today/2022-04-11/a-miserly-attitude-toward-the-missouri-budget | 2022-04-11T10:05:57Z | kcur.org | control | https://www.kcur.org/podcast/kansas-city-today/2022-04-11/a-miserly-attitude-toward-the-missouri-budget | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
As restrictions on accessing an abortion in Missouri have steadily tightened, nearly 9,800 Missourians travelled to Kansas and Illinois to receive abortions in 2020, compared to only 167 procedures that occurred within state lines that year.
That number could drop even further if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion — causing a Missouri law to kick in that would ban the procedure except in medical emergencies.
And after years of limiting access to abortion in Missouri, lawmakers are now eyeing policy for a world in which the constitutional protections for the procedure are no more.
“Nationally, everybody is looking to a post-Roe world,” said Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold. “In Missouri, we’re almost already there.”
Proposals have been floated this legislative session to allow lawsuits to be filed against anyone aiding Missourians to obtain an abortion across state lines, to target the distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and to declare the right to an abortion doesn’t exist in the state constitution.
But as the nation waits in anticipation of how the country’s highest court will rule, the GOP-controlled Missouri legislature finds itself at an inflection point of its own.
“How much do you do now, as opposed to how much do you do down the road when states have more freedom to regulate abortion than they do now?” said Sam Lee, a longtime lobbyist for Campaign Life Missouri. “It’s a debatable point.”
Proposals that mirror Texas’ recent abortion restrictions have grabbed national headlines, but they have yet to gain significant traction in the legislature — which is more than halfway through the session that ends May 13.
Meanwhile, a yearslong effort to limit public funds from going to abortion providers and their affiliates has steadily marched forward, once again locking reproductive health providers and the state in litigation.
“Not only are Missouri politicians showing us what it’s going to look like post Roe v. Wade,” said Bonyen Lee-Gilmore, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, “but they’re also showing us their intent to go after all other comprehensive reproductive health care.”
Lee called the effort to defund Planned Parenthood “the most likely pro-life bill that’s going to pass this year.”
“It’s practically universal among every Republican that I’ve talked to, whatever caucus they’re in or whatever they call themselves,” he said. “That’s the law that they want to pass. And I’ve seen that discussed over and over.”
Proposals this session
Republican lawmakers have opened up new fronts this session, taking aim at abortions occurring outside of state lines and introducing measures modeled off of Texas’ law that banned abortions after fetal cardiac activity is detected — which can be as early as six weeks before most women know they are pregnant.
While Idaho was the first to sign legislation mirroring Texas’ law, it remains to be seen if Missouri lawmakers are on board with adopting a similar private enforcement mechanism.
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Seniors, Families, Veterans & Military Affairs debated a bill that would mirror Texas’ law and another that would allow women to be held criminally responsible “for the death or attempted death of her child” for receiving an abortion.
A string of supporters urged lawmakers Wednesday to outlaw abortion in its entirety. While opponents, like Maggie Olivia, a policy manager with Pro-Choice Missouri, said allowing private lawsuits would give abusers financial incentives to surveil their victims.
A bill filed by Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, that has yet to be heard in committee would also extend Missouri’s abortion laws outside of state lines in certain circumstances, such as when the procedure involves a Missouri resident, which the bills also defines as “an unborn child.”
Last week, the House avoided a vote on an amendment proposed by Coleman that would have made it illegal to perform or “aid or abet” an abortion for a Missouri resident — regardless of where the procedure occurs. The provision, which would have allowed for exceptions in the case of life-threatening conditions, would have been enforced through private lawsuits, and not the state.
A rare procedural move was used to overwrite Coleman’s language.
Bills passed this session will be able to “start to be challenged to see where those parameters are,” in a post-Roe v. Wade world, Coleman said.
But not all anti-abortion advocates are in agreement.
Lee said he doesn’t believe Texas’ private enforcement mechanism is the right tactic, noting Democratic states, like California, have used the same concept to propose legislation to allow private citizens to sue gun manufacturers.
“I don’t think it’s a sustainable approach,” Lee said. “I don’t think in the long run, it’s an approach that the courts are going to favor.”
What’s more, under the current enforcement by the state, abortions have fallen, Lee said. According to preliminary data, last year only 151 abortions occurred in Missouri, which includes those in hospitals, Lisa Cox, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Senior Services said.
The constitutionality of a 2019 Missouri law that banned abortions after eight weeks also has yet to be decided, as the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis weighs arguments. Lee said it would be premature to pass new laws that may repeal or interfere with those statutes before the case is decided.
When asked during Wednesday’s committee hearing if language allowing for private enforcement would affect the law before the courts, Susan Klein, Missouri Right to Life’s executive director said, “we don’t believe that it would.”
Amending Missouri’s Constitution
If Roe v. Wade is overturned and a near-total ban on abortions under the provisions of Missouri’s 2019 law goes into effect, anti-abortion advocates expect a court challenge would be imminent.
In anticipation of one, a handful of bills filed this session would allow voters to decide whether to amend Missouri’s Constitution to make clear that: “Nothing in this constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion.”
“I believe this is an ounce of prevention against an activist courtroom in this area,” Sen. Bob Onder, R-Lake St. Louis and sponsor of SJR 53, said Wednesday during a committee hearing.
In Kansas, voters will be asked this August whether to amend the state’s constitution to reverse a Kansas Supreme Court decision that found women had a constitutional right to abortion in Kansas. Meanwhile in anticipation of Roe v. Wade’s possible reversal, Democratic strongholds have moved in the opposite direction, with Colorado affirming a right to abortion exists in their state under a new law signed Monday.
Koenig, whose bill also touches on taxpayer funds going toward abortion, said the language would make Missouri’s Constitution “abortion neutral” and leave the authority over abortion policy in lawmakers’ hands.
“To me, that is not exactly neutral,” said Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur.
Taxpayer funds
Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have continued their efforts to bar taxpayer funds from going to abortion providers and their affiliates.
On Thursday, the Missouri House passed budget bills that included $0 line items for abortion providers and their affiliates and barred them from being reimbursed through the state’s Medicaid program. A similar provision signed by Gov. Mike Parson in a supplemental budget bill has already been met with a lawsuit by Planned Parenthood.
But lawmakers still hope to pass similar language through statute, noting the Missouri Supreme Court previously struck down prior attempts to do so through the state budget. Provisions were included in an omnibus abortion bill passed out of the House Wednesday.
“I don’t think when you’re talking about saving lives,” Klein said, “that you should have just one track.”
Missouri’s Medicaid program only pays for abortions in the instances of rape, incest or to save the mother’s life. Reproductive health advocates have stressed that limiting funding to Planned Parenthood providers will stretch a safety net that’s already over capacity.
In 2021, the two Planned Parenthood health centers that participated in Missouri Family Health Council’s family planning services served 52% of the nearly 44,000 patients seen, said Michelle Trupiano, the nonprofit’s executive director.
M’Evie Mead, Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri’s director, said it will put people in a “a terrible but intentional bind” in a world where abortion is illegal if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
“They can no longer access the care of the provider of their choice where they can actually prevent unintended pregnancy or keep themselves healthy,” Mead said, “and if they happen to get pregnant unintentionally they have no recourse.”
States like Kansas and Illinois that have the right to an abortion enshrined in their state laws may be fortified as abortion safe havens if Roe v. Wade is overturned, and clinics have already seen their numbers increase as access is restricted in other states.
Planned Parenthood Great Plains’ clinics in Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas saw over 1,100 patients from Texas from September to December 2021 after Texas’ fetal cardiac activity law was passed, a spokeswoman said, compared to only 50 Texans during that same period a year earlier.
Similarly, a regional logistics center in Fairview Heights just past the Illinois-Missouri border, has seen a 133% increase in patients that are traveling from outside Missouri and Illinois, Lee-Gilmore said.
“Figuring out, how do we get the patient to the health center? Where do they stay while they’re here? Do they have money to eat?” Lee-Gilmore said, “All of these questions are now regularly becoming a part of abortion care.”
This story was originally published on the Missouri Independent. | https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2022-04-11/with-abortion-bills-stretching-past-state-lines-missouri-is-already-headed-to-a-post-roe-world | 2022-04-11T10:06:03Z | kcur.org | control | https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2022-04-11/with-abortion-bills-stretching-past-state-lines-missouri-is-already-headed-to-a-post-roe-world | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
To have an appointment to meet our Director / Principa to enrol. You won’ t get lost here, no hidden fees - No commissio. Gp ess test answers pdf free torrent link for the new free driver. If he had asked “ is this one big happy funky family. Please complete and file your test fee wwa/ ess registration ”. The EMPRIS online- testing- system makes available many testing functions online available for registration/ can- WEST MICHIGAN — The forecast from FOX 17 Meteorologist Candace Monacelli: A few rumbles of thunder are possible as the line of broken showers moves through ahead of a weaker system moving to our north today. The second half of the day will be dry and partly cloudy. Through this week, several days are likely to be in the 60s! There's also a chance for 70 on Wednesday. Along with the warmer temperatures, we expect a few passing showers and thunderstorms with only minor chances of some being strong to severe Tuesday overnight into Wednesday. Thursday will also be a day full of gusty winds. Make sure to stay up on later forecasts. Download the FOX 17 Weather App for the latest forecast and live radar.
TODAY: Chance of morning showers and storms, otherwise partly sunny to mostly cloudy. Sharply warmer with highs in the lower 60s. Winds west-southwest at 10 to 15 mph.
TONIGHT: Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s.
TUESDAY: Partly cloudy to partly sunny. Chance of evening or night showers and storms. Highs in the mid 60s.
WEDNESDAY: Scattered rain showers likely with a few thunderstorms possible in the afternoon and evening. Some storms might be strong to severe. Highs near 70 degrees.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy with shower chances and gusty winds. Highs in lower 60s and falling throughout the day.
For the latest details on the weather in West Michigan, head to the FOX 17 Weather page. | https://www.fox17online.com/weather/todays-forecast/todays-forecast-partly-cloudy-and-warm | 2022-04-11T10:07:52Z | fox17online.com | control | https://www.fox17online.com/weather/todays-forecast/todays-forecast-partly-cloudy-and-warm | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Dover delays and queues are causing perishable goods to go off as lorries queue to cross the channel. British hauliers of perishable goods are wanting to be prioritised at the port crossing into Europe.
The suspension of P&O services at the Dover terminal as well as bad weather, Easter traffic and IT issues has caused congestion chaos, resulting in long queues for transporters. According to the British Meat Processors Association, some members have had to wait for over 24 hours to cross, causing meat and other perishables to go bad.
A spokesperson from the organisation said the suspension of the ferries had combined with other issues to create a “perfect storm” of problems with the export process.
READ MORE: Operation Brock: P&O Ferries confirms when it will resume Dover to Calais route
He said: “The priority for the authorities should be to help lorries with perishable goods get through as quickly as possible. Shelf life is being lost which costs money and creates waste and business will be lost if this continues.
“We need the authorities to review the situation as soon as possible and take some appropriate actions.”
One meat haulier, Eardley International, told the BBC lorries were experiencing delays of “20 to 25 hours to cross the Channel”. The company based in Lockerbie, Scotland, takes fresh meat from the UK into Europe, its company director Graham Eardley explained.
“Our products have a very short shelf life,” he told the BBC, adding that the delays were costing the business up to £800 per lorry, "if we load lamb in the UK on a Monday, we’d expect to deliver that product to Germany on a Tuesday.
“Now we are seeing delays of 20 to 25 hours to cross the Channel, and the quality and the sale value of that product falls by every hour it is delayed.”
According to the BBC, the Department of Transport (DfT) has provided no indication as to whether perishable items will be prioritised at the crossing. The DfT has been contacted for comment.
Is Operation Brock fit for purpose? Have your say as traffic misery spreads in Kent.
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The bomb squad was called to a road in Maidstone yesterday afternoon (April 10) after a 'suspicious item' was located inside a property. Officers attended the address on Tonbridge Road shortly after 4pm, where they discovered suspicious materials.
As a result, neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution while fire crews were called to the scene at around 4.18pm. Specialist officers also attended alongside the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).
The item was declared safe by the experts, and residents returned to their homes at around 9pm. Kent Fire and Rescue Service recorded a stop time of 8.58pm.
READ MORE: 17 completely free things to do across Kent
During the time of the incident, people took to a local Facebook group to ask what was going on. Laura Briggs said: "Does anybody know if Tonbridge Road is still closed near St Michael's? I have been evacuated and don’t want to come back with my toddler until we can get back in the house.
Jessica Warwick replied and said: "We’ve been evacuated as well and we’re told explosives. We’ve gone to a family member’s and just hoping everything is ok and safe to go home at some point."
An aerial picture shows a police cordon in place near St Michael's church. A number of police vehicles and one fire engine were present on Tonbridge Road.
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Two notorious Kent killers have reportedly become friends while in prison. Wayne Couzens, who murdered Sarah Everard, is said to be friends with David Fuller, who defilied the bodies of over 100 dead women in the hospital he worked at.
A source told the Mirror the pair bonded after being put in the same wing of HMP Frankland in Brasside, County Durham. He said: “We call them The Odd Couple.”
Former Met officer Couzens, who worked as a mechanic before he joined the police, is said to enjoy chats with electrician Fuller, who – like him – lived in the county. The source said: “They know some of the same areas from back in the day.
READ MORE: The most dangerous neighbourhoods to live in Kent
“The idea of them swapping stories turns my stomach,” the Mirror reports. Couzens, 48, was handed a whole-life tariff last year after using his job as a cover to kidnap and rape marketing worker Sarah in Clapham, south London. Her murder in March 2021 sparked a national outcry and a fresh focus on ending violence against women.
Fuller, 67, was also jailed last year – for killing Wendy Knell and Caroline Pierce in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, in 1987. He was finally nailed for the so-called “bedsit murders” 33 years after committing the crimes, thanks to DNA advances.
Fuller was given two life sentences for the killings plus a further 12 years for abusing corpses at the hospital in Kent where he worked. Officers who searched his home found Fuller had recorded himself defiling scores of bodies between 2008 and 2020.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has ordered a public inquiry into the morgue abuse scandal. Couzens and Fuller are not the first notorious criminals to become friends behind bars.
Karen Matthews – who in 2008 kidnapped her own daughter, Shannon, in a bid to get a £50,000 cash reward – struck up a friendship with convicted killer Bernadette McNeilly in jail. The pair bonded after being banged up together at Foston Hall prison in Derbyshire – and even kept in touch when Matthews was freed during her eight-year sentence in 2012.
Murderer McNeilly, 51, was released in 2015. She spent 21 years behind bars for setting fire to 16-year-old Suzanne Capper in 1992. Meanwhile, paedophile Roy Whiting, 63 – who murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne in 2000 – is said to have become pals with child rapist Sidney Cooke, 94, at HMP Wakefield, West Yorks.
And black cab rapist John Worboys, 64, is said to have become friendly with Milly Dowler killer Levi Bellfield, 53. A spokesman for the Prison Service said: “We do not comment on individual prisoners.”
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7-Day Weather Forecast for Clarion County
A look at the 7-day weather forecast for the Clarion County area.
Today – A chance of snow showers, mainly before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. West wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tonight – Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday – A chance of showers between 9am and 3pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. South wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night – Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, then showers after midnight. Low around 47. South wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday – Showers before 9am. High near 66. West wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tuesday Night – A chance of rain after 3am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Wednesday – A chance of rain before 3pm, then a chance of showers after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Wednesday Night – A chance of showers before 9pm, then a chance of rain after 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday – A chance of rain before 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday Night – Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Friday – Sunny, with a high near 57.
Friday Night – Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
Saturday – A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 56. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
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Clarion County Photo of the Day
Sunday, April 10, 2022 @ 12:04 AM
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Clarion County Recipe of the Day: Spaghetti With Bolognese Sauce
This classic dish never gets old!
Ingredients
1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 medium carrot, shredded
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 jar (14 ounces) of spaghetti sauce
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
4 ounces uncooked spaghetti
Directions
-In a large skillet, cook the beef, carrot, celery, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink.
-Stir in spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning; bring to a boil. Stir in cream and parsley. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
-Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain. Add to sauce and toss. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately.
Do you want to have your recipe featured as the Clarion County Recipe of the day? If the answer is yes, the process is quick and easy! Simply email your recipe to [email protected] with “Clarion County Recipe of the Day” as the subject. Also, we’d love for you to include a fun picture of the dish you’re sharing. Make your recipe famous today!
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Featured Local Job: Manufacturing Plant Opportunities at Webco
Sunday, April 10, 2022 @ 08:04 AM
Webco Industries currently has openings for Material Handler, Crane Operator, Furnace Outlet/Inlet Operator, Auto Saw Operator, Packer, Pointer Operator, and much much more!!
Salary Range: $15.50 to $21 per hour, $1.20 per hour night shift differential.
Responsibilities include the operation of a variety of machines to process and ensure quality tubing.
Empower Their People with...
- Opportunities for growth
- Promotion from within
- 401(K) Matching
- Paid Holidays & Vacation
Focus and Build on Strengths…
- Education Reimbursement
- Training Opportunities
- Webco U. Courses
- Career Path Plans
Protect First Things Now…
- Health & Wellness Programs
- Health Insurance
- Disability & Life Insurance
- EAP
- Work Life Balance
Create and Capture Value…
- Attendance Bonuses
- Safety Bonuses
- Referral Bonuses
- Longevity Pay
- Profit Sharing
- Retirement Planning
Expect the Best…
- Motivated
- Punctual
- Coachable
- Dependable
- Safety Driven
- 100% Engaged
Dominate Niche Markets…
Through their core values of TRUST and TEAMWORK Webco is North America’s foremost provider of innovative tubing solutions.
Apply NOW to join their family!
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/featured-local-job-manufacturing-plant-opportunities-at-webco/ | 2022-04-11T10:17:20Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/featured-local-job-manufacturing-plant-opportunities-at-webco/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Golden Eagles Track & Field Team Takes Three Events at Lock Haven
LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Golden Eagle track & field team hit their stride at the Elliston Earlybird Invitational, with Clarion athletes winning three individual events and performing well in others at the meet hosted by Lock Haven.
In the distance events, Bailey Royhab (pictured above) set the pace for the field in the 10,000m, winning the event by a margin of 44 seconds. The freshman made her debut in long-distance race, breaking the tape in 41:10.48, coming up just 10 seconds shy of automatic qualification for the PSAC Outdoor Championships in May. It was also 44 seconds faster than Lock Haven’s Molly Snyder, who took second place.
Three Golden Eagles placed in the top-four of the 3000m Steeplechase, with Abby Sullivan and Gabby Kutchma both hitting PSAC qualifying marks in the process. Sullivan took second overall with a time of 11:58.32, while Kutchma crossed the line in 12:05.75. Mackenzie Carver placed third in the 800m, finishing in 2:28.90.
Clarion’s other two victors came in the field, with Shelly Jones and Emma Pesicka winning the Shot Put and Discus events, respectively. Jones won the Shot Put with her fourth throw of the day, hitting a mark of 12.14m. That was the only throw by any competitor in the field to clear 12 meters. Pesicka, meanwhile, improved on her previous Discus toss of 38.21m with a mark of 38.34m at Lock Haven. That came on her third toss of the day, and put her more than two full meters ahead of teammate and second-place finisher Madison Brooks.
Brooks had a strong day in the field as well, hitting a PR in the Hammer that shot her onto the program’s all-time top-five list in the event. Brooks threw the implement 38.63m, good enough for fifth place at the meet and fourth on the all-time performance list at Clarion.
In the jumps, Sadie Leisinger placed second in the High Jump with a mark of 1.57m, giving her a new outdoor PR in the event and qualifying her for the conference championships. Delaney Beard hit the conference mark in the Triple Jump, posting a PR of 11.13m to place third in the field.
Back in the track events, Leah Perry stood out in the 100H, taking second overall with a time of 17.06. She also placed fourth in the 400H with a time of 1:14.56, and took fifth in the High Jump at 1.47m.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/golden-eagles-track-field-team-takes-three-events-at-lock-haven/ | 2022-04-11T10:17:26Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/golden-eagles-track-field-team-takes-three-events-at-lock-haven/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
All American Awards and Engraving Soldier Spotlight: Korean War Veteran Butch Gaston
Butch Gaston served our country in the United States Army.
Name: Leroy “Butch” Gaston
Born: November 2, 1933
Died: March 13, 2022
Hometown: New Bethlehem, Pa.
Branch: U.S. Army
Butch was a Korean War veteran, serving with the United States Army.
He also served the community through his membership with the Walter W. Craig American Legion Post #354 of New Bethlehem.
Click here to view a full obituary.
All American Awards and Engraving is located on Route 322 in Shippenville. The company specializes in Embroidery, Screen Printing, all kinds of awards, trophies, engraving, unique gifts and more. As the company motto says, We can put “Almost Anything on Almost Everything”.
They can be found online at www.allamericanhq.com, by calling toll free 1-877-402-9273 and ask for Jim Carroll, or visit them here www.facebook.com/AllAmericanAwardsandEngraving
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/sponsored-all-american-awards-and-engraving-soldier-spotlight-korean-war-veteran-butch-gaston/ | 2022-04-11T10:17:32Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/sponsored-all-american-awards-and-engraving-soldier-spotlight-korean-war-veteran-butch-gaston/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Deer Creek Winery to Host Sunday Afternoon Entertainment by Brad Bendis
Sunday, April 10, 2022 @ 12:04 AM
SHIPPENVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – Deer Creek Winery is hosting live entertainment on Sunday afternoon.
Brad Bendis will be performing a variety of country, rock, folk, and blues favorites from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 10.
Enjoy your lunch with a glass of Deer Creek wine or a beer from North Country Brewery, Straub, Yuengling, or Trails to Ales while listening to a local favorite.
A cafe menu is available including specials of the day.
Deer Creek Winery is located at 3333 Soap Fat Road, Shippenville, Pa.
For more information, visit Deer Creek Winery’s website here.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/sponsored-deer-creek-winery-to-host-sunday-afternoon-entertainment-by-brad-bendis/ | 2022-04-11T10:17:36Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/sponsored-deer-creek-winery-to-host-sunday-afternoon-entertainment-by-brad-bendis/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SPONSORED: The Korner Restaurant Is Offering Turkey Dinner Today, Other Daily Specials Throughout the Week, Dine-In or Take-Out, Closed on Easter
RIMERSBURG, Pa. (EYT) – The Korner Restaurant is offering a turkey dinner as their special on Sunday, April 10. There are also daily specials and homemade soup throughout the week!
The Korner Restaurant is open for dine-in. Take out is always available!
The daily specials are as follows:
- Sunday, April 10 – Turkey Dinner
- Monday, April 11 – Hamburger Steak
- Tuesday, April 12 – Stuffed Peppers, Liver and Onions
- Wednesday, April 13 – Stir Fry, 4pc Chicken Dinner, or Fish Sandwich
- Thursday, April 14 – Spaghetti, Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, or Roast Beef Dinner
- Friday, April 15 – Deep-Fried or Baked Fish Dinner, Shrimp, or Ribeye
- Saturday, April 16 – Cook’s Choice
- Sunday, April 17 – CLOSED FOR EASTER
The menu is subject to change.
Be sure to check the Korner Restaurant’s Facebook Page for other specials and their menu.
You can even get pies to-go! Call to order; please call the day before you need the pie.
Quarts of soup are available for $5.00.
Call in your to-go orders at 814-473-8250.
Individuals can also place an order at the ice cream window.
The Korner Restaurant is open:
Monday through Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Don’t forget about dessert!
Fresh Homemade pies and desserts are baked daily.
Korner Restaurant is located at 626 Lawsonham Road, Rimersburg, PA 16248.
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SPONSORED: West Park Rehab Treats Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears
SENECA, Pa. (EYT) – An anterior cruciate ligament tear is an injury to the knee commonly affecting athletes, such as soccer players, basketball players, skiers, and gymnasts.
Non-athletes can also experience an ACL tear due to injury or accident.
Approximately 200,000 ACL injuries are diagnosed in the United States each year. It is estimated that there are 95,000 ruptures of the ACL and 100,000 ACL reconstructions performed per year in the United States. Approximately 70% of ACL tears in sports are the result of non-contact injuries, and 30% are the result of direct contact (player-to-player, player-to-object). Women are more likely than men to experience an ACL tear.
Physical therapists are trained to help individuals with ACL tears reduce pain and swelling, regain strength and movement, and return to desired activities.
The physical therapists at West Park Rehab are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. West Park Rehab has been successfully treating anterior cruciate ligament tears for over 20 years. Help is available.
You can request an appointment using the following link: https://sites.webpt.com/1660/reactivation-offer.
Or – call our offices at Franklin: 814-437-6191 or Seneca: 814-493-8631.
What Is an ACL Tear?
The ACL is one of the major bands of tissue (ligaments) connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) at the knee joint. It can tear if you:
· Twist your knee while keeping your foot planted on the ground.
· Stop suddenly while running.
· Suddenly shift your weight from one leg to the other.
· Jump and land on an extended (straightened) knee.
· Stretch the knee farther than its usual range of movement.
· Experience a direct hit to the knee.
How Does It Feel?
When you tear the ACL, you may feel a sharp, intense pain or hear a loud “pop” or snap. You might not be able to walk on the injured leg because you can’t support your weight through your knee joint. Usually, the knee will swell immediately (within minutes to a few hours), and you might feel that your knee “gives way” when you walk or put weight on it.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Immediately following an injury, you may be examined by a physical therapist, athletic trainer, or orthopedic surgeon. If you see your physical therapist first, your therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes reviewing your health history. Your physical therapist will ask:
· What you were doing when the injury occurred.
· If you felt pain or heard a “pop” when the injury occurred.
· If you experienced swelling around the knee in the first two to three hours following the injury.
· If you felt your knee buckle or give out when you tried to get up from a chair, walk up or down stairs, or change direction while walking.
Your physical therapist may perform gentle “hands-on” tests to determine the likelihood that you have an ACL tear and may use additional tests to assess possible damage to other parts of your knee.
An orthopedic surgeon may order further tests, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible damage to the knee.
Surgery
Most people who sustain an ACL tear will undergo surgery to repair the tear; however, some people may avoid surgery by modifying their physical activity to relieve stress on the knee. A select group can actually return to vigorous physical activity following rehabilitation without having surgery.
Your physical therapist, together with your surgeon, can help you determine if non-operative treatment (rehabilitation without surgery) is a reasonable option for you. If you elect to have surgery, your physical therapist will help you prepare both for surgery and to recover your strength and movement following surgery.
How Can a Physical Therapist Help?
Once an ACL tear has been diagnosed, you will work with your surgeon and physical therapist to decide if you should have surgery, or if you can recover without surgery. If you don’t have surgery, your physical therapist will work with you to restore your muscle strength, agility, and balance, so you can return to your regular activities. Your physical therapist may teach you ways to modify your physical activity in order to put less stress on your knee. If you decide to have surgery your physical therapist can help you before and after the procedure.
You can request an appointment using the following link: https://sites.webpt.com/1660/reactivation-offer.
Or – call our offices at Franklin: 814-437-6191 or Seneca: 814-493-8631.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/sponsored-west-park-rehab-treats-anterior-cruciate-ligament-tears/ | 2022-04-11T10:17:48Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/sponsored-west-park-rehab-treats-anterior-cruciate-ligament-tears/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Medical Minute: The Connection Between Alcohol and Liver Transplantation
HERSHEY, Pa. (EYT) – Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol use has been on the rise ― and so has alcohol-associated liver disease.
Between March 2020 and January 2021, the number of patients with alcohol-associated liver disease who received a new liver or were placed on a waiting list surpassed pre-COVID projections by 50%.
The illness is now the leading reason for liver transplants in the U.S.
The liver is responsible for making proteins that help blood clot while filtering and eliminating toxins from blood. If the liver has been too badly damaged to do its job, the only option is a liver transplant.
“Liver transplantation in sick patients is lifesaving,” said Dr. Juan Arenas, chief of the Division of Transplant Surgery at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
What exactly does alcohol do to the liver?
Alcohol damages the liver by creating fatty deposits. Over time, they cause scarring known as cirrhosis, which is one form of alcohol-associated liver disease. Another is alcohol-associated hepatitis ― where drinking too much alcohol in a short amount of time inflames the liver.
But how much alcohol is too much?
“The general rule is more than two drinks a day for men, more than one drink a day for women puts you at risk,” said Dr. Karen Krok, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Other causes of liver disease include Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, autoimmune disease, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which is the most common liver disease in the U.S.
What are the symptoms of alcohol-associated liver disease?
In the early stage of the disease, a person may have elevated levels of liver enzymes but may otherwise show no symptoms. Eventually, elevated liver enzymes can lead to jaundice ― the yellowing of a person’s eyes or skin.
Other more serious symptoms include:
- Ascites, fluid build-up in the belly
- Esophageal varices, dilated blood vessels in the esophagus that can bleed
- Hepatic encephalopathy, mental confusion caused by toxin buildup.
Liver disease is most commonly diagnosed through blood work, but it can also be found incidentally when imaging shows scarring or other damage on the liver.
When is liver transplantation necessary?
The liver is the only organ other than skin that can heal and regenerate itself. As long as someone with alcohol-associated liver damage abstains from alcohol, they can treat their symptoms with medication as the alcohol toxin leaves the liver.
When the liver no longer regenerates, the patient might require a transplant. Patients with acute liver failure are given a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, which determines on a scale of six to 40 how urgently a patient needs a new liver. The higher the MELD score, the more quickly a patient will receive a liver transplant.
The human body is less likely to reject a liver than other organs. The U.S. health care system performs about 7,000 liver transplants each year, and the average survival rate in the U.S. is 91% after one year and 75% after five years.
Who qualifies for a liver transplant?
The most basic requirement is that patients must be able to physically handle the surgery. The transplant team must also feel confident that the patient will be a good steward of the liver they are receiving.
“We have to make sure the patient is going to follow medical recommendations and protect that organ,” Arenas said. “Social support is very important in helping patients get through the hard times, come to appointments and stay away from the substance that has led to liver disease.”
“The liver transplant community is at a turning point in how we treat patients with alcohol-associated liver disease,” Krok said.
For many years, patients had to abstain from alcohol for six months before they would be considered for a liver transplant. However, there is no data that proves this prevents relapse and very sick patients may die during this period. Now, patients can be considered for liver transplantation without the six-month abstinence period.
“It’s a challenge for patients to go through this,” Krok said. “We’re really lucky to have a fantastic liver transplant team to help our patients through this procedure.”
The Medical Minute is a weekly health news feature produced by Penn State Health. Articles feature the expertise of faculty, physicians and staff, and are designed to offer timely, relevant health information of interest to a broad audience.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/the-medical-minute-the-connection-between-alcohol-and-liver-transplantation/ | 2022-04-11T10:17:54Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/the-medical-minute-the-connection-between-alcohol-and-liver-transplantation/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Police: Local Man Jailed After Firing Multiple Shots at Two Men, Stealing Vehicle
BRADYS BEND TWP., Pa. (EYT) – An East Brady man is in jail after he allegedly fired multiple shots at two men and then fled in a vehicle owned by one of the men.
According to court documents, Kittanning-based State Police filed criminal charges against 23-year-old Braden Taylor Stevenson, of East Brady, in Magisterial District Judge James H. Owen’s office on Thursday, April 7.
Kittanning-based State Police Officers were dispatched around 11:14 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, to a property located on Iron Furnace Road, in Bradys Bend Township, in Armstrong County, for reports of shots fired, according to a criminal complaint.
Upon arriving at the scene, two known men related they drove from Butler to hang out with Braden Tayler Stevenson at a residence on Iron Furnace Road. Once they arrived at the property, Stevenson fired multiple shots toward them, the complaint states.
The known men stated that they “ran from the residence on foot in fear of their lives.” They added that Stevenson then stole a white 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe, owned by one of the known men, and fled the scene, according to the complaint.
Multiple shell casings were recovered from the scene.
It was noted that Stevenson is a felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.
No other details of the incident were provided.
Stevenson was arraigned at 5:45 p.m. on April 7 in front of Magisterial District Judge Kevin Lee McCausland on the following charges:
– Robbery-Threat Immediate Serious Injury, Felony 1 (two counts)
– Aggravated Assault – Attempts to cause SBI or causes injury with extreme indifference, Felony 1 (two counts)
– Aggravated Assault – Attempts to cause or causes BI with deadly weapon, Felony 2 (two counts)
– Theft By Unlawful Taking-Movable Property, Felony 3
– Unauthorized Use Motor/Other Vehicles, Misdemeanor 2
– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2 (two counts)
– Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary (two counts)
– Possession Of Firearm Prohibited, Felony 2
– Disorderly Conduct Hazardous/Physical Offense, Summary (two counts)
– Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2 (two counts)
– Terroristic Threats W/ Intent To Terrorize Another, Misdemeanor 1 (two counts)
– Driving License Suspended/Rev Purs to Sec 3802/1547B1, Summary
– Driving W/O A License, Summary
Unable to post $75,000.00 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Armstrong County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on April 20 with Judge Owen presiding.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/update-police-local-man-jailed-after-firing-multiple-shots-at-two-men-stealing-vehicle/ | 2022-04-11T10:18:00Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/update-police-local-man-jailed-after-firing-multiple-shots-at-two-men-stealing-vehicle/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Mother, Son Accused of Attempting to Smuggle Controlled Substances into Clarion County Jail Due in Court on Tuesday
CLARION CO., Pa. (EYT) – A mother and son who are accused of attempting to smuggle controlled substances into the Clarion County Jail are due in central court on Tuesday afternoon.
According to court documents, preliminary hearings for 49-year-old Amy Sue Johnston and 26-year-old Jonathan W. Johnston are scheduled for Tuesday, April 12, at 1:15 p.m.
Amy Johnston faces the following charges:
– Criminal Attempt – Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
– Intentional Possession Controlled Substance By Person Not Registered, Misdemeanor
She is currently lodged in the Clarion County Jail on $10,000.00 monetary bail.
Jonathan Johnston faces the following charges:
– Criminal Attempt – Contraband/Controlled Substance, Felony 2
His bail was set at $5,000.00 unsecured bail.
Details of the case:
According to a criminal complaint filed by Clarion County Chief Detective William Peck, IV, on August 24, 2021, he was contacted by a CNET confidential informant that provided information that Amy Johnston was planning to send her son a card which will contain controlled substances. On August 24, Detective Peck contacted Warden Jeffrey Hornberger and informed him of the information and confirmed that Jonathan Johnston was an inmate at the Clarion County Jail.
On September 9, Warden Hornberger advised that inmate Jonathan Johnston did receive incoming mail with the return address of Amy Johnston. Through past investigations, Detective Peck was aware of Amy Johnston’s actual address, the complaint states.
Warden Hornberger advised the envelope was in the shape that would contain a “card,” which was the information that Detective Peck received. Warden Hornberger opened the envelope and located what appeared to be a stain (discolored) on the inside letter, the complaint continues.
On September 10, Deputy Warden Blose transported the envelope, card, and letter to SCI Forest, which is equipped with a scanner device that can detect controlled substances. The letter was scanned and received a positive result for the presence of controlled substances. A small portion of the letter was cut from the paper and used in a field test kit for synthetic cannabinoids which field-tested positive. Deputy Blose returned the evidence to the Clarion County Corrections, according to the complaint.
On September 29, Detective Peck made contact with Amy Johnston on Main Street. He explained to her that a letter was intercepted at the jail that possibly contained controlled substances. After a short conversation, Johnston denied this but made a statement that “she might have been smoking marijuana or doing her suboxone when she was writing the letter.” Johnston made a statement that her son called her today (September 29, 2021) and asked her to send stuff to him while she was on the phone with her. Johnston agreed to go to the District Attorney’s office for an interview.
During the interview, Johnston stated that she has a medical marijuana card and that she smokes marijuana. She added that she has a prescription for suboxone. She stated that the only thing she can figure out is she possibly rolled a blunt while she was in the middle of writing a letter to her son, and it got on there or she did one of her suboxone while she was writing it, and it got on there. She swore that she did not put anything on a letter that she sent to her son in the Clarion County Jail, according to the complaint.
Detective Peck asked Johnston if her son solicited her to send stuff in the mail to him, and she said “yes.” She indicated that he asked her to send suboxone in a card, the complaint notes.
Detective Peck reviewed the phone call between Amy Johnston and her son that was placed on September 29, and Detective Peck stated that it was obvious her son was trying to get her to send suboxone to him in jail, the complaint indicates.
A forensic scientist of the Erie Regional Lab submitted a report on January 31 indicating that the stain in the paper contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the complaint notes.
On January 31, Jonathan Johnston came to the Clarion Borough Police Department inquiring about getting his mother’s cell phone. While at the station, the investigation with his mother came up. Johnston made the statement that in the past, his mother sent five suboxone strips to him in a card which was before the card and letter were seized in this case, according to the complaint.
Amy Johnston was arraigned at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 17.
Jonathan Johnston was arraigned at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 23.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/update1-mother-son-accused-of-attempting-to-smuggle-controlled-substances-into-clarion-county-jail-due-in-court-on-tuesday/ | 2022-04-11T10:18:07Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/update1-mother-son-accused-of-attempting-to-smuggle-controlled-substances-into-clarion-county-jail-due-in-court-on-tuesday/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Zachary D. Gourley
Sunday, April 10, 2022 @ 07:04 AM
Zachary D. Gourley, 28, of Mayport, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022.
He was born on March 18, 1994, in Clarion the son of Hollie L. Gourley.
Zachary worked in construction.
He is survived by his mother Hollie Gourley of Mayport, wife Tori Alcantara of Yatesboro, his daughter Paisley Gourley and stepdaughter, Jaycee Lettie.
Family and friends will be received on Monday evening, April 11, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alcorn Funeral Home in Hawthorn.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.alcornfuneralhome.com.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/zachary-d-gourley/ | 2022-04-11T10:18:13Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/04/10/zachary-d-gourley/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Ukraine digs in to fight Russia’s looming eastern offensive
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - A showdown looms in Ukraine after Russia appointed a new military commander and looked to concentrate its attacks in the east, while Ukraine’s president said his troops will hold their ground, urging Western leaders, in particular President Joe Biden, to do more.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Sunday in a nightly address that this week will be as crucial as any during the war, saying “Russian troops will move to even larger operations in the east of our state.”
Ukraine’s fate as the war shifts south and east depends on whether the United States will help match a surge in Russian weaponry, he said, echoing comments he made in an interview with The Associated Press on Saturday.
“To be honest, whether we will be able to (survive) depends on this,” Zelenskyy said in a “60 Minutes” interview. “Unfortunately, I don’t have the confidence that we will be receiving everything we need.”
Zelenskyy said he was grateful to Biden for U.S. military aid to date but added that he “long ago” forwarded a list of specific items Ukraine desperately needed.
“He has the list,” Zelenskyy said. “President Biden can enter history as the person who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people who won and chose the right to have their own country. (This) also depends on him.”
WARNING: Videos may contain graphic content.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer was due to meet Monday in Moscow with Putin, after meeting with Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Austria, a member of the European Union, is militarily neutral and not a member of NATO.
Also Monday, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was sending a military transport plane and a support team of 50 to Europe to carry much-needed equipment and supplies to key distribution centers.
More than six weeks of war in Ukraine has flattened cities, killed untold thousands and isolated Moscow economically and politically, and experts say the next phase of the battle may begin with a full-scale offensive that could determine the course of the conflict.
Questions remain about the ability of depleted and demoralized Russian forces to conquer much ground after their advance on the capital, Kyiv, was repelled by determined Ukrainian defenders. Britain’s Defense Ministry says Russia is trying to compensate for mounting casualties by recalling veterans discharged in the past decade.
In his Sunday night address, Zelenskyy also accused Russia of trying to evade responsibility for war crimes in Ukraine.
“When people lack the courage to admit their mistakes, apologize, adapt to reality and learn, they turn into monsters. And when the world ignores it, the monsters decide that it is the world that has to adapt to them,” Zelenskyy said.
“The day will come when they will have to admit everything. Accept the truth,” he added.
Ukrainian authorities accuse Russian forces of committing war crimes against civilians, including airstrikes on hospitals, a missile attack that killed at least 57 people at a train station and other violence.
In another report of atrocities, the village of Buzova outside the capital, Kyiv, charred vehicles and buildings marked an area where local official Taras Didych told Ukrainian media Sunday that bodies showing “evidence of execution” were found after Russian forces withdrew from the region. It was unclear how many bodies were discovered.
Buzova is near Bucha, another of the towns near Kyiv, where hundreds of bodies, many with their hands bound and signs of torture, were found after the Russian retreat. Russia has falsely claimed the scenes in Bucha were staged.
In Washington, a senior U.S. official said Russia has appointed Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, one of its most seasoned military chiefs, to oversee the invasion. The official was not authorized to be identified and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Until now, Russia has had no central war commander on the ground.
Dvornikov, 60, takes over as Russian military prepares to focus on expanding control in Ukraine’s east, where Russia-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian forces in the Donbas region since 2014, declaring some areas independent.
He gained a record for brutality as head of Russian forces deployed to Syria in 2015 to back President Bashar Assad’s government during the country’s devastating civil war.
Russian authorities do not generally confirm such appointments and have said nothing about a new role for Dvornikov, who received the esteemed Hero of Russia medal from President Vladimir Putin in 2016.
U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan, speaking Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union,” played down the appointment’s significance.
“What we have learned in the first several weeks of this war is that Ukraine will never be subjected to Russia,” Sullivan said. “It doesn’t matter which general President Putin tries to appoint.”
Western military analysts say Russia’s assault increasingly is focusing on a sickle-shaped arc of eastern Ukraine — from Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, in the north to Kherson in the south.
That could counter Russia’s earlier problem of spreading its offensive too widely over too broad a geographic area.
Newly released Maxar Technologies satellite imagery showed an 8-mile (13-kilometer) convoy of military vehicles headed south through Ukraine to Donbas, recalling images of the convoy that stalled outside Kyiv before Russia gave up trying to take the capital.
On Sunday, Russian forces shelled government-controlled Kharkiv and sent reinforcements toward Izyum to the southeast to try to break Ukraine’s defenses, the Ukrainian military command said. The Russians also kept up their siege of Mariupol, a key southern port that has been under attack and surrounded for nearly 1 ½ months.
A Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, said Russia’s military used air-launched missiles to hit Ukraine’s S-300 air-defense missile systems in the southern Mykolaiv region and at an air base in Chuhuiv, a city not far from Kharkiv.
Sea-launched Russian cruise missiles destroyed the headquarters of a Ukrainian military unit stationed farther west in the Dnipro region, Konashenkov said. Neither the Ukrainian nor the Russian military claims could be independently verified.
Missiles twice struck the airport in Dnipro, Ukraine’s fourth-largest city, on Sunday, the regional governor said.
In Mariupol, Russia deployed Chechen fighters, reputed to be particularly fierce. Capturing the city on the Sea of Azov would give Russia a land bridge to the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine eight years ago.
The city’s residents have lacked food, water and electricity since Russian forces surrounded the city and frustrated evacuation missions. Ukrainian authorities think an airstrike on a theater that was being used as a bomb shelter killed hundreds of civilians, and Zelenskyy has said he expects more evidence of atrocities to be found once Mariupol no longer is blockaded.
On Sunday night, Zelenskyy again appealed for more assistance. Speaking with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he said he discussed “how to strengthen sanctions against Russia and . . . force Russia to seek peace.”
“I am glad to note that the German position has recently changed in favor of Ukraine. I consider it absolutely logical,” Zelenskyy said.
The Institute for the Study of War, an American think tank, predicted that Russian forces will “renew offensive operations in the coming days” from Izyum, a town southeast of Kharkiv, in the campaign to conquer the Donbas, which comprises Ukraine’s industrial heartland.
But in the view of the think tank’s analysts, “The outcome of forthcoming Russian operations in eastern Ukraine remains very much in question.”
___
This story has been updated to correct that the war began just over six weeks ago, not 10 weeks.
___
Anna reported from Bucha, Ukraine. Yesica Fisch in Borodyanko, Ukraine, Robert Burns and Calvin Woodward in Washington, and Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report.
___
Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.witn.com/2022/04/11/ukraine-digs-fight-russias-looming-eastern-offensive/ | 2022-04-11T10:22:47Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/2022/04/11/ukraine-digs-fight-russias-looming-eastern-offensive/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Winners announced at the 2022 Carl Nielsen Competition
The 2022 Carl Nielsen International Competition has drawn to a close, with the winning violinists, clarinettists and flautists revealed at a prize ceremony in the Danish composer’s hometown of Odense.
Published:
The 2022 Carl Nielsen International Competition has drawn to a close, with the winning violinists, clarinettists and flautists revealed at a prize ceremony in the Danish composer’s hometown of Odense.
It was a memorable year of competition, and the juries – led by violinist Noah Bendix-Bagley, clarinettist Yehuda Gilad and flautist Heinz Schütz – had some tough decisions to make. That they selected joint first prize-winning violinists goes some way to show the high level of talent this year.
Entrants this year benefitted from even more coaching opportunities, with the winners themselves taking home prize money and recording opportunities.
The first-prize winners include violinists Hans Christian Aavik (23) and Bohdan Luts (17), who are joined by clarinettist Oleg Shebata Dragan (27) and flautist Alberto Navarra (24). They each take home €12,000 and the chance to record with the Odense Symphony Orchestra – the results of which will eventually be released by Orchid Classics.
Aavik also won the prize for Best Interpretation of a piece commissioned for the violin competition – for Jesper Koch’s Maze.
Other prizes included a trip to the Buffet Crampon factory in France for clarinettist Gerbrich Meijer, who will get to choose a brand new instrument while there.
The competition’s president, Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider is delighted with not only the results, but the way in which the participants have worked together.
‘This competition has exceeded all our expectations in many ways. First and fore-most for the fact that we have four outstanding First Prize winners of exceptional musicality and individuality. Also for the overall high level of music making which we have heard from the many participants over the last ten days. Equally important has been the extraordinary sense of “togetherness” which we have seen and felt amongst the competitors – young musicians who have shown genuine warmth and support for each other both on and off-stage’
Here’s a full list of winners from this year’s competition…
First Prize
Violin (Joint First Prize): Hans Christian Aavik (23) & Bohdan Luts (17)
Clarinet: Oleg Shebeta-Dragan (27)
Flute: Alberto Navarra (24)
Second Prize
Clarinet: Ann Lepage (25)
Flute: Seohyeon Kim (20)
Third Prize
Violin: Eun Che Kim (24)
Clarinet: Panagiotis Giannakas (21)
Flute: Alberto Acuna Almela (25)
Prize for Best Interpretation
Hans Christian Aavik (violin)
Prize for Playing Around Nielsen
Jonathan Leibovitz (clarinet)
Special Prize
Gerbrich Meijer (clarinet)
Odense Symphony Orchestra Prize
Hans Christian Aavik (violin)
Oleg Shebata-Dragan (clarinet)
Seohyon Kim (flute)
Junior Jury Prize
Bohdan Luts (violin)
Oleg Shebata-Dragan (clarinet)
Seohyon Kim (flute)
Photo: Bohdan Luts, Hans Christian Aavik, Alberto Navarra, Oleg Shebeta-Dragan
photo credit: Morten Kjærgaard | https://www.classical-music.com/news/winners-announced-at-the-2022-carl-nielsen-competition/ | 2022-04-11T10:24:37Z | classical-music.com | control | https://www.classical-music.com/news/winners-announced-at-the-2022-carl-nielsen-competition/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson as a justice of the Supreme Court is a moment to exult in as a nation. Jackson is the first Black woman to be appointed to that bench, and only the third Black justice and sixth woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
The idea of a Black woman being confirmed as a Supreme Court justice in a Senate chamber presided over by another Black woman as vice president of the United States went from being just a dream of a much better day in a racially evolved nation to being a reality on Thursday. When the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the night before he was assassinated, told an audience he had been to the mountaintop and seen the promised land, could even he have foreseen this day?
In her confirmation hearing, Jackson, her voice breaking, told a story of walking through Harvard Yard, unsure of herself as a freshman at Harvard University. She said the worry must have shown on her face, because a Black woman she didn’t know said, “Persevere, ” as she passed. And she did, becoming a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer — the retiring justice whose place she will take — and eventually rising to the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and now the Supreme Court. She counsels young people to follow that advice, as she and so many before her persisted against public hostility and private doubts.
Her perseverance and brilliance were on display during her confirmation hearing, in which Republican senators grandstanded, asked her absurd questions, distorted her record on sentencing criminals as a trial judge and occasionally only patronized her.
She endured it all with grace and a mastery of the law that will no doubt hold her in good stead in debates with her fellow justices — six of whom are so conservative they have let stand a ridiculous Texas law that allows people to sue anyone who helps a woman get an otherwise legal abortion.
As groundbreaking as her confirmation is, the present-day era is not as racially, sexually and politically evolved as it should be, and the process she endured shows it. How despicably partisan and unjustified it was for 47 Republicans — some lawyers themselves — to vote against the nomination of such an extraordinarily qualified candidate. Yet, given the politics of the moment, we were reduced to being heartened that all 50 members of the Democratic Caucus and three Republicans in the Senate did vote to confirm her.
Jackson will also take her seat on a bench seemingly, unfathomably, poised to dismantle Roe v. Wade, the ruling that has guaranteed women the right to a legal abortion, allowing them autonomy over their bodies, for nearly half a century.
That’s a tough room. And we can’t wait to see Jackson on her first day at work. | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion-finally-a-black-woman-has-a-place-on-the-supreme-court-bench/article_d6d6bcb0-30f2-55a9-85d6-6c136ed68bd9.html | 2022-04-11T10:28:39Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion-finally-a-black-woman-has-a-place-on-the-supreme-court-bench/article_d6d6bcb0-30f2-55a9-85d6-6c136ed68bd9.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Many families struggle with a loved one facing encroaching cognitive impairments — and the decision points serve as heartbreaking reminders of life’s fragility. More than simply taking the keys away, some families preside over a sad exit to iconic life. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Ronald Reagan shared his final thoughts about this subject when writing, “I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life.”
Recently, we learned of another world-renown figure leaving the stage due to cognitive challenges. Closing ranks around the dimming star of an extraordinary bright life, the touching letter of Bruce Willis’ family resonated deeply with so many. While the debate rages on whether “Die Hard” serves as a Christmas movie, millions agree that Bruce Willis defined action — and action hero — for generations. Not since Errol Flynn has a movie star paired more memorable action with such a mischievous flair and towering wit.
As Willis’ family struggles to care for someone with chronic challenges, they model the daily hard choices family caregivers make. Stories now quietly slip into the news of concerns by industry insiders who recognized the decline and increasing dangers on movie sets with Willis. The time had come, and the family formed ranks — united in care, concern, and most likely sadness.
Without the bright lights of Hollywood or politics, countless families face similar struggles with their loved ones. When are the reins surrendered — or when are they taken?
Sometimes the tenuous grasp on control creates a rage that unleashes on family members and co-workers. Some families prop and enable an impaired loved one to exploit them for their own gain. In many cases, fear erupts from caregivers, and swords cross in the confusion of what to do.
Cognitive impairments come from many sources. Disease, trauma, and addiction represent most of those declines. Sometimes, the impaired loved one seems “normal,” yet those moments only serve to confuse caregivers.
“He seemed OK today.”
“Mom appeared to rally.”
But he’s not OK. Mom’s not rallying. The “valley of the shadow of death” can be agonizingly long and painful for some, and it’s particularly heartbreaking to watch the decline of those who loomed large in our lives.
Yet, all is not gloom — or loss. The wave of sadness initially causes many to panic and fight against the sense of drowning. With help, work, faith, and often a sense of humor, family caregivers in these and similar circumstances can achieve the often elusive peace of mind — and the more significant conquest of experiencing beauty in the heartache.
Horatio Spafford understood this profoundly when he penned this hymn over the watery grave of his children who drowned when the ship carrying them sunk in the Atlantic ocean.
“When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’”
So much of the angst we endure stems from an unwillingness to accept what is — and we spend enormous amounts of energy and self-deception fighting against the obvious. Fear and despair serve as impairments to mourning. Yet in mourning, we accept what is — and receive the comfort promised in Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
After years of trying to salvage her crushed legs caused by a 1983 car accident, my wife finally relinquished them to amputation. As she stated, “the fear of losing them shouted down the whisper that they were already gone.”
Sometimes we hold onto things that are destroying us — often literally killing us — because our fear of the unknown overpowers the obvious. The Willis family faced that fear and accepted life’s invitation to relinquish the stage. Over time, they may share the private victories and poignant moments they experience in this journey. I hope they do — to help others face the same fears while borrowing their courage.
Leaving the stage does not mean defeat, nor does it end the zest for life and accomplishment. Dylan Thomas urged this when writing to his father, “Do not go gentle into that good night.”
We fight until the end — not to avoid death but to instead fully embrace life.
Doing so allows us to live more freely and “Die Hard.” | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/commentary-many-families-have-endured-the-challenges-that-willis-family-now-faces/article_52a4716c-c276-5160-b401-7d662c232d39.html | 2022-04-11T10:28:45Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/commentary-many-families-have-endured-the-challenges-that-willis-family-now-faces/article_52a4716c-c276-5160-b401-7d662c232d39.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
To the editor -- In response to the gentleman's letter that stated the Yakima Herald-Republic is out of touch, I would say this. Of the major news outlets, those who want to hear alternative facts, no facts at all, conspiracy theories, rewritten history or no history at all have only one news outlet: Fox "News."
Those who want to hear real news without opinion have ABC, CBS or NBC. Those who want to hear real news with some opinion have CNN or MSNBC.
So yes, Fox News rated individually against other news outlets has a definite advantage. Rated against all news outlets that speak the truth, they have no advantage at all.
I think the fact that the Democrats won the popular vote by far the last several elections suggests there is a huge audience out there that wants to hear the real story.
JACK CARLTON
St. George, Utah | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/letter-audience-that-seeks-the-truth-exceeds-foxs-following/article_7df2bb0c-8f8a-5664-bba5-c35a018f7f4e.html | 2022-04-11T10:28:52Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/letter-audience-that-seeks-the-truth-exceeds-foxs-following/article_7df2bb0c-8f8a-5664-bba5-c35a018f7f4e.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
To the editor -- Thank you for bringing back one of my favorite writers on the Yakima Herald-Republic staff.
Pat Muir’s “Dear Crabby” columns were always humorous and informative at the same time. His articles covering straight news and entertainment were also well done. I’m looking forward to reading his new column “Pat Eats Garbage Food”.
RICH WOODRUFF
Yakima | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/letter-happy-to-see-pat-muirs-writing-again/article_bc7913c6-46de-5200-bb11-6a7d43ed1be3.html | 2022-04-11T10:28:58Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/letter-happy-to-see-pat-muirs-writing-again/article_bc7913c6-46de-5200-bb11-6a7d43ed1be3.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
- LEGOLAND® New York Resort kicks off biggest tourism season ever with an epic grand opening bash on April 8th
- State government and tourism officials were in attendance to proclaim awesome has arrived!
- To celebrate its first full season, LEGOLAND New York will debut new attractions and experiences throughout 2022, including a new water playground, new entertainment stages with brand-new shows, the first annual July 4th Red, White & BOOM celebration, a bigger Brick-or-Treat bash, and the Park's first-ever Holiday Bricktacular
GOSHEN, N.Y., April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LEGOLAND® New York is declaring 2022 the summer of AWESOME! With this year expected to be one of the biggest vacation seasons to date, more than 65% of Americans are planning a domestic, leisure-focused trip, and 29% want to splurge on an awesome escape. To kick off this most epic tourism season yet, LEGOLAND New York Resort opened for its first full season on April 8th with a bricktastic celebration – complete with live music, dancing, giveaways, confetti, and a special pyrotechnic show!
"We are thrilled to welcome travelers from all over the State and world as LEGOLAND New York Resort opens for the season," New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said. "This unique, family friendly destination has been a boon to the local economy and is an integral part of the state's tourism industry. The future is bright for LEGOLAND New York, and we look forward to many successful seasons to come as we continue our economic comeback from COVID-19."
Top state government and tourism officials, including Ross Levi, Executive Director and Vice President of New York State Division of Tourism and Empire State Development, were in attendance to celebrate the start of the spring and summer tourism season.
"New York State is the perfect destination for family fun, and I LOVE NY is excited to invite and welcome visitors to come be a part of it all," Levi said. "LEGOLAND New York Resort, located in the scenic Hudson Valley, has quickly become a tourism crown jewel for the entire state. With so many families eager to plan a getaway, we are proud to partner with this world-class venue to kick off a memory-making vacation season that will exceed expectations."
As the sun rose over LEGOLAND New York's iconic entrance arch, the Park's first families of the season were treated to an unforgettable pre-opening live show, featuring a brass band, building competition, and a chance to learn the Park's famous opening dance before a parade of characters and LEGOLAND New York Model Citizens initiated the countdown to awesome. In a picture-perfect moment, the celebration ended with a dazzling pyrotechnic display as families streamed into the Park for the first time this year.
Throughout the 2022 season, LEGOLAND New York will debut a series of new attractions, new events, new shows, new characters, and new models. Top highlights include the opening of the all-new LEGO® City Water Playground this season, a new food and beverage outlet located in a newly constructed central hub that will connect MINILAND with LEGO NINJAGO World, LEGO Castle and LEGO City, and three new entertainment shows at two brand-new stages. In addition to an even bigger and better Brick-or-Treat bash in October, the Park will debut its first-ever Red, White & BOOM celebration and fireworks display on July 4th and its first annual Holiday Bricktacular in December.
"There's so much excitement around family travel this year, and we can't wait for our guests to experience all of the memorable and awesome experiences we have in store for them this season," said LEGOLAND New York Resort Divisional Director Stephanie Johnson. "As we gear up for our first full year of operation, the Park's most exciting 2022 developments were inspired by our guests and our team's dedication to providing even more fun with each new season. Whether it's a family's first time visiting us or their hundredth, they can always expect something new and exciting to enjoy when coming to LEGOLAND New York Resort."
LEGOLAND New York Resort takes kids on a journey through seven LEGO® themed lands, including Brick Street, Bricktopia, LEGO® NINJAGO® World, LEGO Castle, LEGO City, MINILAND and LEGO Pirates. Built for families with children ages two through 12, can't-miss highlights of a LEGOLAND New York vacation include transforming into a Minifigure on the world premiere LEGO Factory Adventure ride, chasing the red wizard out of the castle on the signature Dragon coaster, and mastering the power of the elements with Master Wu on LEGO® NINJAGO® The Ride.
For the ultimate multi-day LEGO vacation experience, guests can book a Vacation Package at LEGOLAND Hotel, just steps from the Park entrance.
LEGOLAND New York's full 2022 operating calendar can be found here. For more information about LEGOLAND New York Resort, visit our website or follow us on Facebook. To book a Vacation Package at the LEGOLAND Hotel, visit our Vacation Packages page. Guests can also purchase single-day tickets (starting at $67.99 for adults) or annual passes ($149 per person) with or without a hotel stay.
About LEGOLAND New York Resort
AWESOME AWAITS at LEGOLAND® New York Resort, the ultimate LEGO® theme park destination, just outside New York City in the beautiful Hudson Valley! At LEGOLAND New York, kids ages two through 12 and their families can ride, climb, splash, and build their way through seven themed lands. Transform into a Minifigure on the world-premiere LEGO® Factory Adventure Ride, master the art of Spinjitzu on LEGO® NINJAGO® the Ride, save the kingdom on the Dragon Coaster, and explore awesome LEGO built cities in MINILAND! Adding to the multi-day destination experience, the bricktastic fun continues at LEGOLAND® Hotel, open year-round! The only LEGO themed hotel in the Northeast, it features 250 rooms in four themes: LEGO® Pirates, Kingdom, LEGO® Friends and LEGO® NINJAGO® – all just steps away from the theme park! The park is easily accessible by car, Metro-North train and direct bus service on Coach USA from Port Authority. For more information visit https://www.legoland.com/new-york/.
About Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment. As Europe's number one and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates 138 attractions, 23 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 24 countries across 4 continents. Merlin's purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to its millions of guests around the world, through its iconic brands and multiple attraction formats, and the commitment and passion of its employees.
See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information and follow on Twitter @MerlinEntsNews.
About Orange County Tourism
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county's tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com or call 845-615-3860. Find your adventure in Orange County!
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SOURCE LEGOLAND New York Resort | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/awesome-has-arrived-legoland-new-york-resort-officially-opens-2022-season/ | 2022-04-11T10:40:49Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/awesome-has-arrived-legoland-new-york-resort-officially-opens-2022-season/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The stunning highs and lows of the U.S. economy
Our economic headlines have been dominated by inflation. And an update out Tuesday isn’t looking good - we’re expecting to have hit another 40-year high last month. But there is some good news that you might have missed in all of this - we’re also seeing the lowest number of unemployment claims in 54 years.
- Plus, get ready for the summer of “revenge travel.”
Guests: Axios' Neil Irwin and Joann Muller.
Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Sara Kehaulani Goo, Alexandra Botti, Nuria Marquez Martinez, Alex Sugiura, Sabeena Singhani, and Lydia McMullen-Laird. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at [email protected] You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.
Go deeper:
- Amazing number: Fewest jobless claims in 54 years
- Get ready for a nasty inflation report
- The summer of "revenge travel"
Transcript
NIALA BOODHOO: Good morning! Welcome to Axios Today! It’s Monday, April 11th. I’m Niala Boodhoo. Today: get ready for the summer of “revenge travel.” But first, the stunning highs and lows of the American economy is today’s One Big Thing.
Our economic headlines have been dominated by inflation, and an update scheduled for tomorrow isn't looking good. We're expecting to see another 40 year high in inflation for the month of March. But there is some good news you might've missed in all of this. We're also seeing the lowest number of employment claims in 54 years. As Axios’ Neil Irwin writes: a tight job market and high inflation are two sides of the same coin. And he's here to explain what that coin looks like. Good morning, Neil.
NEIL IRWIN: Hi Niala.
NIALA: Neil, two years ago, we had 6.1 million people filing for unemployment benefits in a single week, a record. Where are we now?
NEIL: So, as you say, two years ago, height of the pandemic, insane numbers, everyone losing their jobs. Now we're at the opposite extreme, 166,000 people filed new unemployment claims last week. That's the second lowest of the 2,282 weeks dating back to 1967, when we have this data. So, uh, we're in a weird world where fewer people are filing unemployment claims than virtually they ever have in our modern recorded history. So this is a tight labor market. People who have jobs are able to keep them for now.
NIALA: This is, this is the fewest amount of people we have filing for claims in 54 years. What did the size of the labor market look like 54 years ago?
NEIL: It was half the size. Uh, so it's an even more remarkable thing to observe. Look every week for 54 or 55 years, The Labor Department releases these numbers on how many people filed new jobless claims. And what's striking is how the numbers we've seen last few weeks, last few months are lower than we saw even in other good economies, right? Even then lower than we saw in 2019, 1999, times when the economy was booming, doing well. We're doing better than that in terms of this one measure, of like how many people are actually filing unemployment claims. That's a good sign. That's a sign that employers are not firing people. Those are all great signs for the labor market.
NIALA: I bet there are people who are thinking: But what about the size of the labor market? Is it smaller than before the pandemic? Because less people are looking for work. How does that factor into this?
NEIL: The labor force is still smaller than it was pr- pandemic. We're still below the February 2020 numbers, but not that far below. I think people are not quite understanding how quickly this labor market has improved and come back from the pandemic lows. And it's true. Everything's not completely healed. You can still find pockets of weakness for certain types of jobs for certain overall numbers. But those numbers have been improving fast in the last few months. If things continue the way they have, we're going to have a full employment, robust job market, by any measure possible within another few months.
NIALA: And how does that help fuel inflation? The relationship between a tight job market and higher inflation?
NEIL: It's not one for one. But it is true that this tight labor market is a factor in the high inflation we're having. So what you have is employers can't find workers. They have to offer higher wages, better benefits, things to get people on board. And when they have to pay more to get workers, they have to charge higher prices.
NIALA: Do you feel like the news of the job market has really been lost in the economic conversation this year? The news of how good a job market we're in really is?
NEIL: Look, let me just state this very clearly. This is an extremely good labor market. And I was covering the Great Recession, the recovery back in the early 2010s. And it was terrible. And we went for years and years with this very slow job growth, job creation, very slow decline in the unemployment rate. And what took 10 years last time has happened in two years this time. And that's fantastic and it's better for workers. People who want a job can get a job. They're able to demand higher pay. That said, we are dealing with a bigger inflation problem than we did during the 2010s.
NIALA: So let's break down some of these factors when the Consumer Price Index numbers come out on Tuesday, we're likely going to hear The White House talk about how the Russian invasion of Ukraine is a big factor. Do economists see that as a big factor?
NEIL: At the headline level. Absolutely yes. Right, so we're getting a number month on month. This can be something like 1%, 1.1% inflation overall. That's driven primarily by the fact that energy prices surged in March, right? Gas prices were up 20% in March because of the war in Ukraine. That's significant. That's also not really driven by underlying economic factors: What's going on in the mechanics of the economy. That said, the current forecast for core inflation, meaning excluding food and energy, these things that are driven by geopolitical things. That's expected to be 0.5%. That's still pretty high, right? Like we still have high trend inflation. And so it's a, it's a delicate thing because yes, there's going to be a high headline number. The White House is gonna blame that on energy prices on Russia. And that's true, but there's still very high underlying inflation right now. When that comes down as a very important question for the future of the economy.
NIALA: Neil, can you help us understand these underlying factors? What else do we need to know about why we're in this situation right now?
NEIL: I mean, it's partly what we just talked about around wages, right? Employers are paying more to their workers. They're passing those costs on their customers. But there's a broader thing. Like demand is high. There's a lot of money floating around right now. Stock prices are high. Spending is high, and that is pulling up prices because there's more demand than there is supply. And that's the fundamental imbalance in this economy right now. How that resolves is the big question, right? So we have this high inflation now. This surging demand. Do we solve that by The Federal Reserve tightening interest rates and we suddenly end up with a slower economy. We'll see. But the reality is it's not just energy prices, not just Russia. There are more things going on.
NIALA: Axios’ chief economic correspondent, Neil Irwin. Thanks, Neil.
NEIL: Thanks, Niala.
NIALA: Speaking of inflation - in a moment, we’re back with Americans ready to shell out the big bucks for travel this summer.
[ad]
NIALA: Welcome back to Axios Today! I’m Niala Boodhoo. After two years of hunkering down at home, Americans are splurging on so-called “revenge travel” - premium airfare, nicer hotels, and longer vacations. And confession: I did this a few weeks ago when I got tickets for Wimbledon. Joann Muller is Axios’ travel and transportation correspondent and here now with details of this latest trend. Hi Joann.
JOANN MULLER: Hi Niala.
NIALA: What are experts expecting travel to look like this summer? I have to tell you, I bought the tennis tickets, and now I've been looking at airplane tickets and thinking “bad idea.”
JOANN: [laughs] If you need someone to come with you, I would love to go to Wimbledon with you, but you know, you are feeling the same way everyone else is. We have put off travel too long. We want to see our loved ones. We want to go on those long-delayed vacations. And I am also planning a big trip. I'm going to Newfoundland this year, this summer. That is a trip I would not have made and I'm going to take two weeks to do it, not just one. This is what's happening everywhere. People are splurging on nicer accommodations, longer stays, fancier seats on the airplane. Everybody is ready to spend money.
NIALA: But this is happening despite rising costs, not just in the U.S. We look at what's happening with gas prices. How is this playing out in the travel industry?
JOANN: Yes, absolutely. Airfares are going up. Airfares since the beginning of January are up 40%, which is astonishing right? But it's really only about 7% higher than what it was before the pandemic. So remember that while, during the pandemic flights were pretty cheap because hardly anyone was flying and they were trying to lure people. But I think people are putting that aside and they're just ready to spend the money.
NIALA: It's April. Is it too late now to be booking summer travel?
JOANN: My sources at various airlines and travel agencies tell me that flight prices are going to peak in May and so you better get on it. O r you know, if you wait until June, things will be coming down again, but you probably won't get a seat until maybe September.
NIALA: Axios transportation correspondent Joann Muller. Thanks, Joann.
JOANN: Thanks, Niala.
NIALA: That’s all we’ve got for you today! If you’re a fan of the show, we’ve love it if you can leave us a starred review on Apple podcasts. And, you can always text me your feedback and story ideas: I’m at (202) 918-4893. I’m Niala Boodhoo - thanks for listening - stay safe and we’ll see you back here tomorrow morning. | https://www.axios.com/axios-today-podcast-jobs-inflation-american-economy-eebc3c54-0d55-4f92-a724-632924f6bd91.html | 2022-04-11T10:41:00Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/axios-today-podcast-jobs-inflation-american-economy-eebc3c54-0d55-4f92-a724-632924f6bd91.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Live opera returns to Philadelphia's Academy of Music this month
Live opera is returning to the Academy of Music for the first time in nearly 1,000 days.
Driving the news: Opera Philadelphia will put on four performances of Verdi's "Rigoletto" at the academy, starting April 29.
Flashback: The last time a fully staged opera was performed on that stage was in September 2019 — months before the pandemic arrived in Philly.
What they're saying: Operas were shelved at the academy due to safety concerns around the pandemic, Opera Philadelphia spokesperson Frank Luzi told Axios.
- "It's all about safety. Fully staged operas take a lot — there's a lot of movement, there's a lot of actors, a lot of people in a small space," Luzi said, noting that at least 200 people are needed to put on a show.
Zoom in: Several singers will make their debuts at the venue, including soprano Raven McMillon, tenor Joshua Blue and baritone Anthony Clark Evans.
- Blue said that while he's done a lot of singing to cameras over the past two years, "you just can't beat a live audience."
- "You might have had the absolute best performance of your most dramatic aria, but without feeling the audience respond, cheer, gasp, tense, it's just not the same (in my opinion)," Blue added.
Be smart: Patrons must show proof of vaccination status to enter the Academy of Music.
- Face masks are required inside the venue at least through April 30.
Of note: Singers will perform maskless, but that's subject to change depending on future pandemic restrictions.
If you go: "Rigoletto" will be performed April 29 and May 1, 6 and 8. Tickets are $25+.
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Ukraine digs in to fight Russia’s looming eastern offensive
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) - A showdown looms in Ukraine after Russia appointed a new military commander and looked to concentrate its attacks in the east, while Ukraine’s president said his troops will hold their ground, urging Western leaders, in particular President Joe Biden, to do more.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Sunday in a nightly address that this week will be as crucial as any during the war, saying “Russian troops will move to even larger operations in the east of our state.”
Ukraine’s fate as the war shifts south and east depends on whether the United States will help match a surge in Russian weaponry, he said, echoing comments he made in an interview with The Associated Press on Saturday.
“To be honest, whether we will be able to (survive) depends on this,” Zelenskyy said in a “60 Minutes” interview. “Unfortunately, I don’t have the confidence that we will be receiving everything we need.”
Zelenskyy said he was grateful to Biden for U.S. military aid to date but added that he “long ago” forwarded a list of specific items Ukraine desperately needed.
“He has the list,” Zelenskyy said. “President Biden can enter history as the person who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people who won and chose the right to have their own country. (This) also depends on him.”
WARNING: Videos may contain graphic content.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer was due to meet Monday in Moscow with Putin, after meeting with Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Austria, a member of the European Union, is militarily neutral and not a member of NATO.
Also Monday, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was sending a military transport plane and a support team of 50 to Europe to carry much-needed equipment and supplies to key distribution centers.
More than six weeks of war in Ukraine has flattened cities, killed untold thousands and isolated Moscow economically and politically, and experts say the next phase of the battle may begin with a full-scale offensive that could determine the course of the conflict.
Questions remain about the ability of depleted and demoralized Russian forces to conquer much ground after their advance on the capital, Kyiv, was repelled by determined Ukrainian defenders. Britain’s Defense Ministry says Russia is trying to compensate for mounting casualties by recalling veterans discharged in the past decade.
In his Sunday night address, Zelenskyy also accused Russia of trying to evade responsibility for war crimes in Ukraine.
“When people lack the courage to admit their mistakes, apologize, adapt to reality and learn, they turn into monsters. And when the world ignores it, the monsters decide that it is the world that has to adapt to them,” Zelenskyy said.
“The day will come when they will have to admit everything. Accept the truth,” he added.
Ukrainian authorities accuse Russian forces of committing war crimes against civilians, including airstrikes on hospitals, a missile attack that killed at least 57 people at a train station and other violence.
In another report of atrocities, the village of Buzova outside the capital, Kyiv, charred vehicles and buildings marked an area where local official Taras Didych told Ukrainian media Sunday that bodies showing “evidence of execution” were found after Russian forces withdrew from the region. It was unclear how many bodies were discovered.
Buzova is near Bucha, another of the towns near Kyiv, where hundreds of bodies, many with their hands bound and signs of torture, were found after the Russian retreat. Russia has falsely claimed the scenes in Bucha were staged.
In Washington, a senior U.S. official said Russia has appointed Gen. Alexander Dvornikov, one of its most seasoned military chiefs, to oversee the invasion. The official was not authorized to be identified and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Until now, Russia has had no central war commander on the ground.
Dvornikov, 60, takes over as Russian military prepares to focus on expanding control in Ukraine’s east, where Russia-backed separatists have fought Ukrainian forces in the Donbas region since 2014, declaring some areas independent.
He gained a record for brutality as head of Russian forces deployed to Syria in 2015 to back President Bashar Assad’s government during the country’s devastating civil war.
Russian authorities do not generally confirm such appointments and have said nothing about a new role for Dvornikov, who received the esteemed Hero of Russia medal from President Vladimir Putin in 2016.
U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan, speaking Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union,” played down the appointment’s significance.
“What we have learned in the first several weeks of this war is that Ukraine will never be subjected to Russia,” Sullivan said. “It doesn’t matter which general President Putin tries to appoint.”
Western military analysts say Russia’s assault increasingly is focusing on a sickle-shaped arc of eastern Ukraine — from Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, in the north to Kherson in the south.
That could counter Russia’s earlier problem of spreading its offensive too widely over too broad a geographic area.
Newly released Maxar Technologies satellite imagery showed an 8-mile (13-kilometer) convoy of military vehicles headed south through Ukraine to Donbas, recalling images of the convoy that stalled outside Kyiv before Russia gave up trying to take the capital.
On Sunday, Russian forces shelled government-controlled Kharkiv and sent reinforcements toward Izyum to the southeast to try to break Ukraine’s defenses, the Ukrainian military command said. The Russians also kept up their siege of Mariupol, a key southern port that has been under attack and surrounded for nearly 1 ½ months.
A Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, said Russia’s military used air-launched missiles to hit Ukraine’s S-300 air-defense missile systems in the southern Mykolaiv region and at an air base in Chuhuiv, a city not far from Kharkiv.
Sea-launched Russian cruise missiles destroyed the headquarters of a Ukrainian military unit stationed farther west in the Dnipro region, Konashenkov said. Neither the Ukrainian nor the Russian military claims could be independently verified.
Missiles twice struck the airport in Dnipro, Ukraine’s fourth-largest city, on Sunday, the regional governor said.
In Mariupol, Russia deployed Chechen fighters, reputed to be particularly fierce. Capturing the city on the Sea of Azov would give Russia a land bridge to the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine eight years ago.
The city’s residents have lacked food, water and electricity since Russian forces surrounded the city and frustrated evacuation missions. Ukrainian authorities think an airstrike on a theater that was being used as a bomb shelter killed hundreds of civilians, and Zelenskyy has said he expects more evidence of atrocities to be found once Mariupol no longer is blockaded.
On Sunday night, Zelenskyy again appealed for more assistance. Speaking with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he said he discussed “how to strengthen sanctions against Russia and . . . force Russia to seek peace.”
“I am glad to note that the German position has recently changed in favor of Ukraine. I consider it absolutely logical,” Zelenskyy said.
The Institute for the Study of War, an American think tank, predicted that Russian forces will “renew offensive operations in the coming days” from Izyum, a town southeast of Kharkiv, in the campaign to conquer the Donbas, which comprises Ukraine’s industrial heartland.
But in the view of the think tank’s analysts, “The outcome of forthcoming Russian operations in eastern Ukraine remains very much in question.”
___
This story has been updated to correct that the war began just over six weeks ago, not 10 weeks.
___
Anna reported from Bucha, Ukraine. Yesica Fisch in Borodyanko, Ukraine, Robert Burns and Calvin Woodward in Washington, and Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report.
___
Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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Report: Philly's income inequality is on the rise
Philadelphia's income inequality has risen over the past decade, according to a new report from the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia.
Driving the news: The Economy League published a report last week, using the Gini index, or the Gini coefficient, to measure the city's income inequality. It ranges from 0 to 1, with 0 meaning perfect equality and 1 indicating complete inequality.
- Philadelphia's Gini coefficient grew from 0.49 in 2010 to 0.52 in 2020, the nonprofit found.
The intrigue: City leaders, including Councilmember Kendra Brooks, have recently reignited debate over how to address Philly's income inequality as part of renewed calls for a wealth tax.
Zoom in: People of color make up more than 73% of households earning less than $10,000 a year and about a quarter of those earning $200,000 or more, according to the data.
- Meanwhile, white residents are over-represented among the highest income brackets.
Zoom out: When compared to the 15 largest U.S cities, Philadelphia has the sixth highest degree of income inequality, the report notes.
- New York City has the highest, with a coefficient of 0.55, while Columbus, Ohio, has the lowest, at 0.44.
Of note: The Economy League used information from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey from 2016-2020.
Between the lines: Philadelphia's transition from an industrial city to a service-based economy has contributed to its income inequality, according to the report.
- The Economy League notes that collective bargaining has historically been an effective approach to addressing inequality, but the labor movement has been on decline for the past few decades.
- The report also highlighted moves to raise the minimum wage at the state and local levels.
What they're saying: Jeff Hornstein, the executive director of the Economy League, told Axios one of the city's biggest issues is the lack of labor supply among people who are already here for the skills needed in Philadelphia.
- "That's the horse we've been on for the past 10 years, trying to tell people we need to align skills and the labor force," he said.
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Tampa's newest City Council member talks priorities
Lynn Hurtak applied to be a Tampa City Council member on a whim. But ever since the council chose her over 22 other candidates to replace John Dingfelder, she's been laser-focused on helping the city.
- Hurtak talked to Axios about her plans as a council member.
Her background: A Tampa native, Hurtak has served on the city's Variance Review Board and Charter Review Commission. She's a member of the American Civil Liberties Union and is the current vice president of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association.
Where to find her outside City Hall: On a bike or in her garden.
Her first move: A listening tour in communities and neighborhoods.
The issue on her mind: Housing. "What's going on with housing is such a big issue. Unfortunately, that's the hardest one to solve and won't be simple."
Her stance on transportation: Fixing the bus system as a priority. "I'll be taking public transit to City Hall. The #1 is right outside my door. A lot of people have never ridden a bus here. It's a matter of getting people to try it, but first, we have to improve the routes. There are a lot of dominoes there."
Her bottom line: "I know I won't always be agreed with, but I'm always going to do my homework."
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Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Tampa Bay. | https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/04/11/tampa-city-council-member-lynn-hurtak-top-issues | 2022-04-11T10:42:26Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2022/04/11/tampa-city-council-member-lynn-hurtak-top-issues | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
LONDON, April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the DRC) and the Republic of the Congo have today announced their intention to adopt cryptocurrency and blockchain based solutions to drive future economic progress. Layer one proof-of-stake blockchain, The Open Network (TON) is the leading contender to become the blockchain to power this. The DRC has also confirmed that it is considering a new national stablecoin, built on the TON blockchain.
TON has been engaging with all three countries independently for some time and has taken the lead to deliver cryptocurrency and blockchain solutions for each nation. These countries will each undertake a phased transition to adopting cryptocurrency as a central pillar of their economic structures.
The future use of cryptocurrency will ensure that both banked and unbanked individuals will be better able to engage in the economy. This in turn will act as a powerful economic stimulus. In the DRC, for instance, as of 2019 12.4 million people had an account with a financial institution, whereas over 40 million have access to mobile phones or other internet enabled devices, demonstrating the significant potential for cryptocurrency.
The TON blockchain was designed to process millions of transactions within seconds. It's ultra-affordable, user-friendly and fully scalable. With TON being a decentralized platform, it will provide control and certainty for citizens, removing the possibility of interference. In addition, TON anticipates that applications will be uniquely integrated with the Telegram app to provide users with a seamless, accessible experience.
Speaking about the potential partnership, the Congolese Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, Léon Juste Ibombo, commented: "The Republic of the Congo has been on this path for a number of years, having encouraged and witnessed the widespread adoption of mobile payments across the country. This is the next step in that journey and we believe that TON is the right partner to facilitate this. This will be an invaluable, practical instrument for the growth and creation of wealth, both for the government and our people alike."
The Minister for Digital Economy for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Désiré Cashmir Eberande Kolongele, added: "We are proud to take this pioneering step, embracing new economic instruments to power our future economy. This marks the beginning of our journey to adopting cryptocurrency as a financial instrument within the DRC, and with the support of TON as a partner we aim to increase our nations exposure to modern financial tools. We are also enthusiastic to commence considering the launch of a national stablecoin on the TON blockchain, democratizing access to our financial system for millions of unbanked and underbanked citizens. The ability to integrate applications with the Telegram platform, and reach mobile users, makes TON the obvious choice as we step boldly into the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain."
Minette Libom Li Likeng, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications for Cameroon, said: "The partnership with TON can play a fundamental role in the digital ecosystem of Cameroon for boosting the payment solutions and financial inclusion via CAMPOST, the public postal operator."
Steven Yun, Founding Member of TON Foundation, remarked: "There is an unbounded potential for these three countries to benefit from the adoption of cryptocurrency with our blockchain as the foundation. It's fantastic that TON's value is recognized, both in terms of its technology and utility. We're excited to embark on this journey to building strong and long-lasting partnerships."
This announcement follows the adoption of Bitcoin by El Salvador as legal tender, and it is anticipated that new stablecoins will be developed for Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo, in addition to the DRC, to provide confidence and assurance to citizens.
About The Open Network (TON)
The Open Network (TON) is a third-generation Proof-of-Stake blockchain originally designed in 2018 by the Durov brothers, the founders of Telegram Messenger. Later, it was handed over to the open TON Community, which has been supporting and developing it ever since.
TON was designed for lightning-fast transactions. It's ultra-cheap, user-friendly, and fully scalable. True to its predecessor, it aims to develop unique integrations with the Telegram app to provide its users with a seamless blockchain experience in a portable and familiar format.
TON is managed by community of non-commercial developers and supporters (the TON Foundation).
View original content:
SOURCE The Open Network (TON) | https://www.wave3.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/cameroon-democratic-republic-congo-republic-congo-take-major-step-towards-adoption-cryptocurrency-with-ton-leading-pack/ | 2022-04-11T10:42:35Z | wave3.com | control | https://www.wave3.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/cameroon-democratic-republic-congo-republic-congo-take-major-step-towards-adoption-cryptocurrency-with-ton-leading-pack/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Where to get COVID tested in D.C.
There has been a slight uptick of COVID-19 cases in the District as the BA.2 subvariant, which is believed to be more transmissible than the original Omicron, becomes D.C.’s most dominant strain. So, it’s time to get tested if you’ve been exposed.
Why it matters: While the initial wave of Omicron subsided in February, cases started ticking back up again in mid-March.
- COVID-19 cases rose from a weekly case rate of 51 cases per 100,000 residents in the first week of March to 110.4 cases per 100,000 residents in the last week of March, per DC Health’s key metrics.
Here’s where to go for a free test:
- COVID centers are available in all 8 wards where you can pick up a PCR, a rapid test, masks, and get vaccinated.
- Libraries and rec centers all across the District offer take-home PCRs and rapid tests.
All public testing locations are posted daily here.
- And here are all public testing locations in map form.
Know before you go: If you want to know how many rapid tests are available at these sites, check out this map which records inventory in real-time.
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Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Washington D.C.. | https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/04/11/dc-covid-test-locations | 2022-04-11T10:42:38Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2022/04/11/dc-covid-test-locations | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
"Sonic" sequel has record weekend opener for a video game movie
Paramount's "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" brought in $71 million at the domestic box office the weekend, beating its predecessor — the first "Sonic the Hedgehog" movie from 2020 — as the top video game movie opener in history.
Why it matters: Movies adapted from video games aren't typically box office winners, but momentum is slowly starting to build around the genre as families return to theaters.
- "There is no better proof of the return of families to the cinema than a much better than expected opening weekend debut for 'Sonic 2,'" Comscore senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian told Axios.
- "The 'Lightyear' and 'Minions' teams should rest easier tonight," he said, alluding to the two upcoming movie spinoffs from the "Toy Story" and "Despicable Me" franchises.
Details: Paramount's latest Sonic hit beat analyst expectations, bringing in $108 million worldwide in its opening weekend.
- Last month, Sony's "Uncharted" also beat its weekend opener expectations, despite mixed reviews, Axios reported.
- The first "Sonic the Hedgehog" film debuted over Presidents' Day weekend in early 2020, just before pandemic lockdowns began closing theaters nationwide. That film brought in $58 million at the domestic box office over the three-day holiday weekend.
- More video games are being adapted for film and TV. This year, Netflix released the second season of "The Witcher" and Paramount+ debuted a series based on the game franchise "Halo." A "Super Mario Bros." film is expected later this year.
The big picture: Video game adaptations and other genres, such as romantic comedies, have been doing surprisingly well in theaters so far this year.
- This may be the year audiences "re-embrace" the genres that "defined their formative moviegoing experiences" as more people return to theaters, Dergarabedian said. | https://www.axios.com/sonic-sequel-has-record-weekend-opener-for-a-video-game-movie-254440f9-60e4-4735-bffe-57150b6e9de3.html | 2022-04-11T10:43:03Z | axios.com | control | https://www.axios.com/sonic-sequel-has-record-weekend-opener-for-a-video-game-movie-254440f9-60e4-4735-bffe-57150b6e9de3.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
NEW YORK, April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Attention Lucid Group, Inc. ("Lucid") (NASDAQ: LCID) shareholders:
The Law Offices of Vincent Wong announce that a class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of investors. This lawsuit is on behalf of a class of all persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Lucid common stock between November 15, 2021, and February 28, 2022, inclusive.
If you suffered a loss on your investment in Lucid, contact us about potential recovery by using the link below. There is no cost or obligation to you.
https://www.wongesq.com/pslra-1/lucid-group-inc-loss-submission-form?prid=25749&wire=4
ABOUT THE ACTION: The filed complaint alleges that defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about Lucid's business and operations. Specifically, the Company overstated its production capabilities while concealing that "extraordinary supply chain and logistics challenges" were hampering Lucid's operations. As a result of the defendants' wrongful acts and omissions, and the significant decline in the market value of Lucid's common stock, Lucid investors have suffered significant damages.
DEADLINE: May 31, 2022
Aggrieved Lucid investors only have until May 31, 2022 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. You are not required to act as a lead plaintiff in order to share in any recovery.
Vincent Wong, Esq. is an experienced attorney who has represented investors in securities litigations involving financial fraud and violations of shareholder rights. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
Vincent Wong, Esq.
39 East Broadway
Suite 304
New York, NY 10002
Tel. 212.425.1140
E-Mail: vw@wongesq.com
View original content:
SOURCE The Law Offices of Vincent Wong | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/class-action-alert-law-offices-vincent-wong-remind-lucid-investors-lead-plaintiff-deadline-may-31-2022/ | 2022-04-11T10:43:04Z | witn.com | control | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/class-action-alert-law-offices-vincent-wong-remind-lucid-investors-lead-plaintiff-deadline-may-31-2022/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
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