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WASHINGTON — (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has won the last remaining unresolved delegate from New Hampshire, giving him a 13-9 delegate advantage in the Granite State over former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.
The Associated Press allocated the final delegate based on the latest vote results from the Jan. 23 primary in accordance with the state’s unusual rules regarding the allocation of Republican delegates.
Unlike in the Democratic presidential primaries, where all states follow a mostly uniform delegate allocation procedure, Republican delegate rules vary state by state. In New Hampshire, 22 Republican delegates are awarded to candidates in proportion to statewide primary results. For example, a candidate who receives 50% of the primary vote will receive 50% of the delegates at stake, or in this case, 11 delegates. The rules also state that a candidate must receive at least 10% of the primary vote in order to qualify for any delegates.
Only two candidates received more than 10% of the primary vote in New Hampshire – Trump, who received a little more than 54%, and Haley, who received a little more than 43%. In most states, the delegate math would involve multiplying these percentages – including the decimals – by the total number of delegates at stake. However, in New Hampshire, the first step in allocating Republican delegates is to round the vote percentages to the nearest whole percentage, which would be 54% for Trump and 43% for Haley. These whole percentages are then multiplied by the total number of Republican delegates at stake, which in New Hampshire is 22.
This produces an initial result of 11.88 delegates for Trump, which rounds to 12, and 9.46 delegates for Haley, which rounds to 9.
This accounts for 21 of the state’s 22 delegates. In New Hampshire, any unallocated delegates are awarded to the top vote-getter, which in this case is Trump. This is sometimes referred to as a “winner’s bonus.”
Based on these rules, the final delegate allocation in New Hampshire is 13 for Trump and 9 for Haley.
In order to clinch the Republican presidential nomination, a candidate must win a majority of delegate votes – 1,215 – at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this summer. After Iowa and New Hampshire, Trump leads Haley in the overall delegate count, 33-17.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/politics/trump-wins-final/MLPFAIVQSPXXAFXTBKFVUWTWJM/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:35Z
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READER LETTER | Exit of tainted flock cause of joy
The ANC should not be scared of losing votes as long as self-serving corrupt elements follow Jacob Zuma to the MK party. If all the crooked elements in the party leave in droves, it is a chance for it to cleanse itself of bad apples.
It should start on a clean slate and start vetting members to rid itself of wolves in sheep’s skins. With the mushrooming of new political parties who offer no alternative to the current political climate, the masses will still have no option but to vote for the same ANC.
The rest of these newbies should have come under one umbrella instead of going it alone, there by splitting the vote and becoming part of chaotic coalitions whose interests are positions and not serving their constituencies. Examples abound in Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela Bay and Tshwane.
S’fanele Booi, Sunninghill
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https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/opinion/letters/2024-01-31-reader-letter-exit-of-tainted-flock-cause-of-joy/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:37Z
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Full-Year 2023
Highlights
Full-year 2023 net sales declined 1% and organic1 sales decreased 3% versus prior year with gains in North America2 and EMEA2 offset by declines in Latin America and Asia Pacific. Seed net sales grew 5% and organic1 sales increased 7%. Price was up 13% globally, led by continued execution on the Company's price for value strategy and demand for new technology. Volume declines were driven by lower corn volumes in Latin America, the exit from Russia, and lower corn planted area in EMEA2, partially offset by increased corn acres in North America2. Crop Protection net sales declined 9% and organic1 sales decreased 12%. Volume declines, largely in Latin America and North America2, were driven by strategic product exits, inventory destocking, and delayed farmer purchases. Price gains reflected pricing for value and strong execution in response to cost inflation led by EMEA2. GAAP income and earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations were $941 million and $1.30 per share, down 23% and 22%, respectively, compared to prior year. Operating EBITDA1 was $3.38 billion, a 5% improvement over prior. Operating EPS1 was $2.69 per share, up 1% compared to prior year. Cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations was $1.8 billion, up 98% compared to prior year. Free cash flow1,4 was $1.2 billion. The Company provided full-year 2024 guidance3 and expects net sales to be in the range of $17.4 billion to $17.7 billion and Operating EBITDA1 to be in the range of $3.5 billion to $3.7 billion. Operating EPS1 is expected to be in the range of $2.70 to $2.90 per share. Cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations is expected to be in the range of $2.1 billion to $2.6 billion. Free cash flow1,4 is expected to be in the range of $1.5 billion to $2.0 billion.
"Corteva's 2023 results reflect the execution of our value creation strategy, including its focus on productivity, differentiated product mix, and cost discipline.
This, alongside stand-out performance from our Seed business, allowed us to deliver growth in earnings, cash and margin despite an ongoing imbalance in the global crop protection industry. Overall agriculture fundamentals remain constructive, with record-setting demand for grain, oilseeds, meat and biofuels continuing into 2024.
"At Corteva, we see 2024 as another year of strong demand for our differentiated products and a continued focus on controlling the controllables, delivering advanced technology to our customers and generating consistent, incremental value for our shareholders. We have adjusted the 2025 financial framework based on 2023 results and the expectation for continued earnings growth and margin expansion in 2024 and 2025," said Chuck Magro, Corteva Chief Executive Officer.
Summary
of
Fourth Quarter
2023
For
the
fourth
quarter ended
December 31,
2023,
net
sales decreased
3%
versus the
same
period last
year.
Organic1
sales
declined 8%.
Volume
declined 9%
versus
the
prior-year period, primarily in Latin America, impacted by ongoing headwinds in the Crop Protection segment and strategic product exits. Lower Seed volumes were
driven
by lower expected planted area and delayed farmer purchases due to unfavorable weather in Brazil.
Price increased 1% versus prior year, reflecting broad-based pricing execution in Seed and the continued execution on the Company's price for value strategy, while managing challenging market dynamics in Crop Protection.
GAAP
income
from
continuing
operations
after
income
taxes was a loss of $231
million
in
fourth
quarter 2023
compared
to a loss of $41 million
in fourth
quarter
2022.
Operating EBITDA1 for
the
fourth quarter
was $386
million, up
4%
compared
to
prior
year.
Seed
Summary
Seed net
sales
were $1.64 billion
in
the
fourth
quarter of
2023,
down
from
$1.65 billion
in
the
fourth quarter
of
2022. The sales decrease was driven by a 10% decline in volume, partially offset by a 7% increase in price and a 3% favorable currency impact.
Lower volumes
were
driven
by lower expected
Safrinha planted area and delayed farmer purchases due to unfavorable weather in Brazil. The increase in price was broad-based, driven by strong demand
for top technology products, and strong operational execution across the portfolio.
Segment operating EBITDA was $145 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, an improvement of 104% from the fourth quarter of 2022. Price execution, reduction of net royalty expense, and ongoing cost and productivity actions more than offset higher input costs, lower volumes, and the unfavorable impact of currency.
Segment operating EBITDA margin improved more than 450 basis points versus the prior-year period.
Seed net sales were $9.5 billion for the full year of 2023, up from approximately $9.0 billion in 2022. The sales increase was driven
by
a 13%
increase
in
price, partially
offset
by a 6% decline
in
volume and a 2% unfavorable currency impact.
The increase in price was broad-based and driven by strong demand for top technology and operational execution globally, with global corn and soybean prices up 14% and 7%, respectively. Pricing actions more than offset currency impacts in EMEA. The decline in volume was
driven
by the 2022
decision
to
exit
Russia, lower
corn
planted area
in
EMEA,
reduced summer corn planted area and lower expected Safrinha corn planted area in
Brazil,
partially offset by increased corn acres in North America. Unfavorable currency impacts were led by the Turkish Lira and the Canadian Dollar.
Segment
operating
EBITDA
was
$2.1
billion, up
28%
from
the
same period last year.
Price execution,
reduction
of net royalty expense, and ongoing cost and productivity actions more than offset higher commodity and input costs, lower volumes, and the unfavorable impact
of
currency. Segment
operating
EBITDA
margin improved
by
approximately
390 basis
points versus
the prior-year period.
Crop
Protection
Summary
Crop Protection
net
sales were approximately
$2.1
billion in
the
fourth
quarter
of
2023
compared to
approximately
$2.2
billion
in the fourth quarter of 2022. The sales decline was driven by an 8% decrease in volume and a 4% decrease in price, partially offset by a 6% favorable impact from portfolio.
The decrease in volume was driven by strategic product exits and channel inventory
destocking, primarily in Latin America. Price declines in North America and Latin America were driven by challenging market dynamics. The portfolio impact was driven by the Biologicals acquisitions, which added approximately $140 million of net sales.
Segment
operating
EBITDA
was
$267
million
in
the fourth
quarter
of
2023,
down
20%
from
the
fourth quarter
of 2022.
Price and volume declines more than offset lower
input
costs, productivity actions, and the favorable impact from the Biologicals acquisitions.
Segment
operating EBITDA margin declined by 235 basis points versus the prior-year period.
Crop Protection
net
sales were
approximately
$7.8
billion in
2023
compared
to
approximately
$8.5
billion
in
2022. The sales decrease was driven by a 14% decrease in volume and a 1% unfavorable impact from currency. These declines were partially offset by a 4% favorable impact from portfolio and a 2% increase in price.
The decrease
in
volume was
driven
by
strategic product exits, channel inventory destocking, and delayed farmer purchases. The
increase
in price was
led
by
EMEA,
and
mostly
reflected
pricing for the value of our differentiated technology, including new products, and currency in EMEA, partially offset by challenging market dynamics in Latin America and North America.
Unfavorable currency impacts were led by the Turkish Lira and Chinese Renminbi. The portfolio impact was driven by the Biologicals acquisitions, which added approximately $420 million of net sales.
Segment operating EBITDA was $1.4 billion in 2023, down 18% from prior year. Pricing execution, productivity actions, and the favorable impact from the Biologicals acquisitions were more than offset by lower volumes,
higher input costs, and the unfavorable impact of currency. Segment operating
EBITDA margin
declined by
215 basis points
versus
the
prior-year
period.
2024
Guidance
The global outlook for agriculture remains constructive overall in 2024. There was record-setting demand for grain, oilseeds, and biofuels in 2023 and we expect that to continue to grow in 2024. On-farm demand remains steady and overall strong.
The Crop Protection industry is working to rebalance after the significant destocking in 2023, however we expect the industry to modestly improve as the imbalance between product going into the channel and on-farm consumption returns to alignment.
The Company provided guidance3 for the full-year 2024.
Corteva expects net sales in the range of $17.4 billion to $17.7 billion, growth of 2% at the mid-point. Operating EBITDA1 is expected to be in the range of $3.5 billion to $3.7 billion, growth of 6% at the mid-point. Operating EPS1 is expected to be in the range of $2.70 to $2.90 per share, up 4% at the mid-point, which reflects higher earnings partially offset by interest expense and a higher base tax rate. Cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations is expected to be in the range of $2.1 billion to $2.6 billion.
Free cash flow1,4 is expected to be in the range of $1.5 billion to $2.0 billion.
The Company plans to repurchase approximately $1.0 billion shares in 2024.
The
Company
is
not
able
to
reconcile its
forward-looking
non-GAAP financial
measures
to
its
most
comparable
U.S.
GAAP
financial measures, as it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty items outside of its control, such as Significant Items, without unreasonable effort.
Fourth
Quarter Conference
Call
The Company will host a live webcast of its fourth quarter 2023 earnings conference call with investors to discuss its results
and
outlook tomorrow,
February 1,
2024,
at
9:00
a.m.
ET.
The
slide
presentation
that
accompanies
the
conference
call
is
posted on the
Company's
Investor Events and
Presentations
page.
A
replay of the
webcast
will
also
be
available
on
the Investor
Events and
Presentations page.
About
Corteva
Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA ) is a global pure-play agriculture company that combines industry-leading innovation, high-touch customer engagement and operational execution to profitably deliver solutions for the world's most pressing agriculture challenges. Corteva generates advantaged market preference through its unique distribution strategy, together with its balanced and globally diverse mix of seed, crop protection, and digital products and services. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and a technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the Company is committed to maximizing productivity for farmers, while working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. More information can be found at
Cautionary
Statement
About Forward-Looking
Statements
This report contains certain estimates and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which are intended to be
covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995, and may be identified by their use of words like "plans," "expects," "will," "anticipates," "believes," "intends,"
"projects," "estimates," "outlook," or other words of similar meaning. All statements that address expectations or projections
about the future, including statements about Corteva's financial results or outlook; strategy for growth; product development; regulatory approvals; market
position; capital allocation strategy; liquidity; environmental, social and governance ("ESG") targets and initiatives; the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, restructuring actions, or cost savings initiatives; and the outcome of contingencies, such as litigation and environmental matters, are
forward-looking
statements.
Forward-looking statements and other estimates are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events which may not be accurate or realized. Forward-looking statements and other estimates also involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Corteva's control. While the list of factors presented below is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Consequences of material differences in results as compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on Corteva's business, results of operations and financial condition. Some of the important factors that could cause Corteva's actual results to differ materially from those projected in any such forward-looking statements include: (i)
failure to obtain or maintain the necessary regulatory approvals for some of Corteva's products; (ii) failure to successfully develop and commercialize Corteva's pipeline; (iii) effect of the degree of public understanding and acceptance or perceived public acceptance of Corteva's biotechnology and other agricultural products; (iv) effect of changes in agricultural and related policies of governments and international organizations; (v) costs of complying with evolving regulatory requirements and the effect of actual or alleged violations of environmental laws or permit requirements; (vi) effect of climate change and unpredictable seasonal and weather factors; (vii) failure to comply with competition and antitrust laws; (viii) effect of competition in Corteva's industry; (ix) competitor's establishment of an intermediary platform for distribution of Corteva's products; (x) impact of Corteva's dependence on third parties with respect to certain of its raw materials or licenses and commercialization; (xi) effect of volatility in Corteva's input costs; (xii) risk related to geopolitical and military conflict; (xii) risks related to environmental litigation and the indemnification obligations of legacy EIDP liabilities in connection with the separation of Corteva; (xiv) risks related to Corteva's global operations; (xv) failure to effectively manage acquisitions, divestitures, alliances, restructurings, cost savings initiatives, and other portfolio actions; (xvi) effect of industrial espionage and other disruptions to Corteva's supply chain, information technology or network systems;(xvii) failure of Corteva's customers to pay their debts to Corteva, including customer financing programs; (xviii) failure to raise capital through the capital markets or short-term borrowings on terms acceptable to Corteva; (xix) increases in pension and other post-employment benefit plan funding obligations; (xx) capital markets sentiment towards ESG matters; (xxi) risks related to pandemics or epidemics; (xxii) Corteva's intellectual property rights or defense against intellectual property claims asserted by others; (xxiii) effect of counterfeit products; (xxiv) Corteva's dependence on intellectual
property
cross-license
agreements; and (xxv)
other risks
related
to the
Separation
from
DowDuPont.
Additionally, there may be other risks and uncertainties that Corteva is unable to currently identify or that Corteva does not currently expect to have a material impact on its business. Where, in any forward-looking statement or other estimate, an expectation or belief as to future results or events is expressed, such expectation or belief is based on the current plans and expectations of Corteva's management and expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. Corteva disclaims and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law. A detailed discussion of some of the significant risks and uncertainties which may cause results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the "Risk Factors" section of Corteva's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as modified by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.
Regulation G (Non-GAAP Financial Measures)
This earnings release includes information that does not conform to U.S. GAAP and are considered non-GAAP measures. These measures may include organic sales, organic growth (including by segment and region), operating EBITDA, operating EBITDA margin, operating earnings (loss) per share, and base income tax rate. Management uses these measures internally for planning and forecasting, including allocating resources and evaluating incentive compensation. Management believes that these non-GAAP measures best reflect the ongoing performance of the Company during the periods presented and provide more relevant and meaningful information to investors as they provide insight with respect to ongoing operating results of the Company and a more useful comparison of year over year results. These non-GAAP measures supplement the Company's U.S. GAAP disclosures and should not be viewed as an alternative to U.S. GAAP measures of performance. Furthermore, such non-GAAP measures may not be consistent with similar measures provided or used by other companies. Reconciliations for these non-GAAP measures to U.S. GAAP are provided in the Selected Financial Information and Non-GAAP Measures starting on page A-5 of the Financial Statement Schedules.
Corteva is not able to reconcile its forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures, except for Free Cash Flow, to its most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures, as it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty items outside of the Company's control, such as Significant Items, without unreasonable effort. For Significant items reported in the periods presented, refer to page A-10 of the Financial Statement Schedules. Beginning January 1, 2020, the Company presents accelerated prepaid royalty amortization expense as a significant item. Accelerated prepaid royalty amortization represents the non-cash charge associated with the recognition of upfront payments made to Monsanto in connection with the Company's non-exclusive license in the United States and Canada for Monsanto's Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® and Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® herbicide tolerance traits. During the ramp-up period of Enlist E3TM, Corteva has begun to significantly reduce the volume of products with the Roundup Ready 2 Yield® and Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® herbicide tolerance traits beginning in 2021, with expected minimal use of the trait platform thereafter. During 2023, the company committed to restructuring activities to optimize the Crop Protection network of manufacturing and external partners, which are expected to be substantially complete in 2024. The company expects to record approximately $180 million to $230 million net pre-tax restructuring charges during 2024 for these activities.
Organic sales is defined as price and volume and excludes currency and portfolio and other impacts, including significant items. Operating EBITDA is defined as earnings (loss) (i.e., income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes) before interest, depreciation, amortization, non-operating benefits (costs), foreign exchange gains (losses), and net unrealized gain or loss from mark-to-market activity for certain foreign currency derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting, excluding the impact of significant items. Non-operating benefits (costs) consists of non-operating pension and other post- employment benefit (OPEB) credits (costs), tax indemnification adjustments, and environmental remediation and legal costs associated with legacy businesses and sites. Tax indemnification adjustments relate to changes in indemnification balances, as a result of the application of the terms of the Tax Matters Agreement, between Corteva and Dow and/or DuPont that are recorded by the Company as pre-tax income or expense. Operating EBITDA margin is defined as Operating EBITDA as a percentage of net sales.
Operating earnings (loss) per share is defined as "earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations - diluted" excluding the after-tax impact of significant items, the after-tax impact of non-operating benefits (costs), the after-tax impact of amortization expense associated with intangible assets existing as of the Separation from DowDuPont, and the after-tax impact of net unrealized gain or loss from mark-to-market activity for certain foreign currency derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting. Although amortization of the Company's intangible assets is excluded from these non-GAAP measures, management believes it is important for investors to understand that such intangible assets contribute to revenue generation. Amortization of intangible assets that relate to past acquisitions will recur in future periods until such intangible assets have been fully amortized. Any future acquisitions may result in amortization of additional intangible assets. Net unrealized gain or loss from mark-to-market activity for certain foreign currency derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting represents the non-cash net gain (loss) from changes in fair value of certain undesignated foreign currency derivative contracts. Upon settlement, which is within the same calendar year of execution of the contract, the realized gain (loss) from the changes in fair value of the non-qualified foreign currency derivative contracts will be reported in the relevant non-GAAP financial measures, allowing quarterly results to reflect the economic effects of the foreign currency derivative contracts without the resulting unrealized mark to fair value volatility. Base income tax rate is defined as the effective tax rate excluding the impacts of foreign exchange gains (losses), non-operating benefits (costs), amortization of intangibles (existing as of the Separation), mark-to- market gains (losses) on certain foreign currency contracts not designated as hedges, and significant items.
The Company also uses Free Cash Flow as a non-GAAP measure to evaluate and discuss its liquidity position and ability to generate cash. Free Cash Flow is defined as cash provided by (used for) operating activities – continuing operations, less capital expenditures. We believe that Free Cash Flow provides investors with meaningful information regarding the Company's ongoing ability to generate cash through core operations, and our ability to service our indebtedness, pay dividends (when declared), make share repurchases, and meet our ongoing cash needs for our operations. The company made the decision, which was retrospectively applied, to adjust the presentation of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows to separately show the cash provided by (used for) operating activities – discontinued operations, which was previously presented within cash provided by (used for) operating activities. As a result, the definition for Free Cash Flow was revised to utilize cash provided by (used for) operating activities – continuing operations. The change in definition did not have a material impact to prior years' Free Cash Flow. We made this decision to better present the liquidity generated from our ongoing business operations.
Under the revised definition, Free Cash Flow was $307 million for the year ended 2022.
For comparability, the prior year's Free Cash Flow has been updated to reflect this change when determining the year-over-year changes.
® TM Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies.
1. Organic
Sales,
Operating
EPS, Operating
EBITDA and Free Cash Flow
are
non-GAAP
measures. See
page A-5 for
further discussion.
2.
North America
is
defined as
U.S.
and
Canada.
EMEA
is
defined as
Europe,
Middle East
and Africa. 3. The Company
does not provide the most comparable GAAP measure on a forward-looking basis. 4. The definition for Free Cash Flow was revised to utilize cash provided by (used for) operating activities-continuing operations.
See page 6 for further discussion.
SOURCE Corteva, Inc.
MENAFN31012024003732001241ID1107793828
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https://menafn.com/1107793828/Corteva-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-And-Full-Year-2023-Results-Provides-2024-Guidance
| 2024-01-31T23:05:37Z
|
John Podesta will take over for John Kerry as top US climate diplomat
By Ella Nilsen, CNN
(CNN) — John Podesta, a senior White House adviser focused on clean energy and climate, will take over as US climate diplomat after John Kerry steps down this spring, according to a source familiar with the move.
Podesta is a longtime Democratic strategist, campaign manager for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential bid and the current White House senior adviser on clean energy and Inflation Reduction Act implementation. He plans to stay within the White House in his new role as chief climate diplomat, rather than moving to the State Department, and will keep both his current portfolio as a senior adviser to the president on climate change and engage in international climate diplomacy on behalf of the Biden administration, the source said.
Podesta first came to the Biden White House in September 2022, when he was tasked with implementing the climate measures in the Inflation Reduction Act. Podesta also previously served as a top climate adviser to former President Barack Obama, where he was involved both in domestic and international climate policy.
Podesta was integrally involved in the Obama administration’s executive actions on climate and international negotiations that resulted in the Paris climate accord.
Kerry is leaving the position after three years at the helm of US climate diplomacy under the Biden administration. The 80-year-old former secretary of state and Democratic nominee for president led US negotiations at three international climate summits, the most recent of which was held in Dubai.
White House chief of staff Jeff Zients said in a statement Kerry brought “American climate leadership back from the brink.”
“We need to keep meeting the gravity of this moment, and there is no one better than John Podesta to make sure we do,” Zients said. “John has – and will continue to be – at the helm of driving the implementation of the most significant climate law in history.”
Kerry commended Podesta in a statement as a “longtime climate ally” who “knows the issue.”
“He will bring important expertise to the work ahead, particularly in respect to the down-to-earth challenges of implementing COP28,” Kerry said. “We’ve made historic progress these last three years and I know that in his new role as President Biden’s senior advisor for international climate policy, John will continue to grow the momentum from Glasgow, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Dubai.”
Speaking to CNN recently, Kerry said he would be putting his focus on trying to get Biden reelected in November and touting the president’s climate agenda.
“He’s going to everything he can in the campaign to be able to make [climate] a key issue, and I’m going to do everything I can to help the president be able to be reelected,” Kerry said.
Podesta will inherit a more favorable international climate landscape than Kerry did when he took the role in 2021.
The outgoing envoy struck several significant international agreements that brought the US back to the international table after former President Donald Trump pulled the country out of the landmark Paris agreement.
Kerry was aided in his negotiations by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022, which put significant investment behind Biden’s ambitious climate commitments. And Kerry prioritized restarting international climate talks between the US and China, after China abruptly halted cooperation over other geopolitical issues. Kerry was key in negotiating the Sunnylands agreement struck in November – a wide-ranging climate agreement between the two countries before COP28.
Kerry was optimistic at his last UN climate summit as the country’s climate envoy.
“The message coming out of this COP is we are moving away from fossil fuels,” Kerry said in Dubai in November. “We’re not turning back.”
This story has been updated with additional information.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
|
https://keyt.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2024/01/31/john-podesta-will-take-over-for-john-kerry-as-us-climate-envoy/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:38Z
|
New reports show a big academic recovery after schools reopened. But not for all students. Stanford professor Sean Reardon tells NPR's Mary Louise Kelly how the pandemic worsened education inequality.
Copyright 2024 NPR
New reports show a big academic recovery after schools reopened. But not for all students. Stanford professor Sean Reardon tells NPR's Mary Louise Kelly how the pandemic worsened education inequality.
Copyright 2024 NPR
|
https://www.wuwf.org/2024-01-31/u-s-students-are-starting-to-catch-up-in-school-unless-theyre-from-a-poor-area
| 2024-01-31T23:05:39Z
|
From the occupied West Bank, an emergency hotline assists rescue efforts in Gaza By Aya Batrawy Published January 31, 2024 at 4:39 PM CST Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Email Print Listen • 5:17 NPR visits an emergency hotline center in the West Bank assisting first responders in the Gaza Strip. Copyright 2024 NPR
|
https://www.nprillinois.org/2024-01-31/from-the-occupied-west-bank-an-emergency-hotline-assists-rescue-efforts-in-gaza
| 2024-01-31T23:05:41Z
|
Over the course of League of Legends’ latest patch, champions have shifted among the various tier lists around the community. But one pick has risen above the rest of the trees as the most dominant support in the game—and one of the strongest champions through Patch 14.2, too.
Maokai currently holds a destructive 55 percent win rate in Emerald rank and higher, according to LoL stats aggregate U.GG. This is the highest win rate of any champion in the game at this ranked distribution, while also boasting the third-highest play rate in the role at 10.8 percent.
From Silver to Diamond ranks, Maokai holds the highest win rate in the game and is the most played support in Master as well. Although there are plenty of tank supports that engage and soak up damage, none of these picks can stand up to the might of the Twisted Treant, who has become the go-to pick for multiple types of compositions in this patch.
There are plenty of reasons why Maokai has become a menace this season, from early-game dominance to his massive teamfight potential in the mid-to-late game. In the early game, he has great survivability due to his Sap Magic passive, which allows him to heal off of an enemy or minion periodically.
He can also poke out squishier targets with his Saplings and is an early kill threat due to the multiple forms of crowd control he brings. He can become temporarily invulnerable with his Twisted Advance as he zooms toward a target to root them, and he can blast them backward toward his allies with a well-placed Bramble Smash.
Eventually, Maokai becomes a massive threat with Nature’s Grasp (R), which can be used to start a gank, zone off a whole team from an objective or area, or ensure a clean retreat when a fight goes wrong. He can soak a ton of damage with some of the new tank items and can even get great vision by throwing his Saplings into bushes.
Maokai will be getting some adjustments in Patch 14.3, but overall, he should remain a power pick in solo queue that you might want to consider picking or banning while you make the arduous climb to the top of your leaderboards.
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https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/maokai-is-lols-most-dominant-support-with-outrageous-win-rate-through-patch-14-2
| 2024-01-31T23:05:41Z
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WASHINGTON — (AP) — Interest rate cuts are coming. Just not yet.
The Federal Reserve delivered that message Wednesday, first in a policy statement and then in a news conference at which Chair Jerome Powell reinforced it.
The Fed did signal that it's nearing a long-awaited shift toward cutting rates, evidence that its officials have grown confident that they're close to fully taming inflation. No longer does its policy statement say it's still considering further rate hikes.
Yet the officials made clear that the first rate cut is likely months away. Their statement said they don't think it would be time to cut rates “until it has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably” to their 2% target.
Investors and some economists had been holding out the possibility that the Fed might cut as early as its next meeting in March. That now appears off the table.
“I don’t think it’s likely that the committee will reach a level of confidence by the time of the March meeting” to start cutting rates, Powell said at his news conference.
The central bank kept its key rate unchanged at about 5.4%, a 22-year high. But the changes to its statement — compared with its last meeting in December — show that it has moved toward considering rate reductions while still maintaining flexibility.
“There is nothing in Powell’s remarks or the statement that leads us to worry about the basic story of ‘good news’ cuts starting soon enough,” Krishna Guha, an economics analyst at investment bank Evercore ISI, said in a note to clients.
In December, the Fed's policymakers had indicated that they expected to carry out three quarter-point rate cuts in 2024. Yet they have since said little about when those cuts might begin, and some senior officials stressed that the Fed will proceed cautiously.
On Wednesday, Powell said the Fed doesn't need to see significant changes in the inflation data for it to cut rates. It just needs to see the inflation slowdown continue. Prices have increased at just a 2% annual rate in the past six months, according to the Fed's preferred measure.
“It's not that we're looking for better data — it's just that we're looking for a continuation of the good data that we've been getting," he said. “We just need to see more.”
The central bank's message Wednesday — that it's edging closer to cutting rates but not planning to do so anytime soon — disappointed traders on Wall Street. Losses in the stock market accelerated after Powell's news conference began.
The change in the Fed's stance comes as the economy is showing surprising durability after a series of 11 rate hikes helped drastically slow inflation, which had hit a four-decade high 18 months ago. Growth remains healthy: In the final three months of last year, the economy expanded at a 3.3% annual rate, the government said last week.
The Fed is assessing inflation and the economy at a time when the intensifying presidential campaign is pivoting in no small part on voters' perceptions of President Joe Biden's economic stewardship. Republicans in Congress have attacked Biden over the high inflation that gripped the nation beginning in 2021 as the economy emerged from recession. But the latest economic data — ranging from steady consumer spending to solid job growth to the slowdown in inflation — has been bolstering consumer confidence.
At his news conference, Powell said the Fed welcomes signs of economic strength.
“We want to see strong growth and a strong labor market,” the Fed chair said. "We’re looking for inflation to come down, as it has been coming down for the last six months.”
Most economists have said they expect the Fed to start cutting its benchmark rate in May or June. Rate cuts would eventually lead to lower borrowing costs for America’s consumers and businesses, including for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards.
A year ago, many analysts were predicting that widespread layoffs and sharply higher unemployment would be needed to cool the economy and curb inflation. Yet job growth has been steady. The unemployment rate, at 3.7%, isn’t far above a half-century low.
Labor costs are easing, too. On Wednesday, the government reported that pay and benefits for America's workers, which accelerated in 2022, grew in the final three months of 2023 at the slowest pace in 2 1/2 years. That slowdown reduces pressure on companies to raise prices to cover higher labor costs.
The Fed appears on the verge of achieving a rare “soft landing,” in which it manages to conquer high inflation without causing a recession. Should the pace of economic growth strengthen, though, it could complicate the challenge for the Fed.
Powell said that faster growth could potentially cause inflation to stall at a rate above 2%, which could complicate the Fed's timetable for rate cuts. For now, with the economy performing well, he said, the Fed doesn't need to rush to reduce borrowing costs.
“If we saw an unexpected weakening in the labor market, that would certainly weigh on cutting sooner," Powell said.
Asked whether he thought the Fed has already achieved a soft landing, Powell suggested it would be premature to say so.
“We have a ways to go,” he said. "Core inflation is still well above target on a 12-month basis. Certainly, I’m encouraged and we’re encouraged by the progress, but we’re not declaring victory at this point. We think we have a ways to go.”
Some cracks in the job market have begun to emerge and, if they worsen, could spur the Fed to cut rates quickly. For several months, most of the nation's job growth has occurred in just a few sectors — health care, government and hotels, restaurants and entertainment. Any weakening in those areas of the economy could threaten hiring and the overall expansion.
A report Tuesday showed that the number of workers who quit in December reached its lowest level in three years. That suggested that fewer Americans are being recruited for new, higher-paying jobs or are willing to search for and take new positions. Though quits remain at a level consistent with a solid job market, they have fallen about one-third from their peak in mid-2022.
Still, the U.S. economy is outdoing its counterparts overseas. During the October-December quarter, the 20 countries that share the euro currency barely avoided a recession, posting essentially no growth.
Still, as in the United States, unemployment is very low in the euro area, and inflation has slowed to a 2.9% annual rate. Though the European Central Bank could cut rates as soon as April, many economists think that might not happen until June.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/powell-federal/FB46DTECNHYRWVHV3OHDKWQXKI/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:42Z
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(MENAFN- PR Newswire) SimplePin, the leading receivable and payment platform with operations in Palm Beach, FL, USA, and Montréal, QC, Canada proudly welcomes Carmack Insurance into its distinguished clientele. It is a strategic collaboration that will enhance Carmack Insurance's payment and receivables procedures with highly innovative solutions.
PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SimplePin, an award-winning Insurtech enterprise, is thrilled to extend its suite of benefits to Carmack Insurance. SimplePin seamlessly integrates with broker management systems, offering a holistic automation experience for the entire receivables process. Carmack Insurance selected this highly efficient AR solution to streamline operations, boost cash flow, cut costs, and enhance client interactions through a tailored and feature-rich system.
Carmack, a 100-year-old California-based specialty insurance provider, recognized the need for a more agile solution, as their previous approach was cumbersome for clients and labor-intensive for internal staff.
The
Carmack team is enthusiastic about collaborating with SimplePin to eliminate the laborious and error-prone tasks associated with handling customer payments and posting back to AMS360. They chose SimplePin after a long vetting process because the SimplePin system enhances their back-office processes and also unlocks new opportunities for customer-centric and revenue-generating tasks.
Metod Topolnik, CEO of SimplePin, expressed his delight at Carmack Insurance joining the growing list of clients leveraging digital solutions to transform their payment and receivables experiences. "In a year poised with challenges for the insurance industry, Carmack exemplifies forward-thinking by recognizing that accounting should not be a source of friction. Our solution is in high demand, as it eliminates operational hurdles, elevates customer experiences, and significantly reduces expenses."
About
Carmack Insurance:
Established in 1925, Carmack Insurance is a distinguished Insurance and Risk Management Advisor. With a legacy managed by the third generation of family ownership, Carmack is among the most experienced firms in California. Specializing in closely held, California-based companies and high-net-worth families, Carmack Insurance is founded on principles of confidentiality, service, and claims advocacy.
About
SimplePin:
SimplePin offers a comprehensive receivables platform tailored for the insurance industry. Seamlessly integrating with any broker management system, the solution provides complete automation for the receivables process. Policyholders benefit from 24/7 online access to statements and payments through a secure portal. Features include automated reminders, flexible payment options, automated GL posting, real-time visibility for stakeholders, and simplified month-end reconciliation. To learn more, visit
CONTACT: Stephanie Ryan, [email protected]
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https://menafn.com/1107793829/Simplepin-Selected-By-Carmack-Insurance-To-Power-Their-Payments-And-Receivables-Process
| 2024-01-31T23:05:43Z
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Southern Gaza has seen the heaviest fighting over the past few weeks. But bombing has restarted in the north and the humanitarian situation has worsened there.
Copyright 2024 NPR
Southern Gaza has seen the heaviest fighting over the past few weeks. But bombing has restarted in the north and the humanitarian situation has worsened there.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wmuk.org/2024-01-31/as-israel-resumes-bombing-in-the-north-thousands-of-gazans-face-desperate-conditions
| 2024-01-31T23:05:44Z
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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
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AI tool designed to identify olive varieties based on photos of olive pits
The development of an app capable of identifying olive varieties using photos of olive pits is the ultimate goal of "OliVaR," a neural network trained with the largest photographic database of olive fruit endocarps, which has been generated by the partners of the GEN4OLIVE European project.
The tool's development has been possible thanks to the cataloging and documentation work of five germplasm banks in different countries and to advances in artificial intelligence systems. The University of Cordoba has played a fundamental role, as the institution having provided the most information, with data on 63 varieties from its Germplasm Bank.
The study is published in the journal Computers and Electronics in Agriculture.
The initiative, which is part of the GEN4OLIVE European project to improve olive trees, coordinated by the Ucolivo group of the María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence—Department of Agronomy (DAUCO), involved the participation of olive germplasm banks from Morocco, Greece, Italy, and Turkey to gather more than 150,000 photos of 133 olive varieties from the Mediterranean basin.
The Computer Science Department at Rome's Sapienza University was in charge of collecting the information and creating the algorithm for this tool, which proposes a new approach to identify varieties and automates the traditional morphological classification process.
This was explained by researchers Hristofor Miho and Concepción Muñoz Díez, who also stressed the accuracy demonstrated by the model, with around 90% efficiency. "It's a system of learning through trial and error, based on machine learning, in which we train the machine to learn through its own failures," they said.
The researchers explained that the more images that form the database, the more effective the system will be. The entities participating in the project have agreed on very strict protocols to unify their working methodologies and generate images allowing for optimization of the algorithm.
The result is an artificial intelligence tool that has been shown to be capable of detecting morphological details that escape even the human eye. After processing the data, it returns a list of the possible varieties with different degrees of compatibility with the photographed sample.
This machine learning system will be the basis of an application that will allow growers and nurseries to easily and quickly identify the variety of olive tree they are working with. According to Ucolivo, by making it available to the entire sector as a public and free tool, it will also serve to advance general knowledge of all existing olive varieties.
More information: Hristofor Miho et al, OliVaR: Improving olive variety recognition using deep neural networks, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.compag.2023.108530
Provided by University of Córdoba
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https://phys.org/news/2024-01-ai-tool-olive-varieties-based.html
| 2024-01-31T23:05:44Z
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Georgia governor signs bill that would define antisemitism in state law
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a law defining antisemitism in state law
Georgia governor signs bill that would define antisemitism in state law
Show all 4Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Wednesday signed a law defining antisemitism in state law, proclaiming support for Jewish residents despite concerns the measure would hamper people opposing the actions of Israel.
The Republican governor said by enacting the law, he was “reaffirming our commitment to a Georgia where all people can live, learn and prosper safely, because there’s no place for hate in this great state.”
Kemp likened it to when he signed a measure in 2020 that allows additional penalties to be imposed for crimes motivated by a victim’s race, religion, sexual orientation or other factors. That hate crimes law was spurred by the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man pursued and fatally shot while running near Brunswick, Georgia.
The antisemitism definition measure had stalled in 2023, but was pushed with fresh urgency this year amid the Israel-Hamas war and a reported surge in antisemitic incidents in Georgia. Sponsors say adopting the 2016 definition put forward by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance will help prosecutors and other officials identify hate crimes and illegal discrimination targeting Jewish people. That could lead to higher penalties under the 2020 hate crimes law.
The definition, which is only referred to in the bill, describes antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
Kenneth Stern, the author of IHRA’s definition, told The Associated Press that using such language in law is problematic, because an increasing number of Jews have adopted an antizionist position in opposition to Israeli actions.
Lawmakers in more than a half-dozen additional U.S. states are pushing laws to define antisemitism.
Opponents of the Georgia law warned it would be used to censor free speech rights with criticism of Israel equated to hatred of Jewish people. A coalition of organizations, including Jewish Voice for Peace and CAIR, issued a joint statement saying that the Georgia bill “falsely equates critiques of Israel and Zionism with discrimination against Jewish people.”
But supporters say the definition will only come into play after someone has committed a crime. State Rep. John Carson, a Marietta Republican who was one of the bill's sponsors, said he believed the measure would be challenged in court the first time it is used, but predicted it would be upheld.
“I'm very confident this will stand up, like it has in other states,” Carson said.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/georgia-ap-jewish-brian-kemp-israel-b2488424.html
| 2024-01-31T23:05:44Z
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KUAR is experiencing disruptions in Monticello due to issues concerning the transmitter. We appreciate your patience as we actively work to resolve the issues.
A look from Maui six months after devastating wildfires
NPR National Correspondent Debbie Elliott can be heard telling stories from her native South. She covers the latest news and politics, and is attuned to the region's rich culture and history.
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https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/2024-01-31/a-look-from-maui-six-months-after-devastating-wildfires
| 2024-01-31T23:05:44Z
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Citation
Choi S, Kim GW, Lim H. Clin. Exp. Emerg. Med. 2024; ePub(ePub): ePub.
Copyright
(Copyright © 2024, Korean Society of Emergency Medicine)
DOI
10.15441/ceem.23.167
PMID
38286498
Abstract
Following the 2011 ban on paraquat sales, South Korea has witnessed a significant reduction in the mortality rate associated with acute pesticide poisoning. Traditionally, paraquat and diquat, alongside several highly toxic organophosphates, carbamates, and organochlorine insecticides, have been recognized as culprits in causing fatalities among patients with acute pesticide poisoning. However, despite global efforts to curtail the use of these highly toxic pesticides, certain pesticides still exhibit a level of lethality surpassing their established clinical toxicity profiles. Understanding the clinical progression of these pesticides is paramount for physicians and toxicologists, as it holds the potential to enhance patient prognoses in cases of acute poisoning. This review aims to address the persistence of such highly lethal pesticides, which continue to pose a grave threat to victims of acute poisoning.
Language: en
Keywords
Intoxication; Bentazon; Chorfenapyr; Glufosinate; Glyphosate
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https://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds%5B%5D=citjournalarticle_782757_18
| 2024-01-31T23:05:44Z
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Sinema dismisses Senate reelection questions amid slowed fundraising in the fourth quarter
By Manu Raju and Ted Barrett, CNN
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who hasn’t said whether she will seek another term and saw her fundraising slow in the fourth quarter, had a testy exchange with reporters when asked about the independent from Arizona’s reelection plans.
Sinema’s campaign reported about $595,000 in receipts in the last quarter of 2023, down from $826,000 from the previous quarter. The fundraising level suggests that Sinema has yet to train her attention to a potential reelection bid.
She still has a sizable $10.6 million in cash on hand, but running in a competitive three-way race would require Sinema to substantially ramp up her fundraising.
Sinema has until April to file for reelection and has refused to discuss her plans, indicating she’s focused on securing the border security deal before the Senate.
Sinema chastised CNN Wednesday for asking if she plans to run for reelection during a gaggle with reporters while she was talking about details of the border security legislation.
“Why are you wasting your question on that,” she responded pointedly. “We are talking about something serious here.”
She then turned to the large group of reporters huddled around her just off the Senate floor and made her point again.
“I just want to be clear to all of you,” Sinema said. “Total waste of a question. OK? I’m here to talk about substance.”
Sinema has been in the middle of heated negotiations over legislation to overhaul immigration and border policy, and tempers have flared among lawmakers on both sides frustrated at the process. Amid those tensions, Sinema has been working closely with Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma. The negotiators have said they’ve reached an agreement on a plan, but the group has not yet released bill text and Republican leaders in the House have vowed to block the proposal.
Sinema left the Democratic Party in December 2022, though she continues to caucus with it. Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego and Republican Kari Lake have announced campaigns for Sinema’s US Senate seat.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
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https://keyt.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2024/01/31/sinema-dismisses-senate-reelection-questions-amid-slowed-fundraising-in-the-fourth-quarter/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:44Z
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Doctor Who is the oldest science fiction show still airing, starting in 1963. Even Star Trek only aired its first episode in 1966. The titular Doctor is an alien with a time machine that doubles as a spaceship, going on wacky adventures across time and space.
They travel with friends, referred to as companions (usually humans) and get into and out of all sorts of trouble. The Doctor’s species have a biological failsafe called regeneration, where after a fatal injury, the Doctor’s body and personality change, but their memories remain alive.
This failsafe also allows the Doctor to be recast every few years. Recently, the Doctor has branched out from exclusively white males to Jodie Whittaker as an unprecedented female incarnation of the Doctor and Ncuti Gatwa, the first Black Doctor. This change has been marketed as a reboot of the series.
Since the 2005 reboot, the Doctor has been traumatized and grieving. Their companions keep dying in awful ways, and they haven’t had time to process the war or grieve. Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor is a breath of fresh air. Fresh off a break to focus on self-care and their mental health, the Doctor has lighter shoulders, which clearly shows in “The Church On Ruby Road,” the show’s 2023 Christmas special. Within the first 10 minutes of the episode, the audience sees the Doctor dancing in a club, lost in the music and movement.
The episode calls back to the 2005 episode “Rose,” allowing viewers to see a new Doctor from an outside perspective while focusing less on the expected science fiction elements and more on the magic and fantasy of Christmas.
The perspective we follow for about half the episode is that of Ruby Sunday, a 19-year-old being followed by a terrible case of bad luck caused by goblins, who gain power from esoteric concepts like luck and coincidence. Ruby coincidentally has the same birthday as her new foster sister, a baby with the unfortunate name of Lulubelle. When the goblins kidnap Lulubelle to be their next meal, Ruby follows them to their flying pirate ship, where she meets the Doctor for the first time.
The Doctor and Ruby have great chemistry, escaping from being tied together amidst entertaining banter and the odd joke. When they find Lulubelle, the goblins are singing. Yes, you read that right; the goblins sing like they’re from 1986’s Labyrinth (if only Doctor Who’s Goblin King was played by David Bowie).
As it is, the Goblin King looks out of place compared to its lesser goblin minions and is relatively unthreatening, not moving from its spot throughout the entire episode. The lyrics of the goblin song are catchy, if not somewhat dark, and the Doctor sings back as a distraction, a first for Doctor Who.
The special focuses more on introducing the audience to Ruby than keeping a coherent plot. A couple of problems have hand-wavey solutions, but overall, it is an entertaining introduction to the newest incarnation of the Doctor.
“Doctor Who: The Church On Ruby Road” can be found on Disney+.
Rating: 4/5 Spinnaker sails
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https://unfspinnaker.com/101828/latest/doctor-who-the-church-on-ruby-road-a-review/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:44Z
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The budding love story featuring music superstar Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs' tight end Travis Kelce took an unexpected turn into the world of political conspiracy theories this week after the team advanced to the Super Bowl.
Myriad baseless rumors emerged on social media — everything from claims that Swift has played a part in Pentagon psychological operations to the idea that she and her two-time Super Bowl champion boyfriend are key assets in a secret plot to help President Joe Biden get reelected in 2024. Another variant: That the Chiefs’ success was rigged as part of the plan for the game on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas.
Political and media figures on the right, including former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, political activist Laura Loomer and One America News Network host Alison Steinberg, have amplified the allegations.
The claims are ludicrous and may well reflect the fear on the right that someone as famous as Swift, whose landmark Eras Tour is the first tour to cross the billion-dollar mark, could indeed influence the presidential race should she urge her legion of fans in one direction.
Pop culture and politics have long been entwined. The entertainment industry has been a deep well of political contributions. And candidates often try to draft on the celebrity of stars to add to their own allure.
The potency of the impact is less clear. In Swift's case, there is some proof that she can at minimum generate more voter registration.
In September, Swift posted a short message on her Instagram account encouraging her 272 million followers to register to vote. The post led to more than 35,000 registrations on the nonpartisan nonprofit Vote.org.
Swift’s massive fan base gives her a powerful voice. An SSRS poll conducted in October 2023 found that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults called themselves at least casual fans of the singer, with 8% saying they’re big fans. The poll also found that 8 in 10 U.S. adults said they had heard of her relationship with Kelce and the majority of those familiar with it considered it a real relationship, rather than a publicity stunt.
“Pop culture people identify with this stuff, they pay attention to it. And that’s what moves politics now. It’s attention and identity,” Joel Penney, an associate professor at Montclair State University whose research includes the intersection of politics and pop culture, said. Indeed, Donald Trump's improbable march to the presidency in 2016 was propelled in part from the celebrity he gained as a reality television star.
But the false claims about Swift are of such an extreme nature that they will test the limits of how potent a conspiracy theory can be. Penney sees the recent deluge of posts aimed at Swift as an attempt to preemptively blunt her impact by discrediting her.
Penney said Swift's influence could prove a difficult force to contend with, especially if she publicly supports Biden, as she did in the 2020 race.
The attacks on Swift could also galvanize young voters who want to rally around her.
“Young people are fighting their political battles through a language drawn from pop culture,” said Henry Jenkins, a professor at the University of Southern California who also studies politics and pop culture. “That’s what connects them. That’s what they’re engaged with.”
Both Swift and Kelce have made public statements about politics and other issues that put them at odds with the far-right.
Swift broke her long-standing refusal to discuss her political views in 2018 when she announced in an Instagram post that she would be voting for Tennessee's Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen and Democratic House incumbent Rep. Jim Cooper. She also slammed then-U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, the Republican candidate, citing Blackburn's opposition to certain LGBTQ+ rights and her vote against the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2013. Blackburn won election to the Senate.
In 2020, Swift endorsed Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in an interview with V Magazine, noting that "under their leadership, I believe America has a chance to start the healing process it so desperately needs."
Kelce faced criticism in September for appearing in an ad promoting the double dose of the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The ad was part of a partnership with Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company that developed a vaccine in response to the pandemic and has since become a common mark for anti-vaccine activists and conspiracy theorists.
Pop culture figures and the industry that surround them have been enmeshed in political campaigns long before the duo some fans refer to as Swelce. Former President Bill Clinton first appeared on MTV during his 1992 campaign while he was still governor of Arkansas. Major stars including Johnny Cash, Mary Tyler Moore and Willie Nelson endorsed former President Jimmy Carter more than 40 years ago when he made his second run for the White House. Ronald Reagan got his start in politics after a career as an actor.
“That question of, does this stuff work in pop culture? It absolutely can,” Penney said. “And it does. And history has shown that.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.wsbradio.com/entertainment/taylor-swift-super/P45XZZBSCJEQ4DHZ74IUMRPVMY/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:44Z
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Startups interested in participating, regardless of their size, origin and sector, can register through the following link.
The 100 startups Finalists of the Startup Competition will be able to make themselves known to representatives of large companies and international investors at the next edition of South Summit Madrid, co-organized by IE University, which will be held from June 5 to 7, 2024 at La Nave in Madrid under the motto ‘Human by Design’.
Of among the 100 finalist startups, which will be chosen by a jury of renowned investors and experts from the entrepreneurial ecosystem, will choose the winning startup of the Startup Competition of the twelfth edition of South Summit. During the meeting, the awards for the Most Disruptive, Most Scalable, Most Sustainable startup and the startup with the Best Team will also be announced.
The The survival rate of the more than 1,000 startups that have participated in the 11 editions of the competition is 90%. These startups have generated more than $14.7 billion in investment, more than $10 billion in revenue and almost 50,000 jobs, as well as more than 100 exits. From all of them, 7 unicorns have emerged, such as Cabify, Factorial or JobandTalent, among others.
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https://www.enderlinindependent.com/south-summit-madrid-extends-the-registration-period/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:44Z
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Changes are coming to last year’s historic affordable housing bill.
Last year’s $700 million affordable housing initiative was the brainchild of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. It is meant to solve Florida’s affordable housing crisis in the coming years, but there are some concerns about how the rapid building of housing could negatively affect communities.
Miami Republican Senator Alexis Calatayud is looking to remedy those concerns. Her bill brings changes that various stakeholders have requested, like capping the height of buildings that are built next to single-family homes and requiring mixed-use development in heavy traffic areas.
“As we discussed at length last session, not only is workforce housing critical to the economic security of our state, but it is a top quality of life issue impacting Floridians who want to build their lives and raise their families in the communities that they serve,” she said.
The bill also wants to give $100 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds to the state’s Hometown Hero’s program, which supplies affordable first home loans to first responders and other public employees. But there are still some concerns about whether the legislation will provide adequate workforce housing in all communities.
Gainesville Commissioner Bryan Eastman says that students could still qualify to live in affordable units made under the bill. That could dry up affordable housing in areas with large student populations, like Gainesville, Tallahassee and Orlando, leaving less housing for those that work in those communities.
“Gainesville has a disproportionate amount of students: people who, on paper, have no income, but frequently are some of our area’s wealthiest residents. Their money comes from student loans or their parents’ money, which wouldn’t count as income under any provisions that you would look at for traditional income. That makes them very complicated to categorize for low income programs,” he said.
Orange County Democratic Senator Victor Torres also wants to see official tracking of the affordable housing units being built by private contractors using the funds. Local municipalities who facilitate affordable housing development in their communities aren’t currently required to make progress reports to the legislature.
“We want to see the product. We want to know that it’s getting out there into our communities. Because we sit up here, you know, we need to make sure that everyone is accountable for were the dollars are going for affordable housing,” he said.
Calatayud says she’s open to considering further changes before the bill goes to the Senate floor.
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https://www.wuwf.org/florida-news/2024-01-31/changes-more-funding-coming-to-2023s-affordable-housing-law
| 2024-01-31T23:05:45Z
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READER LETTER | Steenhuisen’s comments on black youth offensive
So, late Black Consciousness movement leader Steve Bantu Biko was spot on when he said: “Black man, you are on your own.”
Otherwise, how do you explain the racist, hurtful and derogatory utterances from a leader of a big political opposition party like the DA? According to John Steenhuisen’s observations, the disadvantaged unemployed black youth is characterised as a child from the shebeen or ghetto who is a drunkard.
These offensive comments come from the mouth of a leader of a party that purports to embrace non-racial principles. One wonders whether there are black DA members whose children are among the hordes of the unemployed black youth.
One further wonders whether there are young black people who are members of this party. If there are, do they also come from the usual environment of the black youth – the shebeen?
Is it factual that the ill-fitting cheap uniforms worn by Panyaza Lesufi’s cadres were purchased from Pep stores? If not, the founder of Pep Stores, Renier van Rooyen, or board members must take the DA to the Human Rights Commission for defamation of character. Even if Steenhuisen or his party were to offer an apology for these hurtful comments, I would not be swayed to accept it as genuine as the Holy Bible says people speak from the abundance of their hearts.
Alexius Phiri, email
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https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/opinion/letters/2024-01-31-reader-letter-steenhuisens-comments-on-black-youth-offensive/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:43Z
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Lawmakers grilled the CEOs of top social media companies in a hearing today By Dara Kerr Published January 31, 2024 at 4:21 PM CST Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest Email Print Listen • 3:45 During a contentious hearing, lawmakers demanded that social media companies do better to protect children online. Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.nprillinois.org/2024-01-31/lawmakers-grilled-the-ceos-of-top-social-media-companies-in-a-hearing-today
| 2024-01-31T23:05:47Z
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During the Jan. 31 PlayStation State of Play, Konami announced a new Silent Hill game—and it’s free. Titled The Short Message, the new title is out now and available on the PlayStation store for the PS5 console.
The release and the announcement come after months of leaks and rumors surrounding Konami’s latest entry in the Silent Hill universe and the first since Silent Hill: Downpour. The Short Message will be a first-person horror game with lots of liminal and tight spaces to navigate set in modern-day Germany and an ominous place known as The Villa. Its announcement immediately preceded a new look at the long-awaited Silent Hill 2 remake, which will return players to one of the most iconic psychological horror stories ever created.
Silent Hill: The Short Message has been in the works since at least 2022, when the game first appeared in alleged trademarks and since then rumors have been rampant, picking up steam in the months preceding the 2024 State of Play. Apart from this and the Silent Hill 2 remake, Konami is also working on Silent Hill f, a new story set in the Silent Hill universe, and the 10th franchise installment overall, The Short Message being the ninth.
Konami is also aiming to release a new Silent Hill movie alongside all the games, marking a major leap in the company’s AAA and franchising attempts since it announced its withdrawal from significant gaming endeavors to focus on its sports titles. Starting with Silent Hill and remakes and remasters of the Metal Gear Solid games, Konami seems to be working towards a revival of its mainstream gaming department and if what we’ve seen is anything to go by, they’re pretty adamant about it.
These announcements were part of Sony’s first State of Play for 2024, and you can check out everything shown in it here.
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https://dotesports.com/silent-hill/news/new-silent-hill-game-shadow-drops-for-free-on-playstation
| 2024-01-31T23:05:47Z
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CLEVELAND — (AP) — Talk about high drama.
By the time the first pitch is thrown at the Cleveland Guardians' home opener on April 8 at Progressive Field, fans will have seen something more unusual than a no-hitter, more rare than a perfect game and astronomically more exciting than an unassisted triple play.
It will be truly an out of this world moment.
At 3:13 p.m. EDT, Cleveland will experience a total solar eclipse — a once-in-generations event — for the first time since 1806, 13 years before the birth of Abner Doubleday, the Civil War hero some have credited with inventing baseball.
The alignment of sun, earth and moon will plunge the city into darkness, and as long as the maddeningly unpredictable Northeast Ohio weather cooperates, people will view a spectacle that lasts just under four minutes but occurs only three times in a 638-year span above the city.
The next one isn't until 2444.
“It’s a really, really, really big deal," said Jay Ryan, a self-described “astronomy nerd” and eclipse educator. “It’s hard to communicate to people how big of a deal this is. They’ve seen a partial eclipse in the past, and were like, meh. This is breathtaking."
Undoubtedly exciting for many, the eclipse does create some logistical concerns for others, especially the Guardians, who are trying to decide an ideal time to start the opener while balancing transportation, parking and other concerns.
Cleveland will be jam packed.
Officials are estimating 200,000 visitors will descend upon the city strictly to view the eclipse, with 50,000 expected to attend an event at the Great Lakes Science Center, where NASA is setting up one of three national broadcasting hubs.
Throw in any college basketball fans still in town from the NCAA Women’s Final Four from April 5-7, on top of the 35,000 coming to see the Guardians game, and downtown Cleveland will be bursting at the seams.
The Guardians have started their home openers in recent years with a 4:10 p.m. first pitch. This year, though, that falls in the partial-eclipse window when fans may still be distracted by the overhead phenomenon and not focused on seeing All-Star third baseman José Ramírez step into the batter's box against the Chicago White Sox.
The team has spent months weighing whether to embrace the eclipse and open the ballpark early to allow fans to watch it together — an opening act on opening day — or wait until it's over and play a night game.
The Guardians, who start on an 11-game trip, are expected to announce their decision on the opener in coming days.
Ryan believes the social element of the eclipse can't be underestimated. As he excitedly described the moon's 124-mile shadow gradually fading and then temporarily extinguishing the sun's brightness, Ryan said the moment before darkness is overwhelming.
“The color of the sky goes from bluish, grayish to black,” he said. “And then, boom! Totality. You are in nighttime. It's heart pounding. It's exciting. People are screaming. I'll tell you what, to be with a sports crowd, just imagine someone hitting a grand slam. To be down there with a bunch of fans would be great.”
There could be one problem: Cleveland's wacky weather.
"You had to go there," Ryan said.
The Guardians have dealt with snow on opening day before. In 2007, their first four games in Cleveland were snowed out from April 6-9, forcing the team to play its “home” opener in Milwaukee.
Ryan has been closely monitoring the long-term forecast and Cleveland's weather history. He feels somewhat encouraged that April 8 in 2020 and 2023 there were “blue, crystal-clear skies,” while also noting that wasn't the case in 2021 and 2022.
“It's a coin toss,” he said with a laugh.
Who knows. Maybe the eclipse could be a sign of something bigger on the way in Cleveland, which hasn't celebrated a World Series title since 1948.
“If we get a beautiful day,” Ryan said. "This is going to beat the 1948 World Series."
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/science/base-path-totality/PEUAGPT7ZOTWDPZOQWGME2DHZY/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:48Z
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(MENAFN- PR Newswire) JERICHO, N.Y., Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ESQ ) (the "Company"), the financial holding company for Esquire Bank, National Association (collectively "Esquire"), today announced an increase to its regular quarterly dividend by 20% to $0.15 per share of common stock, payable on March 1, 2024, to each stockholder of record on February 15, 2024.
"Our consistent industry leading performance and growth over the past several years has allowed the Company to increase its regular stockholder dividend by 20%," stated Andrew C. Sagliocca, Vice Chairman, CEO, and President.
"This marks the third consecutive increase for Esquire's stockholders since initiating dividends in 2022."
About
Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.
Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Jericho, New York, with one branch office in Jericho, New York and an administrative office in Boca Raton, Florida. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Esquire Bank, National Association, is a full service commercial bank dedicated to serving the financial needs of the legal industry and small businesses nationally, as well as commercial and retail customers in the New York metropolitan area. The bank offers tailored products and solutions to the legal community and their clients as well as dynamic and flexible payment processing solutions to small business owners. For more information, visit .
SOURCE Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.
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https://menafn.com/1107793830/ESQUIRE-FINANCIAL-HOLDINGS-INC-INCREASES-QUARTERLY-DIVIDEND-FOR-COMMON-STOCKHOLDERS-BY-20
| 2024-01-31T23:05:50Z
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NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with constitutional scholar Philip Bobbitt about the effort from House Republicans to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Copyright 2024 NPR
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with constitutional scholar Philip Bobbitt about the effort from House Republicans to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wmuk.org/2024-01-31/constitutional-scholar-says-gop-charges-against-mayorkas-dont-meet-impeachment-bar
| 2024-01-31T23:05:50Z
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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
fact-checked
trusted source
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Asian fishing cats caught snacking on chicks from tree-top nests
South Asian fishing cats were observed raiding bird nests in tall trees for the first time. This rare and highly unusual behavior was caught on motion cameras set up in tree canopies across northeast Bangladesh to survey bird colonies. Scientists hope this unexpected finding, published in the De Gruyter journal Mammalia, will help piece together the ecology of these elusive felines and contribute to conservation efforts.
Assistant Professor Muntasir Akash of the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and colleagues studied around 282 days of footage captured by unbaited passive infrared cameras operating 24 hours a day. The study is published in Mammalia.
Nineteen still images showed nighttime predation by fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) on two different multi-species bird colonies; this included a fishing cat biting the neck of a little cormorant (Microcarbo niger) chick in a nest in the canopy of an 8m-tall Indian Oak tree (Barringtonia acutangular). "That is a pretty high tree for a fishing cat," says Akash, recalling his surprise at seeing the predator where no-one had seen it before.
Fishing cats have water-resistant fur over two layers, as well as semi-retractile claws and partially webbed forepaws to hunt their prey, about three-quarters of which is river fish. However, despite their name and biological specializations for a fish-eating diet, fishing cats still retain many typical feline features.
"Their dentition, except for the large premolars to grip any slippery prey, is of general felid structure," says Akash. "And their semi-webbed forepaws are no more webbed than those of a bobcat."
Retention of these basic feline characteristics could give them an advantage when surrounding areas flood during the monsoon season. Until now, it was a mystery how fishing cats could survive when their foraging habitat completely flooded. Being able to hunt birds in the tall arboreal canopy could provide shelter and food resources when the monsoon makes fishing difficult, dangerous or impossible.
Fishing cats are so adept at catching river prey that they are frequently driven away from fertile fishing areas and hunted by humans who consider them dangerous or competitors for food.
"Monitoring of media reports on human–fishing cat conflicts suggests that a fresh conflict is happening in the country every two weeks," says Akash. "Conservation efforts targeting fishing cats should thus be prioritized and all options for effective mitigation scientifically assessed."
In addition to human pressure, destruction of wetlands threatens fishing cat populations around Southeast Asia and the species is currently rated Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.
The cat might have an unknown dependency on the wetland bird colonies that are vulnerable to hunting and tree felling, Akash says, "A stable population of wetland bird colonies might be a win-win for the wetland, fishing cats and the local people who depend on the wetlands."
More information: Allama Shibli Sadik et al, A treetop diner: camera trapping reveals novel arboreal foraging by fishing cats on colonial nesting birds in Bangladesh, Mammalia (2024). DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2023-0074
Provided by SciencePOD
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https://phys.org/news/2024-01-asian-fishing-cats-caught-snacking.html
| 2024-01-31T23:05:50Z
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Earthquakes raise alert for Hawaii's Kilauea volcano. But any eruption is unlikely to threaten homes
A surge of earthquakes at Kilauea’s summit is prompting scientists to raise the alert level for the Hawaiian volcano
A surge of earthquakes at Kilauea's summit prompted scientists to raise the alert level for the Hawaiian volcano on Wednesday. But any eruption is unlikely to threaten homes.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said it detected 25 to 30 small earthquakes per hour since 3 a.m. at the southern part of the volcano's caldera. This spot is inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and far from homes.
Magnitudes ranged from less than 1 to 3.4. Several quakes were large enough to be felt by observatory staff in the field.
The observatory raised its alert level to “watch,” signifying that Kilauea was showing heightened or escalating unrest. This level indicates there is an increased chance the volcano will erupt, though it is unclear when.
Previously, the designator for Kilauea was “advisory,” meaning the volcano was showing signs of elevated unrest above a known background level.
Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes. It last erupted in September, spewing lava inside the summit caldera for nearly a week. It also erupted in June.
In 2018, lava burst out of cracks on Kilauea's eastern flank in its lower East Rift Zone and destroyed more than 700 homes.
The observatory said there has been no unusual activity in the middle and lower sections of the East Rift Zone.
Kilauea's much larger neighbor, Mauna Loa, erupted in 2022 for the first time in four decades.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/kilauea-volcano-ap-hawaii-hawaii-volcanoes-national-park-mauna-loa-b2488418.html
| 2024-01-31T23:05:50Z
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Laws on abortion are out of step with public opinion. One Republican legislator in Tennessee is working to establish exceptions to his state's strict abortion laws, but he faces a tough battle.
Copyright 2024 NPR
Laws on abortion are out of step with public opinion. One Republican legislator in Tennessee is working to establish exceptions to his state's strict abortion laws, but he faces a tough battle.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/2024-01-31/a-tennessee-lawmaker-helped-pass-a-strict-abortion-law-hes-now-trying-to-loosen-it
| 2024-01-31T23:05:50Z
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First storm in series will bring consistent rain overnight and scattered showers on Thursday
After a cooler and cloudier day, the first of a set of atmospheric rivers will bring widespread rainfall over a period of several hours tonight. Rain showers will begin to arrive in the early evening on the Central Coast, but the frontal band will arrive around 10:00 pm. It will pass through our region overnight, so that some heavy showers may linger during the early morning commute in Ventura County.
Throughout Thursday, showers will be off and on. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms, at which times rainfall could be heavy. Light rain showers may even pop up here and there into Friday.
In total with our first system, we are expecting 1 to 3 inches of rain in coastal areas, and 4 to 5 inches of rain in foothills and mountains. Totals will be highest on south and southwest-facing slopes because of enhancement from the wind.
There is a chance of minor flooding of roadways, or near creeks and coastal areas, with this first storm. If you see flooding, never drive through it.
There is a winter storm warning in the northern Ventura County mountains and a winter weather advisory in the southern Ventura County mountains. Both run from midnight to 4:00 pm Thursday. Snow levels will start around 7,000 feet and fall to 5,500 feet by Thursday afternoon. We expect up to 18 inches of snow above 7,000 feet, up to 6 inches above 6,000 feet, and up to 3 inches above 4,500 feet.
There is a high wind warning in the Santa Barbara County interior mountains from 7:00 pm Wednesday through 5:00 am Thursday. Southeast winds will be 30 to 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph. There is a wind advisory on the Southeast Coast and east Santa Ynez Range from 2:00 to 7:00 am Thursday with gusts up to 45 mph. There is a wind advisory for all remaining areas of SLO and Santa Barbara Counties from 7:00 pm Wednesday to 7:00 am Thursday with gusts from 45 to 55 mph.
With strong winds and saturated soils, there is a higher risk of downed trees and power lines. It will make for hazardous driving, especially in the overnight hours. Be extra cautious and prepare for potential power outages at home.
There is a high surf advisory in effect on the South Coast and Ventura County coast from 2:00 am Thursday to 6:00 am Saturday, and on the Central Coast until 5:00 pm Saturday. Breaking waves will be 8 to 12 feet south of Point Conception. On the Central Coast, waves will be 7 to 10 feet on Wednesday, up to 18 feet on Thursday and Friday, and up to 12 feet on Saturday. Moderate coastal flooding is possible during the storm.
Thursday and through the middle of next week, temperatures will be below average. Highs will stay close to either side of 60 degrees. Lows will be in the 40s for coastal areas and 30s for valleys.
All eyes are on Sunday with our next atmospheric river, and what could be our largest storm of the season so far. Between Sunday to Tuesday, rain totals will likely be around 2 to 4 inches for coastal areas, with more in mountains and foothills. Flooding issues are likely, and mud and rock slides are possible. Be prepared well ahead of this second system and do not travel if avoidable.
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https://keyt.com/weather/local-forecast/2024/01/31/first-storm-in-series-will-bring-consistent-rain-overnight-and-scattered-showers-on-thursday/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:51Z
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Citation
Chaurasia S, Ganvir R, Pandey RK, Singh S, Yadav J, Malik R, Choubal S, Arora A. Cureus 2023; 15(12): e51175.
Copyright
(Copyright © 2023, Curēus)
DOI
10.7759/cureus.51175
PMID
38283486
PMCID
PMC10811436
Abstract
Introduction Chronic stress breaches the normal homeostasis of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leads to chronic adrenal fatigue, and causes hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the adrenal gland. The current study was carried out with the aim of observing the difference in gross morphological changes in the adrenals of people dying by suicide and from sudden death, as persons committing suicide are exposed to chronic stress (depression), while those dying suddenly are exposed to the acute stress of dying. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present analytical study was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, India, after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC). A total of 100 established cases of suicide with prominent autopsy findings and relevant history without signs of decomposition, aged 15-60 years, irrespective of gender, and a variable survival period (immediate death to within 24 hours) were selected. A total of 20 controls included those who died suddenly from an act other than suicide within 24 hours of the incident. Due consent was obtained from the relatives and police in the prescribed proforma. Kidneys, along with peri-renal fat and adrenal glands on both sides, were carefully removed and examined. RESULTS A total of 25% of suicide victims reported a history of chronic stress, 13% self-destructive behavior, 3% untreated depression, and 8% reported financial or marital difficulties. The right adrenal gland was found to be heavier than the left in the control group. In addition, both left and right adrenal glands weighed more in males. Among the suicidal cases, the weight of the left adrenal gland was greater than that of the right, and the weight of the gland in males was higher than that in females. The difference in adrenal gland weight among males was significant in both case and control groups (combined p-value = 0.0001) but was insignificant in females, probably due to their disproportionate ratio in both groups. There was no significant relationship between adrenal gland weight and individual age or weight. However, adrenal gland weight in both groups was significantly associated with the height of the individual (p-value = 0.001 in the study group and < 0.05 in the control group). The difference in adrenal gland volume between the suicidal and control groups was not significant, indicating that the increase in size is not a differentiating criterion for acute and chronic stress. The relative adrenal gland weight was significantly higher in the suicidal group. CONCLUSION The external appearance of the adrenal gland may be regarded as a normal response to stress in relation to the mode of death. The left adrenal gland is more likely to show an increase in weight in response to chronic stress. The weight of the adrenal gland in both groups is significantly associated with the height of the deceased. Relative adrenal weight can be considered as specific for suicidal cases exposed to chronic stress. However, the volume of the adrenal gland may be considered an unreliable criterion in the differentiation of chronic stress from acute stress.
Language: en
Keywords
suicide; acute stress; adrenal gland; chronic stress; gross changes
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https://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds%5B%5D=citjournalarticle_782761_18
| 2024-01-31T23:05:51Z
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Even before pornographic and violent deepfake images of Taylor Swift began widely circulating in the past few days, state lawmakers across the U.S. had been searching for ways to quash such nonconsensual images of both adults and children.
But in this Taylor-centric era, the problem has been getting a lot more attention since she was targeted through deepfakes, the computer-generated images using artificial intelligence to seem real.
Here are things to know about what states have done and what they are considering.
Artificial intelligence hit the mainstream last year like never before, enabling people to create ever-more realistic deepfakes. Now they're appearing online more often, in several forms.
There's pornography — taking advantage of celebrities like Swift to create fake compromising images.
There's music — A song that sounded like Drake and The Weeknd performing together got millions of clicks on streaming services — but it was not those artists. The song was removed from platforms.
And there are political dirty tricks, this election year — Just before January's presidential primary, some New Hampshire voters reported receiving robocalls purporting to be from President Joe Biden telling them not to bother casting ballots. The state attorney general's office is investigating.
But a more common circumstance is porn using the likenesses of non-famous people, including minors.
Deepfakes are just one area in the complicated realm of AI that lawmakers are trying to figure out whether and how to handle.
At least 10 states have enacted deepfake-related laws already. Scores of more measures are under consideration this year in legislatures across the country.
Georgia, Hawaii, Texas and Virginia have laws on the books that criminalize nonconsensual deepfake porn.
California and Illinois have given victims the right to sue those who create images using their likenesses.
Minnesota and New York do both. Minnesota's law also targets using deepfakes in politics.
University at Buffalo computer science professor Siwei Lyu said work is being done on several approaches, none of them perfect.
One is deepfake detection algorithms, which can be used to flag deepfakes on places like social media platforms.
Another — which Lyu said is in development but not yet being used widely — is to embed codes in content people upload that would signal if they’re reused in AI creation.
And a third mechanism would be to require companies offering AI tools to include digital watermarks to identify content generated with their applications.
He said it makes sense to hold those companies accountable for how people use their tools, and companies in turn can enforce user agreements against creating problematic deepfakes.
Model legislation proposed by the American Legislative Exchange Council addresses porn, not politics. The conservative and pro-business policy group is encouraging states to do two things: Criminalize possession and distribution of deepfakes portraying minors in sex acts, and allow victims to sue people who distribute nonconsensual deepfakes showing sexual conduct.
“I would recommend to lawmakers to start with a small, prescriptive fix that can solve a tangible problem,” said Jake Morabito, who directs the communications and technology task force for ALEC. He warns that lawmakers should not target the technology that can be used to create deepfakes, as that could shut down innovation with important other uses.
Todd Helmus, a behavioral scientist at RAND, a nonpartisan thinktank, points out that leaving enforcement up to individuals filing lawsuits is insufficient. It takes resources to sue, he said. And the result might not be worth it. “It's not worth suing somebody that doesn’t have any money to give you,” he said.
Helmus calls for guardrails throughout the system and says making them work probably requires government involvement.
He said OpenAI and other companies whose platforms can be used to generate seemingly realistic content should make efforts to prevent deepfakes from being created; social media companies should implement better systems to keep them from proliferating, and there should be legal consequences those who do it anyway.
Jenna Leventoff, a First Amendment lawyer at the ACLU, said that while deepfakes can cause harm, free speech protections also apply to them, and lawmakers should make sure they don't go beyond existing exceptions to free speech, such as defamation, fraud and obscenity, when they try to regulate the emerging technology.
Last week, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the issue, saying social media companies should create and enforce their own rules to prevent the spread of misinformation and images like the ones of Swift.
A bipartisan group of members of Congress in January introduced federal legislation that would give people a property right to their own likeness and voice — and the ability to sue those who use it in a misleading way through a deepfake for whatever reason.
Most states are considering some kind of deepfake legislation in their sessions this year. They're being introduced by Democrats, Republicans and bipartisan coalitions of lawmakers.
The bills getting traction include one that would make it a crime to distribute or create sexually explicit depictions of a person without their consent in GOP-dominated Indiana. It passed in the House unanimously in January.
A similar measure introduced this week in Missouri is named “The Taylor Swift Act.” And another one cleared the Senate this week in South Dakota, where Attorney General Marty Jackley said some investigations have been handed over to federal officials because the state does not have the AI-related laws needed to file charges.
“When you go into somebody’s Facebook page, you steal their child and you put that into pornography, there’s no First Amendment right to do that,” Jackley said.
For anyone with an online presence, it can be hard to prevent being a deepfake victim.
But RAND's Helmus says that people who find they have been targeted can ask a social media platform where images are shared to remove them; inform the police if they're in a place with a law; tell school or university officials if the alleged perpetrator is a student; and seek mental health help as needed.
___
Associated Press reporters from around the U.S. contributed to this article.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.wsbradio.com/entertainment/what-know-about-how/ZHRQG4KCZVIO27ABT2RBDI52GM/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:51Z
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The dueling contests surrounding the Nevada Republican's nominating process has led to voter confusion. And with it, an outcome many in the state saw as inevitable: Trump is the de facto winner.
Copyright 2024 NPR
The dueling contests surrounding the Nevada Republican's nominating process has led to voter confusion. And with it, an outcome many in the state saw as inevitable: Trump is the de facto winner.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.nprillinois.org/2024-01-31/nevadas-gop-nominating-process-is-confusing-and-already-yielded-a-likely-winner
| 2024-01-31T23:05:53Z
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(MENAFN- PR Newswire) ODENTON, Md., Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Two leading national away-from-home sales and marketing agencies, KeyImpact Sales and Systems (KeyImpact) and Waypoint have formed the preeminent foodservice agency in North America and will be named Acxion Foodservice ( ).
Acxion (pronounced "action") has an exclusive focus on foodservice with comprehensive food and non-food sales, marketing, culinary and analytics capabilities throughout North America. The combination will provide seamless connectivity, a range of solutions and unmatched customer reach to clients.
"This partnership, fueled by the best talent in the industry, allows us to leverage our expertise, strengthen our foundation in foodservice and drive results for our clients," says Dan Dougherty, co-CEO of Acxion Foodservice.
Co-CEO Neil Johnson says, "We are bringing the best of both agencies together to deliver industry-leading services that foster innovation and growth."
The combination includes a continued strategic partnership with Advantage Solutions Inc., a leading provider of sales and marketing services to consumer goods manufacturers and retailers, which will continue to offer services to the retail divisions of Acxion clients.
Acxion's clients include leading foodservice manufacturers, suppliers, operators and distributors. Acxion employs the industry's leading segment experts, researchers, strategists, culinarians, creatives, data analysts and digital and media specialists. Its comprehensive solutions allow Acxion to activate client business goals and create demand while delivering profitable growth and long-term success.
The powerful business combination is a result of the acquisition of the foodservice sales and marketing division of Advantage Solutions, including Waypoint, Ettinger-Rosini, Primeline, Coleman Greear & Associates, Halverson, Marlin Connections and CSSI. These business units possess deep capabilities, including sales brokerage representation for food, packaging, equipment, and janitorial-sanitation clients. Additionally, the collection of offerings provides research, marketing, communications, culinary and content expertise.
Advantage Solutions will maintain a minority ownership stake and have a seat on Acxion's Board, which will allow Advantage to benefit from the agency's growth and omnichannel offerings.
The business will be led by co-CEOs who each previously served as the leader of their prior agencies. Dan Dougherty will lead Sales and Marketing and Neil Johnson will lead Operations and Administration. The co-CEO partnership will deliver to their clients outstanding service, unmatched business plan execution and accountability. Acxion will continue to invest in capabilities that are critical priorities for foodservice suppliers, including unparalleled access to the Non-Commerical, Regional Chain, K-12 education, Military and Convenience Store segments. Acxion will drive performance in these segments through its industry-leading reach, data capture, insights and analytical capabilities.
Marlin Connections and CSSI will continue to provide full-service marketing strategy, branding, creative and media capabilities alongside comprehensive culinary innovation and national account sales support to manufacturers. The Halverson Group's strategic analytics team will maintain its focus on solving complex business and marketing issues with insights gained from applying advanced technology, data visualization tools, and custom statistical techniques to provide unparalleled solutions to clients' most challenging problems.
CG Sawaya Partners (operating under Canaccord Genuity) served as exclusive financial advisor to Acxion with respect to the transaction.
About KeyImpact
Formed in 2000, through the merger of Key Brokerage in New Jersey and Impact Sales in Maryland, KeyImpact has grown to become a leading foodservice sales and marketing agency in the United States. KeyImpact represents manufacturers of food, as well as packaging and supplies, and provides sales and marketing services to distributors and operators across all segments of the foodservice trade channel.
About Waypoint
Waypoint is a national sales, marketing and culinary agency representing leading brands that enjoy top positions in their categories within the foodservice and non-foods industry. They are a seamless and flexible extension of their clients, unmatched in market research and business intelligence. They bridge the gap between manufacturers and the comprehensive evolving foodservice marketplace.
SOURCE KEYIMPACT SALES & SYSTEMS, INC.
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| 2024-01-31T23:05:56Z
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Lawmakers grilled the CEOs of top social media companies in a hearing today By Dara Kerr Published January 31, 2024 at 5:21 PM EST Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 3:45 During a contentious hearing, lawmakers demanded that social media companies do better to protect children online. Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wmuk.org/2024-01-31/lawmakers-grilled-the-ceos-of-top-social-media-companies-in-a-hearing-today
| 2024-01-31T23:05:56Z
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House tees up vote to enhance child tax credit, revive tax breaks for businesses
The House is aiming to pass a tax cut package expanding the child tax credit for millions of families and restoring three key tax breaks for businesses
The House looked to accomplish something unusual Wednesday in passing with broad, bipartisan support a roughly $79 billion tax cut package that would enhance the child tax credit and boost three tax breaks for business, a combination that gives lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle coveted policy wins.
Prospects for the measure becoming law are uncertain with the Senate still having to take it up, but for a House that has struggled to get bills of consequence over the finish line, the tax legislation could represent a rare breakthrough. Debate and a final vote on the measure are scheduled for the evening.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., threw his support behind the bill on Wednesday morning. He spent part of the previous day meeting with GOP lawmakers who were concerned about features of the bill, namely the expanded child tax credit. Some were also unhappy that it fails to address the $10,000 cap on the total amount of property taxes or state or local taxes that consumers can deduct on their federal returns. Raising the cap is a top priority of lawmakers from members of the New York congressional delegation.
Johnson committed to moving a bill that addresses the cap, but there is no bill text yet and legislation would have to move through the House Rules Committee, which leaves the timing very much in flux. Athina Lawson, a spokeswoman for Johnson, said the speaker and the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., agreed to work with members to “find a path forward."
Johnson called the tax cut bill on the House floor important, bipartisan legislation that would revive “conservative pro-growth tax reform.” He also said that it would bring an early end to a "wasteful COVID-era program" that has been plagued with fraud. Moving up the deadline for claiming the employee retention tax credit is expected to largely offset the cost of the tax cuts in the legislation.
Johnson also emphasized the importance of the bill moving through the House Ways and Means Committee before coming to the full House for a vote, saying it was a good example of how Congress is supposed to work.
House Republicans were anxious to restore full, immediate deductions that businesses can take for the purchase of new equipment and machinery, and for domestic research and development expenses. They argue such investments grow the economy and incentivize American companies to keep their manufacturing facilities and operations in the United States. The bill also provides businesses more flexibility in determining how much borrowing can be deducted.
“Each of these policies will help American businesses grow, create jobs and sharpen their competitive advantage against China,” Smith said as debate began on the House floor.
Democrats focused on boosting the child tax credit. The tax credit is $2,000 per child, but not all of that is refundable. The bill would incrementally raise the amount of the credit available as a refund, increasing it to $1,800 for 2023 tax returns, $1,900 for the following year and $2,000 for 2025 tax returns. The bill also adjusts the topline credit amount to temporarily grow at the rate of inflation.
Households benefitting as a result of the changes in the child tax credit would see an average tax cut of $680 in the first year, according to estimates from the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center.
Democrats pushed to restore the more generous tax credit they passed in 2021 in President Joe Biden's first year in office with payments occurring on a monthly basis. The credit was $3,600 annually for children under age 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17. But most lawmakers were willing to take what gains they could get through the compromise bill.
“I'll continue to do what I can to fight for more,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash. “...We aren't reaching all the families who really can use the child tax credit the most.”
The bill also would enhance a tax credit for the construction or rehabilitation of rental housing targeted to lower-income households, adding an estimated 200,000 housing units around the country. And it would ensure victims of certain wildfires and the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment don't get hit with a big tax bill for payments they received as compensation for their losses.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/mike-johnson-ap-washington-democrats-senate-b2488419.html
| 2024-01-31T23:05:56Z
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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
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Blood cell family trees trace how production changes with aging
Blood cells make up the majority of cells in the human body. They perform critical functions and their dysfunction is implicated in many important human diseases, from anemias to blood cancers like leukemia. The many types of blood cells include red blood cells that carry oxygen, platelets that promote clotting, as well as the myriad types of immune cells that protect our bodies from threats such as viruses and bacteria.
What these diverse types of blood cells have in common is that they are all produced by hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs must keep producing blood cells in large quantities throughout our entire lives in order to continually replenish our bodies' supply. Researchers want to better understand HSCs and the dynamics of how they produce the many blood cell types, both in order to understand the fundamentals of human blood production and to understand how blood production changes during aging or in cases of disease.
Jonathan Weissman, an MIT professor of biology, member of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, and a Howard Hughes Medical Investigator; Vijay Sankaran, a Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School associate professor who is also a Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard associate member and attending physician at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute; and Chen Weng, a postdoc in both of their labs, have developed a new method that provides a detailed look at the family trees of human blood cells and the characteristics of the individual cells, providing new insights into the differences between lineages of HSCs.
The research, published in the journal Nature on Jan. 22, answers some long-standing questions about blood cell production and how it changes as we age. The work also demonstrates how this new technology can give researchers unprecedented access to any human cells' histories and insight into how those histories have shaped their current states. This will render open to discovery many questions about our own biology that were previously unanswerable.
"We wanted to ask questions that the existing tools could not allow us to," Weng says. "This is why we brought together Jonathan and Vijay's different expertise to develop a new technology that allows us to ask those questions and more, so we can solve some of the important unknowns in blood production."
How to trace the lineages of human cells
Weissman and others have previously developed methods to map the family trees of cells, a process called lineage tracing, but typically this has been done in animals or engineered cell lines. Weissman has used this approach to shed light on how cancers spread and on when and how they develop mutations that make them more aggressive and deadly.
However, while these models can illuminate the general principles of processes such as blood production, they do not give researchers a full picture of what happens inside of a living human. They cannot capture the full diversity of human cells or the implications of that diversity on health and disease.
The only way to get a detailed picture of how blood cell lineages change through the generations and what the consequences of those changes are is to perform lineage tracing on cells from human samples. The challenge is that in the research models used in the previous lineage tracing studies, Weissman and colleagues edited the cells to add a trackable barcode, a string of DNA that changes a little with each cell division, so that researchers can map the changes to match cells to their closest relatives and reconstruct the family tree.
Researchers cannot add a barcode to the cells in living humans, so they need to find a natural one: some string of DNA that already exists and changes frequently enough to allow this family tree reconstruction.
Looking for mutations across the whole genome is cost-prohibitive and destroys the material that researchers need to collect to learn about the cells' states. A few years ago, Sankaran and colleagues realized that mitochondrial DNA could be a good candidate for the natural barcode. Mitochondria are in all of our cells, and they have their own genome, which is relatively small and prone to mutation. In that earlier research, Sankaran and colleagues identified mutations in mitochondrial DNA, but they could not find enough mutations to build a complete family tree: In each cell, they only detected an average of zero to one mutations.
Now, in work led by Weng, the researchers have improved their detection of mitochondrial DNA mutations 10-fold, meaning that in each cell they find around 10 mutations—enough to serve as an identifying barcode. They achieved this through improvements in how they detect mitochondrial DNA mutations experimentally and how they verify that those mutations are genuine computationally.
Their new and improved lineage tracing method is called ReDeeM, an acronym drawing from single-cell "regulatory multi-omics with deep mitochondrial mutation profiling." Using the method, they can recreate the family tree of thousands of blood cells from a human blood sample, as well as gather information about each individual cell's state: its gene expression levels and differences in its epigenome, or the availability of regions of DNA to be expressed.
Combining cells' family trees with each individual cell's state is key for making sense of how cell lineages change over time and what the effects of those changes are. If a researcher pinpoints the place in the family tree where a blood cell lineage, for example, becomes biased toward producing a certain type of blood cell, they can then look at what changed in the cells' state preceding that shift in order to figure out what genes and pathways drove that change in behavior. In other words, they can use the combination of data to understand not just that a change occurred, but what mechanisms contributed to that change.
"The goal is to relate the cell's current state to its past history," Weissman says. "Being able to do that in an unperturbed human sample lets us watch the dynamics of the blood production process and understand functional differences in hematopoietic stem cells in a way that has just not been possible before."
Using this approach, the researchers made several interesting discoveries about blood production.
Blood cell lineage diversity shrinks with age
The researchers mapped the family trees of blood cells derived from each HSC. Each one of these lineages is called a clonal group. Researchers have had various hypotheses about how clonal groups work: Perhaps they are interchangeable, with each stem cell producing equivalent numbers and types of blood cells. Perhaps they are specialized, with one stem cell producing red blood cells, and another producing white blood cells. Perhaps they work in shifts, with some HSCs lying dormant while others produce blood cells.
The researchers found that in healthy, young individuals, the answer is somewhere in the middle: Essentially every stem cell produced every type of blood cell, but certain lineages had biases toward producing one type of cell over another. The researchers took two samples from each test subject four months apart, and found that these differences between the lineages were stable over time.
Next, the researchers took blood samples from people of older age. They found that as humans age, some clonal groups begin to dominate and produce a significantly above-average percent of the total blood cells. When a clonal group outcompetes others like this, it is called expansion. Researchers knew that in certain diseases, a single clonal group containing a disease-related mutation could expand and become dominant. They didn't know that clonal expansion was pervasive in aging even in seemingly healthy individuals, or that it was typical for multiple clonal groups to expand.
This complicates the understanding of clonal expansion but sheds light on how blood production changes with age: The diversity of clonal groups decreases. The researchers are working on figuring out the mechanisms that enable certain clonal groups to expand over others. They are also interested in testing clonal groups for disease markers to understand which expansions are caused by or could contribute to disease.
ReDeeM enabled the researchers to make a variety of additional observations about blood production, many of which are consistent with previous research. This is what they hoped to see: the fact that the tool efficiently identified known patterns in blood production validates its efficacy. Now that the researchers know how well the method works, they can apply it to many different questions about the relationships between cells and what mechanisms drive changes in cell behavior. They are already using it to learn more about autoimmune disorders, blood cancers, and the origins of certain types of blood cells.
The researchers hope that others will use their method to ask questions about cell dynamics in many scenarios in health and disease. Sankaran, who is a practicing hematologist, also hopes that the method one day revolutionizes the patient data to which clinicians have access.
"In the not-too-distant future, you could look at a patient chart and see that this patient has an abnormally low number of HSCs, or an abnormally high number, and that would inform how you think about their disease risk," Sankaran says. "ReDeeM provides a new lens through which to understand the clone dynamics of blood production, and how they might be altered in human health and diseases. Ultimately, we will be able to apply those lessons to patient care."
More information: Chen Weng et al, Deciphering cell states and genealogies of human hematopoiesis, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07066-z
Journal information: Nature
Provided by Massachusetts Institute of Technology
This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
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https://phys.org/news/2024-01-blood-cell-family-trees-production.html
| 2024-01-31T23:05:56Z
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Southern Gaza has seen the heaviest fighting over the past few weeks. But bombing has restarted in the north and the humanitarian situation has worsened there.
Copyright 2024 NPR
Southern Gaza has seen the heaviest fighting over the past few weeks. But bombing has restarted in the north and the humanitarian situation has worsened there.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/2024-01-31/as-israel-resumes-bombing-in-the-north-thousands-of-gazans-face-desperate-conditions
| 2024-01-31T23:05:56Z
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WASHINGTON — (AP) — U.S. officials said Wednesday they disrupted a state-backed Chinese effort to plant malware that could be used to damage civilian infrastructure, as the head of the FBI warned that Beijing is positioning itself to disrupt the daily lives of Americans if the United States and China ever go to war.
The operation, announced just before FBI Director Chris Wray addressed House lawmakers, disrupted a botnet of hundreds of U.S.-based small office and home routers owned by private citizens and companies that had been hijacked by the Chinese hackers to cover their tracks as they sowed the malware. Their ultimate targets included water treatment plants, the electrical grid and transportation systems across the United States.
Speaking before the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Wray said there's been far too little public focus on a cyber threat that affects “every American.”
“China’s hackers are positioning on American infrastructure in preparation to wreak havoc and cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities, if or when China decides the time has come to strike,” Wray said.
Jen Easterly, the director of the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, voiced a similar sentiment at the hearing.
“This is a world where a major crisis halfway across the planet could well endanger the lives of Americans here at home through the disruption of our pipelines, the severing of our telecommunications, the pollution of our water facilities, the crippling of our transportation modes — all to ensure that they can incite societal panic and chaos and to deter our ability" to marshal a sufficient response, she said.
The comments align with assessments from outside cybersecurity firms including Microsoft, which said in May that state-backed Chinese hackers had been targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and could be laying the technical groundwork for the potential disruption of critical communications between the U.S. and Asia during future crises.
At least a portion of that operation, attributed to a group of hackers known as Volt Typhoon, has now been disrupted after FBI and Justice Department officials obtained search-and-seizure orders in Houston federal court in December. U.S. officials did not characterize the disruption’s impact, and court documents unsealed Wednesday say the disrupted botnet was just “one form of infrastructure used by Volt Typhoon to obfuscate their activity.” The hackers have infiltrated targets through multiple avenues, including cloud and internet providers, disguising themselves as normal traffic.
The U.S. has in the past few years become more aggressive in trying to disrupt and dismantle both criminal and state-backed cyber operations, with Wray warning Wednesday that Beijing-backed hackers aim to pilfer business secrets to advance the Chinese economy and steal personal information for foreign influence campaigns.
“They are doing all those things. They all feed up ultimately into their goal to supplant the U.S. as the world’s greatest superpower," he said.
Complicating the threat is that state-backed hackers, especially Chinese and Russian, are good at adapting and finding new intrusion methods and avenues.
U.S. officials have long been concerned about such hackers hiding in U.S.-based infrastructure, and the end-of-life Cisco and NetGear routers exploited by Volt Typhoon were easy prey because they were no longer supported by their manufacturers with security updates. Because of the urgency, law enforcement officials said, U.S. cyber operators deleted the malware in those routers without notifying their owners directly — and added code to prevent re-infection.
A Justice Department official who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the government said officials were determined to disrupt the Volt Typhoon operation as soon as possible because the hackers were using the botnet as a stepping stone to hide in U.S. internet traffic while burrowing into the networks of critical infrastructure, ready to maliciously exploit that access at a time of their choosing.
“The truth is that Chinese cyber actors have taken advantage of very basic flaws in our technology,” Easterly said. “We've made it easy on them.”
Cybersecurity experts say major software providers too often sacrifice security for convenience, and that's biting back.
On the eve of a June visit to China by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, state-backed Chinese hackers foiled Microsoft cloud-based security in hacking the email of officials at multiple U.S. agencies that deal with China.
On Wednesday, U.S. officials said allies were also affected by Volt Typhoon's critical infrastructure hacking but, asked by reporters, would not discuss any countermeasures they might be taking.
China has repeatedly denounced the U.S. government's hacking allegations as baseless. Beijing has accused the U.S. of “almost daily” and “huge amounts of intrusions against Chinese government, with Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, saying last year that “China is the biggest victim of cyber attacks.”
But Gen. Paul Nakasone, the outgoing commander of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, said “responsible cyber actors” do not target civilian infrastructure.
“There's no reason for them to be in our water,” Nakasone said. “There's no reason for them to be in our power.”
On Tuesday, testifying before the same committee, Leon Panetta, who served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the defense secretary in the Obama administration, said he believed that the Chinese agents had “planted malware within our own computer networks” and warned that the Chinese government would use artificial intelligence to spread disinformation.
The committee, chaired by Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, was established last year with a mandate of countering China, kicking off with a prime-time hearing. The Chinese government has lashed out at the committee, demanding that its members "discard their ideological bias and zero-sum Cold War mentality."
____
Bajak reported from Boston.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/technology/us-says-it-blocked/6K344IMNCSDJ5RGCGWDJKX6NPM/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:55Z
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Citation
Beals K, Torregrossa LJ, Smith R, Lane RD, Sheffield JM. Front. Psychiatry 2023; 14: e1325617.
Copyright
(Copyright © 2023, Frontiers Media)
DOI
10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1325617
PMID
38283891
PMCID
PMC10811959
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Evidence suggests that emotional awareness-the ability to identify and label emotions-may be impaired in schizophrenia and related to positive symptom severity. Exposure to childhood maltreatment is a risk factor for both low emotional awareness and positive symptoms. METHODS: The current investigation examines associations between a performance-based measure of emotional awareness, positive symptom severity, and childhood maltreatment exposure in 44 individuals with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and 48 healthy comparison participants using the electronic Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (eLEAS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). RESULTS: Patients demonstrated significant deficits in emotional awareness overall, which was true for both self and others. In patients, lower emotional awareness was significantly associated with more severe positive symptoms. Emotional awareness was significantly impaired in patients with schizophrenia with self-reported maltreatment exposure, relative to other groups. Severity of maltreatment was not significantly associated with emotional awareness or positive symptoms when looking continuously, and there was no significant indirect effect. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that emotional awareness impairments observed in schizophrenia may be exacerbated by exposure to childhood maltreatment, possibly putting individuals at greater risk for experiencing positive symptoms of psychosis.
Language: en
Keywords
schizophrenia; childhood maltreatment; emotional awareness; indirect effect; positive symptoms
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https://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds%5B%5D=citjournalarticle_782765_18
| 2024-01-31T23:05:57Z
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WASHINGTON — (AP) — Former President Donald Trump met with leaders of the Teamsters Union in Washington Wednesday as he tried to chip away at President Joe Biden's organized labor support heading into a likely general election rematch.
Trump participated in a roundtable with the union's executive board, its president and members as he works to win over the blue-collar workers who helped fuel his 2016 victory and who are expected to play a major role in November, particularly in critical Midwestern swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan.
Speaking to reporters after what he called “a very productive meeting," Trump acknowledged the union typically backs Democrats, but said of a possible endorsement, “Stranger things have happened."
“Usually a Republican wouldn’t get that endorsement,” he said. “But in my case it’s different because I’ve employed thousands of Teamsters and I thought we should come over and pay our respects."
“As you know, a big part of the voting bloc votes for me."
Union members tend to vote Democratic, with 56% of members and households backing Biden in 2020, according to AP VoteCast. And Biden has already received significant organized labor backing with early endorsements from the AFL-CIO and others. But Trump is hoping to cut into that support as he casts himself as pro-worker and tries to exacerbate divisions between union leaders and some rank-and-file members.
Days before the meeting, he called on members of the United Auto Workers to oust their president, Shawn Fain, after the group endorsed Biden.
“Shawn Fain doesn’t understand this or have a clue,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social network. “Get rid of this dope & vote for DJT. I will bring the Automobile Industry back to our Country.”
Trump aides, before Wednesday's meeting, said the fact that it was taking place was a win in and of itself. For the first time, the union has been holding a series of roundtable discussions with candidates from both parties as it weighs its decision, expected following the summer party conventions.
“Our members want to hear from all candidates of all parties about what they plan to do for working people as president,” Teamsters president Sean O’Brien had said in a statement. “Our union wants every candidate to know that there are 1.3 million Teamsters nationwide whose votes will not be taken for granted. Workers’ voices must be heard.”
O’Brien later described the conversation with Trump as “pleasant” and “direct,” but said the union was a long way from making a decision. He said it has additional questions for Trump and for Biden, who has yet to set a similar meeting. He said the Teamsters will poll members over the coming weeks.
He acknowledged that Trump has the support of many members.
“There's no doubt about (it)," he said, “there is union support for President Trump. And there's always union support for President Biden,” But even as he praised Biden's record he, added: “What you've done in the past doesn't guarantee your future with us. We want to know what you're going to do for our members moving forward.”
Biden has long billed himself as the most labor-friendly president in history, and went so far as to turn up on a picket line in the Detroit area during an autoworkers' strike last fall. Campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt said Biden "looks forward to meeting with the Teamsters and earning their endorsement," but that the timing of a meeting remains to be announced.
On Thursday, Biden will travel to Michigan, where he plans to meet with United Auto Workers members, according to a campaign official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details of a trip that had not been formally announced.
Earlier this month, the Teamsters' O’Brien met privately with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club, where the two discussed issues including right-to-work laws that allow those in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying dues and fees. They also posed for a side-by-side photo, both flashing thumbs-up signs, that Trump posted online.
In an interview with Fox Business after the meeting, O’Brien said, “We put our cards on the table. It was a very matter-of-fact meeting."
“He claimed he was, you know, 100% ... supportive of unions, but history obviously, you take a look back and there’s certain issues that we have with him,” the union president said.
During Trump's presidency, the National Labor Relations Board reversed several key rulings that had made it easier for small unions to organize, strengthened the bargaining rights of franchise workers and provided protection against anti-union measures for employees.
The Supreme Court's conservative majority — including three justices that Trump nominated — overturned a decades-old pro-union decision in 2018 involving fees paid by government workers. The justices in 2021 rejected a California regulation giving unions access to farm property so they could organize workers.
While the Teamsters endorsed Biden in 2020 and Hillary Clinton in 2016, O'Brien stressed the union has “a very diverse membership. And our members vote.”
Art Wheaton, director of labor studies at Cornell University, said that in the past unions almost automatically endorsed Democratic candidates. But this year, he said, unions like the Teamsters have required candidates to outline their positions and show how they will support rank-and-file workers.
The message to candidates: “If you don’t help labor and you don’t help my position, you’re not going to get my endorsement,” Wheaton said.
He estimates about 30% to 40% of Teamsters members voted for Trump in 2020, even though the union endorsed Biden.
“You need to do your due diligence and listen, and let them have the option and ability to say what they want,” said Wheaton.
This is not the first time Trump has tried to woo union members. In September, he traveled to Michigan while his Republican rivals separately held a debate and tried to win over autoworkers by lambasting Biden's electric vehicles push in the midst of a strike. During his speech, Trump urged the UAW to endorse him, directly appealing to Fain from the floor of a non-unionized auto parts plant.
Fain instead called Trump a “scab,” a derogatory term for workers who cross union picket lines and work during a strike, as he endorsed Biden.
“This November we can stand up and elect someone who stands with us and supports our cause, or we can elect someone who will divide us and fight us every step of the way,” Fain said.
Teamsters members include UPS drivers, film and television workers, freight operators, members of law enforcement and other government workers.
Biden already has the backing of the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which rolled out their endorsements together last June.
While overall union membership rates nationwide fell to an all-time low in 2023, the country's largest unions have nonetheless built sprawling get-out-the-vote efforts, which Biden is counting on to help turn out his supporters in pivotal swing states.
The campaign of former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Trump’s last remaining GOP rival, did not respond to a request for comment about whether she intends to meet with the Teamsters.
O'Brien said they hadn't received a response from her. Given what he called her past anti-union comments, he said, “It doesn't surprise at all.”
___
Krisher reported from Detroit. Associated Press writer Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.wsbradio.com/news/after-teamsters/MFQ3Q7HGKBXSUOBP5ZMZF6VJR4/
| 2024-01-31T23:05:57Z
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NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to Vivian McCall, reporter for The Stranger, about recent raids in Seattle's gay bars. Members of the city's LGBTQ-plus community are looking for answers.
Copyright 2024 NPR
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to Vivian McCall, reporter for The Stranger, about recent raids in Seattle's gay bars. Members of the city's LGBTQ-plus community are looking for answers.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.nprillinois.org/2024-01-31/seattles-queer-community-is-furious-after-gay-bars-were-raided-over-the-weekend
| 2024-01-31T23:05:59Z
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When this woman is shocked at her husband's abandonment after her 911 call, she asks Reddit:
A little back story, I, 27F, and my husband 26M, have been together for 4 years. I have 2 daughters from a previous marriage, and we have a son together. I work a full-time job during the day, and throughout most of our relationship he has been unemployed.
I made him get a job as we started falling behind on bills and I was both physically and mentally exhausted. Once he started working, he would work overnight and take care of the children during the day while I was at work.
The problem comes in when I found out that he would take a nap around 11am and stay asleep until I got home around 3pm. Most of the time he would take the 3-year-old, which is his son, to the bed with him and lock the 4-year-old in the kids' bedroom.
He would usually give them a communal bowl of dry cereal before deciding to take a "nap". Since the 4-year-old was locked in her bedroom whenever she had to go bathroom, she had to make the choice of peeing herself and getting in trouble from him for having an accident or take her pants off and pee the floor.
Due to this the kids room reeks of pee. We recently had an ice storm that pretty much shut down the city, as the city we live in a city that doesn't really get ice/snow often. I was stuck at work because I was already at work when the snow/ice started. His work closed for the whole week and schools also closed the whole week leaving him alone with all 3 of the kids.
We have one working car, and it is in his name, that is important to the story. On Tuesday that week he made me drive home on the icy roads in a car that I have never driven on ice or snow.
I told him that I was not comfortable driving home in his car, but he said that the kids were driving him crazy, and he needed me home. So I drove home on ice so thick that you couldn't see the lines on the road, the car did not have 4 wheel drive. I made it home safe and told him that since I made it home that I will still go into work on Wednesday.
His response is that I wasn't allowed to drive his car for the rest of the week because he did not want me to go back to work. That caused me to call out for Wednesday and find someone willing to drive me to work Thursday.
Since I was home all day Wednesday I know the kids did not get locked in the room and they got fed 3 meals plus snacks, it was the first time in a while that they did not come to me saying that they are starving.
Thursday comes and he takes his nap around 11 like usual. The difference is that his work was debating on opening that day depending on if they had enough staff to make it in. So he calls me and asks if my grandparents or aunt could take the kids for the night.
When I told him that they are going to have to talk it over he said never mind and went back to sleep. At that point he had told me that he gave the kids some rice for breakfast and a Nutrigrain bar before nap. 3pm came and I could not get ahold of him.
We have a security camera in the living room that can be accessed by phone, so I opened the camera to see if I could see him or the kids in the living room. The apartment was dark but I could hear the kids. The 3 year old had opened the door to the kids room so they were playing in the hallway.
I called them over the camera and asked where my husband was. They told me that he was still asleep and that they are hungry. At this point I called my mom and asked if she was willing to go to my place to give the kids food.
She agreed and got them McDonalds. I was hoping that she would get there before he woke up as he hates my parents. That was not the case, he woke up and called me before my mom had gotten the food. When I told him that I called in a favor and someone was brining the kids food he asked who.
I tried to just leave it at it was just a favor from someone because I knew that if he knew it was my mom that he wouldn't let her in. I was right as soon as he found out it was my mom he took the kids to the very back of the apartment, turned off all the lights and stayed there.
When I called to let the kids know that food was there for them they would get excited and start to get up but then they would look at my husband and stay where they were. My mom ended up calling the police after knocking 3 or 4 times. When the police got there he called me pissed off.
I told him that this could have been avoided if he just answered the door or let the kids answer. The police knocked 3 or 4 times before he answered the door. At that time I had spoken to the police officer through my mom's phone and told her what was going on.
My husband still had all the lights off and barley opened the door. He claimed that he did not know that anyone was bringing food and argued with the officer for a minute before letting the kids get, the now cold McDonalds.
After the police and my mom left, he video called me to show me that the kids had the food my mom brought. About a minute into that phone call he says, "I guess I should come pick you up from work because apparently I'm not a fit father and shouldn't be alone with the kids."
He knows that I cannot just leave my job without losing it. I called one of the people in charge and asked if I could have my kids here. I also called the police to be a neutral ground between us as it was a very long and bad day. When he got to my work, I took the kids out of the car and brought them in the building.
He parked behind the building and came in. I would bring his laptop to work for entertainment and to do schoolwork, I am in college for a business degree. He came in and took the laptop to the car. By that time the police had shown up. When the officer got there, he said he got a call for domestic violence.
I told him that I was the one who called and just needed a middle man in case things escalated. I didn't think things would but figured better safe than sorry. I told him that the kids was going to stay with me and before I could finish the sentence he left. I did not have a change of clothes for the kids or pull ups for the youngest.
So I called my mom and asked if she could watch them for the night. I spent the night at work as I did not have a way home. Friday afternoon I got a text from him saying don't worry about the apartment I'm not there.
Which led me to ask where he was. He said that he drove to Texas and was not planning on coming back. When I asked why he left he said "You who I should have been able to trust above all else betrayed me.
how can I trust anyone who distrusts me so much that they called the cops on me." Now this would be different if it was the first time, he had not properly fed the kids. And every time I suggested that we change schedules, so he works during the day, and I work over night he shut it down.\
He also shut down sending the younger two to daycare so that way we know they are being taken care of and he can get the rest he needed.
Since he shut down every idea to make sure that everyone was taken care of I felt backed into a corner and could not let my babies go hungry through most of the day. With that being said I did not want my husband to leave. Am I the asshole? Should I have done something different?
natashoverworld writes:
OP, you have been letting your spouse abuse your children by locking them in and starving them for how LONG NOW!!? WHAT THE ACTUAL F!? Look, I don't know about your financial situation or how much you love this asshole. But you need to choose between this abusive asshole that neglects, and probably hates, your kids, and your marriage. ESH other than the poor kids.
RHnPdx0 writes:
I was disturbed at the level of complicity in the abuse of the children this woman is displaying. She has been watching the neglect from her camera, and smelling the urine and didn't do anything then and there to protect her children. And, now she wants him back. Of course.
She knows what her POS is doing and seems to want to defend herself that this is no big deal for him and he should come back because he suffered no consequence from the cops. HE SHOULD BE ARRESTED for locking a toddler in her room to the point that she is repeatedly peeing on the floor because of lack of bathroom access. As you said: ESH other than the poor kids.
sfarancs8 writes:
YTA. Not because you called the police. Not because you called you mom. Because YOU ALLOWED YOUR HUSBAND TO LOCK YOUR 4 YEAR OLD IN HER ROOM FOR HOURS WITH NO FOOD AND MAKING HER PEE HERSELF OR THE FLOOR.
What the F is wrong with you? You deserve to have CPS called on you and those poor children taken away from you. Those poor babies. Shame on you. That is NOT a mother.
findsec6 writes:
NTA. This reads very much like you’ve also been abused by this man. Please realize that he has done you all a favor by leaving. Consult an attorney (most will do a free consultation) and start the process of divorce & full custody of your children.
Seek help and support from those around you- it sounds like your mom is a good person for this. And also find a good therapist- you and your children deserve to work through this in a healthy, safe way.
guiltyweb7334 writes:
ESH. You don’t suck for contacting LEO. Thats literally the only thing that was done correctly.
I have to ask, though, did he abandon his kid, too? Or just yours? Either way, there’s zero reason to have this guy. He’s not carrying his weight. And he neglects your preschool aged child. This guy is straight up garbage.
I’m side-eyeing you for letting it go on as long as it did. You know how many times it should have happened before you nipped that s in the bud? Once. (Really, none. But the first time I when you take action. You did not.)
An old roommate lost his kids because his ex-wife was abusive. You know why he lost? It was considered “failure to protect.” At this stage, that’s kind of where you should have been after the cops smelled your house.
Never take him back. Ever. File for support and get his wages garnished. If you know his previous baby mama, let her know about his taking off to Texas (with or without their kid).
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https://www.someecards.com/lifestyle/parenting/woman-shocked-husband-abandons-3kids-911/
| 2024-01-31T23:06:00Z
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(MENAFN- PR Newswire) NOVI, Mich., Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
Stoneridge, Inc. (NYSE: SRI ) announced today it has published its first Task Force for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report.
The Company's TCFD report can be found at TCFD Report . This report aligns with the disclosure recommendations of the TCFD and details efforts underway at Stoneridge to address both the risks and opportunities related to climate change. The TCFD was established by the Financial Stability Board to develop consistent reporting recommendations that enable companies to disclose climate-related information to stakeholders in four areas: governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets.
As of November 2023, the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation is monitoring companies' progress on recommendations made by the TCFD.
"As a global supplier in the transportation industry, Stoneridge continually works to better understand and manage climate-related risks," said Susan Benedict, Chief Human Resources Officer and Assistant General Counsel. "Our TCFD report compiles the sustainability efforts of our organization into a consistent reporting framework and represents another step in our overall sustainability journey. We look forward to sharing progress on our sustainability efforts through continued public disclosures, including publishing our first Sustainability Report later this year that will expand on other environmental, social, and governance topics."
About Stoneridge, Inc.
Stoneridge, Inc., headquartered in Novi, Michigan, is a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic systems, components and modules and systems for the automotive, commercial, off-highway and agricultural
vehicle markets. Additional information about Stoneridge can be found at .
SOURCE Stoneridge, Inc.
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https://menafn.com/1107793832/Stoneridge-Publishes-Inaugural-Task-Force-For-Climate-Related-Financial-Disclosures-TCFD-Report
| 2024-01-31T23:06:02Z
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The dueling contests surrounding the Nevada Republican's nominating process has led to voter confusion. And with it, an outcome many in the state saw as inevitable: Trump is the de facto winner.
Copyright 2024 NPR
The dueling contests surrounding the Nevada Republican's nominating process has led to voter confusion. And with it, an outcome many in the state saw as inevitable: Trump is the de facto winner.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wmuk.org/2024-01-31/nevadas-gop-nominating-process-is-confusing-and-already-yielded-a-likely-winner
| 2024-01-31T23:06:02Z
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First of back-to-back atmospheric rivers pushes into California. Officials urge storm preparations
The first of two back-to-back atmospheric rivers is pushing into California, triggering statewide storm preparations and calls for people to get ready for potential flooding, heavy snow and damaging winds
First of back-to-back atmospheric rivers pushes into California. Officials urge storm preparations
Show all 4The first of two back-to-back atmospheric rivers slowly pushed into California on Wednesday, triggering statewide storm preparations and calls for people to get ready for potential flooding, heavy snow and damaging winds.
Known as a “Pineapple Express” because its long plume of moisture stretched back across the Pacific to near Hawaii, the storm rolled into the far north first and was expected to move down the coast through Thursday. Forecasters expect an even more powerful storm to follow it Sunday.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services activated its operations center and positioned personnel and equipment in areas most at risk from the weather.
Brian Ferguson, Cal OES deputy director of crisis communications, characterized the situation as "a significant threat to the safety of Californians” with concerns for impact over 10 to 14 days from the Oregon line to San Diego and from the coast up into the mountains.
“This really is a broad sweep of California that’s going to see threats over the coming week,” Ferguson said.
Much of the first storm’s heaviest rain and mountain snow was expected to arrive late Wednesday and overnight into Thursday.
“The main impact is going to be runoff from heavy rainfall that is probably going to result in flooding of some waterways,” said Robert Hart, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s western region.
Last winter, California was battered by numerous drought-busting atmospheric rivers that unleashed extensive flooding, big waves that hammered shoreline communities and extraordinary snowfall that crushed buildings. More than 20 people died.
The memory was in mind in Capitola, along Monterey Bay, as Joshua Whitby brought in sandbags and considered boarding up the restaurant Zelda's on the Beach, where he is kitchen manager.
“There's absolutely always a little bit of PTSD going on with this just because of how much damage we did take last year," Whitby said.
The second storm in the series has the potential to be much stronger, said Daniel Swain a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Models suggest it could intensify as it approaches the coast of California, a process called bombogenesis in which a spinning low-pressure system rapidly deepens, Swain said in an online briefing Tuesday. The process is popularly called a “cyclone bomb.”
That scenario would create the potential for a major windstorm for the San Francisco Bay Area and other parts of Northern California as well as heavy but brief rain, Swain said.
Southern California, meanwhile, would get less wind but potentially two to three times as much rain as the north because of a deep tap of Pacific moisture extending to the tropics, Swain said.
“This is well south of Hawaii, so not just a Pineapple Express,'" he said.
The new storms come halfway through a winter very different than a year ago.
Despite storms like a Jan. 22 deluge that spawned damaging flash floods in San Diego, the overall trend has been drier. The Sierra Nevada snowpack that normally supplies about 30% of California’s water is only about half of its average to date, state officials said Tuesday.
—-
Nic Coury contributed to this report from Capitola, California.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/northern-california-ap-los-angeles-pacific-hawaii-b2488427.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:02Z
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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
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A cholesterol precursor mediates sensitivity to cell death by ferroptosis
A team of scientists from the University of Ottawa and researchers from other universities and research centers around the world has discovered that 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) is an endogenous suppressor of ferroptosis, which could have important implications for the treatment of cell death-related diseases.
The findings are published in the journal Nature.
Ferroptosis is a form of cell death that is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and iron-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells. It is a regulated process that is distinct from other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis and necrosis.
The researchers identified a pro-ferroptotic activity of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) and an unexpected pro-survival function of its substrate, 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC).
"The pro-survival function of 7-DHC was surprising because it more readily forms peroxides than essentially all other lipids, and lipid peroxide formation is generally associated with ferroptosis," explains Derek Pratt, a professor who holds the University Research Chair in Free Radical Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences of uOttawa's Faculty of Science.
Professor Pratt and his students Omkar Zilka (Ph.D.), Emily Schaefer (MSc) and Ife Ekpo (BSc) studied how accumulation of 7-DHC could slow ferroptosis, finding that while it is oxidized more quickly than other lipids, the peroxides formed from it are not as toxic to the cell.
The researchers used a combination of genetic and pharmacological approaches to investigate the role of DHCR7 and 7-DHC in ferroptosis. They used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to knock out DHCR7 in human cells and found that this increased sensitivity to ferroptosis.
They also showed that reconstitution of DHCR7 activity in these cells restored resistance to ferroptosis. Furthermore, they found that treatment with exogenous 7-DHC protected cells from ferroptosis, while inhibition of 7-DHC synthesis sensitized cells to ferroptosis. These results led the researchers to conclude that 7-DHC is an endogenous suppressor of ferroptosis.
"Perhaps the most exciting aspect is that it would appear that some cancers upregulate 7-DHC to escape ferroptosis, suggesting it may be targeted for cancer treatment," says Professor Pratt.
This study highlights the dual role of 7-DHC in ferroptosis, acting both as a pro-survival shield and as an advantage for tumor growth in Burkitt's lymphoma. The unexpected anti-ferroptosis activity of 7-DHC provides new insights into the intrinsic mechanisms by which cancer cells escape ferroptosis, paving the way for potential therapeutic strategies targeting this metabolic adaptation.
More information: Florencio Porto Freitas et al, 7-Dehydrocholesterol is an endogenous suppressor of ferroptosis, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06878-9
Journal information: Nature
Provided by University of Ottawa
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https://phys.org/news/2024-01-cholesterol-precursor-sensitivity-cell-death.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:02Z
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Broadway legend Hinton Battle, who originally played Scarecrow in 'The Wiz', has died By Megan Lim, Tinbete Ermyas Published January 31, 2024 at 4:39 PM CST Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 1:59 Broadway star Hinton Battle, who played the original Scarecrow at the 1978 "The Wiz", has died at 67. He was a three-time Tony Award winner. Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/2024-01-31/broadway-legend-hinton-battle-who-originally-played-scarecrow-in-the-wiz-has-died
| 2024-01-31T23:06:02Z
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The Baylor women’s basketball program will be retiring Brittney Griner’s No. 42 jersey next month, the university says.
The Phoenix Mercury star is a former Baylor Bear, and will have her jersey retired during a ceremony before the game on Feb. 18. The Bears will be playing Texas Tech at 3 p.m. that day, Baylor said.
“I’m honored to return home to Baylor and celebrate where so much of my journey started,” Griner said. “I’m grateful to Coach Nicki (Collen) and the entire Baylor community and looking forward to the opportunity to be back on campus, spend time with the team and have my family beside me to share in this incredible moment. Sic ‘Em Bears.”
Griner’s jersey will be the seventh jersey retired by the Baylor women’s program, ESPN reported. Two others include her former teammates, Odyssey Sims and Melissa Jones.
Griner was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA’s 2013 draft, according to ESPN. She led Baylor to the NCAA Women’s Final Four. She also had a perfect 40-0 national championship season while she was a junior at Baylor. Griner is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Griner is also a WNBA champion, capturing the 2014 title with the Phoenix Mercury.
Griner finished her college basketball career with 3,282 points and 1,305 rebounds, according to The Associated Press.
“We are excited to welcome Brittney back to Baylor and share this special day with her,” Baylor Vice President and Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades said. “There’s no doubt she is one of the most decorated student-athletes in Baylor athletics history and we’re thrilled the timing has worked out for all of us to celebrate and honor her. She always has been, and always will be, a significant member of the Baylor Family.”
“We’re excited to have Brittney back on campus and honor her with the retirement of her jersey,” Baylor Coach Nicki Collen said. “I have been saying this since I arrived at Baylor that she deserves to have her jersey retired and I wanted to make sure that happened when the timing was right. With the opening of Foster Pavilion, and the WNBA offseason fitting into our season, this seemed like the right time to honor Brittney and welcome her back home. She is one of the best basketball players in Baylor’s history and we’re thrilled that the time has come to celebrate Brittney and all of her accomplishments.”
© 2024 Cox Media Group
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https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/trending/baylor-university-retire-no-42-jersey-next-month-honor-brittney-griner/7YZ22XDWC5GPXGEVQ62HKB56SE/
| 2024-01-31T23:06:02Z
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Citation
Slanitz C, Fuchshuber J, Fink A, Unterrainer HF. Front. Public Health 2024; 12: e1322069.
Copyright
(Copyright © 2024, Frontiers Editorial Office)
DOI
10.3389/fpubh.2024.1322069
PMID
38282761
PMCID
PMC10808692
Abstract
This study investigated how sleep quality affects the global severity of psychiatric symptoms, including suicidality, in young adults. Poor sleep quality has a significant impact on mental health and should therefore be given special attention in suicidal treatment. 1,214 participants (914 females; age: M = 25.81, SD = 6.35) completed the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), the Scale for Suicidal Experience and Behavior (SSEV), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) via an online survey. Correlation statistics and path analysis were conducted for data evaluation. Thereby, anxiety and depression but not somatization mediated the relationship between sleep quality and suicidality. Our findings confirm the putative link between diminished sleep quality and increased suicidality and may lead to an early detection of suicidal behavior.
Language: en
Keywords
Humans; Female; Young Adult; depression; *Suicidal Ideation; anxiety; sleep quality; Anxiety/epidemiology; Sleep Quality; suicidality; *Suicide/psychology; Depression/psychology; somatization
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https://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds%5B%5D=citjournalarticle_782767_18
| 2024-01-31T23:06:03Z
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FRANKFORT, Ky. — (AP) — Abortion rights supporters mounted another push Wednesday to restore abortion access in Kentucky, but the Democratic lawmaker sponsoring the legislation acknowledged the odds are overwhelmingly against them in the Republican-dominated legislature.
A near-total abortion ban has been in place in Kentucky since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. The so-called trigger law banned abortions except when carried out to save the mother's life. It does not include exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest.
The bill unveiled Wednesday by Democratic Rep. Lindsey Burke would roll back Kentucky's abortion laws to the time before Republicans claimed majority status in the House after the 2016 election. Since then, GOP lawmakers who dominate the legislature have passed a series of bills putting more restrictions on abortion, culminating in the near-total ban under the trigger law — which passed in 2019 and took effect when Roe v. Wade was struck down.
Republican supermajorities in Kentucky's legislature skipped over the abortion issue last year and so far have not taken up abortion-related measures in this year's session, which continues until mid-April.
“I think the truth is that there’s very little appetite for change, at least among the supermajority,” Burke acknowledged at a news conference Wednesday.
But she predicted that grassroots activism to restore abortion access would eventually pay dividends. Activists point to the outcome of a statewide vote in 2022 when Kentuckians rejected a ballot measure backed by GOP lawmakers that would have denied any constitutional protections for abortion
“The more these groups get mobilized, the more they speak to their lawmakers, I think we will get to a place where action will be required,” Burke said. "And I will look forward to that day.”
Abortion opponents gathered for a recent rally at Kentucky's Capitol, where they “stood together as one voice, united in love for every precious life,” said Addia Wuchner, executive director of Kentucky Right to Life.
Burke was joined by Democratic colleagues and abortion-rights supporters at the news conference. Jackie McGranahan, a senior policy strategist for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, said the ban fails to recognize that some pregnancies are unplanned, complicated and risky.
“Repealing the current abortion ban in Kentucky is not about promoting one choice over another," she said. "It’s about recognizing that pregnancy can be complicated. And it’s our duty to ensure individuals have the autonomy to make decisions that are best for their health, their families and their future.”
A Senate bill introduced early in this year's session would relax the state’s abortion ban by allowing the procedure when pregnancies are caused by rape or incest, or when pregnancies are deemed nonviable or medical emergencies threaten the mother. The Democratic-sponsored bill has made no headway.
That bill won an endorsement from Hadley Duvall, who dominated discussion about abortion during last year's campaign for Kentucky governor. Now a college senior in her early 20s, Duvall became pregnant as a seventh grader but ultimately miscarried. Her stepfather was convicted of rape. She recounted those traumatic events in a campaign ad for Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear that attacked his Republican challenger's longstanding support for the state's abortion ban. Beshear won a resounding reelection victory last November.
Kentucky's Supreme Court last year refused to strike down the near-total abortion ban. The justices ruled on narrow legal issues but left unanswered the larger constitutional questions about whether access to abortion should be legal in the Bluegrass State.
In late 2023, a Kentucky woman sued to demand the right to an abortion, but her attorneys later withdrew the lawsuit after the woman learned her embryo no longer had cardiac activity.
Elsewhere, legislatures in some other states with strict abortion bans are facing pressure to clarify or loosen their exemptions but it’s unclear if they will do so.
In Kentucky, Burke revealed two other bills Wednesday. One would provide legal protections for private medical information and providers when patients go to other states to undergo abortions. The other bill seeks to provide more Kentucky women with information about maternal and postpartum depression.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.wsbradio.com/news/health/activists-renew-push/QPLAYQCEYO73OPMJ46Q3DLBMTU/
| 2024-01-31T23:06:04Z
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Senate Republicans demanded that President Biden's national security funding package for Ukraine be tied to policy changes to address the crisis at the southwest border. But now that negotiators say they are ready to release details of a bipartisan plan to reduce the surge of migrants at the border, Republican divisions could scuttle the plan.
Months of negotiations between the Republicans, Democrats and the Biden administration officials are now threatened by politics. Former President Trump, the GOP's likely 2024 presidential nominee, has been publicly slamming the deal and urging lawmakers to oppose it.
Negotiators started the week promising to release a bill in the coming days. But by Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell appeared to signal he's ready to move on, and focus on getting money to two key U.S. allies at war.
"It's time for us to move something, hopefully including the border agreement, but we need to get help to Israel and Ukraine, quickly," McConnell, R-Ky., told reporters.
McConnell has consistently argued that divided government is the moment to extract demands on border policy from Democrats.
Pressed about what voters would think of GOP lawmakers who sink a bill because Trump directed them to, McConnell sidestepped the question. "I still favor trying to make law when you can" and said what the bipartisan group is working on is better than current immigration law, adding, "you're asking me, a question I can't answer right now, which is the fate of it."
Senators already know key details
The top Democratic negotiator working on a border plan, Chris Murphy, D-Conn., has signaled for days that the deal is basically done, but getting sign off from the GOP to move ahead is the hold up.
"We have a bipartisan agreement to help address the crisis at the border. Republicans have been desperate for that. Why would they walk away from it?"
Senate Republicans huddled at their weekly lunch on Wednesday to discuss next steps, but the consensus coming out of the meeting was that lawmakers want to see the details.
But after weeks of negotiations, the key provisions have already been explained to lawmakers from both parties.
The bill includes several tools to address the border, including: giving the president the ability to shutdown the border if the numbers of migrants attempting to enter the U.S. climbs above a certain threshold, adjusting the rules for who qualifies for asylum and allowing migrants authorization to work while awaiting adjudication of their asylum claim.
Extended negotiations opened space for critics
Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said the effort is "an uphill climb" because as the talks have continued, some members have impressions about what the proposal will do and "there are certain people who will never change their mind."
Tillis has said a border plan needs to get the majority of Senate Republicans in order to move ahead. But Trump injecting himself into the process has caused many lawmakers to refrain from backing the framework, making it tougher to meet that test.
Oklahoma GOP Sen. Jim Lankford is crafting the plan along with Murphy and Independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Lankford spent time on Sunday talk shows swatting down leaks about the plan that conservative media outlets are painting as a green light for 5,000 additional migrants a day.
Texas Republican Sen, John Cornyn, who was an early advocate of linking money for Ukraine to changes to the Biden administration's policies, said people need time to see an official piece of legislation.
"People are talking about what they think is in it, and what they've heard is in it, what's not in it,' Cornyn told reporters. "I think the first thing we need to do is see where the conference is based on the text rather than just based on rumors and hearsay."
Tillis called Wednesday's meeting "a good discussion." But added, "I would ask those same members who are calling for time to read it, but not judge something they haven't read."
Others who came out against the bill already are already dismissing the proposals.
"I think this is a bad bill," Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Tx., told reporters. "And the simplest reason is it doesn't solve the problem."
Cruz blamed Senate Democrats for crafting a bill that "allows Joe Biden to continue the open borders," despite the months of bipartisan negotiations that have taken place. President Biden endorsed the proposal and said last week if Congress passes it he would immediately shutdown the border.
Some optimisim remains
Murphy remained optimistic on Wednesday that the deal would survive and come to the floor for a vote, possibly as soon as this week.
He said a "sizable, important group of Republican senators" are making a good faith effort to get something done on the border, and suggested that others are making disingenuous arguments about needing to see the full text.
"This is not a detailed study of the issue. This is a question as to whether they are going to put Trump before solving the problem," Murphy said.
Copyright 2024 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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https://www.nprillinois.org/2024-01-31/senate-gop-split-risks-bipartisan-border-deal-as-trump-looms-large
| 2024-01-31T23:06:06Z
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(MENAFN- PR Newswire) LAS VEGAS, Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
2024 January 31st, FEELM, a leading provider of closed-system vape solutions, released the world's first charge-free disposable technology solution for large-puffs, POWER ALPHA 2.0. It is the world's first charge-free solution for over 15,000 puffs, effectively solving the problem of needing repeated charging in the large puffs vapes popular on the market.
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POWER ALPHA 2.0
Previous reports of the original POWER ALPHA technology can only support 6,000 puffs without charging. This upgrade now breaks through more than doubles to 15,000 puffs. In addition, it also effectively cracked the problem of decaying tastes in cotton mesh coils, realizing consistently true flavors in every puff.
Patented Battery Technology, Charge-Free Large -Puffs
With the global economy under stress, consumers are pursuing more cost-effective products, and the demand for large-puffs products is projected to continue to grow. Research shows that consumers are fast approaching the cut-off line at 10,000 puffs as the minimum puff counts for the disposable products .
The transition from a small-puffs to large-puffs has brought about an upgrade in the consumer experience and cost-effectiveness, but has brought with it its own problems. Problems such as, the hassle to find charging ports or the lack of portability of the product, leaving some products not being fully utilized before it is disposed. For example , a 10,000 puffs disposable vape if used in high frequency may require charging every half day, and a total of charge of 3-5 times throughout its lifetime . This means a consumer may be inconvenienced with needing carrying a charging line or pushed to purchase a new one if no charging solution is available.
To tackle this issue, FEELM started developing the charge-free battery technology that can empower large-puffs vapes as early as 2022. The work paid off in 2023 when it was revealed as the innovative technology, POWER ALPHA. Back then, it was able to support 6,000 puffs without charging. This time, with the rapidly increasing in the number of puffs in disposable products, FEELM has once again taken the lead by launching POWER ALPHA 2.0, a charge-free disposable solution for more than 15,000 puffs.
POWER ALPHA2.0 is equipped with the world's first "TOPOWER" technology. Relying on this technology, the energy density of POWER ALPHA2.0's battery cells is 40% higher than those other products of the same size, making POWER ALPHA2.0's battery cells 40% smaller than those other products with the same amount of power.
The extremely low self-discharge rate is another addition to benefits. A 700% lower self-discharge rate compared others on the market,
which can lead to a longer shelf life and better support customers' global market rollout.
Unique MESH Constant Power Solution, Best Taste in Every Puff
Consumers are accustomed to the issue that large-puffs is accompanied by the fading quality of flavors as use continued. Professional diagnostics reveal that the fading of flavor is due to the draining of battery power, the longer it is used with cotton coils.
This is where POWER ALPHA 2.0 has another major breakthrough. It comes with a unique MESH constant power solution, leading to a taste that is 300% more consistent than other products on the market .
With the substantial increase in the vapor volume and atomization efficiency, POWER ALPHA2.0 supports the ability to fully vaporize the e-liquids for richer and fuller flavors. Each puff stays intense and each draw experiences the best flavor possible. Experiment data shows that the POWER ALPHA2.0 solution's
atomization efficiency has increased by 200% along with an increased vapor volume of 49% compared to similar products from competitors. The numbers show a very evident advantage.
Innovative Product Experience, Smart Interactive Technology
There has been a global trend for the disposable market. Smarter product is the rage, and it swept the market with interactive screen display and apps. In addition to meeting people's daily taste and flavor experience needs, the disposable vapes are becoming more and more aligned with electronic consumer products, becoming smarter through interactive technology.
FEELM has always been committed to technological innovation and product upgrades to refresh the consumer experience, consistently bringing leading products to the global market. Previously, in the European market, FEELM took the lead in launching the world's first ceramic core disposable solution, FEELM Max. It brings consumers another type of experience, a softer and more delicate taste in vape. Along with it, a transparent e-liquid container for consumers to keep track of the usage at any time. Solving the consumer anxiety of not knowing how much e-liquid is left that plagued the European market at the time.
Along with it all, POWER ALPHA 2.0 brings with it a series of screen display solutions. Visitors at the TPE can see the unique long runway strip display, displaying in real-time the e-liquid level after vaping it .
The FEELM staff on-site introduced that FEELM has prepared a series of intelligent display options, including curved screen, touch screen, and more . Different solutions for different customer needs for interactive technology.
SOURCE FEELM
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https://menafn.com/1107793833/POWER-ALPHA-20-The-First-Ever-Charge-Free-15000-Puffs-Vape-Solution-By-FEELM
| 2024-01-31T23:06:08Z
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NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to Vivian McCall, reporter for The Stranger, about recent raids in Seattle's gay bars. Members of the city's LGBTQ-plus community are looking for answers.
Copyright 2024 NPR
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to Vivian McCall, reporter for The Stranger, about recent raids in Seattle's gay bars. Members of the city's LGBTQ-plus community are looking for answers.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wmuk.org/2024-01-31/seattles-queer-community-is-furious-after-gay-bars-were-raided-over-the-weekend
| 2024-01-31T23:06:08Z
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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
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Climate change threatens older elephants most, jeopardizing their future
A collaborative team of researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which runs the world's largest field conservation program, has conducted first-of-its-kind research into how global climate change affects African elephants.
The work, published recently in PLOS Sustainability and Transformation, shows that older elephants will have markedly decreased chances of survival, which will not only drastically reduce the species' overall ability to weather the changing climate, but will send ripple effects throughout the surrounding landscape. The team has also modeled possible mitigation scenarios, which WCS is already implementing.
Africa's Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL) is a 15,700-square-kilometer area of savannas, mountains and lakes in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is home to the largest land animals in Africa, with seven national parks, three tropical high-forest reserves and three wildlife reserves, three of which are world heritage sites, covering 88% of the area. It is also home to a population of African elephants whose numbers have dropped so precipitously over the past century that they are now listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation's Red List.
Elephants play a key role in modifying and sustaining their landscapes by dispersing the seeds of the plants they feed upon, felling trees and enriching soil fertility with their dung. They also play an important role in many African cultures.
To date, few studies have focused on the dynamics of the environment, climate change, elephant demography and how the changing habitat influences elephants over long periods. To get a clearer picture of what the elephants' future might look like and what we can do to best ensure their survival, lead author Simon Nampindo, who completed this research as part of his Ph.D. in environmental conservation for UMass Amherst and who is now country director for WCS Uganda, and Timothy Randhir, professor of environmental conservation at UMass Amherst, built a systems dynamic model.
"This model," says Nampindo, "can look at all the different environmental and population dynamics within a system. For the first time, we're able to get a comprehensive vision of what the future might look like for African elephants in the face of climate change."
Nampindo and Randhir built their model using data on the numbers of elephants, historical changes in the landscape and different future climate-change scenarios representing 1.6º, 2.8º and 4.3º Celsius of warming over the next 80 years. Finally, they charted the effect each of the climate scenarios would have on five elephant age brackets: under 10 years old, 11–30, 31–40, 41–50, and more than 50 years old, because as Randhir puts it, "any impact on one age class has a community effect throughout the entire population."
"We found that the older elephants will be massively affected by warming under every scenario," says Nampindo. "Elephants are matriarchal—their leaders are the older cows, and the herds depend on their wisdom, long memories and ability to outsmart prey, and if they are lost to changing climate, it will wreak havoc on the surviving, younger herds, as well as change the genetic profiles and structures of the herd. There will also be ripple effects through the GVL's landscape."
"But," says Randhir, "this model not only tells us what the threats are, we can also use it to tell us which policy possibilities will be most effective in helping African elephants to survive."
In the case of a species like the elephant, which migrates widely across national boundaries, it is especially important to also understand how differing policies could affect future herds so that management agencies can coordinate their responses.
In particular, Nampindo and Randhir find that a coordinated GVL management strategy at the national, regional and local levels is needed to address poaching threats. Well-funded anti-poaching efforts are essential, but they also point to the importance of community-led programs and education in the front-line towns and villages where human-elephant interaction is common. The GVL landscape must also be managed appropriately to reduce the impact of habitat fragmentation, fire and invasive species.
"These results are very important to WCS," says Nampindo. "If we can do a good job at protecting elephants, our efforts will reverberate to other species, such as lions and mountain gorillas."
"More broadly," says Randhir, "the most exciting thing about this systems dynamic modeling is that it can be adapted to any migratory species that move across political boundaries, from fish to birds to lions."
More information: Simon Nampindo et al, Dynamic modeling of African elephant populations under changing climate and habitat loss across the Greater Virunga Landscape, PLOS Sustainability and Transformation (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pstr.0000094
Journal information: PLOS Sustainability and Transformation
Provided by University of Massachusetts Amherst
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https://phys.org/news/2024-01-climate-threatens-older-elephants-jeopardizing.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:08Z
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NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with constitutional scholar Philip Bobbitt about the effort from House Republicans to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Copyright 2024 NPR
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with constitutional scholar Philip Bobbitt about the effort from House Republicans to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/2024-01-31/constitutional-scholar-says-gop-charges-against-mayorkas-dont-meet-impeachment-bar
| 2024-01-31T23:06:08Z
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Actress Elisabeth Moss confirmed on Tuesday that she is pregnant with her first child.
Moss, 41, who won an Emmy Award in 2017 for her role as Offred in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” made the announcement on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” program, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Kimmel got right to the point.
“Are you pregnant or just an incredibly committed method actor?” Kimmel asked.
“A little bit of both,” Moss answered.
“I’ve been really lucky,” Moss continued. “It’s been going really well.”
When Moss asked Kimmel for advice, the talk show host said he was reminded of what comedian Bill Murray told him and his wife, Molly McNearney, when they were expecting one of their four children, Entertainment Tonight reported.
“He said, ‘Bring Christmas lights to hang up (in the delivery room),’” Kimmel said, adding that Murray also suggested bringing in battery-powered candles.
The “Mad Men” star did not share further details about her pregnancy, including when the baby is due, People reported.
©2024 Cox Media Group
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| 2024-01-31T23:06:08Z
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Citation
Sun F, Yan J, Pang J, Song M, Wang M, Huang T, Zhao Z. J. Affect. Disord. 2024; ePub(ePub): ePub.
Copyright
(Copyright © 2024, Elsevier Publishing)
DOI
10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.213
PMID
38286226
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Significant differences in clinical manifestations between first-episode and recurrent major depression disorder (FE-MDD/R-MDD) have been demonstrated in previous studies, including the degree of suicide attempt. However, the potential brain mechanism underlying the effect of depressive episode frequency on suicidal ideation (SI) remains unclear. METHODS: In this study, 102 patients with FE-MDD (SI/non-SI: N = 70/32) and 71 matched normal controls (NCs), as well as 75 patients with R-MDD (SI/non-SI: N = 37/38) and 49 matched NCs were screened from the Chinese REST-meta-MDD consortium. T1-weighted and resting-state fMRI images were used to calculate gray matter volume (GMV) and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF), respectively. RESULTS: Group comparisons revealed that FE-MDD showed changes only in GMV, while R-MDD showed changes in both GMV and fALFF compared to NCs. SI-specific GMV decreases were observed in the right cerebellum, superior marginal gyrus, and left middle temporal gyrus in FE-MDD patients, while SI-specific fALFF decreases were observed in bilateral superior frontal gyrus and increases in bilateral cerebellum and left parahippocampal gyrus in R-MDD patients. Moreover, a negative correlation was found between GMV value in right cerebellum and HAMD score. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that first-episode and recurrent MDD show different effects on brain structure and function in patients with SI, providing a potential explanation for the distinct clinical manifestations of MDD patients from a brain mechanisms perspective.
Language: en
Keywords
Suicidal ideation; Magnetic resonance imaging; First-episode and recurrent; Major depression disorder; REST-meta-MDD
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https://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds%5B%5D=citjournalarticle_782772_18
| 2024-01-31T23:06:10Z
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CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office said they are searching for a teen wanted for murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
They identified him as Oliver Lamar Choyce, 16.
Deputies said that on June 29, 2023, Choyce killed another 16-year-old boy at a park in Lovejoy in front of children. It’s unclear if Choyce was ever taken into custody in that case.
Officers posted a firm message for Choyce on social media Wednesday.
“Turn yourself in. My team behind me, the Panther Unit, we’re gonna hunt you down,” officers said. “You ain’t safe nowhere. We’re coming after you, Oliver Choyce.”
Choyce is described as 6″01′ and 140 lbs. with brown eyes and black hair.
He is accused of killing 16-year-old Jamarious Deante Smith.
The mother of the victim, Pumpkin Smith, said her son left to go to the park with several other teens.
“I tried to get him to stay, but he just left and that was the last time I saw my son,” Smith said.
She said that at 12:30 a.m. Friday, police knocked at her door.
“They asked me if I had a picture. I showed them a picture and that’s when they told me they’re sorry, they found my son in LoveJoy Park dead. He was shot five times,” Smith said.
She had a message for the people she believes are involved with the murder.
“Y’all woke my son up and lured him to the park with y’all and y’all murdered my son,” said Smith.
Anyone with information on Choyce’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office at 770-477-4478 or 770-477-4480.
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https://www.wsbradio.com/news/local/you-aint-safe-nowhere-clayton-deputies-have-chilling-message-teen-murder-suspect-run/ZKLSTLZNXJH6NA37FXYZO6BDCU/
| 2024-01-31T23:06:10Z
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Scientists have found that spiderwebs can be used to capture environmental DNA, which reflects the animal population of an area. The technique may help track the biodiversity of an ecosystem.
Copyright 2024 NPR
Scientists have found that spiderwebs can be used to capture environmental DNA, which reflects the animal population of an area. The technique may help track the biodiversity of an ecosystem.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.nprillinois.org/2024-01-31/spiderwebs-could-offer-a-snapshot-of-an-ecosystem-study-shows
| 2024-01-31T23:06:12Z
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(MENAFN- PR Newswire) PROVO, Utah, Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sky Zone , the preeminent indoor activity company, today announced that Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Blair will leave the company and step down as a member of the Board of Directors. Shawn Hassel will succeed Ms. Blair as the company's new CEO.
About Sky Zone
Sky Zone is the active play destination encouraging everyone to Play Every Day. The leader in indoor active entertainment, Sky Zone owns, operates, and franchises over 250 parks across the US and Canada. The company helps its more than 500,000 members and millions of yearly visitors make memorable moments while experiencing Sky Zone's signature smile-inducing attractions. Sky Zone elevates celebrations to the extraordinary, hosting millions of children at unforgettable birthday, team, and school parties every year. For more information about Sky Zone and to find your local park, visit .
SOURCE Sky Zone
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https://menafn.com/1107793834/Indoor-Activity-Brand-Announces-Leadership-Change
| 2024-01-31T23:06:14Z
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Georgia district attorney prosecuting Trump has been subpoenaed over claims of improper relationship
Trump co-defendant Mike Roman filed motion seeking to dismiss indictment and remove Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade from case
Trump Joins Effort to Disqualify Fulton County DA Fani Willis from Election Interference Case
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and a special prosecutor she hired for the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump have been issued subpoenas by a defense attorney who has alleged Willis and the prosecutor had an inappropriate romantic relationship.
Lawyer Ashleigh Merchant, who represents Trump co-defendant Michael Roman, filed a motion Jan. 8 seeking to dismiss the indictment and to remove Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade from the case.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, who’s presiding over the election case, has ordered Willis’ team to respond by Friday to the motion and to remove Willis from the prosecution. He has set a hearing on the matter for Feb. 15. Merchant confirmed that she has subpoenaed both Willis and Wade to testify at that hearing.
Merchant’s law firm also filed a lawsuit Tuesday accusing Willis’ office of failing to comply with the Georgia Open Records Act, saying they “appear to be intentionally withholding information” that she has requested.
Willis spokesperson Jeff DiSantis declined to comment on the subpoenas, but disputed Merchant’s open records claims.
“We’ve provided her with the information she’s entitled to,” he said, adding that some of the records are still being compiled. He provided a letter that he said the office sent to Merchant last week providing an update on the status of requests she’d made, as well as screenshots showing that Merchant had accessed some records.
Neither Willis nor Wade has publicly addressed the allegations of an inappropriate relationship. Willis’ office has repeatedly said it would respond to Roman’s motion in a court filing.
Willis, an elected Democrat, hired Wade in November 2021 to help with her investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia. Since a Fulton County grand jury in August returned an indictment against Trump and 18 others, Wade has led the team of lawyers Willis assembled to prosecute the case.
Trump has seized on the allegations as he campaigns for the Republican nomination for president, trying to use them to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the case against him. Four co-defendants have already pleaded guilty in the case after reaching plea deals with prosecutors. Trump and the others who remain have pleaded not guilty.
Roman is a former Trump campaign staffer and one-time White House aide. Trump and co-defendant Robert Cheeley, a Georgia lawyer, have joined Roman’s motion.
Roman’s filing alleges that Willis had paid Wade large sums for his work and then improperly benefited when Wade paid for the pair to go on trips, creating a conflict of interest. It also questioned Wade’s qualifications for the job.
No proof of the alleged relationship was included in the motion. Willis spoke out during a church service nearly a week later and defended Wade’s qualifications, but did not address the allegations of a relationship.
In a court filing seeking to avoid sitting for a deposition in Wade’s divorce case, Willis accused Wade’s wife of trying to obstruct the election case. In a filing in response, Wade’s wife included credit card statements that showed Wade had bought plane tickets for Willis to travel with him to San Francisco and Miami.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/fani-willis-subpoena-trump-georgia-b2488404.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:14Z
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MIAMI — A federal judge has dismissed the Walt Disney Company's lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Disney sued after DeSantis and state lawmakers removed its self-governing status in 2023.
Backed by Republican lawmakers, DeSantis dissolved a special district near Orlando that for more than fifty years had governed Walt Disney World. He acted after Disney's CEO opposed a law limiting how sex orientation and gender identity can be discussed in the schools. The Parental Rights in Education Act was labeled "Don't Say Gay" by opponents.
At DeSantis' request, Florida's GOP-controlled legislature created a new special district, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, controlled by the Republican Governor's appointees. Disney sued in federal court, saying DeSantis was retaliating against the company, punishing it for exercising its First Amendment right to freedom of speech. Disney also canceled plans for a $1 billion campus in Florida.
In a 17-page order, U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor dismissed the case, saying Disney lacks standing to sue the governor. The judge also said while Disney could sue the new DeSantis-appointed board, it hadn't shown evidence that actions by the new board had harmed the company. In addition, Winsor said the law prohibits plaintiffs from bringing a free speech challenge to constitutionally enacted laws.
A DeSantis spokesman hailed the decision saying, "the Corporate Kingdom is over. The days of Disney controlling its own government and being placed above the law are long gone. Disney is still just one of many corporations in the state and they do not have a right to their own special government."
Disney says it will "press forward with its case." In a statement after the ruling, a company spokesperson said, "If left unchallenged, this would set a dangerous precedent and give license to states to weaponize their official powers to punish the expression of political viewpoints they disagree with."
Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board are also embroiled in lawsuits in state court.
Copyright 2024 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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https://www.wmuk.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/a-federal-judge-dismisses-disneys-lawsuit-against-florida-gov-ron-desantis
| 2024-01-31T23:06:14Z
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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
fact-checked
trusted source
proofread
New research brings order to disordered proteins
Protein molecules lie at the heart of biology. Our typical understanding of proteins states that each type of protein has a specific three-dimensional shape that enables it to perform its function. This dogma is challenged by intrinsically disordered proteins, which make up one-third of all proteins and have central biological functions even though their shapes are constantly changing.
Until now, our understanding of the structural properties of this intriguing class of proteins has been based on studies of only a small number of examples. In research published today in the journal Nature, researchers from the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen have shown how all (approximately 28,000) disordered proteins in the human body behave.
"I have always been fascinated by intrinsically disordered proteins because they seem to defy most of the rules of how a protein should behave. For the last 20 years, we have worked on figuring out how these strange proteins look and whether new rules need to be applied to describe them. For the first time, we have now been able to study the structure of all human disordered proteins and begun to provide order into this world of molecular disorder," says Professor Kresten Lindorff-Larsen, director of the NNF center PRISM, in which the research was performed.
The goal of the PRISM center is to combine computational methods from biophysics and machine learning, with methods from cell biology to study how genetic variants cause disease. But until now, the researchers did not know how most disordered proteins looked, and hence could not even begin to study how mutations in the genes encoding for them might be able to cause disease.
Until recently, we examined the disordered proteins one-by-one, and it was essential to find a way to study them on a larger scale," says Assistant Professor Giulio Tesei, who is one of the lead authors of the new paper. "We came up with an approach where we could use experimental measurements on disordered proteins to develop a computational model to predict their properties. Since this model is both accurate and fast, we can now look at them all."
The study was co-led by bachelor student, Anna Ida Trolle, who says, "When I started the project, I didn't know that you typically just study one or two proteins at a time. So, when Giulio and Kresten suggested that I should study some 28,000 proteins, I fortunately didn't realize how crazy an idea it was. However, we quickly found a way to generate and keep track of the large amount of data and were able to use it to study the biology and evolution of disordered proteins.
Lindorff-Larsen concludes, "This has been a challenging but also an extremely fun project, that was only made possible by the contributions of several people with diverse expertise in the PRISM center. We have made new steps on linking the molecular properties of disordered proteins to their biological function and roles in disease. Finally, we are beginning to understand the language of disordered proteins."
More information: Giulio Tesei et al, Conformational ensembles of the human intrinsically disordered proteome, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-07004-5
Provided by University of Copenhagen
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https://phys.org/news/2024-01-disordered-proteins.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:14Z
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KUAR is experiencing disruptions in Monticello due to issues concerning the transmitter. We appreciate your patience as we actively work to resolve the issues.
From the occupied West Bank, an emergency hotline assists rescue efforts in Gaza
Aya Batraway is an NPR International Correspondent based in Dubai. She joined in 2022 from the Associated Press, where she was an editor and reporter for over 11 years.
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https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/2024-01-31/from-the-occupied-west-bank-an-emergency-hotline-assists-rescue-efforts-in-gaza
| 2024-01-31T23:06:15Z
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EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — For the first time in her 65-year history, Barbie will be decked out in the colors of this year’s Super Bowl champion.
Ahead of the Feb. 11 game between the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, Mattel Creations announced its first Super Bowl Champion doll, which will be decked out in the colors of the winning team.
According to a news release, the world’s most famous doll will be one of three items offered after the big game. There will also be a Fisher-Price Little People Collector and a UNO Fandom deck available for purchase.
Toy manufacturer Mattel is returning to what it says was a winning game plan last year, and adding some new plays, in a bid to sell collectible toys tied to this year’s Super Bowl. https://t.co/j79io1DTML
— Forbes (@Forbes) January 30, 2024
The toys can be pre-ordered, but they will only be issued in the uniform jersey and hat of the winning team, USA Today reported. The Barbie doll will have a $30 price tag, and so will the Little People collectible. The UNO Fandom deck will be sold for $12.
The Little People figurines will feature three players from the winning team, plus a “super fan,” Mattel said in its release.
The Fandom deck will feature the winning team’s official logo, cards featuring players from the champions and a collectible foil card in each pack.
“As football fans across the country get ready for The Big Game, we’re thrilled to offer San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs superfans the chance to commemorate a historic win with these special collectibles from our Fisher-Price, Barbie, and UNO brands,” Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s executive vice president and chief brand officer, said in a statement. “Whichever team reigns supreme on February 11th, Mattel Creations is the place to find that must-have piece of Super Bowl LVIII memorabilia worthy of any collection.”
Last year’s Little People Collector line from Super Bowl LVII included Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, defensive tackle Chris Jones and a Kansas City super fan.
The Barbie and Fisher-Price items are officially licensed NFL products. Fans and collectors can preorder the items through Feb. 25 at MattelCreations.com/thebiggame. Items will begin shipping in August, Mattel said.
People who preorder the losing team will have their money refunded.
Orders are only valid for U.S. customers.
The Fandom deck will be available in March.
Last year, Mattel asked fans to vote for their Super Bowl favorite by preordering sets featuring the Chiefs or Eagles, Forbes reported. While the Eagles got more preorders, the Chiefs got the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
© 2024 Cox Media Group
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https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/trending/super-bowl-lviii-mattel-creating-barbie-doll-commemorate-big-game/ZMZWHWSLKVEVRI2CE33NEILQXE/
| 2024-01-31T23:06:15Z
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Citation
Dong C, Wang Z, Jia F, Tian H, Zhang Y, Liu H, Yu X, Wang L, Fu Y. J. Affect. Disord. 2024; ePub(ePub): ePub.
Copyright
(Copyright © 2024, Elsevier Publishing)
DOI
10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.249
PMID
38286234
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Childhood maltreatment is widely acknowledged as a risk factor for developing major depressive disorders (MDDs) in adulthood. However, the influence of gender on age at MDD onset and the relationships between various forms of maltreatment remain unclear. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of gender on the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depressive disorder onset with regard to maltreatment severity, age at onset, and the correlation between different forms of maltreatment. METHODS: Data for this study were derived from the Objective Diagnostic Marker and Personalized Intervention in MDD Patients (ODMPIM) study, a multi-center collaborative research project. The data used here include 1001 patients diagnosed with depressive disorder and 494 healthy participants. Childhood maltreatment levels were assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF). RESULTS: Emotional abuse was correlated with physical abuse, and emotional neglect was correlated with physical neglect in the MDD patient population. Emotional abuse significantly contributed to early onset of MDD in both genders. Regarding gender differences, male patients with MDD experienced more severe physical abuse during childhood. The correlation between childhood sexual abuse and physical abuse was stronger among males than among females. Levels of physical abuse and neglect tended to be positively associated with the age of MDD onset. Gender is a moderator in the relationship between MDD onset age and childhood physical abuse or neglect. CONCLUSIONS: Gender plays a role in certain aspects of the relationship between MDD and childhood maltreatment.
Language: en
Keywords
Gender difference; Childhood maltreatment; CTQ-SF; Depression onset; Depressive disorder
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https://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds%5B%5D=citjournalarticle_782773_18
| 2024-01-31T23:06:16Z
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CHICAGO — (AP) — Chicago's City Council narrowly approved a resolution Wednesday calling for a permanent cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas, with Mayor Brandon Johnson casting the tiebreaking vote.
The symbolic declaration in the nation's third-largest city follows weeks of rowdy public meetings with disruptions from demonstrators, including on Wednesday when things became so boisterous the first-term mayor had to temporarily clear the council chambers. The resolution, approved 24-23, includes a call for humanitarian aid and the the release of all hostages. Supporters in the chambers included the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Chicago is latest U.S. city to approve such a non-binding resolution, following Atlanta, Detroit and San Francisco in recent months.
“Do I believe that the words that we speak today, how we vote today influences directly international policy? I don’t. I don’t have those illusions," said Alderman Daniel La Spata, one of the resolution's sponsors. "But we vote with hope. We vote with solidarity. We vote to help people feel heard in a world of silence.”
The ordinance remained largely unchanged over the past few months despite urging from the council's sole Jewish member, Alderwoman Debra Silverstein, who sought more support of Israel and criticism of Hamas.
“We all want an end to the bloodshed and an end to the war. But it is vital to understand what caused the conflict, and we should pass a resolution that addresses the issue responsibly,” she said during the meeting. “We should not pass a resolution unless it makes clear that Hamas cannot and should not attack again.”
The war began with Hamas attacking Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli strikes have killed more than 26,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly 2 million others from their homes.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.wsbradio.com/news/national/chicago-becomes/Q2I4G4MJUZUEYBIJGYATJUGKVQ/
| 2024-01-31T23:06:17Z
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The number of syphilis cases in the U.S. are on the rise. According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases increased by nearly 80% to more than 207,000 between 2018 and 2022.
Rates increased among all age groups, including newborns, and in all regions of the country. In 2022, 3,755 cases of babies born with syphilis in the U.S. were reported, which reflects an alarming 937% increase in the past decade, the CDC said.
The report continued that racial and ethnic minorities are most disproportionately affected due to "long standing social inequities that often lead to health inequalities."
Experts point to various reasons for the increase, including increases in substance abuse tied to risky sexual behavior, decrease in condom use, ongoing social and economic conditions and reduction in sexually transmitted infections (STI) services at the state and local level.
"Because STIs often do not show symptoms, and screening is necessary for timely diagnosis and treatment, changes in access to sexual health care can affect the number of infections diagnosed and reported," the CDC said.
The stigma surrounding STIs can also keep people from seeking care, and "buries the truth that all people deserve quality sexual health care," said Laura Bachmann, acting director of the CDC's Division of STD Prevention, in an interview with NPR. "It also can cause issues at the provider level when it comes to talking with people about these issues."
The CDC said that its findings signal an urgent need for a closer look at public health efforts and prevention strategies.
"Some people face tremendous barriers to STI prevention and health services," said Bachmann ina statement. "So, the most important work is often outside the clinic, whether it be reaching out to communities with testing, interviewing patients to offer services to their partners, or delivering treatment directly to someone."
She added that there is still a need for more innovation around diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
"In the United States, syphilis was close to elimination in the 1990s, so we know it's possible to reverse this epidemic," said Jonathan Mermin, director of CDC's National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, in a statement. "I have hope for innovative prevention tools – such as a pill after sex that prevents STIs, and better tests for syphilis – but they will only be successful if they reach the people who will benefit. And that is going to require coordinated and sustained efforts at the federal, state, and local levels."
The U.S Department of Health and Human Services is also continuing to address the issue through the establishment of a federal task force last year.
"Addressing the resurgence of syphilis and congenital syphilis requires a concerted effort," said Admiral Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for health and chair of the National Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Syndemic Federal Task Force, in a statement. "We can collectively work towards reducing the incidence of syphilis and its devastating consequences, and we will turn the tide on the syphilis epidemic."
Without the appropriate funding however, it's difficult for communities to follow through with the recommendations by government officials, said Elizabeth Finley, director of communications at the National Coalition of STD Directors.
Over the past year, there has been a shortage of Bicillin, an antibiotic used to treat syphilis. In addition, last year states lost funding for STD prevention, affecting their ability to respond to syphilis.
"The 2022 data is devastating to see, but it's already a year old," said Finley. As a result, she said that "we have every reason to believe that the 2023 numbers will be much worse."
The CDC report also included data on other sexually transmitted infections, stating that "reported gonorrhea cases declined for the first time in at least a decade while reported chlamydia cases were level."
There were more than 2.5 million cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia reported in the U.S. in 2022 alone.
Without treatment, syphilis can cause serious health problems including damage to the heart and brain, and can cause blindness, deafness and paralysis. If transmitted during pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage, infant death and lifelong medical issues. With the right antibiotics, the STI is curable.
Copyright 2024 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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https://www.nprillinois.org/2024-01-31/syphilis-cases-rise-to-their-highest-levels-since-the-1950s-cdc-says
| 2024-01-31T23:06:18Z
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(MENAFN- EIN Presswire)
Brody Evanson
Brody Evanson of Arias Agencies, Celebrates Various American Income Life Awards
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES, January 31, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- Brody Evanson, the esteemed General Manager at American Income Life Insurance Company, is proud to announce his celebration of a nine-year career marked by remarkable achievements and accolades. These accomplishments not only bring recognition within the company but also resonate on an international scale. As General Manager since January 2015, Evanson has played a pivotal role in the success and growth of American Income Life Insurance Company in Wexford, Pennsylvania. His dedication to business operations and financial management has been a driving force behind the company's achievements.
Evanson's outstanding contributions have been acknowledged through prestigious awards, solidifying his position as a leader in the industry. Notable among these are his international rankings as #1 MGA & RGA in 2020, #1 MGA Internationally in 2021, and #1 MGA & #1 RGA internationally in 2022. Evanson's exceptional leadership has also earned him a coveted spot as a three-time AIL Executive Leadership Council Member, showcasing his sustained excellence over the years. Within the agency awards category, Brody Evanson has been honored as the Rookie of the Year in 2016 and has received Legacy Awards in both 2021 and 2022. His achievements include being named MVP in 2022, securing the position of #1 MGA in 2022, 2021, and 2020, as well as clinching the top spot in #1 MGA & RGA in 2021.
To express his gratitude for these awards and his experience at the Arias Agencies, Evanson shared, "Receiving these awards is truly an honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at American Income Life. I am proud to be part of an organization that values excellence and strives to make a positive impact on the lives of working families. The support and opportunities provided by The Arias Agencies have been instrumental in our success, and I am excited about the continued growth and achievements ahead."
Brody Evanson also commented on what he believes the keys to his success at Arias Agencies are: "First and foremost, it is the strong company culture that fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth. The team at American Income Life truly embodies this culture, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside them every day. Additionally, I believe in constantly setting new goals and pushing myself to reach higher levels of success. This drive and determination have been crucial in my journey so far, and I am committed to continuing this mindset in the years to come."
As Brody Evanson celebrates his nine-year anniversary at American Income Life, he does so with a sense of pride and gratitude. His remarkable achievements and dedication to excellence have not only brought recognition to the company but also helped thousands of families protect their financial security. As he looks towards the future, there is no doubt that Evanson will continue to lead with passion, determination, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the insurance industry.
About Arias Agencies
Founded in 2008 by State Director Simon Arias, Arias Agencies operates within the Globe Life - American Income Division, serving as a dynamic force headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. Having evolved into one of American Income Life's largest distribution centers in the United States, Arias has expanded its footprint, establishing numerous offices and virtual agents nationwide. The organization is propelled by a noble mission - to enhance communities by offering competitively priced insurance products that safeguard local families. Simultaneously, it presents a distinctive career opportunity for individuals dedicated to hard work and excellence. Affiliated with American Income Life Insurance Company, an international entity safeguarding working families across the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and through its subsidiary, National Income Life Insurance Company in New York, Arias shares a commitment to serving the working class. Since 1951, American Income Life has provided life, accident, and supplemental health products to members of labor unions, credit unions, associations, and their families. AIL representatives cultivate enduring relationships with clients, equipped to deliver benefits virtually.
About Brody Evanson
Brody Evanson, the accomplished General Manager at American Income Life Insurance Company, boasts a stellar nine-year career adorned with numerous achievements. His unwavering commitment to excellence has not only earned him company-wide recognition but has also resonated on an international level. Serving as General Manager since January 2015, Evanson has played a pivotal role in the success and growth of the company in Wexford, Pennsylvania. With a background as Business Operations Supervisor at Wheel Connection, LLC, Evanson managed billing and collaborated closely with the owner to ensure customer order fulfillment. Prior experience includes roles as a Service Assistant at Costco Wholesale and an Office Assistant at Saint Francis University. Educationally, Evanson holds an M.B.A. from Saint Francis University and a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and Economics. Beyond his professional achievements, Evanson actively engages in community service and charitable donations, collaborating with colleague Jimmy Marks on initiatives with Saint Francis University, showcasing his commitment to a positive impact beyond business.
Jon Smith
News Live
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https://menafn.com/1107793835/Brody-Evanson-Of-Arias-Agencies-Celebrates-Various-American-Income-Life-Awards
| 2024-01-31T23:06:20Z
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Conor Bradley inspires Liverpool as Manchester City and Tottenham also win
Chelsea, Burnley and Brentford were all beaten.
Youngster Conor Bradley registered his first Liverpool goal and two assists as the Premier League leaders thumped Chelsea 4-1 at Anfield to go five points clear at the top.
The 20-year-old right-back fired into the bottom corner in the 39th minute to double the Reds’ lead having earlier provided the pass that led to Diogo Jota’s opener midway through the first half.
After Darwin Nunez sent a penalty against the post in first-half stoppage-time – one of four times he hit the woodwork – the advantage was extended in the 65th minute when Dominik Szoboszlai headed in from Bradley’s cross.
Christopher Nkunku replied before Luis Diaz wrapped things up for Jurgen Klopp’s men as they made it 15 league matches unbeaten, and four successive wins, in their first top-flight outing since the German’s announcement that he is to step down as boss at the end of the season.
A miserable evening for Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea ended a three-match winning run as they stayed 10th.
Manchester City, who have played a game fewer than Liverpool, returned to second place with their fourth league victory on the bounce, beating struggling Burnley 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Julian Alvarez netted twice on his 24th birthday and Rodri also got on the scoresheet before top-scorer Erling Haaland make his comeback from injury as a 71st-minute substitute.
Ameen Al-Dakhil netted a stoppage-time consolation for second-bottom Burnley, managed by ex-City captain Vincent Kompany, as Pep Guardiola’s treble-winners went above Arsenal on goal difference.
Tottenham moved into the top four after a flurry of goals early in the second half helped them come from behind to beat Brentford 3-2 at home.
Neal Maupay’s effort for the Bees on the quarter-hour mark was cancelled out three minutes into the second half by Destiny Udogie.
Brennan Johnson then put Spurs ahead a minute later, with Richarlison adding a further goal for the hosts seven minutes on from that.
Ivan Toney subsequently reduced the deficit in the 67th minute but Ange Postecoglou’s team emerged with the three points to leapfrog Aston Villa in the table.
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https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/manchester-city-liverpool-burnley-brentford-christopher-nkunku-b2488420.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:20Z
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Updated January 31, 2024 at 5:33 PM ET
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday but signaled that rates could fall in the coming months if inflation continues to cool.
Policy makers have kept their benchmark interest rate between 5.25% and 5.5% — the highest in over two decades — since July.
Fed chairman Jerome Powell told reporters Wednesday that interest rates are unlikely to go any higher, and that he and his colleagues are beginning to contemplate cutting rates.
"If the economy evolves broadly as expected, it will likely be appropriate to begin dialing back policy restraint at some point this year," Powell said.
He cautioned, however, that the economy remains unpredictable and said the central bank would proceed cautiously.
"The economic outlook is uncertain and we remain highly attentive to inflation risks," Powell said.
The Fed has been pleasantly surprised by the rapid drop in inflation in recent months. Core prices in December — which exclude food and energy prices — were up just 2.9% from a year ago, according to the Fed's preferred inflation yardstick. That's a smaller increase than the 3.2% core inflation rate that Fed officials had projected in December.
If that positive trend continues, the Fed may be able to start cutting interest rates as early as this spring. First, though, Powell said he and his colleagues will need to see additional evidence that inflation is easing.
And he sounded doubtful about a rate cut at the Fed's next meeting in March as many investors in Wall Street had hoped for.
"Based on the meeting today, I would tell you that I don't think it's likely the committee will reach a level of confidence by the time of the March meeting," Powell said. "But that's to be seen."
The comments disappointed investors, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbling 317 points.
Investors are still hopeful about a rate cut by the following Fed meeting in May, with markets putting the likelihood of that at better than 90%.
Good omens in the economy
Both the economy and the job market have performed better than expected over the last year, despite the highest interest rates since 2001. The nation's gross domestic product grew 3.1% in 2023, while employers added 2.7 million jobs
Unemployment has been under 4%for nearly two years. And average wages in December were up 4.1% from a year ago.
While that strong economy is welcome news for businesses and workers, it also raises the risk of reigniting inflation. As a result, Fed policymakers say they'll be cautious not to cut interest rates prematurely.
"We have history on this," Atlanta Fed president Raphael Bostic told the Rotary Club of Atlanta this month. "In the '70s, the Fed started removing accommodation too soon. Inflation spiked back up. Then we had to tighten. Inflation came down. Then we removed it again. Inflation went back up. And by the time we were done with that, all Americans could think about was inflation."
The Fed is determined not to repeat that '70s show. At the same time, waiting too long to cut interest rates risks slowing the economy more than necessary to bring inflation under control.
A report from the Labor Department Wednesday showed employers' cost for labor rose more slowly than expected in the final months of last year. Labor costs increased just 0.9% in the fourth quarter. That's a smaller increase than the previous quarter, suggesting labor costs are putting less upward pressure on prices.
Fed officials promised to keep an eye on upcoming economic data and adjust accordingly.
Copyright 2024 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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https://www.wmuk.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/the-federal-reserve-holds-interest-rates-steady-but-signals-rate-cuts-may-be-coming
| 2024-01-31T23:06:20Z
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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
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Researchers report on recent drought in the eastern Hungarian plains
Intensive agricultural cultivation and the resulting changes in soil structure cause low humidity in the near-surface air during heat waves in really dry years. As a result, summer cold fronts roar across the Great Hungarian Plain without the usual thunderstorms and precipitation.
Researchers at the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences at Eötvös Loránd University explain this weather in a review of articles on topics ranging from the geodynamics to the soil science to the meteorology that made the summer of 2022 so severe in the eastern part of the country.
In 2022, the 7-week period starting in mid-June was disastrous for eastern Hungary. Almost no rain fell for weeks, and in the eastern part of the country, the economic loss of autumn crops was almost total. The cold fronts, which had brought showers and rain to the western part of the country, dried up as they reached the Great Plain, passing through without precipitation and with only strong winds, making the drought situation even worse. Rumors had already started that some mysterious experiment influencing the weather had caused the almost complete drying out and destruction of the maize and sunflower crops in the lowlands that year.
Gábor Timár and Balázs Székely of the Department of Geophysics and Space Science, and Gusztáv Jakab of the Department of Environment and Landscape Geography show in their review article published in journal Land that this is not the case. Rather, the atmosphere was missing one of the most natural things: water.
Because of the unusually severe drought, one of the conditions for the formation of thunderstorms—a layer of humid air near the surface—was missing. As a result, the thunderstorms that provided the bulk of the summer rainfall were absent, exacerbating the situation and precluding the possibility of further storms over a period of several weeks.
The researchers conclude that the main reason for this is that the landscape water storage capacity has been significantly reduced due to intensive agricultural cultivation, following the water regulation measures.
In many places, large-scale cultivation and heavy machinery have created a secondary and almost impermeable layer in the soil, which prevents autumn-winter, early spring and early summer precipitation from being stored in the deeper layers of the soil.
The upper 20-30 cm of the soil, however, dries out very quickly in the summer heat, and the chances of the remaining evaporation of moisture in the lower layers of the air and the formation of thunderstorms are then greatly reduced. The moisture in the higher air layers therefore does not reach the ground.
Their proposal is therefore to restore wetlands, meadows and pastures in a part of the lowland landscape, estimated to be at least one county in total, and even to divert excess water from elsewhere during the winter and snowmelt floods. Here, in addition to natural or accelerated restoration of soil structure, the re-establishment of vegetation that is highly evaporative during the summer period should be allowed or encouraged.
This can guarantee that rainfall can return in drought years, which will also bring rainwater to agricultural areas. These "evapotranspiration areas" could be created in the lowest areas of the lowlands, on the lowest-value agricultural land with a lower "golden crown" value, where the soil is not optimal for arable farming anyway.
More information: Gábor Timár et al, A Step from Vulnerability to Resilience: Restoring the Landscape Water-Storage Capacity of the Great Hungarian Plain—An Assessment and a Proposal, Land (2024). DOI: 10.3390/land13020146
Provided by Eötvös Loránd University
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https://phys.org/news/2024-01-drought-eastern-hungarian-plains.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:20Z
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Lawmakers grilled the CEOs of top social media companies in a hearing today By Dara Kerr Published January 31, 2024 at 4:21 PM CST Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 3:45 During a contentious hearing, lawmakers demanded that social media companies do better to protect children online. Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/2024-01-31/lawmakers-grilled-the-ceos-of-top-social-media-companies-in-a-hearing-today
| 2024-01-31T23:06:21Z
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MEXICO CITY — (AP) — A federal court granted a temporary injunction against bullfighting in Mexico City on Wednesday, as activists and supporters of the practice once again locked horns in court.
Bullfighting had only just returned Sunday to the capital's Plaza Mexico, which held the city's first legal bullfight in almost two years.
The ruling will apparently force the postponement of fights scheduled for Feb. 4-6; organizers have not yet announced what they will do.
In May 2022, a local court ordered an end to bullfighting, ruling that the practice violated city resident’s rights to a healthy environment free from violence.
That case had been appealed to the Supreme Court, which struck down the ban on largely technical grounds but left the underlying questions unresolved.
But the joy of bullfighting enthusiasts only lasted a few days. Animal rights supporters quickly filed another legal challenge that resulted in Wednesday's ruling, which suspends fights until Feb. 7.
At that point, another hearing will be held to consider activists' complaints that the practice subjected the animals to cruelty and violated humans' rights to be free of degrading spectacles of cruelty and environmental insensitivity.
Animal rights groups have been gaining ground in Mexico in recent years while bullfighting followers have suffered several setbacks. In some states such as Sinaloa, Guerrero, Coahuila, Quintana Roo and the western city of Guadalajara, judicial measures now limit the activity.
Ranchers, businessmen and fans maintain that the ban on bullfights infringes on their rights and puts at risk several thousand jobs linked to the activity, which they say generates about $400 million a year in Mexico.
The National Association of Fighting Bull Breeders in Mexico estimates that bullfighting is responsible for 80,000 direct jobs and 146,000 indirect jobs.
The association has hosted events and workshops in recent years to promote bullfights and find new, younger fans.
____
Follow AP's coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/world/federal-court-once/6O56X4YGERSIAQYCUMF2SDSPNU/
| 2024-01-31T23:06:21Z
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Citation
Privodnova EY, Semenova NB, Kornienko OS, Varshal AV, Slobodskaya HR. J. Res. Adolesc. 2024; ePub(ePub): ePub.
Copyright
(Copyright © 2024, John Wiley and Sons)
DOI
10.1111/jora.12911
PMID
38284135
Abstract
This study examined secular trends in Russian adolescent mental health, the specific effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and associations with country-level indicators. A cross-sectional survey of 12,882 adolescents aged 11-18 years was carried out between 1999 and 2021 using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The results showed an incline in girls' internalizing problems with a two-fold increase in the gender gap. There was a decline in girls' prosocial behavior and an incline in peer problems, with decreasing gender differences. Conduct problems showed a reversal of gender differences. Changes during the pandemic were not greater than over-time changes, with the exception of inclines in hyperactivity-inattention in both genders. Time trends in adolescent mental health were associated with over-time changes in national indicators of wealth and gender equality. The findings provide a strong basis for further research into the determinants of gender differences in adolescent mental health and for gender-specific interventions.
Language: en
Keywords
gender differences; adolescents; mental health; COVID-19 pandemic; secular trends
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https://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds%5B%5D=citjournalarticle_782787_18
| 2024-01-31T23:06:22Z
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LOS ANGELES — (AP) — The first of two back-to-back atmospheric rivers slowly pushed into California on Wednesday, triggering statewide storm preparations and calls for people to get ready for potential flooding, heavy snow and damaging winds.
Known as a "Pineapple Express" because its long plume of moisture stretched back across the Pacific to near Hawaii, the storm rolled into the far north first and was expected to move down the coast through Thursday. Forecasters expect an even more powerful storm to follow it Sunday.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services activated its operations center and positioned personnel and equipment in areas most at risk from the weather.
Brian Ferguson, Cal OES deputy director of crisis communications, characterized the situation as "a significant threat to the safety of Californians” with concerns for impact over 10 to 14 days from the Oregon line to San Diego and from the coast up into the mountains.
“This really is a broad sweep of California that’s going to see threats over the coming week,” Ferguson said.
Much of the first storm’s heaviest rain and mountain snow was expected to arrive late Wednesday and overnight into Thursday.
“The main impact is going to be runoff from heavy rainfall that is probably going to result in flooding of some waterways,” said Robert Hart, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s western region.
Last winter, California was battered by numerous drought-busting atmospheric rivers that unleashed extensive flooding, big waves that hammered shoreline communities and extraordinary snowfall that crushed buildings. More than 20 people died.
The memory was in mind in Capitola, along Monterey Bay, as Joshua Whitby brought in sandbags and considered boarding up the restaurant Zelda's on the Beach, where he is kitchen manager.
“There's absolutely always a little bit of PTSD going on with this just because of how much damage we did take last year," Whitby said.
The second storm in the series has the potential to be much stronger, said Daniel Swain a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Models suggest it could intensify as it approaches the coast of California, a process called bombogenesis in which a spinning low-pressure system rapidly deepens, Swain said in an online briefing Tuesday. The process is popularly called a “cyclone bomb.”
That scenario would create the potential for a major windstorm for the San Francisco Bay Area and other parts of Northern California as well as heavy but brief rain, Swain said.
Southern California, meanwhile, would get less wind but potentially two to three times as much rain as the north because of a deep tap of Pacific moisture extending to the tropics, Swain said.
“This is well south of Hawaii, so not just a Pineapple Express,'" he said.
The new storms come halfway through a winter very different than a year ago.
Despite storms like a Jan. 22 deluge that spawned damaging flash floods in San Diego, the overall trend has been drier. The Sierra Nevada snowpack that normally supplies about 30% of California's water is only about half of its average to date, state officials said Tuesday.
—-
Nic Coury contributed to this report from Capitola, California.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.wsbradio.com/news/national/first-back-to-back/WOTP2VOOKPKXSGS7IUGP62YKSE/
| 2024-01-31T23:06:24Z
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Donald Trump has yet to officially clinch the Republican presidential nomination, but he's already begun to tease about a running mate. The NPR Politics Podcast dives into who might be on his list.
Copyright 2024 NPR
Donald Trump has yet to officially clinch the Republican presidential nomination, but he's already begun to tease about a running mate. The NPR Politics Podcast dives into who might be on his list.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.nprillinois.org/2024-01-31/trump-says-vp-pick-wont-impact-the-race-so-whats-he-looking-for-in-a-running-mate
| 2024-01-31T23:06:24Z
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(MENAFN- EIN Presswire)
Seniors 65+ socialize and refresh skills during engaging cooking classes
Little Kitchen Academy
Seniors 65+ regain confidence in the kitchen
Little Kitchen Academy Launches Exclusive Program for Seniors Across Participating Schools Throughout the US and Canada
Our OPAL Senior Living residents loved their experience at LKA's Senior Cooking Classes. I highly recommend LKA for senior communities and residents” - Ernie Hee, EVP, Element Lifestyle RetirementLOS ANGELES, CA, USA, January 31, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- Little Kitchen Academy (LKA) the leading Montessori-inspired cooking academy for kids ages 3 through 18, today launches cooking classes for seniors ages 65+. LKA will begin offering 2.5-hour classes to seniors as a new step in its mission to promote a more educated, independent, and healthier society and to inspire healthy eating habits that truly last a lifetime.
Classes feature simple unique recipes that range from nostalgic favorites seniors will find familiar to on-trend TikTok-inspired new creations that will allow senior students to surprise their families and friends when they share their experiences after class.
“When we were approached about providing classes to seniors, we knew it would be a perfect fit with our company vision. We continue to maintain LKA as a place for enrichment and empowerment and we knew that senior classes would allow us to stay true to our mission while helping improve more lives,” said Little Kitchen Academy Founder, Felicity Curin.
Anyone over 65 years old can join LKA's senior classes by enrolling online at participating locations. LKA also offers group programs for all senior care communities, including independent, retirement, assisted and memory care allowing residents to feel like themselves, contribute to their families and society, maintain a sense of purpose, boost mental health, provide a sense of control, sharpen cognitive skills and tone muscles, all while having fun.
“Our OPAL Senior Living residents loved their experience at LKA's Senior Cooking Classes. The instructors were so caring, and their kitchen environment was impressive. Seniors really enjoyed socializing with instructors around the community table at the end of the class. I highly recommend LKA for senior communities and residents,” said Ernie Hee, EVP, Element Lifestyle Retirement.
Class schedules vary based on the community needs near each LKA school, but classes will typically be available at convenient times during the day on weekdays. Seniors who are interested in learning more can sign up for the newsletter on the company website.
“We are so proud to be able to provide opportunities for empowerment to the seniors in our communities. It has been inspiring to see the joy and laughter in these senior classes especially as the group gathers around and enjoys their finished meal together,” said Brian Curin, CEO & Co-Founder of Little Kitchen Academy.
New senior classes will be added on an ongoing basis at participating schools and more information is available at
About Little Kitchen Academy
To families seeking educationally enriching activities for their children ages 3-18, Little Kitchen Academy is the leading Montessori-inspired cooking academy providing a safe and empowering environment to learn practical life skills, confidence, independence, and healthy eating habits to last a lifetime. The concept was created by Felicity Curin, Montessori-trained, culinary expert, her husband, proven global branding, franchise expert and serial entrepreneur, Brian Curin, and social impact investor and entrepreneur Praveen Varshney, with the vision of becoming the global leader in teaching practical life skills and food literacy to children in order to promote a more educated, independent and healthier society. True to its mission, LKA is empowering children to make independent choices, enabling them to change their lives, and those around them. Part of that mission includes empowering students to learn how they can make the world a better place through How Can I Help by Little Kitchen Academy, LKA's signature philanthropic program, supporting Crisis Text Line, The Global FoodBanking Network, Kids Help Phone, and One Tree Planted. In addition to charitable partnerships, LKA has forged strategic global brand partnerships with AeroGarden,BIRKENSTOCK, ChefWorks, ChopValue, Emeco, Iron Chef Cat Cora, Küssi, PRISE Inc., and Welcome Industries. Little Kitchen Academy's flagship venues are in Los Angeles, CA, Vancouver, B.C and The Beach-Toronto, ON.
For a taste of Little Kitchen Academy, visit littlekitchenacademy
Erica Upshur
Little Kitchen Academy
email us here
MENAFN31012024003118003196ID1107793836
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
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https://menafn.com/1107793836/Leading-Montessori-Inspired-Cooking-Academy-For-Kids-Expands-With-Innovative-New-Program-For-Seniors-65
| 2024-01-31T23:06:26Z
|
Independent TV
Showing now | Culture
01:07
Trevor Noah opens up on nerves ahead of hosting 2024 Grammy Awards
Trevor Noah has opened up about his nerves ahead of hosting the 2024 Grammy Awards.
The comedian, 39, will host the music awards ceremony for the fourth consecutive year on Monday, 5 February.
He told CBS Mornings co-anchor Gayle King that having "superstars" in front of him can be particularly scary.
"I don't wanna get on the wrong side of Taylor Swift fans... You're trying to walk this fine line of being, you know, the comedian, but then also, still being nice about the night," he said.
Up next
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How does the Iowa Caucus pick the next US president? | Decomplicated
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Menendez mocks Republicans for ‘bending knee to orange Jesus’
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00:42
Luke Littler brushes off ‘pressure’ concerns over Premier League debut
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Gary Neville makes kind offer to Traitors winner after chance meeting
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00:25
Watch: Sulfonic acid spill covers Brazil river in thick white foam
00:49
Moment protesters throw soup at Mona Lisa in Paris
00:25
Hammerhead shark snatches fish hooked by Florida angler
00:48
Tourists revel as snow blankets Eiffel Tower and other Paris monuments
01:07
Trevor Noah opens up on nerves ahead of hosting 2024 Grammy Awards
00:45
‘I used a 1978 ticket to get into Disney - and it worked’
01:34
Love Island star hits out at ‘scary’ deep fake nude photos
01:25
Katherine Ryan’s ‘British’ complaint amid ‘acclimatise’ struggle
04:23
Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on the imposter syndrome epidemic
04:26
Finance coach Ellie Austin-Williams on the psychology of money
04:34
STEM campaigner Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE on workplace bias
01:01
Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on how to tackle imposter syndrome
03:13
Episode One - Cooking
03:10
Episode Two - Entertainment
02:48
Episode Three - Body Care
03:12
Episode Four - Lighting
01:51
Gérard Mestrallet on the challenges of bringing infrastructure to the region of AlUla
02:07
Sir George Iacobescu, chairman of the Canary Wharf Group on the investment into the historic region of AlUla
02:00
Oliver Ripley of sustainable hotel group Habitas talks about how AlUla challenged his preconceptions of Saudi Arabia
02:09
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https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/culture/grammys-2024-trevor-noah-host-b2488385.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:26Z
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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
fact-checked
proofread
Fermentation revolution? Trash becomes treasure as bio-waste yields valuable acetone and isopropanol
In a major stride towards sustainable industrial fermentation, a team of researchers at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in The Netherlands, has unveiled pioneering advancements in the purification of isopropanol and acetone from the fermentation of waste gases. The study, published in the Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, introduces novel processes that promise to elevate the efficiency and viability of large-scale production.
Isopropanol and acetone have a combined global market of $10 billion. Both chemicals are important industry solvents, and isopropanol also has significant applications as a pharmaceutical ingredient due to its low toxicity. Conventional production relies on fossil carbon-dependent methods, which are becoming less favorable as stricter environmental regulations come into place.
Overturning conventional production
A promising and more sustainable manufacturing process involves the recycling of industrial waste gases and syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen which can be produced from bio-waste) using engineered bacteria. Notably, LanzaTech, a US based biotechnology company which is not connected to TU Delft's research, are currently piloting this syngas fermentation method to produce isopropanol and acetone.
A potential barrier to scale-up of this technology comes at the product purification stage; limitations to the fermentation method mean product concentrations are low, resulting in a very dilute fermentation broth.
Anton A. Kiss, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at TU Delft and corresponding author of the study, explained, "The challenge is to remove a large amount of water per kilogram of product, without high energy costs. This was addressed in our research by determining the optimal operating conditions that allowed significant process heat recovery."
Highly efficient downstream processes
The team focused on two options for initial recovery of isopropanol and acetone: vacuum distillation and pass-through distillation.
"Vacuum distillation was investigated as a classic method that can be used for recovery of volatile fermentation products, while pass-through distillation is a novel separation method that has never been implemented to complex mixtures," explained Kiss. He noted that the pass-through distillation method does not require the use of expensive refrigeration, which is needed for vacuum distillation.
Through the successful design of industrial-scale processes, high-purity isopropanol and acetone were obtained with recoveries of over 99.2%. The research revealed that all proposed processes are highly competitive with respect to both cost and environmental impact. When considering the integration of these processes into industrial plants, Kiss said, "Due to possible differences in availability of electricity and heating utilities, the optimal process design should be chosen depending on the exact plant location."
Paving the way for sustainable industrial fermentation
The novel isopropanol and acetone recovery processes presented in this research mark a significant step forward in sustainable industrial fermentation. The team are now turning their attention to the purification of other high-value chemicals.
Kiss explained, "We are designing recovery processes for various volatile chemicals from fermentation broth, to find general design rules. We are working on collaborations in which we can transfer our knowledge to companies who can implement these designs in industry."
More information: Tamara Janković et al, Advanced purification of isopropanol and acetone from syngas fermentation, Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology (2023). DOI: 10.1002/jctb.7576
Provided by Society of Chemical Industry
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https://phys.org/news/2024-01-fermentation-revolution-trash-treasure-bio.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:26Z
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The dueling contests surrounding the Nevada Republican's nominating process has led to voter confusion. And with it, an outcome many in the state saw as inevitable: Trump is the de facto winner.
Copyright 2024 NPR
The dueling contests surrounding the Nevada Republican's nominating process has led to voter confusion. And with it, an outcome many in the state saw as inevitable: Trump is the de facto winner.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/2024-01-31/nevadas-gop-nominating-process-is-confusing-and-already-yielded-a-likely-winner
| 2024-01-31T23:06:27Z
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WASHINGTON — (AP) — The United States on Wednesday attributed the drone attack that killed three U.S. service members in Jordan to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias, as President Joe Biden weighs his options to respond to the strike.
Iran threatened to "decisively respond" to any U.S. attack on the Islamic Republic after the U.S. said it held Tehran responsible. The U.S. has signaled it is preparing for retaliatory strikes in the Mideast in the wake of the Sunday drone attack that also wounded more than 40 troops at Tower 22, a secretive base in northeastern Jordan that's been crucial to the American presence in neighboring Syria.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday the U.S. believes the attack was planned, resourced and facilitated by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group that includes the militant group Kataib Hezbollah. He said Biden “believes that it is important to respond in an appropriate way.”
He said Biden was continuing to weigh his options, but Kirby said “the first thing you see won’t be the last thing," adding it “won't be a one-off.”
Kirby dismissed a statement by Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah announcing "the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces in order to prevent embarrassment to the Iraqi government." He said the group can't be taken at face value, and he added, "they're not the only group that has been attacking us."
As of Wednesday, Kataib Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned militias had launched 166 attacks on U.S. military installations since Oct. 18, including 67 in Iraq, 98 in Syria and the one in Jordan, according to the U.S. military.
The U.S. has struck back at the militias a few times over the past three months. On Oct. 27, U.S. fighter jets struck two weapons and ammunition storage sites in eastern Syria near Boukamal that were used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian-backed groups.
Also in Syria, fighter jets dropped bombs on an IRGC weapons storage facility near Maysulun in Deir el-Zour on Nov. 8. And U.S. airstrikes targeted a training facility and a safe house in the Bulbul district of Mayadin on Nov. 12.
On Dec. 26, the U.S. launched strikes on three locations in Iraq used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, and on Jan. 23, the U.S. struck three sites in Iraq, again targeting Kataib Hezbollah.
Any additional American strikes could further inflame a region already roiled by Israel's ongoing war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The war began with Hamas attacking Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostage. Since then, Israeli strikes have killed more than 26,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly 2 million others from their homes, arousing anger throughout the Muslim world.
Violence has erupted across the Mideast, with Iran striking targets in Iraq, Pakistan and Syria, and the U.S. carrying out airstrikes targeting Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels over their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Some observers fear a new round of strikes targeting Iran could tip the region into a wider war.
A U.S. Navy destroyer in the waterway shot down an anti-ship cruise missile launched by the Houthis late Tuesday, the latest attack targeting American forces patrolling the key maritime trade route, officials said. The U.S. later launched a new round of airstrikes targeting the Houthis.
The Iranian warnings first came from Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in New York. He gave a briefing to Iranian journalists late Tuesday, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.
“The Islamic Republic would decisively respond to any attack on the county, its interests and nationals under any pretexts,” IRNA quoted Iravani as saying. He described any possible Iranian retaliation as a “strong response,” without elaborating.
The Iranian mission to the U.N. did not respond to requests for comment or elaboration Wednesday on Iravani's remarks.
Iravani also denied that Iran and the U.S. had exchanged any messages over the last few days, either through intermediaries or directly. The pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera, which is based in and funded by Qatar, reported earlier that such communication had taken place. Qatar often serves as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran.
But Iran's government has taken note of the U.S. threats of retaliation for the attack on the base in Jordan.
"Sometime, our enemies raise the threat, and nowadays we hear some threats in between words by American officials," Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Hossein Salami, who answers only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said at an event Wednesday. "We tell them that you have experienced us, and we know each other. We do not leave any threat without an answer."
“We are not after war, but we have no fear of war,” he added, according to IRNA.
Kirby, for his part, said the U.S. doesn’t “seek a war with Iran. We’re not looking for a broader conflict.”
On Saturday, a general in charge of Iran's air defenses described them as being at their "highest defensive readiness." That raises concerns for commercial aviation traveling through and over Iran as well. After a U.S. drone strike killed a top general in 2020, Iranian air defenses mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, killing all 176 people on board.
Meanwhile, attacks by the Houthis continue in the Red Sea. The private security firm Ambrey reported Wednesday night a ship was targeted with a missile southwest of Aden, Yemen, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis claimed an attack on a vessel at the time called the Koi, a Liberian-flagged container ship. The ship’s managers could not be immediately reached for comment. It was unclear if the reported missile attack caused any damage or injuries.
A missile launched Tuesday night targeted the USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, the U.S. military’s Central Command said in a statement. No injuries or damage were reported.
A Houthi military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement Wednesday morning, calling it “a victory for the oppression of the Palestinian people and a response to the American-British aggression against our country.”
Saree claimed the Houthis fired "several" missiles, something not acknowledged by the U.S. Navy. Houthi claims have been exaggerated in the past, and their missiles sometimes crash on land and fail to reach their targets.
On Wednesday, a U.S. military jet struck a surface-to-air missile that was about to launch from Houthi-controlled Yemen, a U.S. official said. The missile was deemed an immediate threat and destroyed. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details ahead of a public announcement.
Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israel's offensive against Hamas in Gaza. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.
The Houthis hit a commercial vessel with a missile on Friday, sparking a fire that burned for hours.
The U.S. and the United Kingdom have launched multiple rounds of airstrikes targeting the Houthis as allied warships patrol the waterways affected by the attacks. The European Union also plans to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea within three weeks to help defend cargo ships against the Houthi attacks, the bloc's top diplomat said Wednesday.
___
Associated Press writers Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, and Tara Copp in Washington contributed to this report.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/world/us-blames-group-iran/FACRQBZWC3OLHUUGVUHRPFV4XE/
| 2024-01-31T23:06:28Z
|
Citation
Cain CM, Oluyomi AO, Levine N, Pompeii L, Rosales O, Naik-Mathuria B. J. Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2024; ePub(ePub): ePub.
Copyright
(Copyright © 2024, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)
DOI
10.1097/TA.0000000000004269
PMID
38282248
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pediatric firearm injury is often associated with socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Most studies only include fatal injuries and do not differentiate by shooting intent. We hypothesized that differences in neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage would be observed among shooting intents of fatal and nonfatal cases. METHODS: A linked integrated database of pediatric fatal and nonfatal firearm injuries was developed from trauma center and medical examiner records in Harris County, Texas (2018-2020). Geospatial analysis was utilized to map victim residence locations, stratified by shooting intent. Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a composite measure of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage at the census tract level was linked to shooting intent. Differences in high ADI (more deprived) versus low ADI among the shooting intents were assessed. Unadjusted and adjusted regression models assessed differences in ADI scores across shooting intent, adjusted models controlled for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Of 324 pediatric firearm injuries, 28% were fatal; 77% were classified as interpersonal violence, 15% unintentional, and 8% self-harm. Differences were noted among shooting intent across the ADI quartiles; with increases in ADI score, the odds of interpersonal violence injuries compared to self-harm injuries significantly increased by 5%; however, when adjusting for individual-level variables of age, gender, and race and ethnicity, no significant differences in ADI were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to be affected by interpersonal firearm violence compared to self-harm; however, when differences in race/ethnicity are considered, the differences attributable to neighborhood-level disadvantage disappeared. Resources should be dedicated to improving structural aspects of neighborhood disadvantage, which disproportionately impact racial/ethnic minoritized populations. Furthermore, firearm self-harm injuries occurred among children living in the less disadvantaged neighborhoods. Understanding the associations among individual and neighborhood-level factors are important for developing streamlined injury prevention interventions by shooting intent. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IVStudy TypePrognostic/Epidemiological.
Language: en
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https://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds%5B%5D=citjournalarticle_782788_18
| 2024-01-31T23:06:29Z
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New reports show a big academic recovery after schools reopened. But not for all students. Stanford professor Sean Reardon tells NPR's Mary Louise Kelly how the pandemic worsened education inequality.
Copyright 2024 NPR
New reports show a big academic recovery after schools reopened. But not for all students. Stanford professor Sean Reardon tells NPR's Mary Louise Kelly how the pandemic worsened education inequality.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.nprillinois.org/2024-01-31/u-s-students-are-starting-to-catch-up-in-school-unless-theyre-from-a-poor-area
| 2024-01-31T23:06:30Z
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Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons is out for Wednesday's matchup with the Phoenix Suns, the team announced.
The 27-year-old sustained played his first game in nearly three months on Monday, coming back from a nearly three-month long absence. He recorded 10 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds vs. the Utah Jazz in the comeback.
But the return came at a cost, as he suffered a left knee contusion after taking a hit during the game, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. After the knee began to swell, Simmons reportedly underwent tests that showed no further issue.
It's unclear how long Simmons will be sidelined, but it seems unlikely that the injury will keep him out for as long as the last one did. He was previously hampered by a pinched nerve in his back that he began to recover from on Nov. 6.
This story will be updated.
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https://www.wsbradio.com/news/national/nets-ben-simmons/JIJJ3T3TYDHP3ZPTNGZQOQQNX4/
| 2024-01-31T23:06:30Z
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Mother Lode State Senator Pushing Bill To Crackdown On Illegal Pot Grows
Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil Pushes for More Stringent Measures on Illegal Cannabis Enforcement and Asset Forfeiture
Sonora, CA – Mother Lode State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil has introduced Senate Bill 820, a proposal to increase stringent measures on illegal cannabis enforcement and allow for the seizure of property.
The bill aims to enhance public safety, protect the environment, and incentivize illegal growers to enter the legal market. It would allow law enforcement to seize specific property located at illegal marijuana cultivation sites after an inspection warrant has been obtained. It would not allow for vehicles worth less than $5,000 to be seized. Existing law authorizes the seizure of property used in the unlicensed manufacturing of hard liquor but does not apply to the unlicensed production of cannabis.
“We are almost seven years post-implementation of Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana, and still seeing the negative impacts of illegal cannabis cultivation on the legal market. Unlicensed cannabis farms put law-abiding growers, those who pay required fees and taxes, at a great disadvantage. Additionally, the impact on the legal market has had a disproportionate effect on social equity retailers,” said Senator Alvarado-Gil.
In 2021, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife eradicated 2.6 million illegal cannabis plants, seized 794 firearms, discarded over 32,000 pounds of trash, and removed 404 illegal water diversions. The bill aims to protect small businesses that cultivate less than 1,000 plants and workers employed by illegal growers. It would target unlicensed cultivation sites containing over 1,000 marijuana plants and enable law enforcement to dismantle the equipment used in those illegal grows as a deterrent for relaunching illegal operations.
Chris Lopez, Board Chair of Rural County Representatives of California, supports SB 820, saying, “The battle against the illicit cannabis market has been a persistent and formidable challenge for our counties. Struggling with limited resources, it is of utmost importance to equip local government with enforcement tools that can truly make a difference. SB 820 will disrupt the financial operations of unlicensed growers and reinvest those funds into bolstering licensed cannabis businesses.”
The bill would invest 15% of enforcement proceeds in the local jurisdiction and 85% of funds in the Cannabis Control Fund to support equity programs.
“SB 820 is a solution to ensure the integrity of the legal cannabis market and to encourage licensed cultivation. The Cannabis Equity Act is a pivotal piece of legislation to prioritize the historic nature of communities negatively impacted by cannabis criminalization. The intent of SB 820 is to disincentivize illegal grows while protecting dedicated dollars for the Cannabis Control Fund—social equity funds to reinvest in the legal, regulated cannabis market,” the senator added.
With 36 votes in favor of the bill, it has advanced from the Senate floor and now heads to the Assembly Business and Professions Committee and the Assembly Public Safety Committee.
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https://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/3301821/mother-lode-state-senator-pushing-bill-to-crackdown-on-illegal-pot-grows.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:31Z
|
(MENAFN- EIN Presswire)
Picture of a Wall Recycling garbage collection & trash pickup truck.
Picture of one a garbage collection bin from Wall Recycling.
Illustration of Wall Recycling's roll off dumpster rental sizes.
Wall Recycling now offers trash services including scheduled trash pickup, bulk waste, and junk removal exclusively to residents of Wilmington, North Carolina.
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES, January 31, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- Wall Recycling, a sustainable waste management provider in North Carolina, is excited to announce the expansion of its services to include a new residential trash pickup and garbage collection program in Wilmington. This move reinforces Wall Recycling's commitment to offering comprehensive waste solutions and trash services while contributing to the community's environmental well-being.
Known throughout North Carolina for its dumpster rentals, scrap yards, recycling facilities, and auto salvage yards, Wall Recycling brings its expertise to the doorstep of Wilmington residents, offering reliable and efficient garbage collection services. The introduction of this residential trash pickup program aligns with Wall Recycling's mission to enhance the quality of life for community members by providing accessible and environmentally responsible waste management solutions.
Key Features of Wall Recycling's Residential Trash Pickup & Garbage Collection Services:
1. **Convenient Scheduling:** Residents can enjoy the convenience of curbside garbage collection services tailored to their specific needs. Whether you need scheduled trash pickup or one-time bulk waste removal, Wall Recycling aims to make waste disposal hassle-free by implementing flexible pickup schedules.
2. **Environmentally Friendly Practices:** Wall Recycling remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability. The residential garbage collection service incorporates eco-friendly practices, such as recycling initiatives and waste diversion programs, to minimize the environmental impact of waste disposal.
3. **State-of-the-Art Fleet:** Wall Recycling employs a well-maintained fleet of garbage collection vehicles equipped with the latest technology to ensure prompt and efficient trash pickup. The company's commitment to reliability and professionalism is reflected in its fleet's performance.
4. **Community Engagement:** As a company deeply rooted in North Carolina, Wall Recycling places a strong emphasis on community engagement. The residential trash pickup and garbage collection service is designed not only to meet the waste management needs of Wilmington residents but also to actively contribute to the local community's well-being.
Wilmington residents learn more about Wall Recycling's residential garbage collection service by visiting or contacting the customer service hotline at (910) 444-7777.
Roll Off Dumpster Rental in Wilmington:
Tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses and homeowners, Wall Recycling's roll off dumpster rental services showcase their commitment to providing convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible waste disposal options. Whether it's a commercial project or a residential endeavor, Wall Recycling's one-time bulk waste removal services aim to simplify the waste management process for clients while contributing to a cleaner, greener environment. Simply rent a roll off dumpster in Wilmington and schedule a time for waste removal.
Commercial Roll-Off Dumpster Rental: Streamlining Bulk Waste Disposal for Businesses
Businesses often face the challenge of managing large volumes of waste generated during construction, renovation, or special projects. Wall Recycling's commercial roll-off dumpster rental service is designed to address these needs effectively. Key features include:
1. **Versatility:** Wall Recycling offers a range of dumpster sizes to accommodate various project scales, ensuring businesses only pay for the space they need.
2. **Prompt Delivery and Pickup:** Timeliness is crucial in business operations. Wall Recycling's fleet ensures timely delivery and pickup of dumpsters, allowing businesses to maintain efficient project timelines.
3. **Compliance with Regulations:** Wall Recycling is well-versed in local waste disposal regulations, ensuring that businesses adhere to environmental standards while disposing of bulk waste.
Residential Dumpster Rental : Simplifying Bulk Waste Removal for Homeowners
Homeowners undertaking large-scale cleanouts, home renovations, or yard projects can benefit from Wall Recycling's residential dumpster rental service. This hassle-free option offers:
1. **Convenient Sizing:** With various dumpster sizes available, homeowners can choose the right container to suit their specific needs, avoiding unnecessary costs.
2. **Easy Ordering Process:** Renting a dumpster from Wall Recycling is a straightforward process. Homeowners can easily place orders online or through the customer service hotline.
3. **Environmentally Responsible Practices:** Wall Recycling incorporates sustainable waste disposal practices, ensuring that recyclable materials are appropriately processed and diverted from landfills.
About Wall Recycling:
Wall Recycling has been a leading waste management provider in North Carolina for [number] years, specializing in innovative and sustainable solutions for businesses and communities. Committed to environmental responsibility and customer satisfaction, Wall Recycling continues to set the standard for comprehensive waste management services.
Call Wall Recycling at [phone] to set up residential trash pickup by requesting scheduled garbage collection. Or book a roll of dumpster rental online:
Dan Wall
Wall Recycling
+1 (910) 444-7777
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
MENAFN31012024003118003196ID1107793837
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
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https://menafn.com/1107793837/Wall-Recycling-Launches-New-Residential-Trash-Pickup-Garbage-Collection-Services-In-Wilmington-North-Carolina
| 2024-01-31T23:06:32Z
|
Independent TV
Showing now | News
00:35
Florida authorities seize $55m worth of drugs in 60-day operation
The US Coast Guard seized $55m worth of drugs after a 60-day patrol, preventing 6,565lb of marijuana and around 3,700lb of cocaine from entering the country.
Two suspected drug trafficking ventures were stopped by the Cutter Resolute (WMEC 620) crew and six suspects were detained, officials said.
The drugs were seized in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the Coast Guard said.
"Every Resolute sailor and their loved ones should be proud; they are a living example of the Coast Guard’s motto, 'Semper Paratus – Always Ready.' It is an honor to lead such a fine ship and crew," commanding officer Matthew Kolodica said.
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Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s future
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‘I used a 1978 ticket to get into Disney - and it worked’
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Love Island star hits out at ‘scary’ deep fake nude photos
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Katherine Ryan’s ‘British’ complaint amid ‘acclimatise’ struggle
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‘I’m a doctor and this one exercise can lower risk of heart attack’
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Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on the imposter syndrome epidemic
04:26
Finance coach Ellie Austin-Williams on the psychology of money
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STEM campaigner Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE on workplace bias
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Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on how to tackle imposter syndrome
03:13
Episode One - Cooking
03:10
Episode Two - Entertainment
02:48
Episode Three - Body Care
03:12
Episode Four - Lighting
01:51
Gérard Mestrallet on the challenges of bringing infrastructure to the region of AlUla
02:07
Sir George Iacobescu, chairman of the Canary Wharf Group on the investment into the historic region of AlUla
02:00
Oliver Ripley of sustainable hotel group Habitas talks about how AlUla challenged his preconceptions of Saudi Arabia
02:09
|
https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/crime-florida-drugs-coast-guard-b2488417.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:32Z
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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
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When firms internalize political stigma
The Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017 stigmatized local employers by creating the impression that strongly anti-diversity attitudes put on display by white supremacists were widespread in the community. Employers sought to counteract this "stigma by association" by dramatically increasing the extent to which they included pro-diversity language in their job advertisements.
This is according to research by Assistant Professor of Management and Organization Reuben Hurst at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business. The study is published in the journal Administrative Science Quarterly.
Hurst explains, "One of the most fascinating phenomena of the contemporary business world is that companies speak up on divisive social issues far more so than they have in the past. This is especially puzzling in light of evidence that firms generally have fared better by staying silent on these issues. Idiosyncrasies of Unite the Rally meant that I could cleanly test the theory that this positioning often arises as a defensive response to counteract perceived association with controversial political actors."
Through interviews with hiring managers in the Charlottesville area, Hurst first learned that following the rally, local organizations had begun to hear concerns from prospective employees that the anti-diversity views of the rally's demonstrators existed broadly in the community. This motivated employers to make pro-diversity claims in their job postings to counteract the presumption. Post rally, "firms normally neutral, or not even pro-diversity were more likely to 'speak up' as 'pro-diversity' in their recruiting and hiring processes," he explains.
Motivated by this qualitative evidence, he then found evidence of this pattern with a dataset of more than 60 million job ads where he compared job ads in Charlottesville to ads in other parts of the country.
"What's more," he adds, "the rally seems to have caused a wage premium, pressuring employers to offer higher wages to offset potential employees' misgivings regarding Charlottesville. But this premium was lower when employers made pro-diversity claims. In other words, those efforts to counteract that anti-diversity stigma by association seem, to some extent, to have worked."
The paper has received multiple best paper awards, including from the Academy of Management and Strategic Management Society. The study reflects Hurst's broader interests in how employers adjust recruiting strategies in response to growing demographic diversity and political polarization and how these strategies contribute to labor market segregation by gender, race, and political partisanship.
The findings surrounding "Unite the Right," he says, add insight to employers' strategic sociopolitical positioning whereby they make calculated appeals to stakeholders. "This contrasts with related research showing that firms use social claims to combat negative evaluations resulting from their own actions or to differentiate from competitors," he adds.
"For example, we've all heard about the diversity training Starbucks implemented after some of their employees mistreated racial minority customers. A big part of that was to signal to people that, despite the actions of these employees, they would not tolerate racism in their stores. What's different about this case is that Charlottesville's employers hadn't done anything to indicate sympathy with white supremacy. It was simply their proximity to these rioters that suddenly made it important for them to speak up and explicitly affirm their commitment to diversity."
Hurst says his study also "suggests opportunities for further research investigating, for example, additional motivations for firms' socio-political positioning, how positioning might evolve in the context of growing political polarization, and how positioning might relate to workplace inequality and diversity."
More information: Reuben Hurst, Countervailing Claims: Pro-Diversity Responses to Stigma by Association Following the Unite the Right Rally, Administrative Science Quarterly (2023). DOI: 10.1177/00018392231203008
Provided by University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business
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https://phys.org/news/2024-01-firms-internalize-political-stigma.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:33Z
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NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to Vivian McCall, reporter for The Stranger, about recent raids in Seattle's gay bars. Members of the city's LGBTQ-plus community are looking for answers.
Copyright 2024 NPR
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to Vivian McCall, reporter for The Stranger, about recent raids in Seattle's gay bars. Members of the city's LGBTQ-plus community are looking for answers.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/2024-01-31/seattles-queer-community-is-furious-after-gay-bars-were-raided-over-the-weekend
| 2024-01-31T23:06:33Z
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Citation
Szwedo DE, Davis AA, Fowler C, Mikami AY, Allen JP. J. Youth Adolesc. 2024; ePub(ePub): ePub.
Copyright
(Copyright © 2024, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)
DOI
10.1007/s10964-024-01945-4
PMID
38285161
Abstract
Although an increasing body of literature has linked social experiences to physical health, research has yet to consider how specific aspects of social experiences taking place on social media during late adolescence may predict future physical health outcomes. This study thus examined qualities of social media posts received from peers at age 21 as predictors of participants' physical health (e.g., Interleukin-6 (inflammation), sleep problems, problems with physical functioning, and BMI) at age 28. Participants included 138 youth (59 men and 79 women); 57% of participants identified as White, 30% as Black/African American, and 13% as from other or mixed racial/ethnic groups. Posts from friends and participants at age 21 characterized by social ties predicted lower levels of future physical health problems, whereas socially inappropriate "faux pas" posts that deviated from peer norms by friends predicted higher levels of physical health problems at age 28. These associations were found after accounting for factors typically associated with physical health outcomes, including participants' baseline social competence, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, alcohol use, observed physical attractiveness, and history of prior hospitalizations. The results of this study suggest the importance of both achieving social integration with peers online and adhering to peer norms in the online domain as key predictors of future physical health.
Language: en
Keywords
Social media; Health; Facebook; Online; Peer relationships; Social integration
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https://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds%5B%5D=citjournalarticle_782790_18
| 2024-01-31T23:06:35Z
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Donations poured in Wednesday to replace a destroyed statue of Jackie Robinson on what would have been the 105th birthday of the first player to break Major League Baseball's color barrier.
The total raised just through one online fundraiser surpassed $140,000, which is far in excess of the estimated $75,000 value of the bronze statue that was cut from its base last week at a park in Wichita, Kansas. Police are searching for those responsible.
Only the statue's feet were left at McAdams Park, where about 600 children play in a youth baseball league called League 42, which is named after Robinson' s uniform number with the Brooklyn Dodgers, with whom he broke the major leagues' color barrier in 1947.
Fire crews found burned remnants of the statue Tuesday while responding to a trash can fire at another park about 7 miles (11.27 kilometers) away. A truck believed to be used in the theft previously was found abandoned, and police said the theft was captured on surveillance video.
Bob Lutz, executive director of the Little League nonprofit that commissioned the sculpture, said the money raised also could enhance some of its programming and facilities. In April, the group opened the Leslie Rudd Learning Center, which includes an indoor baseball facility and a learning lab.
“We’re not just baseball,” Lutz said. “We have after school education, enrichment and tutoring.”
One of the largest donations is a $10,000 pledge from an anonymous former Major League Baseball player who won a World Series. Wichita police Chief Joe Sullivan, who announced the donation over the weekend, has urged anyone involved in the theft to surrender and vowed that arrests were imminent.
“The community, along with the business community and the nation as a whole, have demonstrated an incredible outpouring of support,” Sullivan said in a statement Wednesday. “This effort highlights the kindness of the people and their determination to rebuild what was taken away from our community.”
Lutz, whose friend, the artist John Parsons, made the statue before his death, said the mold is still viable and anticipated that a replacement can be erected within a matter of months.
“We value what it represents,” he said. “It’s important that our 600 kids understand what it represents. And, we make every effort to educate our kids about the role that Jackie Robinson played in life and civil rights, his life beyond sports. He’s the absolute best role model you could imagine.”
League 42 drew attention to Robinson's birthday Wednesday in a Facebook post, noting that "his legacy will hold up forever" and asking for donations.
Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, paving the way for generations of Black American ballplayers. He's considered not only a sports legend but also a civil rights icon. Robinson died in 1972.
Lutz said that the league appeals to “all kids, but especially to kids of color" and that the connection to Robinson resonated.
“We can’t imagine, being named League 42 without a Jackie Robinson statue in our park," he said. "It was a no-brainer when we went about trying to name our league. And the name League 42 came up. It was like lightning and struck. We knew we had our name.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.actionnewsjax.com/sports/donations-pour/EIYIBQGNVMGFY4HU7WLOMZE3L4/
| 2024-01-31T23:06:35Z
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A bid to block former President Donald Trump from Illinois’ March 19 primary ballot has moved to state court, where challengers to the likely 2024 Republican nominee are hoping to move quickly in a case expected to make its way to the Illinois Supreme Court.
The State Board of Elections unanimously voted Tuesday to reject the challenge to Trump’s candidacy , setting the stage for the new court battle.
A group of objectors went on to file a petition for judicial review in Cook County Circuit Court later Tuesday, insisting that Trump should be barred from the ballot “for having engaged in insurrection having previously sworn an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution.”
The state election board rejected the challenge on the grounds that the panel lacked statutory authority to determine whether Trump violated the 14th Amendment, which prohibits insurrectionists from seeking public office.
The new lawsuit says that decision should be reversed because it “has no basis in law or logic.” And even if the state board does lack authority, the lawsuit insists that “this court certainly does not.”
The objectors are asking the state court to move quickly, writing in a motion that “it is highly likely that the case will ultimately be resolved by the Illinois Supreme Court.”
They asked to appear before the court for arguments as soon as Monday. The case has been assigned to Cook County Judge Mary Trew, and court records show a hearing has been set for Friday.
Free Speech for People is representing the five Illinois voters who object to Trump’s candidacy in the matter.
Before Tuesday’s decision by the state elections board, Illinois was among 13 states with pending objections to Trump’s candidacy based on the 14th Amendment clause, according to the non-profit, non-partisan legal analysis group Lawfare.
Two other states, Colorado and Maine, opted to remove Trump from their ballots.
The Colorado Supreme Court ruling justifying that move is now under review by the U.S. Supreme Court, which will hear arguments on Feb. 8. A Maine court has returned that case to the state’s secretary of state with orders to make a new determination on Trump’s ballot eligibility once the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the Colorado case.
On his social media platform, Trump praised Tuesday’s unanimous ruling by the Illinois board.
“Thank you to the Illinois State Board of Elections for ruling 8-0 in protecting the Citizens of our Country from the Radical Left Lunatics who are trying to destroy it,” Trump wrote.
Contributing: Dave McKinney
|
https://www.nprillinois.org/illinois/2024-01-31/battle-to-keep-trump-off-illinois-primary-ballot-moves-to-state-court
| 2024-01-31T23:06:36Z
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Nick Dunlap didn’t need much time to make his decision after hoisting the trophy in Southern California earlier this month.
The 20-year-old sophomore from Alabama, who made history with his win at The American Express two weeks ago, officially turned pro. He will now make his professional debut this week at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which marks the second designated event on Tour so far this season.
"Hectic, but also really cool," Dunlap said on Wednesday of what the last few weeks have been like. "I've had numerous moments where you just kind of have to take it all in, it's overwhelming. But also I've dreamed about doing this my whole life and playing golf on the PGA Tour. To finally be here and to be able to do that as a 20-year-old is pretty cool."
Dunlap won The American Express in La Quinta, California, two weeks ago after posting a 60 in the third round. That made him the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson did so in 1991, and the youngest amateur to do so since 1910.
Dunlap, who won the U.S. Amateur, was already set to play in the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open this season. Now that he's turned pro, he will have full Tour status and exemption through the 2026 season. His win jumped him up 4,061 spots to No. 68 in the Official World Golf Rankings, which was the highest one-week jump in the rankings' history.
"I would say I knew that I was probably going to turn pro just with the opportunity that had been presented, but also I wanted to go back and talk to my teammates and talk to my parents and my coach and get their opinion and their two cents worth before I did anything," Dunlap said.
Once he did that, Dunlap made the trip to the Monterey Peninsula for this week’s tournament. Just like that, he was right in the mix. Fellow Alabama star Justin Thomas actually caught up with Dunlap and others at dinner on Monday night.
"Nick was there and he looked tired. He was like, 'Man, I'm so tired.'" Thomas said on Tuesday. "I was like, 'Dude, I don't really care. You should be sleeping right now and getting ready to go to class tomorrow morning and I'm pretty sure all of your teammates would happily switch with you, so be careful who you say that to.'
"I was needling him, giving him a hard time … I just think it's important that whatever he's always done, to continue to do that because I think it's easy to get a little bit taken over by the opportunity."
Dunlap will go off with Xander Schauffele on Thursday afternoon at Pebble Beach. He’ll then play at Spyglass Hill on Friday, where he’ll attempt to make a second straight cut before trying to compete into the weekend yet again. That’s no easy task, especially with the stronger field in play this week.
But regardless of how it goes, Dunlap knows how special it is to get to make his pro debut at Pebble Beach of all places.
"I remember playing this place on the PGA Tour PlayStation game, so to be out here and to see it for the first time is pretty cool," he said.
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https://www.wsbradio.com/news/national/nick-dunlap-ready/3DA3PSHXYAUQ2AD6AU5AP2XD3Q/
| 2024-01-31T23:06:37Z
|
(MENAFN- EIN Presswire)
Brainy Board is a streaming service and educational resource for community association board members.
Brainy Board provides on-demand videos addressing association concerns and legal issues. Create your free Brainy Board account today at
MUNDELEIN, IL, UNITED STATES, January 31, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- KSN is proud to introduce Brainy Board – a streaming service and educational resource for new and experienced board members throughout the country.
Brainy Board provides on-demand access to videos addressing condominium, homeowner (HOA ), and townhome community association concerns and legal issues.
To create a free Brainy Board account today and start watching our library of on-demand videos, please visit .
KSN Managing Partner Ryan Shpritz:“Board members are faced with challenging responsibilities. They are volunteers tasked with managing multi-million dollar communities surrounded by their neighbors. For most owners, a home or condo is their largest investment. Managing these associations involves creating budgets, working with vendors, obtaining insurance coverage, owner disputes, addressing legal issues, and other day-to-day concerns.
I'm thrilled to announce the launch of Brainy Board; a pioneering streaming service created specifically for board members across condominiums, HOAs, and townhome associations. Brainy Board delivers a wealth of knowledge as a great resource to assist board members throughout the country. This innovative platform stands as a testament to KSN's dedication and commitment to empowering board members and advancing education in the field of community association law.”
Brainy Board streaming service summary:
- Brainy Board is powered by KSN! KSN attorneys discuss topics including board member 101, community issues, association finances, technology, and more.
- Brainy Board videos range from 2 to 30 minutes in length. They are divided into categories, making it easy for board members, property managers, and community leaders to discover and binge videos covering hot topics, industry trends, and frequently asked questions.
- Brainy Board videos are available to watch on a phone, tablet, computer, and even a TV.
Starting February 14, 2024 new Brainy Board videos will be released every week throughout 2024.
Where to watch Brainy Board?
- Mobile apps: Brainy Board is also available as an over-the-top (OTT) app on video streaming options including Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV.
- TV apps: Brainy Board is also available as an app on video streaming devices including Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV.
- Computer: You can watch Brainy Board videos in various web browsers including Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.
Brainy Board's features include personalized playlists, offline viewing, video sharing, auto resume, screen casting videos, and more.
To create your free Brainy Board account today and start watching a library of on-demand videos, please visit .
For media inquiries about Brainy Board, please contact KSN's marketing department by emailing ....
KSN's Commitment to Education
Brainy Board is the latest chapter in KSN's continued commitment to client and community education. As leaders in the community association industry, we've developed a number of educational resources for board members, property managers, and community leaders.
- The KSN blog features hundreds of articles authored by our experienced community association, landlord/tenant, and property tax appeal attorneys ( ).
- The KSN Podcast has over 190,000 downloads and is available to listen through iTunes, Amazon, and other podcast platforms ( ).
- The KSN app, available for iOS and Android devices, provides mobile-friendly access to our firm's educational resources and our Case Status Online (CSO) portal ( ).
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Since 1983, KSN has been a legal resource for condominium, homeowner, and townhome associations. Additionally, we represent clients in real estate transactions, collections, landlord/tenant issues, and property tax appeals. We represent thousands of clients and community associations throughout the US with offices in several states including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
If we can be of legal assistance, do not hesitate to call 855-537-0500 or visit .
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Brainy Board is an on-demand video streaming service and educational resource for community association board members.
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https://menafn.com/1107793838/Introducing-Brainy-Board-A-Free-Streaming-Service-For-Condo-HOA-Board-Members-Powered-By-KSN
| 2024-01-31T23:06:38Z
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Independent TV
Showing now | Sport
00:42
Confident Luke Littler brushes off ‘pressure’ concerns over Premier League debut
Luke Littler brushed off concerns that pressure may get the best of him as he prepares for his eagerly-awaited Premier League debut.
The 17-year-old darts sensation will face his World Championship final conqueror Luke Humphries in the last quarter-final of opening night in Cardiff on Thursday, 1 February.
Speaking at a Premier League launch press conference in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Littler said: "I just do what I do, do what I do best and throw my darts in the board."
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Gary Neville makes kind offer to Traitors winner after chance meeting
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‘I used a 1978 ticket to get into Disney - and it worked’
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Love Island star hits out at ‘scary’ deep fake nude photos
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Katherine Ryan’s ‘British’ complaint amid ‘acclimatise’ struggle
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‘I’m a doctor and this one exercise can lower risk of heart attack’
04:23
Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on the imposter syndrome epidemic
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Episode One - Cooking
03:10
Episode Two - Entertainment
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01:51
Gérard Mestrallet on the challenges of bringing infrastructure to the region of AlUla
02:07
Sir George Iacobescu, chairman of the Canary Wharf Group on the investment into the historic region of AlUla
02:00
Oliver Ripley of sustainable hotel group Habitas talks about how AlUla challenged his preconceptions of Saudi Arabia
02:09
|
https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/sport/darts-luke-littler-premier-league-b2488426.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:38Z
|
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
fact-checked
trusted source
proofread
Green methanol for the circular economy: Researchers develop new catalyst
Researchers hope to produce the raw material methanol at the edge of a field or on the farm using renewable energy. In addition to wind or sun, water and CO2 would be needed to produce the raw materials for the green methanol process: carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2), which react catalytically to form methanol.
This is made possible by a new catalyst developed in Rostock. A process based on this completely dispenses with fossil raw materials. And it is highly selective, producing virtually no by-products.
The catalyst is based on manganese, as Gordon Neitzel from the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT) explains, "The metal atom forms the catalytic center. It is fixed and protected by a kind of scaffold, the so-called ligand."
As part of his doctorate, Gordon Neitzel optimized the molecular structure of this ligand and put the finishing touches to the catalyst complex, so to speak. The results were published in the journal ChemCatChem.
Climate-neutral Management with E4MeWi
The work is part of the E4MeWi research network. The abbreviation stands for "Energie-Effiziente Erneuerbare Energien basierte Methanol-Wirtschaft" (Energy-Efficient Renewable Energy-based Methanol Economy). The project partners are CreativeQuantum GmbH in Berlin, Ineratec GmbH in Karlsruhe, Ruhr University Bochum and the Bitterfeld-Wolfen Chemical Park.
"A climate-neutral economy, as the Federal Republic of Germany is aiming for by 2045, also needs basic chemicals," Gordon Neitzel said.
Methanol is needed for plastics and resins, for example, which are used everywhere from the furniture to the automotive industry. Methanol production, currently 110 million metric tons per year worldwide, traditionally runs on natural gas—at high pressures of around 50 to 100 bar and temperatures between 200 and 300°C, depending on the process. With every ton of methanol, the huge plants emit one and a half tons of carbon dioxide. This has no future.
Reduced pressure and temperature requirements
The E4MeWi project aims to provide an alternative to the conventional process. Its core element is the catalyst, which allows H2 and CO to react in a dissolved state to produce methanol. The carbon monoxide is first extracted from CO2.
The manganese catalyst used for this was originally developed at LIKAT in the research group led by Dr. Kathrin Junge and Prof. Dr. Matthias Beller. It enables a completely new process that halves the pressure and temperature required for methanol production.
In addition, the process does not require fossil raw materials, which makes the catalyst a key element of a future CO2- and climate-neutral circular economy. Especially as methanol, produced in a green way, is also well suited as a chemical storage medium for hydrogen, one of the hopes of the energy transition.
Methanol plants in container size
The E4MeWi project participants envision a container-sized plant that uses local resources for sustainable value creation virtually at the edge of the field, on the farm or on the farmyard: Wind and solar energy, CO2 emissions from point sources and from biogas, plastic waste or wood waste. CO2 and water are initially combined to produce synthesis gas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which is converted into methanol using the new catalyst.
Gordon Neitzel has significantly optimized the well-known manganese catalyst by developing new structures for the ligand that protectively surrounds the catalytically active center. "Without this shell, carbon monoxide would attack the manganese atom in the center of the catalyst and destroy the complex compound." This work has now doubled the reaction speed in methanol production.
This brings the project partners a good deal closer to an economically viable plant. After all, this is also part of the aim of such decentralized production: to establish a completely new market for the methanol trade and thus promote economic transformation processes.
More information: Gordon Neitzel et al, An Improved Manganese Pincer Catalyst for low Temperature Hydrogenation of Carbon Monoxide to Methanol, ChemCatChem (2023). DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202301053
Provided by Leibniz Institute for Catalysis
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https://phys.org/news/2024-01-green-methanol-circular-economy-catalyst.html
| 2024-01-31T23:06:39Z
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Scientists have found that spiderwebs can be used to capture environmental DNA, which reflects the animal population of an area. The technique may help track the biodiversity of an ecosystem.
Copyright 2024 NPR
Scientists have found that spiderwebs can be used to capture environmental DNA, which reflects the animal population of an area. The technique may help track the biodiversity of an ecosystem.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/2024-01-31/spiderwebs-could-offer-a-snapshot-of-an-ecosystem-study-shows
| 2024-01-31T23:06:39Z
|
Citation
Tervo-Clemmens B, Gilman JM, Evins AE, Bentley KH, Nock MK, Smoller JW, Schuster RM. JAMA Pediatr. 2024; ePub(ePub): ePub.
Copyright
(Copyright © 2024, American Medical Association)
DOI
10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.6263
PMID
38285470
Abstract
Adolescents who use substances have more psychiatric symptoms than peers who do not use.1,2 There are, however, conflicting findings on whether various substances have unique or nonspecific associations with co-occurring psychiatric symptoms.2,3 Similarly, dose dependence of these associations and presence of increased psychiatric symptoms among adolescents with infrequent use are debated.1 With increasing rates of adolescent mental health–related problems, particularly suicide,4,5 clarification on these issues is needed to inform screening, prevention and intervention, and policy.6 We examined associations between common substances and psychiatric symptoms among adolescents.
Language: en
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https://www.safetylit.org/citations/index.php?fuseaction=citations.viewdetails&citationIds%5B%5D=citjournalarticle_782791_18
| 2024-01-31T23:06:41Z
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Bianca Belair On Main-Eventing WWE WrestleMania With Husband Montez Ford Not On Card
Bianca Belair and Montez Ford's "Love & WWE" reality show is set to premiere next month. At the moment, the couple is making numerous media appearances to promote the show, including one on "The MMA Hour," where "The EST" spoke about headlining WrestleMania while her husband was left off the card.
"People don't know this, but WrestleMania 37, he was supposed to have a WrestleMania match," Belair said. "He had gear made. He had family coming. And, you know, things change all the time. His match ended up getting moved to the night before on 'SmackDown,' and he had every right to feel devastated and be down. He could have walked around like he had a cloud over his head, but that very next day I was main-eventing WrestleMania. And that's the balance that we have, and it can be hard sometimes to do that, but that's the balance where he chose to be a husband that night and be happy for me, and proud of me, and celebrate me instead of being a worker and being frustrated by his situation."
The bout Belair claims was moved from the WrestleMania 37 card to "WWE SmackDown" was the four-way match for the "SmackDown" Tag Team Championship between then-reigning champions The Dirty Dawgs (Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode), Chad Gable and Otis, the Street Profits (Ford and Angelo Dawkins), and the Mysterios (Rey and Dominik). That title clash took place inside the Thunderdome during the pandemic era. Belair's WrestleMania match, however, occurred on the first evening of the two-night event in front of a limited audience at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The 2021 women's Royal Rumble winner ultimately defeated Sasha Banks in the main event to win the "SmackDown" Women's Championship; Ford celebrated with Belair in the ring after the match.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "The MMA Hour" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
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https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1506728/bianca-belair-main-eventing-wwe-wrestlemania-husband-montez-ford-not-card/
| 2024-01-31T23:06:42Z
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