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California Rep. Maxine Waters is casting doubt in no uncertain terms on the accuracy of a recent wave of polling that has steadily found President Joe Biden losing support among Black voters in favor of Donald Trump’s candidacy.
The Democratic Congresswoman shared her thoughts during a recent appearance on MSNBC ahead of the upcoming Democratic primary in South Carolina, a contest that has traditionally been expected to reflect the tenor of Black voters across the country.
MORE: ‘TRUMP CAN’T HIDE’: Maxine Waters Predicts Ivanka Will Be ‘Imprisoned’ With Dad, Too
Waters suggested that a conservative-led effort to distort Biden’s record by spewing misinformation to Black America has effectively prevailed. She also questioned whether polls that claim more Black voters will be casting ballots for Trump would actually come true.
“I think that Trump and the Republicans have been doing everything that they can to get the people of the country to believe that … he’s losing the Black vote,” Waters told Jonathan Capehart. “I don’t buy it yet.”
Continuing, Waters also said “I don’t know which polls are the ones leading this argument but I think we have some work to do to make sure that Blacks are being told that [Republicans are] attempting to use us. They’re attempting to divide us. They’re attempting to use you to say that you’re going to be responsible for helping to get Trump get elected.”
Waters said Biden has fulfilled plenty of promises he made to Black America as a candidate in 2020, including successfully nominating a Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“He said he was gonna do it, he did it,” Waters said before crediting Biden with efforts to confront the pandemic, climate change, reducing inflation and more.
“Biden has done everything that he said he would do,” Waters said.
South Carolina’s Democratic Party chair Christale Spain – the first Black woman to serve in that position – similarly pointed to a messaging issue about what she described as Biden’s wins for Black America.
“I really feel like what you all [in the media] are reporting as an enthusiasm gap is an information gap,” Spain, who campaigned alongside Biden last weekend, told Politico.
“Just being in the president’s presence this weekend and seeing how well he was received … and him talking about how well Democrats have delivered, I think that Black voters will turn out for him,” Spain added. “I see the [negative perceptions] about him online, but I don’t feel it here in the state, especially when we’re going around talking to Black voters about this administration’s accomplishments.”
Spain then pointed to the presumptive presidential choice voters will have between Biden and Trump as the motivating factor for Black voters on Election Day.
“I don’t see a scenario where Black voters won’t vote for Joe Biden,” Spain continued before adding later: “I don’t know anyone who wants to go back to Trump’s crazy.”
Republicans are definitely working hard to court Black voters this year, including unorthodox strategies like opposing a proposed federal ban on menthol cigarettes, which data shows are disproportionately smoked by Black people.
Biden’s stance on the conflict in Gaza may also be turning off some Black voters who oppose the same white supremacy system in Israel that has been fueling what critics have called the “genocide” of Palestinian people.
The polling has centered on Biden and Trump, but third-party candidates have also been receiving outsize support from Black voters who are interested in an alternative outside of the mainstream political parties.
Tenty percent of Black voters – Biden’s most loyal base – expect to cast their ballots on Election Day for neither the incumbent nor Trump, according to a USA Today/Suffolk University Poll that was released earlier this month.
That’s likely why independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. held a roundtable discussion with Black women in Atlanta a few weeks ago.
Separately, a poll from late last year found that Trump would defeat Biden while enjoying a level of support from Black voters in crucial battleground states previously “unseen” by a Republican candidate seeking the White House.
This is America.
SEE ALSO:
Black Voters Matter Announce ‘We Fight Back’ Campaign & Bus Tour For The 2024 Election Season
Funds Pledged To Mobilize Black Male Voters As Polls Claim More African Americans Supporting Trump
The post Maxine Waters Rejects Narrative That More Black Voters Support Trump: ‘They’re Attempting To Divide Us’ appeared first on NewsOne.
Maxine Waters Rejects Narrative That More Black Voters Support Trump: ‘They’re Attempting To Divide Us’ was originally published on newsone.com
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https://1053rnb.com/4973096/maxine-waters-rejects-narrative-that-more-black-voters-support-trump-theyre-attempting-to-divide-us/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:13Z
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Danny Cipriani represented England on 16 occasions; He last played professional rugby in 2022 in the Premiership for Bath; He was "semi-retired" but has now taken the decision that he does not see professional rugby as part of his future
Wednesday 31 January 2024 19:10, UK
Danny Cipriani has confirmed that he has officially retired from professional rugby.
Cipriani represented England on 16 occasions and played for clubs across the Premiership such as Wasps, Sale Sharks, Gloucester and Bath.
The utility back last played in 2022 and was "semi-retired" but has now taken the decision that rugby is no longer a part of his future.
Cipriani posted a statement on social media, saying: "Even though I've been semi-retired. This is my official announcement.
"I haven't played for a while, but in my mind I left it open.
"Messaging my agent as I sit outside Costa, I realised I don't want to play again. Sobering but also freeing moment.
"Thank you to all of the coaches that I have had, I have taken lots away from each one of you.
"All the staff at every club who are always the greatest mix of personalities, thank you for often being the heartbeat of the club.
"To the supporters who turned up and wore their heart on their sleeves, thank you for showing love throughout my career, special memories from all the fans of each team I played at.
"To all my team mates I played with, man I loved it, I know sometimes I could be relentless, we did have some fun out there though.
"Learnt so much throughout my career and when I reflect, I'm grateful for every moment.
"Anyway, from a semi-retired now officially retired ex-rugby player.
"I couldn't be more excited for right now, and what's in store in the future!"
You can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel!
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https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/13060901/danny-cipriani-confirms-retirement-from-rugby-after-realisation-he-doesnt-want-to-play-again
| 2024-01-31T23:23:13Z
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Jorge Rubiano arrived alone in Chicago, but his pain and trauma came with him.
For months, he tried to find steady work. For months, he's been sleeping in a crowded temporary shelter, worrying about his wife and mother back in Colombia. Are they safe? Did I make the right decision?
He recalls a frightening phone call with his wife in Colombia, cut short when the bus she was riding on was being robbed.
Rubiano, 43, is also haunted by memories of his harrowing journey to Chicago, during which he says he was kidnapped for a month, before escaping.
He left his country, he says, over a land dispute in which the government threatened his life.
"I'm still in between two dangers," Rubiano says in Spanish. "If I return it's very possible they kill me, and if I stay I don't know what can happen here."
More than 30,000 migrants and asylum seekers have arrived in Chicago since August of 2022 — most of them from South and Central America. They are fleeing the collapse of their economies, a lack of food and jobs, and violence back home.
Many came here on a bus from Texas, sent by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who said Chicago — and other so-called sanctuary cities that embrace immigrants — would provide much-needed relief "to our small, overrun border towns."
The buses haven't stopped since.
Migrants fleeing hardship, danger, fear and loss
Interviews with more than 30 people reveal the emotional toll migrants face, and the efforts of individuals and organizations that are trying to fill the gaps of a frayed mental health system.
Some of those efforts are catching the attention of leaders in other big U.S. cities also coping with large influxes of newly-arrived migrants.
For many, their journeys here were terrifying. A young girl who fell into a river, her pregnant mother struggling to hold her small hand, so the current wouldn't whisk her away. Women who were forced to have sex with gang members to get from country to country. People who walked over the dead in the jungle, or are wracked with guilt over the sick and injured left behind.
Their stories have unfolded across Chicago: in the quiet space of a therapist's office, at an informal healing circle in the back of a store, with a nurse at a folding table propped up outside a police station.
But for many migrants, taking care of their mental health might not be a priority.
"They're in survival mode," says Sharon Davila, a school-based social worker who has screened migrant families. "They need their basic needs met. The number one thing is they're looking for jobs."
Just getting in front of a therapist or a social worker can be extremely difficult for even the most savvy and persistent. With a shortage of mental health workers, wait lists for an appointment can be months long.
Layer on being new to this country, speaking a different language, and having no health insurance. Getting help can seem impossible.
Therapist Susie Moya worries about a mental health crisis brewing for many migrants.
"Right now it's on the back burner," says Moya, who has worked with migrants on Chicago's Lower West Side. "But I'm thinking a year from now when these families are settled in. Who is going to be providing that support?"
Informal support, with a side of soup
It's a Monday night in the back room of an insurance agency on the Southwest Side. About 20 migrants have arranged their chairs in a circle. Each person takes a turn describing how they feel on a scale of one to 10, as social worker Veronica Sanchez gently encourages them to share why.
Warm homemade chicken soup and arepas await them for dinner.
A woman says her husband got deported, and she's heartbroken that she left her children behind. A man says he worked several days that week, but never got paid. Another says he is grateful to God for bringing him to America, but he misses his mom, dad and brothers.
Finding work and reuniting with family is important, Sanchez tells them. But right now she's concerned about their mental health.
"Maybe we have answers. Maybe we don't. But when you open up a safe space where you can share your sorrows... you don't feel so alone," Sanchez says in Spanish.
Sanchez understands the migrants' desperation. She comes from a long line of pottery makers in Mexico. Sanchez was just four years old when her father left to work in Cicero, a suburb outside Chicago. She didn't see her father for almost seven years, until they were reunited as a family in Cicero.
Those memories fuel her work with the healing circle. "When I was talking to them, it really came from the heart," Sanchez says. "I was seeing the migrants' faces, that they were so scared."
Informal support groups like this one have popped up around Chicago in shelters, storefronts, churches and schools, led by volunteers or mental health professionals.
Many of these support groups don't last long. Volunteers get burned out. Migrants prioritize other needs. Or the city moves them from place to place.
The costs of ignoring loss and trauma
Some volunteers and mental health providers emphasize that not every migrant might be experiencing severe trauma.
But for many, trauma can have lasting impact. Trauma can change the wiring in a person's brain and make someone more vulnerable to depression and anxiety.
Daily or ongoing stressors can add up to what Chicago psychologist Laura Pappa calls "little t trauma" — like not feeling welcomed right away.
"A lot of people come here seeking the American dream and they realize that that's not there," says Pappa, who came to the U.S. from Argentina as a teen. "A lot of people were not expecting that, how hard it is on this side. I've had a lot of parents who've come alone and ask themselves, was it worth it?"
It can be hard to persuade migrants to seek help, however. There's a stigma about the need for mental health care in many immigrant communities, particularly among Latino men, Pappa says.
But, she adds, the stigma is easing as talking about emotions becomes more common.
Training the front-line workers in shelters
One effort to provide faster help involves training hundreds of peoplewho don't have a medical background, but work in city-run shelters. These front-line workers, such as case managers and shelter supervisors, are learning to lead support groups called Café y Comunidad charlas — coffee and community talks.
The initiative is led by the Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health, the University of Chicago's Crown Family School, and Lurie Children's Center for Childhood Resilience.
The idea is to help migrants feel less isolated and try to prevent the most extreme outcomes, such as suicide.
"We have to help people the minute they arrive," explainsAimee Hilado, an assistant professor at UC's Crown School and chair of the coalition. "That's actually going to promote healing down the line."
Case manager Albert Ayala has led a charla in the ballroom of a downtown shelter. He recalls moments of joy, such as when a woman said she was searching for love — and hands shot up hoping to catch her attention.
Ayala says he's watched migrants who arrive scared and shy blossom after attending a charla.
"We try to tell them we're no different from you," says Ayala, who is Mexican American. "Your dream is possible."
Leaders in Philadelphia and San Jose have reached out asking how to replicate the effort, Hilado says.
Outside his shelter, Rubiano, the migrant from Colombia, says he hasn't attended one of these support groups. He says he tries to keep busy working on his English skills. And he recently found a full-time job in a supermarket.
He longs for his family, and for the chance to bring them here — once there is a stable life he can offer them.
WBEZ is part of the Mental Health Parity Collaborative, a group of newsrooms covering stories on mental health care access and inequities in the U.S. The Collaborative's partners include The Carter Center, the Center for Public Integrity and newsrooms in select states across the country.
WBEZ's Manuel Martinez contributed to this report.
Copyright 2024 WBEZ
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https://www.wxxinews.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/for-chicagos-new-migrants-informal-support-groups-help-ease-the-pain-and-trauma
| 2024-01-31T23:23:13Z
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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.hawaiipublicradio.org/2024-01-31/nevadas-gop-nominating-process-is-confusing-and-already-yielded-a-likely-winner
| 2024-01-31T23:23:13Z
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January 31, 2024
It's back to school for fans of "Abbott Elementary" as the ABC sitcom returns next week.
The series, which was created by and stars West Philadelphia-native Quinta Brunson, returns Wednesday, Feb. 7 with a special, hour-long Season 3 premiere. A new trailer shows what the staff of the titular Philly public school have been up to since viewers last saw them in the spring, and it's clear that changes have been afoot.
To commemorate the mockumentary's return to TV, the "Abbott Elementary" team is launching a "Lunch Break" tour to donate meals and supplies to underserved schools across the country. The tour, which features a giant "lunch box vehicle," will make a stop in Philadelphia on Friday, Feb. 2. No further information has been released about where the Philly stop will be.
With just one week before "Abbott Elementary" returns, here's what to know about Season 3:
There will be some new faces this season. "Abbott Elementary" is welcoming actors Josh Segarra, Kimia Behpoornia and Benjamin Norris to recurring roles. The trio will portray "good-natured Philadelphia school district representatives who aim to bring fresh perspectives to their roles as school ambassadors," Deadline reported.
Segarra — known for roles in "The Other Two," "Scream VI" and "She-Hulk" — will play a character named Manny, Behpoornia ("Hacks") will play Emily and Norris ("Never Have I Ever") will play Simon.
Lisa Ann Walter, the recent "Celebrity Jeopardy!" champion who plays sassy second-grade teacher Melissa on the show, told Entertainment Tonight "so many great characters" will be in the third season.
Segarra, Behpoornia and Norris join a beloved returning cast that includes Brunson, who also produces and writes the show, as plucky second-grade teacher Janine Teagues. The fictional public school's other quirky staff members are played by Walter, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chris Perfetti and William Stanford Davis. The show has featured cameos by acclaimed actors like Ayo Edebiri, Leslie Odom Jr. and Taraji P. Henson.
EXCLUSIVE: ‘Abbott Elementary’ is almost back in session and Season 3 will bring three new characters starring Josh Segarra, Kimia Behpoornia and Benjamin Norris in recurring roles https://t.co/nlBh40mx3r
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) January 29, 2024
The new season is sure to set itself apart from previous installments, for multiple reasons.
Rather than beginning the season at the start of the school year, as the show did previously, the series will pick up in the middle of the school year to reflect its February premiere. The show experienced monthslong delays due to last year's dual Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes. For this reason, the season will also be shorter than Season 2, containing just 14 episodes compared to 22.
"Our season will still be on the school calendar. Last year, we started airing in September, when school started. We're not doing that this year," Brunson told Deadline in October. "It's not like coming back to a family show where you can pop in on that family on any sitcom-y thing. It's really like, what’s going on in the school?"
The hour-long premiere will center on a district-wide career day planned by Janine, who is anxious for it to be a success. The first episode also will show Ava (James) trying out a new approach to her role as principal, according to ABC. The first episode contains some surprises, according to Walter.
"I will tell you this, the premiere episode of Season 3 is so chock full of new, exciting stuff," Walter told Entertainment Tonight. "I can't even, we're not allowed to say it obviously. But all I can say is stay tuned. It's a lot."
One such surprise seems to be the formerly lax Ava's newfound rigidity as leader of the school, following an Ivy league stint over the break.
"I went to Harvard this summer," Ava says during the trailer. "I've learned what it truly takes to do the job of a principal."
ABC also teased details of the second episode, which airs Wednesday, Feb. 14. The Valentine's Day episode handles the revelation that Janine's ex Tariq (Zack Fox) is dating the mother of one of the school's students, while Gregory (Williams) hesitantly deals with his newfound status as the "cool teacher."
When viewers last saw the "Abbott" crew, they were on a school field trip at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. The Season 2 finale marked the first time the show, which is set in Philly, was actually filmed in the city.
During that fateful night at the museum, Janine and Gregory finally had a tense chat about their feelings for each other. The pair, who have been pushing the boundaries between friendship and flirtation since the show began, shared a highly anticipated kiss earlier that season. But things were complicated because Janine was dating Gregory's friend at the time.
The coworkers walked away from the Franklin Institute as just friends, with Janine hoping to focus on herself and Gregory looking for new beginnings. One of the most pressing concerns on fans' minds is how the pair's will-they-won't-they relationship will resolve, but Season 3 is sure to give their slow burn more time to either simmer or fizzle.
In the Season 3 trailer, Gregory and Janine refer to their friendship as "good" and "fine," which appears to be a polite way of saying things are awkward.
At the Emmys earlier this month, "Abbott Elementary" added to its long list of awards. Brunson won outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her performance in the second season. It was Brunson's second Emmy, having previously won for writing the pilot episode of "Abbott Elementary." On Instagram, Brunson shared a larger-than-life congratulatory bouquet sent to the "Abbott" set by Oprah Winfrey, who Brunson portrayed in a 2022 Weird Al Yankovic biopic.
Fans can catch up on Seasons 1 and 2 of "Abbott Elementary" on Hulu before the new season premieres Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 9 p.m. on ABC. Watch the trailer below:
Follow Franki & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @wordsbyfranki
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https://www.phillyvoice.com/abbott-elementary-season-3-premiere-cast-trailer-what-to-know/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:14Z
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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.wdiy.org/2024-01-31/a-tennessee-lawmaker-helped-pass-a-strict-abortion-law-hes-now-trying-to-loosen-it
| 2024-01-31T23:23:14Z
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LAS VEGAS — (AP) — Fans have been wondering for days whether Taylor Swift will make it to the Super Bowl next week to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs and, if so, how many times she'll show up on TV during the game. They can speculate all they want, but they won't be able to bet on it legally in the United States.
Those types of wagers can be made offshore with sportsbooks such as BetUS, which is based in Costa Rica, and potentially in the Canadian province of Ontario. BetMGM public relations manager John Ewing said he was waiting for word from Canadian authorities there if such bets will be OK.
But in the U.S., where betting laws vary from state to state, the general rule is that wagering is limited to what happens on the field. A handful of states allow bets to be placed on the color of Gatorade dumped on the winning coach — red or pink is this year's plus-260 favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook — but even that type of wager is not allowed in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas, the longtime epicenter of sports betting in the U.S., has some of the strictest rules regarding the kinds of wagers made.
Swift's romance with Kelce became one of the prominent stories this NFL season and she has attended several Chiefs games, including their victory in the AFC championship game at Baltimore on Sunday, where she joined the team for its on-field celebration and greeted Kelce with a kiss. Since she's performing in Japan the weekend of the Super Bowl, fans began wondering whether she'll make it to Las Vegas to watch Kelce and Kansas City face the San Francisco 49ers.
It seems only natural they would be able to put money on it in Vegas.
As a matter of principle, though, Ewing said it makes sense not to allow bets on things apart from the on-field action, such as the length of the national anthem.
"We don’t want any subjectivity in a prop (bet),” Ewing said. “We want it to be either it won or it didn’t win or went over or went under, and that’s the concern for regulators as well. That’s why typically we stick to if it’s in the box score, it can be posted."
Caesars Sportsbook assistant trading director Adam Pullen’s position is the more bets, the merrier.
“We’ve come a long way, but some stuff like we’re talking about here (about Swift) or betting on elections, there still might be a few years before we get to that point,” Pullen said. “But I like anything that drives action and gets people to bet. But we’re dependent on what the regulators in each particular state has to say.”
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
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.wdbo.com/sports/us-sportsbooks-wont/ZW5TNO4O45MH5OSUCBD2EHN66A/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:13Z
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Deadline approaching for veterans to get help paying Madison County property taxes November 2, 2015 1:56 PM Listen to the story Your device does not support the audio. EDWARDSVILLE — Honorably discharged veterans who are facing financial difficulties still have time to get help paying their property taxes. The Madison County Veterans’ Assistance Commission (VAC) and the Madison County Treasurer’s Office want to remind struggling veterans about the property tax program that assists struggling veterans. The deadline to apply is Dec. 1. Sign in to hide this notification. Get The Latest News! Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox. “We know there are veterans who need assistance and this program helps those who need it most,” Treasurer Kurt Prenzler said. Prenzler and VAC Superintendent Brad Lavite first announced the program in 2014. “This is the second year we’ve been able to do this program and help a veteran facing hard times,” Lavite said. “We also want to remind them of the upcoming deadline.” Lavite said the goal of the program is to make sure veterans’ property taxes get paid. “We want to keep a veteran in his or her home,” Lavite said. “It costs more to relocate and set them up in another place than it does to keep them in their current place.” Article continues after sponsor message Since the inception of the program, the VAC has received hundreds of calls. Lavite said not everyone qualifies for assistance, but they may meet the requirements for other programs. The VAC provides emergency aid and services to approximately 45,000 veterans and their families throughout Madison County. Lavite said the VAC assists thousands of veterans each year with rent payments to avoid eviction and with utility payments to avoid shut-off. It also refers the homeless/transitional for housing, as well as provides food/family essentials, miscellaneous disability care expenses, and other assistance as needed, he said. To qualify for the property tax program, a veteran must provide proof of an Honorable Discharge (DD-214) from active duty with the U.S. Military, along with proof of ownership of the property (such as a tax bill or the property deed in the veteran’s name.) The veteran also must have proof of income and the inability to pay. “This program is just another step in making sure veterans get help when they need it most,” Lavite said. Prenzler said he appreciates what the county’s VAC has done to assist the men and women who proudly served this country. More like this: Nov 10, 2023 - Rep. Schmidt Proposes HB4128: Veterans Day Paid Leave Act Nov 16, 2023 - Madison County Board Passes Budget and Property Tax Levy Jan 23, 2024 - Madison County Reminds Homeowners To Renew Their Property Tax Exemptions Dec 28, 2023 - Attorney General Raoul Encourages Veteran Service Organizations To Apply For State Charter Jan 18, 2024 - Madison County Chairman Kurt Prenzler Faces Questions At Board Meeting From State's Attorney
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https://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/deadline-approaching-for-veterans-to-get-help-paying-madison-county-property-taxes-9737.cfm
| 2024-01-31T23:23:14Z
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Dead and Company Announce Las Vegas Sphere Residency
Dead & Company have announced a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere.
Rumors of the band's Sin City sojourn began on Tuesday, when the state-of-the-art venue lit up with their iconic "Stealie" logo. Fellow jam-band titans Phish used the same tactic to tease their own upcoming four-show run at the Sphere, which takes place in April.
Dead & Company confirmed the rumors on Wednesday with a video shared on social media. "In 2023, Dead & Company played their final tour," the clip said. "But there are other ways to make sure the music never stops. And it's gonna be a ball."
No details about the rumored Dead & Company residency have been revealed, but Rolling Stone reported that the band will play at least 15 shows. Additionally, a source close to the situation told the New York Post that the residency will begin in May.
READ MORE: The Rock + Metal Bands Touring in 2024 - Tour Guide
When Did Dead & Company Last Perform?
Dead & Company completed their final tour last July with a trio of shows at San Francisco's Oracle Park. "Well, it looks like that's it for this outfit," Bob Weir said when the 2023 tour was first announced. "But don't worry, we will all be out there in one form or another until we drop."
The Grateful Dead offshoot will be the third act to perform at the Sphere, following Phish and U2. The Irish rockers christened the venue with their Achtung Baby Live residency, which began on Sept. 29 and is scheduled to run through March 4.
Boasting the largest programmable LED screen ever made, the Sphere is the perfect venue to allow Dead & Company to flex their creative visual muscles. Their farewell tour earned rave reviews for its elaborate drone show, and their final Oracle Park show featured the band's iconic logo along with a giant skeleton tipping its hat at the end of the performance.
U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at the Sphere Opening Night Photos
Gallery Credit: Matthew Wilkening
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https://loudwire.com/dead-and-company-las-vegas-sphere-residency/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:14Z
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Jorge Rubiano arrived alone in Chicago, but his pain and trauma came with him.
For months, he tried to find steady work. For months, he's been sleeping in a crowded temporary shelter, worrying about his wife and mother back in Colombia. Are they safe? Did I make the right decision?
He recalls a frightening phone call with his wife in Colombia, cut short when the bus she was riding on was being robbed.
Rubiano, 43, is also haunted by memories of his harrowing journey to Chicago, during which he says he was kidnapped for a month, before escaping.
He left his country, he says, over a land dispute in which the government threatened his life.
"I'm still in between two dangers," Rubiano says in Spanish. "If I return it's very possible they kill me, and if I stay I don't know what can happen here."
More than 30,000 migrants and asylum seekers have arrived in Chicago since August of 2022 — most of them from South and Central America. They are fleeing the collapse of their economies, a lack of food and jobs, and violence back home.
Many came here on a bus from Texas, sent by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who said Chicago — and other so-called sanctuary cities that embrace immigrants — would provide much-needed relief "to our small, overrun border towns."
The buses haven't stopped since.
Migrants fleeing hardship, danger, fear and loss
Interviews with more than 30 people reveal the emotional toll migrants face, and the efforts of individuals and organizations that are trying to fill the gaps of a frayed mental health system.
Some of those efforts are catching the attention of leaders in other big U.S. cities also coping with large influxes of newly-arrived migrants.
For many, their journeys here were terrifying. A young girl who fell into a river, her pregnant mother struggling to hold her small hand, so the current wouldn't whisk her away. Women who were forced to have sex with gang members to get from country to country. People who walked over the dead in the jungle, or are wracked with guilt over the sick and injured left behind.
Their stories have unfolded across Chicago: in the quiet space of a therapist's office, at an informal healing circle in the back of a store, with a nurse at a folding table propped up outside a police station.
But for many migrants, taking care of their mental health might not be a priority.
"They're in survival mode," says Sharon Davila, a school-based social worker who has screened migrant families. "They need their basic needs met. The number one thing is they're looking for jobs."
Just getting in front of a therapist or a social worker can be extremely difficult for even the most savvy and persistent. With a shortage of mental health workers, wait lists for an appointment can be months long.
Layer on being new to this country, speaking a different language, and having no health insurance. Getting help can seem impossible.
Therapist Susie Moya worries about a mental health crisis brewing for many migrants.
"Right now it's on the back burner," says Moya, who has worked with migrants on Chicago's Lower West Side. "But I'm thinking a year from now when these families are settled in. Who is going to be providing that support?"
Informal support, with a side of soup
It's a Monday night in the back room of an insurance agency on the Southwest Side. About 20 migrants have arranged their chairs in a circle. Each person takes a turn describing how they feel on a scale of one to 10, as social worker Veronica Sanchez gently encourages them to share why.
Warm homemade chicken soup and arepas await them for dinner.
A woman says her husband got deported, and she's heartbroken that she left her children behind. A man says he worked several days that week, but never got paid. Another says he is grateful to God for bringing him to America, but he misses his mom, dad and brothers.
Finding work and reuniting with family is important, Sanchez tells them. But right now she's concerned about their mental health.
"Maybe we have answers. Maybe we don't. But when you open up a safe space where you can share your sorrows... you don't feel so alone," Sanchez says in Spanish.
Sanchez understands the migrants' desperation. She comes from a long line of pottery makers in Mexico. Sanchez was just four years old when her father left to work in Cicero, a suburb outside Chicago. She didn't see her father for almost seven years, until they were reunited as a family in Cicero.
Those memories fuel her work with the healing circle. "When I was talking to them, it really came from the heart," Sanchez says. "I was seeing the migrants' faces, that they were so scared."
Informal support groups like this one have popped up around Chicago in shelters, storefronts, churches and schools, led by volunteers or mental health professionals.
Many of these support groups don't last long. Volunteers get burned out. Migrants prioritize other needs. Or the city moves them from place to place.
The costs of ignoring loss and trauma
Some volunteers and mental health providers emphasize that not every migrant might be experiencing severe trauma.
But for many, trauma can have lasting impact. Trauma can change the wiring in a person's brain and make someone more vulnerable to depression and anxiety.
Daily or ongoing stressors can add up to what Chicago psychologist Laura Pappa calls "little t trauma" — like not feeling welcomed right away.
"A lot of people come here seeking the American dream and they realize that that's not there," says Pappa, who came to the U.S. from Argentina as a teen. "A lot of people were not expecting that, how hard it is on this side. I've had a lot of parents who've come alone and ask themselves, was it worth it?"
It can be hard to persuade migrants to seek help, however. There's a stigma about the need for mental health care in many immigrant communities, particularly among Latino men, Pappa says.
But, she adds, the stigma is easing as talking about emotions becomes more common.
Training the front-line workers in shelters
One effort to provide faster help involves training hundreds of peoplewho don't have a medical background, but work in city-run shelters. These front-line workers, such as case managers and shelter supervisors, are learning to lead support groups called Café y Comunidad charlas — coffee and community talks.
The initiative is led by the Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health, the University of Chicago's Crown Family School, and Lurie Children's Center for Childhood Resilience.
The idea is to help migrants feel less isolated and try to prevent the most extreme outcomes, such as suicide.
"We have to help people the minute they arrive," explainsAimee Hilado, an assistant professor at UC's Crown School and chair of the coalition. "That's actually going to promote healing down the line."
Case manager Albert Ayala has led a charla in the ballroom of a downtown shelter. He recalls moments of joy, such as when a woman said she was searching for love — and hands shot up hoping to catch her attention.
Ayala says he's watched migrants who arrive scared and shy blossom after attending a charla.
"We try to tell them we're no different from you," says Ayala, who is Mexican American. "Your dream is possible."
Leaders in Philadelphia and San Jose have reached out asking how to replicate the effort, Hilado says.
Outside his shelter, Rubiano, the migrant from Colombia, says he hasn't attended one of these support groups. He says he tries to keep busy working on his English skills. And he recently found a full-time job in a supermarket.
He longs for his family, and for the chance to bring them here — once there is a stable life he can offer them.
WBEZ is part of the Mental Health Parity Collaborative, a group of newsrooms covering stories on mental health care access and inequities in the U.S. The Collaborative's partners include The Carter Center, the Center for Public Integrity and newsrooms in select states across the country.
WBEZ's Manuel Martinez contributed to this report.
Copyright 2024 WBEZ
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https://www.wbfo.org/2024-01-31/for-chicagos-new-migrants-informal-support-groups-help-ease-the-pain-and-trauma
| 2024-01-31T23:23:16Z
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The International Olympic Committee is still not impressed with Italy's determination to spend about $90 million rebuilding a historic bobsled track for the 2026 Winter Games.
The IOC's latest statement Wednesday on the public rift came one day after local organizers of the Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Olympics moved ahead with a plan to revive a century-old sliding track in the Dolomites ski resort.
Aiming to avoid construction costs and potential white elephant venues, the IOC wants the Winter Games, opening in just two years' time, to use an existing track — with two nearby options in St. Moritz, Switzerland and Igls, Austria.
The issue has become one of Italian national pride to avoid paying another country to stage 12 of the 116 medal events.
"The IOC firmly believes that the existing number of sliding centers, globally, is sufficient for the current number of athletes and competitions in the sports of bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton," the Olympic body said in a statement.
SEE MORE: Lions vs. 49ers draws larger TV audience than Chiefs vs. Ravens
The IOC's opposition to an Italian renewal project on such a tight schedule — either at Cortina or Cesana, the now-closed sliding track at the 2006 Turin Olympics that was previously considered — has been publicly clear since its annual meeting in October held in Mumbai, India.
"(Only) existing and already operating tracks should be considered due to the very tight timeline remaining," the IOC said in a statement, stating it had been "unequivocal that no permanent venue should be built without a clear and viable legacy plan."
Italy's deputy prime minister detailed his country’s position Tuesday.
"It is not acceptable for the bobsled races to take place outside Italy," Antonio Tajani said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. "We will do everything to achieve the goal."
Still, the Italian organizing committee aims to have a back-up plan if renovating the Cortina track used at the 1956 Winter Games is not ready by March next year.
The committee said after a board meeting Tuesday its plans rest on signing a contract with a Parma-based construction company that has offered to rebuild the Cortina track for $89 million.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com
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https://www.wrtv.com/ioc-pushes-back-on-90m-plan-to-rebuild-olympics-bobsled-track
| 2024-01-31T23:23:16Z
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SEGA has announced that Sonic X Shadow Generations will be heading to Nintendo Switch in Autumn 2024.
The game will feature a full remaster of the original 2011 Sonic Generations along with a brand-new campaign featuring Shadow the Hedgehog. Sorry, no guns here though. Sonic Generations features 2.5D levels in the style of the original games while also incorporating 3D levels popularised by Sonic Adventure.
Here's the official description from SEGA:
"Shadow the Hedgehog is back with Classic and Modern Sonic in SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS, an all-new collection featuring two unique experiences!
Play as Shadow the Hedgehog in a brand-new story campaign featuring never-before-seen powers and abilities that prove why he’s known as the Ultimate Life Form!
"SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS also includes a complete remaster of the classic hit SONIC GENERATIONS, featuring newly remastered versions of iconic 2D and 3D stages with upgraded visuals and new bonus content."
To mark the new release, Takashi Iizuka, Creative Officer at Sonic Team, stated "With Sonic x Shadow Generations, we wanted to bring Sonic Generations to [current platforms] while pairing a brand-new Shadow storyline to crossover with the original story. With Shadow’s portion of the title, players will get to know him more as a character and understand his motivations. It will create the ultimate celebration of Classic Sonic, Modern Sonic, and Shadow gameplay that all fans will surely enjoy.”
Will you be grabbing Sonic X Shadow Generations when it launches later this year? Did you play the original Sonic Generations? Let us know with a comment.
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https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/01/sonic-x-shadow-generations-is-speeding-onto-switch-autumn-2024
| 2024-01-31T23:23:16Z
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The Miami Dolphins finished the 2023 regular season 11-6 for their second consecutive winning season under Head Coach Mike McDaniel and first 11-win season since 2008.
McDaniel is just the third coach in Dolphins history to make the playoffs in each of his first two seasons at the helm, joining Hall of Famer Don Shula (1970-71) and Dave Wannstedt (2000-01).
The Dolphins have now played in the postseason in back-to-back years for the first time since 1997-2001.
We go Inside the Numbers, presented by BDO, to take a look at the most notable team stats, individual metrics, milestones and more from a memorable 2023 season.
A Dynamic Passing Attack
The Dolphins led the league in total offense (401.3) - for the first time since 1994 - as well as passing offense (265.5) and quarterback hits allowed (59). That all translated into the league's second-ranked scoring offense (29.2) operated by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa led the NFL with a career-high 4,624 passing yards and tied for fifth in passing touchdowns (29). He also finished fourth in passer rating (101.1), third in completion percentage (69.3) and second in yards per pass attempt (8.3).
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill paced the NFL with a league-best 1,799 receiving yards on 119 receptions (15.1 avg.) and tied for first with 13 receiving touchdowns in 16 games played. Hill's 1,799 yards are seventh most in NFL history and set a new franchise record, breaking his previous mark of 1,710 yards set last season. He is the first player in NFL history to have 1,700+ receiving yards in multiple seasons.
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle also made history, becoming the first Dolphins player to post three straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons and the ninth receiver in NFL history to begin a career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons.
Hill and Waddle joined Philadelphia's DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown and Tampa Bay's Mike Evans and Chris Godwin as one of three pairs of teammates to both reach 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons.
Tagovailoa and Hill are the first QB-WR duo to be outright league leaders in both passing and receiving yards in the same season since Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson did so for Houston in 2009.
The Run Game
The story of Miami's prolific offense can't be told without mentioning the run game, which registered a franchise-record 5.1 yards per carry and tied for first in the NFL with 27 rushing touchdowns. The Dolphins also finished third in yards before contact per rush (1.95) and first in yards after contact per rush (3.39).
A big reason for those top marks was the play of 31-year-old running back Raheem Mostert, who eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his nine-year NFL career.
Mostert's 18 rushing scores were the most in a Dolphins season, breaking Ricky Williams' record of 16 rushing touchdowns in 2002. Mostert's 21 total touchdowns tied for the NFL lead with San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey and were the most ever in a Dolphins season, breaking a record held by Mark Clayton, who had 18 touchdowns in 1984.
Running back De’Von Achane, Miami's third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, also played a pivotal role in the success of Miami's rushing attack.
Achane finished the season with 103 carries for 800 yards and 11 total touchdowns. His 7.8 yards per carry average is the most of any running back in a season in NFL history (min. 100 carries).
Achane only played in nine games with more than one carry, but still accounted for four of the seven games in which NFL rookie running backs recorded 100+ rushing yards and an offensive touchdown. His four 100-yard rushing games tied the Dolphins rookie record.
Before this year, just three Dolphins players (non-QB) had scored double-digit offensive touchdowns in a season since 2009 and no Dolphin had done so since running back Lamar Miller scored 10 offensive touchdowns in 2015.
In 2023, Mostert (21), Achane (11) and Hill (13) all scored 10+ offensive touchdowns and joined Lorenzo Hampton (12), Mark Duper (11) and Mark Clayton (10) from the 1986 team as the second trio of teammates in Dolphins history to each score double-digit touchdowns in the same season.
A Stout Defense
The Dolphins finished the year ranked 10th in total defense, allowing just 318.3 yards per game.
It was the first time Miami finished a season with a top 10 defense since 2010 (6th, 309.3).
Miami also led the NFL in quarterback hits (131) and ranked third with a franchise-record 56.0 sacks.
Miami's 144.0 sacks over the past three seasons are the most in the NFL.
Not only did Miami's pass rushers get to the quarterback, but they were also impactful in stopping the run. Miami ranked sixth in opponent yards per rush (3.8) and has allowed just one 100-yard rushing performance by a running back in the last 34 regular season games (Austin Ekeler, 2023 - Week 1). The San Francisco 49ers are the only other NFL team that has allowed less than three 100-yard rushing games by running backs over the past two seasons.
The middle of Miami's defensive front is where you'll find defensive tackles Zach Sieler and Christian Wilkins, who each had career years. Sieler (10.0 sacks) and Wilkins (9.0 sacks) ranked third and fifth, respectively, in sacks by NFL defensive tackles this season and now own the top two single-season marks by Dolphins defensive tackles as well.
Miami's sack leader, linebacker Bradley Chubb (11.0), also finished the season tied with Tampa Bay safety Antoine Winfield Jr. for the most forced fumbles in the NFL (6).
Miami's 15 forced fumbles as a team were tied for the most since 2006 (22).
The Dolphins defense will enter Week 1 of the 2024 season with the NFL's longest active takeaway streak (12 games, including playoffs).
Special Teams
Kicker Jason Sanders turned in a strong sixth season with the Dolphins, making 24 of his 28 field goal attempts. Sanders' biggest moment of the season came in Miami's playoff-clinching win over Dallas in Week 16, when he made all five of his field goal attempts and his lone extra point attempt.
Sanders had never attempted three field goals of 50+ yards in a game, but nailed all three against the Cowboys. In addition to a career-long 57-yard kick, he also connected on the game-winning boot from 29 yards out as time expired to send Miami to the postseason, and won AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance.
It was one of just 11 games this season in which a kicker scored over 15 points.
Sanders' 58 made extra points are the second-most in a season in team history and tied for 11th-most by any kicker in a season since 2000.
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https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/inside-the-numbers-year-in-review-2023
| 2024-01-31T23:23:16Z
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'Death Stranding 2: On the Beach' looks even more baffling than the original game
There's a dude shredding on a guitar/gun. Yup.
As expected, the PlayStation State of Play today featured an in-depth look at the latest from famed developer Hideo Kojima, in the form of an exceedingly creepy and cinematic preview of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Sam, played by Norman Reedus, is back in a trailer that makes very little sense if you haven't played the first game — and even if you did, the contents of this preview might not make a ton of sense. Rest assured, you'll still be running around wildly impressive landscapes with your giant yellow backpack.
But it sounds like you won't actually have to run around delivering things, because bots are able to do that in this world. The real surprise is when Sam gets captured and runs across his brother, played by the ubiquitous Troy Baker... who pulls out a guitar/gun and starts shredding to take on some enemies? Sure. It'll still be a bit before we see what this all amounts to, as it doesn't arrive until sometime in 2025.
At the end of the stream, though, Kojima teased an all-new project in the works, though it won't be entering full production until after Death Stranding 2 is complete.
Correction, 1/31/24, 6PM ET: This post originally stated this was our first look at Death Stranding 2. We've updated it to say this is our first in-depth look, as the game was first announced in December of 2022.
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https://www.engadget.com/death-stranding-2-on-the-beach-looks-even-more-baffling-than-the-original-game-224806034.html?src=rss
| 2024-01-31T23:23:16Z
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Conner Smith brought his latest single, “Creek Will Rise,” to NBC’s Today on Wednesday.
Before performing, the rising country star spoke with Today‘s Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager about his childhood, career and longtime love for country music.
“Growing up in Nashville, you’re kind of around the creativity of songwriters in country music. It really encapsulates this whole town, and so that’s all I ever dreamed about,” Conner tells the hosts.
“My mom [veteran broadcaster Jennifer Vickery Smith] was the biggest supporter. We always had country music through the house and she allowed me to kind of be around some of those writers and get to meet them and then start to chase the dream,” he recalls. “So, it’s been a really cool journey.”
After the chat, Conner performed “Creek Will Rise” while clad in a casual blue denim shirt, red hat and black jeans.
“Creek Will Rise” is the latest single from Conner’s debut album, Smoky Mountains, and is currently #13 on the country charts.
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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https://www.newcountry1031.com/conner-smith-raises-the-creek-on-today/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:16Z
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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.wshu.org/2024-01-31/nevadas-gop-nominating-process-is-confusing-and-already-yielded-a-likely-winner
| 2024-01-31T23:23:16Z
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Photo: Contributed
Fuel mitigation work is underway Wednesday afternoon in the hills south of downtown Kamloops.
"Smoke is visible near Peterson Creek Nature Park as crews work on FireSmart fuel mitigation. The venting index allows for burning today," the City of Kamloops said in a social media post.
This is the latest in several prescribed burns that have taken place near Peterson Creek this January.
January 31, 2024—Smoke is visible near Peterson Creek Nature Park as crews work on FireSmart fuel mitigation. The venting index allows for burning today.@KamFire pic.twitter.com/ztRFBjFS5y
— City of Kamloops (@cityofkamloops) January 31, 2024
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https://www.castanet.net/news/Kamloops/470132/City-says-fuel-mitigation-work-underway-near-Peterson-Creek
| 2024-01-31T23:23:16Z
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Raza Muhammad is being hunted by Islamic fundamentalists and is currently hiding out in Germany
From radical Islamic extremist determined to convert “infidels” to his faith to the leader of a Christian organization in Germany, Raza Muhammad’s journey has been fraught with danger at every step of the way.
Hunted by extremists in his own country, Pakistan, he is now living in exile in Germany, working for a Christian organization that supports all refugees there, regardless of their country of origin.
He is currently seeking asylum in Canada for his family, whose lives are in grave danger because of his conversion to Christianity. His ally in this endeavour is Rev. Majed El-Shafie, president of the Toronto-based human rights organization One Free World International, which has launched a petition to Canadian authorities on his behalf.
“Last week OFWI sent an open letter to Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, highlighting the grave nature of Raza’s family’s situation and urging him to take immediate action to bring the family to safety,” said El Shafie.
Raza is chair of a Christian organization. His conversion story is almost as dramatic as that of St. Paul on the road to Damascus.
“I was once a radical Muslim and an Imam who was convinced that Islam was the only true faith and Christians had to be converted,” he told me.
He was so fervent in his belief that he was sent to Athens, Greece, to preach Islam in a Christian country and to “plant mosques” there, as he puts it. But it was in Greece where he experienced the power of Christian love and forgiveness, and began to question his own faith.
“I was touched by the way I was treated in Greece,” he said. “Christian people were honest and didn’t try to steal from me. A Greek couple treated me like their own son. They brought me food and gave me gifts at Christmas and Easter. They respected my religion and didn’t try to convert me.”
In Europe, he was exposed for the first time in his life to the concept of human rights, which led him to begin to ask questions.
“In Pakistan they try to convert Christians to Islam by forceful means including forced marriages and false accusations of blasphemy,” he said.
The turning point for Raza came in 2009 when radical Islamists, including his former boss, the leader of Tehreek-e-Labbaik, a far-right Islamic extremist political party, cried out for the blood of Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Catholic woman alleged to have committed blasphemy by drinking water from the same cup as her Muslim co-workers. A court in Pakistan sentenced her to death by hanging.
Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis appealed for the charges to be dropped. Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan’s only Christian minister at the time, and Salman Taseer, governor of the province of Punjab, were assassinated for advocating on her behalf. Bibi’s family went into hiding after receiving death threats from Islamic fundamentalists.
After nine years on death row, she was released when the Supreme Court of Pakistan overturned her death sentence. Thousands of club-wielding pro-blasphemy law supporters took to the streets and threatened to kill the judges. Bibi was flown to Canada under tight security, and granted asylum here.
Shaken to the core of his being, Raza asked himself if there was no mercy or forgiveness for Bibi in Islam. Encouraged by his Greek friends, he went to a church and prayed.
“Three times I had a dream,” he said. “I dreamed that Jesus called me by name and told me, ‘Raza, come to me. I am waiting for you.’ ”
He resigned from his position as a missionary Imam and went back to Pakistan. He met and prayed with small groups of Christians in underground churches.
One day, he was discovered and attacked by Islamic extremists who broke his arms, legs and ribs. A fatwa (a religious and legal decree issued by religious leaders) calling for his death was placed on his head, but he escaped, first to Iran, then to Turkey and finally to Europe.
He was baptized in Spain in July 2013.
Although he now lives in Germany, the shadow of Islamist hatred hangs over him like a dark cloud. Separated from his family, he constantly worries about their safety because they, too, have become the targets of a relentless vendetta.
Four fatwas have been placed against Raza and his family since 2010, and they have become regular subjects of hostile coverage by media in Pakistan aligned with Islamist parties.
“I am accused of inciting people to burn the Koran everywhere, and of masterminding the Koran burning incident in Sweden,” he said.
He was referring to the incident of June 28 last year when a 37-year-old Iraqi refugee ripped out and set fire to pages of the Koran outside a Stockholm mosque. This incident brought a storm of protests within the Muslim world.
“My family in Pakistan is being hunted. Islamic extremists have vowed to behead us all simply because I became a Christian. We have been stabbed, shot, beaten, and, in the case of my sister, murdered. I am desperately seeking help and asylum for my family before we all suffer the same fate as my sister.”
His family is currently living in hiding while Islamic extremists are publicly calling for their beheading for the “crime” of maintaining a relationship with Raza after his conversion to Christianity.
“We are asking Minister Miller to exercise his ministerial powers and grant Raza’s family asylum in Canada,” said El Shafie. “Pakistan’s blasphemy laws have enabled and encouraged legal discrimination and persecution of minorities.”
El Shafie urged all Canadians to sign the petition, which has garnered over 3,000 signatures so far, and to raise the issue with their Members of Parliament.
Susan Korah is an Ottawa-based journalist. This article was submitted by The Catholic Register.
For interview requests, click here.
The opinions expressed by our columnists and contributors are theirs alone and do not inherently or expressly reflect the views of our publication.
© Troy Media
Troy Media is an editorial content provider to media outlets and its own hosted community news outlets across Canada.
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https://troymedia.com/lifestyle/christian-convert-hunted-by-islamic-fundamentalist/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:16Z
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Wauwatosa East musical set on unique stage: 'It's so intimate'
WAUWATOSA, Wis. - Wauwatosa East High School students are putting on a musical that pushes a transformative theme – and incorporates a unique set design.
The musical "Bright Star" will make its debut on the main stage Friday night. The story follows Alice Murphy, introducing the character to the audience at two points during her life: the first based in the 1920s when she's a free spirit growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the second two decades later when she's a successful magazine editor in Asheville.
"It’s two polar opposites of her character and her attitude," said Jill Russell, who portrays Murphy.
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Murphy meets a character named Billy Cane. Together, they uncover a secret that could transform their lives.
"He is a young soldier who's just come home from World War II," said Nolan Zellermayer, who portrays Cane.
Set design for Wauwatosa East High School performance of "Bright Star"
"It’s funny, it’s sad," Russell said. "The range of this show is just incredible."
Normally, the audience would be seated in an auditorium. But for this performance, the arrangements are a little different.
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"Our grade level has never done a show in the round before, where the audience sits on stage," said performer Ray Theisen.
Students built a barn that stands 17 feet tall. The audience will sit on stage just inches away from the performers.
"It’s so intimate and so personable to everyone," said Zellermayer.
Set design for Wauwatosa East High School performance of "Bright Star"
"It’s a new experience for everybody and for the cast and audience to connect," Russell said.
It's an intimate symbol of what the musical is about. It can seat up to 150 people, and all six performances are sold out.
"There’s a huge overarching theme of not giving up on who or what you love," Zellermayer said.
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https://www.fox6now.com/news/wauwatosa-east-musical-set-design
| 2024-01-31T23:23:16Z
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ORLANDO, Fla. — (ORLANDO, Fla.) -- A federal judge in Florida has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Disney against Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials over the state legislature's decision to alter the governing structure of the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
Disney had argued in the lawsuit, filed last April, that the change to the district, for which the company was the main landowner, was made in retaliation for criticism of the Parental Rights in Education Act, known by opponents as the "Don't Say Gay" bill.
The Florida Legislature voted to dissolve the former governing board of the district and create a DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District in its place. The board voided a contract made before the CFTOD was in place, according to the lawsuit.
DeSantis has been at odds with Disney since it publicly criticized a DeSantis-backed controversial Florida law that restricts content concerning sexual orientation and gender identity in grades kindergarten through third grade.
Disney, citing concerns of discrimination, had said it "should never have passed and should never have been signed into law."
Taryn Fenske, the communications director for DeSantis, told ABC News when the lawsuit was filed, "We are unaware of any legal right that a company has to operate its own government or maintain special privileges not held by other businesses in the state."
DeSantis and J. Alex Kelly, the secretary of Florida's Department of Commerce, had argued a lack of standing and 11th Amendment immunity in the case, both of which Winsor agreed on, while the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District argued a lack of merit in the case.
"The clerk will enter a judgment that says, 'This case was resolved on motions to dismiss. Plaintiff's claims against the Governor and the Department Secretary are dismissed without prejudice for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. Plaintiff's claims against the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board members are dismissed on the merits for failure to state a claim," U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor, who was appointed by then-President Donald Trump in 2018, wrote in concluding his decision.
Winsor wrote that Disney had not shown standing to sue the governor or secretary.
"The analysis could be different if the Governor had not yet made any appointments," Winsor wrote. "But as things stand, if this court enjoined future appointments, Disney would face the same situation it faces now: it would be operating under the CFTOD board, over which it has no control. Stopping hypothetical future appointments would not redress any alleged imminent harm."
The lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice, meaning it can be brought again with proper standing.
"This is an important case with serious implications for the rule of law, and it will not end here," a Disney 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. We are determined to press forward with our case."
Disney is the parent company of ABC News.
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whio.com/news/business/federal-judge/GIV2P7XOKKSMCP4SRXN44MKHXI/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:16Z
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Financially Fit in 40 Days: Transforming Your Budget, Mindset, and Savings
The journey to financial fitness is akin to training for a marathon. It requires dedication, the right mindset, and a strategic plan. In just 40 days, you can set the foundation for a transformed financial life, focusing on your budget, mindset, and savings. Here’s how to kickstart this transformative journey.
Day 1-3: Assess Your Financial Health
Begin by evaluating your income, debts, expenses, and savings. This assessment will serve as the baseline for your financial fitness plan. Maybe even write them down. Face the money or lack of money you have head on and make it a reality. This is how you change.
Day 4-7: Set Clear Financial Goals
After you the money you have or don’t have, start defining what financial fitness means to you. Is it debt freedom, a six-month emergency fund, or saving for retirement? Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) goals specific to your situation.
Day 8-14: Create a Budget Blueprint
Draft a budget that aligns with your financial goals. Allocate funds for necessities, savings, and debts while finding areas where you can cut back. There’s lots of way to create a budget. The popular 50/30/20 rule of budgeting advises people to save 20% of their income every month. That leaves 50% for needs, including essentials like mortgage or rent and food. The remaining 30% of your income is for discretionary spending.
Another option is the 60/40 budgeting method. With this method, 60% of your budget is focused on expenses you’re committed to each month, such as housing, food, transportation, insurance — and also other monthly reoccurring expenses, such as gym memberships and streaming subscriptions.
Day 15-21: Mindful Spending
For one week, monitor every penny spent. This will help you identify and eliminate unnecessary expenditures. One way to do this is to write down everything you’ve spent money on in the past month — go back further if you can remember or look up transaction records and receipts — and categorize each expense.
Then rank each category by how important it is to you. Add the top three priorities as line items in your budget, such as $100 a month for date nights or $20 a month to buy supplies for your hobby. For everything else, work on dropping those spending habits or finding cheaper alternatives like brewing your coffee at home.
Day 22-28: Debt Reduction Strategies
Focus on reducing debts. Consider methods like the debt snowball or avalanche technique and prioritize paying down high-interest debts.
For more information on strategies on how to get out of debt, check out this step-by-step guide by clicking here.
Day 29-35: Emergency Fund Establishment
If you don’t have an emergency fund, start one. Aim for a modest $1,000 to cover unexpected expenses, eventually growing to three to six months’ worth of living expenses.
Day 36-40: Investing in Your Future
Educate yourself on investment options such as IRAs, stocks, bonds, or real estate. Small, regular contributions can grow significantly thanks to compound interest.
Mindset Transformation
Throughout the 40 days, cultivating a positive financial mindset is crucial. Repeat affirmations, visualize your financial goals, and stay disciplined. Surround yourself with financial literacy resources, such as books, podcasts, and articles.
Accountability and Adaptation
Just as in physical fitness, having an accountability partner can keep you on track. Regularly review your budget and adjust as necessary. Life is unpredictable–your financial plan should be flexible enough to accommodate changes.
Celebrate Milestones
Recognize and celebrate when you hit financial milestones. This will provide positive reinforcement and motivate you to keep pushing forward.
Conclusion
After 40 days, you’ll have developed habits that can lead to long-term financial well-being. Remember, financial fitness isn’t a sprint; it’s a lifelong marathon that requires persistence and continuous improvement. With the right mindset and habits formed over these transformative days, you can look forward to a future of financial security and prosperity.
Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.
More From GOBankingRates
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https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/budgeting/financially-fit-in-40-days-transforming-your-budget-mindset-and-savings/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:18Z
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Last week, a statue of baseball legend and MLB integrator Jackie Robinson was cut off at the ankles and stolen from McAdams Park in Wichita, Kansas. All that was left on the statue’s platform was its feet. Video surveillance showed the culprits loading the statue into a pickup truck and driving off. On Tuesday morning, it was found dismantled and burned in a trashcan.
Somebody lynched Jackie Robinson’s statue, y’all.
MORE: Top 10 Monuments To Black Americans
According to ABC News, the Wichita Fire Department responded to a report of a trash can fire at Garvey Park just after 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, and, after extinguishing the fire, firefighters found what appeared to be burned remnants of the Robinson statue, “which is not salvageable at this time,” said Wichita police spokesperson Andrew Ford.
“It’s really disheartening to see the remnants of the statue, the disgraceful way it’s been disrespected,” Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan said during the briefing. “This is a direct indication of the pressure our investigators are putting on the perpetrators that committed this act.”
Sullivan also encouraged the perpetrators of this senseless crime to turn themselves in, but he said, “Either way, we will be arresting several people for what they’ve done to our community.” Authorities haven’t reported any suspects in the case, but they did announce Monday that they believe they’ve found the truck used to haul the statue away from the park.
So, we’re all thinking it: Some salty white Klan Kadets in Kansas went full reconstruction era by deconstructing Robinson’s statue and burning it like it was a fresh cross on a Black family’s front lawn.
Of course, as long as the cops haven’t found any suspects, that’s only speculation. But it would be surprising if a non-white person in Wichita, which is 70% white, turned out to be responsible, and if the culprits are white, it would be a hard sell if they were to claim racism wasn’t the motive. I mean, what else could it be?
Unsurprisingly, Caucasian X (the bizarro world Black Twitter) is rife with folks calling it hypocritical to be outraged about Robinson’s statue being destroyed while celebrating the tearing down of Confederate monuments and the statue of Thomas Jefferson—because the description of a civil rights era icon and the removal of statues commemorating slave owners and advocates for the preservation of Black people in bondage and forced servitude are exactly the same thing in the totally-not-racist MAGA mind, amirite?
Anyway, Wichita Council member Brandon Johnson assured the public during a news briefing that every effort will be made to see that the statue—which was built by artist John Parsons and donated to the community by League 42, named for Robinson’s number with the Brooklyn Dodgers—will be replaced.
“This was a heartbreaking discovery this morning. I hate to see that the statue was not in one piece,” Johnson said. “But I do want everyone to know that we are undeterred and making sure that that statue gets rebuilt and put back there for our community, for League 42, for the young people. That symbol of hope will only be gone for a short time.”
Meanwhile, League 42, which is a nonprofit organization, has launched a GoFundMe page to get the statue replaced. As of Wednesday morning, it has reached over $120,000 of its $150,000 goal.
SEE ALSO:
When Effigies Of Hate Burn: Robert E. Lee Statue Melted Down In Charlottesville
President Biden Establishes Monument For Emmett Till And Mamie Till-Mobley
The post Somebody Lynched A Jackie Robinson Statue In Kansas appeared first on NewsOne.
Somebody Lynched A Jackie Robinson Statue In Kansas was originally published on newsone.com
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https://1053rnb.com/4973097/somebody-lynched-a-jackie-robinson-statue-in-kansas/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:19Z
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Ireland forward Abbie Larkin has cut short her stay with Glasgow City to sign for Crystal Palace.
The 18-year-old will link up with fellow Ireland internationals Hayley Nolan and Izzy Atkinson at the London club, just four months after her arrival in Scotland from Shamrock Rovers.
She caught the eye of Palace scouts with her form in Glasgow, where she scored twice during her four months there.
READ MORE: Former Ireland striker takes up Academy chief role at St Patrick's Athletic
The 11-time capped prospect - one of the stars of Ireland’s World Cup in Australia last summer - said: “I'm absolutely buzzing and I can't wait to get started with the girls.
“The facilities are unbelievable and it's my dream to play in English football. I'm looking forward to settling into the club and getting closer to the girls, focusing on my football, enjoying it and hopefully developing more as a player.”
Palace head coach Laura Kaminski reacted to the signing by saying: “We’re delighted to welcome Abbie, a player of enormous talent and potential, to Crystal Palace.
“We feel that she will be an excellent addition to our existing forward options, and we look forward to working with her to further her – and the team’s – exciting development.”
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https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/ireland-forward-abbie-larkin-cuts-32016002
| 2024-01-31T23:23:19Z
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NPR News From the occupied West Bank, an emergency hotline assists rescue efforts in Gaza By Aya Batrawy Published January 31, 2024 at 5:39 PM EST Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 5:17 NPR visits an emergency hotline center in the West Bank assisting first responders in the Gaza Strip. Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wxxinews.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/from-the-occupied-west-bank-an-emergency-hotline-assists-rescue-efforts-in-gaza
| 2024-01-31T23:23:20Z
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January 31, 2024
The Eagles' star wide receiver duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith appeared on the Wednesday morning edition of Kay Adams' "Up & Adams" show, and Brown in particular was repeatedly pressed about trade rumors.
It was a bit odd considering that there hasn't been much of an indication that Brown could be on the move over these next few months – well, maybe aside from him deactivating his Twitter/X account and scrubbing his Instagram of any football- or Eagles-related posts earlier this month.
Even odder, Brown's answers on the topic were either neutral at best or – perhaps concerningly – non-committal at worst.
"I've kinda been through this before," Brown told Adams. "I'm a vet. I'll remain quiet. If something happens, I'll be waiting by the phone. If not, I'll be right here."
"I'm just not worrying about any of that right now," Brown continued later when pushed on the subject again. "If it is, it is. If it ain't, I don't know.
"I think you just gotta be prepared. It's a business at the end of the day. I'm just trying to handle it the best way I can."
Yeah, those are curious responses.
Though Smith on the other end of the call did chime in at one point that Brown "ain't goin' nowhere."
"You just gotta be prepared... it's a business."
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) January 31, 2024
A.J. Brown on if he's heard anything about being traded 🔊@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/kl1DFTHiCD
It became a very front-loaded one, however. From Weeks 3-8, the 26-year old wideout went six consecutive games with at least 125 yards receiving, but coming back from the mid-November bye week, he cracked 100 yards just once – that Week 13 drubbing from San Francisco – and had only one touchdown throughout the Eagles' eight remaining regular season games.
His decline in production went hand in hand with the offense's stalling out and the team-wide implosion over the last month and change on the whole, up until a knee injury suffered during the Week 18 embarrassment against the Giants took Brown out of the picture entirely for a very short-lived Eagles playoff run.
"I think over a period of time, things just turned to rabble," Brown said. "It was like a domino effect. We tried to stop the bleeding but we just ran out of time."
And his explanation for scrubbing his aforementioned social media accounts during that brutal stretch:
"That had nothing to do with football," Brown told Adams. "That's me just trying to grow as a person. Just trying to block out any negativity that I can."
Again, odd interview, but you can see it in full for yourself below:
Follow Nick on Twitter: @itssnick
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https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-news-aj-brown-trade-rumors-nfl/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:20Z
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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.wdiy.org/2024-01-31/as-israel-resumes-bombing-in-the-north-thousands-of-gazans-face-desperate-conditions
| 2024-01-31T23:23:20Z
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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.hawaiipublicradio.org/2024-01-31/seattles-queer-community-is-furious-after-gay-bars-were-raided-over-the-weekend
| 2024-01-31T23:23:20Z
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Is ‘Hair Metal’ REALLY a Derogatory Term?
Is "hair metal" really a derogatory label for many of the bands it became associated with?
This topic has been long-debated by musicians, music industry professionals and the fans that lived it. But our article that we published last summer, titled "What Is Hair Metal?," took the discussion a bit further after it was called out by Sebastian Bach and rock 'n' roll personality Eddie Trunk.
Bach replied to our story on X, "The reason that you get the exact same bill every single festival with the same exact bands and guys like me get the summer off."
Trunk followed the singer's remark with the assertion that "hair metal" is a "ridiculous and demeaning term." He then made it the topic of one of his radio shows on SiriusXM's Trunk Nation, offering more thoughts on the matter and tossing it out there for fans to consider as well.
A healthy debate is always fun!
Trunk made several points during his argument and reiterated Bach's perspective that the label actually inhibits artists from certain opportunities because it has a negative connotation attached to it. He questioned why acts such as Guns N' Roses are booked to play stadiums and headline festivals, when they had a similar background as many of the bands dubbed hair metal.
Trunk and Bach aren't the only figures who've touched on the subject, though. As previously stated, it's a conversation that's been going on likely since the term was first coined.
READ MORE: 14 Rock Bands + Artists Who Pioneered Hair Metal
In this video, Lauryn Schaffner and Joe DiVita defend the perspective that hair metal isn't a derogatory term. Rather, it's a convenient way to group bands of a similar era and sound, especially for ease of passing the information on to younger generations.
After all, transcending generations is what makes music timeless — something that we think hair metal is.
Watch the full discussion in the video below.
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https://loudwire.com/is-hair-metal-derogatory/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:21Z
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Garcia Option Exercised Brian Stull November 2, 2015 3:53 PM Listen to the story Your device does not support the audio. The St. Louis Cardinals officially announced today their decision to exercise the team option for 2016 in the contract of Jaime Garcia. Sign in to hide this notification. Get The Latest News! Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox. The lefty was 10-6 with a 2.43 ERA in his 20 starts in 2015–with the Cardinals scoring a total of one run in the six defeats. The move provides the team a current starting rotation of Garcia with Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn, Michael Wacha, and Carlos Martinez. Tim Cooney, Marco Gonzales, and Tyler Lyons also provide internal options.The $11.5 million option for Garcia is for the 2016 season only. There is another team option for 2017, which is for $12.5 million or can be bought out for $500,000.Besides Garcia, the Cardinals also announced the were not exercising the option on pitcher Jonathan Broxton, who appeared in 26 games for St. Louis after being acquired in a trade with Milwaukee on July 31st.It was also announced infielder Pete Kozma and catchers Ed Easley and Travis Tartamella have been outrighted off the team’s 40-man Major League roster. Kozma hit .152 and appeared in 76 games for St. Louis this past season. He is a career .222 in 689 plate appearances.Easley and Tartamella both made their big league debuts in 2015 with the Cardinals.Article continues after sponsor message ARIZONA ALL-STARS–Prospects Alex Reyes and Patrick Wisdom have been named to the Western Division team for the Arizona Fall League All-Star Game, which will be played this Saturday at 7pm CT on MLB Network.Reyes has made four starts for the Surprise Saguaros and has struck out 13 batters in his 13 innings pitched while allowing nine hits and just one earned run.In 40 at-bats, Wisdom is hitting .250 for Surprise with a pair of home runs and nine runs driven in while playing third base.photo credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports More like this: Jan 11, 2024 - Cougars Show Up for the Cardinals as SIUE Sponsors St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day at MLB Spring Training Jan 19, 2024 - Charges Issued for Terrorist Threat and Harassment Jan 22, 2024 - Eleven Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering Charges Jan 12, 2024 - United Way Campaign Raises Over $67 Million for Local Nonprofits Dec 8, 2023 - More than a Dozen Robots Entered in Teen Robotics Competition hosted by SIUE School of Engineering
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https://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/garcia-option-exercised-9741.cfm
| 2024-01-31T23:23:20Z
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Joe Dumars went to a game a couple of weeks ago that came down to the very last shot, and he thought it was one of the best games of the season to this point. Final score: Denver 102, Boston 100.
It was a reminder that defense still can get played in the NBA.
Amid a flurry of big individual performances — Luka Doncic scoring 73, Joel Embiid scoring 70, Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns each scoring 62 — in the last two weeks alone, Dumars said Wednesday that NBA officials aren't alarmed by such numbers because the league's scoring average is up only slightly compared to last season.
“It's where the game is today,” said Dumars, the NBA's executive vice president and head of basketball operations. “It's the pace of the game. It's the amount of 3s guys are shooting now. You're going to have some offensive eruptions like that.”
There hadn't been an instance since April 1978 of two players scoring at least 60 points in the same day. That is, until it happened twice last week: Embiid and Towns had their huge games on Jan. 22, Doncic and Booker put on their scoring shows on Jan. 26.
Having those events happen twice in the span of a few days is a statistical oddity, for certain. But the numbers show it's not really much more than that.
Scoring leaguewide this season is up just 0.78% over last season entering Wednesday, from 114.7 points per game to 115.6 points per game. The jump was far bigger last season, when scoring rose 3.7% over the rate of 110.6 points per game that the league saw in 2021-22.
There have been more high-scoring games, but the averages suggest things also tend to balance out. Entering Wednesday, there had been 78 instances of teams scoring at least 135 points in a game this season — already the second most for a full season in league history and on pace to smash the record of 112, set last season. The previous mark was 74 games of 135 or more, done in 2019-20.
“We're going to see offensive eruptions with this kind of pace and the amount of 3s people shoot,” Dumars said. “But there's no push here at the league office from me or anyone else that we want to see a certain score. I left that Boston-Denver game saying, ‘wow, great game.’ That's what fans want. Fans want to leave a game or watch a game and at the end say, ‘that was incredible.’ The score is secondary to that. Fans just want to see great games.”
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
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.wdbo.com/sports/with-scoring-up-less/5QFZ254JCBNCYJSEAYKGVDSC2Y/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:20Z
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From the occupied West Bank, an emergency hotline assists rescue efforts in Gaza By Aya Batrawy Published January 31, 2024 at 5:39 PM EST Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 5:17 NPR visits an emergency hotline center in the West Bank assisting first responders in the Gaza Strip. Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wbfo.org/2024-01-31/from-the-occupied-west-bank-an-emergency-hotline-assists-rescue-efforts-in-gaza
| 2024-01-31T23:23:22Z
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INDIANAPOLIS — One of Richard Allen's former defense attorneys recently sat down with CourtTV for an exclusive interview about his experiences with Allen.
In the interview for CourtTV, Bill Lebrato spoke about the case, including Odinist evidence and Allen’s representation issues.
Lebrato says in his time on the case, Richard Allen's mental and physical health improved. Lebrato claims Allen weighed approximately 122 lbs. when he first met him — a steep fall from the 200-plus lbs. Allen weighed at the time of his arrest.
The now former attorney for Allen says of Odinism, “Honestly, when I first heard about it and that these attorneys were going down this road, Lebrato said, “I thought it was hocus pocus. I was wrong. I was a hundred percent wrong. This is a real thing, and it’s a dangerous thing.”
Lebrato told CourtTV that he agrees with reinstated attorneys Brad Rozzi and Andrew Baldwin that Allen did not commit the crime of murdering Libby German and Abby Williams.
Watch the full interview and read more on the CourtTV website.
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https://www.wrtv.com/news/delphi/richard-allens-former-defense-attorney-says-allen-likely-wont-get-fair-trial
| 2024-01-31T23:23:22Z
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Patrick Flanary: A critically endangered right whale washed up dead on Martha's Vineyard earlier this week. It is the first dead right whale to come ashore in Massachusetts in six years. Right now, researchers, regulators, and tribal officials are all hashing out a plan to examine just how the whale died. Joining us in studio is Eve Zuckoff with the latest? Good morning, Eve.
Eve Zuckoff Good morning, Patrick.
Patrick Flanary: All right. Remind us, where is the whale right now? And what do we know thus far?
Eve Zuckoff: Yeah. So on Monday, officials saw the whale at Cow Bay in Edgartown with rope wrapped around its body near the whale's tail. It's a young female; it appears 2 to 3 years old. But IFAW couldn't yet declare a cause of death. This is the International Fund for Animal Welfare. They're kind of the go-to people for these kinds of cases. They said that that entanglement could have slowed the whale, for example, and then she could have gotten hit by a boat. They need to do a full examination. And that kind of gets us up to today. And if there's anything positive about the death of a right whale — and there really isn't — it's that in this case there are a lot of researchers who can learn things that could be useful to protect the rest of the population, which now stands at just 350.
Patrick Flanary: All right. So we don't yet know what exactly caused the death, but what do we know about what's happening next? Is the whale's carcass still on the beach?
Eve Zuckoff: It is. The whale is in a really tricky spot right now. It's kind of half in the water, half out of it. Research teams, they need to get that carcass on a flat, clear beach for a really effective postmortem exam. So they've tied a rope around the whale's tail and anchored it to the beach. And Kathleen Collins with IFAW said the next step would be happening today.
"So what the team will do is they'll coordinate with a vessel to actually tow the whale back out into the surf and then relocate it to a Marina nearby," Collins said.
So once it's in the Marina, they will put it on a truck, probably a flat truck bed and bring the carcass to a beach on tribal lands for that postmortem exam.
Patrick Flanary: So they'll have to tow that whale. What do we know about its condition?
Eve Zuckoff: Well, we don't know a lot. And this is where, again, there is just so much hunger to learn more — everything we can about this whale. The very first thing will be to flip her over and see the top of her head where she wears her identification. It's these big, completely unique calluses that make clear which right whale is which. And then from there, during the postmortem exam, researchers will need to cut through blubber, do biopsies, see if there's evidence of blunt force trauma from a boat collision, perhaps do a full analysis of stomach contents to see what or if this whale has eaten, and they'll be able to see how deep the entanglement wounds are around its tail. That will then give them a sense of how long the whale was entangled, which is just really important data point to understand what's hurting these whales.
Patrick Flanary: And we want to remind listeners this is no small feat moving a whale. It weighs in at 11 tons, according to your reporting. So that's what, five cars. What do you do with its body once this exam happens?
Eve Zuckoff: Yeah. 11 tons is the equivalent of a cruise ship's anchor or two ambulances. In this case, they will bury the whale right on the beach. If they bury it deeply, far from the high tide line, it's a cost effective way to make the animal decompose naturally over the course of a few years. Burial also reduces the likelihood of attracting scavengers, because that kind of masks the smell. Now, I will tell you, generally speaking, there are other options. You can leave animals like these just on the beach. You would do that if it were a remote area, you could tow it back to sea and release it floating, tow it back out and sink it, bring it to a landfill, incinerating plant, composting facility. All of these are more expensive options. And they wouldn't do this, but in the old days — you can watch this on YouTube — whale carcasses were blown up.
Patrick Flanary: I won't be watching that on YouTube.
Eve Zuckoff: No, don't.
Patrick Flanary: There is a contentious movement, Eve, that opposes offshore wind development. How is this playing out on social media?
Eve Zuckoff: Well, misinformation has been spreading about this whale all over the internet. I've seen it on X, formerly called Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. People are claiming that the death of this whale is connected to offshore wind. You'll remember, Vineyard Wind is currently working on its offshore wind project just 15 miles off the island's coast. But this has been really frustrating for the experts on the ground. They want people to have some patience as they just work on this postmortem exam that has not been done yet. So here's Kathleen Collins again.
"We understand that this is kind of a sensationalized event," she said. "But at the end of the day, we need to give the scientists time with this animal to figure out what happened before any conclusions can be made."
They say the important thing to remember here is that this is a female whale that could have helped her species come back from the brink of extinction if she had time to mature to get pregnant. And now because of something -- we don't know what yet -- her chance to launch more generations is gone.
Patrick Flanary: That is what we know about the death of an endangered right whale earlier this week that washed ashore in Edgartown. That is CAI's environmental reporter Eve Zuckoff. She's headed out the station door right now to make the next boat to Martha's Vineyard to investigate. Eve, thanks
Eve Zuckoff: Thank you Patrick.
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https://www.wshu.org/2024-01-31/north-atlantic-right-whale-found-dead-on-marthas-vineyard-beach-whats-next
| 2024-01-31T23:23:22Z
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Calling all Gabby Barrett fans: If you’re going to be in Nashville February 1 and February 2, Gabby’s got something special planned for you.
To celebrate the release of her sophomore album, Chapter & Verse, Gabby will launch a two-day Experience event at Fifth + Broadway in downtown Nashville.
The Experience event will be open February 1 and 2 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., while the one-hour album listening event will take place February 2 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“We have so many fun things to show y’all, giving an exclusive peek behind the curtain of the album and my life the past few years,” Gabby shares on Instagram, before adding that she won’t be there in person “because my baby will be here any second now.”
Gabby and her husband Cade Foehner are expecting their third child, a daughter. She’ll join 1-year-old Augustine Boone and 3-year-old Baylah May.
Chapter & Verse arrives February 2 and is available for presave now. Its lead single, “Glory Days,” is currently in the top 20 of the country charts.
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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https://www.newcountry1031.com/gabby-barretts-celebrating-chapter-verse-with-fan-events/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:22Z
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Futuristic action RPG Stellar Blade arrives on April 26
You’ll try to save Earth from mysterious invaders.
Stellar Blade, Shift Up’s action RPG initially scheduled to launch in 2023, is coming soon. Sony announced at its first State of Play of 2024 that the futuristic game will launch on April 26 as a PS5 exclusive.
The game, developed under the working title “Project Eve,” puts you in the role of Eve, a warrior from the seventh airborne squad. She returns to Earth to battle the Naytibas, humanity’s mysterious (and horrific-looking) enemies. Eve joins with fellow survivors Adam and Lily to try to exterminate the Naytibas and save the last human city, Xion, from ruin.
Xion is connected to a “semi-open world” setting called the Wasteland and the Great Desert. There, you’ll meet new characters, help the citizens of Xion and gather energy cells to sustain the city.
You can pre-order Stellar Blade beginning on February 7 at 10AM ET through the PlayStation Store and retail partners. The standard version costs $70, and a Digital Deluxe variant ($80) adds extra costumes, experience points and in-game currency. It arrives on April 26. You can watch the game’s pre-order trailer below.
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https://www.engadget.com/futuristic-action-rpg-stellar-blade-arrives-on-april-26-224619987.html?src=rss
| 2024-01-31T23:23:22Z
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B.C.’s police watchdog has released the full report into an incident in Lake Country, where a man alleged a Kelowna RCMP officer used unreasonable force and broke his arm during an arrest.
The report by the Independent Investigations Office was withheld until this week, when criminal proceedings against the man making the allegations wrapped up.
Back on September 11, 2020, the officer, previously identified by Castanet as Const. Julius Prommer, pulled over Dustin Blondin, 27, for speeding. The IIO says an “altercation developed between SO (Prommer) and AP (Blondin), a second RCMP member attended, and AP was arrested.”
At issue were the circumstances of the arrest. The IIO interviewed Blondin, the second RCMP office, and a tow truck driver who was called to the scene to impound Blondin’s vehicle. Const. Prommer provided a written statement through his legal counsel.
Man recorded officer on his cell phone
In his Interview, Blondin admitted to driving at least 120 km/h in a 70 km/h zone. He said he could tell that Const. Prommer was “not in a good mood that day” and did not believe him when he said his wallet had been stolen (a police file about the stolen wallet was in existence at the time).
Blondin then started recording the interaction on his cell phone. He claims the officer was angered at the camera’s light shining in his eyes, so he turned the light off.
It was during the following minutes, after the second officer arrived, that Blondin was arrested. He claims a coffee maker was “torn from his hands” after he asked for his belongings to be transferred to the police cruiser. The second officer said when he arrived on the scene, Blondin was “screaming and hollering” and “badgering” his colleague. When the Mounties tried to put the man’s belongings back into his car, the witness officer said Blondin “lunged” at him and struggled over a table, aiming a “wild kick” at him.
Tow truck driver witnessed part of the arrest
The officers eventually wrestled the man to the ground and handcuffed him. That was about the time the tow truck driver arrived. He told the IIO he observed Blondin behaving in a manner that he interpreted as “trying to obstruct” two police officers. When he looked again, the man was on the ground being handcuffed, yelling and screaming and saying the officers had broken his arm. Blondin was placed in a police car but was using his smartwatch to text a friend, and that’s when he claims the officer “flipped out” and squeezed his hands so hard a bone snapped.
Blondin was taken into custody and later charged. He pleaded guilty earlier this month to willfully resisting and obstructing a peace officer. Four other charges were stayed by the Crown. He was handed a 12 month probation order.
The IIO said that while Blondin was later found to have a spiral fracture in one of the metacarpals of his left hand which required surgery, the injury was more likely the result of a twisting force than a crushing one.
“Significant is the evidence of CW1 (the tow truck driver), who recalled while AP (Blondin) was on the ground being handcuffed he was shouting that the officers had broken his arm. The evidence as a whole leads to a conclusion that the injury was most likely caused by the struggle to get AP’s arms under control and into restraints. It might have been the indirect result of the efforts of the two officers, but in any event does not appear to have been caused by any unjustified or excessive use of force, in the circumstances,” writes Ronald J. MacDonald, KC, chief civilian director.
Inconsistencies in evidence
Blondin also alleged that Const. Prommer assaulted him in the early stages of their interaction, by pushing a flashlight in his eye. The man said he recorded the assault on his cell phone, but the IIO report says the only video provided shows the officer shining his flashlight at the man from several feet away while telling him to turn off his phone’s video light.
MacDonald writes that inconsistencies in the evidence led the IIO to decide against recommending charges against the officer.
“The bottom line is that [Blondin's] evidence suffers from reliability issues, and contradicts other known evidence. While the evidence from [Prommer] is incomplete, when considering the totality of of the matter there is insufficient evidence to say that the force used was unreasonable.”
Blondin filed a lawsuit against Const. Prommer shortly after the arrest. He updated his civil claim in November, 2022.
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https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/470089/Watchdog-finds-insufficient-evidence-to-recommend-charges-against-Kelowna-RCMP-officer
| 2024-01-31T23:23:22Z
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PONTIAC, Mich. — (PONTIAC, Mich.) -- Brian Meloche, a longtime friend of Jennifer Crumbley and with whom she was having an affair with at the time of the 2021 Oxford School shooting, took the stand to testify in her manslaughter trial on Wednesday.
In texts sent after the shooting, Jennifer Crumbley told Meloche that the shooting "could have been prevented," according to evidence. In other texts, she told him the school was "nonchalant" about concerns surrounding Ethan Crumbley and said that the school should have taken the concerns seriously and not allowed him to return to class.
Jennifer Crumbley and James Crumbley are each facing four counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the school shooting, which was carried out by their then-15-year-old son Ethan Crumbley. James Crumbley is being tried in a separate trial in March.
Ethan Crumbley has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing four students and injuring seven others in November 2021.
After Jennifer Crumbley's attorney, Shannon Smith, questioned Meloche -- suggesting that police intimidated and threatened him into providing his testimony -- prosecutors sought to allow the judge to include evidence that the two had an affair. In a previous ruling, Judge Cheryl Matthews excluded all evidence regarding their extramarital affair.
The jury was excused from the room and Matthews spoke directly to Jennifer Crumbley, who said she supported her attorney's decision to admit information about the affair into evidence.
Meloche, a fire department captain, initially appeared to testify that police interviewing him threatened his job and benefits, including his pension, if he helped Jennifer Crumbley by refusing to share information. However, he later clarified that he was pressured by police to share information about the Crumbleys but was always told to tell the truth. Meloche admitted on the stand that he did not want his affair to be revealed and had sought to protect his family and wife by withholding information.
Meloche testified Wednesday that Jennifer Crumbley had told him she was able to leave work to meet up with him even though she allegedly told school officials on the day of the shooting that she could not take her son home or for mental health care that day because she needed to return to work.
Jennifer and James Crumbley decided to send their son back to class despite a meeting the morning of the shooting in which school officials expressed concerns about him.
Andrew Smith, the CEO of the real estate company where Jennifer Crumbley worked at the time of the shooting, testified on Tuesday that she would have been allowed to leave for the day if she needed to take care of her son and could have brought him to work if she needed.
Meloche testified about conversations he had with Jennifer Crumbley in the days leading up to and after the shooting. The two texted regularly leading up to the shooting and in the days after it.
Meloche said he regularly deleted the messages between himself and Jennifer Crumbley. He testified that one of the deleted texts from her -- sent on the day of the shooting -- said that the gun was gone. He responded, telling her to contact police.
Meloche told Crumbley in texts before she was arrested that she needed to "disappear" when she was allowed to do so.
Prior to the shooting, Meloche said he was aware that the Crumbleys had gotten a handgun for their son and said he was "surprised" that they chose to do so. Meloche also testified that he did not believe Jennifer Crumbley should have been charged, but has since learned more information that makes him believe otherwise.
Meloche testified he didn't think a shooting would take place, but he thought that Ethan Crumbley might hurt himself.
Evidence shown in court of the text messages also showed an unsent message from Jennifer Crumbley to Meloche in which she told him that the gun was locked with a string lock.
"I'll never be OK I lost my son. And he's a murderer and I'll forever have to live with the guilt of that. I'm not even sure life is worth living anymore," Crumbley said in another message that was never sent.
Meloche testified that the two normally met in the parking lot of a Costco across the street from her job during the morning hours of work days, when Ethan Crumbley was at school. He testified that he never felt that Jennifer Crumbley did not care about her son.
He stopped communicating with Jennifer Crumbley when he saw on the news that police were trying to apprehend her and her husband, Meloche testified. The last time the two communicated was Dec. 4, 2021, he said.
Lt. Sam Marzban, an Oakland County detective, also testified that Jennifer Crumbley did not want to hand over her phone to police and was concerned about being able to contact people while police were conducting a search.
Marzban testified that he told Crumbley she could get a replacement phone and asked that she share the number with police. Marzban said Jennifer Crumbley seemed "irritated and frustrated" but was not crying while police searched their house, just hours after the shooting.
The prosecution said it expects to call two more witnesses Thursday morning before they rest. The defense is expected to begin presenting its case in the afternoon.
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whio.com/news/national/man-who-had-affair/PSLN4DGWY3JULT5MSTVWMT6JME/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:23Z
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Rachel Cruze: How To Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck in 2024
As the new year begins, one of your goals might be to obtain financial freedom and break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Dave Ramsey co-host Rachel Cruze offers timely advice that can help you reset your budgeting habits.
Cruze revealed steps for carving a path toward financial freedom. These tips are more than mere money resolutions; they’re a clear blueprint for long-term financial health in 2024 and beyond.
Understanding Paycheck-to-Paycheck Living
During an episode of The Rachel Cruze Show, Cruze explains the paycheck-to-paycheck life. She says living paycheck to paycheck is a common situation where individuals eagerly await their next paycheck to cover current bills. This often occurs either because one’s income is insufficient for essential expenses (food, shelter, utilities, transportation) or due to excessive spending.
Zero-Based Budgeting
Cruze emphasizes the importance of zero-based budgeting, which doesn’t mean having zero dollars in your account but rather assigning every dollar a purpose. She suggests maintaining a small miscellaneous category in your budget as a cushion during the initial stages of budgeting.
Cut Down Monthly Payments
Cruze advises reducing monthly financial obligations, such as car payments, student loans, and credit card bills. She encourages paying off consumer debt (starting with the smallest debt, known as the debt snowball method) to free up income for the present and future.
It’s imperative to review your prior year’s expenditures to spot areas where overspending has occurred. Apps like EveryDollar offer a convenient way to track expenses and illuminate categories that frequently exceed budgeted amounts. Recognizing these trends is the first step toward setting constraints that will foster better spending habits.
Address Lifestyle Creep
Cruze highlights lifestyle creep — the gradual increase in spending as one’s income rises — and urges viewers to take control of their financial choices. This includes reassessing non-essential expenses, such as luxury grocery stores, unused streaming services, and regular beauty treatments.
An overlooked aspect of budget optimization is the regular audit of subscription services. Cruze urges a thorough evaluation of these periodic charges, be it multimedia platforms or gym memberships. Eliminating unused or underused subscriptions can quickly transition into tangible savings, enhancing your financial welfare with minimal effort.
Boost Income
Cruze suggests exploring ways to increase income, such as pursuing growth opportunities in your current job, seeking a raise, or starting a side hustle. She encourages using talents and skills to earn additional income.
Embrace Sinking Funds for Planned Expenses
For substantial, foreseeable costs, sinking funds are Cruze’s strategic solution. These funds act as financial cushions for larger expenses such as home renovations or vehicle replacements. Methodically contributing to sinking funds over time ensures that you can comfortably handle big-ticket items without the burden of debt or panic.
The Importance of Daily Transaction Tracking
One of the most important habits in maintaining command over personal finances is daily transaction tracking. Accurate and current recording of outflows through tools that offer real-time linkage to your bank accounts empowers you to keep watch over your spending and facilitates timely budgetary adjustments.
Behavioral Shifts to End the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle
Despite income growth, you might find yourself trapped in a paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. The key to breaking free lies within changes that directly impact spending habits and financial management.
Cruze stresses the importance of modifying your financial approach. She encourages strategic expense cuts and financial discipline. Once you change your mindset, you’ll start to see a positive change. Following these steps will help you get back on track in no time.
Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.
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https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/budgeting/rachel-cruze-how-to-stop-living-paycheck-to-paycheck-in-2024/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:24Z
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GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALBERTA – TheNewswire — January 31, 2024 — ANGKOR RESOURCES CORP. (TSXV:ANK) (OTC:ANKOF) (“ANGKOR” or the “Company”) announces that it has received its first recurring monthly cash distribution from its production acquisition in Evesham, Saskatchewan. Angkor and its subsidiary, EnerCam Exploration Ltd. (“EnerCam”), shared 40% of the net profit in the Project of $262,000 for the month of November.
The revenue and subsequent equity-based share of profits are based on the acquisition announced on Dec. 12th, 2023 with Project Operator Eyehill Creek Exploration Ltd. (“Eyehill”) and 358140 Alberta Ltd. (“358140”) to acquire a 40% equity interest in the Evesham/Macklin Production Project including the oil production from 33 vertical wells and the Gas Capture facility and all related pipelines, water disposal wells, water trucking equipment, etc.
The first month under the agreement covered November 1-30th, 2023 with the included sale of 7477 barrels of oil. The Company expects monthly summaries which are generally two months from the end of the operating month.
CEO Delayne Weeks comments on this first recurring revenue for the Company, “This is a very significant milestone for Angkor as it monetizes our efforts towards cleaner energy and ongoing revenue streams in niche markets. The end results are increased strength for Angkor, mitigation of our risk to market fluctuations, and cash in the accounts.”
The Project was an expansion of an original gas/carbon emission undertaking to capture the production gas emissions from the 33 wells and transport them via pipeline to a collection venue for dehydration, processing and transfer to Saskatchewan’s distributor TransGas for provincial energy sales within its network. All of those wells were connected in 2023, preventing carbon and methane production emissions within the 33-well pod. The expansion to acquire the oil production, water disposal, and trucking elements of the Project added cashflow and a synergy to reach out to other producers in the area who are currently venting or flaring their production gas and looking for a solution to emissions.
Weeks added, “The concern about hydrocarbons for energy is generally focused on emissions, so if we can capture those emissions, it makes a big difference across the environmental landscape. This is a perfect example of doing that, with substantial capacity to expand so multiple producers can collaborate for blanket benefits. Everybody wins – People, Planet, Profit.”
The next priority of the Project is to add up to 1.5 million cubic feet per day of gas to the Project, which currently has capacity for 3 million cubic feet per day. As well, additional oil and gas producing wells in the area now have an alternative to flaring and venting their production gas.
ABOUT ANGKOR RESOURCES CORPORATION:
Angkor Resources Corp. is a public company, listed on the TSX-Venture Exchange, and is a leading resource optimizer working towards mineral and energy solutions across Canada and Cambodia. Angkor’s carbon capture and gas conservation project in Saskatchewan, Canada is part of its long-term commitment to Environmental and Social projects and cleaner energy solutions across expanding jurisdictions. The company holds three mineral exploration licenses in Cambodia and its subsidiary, EnerCam Resources, was granted an onshore oil and gas license of 7300 square kilometers in the southwest quadrant of Cambodia.
CONTACT: Delayne Weeks – CEO
Email: [email protected] Website: angkorresources.com Telephone: +1 (780) 831-8722
Please follow @AngkorResources on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
The information in this press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or our future intentions or performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “continue”, “demonstrate”, “expect”, “may”, “can”, “will”, “believe”, “would” and similar expressions and include statements relating to, among other things, Angkor’s position, strategy and development plans and the benefits to be derived therefrom; the Corporation’s anticipated annual production growth and annual capital spending for the next three years; that the focus of the Corporation’s development activities during the remainder of 2023; expectations of when the transaction is completed; the anticipated focus of Angkor’s operations in 2024; the Corporation’s anticipated 2024 average production; and the Corporation’s expectations that it will continue to deliver clean, reliable, sustainable energy, contributing to a reduction in global emissions by displacing high-carbon fuels. Angkor’s actual decisions, activities, results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements and accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur or, if any of them do, what benefits that Angkor will derive from them.
Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.
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https://troymedia.com/media-release/angkor-resources-receives-first-recurring-profit-from-saskatchewan-oil-gas-production-and-carbon-capture-project/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:22Z
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NPR News 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.wxxinews.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/lawmakers-grilled-the-ceos-of-top-social-media-companies-in-a-hearing-today
| 2024-01-31T23:23:26Z
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January 31, 2024
Penn Museum had sparked weeks of uproar over its planned burial of the remains of 19 Black Philadelphians that have been in its collections for decades. Community organizers and some anthropologists had called the service, set to take place Saturday, "rushed" and "disrespectful."
Then, the museum quietly buried the remains ahead of schedule, alluding to it in a new announcement on Tuesday for weekend services, which will include a commemoration service and blessing.
"Following the recommendations of the Morton Collection Community Advisory Group, the Black Philadelphians in the Morton Collection have been laid to rest," a Penn spokesperson confirmed Wednesday. "After 200 years, it was time to respectfully lay them to rest."
That decision drew a strong rebuke from many people who opposed Penn Museum handling the burial. They included Lyra D. Monteiro, an assistant professor of history at Rutgers University, who had formally objected to Penn Museum's court petition to bury the remains.
"The folks I have been in touch with are just in shock, and think it's an assault," Monteiro said. "It's violent for them to have done this. I mean, how would you feel if somebody said, 'oh yeah, I didn't think you'd really care, so I just buried your grandma last week?'"
The originally scheduled burial on Saturday had inspired multiple letters of protest and condemnations from anthropologists who said the museum had not conducted enough research into the individuals now interred in Eden Cemetery in Collingdale, Delaware County. All of these individuals were previously part of the Morton Cranial Collection, an archive of more than 1,300 skulls the museum has managed since 1966. Samuel Morton, who collected and conducted research on the remains in the mid-1800s, was a eugenicist who used the skulls to further white supremacist arguments about supposed biological inferiorities.
Museum officials said descendants and basic biographies could not be identified for the men and women, but critics argue they haven't looked hard enough. In the lead-up to the burial service, Finding Ceremony, a self-identified descendant group of Black Philadelphians, unearthed significant information on another individual the museum had planned to bury, John Voorhees. The research revealed that Voorhees's mother was Indigenous, making his burial a violation of federal law.
In response to the research report, the museum said it would exclude Voorhees from the burial and follow the process outlined in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. A Penn Museum spokesperson confirmed that Voorhees was excluded from the burial of the remains.
"They don't care," said aAliy Muhammad, one of the founders of Finding Ceremony. "I don't know how many times I can say that. They have not cared for these ancestors. They have not cared for community, and they won't care. That's the reason why we're saying they are not the correct institution. No institution should be doing this work at all. But Penn by far is the most incorrect institution to ever consider doing this work."
The complicated timeline that led to the burial stretches back to more than two centuries ago, when Morton began building his collection through a vast network of associates who, in some cases, plundered the skulls from graves or battlefields. After Morton's death in 1851, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia bought his collection. The Penn Museum acquired it in 1966.
The collection was used for teaching and research purposes and partially displayed in University of Pennsylvania classrooms until 2020, when the museum undertook a reexamination of the collection in the wake of the racial justice protests sparked by George Floyd's murder. Staffers relocated the crania to storage, and formed a committee and later an advisory group to make recommendations on the collection's future.
Muhammad was part of that advisory group, but broke with the museum over its first attempt at a burial service in 2022. When the Penn Museum petitioned the Orphans' Court to bury 13 Black Philadelphians in the collection, claiming consensus from the advisory group, Muhammad and Monteiro filed objections. The pair outlined a proposal for a descendant-led process that would transfer stewardship of the collection from the museum to Finding Ceremony, which would then create a complete catalog of every cranium and conduct research with the aim of identifying possible descendants. Penn Museum would provide funding, but relinquish all oversight.
"The point is that the decision is not made by the institution that caused the harm," Monteiro said.
The court ultimately sided with the museum last February, approving its plan to inter the individuals at Eden Cemetery, a historically Black burial site. Over the course of the proceedings, the number of individuals increased from 13 to 20 — another indication, Finding Ceremony argued, of the museum's mishandling and misunderstanding of the remains.
In December, the museum announced plans for its Feb. 3 ceremony, promising a 10 a.m. interfaith service outside the museum followed by a blessing at Eden Cemetery. The timeline fell just within the court's mandated burial deadline of one year from the ruling.
"After nearly 200 years these individuals are finally being returned to the Black community and laid to rest with respect," Christopher Woods, the director of the Penn Museum, said in a statement at the time. "This is a small but long-overdue step towards addressing injustices that have spanned centuries."
Critics, however, continued to voice objections to the plans. Aja Lans, a bioarchaeologist at Johns Hopkins University called the museum's research "egregious" in an interview with Science magazine. Kyle Olson, an archaeologist at Washington University at St. Louis who received his PhD from Penn, called on the museum to "do better by Philly" on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Meanwhile, Monteiro and members of Finding Ceremony researched Voorhees, the only person slated for burial with a name. By combing through the Chester County Archives and Records Service, Monteiro and her team discovered that Voorhees had a wife and a child and described his mother as an "Indian squaw" in an interview conducted shortly before his death. Penn Museum had written in a previously published document that "a review of finding aids for Archives and Records at the Chester County History Center of Pennsylvania did not reveal any information about Mr. John Voorhees."
"Our report very clearly laid out multiple methodological errors that the Penn Museum had made in their research, which is why they had not found the same information," Monteiro said. "I am a skilled researcher, you know, I am a professional archaeologist and historian, and I spend a lot of time in archives. But the University of Pennsylvania actually has a few professional historians itself, I think.
"(It) ultimately comes down to not caring enough to do the research, and also not realizing when they didn't know something."
Now with the burial completed, protestors have expressed shock and outrage on social media, calling the museum's actions "despicable" and a possible violation of court orders.
"This horrific happening also serves the purpose of gesturing that Black people in our lives and afterlives don't matter," Muhammad tweeted. "I'm really angry that this was allowed to take place. I'm sick to my stomach."
Follow Kristin & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @kristin_hunt
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https://www.phillyvoice.com/penn-museum-burial-ceremony-morton-cranial-collection/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:26Z
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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
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.wdiy.org/2024-01-31/broadway-legend-hinton-battle-who-originally-played-scarecrow-in-the-wiz-has-died
| 2024-01-31T23:23:26Z
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Kat Von D Speaks Out on Photographer Who Sued Her – ‘He Saw This as an Opportunity to Gain Publicity’
In a new video, Kat Von D breaks her silence about the photographer who sued her now that she has emerged victorious in her recent legal battle. The lawsuit focused on a tattoo she once created that found its visual basis in a portrait of the famous jazz trumpeter Miles Davis.
Von D, the beauty entrepreneur, singer and tattoo artist many know from the reality shows LA Ink and Miami Ink, suggests the verdict is a good thing for tattooers everywhere.
The original Davis photo was captured by photographer Jeffrey Sedlik, who is the man who sued Von D. He argued that the tattoo violated his copyright of the image. But earlier this month, a jury disagreed, siding with Von D and bringing the legal battle to an end.
READ MORE: Kat Von D Emerges Victorious in Tattoo Trial Over Miles Davis Photo
Now, in her filmed message, Von D says she still feels traumatized by the process. She also offers up some barbs for Sedlik while hinting that she's forgiven him, in line with her recently reignited Christian beliefs. "Sending you all lots of love," she ends the video, "especially the photographer that was suing me." (Watch the full clip below.)
"I was getting sued by a photographer for a tattoo that I did about seven years ago," Von D explains in the video. "It has been a really heavy week. … This has been going on for the last two years. I think I'm still a little bit traumatized by the entire experience. … It was just an extremely painful process, and I'm so, so grateful that it's over."
Kat Von D Video - Jan. 30, 2024
She says, "I really didn't talk about this publicly because it's not something you wanna bring your followers along with — this isn't a fun adventure. … It's hard to make this video because, honestly, if you don't have anything nice to say about somebody, just don't say anything at all. And I just don't have anything nice to say about this photographer."
Von D continues, "I truly believe that he saw this as an opportunity to gain publicity and to gain a lot of money. And, unfortunately for him, it's backfired. I have no idea what his lawyer fees are, but I know what mine are. And now he may have to have the burden of paying for those. I know that he's going to appeal this until the end of time if he can, because his ego just won't allow him to let it go. And I think perhaps that's probably the worst punishment of all for what he's done. Because I can't imagine having to live with just, that kind of heaviness."
She adds, "For me, I want nothing more than just to let this go and just move on. But I knew that if I didn't fight the effects of something like this would be so awful for not just tattooers, but artists across the board. As well as people who get tattooed, and people who love fan art. I'm an artist who has been ripped off many times and has had big corporations like, mass-produce things that I've created, and gotten rich off of it. And this is not that. I really don't believe that's what tattooing is. … This isn't me putting an image on a T-shirt or on a poster and striking a deal with Walmart and selling it."
Von D says, "I think this photographer doesn't really understand how much negativity he's doing. He's inflicting so much negativity onto not just himself, and not just me or my team of lawyers — all of the people involved. You know, the jury — some of the jury members traveled like three hours every day to sit there and listen to this guy talk about himself for seven hours."
She concludes, "I'm really glad it's over for now. I hope tattooers aren't discouraged by a lawsuit like this. Because to have to kill like the spirit of the creative process, and the gift that we're able to give the people that we tattoo — through our interpretations of artwork and photographs and whatever else, ideas — it would just be such a sad thing to happen."
20 Rock + Metal Musicians With Tattoos of Bands
Gallery Credit: Lauryn Schaffner
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https://loudwire.com/kat-von-d-speaks-photographer-sued-her/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:27Z
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Lewis and Clark Community College Soccer Teams Advance to Regional Finals November 2, 2015 2:02 PM Listen to the story Your device does not support the audio. Lewis and Clark Community College men’s and women’s soccer teams are playing this weekend in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division 1 Region Finals. Sign in to hide this notification. Get The Latest News! Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox. On Wednesday, the L&C men’s soccer team defeated SWIC 5-0. Sophomore goalkeeper, Nick Johnson of St. Charles, Missouri kept the four shots made against the Trailblazers at bay,giving him the shut-out. Freshman, Blake Cearns of Australia led the team offensively with four goals in the first half of the game. Fellow Australian,Lochlan Reus had two assists and the final goal of the game. Michael Longo, of Quincy, Illinois, and Brendan Mann, of O’Fallon, Missouri, each had an assist helping the Trailblazers secure the win. “I think the five to nothing win for the men over SWIC is so impressive mainly because the games in the past they have been so close. There are a lot of dominant players on the team this year. It looks good for them to win the region,” said Doug Stotler, L&C Athletic Director. “Rooney has them rested and primed to win the region.” The next game for the men’s team will be against the #2 seed in the Region 24 tournament, Illinois Central College on Saturday, Oct. 31, at noon in the L&C soccer stadium. This game will advance the winner to the NJCAA Division 1 National Championship Tournament in Axton, Virginia, Nov. 16-21. “We have been playing really solid and improving with every game,” said Tim Rooney, L&C men and women’s head soccer coach. “They are playing well on both sides of the ball, but we are going to have to be at our best to beat ICC.” The men’s soccer team has been strong all year with a 15-3-1 record. Reus is leading the NJCAA Division 1 in goal assists. Article continues after sponsor message The L&C women’s soccer team won their semifinals game against SWIC 2-1 on Thursday, Oct. 29, advancing them into the finals. The #1 seeded Trailblazers will play the #2 seed Parkland College for the Region 24 Finals on Sunday, Nov.1, at noon in the L&C soccer stadium. The winner of that game will advance to the district finals. The winner of the district finalswill advance to the National Championship Tournament in Melbourne, Florida that is held Nov. 16-21. “I think we have a good chance against Parkland. Both teams are pretty good and it is going to be who plays the best that day,” Rooney said. The Trailblazers took an early lead against SWIC with a goal scored by Kayley Hill of Florissant,Missouri but the SWIC offence fired back with goal, tying the game. The game was physical, but Nicole Howard, of Rolla, Missouri, was able to make the game-winning goal in the second half for the Trailblazers despite being heavily defended. “I think we played okay in the first half, but they stepped it up in the second half with better ball energy and movement,” Rooney said. The women’s team has had a strong season with a 13-2-2 record and racking up 95 goals over 17 games. Nicole Howard is leading the NJCAA Division 1 in points and goals. FreshmanTrailblazer, Cassidy Foley of Quincy, Illinois, is leading the nation in assists. “The women have been tested and won a lot of close games this season, and I think that is going to be valuable for them having those experiences going into the final,” Stotler said. “Being in a tight game again yesterday proves that they can play in challenging situations.” For more Trailblazers Athletics news and information, visit www.lc.edu/athletics. More like this: Nov 21, 2023 - Trailblazers Women’s Soccer Head Coach, Six Players Earn Region 24 Honors Oct 3, 2023 - Trailblazers Women’s Soccer Clinches Top Spot in Region 24 Nov 2, 2023 - L&C Women's Basketball Drops Season-Opener To SWIC Sep 21, 2023 - Former Marquette, CM Standout Soccer Players Making A Difference At Collegiate Level - No. 18 L&C Edges SWIC 2-1 Jun 30, 2023 - L&C and EliteFT to Host Youth Soccer Camp
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https://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/lewis-and-clark-community-college-soccer-teams-advance-to-regional-finals-9739.cfm
| 2024-01-31T23:23:27Z
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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.hawaiipublicradio.org/2024-01-31/spiderwebs-could-offer-a-snapshot-of-an-ecosystem-study-shows
| 2024-01-31T23:23:27Z
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JOHNSON COUNTY — A wrestling coach at Greenwood Middle School has been arrested for allegedly sending at least one inappropriate photo to a student.
According to the Greenwood Police Department, the student reported the photo to school officials. The school then asked police to conduct an investigation.
Greenwood police say the man was taken into custody at the school but officially placed under arrest at the police station following an interview.
It is unclear how many photos the suspect sent to the student.
The suspect faces the following charges:
- Child solicitation
- Distributing material harmful to minors
Greenwood Community School Corporation released the following statement:
On Tuesday, January 30, we learned that one of our lay coaches at Greenwood Middle School has been accused of having inappropriate communication with a student. We immediately contacted local law enforcement officials, who are conducting an investigation.
The lay coach has been terminated effective Tuesday, January 30. The safety and wellbeing of our students remains our top priority.
WRTV does not name suspects until they are formally charged.
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https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/crime/greenwood-middle-school-wrestling-coach-arrested-for-sending-inappropriate-photos-to-student
| 2024-01-31T23:23:28Z
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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.wbfo.org/2024-01-31/lawmakers-grilled-the-ceos-of-top-social-media-companies-in-a-hearing-today
| 2024-01-31T23:23:28Z
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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.wshu.org/2024-01-31/seattles-queer-community-is-furious-after-gay-bars-were-raided-over-the-weekend
| 2024-01-31T23:23:28Z
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Bailey Zimmerman is getting fans excited about new music as he readies his headlining tour.
The fast-rising star recently took to Instagram to tease an unreleased song, “Holy Smokes,” via a Reel.
“Well I was only scared of the devil and her dad/ So we parked somewhere we knew they’d never look/ Naw I’d never seen nothin’ like her/ Playing with the flame of her momma’s lighter/ Naw it wasn’t very long for I was hooked/ Heaven was a preacher’s spot in that first church parkin’ lot/ Her hangin’ onto me like The Cross on the rearview does,” Bailey sings over slow piano keys in the snippet.
Bailey’s debut album, Religiously. The Album., arrived in January 2023 and features his latest single, “Where It Ends,” which is now in the top 30 of the country charts.
Coming up, Bailey will begin his sold-out Religiously. The Tour. on February 1 in Los Angeles, before wrapping up in Irving, Texas, on April 13. You can find the full tour schedule on Bailey’s website.
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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https://www.newcountry1031.com/holy-smokes-bailey-zimmermans-working-on-new-music/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:29Z
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Hideo Kojima teases a new action-espionage game for PlayStation
And no, it won't be a Metal Gear Solid title.
Hideo Kojima is a busy, busy man. Not only does he have Death Stranding 2, a movie based on the first game and Xbox horror title OD on his plate, he's developing a brand new game for PlayStation. He'll be going back to his roots, as it's an action-espionage title codenamed PHYSINT.
Head of PlayStation Studios Hermen Hulst said during today's State of Play stream that the project is in a genre he's been encouraging Kojima to "reinvent for years." Kojima, of course, found fame as the creator of the Metal Gear series. This upcoming endeavor won't be a Metal Gear Solid game, however. Kojima says this will be a "brand new, original IP."
According to Kojima Productions, the game will feature "cutting-edge technology and a stellar cast to deliver an experience like no other. Blurring the boundaries between film and games, offering near life-like graphics and a new take on interactive entertainment."
Kojima Productions has started early work on the project, but it won't go into full production until the team finishes Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which is set to arrive next year. Kojima noted that Sony makes music and movies, hinting that it could be a transmedia project. He added that he's "confident that this title will be the culmination of my work" after four decades of working in games.
It'll likely be a few years until we learn exactly what he means by that, but fans will likely have two more games from the auteur to enjoy/be perplexed by in the meantime. (Seriously, the latest Death Stranding 2 trailer is something else.)
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https://www.engadget.com/hideo-kojima-teases-a-new-action-espionage-game-for-playstation-230846022.html?src=rss
| 2024-01-31T23:23:29Z
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Photo: RCMP
Kelowna RCMP are no longer looking for Renee Leboe, 47, who was reported missing on January 19, 2024.
"She has been found safely. Police would like to thank the public and local media for their assistance."
Friends and family were concerned about Leboe's well-being after she was last seen boarding a flight to Calgary.
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https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/470107/RCMP-have-located-Kelowna-woman-last-seen-boarding-flight-to-Calgary
| 2024-01-31T23:23:29Z
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Robert Kiyosaki: 4 Budgeting Tips for 2024
Spending money without giving it much thought can be easy when you don’t have a budget. However, this habit could hurt your finances.
Financial expert Robert Kiyosaki emphasizes the need for regular budgeting. His approach emphasizes a mindset shift from traditional budgeting to a wealth-building strategy. Here are four essential budgeting tips from Kiyosaki for 2024.
1. Treat a Budget Surplus as an Expense
Kiyosaki says a budget surplus should be viewed not as an asset, but as an expense. This means prioritizing charity, investing, and saving as essential budget items. Most people consider these activities only after all other expenses are covered. However, Kiyosaki’s approach is to make them a priority, embodying the principle of paying yourself first. This strategy is not about hoarding money but protecting yourself with a safety net, ideally saving about six months of living expenses.
2. Your Expense Column Is Your Financial Future
Kiyosaki highlights the importance of the expense column in your financial statement. It’s not only about listing your monthly expenses but also understanding that these choices shape your financial future.
Kiyosaki contrasts two different types of expense columns, one filled with investments and savings and the other with frivolous spending. This comparison underscores the impact of daily financial choices on long-term wealth accumulation.
3. Use Assets To Pay for Liabilities
Kiyosaki emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between assets and liabilities. An asset is something that puts money in your pocket, such as dividends or rental income, while a liability takes money out.
The key is to acquire assets that generate enough income to cover your liabilities. This approach shifts the focus from cutting expenses to expanding income, aligning with Kiyosaki’s philosophy of expanding means rather than living below them.
4. Spend To Get Rich
Contrary to conventional wisdom, Kiyosaki suggests that spending, not saving, is the way to wealth. This doesn’t mean spending recklessly but strategically investing in assets, even during tough times. This approach requires a mindset that seeks to increase income and assets continuously, leading to financial freedom.
How To Start Budgeting
Start by assessing your income and expenses, then setting realistic financial goals. Choose a budgeting method, like the 50/30/20 rule, and allocate funds accordingly, using tools like apps or spreadsheets for tracking.
Next, regularly monitor and adjust your budget, focusing on building an emergency fund and reducing debt. Most experts recommend setting aside at least three to six months’ worth of expenses.
It’s also important to educate yourself about personal finance. However, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if needed. Stay disciplined and patient, and make sure to review and celebrate your financial progress.
Bottom Line
Kiyosaki’s budgeting tips for 2024 revolve around a fundamental shift in how we view and manage our finances. By prioritizing savings and investments, understanding the true nature of assets and liabilities, and focusing on income expansion rather than expense reduction, individuals can set themselves on a path to financial freedom and wealth.
Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.
More From GOBankingRates
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https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/budgeting/robert-kiyosaki-budgeting-tips-for-2024/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:30Z
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January 31, 2024
Syphilis cases have been rising at an alarming rate in the United States, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Reported syphilis cases totaled 207,255 in 2022, the highest number since the 1950s and an 80% increase since 2018. This number includes cases of all stages of syphilis and congenital syphilis, which occurs when a mother infected with syphilis passes it to her baby during pregnancy.
As concerns for syphilis and sexually transmitted infections in general grow, here are steps individuals can take to prevent, test and receive treatment for syphilis.
There are four main stages of syphilis: primary, secondary, latent and tertiary. They each have different symptoms, and the stages may overlap, according to the CDC.
Primary syphilis produces one or multiple sores in the infection area, usually the genital area, around the anus, or in the rectum, on the lips or in the mouth. The sores last 3-6 weeks and heal regardless of whether the person receives treatment. But treatment is the only way to prevent the disease from advancing to the secondary stage.
Secondary syphilis results in a rough red or brown rash or rashes, swollen lymph nodes and a fever. These symptoms also may go away without treatment. But without treatment, the syphilis will continue advancing.
The latent stage produces no symptoms, and people can have the bacteria in their bodies for years.
Tertiary syphilis is the most serious form – though it appears in only about 30% to 40% of people who develop latent syphilis, according to the Mayo Clinic. It usually develops 10 to 30 years after infection and can result in major damage to the heart, blood vessels, brain, nervous system and internal organs. It can be fatal.
Infants with congenital syphilis may be asymptomatic at birth. Eventual symptoms may include rhinitis, jaundice, rashes and several other clinical manifestations. Congenital syphilis also can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.
Syphilis is transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Anyone sexually active is at risk of contracting syphilis. The primary preventative measures are the use of condoms during sexual intercourse and only engaging in intercourse with partners who have tested negative for syphilis.
According to the CDC, men who have sex with men are at higher risk of getting syphilis. The CDC recommends these men, as well as women in the early stages of pregnancy and anyone who has unprotected sex get tested regularly for syphilis.
Anyone who still has sores from syphilis are advised not to have sexual contact with any new partners and to inform any recent partners.
People can talk to their primary health care providers about testing for syphilis and other sexually-transmitted infections. In Philadelphia, Public Health Center 1, at 1930 S. Broad St., provides free walk-in STI testing.
Other partners of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health that provide free STI testing include:
• Bebashi, 1235 Spring Garden St.
• Mazzoni Center, 1201 Locust St.
• Congreso de Latinos Unidos, 216 W. Somerset St.
• Courage, 3751 Island Ave.
Philly residents can order free at-home STI tests online when supplies are available. People also can purchase rapid at-home syphilis and STI tests from pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens.
Most syphilis tests require a blood sample.
Antibiotics, primarily injections of Benzathine penicillin G, are used to treat syphilis. But the CDC cautions that treatment may not undo any damage the infection has caused.
Philly residents infected with syphilis can receive treatment from their doctors or at primary care facilities, or at Health Center 1 and the Department of Public Health's partners listed above.
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https://www.phillyvoice.com/syphilis-testing-philly-symptoms-prevention-treatment/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:32Z
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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.wdiy.org/2024-01-31/constitutional-scholar-says-gop-charges-against-mayorkas-dont-meet-impeachment-bar
| 2024-01-31T23:23:32Z
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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.wxxinews.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/nevadas-gop-nominating-process-is-confusing-and-already-yielded-a-likely-winner
| 2024-01-31T23:23:32Z
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You Me At Six Breaking Up After 20 Years, Issue Statement
You Me At Six have announced their plans to split up, but not before a final tour.
In a brief statement issue through their various social media platforms, the group teased that their split will take place in 2025 with a link where fans can sign up for information on their final tour.
Their statement read:
2005-2025
This is the end.
Thank you for being the heartbeat of this band.
Final live shows taking place 2024/2025.Sign up at https://t.co/TKQnwP6bLc
In addition, the post had a narrated video from the group as well. The clip showed the members of the band walking through a graveyard while the narration went as follows:
Time ....
Something you never have enough of
but always need more of
Sometimes it goes by slowly
sometimes it goes by fast
Some things are over quickly
Some things are built to last
20 years in the making
beyond our wildest dreams
Trips around the sun we've lost count
one more a memory
People love stories with endings
page after page, year after year
We'll give you a final chapter
cause we climbed our Everest, we faced our fears
It's time, it's time for the finish line
It's time for goodbye
For the last time, one more time, this time
A History of You Me At Six
The English rock outfit You Me at Six formed in Weybridge, Surrey. The initial lineup had singer Josh Franchesi, guitarist Max Heyler and Chris Miller, bassist Matt Barnes and drummer Joe Phillips. After 2007, Dan Flint would take over behind the drumkit.
Their first release was the 2006 EP We Know What It Means to Be Alone. By 2008, they finally issued their debut full-length album, Take Off Your Clothes. They've released seven studio albums, with their eighth, Truth Decay, due on Feb. 10.
The band's biggest successes have come in their native U.K., where "The Swarm," "Reckless," "Lived a Lie," "Fresh Start Fever" and "Take on the World" have all topped the U.K. Rock Chart. Stateside, their biggest single was the 2014 song "Room to Breathe" off the Cavalier Youth album. It peaked at No. 4 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.
READ MORE: Rock Bands That Are HUGE in Europe But Not America
You Me at Six, "Room to Breathe"
Stay tuned as You Me at Six will soon be announcing dates for their final tour celebrating 20 years as a band.
Bands That Broke Up in 2023
Gallery Credit: Philip Trapp
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https://loudwire.com/you-me-at-six-split-statement/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:33Z
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‘Science comes alive’ in Val Driscoll’s classes Dan Brannan, Content Director November 2, 2015 3:10 PM Listen to the story Your device does not support the audio. Val Driscoll is known for making “science come alive” in her classes at Lincoln Middle School in Edwardsville. Sign in to hide this notification. Get The Latest News! Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox. Lincoln Middle School Principal Steve Stuart said Driscoll's labs allow students to get their hands dirty with experimentation and she shows them how science “relates to their everyday lives.” The Edwardsville science teacher said she enjoys talking with the kids and seeing their “ah ha” moments where they understand what she is talking about. “You can tell they are enjoying it and their homework shows,” she said. “The kids have a lot of questions and are always interested in technology and how this connects to real life. The kids come in every day ready to ask questions if they don’t know the answer.” Driscoll said the classes are using the scientific method to experiment with exothermic and endothermic reactions, which pertain to energy and heat. “The kids do a lab to essentially follow the steps of scientific method and complete a lab report,” she said. “We do one lab a week and different types of topics and experiments. I am a hands-on learner and I love doing things that prove what you are trying to do.” Article continues after sponsor message Within her classroom science lab, Driscoll has burners, a sink and everything needed to carry out the experiments. Driscoll was recognized with a Golden Apple Award a few years back. She is working on her master’s degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and teaches five different sections at science Lincoln Middle School. She believes at the middle school level, it is very important all science teachers have the same common approach with science. Driscoll exchanges ideas with the other science teachers in the district. She said the science teachers in the district are very unified and brainstorming with them always helps generate other ideas. In class, Driscoll and the students use Smart Boards, Tablet Trainers and Microsoft Tables to perform a considerable amount of simulations. The duties and responsibilities of a science teacher are quite extensive. Driscoll works long hours and sometimes has 150 papers to grade with her load of classes. Even with the long hours, she said the only way she can describe her experience in the Edwardsville School District and her occupation is “I love my work.” She also said she thrives on the innovation and how the district is making solid use of technology. She also said she feels complete support for using the hands-on learning teaching method in her classroom. More like this: Jan 17, 2024 - Alton Middle School Students Recognized as Optimist Students of the Month Dec 20, 2023 - Edwardsville School District Replaces Lincoln Middle School Principal Jan 7, 2024 - SIU Medical Student Jessica Tilton Vies For Miss America Crown On January 14, 2024 Dec 28, 2023 - Marquette's Abigail Taylor Is An Alton-Godfrey Rotary Student Of The Month Oct 10, 2023 - Abigail McDonald is Southwestern Softball Star Student
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https://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/science-comes-alive-in-val-driscolls-classes-9740.cfm
| 2024-01-31T23:23:33Z
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● Announces a substantial change to its business strategy to focus on its Mexico first mover advantage and away from the capital-intensive Canadian cannabis beverage market
● Rodrigo Gallardo, previous President of Xebra Mexico, is appointed as interim-CEO of Xebra to implement the Business Transformation Plan
● Explores strategic partners and alignment within Mexico to expand its business to focus on the development and advancement of CBD products
● Secures an additional capital investment from David Ross Macias Diaz, newly appointed Xebra board member.
● Implements immediate cost-cutting initiatives that aligns its expenses with new Mexican focus.
Vancouver, BC, Canada – TheNewswire – January 31, 2024 – Xebra Brands Ltd. (“Xebra” or the “Company”) (CSE:XBRA) (OTC:XBRAD) (FSE:9YC0), a cannabis company, announces a business transformation plan that will shift the Company’s resources away from Canadian cannabis beverages to focus on the development and commercialization of the authorizations to manufacture cannabis products in Mexico (the “Business Transformation Plan”). As part of the implementation of the Business Transformation Plan, newly appointed board member David Ross Macias Diaz has committed to an investment into the Company.
Business Transformation Plan
The Business Transformation Plan includes:
● Transforming the business strategy into a Mexico first model focused on generating revenues via the cannabis authorizations granted to Xebra in 2023 through partnership opportunities, listing of our own products and possible M&A transactions of companies within Mexico;
● Scaling down the capital-intensive operations of the Company’s Canadian Cannabis Beverages business;
● Appointing Rodrigo Gallardo as Interim-CEO to implement the Business Transformation Plan;
● Streamlining current corporate and operational staff to minimize cash expenditures;
● Realignment of current board seats from with seven (7) members to four (4) members;
● Revised Business Strategy.
Under the Business Transformation Plan, the Company’s core focus will be on commercializing the authorizations granted to Xebra an outright first-mover-advantage in Mexico, allowing Xebra and its partners to import and acquire cannabis seeds, cultivate and harvest cannabis, process and produce cannabis, and sell cannabis products both domestically and through export.
Appointment of New CEO
Rodrigo Gallardo has been appointed Interim – Chief Executive Officer of Xebra Brands Ltd. Rodrigo was one of the original founders of Xebra, in 2018 and has held numerous roles within the organization since that time. His experience as a lawyer in Mexico has focused the previous six years on the legal advancement of cannabis and CBD products in Mexico. Mr. Gallardo has been responsible for coordinating all the legal efforts that led Xebra to get the first legal cannabis authorization ever in Mexican history.
Jay Garnett stepped down from the Board of Directors and as Chief Executive Officer. The Company also extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Garnett for his dedicated service over the few years, significantly contributing to the Company’s current success.
“Our primary objective has always been to unlock the authorizations granted to Xebra in Mexico,” said Jay Garnett. “The business transformation marks another stride in streamlining our strategy, emphasizing our focus on Mexico and what sets us apart”, I look forward to the leadership and guidance that Mr. Gallardo will provide to the organization,” commented Mr. Garnett.
Mr. Gallardo is an international business executive with three decades of experience in marketing and business development. A lawyer by training from the Universidad Iberoamericana “UIA”, certified in Business Administration from the same University and holding a certification in Top Executive Management by the IPADE (Mexican Harvard Business School). Additionally, a Co-founder of a boutique family law-firm. Mr. Gallardo has held executive roles in a number of entrepreneurial ventures, gaining extensive experience in the food, entertainment, construction and real estate industries. He is the Co-founder of Elements Bioscience and Sativa Group Biosciences, pioneering entities in the Mexican cannabis industry. In 2018, both companies played a pivotal role as founders during the incorporation of Xebra Brands Ltd.
“I’m elated to assume the helm of Xebra, as a founder of this company I couldn’t be more committed to the success of this venture. We have achieved a significant part of our goals successfully by transforming this venture into a public company. Additionally, we secured the first-ever amparo (injunction) in Mexico and obtained the inaugural authorization for legal cannabis in the country, which is now on the verge of execution. My objective is to elevate this company to the next level, forging strategic partnerships that will enable us to capitalize on the vast opportunities presented by the Mexican market,” commented Mr. Gallardo.
Investment from Board Member
As previously announced on October 2, 2023, the Company is seeking to raise an aggregate amount of up to $1,000,000, with David Ross Macias Diaz fully committed to fulfilling this financing endeavor. This will be accomplished by issuing up to 12,000,000 units of the Company at a price of $0.05 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of up to $600,000. Concurrently, there will be a placement of up to a principal amount of $400,000 in unsecured convertible debenture units. Notably, so far David has already completed an initial tranche of $250,000 toward the full investment.
Realignment of Board Seats
Along with Jay Garnett providing his resignation from the board of directors, the board of directors has been reduced from seven (7) member to four (4) in order to support the business transformation plan and Rodrigo Gallardo in Mexico, as follows;:
● Mr. Tada (Todd) Dalotto is resigning as the Chief Science Officer and as a director of the Company, effective immediately;
● Mr. Jordi Chemonte is resigning as a director of the Company, effective immediately;
● Mr. Antonio Grimaldo is resigning as a director of the Company, effective immediately;
The Board thanks Mr. Garnett, Mr. Dalotto, Mr. Chemonte and Mr. Grimaldo for their dedication and professionalism while providing their services to the Company.
ABOUT XEBRA
Xebra is an international cannabis cultivation and product company, with global brands and intellectual property. Our focus includes beverages, wellness and leisure. Xebra is an absolute first mover in the Mexican cannabis sector, with the first ever granted authorization to a corporation by the COFEPRIS. In Canada, Xebra retails its unique Vicious Citrus OG & NEO THC/CBN Lemonades.
Rodrigo Galardo
Interim CEO
For more information contact:
Certain information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, these include, without limitation, statements regarding Xebra Brands Ltd.’s expectations in respect of its ability to successfully execute its business plan or business model; its ability to close the Offering, the size and terms of the Offering, its expected use of the net proceeds of the Offering, the ability to obtain the necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals from the applicable securities regulators or obtain the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange in connection with the Offering; its ability to enter into and execute partnerships or joint venture opportunities on acceptable terms; its ability to provide economic, environmental, social, or any benefits of any type in the communities it operates in or may operate it in the future; its ability to be a first mover in a country, or to obtain or retain government licenses, permits or authorizations in general, or specifically in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere, including cannabis authorizations from the Mexican Health Regulatory Agency (COFEPRIS); its ability to satisfy the conditions of authorizations granted by COFEPRIS; its ability to successfully apply for, obtain and retain trademarks and other intellectual property in any jurisdiction; its ability to be cost competitive; its ability to commercialize, cultivate, grow, or process hemp or cannabis in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere and related plans and timing; its ability to manufacture, commercialize or sell cannabis-infused beverages, wellness products, or other products in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere, and its related plans and claims, including market interest and availability; its ability to create wellness products that have a therapeutic effect or benefit; plans for future growth and the direction of the business; plans to increase product volumes, the capacity of existing facilities, supplies from third party growers and contractors; expected growth of the cannabis industry generally; management’s expectations, beliefs and assumptions in general, including manufacturing costs, production activity and market potential in Mexico or any jurisdiction; events or developments that Xebra expects to take place in the future; general economic conditions; and other risk factors described in the MD&A of the Company for the period ended November 30, 2022. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking information and statements. The words “aim”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “contemplate”, “target”, “intends”, “continue”, “plans”, “budget”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, and similar expressions identify forward-looking information and statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Xebra as of the dates of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the inability of Xebra to retain the authorizations granted by COFEPRIS, the inability to generate sufficient revenues or to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plan; changes in government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in various countries; risks associated with agriculture and cultivation activities generally, including inclement weather, access to supply of seeds, poor crop yields, and spoilage; compliance with import and export laws of various countries; significant fluctuations in cannabis prices and transportation costs; the risk of obtaining necessary licenses and permits; inability to identify, negotiate and complete potential acquisitions, dispositions or joint ventures for any reason; the ability to retain key employees; dependence on third parties for services and supplies; non-performance by contractual counter-parties; general economic conditions; the continued growth in global demand for cannabis products and the continued increase in jurisdictions legalizing cannabis; and the timely receipt of regulatory approvals for license applications on terms satisfactory to Xebra. In addition, there is no assurance Xebra will: be a low-cost producer or exporter; obtain a dominant market position in any jurisdiction; have products that will be unique. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and Xebra undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of the foregoing except as required by law. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies could affect Xebra’s actual performance and cause its actual performance to differ materially from what has been expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Xebra. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those set out in such statements.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES
Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.
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https://troymedia.com/media-release/xebra-brands-ltd-announces-business-transformation-plan-and-investment-by-newly-appointed-board-member/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:31Z
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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.kunc.org/2024-01-31/a-tennessee-lawmaker-helped-pass-a-strict-abortion-law-hes-now-trying-to-loosen-it
| 2024-01-31T23:23:34Z
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TOPEKA — Activists at the Statehouse are renewing a push for state lawmakers to legalize medical marijuana in Kansas. While Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and many state legislators from both parties support the concept, lawmakers have yet to take up the issue this session.
The American Civil Liberties Union held an online day of action for marijuana legalization earlier this month. During the event, activists expressed disappointment that Kansas does not have legal medical marijuana, nearly three years after the state House passed a bill that would have provided for it.
“I’m here in open-mouth amazement that we are still discussing passing a medical marijuana bill,” said Cheryl Kumberg, president of the Kansas Cannabis Coalition. “It just is the same excuses all these years. The same rhetoric from opponents and legislators.”
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https://www.iolaregister.com/news/activists-hopeful-for-medical-cannabis-deal-in-kansas
| 2024-01-31T23:23:34Z
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MARION COUNTY — For many working in the sex industry, it isn't a choice.
It could lead to a number of criminal charges and a revolving door through the justice system.
But the Marion County Prosecutor's Office is trying to make changes to help sex workers get back on their feet and close a vicious cycle.
"It can happen to anyone, it changes you. There is PTSD, there's trauma, there are so many things that you're up against," Stefanie Jeffers said.
Jeffers speaks from experience. She says three years of working in the sex industry has impacted her life forever.
"My lifestyle of sex work was working in clubs and engaging in prostitution. And along with that lifestyle comes drug addiction, abuse and sexual assault," Jeffers said.
It's a lifestyle she says so many sex workers find themselves in, and not one they necessarily choose.
"It's survival. It is to put food on the table, it is to get transportation to go somewhere, a place to sleep, a bathroom to use," she said.
But the lifestyle can often lead to more than trouble with the law — it can lead to a feeling of no self worth.
"What I experienced was degradation, humiliation and no self worth at the end of the three years, and no identity anymore outside of what I can earn in a night," Jeffers said.
It's that mindset that makes many women feel like there's no hope. It's one of the reasons Jeffers founded her non-profit Grit into Grace, to show women they don't have to live this way.
"All they want is for someone to see them. We get the opportunity to see them and and interrupt the cycle of violence, abuse and trafficking," Jeffers said.
It's a cycle the Marion County Prosecutor's Office is also helping tackle.
"We have an obligation to do something to help those individuals improve their life and their life situation," Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said.
Mears says they were finding themselves charging women with low level felonies and misdemeanors who had a history of being sexually abused.
"Individuals are victims, and the fact that they are victims is why they end up in the criminal justice system," Mears said.
So, the prosecutor's office created a new diversion program to give those women the resources they need to break the cycle.
The prosecutor's office is partnering with Grit into Grace to create a new diversion program to help women charged with lower level crimes.
Mears says oftentimes the crimes are things like prostitution, theft and even drug charges.
"It can be life changing, it can reduce the recidivism," Jeffers said.
The women have to maintain involvement with Grit into Grace and stay out of trouble with the law.
"These women want to stay out of the justice system, they don't want to be apart of it," Mears said.
Grit into Grace offers a safe space for women who have been a victim of sex crimes.
They provide refuge and rest for survivors of sexual exploitation in Indianapolis.
"It's surreal. Because if it can happen for me, I'm not special. You know, I just surrendered," Jeffers said.
In 2023, they helped 116 women who experienced commercial sexual exploitation or sex trafficking.
To learn more about their work, click here.
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https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/new-program-offered-for-marion-county-sex-abuse-victims-charged-with-low-level-crimes
| 2024-01-31T23:23:34Z
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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.hawaiipublicradio.org/2024-01-31/trump-says-vp-pick-wont-impact-the-race-so-whats-he-looking-for-in-a-running-mate
| 2024-01-31T23:23:33Z
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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.wbfo.org/2024-01-31/nevadas-gop-nominating-process-is-confusing-and-already-yielded-a-likely-winner
| 2024-01-31T23:23:34Z
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Gov. Ned Lamont announced plans Wednesday to eliminate application fees required for residents to obtain certain job licenses. The Democrat says the move is geared toward easing barriers for people entering professions in health care, education, and child care.
This is Lamont’s first legislative proposal of the year, and part of the fiscal year 2025 budget adjustment proposal. The application fee for a registered nurse is $200, for a practical nurse the fee costs $150, an educator certificate is $200, and a home child care license is $40.
The goal is to remove some of the financial barriers for these essential workforces still recovering from the pandemic, Lamont said.
“For folks to be able to get their degree faster without the application fee; help support some of the testing costs you've got so we end up with more daycare providers, more teachers and particularly more nurses,” Lamont said.
Altogether, the governor’s office said the application fees usually generate about $3.5 million annually for the state. His administration said the proposal is a small step in an effort to help people get into these professions.
But a union representing workers at state universities responded to the proposal by saying eliminating the application fees doesn’t address a deeper crisis on hand: public colleges and universities are facing big budget cuts.
“Saving a few hundred dollars on application fees is helpful, but it means nothing to the students who have had to drop out due to the recent tuition hike or the students who need courses that are no longer being offered,” Louise Williams, president of CSU-AAUP, AFT Local 6745 said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) said the proposal was a “step in the right direction” to address the state’s teacher shortage and save aspiring teachers money.
“Every Connecticut public school teacher is also expected to complete a master’s degree, only to earn significantly less than other professionals with similar levels of education and responsibility,” Lesia Day, CEA president said in a statement.
Lamont said he will unveil more of his legislative and budget plans for Connecticut with his State of the State Address, when the General Assembly begins its regular session on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
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https://www.wshu.org/2024-01-31/seeking-to-boost-essential-work-forces-lamont-proposes-cutting-license-fees-reaction-is-mixed
| 2024-01-31T23:23:35Z
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Could Keith Urban be working on a new collection of music? Quite possibly, yes.
The country hitmaker recently took to social media to share a clip of him in the recording studio. In the video, Keith sits by the mixing console with his back facing the camera as he bops along to the unreleased uptempo tune.
“hi !” Keith casually greets fans and followers in the caption of his Instagram video.
Keith’s latest releases are “Street Called Main,” “Brown Eyes Back,” “Nightfalls” and a live version of “You’ll Think of Me.” They were preceded by 2020’s The Speed of Now Part 1.
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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https://www.newcountry1031.com/keith-urban-casually-teases-new-track-from-the-studio/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:35Z
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Microsoft says Palworld is the biggest ever third-party Game Pass launch
The ‘Pokémon with guns’ satire has sold 19 million copies since its January 19 Early Access launch.
Palworld, the viral “Pokémon with guns” game that launched in Early Access to mixed reviews, has already sold 19 million copies. Developer Pocketpair says it’s sold 12 million copies on Steam and seven million on Xbox since its January 19 launch (after selling over a million in its first eight hours). Microsoft says the tongue-in-cheek Pokémon satire is the biggest third-party launch on Game Pass.
“The response from fans has been tremendous and it’s incredible to see the millions of players around the world enjoying Palworld,” Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe told Xbox Wire. “This is just the beginning for us and Palworld, and the feedback we’re gathering while in Game Preview will allow us to continue to improve the experience for Pal Tamers across all platforms.”
In addition to being the biggest third-party Game Pass launch ever, Palworld had the largest third-party day-one launch on Xbox Cloud Gaming (included with Game Pass Ultimate). The game’s highest peak since launch was nearly three million daily active users on Xbox. Microsoft says it was the most-played game on Xbox platforms during that period.
Palworld uses Pokémon-esque characters and themes — enough to catch the attention of Nintendo’s lawyers. It has battles with monsters similar to those in the creature-collecting series, including the ability to capture them inside a sphere after winning.
But Palworld also includes biting social commentary and incorporates themes you’d never see in Pokémon — like labor exploitation. “Don’t worry, there are no labor laws for Pals,” a game FAQ reads. One of the title’s trailers showed a player circling hard-at-work Pals with an assault rifle. “Creating a productive base like this is the secret to living a comfortable life in Palworld,” the narration reads.
Microsoft emphasized that the developer is still hard at work on the Early Access title. “There’s much more to come as Pocketpair refine the experience ahead of a full 1.0 release,” Xbox Wire’s Joe Skrebels wrote. He says Pocketpair is listening to player feedback and applying what they’ve learned. He added that cross-play, one of the most requested features, is coming.
🎉Total number of players exceeds 19 million🎉
It's been less than two weeks since #Palworld was released, thank you!
・Steam: 12 million~ copies
・Xbox: 7 million~ players
We will continue to prioritize fixing bugs!
Thank you for your continued support of #Pocketpair! pic.twitter.com/twgAeYVL07— Palworld (@Palworld_EN) January 31, 2024
Even if early impressions of the game’s fun and polish are hit-or-miss (at best), having Microsoft in its corner could help the developer tighten up Palworld significantly. The Windows maker says it’s supporting the game by enabling dedicated servers and offering engineering resources to help optimize GPU and memory workload. Palworld posted on X it will “continue to prioritize fixing bugs.”
Palworld is available in Early Access for $30 (and included in Game Pass) on Xbox and PC (including Steam).
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https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-says-palworld-is-the-biggest-ever-third-party-game-pass-launch-212835294.html?src=rss
| 2024-01-31T23:23:35Z
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Photo: Colin Dacre / file photo
A large police presence descended onto Belgo Rd. in Kelowna Wednesday morning after reports that an individual in the area had a weapon.
On Jan. 31 at about 10:30 a.m., several Kelowna RCMP units, including a canine unit, were searching an area of Belgo Rd. for an individual in crisis.
Police say it was reported that the individual may have had a weapon.
In a news release, Kelowna RCMP said residents in the immediate vicinity were advised by police during the search.
Just before noon, Kelowna RCMP safely apprehended the individual.
Police say there is no concern for public safety.
Additional details were not released.
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https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/470110/Police-swarm-East-Kelowna-to-arrest-possibly-armed-man
| 2024-01-31T23:23:35Z
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Stravito Achieves ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification For Information Security
January 2024 by Marc Jacob
Stravito, the enterprise insights platform democratizing access to market research for the world’s largest organizations, today announced it has been recertified for the updated ISO/IEC 27001 standard for information security.
ISO/IEC 27001 is the world’s best known standard for information security management systems (ISMS), providing companies with guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an ISMS.
Stravito’s security infrastructure also includes a bug bounty program. A first of its kind program for an insights platform, it invites professional security researchers to probe specific sections of Stravito’s product and services for potential vulnerabilities or errors in return for a financial reward. Initially launched in October 2022, the program recently expanded to include multiple platforms.
Stravito clients also benefit from several procedures that ensure strong data protection including multi-factor authentication, robust end-to-end data encryption, and complete siloing of each client’s stored data.
The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standard published in late 2022 to update requirements and recommendations from the previous standard published in 2013, for which Stravito had already received certification.
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https://www.globalsecuritymag.fr/stravito-achieves-iso-iec-27001-2022-certification-for-information-security.html
| 2024-01-31T23:23:36Z
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‘Your Rich BFF’ Vivian Tu: 5 Habits of Self-Made Millionaires
Vivian Tu, known as Your Rich BFF, broke the mold by becoming a millionaire by the age of 27 (the average millionaire is 57 years old). Tu debunks the myth that wealth is solely a result of luck or inheritance.
Tu shares five transformative habits that have propelled self-made millionaires to financial success. This isn’t about quick riches but about understanding and playing the game of money wisely. Here’s what she had to say.
1. Understanding the Value of Earning More
During an episode of Your Rich BFF, the first lesson Tu emphasizes is that true wealth isn’t about cutting back on every little joy, like your morning coffee, but rather focusing on increasing your earnings. Rich individuals understand the importance of scaling their income.
Whether it’s through asking for a raise, seeking promotions, or finding new income avenues, the goal is to make more money, not just save what little you have. Interestingly, 39% of self-made millionaires amassed their wealth not by starting their own businesses but by excelling in their careers, says Tu.
2. The Power of Scalability
Millionaires differentiate themselves by how they view time and labor. While most people trade their time directly for money, millionaires invest in avenues that allow their money to work for them, such as the stock market or real estate. This approach to scalability ensures that their wealth grows exponentially over time without being directly tied to the number of hours worked.
3. Discipline and Delayed Gratification
Tu points out that self-made millionaires are not inherently different from others; they are simply more disciplined and adept at delaying gratification. This means prioritizing long-term financial health over immediate pleasures. By investing early and consistently, millionaires build a substantial financial cushion, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of their labor later in life without compromising their financial security.
4. Embracing Change
A key trait of successful individuals is their flexibility and willingness to adapt. Tu highlights that millionaires are quick to change their strategies upon realizing a mistake or encountering new information. This agility saves time and resources, allowing them to pivot away from failing ventures and toward more profitable ones without hesitation.
5. Setting Ambitious Goals
Tu underscores the importance of setting ambitious goals and creating detailed plans to achieve them. Millionaires don’t leave their success to chance; they outline specific, actionable steps to reach their financial targets. Whether it’s scaling a business or climbing the career ladder, having a clear roadmap is essential for progress.
Bottom Line
Tu’s insights reveal that becoming a millionaire is less about having special talents or coming from wealth and more about adopting a strategic approach to money management. By earning more, investing wisely, practicing discipline, being adaptable, and setting clear goals, anyone can navigate their way to financial success. The journey to becoming a millionaire takes patience and planning. Adopting these habits can set you on the path to financial freedom and beyond.
Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.
More From GOBankingRates
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https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/budgeting/your-rich-bff-vivian-tu-5-habits-of-self-made-millionaires/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:36Z
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January 31, 2024
Callowhill coffeehouse and bar Win Win closed during the height of the pandemic, but this summer, founders Nikisha Bailey and Matthew Nam will reopen the shop in a different Philly neighborhood and with a new approach to the industry.
Bailey and Nam purchased Win Win, a cooperatively owned café on Spring Garden Street, in 2019. After it shuttered in 2021, the co-owners traveled to Colombia, Congo, Honduras, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia and Rwanda to meet farmers and learn more about coffee cultivation. They now plan to reopen the café — without the bar but with a roasting plant — in the forthcoming Jasper House apartment building in Kensington.
Their hope is to put more profits in the hands of growers of color. According to Fairtrade, a certification agency, 60% of the world's coffee comes from small-scale farmers, but almost half of them live in poverty and nearly a quarter live in extreme poverty. According to Nam and Bailey, farmers who work directly with Win Win can increase their earnings by as much as 20%.
"Coffee comes from Black and brown countries, literally it's the only place that it can grow," Bailey, a Drexel professor and former Atlantic Records executive, said. "But these countries and these people see less than 10% of its revenue, and that's because the supply chain is archaic — it's fragmented and it's broken."
Win Win currently works out of a facility in Central Jersey, but the owners plan to open the new shop sometime before Juneteenth. The Jasper House apartment building, which opens in the spring at 1825 E. Boston St., will include commercial space for food businesses owned by people of color. Win Win's 1,600-square-foot space will include the roasting plant and a café with coffee, pastries and small bites from local providers.
"We're big on revitalizing, workforce development and really hoping to be a beacon of light for the community," Bailey said.
Win Win's coffee is currently available at Palm Tree Markets, and Nam and Bailey are discussing distribution with national chains.
"We're able to really make this buying process a lot more efficient, allowing us to still get coffee at prices that are digestible for customers, even though this is really high-quality coffee," Nam said. "It's also making sure that these farmers who are sometimes in the most vulnerable populations can have a living wage and be proud of what they're producing for us."
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https://www.phillyvoice.com/win-win-coffee-reopen-kensington-jasper-house-supply-chain-farmers-callowhill/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:38Z
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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.wxxinews.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/seattles-queer-community-is-furious-after-gay-bars-were-raided-over-the-weekend
| 2024-01-31T23:23:39Z
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Drugmaker Biogen is pulling the plug on its controversial Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm, following disappointing sales. It had been expected to be a blockbuster product.
Copyright 2024 NPR
Drugmaker Biogen is pulling the plug on its controversial Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm, following disappointing sales. It had been expected to be a blockbuster product.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wdiy.org/2024-01-31/expected-to-be-a-big-deal-alzheimers-drug-is-pulled-after-disappointing-sales
| 2024-01-31T23:23:38Z
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We must continue to be cautious and not overly dependent on the U.S., regardless of the election outcome
Donald Trump’s win in the New Hampshire primary last month all but assures he will be the candidate facing Joe Biden in November’s presidential election. Two obvious questions arise for Canadians: Can Trump win, and what will it mean for Canada if he does?
The appeal of Trump’s fascistic politics among conservative voters and politicians in the United States and Canada is very worrying. A Trump win would embolden hate groups in Canada and the U.S. as we saw after 2016.
Trump’s economic plan to deregulate government agencies, privatize education, cut public sector and climate spending, and “drill, baby, drill” would also be welcomed by parts of Canada’s political and business elite, notably in the fossil fuel and extractive sectors.
It is, therefore, important to watch how Canada prepares for the U.S. election and what Canada’s business lobbies are asking for from the federal government.
Trudeau’s integration paradox
After Trump’s decisive win in the Iowa primaries, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly worried that a Republican win in November’s U.S. elections “would not be easy” for Canada. Luckily, Trudeau suggested, Canada’s greatest strength when dealing with Washington is how integrated our two economies are.
For decades, Canadian elites have wielded Canada-U.S. integration as either a magic weapon for fighting off U.S. protectionism or the excuse to relinquish further independence in economic, regulatory, energy, or foreign policymaking.
Neither vision is true: Integration obviously makes us more vulnerable to U.S. whims, not less. However, there can be benefits as well as setbacks to that dependence.
For example, when U.S. governments get serious about improving worker protections and weakening excessive corporate rights in trade deals like the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, Canadian politicians can be pulled in the same direction. That’s a good thing.
The opposite is also true. U.S. deregulation of rail transportation, mimicked by Canada to create a so-called level playing field and to appease transnational rail companies, led directly to the avoidable Lac-Mégantic explosion that killed dozens in July 2013.
Integration and North American climate policy
Right now, the Biden administration seems committed to meeting U.S. climate objectives and is heavily subsidizing good jobs in new microchip, battery, renewable energy and other sectors. Canada’s economic integration with the U.S. means there can be benefits here to this manufacturing reshoring plan.
In fact, Biden’s climate transition is big enough that the Trudeau government needed to respond with significant investments of its own in EV supply chains to ensure the viability of Canada’s auto sector in this new future.
On the other hand, Trump’s team of Republicans, much like Canadian conservatives, are wrongly blaming government climate spending for the post-pandemic inflationary shock contributing to the cost-of-living crisis in both countries. They may reverse Biden’s advances.
A resulting backtrack in the EV transition could create chaos in the integrated Canadian and U.S. auto sectors but provide potential benefits to fossil fuel interests and their political backers on both sides of the border.
Constrained but not confined
In the early days of the first Trump presidency, Trudeau presented his government as a protector of liberal values and the rules-based international order. But in Washington, Canada stuck to the usual script by co-operating with Trump on cybersecurity, great power competition with China, defence, and immigration policy.
Despite Canada’s fallback to appeasement with the U.S., stable market access for our exports seems always at risk, especially at election time. We should, therefore, be wary of new Canadian efforts that go all-in on America, regardless of who wins the next U.S. election.
While Canada’s political and economic options in North America are constrained by the integration paradox, there is no need for them to be restricted by it.
Stuart Trew is a senior researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ National Office and the Director of its Trade and Investment Research Project.
For interview requests, click here.
The opinions expressed by our columnists and contributors are theirs alone and do not inherently or expressly reflect the views of our publication.
© Troy Media
Troy Media is an editorial content provider to media outlets and its own hosted community news outlets across Canada.
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https://troymedia.com/politicslaw/can-trudeau-trump-proof-canada-u-s-relations/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:40Z
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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.kunc.org/2024-01-31/as-israel-resumes-bombing-in-the-north-thousands-of-gazans-face-desperate-conditions
| 2024-01-31T23:23:40Z
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INDIANAPOLIS — Rep. Jim Lucas says he was demonstrating that firearms are everywhere when he showed his holstered handgun to a group of teens at the Statehouse Tuesday.
A 10-minute video of the Seymour Republican's debate with Muncie high school students was posted on social media Wednesday.
Lucas told WRTV he was trying to show "that guns are among us, and living in fear of them does not make sense."
Lucas says he met the students in an elevator Tuesday and stepped off to speak with them. The students are from the Burris Laboratory School in Muncie and are members of Students Demand Action.
They were in Indianapolis to urge lawmakers to do more to prevent gun violence as part of a day of action, a spokesperson for event organizers said.
Student Mykynna Fivecoats took a video of the encounter, which was shared on social media and first reported by the Franklin College Pulliam School of Journalism's The Statehouse File. Another student, Alana Trissel, is seen in the video debating the lawmaker.
About six minutes into the video, a student tells Lucas that Australia banned guns and hasn't had a mass shooting in years.
"They're not free," Lucas says in the video. "You’re not truly free if you can’t defend yourself."
"So, do you mean by carrying?" a student asks.
"I’m carrying a gun right now," Lucas says, opening his suit jacket and showing a holstered weapon on his hip.
In the video a student's voice says, "See, and nothing about that makes me feel safe."
Lucas told WRTV he was trying to have an "adult conversation" with the students and didn’t know he was being recorded.
When asked if he would do anything differently regarding his meeting with the students, Lucas said, "Maybe not falsely assume that they were ready to have an adult conversation."
Contact WRTV reporter Vic Ryckaert at victor.ryckaert@wrtv.com or on Twitter: @vicryc.
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https://www.wrtv.com/news/politics/indiana-lawmaker-shows-sidearm-to-student-activists-im-carrying-a-gun-right-now
| 2024-01-31T23:23:40Z
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TOPEKA — University of Kansas scientist Nancy Muma said the average person inadvertently accumulated in the body a credit-card sized amount of plastic each week by breathing air and consuming water.
Muma, who earned a doctorate in pharmacology and toxicology, said this involuntary consumption of bisphenols, phthalates and perfluoroalkyls created a wave of endocrine disruptions that altered hormones and reproductive systems in humans. Children and developing fetuses were especially vulnerable to these toxins, but the damage could emerge at all stages of life in the form of heart disease, obesity and cancer, she said.
“The good news is that you can help solve this costly and life-threatening problem by voting against House Bill 2446 and supporting regulations to reduce the use of these toxic single-use plastics,” Muma said.
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https://www.iolaregister.com/news/bill-ending-regulation-of-plastics-raises-constitutional-issue
| 2024-01-31T23:23:40Z
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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.wbfo.org/2024-01-31/seattles-queer-community-is-furious-after-gay-bars-were-raided-over-the-weekend
| 2024-01-31T23:23:40Z
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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.hawaiipublicradio.org/2024-01-31/u-s-students-are-starting-to-catch-up-in-school-unless-theyre-from-a-poor-area
| 2024-01-31T23:23:40Z
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Democrats in the state Senate approved a measure to allow the state to work directly with manufacturers to make generic — and much cheaper — versions of key prescription drugs.
The bill would make New York only the second state in the nation, after California, to seek contracts with drug companies to make the medications, including insulin, a drug that has sharply risen in price in recent years.
Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said the aim is to lower costs and protect against potential drug shortages.
“Accessible and affordable prescription medication is not a luxury,” Stewart-Cousins said. “It is a necessity.”
The legislation would direct the state health department to identify other generic drugs that are costly or are vulnerable to shortages that could also be eligible for a manufacturing partnership.
A second bill would eliminate insurance co-payments for insulin, which is used by 1.6 million New Yorkers to control their diabetes. Gov. Kathy Hochul also included that provision in her state budget proposal this year.
Senate sponsor and Health Committee Chair Gustavo Rivera said once the original investment is made, the changes would save the state’s multibillion-dollar Medicaid program money.
The Medicaid prescription drug program is projected to cost $3.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. Senate Democrats could not estimate exact savings but said it’s not unreasonable to expect to cut costs by a minimum of 10%.
They said in California, where the state has already entered into an agreement to manufacture insulin, a 10-millimeter vial that now costs $300 would cost just $30 to make.
They said it could also save patients hundreds of dollars on each dose, and thousands of dollars annually.
The Democrats’ proposal comes at a time when the governor is asking lawmakers to slash $1.5 billion in public health care spending. Rivera is against the cuts, saying it’s not the time to reduce spending on a health care system already destabilized by the pandemic.
“I certainly scratch my head, because I think that there are other options on the table,” Rivera said. “There's proposed cuts (that) are between a billion and a billion and a half (dollars). I think that this is not the moment to do that.”
Rivera, along with the health care workers union SEIU 1199 and home care advocates, have an alternative proposal for cost savings in the state’s Medicaid program.
They want to decouple home health care from the Medicaid Managed Care program. They say that arrangement, begun in 2011, has resulted in billions of dollars going to insurance companies who manage the programs for administrative costs and profits, instead of paying for home care workers. Rivera said it was a “failed experiment.”
“It has not worked,” Rivera said. “What has happened is that we have a system in which people are more needy, in which people who take care of those folks who are needy, (and) don't get paid the money that they deserve.”
He said the change could save the Medicaid program $2.5 billion a year, more than the amount that Hochul is seeking in savings.
The health insurance industry opposes the idea. In a statement, the New York Health Plan Association, which represents nonprofit insurance plans, said the previous fee-for-service plans was a “dismal failure” and that there are concerns among home health care providers and their clients who are “worried about the impact the bill will have on elderly and disabled New Yorkers.”
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https://www.wshu.org/2024-01-31/senate-proposal-would-make-new-york-a-manufacturer-for-some-generic-drugs-including-insulin
| 2024-01-31T23:23:41Z
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Lee Brice is teaming up with Christian music duo for KING & COUNTRY for a new song, “Checking In.”
The track is off the soundtrack of the forthcoming movie Unsung Hero, which is inspired by the family of KING & COUNTRY’s Joel and Luke Smallbone.
“Checking In” and its accompanying music video drop Friday, February 2, while Unsung Hero will hit theaters nationwide April 26.
Lee’s latest album is 2020’s Hey World, which spawned the #1 hits “One of Them Girls” and “Memory I Don’t Mess With.”
You can catch Lee on his headlining Me & My Guitar tour, which kicks off February 1 in Beaver Creek, Colorado. For tickets and a full list of dates, head to Lee’s website.
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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https://www.newcountry1031.com/lee-brice-has-new-collab-video-coming-friday/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:41Z
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Silent Hill: The Short Message is free, bite-sized and available now for PS5
Sony also revealed a new trailer for the Silent Hill 2 remake.
Silent Hill is back, and sooner than you might have expected. Sony and Konami teamed up to create a brand new title in the series as a PlayStation 5 exclusive. Best of all, Silent Hill: The Short Message is free and you can play it today.
The game brings the series bang up to date. For one thing, we see protagonist Anita using a smartphone. She ventures inside a crumbling apartment block after receiving messages from her friend. But this is no ordinary building. There have been rumors of suicides there, and it won't be long until Anita discovers "bizarre, otherworldly spaces, haunted by a twisted monster."
This is the first of several new Silent Hill games that are in the pipeline. Producer Motoi Okamoto wrote on the PlayStation Blog that The Short Message started as an experimental project that helped newer developers who are Silent Hill fans get some hands-on experience with the franchise. The team also wanted to explore how social media could fit into a psychological horror game. Konami and Sony decided to release it for free to help newcomers to the series get a sense of what it's all about (hint: scary stuff).
Meanwhile, Sony and Konami also offered a fresh look at the Silent Hill 2 remake Bloober Team is developing. There's still no timeline for that project's arrival just yet, unfortunately.
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https://www.engadget.com/silent-hill-the-short-message-is-free-bite-sized-and-available-now-for-ps5-224022321.html?src=rss
| 2024-01-31T23:23:41Z
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GSL Group has come to the table with a package of improvements to Prospera Place that could cost between $18 million and $22 million.
The owner and operator of Kelowna's downtown arena delivered the 20-page proposal to the city earlier this week, just days after the city announced it would look for a new operator when the present 30-year deal with GSL expires in 2029 and ownership of the venue reverts to the city.
Despite the pitch, Mayor Tom Dyas told Castanet the city still plans to go ahead with a Request for Proposals in an effort to get what he calls the best deal possible for the taxpayers of Kelowna.
The RFP is expected to go out in a couple of months.
The proposal put forth by GSL includes expanding the south end of the arena to provide more dressing rooms, a mezzanine and possibly as many as 600 new seats, expanding the main entrance, revitalizing and expanding food services, replacing premium bowl seats and improving the lighting around the building.
Other enhancements including a new video replay screen and score clock and new sound system would be added to enhance a potential 2026 Memorial Cup bid.
GSL CEO Graham Lee says costs of the enhancements would be shared between his company and the city at a shared cost of about $2 million a year amortized over 15 years.
During a media availability Wednesday afternoon, Lee reiterated it has always been his company's goal to work with the city on a long-term vision for Prospera Place.
He believes this proposal speaks to that vision in the most cost-effective way that will be a win for the city, the Kelowna Rockets and GSL.
"We know the areas that are most cost-effective to increase the overall user experience," said Lee.
"We put this in based on what we thought was in the best interest of the building and the taxpayers. We are trying to keep it practical...we are trying to keep it so it's not a ridiculous amount of money.
"We started this process in 2017 to start thinking about what improvements we could make to the building knowing at that time we had 12 years left. We have been trying to get there the best we can."
Lee said things such as a new video screen and sound system were going to be done had Kelowna bid for the 2023 Memorial Cup.
"I think this is the basis of a best deal because what we've tried to do is put together a very practical solution that does not become a real burden on the taxpayers," said Lee.
"It will allow the city to allocate funding in other areas that are more important in today's world."
Lee says the package of upgrades could take between seven and nine months to complete.
Should the city decide to go in another direction, Lee says GSL will work co-operatively with the city and the Rockets until the deal expires in 2029.
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https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/470133/GSL-proposes-18M-to-22M-in-upgrades-to-Kelowna-s-Prospera-Place
| 2024-01-31T23:23:41Z
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Car Insurance Climbed 19% in 2023 and Prices May Get Worse — 5 Ways To Prepare
Car insurance rates rose 19.2% in October 2023, the steepest increase since 1985, according to a study from insurance comparison service Jerry. CPI data reported by Forbes Advisor revealed that car insurance costs jumped 14.5% year-over-year. The national average cost for full coverage sits at $1,601 annually, according to Forbes Advisor.
Supply chain challenges, higher repair costs and more claims following the pandemic as workers returned to the office by way of congested highways — after not driving much for months — all contributed to higher insurance rates.
Jerry reported that more than half of drivers surveyed said rising insurance costs have forced them to cut back in other areas of their budget.
According to the data, Jerry indicated, it’s not likely the increases will stop or slow down this year.
These prices, coupled with increasing food and housing costs, could be leading America into what some experts call a car insurance crisis. “We are absolutely heading toward a car insurance crisis, and the results for Americans could be devastating,” Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor, told Newsweek.
What’s worse, the tactics you used in the past to keep your rates low — such as keeping your driving record clean — may no longer keep you immune to rate hikes. Beene told Newsweek that he’s seen premium increases as high as 30%, even for drivers with no history of tickets or accidents.
However, there are some steps you can take to position yourself for these increases.
Evaluate Your Budget
The beginning of the year is a good time to look at your budget and decide where you may be able to cut spending. Put that money into a high-yield savings account, so you can tap into it if your insurance rates increase.
Pay Your Premium in Full
If you find enough ways to save money, you might be able to pay your premium in full for six months to a year, which could end up being a frugal move.
Increase Your Deductible
While it’s not ideal, increasing your deductible could substantially lower your insurance rate. However, make sure you have enough money in savings to offset the higher deductible in case of an accident.
Check Rates Before You Buy a New Vehicle
If you’re shopping around for a new or used car, make sure to consider insurance costs as well. Call your current insurer, as well as a few competitors, to compare insurance prices on the different makes and models of vehicles you’re considering. You want to make sure you can afford your new car payment, along with insurance.
Shop Around To Compare Car Insurance Rates
Whether you’re shopping your policy for your current car or a new vehicle, compare prices through at least three insurance companies to find the best deal.
And whatever you do, Beene advised, don’t cancel your policy if you’re keeping your car on the road. It’s not worth the risk.
“A good rule of thumb is to not let rising insurance costs cause you to completely drop your coverage, which is unfortunately the feeling it often triggers,” Beene told Newsweek. “Work with your insurance company to see where you cut down expenses, and, if all else fails, shop around to other providers.”
More From GOBankingRates
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https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/car/car-insurance-climbed-2023-and-prices-may-get-worse-2024-ways-to-prepare/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:42Z
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From the occupied West Bank, an emergency hotline assists rescue efforts in Gaza By Aya Batrawy Published January 31, 2024 at 5:39 PM EST Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 5:17 NPR visits an emergency hotline center in the West Bank assisting first responders in the Gaza Strip. Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.wdiy.org/2024-01-31/from-the-occupied-west-bank-an-emergency-hotline-assists-rescue-efforts-in-gaza
| 2024-01-31T23:23:45Z
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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.wxxinews.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/the-federal-reserve-holds-interest-rates-steady-but-signals-rate-cuts-may-be-coming
| 2024-01-31T23:23:45Z
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New federal regulations went into effect this month that require museums to get consent from Native tribes before displaying objects that are culturally important. The rules also require tribal consent before museums allow access to the items or conduct research on them.
The law applies to cultural items, meaning funerary objects from burial sites, sacred objects connected to religious practice, and objects of cultural patrimony — meaning objects that collectively belong to a tribe, community or family.
The rules also apply to Native ancestral remains in museums' collections.
Shannon O'Loughlin, CEO and attorney for the Association on American Indian Affairs, said the new rules clarify existing federal repatriation law, know as NAGPRA, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which went into effect in 1990.
O'Loughlin pointed out that the new rules used terms from the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
"What is incredibly amazing about the new regulations is [they] specifically use[s] the terms 'free, prior and informed consent,'" she said. "So, no longer will institutions be able to do research on ancestors, and other things, without first consulting and obtaining the free, prior and informed consent of the Native nations that are affiliated with those ancestors and cultural items."
Western Massachusetts reaction
In response, several western Massachusetts museums have stopped exhibiting certain items.
Mount Holyoke College Art Museum removed two Native objects from display.
"The objects' empty cases have been left on view with new labels explaining the new NAGPRA rules." Mount Holyoke said in a statement. "The Museum felt this approach would create invaluable teaching opportunities for students and visitors alike. The original labels, which were written by contemporary Tribal makers, have been left on view."
Mount Holyoke said all funerary objects in both its art museum and the Joseph Allen Skinner Museum are no longer on display. The Skinner Museum is closed. The college said before it reopens, it will consult with tribes about its displays.
The Springfield Museums removed items from its Native Hall and plans to consult with tribes about them. It does have permission from tribal representatives to exhibit other objects.
The Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield, part of the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, is closed until May.
"We are using this time to review the updated NAGPRA regulations as they relate to our collections," the museum said. "This work is being led by the PVMA Council's Collections Committee, which includes Indigenous representation."
Meanwhile, Historic Deerfield said it stopped displaying Native objects some time ago, well before the new regulations.
Regulations underscore goal of 'close connection with the culture'
The Yale Peabody Museum, in New Haven, is closed for renovations and plans to reopen this spring. Director David Skelly said the museum is asking Native groups for their thoughts on objects planned for the exhibition that came from their communities.
"To see from their perspective how they're interpreting these new regulations, what it means for them and how they want to move forward," he said.
Skelly said well before the new rules, the museum has been working closely with Indigenous groups "on how and whether objects should be displayed in a museum like ours."
"What was true before the new regulations came out and what is true going forward is that when you're sharing a culture with people who are coming into a museum, you want to be in close connection with that culture. You want people from that culture to be helping you share what you're trying to share. That hasn't changed," Skelly said.
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https://www.wshu.org/2024-01-31/some-western-mass-museums-pull-objects-from-display-after-new-federal-rules-require-tribal-consent
| 2024-01-31T23:23:46Z
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Oregon officials have announced a 90-day state of emergency in Portland due to a serious public health and safety crisis linked to the widespread use of fentanyl.
“Our country and our state have never seen a drug this deadly and addictive, and all are grappling with how to respond,” Gov. Tina Kotek said in a press release Tuesday. “The Chair, the Mayor, and I recognize the need to act with urgency and unity across our public health and community safety systems to make a dent in this crisis. We are all in this together. The next 90 days will yield unprecedented collaboration and focused resources targeting fentanyl and provide a roadmap for next steps.”
The declaration will allow the city, state, and county to use available resources from human services, state police, health authorities, and emergency departments to set up a command center in Central City, which is composed of 10 districts, to serve as the focal point for daily communication, coordination, and efforts to address the fentanyl crisis.
“The Command Center will serve to refocus existing resources. It will also share and publicly report data on the impacts of fentanyl in downtown, use data to identify and respond to acute needs and gaps in service, identify any specific resources necessary to address gaps, and establish a system to coordinate that can be sustained beyond the 90-day startup period,” the press release notes.
While the state’s health department will launch educational campaigns across town to promote drug prevention and treatment, the county will “distribute and train partners on the use of Narcan and issue reports on overdose data.”
The fentanyl crisis has led to a staggering surge in fatalities in Oregon, as reported by health authorities. In 2022, the total number of unintentional opioid overdose deaths reached a grim milestone of 956. Although data for 2023 is still being compiled, by June, the toll from unintentional overdoses had already reached 628, and it is anticipated to surpass 1,250 once all the data is collected, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com
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https://www.wrtv.com/portland-under-90-day-state-of-emergency-to-tackle-fentanyl-crisis
| 2024-01-31T23:23:46Z
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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
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.kunc.org/2024-01-31/broadway-legend-hinton-battle-who-originally-played-scarecrow-in-the-wiz-has-died
| 2024-01-31T23:23:46Z
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“Poverty is defined as a lack of resources, not just money,” says Barbara Button, Humanity House executive director.
An upcoming class offered by Humanity House will help define what poverty is and better educate people on how to understand it.
Georgia Masterson will lead the class titled “Bridges Out of Poverty” on March 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center in Iola.
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https://www.iolaregister.com/news/local-news/poverty-education-classes-return
| 2024-01-31T23:23:46Z
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A Lahaina preschool that was destroyed in the Aug. 8 wildfires is set to reopen on Thursday.
Maui Economic Opportunity’s Head Start Lahaina site has undergone extensive cleaning, repairs, renovations and clearances prior to welcoming keiki back.
A blessing, led by Makalapua Kanuha, was held Tuesday at the site next to Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School.
The salt in her bowl “represents preservation, purification,” Kanuha told the group.
“These are just symbols. These are representations of life, to preserve the life of our keiki and kumu in this area.”
Lori Tsuhako, Maui County Director of Housing and Human Concerns, called the reopening of the center “hopeful” and noted the restoration of 20 preschool seats of the 275 lost in the wildfires.
Currently, the school has about six children enrolled and will be accepting more.
Many pre-wildfire students and their families relocated to other parts of the island, to other Head Start sites, or off-island.
The program will also begin signing up children for the 2024-25 school year.
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https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2024-01-31/lahaina-preschool-spared-in-the-wildfire-reopens-after-renovations-and-cleaning
| 2024-01-31T23:23:47Z
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Democrats in the state Senate approved a measure to allow the state to work directly with manufacturers to make generic — and much cheaper — versions of key prescription drugs.
The bill would make New York only the second state in the nation, after California, to seek contracts with drug companies to make the medications, including insulin, a drug that has sharply risen in price in recent years.
Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said the aim is to lower costs and protect against potential drug shortages.
“Accessible and affordable prescription medication is not a luxury,” Stewart-Cousins said. “It is a necessity.”
The legislation would direct the state health department to identify other generic drugs that are costly or are vulnerable to shortages that could also be eligible for a manufacturing partnership.
A second bill would eliminate insurance co-payments for insulin, which is used by 1.6 million New Yorkers to control their diabetes. Gov. Kathy Hochul also included that provision in her state budget proposal this year.
Senate sponsor and Health Committee Chair Gustavo Rivera said once the original investment is made, the changes would save the state’s multibillion-dollar Medicaid program money.
The Medicaid prescription drug program is projected to cost $3.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. Senate Democrats could not estimate exact savings but said it’s not unreasonable to expect to cut costs by a minimum of 10%.
They said in California, where the state has already entered into an agreement to manufacture insulin, a 10-millimeter vial that now costs $300 would cost just $30 to make.
They said it could also save patients hundreds of dollars on each dose, and thousands of dollars annually.
The Democrats’ proposal comes at a time when the governor is asking lawmakers to slash $1.5 billion in public health care spending. Rivera is against the cuts, saying it’s not the time to reduce spending on a health care system already destabilized by the pandemic.
“I certainly scratch my head, because I think that there are other options on the table,” Rivera said. “There's proposed cuts (that) are between a billion and a billion and a half (dollars). I think that this is not the moment to do that.”
Rivera, along with the health care workers union SEIU 1199 and home care advocates, have an alternative proposal for cost savings in the state’s Medicaid program.
They want to decouple home health care from the Medicaid Managed Care program. They say that arrangement, begun in 2011, has resulted in billions of dollars going to insurance companies who manage the programs for administrative costs and profits, instead of paying for home care workers. Rivera said it was a “failed experiment.”
“It has not worked,” Rivera said. “What has happened is that we have a system in which people are more needy, in which people who take care of those folks who are needy, (and) don't get paid the money that they deserve.”
He said the change could save the Medicaid program $2.5 billion a year, more than the amount that Hochul is seeking in savings.
The health insurance industry opposes the idea. In a statement, the New York Health Plan Association, which represents nonprofit insurance plans, said the previous fee-for-service plans was a “dismal failure” and that there are concerns among home health care providers and their clients who are “worried about the impact the bill will have on elderly and disabled New Yorkers.”
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https://www.wbfo.org/2024-01-31/senate-proposal-would-make-new-york-a-manufacturer-for-some-generic-drugs-including-insulin
| 2024-01-31T23:23:47Z
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Idyllwind Fueled by Miranda Lambert is giving you a chance to win one of 20 fragrance gift sets, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
The prize includes the Velvet Rodeo Eau de Parfum fragrance gift set, Eau de Parfum fragrance gift set and a card signed by Miranda.
For contest details and to preview what you could win, head to Idyllwind by Miranda Lambert’s Instagram.
Copyright © 2024, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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https://www.newcountry1031.com/miranda-lamberts-celebrating-valentines-day-with-a-giveaway/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:47Z
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Salmon Arm RCMP say one man is dead after he was struck by a train in the early morning hours on Wednesday.
In a news release, Staff Sgt. Scott West said the incident happened on the train tracks between Narcisse Road and Marine Park Drive.
“A male on the tracks was fatally impacted by a train,” West said.
“Inexplicably, the male did not leave the tracks as the train approached. At that juncture, the collision was unavoidable despite the best efforts of the crew to stop the heavily laden locomotive.”
Salmon Arm RCMP attended the incident, along with the Canadian Pacific Police, the BC Coroners Service and the Salmon Arm Fire Department.
West said there are no signs of foul play, adding the BC Coroner Service will continue to investigate the incident.
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https://www.castanet.net/news/Salmon-Arm/470129/Salmon-Arm-RCMP-report-fatality-after-man-hit-by-train-early-Wednesday
| 2024-01-31T23:23:48Z
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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.wdiy.org/2024-01-31/lawmakers-grilled-the-ceos-of-top-social-media-companies-in-a-hearing-today
| 2024-01-31T23:23:48Z
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(LifeSiteNews) — A Christian baker filed a brief with a California appellate court after she faced state prosecution for refusing to make a cake for a homosexual couple.
Cathy Miller, owner of Cathy’s Creations and Tastries in Bakersfield, California, filed the brief on January 18 after undergoing “over six years of prosecution and a five-day trial on the merits.”
In 2022, a Superior Court judge ruled in her favor in the case brought against her by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). However, California Family Council pointed out, she “is still awaiting a decision from the Court of Appeal of the State of California.”
Now, in the 75-page filing, Miller is asking the Court of Appeal of the State of California, Fifth Appellate District to affirm the Superior Court’s judgment. She is represented by the Thomas More Society and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty.
The case stems from a 2017 incident in which lesbian “couple” Mireya and Eileen Rodriguez-Del Rio sought to commission a “wedding” cake from Miller’s bakery. When Miller refused due to her Christian belief that marriage is a union between one man and one woman, the pair filed a complaint with the DFEH.
WATCH: Christian baker wins lawsuit over LGBT wedding cake
“Everyone is God’s creation and I love everyone,” Miller previously explained, LifeSite reported. “But there are certain things that violate my conscience, and my conscience will not allow me to participate in things that I feel are wrong. Most of what that’s based on is scripture.”
Years before the request from the lesbian “couple,” Miller had created a list of “design standards” in consultation with her Baptist pastor after receiving vulgar requests for custom work, as noted in the brief.
“For example, Miller will not design cakes that celebrate divorce, display violence, glorify drunkenness or drug use, contain explicit sexual content, or present gory, demonic, or satanic images,” the January filing states, adding that the Christian baker “also will not design cakes that demean any person or group for any reason, or that promote racism, or any other message that conflicts with Christian principles.”
It was in keeping with those design standards that Miller rejected the request to bake a “wedding” cake for the homosexual “couple.”
In a statement supporting Miller, California Family Council vice president Greg Burt said the Christian baker had been clearly within her rights to reject the request.
“A wedding cake undoubtedly signifies that the union is a ‘marriage’ and should be celebrated,” he said. “Every artist and business owner, whether they hold religious or secular beliefs, has the right to decline to convey a message they disagree with.”
Referencing reports of harassment and criminal acts committed against Miller and members of her staff amid the litigation, Burt said “it should go without saying that Miller deserves justice for the crimes and protection from the threats made against her.”
The brief filed with the appellate court states that, since Miller’s “only reason for declining to bake the custom cake was her religious beliefs,” rather than to discriminate against individuals due to protected characteristics, her actions did not violate California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act, as had been claimed by the prosecution. The Unruh Act prohibits discrimination by businesses against individuals due to their “sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, primary language, or immigration status.”
Moreover, Miller contends that the DFEH’s prosecution ran afoul of her First Amendment free speech rights as well as her “free exercise rights under Fulton, Tandon, Lukumi, and another cake-baking case, Masterpiece Cakeshop.”
As referenced in the filing, Miller’s case mirrors a similar situation in Colorado.
Christian baker Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, has undergone roughly a decade of litigation that began with his 2012 refusal to bake a cake for a homosexual “wedding.”
Phillips won his case in a narrow ruling in 2018, but is now embroiled in another legal battle after a man claiming to be a woman sued him for refusing to create a blue and pink “gender transition” cake. The Colorado Supreme Court has agreed to take up the case.
READ: Colorado Supreme Court to hear Jack Phillips’ case for refusing to bake ‘gender transition’ cake
While the final resolution for both Phillips’ and Miller’s cases have yet to be decided, a recent Supreme Court decision could work in their favor. Last summer, the nation’s highest court handed down a ruling upholding the religious liberty rights of a graphic designer who refused to create websites to advertise the unions of homosexual “couples.” As LifeSiteNews noted at the time, observers have been hopeful that the June ruling would provide Phillips and other Christian small business owners like Miller long-awaited relief from targeted lawsuits.
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https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/california-christian-baker-files-new-brief-in-ongoing-litigation-over-refusal-to-bake-an-lgbt-wedding-cake/
| 2024-01-31T23:23:48Z
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I’m a Car Salesman: 3 Things About Pricing I Don’t Want Customers To Know
With resources like Carvana and TrueCar — where consumers can choose from millions of in-stock vehicles, buy online and have the vehicle delivered to their driveway — the job of a car salesperson is tougher than ever. Knowledge is power, and a knowledgeable customer is more likely to pay rock-bottom price for their new car.
Salespeople on Reddit shared three things they don’t want customers to know when they walk into the showroom.
Out-the-Door Price
One Australian Redditor, who seemed baffled by the sales tactics used in American car dealerships, pondering why do dealers in the U.S. don’t give an out-the-door (OTD) price. While many salespeople in the thread shared that they don’t play games and always share their bottom-line price, dealers and experienced shoppers explained why many won’t.
“The typical sales routine is designed to get you hooked on the right car and emotionally invested before talking numbers. If your salesperson starts the conversation with an out-the-door price and you’re unhappy about it, the deal is more likely to fall apart,” wrote one Redditor.
Oppo_GoldMember, a Southwest Audi Associate, agreed, “Because you are shopping every store and we know that. I’ll tell you $xx,xxx OTD and the chances of you taking that number to the other store and saying ‘beat it’ are astronomically high. If I get you in the store and at my desk, the chances of us making a deal go up significantly and the chances of you walking away to shop drop to very little.”
In other words, they want to form an emotional connection before sharing a price. But holding back on their best offer isn’t only driven by greed. They want to work efficiently, spending more time with customers who are serious about making a purchase.
In fact, some dealers don’t mind sharing their best deal once they know you’re ready to buy. “I’ll give an OTD price all day long. But I’m not going to start negotiating until you’re ready to purchase. I’m not giving you my best price so you can walk down the street to the next dealer and try and work him over too,” wrote another user in the same thread.
Online Price or Prices at Other Dealers
Just as salespeople want to hold back on negotiating, they don’t want you to find pricing elsewhere and use that to gain the upper hand.
“As a former car salesman, our greatest fear was your smartphone. If we gave you a number and you had a smartphone in your hand with Autotrader or some other site pulled up, we were neutered,” wrote Salenth in another Reddit thread.
The Sales Manager Is the Decision Maker
Finally, salespeople don’t want consumers to realize how little power the salesperson really has to get you the best deal. “The sales manager is the person you want to speak to,” Salenth wrote.
Keeping these facts in mind the next time you enter a showroom can help put you in a better position to negotiate and leave with the car you want at the price you want to pay.
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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.wxxinews.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/u-s-students-are-starting-to-catch-up-in-school-unless-theyre-from-a-poor-area
| 2024-01-31T23:23:51Z
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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.wshu.org/2024-01-31/spiderwebs-could-offer-a-snapshot-of-an-ecosystem-study-shows
| 2024-01-31T23:23:52Z
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The CEOs of five major social media companies just wrapped up their testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The heads of Meta, X, TikTok, Discord, and Snap were grilled about what they're doing to protect kids on their platforms.
The major concerns are teen suicides, unrealistic beauty standards, bullying and guarding against child predators, and sextortion. The hearing started at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, and it didn't take long for things to get quite emotional.
In a poignant moment, parents stood up and held images of their children who lost their lives to suicide due to social media, as the hearing began with recorded testimonies from children who had been hurt because of these platforms. Mark Zuckerberg turned around and offered an apology.
“I’m sorry for everything you have all been through,” Zuckerberg told them. "It's terrible. No one should have to go through the things that your families have suffered. And this is why we invest so much and are going to continue doing industry-leading efforts to make sure that no one has to go through the things your families have had to suffer."
However, Stefan Turkheimer, vice president of public policy at the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, who was sitting with the parents during the hearing, contends that the apology fell short of being enough.
“I think the parents are incredibly frustrated with the behavior of the platforms, and Facebook specifically, and Mark Zuckerberg even more specifically. I don't think his apology or whatever statement he made made much of a difference to them. I think that they want to see real change in the platforms and real accountability from Facebook and Meta, and they're not getting it, and I don't think the actual statement he made to them really had much effect,” Turkheimer told Scripps News.
Meta is under legal scrutiny from several states, accused of purposefully creating addictive features on Instagram and Facebook for children and failing to protect them from online predators.
During her opening statements, Sen. Amy Klobuchar was visibly frustrated as she compared tech companies’ response to harmful content to grounding Boeing planes after the in-flight emergency earlier this month.
"When a Boeing plane lost a door in midflight several weeks ago, nobody questioned the decision to ground a fleet of over 700 planes. So why are not we taking the same type of decisive action on the danger of these platforms when we know these kids are dying? We have bills that have passed through this incredibly diverse committee when it comes to our political views that have passed through this committee, and they should go to the floor,” she said. “We should do something finally about liability, and then we should turn to some of the other issues that a number of us have worked on when it comes to the charges for app stores and when it comes to the monopoly behavior and the preferencing, but I will stick with this today: Facts, one-third of fentanyl cases investigated over five months had direct ties to social media; that's from the DEA. Facts, between 2012 and 2022, cyber tip-line reports of online child sexual exploitation increased from 415,000 to more than 32 million. And as I noted, at least 20 victims committed suicide in sextortion cases."
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel apologized to families whose children died after purchasing drugs on Snapchat. “I’m so sorry that we have not been able to prevent these tragedies,” he said. Then he proceeded to outline some of the company's efforts to protect its users.
During the hearing, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew emphasized the platform's commitment to enforcing its policy preventing children under 13 from using the app. Meanwhile, CEO Linda Yaccarino stated that X (formerly known as Twitter) does not cater to children but that the company backs the STOP CSAM Act bill that makes tech companies responsible for child sexual exploitation cases by removing their liability shield.
Despite a rare instance of congressional agreement against the platforms during Wednesday's hearing, Congress has yet to enact legislation to regulate social media companies and their content, which has allowed these companies to operate for years without more strict federal oversight.
Additional reporting by The Associated Press.
SEE MORE: Mother who lost teen to viral challenge calls for more protections
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com
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https://www.wrtv.com/senate-judiciary-committee-grills-social-media-ceos-on-child-safety
| 2024-01-31T23:23:52Z
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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.kunc.org/2024-01-31/constitutional-scholar-says-gop-charges-against-mayorkas-dont-meet-impeachment-bar
| 2024-01-31T23:23:52Z
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