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Two persons identified as Umar Aminu and Saidu Mallam were allegedly stabbed to death in a battle that occurred between two competing youth groups in the Fadikpe and Kutirko neighbourhoods of Minna, Niger State, this however, led to the arrest of 10 persons in connection to the incidents.
New Telegraph gathered that numerous individuals were also injured in the incident that occurred on Tuesday evening.
An eyewitness account explained that several youngsters armed with cutlasses and other hazardous weapons assaulted the Kulogbe village, resulting in a free-for-all that killed two people.
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He claimed that, after injuring themselves with deadly weapons, the miscreants vandalized some nearby shops.
In a statement, the Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said that ten individuals had been detained for thuggery, disruption of public peace, and culpable homicide in connection with the event in Minna’s Fadikpe district.
According to him: “Police patrol teams, led by DPO Kpakungu, were drafted to the scene and three suspects were arrested during the fight. When the miscreants attempted to regroup, patrol teams immediately intervened and seven other suspects were arrested, making a total of 10 suspects.”
Abiodun also stated that the suspects would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for separate investigation and rigorous prosecution.
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https://newtelegraphng.com/niger-police-arrest-ten-hoodlums-for-killing-two/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:41Z
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Kingsview Wealth Management LLC reduced its position in shares of Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO – Free Report) by 5.5% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 10,488 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock after selling 611 shares during the period. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC’s holdings in Broadcom were worth $8,711,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.
A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in AVGO. Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisor L.P increased its holdings in Broadcom by 94.4% during the first quarter. Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisor L.P now owns 75,090 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock worth $47,283,000 after buying an additional 36,458 shares during the last quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. increased its holdings in Broadcom by 2.6% during the first quarter. Fairfield Bush & CO. now owns 4,945 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock worth $3,114,000 after buying an additional 123 shares during the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in Broadcom by 20.9% during the first quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 509,603 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock worth $320,887,000 after buying an additional 87,945 shares during the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P increased its holdings in Broadcom by 1.1% during the first quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P now owns 40,357 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock worth $25,412,000 after buying an additional 420 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ergoteles LLC purchased a new stake in Broadcom during the first quarter worth about $1,095,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.81% of the company’s stock.
Insider Transactions at Broadcom
In other news, Director Justine Page sold 143 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,094.00, for a total value of $156,442.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 3,235 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,539,090. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Director Justine Page sold 143 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,094.00, for a total value of $156,442.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 3,235 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,539,090. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Hock E. Tan sold 20,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,089.69, for a total transaction of $21,793,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 229,796 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $250,406,403.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 45,443 shares of company stock worth $50,151,532. 2.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.
Broadcom Price Performance
Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, December 7th. The semiconductor manufacturer reported $11.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $10.96 by $0.10. Broadcom had a net margin of 39.31% and a return on equity of 73.43%. The business had revenue of $9.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.28 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $9.75 earnings per share. Broadcom’s revenue for the quarter was up 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that Broadcom Inc. will post 42.76 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
Broadcom Increases Dividend
The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 20th were issued a $5.25 dividend. This represents a $21.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.76%. This is a positive change from Broadcom’s previous quarterly dividend of $4.60. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 19th. Broadcom’s payout ratio is presently 63.75%.
Analysts Set New Price Targets
Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Rosenblatt Securities reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $1,000.00 target price on shares of Broadcom in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an “overweight” rating and issued a $1,300.00 target price on shares of Broadcom in a research note on Monday. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of Broadcom from $1,000.00 to $1,050.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 5th. Summit Insights upgraded shares of Broadcom from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of Broadcom from $995.00 to $1,015.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Broadcom presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $981.45.
View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Broadcom
About Broadcom
Broadcom Inc designs, develops, and supplies various semiconductor devices with a focus on complex digital and mixed signal complementary metal oxide semiconductor based devices and analog III-V based products worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Semiconductor Solutions and Infrastructure Software.
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https://www.com-unik.info/2024/01/31/kingsview-wealth-management-llc-sells-611-shares-of-broadcom-inc-nasdaqavgo.html
| 2024-01-31T23:31:40Z
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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.kgou.org/health/2024-01-31/expected-to-be-a-big-deal-alzheimers-drug-is-pulled-after-disappointing-sales
| 2024-01-31T23:31:41Z
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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.ketr.org/2024-01-31/spiderwebs-could-offer-a-snapshot-of-an-ecosystem-study-shows
| 2024-01-31T23:31:41Z
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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 4:39 PM CST 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.wwno.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/from-the-occupied-west-bank-an-emergency-hotline-assists-rescue-efforts-in-gaza
| 2024-01-31T23:31:42Z
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Everyone is aging. Right now, as you read this, you are aging. Regardless of external factors like socioeconomic status or personal factors like gender or sexual orientation, everyone is getting older all the time.
Pew Research Center found that depending on what stage of life someone is in, the perception of what is considered old changes. Respondents 18 to 29 consider 60 to be old; 60-year-olds, however, think it happens in the mid-70s.
For content creator Jordan Howlett, 26, "looking old" for his age means looking like he's in his mid-30s — which is what he talks about in his viral TikTok video that has over 22 million views.
“We live in a time nowadays where millennials look way younger for their age, while Gen Z looks way older,” Howlett claims in the video. “It is mainly because of the stress.”
Howlett does not specify what “stress” could be causing increased physical aging for this age demographic or even what stress is impacting him specifically.
Raghu Kiran Appasani, a San Francisco-based psychiatrist, told Yahoo News that there could be a connection between Gen Z and the generation's chronic stress, fueled by overexposure to breaking news and tragic events. A 2021 study from Google found that not only does Gen Z have lots of exposure to news, but they have exposure to different sources and opinions too.
“There's a lot more information overload at their fingertips,” Appasani explained. “What I would say is that they probably have a much higher degree of exposure to chronic stress than any prior generation has had.”
Stress can cause inflammation which can turn into accelerated aging. Although Appasani did not outright confirm that Gen Z is aging faster than other generations, he did say "it's not great."
“If you have a high level of stress, you're at higher risk for cardiac issues, for health issues,” he said.
But to Appasani, accelerated aging might not be the main issue for Gen Z. Instead, he argues that there’s a more internal issue at hand that should be addressed first.
The video that spawned a thousand think pieces.
Howlett told Yahoo News that he thought the somewhat self-deprecating commentary on aging would just be funny.
“I had no idea it was going to reach the magnitude that it did,” he said. “I had no idea it was going to then start a grander conversation about millennials and Gen Z aging.”
Howlett's video opened up a conversationaboutwhether all of Gen Z is "aging like milk" and aging faster than previous generations. The Gen Z age range is considered to be between 11 and 27 years old.
There was already a spark of discourse surrounding whether Gen Z's concerns with aging were valid when tweens and teenagers were filmed shopping for retinol — an anti-aging product — at Sephora. Howlett's video coincided with the internet's debate about how young is too young for anti-aging skin care — and if it's actually one of the perceived problem's causes.
“Just from my own determination, I genuinely feel like I look in my mid-30s,” Howlett told Yahoo News. “I have more wrinkles on my face than maybe the average 26-year-old. Also, I would say my beard does add a bit more age to my aesthetic.”
In terms of his day-to-day look, Howlett explained that, in addition to his beard and glasses, he dresses comfortably and prefers wearing thermal sweaters and sweatpants — clothing items he says he can understand someone associating with an older person.
Writer Ryan Broderick made a similar argument in his Garbage Day newsletter. He argues that Gen Z leans into what he's dubbed "Boca Raton-core."
“Millennials dress young and Gen Z dresses old,” Broderick writes. “[Gen Z] gravitates towards styles that are both comfortable — they are the Zoom school generation — and also flashy. They either didn’t live through or don’t remember the recession, so they don’t have the same hangups millennials do about showing off wealth.”
Outfits and facial hair aside, is there real proof that Gen Z is aging at an accelerated rate that no other generation has ever dealt with?
According to Appasani, whether Gen Z’s aging is real or imagined is beside the point. The conversation is focusing on the wrong problem.
Physical aging shouldn’t be the main concern.
What Appasani and his colleagues are actually concerned about with this generation is their mental development.
“Psychologically, the developmental stages are actually being a little bit more extended,” Appasani explained, referring to Gen Z patients. “So normally, what we would see as a normal stage as a young adult or teen is kind of extending a little bit more into their 20s.”
Appasani argues that older members of Gen Z being so preoccupied with how old they appear to other people is in fact a juvenile concern. It’s just now being experienced in their late 20s.
“It doesn't allow for them to actually dive into that developmental aspect of life, of really diving into identity and independence,” he added. “That comes back to what I was seeing initially about that stage of identity versus role, which typically happens when you're a teenager, has been extended out now into their 20s.”
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https://www.boston25news.com/news/national/discourse-around-gen/ISN7URAN44F5VIFZMJVZ3ABEHQ/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:42Z
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LOS ANGELES — (AP) — The first of two back-to-back atmospheric rivers slowly pushed into California on Wednesday, triggering statewide storm preparations and calls for people to get ready for potential flooding, heavy snow and damaging winds.
Known as a "Pineapple Express" because its long plume of moisture stretched back across the Pacific to near Hawaii, the storm rolled into the far north first and was expected to move down the coast through Thursday. Forecasters expect an even more powerful storm to follow it Sunday.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services activated its operations center and positioned personnel and equipment in areas most at risk from the weather.
Brian Ferguson, Cal OES deputy director of crisis communications, characterized the situation as "a significant threat to the safety of Californians” with concerns for impact over 10 to 14 days from the Oregon line to San Diego and from the coast up into the mountains.
“This really is a broad sweep of California that’s going to see threats over the coming week,” Ferguson said.
Much of the first storm’s heaviest rain and mountain snow was expected to arrive late Wednesday and overnight into Thursday.
“The main impact is going to be runoff from heavy rainfall that is probably going to result in flooding of some waterways,” said Robert Hart, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s western region.
Last winter, California was battered by numerous drought-busting atmospheric rivers that unleashed extensive flooding, big waves that hammered shoreline communities and extraordinary snowfall that crushed buildings. More than 20 people died.
The memory was in mind in Capitola, along Monterey Bay, as Joshua Whitby brought in sandbags and considered boarding up the restaurant Zelda's on the Beach, where he is kitchen manager.
“There's absolutely always a little bit of PTSD going on with this just because of how much damage we did take last year," Whitby said.
The second storm in the series has the potential to be much stronger, said Daniel Swain a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Models suggest it could intensify as it approaches the coast of California, a process called bombogenesis in which a spinning low-pressure system rapidly deepens, Swain said in an online briefing Tuesday. The process is popularly called a “cyclone bomb.”
That scenario would create the potential for a major windstorm for the San Francisco Bay Area and other parts of Northern California as well as heavy but brief rain, Swain said.
Southern California, meanwhile, would get less wind but potentially two to three times as much rain as the north because of a deep tap of Pacific moisture extending to the tropics, Swain said.
“This is well south of Hawaii, so not just a Pineapple Express,'" he said.
The new storms come halfway through a winter very different than a year ago.
Despite storms like a Jan. 22 deluge that spawned damaging flash floods in San Diego, the overall trend has been drier. The Sierra Nevada snowpack that normally supplies about 30% of California's water is only about half of its average to date, state officials said Tuesday.
—-
Nic Coury contributed to this report from Capitola, California.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.wftv.com/news/national/first-back-to-back/WOTP2VOOKPKXSGS7IUGP62YKSE/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:42Z
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The full group buying the Baltimore Orioles at a $1.725 billion valuation was revealed Wednesday, and it had a very big name for the club's fans.
Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. is one of nine names that was revealed in the Orioles' announcement of the sale by the Angelos family, which was reported Tuesday. The group is led by two billionaires in Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein and Ares Management co-founder Michael Arougheti, with Rubenstein as the controlling owner.
In addition to Ripken, other shareholders include NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill, former New York City mayor and billionaire Michael Bloomberg, former Baltimore mayor Kurt Schmoke and business names Michele Kang, Mitchell Goldstein and Michael Smith.
The deal is still pending approval from MLB's other owners. Per previous reports, the new group will acquire 40% control of the Orioles, with the remainder transferring following the death of patriarch Peter Angelos. The Angelos family will reportedly still retain a "sizable interest" in the team.
Ripken is the Orioles' all-time leader in games played, hits, home runs and many other statistics. Since his retirement in 2001, the 63-year-old has built up a business portfolio that includes the Aberdeen Ironbirds, an Orioles minor-league affiliate.
Ripken had signaled an interest in purchasing a stake of the Orioles as far back as 2007. Now, he'll be part of the group steering the team where he, his brother Billy and his father Cal Sr. played or coached for a combined 64 years.
The Orioles have been a part of my life since I was a child, and this is a special day. I look forward to this opportunity and will do whatever I can to help the organization. Let’s go O’s!
— Cal Ripken, Jr. (@CalRipkenJr) January 31, 2024
Bringing in Ripken is a good way for a group of billionaires to endear themselves to the fanbase, but the team's fans will obviously be wanting more.
The Orioles are being sold at promising, but pivotal time in franchise history. The team is coming off a 2023 season in which it went 101-61, its best record since 1979, and boasts one of the most impressive collections young talent in MLB between young stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson and a farm system led by baseball's top prospect in Jackson Holliday.
At this point, the Orioles' priority will be finding supporting pieces for their young stars and trying to sign them to long-term extension. The Angelo family earned the fanbase's ire with its hesitance to spend in a sport where payroll size heavily correlates with consistent winning and it will be up to the new ownership group to show it will do business differently.
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https://www.whio.com/news/national/cal-ripken-jr-grant/OE7XKTC6RQ42EFF6WPMRSSPZ7E/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:43Z
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Sir Rod Stewart nipped down to his local Tesco after signing a deal with the supermarket chain to stock his own brand of whisky.
The rocker launched Wolfie’s last year in collaboration with Loch Lomond Distillery. The blended scotch at £35 a bottle will now be stocked by 400 Tesco stores across the UK. Popping in to a branch in Bishop's Stortford , he said: “It’s wonderful to see Wolfie’s in pride of place here at Tesco.”
Sir Rod said the name was inspired by his young hell-raising days with the Faces. He added: “I’m delighted to think it’s even easier for people to pick up a bottle of Wolfie’s.
The 79-year-old said he is delighted with the Tesco deal because his friends keep asking him where they can buy it, and now they know. He added: "I can now point them in the right direction. I'm planning on driving down to my local store to say hello to everyone working there."
Sir Rod has previously said that Wolfie's is a tribute to his lifelong love of Scotland. "I couldn't imagine getting involved in something like Bacardi. It had to be Scotch whisky," the famed Celtic supporter said.
Duncan Frew, Sir Rod’s co-founder in Wolfie’s, added: "To have secured a national retail listing within the first seven months of taking Wolfie’s to market is a huge achievement, and one we are incredibly proud of.
"This marks a huge milestone for the brand and the first of many that we’re hoping to achieve in 2024."
Tesco category buying manager for spirits, Hayley Easton, told STV : "We're delighted to see Sir Rod's Wolfie's Whisky sailing into more than 400 Tesco stores this week as the only major retailer to stock the delicious new spirit.
"And we were even more excited that he surprised colleagues and customers in our Bishop's Stortford Superstore this afternoon to see it take pride of place on our shelves."
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https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/rod-stewart-chats-shocked-tesco-32015904
| 2024-01-31T23:31:44Z
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US pins blame for deadly drone strike on Iran-backed militias
January 31, 2024 - 2:39 pm
WASHINGTON — The United States on Wednesday attributed the drone attack that killed three U.S. service members in Jordan to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias, as President Joe Biden weighs his options to respond to the strike.
Iran threatened to “decisively respond” to any U.S. attack on the Islamic Republic after the U.S. said it held Tehran responsible.
The U.S. has signaled it is preparing for retaliatory strikes in the Mideast in the wake of the Sunday drone attack that also wounded more than 40 troops at Tower 22, a secretive base in northeastern Jordan that’s been crucial to the American presence in neighboring Syria.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday the U.S. believes the attack was planned, resourced and facilitated by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group that includes the terrorist group Kataib Hezbollah. He said Biden “believes that it is important to respond in an appropriate way.”
He said Biden was continuing to weigh his options, but Kirby said “the first thing you see won’t be the last thing,” adding it “won’t be a one-off.”
Kirby dismissed a statement by Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah announcing “the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces in order to prevent embarrassment to the Iraqi government.” He said the group can’t be taken at face value, and he added, “they’re not the only group that has been attacking us.”
Blinken returning to Middle East
Secretary of State Antony Blinken will return to the Middle East later this week on his fifth urgent diplomatic mission since Israel’s war with Hamas began in October, the White House and a State Department official said Wednesday.
Kirby and the State Department official said Blinken would travel to the Mideast this weekend as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to prepare for post-conflict reconstruction and governance of Gaza, ramp up humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, release hostages held by Hamas and prevent the war from spreading.
The trip comes as discussions over a cease-fire and hostage release are intensifying, but also as fears grow of a regional conflict.
“These negotiations, our negotiations, are very, very active,” Kirby said, noting talks held last weekend between CIA Director William Burns, senior Israeli and Egyptian intelligence officials and Qatar’s prime minister. “We believe that the discussions have been productive. They’ve been moving in the right direction.”
He also recalled a recent trip to the Mideast by national security council official Brett McGurk, a call between President Joe Biden and the emir of Qatar, whose country is the chief interlocutor with Hamas, and he said: Blinken “will be heading back over to the region at the end of this week.”
The State Department official said Blinken would be traveling to the Middle East “in the coming days” but could not give exact dates or destinations because the trip was still being planned. On his previous visits, Blinken has stopped in Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Iraq.
Strikes and counterstrikes
As of Wednesday, Kataib Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned militias had launched 166 attacks on U.S. military installations since Oct. 18, including 67 in Iraq, 98 in Syria and the one in Jordan, according to the U.S. military.
The U.S. has struck back at the militias a few times over the past three months. On Oct. 27, U.S. fighter jets struck two weapons and ammunition storage sites in eastern Syria near Boukamal that were used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian-backed groups.
Also in Syria, fighter jets dropped bombs on an IRGC weapons storage facility near Maysulun in Deir el-Zour on Nov. 8. And U.S. airstrikes targeted a training facility and a safe house in the Bulbul district of Mayadin on Nov. 12.
On Dec. 26, the U.S. launched strikes on three locations in Iraq used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, and on Jan. 23, the U.S. struck three sites in Iraq, again targeting Kataib Hezbollah.
Any additional American strikes could further inflame a region already roiled by Israel’s ongoing war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The war began with Hamas attacking Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostage. Since then, Israeli strikes have killed more than 26,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly 2 million others from their homes, arousing anger throughout the Muslim world.
Violence has erupted across the Mideast, with Iran striking targets in Iraq, Pakistan and Syria, and the U.S. carrying out airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi terrorists over their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Some observers fear a new round of strikes targeting Iran could tip the region into a wider war.
A U.S. Navy destroyer in the waterway shot down an anti-ship cruise missile launched by the Houthis late Tuesday, the latest attack targeting American forces patrolling the key maritime trade route, officials said. The U.S. later launched a new round of airstrikes targeting the Houthis.
The Iranian warnings first came from Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in New York. He gave a briefing to Iranian journalists late Tuesday, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.
“The Islamic Republic would decisively respond to any attack on the county, its interests and nationals under any pretexts,” IRNA quoted Iravani as saying. He described any possible Iranian retaliation as a “strong response,” without elaborating.
The Iranian mission to the U.N. did not respond to requests for comment or elaboration Wednesday on Iravani’s remarks.
Iravani also denied that Iran and the U.S. had exchanged any messages over the last few days, either through intermediaries or directly. The pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera, which is based in and funded by Qatar, reported earlier that such communication had taken place. Qatar often serves as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran.
But Iran’s government has taken note of the U.S. threats of retaliation for the attack on the base in Jordan.
“Sometime, our enemies raise the threat, and nowadays we hear some threats in between words by American officials,” Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Hossein Salami, who answers only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said at an event Wednesday. “We tell them that you have experienced us, and we know each other. We do not leave any threat without an answer.”
“We are not after war, but we have no fear of war,” he added, according to IRNA.
Kirby, for his part, said the U.S. doesn’t “seek a war with Iran. We’re not looking for a broader conflict.”
Air defenses at high alert
On Saturday, a general in charge of Iran’s air defenses described them as being at their “highest defensive readiness.” That raises concerns for commercial aviation traveling through and over Iran as well. After a U.S. drone strike killed a top general in 2020, Iranian air defenses mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, killing all 176 people on board.
Meanwhile, attacks by the Houthis continue in the Red Sea. A missile launched Tuesday night targeted the USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, the U.S. military’s Central Command said in a statement. No injuries or damage were reported.
A Houthi military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement Wednesday morning, calling it “a victory for the oppression of the Palestinian people and a response to the American-British aggression against our country.”
Saree claimed the Houthis fired “several” missiles, something not acknowledged by the U.S. Navy. Houthi claims have been exaggerated in the past, and their missiles sometimes crash on land and fail to reach their targets.
On Wednesday, a U.S. military jet struck a surface-to-air missile that was about to launch from Houthi-controlled Yemen, a U.S. official said. The missile was deemed an immediate threat and destroyed. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details ahead of a public announcement.
Since November, the terrorists have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israel’s offensive against Hamas in Gaza. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.
The Houthis hit a commercial vessel with a missile on Friday, sparking a fire that burned for hours.
The U.S. and the United Kingdom have launched multiple rounds of airstrikes targeting the Houthis as allied warships patrol the waterways affected by the attacks. The European Union also plans to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea within three weeks to help defend cargo ships against the Houthi attacks, the bloc’s top diplomat said Wednesday.
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https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/nation-and-world/us-pins-blame-for-deadly-drone-strike-on-iran-backed-militias-2991374/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:44Z
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The slide for Big Tech stocks dragged the Nasdaq composite to a market-leading loss of 2.2%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has less of an emphasis on tech, fell a more modest 0.8%, or 317 points.
Alphabet was one of the heaviest weights on the market, and it fell 7.5% despite reporting stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Underneath the surface, analysts pointed to some concerning trends in how much Google's parent company is earning from advertising.
The bigger challenge, though, may have been the high expectations the company faces after how much its stock soared last year. Other Big Tech stocks that also accounted for a disproportionate chunk of the S&P 500’s rally to a record likewise struggled Wednesday in the face of high expectations.
Microsoft fell 2.7% even though it delivered stronger profit and revenue than expected. One analyst, Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities, even called its quarterly report "a masterpiece that should be hung in the Louvre."
Tesla, another member of the group of stocks nicknamed the "Magnificent Seven," fell 2.2%. A judge in Delaware ruled a day earlier that its CEO, Elon Musk, is not entitled to the landmark compensation package earlier awarded to him.
The Magnificent Seven were responsible for the majority of the S&P 500’s return last year, and three more members are scheduled to report their latest quarter results on Thursday: Amazon, Apple and Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. Expectations are high for them, too.
Besides the Magnificent Seven, stocks have rallied to records because of hopes that a cooldown in inflation will convince the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates several times this year. Such cuts would relax the pressure on the economy and encourage investors to pay higher prices for stocks.
But the Fed on Wednesday left its main interest rate steady and made clear it “does not expect it will be appropriate” to cut rates “until it has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward” its goal of 2%.
“We’re not declaring victory at all,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell said. He said it’s unlikely the Fed will get to that level of comfort by its next meeting in March.
“It’s probably not the most likely case,” he said, which sent stocks skidding late in trading.
But Powell also said Fed officials already have some confidence that day will arrive. They just need to see more months of data confirming that inflation is heading sustainably lower. “We have confidence,” he said. “It has been increasing, but we want to get greater confidence.”
Powell acknowledged the difficult position the Fed is in, with dangers arising from both acting too quickly and too late, even though “overall it’s a good picture” for the economy at the moment. Cutting rates too soon could ignite inflationary pressures, while acting too late would mean unnecessary pain for the economy and job market.
“Given how strong the economy has been, the Fed probably figures it can err on the side of cutting later and slower than what the market is pricing,” said Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management.
Treasury yields in the bond market swung up and down following the Fed's announcement. They had been lower earlier following a couple softer-than-expected reports on the economy.
One report said that growth in pay and benefits for U.S. workers was slower in the final three months of 2023 than economists expected. While all workers would like bigger raises, the cooler-than-expected data could further calm what was one of the Fed's big fears: that too-big pay gains would trigger a vicious cycle that ends up keeping inflation high.
A separate report from the ADP Research Institute also suggested hiring by non-government employers was softer in January than economists expected. The Fed and Wall Street are hoping that the job market cools by just the right amount, enough to keep a lid on inflation but not so much that it causes a recession. A more comprehensive jobs report from the U.S. government will arrive Friday.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 3.92% from 4.04% late Tuesday. In October, it was above 5% and at its highest level since 2007.
All told, the S&P 500 fell 79.32 points to 4,845.65. The Dow dropped 317.07 to 38,150.30, and the Nasdaq slumped 345.89 to 15,164.01.
In stock markets abroad, indexes slumped sharply again in China amid continued worries about a weak economic recovery and troubles for the country’s heavily indebted property developers.
Stocks were mixed elsewhere in Asia and down modestly in Europe.
___
AP Writer Zimo Zhong contributed.
Credit: AP
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https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/stock-market-today-wall-street-drops-to-worst-loss-in-months-with-big-tech-hope-for-march-rate-cut/2ZY7LBNBCZCDJAUHRQMEETDD5E/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:45Z
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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command, has said its operatives arrested six individuals in connection with criminal conspiracy, illegal petroleum product trade, and impersonation.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Uyo, the State’s NSCDC Commandant Eluyemi Eluwade said that the criminals were apprehended on the Calabar-Itu route on January 29 by anti-vandal squad agents following a tip-off.
He added that during the operations, the command detained a MAC truck used by the suspects to transport the illegal materials.
The commandant added that a Toyota Camry sedan used to escort and clear the way for the truck to pass through checkpoints unhindered was also confiscated.
READ ALSO:
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He said that the suspects, who were functioning as a security agency’s combined task team, were escorting a vehicle carrying around 45,000 litres of diesel to an unknown destination without the necessary documentation.
“The command, acting on intelligence information, deployed its personnel, who intercepted the suspects on the Calabar-Itu highway,” he said.
Eluwade further revealed that the suspects are currently being investigated at the NSCDC state command headquarters.
He cautioned anyone who engaged in unlawful operations in the petroleum industry’s downstream segment to stop.
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https://newtelegraphng.com/nscdc-nabs-six-for-illegal-petroleum-produce-in-aibom/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:47Z
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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.ketr.org/2024-01-31/trump-says-vp-pick-wont-impact-the-race-so-whats-he-looking-for-in-a-running-mate
| 2024-01-31T23:31:47Z
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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.kgou.org/health/2024-01-31/for-chicagos-new-migrants-informal-support-groups-help-ease-the-pain-and-trauma
| 2024-01-31T23:31:47Z
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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 4:21 PM CST 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.wwno.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/lawmakers-grilled-the-ceos-of-top-social-media-companies-in-a-hearing-today
| 2024-01-31T23:31:48Z
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Donations poured in Wednesday to replace a destroyed statue of Jackie Robinson on what would have been the 105th birthday of the first player to break Major League Baseball's color barrier.
Major League Baseball pledged support. And the total raised just through one online fundraiser surpassed $145,000, which is far in excess of the estimated $75,000 value of the bronze statue that was cut from its base last week at a park in Wichita, Kansas. Police are searching for those responsible.
Only the statue's feet were left at McAdams Park, where about 600 children play in a youth baseball league called League 42, which is named after Robinson' s uniform number with the Brooklyn Dodgers, with whom he broke the major leagues' color barrier in 1947.
Fire crews found burned remnants of the statue Tuesday while responding to a trash can fire at another park about 7 miles (11.27 kilometers) away. A truck believed to be used in the theft previously was found abandoned, and police said the theft was captured on surveillance video.
Bob Lutz, executive director of the Little League nonprofit that commissioned the sculpture, said Wednesday in a message on X, formerly Twitter, that the MLB commissioner's office and 30 clubs had committed funding toward the cost of replacing the statue and providing other support.
“Amazing, huh?” he said.
Lutz had said earlier that the money raised also could enhance some of its programming and facilities. In April, the group opened the Leslie Rudd Learning Center, which includes an indoor baseball facility and a learning lab.
“We’re not just baseball,” Lutz said. “We have after school education, enrichment and tutoring.”
One of the largest donations is a $10,000 pledge from an anonymous former Major League Baseball player who won a World Series. Wichita police Chief Joe Sullivan, who announced the donation over the weekend, has urged anyone involved in the theft to surrender and vowed that arrests were imminent.
“The community, along with the business community and the nation as a whole, have demonstrated an incredible outpouring of support,” Sullivan said in a statement Wednesday. “This effort highlights the kindness of the people and their determination to rebuild what was taken away from our community.”
Lutz, whose friend, the artist John Parsons, made the statue before his death, said the mold is still viable and anticipated that a replacement can be erected within a matter of months.
“We value what it represents,” he said. “It’s important that our 600 kids understand what it represents. And, we make every effort to educate our kids about the role that Jackie Robinson played in life and civil rights, his life beyond sports. He’s the absolute best role model you could imagine.”
League 42 drew attention to Robinson's birthday Wednesday in a Facebook post, noting that "his legacy will hold up forever" and asking for donations.
Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, paving the way for generations of Black American ballplayers. He's considered not only a sports legend but also a civil rights icon. Robinson died in 1972.
Lutz said that the league appeals to “all kids, but especially to kids of color" and that the connection to Robinson resonated.
“We can’t imagine, being named League 42 without a Jackie Robinson statue in our park," he said. "It was a no-brainer when we went about trying to name our league. And the name League 42 came up. It was like lightning and struck. We knew we had our name.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.boston25news.com/news/national/donations-pour/EIYIBQGNVMGFY4HU7WLOMZE3L4/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:48Z
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Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons is out for Wednesday's matchup with the Phoenix Suns, the team announced.
The 27-year-old sustained played his first game in nearly three months on Monday, coming back from a nearly three-month long absence. He recorded 10 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds vs. the Utah Jazz in the comeback.
But the return came at a cost, as he suffered a left knee contusion after taking a hit during the game, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. After the knee began to swell, Simmons reportedly underwent tests that showed no further issue.
It's unclear how long Simmons will be sidelined, but it seems unlikely that the injury will keep him out for as long as the last one did. He was previously hampered by a pinched nerve in his back that he began to recover from on Nov. 6.
This story will be updated.
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https://www.wftv.com/news/national/nets-ben-simmons/JIJJ3T3TYDHP3ZPTNGZQOQQNX4/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:48Z
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OAKVILLE, Ontario (LifeSiteNews) — Students at an Ontario Catholic school board have been praying the Lord’s Prayer each morning for the past two years, thanks to the courageous initiative of a faithful trustee.
Oakville-based Trustee Helena Karabela of the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) says that students across the school board have prayed the “Our Father” for about 500 days.
“The Lord’s Prayer is taught to us by Jesus,” Karabela told LifeSiteNews. “In confusing and difficult times, it shows all of us, at any age, that God the Father loves us and is looking out for all our needs.”
“Prayer has a ripple effect. It can transform the individual but also impacts the school community and beyond,” she added.
In a January 25 email to her supporters, Karabela revealed that two years ago she put forward a motion to reintroduce the Lord’s Prayer into the opening exercises of all HCDSB schools.
“This motion was successfully passed, and as a result, thousands of students have been praying the Lord’s Prayer every day at school,” she declared.
There are approximately 36,000 students in the HCDSB.
“Praying, especially the Lord’s Prayer, brings Jesus into our friendships and culture,” Karabela told LifeSiteNews.
“The power of praying together is found in Jesus’ own words: ‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt 18:20 RSV),'” she added.
“It is an important duty of all people responsible for Catholic education to make sure the students are getting the instruction they need, not just in the maths, sciences and arts, but especially in formation [through] prayer and Catholic teaching,” Karabela declared.
“I encourage all trustees and staff to look at their policies and goals to see how this can be done even better,” she continued. “Praying the ‘Our Father’ every day at the HCDSB is certainly a step in the right direction.”
RELATED: Pro-life trustees elected to Catholic school board in Ontario despite fierce opposition
Karabela’s initiative comes as orthodox Catholicism is increasingly devalued in Ontario’s Catholic school systems. Toronto Catholic Trustee Michael Del Grande was tried before a tribunal of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) for objecting to the addition of transgender ideology into the Toronto Catholic District School Board’s policies and for defending the Catholic Church’s teaching that abortion is morally wrong.
The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) has been much in the news of late for its deviation from Catholic doctrine and morals.
In January, the TCDSB invited pro-abortion and pro-LGBT politician Mitzie Hunter as the keynote speaker for a women’s event.
Also in January, the TCDSB recommended its staff watch a pro-LGBT play about a little girl who thinks she is a boy and eventually ‘transitions’ into one.
In November 2023, the TCDSB invited Pro-LGBT Fr. James Martin, SJ, to lecture staff and faculty on how to be “welcoming” to students who identify as “2SLGBTQ+.”
RELATED: Faithful Toronto Catholic trustee earns major victory in lawsuit against school board
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https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/ontario-catholic-trustees-motion-has-led-to-the-daily-recitation-of-the-lords-prayer-in-schools/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:50Z
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CHICAGO — (AP) — Chicago's City Council narrowly approved a resolution Wednesday calling for a permanent cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas, with Mayor Brandon Johnson casting the tiebreaking vote.
The symbolic declaration in the nation's third-largest city follows weeks of rowdy public meetings with disruptions from demonstrators, including on Wednesday when things became so boisterous the first-term mayor had to temporarily clear the council chambers. The resolution, approved 24-23, includes a call for humanitarian aid and the the release of all hostages. Supporters in the chambers included the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Chicago is latest U.S. city to approve such a non-binding resolution, following Atlanta, Detroit and San Francisco in recent months.
“Do I believe that the words that we speak today, how we vote today influences directly international policy? I don’t. I don’t have those illusions," said Alderman Daniel La Spata, one of the resolution's sponsors. "But we vote with hope. We vote with solidarity. We vote to help people feel heard in a world of silence.”
The ordinance remained largely unchanged over the past few months despite urging from the council's sole Jewish member, Alderwoman Debra Silverstein, who sought more support of Israel and criticism of Hamas.
“We all want an end to the bloodshed and an end to the war. But it is vital to understand what caused the conflict, and we should pass a resolution that addresses the issue responsibly,” she said during the meeting. “We should not pass a resolution unless it makes clear that Hamas cannot and should not attack again.”
The war began with Hamas attacking Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli strikes have killed more than 26,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly 2 million others from their homes.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.whio.com/news/national/chicago-becomes/Q2I4G4MJUZUEYBIJGYATJUGKVQ/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:49Z
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The exhibition – Martyn Pitt: A Life in Photography – has been on display since October and documents the final years of coal mining from the perspective of Martyn, who spent 30 years photographing the industry.
The NCMM says it offers visitors "an exclusive glimpse into the stories, conditions and practices from the industry’s last years”.
Visitors to the NCMM will have a final chance to see the exhibition, which is due to end on Sunday, February 18.
Martyn – who retired in 2012 – became the national photographer for the coal mining industry in 1985 at age 20, and has documented on camera everything from Royal visits to incidents which took place across 30 years in the industry.
The exhibition features film negatives and digital photographs from Martyn’s time at British Coal, RJB Mining and UK Coal during the privatisation years between 1994 and 2012.
The photographs appeared in various forms including mining reviews, safety posters and newspapers. The NCMM says these are “the sole visual record of mining during that crucial period”.
Look through the pictures below to get a glimpse of some of the unique photography that can be viewed at the exhibition.
The new development of a 3D visual tour recently launched by the NCMM also means that visitors unable to attend in person can view Martyn’s extensive portfolio online.
Lynn Dunning, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum for England, said: “We are thrilled to launch our first 3D exhibition tour, and we look forward to continuing this with our future exhibitions.
"It is great timing as with the launch of ‘84/85 – The Longest Year’ in March, we’ll be able to reach new audiences, both nationally and globally, with our exciting digital offer”.
The 3D virtual tour was developed with the Yorkshire-based immersive 3D experience specialists Josh and Harry Walker, of the digital creation company Front Row Live.
Find more details about the exhibition on the National Coal Mining Museum website. The 3D visual tour can be accessed here.
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https://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/arts-and-culture/art/martyn-pitt-a-life-in-photography-see-some-of-the-pictures-from-the-national-coal-mining-museums-exhibition-4500105
| 2024-01-31T23:31:50Z
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Lazari Capital Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT – Free Report) by 6.4% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 1,598 shares of the industrial products company’s stock after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the period. Lazari Capital Management Inc.’s holdings in Caterpillar were worth $436,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.
Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in Caterpillar by 130,632.5% during the fourth quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 9,784,017 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $2,343,859,000 after purchasing an additional 9,776,533 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new position in Caterpillar during the fourth quarter worth $1,175,255,000. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board bought a new position in Caterpillar during the first quarter worth $433,134,000. Imprint Wealth LLC boosted its position in Caterpillar by 24,982.9% during the second quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC now owns 1,538,084 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $153,808,000 after purchasing an additional 1,531,952 shares during the period. Finally, Altshuler Shaham Ltd boosted its position in Caterpillar by 122.4% during the second quarter. Altshuler Shaham Ltd now owns 2,056,227 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $505,935,000 after purchasing an additional 1,131,751 shares during the period. 69.20% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Wall Street Analyst Weigh In
A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on CAT. Bank of America reduced their target price on shares of Caterpillar from $323.00 to $297.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 11th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on shares of Caterpillar from $285.00 to $293.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 19th. Morgan Stanley began coverage on shares of Caterpillar in a research report on Monday, January 8th. They issued an “equal weight” rating and a $270.00 target price for the company. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their target price on shares of Caterpillar from $216.00 to $245.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a research report on Thursday, December 21st. Finally, HSBC started coverage on shares of Caterpillar in a research report on Monday, November 20th. They set a “hold” rating and a $250.00 price objective for the company. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $269.79.
Insider Buying and Selling at Caterpillar
In other Caterpillar news, CFO Andrew R. J. Bonfield sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $300.04, for a total transaction of $3,000,400.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 67,317 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,197,792.68. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Insiders own 0.33% of the company’s stock.
Caterpillar Trading Down 1.4 %
NYSE:CAT traded down $4.28 on Wednesday, reaching $300.48. 1,579,140 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,570,313. The firm has a market capitalization of $152.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.13. The company’s 50 day moving average is $279.38 and its 200-day moving average is $270.56. The company has a current ratio of 1.45, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18. Caterpillar Inc. has a 1-year low of $204.04 and a 1-year high of $305.75.
Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT – Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The industrial products company reported $5.52 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.75 by $0.77. The business had revenue of $16.81 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.57 billion. Caterpillar had a net margin of 13.69% and a return on equity of 56.29%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.95 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Caterpillar Inc. will post 20.59 EPS for the current fiscal year.
Caterpillar Announces Dividend
The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 20th. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 22nd will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.73%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 19th. Caterpillar’s dividend payout ratio is presently 29.46%.
Caterpillar Profile
Caterpillar Inc manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives in the United States and internationally. Its Construction Industries segment offers asphalt pavers, compactors, road reclaimers, forestry machines, cold planers, material handlers, tractors, excavators, telehandlers, motor graders, and pipelayers; compact track and multi-terrain, wheel, track-type, backhoe, and skid steer loaders; and related parts and tools.
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https://www.com-unik.info/2024/01/31/lazari-capital-management-inc-has-436000-stake-in-caterpillar-inc-nysecat.html
| 2024-01-31T23:31:51Z
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Political and media figures on the right, including former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, political activist Laura Loomer and One America News Network host Alison Steinberg, have amplified the allegations.
The claims are ludicrous and may well reflect the fear on the right that someone as famous as Swift, whose landmark Eras Tour is the first tour to cross the billion-dollar mark, could indeed influence the presidential race should she urge her legion of fans in one direction.
Pop culture and politics have long been entwined. The entertainment industry has been a deep well of political contributions. And candidates often try to draft on the celebrity of stars to add to their own allure.
The potency of the impact is less clear. In Swift's case, there is some proof that she can at minimum generate more voter registration.
In September, Swift posted a short message on her Instagram account encouraging her 272 million followers to register to vote. The post led to more than 35,000 registrations on the nonpartisan nonprofit Vote.org.
Swift’s massive fan base gives her a powerful voice. An SSRS poll conducted in October 2023 found that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults called themselves at least casual fans of the singer, with 8% saying they’re big fans. The poll also found that 8 in 10 U.S. adults said they had heard of her relationship with Kelce and the majority of those familiar with it considered it a real relationship, rather than a publicity stunt.
“Pop culture people identify with this stuff, they pay attention to it. And that’s what moves politics now. It’s attention and identity,” Joel Penney, an associate professor at Montclair State University whose research includes the intersection of politics and pop culture, said. Indeed, Donald Trump's improbable march to the presidency in 2016 was propelled in part from the celebrity he gained as a reality television star.
But the false claims about Swift are of such an extreme nature that they will test the limits of how potent a conspiracy theory can be. Penney sees the recent deluge of posts aimed at Swift as an attempt to preemptively blunt her impact by discrediting her.
Penney said Swift's influence could prove a difficult force to contend with, especially if she publicly supports Biden, as she did in the 2020 race.
The attacks on Swift could also galvanize young voters who want to rally around her.
“Young people are fighting their political battles through a language drawn from pop culture,” said Henry Jenkins, a professor at the University of Southern California who also studies politics and pop culture. “That’s what connects them. That’s what they’re engaged with.”
Both Swift and Kelce have made public statements about politics and other issues that put them at odds with the far-right.
Swift broke her long-standing refusal to discuss her political views in 2018 when she announced in an Instagram post that she would be voting for Tennessee's Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen and Democratic House incumbent Rep. Jim Cooper. She also slammed then-U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, the Republican candidate, citing Blackburn's opposition to certain LGBTQ+ rights and her vote against the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2013. Blackburn won election to the Senate.
In 2020, Swift endorsed Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in an interview with V Magazine, noting that "under their leadership, I believe America has a chance to start the healing process it so desperately needs."
Kelce faced criticism in September for appearing in an ad promoting the double dose of the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The ad was part of a partnership with Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company that developed a vaccine in response to the pandemic and has since become a common mark for anti-vaccine activists and conspiracy theorists.
Pop culture figures and the industry that surround them have been enmeshed in political campaigns long before the duo some fans refer to as Swelce. Former President Bill Clinton first appeared on MTV during his 1992 campaign while he was still governor of Arkansas. Major stars including Johnny Cash, Mary Tyler Moore and Willie Nelson endorsed former President Jimmy Carter more than 40 years ago when he made his second run for the White House. Ronald Reagan got his start in politics after a career as an actor.
“That question of, does this stuff work in pop culture? It absolutely can,” Penney said. “And it does. And history has shown that.”
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
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https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/taylor-swift-super-bowl-conspiracy-theories-the-claims-are-baseless/F3XIR3GANBHMBPWXYPLK76OARM/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:51Z
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At least one person has been confirmed dead, while two others sustained varying degrees of injury when a Toyota Camry car and a private motorcycle collided on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Tuesday.
Mr William Manga, Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Badagry Unit, confirmed the event to journalists in Badagry on Wednesday, saying it happened at the Age-Mowo axis of the expressway at 8.50 p.m.
“The accident involved a Toyota Camry car with registration number FST 81 FN and a private Bajaj motorcycle.
“Our personnel got to the scene of the accident at exactly 9.00 pm.; three persons were involved in the accident.
READ ALSO:
- Two Dead, Four Injured In Lagos-Badagry Expressway Accident
- Truck Rams Into Motorcycle Plying One-Way, Killed 2 Along Badagry Expressway
- 2 Men Docked For Allegedly Stealing From Accident Victims
“The motorcyclist died instantly while two others in the Camry car sustained injury.
“Two of the victims were immediately rushed to General Hospital in Badagry for treatment while the corpse of the motorcycle rider was deposited in the hospital’s mortuary,” he said.
Manga urged drivers using the Agbara-Badagry expressway to be aware of other road users’ use of the single lane.
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https://newtelegraphng.com/one-dead-two-injured-in-lagos-badagry-auto-crash/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:53Z
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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.ketr.org/2024-01-31/u-s-students-are-starting-to-catch-up-in-school-unless-theyre-from-a-poor-area
| 2024-01-31T23:31:53Z
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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.kgou.org/politics-and-government/2024-01-31/a-tennessee-lawmaker-helped-pass-a-strict-abortion-law-hes-now-trying-to-loosen-it
| 2024-01-31T23:31:53Z
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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.wwno.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/nevadas-gop-nominating-process-is-confusing-and-already-yielded-a-likely-winner
| 2024-01-31T23:31:54Z
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Actor Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter after the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust.
He waived his right to appear in court on Wednesday. This is the second time he's been charged since Halyna, the cinematographer of the film, died in 2021.
The first charge was dropped due to questions regarding the Colt .45 functionality after Alec claimed he never even pulled the trigger. During the original FBI investigation, the Colt was broken, bringing the investigation to a further standstill after Alec's claim.
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story HERE.
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https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/us-celebrity-news/breaking-alec-baldwin-pleads-not-32016303
| 2024-01-31T23:31:54Z
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LOS ANGELES — (AP) — The first of two back-to-back atmospheric rivers slowly pushed into California on Wednesday, triggering statewide storm preparations and calls for people to get ready for potential flooding, heavy snow and damaging winds.
Known as a "Pineapple Express" because its long plume of moisture stretched back across the Pacific to near Hawaii, the storm rolled into the far north first and was expected to move down the coast through Thursday. Forecasters expect an even more powerful storm to follow it Sunday.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services activated its operations center and positioned personnel and equipment in areas most at risk from the weather.
Brian Ferguson, Cal OES deputy director of crisis communications, characterized the situation as "a significant threat to the safety of Californians” with concerns for impact over 10 to 14 days from the Oregon line to San Diego and from the coast up into the mountains.
“This really is a broad sweep of California that’s going to see threats over the coming week,” Ferguson said.
Much of the first storm’s heaviest rain and mountain snow was expected to arrive late Wednesday and overnight into Thursday.
“The main impact is going to be runoff from heavy rainfall that is probably going to result in flooding of some waterways,” said Robert Hart, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s western region.
Last winter, California was battered by numerous drought-busting atmospheric rivers that unleashed extensive flooding, big waves that hammered shoreline communities and extraordinary snowfall that crushed buildings. More than 20 people died.
The memory was in mind in Capitola, along Monterey Bay, as Joshua Whitby brought in sandbags and considered boarding up the restaurant Zelda's on the Beach, where he is kitchen manager.
“There's absolutely always a little bit of PTSD going on with this just because of how much damage we did take last year," Whitby said.
The second storm in the series has the potential to be much stronger, said Daniel Swain a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Models suggest it could intensify as it approaches the coast of California, a process called bombogenesis in which a spinning low-pressure system rapidly deepens, Swain said in an online briefing Tuesday. The process is popularly called a “cyclone bomb.”
That scenario would create the potential for a major windstorm for the San Francisco Bay Area and other parts of Northern California as well as heavy but brief rain, Swain said.
Southern California, meanwhile, would get less wind but potentially two to three times as much rain as the north because of a deep tap of Pacific moisture extending to the tropics, Swain said.
“This is well south of Hawaii, so not just a Pineapple Express,'" he said.
The new storms come halfway through a winter very different than a year ago.
Despite storms like a Jan. 22 deluge that spawned damaging flash floods in San Diego, the overall trend has been drier. The Sierra Nevada snowpack that normally supplies about 30% of California's water is only about half of its average to date, state officials said Tuesday.
—-
Nic Coury contributed to this report from Capitola, California.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.boston25news.com/news/national/first-back-to-back/WOTP2VOOKPKXSGS7IUGP62YKSE/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:54Z
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Subscribe to The College Football Enquirer
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
Dan Wetzel, Ross Dellenger & SI’s Pat Forde devote today’s episode to Tennessee’s lawsuit against the NCAA after reports that the University of Tennessee is under investigation for NIL violations. The school has received help from both the Tennessee and Virginia attorneys general in a lawsuit against the NCAA in attempts to get a court’s ruling to absolve them. The guys dive into whether or not Tennessee committed any violations, as well as if the NCAA can retroactively enforce any punishments.
The podcast then debates about whether or not the current college athletics structure should involve guardrails and, if found guilty, whether or not the NCAA could invoke the death penalty on the Volunteers.
Later in the show, with March Madness nearing, the podcast takes a look at this weekend’s packed college hoops action.
To close out the episode, The People's Court opens up a case on a gassy airplane passenger.
1:00 - Tennessee is suing the NCAA over NIL violations
48:40 - College basketball is heating up with a big weekend
54:08 - The People’s Court: Airplane flatulence
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league for the 2024 MLB season]
Follow Dan @DanWetzel
Follow Pat @ByPatForde
Follow Ross @RossDellenger
🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube
Check out all the episodes of the College Football Enquirer and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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https://www.wftv.com/news/national/tennessee-v-ncaa/KYY2QBEEW7C7QNZDZWY3YRWDJI/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:54Z
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Aldi launches £5 pink labelled bubbly for Valentine's Day
and live on Freeview channel 276
What’s more, Aldi is also launching a new limited edition pink labelled prosecco for lovers and friends alike for just £4.99!
Supermarket Aldi is popping the cork on romantic celebrations this Valentine’s Day, with its NEW limited edition, pink labelled Costellore Prosecco Vino Frizzante (£4.99, 75cl).
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Hide AdOffering notes of lemon, grapefruit, and peach, with hints of melon on the finish, this Italian sparkler is also vegan-friendly. What’s more, costing less than £5 a bottle, it means star-crossed lovers can enjoy an evening of indulgence without pulling on the purse strings.
But Aldi’s specially curated range of bubbles for lovers doesn’t stop there. Whether it’s a romantic night in with a bottle of Prosecco or a pre-dinner glass of Champagne, there’s something for everyone - even Cupid would approve!
Organic Prosecco Rosé (£7.99, 75cl)
An elegant fizz that is both fun and bubbly, it offers a delicious off-dry cherry finish that will leave lovers on cloud wine – with sales up 166% thanks to the show, shoppers better be quick!
Specially Selected Fleurs D'eau Rosé (£7.49, 75cl)
Celebrating with friends this Galentine’s day? Rose-ing up to the challenge is this fruity pale pink fizz with attractive aromas of red and white fruits and sweet candy notes. With a pleasingly fruity palate supported by elegant bubbles, it’s a crowd-pleaser any group of friends will fall in love with.
Veuve Monsigny Champagne (£14.99, 75cl)
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Hide AdSpread the love this Valentine’s Day with this elegant Champagne. Deliciously seductive with toasty brioche notes, this well-balanced Champagne recently beat a Champagne costing more than double in a blind taste test[3]. Certain to add a touch of je ne sais quoi to romantic celebrations.
Aldi’s limited edition Costellore Prosecco Vino Frizzante will be available in stores from 28th January.
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https://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/lifestyle/food-and-drink/aldi-launches-ps5-pink-labelled-bubbly-for-valentines-day-4500479
| 2024-01-31T23:31:56Z
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Arby’s Had A Promotional Meal Deal That College Students Took Advantage Of To The Fullest
by Matthew Gilligan
Have you ever been lucky enough to find a loophole at a restaurant that allowed you and your pals eat like kings?
Well, this person did and they took full advantage of it!
Check out their story below and we want to warn you…you might get jealous.
Great Arby’s run of 2005.
“This was years ago, not sure exactly what year. Location: Twin Cities MN.
Arby’s had a promotion where if you got a $10 gift card you got a free basic combo meal – large roast beef or beef and cheddar, medium soft drink, medium fry.
Back at this time that would likely have been a $3.99 meal.
They had an idea.
Immediately, I saw an opportunity. I asked when the gift card expired (answer: Never) and asked if there were any restrictions on what could be purchased with the gift card (answer: none).
So I got a gift card and a combo meal.
I then hightailed it back to the house I was living in with a pile of other college guys.
Filled my car up, filled up another car.
Walked in, said “I’d like to purchase a $10 gift card, I’ll do the large roast beef, coke, curly fries, horsey sauce and arby’s sauce.”
This is gonna work out!
Paid for the gift card with the gift card. Hand the new gift card to the guy behind me. He did the same thing.
At this point one of the other guys walked over to the other register and pulled out cash for a gift card and started the process going. Eventually the last person in our line handed me back a gift card.
We ate in the restaurant and then I said ‘well, I’m getting ready for a midnight snack’ and got back in line, and everyone followed – we all got a 2nd meal and got back in the car and left (and to be fair, back then I could have eaten 4 roast beefs, a single without upsizing the fries was kinda paltry)
Be sure to eat up!
The cashier didn’t care – he was just doing as instructed.
Hell for all I know he was probably encouraged to push the gift card deal, lots of times the counter staff do get instructed to do that kind of thing.
We did it a 2nd time, but the 3rd time the manager said that terms on the card have some prohibitions, which includes buying gift cards.
That’s okay, we got probably 30 meals free and just had to use the gift card for actual food.”
Check out what folks had to say about this story.
One reader misses their college days…
Another individual remembers a KFC deal fondly…
One Reddit user’s mom stocked up on Mickey D’s pies back in the day.
Another individual had a Taco Bell story.
And this reader had their own story to tell.
Find a loophole and make it work.
Nicely done!
Now that you’ve read that story, check out this one about a delivery driver who took a $400 grocery order back because she wasn’t given a tip.
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https://twistedsifter.com/2024/01/arbys-had-a-promotional-meal-deal-that-college-students-took-advantage-of-to-the-fullest/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:57Z
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Gilbert police make 2 more arrests related to 2023 parking lot assault
Jan 30, 2024, 8:00 PM | Updated: Jan 31, 2024, 1:02 pm
PHOENIX — The Gilbert Police Department made two more arrests Tuesday while investigating a 2023 parking lot assault.
Deleon Haynes, 19, was one of the two people Gilbert PD arrested Tuesday. The other was a 17-year-old whose name has not been released due to being underage.
Police accused both Haynes and the 17-year-old of taking part in a violent group attack on a minor outside an In-N-Out Burger on Aug. 18, 2023.
The attack took place near Williams Field Road and Santan Village Parkway, Gilbert PD said.
Both are charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated assault. They weren’t acting alone, however. They were allegedly part of a group.
In fact, Gilbert PD has now arrested a total of six suspects in relation to their investigation of the August 2023 group attack.
Who were the other suspects in this 2023 parking lot assault?
The first arrest in relation to this investigation took place on Jan. 9, when police arrested 18-year-old Christopher Fantastic.
While behind bars, Fantastic was accused of involvement in a separate youth violence case in the East Valley.
The Mesa Police Department accused him of assaulting a victim on May 29, 2023. This fight involved 30-40 young people in the areas of Val Vista Drive and Pueblo Avenue, police said.
Gilbert PD made the second, third and fourth arrests in relation to the 2023 parking lot assault on Jan. 10.
Police arrested 18-year-old Aris Arredondo, along with two unnamed 16-year-olds, a day after arresting Fantastic.
The 2023 parking lot assault is one of 10 active teen violence investigations Gilbert PD is conducting.
The department made an online resource that provides details and updates on various cases. This case is #23-126580.
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https://ktar.com/story/5559920/gilbert-police-2-more-arrests-related-2023-parking-lot-assault/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:57Z
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Everyone is aging. Right now, as you read this, you are aging. Regardless of external factors like socioeconomic status or personal factors like gender or sexual orientation, everyone is getting older all the time.
Pew Research Center found that depending on what stage of life someone is in, the perception of what is considered old changes. Respondents 18 to 29 consider 60 to be old; 60-year-olds, however, think it happens in the mid-70s.
For content creator Jordan Howlett, 26, "looking old" for his age means looking like he's in his mid-30s — which is what he talks about in his viral TikTok video that has over 22 million views.
“We live in a time nowadays where millennials look way younger for their age, while Gen Z looks way older,” Howlett claims in the video. “It is mainly because of the stress.”
Howlett does not specify what “stress” could be causing increased physical aging for this age demographic or even what stress is impacting him specifically.
Raghu Kiran Appasani, a San Francisco-based psychiatrist, told Yahoo News that there could be a connection between Gen Z and the generation's chronic stress, fueled by overexposure to breaking news and tragic events. A 2021 study from Google found that not only does Gen Z have lots of exposure to news, but they have exposure to different sources and opinions too.
“There's a lot more information overload at their fingertips,” Appasani explained. “What I would say is that they probably have a much higher degree of exposure to chronic stress than any prior generation has had.”
Stress can cause inflammation which can turn into accelerated aging. Although Appasani did not outright confirm that Gen Z is aging faster than other generations, he did say "it's not great."
“If you have a high level of stress, you're at higher risk for cardiac issues, for health issues,” he said.
But to Appasani, accelerated aging might not be the main issue for Gen Z. Instead, he argues that there’s a more internal issue at hand that should be addressed first.
The video that spawned a thousand think pieces.
Howlett told Yahoo News that he thought the somewhat self-deprecating commentary on aging would just be funny.
“I had no idea it was going to reach the magnitude that it did,” he said. “I had no idea it was going to then start a grander conversation about millennials and Gen Z aging.”
Howlett's video opened up a conversationaboutwhether all of Gen Z is "aging like milk" and aging faster than previous generations. The Gen Z age range is considered to be between 11 and 27 years old.
There was already a spark of discourse surrounding whether Gen Z's concerns with aging were valid when tweens and teenagers were filmed shopping for retinol — an anti-aging product — at Sephora. Howlett's video coincided with the internet's debate about how young is too young for anti-aging skin care — and if it's actually one of the perceived problem's causes.
“Just from my own determination, I genuinely feel like I look in my mid-30s,” Howlett told Yahoo News. “I have more wrinkles on my face than maybe the average 26-year-old. Also, I would say my beard does add a bit more age to my aesthetic.”
In terms of his day-to-day look, Howlett explained that, in addition to his beard and glasses, he dresses comfortably and prefers wearing thermal sweaters and sweatpants — clothing items he says he can understand someone associating with an older person.
Writer Ryan Broderick made a similar argument in his Garbage Day newsletter. He argues that Gen Z leans into what he's dubbed "Boca Raton-core."
“Millennials dress young and Gen Z dresses old,” Broderick writes. “[Gen Z] gravitates towards styles that are both comfortable — they are the Zoom school generation — and also flashy. They either didn’t live through or don’t remember the recession, so they don’t have the same hangups millennials do about showing off wealth.”
Outfits and facial hair aside, is there real proof that Gen Z is aging at an accelerated rate that no other generation has ever dealt with?
According to Appasani, whether Gen Z’s aging is real or imagined is beside the point. The conversation is focusing on the wrong problem.
Physical aging shouldn’t be the main concern.
What Appasani and his colleagues are actually concerned about with this generation is their mental development.
“Psychologically, the developmental stages are actually being a little bit more extended,” Appasani explained, referring to Gen Z patients. “So normally, what we would see as a normal stage as a young adult or teen is kind of extending a little bit more into their 20s.”
Appasani argues that older members of Gen Z being so preoccupied with how old they appear to other people is in fact a juvenile concern. It’s just now being experienced in their late 20s.
“It doesn't allow for them to actually dive into that developmental aspect of life, of really diving into identity and independence,” he added. “That comes back to what I was seeing initially about that stage of identity versus role, which typically happens when you're a teenager, has been extended out now into their 20s.”
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https://www.whio.com/news/national/discourse-around-gen/ISN7URAN44F5VIFZMJVZ3ABEHQ/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:56Z
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Adult Social Work Apprenticeship Fund
Information for local authorities on applying for the £12 million Adult Social Work Apprenticeship Fund that aims to increase social worker capacity in adult social care.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
The government is making £12 million available for local authorities to apply for a contribution towards the costs of training and supervising new social work apprentices.
Local authorities can apply for funding of up to £30,000 per apprenticeship. To apply for funding, local authorities must submit an expression of interest (EOI) application form.
The Adult Social Work Apprenticeship Fund will aim to:
- increase social worker workforce capacity in adult social care across England
- support all training routes into the social work profession
- increase opportunity for those who may not have the financial resources to pursue social work through the traditional academic route
- support adult social care pressures by increasing the number of apprentices
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https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adult-social-work-apprenticeship-fund
| 2024-01-31T23:31:57Z
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In the wake of the passing of iconic broadcaster Charles Osgood, the spotlight naturally turned to his family, particularly his daughter, Annie Osgood. As the patriarch of a creative and patriotic legacy, Charles left an indelible mark on the media landscape. However, the public’s curiosity has recently been piqued by rumors surrounding Annie’s sexual orientation. In this blog, we delve into the life of Annie Osgood, exploring the enigma surrounding her private life.
Annie Osgood’s Sexual Orientation: A Secret for Now
The dearth of specific details about Annie’s private life, especially regarding her sexual orientation, has fueled speculation. In an age where personal information is often shared openly, Annie’s decision to keep her life under wraps has only added to the mystery. The question on many minds remains: Is Annie Osgood gay?
As of now, the public remains unaware of Annie Osgood’s sexual orientation. Her decision to keep this aspect of her life private is respected, and it reinforces the notion that one’s personal life is, indeed, personal. Until Annie chooses to share more about herself with the world, her sexual orientation will remain a secret, a choice that deserves both understanding and respect.
The Osgood Family Legacy
Charles Osgood’s departure at the age of ninety-one marked the end of an era, leaving behind a rich tapestry of creativity and patriotism. With five children, including Annie, the Osgood family has been at the center of attention since details of Charles’ remarkable life emerged. A Father’s Day poem penned by Charles in 2010 revealed a deep connection with his five children, shedding light on their close-knit relationship.
Annie’s Low-Profile Existence
While information about some of Charles’ children has surfaced over the years, Annie Osgood has remained notably elusive. Born in 1977, she shares her lineage with siblings Kathleen, Winston, Emily, and Jamie. Despite the prevalence of information-sharing in the digital age, Annie has managed to maintain a degree of seclusion, lacking a visible social media presence and limiting publicly available information about her personal life.
Charles Osgood’s Marital Journey
To understand Annie’s context, it’s essential to briefly examine Charles Osgood’s two marriages. His first marriage to Theresa Audette lasted 16 years before ending in divorce. The second chapter of Charles’ marital journey began with Jeanne Crafton, a union that remained unscathed by the difficulties of love. Together, they established a loving household in Englewood, New Jersey, raising their five children amidst the pleasures and hardships of suburban life.
The Osgoods’ Move to New York City
As their children began to leave the nest, Charles and Jeanne embarked on a new chapter in the bustling center of New York City. The move to a large duplex near 7th Avenue injected new energy and cultural diversity into their lives. The transition to the vibrant city marked the beginning of their empty-nester phase, a period characterized by exploration and a more global perspective.
Read more:
- Is Ashley Banjo Gay? Breaking News on the Dance Sensation’s Personal Life
- Is Tony Gonzalez Gay? The Untold Story Behind the NFL Legend’s Love Life
Conclusion
Annie Osgood’s life remains a mystery, particularly in regards to her sexual orientation. In a world where privacy is often a luxury, Annie’s choice to keep her personal life under wraps deserves respect. As we remember Charles Osgood’s legacy, it’s important to recognize and honor the individual choices made by each member of the Osgood family, allowing them the space to navigate their lives in a manner that feels right for them.
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https://thenewspocket.com/is-annie-osgood-gay/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:57Z
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Speaking before the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Wray said there's been far too little public focus on a cyber threat that affects “every American.”
“China’s hackers are positioning on American infrastructure in preparation to wreak havoc and cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities, if or when China decides the time has come to strike,” Wray said.
Jen Easterly, the director of the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, voiced a similar sentiment at the hearing.
“This is a world where a major crisis halfway across the planet could well endanger the lives of Americans here at home through the disruption of our pipelines, the severing of our telecommunications, the pollution of our water facilities, the crippling of our transportation modes — all to ensure that they can incite societal panic and chaos and to deter our ability" to marshal a sufficient response, she said.
The comments align with assessments from outside cybersecurity firms including Microsoft, which said in May that state-backed Chinese hackers had been targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and could be laying the technical groundwork for the potential disruption of critical communications between the U.S. and Asia during future crises.
At least a portion of that operation, attributed to a group of hackers known as Volt Typhoon, has now been disrupted after FBI and Justice Department officials obtained search-and-seizure orders in Houston federal court in December. U.S. officials did not characterize the disruption’s impact, and court documents unsealed Wednesday say the disrupted botnet was just “one form of infrastructure used by Volt Typhoon to obfuscate their activity.” The hackers have infiltrated targets through multiple avenues, including cloud and internet providers, disguising themselves as normal traffic.
The U.S. has in the past few years become more aggressive in trying to disrupt and dismantle both criminal and state-backed cyber operations, with Wray warning Wednesday that Beijing-backed hackers aim to pilfer business secrets to advance the Chinese economy and steal personal information for foreign influence campaigns.
“They are doing all those things. They all feed up ultimately into their goal to supplant the U.S. as the world’s greatest superpower," he said.
Complicating the threat is that state-backed hackers, especially Chinese and Russian, are good at adapting and finding new intrusion methods and avenues.
U.S. officials have long been concerned about such hackers hiding in U.S.-based infrastructure, and the end-of-life Cisco and NetGear routers exploited by Volt Typhoon were easy prey because they were no longer supported by their manufacturers with security updates. Because of the urgency, law enforcement officials said, U.S. cyber operators deleted the malware in those routers without notifying their owners directly — and added code to prevent re-infection.
A Justice Department official who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the government said officials were determined to disrupt the Volt Typhoon operation as soon as possible because the hackers were using the botnet as a stepping stone to hide in U.S. internet traffic while burrowing into the networks of critical infrastructure, ready to maliciously exploit that access at a time of their choosing.
“The truth is that Chinese cyber actors have taken advantage of very basic flaws in our technology,” Easterly said. “We’ve made it easy on them.”
Cybersecurity veteran Amit Yoran, the CEO of Tenable, called Wray’s warning “an urgent call to action. Continuing to turn a blind eye to the risk sitting inside our critical infrastructure is the definition of negligence.”
Cybersecurity experts say major software providers too often sacrifice security for convenience, and that's biting back.
On the eve of a June visit to China by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, state-backed Chinese hackers foiled Microsoft cloud-based security in hacking the email of officials at multiple U.S. agencies that deal with China.
On Wednesday, U.S. officials said allies were also affected by Volt Typhoon's critical infrastructure hacking but, asked by reporters, would not discuss any countermeasures they might be taking.
China has repeatedly denounced the U.S. government's hacking allegations as baseless. Beijing has accused the U.S. of “almost daily” and “huge amounts of intrusions against Chinese government, with Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, saying last year that “China is the biggest victim of cyber attacks.”
But Gen. Paul Nakasone, the outgoing commander of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, said “responsible cyber actors” do not target civilian infrastructure.
“There's no reason for them to be in our water,” Nakasone said. “There's no reason for them to be in our power.”
On Tuesday, testifying before the same committee, Leon Panetta, who served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the defense secretary in the Obama administration, said he believed that the Chinese agents had “planted malware within our own computer networks” and warned that the Chinese government would use artificial intelligence to spread disinformation.
The committee, chaired by Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, was established last year with a mandate of countering China, kicking off with a prime-time hearing. The Chinese government has lashed out at the committee, demanding that its members "discard their ideological bias and zero-sum Cold War mentality."
____
Bajak reported from Boston.
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
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https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/us-says-it-blocked-a-china-cyber-threat-but-warns-hackers-could-still-disrupt-lives-of-americans/W7J5YJ47TJHX3IZ434FBROKN7M/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:57Z
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Background The act of wood carving and metal work to create dimensional representation or abstract forms to showcase the cultural heritage of the Black race is said to be as old as creation. Africans have harnessed this means to not only artistically showcase their culture and traditions to the world, but also tell the stories of their humanity and transactions in life in a most profound manner. However, this art form especially works commissioned by kings as it was known then as most of the artistic works and the artists themselves emanated from the courtyards of the kings, is fast going into extinction while in some cases there are concerted efforts in clamouring for the return of the artworks or artefacts that were stolen from the shores of Africa and now adorn public and private museums and institutions across the world.
A clear example of this in recent time is that of the struggle by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to have most of the Benin artefacts, especially bronze works stolen from the palace and homes of his forebears during the British punitive expedition of 1897, repatriated to the country and his palace to be precise. Borrowing a leaf from that the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has also evolved a scheme that is aimed at reviving the cultural tourism economy of the state and putting it on the cusp of global tourism map through the prism of the stolen artefacts of Olowe Ajalemo, who is widely known as Olowe of Ise, a renowned sculptor of Ekiti extraction, whose works adorn private and public museums across the world. Olowe of Ise Historically, the Olowe of Ise, who was originally known as Olowere Ajalemo was born in 1854 at Efon-Alaiye, in Efon Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
He died at the age of 83. Olowe reportedly lived most of his life in Ise Ekiti, now the headquarters of Ise Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti State. According to records, he worked in the palace of Arinjale Ise Ekiti, paramount ruler, as a messenger. It was at the palace that he discovered, developed and honed his skill as a sculptor as he devoted time in between his official duties to create works of art that saw him as an emerging court or palace artist and over the years, became renowned and one of the most acclaimed artists from south west Nigeria. He was a wood sculptor, with a creative talent in the African style of design. Olowe’s artistic designs are found in different museums across the world, all portraying African cultures and traditions, precisely that of the Yorubas. Olowe was described as a talented artist, who could see a tree or wood and imagine fitted artistic design; his architectural sculptural pieces at the palace of Arinjale, Ise monarch and other prominent people of that time became notable that his service was also requested by some other monarchs in Yorubaland. His fecundity, creative ferment earned wide spread fame, resulting in him being called ‘Master Sculptor’ among his contemporaries.
Prominent works Prominent among his designs is an equestrian warrior veranda post for the exterior courtyard of the king’s palace. Many of his artistic designs symbolised authority and leadership in Yoruba traditional settings, and women’s influence in societal development among others. Olowe’s great artistic prowess spread across the universe; Europe, America and other parts of the world, with many of his remarkable pieces on display in some of the most prominent and influential museums across the world. The return of artefacts The journey to repatriate the great works of Olowe Ise and the quest to use them as the platform to reset Ekiti’s cultural tourism landscape, started early this year when Governor Oyebanjo was alerted on the prominence of Olowe of Ise and his creations, which are now scattered abroad. Fully briefed on this development, the first step by the governor was to embark on a fact finding mission to Ise Ekiti, where he visited the ancestral home of Olowe of Ise, in company of some of his officials and stakeholders in the state’s cultural tourism space.
They toured his family house to view some of his extant works and also the palace of the paramount ruler for the same purpose. World class museum Following his findings from the visit, Oyebanji announced the plan to build a world class museum in honour of Olowe Ise that would house all his works. The museum, according to the governor, would promote African culture and also develop the tourism sector, apart from showcasing the works of Ekiti State-born Olowe of Ise. He noted this would also facilitate the development of Ise Ekiti community and its environs for the benefit of the people. Furthermore, the establishment of the museum would enhance the maintenance of the natural endowments of Ekiti State, especially the preservation of the valuable artefacts. The governor, who emphasised the commitment of his administration to the museum project, therefore sought the support of the residents and the community for the actualisation of this dream project, which he said would ultimately benefit the community, the state and the country at large.
Oyebanji said: “Today, as we embark on the rehabilitation of Olowe of Ise, we have the opportunity to not only preserve and celebrate his legacy, but also to bring greater awareness to his work within Nigeria.” Ise Ekiti monarch commends governor Elated by the quest of the governor and his promise to transform his domain into a tourism hub, the traditional ruler of Ise, Oba Adetunji Ajayi applauded Oyebanji and Senator Babafemi Ojudu for: “Their interest in showcasing the late carver to the world.”
This is as he said that the community would gladly support the project by constituting its own committee to complement the effort of the state government, noting that, “it is going to be a landmark in the history of the community.” Board of Trustees To give immediate vent to the project, the governor on returning to Ado Ekiti, the state capital, consisted a Board of Trustees for the project, which he has tagged: ‘Olowe of Ise Art Foundation’; for the speedy actualisation of his dream of recovering the lost artefacts of Olowe, building of the museum and making Ekiti a tourism hub. The 13-members board, headed by Senator Ojudu, is made of prominent Nigerians who have in their different callings and spaces recorded enviable successes and are renowned and committed to their crafts and businesses. At the inauguration ceremony witnessed by the state Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye and members of the House of Assembly as well as members of the state Executive Council alongside the Ewi in Council, the governor said the board would serve as the guiding force for the state’s determination to showcase her artistic heritage for global recognition.
Agenda The governor charged the board with a broad based agenda that include; driving the state’s initiative for a modern museum where the works of the world renowned carver would be housed to promote tourism. Oyebanji at the inauguration declared that the establishment of the Olowe of Ise Art Foundation was not just an act of preservation of cultural heritage, but a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the heritage, celebrating artistic contributions and presenting an enduring legacy for future generations. He added that the museum under the art foundation would serve as a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship, artistry and cultural significant of the world renowned carver and a true custodian of Yoruba artistic excellent as well as honouring the unparalleled legacy of Nigerian and the world most distinguished artist, Olowe of Ise.
The governor further stated that Olowe of Ise’s works were evident of the rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence of the state and the country, hence the importance of ensuring his contribution to nation building were properly acknowledged and celebrated. Oyebanji, who expressed confidence in the unwavering commitment, dedication and competence of the BOT members, said their foresight and passion for cultural heritage will steer the foundation towards sustaining success and global recognition: Oyebanji said: “The Olowe of Ise Museum under the stewardship of the foundation is poised to serve as a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of history and cultural significance of the world renowned carver, a true custodian of Yoruba artistic excellence. Olowe of Ise master pieces reflect the depth of our cultural heritage, the finesse of Yoruba art and the ingenuity of our ancestors.”
He noted that: “The establishment of the museum is not simply an act of preservation, but it is a steadfast commitment to safeguarding our heritage, celebrating artistic contributions and presenting a legacy of future generations.” Board members Prominent names on the board include; Prince Yemisi Shyllon, who is the founder of the biggest museum in Africa, Shyllon Museum; Chief (Mrs) Nike Okundaye of Nike Arts Gallery; renowned artist and curator, Prince Tunde Odunlade; Mrs Abiola Adelana of Sterling Bank; Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi and Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who is the Chairman of the BOT. Others are; former Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA), Emeritus Prof Lawrence Kolawole, state Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akintunde Oyebode, Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, Mr Ologbon Olowe, Dr Mike Adeoye and Architect Olayinka. Commitment to tourism development A BOT member and Director General, Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale OjoLanre said the inauguration of the BOT shows the commitment of Governor Oyebanji’s administration to honouring the remarkable legacy of Olowe of Ise, who was an outstanding sculptor and whose artistic brilliance has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the world. He added that the significance of the event extends beyond the realm of arts and culture but also play a pivotal role in the advancement of the state, as it brings economic growth, fosters cross-cultural exchanges, and enhances the overall wellbeing of the community.
A worthy recognition The Ise Ekiti traditional ruler, Oba Adetunji Ajayi at the inauguration of the BOT for Olowe of Ise Art Foundation, said the development was a dream come true, adding that he never believed that the realisation of the dream of a museum and recognition for the renowned carver would come so soon. The monarch expressed the appreciation of the people of the Ise Ekiti to the governor for the decision to cite the museum in the town. Ojudu on benefits The BOT Chairman, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, while commending Oyebanji for his interest and commitment in the project, revealed that the late carver’s artistic works were generating huge amount of money for museums in America and European countries. Ojudu added that the community and the state would benefit from the moves towards returning the works from the foreign countries, which would attract investors to Ekiti and grow the local economy. Ojudu gave the assurance that the BOT would work assiduously to ensure that Olowe’s museum is successful and becomes a conduit of cultural exchange with global communities.
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https://newtelegraphng.com/oyebanji-unveils-plan-to-make-ekiti-a-tourist-destinatination/
| 2024-01-31T23:31:59Z
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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.kgou.org/politics-and-government/2024-01-31/constitutional-scholar-says-gop-charges-against-mayorkas-dont-meet-impeachment-bar
| 2024-01-31T23:32:00Z
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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.wwno.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/seattles-queer-community-is-furious-after-gay-bars-were-raided-over-the-weekend
| 2024-01-31T23:32:00Z
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PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — (AP) — The PGA Tour is getting a $3 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group in a deal announced Wednesday that would give players access to more than $1.5 billion as equity owners in the new PGA Tour Enterprises.
The launch of PGA Tour Enterprises, with SSG as a minority partner, comes eight months after the PGA Tour signed a framework agreement with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf for a commercial venture, which ultimately led to private equity groups wanting to join.
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is not part of the deal yet, though the tour said negotiations with the PIF are ongoing for it to also become a minority investor.
“The coolest thing about it is the players are now owners,” said Jordan Spieth, one of six players on the PGA Tour board. “So not only do they benefit with the tour, they now are equity owners so they want to push it themselves, they want to make the product better themselves. Not that they didn’t before, but you directly benefit from owning a piece.”
How much of a piece remained unclear. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan held a conference call with players from all its main tours (including the PGA Tour Champions and Korn Ferry Tour) on Wednesday morning that included Tiger Woods, whom the tour appointed to the board last summer at the players' request.
“As the tour grows, we grow,” Woods told players, according to Golf.com, which obtained access to the call. “So the more we invest into the tour, the more we get the benefits of it, which has never been — it’s never happened in sports history. So we’re the first. Exciting for me to be able to be part of that.”
Also uncertain is where this leaves the PIF.
The tour said its deal with SSG allows for a co-investment from the PIF, subject to regulatory approval. A Senate subcommittee wrote a letter earlier this week to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the PIF, that it is proceeding with its inquiry into framework agreement with the PGA Tour that was announced June 6.
“At this point if the PIF were interested in coming in on terms that our members like and/or the economic terms are at or not beyond SSG's and they feel it would be a good idea, I think that's where the discussions will start,” Spieth said. “I understand it could take some time to even come to those kind of terms, and then beyond that the Department of Justice and a regulatory review would be intact.”
LIV Golf starts its third season this week in Mexico and is likely to be around through all of next year depending on the timing of any investment by the PIF in the PGA Tour. How the fractured landscape of golf gets repaired remains as cloudy as how specifically equity ownership is distributed.
The PGA Tour plans several player meetings over the next month to work through details.
“By making PGA Tour members owners of their league, we strengthen the collective investment of our players in the success of the PGA Tour,” Monahan, who will be CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, said in the formal announcement.
He said a partnership with SSG — a group comprised of American owners and executives of pro sports franchises — will “enhance our organization’s ability to make the sport more rewarding for players, tournaments, fans and partners.”
The PGA Tour Enterprises board would be comprised of seven players, the PGA Tour commissioner, four members of SSG and an independent director who's also on the tour board.
The unique equity program in golf would give some 200 players access $930,000 in initial grants. Starting next year, PGA Tour Enterprises would use $600,000 for recurring grants for future players.
While specific details of the equity ownership program were not announced, the initial grants would be based on career accomplishments, recent achievements and PGA Tour status. The grants would vest over time.
SSG is led by Fenway Sports Group and includes owners Marc Attanasio (Milwaukee Brewers), Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons), Steven Cohen (New York Mets), Wyc Grousbeck (Boston Celtics), Tom Werner and John Henry (Boston Red Sox), and Marc Lasry (Milwaukee Bucks). Others in the group include Alec Scheiner, former Cleveland Browns president and co-founder of Otro Capital.
“Our enthusiasm for this new venture stems from a very deep respect for this remarkable game and a firm belief in the expansive growth potential of the PGA Tour,” said Henry, the principal owner of Fenway Sports and manager of SSG.
SSG is investing an initial $1.5 billion into PGA Tour Enterprises and will concentrate on maximizing revenue for the benefit of the players and on finding opportunities to enhance golf across the world. Another $1.5 billion would go toward PGA Tour business.
The deal was unanimously approved by the PGA Tour board.
“It was incredibly important for us to create opportunities for the players of today and in the future to be more invested in their organization, both financially and strategically,” the player directors said in a joint statement. “This not only further strengthens the tour from a business perspective, but it also encourages the players to be fully invested in continuing to deliver — and further enhance — the best in golf to our fans.
“We are looking forward to this next chapter and an even brighter future.”
The tour said it was making progress in its negotiations with the Saudi national wealth fund on future investments and an ultimate agreement. Under the original framework agreement, Al-Rumayyan, the PIF governor, was to be chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises.
Now the commercial arm launches without any deal with the Saudis.
The European tour was part of the framework agreement on June 6, and it has a strategic alliance with the PGA Tour. The tour said only it is discussing how they can work together for a mutual benefit.
Key to the original deal with the Saudis was dismissing the lawsuits involving LIV Golf. Since the rival league was launched in June 2022, LIV has lured several prominent players and major champions such as Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau.
As the tour’s negotiations with the PIF neared its original Dec. 31 deadline, LIV signed Masters champion Jon Rahm in a deal reported to be in the neighborhood of $500 million. It also signed Tyrrell Hatton, currently No. 16 in the world.
Rory McIlroy, who gave up his seat on the tour board in November, said on Tuesday he didn't think there should be any punishment for a LIV player eligible to return to the tour.
___
AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
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.wftv.com/news/pga-tour-strikes-3/RPJ7BWNC7YM7MIXCEWTQ3MMJEA/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:01Z
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Lazari Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT – Free Report) by 6.4% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 1,598 shares of the industrial products company’s stock after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the quarter. Lazari Capital Management Inc.’s holdings in Caterpillar were worth $436,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.
A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of CAT. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its stake in shares of Caterpillar by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 70,597 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $17,370,000 after acquiring an additional 638 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Caterpillar by 35.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 16,707 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $4,111,000 after acquiring an additional 4,370 shares in the last quarter. PDS Planning Inc grew its stake in shares of Caterpillar by 5.7% during the 2nd quarter. PDS Planning Inc now owns 2,204 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $542,000 after acquiring an additional 119 shares in the last quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Caterpillar by 16.7% during the 3rd quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 367,655 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $100,370,000 after acquiring an additional 52,576 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC grew its stake in shares of Caterpillar by 36.8% in the second quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 14,773 shares of the industrial products company’s stock valued at $3,635,000 after buying an additional 3,974 shares in the last quarter. 69.20% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.
Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth
A number of brokerages recently weighed in on CAT. Morgan Stanley began coverage on shares of Caterpillar in a report on Monday, January 8th. They set an “equal weight” rating and a $270.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Caterpillar from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, November 20th. Bank of America lowered their target price on shares of Caterpillar from $323.00 to $297.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 11th. HSBC began coverage on shares of Caterpillar in a report on Monday, November 20th. They set a “hold” rating and a $250.00 target price on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Caterpillar from $315.00 to $320.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, October 16th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Caterpillar presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $269.79.
Insider Buying and Selling at Caterpillar
In other Caterpillar news, CFO Andrew R. J. Bonfield sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $300.04, for a total transaction of $3,000,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 67,317 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $20,197,792.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.33% of the company’s stock.
Caterpillar Trading Down 1.4 %
Shares of Caterpillar stock traded down $4.28 on Wednesday, hitting $300.48. The stock had a trading volume of 1,579,140 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,570,313. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $279.38 and a 200 day moving average of $270.56. Caterpillar Inc. has a twelve month low of $204.04 and a twelve month high of $305.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 1.45. The firm has a market capitalization of $152.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.14, a PEG ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.13.
Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT – Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 31st. The industrial products company reported $5.52 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.75 by $0.77. The business had revenue of $16.81 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.57 billion. Caterpillar had a net margin of 13.69% and a return on equity of 56.29%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.95 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Caterpillar Inc. will post 20.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
Caterpillar Announces Dividend
The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 20th. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 22nd will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.73%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 19th. Caterpillar’s dividend payout ratio is presently 29.46%.
Caterpillar Profile
Caterpillar Inc manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives in the United States and internationally. Its Construction Industries segment offers asphalt pavers, compactors, road reclaimers, forestry machines, cold planers, material handlers, tractors, excavators, telehandlers, motor graders, and pipelayers; compact track and multi-terrain, wheel, track-type, backhoe, and skid steer loaders; and related parts and tools.
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https://www.com-unik.info/2024/01/31/lazari-capital-management-inc-has-436000-stock-holdings-in-caterpillar-inc-nysecat.html
| 2024-01-31T23:32:01Z
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Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons is out for Wednesday's matchup with the Phoenix Suns, the team announced.
The 27-year-old sustained played his first game in nearly three months on Monday, coming back from a nearly three-month long absence. He recorded 10 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds vs. the Utah Jazz in the comeback.
But the return came at a cost, as he suffered a left knee contusion after taking a hit during the game, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. After the knee began to swell, Simmons reportedly underwent tests that showed no further issue.
It's unclear how long Simmons will be sidelined, but it seems unlikely that the injury will keep him out for as long as the last one did. He was previously hampered by a pinched nerve in his back that he began to recover from on Nov. 6.
This story will be updated.
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https://www.boston25news.com/news/national/nets-ben-simmons/JIJJ3T3TYDHP3ZPTNGZQOQQNX4/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:00Z
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‘Just getting myself farther and farther into credit card debt.’ – Woman Is Working Three Jobs And She Still Can’t Make Ends Meet
by Matthew Gilligan
In case you haven’t been paying attention, let me fill you in: a lot of people are struggling these days, and working multiple jobs isn’t cutting it for them.
One of those people is a woman named Jourdan. She posted a video on TikTok and told viewers, “I have three jobs. And I’m still ******* struggling. And I’m just getting myself farther and farther into credit card debt, because I don’t have enough after the first of the month to avoid using it. It just isn’t working.”
Jourdan added, “I have seriously considered quitting my full-time good job to go back to serving, because at least I can…use my personality and try to get more money than minimum wage or what an ‘entry-level’ job pays people nowadays.”
She also said, “My credit used to be ******* phenomenal. Credit card bill? Paid it all off, every single time. It’s not like that. It can’t be like that anymore.”
Check out the video.
@jourdskir I just want to know if any other single millenials are in the same boat as me or if im the huge problem.
Now let’s see what TikTokkers had to say about this.
This viewer is going through it, too…
Another TikTokker is upset with their parents for bringing them into this world.
And one person made a good point…
It’s rough out there right now.
Keep your heads up, folks!
If you enjoyed that story, read this one about a mom who was forced to bring her three kids with her to apply for government benefits, but ended up getting the job of her dreams.
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https://twistedsifter.com/2024/01/woman-talks-about-how-shes-working-three-jobs-and-she-still-cant-make-ends-meet-it-just-isnt-working/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:03Z
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Facing possible expulsion, Democratic Rep. Leezah Sun resigns from Arizona House
Jan 31, 2024, 1:53 PM | Updated: 3:28 pm
(Arizona Legislature and KTAR News Photos)
PHOENIX – Facing possible expulsion, state Rep. Leezah Sun resigned from the Arizona Legislature on Wednesday afternoon, House Democratic leaders announced.
The first-term West Valley lawmaker stepped aside a day after the Arizona House Ethics Committee released findings that she violated chamber rules by engaging “in a pattern of inappropriate behavior.”
“Our Democratic leadership team is grateful to the Ethics Committee for its diligent, intensive and transparent work on this report, and to the witnesses who came forward to share their stories under incredibly difficult circumstances,” House Democratic leadership said in a statement. “The facts are overwhelmingly clear and speak for themselves. Representative Sun engaged in a pattern of disorderly behavior that damaged the reputation of the House.”
The Ethics Committee launched an investigation into allegations against Sun after House Minority Leader Lupe Contreras, Sun’s seatmate in District 22, submitted a formal ethics complaint against her on Nov. 2.
The investigation, which included two evidentiary hearings with witness testimony, found that Sun “engaged in a pattern of inappropriate behavior in her official capacity and under the color of her office as a state representative,” violating House Rule 1, according to a 12-page committee report issued Tuesday.
The report says the full House should determine how to discipline Sun. The most severe possible action is expulsion, which would require a two-thirds vote (40 of 60 members). It never came to that, as Sun resigned shortly before the start of Wednesday’s House session.
“This is a solemn day, but Representative Sun did what’s best for our state and for the integrity of this body,” House Democratic leadership said.
🚨FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE🚨
House Ethics Committee Issues Final Report Regarding Investigation of Rep. Leezah SunRead the Committee Report and Statement from Ethics Chairman @JosephChaplik 👇https://t.co/0nDQw3oFiy@AZHouseGOP #AZLeg pic.twitter.com/FbHnHMJotN
— Arizona House Republicans (@AZHouseGOP) January 30, 2024
What were the allegations against Democratic Rep. Leezah Sun?
The Ethics Committee investigated three allegations against Sun, including that she threatened to throw a Tolleson city official off a balcony.
She was also accused of using her position as a legislator to meddle in a child custody matter that didn’t involve her and to threaten retaliation after a dispute with a West Valley school district superintendent.
The investigation determined that all three accusations were credible, according to the committee’s report.
Who was the last Arizona lawmaker expelled from House?
Sun is the second member of the 56th Legislature to leave office after an ethics investigation.
In April 2023, the House voted to expel Republican Rep. Liz Harris for letting a witness make wide-ranging accusations of bribery during a February hearing about election reforms.
The full chamber vote to remove Harris was held April 12, a day after the Ethics Committee released a report saying she damaged “the integrity of the House” through her actions.
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https://ktar.com/story/5559997/facing-possible-expulsion-democratic-rep-leezah-sun-resigns-from-arizona-house/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:03Z
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Infection prevention and control in adult social care: acute respiratory infection
Infection prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of viral acute respiratory infections (ARIs), including COVID-19, in adult social care settings.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
This guidance sets out the measures that can help to reduce the spread of viral acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, in adult social care settings in England.
It applies to:
- adult social care providers
- managers of adult social care services
- adult social care staff
The guidance also contains information that is relevant to:
- local authorities
- NHS services
- service users
- personal assistants
- unpaid carers
- visitors in adult social care settings and services
This ARI supplement should be read alongside infection prevention and control (IPC) resource for adult social care
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https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infection-prevention-and-control-in-adult-social-care-acute-respiratory-infection
| 2024-01-31T23:32:03Z
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Donations poured in Wednesday to replace a destroyed statue of Jackie Robinson on what would have been the 105th birthday of the first player to break Major League Baseball's color barrier.
Major League Baseball pledged support. And the total raised just through one online fundraiser surpassed $145,000, which is far in excess of the estimated $75,000 value of the bronze statue that was cut from its base last week at a park in Wichita, Kansas. Police are searching for those responsible.
Only the statue's feet were left at McAdams Park, where about 600 children play in a youth baseball league called League 42, which is named after Robinson' s uniform number with the Brooklyn Dodgers, with whom he broke the major leagues' color barrier in 1947.
Fire crews found burned remnants of the statue Tuesday while responding to a trash can fire at another park about 7 miles (11.27 kilometers) away. A truck believed to be used in the theft previously was found abandoned, and police said the theft was captured on surveillance video.
Bob Lutz, executive director of the Little League nonprofit that commissioned the sculpture, said Wednesday in a message on X, formerly Twitter, that the MLB commissioner's office and 30 clubs had committed funding toward the cost of replacing the statue and providing other support.
“Amazing, huh?” he said.
Lutz had said earlier that the money raised also could enhance some of its programming and facilities. In April, the group opened the Leslie Rudd Learning Center, which includes an indoor baseball facility and a learning lab.
“We’re not just baseball,” Lutz said. “We have after school education, enrichment and tutoring.”
One of the largest donations is a $10,000 pledge from an anonymous former Major League Baseball player who won a World Series. Wichita police Chief Joe Sullivan, who announced the donation over the weekend, has urged anyone involved in the theft to surrender and vowed that arrests were imminent.
“The community, along with the business community and the nation as a whole, have demonstrated an incredible outpouring of support,” Sullivan said in a statement Wednesday. “This effort highlights the kindness of the people and their determination to rebuild what was taken away from our community.”
Lutz, whose friend, the artist John Parsons, made the statue before his death, said the mold is still viable and anticipated that a replacement can be erected within a matter of months.
“We value what it represents,” he said. “It’s important that our 600 kids understand what it represents. And, we make every effort to educate our kids about the role that Jackie Robinson played in life and civil rights, his life beyond sports. He’s the absolute best role model you could imagine.”
League 42 drew attention to Robinson's birthday Wednesday in a Facebook post, noting that "his legacy will hold up forever" and asking for donations.
Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, paving the way for generations of Black American ballplayers. He's considered not only a sports legend but also a civil rights icon. Robinson died in 1972.
Lutz said that the league appeals to “all kids, but especially to kids of color" and that the connection to Robinson resonated.
“We can’t imagine, being named League 42 without a Jackie Robinson statue in our park," he said. "It was a no-brainer when we went about trying to name our league. And the name League 42 came up. It was like lightning and struck. We knew we had our name.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.whio.com/news/national/donations-pour/EIYIBQGNVMGFY4HU7WLOMZE3L4/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:03Z
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DeWine created the working group in August, after a school bus crash in Clark County's Lawrenceville, about 55 miles (88.51 kilometers) southwest of Columbus, left one child dead and 23 others injured.
“We know that buses are the safest way to transport children to school; that remains true,” he said Wednesday. “But when we have a tragedy like this, I think it's important for us to reexamine what we can do to make the trips that our kids are taking, and grandkids are taking, as safe as we can.”
The working group issued 17 recommendations. Sixteen related to bus driver recruitment and retention, training and education, school bus safety features, road and traffic safety, and emergency response.
Ohio Public Safety Director Andy Wilson said the group stopped short of recommending that the state mandate that all school buses have seat belts, instead leaving the decision to individual school districts.
“As a group — after hearing form the experts, hearing from our bus drivers, looking at the data or the lack of data from states that have mandated seat belts, and listening to the school districts who have tried pilot programs on their buses — we became convinced that the statewide mandate of seat belts on buses is not the most effective use of government resources to keep our kids safe,” he said.
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen Dackin said adding seat belts to a bus costs about $19,000. By contrast, the other twelve safety features the group recommended — including collision avoidance systems, electronic stability control, lighted crossover mirrors and fully illuminated stop arms at the front and rear — would cost about $13,000 per bus.
The final recommendation, involving commercial bus services, addressed a second Ohio bus crash that took place even as the task force was working. In that November accident, a charter bus of high school students was rear-ended by a semi truck on an Ohio highway, killing six and injuring 18.
To address private buses, the working group recommended that school districts adopt policies requiring “thorough evaluation of contracted commercial bus services.”
For public school bus drivers, the group recommended that the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce develop a uniform training curriculum, as well as a regional advanced training program, and that Ohio require six hours of training for drivers each year. The grant program DeWine has in mind would allow the state to offer the training to school districts at no cost, he said.
Other recommendations include improved access to professional development, wellness support and regular performance reviews for bus drivers, expanded engagement with parents and the public, school zone and bus route safety audits, and enhanced penalties for drivers of other vehicles who violate traffic laws in school zones or around school buses.
According to state data, between 2018 and 2023, the other driver was at fault in 68% of school bus crashes involving minor injuries, in 80% of crashes involving serious injuries; and in 75% of crashes involving fatalities.
DeWine said about 13,000 school buses are operating in Ohio at this time, but school districts typically don't replace them all at once, but perhaps at a pace of one or two a year. New buses run about $120,000, Dackin said.
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
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https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/ohio/deadly-school-bus-crash-in-ohio-yields-new-safety-features-and-training-but-no-seat-belt-mandate/4DNJIIPGKVA4VESBLHWLDNWTIY/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:04Z
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Kanye West and Kim Kardashian have caused a frenzy among their fans as they reunited at a swanky Malibu restaurant.
The former couple treated their eldest daughter North West to dinner at Nobu on Wednesday, where they were joined by a group of the youngster's friends. Kim and Kanye arrived separately but are said to have spent an hour and a half together inside the restaurant.
Kim looked tense during the reunion, with body language expert Judi James suggesting the reality star showed signs of "some inner tension". However, Judi also believes Kim had made an effort to "dress to impress her ex".
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.
READ MORE: Kanye West refuses to comment after lashing out at female reporter in furious rant
For the meal, Kim wore a very tiny crop top held together by buckles, which showed off her very chiselled torso. She paired it with a pair of furry black trousers and a matching long black coat. Meanwhile, Kanye covered his face with a black mask and opted for a short leather jacket.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Judi said: "Kim's body language here suggests aloof defiance although she also appears to have dressed for a date night in her bondage bandeau top and her black, ankle-length furry coat, creating a sense of some very conflicting intentions. Kanye, meanwhile, has worn his face mask, keeping his emotions, mood and expression hidden, making this a very tense-looking get-together of exes.
"Kim's eye expression looks sad in the close-up photo and her pout involves lips that are parted further than usual, which would suggest some inner tension." Kanye and Kim have had a number of public fallouts after they split when Kim filed for divorce in 2021.
Judi added: "Her neck appears to be stretched and elongated though, which signals strength and defiance, so although her outfit might suggest she's dressed to impress her ex, her posture hints she's no push-over." The expert said Kanye's body language told a different story.
"Kanye, by contrast, is still dressed in the look that he wore when he took on the female reporter in the street," she said. "The face mask is probably the opposite to a romantic look or even a conciliatory look as it hides his facial expression totally. Presumably he took it off to eat though, so perhaps the pair got a chance to create a less frosty, over-stylised look once they were inside with the children."
Kanye was the first to leave the restaurant as he walked back to his car flanked by security. According to TMZ, Kim left with North and her pals just minutes later.
As Kanye left the family meal, he was filmed being asked about a recent video of him lashing out at a female reporter. He had a public confrontation with the journalist after he was triggered by a question about whether his wife Bianca has any "free will". During the heated exchange, Kanye even took the reporter's phone. The rapper refused to comment on the heated exchange.
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https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/us-celebrity-news/sad-kim-kardashian-ready-date-32015935
| 2024-01-31T23:32:04Z
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Places Curfew on Team, Sanction For Players Who Answer Calls During Meetings
Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, is taking a firm stance on discipline as the team aims for a fourth African Cup of Nations, (AFCON), title, warning players that breaking camp rules will result in expulsion. Peseiro has set strict guidelines, including punctuality for team meetings, a ban on answering phone calls during meetings, adherence to a team curfew with a bedtime of 11 pm, and a prohibition on entertaining female visitors.
To enforce these measures, the players are isolated on the fourth floor of the Pullman Hotel in Abidjan, with the team’s chief security officer maintaining comprehensive surveillance. “Peseiro has gone tough on the players. He warned that he will not hesitate to expel any player who flouts camp rules as they stay on course to win the AFCON,” revealed a source.
The heightened discipline is attributed to Peseiro’s determination to achieve the target set by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for a contract renewal. The Eagles face Angola in the quarter- finals on Friday, seeking to advance to the semifinals of the 2023 AFCON. Despite Angola’s impressive performance in the tournament, the Nigerian team aims to secure victory in the encounter.
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https://newtelegraphng.com/peseiro-goes-tough-on-eagles-bans-female-visitors/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:06Z
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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.kgou.org/politics-and-government/2024-01-31/nevadas-gop-nominating-process-is-confusing-and-already-yielded-a-likely-winner
| 2024-01-31T23:32:06Z
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WASHINGTON — (AP) — President Joe Biden will visit the eastern Ohio community that was devastated by a fiery train derailment almost one year ago, accepting an invitation from the East Palestine mayor to see firsthand how the cleanup of spilled toxic chemicals and the recovery are coming along.
Mayor Trent Conaway, a conservative who does not support Biden, said Wednesday he extended the invitation to the Democratic president because he thinks the visit will be good for his community.
“I'm as red as they come. I'm as conservative as they come. Sometimes I have to do what's best for the people so, yes, that's why I invited him,” Conaway said in an interview with The Associated Press.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier Wednesday that Biden would visit sometime in February. She said the White House and local officials were still hashing out timing for Biden's long-awaited trip.
The Feb. 3, 2023, derailment forced thousands of people from their homes near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Area residents still have lingering fears about potential health effects from the toxic chemicals that spilled in the crash and from the vinyl chloride that was released a few days after the crash to keep five tank cars from exploding.
The absence of a visit by Biden, who is campaigning for reelection in November, had become a subject of persistent questioning at the White House, as well as among residents in East Palestine. Some residents have said they felt forgotten as time marched by and as they watched Biden fly to the scenes of other disasters, such as the wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui and hurricanes in Florida.
East Palestine resident Joe Bethuy, a 36-year-old steelworker and a Republican, said he was disappointed in the Biden administration’s handling of the derailment and the president's delay in visiting, adding that all he had to do “was show up just for an hour or something.”
Bethuy and friend Jeremy Smith, who moved to East Palestine after the derailment, spoke to an Associated Press reporter inside Sprinklz on Top, a downtown diner.
“I don’t know what the point is really," Smith said of Biden's visit. “It’s kind of a year late.”
Several weeks after the derailment, former President Donald Trump visited East Palestine and criticized the federal response under Biden as a "betrayal." He also donated cleaning supplies and Trump-branded bottled water. Trump currently is the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Trump criticized Biden for planning to visit “a year late, and only to develop some political credibility because EVERYTHING else he has done has been such a DISASTER. I know those great people, I was there when it counted, and his reception won’t be a warm one."
The Biden administration defended its response right after the toxic freight train derailment, even as local leaders and members of Congress demanded that more be done. The White House said then that it had "mobilized a robust, multi-agency effort to support the people of East Palestine, Ohio," and it noted that officials from the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Transportation Safety Board and other agencies were at the rural site within hours even though Biden didn't immediately visit.
Asked at the end of last week about a potential Biden visit to Ohio, Jean-Pierre said he would visit “when it is appropriate or helps ... the community for him to be there.”
“It doesn’t matter if it’s in a rural area, urban area, suburban area, red state, blue state, the president has always been there to ... assist and be there for the community,” Jean-Pierre added. “So, when it is helpful, he certainly will do that.”
Though the administration has defended its response, Biden has not declared a federal disaster in East Palestine, which remains a sticking point for residents. Such a declaration would unlock additional federal funding and assistance that people could apply for to help rebuild their lives.
But state and federal officials say a federal disaster declaration has not been issued because they are designed to help cover unmet needs no one is paying for after a disaster. In this case, there are not as many unmet needs in the government's eyes because Norfolk Southern is paying the bills and compensating residents for the damage to their homes and businesses.
Biden ordered federal agencies to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for the derailment and appointed an official from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to oversee East Palestine's recovery.
Norfolk Southern has estimated that it will cost the company more than $1.1 billion to remove all the hazardous chemicals, help the community and deal with lawsuits and related penalties. Insurance will likely cover much of that, but the total is expected to grow.
Reforms have been proposed in Congress but the bill calling for federal standards for trackside detectors that help spot mechanical problems, additional inspections by qualified workers and at least two people on every freight train crew has stalled. The railroads have lobbied against several of the provisions they believe aren't related to this crash, and many Republicans pushed to wait until after the final National Transportation Safety Board report on the derailment later this year.
“In the past, there have been times when Congress stood up against the railroad lobby and stepped up on railroad safety. They should do that now,'' Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a call with reporters Wednesday.
___
Associated Press writers Josh Funk in Omaha, Neb., Patrick Orsagos in East Palestine, Ohio, and Matthew Daly in Washitngton contributed to this report.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.wftv.com/news/politics/biden-accepts-mayors/JWZLC6FVDJDIL5YDY55GCZLE34/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:07Z
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Nick Dunlap didn’t need much time to make his decision after hoisting the trophy in Southern California earlier this month.
The 20-year-old sophomore from Alabama, who made history with his win at The American Express two weeks ago, officially turned pro. He will now make his professional debut this week at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which marks the second designated event on Tour so far this season.
"Hectic, but also really cool," Dunlap said on Wednesday of what the last few weeks have been like. "I've had numerous moments where you just kind of have to take it all in, it's overwhelming. But also I've dreamed about doing this my whole life and playing golf on the PGA Tour. To finally be here and to be able to do that as a 20-year-old is pretty cool."
Dunlap won The American Express in La Quinta, California, two weeks ago after posting a 60 in the third round. That made him the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson did so in 1991, and the youngest amateur to do so since 1910.
Dunlap, who won the U.S. Amateur, was already set to play in the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open this season. Now that he's turned pro, he will have full Tour status and exemption through the 2026 season. His win jumped him up 4,061 spots to No. 68 in the Official World Golf Rankings, which was the highest one-week jump in the rankings' history.
"I would say I knew that I was probably going to turn pro just with the opportunity that had been presented, but also I wanted to go back and talk to my teammates and talk to my parents and my coach and get their opinion and their two cents worth before I did anything," Dunlap said.
Once he did that, Dunlap made the trip to the Monterey Peninsula for this week’s tournament. Just like that, he was right in the mix. Fellow Alabama star Justin Thomas actually caught up with Dunlap and others at dinner on Monday night.
"Nick was there and he looked tired. He was like, 'Man, I'm so tired.'" Thomas said on Tuesday. "I was like, 'Dude, I don't really care. You should be sleeping right now and getting ready to go to class tomorrow morning and I'm pretty sure all of your teammates would happily switch with you, so be careful who you say that to.'
"I was needling him, giving him a hard time … I just think it's important that whatever he's always done, to continue to do that because I think it's easy to get a little bit taken over by the opportunity."
Dunlap will go off with Xander Schauffele on Thursday afternoon at Pebble Beach. He’ll then play at Spyglass Hill on Friday, where he’ll attempt to make a second straight cut before trying to compete into the weekend yet again. That’s no easy task, especially with the stronger field in play this week.
But regardless of how it goes, Dunlap knows how special it is to get to make his pro debut at Pebble Beach of all places.
"I remember playing this place on the PGA Tour PlayStation game, so to be out here and to see it for the first time is pretty cool," he said.
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https://www.boston25news.com/news/national/nick-dunlap-ready/3DA3PSHXYAUQ2AD6AU5AP2XD3Q/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:07Z
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Former congressional candidate Jevin Hodge appointed to vacated Arizona House seat
Jan 31, 2024, 12:08 PM | Updated: 2:07 pm
(Jevin Hodge Photo)
PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors announced Wednesday former congressional candidate Jevin Hodge was appointed to the Arizona House of Representatives, replacing the departed Athena Salman.
Hodge will serve District 8 through 2024. The position is up for election in November’s general election.
The Tempe native was selected from a list of three candidates and is a Democrat like Salman, which is required for a replacement under Arizona law.
“I am humbled by this appointment and grateful to all who supported me,” Hodge said in a press release. “Now, it’s time to get to work. My door is open to anyone who wants to make a difference for Arizona.”
Who is Jevin Hodge?
Hodge works as the director of national engagement, partnerships and innovation for consulting firm LINK Strategic Partners. He also serves as president and board chairman for the nonprofit Booker T. Washington Child Development Center.
He also used to be the president of the Tempe Union High School Education Foundation.
Politically, Hodge most recently ran to unseat Republican Rep. David Schweikert in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District in 2022. He lost by less than a percentage point.
Hodge was also defeated by Republican Jack Sellers for a Maricopa County Board of Supervisors role in 2020.
“Jevin Hodge has proven himself to be an independent thinker and business advocate who puts community wellbeing ahead of politics,” Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin said in a press release.
“I appreciated his thoughtful answers to my questionnaire, and I believe he will be a voice of reason and a potential consensus builder at the state Capitol.”
Why did Athena Salman step down?
Salman stepped down at the end of December to work as director of Arizona campaigns for Reproductive Freedom For All, a nonprofit political action and advocacy organization formerly known as NARAL Pro-Choice America.
“The right to decide if, when and how to start and grow your family faces the largest threat in generations,” Salman said in a press release. “We are one bad court decision away from a 160-year-old total ban on abortion being reinstated in Arizona.
“When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, I committed to do everything in my power to restore abortion rights in the United States of America.”
The Arizona Supreme Court started hearing a case in December to determine whether a 1864 near-total abortion ban should be put into effect.
Salman was first elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2016. Her husband, Juan Mendez, is a state senator for the same district, which includes parts of Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
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https://ktar.com/story/5560047/former-congressional-candidate-jevin-hodge-appointed-to-vacated-arizona-house-seat/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:09Z
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In addressing questions about the possibility of Ja’Marr Chase getting his extension and pending free agents Tee Higgins and Jonah Williams also returning, Tobin went back to the pie metaphor he often used last year when discussing how Joe Burrow’s extension would affect other players needing deals.
Tobin said the organization wants to keep as many of its top contributors as possible but the salary cap pie is only so big.
“We like Ja’Marr; he’s in our long-term plans,” Tobin told Bengals.com writer Geoff Hobson. “He’s a high-level player in this league. And we want to keep those kinds of players on our team. I want Tee Higgins back. Everyone on our team would like Tee Higgins back. There’s a pie and there are things we can do and can’t do because of it. We’ll see.”
Chase is under contract for another year but is eligible for an extension, which he wants to get done before the 2024 season but preferably after Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson signs his new deal. Higgins becomes a free agent in March, unless the Bengals opt to use the franchise tag to keep him or somehow manage to reach an agreement on a new contract.
According to Bengals.com, Tobin wouldn’t comment on the possibility of giving Higgins the franchise tag and then trading him or of Chase’s stated desire to sign after Jefferson.
Williams is the other offensive starter set to become a free agent that could be difficult to replace. He made a smooth transition from left tackle to right tackle this past season and Tobin noted to Bengals.com that other teams might be willing to give Williams a bigger piece of their own pie.
“It was impressive,” Tobin said. “He showed he’s versatile, which will play well over time with him.”
For now, the Bengals are keying in on offensive and defensive linemen at the Senior Bowl, though, and that would have been the case regardless of the organization’s interest in bringing back Williams or the potential need to replace Higgins.
“There hasn’t been a year we don’t want to continue to develop both lines of scrimmage,” Tobin told Bengals.com. “That’s where the game is won and lost. There are great players on every team that are great skill players and you need them to make big plays in big moments and they want the ball in their hands in big moments. But the game is won and lost on the line of scrimmage and everyone is down here at the Senior Bowl focused on the line of scrimmage.
“Those are the guys that are hard to find. You get a great rusher and it makes teams have to rely on their tackles. And if they’re not up to it, it’s a big problem. You want to be that problem for the other team and solve that problem for yourself.”
Tobin also is scheduled to speak to media at the NFL Combine on Feb. 27 in Indianapolis.
About the Author
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https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/sports/bengals-focus-at-senior-bowl-is-the-line-of-scrimmage/A5C3VOPWFRHDFL62Z2EMYCHJQI/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:10Z
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US officially blames Iran-backed group for drone strike, clearing way for retaliation
Officials say to expect a series of U.S. strikes against multiple targets.
Is the U.S. on the brink of war with Iran? Officials hope not. But how President Joe Biden responds to this weekend's deadly attack on an American military base in Jordan could have far reaching implications in the region for years.
Experts say Biden's goal is to rein in Iran-backed militia groups operating out of Iraq, Syria and Yemen without plunging the Middle East into war.
Here's what to know:
The US officially pins blame on Islamic Resistance in Iraq
Soon after the drone attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members and wounded 40 more, Biden vowed that he'd hold those responsible and pinned the blame on Iranian-backed militants.
On Wednesday, the White House said U.S. intelligence was certain which militants were responsible.
Identifying the group responsible sets the stage for the attack, which officials say could happen at any time.
"We believe that the attack in Jordan was -- was a plan resourced and facilitated by an umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which contains multiple groups, including Kataib Hezbollah," said White National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.
He also said the response would involve multiple targets and that "the first thing you see won't be the last thing."
A U.S. official said Iranian assets outside of Iran could be targets with most strikes inside Syria.
Another official told ABC News the attack would be carried out "over the course of several days" on facilities that enabled the drone strike.
Worries the US is acting too slowly
But as the days ticked by since Sunday's attack, military experts surmised that the U.S. was using its time to gather assets for a more significant and complex response than seen previously. But Republican critics were quick to say he was losing ground, giving the Iranians time to evacuate potential targets or move their own military assets.
Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the U.S. attack should have already happened by now and that Iran's leadership and weapons caches should be hit directly.
"Every day that passes without a strong and unambiguous reprisal for the deaths of American service members invites our enemies – and allies – to question this administration's resolve," Wicker told ABC News in a statement.
'A pretty big target list'
Retired Gen. Roger Abrams, a former combatant commander, says the delay suggests to him that the U.S. response will be forceful and consequential and more widespread than recent strikes in the region.
"The longer it takes indicates to me that this is not going to be a little pinprick. A pinprick they could have done within six to 10 hours depending on available strike capability," he said.
Instead, Abrams said there's a "pretty big target list," including command-and-control nodes, storage facilities, any transit route for weapons, or even an Iranian intelligence ship on the Red Sea.
"If they've got a smoking gun on who actually flew this suicide drone into Tower 22, you can expect that that (command-and-control) network, the emitters where the nodes, where commands were coming from …those are all going to be fair game," he said.
For its part, Iran has warned that its own response will be "decisive and immediate."
"The U.S. should stop using the language of threats and pinning the blame on others and rather focus on a political solution. Iran's response to threats will be decisive and immediate." Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said according to the Islamic Republic News Agency.
Triggering a retaliatory response from Iran and triggering a broader conflict is an obvious concern for the US. But experts and government officials say the U.S. must act.
"We've been trying to determine Iran's red line for many years," Abrams said. "And we haven't found it."
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https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-officially-blames-iran-backed-group-drone-strike/story?id=106834435
| 2024-01-31T23:32:10Z
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LOS ANGELES — (AP) — The first of two back-to-back atmospheric rivers slowly pushed into California on Wednesday, triggering statewide storm preparations and calls for people to get ready for potential flooding, heavy snow and damaging winds.
Known as a "Pineapple Express" because its long plume of moisture stretched back across the Pacific to near Hawaii, the storm rolled into the far north first and was expected to move down the coast through Thursday. Forecasters expect an even more powerful storm to follow it Sunday.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services activated its operations center and positioned personnel and equipment in areas most at risk from the weather.
Brian Ferguson, Cal OES deputy director of crisis communications, characterized the situation as "a significant threat to the safety of Californians” with concerns for impact over 10 to 14 days from the Oregon line to San Diego and from the coast up into the mountains.
“This really is a broad sweep of California that’s going to see threats over the coming week,” Ferguson said.
Much of the first storm’s heaviest rain and mountain snow was expected to arrive late Wednesday and overnight into Thursday.
“The main impact is going to be runoff from heavy rainfall that is probably going to result in flooding of some waterways,” said Robert Hart, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s western region.
Last winter, California was battered by numerous drought-busting atmospheric rivers that unleashed extensive flooding, big waves that hammered shoreline communities and extraordinary snowfall that crushed buildings. More than 20 people died.
The memory was in mind in Capitola, along Monterey Bay, as Joshua Whitby brought in sandbags and considered boarding up the restaurant Zelda's on the Beach, where he is kitchen manager.
“There's absolutely always a little bit of PTSD going on with this just because of how much damage we did take last year," Whitby said.
The second storm in the series has the potential to be much stronger, said Daniel Swain a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Models suggest it could intensify as it approaches the coast of California, a process called bombogenesis in which a spinning low-pressure system rapidly deepens, Swain said in an online briefing Tuesday. The process is popularly called a “cyclone bomb.”
That scenario would create the potential for a major windstorm for the San Francisco Bay Area and other parts of Northern California as well as heavy but brief rain, Swain said.
Southern California, meanwhile, would get less wind but potentially two to three times as much rain as the north because of a deep tap of Pacific moisture extending to the tropics, Swain said.
“This is well south of Hawaii, so not just a Pineapple Express,'" he said.
The new storms come halfway through a winter very different than a year ago.
Despite storms like a Jan. 22 deluge that spawned damaging flash floods in San Diego, the overall trend has been drier. The Sierra Nevada snowpack that normally supplies about 30% of California's water is only about half of its average to date, state officials said Tuesday.
—-
Nic Coury contributed to this report from Capitola, California.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.whio.com/news/national/first-back-to-back/WOTP2VOOKPKXSGS7IUGP62YKSE/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:10Z
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Lument Finance Trust, Inc. (NYSE:LFT – Get Free Report)’s stock price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $2.16 and traded as high as $2.52. Lument Finance Trust shares last traded at $2.49, with a volume of 76,998 shares.
Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades
Separately, TheStreet raised shares of Lument Finance Trust from a “d+” rating to a “c-” rating in a research note on Thursday, December 14th.
Check Out Our Latest Analysis on LFT
Lument Finance Trust Stock Performance
Lument Finance Trust Announces Dividend
The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th were issued a $0.07 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $0.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 11.67%. Lument Finance Trust’s dividend payout ratio is currently 116.67%.
Institutional Trading of Lument Finance Trust
Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in LFT. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. boosted its holdings in Lument Finance Trust by 10.1% during the third quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 81,613 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $170,000 after buying an additional 7,500 shares in the last quarter. Arlington Trust Co LLC acquired a new position in Lument Finance Trust during the fourth quarter worth $26,000. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Lument Finance Trust by 1.6% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 1,389,516 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $2,890,000 after buying an additional 22,444 shares during the last quarter. SVB Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Lument Finance Trust in the second quarter valued at about $54,000. Finally, Cerity Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Lument Finance Trust in the second quarter valued at about $45,000. 19.07% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
About Lument Finance Trust
Lument Finance Trust, Inc, a real estate investment trust, focuses on investing in, financing, and managing a portfolio of commercial real estate (CRE) debt investments in the United States. The company primarily invests in transitional floating rate commercial mortgage loans on middle market multi-family assets; and other CRE -related investments, including mezzanine loans, preferred equity, commercial mortgage-backed securities, fixed rate loans, construction loans, and other CRE debt instruments.
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https://www.com-unik.info/2024/01/31/lument-finance-trust-nyselft-share-price-crosses-above-200-day-moving-average-of-2-16.html
| 2024-01-31T23:32:11Z
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Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has directed the newly inaugurated 2,646 Community Protection Guards for the sake of achieving lasting peace in the state, fighting bandits and other high-profile criminals.
Governor Lawal gave the order Wednesday in his inaugural speech during the passing out parade of the inaugurated guards at Zamfara Trade Fair Complex Gusau, stressing that, the mission is for the guards to complement the ongoing operations by the troops and other security agencies against banditry in the state.
According to him, the inauguration of the CPG was part of the campaign promises which is targeted at liberating the good people of the state from the menace of the lingering banditry and kidnapping for ransom.
“By having you inaugurated today, the people of Zamfara State are waiting to witness the recovery of peace and the immediate disappearance of bandits and any other groups of dangerous criminals whose filthy activities halted almost all legitimate businesses we relied upon.
“Act where you are requested by the troops in ensuring absolute clearance of criminals including places that have been marked as their stronghold, their enclaves and associates no matter how highly esteemed they in the society.
“As locals, you have integral roles to play in fetching needed intelligence upon which the security personnel can toil to implement the designated but formidable strategies which believed will give no chance for bandits breathe within the state again.
“Your contributions to this fight are needed and you can do it because you have to sacrifice to stop the killing and kidnapping of our parents, wives, children, relatives and friends, on the other hand, our business partners who always visit to patronise our farm products”, Governor Lawal has further directed.
Governor Lawal commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for further deployment of gallant troops to the state who have since swung into actions that are actually yielding fruitful outcomes.
Also speaking, Dr Dikko Radda of Katsina State, affirmed that there is still nothing called for peace dialogue with the teeming recalcitrant bandits, only that they would be treated the way they the innocent communities.
In attendance, were the Governor of Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano, Katsina and Kaduna who earlier held a Northwest Governors Forum at the Government House Gusau where they collectively agreed to take measures in efforts to make the zone banditry-free axis.
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https://newtelegraphng.com/push-bandits-off-zamfara-gov-lawal-directs-2646-inaugurated-guards/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:12Z
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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.wwno.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/spiderwebs-could-offer-a-snapshot-of-an-ecosystem-study-shows
| 2024-01-31T23:32:12Z
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WASHINGTON — (AP) — The House looked to accomplish something unusual Wednesday in passing with broad, bipartisan support a roughly $79 billion tax cut package that would enhance the child tax credit and boost three tax breaks for business, a combination that gives lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle coveted policy wins.
Prospects for the measure becoming law are uncertain with the Senate still having to take it up, but for a House that has struggled to get bills of consequence over the finish line, the tax legislation could represent a rare breakthrough. Debate and a final vote on the measure are scheduled for the evening.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., threw his support behind the bill on Wednesday morning. He spent part of the previous day meeting with GOP lawmakers who were concerned about features of the bill, namely the expanded child tax credit. Some were also unhappy that it fails to address the $10,000 cap on the total amount of property taxes or state or local taxes that consumers can deduct on their federal returns. Raising the cap is a top priority of lawmakers from members of the New York congressional delegation.
Johnson committed to moving a bill that addresses the cap, but there is no bill text yet and legislation would have to move through the House Rules Committee, which leaves the timing very much in flux. Athina Lawson, a spokeswoman for Johnson, said the speaker and the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., agreed to work with members to “find a path forward."
Johnson called the tax cut bill on the House floor important, bipartisan legislation that would revive "conservative pro-growth tax reform." He also said that it would bring an early end to a "wasteful COVID-era program" that has been plagued with fraud. Moving up the deadline for claiming the employee retention tax credit is expected to largely offset the cost of the tax cuts in the legislation.
Johnson also emphasized the importance of the bill moving through the House Ways and Means Committee before coming to the full House for a vote, saying it was a good example of how Congress is supposed to work.
House Republicans were anxious to restore full, immediate deductions that businesses can take for the purchase of new equipment and machinery, and for domestic research and development expenses. They argue such investments grow the economy and incentivize American companies to keep their manufacturing facilities and operations in the United States. The bill also provides businesses more flexibility in determining how much borrowing can be deducted.
“Each of these policies will help American businesses grow, create jobs and sharpen their competitive advantage against China,” Smith said as debate began on the House floor.
Democrats focused on boosting the child tax credit. The tax credit is $2,000 per child, but not all of that is refundable. The bill would incrementally raise the amount of the credit available as a refund, increasing it to $1,800 for 2023 tax returns, $1,900 for the following year and $2,000 for 2025 tax returns. The bill also adjusts the topline credit amount to temporarily grow at the rate of inflation.
Households benefitting as a result of the changes in the child tax credit would see an average tax cut of $680 in the first year, according to estimates from the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center.
Democrats pushed to restore the more generous tax credit they passed in 2021 in President Joe Biden's first year in office with payments occurring on a monthly basis. The credit was $3,600 annually for children under age 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17. But most lawmakers were willing to take what gains they could get through the compromise bill.
“I'll continue to do what I can to fight for more,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash. “...We aren't reaching all the families who really can use the child tax credit the most.”
The bill also would enhance a tax credit for the construction or rehabilitation of rental housing targeted to lower-income households, adding an estimated 200,000 housing units around the country. And it would ensure victims of certain wildfires and the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment don't get hit with a big tax bill for payments they received as compensation for their losses.
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.wftv.com/news/politics/house-tees-up-vote/STWKGBFCEYIL7Z24GNGYVCNSRE/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:13Z
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When I was younger I told my dad defiantly: “I hate U2.”
I had to be six years old at the most, and really only hated them because my dad loved them. He told me one day I’d understand.
Skip ahead to my teenage years and I got it. Now 20 some odd years later after my childhood protest, I get it now that I saw their Sphere residency.
I've been to my fair share of concerts and heard about the cliche "the Sphere is nothing like you'd ever experience," but all the hype was completely correct. The show was as much of a visual show as it was an auditory one.
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.
READ MORE: Snoop Dogg’s unlikely friendship with Martha Stewart as rapper admits to 'special bond'
The first thing I noticed was how small the stage was, especially in comparison with the looming LED screen behind it. The screen's image during the show was nothing like I've ever seen. At one point it projected the Las Vegas Boulevard and it felt more of a window than an image.
The opener was Pauli the PSM, who I knew from his stint touring with Harry Styles as the musical director and percussionist for the former boy bander. Though he didn't play any Harry music - I wasn't surprised since One Direction fans and U2 fans lightly overlap if at all - the energy he brought to the crowd was palpable.
He hyped up those inside the Sphere as he performed a DJ set from a neon light-up Mini Cooper that traveled through the pit crowd. He set the scene with songs like Let’s Dance by David Bowie and an insane fade from Rapper's Delight by The Sugarhill Gang into Valerie by Amy Winehouse.
I thought the crowd couldn't get any more hyped - and then Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Dutch drummer Bram van deen Berg (who replaced original drummer Larry Mullen Jr. who is recovering from surgery) took to the stage. From the first moment the music started I was transfixed, not knowing where to look. As a traditional concert goer I wanted to watch the band but sometimes all I could look at was the screen.
During some points of the show, the screen became muted in color and design so the audience did focus on the band. During the beginning of their song One, the screen went dark, showing off the inner construction of the Sphere itself.
There was also some interaction between the screen and Bono, where the frontman held a giant string from the sky which gave the illusion of a balloon string as the balloon was projected onto the screen.
While it was a venue packed with 20,000 people, the small stage still felt oddly personal. There was even one bit where Bono came down to the barricade and wrapped his arms around some of the members of the audience in an embrace as he sang.
Each member of the band had a camera on them at all times. And with a huge screen like The Sphere has, they were able to be on screen at the same time, sometimes floating in bubbles or projected from helicopters.
And what would a show in Vegas be without Elvis references? Bono belted out a few bars from Love Me Tender, he called the show an Elvis "cathedral," and during one song a background video played that seemed like an acid trip-like inspired by Baz Luhrmann's Elvis film. Even Pauli weaved A Little Less Conversation and Viva Las Vegas into his set.
Bono summed it up in a simple sentence when he stopped to address the crowd for the first time. He said, arms outstretched: "Look where we come to work."
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https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/us-celebrity-news/u2-puts-show-senses-sphere-31996906
| 2024-01-31T23:32:14Z
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Subscribe to The College Football Enquirer
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
Dan Wetzel, Ross Dellenger & SI’s Pat Forde devote today’s episode to Tennessee’s lawsuit against the NCAA after reports that the University of Tennessee is under investigation for NIL violations. The school has received help from both the Tennessee and Virginia attorneys general in a lawsuit against the NCAA in attempts to get a court’s ruling to absolve them. The guys dive into whether or not Tennessee committed any violations, as well as if the NCAA can retroactively enforce any punishments.
The podcast then debates about whether or not the current college athletics structure should involve guardrails and, if found guilty, whether or not the NCAA could invoke the death penalty on the Volunteers.
Later in the show, with March Madness nearing, the podcast takes a look at this weekend’s packed college hoops action.
To close out the episode, The People's Court opens up a case on a gassy airplane passenger.
1:00 - Tennessee is suing the NCAA over NIL violations
48:40 - College basketball is heating up with a big weekend
54:08 - The People’s Court: Airplane flatulence
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league for the 2024 MLB season]
Follow Dan @DanWetzel
Follow Pat @ByPatForde
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🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube
Check out all the episodes of the College Football Enquirer and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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https://www.boston25news.com/news/national/tennessee-v-ncaa/KYY2QBEEW7C7QNZDZWY3YRWDJI/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:14Z
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The “Jacobs Field” era has officially come to a close as Progressive Insurance bought the naming rights to the stadium. Despite the insistence of many Cleveland fans that it’s “always the Jake” (myself included) we’ve now spent more time with “Progressive Field” (15 years) than we did with “Jacobs Field” (14 years).
Despite the new name on the front of the stadium, not much changed for the Indians over the 2008 offseason. The gameplan very much seemed to be “let’s run it back.” And at some level, why not? You’d come within a breath of the 2007 World Series, not only was your entire core returning, but it was key rookies like Laffey, Guttierez and Cabrera as well first year full timers like Garko and Carmona that pushed you over the top in ‘07. With Shin-Soo Choo and “Top Prospect” Michael Aubrey set to debut, what was the point in signing a big name free agent? Where would he even play? (tongue planted firmly in cheek)
Outside of 2005 and 2007 the M.O. in the Eric Wedge era was to dramatically underperform your run differential and play yourself out of contention in the first half of the season only to utterly catch fire in the second half when it’s too late to do anything. 2008 was no different. The Indians started out 41-53 in 2008 despite a positive run differential, positioning them firmly as sellers at the trade deadline. A few short weeks later, C.C. Sabathia was a Milwaukee Brewer and Matt Laporta, Zach Jackson, and a PTBNL that became Michael Brantley were Indians.
After the All Star break the Indians played to a 40-28 mark down the stretch, much more in line with expectations.
I don’t get it man, I’ve never seen a manager who your run differential mattered less for than Eric Wedge. You’d somehow win a bunch of 1 run games, being 12 games over .500 with only a +30 run differential in the second half after being 12 games under .500 with a +8 run differential in the first half. The only constant was that you could never get him to give you anything of substance at the press conference after the game.
The lone bright spots of the ‘08 team were the stellar seasons by Grady Sizemore and Cliff Lee. Grady cemented himself as arguably baseball’s brightest young star with a brilliant 2008 season drawing 98 walks from the leadoff spot and stealing 38 bases to go along with his 33 home runs. Lee had a remarkable bounce back that saw him go from being sent down to AAA in 2007 to winning the Cy Young Award in 2008 with a 22-3 record and a 2.54 ERA. Lee’s 08 campaign was one of the most dominant by a Cleveland pitcher in the Jacobs Field Era and wouldn’t be matched until Corey Kluber came along. Lee was also by far my favorite player in those days. As a left handed pitcher myself I modeled everything after his mechanics and wanted to be just like him. My first real “hero” since Thome left.
While the 2008 season was a major disappointment, LaPorta represented a major reason for excitement (sigh), and Lee’s dominant 2008 gave the Indians their second straight Cy Young winner. After a solid second half things were looking up headed into 2009 despite a .500 finish.
But that hope was misplaced, join us tomorrow as we break down the disastrous 2009 season and the firesale that sent the Indians into yet another rebuild.
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https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2024/1/31/24027320/75-years-and-counting-the-story-of-the-2008-cleveland-indians
| 2024-01-31T23:32:15Z
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Don't wait for iPad Air 6! Get the iPad Air 5 for its lowest price ever!
The 5th generation iPad Air has never been cheaper
The long rumored iPad Air 6 may arrive in March and the hint we were waiting for is here. Apple's 5th generation iPad Air is on sale for $449 at Best Buy — its lowest price yet! This is one of the best iPad deals we've seen since the holidays/
At this tempting discount, the iPad Air 5 is a no brainer if you're in the market for a tablet to replace or complement your laptop.
Today's best iPad Air 5th generation deal
Apple iPad Air 5th generation
Was: $599
Now: $449 @ Best Buy
Overview:
Save $150 on the iPad Air 5 — its biggest discount yet
Features: 10.9-inch (2360 x 1640) Liquid Retina display with True Tone, Apple M1 Chip, 8GB RAM, 64GB of storage, 12MP wide-angle rear camera, 12MP front camera. Touch ID, Apple Pay, USB-C connector
Launch date: March 2022
Price check: Amazon $587
Price history: This marks a new all-time low price for the iPad Air 5
Reviews: The overall consensus is that the iPad Air 5 is a thin, elegantly designed fast and versatile tablet. With a weight of 1 pound and 0.24 inches, it's one of the more portable tablets out there.
Tom's Guide: ★★★★½ |TechRadar: ★★★★ | T3: ★★★★★
Buy it if: You want a laptop replacement. The iPad Air is one of the best overall tablets to buy. Pair it with a keyboard and you have a conveniently compact laptop. The iPad Air 5 works with Apple Pencil and Apple Magic Keyboard (both sold separately).
Don't buy it if: You want a tablet mostly for streaming content or internet browsing. If you don't plan on using it for productivity, the iPad 10 is more suitable and less costly.
Stay in the know with Laptop Mag
Get our in-depth reviews, helpful tips, great deals, and the biggest news stories delivered to your inbox.
Hilda Scott uses her combined passion for gadgets and bargain shopping to bring you the best prices on all things tech. She has a bachelor’s degree in film and media studies from Hunter College and 11 years of tech and entertainment journalism. Her work has been featured on Tom’s Guide, iTechPost, Examiner.com, Parlemag, Enstars, and Latin Times. When she's not scouting for the best deals, Hilda’s catching up on her favorite TV shows and pro-wrestling matches.
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https://www.laptopmag.com/deals/dont-wait-for-iPad-Air-6-get-the-iPad-Air-5-for-its-lowest-price-ever
| 2024-01-31T23:32:15Z
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RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released the latest statewide statistics for respiratory viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
The numbers showed an increase of COVID-19 at state wastewater sites.
For the week ending January 24, there were about 78 million virus particles per person found in water samples. This is a 21% increase compared to the week prior and a 0.6% increase from one month prior.
However, there is a decrease in COVID-19 hospital admissions. In the week ending January 27, there were 689 admissions, which is a 25% decrease compared to last month's 923.
Officials also reported flu-related deaths increased by 30 since last week, bringing the total to 206. Despite this increase, statistics show a continued decrease in flu hospital admissions. For the same week, there were 307 hospital admissions for influenza. This is a 71% decrease from last month's 1,055.
The number of ER visits also has a downward trend. About 12% of ER visits were for respiratory viruses, which is a decrease from 12.5% the previous week. Of these visits, about 4% were for COVID-like illnesses, about 2.1% for flu-like illnesses and 0.6% for RSV-like illnesses. All decreased from the previous month.
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https://abc11.com/covid-19-wastewater-sites/14375977/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:15Z
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Death Stranding 2 shows off new footage at State of Play, surprising no one
A new and mysterious cinematic trailer! The game is coming out in 2025, alas.
After having been announced during last year’s The Game Awards, Death Stranding 2 has made an appearance during the 2024 State of Play this evening to show off more of what players can expect from the highly-anticipated sequel.
Unfortunately, we found out the game is set to release in 2025. No release month as of yet either - we've got to keep waiting!
It’s no news that we’ll be seeing more of Sam-Porter Bridges playing the role of an aged Norman Reedus, an apocalyptic postman, and that the game is being made in the Decima engine (which was used to make Horizon Zero Dawn, Until Dawn, and later, Death Stranding). We also know Fragile (portrayed by Lea Seydoux), who is now fully-healed and seemingly a new mother, will be making a return. But what has new footage shown us about Death Stranding 2?
Hideo Kojima, the creator of Death Stranding, showed off new footage from Death Stranding 2. In the new trailer, we bore witness to some incredibly mysterious cinematics, a ship fly out of a babies' mouth, Norman Reedus without his Norman Feetus, a cute puppet companion, electric guitar guns, and of course a lot of gorgeous new environments that Sam has to connect into the network.
The game looks astounding, and packed full of even more intrigue than before. It's the sort of game we can't wait to get our hands on - we're sure you feel the same way! Let us know what you think about it below!
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https://www.vg247.com/death-stranding-2-new-footage
| 2024-01-31T23:32:15Z
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The Empire State Winter Games begin Thursday in the Adirondacks.
The 44th Empire State Winter Games will launch after a 700-mile torch run concludes in Lake Placid and an opening ceremony kicks off the games. More than 2,500 athletes are expected to compete in more than 20 winter sports including alpine, cross-country and Nordic combined skiing, biathlon, bobsled, luge, figure skating, ski jumping, speedskating, and winter biking.
Lake Placid serves as the hub for the games and events will also be held in Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, Paul Smiths, and Wilmington. The Empire State Winter Games are the largest Olympic-style winter sports competition in the Northeast.
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https://www.wamc.org/news/2024-01-31/empire-state-winter-games-set-to-start
| 2024-01-31T23:32:15Z
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Mega Millions ticket purchased at East Valley supermarket wins 5-figure payout
Jan 31, 2024, 1:00 PM
(AP File Photo)
PHOENIX – A lottery ticket purchased at an East Valley grocery store hit for $40,000 in Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing.
The entry sold at the Fry’s Food Store at Williams Field and Recker roads in Gilbert matched four of the five white numbers draw — 3, 5, 16, 58 and 59 – plus the gold Mega Ball of 11.
That combination is good for $10,000, but the player paid the extra dollar for the Megaplier option, which ended up boosted the prize fourfold.
The Megaplier multiplies non-jackpot Mega Millions winnings by two, three, four or five times. The amount is chosen by random before each drawing.
The odds of matching four white numbers and the Mega Ball are 1 in 931,001.
How large is jackpot for next Mega Millions drawing?
Tuesday’s jackpot went unclaimed, boosting the top prize to an estimated $333 million for the next drawing on Friday.
Mega Millions is a twice-weekly lottery game with tickets sold in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Each entry costs $2, and players can add the Megaplier option for another $1.
As with all Arizona Lottery games, winners have to claim their prizes within 180 days of the drawing.
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https://ktar.com/story/5560050/mega-millions-lottery-ticket-from-east-valley-frys-supermarket-wins-40000/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:15Z
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Besides cotton, Texas' leading crops saw an increase in production from the 22-23 season
In a year characterized by tornadoes, hail storms and drought, Texas crops seemed to fare well this harvest despite the adversities; only cotton and peanuts concluded the season with a lower production than the year prior.
As hay led the surge with a 145% growth in production compared to 2022, corn, peanuts, sorghum, soybeans and sunflowers all followed with an uptick in production from the 2022-23 season, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Down in Production: Cotton
Extended La Niña conditions, leading to severe mega-droughts, dampened the spirits of Texas cotton producers as they approached the planting season for the state's most economically impactful crop. The current season (2023-24) witnessed a substantial 29 percent decrease in planted acreage, totaling approximately 5.57 million acres, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service database.
Consequently, the agency predicts a harvested area of around 3.75 million acres, marking one of the lowest harvest totals for the state in a decade, surpassed only by the 2022-23 season.
For the 2023-24 season, Texas upland cotton production is forecasted to reach 2.80 million bales, representing an 8 percent decline from the previous year. Additionally, the average yield per acre has seen a significant drop from 734 pounds to 498 pounds compared to the preceding year. Despite a 35 percent increase in harvested acreage from last year, totaling 2.70 million acres and with 48% of the crop successfully harvested, it contrasts with the 2022-23 season, where only about 34% of the crop was harvested.
Corn
Texas corn production is projected to reach 256 million bushels, reflecting a substantial 68 percent increase from the previous year's 153 million.
The average statewide yield stands at 122 bushels per acre, marking a significant improvement of 27 bushels over the 2022-23 season when much of the state was riddled by extreme to exceptional drought conditions. The acres harvested for grain, totaling 2.10 million, skyrocketed 30 percent compared to the previous year.
Hay
Recovering significantly better than any other Texas crop, hay production has witnessed an exceptional upswing from last year's output — bringing in 8,280 tons versus 5,700 tons respectively.
Meanwhile, less than two years ago, local auction houses across the region were inundated with cattle ranchers looking to cull their herd as it became increasingly difficult to provide sustenance for their livestock. At the time, lack of hay and other feed resulted in the biggest cattle slaughter in a decade, accounting for about 80,000 head of cattle per week this summer, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal previously reported.
Furthermore, this time last year, Lubbock reported its lowest production in more than a decade, harvesting about 4.19 million acres. The current season brought hay back up to par at around 5.5 million acres.
Peanuts
While not considered economically significant in Texas, the state experienced a decline in peanut production, decreasing by more than 7%. Similar to the trend in cotton, peanut producers commenced the season with a reduced planted area compared to the 2022-23 season, resulting in the smaller harvest and lower yield.
Sorghum
Texas sorghum production is projected to reach 76 million bushels, marking a substantial 51 percent increase from the previous year. The average yield per acre stands at 49 bushels, showing a slight decrease of 4 bushels compared to the prior year. The total acreage harvested for sorghum is 1.55 million acres, representing a significant 63 percent increase over the 2022 figures.
Sunflowers
Although Texas sunflower growers started the year with fewer acres planted than in the 2022-23 season — 50,500 versus 52,000, respectively — they still came out on top, harvesting 1,000 acres more and yielding about two pounds more per acre on average.
Overall, sunflower farmers in Texas witnessed a nearly 3% increase in production this year.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Besides cotton, Texas' leading crops saw an increase in production
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https://finance.yahoo.com/news/besides-cotton-texas-leading-crops-223006536.html
| 2024-01-31T23:32:15Z
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Alec Baldwin pleads not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in 'Rust' shooting
Baldwin entered the plea while waiving his arraignment.
Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the New Mexico set of "Rust."
The actor entered the plea in a court document filed Wednesday, waiving his arraignment, which had been scheduled to occur virtually on Thursday.
Under the terms of his release, the actor is ordered to not possess firearms, among other conditions, court filings show.
A grand jury indicted the 65-year-old actor on involuntary manslaughter in January, a fourth-degree felony that carries a sentence of up to 18 months in prison if convicted.
In response to last month's indictment, Baldwin's attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro of Quinn Emanuel, said, "We look forward to our day in court."
This is the second time Baldwin has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the deadly on-set shooting.
Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies previously charged Baldwin in January 2023. He had pleaded not guilty in a court filing.
After Carmack-Altwies stepped down from the case, newly appointed special prosecutors investigating the "Rust" shooting dropped their case against the actor in April 2023 -- less than two weeks before a scheduled preliminary hearing -- while noting their investigation remained "active and ongoing."
The special prosecutors said in October 2023 that they believed Baldwin had "criminal culpability" in the deadly shooting and that they planned to present the case to the grand jury to determine whether probable cause existed to charge him.
The actor was practicing a cross-draw on the Santa Fe set in October 2021 when the gun fired, fatally striking Hutchins, 42. Director Joel Souza also suffered a non-life-threatening injury.
"Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez was also charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting. She has pleaded not guilty.
Jury selection in her trial is scheduled to begin on Feb. 21 in Santa Fe County. The trial is expected to start on Feb. 22 and last two weeks.
Her attorneys have previously said they expect a jury will find her not guilty. They said she "pleaded to provide more firearms training" on the set but was "denied and brushed aside."
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https://abcnews.go.com/US/alec-baldwin-pleads-not-guilty-involuntary-manslaughter-rust-shooting/story?id=106797584
| 2024-01-31T23:32:16Z
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Feb. 5 is the deadline to register to vote in the March 5 primary elections, and student organizations are working on campus to register eligible voters.
Texas Rising TXST and College Democrats at Texas State began holding voter registration tables to increase student political engagement.
“A lot of times young people today [are] disappointed with politics,” Adriana Montoya, a member of Texas Rising and deputized voter registrar, said. “But, you see the effects of your vote in city council, county commissioner and state legislative races, so it’s really important for young people to realize how much power their vote has.”
According to Campus Vote Project, students who live in university resident halls can choose whether to vote in Hays County or the county in which their permanent address is located.
Students can register to vote through the Secretary of State website then mailing the application to their county election office, a printed application or by contacting their local voter registrar.
Jake Wildenstein, the political director of College Democrats at Texas State, said he registers students to vote to increase turnout and political engagement among college students.
“The most important part is getting people registered to vote,” Wildenstein said. “We have pretty low voter turnout nationwide, so [I do] whatever I can do to get that improved.”
According to the Secretary of State, about 18% of registered voters, voted in the 2022 primary elections, a statistic Montoya wants to change.
Primaries are elections in which voters cast their decision on which candidate gets their political party’s official nomination in the November general election. Sample ballots for the Hays County primaries are available on the county’s election webpage.
Primary elections in Texas are open, meaning voters can choose to vote on a ballot with either the Democratic or Republican candidates without being a registered member of the political party.
More information on how to register to vote can be found at Votetexas.gov.
Editor’s note: Clarity for registering to vote online has been added; one must mail their application to their county’s election office after filling it out online.
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https://universitystar.com/24968/news/campus-voter-registration-efforts-increase-ahead-of-midterm-election/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:15Z
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Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons is out for Wednesday's matchup with the Phoenix Suns, the team announced.
The 27-year-old sustained played his first game in nearly three months on Monday, coming back from a nearly three-month long absence. He recorded 10 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds vs. the Utah Jazz in the comeback.
But the return came at a cost, as he suffered a left knee contusion after taking a hit during the game, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. After the knee began to swell, Simmons reportedly underwent tests that showed no further issue.
It's unclear how long Simmons will be sidelined, but it seems unlikely that the injury will keep him out for as long as the last one did. He was previously hampered by a pinched nerve in his back that he began to recover from on Nov. 6.
This story will be updated.
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https://www.whio.com/news/national/nets-ben-simmons/JIJJ3T3TYDHP3ZPTNGZQOQQNX4/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:17Z
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The criticism of the current constitution and the call for restructuring is widespread and borne out of genuine concern for the stability and future of this country. There have been calls for confederacy and a return to regional government but in my opinion this will only transfer our existing perennial problems to the smaller federating units. For one, the multi ethnic/linguistic groups and religions in every region will not disappear along with the attendant tensions which come with such differences. Issues of marginalisation can presently be found in many states were prominent but minority ethnic/religious groups have never held power. One example is Benue State where the Tiv have held power since 1976 to the exclusion of the Idoma. Another is Kaduna State with a large Christian population but southern Kaduna has never held power. Furthermore, we must not forget that the balkanisation of the regions by the creation of new states has brought development closer to the people, especially with growth of new state capitals.
What is required is a return to the parliamentary system and a major overhaul of the legislative lists along with a reduction of the powers of the central Federal Government. Some prominent elder statesmen including the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State Obong Victor Attah have called for a return to the parliamentary system. If we operate a cheaper parliamentary system then a good popular candidate who is not wealthy will only have to win a constituency seat and get to Parliament where he can become Prime Minister by negotiation. A candidate will not need elaborate nation- wide political structures and a huge campaign war chest. We have seen that under the current expensive presidential system only people with deep pockets or people with wealthy sponsors can run for the highest office of the land. This way we may never get the leaders we deserve and the leadership problem will continue to haunt this country. We saw how Peter Obi left the PDP because he didn’t stand a chance against the financial muscle of some other candidates. There are many advantages of the parliamentary system over the presidential system of government.
One, it will make elections cheaper and allow better candidates to emerge since they only have to win a constituency seat rather than campaign around an entire state or country. Two, it will make governance cheaper since there is a unicameral legislature, the parliament, rather than the bicameral house of representatives and the senate of the presidential system. Three, the Prime Minister holds a constituency seat, attends Parliament and is answerable to the representatives of the people. Four, it will create a strong opposition in parliament; something that is sorely lacking under the current winner takes all the system that we operate. However, one argument against the parliamentary system is borne out of the experience of the First Republic and critics argue that the drawback is instability because the government can be removed by a vote of No Confidence. In my opinion that is exactly what we need, a government and Prime Minister that is answerable to the representatives of the people.
In the presidential system the president is very powerful and even when he is unpopular it is difficult to secure his removal by impeachment. In our discussions about constitutional reforms, we must not be confined to importation of any particular system of government but must become innovative and be prepared to tweak a known system or design a new system borne out of the Nigerian political experience and our peculiar local circumstances. The current winner takes all systems that generate disharmony and inequity. I have argued for a return to the parliamentary system but another alternative is to retain but tweak the presidential system. One suggestion is to have one president and five vice presidents to come from the five regions that do not produce the president and the six men will constitute a presidential council. Major decisions and appointments must be taken or made by the President in Council. So for example, if we had operated that system, Muhammadu Buhari would have been president, Bola Tinubu could be VP SW, Peter Obi VP SE, Atiku Abubakar VP NE and so on.
Imagine such a powerful presidential council where they can all represent their regions and contribute to governance at the centre and diffuse the tension of the winner taking all the system. Such a system would have made it impossible for Buhari to make some of the appointments and decisions we have witnessed in the last seven years. The additional cost of five VPs can be balanced by scrapping the Senate and creating a unicameral House of Representatives which will make law making faster and legislative functions more effective. In any case the Senate has become irrelevant and is now a retirement home for former governors and ministers. A word must be said about the constitution and the legislative lists and the powers of the federal and state governments. Furthermore, the current document is too unwieldy and contains too many things that belong in Federal Acts and State Laws. One, the constitutional provisions that restrict police to the Federal Government should be amended. The time for state police is clearly and long overdue.
Two, matters like marriages are personal matters and have no business on the Exclusive List but should be left to the states. Three, the provisions on Sharia courts must be excluded and only regulated by State Laws. The constitution must be a secular document. The provisions on jurisdiction and powers of courts must be removed and can be regulated by a Judicature Act or Laws. The constitution should be restricted to the creation of courts but not their regulation. Four, local governments should be recognised as the third tier of government but the creation and regulation of local governments should be left to the states. The argument that state governors will abuse their powers, which has also been used to deny state police, is no longer tenable if we want to create a weaker Federal Government and stronger states. One thing is clear. The next President should urgently convene another constitutional conference and start the process of constitutional amendment which will submit a new constitution to the people for a referendum in order to produce a popular constitution made by “We the people”.
Jide Bodede, a lawyer, writes from Lagos
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https://newtelegraphng.com/random-musings-of-a-patriot-constitutional-reforms-5/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:18Z
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Erik ten Hag says top players should not have to be reminded what is acceptable as the Manchester United boss looks to move on from Marcus Rashford’s reported Belfast escapades.
Having scored 30 goals for the Red Devils in 2022-23, things have gone awry this term and the forward’s paltry four-goal haul has been compounded by some off-field matters.
Ten Hag called Rashford’s decision to go to a party after October’s derby defeat to Manchester City “unacceptable” and stories emerged in recent days of more late-night exploits.
The 26-year-old is reported to have gone out in Belfast last Thursday night until 3am and was unable to train the following day through illness, going on to miss Sunday’s FA Cup win at Newport.
United later said in a statement that “Marcus has taken responsibility for his actions” and the “internal disciplinary matter” is closed – something Ten Hag referred to ahead of Thursday’s trip to Wolves.
“So, he has taken responsibility and for the rest it’s an internal matter,” the Red Devils boss said. “Case closed.”
Ten Hag used the phrase “case closed” repeatedly, including when asked outright about Rashford’s reaction and whether the player had apologised for his actions.
But the Dutchman was more forthcoming on the obligations for elite players and the onus being on them to maintain high standards.
“First of all, the players at this level have to manage themselves,” Ten Hag said. “That is what you can demand from the player.
“A player has to know what is good and what is no good. When you want to play top football, it demands a certain way of life. Always.”
Pushed on whether he needs to reinforce that message, he interjected: “No. No, come on. We are talking about top football players.
“I don’t have to educate them anymore. When you are playing for Man United, they should know.”
Ten Hag underlined the need for accountability but says he takes potential matters going on behind the scenes into consideration when dealing with player behaviour.
“Of course, that is part of the job to support your players,” he said. “But also we have people in this club who are helping the players on that.
“But, as I said before, at the end of the day when you are a player at Man United you have to manage yourself and you have to take responsibility for your performance and your performance in a team.
“At Man United it’s winning football games. It’s all about that. It’s not so complicated.”
Rashford is not the first player to face internal disciplinary proceedings, with Jadon Sancho banished from September and Cristiano Ronaldo released by mutual agreement during Ten Hag’s first season.
Ten Hag brushed aside questions about whether the Rashford situation was a distraction or a test of his authority, but did speak about the difference to his handling of Sancho.
The 23-year-old claimed on social media in September he had been made a “scapegoat” after Ten Hag said he left him out of a matchday squad due to his training levels, leading to the exiled player leaving in the transfer window.
Asked to explain the difference in his approach with the pair, Ten Hag said: “We can sort out everything internal, but Jadon chose to go public.”
Sancho trained away from United’s first team before returning to Borussia Dortmund on loan, whereas Rashford is in contention for Thursday’s trip to Wolves.
The England international scored the winner as a substitute on the Old Trafford side’s last trip to Molineux, having been dropped to the bench for poor timekeeping.
Ten Hag disagrees that starting Rashford on Thursday may send out the wrong message and pointed to his absence at Newport, where he rejected the player’s offer to travel down on Sunday after two days off ill.
“I didn’t pick him on Sunday,” the United boss added. “We draw the line and from that point on we move on.”
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https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/news/world/6359659/erik-ten-hag-being-a-top-level-footballer-demands-a-certain-way-of-life/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:18Z
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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.wwno.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/trump-says-vp-pick-wont-impact-the-race-so-whats-he-looking-for-in-a-running-mate
| 2024-01-31T23:32:18Z
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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.kgou.org/politics-and-government/2024-01-31/trump-says-vp-pick-wont-impact-the-race-so-whats-he-looking-for-in-a-running-mate
| 2024-01-31T23:32:18Z
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WASHINGTON — (AP) — Interest rate cuts are coming. Just not yet.
The Federal Reserve delivered that message Wednesday, first in a policy statement and then in a news conference at which Chair Jerome Powell reinforced it.
The Fed did signal that it's nearing a long-awaited shift toward cutting rates, evidence that its officials have grown confident that they're close to fully taming inflation. No longer does its policy statement say it's still considering further rate hikes.
Yet the officials made clear that the first rate cut is likely months away. Their statement said they don't think it would be time to cut rates “until it has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably” to their 2% target.
Investors and some economists had been holding out the possibility that the Fed might cut as early as its next meeting in March. That now appears off the table.
“I don’t think it’s likely that the committee will reach a level of confidence by the time of the March meeting” to start cutting rates, Powell said at his news conference.
The central bank kept its key rate unchanged at about 5.4%, a 22-year high. But the changes to its statement — compared with its last meeting in December — show that it has moved toward considering rate reductions while still maintaining flexibility.
“There is nothing in Powell’s remarks or the statement that leads us to worry about the basic story of ‘good news’ cuts starting soon enough,” Krishna Guha, an economics analyst at investment bank Evercore ISI, said in a note to clients.
In December, the Fed's policymakers had indicated that they expected to carry out three quarter-point rate cuts in 2024. Yet they have since said little about when those cuts might begin, and some senior officials stressed that the Fed will proceed cautiously.
On Wednesday, Powell said the Fed doesn't need to see significant changes in the inflation data for it to cut rates. It just needs to see the inflation slowdown continue. Prices have increased at just a 2% annual rate in the past six months, according to the Fed's preferred measure.
“It's not that we're looking for better data — it's just that we're looking for a continuation of the good data that we've been getting," he said. “We just need to see more.”
The central bank's message Wednesday — that it's edging closer to cutting rates but not planning to do so anytime soon — disappointed traders on Wall Street. Losses in the stock market accelerated after Powell's news conference began.
The change in the Fed's stance comes as the economy is showing surprising durability after a series of 11 rate hikes helped drastically slow inflation, which had hit a four-decade high 18 months ago. Growth remains healthy: In the final three months of last year, the economy expanded at a 3.3% annual rate, the government said last week.
The Fed is assessing inflation and the economy at a time when the intensifying presidential campaign is pivoting in no small part on voters' perceptions of President Joe Biden's economic stewardship. Republicans in Congress have attacked Biden over the high inflation that gripped the nation beginning in 2021 as the economy emerged from recession. But the latest economic data — ranging from steady consumer spending to solid job growth to the slowdown in inflation — has been bolstering consumer confidence.
At his news conference, Powell said the Fed welcomes signs of economic strength.
“We want to see strong growth and a strong labor market,” the Fed chair said. "We’re looking for inflation to come down, as it has been coming down for the last six months.”
Most economists have said they expect the Fed to start cutting its benchmark rate in May or June. Rate cuts would eventually lead to lower borrowing costs for America’s consumers and businesses, including for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards.
A year ago, many analysts were predicting that widespread layoffs and sharply higher unemployment would be needed to cool the economy and curb inflation. Yet job growth has been steady. The unemployment rate, at 3.7%, isn’t far above a half-century low.
Labor costs are easing, too. On Wednesday, the government reported that pay and benefits for America's workers, which accelerated in 2022, grew in the final three months of 2023 at the slowest pace in 2 1/2 years. That slowdown reduces pressure on companies to raise prices to cover higher labor costs.
The Fed appears on the verge of achieving a rare “soft landing,” in which it manages to conquer high inflation without causing a recession. Should the pace of economic growth strengthen, though, it could complicate the challenge for the Fed.
Powell said that faster growth could potentially cause inflation to stall at a rate above 2%, which could complicate the Fed's timetable for rate cuts. For now, with the economy performing well, he said, the Fed doesn't need to rush to reduce borrowing costs.
“If we saw an unexpected weakening in the labor market, that would certainly weigh on cutting sooner," Powell said.
Asked whether he thought the Fed has already achieved a soft landing, Powell suggested it would be premature to say so.
“We have a ways to go,” he said. "Core inflation is still well above target on a 12-month basis. Certainly, I’m encouraged and we’re encouraged by the progress, but we’re not declaring victory at this point. We think we have a ways to go.”
Some cracks in the job market have begun to emerge and, if they worsen, could spur the Fed to cut rates quickly. For several months, most of the nation's job growth has occurred in just a few sectors — health care, government and hotels, restaurants and entertainment. Any weakening in those areas of the economy could threaten hiring and the overall expansion.
A report Tuesday showed that the number of workers who quit in December reached its lowest level in three years. That suggested that fewer Americans are being recruited for new, higher-paying jobs or are willing to search for and take new positions. Though quits remain at a level consistent with a solid job market, they have fallen about one-third from their peak in mid-2022.
Still, the U.S. economy is outdoing its counterparts overseas. During the October-December quarter, the 20 countries that share the euro currency barely avoided a recession, posting essentially no growth.
Still, as in the United States, unemployment is very low in the euro area, and inflation has slowed to a 2.9% annual rate. Though the European Central Bank could cut rates as soon as April, many economists think that might not happen until June.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.wftv.com/news/powell-federal/FB46DTECNHYRWVHV3OHDKWQXKI/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:19Z
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PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — (AP) — The PGA Tour is getting a $3 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group in a deal announced Wednesday that would give players access to more than $1.5 billion as equity owners in the new PGA Tour Enterprises.
The launch of PGA Tour Enterprises, with SSG as a minority partner, comes eight months after the PGA Tour signed a framework agreement with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf for a commercial venture, which ultimately led to private equity groups wanting to join.
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is not part of the deal yet, though the tour said negotiations with the PIF are ongoing for it to also become a minority investor.
“The coolest thing about it is the players are now owners,” said Jordan Spieth, one of six players on the PGA Tour board. “So not only do they benefit with the tour, they now are equity owners so they want to push it themselves, they want to make the product better themselves. Not that they didn’t before, but you directly benefit from owning a piece.”
How much of a piece remained unclear. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan held a conference call with players from all its main tours (including the PGA Tour Champions and Korn Ferry Tour) on Wednesday morning that included Tiger Woods, whom the tour appointed to the board last summer at the players' request.
“As the tour grows, we grow,” Woods told players, according to Golf.com, which obtained access to the call. “So the more we invest into the tour, the more we get the benefits of it, which has never been — it’s never happened in sports history. So we’re the first. Exciting for me to be able to be part of that.”
Also uncertain is where this leaves the PIF.
The tour said its deal with SSG allows for a co-investment from the PIF, subject to regulatory approval. A Senate subcommittee wrote a letter earlier this week to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the PIF, that it is proceeding with its inquiry into framework agreement with the PGA Tour that was announced June 6.
“At this point if the PIF were interested in coming in on terms that our members like and/or the economic terms are at or not beyond SSG's and they feel it would be a good idea, I think that's where the discussions will start,” Spieth said. “I understand it could take some time to even come to those kind of terms, and then beyond that the Department of Justice and a regulatory review would be intact.”
LIV Golf starts its third season this week in Mexico and is likely to be around through all of next year depending on the timing of any investment by the PIF in the PGA Tour. How the fractured landscape of golf gets repaired remains as cloudy as how specifically equity ownership is distributed.
The PGA Tour plans several player meetings over the next month to work through details.
“By making PGA Tour members owners of their league, we strengthen the collective investment of our players in the success of the PGA Tour,” Monahan, who will be CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, said in the formal announcement.
He said a partnership with SSG — a group comprised of American owners and executives of pro sports franchises — will “enhance our organization’s ability to make the sport more rewarding for players, tournaments, fans and partners.”
The PGA Tour Enterprises board would be comprised of seven players, the PGA Tour commissioner, four members of SSG and an independent director who's also on the tour board.
The unique equity program in golf would give some 200 players access $930,000 in initial grants. Starting next year, PGA Tour Enterprises would use $600,000 for recurring grants for future players.
While specific details of the equity ownership program were not announced, the initial grants would be based on career accomplishments, recent achievements and PGA Tour status. The grants would vest over time.
SSG is led by Fenway Sports Group and includes owners Marc Attanasio (Milwaukee Brewers), Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons), Steven Cohen (New York Mets), Wyc Grousbeck (Boston Celtics), Tom Werner and John Henry (Boston Red Sox), and Marc Lasry (Milwaukee Bucks). Others in the group include Alec Scheiner, former Cleveland Browns president and co-founder of Otro Capital.
“Our enthusiasm for this new venture stems from a very deep respect for this remarkable game and a firm belief in the expansive growth potential of the PGA Tour,” said Henry, the principal owner of Fenway Sports and manager of SSG.
SSG is investing an initial $1.5 billion into PGA Tour Enterprises and will concentrate on maximizing revenue for the benefit of the players and on finding opportunities to enhance golf across the world. Another $1.5 billion would go toward PGA Tour business.
The deal was unanimously approved by the PGA Tour board.
“It was incredibly important for us to create opportunities for the players of today and in the future to be more invested in their organization, both financially and strategically,” the player directors said in a joint statement. “This not only further strengthens the tour from a business perspective, but it also encourages the players to be fully invested in continuing to deliver — and further enhance — the best in golf to our fans.
“We are looking forward to this next chapter and an even brighter future.”
The tour said it was making progress in its negotiations with the Saudi national wealth fund on future investments and an ultimate agreement. Under the original framework agreement, Al-Rumayyan, the PIF governor, was to be chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises.
Now the commercial arm launches without any deal with the Saudis.
The European tour was part of the framework agreement on June 6, and it has a strategic alliance with the PGA Tour. The tour said only it is discussing how they can work together for a mutual benefit.
Key to the original deal with the Saudis was dismissing the lawsuits involving LIV Golf. Since the rival league was launched in June 2022, LIV has lured several prominent players and major champions such as Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau.
As the tour’s negotiations with the PIF neared its original Dec. 31 deadline, LIV signed Masters champion Jon Rahm in a deal reported to be in the neighborhood of $500 million. It also signed Tyrrell Hatton, currently No. 16 in the world.
Rory McIlroy, who gave up his seat on the tour board in November, said on Tuesday he didn't think there should be any punishment for a LIV player eligible to return to the tour.
___
AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
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.boston25news.com/news/pga-tour-strikes-3/RPJ7BWNC7YM7MIXCEWTQ3MMJEA/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:21Z
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Hopefully my last article made you want to attend this year’s Guards Fest. For me, it’s the best way to break up a long offseason and get the same feeling that walking through the Progressive Field’s gates gives me. If you weren’t able to attend, here are some highlights from this year’s event.
Player and Coach Accessibility
Guards Fest gives you plenty of opportunities to meet players unlike you’ll find while attending a game. It seemed that, this year, there were more of these opportunities than in years past. In my case, I had an autograph session add-on that I attended with my brother. We attended the first Session B and were able to meet Juan Brito, Angel Martínez, José Tena, and hitting coach Chris Valaika. After this, we had decided to add on one more session and got in line to do so.
While in line, a fan in front of us asked who was in our session. We told him and asked who was in his. Once he said my favorite player’s name, I knew which session we were going to attend next. So we bought two tickets for Session C and made a beeline for the ballroom it was taking place in. There, we met David Fry, Gavin Williams, and – my favorite player – Eli Morgan who had remembered me from the last time we met.
Outside of the autograph sessions, players could be found all over the convention center willing to take photos with fans and even play games with them. For example, Josh Naylor was at the Cleveland APL booth cuddling puppies and talking with a group of fans. Across the center, José Ramírez was shooting hoops with some fans at a game station. Further back, new manager Stephen Vogt was tossing balls to young kids in the batting cages. This kind of accessibility to the players and coaches is something we should be very thankful for as not all teams get to experience something like this.
Team Shop Sales
The sales in the makeshift team shop were simply too good to pass up this year. While a lot of seasonal clothing like spring jackets and t-shirts were on sale, so was merchandise from players no longer with the team. My brother picked up a Zach Plesac banner that hung outside Progressive Field last year for just $35 while I scooped up a baseball signed by Cal Quantrill for just $25 (originally marked at $125).
They also had a wide selection of game used merchandise both for sale and up for auction. Some of these items included a hat signed by Steven Kwan, a lineup card signed by Jason Kipnis, and lots of locker name plates from players and coaches alike. (Props to the guy that was stoked to have found a Boone Logan name plate.)
Freebies
If you had taken the time to visit the booths set up by local businesses, you’ll be prepared for the upcoming season. From schedule posters to t-shirts and sunglasses, countless local businesses and team sponsors were giving away all kinds of Guardians merchandise. One of these booths was the Lake County Captains, the Guardians High-A affiliate. They had a QR code that, when scanned, sent you to a form to fill out with a chance to win tickets to their home opener. (Fingers crossed.) While you may want to skip these booths, they always have something fun to take home and are definitely worth checking out.
Lots to Do for Kids
While this part wasn’t necessarily for me (though I’d love to have been able to take the bounce house for a spin), it was great to see so many of the next generation of baseball fans enjoying what the convention had to offer. From the Little League players getting tips from Major League players and coaches to the toddlers singing and dancing with Slider and the Hot Dogs, there was something for kids of all ages to enjoy. Making the game accessible to kids in ways like this will keep these younger generations interested and help grow the sport for generations to come.
Networking and Socializing
One of my favorite parts of Guards Fest, or even just attending a game, is catching up with all of my favorite team members. No, not the players, but the people that make the games possible. Throughout my years as a baseball fan and an influencer in the sport, I’ve made many great connections that I cherish. From the first flip of a light switch to the last piece of garbage picked up, every single person that works at Progressive Field is necessary and important to putting on a game. Guards Fest is a great opportunity for me to chat with these people, thank them for what they do, and wish them a great upcoming season.
Not only is the convention a great way to talk to staff, it’s also a great way to meet like minded fans and make new friends. I saw so many people wearing the same jerseys, asking each other about their memorabilia collections, and telling stories about their favorite on-field moments. It reminded me why this sport is so special and just how much bigger it is than the plays on the field.
Guards Fest is by far my favorite offseason event, and this year was one of the best yet. Thank you to everyone involved in putting on this amazing event. Next stop: Opening Day.
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https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2024/1/31/24047248/my-day-at-guards-fest-2024
| 2024-01-31T23:32:21Z
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I haven’t played Tekken in decades — but Tekken 8 helped my family reconnect
Special Style is the best thing I’ve seen in a fighting game
I am by no means a fighting-game enthusiast — but I love Tekken. I first got my hands on Tekken 2 as a wee babe for the first PlayStation. My tiny body must've been filled with spite then, too, because pummeling Heihachi Mishima’s smug face was too satisfying. When Tekken 3 launched, I was deep into the Jin Kazama juice bowl. I got my first taste of challenge when True Ogre was thrown at me. I suffered greatly, but I rose from the ashes on the wings of a devil. The highlight of my youth was Tekken Tag Tournament, a relatively cooperative experience that my sister and I had way too much fun in.
What those previous entries had in common above all was my time spent playing with family. From my sister to my dad, I have vivid memories of fighting them in the Skyring stage, and taking turns on impossible fights like the aforementioned accursed cur True Ogre.
With Tekken 8, I was hoping to spark some measure of nostalgia. I even went so far as to read through the previous synopses to prepare for the epic Father vs. Son conclusion. However, I was worried that the learning curve would be too steep for my brain. I had nothing to fear, though, with the developers adding the Special Style — a fighting form developed for less experienced players (me).
To add to the perfect storm was a hyperbolic act of fate. My own somewhat estranged father had visited my home the day Tekken 8 launched, and I got to watch him and my sister play for the first time in decades. Tekken 8’s noob-friendly design made it easy for us to reconnect.
Tekken 8 Special Style
Fighting games can be hella complicated, so much so that you have to memorize a dozen combos for one character and all that information is lost when you switch to another. It becomes so convoluted that fighting games can easily deter new players. However, Tekken 8 introduces Special Style, a form of combat that is seamlessly integrated with the gameplay.
Special Style breaks down the face buttons into combo moves. So tapping away at them can create combos with little effort, similar to an action game. You can even combo those moves by jumping between different face buttons. It feels intuitive and smooth to jump into. It has its own learning curve, but it’s easier than the raw mechanics. The best part is that you can jump in and out of Special Style with the click of a button (L1 / LB). So you can quickly transition between the styles for a more unique approach.
This allowed my sister and father to jump in despite little to no experience with the fighting mechanics. My father, who hadn’t played in decades, actually won a few rounds against my sister. Without Special Style, this would have been a mess of random punches and kicks that didn’t land or look anywhere near as impressive as it did.
Since fighting game mechanics continue to evolve and become more intricate, systems like Special Style feel like the natural evolution for fighting games. Letting inexperienced players like me fully embrace what this game has to offer is not only an excellent way to boost the player base but increase the overall investment.
I played the entirety of Tekken 8’s storyline on Hard mode, and the only way I was able to do that was with the Special Style. Kazuya would have completely wiped the floor with me otherwise. I would have also felt unsatisfied that I had to learn a whole new set of combos for each new character that I was forced to play.
I’m not a competitive gamer. However, I was encouraged to not only beat the story on the hardest difficulty, but also jump into the character episodes and the Arcade Quest. Tekken 8 offers so much for those who want to experience the joys of a fighting game without beating themselves up for not being good at it.
I want more fighting games like this
Plain and simple — more fighting games need to adopt the Special Style mechanic. Street Fighter 6 features a set of different control mechanics, and while I haven’t touched it, I hope it’s as intuitive as the Special Style. I’ve been wanting to jump in for a few hadoukens.
Tekken 8 is one of my favorite modern fighting games to date. I cannot wait to clear all of the single-player content, and I’m especially excited to spend more time unleashing some Jun Kazama righteousness on my family.
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Rami Tabari is an Editor for Laptop Mag. He reviews every shape and form of a laptop as well as all sorts of cool tech. You can find him sitting at his desk surrounded by a hoarder's dream of laptops, and when he navigates his way out to civilization, you can catch him watching really bad anime or playing some kind of painfully difficult game. He’s the best at every game and he just doesn’t lose. That’s why you’ll occasionally catch his byline attached to the latest Souls-like challenge.
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https://www.laptopmag.com/gaming/tekken-8
| 2024-01-31T23:32:21Z
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Mainstreet Equity Corp. (TSE:MEQ – Get Free Report)’s share price passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$139.17 and traded as high as C$149.14. Mainstreet Equity shares last traded at C$148.55, with a volume of 1,452 shares changing hands.
Analyst Ratings Changes
Several research firms have recently weighed in on MEQ. Laurentian set a C$180.00 price target on shares of Mainstreet Equity and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, January 22nd. ATB Capital increased their target price on shares of Mainstreet Equity from C$160.00 to C$170.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Thursday, December 7th.
Read Our Latest Report on Mainstreet Equity
Mainstreet Equity Price Performance
Mainstreet Equity (TSE:MEQ – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 6th. The company reported C$4.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$1.93 by C$2.31. Mainstreet Equity had a net margin of 52.09% and a return on equity of 8.65%. The company had revenue of C$56.62 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$53.92 million. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Mainstreet Equity Corp. will post 6.5931593 EPS for the current fiscal year.
Mainstreet Equity Announces Dividend
The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 16th will be issued a dividend of $0.027 per share. This represents a $0.11 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.07%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 15th. Mainstreet Equity’s payout ratio is 0.94%.
Insiders Place Their Bets
In related news, Director Ron Anderson bought 600 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 18th. The shares were bought at an average price of C$143.00 per share, for a total transaction of C$85,800.00. Insiders own 49.03% of the company’s stock.
Mainstreet Equity Company Profile
Mainstreet Equity Corp. engages in the acquisition, redevelopment, repositioning, and management of mid-market residential rental apartment buildings in Western Canada. The company owns a portfolio of multi-family residential properties in British Columbia, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg.
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https://www.com-unik.info/2024/01/31/mainstreet-equity-tsemeq-stock-crosses-above-200-day-moving-average-of-139-17.html
| 2024-01-31T23:32:21Z
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First person horror game Silent Hill Short Message is out right now for free on the PS5
A free-to-play first person horror game, get a taste of Silent Hill right now.
Konami has just released a brand-new first person Silent Hill game called Silent Hill Short Memories on the PS5. It's totally free to download too, so get into it right now if you've got a hungar for some horror.
Announced during the Sony State of Play, this first person horror experience seems very PT-like, in that it's a first person experience where you as an as-of-yet unamed protagonist must navigate through a very spooky set of hallways and corridors. If you want to find out more about it, you'll have to try it out yourself!
This isn't the only bit of Silent Hill goodness shown off at the State of Play, but it certainly is a surprise! We already knew that about the Silent Hill 2 remake, as it had already been announced and was a likely guest for the show, but it's good to see Konami pushing the IP beyond just remaking old classics and pushing out rough choose-your-own adventure experiences.
Let us know what you think about it below! Will ou be giving it a try?
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https://www.vg247.com/first-person-horror-game-silent-hill-short-message-is-out-right-now-for-free-on-the-ps5
| 2024-01-31T23:32:21Z
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ELMWOOD, Okla. -- A gas pipeline exploded in an Oklahoma town near the Texas border overnight, creating a glow that could "be seen for miles," local fire officials said Wednesday.
Photos and videos of the explosion posted on social media show flames shooting high into the air and illuminating an otherwise dark night sky with a red haze, KTVT reported. The Elmwood Fire Department has not publicly provided details about the status of the pipeline, only saying overnight on Facebook that its crews responded to a "pipeline blow out." CBS News has reached out to the fire department for more information.
Locals commented on the fire department's social media post that they could see the fire from miles away.
"We are 36 miles away from the fire and we can see it," one person said, while another posted a photo of the fire's glow from roughly 25 miles away.
The Booker Fire Department, which serves Booker, Texas, about 20 miles away from Elmwood, also responded to the fire. They posted videos of the explosion, saying it was a gas line.
"Crews from several departments are staged at a safe distance until the gas can be turned off," Booker Fire said on one of the videos. "...The flames are estimated to reach over 500 feet high."
The cause of the pipeline explosion has not been announced.
(The-CNN-Wire & 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.)
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https://abc11.com/oklahoma-pipeline-explosion-in-elmwood-today/14375985/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:21Z
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Saratoga Springs officials gave their state of the city addresses Tuesday, highlighting progress made toward supporting the city’s unhoused residents.
Republican Mayor John Safford invited fellow councilors and the city’s two supervisors to speak at his first State of the City address Tuesday.
Safford promised during his campaign to continue efforts toward mitigating the Spa City’s growing homelessness issue.
“I do want to mention that in our first month we have made some significant strides toward working with the homeless population, we’re going to continue to do that,” said Safford.
Safford’s predecessor established a task force on homelessness that met for a final scheduled time at the end of 2023, presenting its findings — a potential location for a permanent homeless shelter — to the previous city council. Safford has said he plans on having the task force address the new council in February.
Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi outlined the funding of ongoing efforts to help the city’s unhoused residents.
“In 2023, we also funded a 24/7 low-barrier homeless shelter operated by the dedicated team at RISE. We also provided funding to Code Blue, operated by Shelters of Saratoga, to offer 24/7 housing during the coldest months of the year. These partnerships with non-profit social service organizations allow the city to assist some our most vulnerable community members,” explained Sanghvi.
Public Works Commissioner Jason Golub reflected on a partnership program between the city and RISE Healthy Housing and Support Services to help employ some of the residents of its shelter.
“And the goal is really to, you know for some of these folks they haven’t been employed for a decade. And it was unrealistic to think that now that they have a temporary roof over their head they can just walk down the street and get a job – that wasn’t going to happen. And so, as a city we provided that first step up the ladder,” said Golub.
Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll addressed the renewed attention his office is giving to the city’s community engagement officer program – which went from one to two on-the-ground officers.
“This program is a priority for us. And it involves our officers meeting with the business community, learning about their concerns and vulnerabilities, as well as working with our homeless community and non-profits such as RISE and Shelters of Saratoga. Additionally, our CEOs will be working with our community outreach board – led by Judge Vero, who’s here tonight, thank you, Judge – to help the homeless obtain the services they need,” explained Coll.
Long-time city supervisor Matt Veitch vowed to support the various organizations and programs in place to help the city’s most vulnerable residents.
“It’s probably one of our largest issues we have to tackle here as a community. The year-round shelter on Adelphi Street has been a great success, moving those who are unhoused in our community to a safe space with supports, but it is only a temporary solution. The county continues to run Cold Blue, with Shelters of Saratoga but has yet to find a permanent location. And changes in state funding are going to cause some issues,” said Veitch.
Veitch warned of looming decreases in state support for the seasonal shelter, and promised to be proactive in ensuring the program’s continued operation.
Speaking with WAMC, Shelters of Saratoga Executive Director Dwayne Vaughn says he’s encouraged by the support Safford’s office has shown so far.
“All of us at SOS have full faith that he is really gong to make a difference for us, and we’re excited to work with this administration and with the other agencies that are at the table,” said Vaughn.
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https://www.wamc.org/news/2024-01-31/saratoga-springs-officials-renew-their-committments-to-address-homelessness
| 2024-01-31T23:32:21Z
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6 activists convicted of illegally blocking abortion clinic in Tennessee
Jan 31, 2024, 12:45 PM
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee jury has convicted six anti-abortion protesters of violating federal laws after they blocked the entrance of a reproductive clinic outside Nashville nearly three years ago.
The jury’s decision, handed down late Tuesday after a weeklong trial, marks the latest development in a case that has been closely watched by conservative groups, who have accused the federal government of unfairly targeting abortion opponents by using 1994 federal law designed to protect abortion clinics from obstruction and threats. Reproductive rights supporters counter the law, known as Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or the FACE Act, is more critical than ever in shielding abortion providers from violence now that the constitutional right to abortion has been revoked.
At issue is a 2021 “blockade” held outside a reproductive health clinic in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, a town 17 miles (27.36 kilometers) east of Nashville, nearly a year before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The event was organized by anti-abortion supporters who used social media to promote and live-stream actions that they hoped would prevent the clinic from performing abortions, according to court documents.
At the time, abortion was still legal in Tennessee. It is now currently banned at all stages of pregnancy under a law that has very narrow exemptions.
Prosecutors say participants stationed themselves throughout the office building where carafem health clinic was located and, later, several began recording themselves “leading a rescue,” a term commonly known among anti-abortion activists as dissuading women from obtaining an abortion. Prosecutors added that videos from that day showed people blocking the clinic’s entrances and others attempting to engage with police as a delay tactic. Around 20 people attended the blockade.
While a federal grand jury initially indicted 11 people who participated in the blockade last year, six were convicted on Tuesday. Those are Chester Gallagher, Paul Vaughn, Heather Idoni, Calvin Zastrow, Coleman Boyd, and Dennis Green. They face up 10 1/2 years of prison time and fines of up to $260,000. Sentencing hearings will take place July 2.
“These defendants knowingly chose to violate laws they disagreed with,” said U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis in a statement. “The jury’s verdict today is a victory for the rule of law in this country and a reminder that we cannot pick and choose which laws we follow.”
Attorneys representing the defendants say they plan on appealing the convictions. The legal team has described the 2021 demonstration as a “peaceful life-affirming gathering” and has accused the federal justice department of prosecuting “pro-life activists” ever since the Supreme Court’s landmark 2022 abortion decision.
“This was a peaceful demonstration by entirely peaceable citizens — filled with prayer, hymn-singing, and worship — oriented toward persuading expecting mothers not to abort their babies,” said Steve Crampton, an attorney with the Thomas More Society.
Before Roe was overturned, the Justice Department oversaw just a handful of FACE Act violation cases. In 2021, just three cases involving three defendants were charged, and in 2020, the agency handled just one case.
By 2022, that number jumped to 11 cases involving 29 defendants. And last year, there were 10 cases and 22 defendants.
Advocates like the National Abortion Federation say the uptick in cases reflects the rise in harassment and violence abortion clinics have faced since state abortion bans have been allowed to go into effect.
In a 2022 report, the organization said abortion providers across the U.S. saw noticeable spikes in the number of death threats, stalkings, burglaries and arsons compared with the year prior.
Yet a growing number of conservative groups and Republican lawmakers have responded to these numbers by saying law enforcement has downplayed similar threats and violence against Catholic churches and so-called “crisis pregnancy centers,” which counsel against abortions.
Some have called on the Justice Department to apply the 1994 federal law more equitably and use it to investigate those who target crisis pregnancy centers. Meanwhile, a handful of Republican congressional members have introduced legislation that would repeal the protections altogether.
President Bill Clinton signed the FACE Act into law in 1994 following a string of high-profile attacks against abortion clinics, which included Dr. David Gunn being shot and killed outside an abortion clinic in Pensacola, Florida in 1993 — marking the first abortion provider killed in the U.S.
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https://ktar.com/story/5560061/6-activists-convicted-of-illegally-blocking-abortion-clinic-in-tennessee/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:22Z
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Challengers of NC law want court to force former Trump lawyer to comply with subpoena
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Plaintiffs in a North Carolina election lawsuit have asked a federal court to compel Cleta Mitchell, a lawyer who advised former President Donald Trump, to respond to their subpoena.
The motion, filed in court on Wednesday, alleges that Mitchell influenced the creation of Senate Bill 747, a wide-ranging piece of election legislation that’s at the center of several federal lawsuits.
The plaintiffs have made six attempts to serve Mitchell a subpoena in person, all of which have failed, according to the filing. Attempts to serve the North Carolina Election Integrity Team, with which Mitchell is associated, have also been unsuccessful.
“Plaintiffs have reason to believe that both Mitchell and NCEIT are actively evading service and require the court’s intervention,” the filing said.
Mitchell, who has ties to North Carolina, was on the infamous phone call in which Trump asked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find him the votes he needed to win.
A grand jury in Georgia recommended charges against Mitchell for her involvement in attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, but she was not charged.
Top GOP lawmakers met with Mitchell before filing Senate Bill 747, sparking criticism from Democrats.
“And here they go with advice from election deniers and fraud perpetrators,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in a tweet last year. “Don’t be fooled. This isn’t about protecting elections. It’s about rigging them to help Republicans.”
Republican leaders said Mitchell did not have any role in drafting the bill.
“Ms. Mitchell or anyone else has not written the bill, has not markedly — or to any appreciable extent that I know of — changed what the members were intending to do,” Senate leader Phil Berger told reporters in June.
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https://news.yahoo.com/challengers-nc-law-want-court-230719276.html
| 2024-01-31T23:32:22Z
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At its Jan. 30 meeting, Hays County Commissioners Court adopted a proclamation recognizing February 2024 as Spay/Neuter Awareness month and honored employees of Hays County by presenting recognition for years of service.
According to the proclamation, the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter impounded 3,053 dogs and cats in 2023, and 36% of those animals were from Hays County.
“Hays County Commissioners Court, in support of the no-kill initiative, endorses responsible pet ownership, and encourages the community to “fix” their pets to curb the number of pets which may become homeless, stray or enter the regional animal shelter,” the proclamation said.
One of the primary groups receiving attention for Spay/Neuter Awareness month is Pet Prevent a Litter of Central Texas (PALS). PALS is best known for community education and offering spay/neuter practices for those in need.
“If we fix the animals, we save taxpayers’ dollars and we save lives,” County Judge’s Animal Advocate Advisor Sharri Boyett said.
Spaying, neutering and microchipping are integral aspects of the no-kill equation that PALS and the county are working towards.
Additionally, the court provided several awards honoring service years with Hays County.
Some of the groups included in the awards were court members, county workers and those in the sheriff department. The awards were given in sequences beginning with one year of service, then 10, 15 and 25 years of service.
“If you are cashing a check with this logo on it, you are our co-worker, there are no differences in that space,” Judge Ruben Becerra said.
The Hays County Commissioners Court meets on select Tuesdays at 9 a.m. each month. For more information visit its website.
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https://universitystar.com/24973/news/commissioners-court-proclaims-spay-neuter-awareness-month-presents-employee-service-awards/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:22Z
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Subscribe to The College Football Enquirer
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Dan Wetzel, Ross Dellenger & SI’s Pat Forde devote today’s episode to Tennessee’s lawsuit against the NCAA after reports that the University of Tennessee is under investigation for NIL violations. The school has received help from both the Tennessee and Virginia attorneys general in a lawsuit against the NCAA in attempts to get a court’s ruling to absolve them. The guys dive into whether or not Tennessee committed any violations, as well as if the NCAA can retroactively enforce any punishments.
The podcast then debates about whether or not the current college athletics structure should involve guardrails and, if found guilty, whether or not the NCAA could invoke the death penalty on the Volunteers.
Later in the show, with March Madness nearing, the podcast takes a look at this weekend’s packed college hoops action.
To close out the episode, The People's Court opens up a case on a gassy airplane passenger.
1:00 - Tennessee is suing the NCAA over NIL violations
48:40 - College basketball is heating up with a big weekend
54:08 - The People’s Court: Airplane flatulence
[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Baseball league for the 2024 MLB season]
Follow Dan @DanWetzel
Follow Pat @ByPatForde
Follow Ross @RossDellenger
🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube
Check out all the episodes of the College Football Enquirer and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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https://www.whio.com/news/national/tennessee-v-ncaa/KYY2QBEEW7C7QNZDZWY3YRWDJI/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:23Z
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Queen Camilla stepped up to her new role within the Royal Family with ease, according to a body language expert.
Expert Darren Stinton analysed the 76-year-old during an appearance at Windsor Castle, and concluded that she's in her element in front of a crowd. Mr Stinton pointed out several traits that indicate Camilla is more than comfortable taking on Queen Elizabeth II's mantle.
In addition, he claims that the late monarch's daughter-in-law shares many similarities with her, which she regularly exudes in public. And while it remains a mystery whether Camilla has spent time trying to model herself after the former Queen or the parallels have come as a matter of the law of proximity, her posture and mannerisms are uncanny.
Representing Betfair Slots, Mr Stinton said: “It’s amazing how similar Camilla is to the late Queen Elizabeth, in terms of the way she navigates around the room and speaks to people. First of all, with her posture, she’s very symmetrical and very grounded in the way that she stands. I’ve looked at comparisons between her and the Queen at a similar age, and their postures are so similar. Not that Camilla has modelled herself on the Queen, but the similarities are definitely there." Mr Stinton also noticed Camilla is exhibiting an innate skill of using the correct body language to develop a connection with whomever she's speaking to at events.
The expert said: “I’ve also noticed that when Camilla speaks to people, she bends down and lowers to their level. This is a gesture that’s often used when a person is going out their way to acknowledge someone else. Despite her position, Camilla isn’t averse to making this gesture as it creates greater rapport and a connection with the people with whom she’s speaking.
"Camilla’s eye contact is always fixed; it’s like she carries her own forcefield around her. With Camilla, she has gravitated towards the role of Queen so effortlessly. Queen Elizabeth is somebody that she had a deal of admiration and fondness towards, and it’s clear Camilla sees her as a real role model.”
Queen Camilla is currently spending some quality time with her husband. King Charles spent three nights in the London Clinic at Marylebone with an enlarged prostate, but has since returned home following a successful surgery. During his stay, he was visited by his adoring wife and son — Prince William.
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https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/royals/camilla-gravitated-towards-role-queen-32015296
| 2024-01-31T23:32:24Z
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Political parties and their candidates in Akwa Ibom State contesting Saturday, February 3 rerun elections for Ikono/Ini House of Representatives and Ibịono Ibom State Assembly seats have signed a peace accord.
The peace pact was signed at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) State Headquarters, Uyo by Glory Edet of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Effiong Ekpenyong of Accord Party(AP) for the House of Reps seat.
Others were Mr Ezekiel Ekerete of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Alphonsus Okon (Esq) of the Labour Party and Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).
For the Ibịono Ibom State Assembly seats, Moses Easien of the YPP and Godwin Ekpo of the PDP, major contenders were among those who signed the peace pact.
Addressing the Stakeholders, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC Akwa Ibom State, Isah Ehimeakhe, said”The Commission expect all political parties and candidates involved in this election to affirm, respect and be committed to peaceful elections.
“I am optimistic that the outcome of this Peace Accord will produce positive results for the election. Without peace, the safety of personnel, security of materials and above all, the credibility of the election will be undermined.
“On our part, the Commission is committed to the conduct of this election and has put everything in place for a successful outcome. Both sensitive and non-sensitive materials are in the correct proportion.
“Personnel for the election have been well trained to carry out their respective functions. The use of BVAS is a must in this election. I assure all Candidates that all result sheets will be endorsed by me.
“In addition, the vote of all eligible voters in the affected Polling Units in Ikono, Ini and lbiono lbom LGAs will count. Since this is the third time, the Commission will be conducting an election in lkono/Ini Federal Constituency and the second time in lbiono Ibom State Constituency.
“I firmly solicit that Candidates and Political Parties involved in the Re-run election do everything within their power to ensure that we have a peaceful election. Note that Nigerians are watching us, the world is watching us and we must never disappoint them”
On their part, the Security agencies in the state assured that they were ready to ensure that the rerun was conducted under peace and harmony by providing the enabling environment for voters to go and cast their votes according to the rules of the game throughout the exercise.
They warned that they would not tolerate any act by miscreants to sabotage the electoral process, adding anybody arrested would be dealt with according to the law.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, the State Chairman of PDP, Elder Aniekan Akpan appealed to the electorates involved in the Saturday Re-run to be peaceful, stressing, “We don’t want any infraction because of the run-off election”
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https://newtelegraphng.com/rerun-elections-candidates-sign-peace-pact-in-aibom/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:24Z
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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.wwno.org/npr-news/2024-01-31/u-s-students-are-starting-to-catch-up-in-school-unless-theyre-from-a-poor-area
| 2024-01-31T23:32:25Z
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Science Technology and Environment A look from Maui six months after devastating wildfires By Debbie Elliott Published January 31, 2024 at 4:39 PM CST Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 5:06 As we approach the six-month anniversary of the Maui fires, we look at the biggest issues that people on the island are still facing. Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.kgou.org/science-technology-and-environment/2024-01-31/a-look-from-maui-six-months-after-devastating-wildfires
| 2024-01-31T23:32:25Z
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Ange Postecoglou was pleased Tottenham regained their composure to storm back to earn a crucial 3-2 home win over Brentford but told both sets of players to enter the UFC ring if they want to focus on grappling over goals.
Spurs were sluggish in the first half and trailed to Neal Maupay’s 15th-minute opener, which saw him mock James Maddison’s darts celebration and appeared to be the catalyst for a fiery contest between the London rivals.
Whatever Postecoglou said at half-time did the trick though with Tottenham scoring twice in 72 seconds through Destiny Udogie and substitute Brennan Johnson before Richarlison made it three goals in eight second-half minutes when he steered home with 56 minutes on the clock.
Ivan Toney set up a grandstand finish when he pounced on Udogie’s error to score in front of England boss Gareth Southgate, but Spurs held on to leapfrog Aston Villa and reclaim fourth spot following a chaotic encounter.
Asked if Maupay’s darts celebration had fired up his team, Postecoglou replied: “I hope not because that’s exactly what I’m talking about.
“I’m not a fan of it. I don’t like the whole bravado, pushing people around. If you’re that brave about things, my players and their players, get into a UFC cage and I’ll see how brave they are.
“We’re out there to play football and that’s what I want our guys to do, focus on playing football and they shouldn’t get motivated by things that aren’t really that important to us.
“Like I said, we got sucked in first half. Second half was better.
“I think we started the game well, started with good intensity and good tempo, obviously they score and then we lost our way.
“We lost focus. I was a bit frustrated with our inability to stay disciplined, just too many stops and starts, it kind of plays into their hands, lots of set pieces and throw ins.
“We spent more time talking to the referee than playing the game. I was a bit frustrated we lost our real clear focus.
“Second half, I think for 25-30 minutes we were outstanding, scored three great goals and probably should have had a couple more.”
Spurs started on the front foot but were rocked when Udogie gave away possession to Christian Norgaard, who sent Toney away and while Guglielmo Vicario denied him, Maupay was on hand to bundle home and score for a fourth consecutive match.
Tottenham got sucked into Brentford’s game-plan after with the rest of the first 45 stop-start and containing plenty of melees, but a double substitution at the break inspired the hosts’ comeback with Johnson and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg introduced.
Udogie slotted home after a slick one-two with Werner, who then set up Johnson at the back post in the 49th-minute.
When Richarlison fired in for his seventh league goal in as many matches, after Maddison’s shot had been blocked, Spurs were on track for three points but another poor Udogie pass allowed Toney to tee up a dramatic finale in N17.
Maddison was forced off late on with cramp, but Postecoglou’s side survived seven minutes of stoppage-time to return to the top four.
Opposite number Thomas Frank stoked the fire further after full time when he questioned why Tottenham had allowed Maupay’s darts celebration to irritate them.
“If that’s what’s irritating them, then they have a problem,” Frank said.
“Is that fair enough? If they are talking about darts celebrations winding them up, then I think they have an issue, personally.”
On Postecoglou’s UFC suggestion, Frank added: “Yeah, I agree. Just in general concentrate on playing football.”
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https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/news/world/6359668/get-into-a-ufc-cage-postecoglou-tells-spurs-to-focus-on-football-not-fighting/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:25Z
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WASHINGTON — (AP) — U.S. officials said Wednesday they disrupted a state-backed Chinese effort to plant malware that could be used to damage civilian infrastructure, as the head of the FBI warned that Beijing is positioning itself to disrupt the daily lives of Americans if the United States and China ever go to war.
The operation, announced just before FBI Director Chris Wray addressed House lawmakers, disrupted a botnet of hundreds of U.S.-based small office and home routers owned by private citizens and companies that had been hijacked by the Chinese hackers to cover their tracks as they sowed the malware. Their ultimate targets included water treatment plants, the electrical grid and transportation systems across the United States.
Speaking before the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Wray said there's been far too little public focus on a cyber threat that affects “every American.”
“China’s hackers are positioning on American infrastructure in preparation to wreak havoc and cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities, if or when China decides the time has come to strike,” Wray said.
Jen Easterly, the director of the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, voiced a similar sentiment at the hearing.
“This is a world where a major crisis halfway across the planet could well endanger the lives of Americans here at home through the disruption of our pipelines, the severing of our telecommunications, the pollution of our water facilities, the crippling of our transportation modes — all to ensure that they can incite societal panic and chaos and to deter our ability" to marshal a sufficient response, she said.
The comments align with assessments from outside cybersecurity firms including Microsoft, which said in May that state-backed Chinese hackers had been targeting U.S. critical infrastructure and could be laying the technical groundwork for the potential disruption of critical communications between the U.S. and Asia during future crises.
At least a portion of that operation, attributed to a group of hackers known as Volt Typhoon, has now been disrupted after FBI and Justice Department officials obtained search-and-seizure orders in Houston federal court in December. U.S. officials did not characterize the disruption’s impact, and court documents unsealed Wednesday say the disrupted botnet was just “one form of infrastructure used by Volt Typhoon to obfuscate their activity.” The hackers have infiltrated targets through multiple avenues, including cloud and internet providers, disguising themselves as normal traffic.
The U.S. has in the past few years become more aggressive in trying to disrupt and dismantle both criminal and state-backed cyber operations, with Wray warning Wednesday that Beijing-backed hackers aim to pilfer business secrets to advance the Chinese economy and steal personal information for foreign influence campaigns.
“They are doing all those things. They all feed up ultimately into their goal to supplant the U.S. as the world’s greatest superpower," he said.
Complicating the threat is that state-backed hackers, especially Chinese and Russian, are good at adapting and finding new intrusion methods and avenues.
U.S. officials have long been concerned about such hackers hiding in U.S.-based infrastructure, and the end-of-life Cisco and NetGear routers exploited by Volt Typhoon were easy prey because they were no longer supported by their manufacturers with security updates. Because of the urgency, law enforcement officials said, U.S. cyber operators deleted the malware in those routers without notifying their owners directly — and added code to prevent re-infection.
A Justice Department official who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the government said officials were determined to disrupt the Volt Typhoon operation as soon as possible because the hackers were using the botnet as a stepping stone to hide in U.S. internet traffic while burrowing into the networks of critical infrastructure, ready to maliciously exploit that access at a time of their choosing.
“The truth is that Chinese cyber actors have taken advantage of very basic flaws in our technology,” Easterly said. “We’ve made it easy on them.”
Cybersecurity veteran Amit Yoran, the CEO of Tenable, called Wray’s warning “an urgent call to action. Continuing to turn a blind eye to the risk sitting inside our critical infrastructure is the definition of negligence.”
Cybersecurity experts say major software providers too often sacrifice security for convenience, and that's biting back.
On the eve of a June visit to China by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, state-backed Chinese hackers foiled Microsoft cloud-based security in hacking the email of officials at multiple U.S. agencies that deal with China.
On Wednesday, U.S. officials said allies were also affected by Volt Typhoon's critical infrastructure hacking but, asked by reporters, would not discuss any countermeasures they might be taking.
China has repeatedly denounced the U.S. government's hacking allegations as baseless. Beijing has accused the U.S. of “almost daily” and “huge amounts of intrusions against Chinese government, with Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, saying last year that “China is the biggest victim of cyber attacks.”
But Gen. Paul Nakasone, the outgoing commander of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, said “responsible cyber actors” do not target civilian infrastructure.
“There's no reason for them to be in our water,” Nakasone said. “There's no reason for them to be in our power.”
On Tuesday, testifying before the same committee, Leon Panetta, who served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the defense secretary in the Obama administration, said he believed that the Chinese agents had “planted malware within our own computer networks” and warned that the Chinese government would use artificial intelligence to spread disinformation.
The committee, chaired by Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, was established last year with a mandate of countering China, kicking off with a prime-time hearing. The Chinese government has lashed out at the committee, demanding that its members "discard their ideological bias and zero-sum Cold War mentality."
____
Bajak reported from Boston.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.wftv.com/news/technology/us-says-it-disrupted/6K344IMNCSDJ5RGCGWDJKX6NPM/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:25Z
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ChatGPT leaks personal data — how to lock down your account
From unpublished research papers to account passwords, ChatGPT can leak your personal data from chat histories
A reader of ArsTechnica was receiving the personal data of other users, including account passwords and unpublished research papers. According to the latest report from Ars Technica, the cause of those ChatGPT histories were caused by a compromised account.
A representative from OpenAI told ArsTechnica, "we consider it an account take over in that it’s consistent with activity we see where someone is contributing to a ‘pool’ of identities that an external community or proxy server uses to distribute free access. The investigation observed that conversations were created recently from Sri Lanka. These conversations are in the same time frame as successful logins from Sri Lanka.”
If your OpenAI account is hacked, any personal data shared in your chat histories can be mined by hackers. This makes perfect sense, but the idea that you could access information from other compromised accounts is out of the ordinary when it comes to security threats.
How to protect your OpenAI account
As OpenAI does not provide multi-factor authentification, you need to make sure you use a strong password to keep your ChatGPT history protected.
Like with any online account, you want to follow the basic password security steps for your OpenAI account like you would with any other online account.
- at least 12-16 characters in length
- use a combination of upper and lower case, numbers, and symbols
- unique - not shared with any other accounts
- use a passphrase that is easy to remember but hard to guess
- change your password frequently
Of course, most people don't want to memorize a lengthy passphrase using a combination of letters, numbers, symbols, and cases. Not to mention a new passphrase for every account.
Which is why password managers exist. If you don't use the built-in password manager for your phone, laptop, or browser – take a look at our Best password managers page for help finding the best possible solution for your needs.
If you suspect any account may be compromised, be sure to change your password immediately to a long, unique passphrase.
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A former lab gremlin for Tom's Guide, Laptop Mag, Tom's Hardware, and Tech Radar; Madeline has escaped the labs to join Laptop Mag as a Staff Writer. With over a decade of experience writing about tech and gaming, she may actually know a thing or two. Sometimes. When she isn't writing about the latest laptops and AI software, Madeline likes to throw herself into the ocean as a PADI scuba diving instructor and underwater photography enthusiast.
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https://www.laptopmag.com/software/antivirus-cyber-security/chatgpt-is-the-latest-threat-to-your-cyber-security
| 2024-01-31T23:32:27Z
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Kojima will be working on a new Action Espionage game after Death Stranding 2
Announced at the State of Play, Kojima will be going back to his roots soon.
Kojima and Sony has announced that the legendary video game creator will be working on a new Action Espionage game once Death Stranding 2 is released. This would mark the first venture by the figure since his departure from Konami and the Metal Gear series, as well as the founding of Kojima Productions.
Details shared a scarce, except that it'll be a collaboration with Sony and that it will be "a game and a movie at the same time" according to Kojima. He elaborates that be this, he means it'll be like a movie "in terms of look, story, theme, cast, acting, fashion, and sound".
"Sony does not only games, but music and movies. It will definitely be a strong collaboration" stated Kojima at the State of Play. "Two years from now, I will celebrate the 40th anniversary of my game production career. I am confident this title will be the culmination of my work."
There's no word on a release date, or any glimpse of when we can expect further news of this project as of yet. With Kojima Productions working on Death Stranding 2, as well as OD, it seems we'll have a while to wait before Metal Gear fans can experience a new taste of Kojima-style stealth action.
What are your thoughts on this announcement? Let us know below!
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https://www.vg247.com/kojima-will-be-working-on-a-new-action-espionage-game-after-death-stranding-2
| 2024-01-31T23:32:27Z
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Vermont Governor Phil Scott was in Winooski this morning to celebrate the pending closure of the city’s 20-year TIF district.
TIF, or Tax Increment Financing, districts allow municipalities to incur debt to finance infrastructure and redevelopment. Winooski created its district in 2000 and received state designation in 2003. The Winooski Downtown Redevelopment Project centered around the Champlain Mill, a former textile mill next to the Winooski River that had been renovated as a shopping mall but by the early 2000’s was largely empty.
The $175 million TIF district plan created new multi-story mixed-use buildings, a parking structure, refurbished older buildings, redesigned traffic patterns and installed new infrastructure.
Governor Scott says Winooski’s success with the TIF program is also a success for the state.
“Vermont’s TIF program helps communities spark development and infrastructure investments for the kind of results you see around us today," says Scott. "By financing improvements to public infrastructure which then helps attract private investment and development, TIFs have been critical to helping cities like Winooski and St. Albans grow and attract the workers, families and businesses we need throughout this state. These investments are very effective and give a great return like growing the grand list and increase the amount of revenue that goes to the Education Fund without raising taxes.”
The governor and officials spoke in Rotary Park in the center of a large and busy roundabout that 20 years ago was a parking lot anchoring the downtown.
Winooski Mayor Kristine Lott says the TIF improvements led to a rebirth of the downtown.
“The downtown redevelopment set the stage for our continued growth and success, including a new hotel that’s underway and a Main Street revitalization project that we’re kicking off this year," Lott says. "The new tax revenue generated has increased our municipal budget significantly allowing us to increase community services and infrastructure upgrades, continuing to build our vision of a multimodal city where you can live work and play all in this one square mile.”
Department of Economic Development Commissioner Joan Goldstein reported that the city has seen significant increases in sales, use, meals and alcohol tax collections from about $11.5 million in 2004 to about $40.5 million currently.
“Today we are honoring Winooski but there are many other examples: St. Albans and South Burlington and Hartford and Killington are right now developing and using the TIF to facilitate smart growth," reports Goldstein. "And we are so impressed by the utility of TIF that we’ve created a new TIF-like structure that we are presenting at the Legislature as we speak. It’s called Disaster Resiliency Investment Area and this TIF-like structure could help communities recover from the disaster.”
Winooski is scheduled to make its final TIF debt payment in May and officially close the TIF district in June.
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https://www.wamc.org/news/2024-01-31/vermont-governor-joins-winooski-officials-to-celebrate-successful-tif-projects
| 2024-01-31T23:32:28Z
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The Guardians did make some minor moves yesterday, but it wasn’t the biggest baseball news of the day:
• The Orioles were reportedly sold for $1.75B. These teams that “can’t afford to sign players” sure are worth a lot of money.
• Justin Turner is headed to the Blue Jays, for one year at $13M
• the Guards signed Anthony Banda and Dom Nuñez to minor league deals
• The Royals signed Adam Frazier and traded Samad Taylor to Seattle.
• Greg Allen is MILB Yankee again. That’s too bad.
• The Cubs signed Richard Lovelady to a MILB deal. We mention this only because his name is Richard Lovelady.
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https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2024/1/31/24056293/n-n-justin-turner-anthony-banda-and-the-orioles-change-hands
| 2024-01-31T23:32:27Z
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SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Law enforcement agencies across the country are facing major challenges in hiring. The Sampson County Sheriff's office said it has been having its own hiring challenges, as over 40 percent of its workers have left dating back to 2021.
"We've struggled to say the least, and 60, 70 employees out of 154 is a lot in two years," said Sheriff Jimmy Thornton.
He said the office is still recovering from the mass exodus. Thornton said the biggest issue was pay, so his office and the Sampson County commissioners boosted detention and patrol officers' starting salaries by $8,000 and $10,000 respectively.
"Pay of course factors into retention," Thornton said. "It certainly factors into recruitment."
However, there are still 12 vacancies across the organization. ABC11 asked Thornton if potential changing public attitudes towards law enforcement after 2020's racial reckoning has hurt his office's hiring efforts.
ALSO SEE: College credit program between WCPSS, St. Augustine's uncertain
"Not really. I don't think that factors in," Thornton said. "Now it may factor into those that are looking into the BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training) programs."
He noted that it may be an issue for those considering going into patrol. But overall, the sheriff pointed to concerns over compensation, and the risks of being in law enforcement may scare off some job seekers.
"It's not a glamorous job because you're dealing with individuals that are in custody...It's not unusual for officers to be assaulted," Thornton said.
Due to the vacancies, off-duty officers have been called to fill in with overtime, at least on one occasion, the department had only a third of the deputies it needed to preside over inmates.
"I had to do it because we had over 250 inmates in the jail," Thornton said. "Those inmates back there, it's not a matter of locking them up and throwing the key away. We've got to maintain their safety, too."
The sheriff's office says it hopes to fill its vacancies as soon as possible.
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https://abc11.com/sampson-county-sheriffs-office-careers-jobs/14376053/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:27Z
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WASHINGTON — (AP) — President Joe Biden will visit the eastern Ohio community that was devastated by a fiery train derailment almost one year ago, accepting an invitation from the East Palestine mayor to see firsthand how the cleanup of spilled toxic chemicals and the recovery are coming along.
Mayor Trent Conaway, a conservative who does not support Biden, said Wednesday he extended the invitation to the Democratic president because he thinks the visit will be good for his community.
“I'm as red as they come. I'm as conservative as they come. Sometimes I have to do what's best for the people so, yes, that's why I invited him,” Conaway said in an interview with The Associated Press.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier Wednesday that Biden would visit sometime in February. She said the White House and local officials were still hashing out timing for Biden's long-awaited trip.
The Feb. 3, 2023, derailment forced thousands of people from their homes near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Area residents still have lingering fears about potential health effects from the toxic chemicals that spilled in the crash and from the vinyl chloride that was released a few days after the crash to keep five tank cars from exploding.
The absence of a visit by Biden, who is campaigning for reelection in November, had become a subject of persistent questioning at the White House, as well as among residents in East Palestine. Some residents have said they felt forgotten as time marched by and as they watched Biden fly to the scenes of other disasters, such as the wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui and hurricanes in Florida.
East Palestine resident Joe Bethuy, a 36-year-old steelworker and a Republican, said he was disappointed in the Biden administration’s handling of the derailment and the president's delay in visiting, adding that all he had to do “was show up just for an hour or something.”
Bethuy and friend Jeremy Smith, who moved to East Palestine after the derailment, spoke to an Associated Press reporter inside Sprinklz on Top, a downtown diner.
“I don’t know what the point is really," Smith said of Biden's visit. “It’s kind of a year late.”
Several weeks after the derailment, former President Donald Trump visited East Palestine and criticized the federal response under Biden as a "betrayal." He also donated cleaning supplies and Trump-branded bottled water. Trump currently is the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Trump criticized Biden for planning to visit “a year late, and only to develop some political credibility because EVERYTHING else he has done has been such a DISASTER. I know those great people, I was there when it counted, and his reception won’t be a warm one."
The Biden administration defended its response right after the toxic freight train derailment, even as local leaders and members of Congress demanded that more be done. The White House said then that it had "mobilized a robust, multi-agency effort to support the people of East Palestine, Ohio," and it noted that officials from the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Transportation Safety Board and other agencies were at the rural site within hours even though Biden didn't immediately visit.
Asked at the end of last week about a potential Biden visit to Ohio, Jean-Pierre said he would visit “when it is appropriate or helps ... the community for him to be there.”
“It doesn’t matter if it’s in a rural area, urban area, suburban area, red state, blue state, the president has always been there to ... assist and be there for the community,” Jean-Pierre added. “So, when it is helpful, he certainly will do that.”
Though the administration has defended its response, Biden has not declared a federal disaster in East Palestine, which remains a sticking point for residents. Such a declaration would unlock additional federal funding and assistance that people could apply for to help rebuild their lives.
But state and federal officials say a federal disaster declaration has not been issued because they are designed to help cover unmet needs no one is paying for after a disaster. In this case, there are not as many unmet needs in the government's eyes because Norfolk Southern is paying the bills and compensating residents for the damage to their homes and businesses.
Biden ordered federal agencies to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for the derailment and appointed an official from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to oversee East Palestine's recovery.
Norfolk Southern has estimated that it will cost the company more than $1.1 billion to remove all the hazardous chemicals, help the community and deal with lawsuits and related penalties. Insurance will likely cover much of that, but the total is expected to grow.
Reforms have been proposed in Congress but the bill calling for federal standards for trackside detectors that help spot mechanical problems, additional inspections by qualified workers and at least two people on every freight train crew has stalled. The railroads have lobbied against several of the provisions they believe aren't related to this crash, and many Republicans pushed to wait until after the final National Transportation Safety Board report on the derailment later this year.
“In the past, there have been times when Congress stood up against the railroad lobby and stepped up on railroad safety. They should do that now,'' Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a call with reporters Wednesday.
___
Associated Press writers Josh Funk in Omaha, Neb., Patrick Orsagos in East Palestine, Ohio, and Matthew Daly in Washitngton contributed to this report.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.boston25news.com/news/politics/biden-accepts-mayors/JWZLC6FVDJDIL5YDY55GCZLE34/
| 2024-01-31T23:32:27Z
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