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HARRISON, Wis. (WFRV) – Authorities in Calumet County are advising residents to be careful of who is allowed access to computers and mobile devices after residents lost around $78,000.
The Calumet County Sheriff’s Office says it has received multiple fraud complaints from residents in the Village of Harrison. The fraud loss resulted in an estimated $78,000.
Officials say that the victims got phone calls telling them to download software on the computer or mobile device. This software reportedly allowed the suspects to get access to the victim’s banking and investment accounts that were set up on the device.
The suspects then allegedly exchanged any funds from the accounts on the device for cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency can be hard to track, which means the funds are not likely to be recovered.
Authorities provided some tips to prevent incidents like this from happening:
- Never allow a third party to access your computer or mobile device
- A legitimate business or organization will never ask for any payment o be made in gift cards
- Best thing to do is hang up the phone if someone is trying to access the computer or mobile device or demanding payment in gift cards.
There was no information on how many victims were a result of this particular scam. No additional details were provided.
Local 5 will update this story if more information is released. | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/cryptocurrency-part-of-fraud-that-cost-calumet-county-residents-78k/ | 2022-05-05T17:04:28Z | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/cryptocurrency-part-of-fraud-that-cost-calumet-county-residents-78k/ | true |
Brazil's government-owned oil sales to climb sharply, official says
Government-owned volumes, until now nearly irrelevant, are ramping up and will reach 1.127 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2031, according to Eduardo Gerk, head of Pre-Sal Petroleo SA (PPSA), the state-run company that oversees the country's production-sharing contracts.
Government-owned volumes, until now nearly irrelevant, are ramping up and will reach 1.127 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2031, according to Eduardo Gerk, head of Pre-Sal Petroleo SA (PPSA), the state-run company that oversees the country's production-sharing contracts.
"Our scale of magnitude has started to change," he said on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston.
PPSA was created in 2013 to manage Brazil's stake in the vast pre-salt oil discoveries found off its coast.
The state's share of the oil comes from fields run by Shell Plc, TotalEnergies SA as well as state-controlled oil producer Petrobras. They are newly delivering higher volumes under production sharing regulation the country inaugurated last decade.
PPSA has sold all of the 9.5 million barrels it expects to receive from commitments this year, in 19 shipments delivered to Petrobras. And as new wells go on stream, annual volumes should jump to 411 million barrels of oil in 2031, Gerk said.
Petrobras thus far has bought all of PPSA's allotted oil through competitive auctions in two-to-three year contracts, outbidding Shell, Total, Portugal's Galp and Chinese producers.
Future auctions will likely be held through Brazil's stock exchange operator B3, Gerk said, that will handle government-owned production that should average 95,000 bpd in 2024, he said.
However, hiring a trading firm to market the oil also is a possibility, Gerk said.
"We will have to review market conditions then," he said.
The next big slug of Brazil's oil to be sold will come in mid-2024, when Petrobras contracts from its massive Buzios and Mero fields start to expire, Gerk said. Future production from Sepia, Atapu, Itapu and Bacalhau fields also is yet to be marketed, he said.
Brazil produces about 3 million bpd of crude today, with the government stake responding for less than 1% of the total. The government stake is projected to rise to about 20% of the country's total production in 2031, when total country production is estimated at more than 5 million barrels per day of crude, Gerk said.
The government's oil volumes include a stake of the Mero deepwater field, where consortia among Brazil's Petrobras, Shell and China's CNOOC and CNPC on Monday started production. The group's platform is designed to pump up to 180,000 bpd of crude. Also Read:
About a quarter of U.S. oil and gas output comes from federal lands and waters. More than 1,800 platforms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, the country's primary offshore source of oil and gas, provided 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude production in 2021 mostly from deepwater fields, official data showed. | https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/oil-and-lubes/brazils-government-owned-oil-sales-to-climb-sharply-official-says/91351136 | 2022-05-05T17:06:16Z | https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/oil-and-lubes/brazils-government-owned-oil-sales-to-climb-sharply-official-says/91351136 | true |
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Chipmaker MaxLinear to buy Taiwan's Silicon Motion for about $4 bln
The combination will allow the merged entity to expand into enterprise, consumer and many other growth markets with more than $2 billion in combined revenue annually and total available market opportunity of $15 billion, the companies said.
ChipmakerMaxLinear Inc said on Thursday it will buy Taiwan-based Silicon Motion Technology Corp for nearly $4 billion in a cash-and-stock deal, creating one of the largest fabless semiconductor suppliers in the world.
The combination will allow the merged entity to expand into enterprise, consumer and many other growth markets with more than $2 billion in combined revenue annually and total available market opportunity of $15 billion, the companies said.
U.S.-listed shares of Silicon Motion, which makes NAND flash controllers, rose 19.4% in early trade to a record high, while MaxLinear's stock fell about 17%.
According to media reports, Qualcomm Inc rival MediaTek Inc was also interested in buying Silicon Motion, which Bloomberg News https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-24/silicon-motion-is-said-to-explore-sale-amid-takeover-interest reported in April was working with advisors and holding talks with potential suitors amid takeover interest.
MaxLinear will pay $93.54 in cash and about 0.4 of its share for each Silicon Motion's American depositary shares (ADS), representing a total consideration of $114.34 per ADS.
The offer is at a 41% premium to Silicon Motion's Wednesday close of $81.2 and a 48% premium to its April 22 close, the last day of trading before news of a takeover interest was first reported.
MaxLinear will fund the deal with cash in hand and debt financing from Wells Fargo. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to operating margins, earnings and cash flow levels, the companies said.
The deal is likely to close in the first half of 2023, after which MaxLinear's shareholders will own about 86% of the combined company that will have an enterprise valuation of $8 billion.
BMO Capital Markets Corp acted as financial advisor to MaxLinear and Goldman Sachs (Asia) LLC to Silicon Motion on the deal.
In the month of April, long time market leader Hero Electric suffered a near 50% drop in sales enabling Bhavish Aggarwal's Ola Electric to surge ahead. With Hero grappling with chip shortage woes, a comeback may be difficult if not impossible while Ola is looking to build on the momentum.
The deal is likely to be announced by the end of May or early June, people aware of the matter said, asking not to be named. They also did not reveal any likely financial terms or how the Motherson Group will fund the deal. | https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/auto-components/chipmaker-maxlinear-to-buy-taiwans-silicon-motion-for-about-4-bln/91353193 | 2022-05-05T17:06:35Z | https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/auto-components/chipmaker-maxlinear-to-buy-taiwans-silicon-motion-for-about-4-bln/91353193 | false |
WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — The surprise prisoner exchange that led to Trevor Reed’s release from Russia last week has brought hope to the families of other captives. Those families rallied outside the White House on Wednesday, calling on the Biden administration to do more to bring their loved ones home.
“He’s recovering at Fort Sam Houston,” said Joey Reed, Trevor’s father.
Joey said it’s been one week since he welcomed his son back home to Texas after nearly three years in Russian custody.
“He wanted to be here today,” Joey said. “He’s extremely upset about Paul Whelan, a fellow marine being left behind.”
Joey joined Whelan’s sister, Elizabeth, and the families of over nine other American captives outside the White House.
“I call on the administration to meet with us all, to use every tool at their disposal and reunite our families,” said Elizabeth.
In 2018, Whelan was detained in Russia on charges of espionage. Elizabeth said her brother’s health is getting worse by the day.
“He is surviving life in a forced labor camp in the middle of nowhere in Russia,” Elizabeth said.
“Hardly getting proper food — often being put into solitary confinement,” she continued.
Elizabeth hopes Trevor’s release will bring attention to all the other Americans imprisoned overseas, including WNBA star Brittney Griner, who the U.S. now classifies as being “wrongfully detained ” by the Russian government.
“The Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Ambassador Carstens — he will go anywhere. He will talk to anyone if it means that we’re able to come home with an American,” said state department spokesperson Ned Price.
Price said Whelan and Griner’s cases remain a top priority. The U.S. is actively negotiating their safe return. | https://www.cenlanow.com/washington-dc/after-reed-release-families-of-other-prisoners-call-on-biden-administration-to-do-the-same-for-them/ | 2022-05-05T17:06:49Z | https://www.cenlanow.com/washington-dc/after-reed-release-families-of-other-prisoners-call-on-biden-administration-to-do-the-same-for-them/ | false |
“Breaking Bad” actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul stopped by Bar Louie’s Gateway location this week for a quick visit to showcase their Dos Hombres brand of Mezcal as part of several promotional appearances in the Central Florida area this week.
The duo spent just under an hour meeting fans, autographing Dos Hombres bottles and serving up free samples of their Method to the Madness Mule cocktail, which was created by Paul and Cranston and is made with Sauza Hacienda Silver, Dos Hombres Mezcal, guava, lime and Fever-Tree Ginger Beer.
As you might expect when a couple of celebrities come to a small local establishment, things got a little crazy inside the bar when Paul and Cranston entered the venue, with eager fans rushing the bar area and asking for selfies, autographs and more. The venue also quickly sold out of the Dos Hombres bottles that the pair were signing, which led to some disappointment, especially as many eager fans had been waiting hours outside to get inside the packed venue.
Cranston and Paul stayed mostly behind the bar, and which helped to keep crowds under control and lines moving, even though some fans were disappointed that they weren’t able to get their “Breaking Bad” items signed.
“First and foremost, I love Breaking Bad,” said Omar Elkalyoubie, an event planner at Give Kids the World Village, about why he stopped by the event. “Meeting [Cranston] is a big, big thing.”
Though Elkalyoubie wasn’t able to get his hands on one of the Dos Hombres bottles before they sold out, he said he was able to get Cranston to sign a copy of his autobiography, which Elkalyoubie brought to the event, despite the star mostly declining to sign other items that weren’t Dos Hombres bottles.
After about an hour, when all of the bottles were signed and the free drinks were drained, Cranston and Paul made a quick exit from the still-packed venue. Though the visit was fairly brief, as the pair left out the back door, Paul shouted at fans who had gathered around the car they were leaving in, “We love Orlando!”
Want to reach out? Email me at akondolojy@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun things, follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/tv/os-et-breaking-bad-bryan-cranston-aaron-paul-dos-hombres-orlando-20220505-3umdigf7mrdc3hu7wtw3qqycuy-story.html | 2022-05-05T17:07:03Z | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/tv/os-et-breaking-bad-bryan-cranston-aaron-paul-dos-hombres-orlando-20220505-3umdigf7mrdc3hu7wtw3qqycuy-story.html | true |
Wall Street slumps, erasing a big rally from a day earlier
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are slumping on Wall Street, erasing a rally from a day earlier, as markets assess the looming fallout from the Federal Reserve’s stepped-up fight against inflation.
On Wednesday, the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point as part of an effort to slow consumer borrowing and tamp down inflation, which is at a four-decade high. The market rallied when Fed Chair Jerome Powell dismissed the possibility the Fed could resort to a more aggressive three-quarters point hike in the future.
Now, traders are starting to fret more about the impact of the Fed’s moves to dampen demand and slow the economy.
“The Fed is between a rock and a hard place, and because of instant information investors are experiencing both fear and greed at the exact same moment,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA.
The S&P 500 fell 3.7% as of 11:55 a.m. The Dow Jones Industrial average stumbled 1,100 points, or 3.3%, to 32,945 and the Nasdaq lost 5%.
Bond yields resumed their upward march, which will send mortgage rates higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose sharply, to 3.09%, from 2.92% a day earlier.
The Fed’s aggressive shift to raise interest rates has investors worrying about whether it can pull off the delicate dance to slow the economy enough to halt high inflation but not so much as to cause a downturn. The pace and size of interest rate increases is being scrutinized closely on Wall Street.
“Investors realized that by the Fed continuing to take a very measured approach, it could actually allow inflation to remain out of control,” Stovall said.
The latest move by the Fed to raise interest rates by a half-percentage point had been widely expected. Markets steadied this week ahead of the policy update, but Wall Street was concerned the Fed might elect to raise rates by three-quarters of a percentage point in the months ahead. Powell eased those concerns, saying the central bank is “not actively considering” such an increase.
The central bank also announced that it will start reducing its huge $9 trillion balance sheet, which consists mainly of Treasury and mortgage bonds, starting June 1. Those large holdings are a policy tool the Fed uses to keep long-term interest rates, like those on mortgages, low.
The Bank of England on Thursday raised its benchmark interest rate to the highest level in 13 years, its fourth rate hike since December as U.K. inflation runs at 30-year highs.
Energy markets remain volatile as the conflict in Ukraine continues and demand remains high amid tight supplies of oil. European governments are trying to replace energy supplies from Russia and are considering an embargo. OPEC and allied oil-producing countries decided Thursday to gradually increase the flows of crude they send to the world.
Higher oil and gas prices have been contributing to the uncertainties weighing on investors as they try to assess how inflation will ultimately impact businesses, consumer activity and overall economic growth.
The latest corporate earnings reports are also being closely watched by investors trying to get a better picture of inflation’s impact on the economy. Cereal maker Kellogg rose 3.8% after reporting encouraging financial results. Etsy stumbled 17.2% after giving a weak forecast.
Twitter rose 3.6% after Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he had secured more backing for his bid to take over the company.
Technology companies had some of the biggest losses and weighed down the broader market, in a reversal from the solid gains they made a day earlier. Internet retail giant Amazon slumped 7% and Google’s parent company fell 5.1%.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.ktre.com/2022/05/05/wall-street-slumps-erasing-big-rally-day-earlier/ | 2022-05-05T17:07:24Z | https://www.ktre.com/2022/05/05/wall-street-slumps-erasing-big-rally-day-earlier/ | false |
Car insurance prices sink to lowest in seven years
Car insurance prices have, on average, sunk to the lowest since 2015, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) announced today.
Comprehensive prices, which are now at £416, dropped 5 per cent compared with 2021 levels following the Financial Conduct Authority’s decision to offer both new and returning customer the same tariff, and end “loyalty premiums.”
According to the ABI, the new policy means that new customers are now getting the short end of the stick, as the average premium paid was £105 higher than renewals.
New policies, on average, cost £480 – £34 higher than 2021 – while renewals are around £375 – down by £55.
“While it is going to be extremely challenging for these to be absorbed, insurers are doing all they can to keep prices as competitive as possible as millions of household cope with the cost-of-living crisis,” said ABI’s director of general insurance policy James Dalton.
“As the FCA has said, the impact of their reforms to pricing rules introduced on January 1 this year could lead to some consumers paying higher prices if they used to benefit from significant new business discounts.
“For some it could still pay to shop around for the policy that best meets their needs.”
The news follows data from last week which highlighted that car insurance premiums had risen for the first time in 18 months.
According to financial services company Confused, insuring a vehicle is £12 more expensive than it was a year ago, City A.M. reported. | https://www.cityam.com/car-insurance-prices-sink-to-lowest-in-seven-years/ | 2022-05-05T17:10:00Z | https://www.cityam.com/car-insurance-prices-sink-to-lowest-in-seven-years/ | false |
Emmerdale actor, Dominic Brunt, has shared he broke a social media rule that saw him placed in "Twitter prison".
The 52-year-old is best-known for playing Paddy Kirk in the ITV soap, but some fans may not know Dominic is also a director and producer. He is currently promoting a new feature film.
And it was possibly in trying to promote the film that he fell foul of Twitter guidelines.
READ MORE: Emmerdale's Paddy shares latest career away from ITV soap
Finally allowed to tweet again on Monday, the Paddy Kirk actor said: "Darlings!!!! I’m out of Twitter prison for following too many people too quickly. Last but one hassle here:- If you follow us @wolfmanorfilm we’ll follow you back. It’s a werewolf film!! What’s not to like???!! Thank you sincerely."
It's not known when Dominic saw his account temporarily suspended but his most recent tweet before Monday was on April 27.
Dominic first came to Emmerdale as Paddy in 1997 working as a locum for Zoe Tate. He has remained on the Yorkshire Dales soap for 25 years and has no plans on leaving.
Speaking to Inside Soap in 2020, Dominic said: "I've had enough shady jobs to know this is one of the best in the world. I love it, I'm proud of it and I'm loyal to it.
"I still find it difficult and it makes me nervous, you can't just busk it! But honestly, if they said: 'Sign here for another 23 years', I'd bite their hand off.
"If they'll keep writing for me, I'll keep putting the effort in for them. It's whipped by in an instant so far."
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV and the ITV Hub
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here | https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/tv/itv-emmerdales-dominic-brunt-updates-23876450 | 2022-05-05T17:12:43Z | https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/tv/itv-emmerdales-dominic-brunt-updates-23876450 | false |
Global Humanitarian Organization Continues to Welcome Afghan Evacuees Through Support from Community and Corporate Partners
MINNEAPOLIS, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Minneapolis-based global humanitarian organization Alight, is extending their successful Welcome Home initiative to address the ongoing and expanded needs of Afghan evacuees resettling in Minnesota. The program was originally slated to end in February, but will now continue for the next few months thanks to the outpouring of financial and in-kind support from the community and a variety of local and national corporations. To date, Alight has prepared 110 homes for Afghan families and individuals, and the organization is expanding their reach to ensure that all of the Afghans who had resettled in the state, including those prior to January, immediately after the Taliban takeover, have access to Alight's resources and services.
"With all of the crises and displacement taking place around the world and with Alight team members deployed accordingly, we are thrilled to continue the Welcome Home program because it truly embodies the connection and impact we are able to make right here at home," states Alight CEO Jocelyn Wyatt. "We are beyond thankful for the additional support we've seen from Minnesotans and our corporate partners to not only help establish the physical spaces that the Afghan families and individuals move into, but also create a safe and welcoming place to call home."
Since Welcome Home first launched at the beginning of the year, the program has been supported through financial and in-kind donations derived from the generosity of individuals and corporate partners, including: Two Men and a Truck, 3M, Thomson Reuters, THINX, St. Paul and Minnesota Foundation, Building Blocks, American Rug, the Minnesota Vikings, Saint Paul Saints and more. While Alight team members continue to lead the response initiative, members of the Afghan Diaspora, civic leaders and small business owners throughout Minnesota, as well as larger national corporations, are playing a vital role in supporting Alight's efforts to highly customize their services for the Afghan community.
To further welcome and honor the Afghan families as the newest members of the Twin Cities community, Alight hosted an Iftar meal on April 30, 2022. Over 300 members of Minnesota's Afghan community enjoyed the day surrounded by neighbors and Afghan cuisine to celebrate their first official Ramadan in their new home.
"The Afghan community is steeped in culture and supporting those in need, and that is no different now that the resettled families and individuals are here in the U.S.," said Sonia Anunciacion, Alight Afghan Response Program Lead. "From my personal roots as an Afghan, it has not only been touching to see local Minnesotans coming together to help the newest members of the community, but it has been my goal to lean in on Alight's human-centered approach to ensure that our work has greater impact and dual meaning to Welcome Home."
Please visit the Welcome Home campaign page to learn more about this transformative work.
ABOUT ALIGHT
Established in 1978 by founder Neal Ball, Alight, formerly known as American Refugee Committee, provides health care, clean water, shelter, protection and economic opportunities to more than 3.5 million people in over 20 countries each year. Alight believes in the incredible creativity, potential and ingenuity of the displaced and works to shine a light on their humanity, the tremendous amount of good that's already happening and the possibilities to do more. In 2021, Alight received the prestigious 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the eleventh consecutive year, celebrating more than a decade of impactful work.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alights-welcome-home-initiative-extends-due-to-expanded-resettlement-needs-in-minnesota-301541029.html
SOURCE Alight | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/alights-welcome-home-initiative-extends-due-to-expanded-resettlement-needs-in-minnesota/article_0a2a2414-15db-53a2-a344-0abed9815309.html | 2022-05-05T17:23:15Z | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_health/alights-welcome-home-initiative-extends-due-to-expanded-resettlement-needs-in-minnesota/article_0a2a2414-15db-53a2-a344-0abed9815309.html | true |
Logan Marshall-Green's ex wife accuses him of marital rape and says she had an abortion while they were married with two kids
- Diane Gaeta claimed on Instagram that her ex-husband Logan Marshall-Green raped her when they were married
- She described one alleged encounter which she said left her pregnant
- She didn't want the baby, and then found out from her OBGYN that it was developing abnormalities, she said
- Marshall-Green is best known for playing Trey Atwood in The OC
- He has not yet responded to her allegations
- The couple were married from between 2012 and 2020
Logan Marshall-Green's ex-wife has accused him of raping her while they were married, and claims she once had to get an abortion after he forced himself on her.
Diane Gaeta made the claims in an Instagram post on Wednesday while sharing her thoughts on why Roe v. Wade shouldn't be overturned.
She said she'd had two abortions, one when she was a teenager and another when she was '35 and married'.
She did not name Marshall-Green, who is best known for playing Trey Atwood in The OC, but the pair were married from 2012 and 2020.
Logan Marshall-Green and his ex-wife Diane in 2017. She claimed this week that he 'practiced marital rape' and that she once sought an abortion as a result
Diane Gaeta made the claims in an Instagram post on Wednesday while sharing her thoughts on why Roe v. Wade shouldn't be overturned
'I had a second abortion when I was 35. I was married and had two kids but my husband practiced and joked about “marriage rape.” We had an argument and then make up sex, in the pitch dark from behind as my penance outside in the garage.
'I told him it was my fertile day and he needed to pull out and he said, “No.” and didn’t. I got pregnant. He was away in Jordan shooting a movie and I was alone with both of my children. I told him and he said if I had another baby he would divorce me. He didn’t want another kid, case closed.'
Logan Marshall-Green as Trey Atwood in The OC
She said the fetus was showing signs of abnormality and wouldn't have survived a full term pregnancy.
'I went to my OBGYN and he said that he didn’t like the levels on the baby’s development anyway and it would be okay to abort, even though I was devastated, because the baby would probably be abnormal and not viable anyway.
'Without abortion I would have been forced to carry a baby whose tissue was growing into the walls of my uterus with a man who was raping and physically abusing me and would leave me with a third baby and whom I was totally dependent on financially.
'Again, I went through this abortion totally alone and still, abortion has helped me save and shape my own life,' she said.
Marshall-Green has not responded to her comments. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10786741/Logan-Marshall-Greens-ex-wife-accuses-marital-rape.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-05-05T17:31:04Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10786741/Logan-Marshall-Greens-ex-wife-accuses-marital-rape.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | true |
Soil on the moon could be used to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and ROCKET FUEL to power future missions to Mars, study finds
- Experts say lunar soil could be turned into rocket fuel to power missions to Mars
- Analysis found it contains compounds that convert carbon dioxide into oxygen
- This is important because liquified oxygen and hydrogen can make rocket fuel
- Researchers say it opens up possibility of creating moon base for craft to refuel
Lunar soil could potentially be converted into rocket fuel to power future missions to Mars, a new study has found.
Analysis of coarse and jagged dirt granules brought back by China's Chang'e 5 spacecraft found that regolith on the moon contains compounds that convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.
The soil is rich in iron and titanium, which work as catalysts under sunlight and could turn carbon dioxide and water released by astronauts' bodies into oxygen, hydrogen and other useful by-products like methane to power a lunar base.
As liquified oxygen and hydrogen make rocket fuel, it also opens the door for a cost-cutting interplanetary gas station on the moon for trips to the Red Planet and beyond.
This is seen as a vital next step for space agencies around the world because it is so expensive to launch goods into orbit.
Lunar soil could potentially be converted into rocket fuel to power future missions to Mars, a new study has found
Analysis of coarse and jagged dirt granules brought back by China's Chang'e 5 spacecraft found that regolith on the moon contains compounds that convert carbon dioxide into oxygen
It is hoped that astronauts living on the moon in the future will be able to extract the molecular oxygen and hydrogen, to produce water and pure oxygen
Earth's atmosphere and gravitational pull mean tonnes of fuel per second are needed for lift-off, so anything that doesn't have to be brought from the surface could save a lot of money.
The study's lead author Professor Yingfang Yao, of Nanjing University in China, said: 'We use in-situ environmental resources to minimise rocket payload.
'Our strategy provides a scenario for a sustainable and affordable extra-terrestrial living environment.'
The researchers propose a technique called 'extra-terrestrial photosynthesis', which takes advantage of lunar soil and solar radiation — the moon's two most abundant resources.
The soil is rich in iron and titanium, which work as catalysts under sunlight and could turn carbon dioxide and water released by astronauts' bodies into oxygen, hydrogen and other useful by-products like methane to power a lunar base
The researchers propose a technique called 'extra-terrestrial photosynthesis', which takes advantage of lunar soil and solar radiation — the moon's two most abundant resources
Their hypothesised system turns water extracted from the moon and in astronauts' breathing exhaust into oxygen and hydrogen using the power of sunlight.
The carbon dioxide exhaled by moon inhabitants is also collected and combined with hydrogen from water and catalysed by lunar soil.
This process yields hydrocarbons such as methane, which could be used as fuel, while sunlight produces water, oxygen and fuel that could support life on a moonbase.
The research offers hope of a 'lunar village' that would include a launch pad and mining operations.
Scientists say the moon is a treasure trove of valuable resources, with gold, platinum and other rare metals for next-generation electronics all awaiting extraction.
China's future crewed lunar missions are set to test the renewable energy method known as electrolysis.
Prof Yao said different approaches are being tried to improve the design — such as melting the soil into a nano-structured material.
Previous ideas have required energy sources from Earth.
NASA's Perseverance Mars rover has an instrument that makes oxygen out of carbon dioxide, but it is powered by a nuclear battery onboard.
The Chang'E-5 spacecraft landed on one of the youngest regions of the moon, located at a mid-high latitude, and returned 1,731 g of samples
NASA's ambitious Artemis project plans a lunar base by 2028, along with a lunar space station called Gateway to facilitate trips to Mars
Prof Yao said: 'In the near future, we will see the crewed spaceflight industry developing rapidly.
'Just like the "Age of Sail" in the 1600s when hundreds of ships head to the sea, we will enter an "Age of Space".
'But if we want to carry out large-scale exploration of the extra-terrestrial world, we will need to think of ways to reduce payload, meaning relying on as little supplies from Earth as possible and using extra-terrestrial resources instead.'
NASA's ambitious Artemis project plans a lunar base by 2028, along with a lunar space station called Gateway to facilitate trips to Mars.
China is hoping to win the race to Mars by landing the first human on it within the next 10 years.
The new research has been published in the journal Joule. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10786613/Lunar-soil-used-convert-carbon-dioxide-rocket-fuel.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-05-05T17:31:10Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10786613/Lunar-soil-used-convert-carbon-dioxide-rocket-fuel.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | false |
This summer at the movies, Tom Cruise is back in the cockpit behind those iconic aviators. Doctors Grant, Sattler and Ian Malcolm are returning for another round with the dinosaurs. Natalie Portman is picking up Thor’s hammer. And Jordan Peele is poised to terrify us with the unknown. Again.
Hollywood is bringing out some of its biggest and most reliable players for the 2022 summer movie season, which unofficially kicks off this weekend with the help of Marvel and Disney’s “ Doctor Strange and the Multitverse of Madness ” and runs through the end of August. It’s an uncertain time for the movie business as studios and exhibitors are still making up for losses incurred during the pandemic and adjusting to new ways of doing business, including shortened release windows, competition from streaming and the need to feed their own services. And everyone is wondering if moviegoing will ever return to pre-pandemic levels.
But though the pandemic lingers on, there is optimism in the air.
“We’re still waiting for older audiences to come back. But it really feels like we’ve turned a corner,” said Jim Orr, the head of domestic distribution for Universal Pictures. “You get the impression that audiences want to be out, they want to be in theaters. I think it’s going to be an extraordinary summer.”
Last week, studio executives and movie stars schmoozed with theater owners and exhibitors at a convention in Las Vegas, proudly hyping films that they promise will get audiences back to the movie theaters week after week.
Expectations are particularly high for “Top Gun: Maverick,” which Paramount Pictures will release on May 27 after two years of pandemic postponements. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer says he never waivered for a moment in wanting to release “Top Gun: Maverick” – a full-throttle action film made with extensive aerial photography, practical effects and up to six cameras inside fighter-jet cockpits — exclusively in theaters.
“It’s the kind of movie that embraces the experience of going to the theater. It takes you away. It transports you. We always say: We’re in the transportation business. We transport you from one place to another, and that’s what ‘Top Gun’ does,” Bruckheimer said. “There’s a lot of built-up demand for some movies and hopefully we’re one of them.”
The movie industry has already had several notable hits in the past six months too, including “ Spider-Man: No Way Home,” now the third highest grossing film of all time, “ The Batman,” “ The Lost City ” and, though smaller,“Everything Everywhere All At Once.” The hope is that the momentum will only pick up in the coming months.
Before the pandemic, the summer movie season could reliably produce over $4 billion in ticket sales, or about 40% of the year’s grosses according to Comscore. But in 2020, with theaters closed for the majority of the season and most releases pushed, that total plummeted to $176 million. Last summer presented a marked improvement with $1.7 billion, but things were hardly back to normal — many chose to either delay releases further or employ hybrid strategies.
Now everyone is refocusing on theatrical, though slates are slimmer. The ticketing service Fandango surveyed more than 6,000 ticket-buyers recently and 83% said they planned to see three or more movies on the big screen this summer. And, not insignificantly, Netflix last month also reported its first subscriber loss in 10 years and expects to lose two million more this quarter.
“Finally, it is movie time, with blockbuster after blockbuster after blockbuster after blockbuster,” said Adam Aron, chairman and CEO of AMC Theatres, the nation’s largest theater chain. He touted franchises like “Doctor Strange 2,”“Top Gun 2,” “Jurassic World: Dominion,” (June 10) and “Thor: Love and Thunder” (July 8), “new film concepts” like Jordan Peele’s “Nope” (July 22) and “Elvis” (June 24) and family friendly offerings from “Lightyear” (June 17) to “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (July 1).
“It’s a bold statement, but this summer could potentially be on par with 2019, which would be monumental for the movie industry,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore.
Analysts are predicting “Doctor Strange 2” could open to $170 million this weekend, double that of the first film. Marvel and Disney then follow that with the new Thor, which picks up with Hemsworth’s character traveling around with the Guardians of the Galaxy after “Endgame” and wondering “what now?”
“Thor is just trying to figure out his purpose, trying to figure out exactly who he is and why he’s a hero or whether he should be a hero,” said director Taika Waititi. “I guess you could call it a midlife crisis.”
The film brings back Portman’s Jane Foster, who becomes The Mighty Thor, Waititi’s Korg and Tessa Thompson’s Valkyrie, and adds Russell Crowe as Zeus and Christian Bale as Gorr the God Butcher. Waititi has said that it’s the craziest film he’s ever made.
“It’s a great, really fun, weird little group of heroes, a new team for Thor with Korg, Valkyrie and The Mighty Thor,” Waititi said. “And, in my humble opinion, we have probably the best villain that Marvel’s ever had in Christian Bale.”
But superhero movies alone don’t make for a healthy or particularly compelling cinematic landscape. There have to be options for theaters to survive.
“Our business can’t devolve into just tentpoles and branded IP. We really need to continue to serve up as broad a slate as we possibly can,” Orr said. “We have something for every audience segment. Audiences are craving that and exhibitors are craving that.”
Universal is proud of their diverse summer slate that includes a certain dinosaur tentpole, family animation, thrillers and horrors, comedies like “Easter Sunday” (Aug. 5) and period charmers from Focus Features like “Downton Abbey: A New Era” (May 20) and “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” (July 15).
Jason Blum, the powerhouse producer and head of Blumhouse, hopes that Scott Derrickson’s supernatural horror “The Black Phone,” featuring Ethan Hawke in a rare villain role, is going to be the special “not superhero movie of the summer” when it hits theaters on June 24.
There’s more coming to theaters than just franchises. There are literary adaptations, like “Where the Crawdads Sing,” with Daisy Edgar-Jones, non-stop action rides like “Bullet Train” (July 29), with Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock, Baz Luhrmann’s drama about the life and music of Elvis Presley, a mockumentary about a tiny seashell (“Marcel the Shell With Shoes On,” June 24), Regency-era fun in “Mr. Malcolm’s List” (July 1) and creepy hair-raisers like “Watcher” (June 3), “Bodies, Bodies, Bodies” and “Resurrection” (both Aug. 5).
“Annihilation” writer-director Alex Garland also has a new thriller, “Men,” coming to theaters May 20. Jessie Buckley plays a woman who retreats to the English countryside for some peace following a personal tragedy only to be confronted by more horrors from the men in this quaint town, all of whom are played by Rory Kinnear.
As someone who makes challenging, original films for the big screen, Garland is a little worried about the movie industry and the seismic shifts that are happening under the surface that are “partly cultural and partly economic.”
“Every time an interesting film comes out and underperforms, I get a kind of gnawing anxiety about it,” Garland said. “If the only films that make money are for younger audiences, something cultural changes. Something changes about the sorts of films that get financed, why they get financed.”
“It almost feels old fashioned or actually rather boring, but I do think there’s a value in cinema,” he added. “A film like ‘Men’ functions differently in a cinema. Not being able to stop it until it’s ended means that it has a qualitatively different effect.”
Streaming companies, meanwhile, are still going strong. Netflix has a massive 35+ film summer slate, including the spy thriller “The Gray Man” (July 22), directed by the Russo brothers and starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans and “Spiderhead” (June 17), with Chris Hemsworth. There’s a documentary about Jennifer Lopez (“Halftime,” June 14), an Adam Sandler basketball joint (“Hustle,” June 8) and a Kevin Hart/Mark Wahlberg buddy pic (“Me Time,” Aug. 26).
Some of the most interesting titles from this year’s Sundance Film Festival are being released by streamers too, including “Good Luck To You, Leo Grande” (Hulu), “Cha Cha Real Smooth” (Apple TV+), “Emergency” (Amazon,) and “AM I OK?” (HBO Max).
“Streaming has a place in the world, but it’s not the only thing in the world,” said Blum, who is convinced that there is still an appetite for going to theaters. “There were people out there saying the movies were over. I never thought that, but I was concerned about how much demand was left. But it appears that that part of our world is not going to disappear anytime soon.”
For Bruckheimer, the equation is perhaps even more simple.
“It all depends on the movies. It’s always about the movies. If there’s stuff people want to see, they’re going to show up,” Bruckheimer said. “I always use the analogy: You have a kitchen in your apartment or home, but you like to go out to eat. You want a different meal.”
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AP Film Writer Jake Coyle contributed from New York.
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Find more of AP’s film coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/movies | https://www.cbs42.com/local/movies-love-a-comeback-story-this-summer-its-their-turn/ | 2022-05-05T17:32:37Z | https://www.cbs42.com/local/movies-love-a-comeback-story-this-summer-its-their-turn/ | false |
NICE, France (AP) — Russia’s military has launched a string of attacks on Ukraine’s railway network, which has been vital for moving Western arms to Ukrainian forces, evacuating refugees and exporting food.
A Russian official said the aim was to disrupt Western weapons deliveries. Experts say Ukraine’s railways appeared to be largely spared at the start of the invasion because Russian planners wanted them to move their own troops and arms across captured territory. The latest strikes still seem to seek more to damage than to destroy the system.
Here’s a look at the attacks, and their significance.
WHY ARE RAILWAYS SO IMPORTANT FOR UKRAINE?
The largely flat country has a vast railway network, which has proved invaluable from a military viewpoint for supplying key Western arms shipments — and has also helped in the exodus of refugees from Russian air assaults and land advances.
Western weaponry pouring into Ukraine helped its forces blunt Russia’s initial offensive. It also seems certain to play a central role in the battle for the Donbas in the east, which Moscow now says is its focus following its failure to take the capital, Kyiv.
The U.S. and other Western allies have increased weapons shipments at the urging of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that Moscow will see any Western transport carrying weapons into Ukraine as a legitimate target.
The rail attacks were meant to disrupt the delivery of Western weapons, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Wednesday.
WHAT WERE THE LATEST TARGETS?
Russian forces used sea- and air-launchedprecision guided missiles to destroy power facilities at five railway stations across Ukraine over the past day.
Some attacks were concentrated in and around the western city of Lviv, close to the border with Poland that has been a gateway for the NATO-supplied weapons. Lviv’s mayor said the strikes damaged three power substations, knocking out electricity in parts of the city that has seen only sporadic attacks during the war and has become a haven for civilians fleeing the fighting.
HAS THE RAILWAY SYSTEM BEEN STRUCK BEFORE?
A Russian missile hit a crowded train station in eastern Ukraine last month, killing at least 52 people and wounding dozens more.
Thousands of civilians, mostly women and children fleeing the Donbas region, had gathered at the station in the town of Kramatorsk on April 8 when a missile hit.
Zelenskyy accused Russia’s military of deliberately attacking the station. Russia blamed Ukraine, saying its own forces don’t use the kind of missile that hit the station.
In late April, Russian targeted several railway junctions in the west of the country to disrupt weapons deliveries.
WHAT IS RUSSIA’S PLAN?
Russia seems to have largely spared Ukraine’s rail system at the outset of the invasion because it had planned to use it to move its own troops and arms across the country, which it had hoped to overrun quickly, military experts say.
“Now that they know they won’t be able to use it, they are striking the rail system that is likely carrying armor and reinforcements to the Ukrainians,” said retired French General Dominique Trinquand.
While Russians have been conducting precision attacks on the rail network and firing expensive missiles into its power supply lines in the past week, their goal still appears to be damaging rather than destroying the network.
“It won’t stop the Ukrainians, but it will disrupt them,” said Frank Ledwidge, a former British military intelligence officer. He said the Russians also aim to undermine Ukraine’s morale.
“It’s like saying, ‘Nowhere is safe’, ‘Your army can’t protect you’, ‘We reign over your country at will.’”
WHAT DOES THE US SAY?
A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Pentagon’s assessment, said that while the Russians have tried to hit critical infrastructure around Lviv, specifically targeting railroads, there has been “no appreciable impact” on Ukraine’s effort to resupply its forces.
The official said it is not clear that the Russian strikes have been very accurate, and they also have not impeded efforts to get weapons into Ukraine.
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Jon Gambrell in Lviv, Cara Anna in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and John Leicester in Le Pecq, France contributed to this report.
___
Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://www.cbs42.com/news/international/explainer-why-is-russia-attacking-ukraines-railway-system/ | 2022-05-05T17:34:08Z | https://www.cbs42.com/news/international/explainer-why-is-russia-attacking-ukraines-railway-system/ | true |
Aura research finds families vulnerable online; company appoints 4 official Spokespets to promote safer ways to show love for furry friends
BOSTON, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aura, the leader in intelligent safety for consumers, today introduced a public safety awareness campaign encouraging families to bolster their online safety habits. Marking the start of National Pet Month and World Password Day on May 5, Aura has released new data that found more than one-third (39%) of American pet parents have used their pet's name as part of their password for an online account. That stat rises to 1 in 2 (50%) among pet parents between 35-44 years old. Through this campaign, Aura aims to highlight to families that while using a pet's name as a password may be a show of love and an easy-to-remember access code to your online life, pet passwords are some of the easiest for cybercriminals to guess.
"People tend to create passwords that are both meaningful and easy to memorize for use across various platforms. However, simplicity and ease are two descriptors that should never be used regarding your passwords. That means the password is hardly protecting your accounts and your assets," said Kelly Merryman, president & COO of Aura. "Strong, unique passwords are the most important — and sometimes only — protection we have against hackers."
Pet names are often widely known and easily searchable on social media or online. In fact, pet parents are often their pets' publicists. Aura's survey found of those who use their pets' names in passwords:
- 59% have posted a photo of their pet to social media
- 48% have posted their pet's name on social media
- 36% of those who have ever posted their pet's name on social media have 500 or more followers on their social accounts
In addition, 63% of parents of children under 18 who have ever owned a pet have used their pet's name as their password, and 52% have posted their pet's name on social media.
Introducing Aura's Spokespets
To call attention to this safety risk, Aura has partnered with four famous pets who are no strangers to sharing their information online. The Aura "Spokespets" will serve as safety ambassadors for the brand, sharing recommendations for pet parents on better ways to show love for their animals and tips to keep the whole family safe online. Aura's inaugural class of Spokespets are:
Promoting Password Hygiene
In addition to pet names, Americans have used notable dates like birthdays or anniversaries (40%), family members' names (34%) and sports teams (22%) as part of their passwords.
Using personal information that a hacker or scammer can easily find makes an online user vulnerable to cyberattack. These criminals often use automated technology and bots to trial different combinations of personal details and numbers in combination with stolen user IDs to break into and take control of accounts. In fact, one of the FBI's most-wanted cybercriminals suspects that he was caught after federal authorities correctly guessed his password - his cat's name followed by the number "123."
The impact of a targeted attack has a wide blast radius when you consider that nearly half (47%) of pet parents who have used their pet's name as part of their passwords admit that they use the same password for most or all of their online accounts. 23% of this group have shared their frequently-used passwords with people outside their immediate household. 7 in 10 (74%) say they only change their passwords if they are forced to update them.
For pet lovers who don't want to spend their days ideating complex, unique passwords, Aura recommends calling for backup. Aura's platform proactively identifies and prevents online threats. As part of its intelligent safety platform, Aura's password manager stores all your passwords in one secure place and generates unique, strong passwords to secure your online accounts. What's more, Aura will proactively alert you if you have a weak or breached password, and auto-update your credentials on select sites.
For more on Aura's intelligent safety platform and tips on creating stronger passwords, visit aura.com/petpasswords.
Survey Method
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Aura from April 19-21, 2022, among 2,082 adults ages 18+, of whom 1,835 have owned a pet. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact [email protected].
About Aura
Aura, the leader in intelligent safety solutions, provides all-in-one digital protection for consumers. We understand that the online safety needs of each individual are unique and require a personalized solution. By bringing together security, privacy and parental controls on an intelligent platform, Aura makes adaptive and proactive digital safety accessible to everyone. Visit www.aura.com.
Media Contact:
Eva Dudzik
[email protected]
SOURCE Aura | https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/1-in-3-us-pet-parents-have-used-their-pets-name-as-their-password-301540387.html | 2022-05-05T17:34:15Z | https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/1-in-3-us-pet-parents-have-used-their-pets-name-as-their-password-301540387.html | false |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
AREAL FLOOD ADVISORY
Flood Advisory
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
1101 AM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive
rainfall is expected.
* WHERE...Portions of Ellis and Kaufman Counties.
* WHEN...Until 200 PM CDT.
* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This
will likely cause urban and small stream flooding. Low lying
and/or poor drainage areas will experience minor flooding in
the advisory area.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Waxahachie, Ennis, Terrell, Hillsboro, Kaufman, Mabank,
Crandall, Palmer, Combine, Italy, Itasca, Talty, Seven
Points, Kemp, Maypearl, Bardwell, Grays Prairie, Alma,
Cottonwood and Carl's Corner.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not
drive on flooded roads.
TX
. TEXAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
ANDERSON ANGELINA BASTROP
BELL BLANCO BOWIE
BRAZOS BURLESON BURNET
CAMP CASS CHEROKEE
CORYELL ELLIS FALLS
FAYETTE FRANKLIN FREESTONE
GILLESPIE GREGG GRIMES
HARRISON HAYS HENDERSON
HILL HOPKINS HOUSTON
KAUFMAN LAMPASAS LEE
LEON LIMESTONE LLANO
MCLENNAN MADISON MARION
MILAM MORRIS NACOGDOCHES
NAVARRO PANOLA RAINS
ROBERTSON RUSK SABINE
SAN AUGUSTINE SHELBY SMITH
TITUS TRAVIS TRINITY
UPSHUR VAN ZANDT WALKER
WASHINGTON WILLIAMSON WOOD
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17150587.php | 2022-05-05T17:35:55Z | https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17150587.php | false |
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma joined Texas this week to form a region that parts of a nation divided over abortion care might look like if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down its landmark Roe v. Wade ruling.
While abortion providers across the country have been bracing for the possibility that the high court’s new conservative majority might further restrict abortion, that has especially been the case in Oklahoma, where lawmakers have passed a half-dozen anti-abortion measures this year.
A bill signed into law on Tuesday by Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt issimilar to the law passed in Texas last year that led to a marked increase in women going to neighboring states, including Oklahoma, to get abortions. It prohibits doctors from performing an abortion after fetal activity is detected in the embryo, which experts say is typically after about six weeks and before many women even know they are pregnant. And like Texas’ law, it is enforced through civil, not criminal, courts and relies on civilians to inform on one another.
Abortion providers in Oklahoma said they are prepared for the law to take effect and have been helping women get appointments at clinics in neighboring states.
“I think something we realized in September (when the Texas law took effect) is that we are already living in a virtual post-Roe world in our region,” said Dr. Iman Alsaden, the medical director of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which operates clinics in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.
“We have seen people go to extreme lengths to access abortion care: driving all night, doing whatever they can to get the basic health care they need for them and their families. We have been seeing what a post-Roe future looks like in this region of the country already, and it’s unbelievable.”
The Oklahoma Supreme Court declined to temporarily stop the law from taking effect, although the court is still considering a legal challenge.
Stitt’s signing of the bill, along with the leaked draft opinion suggesting the U.S. Supreme Court is considering weakening or overturning its Roe v. Wade decision, led more than 100 people to protest on Tuesday at the Oklahoma Capitol.
“I honestly and truly never thought we would actually get here,” said Sophia Fults, 22, a University of Oklahoma student from Tulsa who held a sign that read: “Keep abortion safe, legal and accessible.”
“Honestly, I was just shocked and I’m still kind of shocked and disgusted. So many women are going to be harmed because of this. It’s just horrendous.”
The new law authorizes abortions if they are performed as the result of a medical emergency, but there are no exceptions for if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.
Like the Texas law, the Oklahoma bill would allow private citizens to sue abortion providers or anyone who helps a woman obtain an abortion. After the U.S. Supreme Court allowed that mechanism to remain in place, other Republican-led states sought to copy Texas’ ban. Idaho’s governor signed the first copycat measure in March, although it has been temporarily blocked by the state’s Supreme Court.
Stitt earlier this year signed a bill to make performing an abortion a felony in Oklahoma, but that measure is not set to take effect until this summer, and legal experts say it’s likely to be blocked because Roe still remains the law of the land.
“One of our main responsibilities in government is to protect life, and that has been our deliberate intention,” said state Sen. Nathan Dahm, a Republican who wrote the bill to make abortion illegal. “I believe here in Oklahoma we’ll do everything we can to protect life from conception.”
The number of abortions performed each year in Oklahoma, which has four abortion clinics, has declined steadily over the last two decades, from more than 6,200 in 2002 to 3,737 in 2020, which were the fewest in more than 20 years, according to data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. In 2020, before the Texas law was passed, about 9% of the abortions performed in Oklahoma involved women from Texas.
Before the Texas ban took effect on Sept. 1, about 40 women from Texas had abortions performed in Oklahoma each month, the data shows. That number jumped to 222 in September and 243 in October, according to the most recent data available.
Clinic operators in Texas saw about a 40% decrease in the number of abortions performed there after the law took effect, and Oklahoma operators say they expect similar declines, said Zachary Gingrich-Gaylord, a spokesman for Trust Women, which operates clinics in Oklahoma City and Wichita, Kansas.
“In Texas, we’ve seen that many clinics were able to retain around 60% of their pre-SB 8 patient volume, and it seems reasonable to expect something similar in Oklahoma,” Gingrich-Gaylord said, referring to the Texas law by its state Senate bill name. “The primary reason to think that we may see far less volume than that is the chilling effect caused by the (Supreme Court) leak that may add to confusion for patients seeking abortions.”
According to state health department data, about 47% of abortions performed in Oklahoma in 2020 were for women who were less than six weeks pregnant. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/national/oklahoma-joins-texas-in-offering-glimpse-of-post-roe-world/ | 2022-05-05T17:36:11Z | https://www.cbs42.com/news/national/oklahoma-joins-texas-in-offering-glimpse-of-post-roe-world/ | true |
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday hailed Team USA for bringing a bit of unity to a pandemic weary nation as he hosted a White House celebration with about 600 athletes from this year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing and the coronavirus-delayed Summer Games held in 2021 in Tokyo.
Among the athletes at the South Lawn ceremony were swimmer and seven-time gold medalist Katie Ledecky, celebrated bobsledder Elena Meyers Taylor and ice dancer Zachary Donohue, as well as competitors from the past two Paralympic Games.
Biden noted the Team USA athletes won some 260 medals in Beijing and Tokyo. Equally impressive as their performances, Biden suggested, was the athletes’ ability to unite Americans during a period marked by the unrelenting coronavirus pandemic and deepening partisanship after the 2020 election.
“You represent the very soul of America,” Biden told the athletes. “It’s been a very divided nation … but you brought us together. No matter the divisions, when we see you compete, we feel a common pride in those three letters: USA.”
The Tokyo Games were delayed one year due to COVID-19 and took place last summer, largely without spectators. First lady Jill Biden led the U.S. delegation to Japan. At the Beijing Olympics this past winter, also held largely without spectators, the United States staged a diplomatic boycott due to China’s human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.
Jill Biden, in her remarks Wednesday, hailed the athletes for persevering under challenging circumstances, saying Americans were “grateful for the gifts” they gave the country at a difficult time.
“Now I know that these Games may not have been exactly as you once imagined with stadiums packed with people and all of your loved ones screaming from the sidelines,” she said. “Olympian or a Paralympian is a rare accomplishment in a normal time, but you did it during a global pandemic. You are forever one of the most elite, most celebrated athletes in this world.”
The president also recognized that the unusual and largely fan-free games were a hardship for the athletes.
“I’m sorry you had to wait that year. … I mean, you’ve been through so damn — darn much,” Biden said. | https://www.cbs42.com/sports/biden-says-olympians-brought-a-bit-of-unity-to-weary-nation/ | 2022-05-05T17:38:34Z | https://www.cbs42.com/sports/biden-says-olympians-brought-a-bit-of-unity-to-weary-nation/ | false |
West Ham fans hilariously gatecrash newlywed couple's photos in Frankfurt square, while club icon Tony Cottee leads the chants from a fountain as they gear up for Europa League semi-final showdown
- West Ham fans hilariously gatecrashed a couple's wedding pictures in Frankfurt
- Thousands of Hammers fans are in the city for their side's Europa League semi
- Hammers icon Tony Cottee was also seen leading the chants from a fountain
- David Moyes' men need to overturn a 2-1 deficit in their second leg on Thursday
A newlywed couple have truly had a day to remember after their wedding pictures were hilariously gatecrashed by hundreds of West Ham supporters in Frankfurt's iconic Romerberg square.
Thousands of Hammers fans have descended on the German city ahead of their side's Europa League semi-final second leg with Eintracht Frankfurt, with the Bundesliga side currently taking a 2-1 aggregate lead into tonight's tie.
In the hours building up to kick-off, West Ham fans swarmed the city's famous cobbled town square leaving one newly-married couple with a rather unique new set of pictures.
West Ham supporters hilariously gatecrashed a couple's wedding pictures in Frankfurt
The Hammers faithful crossed their arms in support of their club while the newly-married couple posed for their wedding photos
As they got their picture taken with the Romerberg houses behind them, a number of Hammers fans joined the picture much to the delight of the loved-up couple, who took the hilarious moment in their stride.
The party atmosphere was felt around the city, with one familiar face leading the chants from just across the square.
With just hours before arguably the club's biggest game in their history, West Ham great and Sky Sports pundit Tony Cottee orchestrated the song 'West Ham are massive, everywhere we go', with the travelling support in full voice ahead of kick-off.
However, while there may be a jubilant atmosphere in Romerberg square, the same can't be said for other West Ham fans in the city.
West Ham great Tony Cottee lead the chants from across the square while stood on a fountain
Cottee then booted a ball into the crowd with the Hammers fans in full voice before kick-off
The semi-final tie has been marred by scenes of violence from Frankfurt ultras on Wednesday, which saw two West Ham fans beaten unconscious and detained in hospital overnight, MailOnline revealed on Thursday.
The two men were ambushed by a vicious gang of Eintracht Frankfurt supporters as they walked along a street at Schul Strasse at 6.30pm local time.
They remained in hospital on Thursday and were in a ‘poorly condition’ after the attack by around 50 people, most in masks.
Frankfurt police said they were ‘ashamed’ over the attack on the innocent West Ham United supporters.
More than 30 people were arrested and held in custody overnight. Police said Germans formed the largest number of those detained.
Early on Thursday after several sporadic attacks on supporters of the London Premier League side, around 800 West Ham fans marched into the red light district.
The jubilant scenes comes less than 24 hours after two West Ham fans were beaten unconscious by a gang of Eintracht Frankfurt supporters
They left from O’Reillys bar and headed for a confrontation with German rivals. But they were hemmed in by police and unable to reach opposing supporters.
But 15 more arrests of Germans were made in the red light area for violent behaviour.
German police official Thomas Hollerbach told MailOnline: ‘We feel shame over these Frankfurt fans. I don’t like to call them fans, but I will just for the use of the word.
’Their behaviour has been terrible against West Ham United fans. They just attacked them for supporting another side and for no other reason that they are from West Ham or are from England.
‘We just want to have a celebratory semi-final between Frankfurt and West Ham and have the best team to win the competition.’
He said the German hooligans who set about attacking fans from England were not representative of the majority of the city.
There were clashes between the fans after the Europa League semi-final first leg in London
The Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt will host the second leg of the Europa League semi-final
He added: ‘I will say that 98 per cent of Frankfurt people and fans are decent individuals.
‘Our aim now is to ensure a safe semi-final match tonight to help the West Ham United supporters to the stadium and to bring them safely back into the city.’
Police were adamant to stress that the major blame for the trouble centred on home fans, although a few West Ham fans retaliated in Waxy’s bar which was attacked early today.
A waiter was injured inside Waxy’s, police said.
A major police operation to keep the peace will swing into action on Thursday night and police will be more concerned if West Ham United are defeated and thousands of ticketless and disgruntled fans are on the loose in the city to seek revenge on their attackers. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10786571/West-Ham-fans-gatecrash-newlywed-couples-photos-Frankfurt-Europa-League-semi-final-clash.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-05-05T17:38:42Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10786571/West-Ham-fans-gatecrash-newlywed-couples-photos-Frankfurt-Europa-League-semi-final-clash.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | false |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Southern Coryell County in central Texas...
Southeastern Lampasas County in central Texas...
Northwestern Bell County in central Texas...
* Until 100 PM CDT.
* At 1203 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Lampasas,
moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Killeen, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Belton, Lampasas, Fort
Hood, Nolanville, Salado and Kempner.
This includes Interstate 35 between mile markers 285 and 289.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central Texas.
For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from
windows.
TX
. TEXAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
ANDERSON ANGELINA BASTROP
BELL BLANCO BOWIE
BRAZOS BURLESON BURNET
CAMP CASS CHEROKEE
CORYELL ELLIS FALLS
FAYETTE FRANKLIN FREESTONE
GILLESPIE GREGG GRIMES
HARRISON HAYS HENDERSON
HILL HOPKINS HOUSTON
KAUFMAN LAMPASAS LEE
LEON LIMESTONE LLANO
MCLENNAN MADISON MARION
MILAM MORRIS NACOGDOCHES
NAVARRO PANOLA RAINS
ROBERTSON RUSK SABINE
SAN AUGUSTINE SHELBY SMITH
TITUS TRAVIS TRINITY
UPSHUR VAN ZANDT WALKER
WASHINGTON WILLIAMSON WOOD
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17150819.php | 2022-05-05T17:42:21Z | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17150819.php | true |
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — Amber Heard is telling a Virginia jury that Johnny Depp surrounded himself with an entourage of enablers to shield him from the consequences of his drug and alcohol use.
Heard is back on the witness stand on the former couple’s civil lawsuit.
She showed jurors pictures of a passed-out Depp she said she took in an effort to prove to him what happens when he drinks.
Depp is suing Heard for libel over an op-ed she wrote in The Washington Post describing herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse.”
His lawyers say he was defamed by the 2018 article even though it never mentioned his name. | https://www.wptv.com/entertainment/heard-depp-team-of-enablers-shielded-his-drug-alcohol-use | 2022-05-05T17:43:35Z | https://www.wptv.com/entertainment/heard-depp-team-of-enablers-shielded-his-drug-alcohol-use | true |
Catholic priest, 57, took his own life after learning police were investigating him over 'historic allegation', coroner rules
- Canon Michael McCoy was found dead at his apartment in Newcastle on April 10
- On April 3, an incident involving Mr McCoy was reported to Northumbria Police
- He was visited on April 6 and told historic allegation had been made against him
- He was 'upset' but said he would seek own support from friends and colleagues
- For help, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
A Catholic priest took his own life days after learning police were investigating him over a 'historic allegation', a coroner has ruled.
Canon Michael McCoy, 57, was found dead at his apartment in Newcastle on April 10 last year.
An inquest heard that a week earlier, on April 3, an incident involving Mr McCoy had been reported to Northumbria Police. A 'very brief account' was obtained from the complainant a day later.
Mr McCoy, who was Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle, was visited by officers on April 6 and told that a historic allegation had been made against him, and that he would be invited for a voluntary interview at some stage.
Detective Sergeant Julie Beattie, of Northumbria Police’s child and adult protection department, said Mr McCoy was 'upset' but said he would seek his own support from friends and colleagues, and no concerns were raised about his wellbeing.
The inquest at Newcastle Coroner’s Court heard Mr McCoy voluntarily withdrew from his ministry in the cathedral and moved into an Airbnb.
Canon Michael McCoy (above), 57, was found dead at his apartment in Newcastle on April 10 last year
Angela Richardson, safeguarding coordinator for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, said she spoke to him after his visit from the police.
She told the inquest: 'He was visibly shaken, he was upset, he was shocked following the visit from the police and the allegations that had been made.'
Ms Richardson said she told Mr McCoy the diocese would look at alternative accommodation for him as 'normally in these circumstances it’s inappropriate for the priest to remain in that setting'.
She said that did not need to happen in the coming days but Mr McCoy contacted her on April 8 to say he 'couldn’t stay in the cathedral any longer'.
'He felt everybody knew and it was an impossible position,' Ms Richardson said.
'He was in the cathedral but wasn’t able to be involved in ministry - he found this upsetting and didn’t feel he could stay.'
Mr McCoy, who was Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral (pictured), Newcastle, was visited by officers on April 6 and told that a historic allegation had been made against him
The inquest heard Mr McCoy found his own Airbnb but 'wasn’t happy there' and was looking for alternative accommodation before he died.
Ms Richardson said: 'I suggested he could either return to the cathedral in the interim or if he was really unhappy, the diocese could fund hotel accommodation.
'He said he would stay there that evening. He felt he wanted to source his own accommodation, he wanted to have some control over where he lived.'
The inquest heard that on April 10 a man attended Mr McCoy’s apartment 'as part of the provision of support for him' and became concerned when he did not get an answer.
The concierge service helped him gain access to the apartment, where Mr McCoy was found dead.
Ms Beattie said Mr McCoy had not left a note, and his mobile phone and tablet had been factory reset, and nothing could be retrieved from them.
The inquest at Newcastle Coroner’s Court heard Mr McCoy voluntarily withdrew from his ministry in the cathedral and moved into an Airbnb
Ms Richardson said concerns had been raised about Mr McCoy in 2007 and 2010 but the nature of these was not revealed.
The inquest heard a professional standards investigation by Northumbria Police after Mr McCoy’s death 'found no concerns and no missed opportunities to safeguard him further'.
An investigation by the diocese also concluded there was nothing 'that could or should have been done differently' to prevent Mr McCoy’s death, and there were no concerns at the time that he was a risk to himself.
Medical records showed he had an anxiety disorder but no history of suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
Senior Coroner Karen Dilks found Mr McCoy 'initiated his death in association with an historic allegation against him'.
A conclusion of suicide was recorded.
If you have been affected by anything in this article and need support call the Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10786609/Catholic-priest-took-life-learning-police-investigating-historic-allegation.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | 2022-05-05T17:44:21Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10786609/Catholic-priest-took-life-learning-police-investigating-historic-allegation.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | true |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Northern Hopkins County in north central Texas...
Southern Lamar County in north central Texas...
Delta County in north central Texas...
* Until 115 PM CDT.
* At 1221 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Cooper, or
13 miles northeast of Commerce, moving northeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Paris, Cooper, Blossom, Deport, Cooper Lake Park South Sulphur,
Cooper Lake Park Doctors Creek, Roxton, Tira, Pecan Gap and Sun
Valley.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for north central
Texas.
For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from
windows.
...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive
rainfall is expected.
* WHERE...Delta, Hopkins, Hunt and Rains Counties.
* WHEN...Until 330 PM CDT.
* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas
including water flows over low-water crossings and ponding water
on roadways.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
-
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Greenville, Sulphur Springs, Commerce, Royse City,
Farmersville, Cooper, West Tawakoni, Wolfe City, Quinlan,
Caddo Mills, Emory, East Tawakoni, Celeste, Cumby, Como,
Campbell, Hawk Cove, Cooper Lake Park South Sulphur, Cooper
Lake Park Doctors Creek and Point.
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not
drive on flooded roads.
...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON TO LATE SUNDAY
MORNING...
* WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast.
* WHERE...Sulphur River Near Talco, Texas.
* WHEN...From Friday afternoon to late Sunday morning.
* IMPACTS...Minor lowland flooding.
- At 11:45 AM CDT Thursday the stage was 8.0 feet.
- Forecast...The Sulphur River is expected to rise above flood
stage Friday afternoon to a crest of 22.0 feet during early
Saturday morning. It will then fall below flood stage
Saturday afternoon.
- Flood stage is 20 feet.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
West central Marion County in northeastern Texas...
Northwestern Harrison County in northeastern Texas...
East central Upshur County in northeastern Texas...
* Until 100 PM CDT.
* At 1225 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Gilmer,
moving east at 30 mph.
Gilmer, Ore City and Diana.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for northeastern
Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Although a
tornado is not immediately likely, if one is spotted, act quickly
and move to a place of safety inside a sturdy structure such as a
basement or small interior room.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.middletownpress.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17150895.php | 2022-05-05T17:46:31Z | https://www.middletownpress.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17150895.php | false |
Defence industry trainees get $100m boost
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says his government will help train an additional 1500 workers for the nation's defence industry under a $108.5 million election promise.
Mr Morrison, who will be in Perth on Friday, will announce the expansion of the Defence Industry Pathways Program, which will upskill additional teenagers graduating or leaving school in 14 regions across the country.
The students will receive a nationally accredited Certificate III - Defence Industry Pathways, and will be trained with practical experience in trades, as well as skills in engineering, project management and logistics, and cyber security.
Mr Morrison said his government's $270 billion investment in Australia's defence capabilities this decade included a "strong pipeline of workers" in local industry.
"Our investment in building the capabilities of Australia's defence force is about keeping our country strong and secure and backing local skills and jobs," he said.
"The skills and knowledge this program will give to graduates will set them up for a career in defence equipment manufacturing technology, and set them up for life."
Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said more than 50 businesses have registered to mentor the 120 trainees participating in the pilot at Henderson in Western Australia.
"We need to meet the growing needs of our defence industry workforce by skilling up new workers and new generations," she said.
"By training an extra 1500 workers with on-the-job experience we know these graduates will be ready to walk into the workplace."
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese will campaign in Sydney, with Labor launching a new attack on the government's handling of the economy.
The advertisement will target low wage growth and the surging cost of living.
"Scott Morrison doesn't hold a hose, but he should have held a calculator," the TV ad says.
"The millions of taxpayer dollars he wasted on sports rorts and car parks really added up.
"He doubled our debt even before COVID and letting massively profitable companies keep JobKeeper payments is one of the reasons our debt is now triple.
"He says he's good with money, but that really doesn't add up."
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails | https://thewest.com.au/politics/election/defence-industry-trainees-get-100m-boost-c-6696540 | 2022-05-05T17:54:09Z | https://thewest.com.au/politics/election/defence-industry-trainees-get-100m-boost-c-6696540 | true |
Reynolds relief as Souths feel the pain
Adam Reynolds woke up on Friday morning relieved the week was over.
His former club South Sydney no doubt felt the same, rising hours after being handed a lesson in controlled rugby league by Reynolds in Brisbane's 32-12 win.
After an off-season of talk about his move and an opening-round clash ruined by COVID-19, Reynolds let his football do the talking on Thursday night.
The former Rabbitohs halfback scored a try, had a hand in three others and kicked perfectly to dominate the Rabbitohs.
A year after being let go by Souths, given their desire to only offer the veteran one-year extensions, Reynolds left little doubt there is still plenty in the tank.
Not that he is interested in talking about that.
"I am glad the week is over," Reynolds said.
"I am sick of seeing my head in the headlines and my name in the stories.
"The fact we're getting better as a team is more important than my own performance. I'm just excited about what we've been building."
If a long-term Reynolds contract was not what the Rabbitohs needed last year, it's certainly what Brisbane required.
With their 31-year-old No.7, they have won three straight games for the first time since 2019.
His kicking and game management is offering up more chances, while his boot close to the line is also helping them take more of their chances.
"Everything happens for a reason and the Rabbitohs had their reasons," Broncos coach Kevin Walters said.
"From the moment I walked into his house (in Sydney), I just felt an instant connection.
"And I could see him being a valuable member of our group at the Broncos. And we're different to South Sydney, but some people can fit into two different clubs."
Brisbane have Manly next week, and for the first time since the initial COVID-19 lockdown of 2020 seem a genuine chance of the finals.
South Sydney, meanwhile, know they must improve.
Poor completion rates continue to be an issue and, while Jason Demetriou has defended their attack, they were wasteful with opportunities on Thursday.
Notably too, Demetriou believed his players made life far too easy for Reynolds.
"He was good. He was allowed to be," Demetriou said.
"He got to kick the ball on the front foot all the time. Didn't get a lot of pressure on him.
"We gifted them 18 points not defending kicks or intercept tries." | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/aap/article-10786889/Reynolds-relief-Souths-feel-pain.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-05-05T17:56:40Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/aap/article-10786889/Reynolds-relief-Souths-feel-pain.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | false |
Suspected Channel people-smuggling `kingpin´ in court for extradition hearing
A suspected “kingpin” of people-smuggling operations across the Channel has appeared in court for extradition proceedings.
Iranian Hewa Rahimpur, 29, who was living in Ilford, is suspected of being a leading figure in a network engaged in organising human trafficking via small boats, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.
He was arrested near Wanstead Park, east London, on Wednesday following a joint investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Belgian authorities.
The investigation was sparked by authorities seizing boats and outboard motors from the back of a car near the Belgian/French border in October 2021, the NCA said.
Rahimpur, who appeared in the dock on Thursday afternoon wearing a black jumper with the words “DSquared2 Icon” on it, spoke to confirm his name and date of birth with the help of a Kurdish interpreter.
Asked if he would agree to his extradition to Belgium, the 29-year-old said: “I would never agree to consent to go to Belgium.”
Prosecutor Amanda Bostock told the court that Rahimpur is accused of sourcing the boats in Turkey before organising to have them delivered to Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Ms Bostock described Rahimpur as having a “crucial central role within the organised crime group” that deals in “human trafficking of vulnerable victims in inflatable boats across the channel to the UK”.
She said two people arrested in Belgium identified Rahimpur as the man who had purchased the boats and organised transport to the French coast.
Rahimpur also received funds from individuals who had paid to be smuggled across the Channel in the boats, the court heard.
Arguing that bail should be denied, she said Rahimpur “knows people who have access to illegal immigration” to help him flee the country and said he had caused confusion by giving authorities two different east London addresses.
“It is very much considered that he is a man of an organised crime group for serious offending,” she added.
But Tahir Hussain, defending, said Rahimpur should not necessarily be extradited because he “has never been to Belgium”.
Speaking of the arrests and seizure of boats in Belgium, Mr Hussain said: “He was in the UK at that time and so there really is an issue given that he has never stepped foot in Belgium.”
Mr Hussain said: “While there are claims that there are messages and that he is at the top of the chain, very little evidence of this has been provided.”
“It appears that two of the people who have been arrested have referred to him but nothing has been produced in terms of evidence that suggests this is concrete,” he later added.
Mr Hussain told the court that Rahimpur is an asylum seeker who was granted leave to remain in the UK in 2020 as a Kurdish political activist who faced “political oppression”.
He added that the 29-year-old “sells items” on Facebook and eBay to make money and has two children who live with their mother but he remains “an active parent”.
The court also heard that Rahimpur had been on holiday to Venice, Italy, earlier this year and that all his bank cards and phone numbers were in his name.
“He is simply not somebody who fits the profile of someone who is involved in people trafficking,” Mr Hussain said.
District Judge Briony Clarke remanded Rahimpur in custody, saying: “This is a warrant that contains allegations of very serious offending as part of an organised crime group and you face a significant sentence if you are convicted.
“That in itself leads me to believe that you may fail to surrender yourself into custody if granted bail.”
The judge set the extradition hearing for September 2 after another case management hearing on May 13. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-10786691/Suspected-Channel-people-smuggling-kingpin-court-extradition-hearing.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-05-05T17:59:34Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-10786691/Suspected-Channel-people-smuggling-kingpin-court-extradition-hearing.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | true |
RICHMOND, Va. -- Lifestyle consultant Melinda McKinsey stopped by Virginia This Morning and let us in on her secret for a youthful look at 61 years old.
As part of a their Mother’s Day Special, viewers can order today and receive a 14.95 trial pack and FREE SHIPPING by calling them at 1-800-925-0233, or by visiting them online at http://www.plexaderm.com.
{*THIS SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY SHEER SCIENCE*} | https://www.wtvr.com/on-air/virginia-this-morning/enjoy-a-new-mothers-day-special-from-plexaderm | 2022-05-05T18:01:20Z | https://www.wtvr.com/on-air/virginia-this-morning/enjoy-a-new-mothers-day-special-from-plexaderm | true |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/articles/39400800 | 2022-05-05T18:03:45Z | https://sportspyder.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/articles/39400800 | false |
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A federal judge will hear arguments Thursday ona challenge to Alabama’s plan to outlaw the use of gender-affirming medications to treat transgender youth.
U.S. District Judge Liles Burke has scheduled a hearing on a request to block the law’s enforcement while it’s challenged in court. The law, which would otherwise take effect on Sunday, makes it a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison for medical providers to give puberty blockers and hormones to people under age 19 to help affirm their gender identity.
Four families with transgender children, two doctors and a member of the clergy filed a lawsuit challenging the law as an unconstitutional violation of equal protection and free speech rights and an intrusion into parental decisions. The U.S. Department of Justice has asked to join the case.
“No other state has ever passed a law like theAlabama Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act and for good reason. The Act takes the unprecedented step of taking away the opportunity for parents to obtain well established medical care for their children,” lawyers for plaintiffs wrote in the motion seeking a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order against the law.
The state is asking Burke to allow the law to go into effect.
“If the court enjoins this act, Alabama children face irreversible damage from unproven, sterilizing, and permanently scarring medical interventions pushed by ideological interest groups,” lawyers for the state wrote. | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/alabamas-new-transgender-care-felony-faces-federal-test/ | 2022-05-05T18:06:42Z | https://www.cenlanow.com/health/alabamas-new-transgender-care-felony-faces-federal-test/ | true |
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — When the final whistle blew, Rodrygo kneeled to apparently say a prayer or ask for thanks before joining the celebrations and throwing on a T-shirt reading “Let’s go for the 14th.”
The young Brazilian was trying to absorb how he had etched his name into Real Madrid’s long love story with the European Cup.
After all, “We were dead,” he said.
Rodrygo’s goals in the 90th minute and in stoppage time had inspired another win for the ages.
The 3-1 victory over Manchester City gave Madrid yet another comeback and set it up for a showdown with Liverpool in the Champions League final on May 28 in Paris.
“I don’t have words for what happened today. God looked at me and said, ‘Today is your day’,” Rodrygo said about his two goals that sent Wednesday’s match into extra time at the Santiago Bernabéu.
City was moments away from returning to the final before the substitute forward stunned the English team with his back-to-back goals, inspiring Madrid to victory like a bruised boxer who lands a knockout combination.
Madrid, which had trailed City ever since minute 2 of their first-leg match in Manchester, was finally level.
Pep Guardiola’s team still had another half hour of extra time, but it never recovered. It seemed inevitable that once resuscitated there was no stopping Madrid. And fittingly it fell to Karim Benzema, the man who had carried Madrid to the final four with hat tricks in the previous two rounds, to earn and convert the decisive penalty that clinched a 6-5 aggregate victory.
“I couldn’t hear what my teammates were saying to me because I couldn’t believe what was happening,” the 21-year-old Rodrygo said about the mayhem that erupted after his goals. “We were dead, and then what happened was what happened.”
Indeed. Surely Guardiola and his players were asking themselves the same question: What had just happened?
Perhaps City can take solace in that Paris Saint-Germain and defending champion Chelsea were also zombified by whatever wizardry Madrid somehow conjures up at the biggest moments of the biggest games.
All good teams occasionally score against the flow of the game. But most, and especially this City engineered by soccer’s top stylist in Guardiola, need to dominate stretches of play to produce lots of goals.
Not Madrid. Not when it plays in front of its fans.
The clock becomes meaningless for Madrid at home. The 13-time European Cup winners produce those magic moments when time is suddenly compressed, the crowd roars, opponents freeze, and the goals just flow in quick succession.
Ask PSG how Benzema was able to score three goals in less than 20 minutes of the second leg of their round-of-16 series that Kylian Mbappé’s team had once controlled to advance 3-2 overall.
Ask Chelsea how it was they could have the momentum going into the final period of their quarterfinal in Spain’s capital only for Rodrygo and Benzema to score late for a 5-4 aggregate win in extra time.
City entered the second leg against Madrid with the advantage after coming out on top of their 4-3 shootout last week. Riyad Mahrez’s goal in the 73rd minute appeared to give it the cushion it needed to avoid any last-minute scares. Jack Grealish then went oh-so-close to padding that lead.
But that just set the scene for Rodrygo, who coach Carlo Ancelotti had sent on for a tired Toni Kroos, looking to spark his attack.
First he slipped to the near post to tap in a cross knocked to him by Benzema just when City suffered a momentary drop in concentration. Seconds later, with Madrid seizing the moment, came his header when the slight forward managed to open up a bit of space in a packed area to push in a cross by Dani Carvajal flicked on by Marco Asensio.
Once again, faith had trumped reason at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“The whole world thought the game was nearly over — it was a little detail, a good combination, the goal of Rodrygo, and from there we put in all the energy we had. You need a bit of luck,” Ancelotti said.
“A big amount of merit goes to the players and also a fanbase who push and push and push. And the weight of the shirt, which the players feel when they wear it — the pride of the club.”
Spanish sports daily Marca summed it up with its front-page headline: “Let God come down and explain it.”
While Ancelotti embraced his son and assistant Davide Ancelotti, Guardiola was left to run a hand over the top of his head and put on his best sportsman’s grin as he shook hands with the players.
The Catalan coach had just witnessed his grand design to finally win a European Cup for City succumb before that gift that Madrid has of making its players believe that by donning the all-white shirt they are destined for glory. Only the golden years of Lionel Messi’s Barcelona, which Guardiola helped forge, was able to somewhat dim that mystique.
“In that moment we didn’t have the feeling we were in trouble,” Guardiola said about the loss. “(But) they score a goal at the end. They have done it many times in their history.”
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.cenlanow.com/sports/madrid-warps-time-yet-again-to-stun-city-at-the-bernabeu/ | 2022-05-05T18:12:45Z | https://www.cenlanow.com/sports/madrid-warps-time-yet-again-to-stun-city-at-the-bernabeu/ | false |
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We will send you a quick reminder in the future, in case you change your mind. | https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/musk-s-purchase-of-twitter-described-as-dangerous-narcissism-by-president-higgins-1.4870420 | 2022-05-05T18:14:51Z | https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/musk-s-purchase-of-twitter-described-as-dangerous-narcissism-by-president-higgins-1.4870420 | true |
Idaho Falls water tower replacement to happen soon
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - The current water tower for the City of Idaho Falls will be replaced soon with a new one. The old water tower is now 85-years-old and officials say it needs to be replaced. The newer water tower will contain a higher capacity too to accommodate for the rapid growth of Idaho Falls.
The new water tower will be placed at the southeast corner of the Idaho Falls Library. Construction will begin as early as this coming fall of 2022. Once the new water tower is in place and operational, the older tower will then be taken down.
The city of Idaho Falls held an informational meeting Thursday to lay down these facts. A second informational meeting for the tower will be held next on Wednesday, May 18 from 6 p.m to 7p.m. at the Waterfront in Snake River Landing, located at 1220 Event Center Drive in Idaho Falls.
The meeting will also be live streamed on the City of Idaho Falls Facebook page and on the Webex video meeting platform for those unable to attend in person. Links to the Webex meetings will be provided on the Water Tower webpage prior to each meeting.
The agenda includes information about the location, type of tower, timelines, construction and south downtown parking. Following the presentation, personnel will be available to answer questions.
Those unable to attend in person or via live stream can call the Idaho Falls Water Division for updates at 208-612-8472. Links to additional information about the Water Tower project can be found on the City of Idaho Falls website or by clicking HERE. | https://localnews8.com/news/idaho-falls/2022/05/05/idaho-falls-water-tower-replacement-to-happen-soon/ | 2022-05-05T18:17:08Z | https://localnews8.com/news/idaho-falls/2022/05/05/idaho-falls-water-tower-replacement-to-happen-soon/ | false |
By MATT OTT
AP Business Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — More Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week but the total number of people collecting jobless aid is at its lowest level in more than 50 years.
Jobless claims in the U.S. rose by 19,000 to 200,000 for the week ending April 30, the Labor Department reported Thursday. First-time applications generally reflect the number of layoffs.
The four-week average for claims, which softens some of the weekly volatility, rose 8,000 from the previous week to 188,000.
The total number of Americans collecting jobless benefits for the week ending April 23 fell by 19,000 from the previous week, to 1,384,000. That’s the fewest since January 17, 1970.
American workers are experiencing historically strong job security two years after the coronavirus pandemic plunged the economy into a brief but devastating recession. Weekly applications for unemployment aid have been consistently below the pre-pandemic level of 225,000 for most of this year, even as the overall economy contracted.
On Tuesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that U.S. employers posted a record 11.5 million job openings in March — an unprecedented two job openings for every person who is unemployed. A record 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs in March — a sign that they are confident they can find better pay or improved working conditions elsewhere.
Employers have added an average of more than 540,000 jobs a month for the past year, pushing the unemployment rate down to 3.6%. The Labor Department is expected to report Friday that the economy generated another 400,000 new jobs in April, according to a survey by the data firm FactSet. That would mark an unprecedented 12th straight month that hiring has come in at 400,000 or more.
The only thing hotter than the job market is inflation. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve intensified its fight against the worst inflation in 40 years by raising its benchmark short-term interest rate by a half-percentage point — its most aggressive move since 2000 — and signaling further large rate hikes to come.
The increase in the Fed’s key rate raised it to a range of 0.75% to 1%, the highest point since the pandemic struck two years ago.
The Commerce Department reported last month that the U.S. economy shrank last quarter for the first time since the pandemic recession struck two years ago, contracting at a 1.4% annual rate, even as consumers and businesses kept spending in a sign of underlying resilience.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/05/05/more-americans-apply-for-jobless-aid-last-week/ | 2022-05-05T18:19:34Z | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/05/05/more-americans-apply-for-jobless-aid-last-week/ | true |
BWW Review: MIDDLE, National Theatre
David Eldridge's new play runs until the 18th of June
David Eldridge's new play, the second in his trilogy of works scrutinising modern relationships, is not just about middle age, a couple realising that their marriage is on the rocks, but a probing of middle-class identity. Yet for all its strengths, the production is marred by its ambiguous attitude towards social mobility that leaves a strange aftertaste.
The premise is simple. Over an hour and a half, Gary and Maggie realise that their marriage has deteriorated. They unpack their emotional baggage in their John Lewis style kitchen decorated with personalised mugs and Jamie Oliver cookbooks. Daniel Ryan's subtlety and nuance as Gary is gorgeously naturalistic, fully fusing with the world around him. Claire Rushbrook as Maggie took time to find her feet, at first teetering towards melodrama rather than a naturalism. But she soon settled into the role, creating the sense of decaying love between husband and wife at the core of the narrative.
Their performances are anchored by astoundingly crafted direction. Director Polly Findlay and movement director Anna Morrissey understand and manipulate the space between the actors to map the emotional landscape. The two are like conductors of an orchestra revealing the warmth, indignation, and melancholy from the score, in this case Eldridge's at times meandering script.
Sometimes Gary and Maggie flee towards the safety of a sofa or shelter behind the kitchen counter from the barrage of emotional bullets fired their way. Sometimes they bask in each other's warmth, tangled in a loving embrace. Directing a two-hander play set in a single room over an hour and a half is no easy task. Findlay and Morrissey must be applauded for keeping the production fluid.
It is not just the trials and tribulations of middle-age that Eldridge wants to explore, but also middle-class identity. Part of the tension within their marriage derives from Gary's status as newly established middle-class. A self-made and self-proclaimed 'city boy' from working-class origins, whose material ambitions are quenched by holidays and John Lewis furniture. His cultural sensibility clashes with his wife's comfortably middle-class perspective on life and marriage.
Maggie's repressed dreams, as a university educated, middle-class woman, are more existential. She has reached the daunting realise that her desire of working in the television industry will remain as a fleeting ethereal thing; unattainable, tantalising, always lingering behind the monotony of her daily life. Eldridge is ambiguous when it comes to Maggie. She is tortured by her love for another man, yet she is also spoiled. She knows that the worst thing that happened to her was not receiving the birthday present she wanted for her 18th birthday.
There are moments where it is not clear if Eldridge wants to deconstruct class snobbery or unintentionally reinforce it. Several moments risk condescending to Gary as an Essex geezer-type, as monied but uneducated, hardworking but crass, slightly overweight and balding, someone to be freely mocked because of who he is. Whilst his wife sneaks off to exhibitions at Tate Modern, he prefers watching West Ham.
The final moments see him fix a windowpane that he smashed earlier, after learning of his wife's love for another man. His comically naïve solution is to use a cardboard cereal box to cover the smashed glass. Does he really believe that this is a viable solution or is it a symbol of his attempt to fix the marriage? Regardless, the audience erupted in laughter sadistically, as they had done before, at his awkwardness, immaturity, and lack of emotional intelligence. It felt cruel, even if it was unintentional.
Middle runs at The National Theatre until 18 June.
Photography by Johan Persson. | https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/BWW-Review-MIDDLE-National-Theatre-20220505 | 2022-05-05T18:21:11Z | https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/BWW-Review-MIDDLE-National-Theatre-20220505 | false |
Updated May 5, 2022 at 2:01 PM ET
It's turning into an ugly day in Wall Street, with shares heading to their worst day of the year.
The deep declines comes a day after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by half a percentage point and said more rate hike of similar size are on the table, as the central bank intensifies its fight against persistently high inflation.
The session marks a stunning reversal from the relief rally on Wednesday, when investors at first cheered that Fed Chair Jerome Powell had ruled out raising rates by more than half a percentage point at a time.
But investors are still bracing for an aggressive response from the Fed, and they worry the central bank will tip the economy into a deep recession in its quest to bring down inflation.
"I think we need to prepare ourselves for a volatile market," said Savita Subramanian, head of U.S. equity and quantitative strategy at Bank of America Securities.
Subramanian said markets were adjusting for a new environment of higher interest rates after enjoying historically low rates for years.
"I mean, for the last 30 or 40 years, we have seen rates slowly grinding down to zero, and we are embarking now on the opposite of that," she said.
The Fed's rate hikes come at a time of deep uncertainty about the global economy as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues and China is in the midst of lockdowns to tamp down a COVID outbreak.
The Dow Jones tumbled over 1,100 points as of midday on Thursday, while the S&P 500 was down over 3% and the Nasdaq was down over 4%.
An ugly, ugly year for markets
The falls come amidst an ugly year for markets.
The Fed wants to engineer a "soft landing" for the U.S. economy, by raising rates just enough to cool inflation without kickstarting a recession.
Powell believes the Fed can do that, but investors aren't so sure, and that's led to some wild swings.
Just like through the year, technology shares were among the biggest decliners on Thursday.
Netflix tumbled over 6%, while Amazon slumped over 7%.
Higher interest rates put pressure on high-growth technology stocks in particular. They are more dependent on debt, and their future earnings are worth less in a period of high inflation.
Bonds were also hit hard on Wednesday, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury trading over 3% — its highest levels since 2018.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wvasfm.org/business/business/2022-05-05/the-dow-jones-tumbles-over-1-100-points-as-fears-about-the-economy-intensify | 2022-05-05T18:22:07Z | https://www.wvasfm.org/business/business/2022-05-05/the-dow-jones-tumbles-over-1-100-points-as-fears-about-the-economy-intensify | false |
Jamie Stevenson in court over organised crime drug charges
- Published
A 57-year-old man has appeared in court accused of being involved in the importation of drugs around the world.
Jamie Stevenson, from Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, was allegedly involved in serious organised crime between January and September 2020.
Court papers state he imported cocaine at Glasgow fruit market in Townhead, as well as locations including London, Alicante in Spain and Ecuador.
He is also accused of conducting others to import cocaine.
Charges and allegations against Mr Stevenson include:
- Ordering two men to conceal the drug in imported fruit deliveries to Glasgow fruit market for onward supply.
- Using the cash from this to finance the set-up of the importation operation and to purchase equipment for Glasgow fruit market, lease premises, acquire vehicles and register company directors under false names for financial gain.
- Being involved in serious organised crime by using encrypted devices and arranging for the collection, storage and onward supply and transmission of criminal property - said to be more than £1m in cash.
- Directing a man to commit money laundering by using an encrypted phone to direct the collection, storage, onward transmission and supply of the £1,014,250 in cash.
- Agreeing with another man, who is now a prisoner in Barlinnie, to do something he knew or suspected would further the commission of serious organised crime - at a property and van in East Kilbride between March and April 2020. This was allegedly carried out by using encrypted communication devices and concealed hides in vehicles. He also allegedly arranged for the collection, adulteration and onward supply of cocaine.
- Being concerned in the supply of cocaine linked to serious organised crime.
- Along with three others, being involved in the supply of etizolam and alprazolam at addresses in Glasgow's Finnieston as well as East Kilbride and Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, between March and June 2020.
- Directing and instructing others to be concerned in the production and supply of etizolam and alprazolam.
- Telling others to conceal, possess and transfer money for his own financial gain.
- Being involved in serious organised crime and agreeing with others to do something he knew or ought to have known would further enable serious organised crime by supplying etizolam and alprazolam by concealing, transferring and possessing it.
Mr Stevenson appeared via video link at a private hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
In a statement, his lawyer Amar Anwar said his client had made no plea and was fully committed and remanded in custody.
He will appear at court again within the next eight days. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-61335944 | 2022-05-05T18:22:17Z | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-61335944 | true |
Putin sorry for Lavrov's claim Hitler was part Jewish - Israel PM
- Published
Russia's President Vladimir Putin has apologised after his foreign minister said that Nazi leader Adolf Hitler had "Jewish blood", Israel says.
Mr Putin made the apology in a call with Israeli PM Naftali Bennett, his office said in a statement.
Russia's account of the conversation did not mention an apology.
Sergei Lavrov made the initial comments to try to justify Russia's portrayal of Ukraine as "Nazi" despite the fact that its president is Jewish.
Mr Lavrov spoke to Italian TV on Sunday, days after Israel marked Holocaust Remembrance Day - one of the most solemn occasions in the Israeli calendar.
When asked how Russia can claim that it is fighting to "de-Nazify" Ukraine when President Volodymyr Zelensky is himself Jewish, Mr Lavrov said: "I could be wrong, but Hitler also had Jewish blood. [That Zelensky is Jewish] means absolutely nothing. Wise Jewish people say that the most ardent anti-Semites are usually Jews."
The comments sparked outrage in Israel. Nazi Germany murdered six million Jews in the Holocaust in World War Two.
Israel had demanded an apology, with Mr Bennett saying shortly after that "such lies are meant to blame the Jews themselves for the most terrible crimes in history and thus free the oppressors of the Jews from their responsibility".
In Thursday's statement, Mr Bennett's office said that he had accepted Mr Putin's apology and "thanked him for clarifying his attitude towards the Jewish people and the memory of the Holocaust".
Russia said the two discussed the Holocaust, but did not say Mr Putin apologised.
Israel has tried to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, but has also faced criticism for not taking a tougher line against President Putin.
Israeli media this week reported that Israel was considering boosting its military and civilian assistance to Ukraine. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-61339749 | 2022-05-05T18:22:47Z | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-61339749 | false |
Here's why Democrats are making the abortion debate about more than abortion
After the leaked draft of a Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade hit the internet this week, top Democrats including President Biden and Vice President Harris have made an array of additional rights, like same-sex marriage and contraception, a central part of their messages.
Harris invoked those additional rights in a speech to pro-abortion rights group EMILY's List this week, warning that many more people than those who seek abortion access could be affected.
"If the court overturns Roe v. Wade it will be a direct assault on freedom — on the fundamental right of self-determination to which all Americans are entitled," she said.
President Biden has similarly centered an array of rights, trying to draw a sharp contrast with the GOP in the process.
"What are the next things that are gonna be attacked? Because this MAGA crowd is really the most extreme political organization that has existed in American history," Biden said this week.
There is indeed a legal connection between abortion and many other rights. But Democrats are also hoping that this message will boost them and hurt Republicans in a year when the president's party is expected to fare poorly in the midterms.
The legal connection between abortion many other rights
The idea in Roe is that abortion is an unenumerated right — that is, one that the Constitution protects, even if it doesn't explicitly say that there is a right to an abortion. And the Supreme Court has also found that abortion is protected by the 14th Amendment, which the court has used to protect people's right to privacy.
This is where Alito's argument against abortion rights comes in. The court has found in the past that unenumerated rights must be "deeply rooted in this Nation's history and tradition."
Alito's logic is that when the 14th Amendment was passed, in 1868, American law didn't recognize abortion as a fundamental right. And therefore, abortion isn't "deeply rooted in this Nation's history" and is not protected by that amendment.
That logic could easily carry over to a lot of other rights, says Mary Ziegler, a visiting professor at Harvard Law School.
"At the time the relevant part of the Constitution was written, same-sex couples could not marry. Interracial couples certainly couldn't marry. Birth control was being criminalized," she said. "And so the logic is, if that's how we determine where our constitutional rights begin and end, there's no reason that would stop with abortion."
Alito does also say that Roe is separate from these other rights because it's specifically about "fetal life." However, that doesn't mean the court couldn't change its mind in the future.
How this plays out politically
Activists have criticized Biden heavily for not talking about abortion more, or even using the word "abortion" — the group We Testify has maintained a website on the topic: didbidensayabortionyet.org. (Biden did use the word abortion this week for the first time in his presidency, according to the group.)
So when Biden and other top Democrats group abortion with other rights, it might read as reluctance or changing the subject.
But We Testify's founder, Renee Bracey Sherman, explained that connecting abortion to other rights is also about making voters see abortion as a fundamental part of a landscape of rights that are all connected to each other.
"A lot of people think, 'I might never need an abortion.' And a lot of people think about all issues like, 'Oh, well, I'm not trans.' 'I'm not Black; why does police brutality matter to me?'" she said. "But I think what people don't realize is how much something like Roe v. Wade is the bedrock of so many other things legally."
Educating people about the legal connection between these rights is important, she says, as is the basic fact of voters' self-interest.
How this plays out with voters
People's opinions on abortion are complicated. A majority of Americans believe abortion should be legal in some or all circumstances. But a plurality are in that "some" category — they think there should be some restrictions.
Relatedly, a lot of Americans also just don't feel very emotional about the topic of abortion, says Tresa Undem, a pollster who specializes in abortion and gender issues.
"In every news article [about abortion] you look at, there's a picture of protesters. That is not representative," she said. "It's like we're constantly being reinforced that this is like this cultural divide — [that it's an] angry, yelling, emotional, complex issue. And I just don't see that when I do the research."
However, people who don't pay a lot of attention to abortion might become activated if Roe is overturned.
"That is going to break through to people," she said. "They don't have to read a political article. They're going to hear about it. They're going to be upset about it. They're going to be surprised by it. Maybe not shocked, but surprised."
The idea is that people will hear that a right they've taken for granted for nearly 50 years could be taken away, and then they'll be angry.
And people do notice when something is taken away. One recent example is the fact that Obamacare grew more popular when it came under threat by congressional Republicans.
That said, this is all conjecture in the hours after the leak of a seismic potential opinion. No one knows how any of this will play out politically, especially when voters have other big concerns, like inflation.
Furthermore, even if the issue of abortion boosts Democrats in November, that doesn't mean they will be able to muster the votes to pass legislation codifying Roe — something the party's slim Senate majority is finding out right now.
To be clear, however, if Roe is overturned, there are much more immediate consequences than the midterms. Greater abortion restrictions in many states would start immediately, well before November. | https://www.npr.org/2022/05/05/1096815765/heres-why-democrats-are-making-the-abortion-debate-about-more-than-abortion | 2022-05-05T18:31:00Z | https://www.npr.org/2022/05/05/1096815765/heres-why-democrats-are-making-the-abortion-debate-about-more-than-abortion | true |
LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WIVB) — One person is dead as the result of a hit-and-run Thursday morning in Lockport.
Around 5:45 a.m., Lockport police were notified of a man lying in the road at S. Transit Street and Nichols.
Police responded to the scene, and there, a body was found. At this point, they say the vehicles involved in the man’s death had already left the scene.
One of the drivers police say was involved was later located, but it’s not clear where the other driver or their vehicle is.
No names regarding this matter have been released by police. News 4 will provide more information when it becomes available.
Anyone with information on this case can call the Lockport Police Department’s tip line at (716) 439-6707.
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Evan Anstey is an Associated Press Award and Emmy-nominated digital producer who has been part of the News 4 team since 2015. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. | https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/niagara-county/lockport/more-than-one-vehicle-involved-in-fatal-lockport-hit-and-run/ | 2022-05-05T18:35:49Z | https://www.wivb.com/news/local-news/niagara-county/lockport/more-than-one-vehicle-involved-in-fatal-lockport-hit-and-run/ | true |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Northeastern McLennan County in central Texas...
Southeastern Hill County in central Texas...
Northern Limestone County in central Texas...
* Until 115 PM CDT.
* At 1209 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Waco, moving
east at 45 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Waco, Hewitt, Robinson, Bellmead, Woodway, Mexia, Lacy-Lakeview,
Mart, Beverly Hills, Coolidge, Hallsburg, Fort Parker State Park,
Northcrest, Gholson, Leroy, Mount Calm, Tehuacana and Ross.
This includes Interstate 35 between mile markers 329 and 346.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central and
north central Texas.
For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from
windows.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.theridgefieldpress.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17150829.php | 2022-05-05T18:35:58Z | https://www.theridgefieldpress.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17150829.php | false |
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SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — One of the men convicted of murder in the street chase and fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery spoke with his former boss, the local district attorney, several times by phone in the days and weeks following the 2020 killing, according to a court document filed Thursday.
Investigators found that the day after the shooting, then-Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jackie Johnson placed a phone call to Greg McMichael, a retired investigator for her office who initiated the deadly pursuit of Arbery. The call lasted more than nine minutes, prosecutors said in a misconduct case against Johnson said in the legal filing.
The filing opposes defense motions seeking dismissal of the case.
It listed 16 calls between phone numbers for Johnson and McMichael starting Feb. 23, 2020, when McMichael left Johnson a voicemail about an hour after the shooting, and ending May 5, 2020, the day graphic cellphone video of Arbery's killing leaked online. The video sparked a national outcry over the young Black man's death at the hands of three white pursuers.
More than half the calls lasted just a few seconds to a minute, suggesting some went unanswered and others involved voicemails. Seven calls lasted between just shy of three minutes to 21 minutes, according to the court record.
A grand jury indicted Johnson last year on a felony charge of violating her oath of office as well as a misdemeanor count of hindering a police investigation. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's office is prosecuting the case, which alleges Johnson used her position to protect McMichael and his son.
"The evidence shows that Johnson showed favor and affection for McMichael throughout the pendency of the case — including when she was making decisions as the DA over his case,” the prosecutors' legal filing said.
Johnson has insisted she recused herself immediately from the investigation and turned the case over to outside prosecutors. Her attorneys have asked a judge to dismiss the charges, saying “there is not a scintilla of evidence” that she interfered with the police investigation.
Johnson's attorney, John Ossick, did not immediately respond Thursday to phone and email messages seeking comment on the calls between Johnson and McMichael. The legal filing by prosecutors gave no details of any of the phone conversations.
McMichael and his son, Travis McMichael, armed themselves with guns and used a pickup truck to chase 25-year-old Arbery after spotting him running in their neighborhood just outside the port city of Brunswick. A neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan, joined the pursuit in his own truck and recorded the cellphone video of Travis McMichael blasting Arbery at close range with a shotgun.
The men told police that Travis McMichael opened fire in self-defense as Arbery threw punches and tried to grab the shotgun. The McMichaels told police they suspected Arbery of being a thief. Arbery was unarmed when he was killed, and police found no evidence he had stolen anything.
All three men were convicted of murder by a state court jury last November and were sentenced to life in prison. They stood trial again in federal court, with a jury convicting them in February of committing hate crimes. Sentencing in that case is scheduled for August.
Johnson lost her reelection race for district attorney in November 2020 and blamed public outrage over the delay in arrests over Arbery's death, though she denied wrongdoing.
Hours after the shooting, Johnson enlisted District Attorney George Barnhill of the neighboring Waycross Judicial Circuit to meet with local police the next day and advise them on the case. Prosecutors in the misconduct case said Barnhill decided after one meeting not to seek charges.
Johnson waited until after that meeting to ask the Georgia attorney general's office to appoint an outside prosecutor to oversee the case. The legal filing says Johnson called the attorney general's office three days after Arbery's death and told a paralegal Barnhill had already accepted the case.
“Johnson failed to disclose, however, that Barnhill had already reviewed the case and declared the case to be self-defense," the legal filing said. "Thus, Johnson effectively chose the outcome of the case despite having a conflict.”
Barnhill ended up recusing himself. On April 3, 2020, when Johnson learned that Barnhill was stepping aside, there was a call from her phone to Greg McMichael, the court filing said.
The final listed call between them was made on May 5, 2020, when the video of the killing got posted online. The murder trial revealed the video was leaked to a local radio station by an attorney Greg McMichael had consulted.
The call consisted of Greg McMichael leaving a voicemail thanking Johnson for a referral, the legal filing said. He told her: “He’s gonna run interference for me right now, and that’s damn good advice, and I appreciate that very much.”
Greg Michael and his son were arrested on murder charges two days later. Bryan's arrest followed after two weeks. | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/After-Arbery-killing-16-calls-between-DA-17150893.php | 2022-05-05T18:41:51Z | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/After-Arbery-killing-16-calls-between-DA-17150893.php | false |
Welcome to the Liverpool ECHO Thursday live blog for all your very latest Liverpool FC news, rumours and transfer gossip.
The ECHO will provide breaking stories, reaction and comment to all the big talking points from Anfield as well as keeping tabs on the transfer market around the world.
Liverpool are among the clubs 'interested' in AC Milan star Rafael Leao, according to reports in Italy. Elsewhere, rumours claim Sadio Mane has been told to 'wait until the end of the season' for a new contract offer.
And we'll have all the build up to Saturday's huge Premier League clash at home to Tottenham Hotspur and reaction from Real Madrid v Manchester City as Liverpool learned their Champions League final opponents.
Get involved and send your thoughts on Twitter to @LivEchoLFC
And don't forget to subscribe to our FREELiverpool FC newsletter, our YouTube channel and listen to our Blood Red Podcast, with all your favourite ECHO regulars including Paul Gorst, Ian Doyle, Joe Rimmer, Sean Bradbury, Theo Squires, Mark Wakefield and regular hosts Guy Clarke and Matt Addison.
Key Events
Kylian Mbappe 'signs' new PSG contract
According to Le Parisien, Kylian Mbappe has agreed in principle to sign a new contract to keep him at PSG for the next two years.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Frenchman, but Real Madrid were heavy favourites to secure the signing on a free this summer.
It seems as though Mbappe will now be staying put in France for the next couple of years anyway.
What Real Madrid did after Man City win
Team talk written already for Jurgen Klopp?
"‘A por la 14’.
"You could be forgiven for thinking Real Madrid had actually won the Champions League on Wednesday night following their over the top celebrations after knocking out Man City at the Bernabeu.
"Wearing pre-prepared shirts after the final whistle declaring, ‘All out for number 14’, as they had done after their semi-final win over Bayern Munich set up their 13th Champions League win in 2018, Los Blancos raced onto the pitch, held hands, raced towards their jubilant supporters and dived in front of them to celebrate their latest final appearance. Anyone would think they’d never reached such a stage before."
Read the full story HERE
Good afternoon, Reds!
I'm here taking over the live blog for the rest of the day as I'll be bringing you all of the latest news regarding Liverpool as it happens.
So then, last night we discovered Liverpool will be taking on Real Madrid in a repeat of the 2018 Champions League final.
Must admit, I had written Real off and was thinking Liverpool would be going head-to-head with Man City, but the know-how of the Spaniard's came through and they booked their place in Paris.
Liverpool handed major injury boost as 41 goal striker added to squad
Liverpool are back preparing for Premier League action when they face Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
The Reds take on Spurs at Anfield on Saturday night as they look to close the gap on leaders Manchester City. Liverpool are one point behind City with four matches left to play.
Jurgen Klopp’s side go into the game on the back of an enthralling Champions League semi-final victory over Villarreal. The Reds will face Real Madrid in the final in Paris later this month.
Ahead of this weekend’s game against Tottenham, the Liverpool players have been back in training. Here is a look at some of the things we spotted from the latest session at the AXA Training Centre.
Liverpool confirm Champions League final ticket details
Liverpool have confirmed the ticket details for the Champions League final against Real Madrid.
It has been confirmed that the Reds have been allocated 19,618 seats for the clash at the Stade de France in Paris.
Below is a breakdown of the ticket prices:
Category 1: £578.63 / (£461.23 restricted view) – 4.6% of the allocation
Category 2: £410.91 / (£327.05 restricted view) – 16.4% of the allocation
Category 3: £125.79 / (£100.63 restricted view) – 55.7% of the allocation
Category 4: £50.32 / (£41.93 restricted view) – 23.3% of the allocation
There are 1,324 restricted-in-view tickets within the allocation.
Alisson Becker sends blunt Liverpool warning to Real Madrid
Alisson Becker has warned Real Madrid that Liverpool are not content with just reaching the Champions League final - and hailed the contribution of Luis Diaz off the bench against Villarreal.
Liverpool booked their place in European club football’s showpiece match for the third time in five years after advancing past Villarreal in the semi-finals. After a 2-0 win at Anfield in the first-leg, the Reds then claimed a 3-2 victory at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Tuesday night.
Then, 24 hours later, Real booked their place in the final after coming from behind to beat Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu. Riyad Mahrez fired City ahead before a dramatic stoppage time double from Rodrygo sent the tie to extra-time.
Karim Benzema's penalty then won it for the La Liga champions to set up a final showdown against Liverpool in Paris at the end of this month. But despite Real’s dramatic victory, Alisson has his sights set on lifting the European Cup again.
Real Madrid send four word warning to Liverpool after beating Man City
Real Madrid have sent a familiar message to Liverpool after they reached the Champions League final.
The Reds booked their place in the Paris final earlier this week after they beat Villarreal 5-2 on aggregate. Goals from Fabinho, Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane secured a 3-2 second leg victory in Spain.
A day later, Real Madrid faced Manchester City in their semi-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. City were minutes away from reaching the final for the second year running, before a late brace from Rodrygo and an extra-time penalty from Karim Benzema won it for Madrid, 3-1 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate.
Following the full-time scenes, the Real Madrid players enjoyed jubilant celebrations on the pitch and with their fans in the stands. Soon, seemingly every player was wearing a new home shirt which said ‘A Por La 14’ which translates to ‘All out for 14’ from Spanish.
Thibaut Courtois explains why Champions League final will be 'harder' for Liverpool
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has sent a warning to Liverpool for the Champions League final.
Liverpool will take on Real Madrid in the final at the Stade de France in Paris on May 28. It will be the third final for the Reds within the last five seasons.
Courtois played a key role in helping Real Madrid reach the final. The goalkeeper made a crucial save in extra time against Man City to keep the Spanish giants ahead.
Looking ahead to the final, Courtois believes Liverpool’s battle for multiple trophies in the final weeks of the season hands Real Madrid a marginal advantage. The Belgium international also acknowledged that the Reds will be tough opponents.
What happened at 35,000 feet as Liverpool fans found out Madrid result
The first whispers of the remarkable story in Madrid came at around 35,000 feet over France on Wednesday night.
With Liverpool supporters on board a delayed flight from Valencia to Manchester, having seen their team reach the final of the Champions League the night before in Villarreal, the desire to find out the identity of their opposition in Paris was tangible.
And then, somehow, ingenuity took over and a scarcely believable scoreline was shared across the Ryanair flight.
Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City.
The whispers had grown into full-grown shouts by the time they reached the back of the plane. One supporter, who had been watching the game on his phone until moments before the flight took off and had been aghast at Riyad Mahrez securing what had appeared a final appearance for City, was roused from his slumber to be informed of the important news.
Liverpool linked with Christoph Baumgartner
Liverpool are being linked with a move for Hoffenheim midfielder Christoph Baumgartner.
According to Sport BIld, Liverpool are expressing an interest in signing Baumgartner this summer.
The Reds were first linked with Baumgartner last year, after he impressed with Austria at the European Championships.
It has been claimed that Liverpool have a “huge” interest in acquiring Baumgartner’s services, but may have to compete with other clubs such as Manchester United, Leicester City and Sevilla.
Baumgartner also reportedly has a release clause in his Hoffenheim contract worth around £25m, having only signed a new deal last summer.
Mohamed Salah sent blunt message by ex-Liverpool star after Real Madrid tweet
Former Liverpool star Didi Hamann says he is “not a big fan” of Mohamed Salah’s tweet aimed at Real Madrid.
The Reds will face the La Liga giants in the Champions League final at the Stade de France in Paris later this month. Liverpool saw off Villarreal in their semi-final before Madrid recorded a dramatic victory over Manchester City.
After Madrid beat City, Salah took to Twitter to send a warning to the Spanish giants. ”We have a score to settle,” wrote the Egyptian.
This is likely to be in reference to the 2018 Champions League final. The Reds lost 3-1 in Kyiv to Madrid with Salah departing the match early after suffering a shoulder injury following a challenge by Sergio Ramos.
Giving his views on Salah’s tweet, Hamman has criticised the Egyptian and believes he should “keep it quiet” until after the match. The Champions League winner went on to issue a warning to the Liverpool superstar ahead of the final.
Liverpool told to pay more to sign Christopher Nkunku
Liverpool have reportedly been told they will have to pay more to sign RB leipzig star Christopher Nkunku.
According to French news outlet L’Equipe, Leipzig have set a sizable asking price for any club wishing to sign Nkunku this summer.
Liverpool have previously been credited with an interest in Nkunku, as have the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City, PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
It has been claimed that Leipzig will not sell Nkunku even if a club offers £85m this summer.
Previous reports have claimed that Nkunku has a £55m release clause in his contract, but that seems to contradict this fresh rumour.
Liverpool linked with Bundesliga defender
Liverpool are being linked with Hoffenheim defender David Raum.
According to Sport Bild, via Sport Witness, Liverpool are one of a number of “interested parties” who are considering signing Raum this summer.
The report goes on to say that five clubs from England are interested in Raum, with liverpool being one of them.
Raum only signed for Hoffenheim last summer on a free transfer, and the left-back already has three goals and 13 assists to his name.
It has been claimed that Raum could leave Hoffenheim this summer if a club is willing to pay £25m for his services.
Pep Guardiola makes Man City admission before title battle with Liverpool
Pep Guardiola believes his Manchester City side will need a couple of days to come to terms with their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
City, after taking the lead through Riyad Mahrez, had a final spot snatched away from them in Spain as Rodrygo scored twice in stoppage time to make it 2-1 to Madrid on the night and 5-5 on aggregate to send the tie to extra-time.
Karim Benzema's penalty then won it for the La Liga side to set up a final showdown against Liverpool in Paris at the end of this month. And speaking after the game, Guardiola admitted the defeat was 'tough' on his side, who he also believes will rise again.
Inside story of Fabio Carvalho transfer as FSG talks help seal deal
Paul Gorst has the inside track as Liverpool close in on transfer for Fulham starlet Fabio Carvalho.
Thierry Henry names Liverpool player who has 'extra spice' for Champions League final
Thierry Henry has explained why he thinks the Champions League final has an “extra spice” for one Liverpool player.
The Reds booked their place in the competition’s showpiece, which takes place at the Stade de France in Paris later this month, after they beat Villarreal 3-2 in Spain on Tuesday to complete a 5-2 aggregate victory.
The other semi-final, on Wednesday, then saw late drama as Real Madrid knocked out Manchester City to set up a showdown with Liverpool, for whom it will be a third Champions League final in five seasons. City were minutes away from reaching the final for the second year running, before a late brace from Rodrygo and an extra-time penalty from Karim Benzema won it for Madrid, 3-1 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate.
And Henry has outlined why the final on May 28 could be a deciding factor in who wins the Ballon d’Or this year. Madrid talisman Benzema has 43 goals in as many appearances this season and is a likely favourite but Liverpool star Sadio Mane has also been tipped to be in the running.
Mane helped his country Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. And Henry believes if he helps the Reds win the Champions League and an unprecedented quadruple, it could elevate his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
Liverpool and Nike unveil new home kit for 2022/23 season
Liverpool and Nike have unveiled the club’s new 2022/23 home kit.
The club say the kit is inspired by the attitude of ‘Scouse solidarity’ and reflects the mentality of its people - one that makes Liverpool truly unique.
The kit includes intricate YNWA detailing on the sleeve cuff, said to represent the bond between the fans and the club. And on the reverse, the 97-emblem encased by the eternal flames sits at the nape of the neck in memory of those children, women and men who lost their lives at Hillsborough.
Mohamed Salah sends blunt six word message to Real Madrid as Liverpool final set
Mohamed Salah has sent a warning to Real Madrid after they were confirmed as Liverpool’s opponents for the 2022 Champions League final.
The La Liga giants produced a stunning comeback against Manchester City on Wednesday night to book their place in the final in Paris later this month, as an injury-time Rodrygo brace saw them recover from 5-3 down on aggregate to force extra-time before Karim Benzema scored an extra-time winner.
They’ll now lock horns with Liverpool in a repeat of the 1981 and 2018 finals - with Salah, who admitted after the Reds’ own semi-final victory over Villarreal that he wanted to face Real Madrid, in particular out for revenge against the Spanish outfit.
Liverpool fans react after Man City Champions League collapse
Liverpool will face Real Madrid in the final of the 2021-22 Champions League after a dramatic pair of semi-final ties.
After the Reds overcame a scare against Villarreal to win 5-2 on aggregate, it was the turn of Manchester City and Madrid on Wednesday, with the Premier League side holding a 4-3 advantage after the first leg.
City appeared on course for the final too, as Riyad Mahrez's strike gave them a two-goal cushion. However, Los Blancos launched a remarkable late comeback, as two goals from Rodrygo after the 90th minute took the game to extra time, before Karim Benzema's penalty sent Carlo Ancelotti's team through.
The final will be a repeat of the 2018 showpiece between Liverpool and Real, which was won 3-1 by the latter after two goals from Gareth Bale and a goalkeeping meltdown from Loris Karius.
However, the current version of Liverpool is a different proposition and they will be favourites when the two teams go head-to-head in Paris.
Liverpool fans were naturally glued to the action, with plenty stunned by Madrid's latest comeback and a remarkable meltdown from City.
Morning, Reds!
Hello and welcome to Thursday's Liverpool blog!
Join us throughout the day for all the latest news and transfer gossip from in and around Anfield. | https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-news-transfers-live-mbappe-23865750 | 2022-05-05T18:45:35Z | https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-news-transfers-live-mbappe-23865750 | false |
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — With interest among the general public at its highest with the 148th Kentucky Derby coming up Saturday, horse racing is once again under intense scrutiny.
The industry has been rocked by scandal in recent years, including the disqualification of last year’s Kentucky Derby winner, a horse doping conspiracy involving trainers and veterinarians, and the punishment of its highest-profile trainer.
The sport’s seeming inability to police itself drew the attention of the federal government in 2020. The result is the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act set to go into effect July 1.
The act will be implemented in stages, with the racetrack safety program starting immediately. The antidoping and medication rules aren’t expected to begin until early 2023, leaving states in charge for now.
"We have to do it,” said Tom Rooney, new president and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. “We have to have the same standards in every jurisdiction.”
Unlike the central offices that govern the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, the 38 U.S. racing states operate under patchwork rules that vary from track to track. Horses, owners, trainers and jockeys move frequently between states to compete. Locales honor punishments meted out elsewhere, but inconsistencies can create confusion and make it possible to game the system.
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert is serving a 90-day suspension imposed by Kentucky racing officials that will keep him out of the Derby on Saturday, a race he’s won six times. The punishment came after 2021 Derby winner Medina Spirit failed a post-race drug test. The colt was later disqualified.
East Coast trainer Jorge Navarro is serving five years in prison for his role in a horse doping conspiracy. He also was fined $25.8 million.
Trainer Jason Servis is set for trial next year as part of the same case. He has declared his innocence. Servis trained 2019 Kentucky Derby winner Maximum Security, who was disqualified for interference during the race.
Navarro and Servis were among over two dozen people indicted after a lengthy FBI investigation.
Despite such hits to the sport’s reputation, there appears to be growing trepidation in the industry over the prospect of sweeping change brought by HISA.
The program has already been challenged in the courts, with two lawsuits seeking to kill it.
In late March, a lawsuit filed by the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and a group of its affiliates questioned HISA’s constitutionality. It was dismissed by a federal judge in Texas and is being appealed.
The second suit filed in Kentucky by the state of Oklahoma and eight other states is similar to the NHBPA’s suit. It has yet to be heard.
Whether the implementation of HISA is a reaction to placate vocal critics or representative of meaningful change is an ongoing debate within the industry.
"As trainers, we have mixed emotions because we’re going to have people making decisions that aren’t very educated in our sport,” said D. Wayne Lukas, a Hall of Fame trainer. “It just seems hard to tell where they’re going to go.”
Rooney, a former Republican congressman from Florida, believes training fresh eyes on the sport is crucial.
“Having a large group of people who are not horse people is a positive as long as they’re not out to hurt the industry,” he said. “They’ve agreed to sign on to this board to help horse racing succeed.”
Steve Asmussen, North America’s winningest trainer, comes from a family-run horse training operation in Laredo, Texas.
“I worry that all the decisions are being made by people that have other forms of income and would be eliminating people like my family, where lower-level racing was all of the income,” he said. “I would think that would be very negative for the sport going forward.”
Trainer Tim Yakteen is based in California, where some of the strictest rules involving medications, drug testing and veterinary examinations were enacted after dozens of horses died at Santa Anita in 2019.
"I embrace what we have coming our way because I think it will create unity amongst our industry. It should benefit us because we have been very much fragmented,” said Yakteen, who has two horses in the Kentucky Derby. "I’m hoping that this unity that we’re starting with will carry over into other aspects of our industry that can be capitalized on.”
HISA is in a headlong rush to the starting gate with the July deadline fast approaching.
Lisa Lazarus began her job as CEO of HISA’s board of directors in mid-February. She completed her first major task this week: hiring an independent enforcement agency to oversee the antidoping and medication rules.
After negotiations with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency fell through, HISA chose Drug Free Sport International, a Missouri-based company that works with the NFL, NBA, MLB and NASCAR, among other leagues. The company will set up an integrity and welfare unit overseen by a five-member advisory council, headed by Jonathan Taylor, a London-based attorney with experience in antidoping in international sports.
Lazarus said she's aiming for transparent investigations and speedier resolutions of disputes.
California, Kentucky and Minnesota are the first states that have agreed to work with HISA by paying their prorated share of costs.
“We're close to reaching agreements with the vast majority of racing commissions,” Lazarus said. "We’re learning as we go, but we’ve made a lot of headway.”
A cleaner and fairer sport may boost horse racing’s popularity among a younger generation and help it cash in on the online sports betting gold rush.
"Maybe we can get our fanbase built up,” Yakteen said.
HISA’s greatest influence may be in leveling the playing field.
"We need to show the world we’re doing everything we can to protect the athlete, the jockeys and the integrity of the sport,” Rooney said.
___
AP Sports Writer Gary B. Graves contributed to this report.
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.ourmidland.com/sports/article/Horse-racing-s-new-governing-body-in-rush-to-17151137.php | 2022-05-05T18:46:01Z | https://www.ourmidland.com/sports/article/Horse-racing-s-new-governing-body-in-rush-to-17151137.php | false |
NEW YORK (AP) — Stanford University will launch a new school focusing on climate change thanks to a $1.1 billion gift from billionaire venture capitalist John Doerr and his wife, Ann, the university announced Tuesday.
The gift, one of the largest single donations to an American institute of higher education, will open the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability this fall. The school combines several existing Stanford departments and institutes and will hire dozens of new faculty members over a decade, as well as establish an accelerator to provide grants for new projects.
“We have designed a school for the future combining knowledge generation and impact, building on the strong foundation established through Stanford’s history of scholarship,” said Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne, in a statement.
Stanford engaged in a years long process to define a vision for a new school focused on climate change. The Doerrs connected with Stanford after learning about the new school, university spokesperson Mara Vandlik said in an email.
“This is the decisive decade, and we must act with full speed, and scale,” John and Ann Doerr said in a statement.
One of Silicon Valley’s most prominent investors, John Doerr is chairman of venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins, where he has worked since 1980, successfully advocating for early investment in technology companies like Google, Amazon and Slack. He has authored a book published last year “Speed & Scale: An Action Plan for Solving Our Climate Crisis Now,” that outlines technology and policy priorities for attaining a livable future. Ann Doerr is the board chair of the online education provider Khan Academy, as well as an advisory trustee and former board member of the Environmental Defense Fund.
Isabelle Leighton, the interim executive director of the Donors of Color Network, hailed the donation, saying it’s exciting to see large, new donations related to climate change but urged donors and universities to include communities currently affected by climate change in finding solutions. Her network has asked major foundations who give to climate change causes topledge 30% of their donations to organizations led by people of color.
“While it’s really great to invest in research and analysis, you have to make sure that you’re looking at the full picture of what we need to do to actually make the change and the shift,” Leighton said. “The people who are most directly impacted by what’s happening from climate change need to be a very strong voice, if not the leading voice, in what the solution needs to look like.”
She pointed to renewal energy projectssupported by a network of frontline communities, the Climate Justice Alliance, as an example.
In addition to the donation from the Doerrs, Stanford received $590 million from other donors. Some of the funds will go toward constructing two new buildings, the university said.
The new school would accept gifts from fossil fuel companies or other industries, Vandlik said.
“Stanford is committed to conducting research that will accelerate the transition to a decarbonized economy worldwide,” she said. “The transition is going to require partnership with industries in order to implement new technologies at the enormous scale required.”
___
Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/u-s-world/stanford-gets-1b-for-climate-change-school-from-john-doerr/ | 2022-05-05T18:48:22Z | https://www.wowktv.com/news/u-s-world/stanford-gets-1b-for-climate-change-school-from-john-doerr/ | true |
Coyote shot dead in Dallas after 2-year-old mauled
Child underwent surgery, expected to recover, report says
A coyote matching the description of the animal authorities say critically injured a 2-year-old boy in Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday has been shot and killed, according to officials and local reports.
Dallas Animal Services (DAS) told Fox News Digital on Thursday that it was unable to confirm whether the coyote that USDA officials shot late Wednesday was the same animal that attacked the toddler.
WILD FOX WREAKS HAVOC AT SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL ZOO, LEAVING 25 FLAMINGOS, 1 DUCK DEAD
The attack happened just before 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the 9200 block of Royalpine Drive in Dallas, police have said. The child was sitting on the front porch of the home when the coyote attacked.
The child’s father told FOX4 Dallas-Fort Worth that his son was left alone on the family’s front porch for a moment when the coyote attacked. He said the child’s mother screamed and chased the coyote to get the animal to drop the toddler.
The toddler suffered lacerations to his neck and head, the station reported. He underwent surgery Tuesday and is expected to recover.
"When a coyote attacks, it’s usually an unwell coyote, a coyote that’s not healthy," Sam Kieschnick with Texas Parks and Wildlife previously told the station. "That’s a coyote that should be removed from the population."
The attack came less than a week after a coyote attacked a 2-year-old girl on Southern California's Huntington Beach. That coyote was later shot dead.
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The coyote in Dallas was well-known in the neighborhood and residents had routinely hand fed and pet the animal, actions that the DAS says "eroded the coyote’s natural fear of humans and gave it the confidence to carry out this attack."
"This tragic incident shows why it is critical that residents treat all wildlife as wild animals - when wild animals become too comfortable around humans, there is an increase in problematic and dangerous interactions such as this one that put both residents and the animal itself at risk," the agency said in a post on Facebook.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. | https://www.foxnews.com/us/coyote-shot-dead-dallas-2-year-old-mauled | 2022-05-05T18:49:35Z | https://www.foxnews.com/us/coyote-shot-dead-dallas-2-year-old-mauled | true |
MINSK, Belarus (AP) — Belarus’ authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko defended Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in an interview Thursday with The Associated Press, but he said he didn’t expect the 10-week-old conflict to “drag on this way.”
He also spoke out againstthe use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine but wouldn’t say if Russian President Vladimir Putin had plans to launch such a strike.
Lukashenko said Moscow, which launched the invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 — partly from his territory — had to act because Kyiv was “provoking Russia.”
“But I am not immersed in this problem enough to say whether it goes according to plan, like the Russians say, or like I feel it,” he said, speaking at Independence Palace in Minsk. “I want to stress one more time: I feel like this operation has dragged on.”
Lukashenko’s support of the war has prompted international criticism and sanctions against Minsk. Some Russian troops were sent from Belarusian territory into Ukraine, and Lukashenko has publicly stood by his longtime ally, who has pumped billions of dollars into shoring up his Soviet-style, state-controlled economy with cheap energy and loans.
But in his comments to the AP, Lukashenko said he and his country stand for peace and repeatedly called for the end of the “war” — a term the Kremlin refuses to use, calling the invasion a “special military operation” instead.
The 67-year-old president struck a calm and more measured tone in the nearly 90-minute interview than in previous media appearances in which he hectored the West over sanctions and lashed out at journalists.
“We categorically do not accept any war. We have done and are doing everything now so that there isn’t a war. Thanks to yours truly, me that is, negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have begun,” he said.
Lukashenko said using nuclear weapons in Ukraine was “unacceptable because it’s right next to us — we are not across the ocean like the United States.”
“It is also unacceptable because it might knock our terrestrial ball flying off the orbit to who knows where,” he said. “Whether or not Russia is capable of that — is a question you need to ask the Russian leadership.”
Russia “can’t by definition lose this war,” Lukashenko said, noting that Belarus is the only country standing by Moscow, while “as many as 50 states have joined forces” on Ukraine’s side.
He added that Putin isn’t seeking a direct conflict with NATO, and the West should ensure that one doesn’t happen.
“He most likely does not want a global confrontation with NATO. Use it. Use it and do everything for that not to happen. Otherwise, even if Putin doesn’t want it, the military will react,” the Belarusian leader warned.
Lukashenko called Putin his “big brother” and said the Russian leader doesn’t have “closer, more open or friendlier relations with any of the world leaders other than the president of Belarus.”
Their relationship has been particularly close recently but was rocky in earlier years. Before a disputed 2020 election sparked mass protests and a domestic crackdown by Lukashenko, he often accused the Kremlin of trying to force him to relinquish control of prized economic assets and abandon his country’s independence.
Faced with tough economic sanctions after he brutally suppressed the protests, the Belarusian leader started emphasizing a need to jointly counter Western pressure and met with Putin regularly, stressing their close ties.
Lukashenko’s support of the invasion has stopped short of deploying his own troops there, but it still has drawn criticism from the Belarusian opposition and calls for more sanctions on him and the country. Opposition figures say ordinary Belarusians don’t support the invasion. Hundreds of them who live in Ukraine have been affected by the war, and some have become volunteers, fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.
Top Belarus opposition activist Pavel Latushka dismissed Lukashenko’s calls for peace on Thursday, saying they “look absurd after more than 600 missiles were fired from the territory of Belarus, and the country became a platform for aggression.”
He added: “Minsk deserves the harshest Western sanctions.”
Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya echoed Latushka’s sentiment, calling Lukashenko a “co-aggressor” and saying he is “trying to change his image of an arsonist into that of a firefighter and peacekeeper.”
Lukashenko told AP that his country poses no danger to others, even as its military conducted drills this week.
“We do not threaten anyone and we are not going to threaten and will not do it. Moreover, we can’t threaten — we know who opposes us, so to unleash some kind of a conflict, some kind of war here … is absolutely not in the interests of the Belarusian state. So the West can sleep peacefully,” he said.
He blamed the West — especially Washington — for fueling the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“The U.S. wants to seize the moment, tying its allies to itself, and drown Russia in the war with Ukraine. It’s their goal — to sort out Russia, and then China,” he said.
Lukashenko said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was taking orders from the United States.
“Today it’s not Zelenskyy who’s running Ukraine – no offense, that’s my point of view, maybe I’m wrong,” Lukashenko said, adding that if U.S. President Joe Biden said so, “everything will stop within a week.”
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://pix11.com/news/ap-general/the-ap-interview-belarus-doing-everything-to-end-war/ | 2022-05-05T18:50:16Z | https://pix11.com/news/ap-general/the-ap-interview-belarus-doing-everything-to-end-war/ | false |
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
1-0-1-0
(one, zero, one, zero)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
1-0-1-0
(one, zero, one, zero) | https://www.thehour.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17151036.php | 2022-05-05T18:50:19Z | https://www.thehour.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17151036.php | false |
Federal officials are promising to add air traffic controllers and take other steps to improve the flow of planes in Florida, which airlines say has become a weak link in the national airspace.
The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that it will add staff at a key air traffic control center in Jacksonville and other places, although it didn’t provide numbers.
The promise came during a two-day meeting between FAA officials and representatives of about a dozen airlines. The airlines told the FAA that the number of Florida flights will shoot past 2019 levels.
Air traffic to Florida picked up more quickly during the pandemic than many other places, and airlines have scheduled even more flights for this summer. That is raising concern about the potential for massive disruptions that could ripple far beyond the state’s borders.
The FAA said it also agreed to update airlines more often about space launches and other events that can squeeze routes airlines use over Florida. Airlines say they have been caught off guard by route closings, forcing them to cancel flights.
Most noteworthy, Southwest Airlinesblamed bad weather and air traffic control in Florida for cascading problems that led it to cancel more than 2,000 flights over three days last October. JetBlue Airways blamed those and other factorsfor widespread cancellations last month.
The FAA said it will make more use of alternate routes — sometimes at lower altitudes, which would increase fuel burn — to keep planes moving after disruptions. The agency said it will also develop a plan for responding to snarls, similar to what it does in the New York City area. | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/business/faa-offers-fix-for-snarled-florida-air-travel-this-summer/ | 2022-05-05T18:57:57Z | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/business/faa-offers-fix-for-snarled-florida-air-travel-this-summer/ | false |
NICE, France (AP) — Russia’s military has launched a string of attacks on Ukraine’s railway network, which has been vital for moving Western arms to Ukrainian forces, evacuating refugees and exporting food.
A Russian official said the aim was to disrupt Western weapons deliveries. Experts say Ukraine’s railways appeared to be largely spared at the start of the invasion because Russian planners wanted them to move their own troops and arms across captured territory. The latest strikes still seem to seek more to damage than to destroy the system.
Here’s a look at the attacks, and their significance.
WHY ARE RAILWAYS SO IMPORTANT FOR UKRAINE?
The largely flat country has a vast railway network, which has proved invaluable from a military viewpoint for supplying key Western arms shipments — and has also helped in the exodus of refugees from Russian air assaults and land advances.
Western weaponry pouring into Ukraine helped its forces blunt Russia’s initial offensive. It also seems certain to play a central role in the battle for the Donbas in the east, which Moscow now says is its focus following its failure to take the capital, Kyiv.
The U.S. and other Western allies have increased weapons shipments at the urging of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that Moscow will see any Western transport carrying weapons into Ukraine as a legitimate target.
The rail attacks were meant to disrupt the delivery of Western weapons, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Wednesday.
WHAT WERE THE LATEST TARGETS?
Russian forces used sea- and air-launchedprecision guided missiles to destroy power facilities at five railway stations across Ukraine over the past day.
Some attacks were concentrated in and around the western city of Lviv, close to the border with Poland that has been a gateway for the NATO-supplied weapons. Lviv’s mayor said the strikes damaged three power substations, knocking out electricity in parts of the city that has seen only sporadic attacks during the war and has become a haven for civilians fleeing the fighting.
HAS THE RAILWAY SYSTEM BEEN STRUCK BEFORE?
A Russian missile hit a crowded train station in eastern Ukraine last month, killing at least 52 people and wounding dozens more.
Thousands of civilians, mostly women and children fleeing the Donbas region, had gathered at the station in the town of Kramatorsk on April 8 when a missile hit.
Zelenskyy accused Russia’s military of deliberately attacking the station. Russia blamed Ukraine, saying its own forces don’t use the kind of missile that hit the station.
In late April, Russian targeted several railway junctions in the west of the country to disrupt weapons deliveries.
WHAT IS RUSSIA’S PLAN?
Russia seems to have largely spared Ukraine’s rail system at the outset of the invasion because it had planned to use it to move its own troops and arms across the country, which it had hoped to overrun quickly, military experts say.
“Now that they know they won’t be able to use it, they are striking the rail system that is likely carrying armor and reinforcements to the Ukrainians,” said retired French General Dominique Trinquand.
While Russians have been conducting precision attacks on the rail network and firing expensive missiles into its power supply lines in the past week, their goal still appears to be damaging rather than destroying the network.
“It won’t stop the Ukrainians, but it will disrupt them,” said Frank Ledwidge, a former British military intelligence officer. He said the Russians also aim to undermine Ukraine’s morale.
“It’s like saying, ‘Nowhere is safe’, ‘Your army can’t protect you’, ‘We reign over your country at will.’”
WHAT DOES THE US SAY?
A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Pentagon’s assessment, said that while the Russians have tried to hit critical infrastructure around Lviv, specifically targeting railroads, there has been “no appreciable impact” on Ukraine’s effort to resupply its forces.
The official said it is not clear that the Russian strikes have been very accurate, and they also have not impeded efforts to get weapons into Ukraine.
___
Jon Gambrell in Lviv, Cara Anna in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and John Leicester in Le Pecq, France contributed to this report.
___
Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/international/explainer-why-is-russia-attacking-ukraines-railway-system/ | 2022-05-05T18:58:18Z | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/international/explainer-why-is-russia-attacking-ukraines-railway-system/ | false |
BRATTLEBORO, Vt., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Omega Optical Holdings, LLC, ("Omega" or "the Company"), a leading precision optics platform backed by Artemis Capital Partners ("Artemis"), today announced that Ms. Debbie Gustafson ("Ms. Gustafson") has been appointed to the Company's Board of Directors. Ms. Gustafson not only brings decades of executive leadership at the forefront of photonics and semiconductor industries – but also a strategic discipline rooted in the "Voice of the Customer" across the optics and photonics value-chain – from semiconductor fabs to life science instrumentation. As highlighted by Omega's three acquisitions in 2021, Omega has moved with urgency since partnering with Artemis to execute upon its vision to be a leading global thin-film coating company by harnessing proprietary process knowledge to design and manufacture critically enabling solutions for its partners high-value needs.
Ms. Gustafson's depth of market insight and diversity of functional area executive expertise – gleaned from posts ranging from her former tenures as a field service engineer and technical sales professional to CEO of a Hamamatsu Business – was too compelling not to enlist in Omega's ambitious strategic plan. Omega Board Chairman, Peter Hunter, said, "Ms. Gustafson brings precisely what we need for Omega's next chapter: world class technical and commercial experience, unparalleled industry insight and connectivity, and an obsession with our customers. It's a natural fit."
Ms. Gustafson commented, saying, "For more than 35 years, I've worked at the 'front of the curve' in various advanced technologies. While I've long known of Omega, I can say with confidence that the Company finds itself today in a rare strategic position as a leading independent player in Optics & Photonics technologies. In a world demanding more and more from its wireless technologies, I'm thrilled to help Omega, its key customers, passionate team members, and Artemis, realize their vision for the Company."
Ms. Gustafson has more than 35 years of experience in the industry at companies like Teradyne, Entegris, and Energetiq Technology. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and an MBA in Management from Bentley University.
Omega Optical Holdings
Omega Optical Holdings is a leading precision optics platform whose brands design and manufacture precision optical filters, coatings, diffractive optics, and infrared components to enable mission-critical applications for global OEM customers in a wide range of industries, including life sciences, industrial analytical instrumentation, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and more. Omega Optical Holdings mission is to help our customers get the right photons to the right place at the right time. For more information on Omega, please visit: www.omega-optical.com
Artemis
Headquartered in Boston, MA, Artemis is a specialized private equity firm focused on acquiring and partnering with differentiated Industrial Tech companies, whose people and products enable and accelerate a healthier, safer, more connected, mobile, productive, and equitable world. For more information, please visit: www.artemislp.com.
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SOURCE Omega Optical Holdings, LLC | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/debbie-gustafson-appointed-omega-optical-holdings-board-directors-adding-decades-photonics-industry-amp-technical-sales-leadership/ | 2022-05-05T19:00:42Z | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/debbie-gustafson-appointed-omega-optical-holdings-board-directors-adding-decades-photonics-industry-amp-technical-sales-leadership/ | false |
I've Got Five On It: Offseason storylines that will impact 2022-23 season
The college basketball offseason is just more than a month old, but it feels like we’ve seen six months of activity washed over the sport. The coaching carousel has spun, transfer season is in full swing, and the new world of NIL continues to pack surprises.
From landmark NIL moments, to coaching changes, to roster rebuilds, the stories that will shape the next 12 months are already developing. This week in I Got Five On It, Rivals.com’s Rob Cassidy explores the offseason stories that will have the most effect on the year to come in college hoops.
*****
Transfer Tracker: What's happened and what's to come
2022 Rankings: Rivals150 | Team | Position
2023 Rankings: Rivals150
2024 Rankings: Top 40
*****
LOUISVILLE’S REGIME CHANGE
No 2022 coaching change has made bigger waves than the one at Louisville, where the Cardinals hired proven recruiter and former NBA assistant Kenny Payne, who made his name by landing players such as Jamal Murray, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro as an assistant at in-state rival Kentucky years ago. Expectations for the Payne era and Louisville increased even more when the program poached Duke assistant Nolan Smith, who is developing a reputation as a high-level recruiter himself.
The Cardinals expect to improve significantly on last year’s miserable 13-19 finish, but the first-year implications of the Payne hire will likely be felt on the recruiting trail more than they are on the court.
Louisville’s new head man already has a pair of top-100 prospects in the fold for next season and is the favorite to land both touted Memphis transfer Emoni Bates and Iowa State expat Tyrese Hunter. The Cardinals are a serious player for 2023 five-star DJ Wagner as well as a number of other in-demand prospects to boot. Of course nothing matters until Payne actually closes on said prospects, but it’s clear that the perception of the program has changed abruptly in the past few months.
How will Payne’s run ultimately be defined? Who knows, but the momentum on the recruiting trail is undeniable.
*****
DUKE’S TOP-RANKED RECRUITING CLASS
Arguably the best transitional class in the history of the sport, the haul Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has assembled will be one of next season’s omnipresent stories.
The 2022 haul is headlined by three of the top five prospects in the class in the form of Dariq Whitehead (1), Dereck Lively (3) and Kyle Filipowski (5). It also includes an additional five-star in Mark Mitchell and two other Rivals150 members. The class brings excitement but it will also carry expectations, as an underwhelming year will fall squarely on the shoulders of the first-time head coach that seems to be armed with the talent to make waves in his first season.
Fairly or not, the midseason narrative around Duke sees almost certain to be one of two things:
A, “Jon Scheyer lacks the necessary Xs-and-Os acumen to win at the highest level.”
Or …B. “The Duke dynasty is re-energized and stronger than ever.”\
There doesn't seem to be a path to anything in between, and I, for one, am ready for the hyper-reactionary takes.
*****
MIAMI AND WHATEVER “LIFEWALLET” IS
Billionaire Carlos Ruiz giving Nijel Pack $800,000 to come to Miami is certainly notable, as Pack is a talented player and was a first-team All-Big 12 selection. Still, the deal isn’t going to do much to shape the year ahead on a macro scale.
The intent it signals, however, probably will.
Ruiz, who owns a company called “LifeWallet,” which appears to be some sort of medical records app, has used NIL to help UM land talent on the football side and is now taking an interest in basketball. The Pack deal feels like a warning shot of sorts when it comes to the intent of UM hoops down the road and may well result in a change in the level at which the Hurricanes recruit both high school prospects and transfers. Even beyond that, however, the massive NIL deal with a company that doesn’t stand to benefit much from this flavor of endorsement makes one wonder about the possibility of such massive deals becoming more widespread and publicized.
What If businessman Charles Koch, after whom Wichita State’s basketball arena is named, decides he wants the Shockers to win a national title? Imagine the amount of Nijel Packs $62 billion could buy.
When monetary return on investment isn’t something boosters care about, the door to total recruiting insanity is kicked wide open, and I’m excited to watch what happens when it falls.
Ruiz can’t possibly be the only sports-obsessed billionaire in America, can he? The brave new world of NIL is only starting to develop.
*****
ARKANSAS’ QUICK RELOAD
It’s nearly impossible to sustain the momentum created by back-to-back Elite Eight runs, so eventually Arkansas has to take a few backward steps, right?
Right?
Well, maybe not.
This offseason Eric Musselman is in the midst of pulling off a work of art. It started with the county’s No. 2 recruiting class, headlined by five-star prospects Nick Smith, Anthony Black and Jordan Walsh, but Musselman’s long-standing reputation as a transfer wizard is also playing a role.
The Razorbacks have landed Missouri transfer Trevon Brazile, who started 23 of 25 games as a freshman last season and shot 53.5 percent from the field in the process. Arkansas also landed All-Pac 12 selection Jalen Graham, who arrives in Fayetteville after becoming a major part of Arizona State’s scoring attack during last season’s final month. As a whole, the Razorbacks' roster looks every bit as talented as the two previous ones, which each resulted in deep NCAA tournament runs. In fact, every available database suggests the program’s standing as a budding national power won’t be changing anytime soon.
*****
BAYLOR SCHEIERMAN PICKING CREIGHTON
Creighton’s 2023 outlook was bright long before the transfer wheel started turning, as the Bluejays were set to bring back most key pieces of a team that won 23 games and advanced in the NCAA tournament. A roster including returning veterans Ryan Nembhard, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Arthur Kaluma and Trey Alexander would have likely been enough to land Greg McDermott’s team in the preseason top 10.
Landing reigning Summit League Player of the Year Baylor Scheierman has created a different beast entirely. Scheierman fills what feels like one of the roster’s last training needs by providing an elite 3-point shooting guard to pair with Nembhard in one of the country’s top veteran backcourts. Simply put, Scheierman’s commitment takes Creighton from probable Big East power to national title contender. | https://arkansas.rivals.com/news/i-ve-got-five-on-it-offseason-storylines-that-will-impact-2022-23-season | 2022-05-05T19:01:49Z | https://arkansas.rivals.com/news/i-ve-got-five-on-it-offseason-storylines-that-will-impact-2022-23-season | true |
World's smallest porpoise faces being fished to extinction as Mexican trawlers continue to use nets that have already been banned
- There are 10 vanquita popories left in the wild, a team from California discovered
- They are native to a small habitat in Mexico's Gulf of California, their sole habitat
- Reaching no more than 5ft in length, the species often become entangled and die in large mesh gillnets used by poachers hunting the endangered totoaba fish
- The use of gillnets in their habitat, as well as totoaba hunting has been banned
- Despite the ban, experts say it is largely unenforced by the Mexican government
- The genetic diversity of the population is large enough for them to survive
The world's smallest porpoise face being fished to extinction if Mexican trawlers continue using deadly nets that have already been banned, experts warn.
There are 10 vaquita porpoises left in the wild, according to a team from the University of California in Los Angeles, who carried out genetic research on the marine mammals, which live in a small area of the Gulf of California in Mexico.
Reaching no more than 5ft in length, the species often become entangled and die in large mesh gillnets used by poachers hunting the endangered totoaba fish.
Mexico has outlawed totoaba fishing and made the use of these nets in the vaquitas' habitat illegal, however, the team say the bans are not always enforced.
Despite inbreeding, they may not be completely doomed, said lead author Christopher Kryiazis, but the ban needs to be properly enforced.
They are able to survive thanks to a wider than expected genetic diversity among the tiny population, but if any fishing continues, they will die out completely.
The world's smallest porpoise face being fished to extinction if Mexican trawlers continue using deadly nets that have already been banned, experts warn
The vaquita porpoise is on the brink of extinction, with 10 or fewer still living, but as recently as 1997 there were an estimated 570 individuals in the area.
A genetic analysis by a team of UCLA biologists found that the critically endangered species remains relatively healthy and can potentially survive.
'Interestingly, we found the vaquita is not doomed by genetic factors, like harmful mutations, that tend to affect many other species whose gene pool has diminished to a similar point,' said Christopher Kyriazis, study co-author.
He warned that 'outlawed fishing remains their biggest threat' and even if a small amount of fishing continues, the species will die out.
The small porpoises often become entangled and die in the large mesh gillnets used by poachers hunting the totoaba.
This is an endangered fish that is highly valued for perceived medicinal properties, and is also kept as a financial investment by poachers.
The researchers analyzed the genomes of 20 vaquitas that lived between 1985 and 2017, then conducted simulations to predict extinction risk over the next 50 years.
They concluded that if gillnet fishing ends immediately, the vaquita has a very high chance of recovery, even with inbreeding.
There are 10 vaquita porpoises left in the wild, according to a team from the University of California in Los Angeles, who carried out genetic research on the marine mammals, which live in a small area of the Gulf of California in Mexico
If, however, the practice continues, even moderately, the prospects of recovery are less optimistic, the team warned.
'Relative to other species, the vaquita has a higher chance of rebounding from an extreme population crash without suffering severe genetic consequences from inbreeding,' said co–lead author Jacqueline Robinson, from US San Francisco.
'Genetic diversity in vaquitas is not so low that it constitutes a threat to their health and persistence. It simply reflects their natural rarity.'
Genetic diversity is an important measure of species survival, specifically of the differences that exist across the genome among individuals in a population.
Large populations tend to have many differences, while naturally smaller or decimated ones have fewer differences.
This results in them becoming genetically similar - leading to greater incidence of harmful mutations.
These endanger the population since individuals are more likely to inherit the same mutated gene from both parents than if greater diversity was present.
'A prevailing view in conservation biology and population genetics is that small populations can accumulate deleterious mutations,' said author Kirk Lohmueller.
'However, our finding that the vaquita likely has fewer strongly deleterious mutations hiding in the population means that they are better poised to survive future inbreeding, which bodes well for their overall recovery.'
Much of their protection from inbreeding has to do with the fact that they have always been a small population in a very small habitat in the northern tip of the gulf, the researchers said.
Historic numbers are unknown, but a count in 1997 revealed roughly 570 porpoises - down to 10 over 25 years.
However, the team speculate that the historic numbers were never large.
'They're essentially the marine equivalent of an island species,' said Robinson, who noted the species has survived for tens of thousands of years with low diversity.
'The vaquitas' naturally low abundance has allowed them to gradually purge highly deleterious recessive gene variants that might negatively affect their health under inbreeding.'
'With genomic datasets, we now have the ability to address this complexity,' Robinson said.
'Species can vary in their levels of harmful genetic variation, and they will not all be affected exactly the same way by reduced population size or inbreeding. There are now many examples of species recovering from extreme declines.'
'We hope our analysis is useful not only in demonstrating the potential for the vaquita to recover,' Kyriazis said, 'but also in highlighting a novel genomics-based simulation approach for endangered species.'
Reaching no more than 5ft in length, the species often become entangled and die in large mesh gillnets used by poachers hunting the endangered totoaba fish
Encouragingly, the surviving vaquitas in the northern Gulf of California are actively reproducing and appear healthy.
But poachers' gillnets continue to pose an existential threat to the species, and unless further measures are taken to protect the porpoises, there is a distinct possibility they may go extinct.
The loss would be a great tragedy, said the study's senior author, Robert Wayne.
'It represents a unique evolutionary lineage — there is no similar species anywhere in the world — and its loss would rob the ecosystem of an important predator adapted to this unique ecosystem.'
The findings have been published in the journal Science. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10786437/Worlds-smallest-porpoise-faces-fished-extinction.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-05-05T19:02:15Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10786437/Worlds-smallest-porpoise-faces-fished-extinction.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | false |
WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Marion County in northeastern Texas...
Southwestern Cass County in northeastern Texas...
Northwestern Harrison County in northeastern Texas...
North central Gregg County in northeastern Texas...
* Until 130 PM CDT.
* At 1246 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from near Lone Star to near Ore City to near Diana to
near East Mountain, moving northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Longview, White Oak, Jefferson, Linden, Clarksville City, East
Mountain, Lodi, Berea, Harleton, Kildare, Fairview, Avinger,
Lassater, Nesbitt, Pruett and Judson.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect for the warned area. Tornadoes can
develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Although a tornado is not
immediately likely, if one is spotted, act quickly and move to a
place of safety inside a sturdy structure such as a basement or
small interior room.
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 100 PM CDT
FOR SOUTH CENTRAL CORYELL...SOUTHEASTERN LAMPASAS AND NORTHWESTERN
BELL COUNTIES...
At 1247 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Fort Hood,
moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
Locations impacted include...
Killeen, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Belton, Fort Hood,
Nolanville, Salado and Kempner.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central Texas.
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of north central
Williamson and northeastern Burnet Counties through 115 PM CDT...
At 1250 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Briggs, or 11 miles south of Copperas Cove, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Florence and Briggs.
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for south central
Texas.
LAT...LON 3103 9790 3091 9783 3090 9775 3088 9766
3087 9765 3077 9770 3087 9800 3104 9794
3103 9791
TIME...MOT...LOC 1750Z 285DEG 22KT 3095 9789
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.sfchronicle.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17150996.php | 2022-05-05T19:03:18Z | https://www.sfchronicle.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17150996.php | false |
AUSTIN, Texas, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 360factors, Inc. announced today that Openpay (OPY USA, Inc.), a fast-growing and highly differentiated player in the global 'Buy now pay later' (BNPL) payment solutions market, selected 360factors' Compliance Management suite of solutions.
"360factors' deep experience in serving the financial industry was a key consideration during our selection process," said Gary Stein, Openpay Chief Product & Compliance Officer, U.S. "We look forward to implementing Predict360 to enhance our compliance program."
"360factors is thrilled to collaborate with Openpay to implement our Compliance Management solution," said Carl McCauley, CEO for 360factors. "Like banks and credit unions, the fast-growing FinTech industry is adapting to an evolving landscape of regulatory requirements and competition. Innovative organizations like Openpay that utilize modern technologies for compliance management can proactively meet their regulatory obligations and create a competitive advantage."
As a risk and compliance solutions leader within the banking and financial services industries, 360factors continues to develop relationships with banks and financial services institutions seeking to remove inefficiencies while elevating their risk and compliance management programs.
About 360factors, Inc.
360factors empowers organizations to accelerate profitability, innovation, and productivity by predicting risks and streamlining compliance. Predict360, its flagship software product, is a Risk and Compliance Intelligence Platform augmented with Artificial Intelligence technology to predict and mitigate operational risks while streamlining regulatory compliance. Predict360 integrates regulations and obligations, compliance management, risks and controls, audits and assessments, policies and procedures, and training in a single cloud-based SaaS platform based on artificial intelligence to provide predictive analytics and unique insights for predicting risks and streamlining compliance. 360factors is the exclusive endorsed solution provider for risk and compliance management by the American Bankers Association (ABA). Visit www.360factors.com for more information.
About Openpay
Openpay Group Ltd is an emerging leader in payments fintech, working to create a transparent, friendly approach to financing life's most meaningful purchases. Openpay delivers an omnichannel financing solution that extends beyond traditional Buy Now, Pay Later in the form of their next-generation "BNPL 2.0" product. BNPL 2.0 provides the gateway to complete transactions, up to $20,000 with payback terms of up to 24-months, across underserved BNPL verticals, including Automotive, Healthcare, Home Improvement, Memberships, Education, and Retail. Openpay has fine-tuned its innovative products for both consumers and merchants, providing transparent terms with quick credit decisions and customizable payment plans for consumers, along with a B2B payments offering that facilitates end-to-end trade account management. Openpay operates in Australia and in the United States (operating as Opy) and serves New Zealand and the United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.opy.com.
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SOURCE 360factors | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/openpay-selects-360factors-predict360-compliance-management-suite/ | 2022-05-05T19:05:49Z | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/openpay-selects-360factors-predict360-compliance-management-suite/ | false |
NEW YORK (AP) — A second book by “Hillbilly Elegy” author and U.S. Senate candidate JD Vance that had been under contract with Harper has been called off, the publisher told The Associated Press Thursday.
The book, currently listed on Amazon.com and until recently on the HarperCollins Publishers web site, is called “A Relevant Faith: Searching for a Meaningful American Christianity." The imprint Harper never formally announced the book, listed at 320 pages and with different release dates on different sites, but did confirm a deal had been agreed upon.
“Harper and Mr. Vance mutually agreed some time ago not to move forward with the previously-contracted book,” a spokesperson told the AP. The publisher declined to say when the book was dropped, or why.
Vance converted to Catholicism in 2019, saying at the time that he had grown up without a strong attachment to any branch of Christianity, but “became persuaded over time that Catholicism was true.”
A spokesperson for Vance did not immediately respond Thursday to a request for comment, including whether Vance might release the book through a different publisher.
Vance, who prevailed this week in a bitter Republican primary for the U.S. Senate in Ohio, became a national celebrity with the best-selling “Hillbilly Elegy.” His memoir about growing up in the struggling Ohio steel mill city of Middletown and his roots in Appalachian Kentucky was signed up by Harper in 2013 and published months before Donald Trump's stunning victory in 2016. But during and after the election, it was sought by those who wondered about Trump's appeal to rural communities that once voted Democratic.
In 2020, “Hillbilly Elegy” was made into an Oscar nominated movie directed by Ron Howard and starring Amy Adams and Glenn Close.
Vance had been a sharp critic of Trump, but shifted his views and was endorsed during the primary by the former president. He will face Democrat Tim Ryan, a 10-term congressman, in the general election race to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Rob Portman. | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/A-second-JD-Vance-book-falls-through-publisher-17151160.php | 2022-05-05T19:07:08Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/A-second-JD-Vance-book-falls-through-publisher-17151160.php | true |
WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
136 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 200 PM CDT
FOR SOUTHERN HARRISON...WESTERN PANOLA...RUSK...NORTHWESTERN
SHELBY...SOUTHEASTERN GREGG AND NORTHEASTERN CHEROKEE COUNTIES...
At 136 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from near Hallsville to 8 miles southwest of Minden, moving
east at 20 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to
roofs, siding, and trees.
Locations impacted include...
Longview, Marshall, Henderson, Carthage, Hallsville, Tatum, Timpson,
Beckville, Elysian Fields, Pinehill, Joinerville, Turnertown, Minden,
New Summerfield, Lakeport, Easton, Mount Enterprise, Scottsville,
Gary City and Darco.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A tornado watch remains in effect for the warned area. Tornadoes can
develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Although a tornado is not
immediately likely, if one is spotted act quickly and move to a place
of safety inside a sturdy structure, such as a basement or small
interior room.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.theintelligencer.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151186.php | 2022-05-05T19:09:53Z | https://www.theintelligencer.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151186.php | true |
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As the annual Carnaval San Francisco parade came up 24th Street in the Mission District, the energy level always swelled with the appearance of Ginga Brasil — a costumed performance troupe of more than 100 men, women and children, a drum corps and a band on a truck, all dancing and swaying to the samba.
Off to the side, in her own unique costume, with her arms in constant motion as she conducted the dancers, was the troupe’s artistic director, Conceição Damasceno, a dance instructor and choreographer, costume designer and float decorator, community leader and cultural ambassador for all things Brazilian.
Damasceno, who last walked the mile-plus route at Carnaval in 2017 and was waving from a float a year later, had long suffered from lupus, an autoimmune disease. A long decline finally ended on April 24, when Damasceno died at her home in North Oakland, said her husband Nick Harvey. She was 61.
“One of her greatest gifts was that she could introduce (Brazilian) dance and the culture to Americans,” said Harvey. “She taught people to find inner happiness in their own creative movement and comfort in their own bodies.”
As a bookend to Carnaval on Memorial Day weekend, Damasceno created and directed the SF Bay Brazilian Day/Lavagem Festival, which folds a 45-minute sacred ceremony into an 8-hour party during Labor Day weekend in Berkeley.
Ginga Brasil dances year-round at street fairs and parties centered around Casa de Cultura, a warehouse in West Berkeley connected to a nonprofit arts foundation called BrasArte. Children start in a program called “Borboletas” (Butterflies). Parents often start out watching the kids before they, too, are absorbed in the spirit of it and enroll in classes.
Damasceno appreciated students who started with nothing. She emigrated from the Brazilian state of Bahia in 1985 with $50 to her name. As the youngest of 12 children whose father died when she was just a few months old, Damasceno was raised amid poverty and hunger in a small town without electricity.
To entertain herself she “watched shadows by candlelight at night and butterflies in the daytime to imitate the movement,” Harvey said. An Englishman, he was on a post-collegiate walkabout when he met Damasceno in Fort Lauderdale in 1985. Two years later, they visited San Francisco and decided to move there.
She opened her dance studio in Berkeley in 1998, and founded BrasArte two years later as a nonprofit in order preserve authentic Brazilian culture and to facilitate cultural exchange. Those two organizations were merged into Casa de Cultura, the Brazilian cultural center and dance studio still operating in Berkeley.
“I hope I help people see that Brazil is not just about beautiful women in bikinis and feathers,” she told The Chronicle in an interview before Carnaval, in the late 1990s. “It represents a whole attitude of being happy and relaxed — and Americans need to be relaxed.”
Brazilian culture hit a frenzy in 1994 when Stanford Stadium was one of the venues for the soccer World Cup. The Brazilian team stayed in Los Altos and played several games en route to winning the Cup at the Rose Bowl.
Graphic designer Anne-Marie Praetzel of Berkeley had been a soccer player and seen the games at Stanford and hit the spontaneous street parties afterward. At one soirée she saw a flyer on a telephone poles advertising a Samba class conveniently located at Bahia, the main Brazilian bar in San Francisco.
She’d never taken a dance class before and was curious. “In comes this very graceful and stunningly beautiful thin woman, long arms and legs with a shock of black, wild hair,” Praetzel said. “Her movements were so mezmerizingly beautiful that I was hooked instantly.”
Praetzel ended up studying under Damasceno for 17 years, and performed in costume during several Carnaval parades.
“Samba is a very difficult dance to do unless you grew up doing it,” Praetzel said. “But (Damasceno) made it so fun and so addictive that I just kept going and going until I got it, eventually.”
There was more to it than Samba. There were parties at her house, and larger street parties at Casa de Cultura. Something was always happening with Ginga Brasil.
“There was a very warm and welcoming vibe to it,” Praetzel said. “There were old people, young people, kids. It was very inclusive. All ages and sizes of people with varying abilities to dance, were welcome at her events and her classes.”
Damasceno was born Feb. 1, 1961 in Alagoinhas, a city in Bahia. The family moved to the capital city of Salvador when she was 9, and she began studying folkloric dance traditions. After migrating to Miami and then San Francisco, Damasceno made her first appearance in Carnaval in 1988.
“Her genius is something she brought from Brazil, which is the entire conceptualization of a Carnaval contingent,” said Aida Salazar, a Berkeley writer who included Damasceno in her illustrated children’s book “In the Spirit of a Dream: 13 Stories of American Immigrants of Color.”
“She would be there with her glowing smile and her big hair flowing in the wind with the most graceful arms you’ve ever seen, moving along and flowing and directing.”
Salazar became enthralled when she and her husband, musician John Santos, brought their daughter Avelina Santos, then 7, to a performance produced by Damasceno at the Casa de Cultura.
Afterward Damascena approached them and suggested Avelina was the right age for the summer day camp offered at the Casa. That was the beginning of five years of dancing and performing for Avelina, followed by her younger brother Joao. Then their mother became a producer of the Carnaval Ball, The Brazilian Day Festival, and Yemanja Arts Festival, all affiliated with BrasArte.
“The Brazilian people were always there but it was also white, Black and Asian people who supported all of her activities,” said Salazar. “She really believed that the arts were a bridge for peace and understanding.”
The 2018 Carnaval, which was Damasceno’s last, also marked a first. Her daughter, Tainah Damasceno, was crowned the queen of that same parade. Since then she has taken over for her mother as artistic director of BrasArte, the nonprofit umbrella which includes the dance school, various festivals and stage shows, and all forms of outreach.
Carnaval San Francisco returns after a two-year absence on May 29. Ginga Brasil will be there in costume, 60 or 70 strong, dancing and swaying the samba as if their founder were still there beside them.
“When I think of my mother, I think of the sun. Everyone and everything was drawn to her,’ said Tainah. “Her willpower and sincerity pulled people in and generated a community of love that will long outlast her short stay here on earth.”
In addition to her husband and daughter, both of Oakland, survivors include sisters Lourdes Damasceno and Rita Damasceno, also of Oakland, Nueza Damasceno of Rivarolo, Italy, and Nueza Damasceno of Salvador, Brazil; and a brother, Magno Damasceno, also of Salvador.
Tax deductible donations in her honor may be made to BrasArte, 1901 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA, 94702.
Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SamWhitingSF | https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Conceic-o-Damasceno-dance-instructor-and-the-17151033.php | 2022-05-05T19:16:55Z | https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Conceic-o-Damasceno-dance-instructor-and-the-17151033.php | true |
Dr. James Brookins, Jr., MD (Chairman Tampa Alumni Guide Right Foundation) or Henry Bell join Gayle Guyardo the host of the nationally syndicated health and wellness show Bloom about a Derby Party that supports charity.
The Tampa Derby Day Party: Bow Ties, Hats & Bourbon is being held Saturday, May 7, 2022 at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre at 4121 North 50th Street Tampa, FL 33610 from 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT. Bloom airs in 40 markets across the country, with a reach of approximately 36 million households, and in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Madison, WI.
You can watch Bloom in the Tampa Bay Market weekdays at Noon on WTTA: Spectrum 1006; Frontier 514; DirecTV 38; Dish 38; Comcast 43, and look for Bloom early mornings on WFLA News Channel 8.
Information about the Foundation: https://tampagrfoundation.org/
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WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Northwestern Lamar County in north central Texas...
Northern Fannin County in north central Texas...
* Until 200 PM CDT.
* At 106 PM CDT, a two severe thunderstorms were located in a line
from north of Windom to east of Ravenna moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Bonham, Dodd City, Ravenna and Windom.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from
windows.
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHERN LAMAR AND
NORTHEASTERN DELTA COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 115 PM CDT...
The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning will
be allowed to expire. However small hail and gusty winds are still
possible with this thunderstorm.
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
Southern Harrison County in northeastern Texas...
Western Panola County in northeastern Texas...
Rusk County in northeastern Texas...
Northwestern Shelby County in eastern Texas...
Southern Gregg County in northeastern Texas...
Northeastern Cherokee County in northeastern Texas...
* At 109 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from near Hallsville to near New Salem, moving east at 45
mph.
Longview, Marshall, Henderson, Kilgore, Carthage, White Oak,
Hallsville, Overton, Tatum, Timpson, New London, Clarksville City,
Beckville, Elysian Fields, Pinehill, Joinerville, Turnertown,
Minden, Liberty City and New Summerfield.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect for the warned area. Tornadoes can
develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Although a tornado is not
immediately likely, if one is spotted, act quickly and move to a
place of safety inside a sturdy structure such as a basement or small
interior room.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.timesunion.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151075.php | 2022-05-05T19:20:08Z | https://www.timesunion.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151075.php | true |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
AREAL FLOOD ADVISORY
Flood Advisory
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
118 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...FLOOD ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive
rainfall continues.
* WHERE...A portion of central Texas, including the following
counties, Bell, Coryell and Lampasas.
* WHEN...Until 330 PM CDT.
* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas
including water flows over low-water crossings and ponding water
on roadways.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
-
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Killeen, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Gatesville, McGregor,
Fort Hood, Nolanville, Kempner, Fort Gates, Mother Neff State
Park, Oglesby and South Mountain.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not
drive on flooded roads.
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Southwestern Miller County in southwestern Arkansas...
Southwestern Lafayette County in southwestern Arkansas...
Northwestern Caddo Parish in northwestern Louisiana...
Northwestern Bossier Parish in northwestern Louisiana...
Eastern Marion County in northeastern Texas...
Southeastern Cass County in northeastern Texas...
Northeastern Harrison County in northeastern Texas...
* Until 200 PM CDT.
* At 118 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from 6 miles northwest of Bivins to near Hallsville,
moving east at 40 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Marshall, Vivian, Oil City, Mooringsport, Hosston, Rodessa,
Belcher, Ida, Gilliam, Bivins, Karnack, Woodlawn, Smithland,
McLeod, Gray, Scottsville, Uncertain, Caddo Lake, Cavett and Leigh.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for southwestern
Arkansas...northwestern Louisiana...and northeastern Texas.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
...FLOOD ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues.
* WHERE...Portions of Hill and Navarro counties.
* WHEN...Until 400 PM CDT.
* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas as
well as flooded low-water crossings and ponding water on roadways.
Corsicana, Kerens, Hubbard, Trinidad, Blooming Grove, Dawson,
Angus, Barry, Navarro, Bynum, Rice, Frost, Retreat, Oak
Valley, Mildred, Mount Calm, Eureka, Malone, Richland and
Goodlow.
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHWESTERN LAMAR COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...
The severe thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out of
the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 200 PM CDT
FOR NORTHEASTERN FANNIN COUNTY...
At 119 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 8 miles southeast of
Albany, or 17 miles northeast of Bonham, moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Golf ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Law enforcement.
IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail
damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind
damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
northeastern Fannin County.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.timesunion.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151099.php | 2022-05-05T19:20:20Z | https://www.timesunion.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151099.php | true |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Walgreens pharmacy chain has reached a $683 million settlement with the state of Florida in a lawsuit accusing the company of improperly dispensing millions of painkillers that contributed to the opioid crisis, state officials said Thursday.
State Attorney General Ashley Moody said the deal was struck after four weeks of government evidence was presented at trial. Walgreens was the 12th and final defendant to settle with Florida, which will bring in more than $3 billion for the state to tackle opioid addiction and overdoses.
“We now go into battle armed and ready to fight back hard against this manmade crisis,” Moody said at a news conference in Tampa. “I am glad that we have been able to end this monumental litigation and move past the courtroom.”
Walgreens, based in Deerfield, Illinois, said in a statement the company did not admit wrongdoing in the deal, during which $620 million will be paid to the state over 18 years and a one-time sum of $63 million for attorney fees. Walgreens operates more than 9,000 stores in all 50 states, according to the company website. About 820 of those locations are in Florida.
OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma has a tentative nationwide deal that includes $6 billion in cash from members of the Sackler family who own the company. In all, settlements, civil and criminal penalties around the country since 2007 have totaled over $45 billion, according to an Associated Press tally.
The Florida case hinged on accusations that as Walgreens dispensed more than 4.3 billion total opioid pills in Florida from May 2006 to June 2021, more than half contained one or more easily recognized red flags for abuse, fraud and addiction that the company should have noticed and acted upon.
The opioid epidemic has been linked to more than 500,000 deaths in the U.S. over the past two decades, counting those from prescription painkillers such as OxyContin and generic oxycodone as well as illicit drugs such as heroin and illegally produced fentanyl.
In the same case, CVS Health Corp. and CVS Pharmacy Inc. agreed to pay the state $484 million. Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. agreed to pay $195 million and Allergan PLC more than $134 million.
Florida has previously obtained millions of dollars in opioid settlements involving McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., Johnson & Johnson Inc. and AmerisourceBergen Corp. | https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/national-news/walgreens-florida-settle-opioid-costs-lawsuit-for-683m/ | 2022-05-05T19:20:30Z | https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/national-news/walgreens-florida-settle-opioid-costs-lawsuit-for-683m/ | true |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Northwestern Lamar County in north central Texas...
Northern Fannin County in north central Texas...
* Until 200 PM CDT.
* At 106 PM CDT, a two severe thunderstorms were located in a line
from north of Windom to east of Ravenna moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Bonham, Dodd City, Ravenna and Windom.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from
windows.
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHERN LAMAR AND
NORTHEASTERN DELTA COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 115 PM CDT...
The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning will
be allowed to expire. However small hail and gusty winds are still
possible with this thunderstorm.
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
Southern Harrison County in northeastern Texas...
Western Panola County in northeastern Texas...
Rusk County in northeastern Texas...
Northwestern Shelby County in eastern Texas...
Southern Gregg County in northeastern Texas...
Northeastern Cherokee County in northeastern Texas...
* At 109 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from near Hallsville to near New Salem, moving east at 45
mph.
Longview, Marshall, Henderson, Kilgore, Carthage, White Oak,
Hallsville, Overton, Tatum, Timpson, New London, Clarksville City,
Beckville, Elysian Fields, Pinehill, Joinerville, Turnertown,
Minden, Liberty City and New Summerfield.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect for the warned area. Tornadoes can
develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Although a tornado is not
immediately likely, if one is spotted, act quickly and move to a
place of safety inside a sturdy structure such as a basement or small
interior room.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.middletownpress.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151075.php | 2022-05-05T19:23:40Z | https://www.middletownpress.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151075.php | false |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
1237 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 100 PM CDT
FOR SOUTHEASTERN HILL...NORTHWESTERN LIMESTONE AND SOUTHWESTERN
NAVARRO COUNTIES...
At 1237 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Hubbard, or 21
miles northwest of Mexia, moving northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...65 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
Locations impacted include...
Corsicana, Hubbard, Coolidge, Blooming Grove, Dawson, Angus, Barry,
Oak Valley, Mount Calm, Malone, Richland and Penelope.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central and
north central Texas.
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN HILL COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...
The severe thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out of
the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 115 PM CDT
FOR NORTHWESTERN LIMESTONE COUNTY...
At 1239 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Coolidge, or
13 miles northwest of Mexia, moving northeast at 80 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
Coolidge.
...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 345 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
* WHERE...A portion of south central Texas, including the following
county, Burnet.
* WHEN...Until 345 PM CDT.
* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 1240 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to
thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly in the advisory area.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Burnet, Kingsland, Buchanan Dam, Buchanan Lake Village, Lake
Victor, Sunnylane, Shady Grove, Joppa, Watson, Inks Lake
State Park, Longhorn Cavern State Park and Briggs.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.michigansthumb.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17150957.php | 2022-05-05T19:25:17Z | https://www.michigansthumb.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17150957.php | true |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
126 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EASTERN NAVARRO COUNTY WILL
EXPIRE AT 130 PM CDT...
The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area.
Therefore the warning will be allowed to expire.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central and
north central Texas.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.lmtonline.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151165.php | 2022-05-05T19:28:14Z | https://www.lmtonline.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151165.php | true |
WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
TORNADO WARNING
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Northwestern Panola County in northeastern Texas...
East central Rusk County in northeastern Texas...
* Until 230 PM CDT.
* At 200 PM CDT, a tornado producing storm was located 8 miles
southwest of Tatum, or 11 miles northeast of Henderson, moving east
at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.
* This tornadic storm will be near...
Beckville around 220 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTH CENTRAL FREESTONE...SOUTH CENTRAL
HENDERSON AND NORTHWESTERN ANDERSON COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...
The rotation associated with the storm that prompted the Tornado
Warning has weakened, and no longer appears capable of producing a
tornado. Therefore the Tornado Warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central and
north central Texas.
TX
. TEXAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
ANDERSON ANGELINA BASTROP
BELL BLANCO BOWIE
BRAZOS BURLESON BURNET
CAMP CASS CHEROKEE
CORYELL ELLIS FALLS
FAYETTE FRANKLIN FREESTONE
GILLESPIE GREGG GRIMES
HARRISON HAYS HENDERSON
HILL HOPKINS HOUSTON
KAUFMAN LAMPASAS LEE
LEON LIMESTONE LLANO
MCLENNAN MADISON MARION
MILAM MORRIS NACOGDOCHES
NAVARRO PANOLA RAINS
ROBERTSON RUSK SABINE
SAN AUGUSTINE SHELBY SMITH
TITUS TRAVIS TRINITY
UPSHUR VAN ZANDT WALKER
WASHINGTON WILLIAMSON WOOD
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 315 PM CDT THIS
AFTERNOON FOR SOUTHEASTERN BOSQUE, CENTRAL HILL, NORTHWESTERN
MCLENNAN, SOUTHWESTERN ELLIS AND WEST CENTRAL NAVARRO COUNTIES...
At 205 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicates that the heavy rain has
mostly come to an end. Flooding of low lying and/or poor drainage
areas may continue for a few hours until the water has had a chance
to recede. Please continue to heed any remaining road closures.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Flooding of highways, streets, underpasses, creeks and
streams as well as other poor drainage and low lying
areas.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Waco, Hillsboro, McGregor, West, Italy, Valley Mills, Crawford,
Bynum, Carl's Corner, Gholson, Milford, Frost, Abbott, Leroy,
Ross, Malone, Penelope, Mertens and Aquilla.
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not
drive on flooded roads.
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 215 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL RUSK COUNTY...
At 205 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located southwest of Tatum,
or 13 miles northeast of Henderson, moving east northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
east central Rusk County.
Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.lmtonline.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151267.php | 2022-05-05T19:28:53Z | https://www.lmtonline.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151267.php | true |
Wyoming defamation lawsuit against Alec Baldwin is dismissed
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A federal judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit over online harassment filed against actor Alec Baldwin by the family of a Marine who was killed in Afghanistan, saying the Wyoming court did not have jurisdiction over the case.
An attorney for the family said the case would be refiled elsewhere, the Casper Star-Tribune reported Wednesday.
The sisters and widow of Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum alleged Baldwin subjected them to online harassment after he posted and commented on a photo shared online by one of McCollum’s sisters, Roice McCollum, who had been in Washington during the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection.
Baldwin had donated $5,000 to the family after learning of the death of Rylee McCollum in a bombing at the airport in Kabul in August 2021, just weeks before his daughter was born. Baldwin had contacted Roice McCollum via Instagram, according to the lawsuit.
In January 2022, Baldwin saw that Roice McCollum posted a nearly year-old picture of demonstrators from former President Donald Trump’s rally taken on the day Congress counted the Electoral College votes from the 2020 presidential election, the complaint stated.
Baldwin sent her a private message and confirmed she had organized the fundraiser for her brother, the lawsuit said. She responded that her participation in the protest was “perfectly legal,” according to court documents.
Baldwin told Roice McCollum he would share her photo with his 2.4 million Instagram followers and wrote: “Good luck,” according to the lawsuit.
Roice McCollum said in the lawsuit that she received hundreds of hateful messages in response to his post. The complaint, which also names her sister Cheyenne McCollum and Rylee’s wife, Jiennah McCollum, as plaintiffs, sought $25 million in damages.
Baldwin asked for the case to be dismissed, saying he was expressing his political opinion, that he had not been in Wyoming and that claims by Cheyenne and Jiennah McCollum should be dismissed because he did not make any statements about them.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Freudenthal said Wednesday that the case could not be brought in Wyoming because Baldwin made the posts from New York and because they were not directed specifically at a Wyoming audience. Her decision did not address the veracity of the allegations in the complaint.
“We are pleased with this victory,” said Baldwin’s attorney Luke Nikas. “This is a significant step toward the complete dismissal of the lawsuit, which seeks to punish Mr. Baldwin for expressing his political opinion.”
Dennis Postiglione, an attorney for the McCollums, said that the case would probably be refiled in New York, where Baldwin lives, or in California, where he works.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2022/05/05/wyoming-defamation-lawsuit-against-alec-baldwin-is-dismissed/ | 2022-05-05T19:29:42Z | https://www.kttc.com/2022/05/05/wyoming-defamation-lawsuit-against-alec-baldwin-is-dismissed/ | true |
Landlords are begging the Scottish Government to drop new laws which would make it tougher to evict tenants.
The SNP and Greens vowed to clamp down on illegal evictions and promised to strengthen rights for renters last December.
But property owners and rural landlords who lease out their homes warn they could sell up, leaving the rental sector in “grave danger” of supply shortages.
The Scottish Association of Landlords and the country’s national farming union are among groups who want the SNP to abandon reforms despite soaring costs in many areas.
‘Grave danger’
In a letter to the government, they claim: “The Scottish Government’s plans to supposedly give tenants facing eviction greater protection is in grave danger of ruining the supply of homes for rent.
“Instead of safeguarding the interests of tenants, what is more likely to happen is that many properties will be withdrawn from the market and sold at a time when there is a pressing need for rental homes.”
In an attack on Green government minister Patrick Harvie, they add: “The impact on the housing supply appears to have either been dismissed or viewed as acceptable fallout to deliver minister Patrick Harvie’s continued attack on private landlords.”
Rent struggles
Meanwhile, house prices have soared in cities and rural areas, pricing many Scots out of buying their own house.
Tenants claimed they live in “thick dread” about being forced to pay more during a cost of living crisis.
Young people in rural areas have previously complained about being excluded from the market due to an influx of buy-to-let landlords and holiday homes.
Some of the measures being proposed by the Scottish Government to stop evictions were initially introduced during the Covid pandemic.
The SNP and Greens published their new deal for tenants towards the end of last year.
Proposals include allowing renters to have more flexibility for keeping pets and setting minimum standards for energy efficiency.
At the time Green minister Patrick Harvie said: “Now is the time to do more for people who rent their homes, whether they are renting privately, from the council or from a housing association.
The government has said it could take until 2026 before proper rent controls are introduced. | https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/scottish-politics/3265538/landlord-snp-rent-reform-protect-tenants/ | 2022-05-05T19:31:50Z | https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/scottish-politics/3265538/landlord-snp-rent-reform-protect-tenants/ | false |
Berkshire buys more Occidental shares, boosts stake to 15.2%
By Jonathan Stempel
May 5 (Reuters) - Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc BRKa.N has bought another 5.9 million shares of Occidental Petroleum Corp OXY.N, boosting its stake in the oil company to about 15.2%.
The purchases were made on Monday and Tuesday and cost about $336 million, Berkshire said in a regulatory filing on Wednesday night.
Following the purchases, Berkshire owned 142.3 million Occidental shares worth about $8.8 billion.
Shares of Occidental rose as much as 4.7% to $64.49, their highest since April 2019, in Thursday morning trading, as broader stock indexes declined.
The share price has more than doubled this year, benefiting from Berkshire's purchases and rising oil prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
At Berkshire's annual shareholder meeting on April 30, Buffett said he bought Occidental shares from Feb. 28 to March 16 after reviewing an analyst presentation.
He also expressed confidence in Chief Executive Vicki Hollub, including her plan to reduce debt.
"She says she doesn't know the price of oil next year. Nobody does," Buffett said. "But we decided it made sense. And two weeks later, we had 14%."
Buffett also said many investors have in the last couple of years focused on flashier stocks, causing markets at times to resemble a casino or gambling parlor.
He said that freed Berkshire to invest rapidly in "a business that's been around for decades."
Occidental was founded in 1920. Berkshire also owns $10 billion of Occidental preferred stock from helping finance that company's 2019 purchase of Anadarko Petroleum Corp, and warrants to buy another $5 billion of Occidental shares at $59.62 each.
Berkshire has been on a spending spree in 2022.
It spent $51.1 billion on equities in the first quarter, including an increased $25.9 billion stake in oil company Chevron Corp CVX.N.
Berkshire has also this year announced large investments in video game maker Activision Blizzard Inc ATVI.O and computer and printer maker HP Inc HPQ.N, and a planned $11.6 billion takeover of insurance company Alleghany Corp Y.N.
(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Kim Coghill and Diane Craft)
((jon.stempel@thomsonreuters.com; +1 646 223 6317; Reuters Messaging: jon.stempel.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/berkshire-buys-more-occidental-shares-boosts-stake-to-15.2-0 | 2022-05-05T19:36:17Z | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/berkshire-buys-more-occidental-shares-boosts-stake-to-15.2-0 | false |
Nets G Ben Simmons (back surgery) to begin rehab in 3 weeks
Brooklyn point guard Ben Simmons underwent successful back surgery Thursday to alleviate pain caused by the herniated disc and is expected to return for his debut with the Nets in the 2022-23 preseason.
"Following an initial recovery period of approximately three weeks, Simmons will begin a rehabilitation program," the Nets said in a release Thursday.
Simmons and the Nets expect him to be ready for training camp, the team said. He will be in the third year of a $177 million contract he signed before the 2020 season with a salary of $35,448,672. His final two seasons (2023-24 and 2024-25) include a total base salary over $78 million.
All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant have also committed to returning to the Nets and are under contract.
However, the Nets planned to have Simmons on the court one month after he was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers on Feb. 10.
But Simmons, who forced his way out of Philadelphia in a dispute with coach Doc Rivers and co-star Joel Embiid, ran into repeated setbacks. When his initial goal of playing March 10 at Philadelphia was scrapped, Simmons opted for an epidural injection in late March.
He was cleared for contact at the start of the playoffs, practiced three consecutive days as per team policy, and was set to suit up for Game 4 of the Nets-Boston Celtics series. He informed the team the day before that game he was still experiencing back problems.
The Nets acquired Simmons at the trade deadline along with Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks, with James Harden and Paul Millsap shipped to the 76ers.
Simmons' last game was June 20, 2021, and also his final game in a 76ers uniform, during a postseason loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Simmons, 25, is a three-time All-Star over his four NBA seasons, scoring 15.9 points with 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists in 275 career games, all starts with the 76ers. He was the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Sixers out of LSU in 2016.
--Field Level Media | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-10786939/Nets-G-Ben-Simmons-surgery-begin-rehab-3-weeks.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-05-05T19:37:16Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-10786939/Nets-G-Ben-Simmons-surgery-begin-rehab-3-weeks.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | false |
Loan duo Connor Ronan and Jordan Jones could have played their last games for St Mirren after returning to their respective parent clubs to have injuries assessed.
Wolves midfielder Ronan, 24, who picked up awards for St Mirren’s player of the year, social media player of the year and goal of the season at the club’s awards event on Sunday, has been carrying an ankle knock.
Wigan winger Jones, 27, has a shoulder problem and the Buddies have only three cinch Premiership fixtures remaining, starting with the visit of bottom side Dundee on Saturday.
Boss Stephen Robinson said: “Connor Ronan and Jordan Jones have gone back to their respective parent clubs for treatment. We are waiting on updates on their injuries.
“Connor has been playing with an ankle injury and Jordan has been playing with a shoulder injury, so both have gone back for further scans at their parent clubs and are likely to be unavailable.
“I believe it will be hard for them to play again with obviously such a small timescale, but we will be dictated to by what their parent clubs say. We don’t own the players.
“We will assess it, stay in touch with the parent clubs and see where we are over the coming days.
“What we have got is 14 fit players who are absolutely fighting for us.
“There are boys who are playing with little knocks and bruises and injections in their foot and it is an absolute credit to the boys, they are really fighting for the football club and obviously trying to get us a couple more wins to get us up the table.”
The Paisley club are on the brink of safety with 39 points, eight points ahead of second-bottom St Johnstone, who they beat 1-0 in Perth last week, and 13 ahead of Dundee.
Aberdeen are ahead of St Mirren on goal difference, Hibernian are two points further ahead with Livingston on 44 points.
Robinson believes there is still the possibility of finishing seventh as ‘best of the rest’ in the bottom six.
He said: “I believe we aim for seventh, we still have to and I believe we can, if we put a run of games together.
“The performance last week was very good, it was a team who had real pride and energy.
“There was a lot of injuries throughout the squad but they showed great character.
“And if we put performances in like that in the coming games there is no reason why we can’t look up the table and finish seventh.” | https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/3264872/st-mirren-wait-for-injury-updates-on-connor-ronan-and-jordan-jones/ | 2022-05-05T19:39:48Z | https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/3264872/st-mirren-wait-for-injury-updates-on-connor-ronan-and-jordan-jones/ | true |
Essex have been fined £50,000 and reprimanded after accepting two charges relating to a historic racist comment.
The club has admitted former chair John Faragher used the term ‘n***** in the woodpile’ during a board meeting in 2017, as well as its own failure to conduct a timely investigation into the matter. Faragher, who resigned last November, personally denies the allegation.
An independent cricket discipline panel concluded that a points deduction would be inappropriate in the circumstances and instead settled for the financial penalty, of which £15,000 has been suspended.
The club’s failure to address the situation once it was brought to the attention of the full board in January 2018 is presented as a major error in governance.
The written findings commend John Stephenson, Essex chief executive and interim chair, for attempting to confront the situation upon his appointment last year but note “he has been thwarted by the ECCC board, which has been paralysed by division” and “a lamentable logjam at board level”.
The panel adds: “The use of racist and discriminatory language such as this is plainly unacceptable: it’s utterance by a club chair is all the more deplorable.
“It is clear that the club has failed to uphold the standards expected of it, not only in respect of the conduct of its former chair but also as regards its failure to act appropriately or at all thereafter.
“It is also clear that the impact of this breach has had a negative effect both upon the game of cricket and upon the ECB.”
Essex said in a statement: “The club has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism and any form of discrimination. We continue to work with the ECB to eradicate discrimination from the game, which includes implementing their 12-point action plan and the club’s further commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion policies and processes.” | https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/3265643/essex-fined-50000-over-historic-racist-comment/ | 2022-05-05T19:40:54Z | https://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/3265643/essex-fined-50000-over-historic-racist-comment/ | false |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Northwestern Lamar County in north central Texas...
Northern Fannin County in north central Texas...
* Until 200 PM CDT.
* At 106 PM CDT, a two severe thunderstorms were located in a line
from north of Windom to east of Ravenna moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Bonham, Dodd City, Ravenna and Windom.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from
windows.
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHERN LAMAR AND
NORTHEASTERN DELTA COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 115 PM CDT...
The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning will
be allowed to expire. However small hail and gusty winds are still
possible with this thunderstorm.
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
Southern Harrison County in northeastern Texas...
Western Panola County in northeastern Texas...
Rusk County in northeastern Texas...
Northwestern Shelby County in eastern Texas...
Southern Gregg County in northeastern Texas...
Northeastern Cherokee County in northeastern Texas...
* At 109 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from near Hallsville to near New Salem, moving east at 45
mph.
Longview, Marshall, Henderson, Kilgore, Carthage, White Oak,
Hallsville, Overton, Tatum, Timpson, New London, Clarksville City,
Beckville, Elysian Fields, Pinehill, Joinerville, Turnertown,
Minden, Liberty City and New Summerfield.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect for the warned area. Tornadoes can
develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Although a tornado is not
immediately likely, if one is spotted, act quickly and move to a
place of safety inside a sturdy structure such as a basement or small
interior room.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.registercitizen.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151075.php | 2022-05-05T19:43:53Z | https://www.registercitizen.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151075.php | true |
WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
TORNADO WARNING
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
148 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 215 PM CDT FOR CENTRAL
RUSK COUNTY...
At 148 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located near Henderson, moving
northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
Locations impacted include...
Church Hill.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Miller County in southwestern Arkansas...
Lafayette County in southwestern Arkansas...
Western Columbia County in southwestern Arkansas...
Northwestern Webster Parish in northwestern Louisiana...
Northwestern Caddo Parish in northwestern Louisiana...
Bossier Parish in northwestern Louisiana...
Eastern Cass County in northeastern Texas...
* Until 245 PM CDT.
* At 148 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from 9 miles south of Wake Village to 6 miles north of
Waskom, moving northeast at 55 mph.
HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect considerable
tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes,
roofs, and outbuildings.
* Locations impacted include...
Shreveport, Bossier City, Texarkana, Springhill, Stamps,
Lewisville, Vivian, Blanchard, Benton, Cullen, Plain Dealing,
Cotton Valley, Oil City, Sarepta, Fouke, Mooringsport, Bradley,
Taylor, Hosston and Buckner.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for southwestern
Arkansas...northwestern Louisiana...and northeastern Texas.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
North central Freestone County in central Texas...
South central Henderson County in central Texas...
Northwestern Anderson County in central Texas...
* Until 230 PM CDT.
* At 148 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Fairfield, moving northeast at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.
* This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
north central Freestone, south central Henderson and northwestern
Anderson Counties.
This includes Interstate 45 between mile markers 200 and 209.
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile
home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and
protect yourself from flying debris.
...FLOOD ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive
rainfall continues.
* WHERE...Portions of Hill, Navarro, Ellis, and Kaufman counties.
* WHEN...Until 330 PM CDT.
* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas as
well as flooded low-water crossings and ponding water on roadways.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
-
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Waxahachie, Ennis, Terrell, Hillsboro, Kaufman, Mabank,
Crandall, Palmer, Combine, Italy, Itasca, Talty, Seven
Points, Kemp, Maypearl, Bardwell, Grays Prairie, Alma,
Cottonwood and Carl's Corner.
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not
drive on flooded roads.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.lakecountystar.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151212.php | 2022-05-05T19:44:46Z | https://www.lakecountystar.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151212.php | true |
LONDON (AP) — Energy giant Shell reported record first-quarter earnings after a surge in oil prices, fueling calls for the British government to impose a tax on energy companies’ windfall earnings to help consumers struggling with the soaring cost of living.
London-based Shell said adjusted earnings — which exclude one-time items and fluctuations in the value of inventories — rose to $9.1 billion from $3.2 billion in the same period last year. That beat analyst expectations of $8.2 billion.
High oil and gas prices, partly due to uncertainty about supplies from Russia, are boosting the profits of major energy companies and feeding inflation around the world. In Britain, where households face the biggest drop in living standards on record, that has triggered demands for a special tax on energy company earnings to help consumers.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday rejected calls for a windfall profits tax, saying it would reduce investment in Britain just as the country is trying to diversify its energy industry and increase production from renewable sources. But opposition parties stepped up pressure after Shell’s earnings report.
The government’s “refusal to tax the super-profits of energy companies is completely unforgivable when people are too terrified to heat their homes,” said Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats. “This one-off levy would raise billions of pounds that could help vulnerable families with their energy bills now. It is a no-brainer.”
Brent crude, a benchmark for global oil prices, averaged $102.23 a barrel during the first quarter, 67% higher than during the same period last year.
The British media is filled with stories about people forced to skip meals or go into debt as they struggle to heat their homes after a 54% increase in household energy prices took effect April 1. Even before those increases, inflation accelerated to a 30-year high of 7% in March.
Shell rival BP on Tuesday reported its highest quarterly profit in more than a decade. The London-based company said adjusted earnings rose to $6.2 billion in the first quarter, from $2.6 billion in the same period last year.
Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK, criticized politicians for “grandstanding” with calls for a windfall profits tax, pointing out that Shell last month announced plans to invest 25 billion pounds ($31 billion) in renewable energy in the U.K. BP made a commitment to invest 18 billion pounds in U.K. energy this week.
“That’s a lot more than a windfall tax would raise and would probably be better spent,” Hewson said.
Shell said Thursday that it would take a $3.9 billion charge to cover the cost of exiting investments in Russia, which it pledged to do after the invasion of Ukraine.
First-quarter net income, which includes such one-time items, rose to $7.3 billion from $5.8 billion in the same period last year.
“The war in Ukraine is first and foremost a human tragedy, but it has also caused significant disruption to global energy markets and has shown that secure, reliable and affordable energy simply cannot be taken for granted,” CEO Ben van Beurden said in a statement. “We have been engaging with governments, our customers and suppliers to work through the challenging implications and provide support and solutions where we can.” | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/international/shell-reports-record-1st-quarter-earnings-as-oil-prices-soar/ | 2022-05-05T19:46:47Z | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/international/shell-reports-record-1st-quarter-earnings-as-oil-prices-soar/ | false |
Meet the woman now running operations at a historic Shreveport museum
LSUS announced Wednesday afternoon that they have named a new operations manager at the Spring Street Museum.
LSUS alumna Claudia Finley has been named as operations manager. “I’m honored to take on this role and I wish to serve the museum and the community as best I can,” Finley said.
Finley earned a bachelor’s degree in history with a concentration in political science in 2021.
Finley will be responsible for daily museum operations and will work with the university to develop exhibits.
More:14 researchers recognized for achievements at LSU Health Shreveport
Finley will work with LSUS students interning at the museum. She will also assist with special events planning, including on-site lectures and community programs.
The National Society of Colonial Dames of America founded the museum in 1976 and operated it until donating it to the LSUS Foundation for the benefit of LSUS in 2019.
The building housing the Spring Street Museum is the oldest existing structure in Shreveport and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum features permanent exhibits about Shreveport’s early history, including the Civil Rights movement in Shreveport and the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1873.
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/money/2022/05/05/meet-woman-now-running-operations-historic-shreveport-museum-spring-street/9648064002/ | 2022-05-05T19:47:33Z | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/money/2022/05/05/meet-woman-now-running-operations-historic-shreveport-museum-spring-street/9648064002/ | false |
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Two students from the University of Tennessee are facing charges after one of them allegedly threw a campus food-delivery robot to the ground.
Patrick Callahan, 19, and Brock Garland, 20, both face one count of felony vandalism of over $2,500 dollars after the robot was damaged on the evening of April 29.
Incident reports say the students were retrieving Garland’s food order from the robot when they attempted to shove the robot’s antenna inside the top compartment. A video was also posted to social media, but appears to have since been deleted, allegedly showing Callahan picking up the robot and slamming it to the ground.
Data logs from the UT Office of Information Technology verified that the two students were in the exact area of the incident at the time it occurred. They were identified from social media posts by members of the Starship Technology crew, the company which owns and operates the robots used on college campuses across the country.
The replacement cost for the robot is $5,500.
A bonded arraignment has been scheduled for May 13.
The robots were only recently introduced on the campus and allow students and faculty to have groceries and food delivered directly from campus dining services. The electronic robots are operated autonomously using a mixture of computer vision and GPS, reaching a top speed of 4 miles per hour. | https://www.wric.com/news/weird-news/video-of-college-student-attacking-food-delivery-robot-leads-to-2-arrests/ | 2022-05-05T19:51:37Z | https://www.wric.com/news/weird-news/video-of-college-student-attacking-food-delivery-robot-leads-to-2-arrests/ | false |
Lawsuit filed against Biden, top officials for 'colluding' with Big Tech to censor speech on Hunter, COVID
Lawsuit filed against Psaki, Fauci, Mayorkas and other top Biden administration officials
EXCLUSIVE: Two GOP-led states filed a lawsuit against President Biden, White House press secretary Jen Psaki, Dr. Anthony Fauci and other top administration officials alleging that they "pressured and colluded" with Big Tech social media companies to censor and suppress information on the Hunter Biden laptop story, COVID-19 origins and security of voting by mail during the pandemic.
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt and Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry filed the lawsuit Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. The suit accuses top ranking government officials of working with the giant social media companies Meta, Twitter and YouTube "under the guise of combating misinformation" in order to achieve greater censorship.
FREE SPEECH CONCERNS MOUNT OVER DHS 'DISINFORMATION' BOARD AS LAWMAKERS, CRITICS WEIGH IN
The lawsuit names Nina Jankowicz, the head of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) new "Disinformation Governance Board," which has received severe backlash from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers for limiting free speech. Lawmakers have expressed concern specifically with the appointment of Jankowicz, who promoted the widely-discredited Christopher Steele dossier and repeated the narrative that Hunter Biden's laptop was a product of a Russian disinformation campaign.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Jen Easterly are also named as defendants in the filing.
The lawsuit alleges that the federal government violated constitutional rights to suppress free speech in "one of its greatest assaults by federal government officials in the Nation’s history."
The defendants allegedly "coerced, threatened, and pressured social media platforms to censor disfavored speakers and viewpoints by using threats of adverse government action," according to the filing.
The filing states: "Having threatened and cajoled social-media platforms for years to censor viewpoints and speakers disfavored by the Left, senior government officials in the Executive Branch have moved into a phase of open collusion with social-media companies to suppress disfavored speakers, viewpoints, and content on social-media platforms under the Orwellian guise of halting so-called ‘disinformation,' ‘misinformation,’ and ‘malinformation.’"
The suit looks at several specific examples where social media companies allegedly removed "truthful" information and trampled on First Amendment freedoms – the Hunter Biden laptop story, the COVID-19 Wuhan lab-leak theory, COVID-19 mask efficacy and messaging on the security of voting by mail.
"In direct contravention to the First Amendment and freedom of speech, the Biden Administration has been engaged in a pernicious campaign to both pressure social media giants to censor and suppress speech and work directly with those platforms to achieve that censorship in a misguided and Orwellian campaign against ‘misinformation,’" Schmitt told Fox News Digital in an exclusive statement.
"I will not stand idly by while the Biden Administration attempts to trample on the First Amendment rights of Missourians and Americans."
"Big Tech has become an extension of Biden’s Big Government, and neither are protecting the freedoms of Americans; rather, they are suppressing truth and demonizing those who think differently," said Landry. "Ripped from the playbook of Stalin and his ilk, Biden has been colluding with Big Tech to censor free speech and propagandize the masses. We are fighting back to ensure the rule of law and prevent the government from unconstitutional banning, chilling, and stifling of speech."
The attorneys general focus in their lawsuit on how Twitter blocked postings of a 2020 New York Post story, including contents of Hunter Biden's laptop that was recovered from a repair shop in Delaware. The tech company labeled the story as "potentially harmful," and disabled sharing the link to the published story. The lawmakers say that now, over a year later, the Washington Post and the New York Times acknowledged the truthful reporting of the original story, revealing Twitter's motive to suppress free speech.
In addition, Landry and Schmitt write that Facebook censored posts that mentioned the COVID-19 lab-leak theory, which states the virus may have accidentally leaked out of a Wuhan, China, lab. The lawsuit alleges that Fauci orchestrated a campaign to "discredit" the theory, while at the same time was "exchanging emails with Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, regarding the control and dissemination of COVID-19 information." The company only began to stop its censorship of lab-leak theory posts after other media outlets began to report on the viability of the theory, according to the attorneys general.
The lawsuit also points to YouTube's censorship of conservative leaders Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for questioning the effectiveness of wearing cloth masks during the pandemic.
Another cited example was a June 2021 press briefing with White House press secretary Jen Psaki and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, during which the Biden officials said that social media companies, including Facebook, should be doing more to fight "misinformation" around health and the pandemic.
MUSK, TWITTER IN TALKS TO REACH DEAL
The filing states that Murthy said during the briefing: "We’re saying we expect more from our technology companies. .... We’re asking them to monitor misinformation more closely. We’re asking them to consistently take action against misinformation super-spreaders on their platforms."
The lawsuit also mentions social media censoring of speech about the security of voting by mail in the 2020 election, in conjunction with Democratic messaging on the topic.
"Notoriously, social-media platforms aggressively censored core political speech by then-President Trump and the Trump campaign raising concerns about the security of voting by mail in the run-up to the November 2020 presidential election," the filing states.
The issue of the new DHS disinformation board is also paramount to the attorneys general, who state that it's a cumulation of the Biden administration officials' "campaign of censorship."
The attorneys general are asking the court to find that the Biden administration's actions violate the First Amendment and exceeds its statutory authority, and stop the officials from continuing to engage in their "unlawful" conduct to suppress free speech. In addition, they specifically claim that the DHS and HHS officials' conduct violates the Administrative Procedure Act to "hold unlawful and set aside final agency actions" that are deemed to be an abuse of power and arbitrary and capricious.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The lawsuit comes as Twitter recently announced it agreed to be acquired by Tesla CEO Elon Musk for $44 billion. Musk has committed to ensuring that free speech is protected on the platform, and tweeted last week that Twitter's suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story was "obviously incredibly inappropriate."
Meta, Twitter and YouTube did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the lawsuit. The White House also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. | https://www.foxnews.com/politics/lawsuit-filed-against-biden-top-officials-colluding-big-tech-censor-speech-hunter-covid | 2022-05-05T19:53:59Z | https://www.foxnews.com/politics/lawsuit-filed-against-biden-top-officials-colluding-big-tech-censor-speech-hunter-covid | true |
Students at Emory University told to shelter in place
ATLANTA (AP) — Emory University urged people on its main campus to shelter in place for several hours Thursday after a nearby high school was placed on lockdown “due to a report of an unsafe situation.”
The guidance followed some confusion about a potential threat on the school’s main campus in Atlanta. The university tweeted around 11:40 a.m. that an active shooter had been reported on the campus and that police were responding.
The university later deleted that tweet and sent out another shortly after noon saying that police were on the scene at nearby Druid Hills High School. The tweet said there was a “possible armed subject” but no active shooter on the Emory campus.
Throughout the early afternoon, the university periodically put out tweets advising people on campus to continue to shelter in place. The all-clear notification was finally issued around 2:20 p.m.
The incident comes just ahead of graduation weekend at the private university, which consistently ranks among the top schools of higher education in the Southeast. The main commencement ceremony, including a speech by entertainment mogul Tyler Perry, is Monday.
DeKalb County school system spokesman Donald Porter said in an email that the school was placed on lockdown around 10:40 a.m. “out of an abundance of caution due to a report of an unsafe situation.” He added that the lockdown “did not result from an active situation.”
School system and county police were onsite throughout the lockdown, which was lifted at around 12:10 p.m., Porter said. The investigation that led to the lockdown continues, he said.
Maia Higgins, 16, said that when the school went into lockdown she and other students had to stay in their classrooms. Principal Mark Joyner announced over the public address system that it was a “level 2″ lockdown, which Higgins took to mean there was some type of threat but no active shooter.
Higgins said a photo of a student with a handgun had circulated on social media. It was not known whether the photo was connected to the lockdown.
According to the local news blog Decaturish, Joyner also sent a notification to parents about the situation.
“We are currently under a Level 2 lockdown due to a report that an unauthorized individual was seen on campus,” Joyner wrote. “DeKalb Schools Public Safety Department is assisting to ensure that all individuals on campus are authorized to be here. All students and staff are safe at this time.”
For more than two hours after the lockdown at the high school was lifted, Emory continued to tell its students on the main campus to shelter in place, sending out repeated tweets to that effect into the afternoon.
Adam North, a graduate student at Emory’s law school, was among the students sheltering in place on the university campus Thursday afternoon. He said students had been receiving mixed messages about the situation, causing some confusion. Official communications were coming in from automated emails, text message alerts and Emory’s online learning portal, but individual professors and attorneys at the law school had been given differing information.
“Those messages haven’t really aligned with the Emory notifications,” North said in a text message from the law library, where he had been sheltering for about two hours.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/05/05/active-shooter-reported-emory-university/ | 2022-05-05T20:05:25Z | https://www.kold.com/2022/05/05/active-shooter-reported-emory-university/ | false |
Which Bissell cordless vacuum is best?
When it comes time to clean the house, the last thing you want to do is lug a heavy vacuum out of the closet and waste time untangling the cord. Cordless vacuums have taken much of the hassle out of cleaning without compromising power or versatility. They are often lightweight, get to hard-to-reach spaces, come with multiple attachments and are easy to store.
Bissell is a company that specializes in carpet cleaners and vacuums. That’s all it does, so it knows about cleaning different surface types. It has multiple vacuum models to suit all of your cleaning needs, but when it comes to cordless varieties, the best is the Bissell AirRam Cordless Vacuum.
What to know before you buy a Bissell cordless vacuum
Surface type
Before purchasing any vacuum, consider the type of surfaces in your home. Some models and features are better suited for hardwood floors and others for carpets. If you have different surfaces in your home that you plan to vacuum, look for Bissell models with a multi-surface brush roll because they are just as effective on both surfaces.
3-in-1 versatility
There are plenty of spots in your home that you won’t be able to get to, even with the Bissell lay-flat handle and swivel features. The Bissell models that offer 3-in-1 versatility allow the unit to transition into a hand-held device and a high-reach version to get every corner and crevice.
Battery life
Any cordless vacuum is only as good as the charge it holds. The battery life of Bissell models will depend on the cleaning mode and attachments being used, but the lithium-ion battery on higher-end models can last as long as 50 minutes, while the budget models may last only 20.
What to look for in a quality Bissell cordless vacuum
Lightweight models
Weight is a major consideration when purchasing any vacuum, and stick vacuums are ideal for those who want a light vacuum that is easy to maneuver and easy to store.
Bissell offers lightweight stick vacuums that weigh only eight pounds. The Bissell featherweight models weigh as little as 4.1 pounds. Keep in mind that these extremely light vacuums don’t have as much power.
Pet vacuums
If you have pets, vacuuming your home takes on a whole new meaning and becomes a necessity because stray hairs only seem to multiply over time.
Pet vacuums pick up all types of pet hair, and Bissell makes cordless pet vacuums that come with a tangle-free brush roll. Some of the higher-end models have a large capacity, easy to empty tank that let you pick up even more dirt.
Storage
The other problem with bigger traditional vacuums is that they take up a lot of closet space. The smaller, lightweight Bissell models come with a two-way folding handle that makes for easy storage, while others come with a wall mount to store your vacuum off the floor.
How much you can expect to spend on a Bissell cordless vacuum
They range in price from $100-$500, depending on the features, weight and size of the vacuum. Pricing can also vary if there are extra attachments included.
Bissell cordless vacuum FAQ
Do I need to keep my cordless vacuum plugged in at all times?
A. As with other electronics, a cordless vacuum should not be left on the charger at all times. Since Bissell cordless vacuums only need a few hours of charging time, it’s best to plug it in the night or morning before you plan to use it.
Why does my vacuum stop picking up dirt?
A. There are a few potential causes, but it’s often due to the lack of airflow going through the device. First, check if the bin is full and needs to be emptied. If there is still substantial room, look for any blockages, which can usually be fixed by a soft knock or two on the machine. For details on further troubleshooting issues, visit the Bissel website and consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
What’s the best Bissell cordless vacuum to buy?
Top Bissell cordless vacuum
Bissell AirRam Cordless Vacuum
What you need to know: Powerful and lightweight, the entire unit weighs less than eight pounds and easily collapses to make for convenient storage.
What you’ll love: This comes with the innovative power foot design and the multi-surface brush roll, which works well on both carpet and hardwood floors. The swivel steering and lay-flat handle make it so you can vacuum under and around all of your furniture, while the lithium-ion battery will last 40 minutes when fully charged and is easy to remove and replace when needed.
What you should consider: Some customers felt the frame was frail and broke easily, so be careful and avoid any unnecessary wear and tear.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Bissell cordless vacuum for the money
Bissell Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum
What you need to know: Inexpensive, lightweight and easy to use, this cordless Bissell comes with a removable hand vacuum to help you clean every nook and cranny.
What you’ll love: You get 20 minutes of cleaning time for every 4.5 hours of charging time. The built-in upholstery cleaning tool effectively attracts and removes dirt from soft and delicate furniture and surfaces, while the two-way folding handle allows you to store the vacuum easily when not in use.
What you should consider: Given how light the vacuum is, it’s not as strong as a regular vacuum and will need to be emptied after each use.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Bissell PowerGlide Pet Slim Cordless Stick Vacuum
What you need to know: This lightweight 3-in-1 vacuum can easily convert to a hand-held device and a high-reach cleaner to get floor-to-ceiling coverage.
What you’ll love: It features a large-capacity tank, 30 minutes of run time and the patented tangle-free brush roll to prevent hair wraps. The LED headlight will help spot dirt in hard-to-see spaces, and the multi-level filtration system traps dust particles.
What you should consider: This vacuum is lighter than a regular vacuum but heavier than other lightweight models. Check the weight before purchasing to ensure that it fits your needs.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Ryan Dempsey writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.yourbasin.com/reviews/br/home-br/vacuums-br/best-bissell-cordless-vacuum/ | 2022-05-05T20:06:12Z | https://www.yourbasin.com/reviews/br/home-br/vacuums-br/best-bissell-cordless-vacuum/ | true |
No felony charge for man who tackled Dave Chappelle on stage
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The man arrested on suspicion of tackling comedian Dave Chappelle during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl will not be charged with any felonies, the district attorney’s office said Thursday.
Isaiah Lee, 23, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, police said, after rushing the stage toward the end of Chappelle’s set in the last of a four-night stint at the outdoor amphitheater as part of the “Netflix Is a Joke” festival.
He was carrying a replica handgun with a large blade that folded out of it similar to a pocket knife, according to a photo released by police.
“After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors determined that while criminal conduct occurred, the evidence as presented did not constitute felony conduct,” the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said in a statement.
The case has been referred to the Los Angeles city attorney’s office, which prosecutes misdemeanors within the city. An email seeking comment from the office was not immediately returned.
Jail records showed Lee was still being held Thursday in lieu of $30,000 bail, Mendez said. It was not immediately known if he had retained a lawyer, and the motive for the attack was unclear.
People standing in the wings of the stage, including actor Jamie Foxx and rapper Busta Rhymes, rushed on to the stage to try to help Chappelle.
Security guards chased and overpowered Lee, who was taken away in an ambulance for treatment of an unspecified injury.
“The performances by Chappelle at the Hollywood Bowl were epic and record-breaking and he refuses to allow last night’s incident to overshadow the magic of this historic moment,” Chappelle’s publicist Carla Sims said in a statement.
Chappelle was attacked as he was wrapping up a routine in which he talked about how comedians have to worry more about their personal security in the wake of this year’s Academy Awards ceremony where the Oscar-winning actor slapped Chris Rock on live television in reaction to a joke about his wife.
Rock was also in the wings of Chappelle’s show, He grabbed the mic and jokingly asked, “Was that Will Smith?”
___
Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/05/05/no-felony-charge-man-who-tackled-dave-chappelle-stage/ | 2022-05-05T20:07:20Z | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/05/05/no-felony-charge-man-who-tackled-dave-chappelle-stage/ | true |
Sports News of Thursday, 5 May 2022
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
GFA to reward GH₵50,000 to match-fixing whistle-blowers - Reports
GFA sign a partnership deal with NASCO
GFA sign broadcast deal with StarTimes
Sam Nartey George, member of parliament for Ningo-Prampram, has advised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to deal with internal issues that have dented the reputation of the Local League before stepping out to hunt for sponsorship deals.
The Ghana Premier League has gone five years without title sponsors as the GFA are still in search of one.
Speaking on Angel TV, the staunch Hearts of Oak fan said investors will knock at the doors of the FA if the latter is able to 'clean up the mess in the league'.
“The FA should not be calling for investors into the league. They need to clean up the mess in the league and the investment will automatically come.”
In his definition of mess, he referred to match-fixing and lower standard officiating.
“How do I invest in a league where referees are substandard and match-fixing is rife?” he quizzed.
At the moment, the Ghana FA has two notable sponsors for the Ghana Premier League, which include broadcast right holders, StarTimes and Electroland Ghana Limited (NASCO), who are the official sponsors of man-of-the-match as well as Coach and Player of the month.
With regards to the growing match-fixing allegations, the GFA have reportedly vowed to reward GH₵50,000 to whistleblowers.
The initiative adopted by the FA is said to fight match-fixing and betting issues in the Ghana Premier League. | https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/Clean-up-the-mess-first-Sam-George-advises-GFA-on-how-to-gain-sponsorship-deals-1531220 | 2022-05-05T20:07:20Z | https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/Clean-up-the-mess-first-Sam-George-advises-GFA-on-how-to-gain-sponsorship-deals-1531220 | true |
WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
TORNADO WARNING
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Northwestern Panola County in northeastern Texas...
East central Rusk County in northeastern Texas...
* Until 230 PM CDT.
* At 200 PM CDT, a tornado producing storm was located 8 miles
southwest of Tatum, or 11 miles northeast of Henderson, moving east
at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.
* This tornadic storm will be near...
Beckville around 220 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTH CENTRAL FREESTONE...SOUTH CENTRAL
HENDERSON AND NORTHWESTERN ANDERSON COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...
The rotation associated with the storm that prompted the Tornado
Warning has weakened, and no longer appears capable of producing a
tornado. Therefore the Tornado Warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central and
north central Texas.
TX
. TEXAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
ANDERSON ANGELINA BASTROP
BELL BLANCO BOWIE
BRAZOS BURLESON BURNET
CAMP CASS CHEROKEE
CORYELL ELLIS FALLS
FAYETTE FRANKLIN FREESTONE
GILLESPIE GREGG GRIMES
HARRISON HAYS HENDERSON
HILL HOPKINS HOUSTON
KAUFMAN LAMPASAS LEE
LEON LIMESTONE LLANO
MCLENNAN MADISON MARION
MILAM MORRIS NACOGDOCHES
NAVARRO PANOLA RAINS
ROBERTSON RUSK SABINE
SAN AUGUSTINE SHELBY SMITH
TITUS TRAVIS TRINITY
UPSHUR VAN ZANDT WALKER
WASHINGTON WILLIAMSON WOOD
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 315 PM CDT THIS
AFTERNOON FOR SOUTHEASTERN BOSQUE, CENTRAL HILL, NORTHWESTERN
MCLENNAN, SOUTHWESTERN ELLIS AND WEST CENTRAL NAVARRO COUNTIES...
At 205 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicates that the heavy rain has
mostly come to an end. Flooding of low lying and/or poor drainage
areas may continue for a few hours until the water has had a chance
to recede. Please continue to heed any remaining road closures.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Flooding of highways, streets, underpasses, creeks and
streams as well as other poor drainage and low lying
areas.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Waco, Hillsboro, McGregor, West, Italy, Valley Mills, Crawford,
Bynum, Carl's Corner, Gholson, Milford, Frost, Abbott, Leroy,
Ross, Malone, Penelope, Mertens and Aquilla.
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not
drive on flooded roads.
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 215 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL RUSK COUNTY...
At 205 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located southwest of Tatum,
or 13 miles northeast of Henderson, moving east northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
east central Rusk County.
Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.ctpost.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151267.php | 2022-05-05T20:15:00Z | https://www.ctpost.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151267.php | true |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
AREAL FLOOD ADVISORY
Flood Advisory
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
141 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 445 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive
rainfall is expected.
* WHERE...Portions of Falls, Hill, Limestone and McLennan counties.
* WHEN...Until 445 PM CDT.
* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas as
well as flooded low-water crossings and ponding water on roadways.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
-
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Waco, Hewitt, Robinson, Bellmead, Woodway, Mexia, Lacy-
Lakeview, Marlin, McGregor, Groesbeck, Mart, Beverly Hills,
Lorena, Bruceville-Eddy, Hubbard, Moody, Riesel, Coolidge,
Golinda and Hallsburg.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not
drive on flooded roads.
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN FANNIN COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...
The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area.
Therefore the warning has been cancelled. However small hail and
gusty winds are still possible across northern Fannin County.
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Central Rusk County in northeastern Texas...
* Until 215 PM CDT.
* At 142 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Henderson, moving northeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.
* This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
central Rusk County, including the following locations... Church
Hill.
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Northwestern Freestone County in central Texas...
Northeastern Limestone County in central Texas...
Southeastern Navarro County in north central Texas...
* Until 230 PM CDT.
* At 142 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Wortham, or
near Mexia, moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
to roofs, siding, and trees.
* Locations impacted include...
Mexia, Groesbeck, Teague, Fairfield, Wortham, Coolidge, Trinidad,
Angus, Navarro, Fort Parker State Park, Fairfield Lake State Park,
Mildred, Eureka, Tehuacana, Richland, Streetman, Goodlow and
Kirvin.
This includes Interstate 45 between mile markers 197 and 221.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central and
north central Texas.
For your protection get inside a sturdy structure and stay away from
windows.
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN LIMESTONE COUNTY WILL EXPIRE
AT 145 PM CDT...
The tornado threat has diminished and the Tornado Warning has been
cancelled. However, large hail and damaging winds remain likely and a
Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for the area.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central Texas.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.greenwichtime.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151203.php | 2022-05-05T20:15:06Z | https://www.greenwichtime.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151203.php | false |
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday afternoon's drawing of the New Mexico Lottery's "Pick 3 Day" game were:
5-5-6
(five, five, six)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday afternoon's drawing of the New Mexico Lottery's "Pick 3 Day" game were:
5-5-6
(five, five, six) | https://www.seattlepi.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Day-game-17151309.php | 2022-05-05T20:16:35Z | https://www.seattlepi.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Day-game-17151309.php | true |
WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
TORNADO WARNING
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Northwestern Panola County in northeastern Texas...
East central Rusk County in northeastern Texas...
* Until 230 PM CDT.
* At 200 PM CDT, a tornado producing storm was located 8 miles
southwest of Tatum, or 11 miles northeast of Henderson, moving east
at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.
* This tornadic storm will be near...
Beckville around 220 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTH CENTRAL FREESTONE...SOUTH CENTRAL
HENDERSON AND NORTHWESTERN ANDERSON COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...
The rotation associated with the storm that prompted the Tornado
Warning has weakened, and no longer appears capable of producing a
tornado. Therefore the Tornado Warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central and
north central Texas.
TX
. TEXAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
ANDERSON ANGELINA BASTROP
BELL BLANCO BOWIE
BRAZOS BURLESON BURNET
CAMP CASS CHEROKEE
CORYELL ELLIS FALLS
FAYETTE FRANKLIN FREESTONE
GILLESPIE GREGG GRIMES
HARRISON HAYS HENDERSON
HILL HOPKINS HOUSTON
KAUFMAN LAMPASAS LEE
LEON LIMESTONE LLANO
MCLENNAN MADISON MARION
MILAM MORRIS NACOGDOCHES
NAVARRO PANOLA RAINS
ROBERTSON RUSK SABINE
SAN AUGUSTINE SHELBY SMITH
TITUS TRAVIS TRINITY
UPSHUR VAN ZANDT WALKER
WASHINGTON WILLIAMSON WOOD
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 315 PM CDT THIS
AFTERNOON FOR SOUTHEASTERN BOSQUE, CENTRAL HILL, NORTHWESTERN
MCLENNAN, SOUTHWESTERN ELLIS AND WEST CENTRAL NAVARRO COUNTIES...
At 205 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicates that the heavy rain has
mostly come to an end. Flooding of low lying and/or poor drainage
areas may continue for a few hours until the water has had a chance
to recede. Please continue to heed any remaining road closures.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Flooding of highways, streets, underpasses, creeks and
streams as well as other poor drainage and low lying
areas.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Waco, Hillsboro, McGregor, West, Italy, Valley Mills, Crawford,
Bynum, Carl's Corner, Gholson, Milford, Frost, Abbott, Leroy,
Ross, Malone, Penelope, Mertens and Aquilla.
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not
drive on flooded roads.
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 215 PM CDT FOR EAST
CENTRAL RUSK COUNTY...
At 205 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located southwest of Tatum,
or 13 miles northeast of Henderson, moving east northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
east central Rusk County.
Heavy rainfall may hide this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.ourmidland.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151267.php | 2022-05-05T20:16:58Z | https://www.ourmidland.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151267.php | false |
BEIJING (AP) — Hong Kong reopened beaches and pools and relaxed other pandemic restrictions Thursday, a day after China’s capital, Beijing, announced it would ease its tough quarantine rules for arrivals from overseas.
The two Chinese cities are at opposite ends of COVID-19 outbreaks. Hong Kong is emerging from by far its deadliest wave, which killed 9,000 people. In Beijing, a new wave is just beginning and authorities have imposed a series of restrictions on residents to try to snuff it out.
The easing of quarantine requirements was a reminder that China does want eventually to back off from its strict “zero-COVID” approach that is imposing growing economic and human costs, though officials have shown no inclination to do so in a meaningful way anytime soon.
In Hong Kong, the rising costs have sparked a backlash against “zero COVID.” The city closed water sports venues during its outbreak of the highly transmissible omicron variant, but has been reducing restrictions as cases decline. Deaths from COVID-19 have fallen from a high of almost 300 per day in March to zero in recent days.
Restaurants are also allowed to seat up to eight customers per table — up from four previously — and masks will no longer be required during outdoor exercise, a change that’s important to organizers of group sporting events.
“We’re looking forward to Mother’s Day, and being able to have up to eight people sitting at a table,” said William So, assistant general manager of the London Restaurant, a long-time destination for traditional dim sum.
“Business will go up, three generations of a family can sit down and eat together,” said So, as carts piled high with steaming bamboo baskets of savory dumplings circulated through the packed dining room. Already, bookings have more than doubled since the relaxed seating policy was announced, he said.
A further round of easing is scheduled to begin May 19, when bars and clubs will be allowed to reopen and restaurants in the southern Chinese city will be permitted to serve customers until midnight.
China has maintained its hard-line “zero-COVID” approach but has imposed less onerous restrictions in Beijing than in other cities such as Shanghai, where millions were placed under strict lockdown.
Beijing will now require arrivals from overseas to quarantine at a hotel for 10 days, followed by another week of home isolation.
Previous rules required 21 days of isolation, at least 14 of them at a hotel, followed by seven days of regular health reporting.
With only a handful of daily international flights into Beijing, the rule change is expected to have little immediate impact on arrivals. Symbolically, however, it appears to show a willingness to compromise with demands for a less intrusive and economically damaging policy.
Still, the capital is taking no chances and on Wednesday closed 60 subway stations, more than 10% of its vast system, to reduce the possibility of the virus spreading.
Restaurants and bars are limited to takeout, gyms are closed and classes are suspended for at least another week. Major tourist sites in the city, including the Forbidden City and the Beijing Zoo, have closed their indoor exhibition halls and are operating at only partial capacity.
Districts have been sorted according to the perceived level of COVID-19 risk in each, and people living in districts in the highest categories are barred from leaving the city. A few communities where cases were discovered have been isolated.
All residents are required to undergo three virus tests during the week as authorities seek to detect and isolate cases without imposing the sort of sweeping lockdownsseen in Shanghai and elsewhere. A negative test result obtained within the previous 48 hours is required to enter most public spaces.
Beijing on Thursday reported just 50 new cases, eight of them asymptomatic.
Shanghai also saw a drop to 4,651 new cases, all but 261 asymptomatic, with an additional 13 deaths. China’s biggest city recorded a daily peak of 27,605 new cases on April 13.
Questions have arisenabout the surprisingly low death toll amid an outbreak of more than 400,000 cases in the city that is home to China’s main stock market and biggest port. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/international/hong-kong-reopens-beaches-beijing-relaxes-quarantine-rules/ | 2022-05-05T20:20:11Z | https://www.wjhl.com/news/international/hong-kong-reopens-beaches-beijing-relaxes-quarantine-rules/ | false |
WASHINGTON (AP) — When the Federal Reserve raises interest rates — as it did Wednesday — the impact doesn’t stop with U.S. homebuyers paying more for mortgages or Main Street business owners facing costlier bank loans.
The fallout can be felt beyond America’s borders, hitting shopkeepers in Sri Lanka, farmers in Mozambique and families in poorer countries around the world. The impacts abroad range from higher borrowing costs to depreciating currencies.
“It will put pressure on all types of developing countries,’’ said Eric LeCompte, executive director of the Jubilee USA Network, a coalition of groups seeking to reduce global poverty.
The managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, was worried enough last month to warn the Fed and other rate-hiking central banks to stay “mindful of the spillover risks to vulnerable emerging and developing economies.’’
Citing the harsher financial conditions, the IMF recently downgraded the outlook for economic growth this year in developing and emerging market countries to 3.8%, a full percentage point below what it forecast in January.
The Fed on Wednesday raised its benchmark short-term rate by half a percentage point to its highest level since the pandemic hit two years ago, and signaled that more rate hikes will come.
The U.S. rate hikes can deliver long-distance damage in a number of ways. First, they could slow the American economy and reduce U.S. consumers’ appetite for foreign goods.
They also affect global investment: As rates rise in the U.S, safer American government and corporate bonds start looking more attractive to global investors. So they can pull money out of poor and middle-income countries and invest it in the United States. Those shifts drive up the U.S. dollar and push down currencies in the developing world.
Falling currencies can cause problems. They make it more expensive to pay for imported food and other products. That is especially worrisome at a time when supply chain bottlenecks and the war in Ukraine have already disrupted shipments of grain and fertilizer and pushed up food prices worldwide to alarming levels.
To defend their sinking currencies, central banks in developing countries are likely to raise their own rates; some have already started. That can cause economic damage: It slows growth, wipes out jobs and squeezes business borrowers. It also forces indebted governments to spend more of their budgets on interest payments and less on things like fighting COVID-19 and feeding the poor.
The IMF’s Georgieva has warned that 60% of low-income countries are already in or near “debt distress’’ — an alarming threshold reached when their debt payments equal half the size of their national economies.
Despite the risks of collateral damage, the Fed is expected to raise rates several more times this year to combat resurgent inflation in the United States.
The inflationary surge is the result of an unexpectedly strong recovery from the pandemic recession of 2020, a rebound that caught businesses by surprise and forced them to scramble to find workers and supplies to meet customer demand. The result has been shortages, delays in filling orders and higher prices. In March, U.S. consumer prices rose 8.5% from a year earlier — biggest jump since 1981.
By pushing up interest rates, the Fed is hoping to pull off a so-called soft landing — raising rates just enough to slow the economy and bring inflation under control but not enough to tip the U.S. economy into another recession.
Developing countries are worried the Fed waited too long to begin its anti-inflationary campaign and will be forced to raise rates so aggressively it causes a hard landing that hurts the United States and developing countries alike.
“They would have been much better off if the Fed would have reacted more swiftly when the problem started’’ last year, said Liliana Rojas-Suarez, senior fellow at the Center for Global Development.
The Fed does not have an impressive record of engineering soft landings. The last one came in the mid-1990s under Fed Chair Alan Greenspan, an episode that ended unhappily for many developing countries.
“The U.S. was able to manage inflation well and avoid recession,’’ Rojas-Suarez said, “but at the same time created huge spillovers for emerging markets.’’ What followed was a series of financial crises — in Mexico, in Russia and eventually across much of Asia.
Robin Brooks, chief economist at the Institute of International Finance, notes that many emerging market countries are in a much stronger financial position than they were back then, or even in 2013, when Fed plans to cut back its easy money policies sent investment fleeing the developing world.
For one thing, many have beefed up their foreign currency reserves, which central banks can use to buy and support their countries’ currencies or meet foreign debt payments in a crisis. On the eve of the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis, for instance, Thailand’s reserves were equal to 19% of its economy; now they’re at 47%, according to the institute, a trade group for global banks.
Brooks also says that rising raw materials prices are “a bit of windfall’’ for commodities exporters like oil-producing Nigeria and soybean-producing Brazil.
But some countries remain vulnerable to financial shocks. Among them are those that rely heavily on imported oil and other commodities and that have low reserves compared to what they owe other countries. At the top of Rojas-Suarez’s list of the most exposed to financial risks is Sri Lanka, which last month said it was suspending repayment of foreign debt while it works out a loan restructuring program with the IMF. Also flashing red are Tunisia, Turkey and Mozambique.
Rising U.S. interest rates don’t always spell disaster for developing world countries. If they’re climbing because the U.S. economy is strong — and businesses and consumers want loans to buy things — that means more opportunities for countries with exports to sell into the U.S. market.
But the fallout is very different when the Fed is hiking borrowing costs in a deliberate campaign to slow U.S. growth and wring inflationary pressures out of the economy.
“If higher rates are driven mainly by worries about inflation or a hawkish turn in Fed policy … this will likely be more disruptive for emerging markets,’’ economists from the Fed and the conservative American Enterprise Institute wrote in a paper last year.
Which, worryingly, is what the Fed is doing now.
It’s another blow to countries still contending with big debts, large numbers of unvaccinated people and surging food prices.
“It’s added pressure,’’ LeCompte says, “and how much pressure can governments take?’’ | https://www.wjhl.com/news/national/rising-interest-rates-in-us-will-hinder-foreign-economies/ | 2022-05-05T20:24:31Z | https://www.wjhl.com/news/national/rising-interest-rates-in-us-will-hinder-foreign-economies/ | false |
HAIKOU, China, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- JX Luxventure Limited (Nasdaq: LLL) (the "Company"), a service provider delivering comprehensive solutions to global elite families with business segments covering menswear, cross-border merchandise, airfare and tourism, announced today that on May 2, 2022, it received the award "Annual Most Growth Enterprise" by Shenzhen Cross-border E-Commerce Association.
Ms. Sun "Ice" Lei, Chief Executive Officer of the Company commented: "At the beginning of 2021, we started our journey of three-year turnaround strategy with the first year focusing on revenue growth. Cross-border merchandise is and will continue to be a key revenue generator. This award is an affirmation of our company's growth. With two major contracts totaling $90,000,000 signed in March and April of 2022, I look forward to cross-border merchandise to fuel our revenue growth in 2022."
About JX Luxventure Limited
Headquartered in Haikou, China, JX Luxventure Limited is a service provider delivering comprehensive solutions to global elite families. Its business segments cover menswear, cross-border merchandise, airfare, and tourism. To learn more about the Company, please visit its corporate website at en.jxluxventure.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of JX Luxventure Limited, and its subsidiary companies. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, are "forward-looking statements" in nature within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects" or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.
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SOURCE JX Luxventure Limited | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_technology/jx-luxventure-limited-receives-annual-most-growth-enterprise-award/article_954211f3-922b-568d-b17c-b56f6771212c.html | 2022-05-05T20:27:17Z | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_technology/jx-luxventure-limited-receives-annual-most-growth-enterprise-award/article_954211f3-922b-568d-b17c-b56f6771212c.html | true |
ROCHESTER, Minn.- 12 Start-Up Event Grants have been awarded by the Rochester Downtown Alliance.
“The increased number of grant submissions demonstrates that downtown is establishing itself as one of the most desirable event settings in the region” says Holly Masek, RDA executive director. “Downtown Rochester features a variety of parks, plazas, and indoor venues to choose from and is home to many creative businesses that can assist in production. And with more than 100 shops and restaurants within walking distance, event attendees can easily park once and make a day of it.”
Receiving grants are:
• $3,000: ICAM Utsav Color Run and Food Mela by Indian Cultural Association of Minnesota
• $3,000: Butterfly Festival by Listos Preschool and Childcare
• $3,000: The Night market by Tiffany Alexandria
• $2,900: Heart of Our City Exhibit and Art Walk by Lisa Higgs
• $2,500: Ethiopian Heritage Day by the Ethiopian Community of Rochester
• $2,375: Kidical Mass Family Bike Ride by We Bike Rochester
• $2,000: Med City Art Festival by Ivete Martinez
• $1,100: Mixed Precipitation Pickup Truck Opera by the Rochester Art Center
• $625: Burlesque on Broadway by Out Rochester
• $500: Murder Mystery Party by the Rochester Public Library
• $500: That 70’s Halloween Celebration by LTN Music
• $500: Songwriters in the Round at Treedome by Patrick Egan
Additional funding from Destination Medical Center was made available to expand the program and support a larger number of events in 2022. | https://www.kimt.com/news/12-start-up-grants-awarded-to-downtown-rochester-events/article_3ea75682-cca9-11ec-baf8-4bbc804c562a.html | 2022-05-05T20:28:42Z | https://www.kimt.com/news/12-start-up-grants-awarded-to-downtown-rochester-events/article_3ea75682-cca9-11ec-baf8-4bbc804c562a.html | true |
ARLINGTON, Va., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that its Arlington, Virginia campus just outside Washington, D.C. will serve as the company's global headquarters. The aerospace and defense firm's employees in the region support various corporate functions and specialize in advanced airplane development and autonomous systems. In addition to designating Northern Virginia as its new headquarters, Boeing plans to develop a research & technology hub in the area to harness and attract engineering and technical capabilities.
"We are excited to build on our foundation here in Northern Virginia. The region makes strategic sense for our global headquarters given its proximity to our customers and stakeholders, and its access to world-class engineering and technical talent," said Boeing President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Calhoun.
Boeing will maintain a significant presence at its Chicago location and surrounding region.
"We greatly appreciate our continuing relationships in Chicago and throughout Illinois. We look forward to maintaining a strong presence in the city and the state," said Calhoun.
"We also want to especially thank Governor Youngkin for his partnership, and Senator Warner for his support as we worked through the process."
Future of Work Enables More Investment in Manufacturing, Engineering, Training
Over the past two years, Boeing has implemented flexible and virtual solutions that have enabled the company to reduce its office space needs. At its Chicago office, less office space will be required for the employees who will continue to be based there. Boeing will adapt and modernize the workspace to better support future work requirements.
"In today's business environment, we have adopted a flexible work strategy in parts of our company and are taking steps to be more efficient within a reduced footprint. This helps us channel investments toward our critical manufacturing and engineering facilities and training resources," said Calhoun.
New Boeing Research & Technology Hub
As part of its effort to tap into engineering and technology talent across the U.S and around the world, Boeing plans to establish a research and technology hub in Northern Virginia. The hub will focus on developing innovations in the areas of cyber security, autonomous operations, quantum sciences and software and systems engineering.
"The future of Boeing is digital," said Greg Hyslop, Boeing's chief engineer and executive vice president of Engineering, Test and Technology. "Focusing our R&D and talent development in areas that support digital innovation will fuel the introduction of cutting-edge capabilities. This new hub in Northern Virginia will follow the successful implementation of this technology strategy in other regions."
Boeing's Footprint and Impact
As the nation's largest exporter, Boeing employs more than 140,000 people and is hiring as the commercial market recovers and the company invests in production, innovation and product development. The company's three business units will continue to be based at their current headquarters, which include:
- Boeing Commercial Airplanes in Seattle, Wash.
- Boeing Global Services in Plano, Texas
- Boeing Defense, Space and Security in Arlington, Va.
In addition to the company's operations, Boeing works with more than 12,000 businesses supporting more than one million supplier jobs across the United States, and located in every state. Globally, the company has operations in more than 65 countries.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at boeing.com.
Contact
Boeing Communications
media@Boeing.com
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SOURCE Boeing | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/boeing-names-northern-virginia-office-its-global-headquarters-establishes-research-amp-technology-hub/ | 2022-05-05T20:32:15Z | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/boeing-names-northern-virginia-office-its-global-headquarters-establishes-research-amp-technology-hub/ | true |
Bandon’s baseball team took a huge step toward winning the Sunset Conference (Class 2A-1A District 5) baseball title Friday, overcoming wet weather conditions to beat host Reedsport 9-4.
The Tigers improved to 8-0 and completed a season sweep of the Brave, who fell to 5-3.
Next up for Bandon is second-place Coquille (7-2), which blanked Waldport 10-0 on Thursday and hosts the Tigers on Tuesday.
In Bandon’s win over Reedsport, Colton Siewell pitched four strong innings and Cooper Lang finished the last three “and did well throwing strikes and putting it on the defense,” Bandon coach Jay Ferrell said.
The Tigers got a hot start at the plate as well, scoring two runs in the first and five more in the second for a big early lead.
Siewell also had three hits, including a double, and drove in a run. Chris Butler had a double and single and also reached base by walk. He drove in two runs.
“We had good energy out of the guys tonight in bad conditions,” Ferrell said.
He also said Reedsport coach Bill Shaw did a good job preparing for the rain.
“Hats off to Bill for having the field ready to go,” Ferrell said.
Reedsport hosts Siletz Valley on Tuesday in a league game and then Umpqua Valley Christian in a nonleague game Wednesday before visiting Coquille on Friday. Bandon is home against Toledo on Friday.
The Boomers are fourth in the standings at 5-4 after beating Gold Beach 11-4 on Friday.
PIRATES SWEEP: Marshfield stretched its win streak to six games and tuned up for Tuesday’s big showdown with league-leading Marist Catholic by sweeping host Cottage Grove 12-3 and 12-6 on Friday.
The Pirates improved to 7-2 in league play heading into the home game against Marist Catholic (7-0), which handed the Pirates their only two league losses. The Spartans also play their first league game against third-place Junction City (6-2) on Monday.
Marshfield and Cottage Grove were tied at 3 after two innings in Friday’s opener, but the Pirates pulled away with four runs in the third. Gannon Frost had two hits and four RBIs in the win and Cobin Bouska had two hits and three runs. Drake Rogers had two hits, two runs and an RBI and Dom Montiel hit a two-run home run. Luke Parry also drove in two runs and Riley Murphy had two hits, a run and an RBI. Rogers, Bouska, Murphy, Frost and Ryder Easton all had doubles. Parry, Murphy and Johnny Calvert combined on a four-hitter.
In the nightcap, Rogers had three hits and four runs and Montiel three hits and three RBIs. Wyatt Peck had two hits and three runs and Calvert two hits, two runs and an RBI. Steel Carpenter scored twice as a courtesy runner.
Montiel had a double and triple, Calvert hit two doubles and Rogers and Peck also hit doubles.
Montiel also pitched into the fifth inning, striking out 10. Easton and Calvert finished on the mound, with Calvert recording four of his five outs by strikeout.
SOFTBALL
TIGERS SHUT OUT REEDSPORT: Bandon had another dominant win in the Sunset Conference (Class 2A-1A District 4), beating the Brave 11-0.
The Tigers have scored in double digits in all their league wins
Toledo stayed perfect in the league standings by blanking Gold Beach 7-0 and Myrtle Point topped Siletz Valley 15-2.
Combined with Coquille’s 6-5 win over Waldport, Toledo remained on top of the league standings at 9-0, followed by Bandon (7-1), Coquille and Reedsport (4-4) and Waldport (4-5).
Bandon visited Coquille on Monday (results were not available by press time) and has a big home game against Toledo on Friday. The Boomers won the first game between the teams 5-3, the only time Toledo has given up runs in a league contest. | https://theworldlink.com/sports/tigers-move-closer-to-winning-district-5-baseball-crown/article_fe2b5e02-ca44-11ec-a8ec-f7c73dc1e61a.html | 2022-05-05T20:33:01Z | https://theworldlink.com/sports/tigers-move-closer-to-winning-district-5-baseball-crown/article_fe2b5e02-ca44-11ec-a8ec-f7c73dc1e61a.html | true |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Following through on a campaign promise, the Biden administration on Thursday announced a wide-ranging enforcement strategy aimed at holding industrial polluters accountable for damage done to poor and minority communities.
The strategy includes creation of an Office of Environmental Justice within the Justice Department to focus on “fenceline communities” that have been exposed to air and water pollution from chemical plants, refineries and other industrial sites.
The plan also reinstates a dormant program that allowed fines paid by industry as part of a settlement go to community activities such as river cleanup, health clinics or other programs that benefit the environment or public health. The program was used by presidents from both parties before being eliminated in the Trump administration.
“Although violations of our environmental laws can happen anywhere, communities of color, indigenous communities and low-income communities often bear the brunt of the harm caused by environmental crime, pollution and climate change,’’ Attorney General Merrick Garland said at a news conference.
“And for far too long, these communities have faced barriers to accessing the justice they deserve,’’ he said.
“No American should have to live, work or send their kids to school in a neighborhood that carries an unfair share of environmental hazards,” added Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta.
President Joe Biden had promised during the 2020 campaign that he would establish an environmental justice division within the Justice Department and elevate environmental justice issues in an all-of-government approach.
In a related development, the White House announced Thursday that advocate Jalonne White-Newsome will lead environmental justice efforts at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. White-Newsome succeeds Cecilia Martinez, who stepped down in January.
White-Newsome, of Michigan, is founder and CEO of Empowering a Green Environment and Economy, a consulting firm focused on climate change, public health and environmental and racial equity.
CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory called White-Newsome “a strong and effective champion for communities that have been overburdened by pollution and subjected to decades of environmental injustice.” Her ability to “listen deeply, bring people together and find creative solutions will be invaluable,” Mallory said.
On enforcement, the strategy unveiled Thursday is intended to guide the work of employees throughout the Justice Department, including U.S. attorneys across the country who will begin a renewed focus on environmental justice issues, Garland and Gupta said.
The new office “will prioritize meaningful and constructive engagement with the communities most affected by environmental crime and injustice,” Garland said. “Whenever possible, these efforts will respond directly to community needs and concerns.”
Environmental Protection Agency head Michael Regan said the “partnership” between his agency and the Justice Department “has never been stronger” and will ensure that the federal government does all it can “to protect overburdened and underserved communities across America.”
The strategy follows a series of enforcement actions announced by Regan in January to address air pollution, unsafe drinking water and other problems afflicting minority communities in Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states that Regan toured in November.
The plan includes unannounced inspections of chemical plants, refineries and other industrial sites and installation of air monitoring equipment in Louisiana’s “chemical corridor” to enhance enforcement at a series of chemical and plastics plants between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The region contains several hotspots where cancer risks are far above national levels.
EPA also issued a notice to the city of Jackson, Mississippi, saying its aging and overwhelmed drinking water system violates the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. The agency also said it would move forward on clean up creosote contamination from a site in Houston now owned by Union Pacific Railroad. The site has been linked to higher than normal cancer rates in the historically Black neighborhood in the city’s Fifth Ward.
Regan has made environmental justice a priority since taking the helm at EPA in March 2021. The weeklong “Journey to Justice” tour in November was intended to highlight areas in the American South that have long been marginalized and overburdened by pollution.
Biden requested $1.4 million for the environmental justice in his budget proposal. Cynthia Ferguson, an attorney in the department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division will serve as acting director. The office will support environmental justice investigations and litigation and work with communities across the country with environmental justice concerns, the Justice Department said.
A rule being published in the Federal Register will restore the department’s ability to use Supplemental Environmental Projects, or SEPs, as part of settlements with corporate or industrial polluters. The projects are intended to bring environmental and public health benefits to communities directly affected by the underlying violations.
A 2007 settlement with Texas-based energy company Valero included a $4.25 million penalty and $232 million in pollution controls at refineries in Tennessee, Ohio and Texas. The company was required to spend at least $1 million to enhance efforts by a health center Port Arthur, Texas to diagnosis and treat asthma and other respiratory problems. | https://www.wane.com/news/national-world/biden-to-crack-down-on-polluters-in-poor-minority-areas/ | 2022-05-05T20:33:11Z | https://www.wane.com/news/national-world/biden-to-crack-down-on-polluters-in-poor-minority-areas/ | true |
Giddy's Plaid integration gives users a simple, streamlined on and off ramp between crypto and fiat.
DRAPER, Utah, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Crypto staking app Giddy has partnered with fintech leader Plaid, a data network that powers the tools millions of people rely on to live healthier financial lives. Giddy's integration with Plaid will make it easier for users to securely and seamlessly share their financial data so they can move funds in and out of their Giddy account.
"Security and user friendliness are paramount to every step of the customer journey on the Giddy platform" says Giddy CEO Eric Parker. "Our partnership with Plaid and their open finance technology is a continuation of striving to create an unparalleled experience for Giddy users."
Enabling investors to easily and securely connect their financial accounts to Giddy's platform will help streamline the process of moving funds in and out of their wallet, making the onramps and offramps to crypto investing easier for mainstream investors.
Through its integration with Plaid's payment authorization products and payment processor Wyre, Giddy will enable investors to easily transfer funds via ACH from their checking account to their digital wallet to invest in crypto. Once an investor converts the crypto back to dollars (fiat), the integration makes it fast and easy to transfer those funds back to their checking account.
Upon transferring funds into a Giddy account, the currency is automatically converted to a stable coin that allows users to immediately begin staking their tokens and earning an interest yield.
Giddy is the world's first DeFi app to provide one-tap staking (interest-earning) to crypto investors. In a complex world of crypto investing where investors need to master a confusing array of tools and platforms to fully maximize their investments, Giddy has a mission to simplify the most sophisticated crypto strategies into one platform.
About Giddy
Giddy was founded in 2021 by entrepreneurs Eric and Ethan Parker. Their non-custodial DeFi platform provides streamlined access to DeFi crypto investing and staking. The Giddy wallet provides faster and more secure transactions with ease of withdrawal. The company has raised more than $8 million in funding from investors and recently announced the pre-release of its mobile app. Learn more at https://giddy.co/
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SOURCE Giddy | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/defi-platform-giddy-partners-with-plaid-easier-account-funding/ | 2022-05-05T20:33:28Z | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/defi-platform-giddy-partners-with-plaid-easier-account-funding/ | false |
WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
213 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EASTERN CASS COUNTY IS
CANCELLED...
The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the warned
area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for southwestern
Arkansas...and northwestern Louisiana.
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for...
Central Smith County in northeastern Texas...
Upshur County in northeastern Texas...
Southeastern Wood County in northeastern Texas...
* Until 515 PM CDT.
* At 214 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain
have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1
hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban
areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as
other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Tyler, Gladewater, Gilmer, Lindale, Big Sandy, Hawkins, Hoard,
Rosewood, West Mountain, Noonday, Winona, Midway, Red Springs,
Pritchett, Grice, Bettie and Carroll.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR EAST CENTRAL RUSK COUNTY IS CANCELLED...
The tornadic thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out
of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for northeastern
Texas.
...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 230 PM CDT FOR
NORTHWESTERN PANOLA COUNTY...
At 215 PM CDT, a confirmed tornado was located over Beckville, or 11
miles northwest of Carthage, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Damaging tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar confirmed tornado.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
northwestern Panola County.
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.sfchronicle.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151307.php | 2022-05-05T20:34:18Z | https://www.sfchronicle.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151307.php | false |
Severe thunderstorm, 'life-threatening' flash flooding alert issued for parts of Tasmania
Parts of Tasmania will be bracing for severe thunderstorms and flash flooding as the south-easterly airstream brings damaging winds and intense rainfall, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) says.
The severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of the upper Derwent Valley, south east coast, east coast and the Midlands.
Orford, New Norfolk, Dodges Ferry and Bagdad in the state's south are likely to see intense showers this morning, which may lead to "dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding".
Police are asking that motorists avoid Risdon Road in Hobart — between the Ampol service station and the Brooker Highway — due to flooding from a rivulet breaking its banks.
A minor flood warning has been issued for the Huon, Jordan River, South Esk River and the Derwent River.
The heaviest rainfalls were in the south-east overnight, with 101 millimetres recorded at Mount Wellington being the highest, followed by Nugent at 96 millimetres and Triabunna 90 millimetres, however the BOM says the rain is easing this morning.
"It's on the wind-down, it's the thunderstorms at the moment that are … of concern," the BOM's Deb Taber said.
Winds on top of Mount Wellington reached up to 109 kilometres per hour, 98kph at Tasman Island and 87kph at Hobart.
People have been advised to avoid driving or walking in floodwaters, to seek shelter indoors and to be aware of fallen trees and powerlines.
Police are urging pedestrians in the south-east of Tasmania to be aware of the weather conditions.
"Whilst we often talk about not driving your vehicle through flood waters, if you are on foot you need to be very careful around those areas and waters that are moving," southern police commander Tim Dooley told ABC Radio Hobart.
"We also know [that], with heavy rainfall, tree root systems can, for example, become loose and, with those strong winds, there's potential for them to fall across or near roadways and, equally, can introduce other hazards, such as taking out powerlines."
Keep up to date with the latest warnings at ABC Emergency. | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-06/severe-thunderstorm-warning-for-tasmania/101041350 | 2022-05-05T20:35:03Z | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-06/severe-thunderstorm-warning-for-tasmania/101041350 | true |
- Recorded $350 million GAAP revenue, including record-high $336 million non-GAAP residential revenue, 41% year-over-year residential growth
- Added 16,500 customers, 40% year-over-year growth
- Entered second quarter with a record 13,800 backlog, up 169% year-over-year
- Advancing industry leadership with late-stage discussions to develop world's most innovative residential panel with First Solar
SAN JOSE, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR), a leading solar technology and energy services provider, today announced financial results for the first quarter, ending April 3, 2022.
"SunPower delivered strong first quarter results, driven by a record $336 million non-GAAP residential revenue, representing 41% growth year-over-year. Demand is accelerating as consumers look to solar as a more stable, secure and sustainable energy source, and this is evident as we enter the second quarter with a record backlog and pipeline for new homes," said Peter Faricy, SunPower CEO. "We are executing across our key growth pillars and making strategic investments to ensure SunPower can capture this demand. This includes securing nationwide coverage through our direct business and dealer network, creating a world-class customer experience, building out our installation capacity, and developing industry leading financial products, hardware and software solutions."
SunPower reported first quarter net loss of $2M and Adjusted EBITDA of $11 million.
Capturing Demand by Executing Across Strategic Pillars
Energy share-of-wallet is increasing faster than other spending categories, according to a 2021 Deloitte Insights Consumer Spending Forecast, which predicts customers will increase spending on energy products and services by more than 20% from 2021 to 2026 compared to a total 7% increase in projected disposable personal income during that time. Demand for cleaner, more reliable energy is higher than ever, yet less than 5% of the 100 million home addressable market have adopted solar, presenting a land-grab opportunity for solar providers.
SunPower made significant strides towards capturing this demand in the first quarter, adding 16,500 customers in the period, up 40% from the previous year, with a record customer backlog of 13,800 bookings and a 70,000-customer new homes pipeline, setting the company up for high growth in 2022. SunPower is executing across the strategic pillars described at its recent Analyst Day to ensure it can capture this unprecedented demand through the rest of 2022 and beyond. First quarter updates include:
- SunPower is in late-stage discussions with First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) to co-develop the world's most advanced residential solar panel, exclusively for SunPower. This initiative is expected to support SunPower's strategy to expand its catalog of suppliers while remaining the leader in superior products and tech innovation.
- SunPower launched its Dealer Accelerator Program, through which it is making investments in local solar dealers to advance their growth and expand into new territory. As part of the program, participating dealers agree to sell SunPower® solar systems, SunVault™ battery storage and SunPower Financial™ solutions, with the goal of accelerating adoption of solar through SunPower's ecosystem of products. To date, the company has made minority investments in Freedom Solar, which serves Texas, the Front Range of Colorado and central Florida; and Sea Bright Solar, which serves New Jersey, New York and Southern California. SunPower also added 83 new dealers to its network in the last quarter.
- New Homes continues to be a key pillar of SunPower's business, providing meaningful growth in the first quarter and a record-high pipeline of more than 70,000 single and multifamily homes. SunPower currently holds a 41% market share among the top 60 builders in California and has five national agreements with the top 20 U.S. homebuilders. SunPower is actively expanding its new homes leadership across the country; in March, the company announced a multi-year exclusive agreement with builder Landsea Homes (NASDAQ: LSEA) covering California, Texas, Arizona and Florida.
- SunPower Financial closed the Dorado 1 lease/PPA fund, adding approximately $350 million of capacity to support customer demand and growth, reducing the combined cost of capital for lease and loan to less than 5.25%.
- SunPower's Net Promoter Score improved from 35 to 49, a 32% improvement year-over-year. Phone and Chat Service Levels also improved, reducing customer wait times 48% to less than one minute. The company's digital efforts also resulted in improved App Store ratings for the mySunPower mobile app and web page, with the App Store rating up from 4.2 to 4.4.
Financial Highlights
"Closing out a strong first quarter we continue to perform well, with GAAP gross margin of 20.6% and non-GAAP residential gross margins above 20% for six quarters in a row. Additionally, our direct business is growing rapidly and outperforming the market," said Manavendra Sial, chief financial officer at SunPower. "In the first half of the year, you'll see us investing heavily in our platform to sustain strong customer demand and ensure our ability to capture the nation's growing interest in home solar. We expect to reap the rewards of that investment as we look towards the second half of the year and beyond, and we are on track to meet our 2022 guidance."
Financial highlights include:
- Added 16,500 customers in this quarter, bringing total install base to 443,800
- Recorded GAAP gross margin of 20.6% and non-GAAP residential gross margin of 23.0%
- Achieved SunPower Financial attachment rate greater than 40%
Financial Outlook
SunPower affirmed prior 2022 guidance of $2,000-$2,400 Adjusted EBITDA per customer and 73,000-80,000 incremental customers, resulting in $90-$110 million Adjusted EBITDA for the year.
Earnings Conference Call Information
SunPower will discuss its first quarter 2022 financial results on a conference call, today, Thursday, May 5 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time. The call-in number is (877) 371-5747 conference ID 5479606, passcode: SunPower, or the webcast can be accessed from SunPower's website at http://investors.sunpower.com/events.cfm.
This press release contains both GAAP and non-GAAP financial information. Non-GAAP figures are reconciled to the closest GAAP equivalent categories in the financial attachment of this press release.
About SunPower
Headquartered in California's Silicon Valley, SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR) is a leading Distributed Generation Storage and Energy Services provider in North America. SunPower offers the only solar + storage solution designed and warranted by one company that gives customers control over electricity consumption and resiliency during power outages. For more information, visit www.sunpower.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: (a) expectations regarding demand and our future performance based on backlog, bookings, projected consumer demand, and pipelines in our sales channels and for our products, and our ability to meet consumer demand; (b) our plans and expectations our strategic partnerships and initiatives, including our proposed partnership with First Solar, our agreement with Landsea Homes, and our dealer accelerator program, and the anticipated business and financial impacts thereof; (c) our strategic plans and areas of investment and focus, both current and future, and expectations for the results thereof, including expansion of our direct business and dealer network, improving customer experience, increasing installation capacity, and development of new products and services; (d) our expectations regarding projected demand and growth in 2022 and beyond, our positioning for future success, and ability to capture demand and deliver long-term value to our shareholders; (e) our expectations for industry trends and factors, and the impact thereof on our business and strategic plans; and (f) our guidance for fiscal year 2022, including Adjusted EBITDA per customer, incremental customers, and Adjusted EBITDA, and related assumptions.
These forward-looking statements are based on our current assumptions, expectations and beliefs and involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may cause results, performance or achievement to materially differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) regulatory changes and the availability of economic incentives promoting use of solar energy; (2) potential disruptions to our operations and supply chain that may result from epidemics or natural disasters, including impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, and other factors; (3) competition in the solar and general energy industry, supply chain constraints, and pricing pressures; (4) changes in public policy, including the imposition and applicability of tariffs; (5) our dependence on sole- or limited-source supply relationships, including for our solar panels and other components of our products; (6) risks related to the introduction of new or enhanced products, including potential technical challenges, lead times, and our ability to match supply with demand while maintaining quality, sales, and support standards; (7) the success of our ongoing research and development efforts and our ability to commercialize new products and services, including products and services developed through strategic partnerships; (8) our liquidity, indebtedness, and ability to obtain additional financing for our projects and customers; and (9) challenges managing our acquisitions, joint ventures, and partnerships, including our ability to successfully manage acquired assets and supplier relationships. A detailed discussion of these factors and other risks that affect our business is included in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from time to time, including our most recent report on Form 10-K, particularly under the heading "Risk Factors." Copies of these filings are available online from the SEC or on the SEC Filings section of our Investor Relations website at investors.sunpower.com. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information currently available to us, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events.
©2022 SunPower Corporation. All rights reserved. SUNPOWER, SUNPOWER FINANCIAL, SUNVAULT, and the SUNPOWER logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of SunPower Corporation in the U.S.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement its consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), the company uses non-GAAP measures that are adjusted for certain items from the most directly comparable GAAP measures. The specific non-GAAP measures listed below are: revenue; gross margin; net loss; net loss per diluted share; and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA"). Management believes that each of these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors, enabling them to better assess changes in each of these key elements of the company's results of operations across different reporting periods on a consistent basis, independent of certain items as described below. Thus, each of these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with another method to assess the company's operating results in a manner that is focused on its ongoing, core operating performance, absent the effects of these items. Management uses these non-GAAP measures internally to assess the business, its financial performance, current and historical results, as well as for strategic decision-making and forecasting future results. Many of the analysts covering the company also use these non-GAAP measures in their analysis. Given management's use of these non-GAAP measures, the company believes these measures are important to investors in understanding the company's operating results as seen through the eyes of management. These non-GAAP measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP or intended to be a replacement for GAAP financial data; and therefore, should be reviewed together with the GAAP measures and are not intended to serve as a substitute for results under GAAP, and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.
Non-GAAP gross margin includes adjustments relating to gain/loss on sale and impairment of residential lease assets, litigation, stock-based compensation, and amortization of intangible assets, each of which is described below. In addition to the above adjustments, non-GAAP net loss and non-GAAP net loss per diluted share are adjusted for adjustments relating to mark to market gain on equity investments, gain on business divestitures, impairment of property, plant, and equipment, transaction-related costs, non-cash interest expense, restructuring charges (credits), gain on convertible debt repurchased, tax effect of these non-GAAP adjustments, each of which is described below. In addition to the above adjustments, Adjusted EBITDA includes adjustments relating to cash interest expense (net of interest income), provision for income taxes, and depreciation.
Non-GAAP Adjustments Based on International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS")
The company's non-GAAP results include adjustments under IFRS that are consistent with the adjustments made in connection with the company's internal reporting process as part of its status as a consolidated subsidiary of TotalEnergies SE, our controlling shareholder and a foreign public registrant that reports under IFRS. Differences between GAAP and IFRS reflected in the company's non-GAAP results are further described below. In these situations, management believes that IFRS enables investors to better evaluate the company's performance, and assists in aligning the perspectives of the management with those of TotalEnergies SE.
- Mark-to-market loss (gain) in equity investments: We recognize adjustments related to the fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair value based on the changes in the stock price of these equity investments at every reporting period. Under U.S. GAAP, mark-to-market gains and losses due to changes in stock prices for these securities are recorded in earnings while under IFRS, an election can be made to recognize such gains and losses in other comprehensive income. Such an election was made by TotalEnergies SE. Further, we elected the Fair Value Option ("FVO") for some of our equity method investments, and we adjust the carrying value of those investments based on their fair market value calculated periodically. Such option is not available under IFRS, and equity method accounting is required for those investments. We believe that excluding these adjustments on equity investments is consistent with our internal reporting process as part of its status as a consolidated subsidiary of TotalEnergies SE. and better reflects our ongoing results.
Other Non-GAAP Adjustments
- Results of operations of businesses exited/to be exited: We exclude the results of operations of our legacy businesses that we have exited, or to be exited, from our Non-GAAP results. These legacy businesses include our light commercial business that we exited starting this first fiscal quarter of 2022 to reinforce the Company's strategic direction to focus solely on the residential solar market, Hillsboro, Oregon facility that ceased manufacturing and revenue generation in the first quarter of 2021, as well as, results of our legacy power plant and legacy O&M businesses. We are not doing new activities for these businesses, and the remaining activities comprise of true-up of estimated milestones payments, settlement of certain warranty obligations on projects and other wind-down activities. As such, these are excluded from our non-GAAP results as they are not reflective of our ongoing operating results.
- Loss/Gain on sale and impairment of residential lease assets: In fiscal 2018 and 2019, in an effort to sell all the residential lease assets owned by us, we sold membership units representing a 49% membership interest in majority of its residential lease business and retained a 51% membership interest. We record an impairment charge based on the expected fair value for a portion of residential lease assets portfolio that was retained. Any charges or credits on these remaining unsold residential lease assets impairment, as well as its corresponding depreciation savings, are excluded from our non-GAAP results as they are not reflective of ongoing operating results.
- Stock-based compensation: Stock-based compensation relates primarily to our equity incentive awards. Stock-based compensation is a non-cash expense that is dependent on market forces that are difficult to predict. We believe that this adjustment for stock-based compensation provides investors with a basis to measure the company's core performance, including compared with the performance of other companies, without the period-to-period variability created by stock-based compensation.
- Litigation: We may be involved in various instances of litigation, claims and proceedings that result in payments or recoveries. We exclude gains or losses associated with such events because the gains or losses do not reflect our underlying financial results in the period incurred. We also exclude expenses pertaining to litigation relating to businesses that discontinued as a result of spin-off of Maxeon Solar, for which we are indemnifying them. We believe that it is appropriate to exclude such charges from our non-GAAP results as they are not reflective of ongoing operating results.
- Transaction-related costs: In connection with material transactions such as acquisition or divestiture of a business, the company incurred transaction costs including legal and accounting fees. We believe that it is appropriate to exclude these costs from our non-GAAP results as they would not have otherwise been incurred as part of the business operations and therefore is not reflective of ongoing operating results.
- Amortization of intangible assets and software: We incur amortization of intangible assets as a result of acquisitions, primarily from the Blue Raven acquisition, which includes brand, non-compete arrangements, and purchased technology. In addition, we also incur amortization of our capitalized internal-use software costs once the software has been placed into service, until the end of the useful life of the software. We believe that it is appropriate to exclude these amortization charges from our non-GAAP results as they are non-recurring in nature, and are therefore not reflective of ongoing operating results.
- Executive transition costs: We incur non-recurring charges related to the hiring and transition of new executive officers. During fiscal 2021, we appointed a new chief executive officer, as well as other chief executives, and we are investing resources in those executive transitions, and in developing new members of management as we complete our transformation. We believe that it is appropriate to exclude these from our non-GAAP results as they are not reflective of ongoing operating results.
- Acquisition-related costs: We incurred certain costs in connection with the acquisition of Blue Raven, that are either paid as part of the transaction or will be paid in the coming year, but are considered post-acquisition compensation under the applicable GAAP framework due to the nature of such items. A majority of the expense incurred in fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 represents cash paid to certain employees of Blue Raven for settlement of their pre-existing share-based payment plan, in excess of the respective fair value. Other post-combination expenses include change in fair value of contingent consideration as well as deferred post-combination employment expense payable to certain Blue Raven employees and sellers. We believe that it is appropriate to exclude these from our non-GAAP results as they are directly related to the acquisition transaction and non-recurring in nature, and are therefore not reflective of ongoing operating results.
- Business reorganization costs: In connection with the spin-off of Maxeon into an independent, publicly traded company, we incurred and expect to continue to incur, non-recurring charges on third-party legal and consulting expenses, primarily to enable in separation of shared information technology systems and applications. We believe that it is appropriate to exclude these from our non-GAAP results as it is not reflective of ongoing operating results.
- Restructuring charges (credits): We incur restructuring expenses related to reorganization plans aimed towards realigning resources consistent with the company's global strategy and improving its overall operating efficiency and cost structure. Although the company has engaged in restructuring activities in the past, each has been a discrete event based on a unique set of business objectives. We believe that it is appropriate to exclude these from our non-GAAP results as it is not reflective of ongoing operating results.
- Tax effect: This amount is used to present each of the adjustments described above on an after-tax basis in connection with the presentation of non-GAAP net income (loss) and non-GAAP net income (loss) per diluted share. Our non-GAAP tax amount is based on estimated cash tax expense and reserves. We forecast our annual cash tax liability and allocates the tax to each quarter in a manner generally consistent with its GAAP methodology. This approach is designed to enhance investors' ability to understand the impact of our tax expense on its current operations, provide improved modeling accuracy, and substantially reduce fluctuations caused by GAAP to non-GAAP adjustments, which may not reflect actual cash tax expense, or tax impact of non-recurring items.
- Adjusted EBITDA adjustments: When calculating Adjusted EBITDA, in addition to adjustments described above, we exclude the impact of the following items during the period:
- Cash interest expense, net of interest income
- Provision for income taxes
- Depreciation
For more information about these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the tables captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP Measures to Non-GAAP Measures" set forth at the end of this release, which should be read together with the preceding financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.
- Excluding Product & Digital operating expenses for Residential only.
- Adjusted EBITDA guidance for FY 2022 includes net adjustments that increase GAAP net income by approximately $45 million primarily relating to the following adjustments: stock-based compensation expense, results of operations of businesses exited/to be exited, mark-to-market (gain) loss on equity investments, (gain) loss on business divestitures, net, acquisition-related costs, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, income taxes, and other non-recurring adjustments.
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SOURCE SunPower Corp. | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/sunpower-reports-first-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-05-05T20:38:14Z | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/sunpower-reports-first-quarter-2022-results/ | true |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
207 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN LIMESTONE COUNTY
IS CANCELLED...
The severe thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out of
the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for central and
north central Texas.
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 230 PM CDT
FOR NORTHWESTERN FREESTONE AND SOUTHEASTERN NAVARRO COUNTIES...
At 206 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 10 miles northwest
of Fairfield Lake State Park, or 11 miles north of Fairfield, moving
northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to
roofs, siding, and trees.
Locations impacted include...
Teague, Fairfield, Wortham, Trinidad, Fairfield Lake State Park,
Eureka, Streetman, Goodlow and Kirvin.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.theintelligencer.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151306.php | 2022-05-05T20:40:21Z | https://www.theintelligencer.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151306.php | true |
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WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
TORNADO WARNING
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
246 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN PANOLA COUNTY IS CANCELLED...
The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer appears capable of producing a tornado.
Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for northeastern
Texas.
...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHWESTERN PANOLA AND SOUTHEASTERN RUSK
COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 600 PM CDT for eastern and
northeastern Texas.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.theintelligencer.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151429.php | 2022-05-05T20:41:35Z | https://www.theintelligencer.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17151429.php | true |
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The rackin’ frackin’ sassafrassin’ salty language on hundreds of Maine license plates is one step closer to being removed from the road.
Maine's secretary of state released draft rules Thursday that would eliminate references to genitalia, sex acts and profanities that proliferated after the state severely loosened language restrictions on so-called vanity license plates in 2015.
The rough and foul language on the plates led to a steady stream of complaints.
It was all too much even for a secretary of state who previously served as director of American Civil Liberties Union of Maine, which has fought for First Amendment rights to freedom of expression.
“Incitement to violence, profanity, ethnic, racial, religious, or other slurs, or reference to illegal or criminal activity – all of which unfortunately can be seen on Maine registration plates today – are all directly contrary to the public interest,” Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said in a statement.
It has been a delicate balancing act.
A federal judge ruled in 2020 that California couldn’t enforce a ban on vanity license plates it considers “offensive to good taste and decency.”
So Maine's rules had to be narrowly tailored.
The draft rules would prohibit license plates that falsely suggest an association with a government agency; encourage violence or unlawful activities; attack race or religion; suggest genitalia or sex acts; or represent profane or obscene language. A public hearing is scheduled later this month.
There would be a mechanism for a motorist to appeal if a vanity plate was rejected because of objectionable language.
Things quickly got out of control when the state all but dropped its review process in 2015 after previously banning “obscene, contemptuous, profane or prejudicial” messages on license plates.
Cathie Curtis, deputy secretary of state overseeing the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, said the coarse and offensive language that has since cropped up routinely elicited complaints.
Last year, the Maine Legislature adopted a bill restoring a review, and the governor signed it into law.
In Maine, there are about 121,000 vanity license plates on the roads in a state with about 1.3 million residents. It's unclear how many of them could be removed; state officials previously estimated hundreds. | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Maine-close-to-ridding-license-plates-of-17151534.php | 2022-05-05T20:47:04Z | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Maine-close-to-ridding-license-plates-of-17151534.php | false |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
FLASH FLOOD WARNING
Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
307 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...FLASH FLOOD WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 315 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR
SOUTHEASTERN BOSQUE, CENTRAL HILL, NORTHWESTERN MCLENNAN,
SOUTHWESTERN ELLIS AND WEST CENTRAL NAVARRO COUNTIES...
New flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. However,
earlier rainfall may continue to run off and cause flooding of
streams and creeks as well as other low lying and poor drainage
areas. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.
The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
Southeastern Panola County in northeastern Texas...
* Until 330 PM CDT.
* At 307 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Carthage, moving northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.
* This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
southeastern Panola County, including the following locations...
Midyett and Front.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151512.php | 2022-05-05T20:49:11Z | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17151512.php | false |
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