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J&J COVID-19 vaccine distribution restricted due to blood clot risk, FDA says
WASHINGTON - U.S. regulators on Thursday strictly limited who can receive Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine due to the ongoing risk of rare but serious blood clots.
The Food and Drug Administration said the shot should only be given to adults who cannot receive a different vaccine or specifically request J&J's vaccine. U.S. authorities for months have recommended that Americans starting their COVID-19 vaccinations use the Pfizer or Moderna shots instead.
FDA officials said in a statement that they decided to restrict J&J's vaccine after taking another look at data on the risk of life-threatening blood clots within two weeks of vaccination.
J&J’s vaccine was initially considered an important tool in fighting the pandemic because it required only one shot. But the single-dose option proved less effective than two doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended prioritizing Moderna and Pfizer shots over J&J's because of its safety issues. Previously, U.S. officials had treated all three vaccines similarly because they'd each been shown to offer strong protection.
But follow-up studies have consistently shown lower effectiveness for J&J's vaccine. And while the blood clots seen with J&J's shot are rare, officials say they're still occurring.
Federal scientists identified 60 cases, including nine that were fatal, as of mid-March. That amounts to one blood clot case per 3.23 million J&J shots administered, the FDA said Thursday. The vaccine will carry a starker warning about potential "long-term and debilitating health consequences" of the side effect.
Under the new FDA instructions, J&J’s vaccine could still be given to people who had a severe allergic reaction to one of the other vaccines and can’t receive an additional dose. J&J’s shot could also be an option for people who refuse to receive the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, and therefore would otherwise remain unvaccinated, the agency said.
A J&J spokesman said in an emailed statement: "Data continue to support a favorable benefit-risk profile for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in adults, when compared with no vaccine."
Despite the restriction, FDA’s vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks said J&J’s vaccine "still has a role in the current pandemic response in the United States and across the global community."
The FDA based its decision on "our safety surveillance systems and our commitment to ensuring that science and data guide our decisions."
The clotting problems first came up last spring, with the J&J shot in the U.S. and with a similar vaccine made by AstraZeneca that is used in other countries. At that time, U.S. regulators decided the benefits of J&J’s one-and-done vaccine outweighed what was considered a very rare risk — as long as recipients were warned.
COVID-19 causes deadly blood clots, too. But the vaccine-linked kind is different, believed to form because of a rogue immune reaction to the J&J and AstraZeneca vaccines because of how they’re made. It forms in unusual places, such as veins that drain blood from the brain, and in patients who also develop abnormally low levels of the platelets that form clots. Symptoms of the unusual clots include severe headaches a week or two after the J&J vaccination — not right away — as well as abdominal pain and nausea.
The New Brunswick, New Jersey-based company announced last month that it didn’t expect a profit from the vaccine this year and was suspending sales projections.
The rollout of the company’s vaccine was hurt by a series of troubles, including manufacturing problems at a Baltimore factory that forced J&J to import millions of doses from overseas.
Additionally, regulators added warnings about the blood clots and a rare neurological reaction called Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Pfizer and Moderna have provided the vast majority of COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. More than 200 million Americans have been fully vaccinated with the companies’ two-dose shots while less than 17 million Americans got the J&J shot.
___
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USDCHF has bounced toward the mid-Bollinger band after testing the 50-period simple moving average (SMA) currently around the 0.9700 mark. The soaring simple moving averages (SMAs) are defending the more than one-month uptrend in the pair despite the retreat in the pair that came short of the 0.9696 level, which is the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement of the up leg from 0.9194 until 0.9852.
The short-term oscillators are indicating conflicting messages in directional momentum. The MACD, in the positive region, has detached from its red trigger line and is heading towards the zero line, while the stochastic oscillator continues to promote upside impetus in the pair. Meanwhile, the RSI, in bullish territory, is directing lower and is about to flirt with the 50 threshold.
As things stand, for negative pressures to gain an advantage, an increase in selling interest from the mid-Bollinger band would need to overwhelm the 0.9696-0.9720 critical support section, the former being the 23.6% Fibo and the latter the recent troughs. A successful break of this fortified base, which includes the lower Bollinger band and the ascending 50-period SMA, could intensify downside forces with the bears promptly testing the April 29 low of 0.9669. Should a deeper correction unfold, the sellers may then aim for the 38.2% Fibo of 0.9600 before challenging the support region linking the 100-period SMA at 0.9580 and the 0.9546 trough.
However, if the pair lifts back above the mid-Bollinger band at 0.9769, the bulls could then eye the upper Bollinger band and adjoining 0.9835-0.9852 resistance band that stretches back more than two-years. Rekindling the uptrend, buyers may attempt to reel in the 0.9887 and the 0.9900 resistance barriers, recorded back in March 2020. If buying interest persists, the pair could then seek out the December 2019 high of 0.9926.
Summarizing, USDCHF is sustaining a bullish bias above the 0.9696-0.9720 support foundation, the SMAs and the 0.9669 trough. That said, a retracement past the 0.9600 handle could weigh on the 0.9546-0.9580 support, throwing some doubt about the resilience of the uptrend.
Forex trading and trading in other leveraged products involves a significant level of risk and is not suitable for all investors.
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EUR/USD fades bounce off weekly support around 1.0550
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Gold extends pullback from the key EMAs toward $1,850, US NFP eyed
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Polkadot price is in a no-trade zone until this happens
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We’re back to policy rhetoric and watching inflation – Oh, yes, and Fed-bashing
The major-currency central banks are done for the moment and we’re back to policy rhetoric and watching inflation. Oh, yes, and Fed-bashing. The CME Fed funds tool yesterday, before the Fed decision, had shown a 95% chance of a 75 bp hike. | https://www.fxstreet.com/analysis/technical-analysis-usdchf-bullish-bias-intact-despite-pullback-to-236-fibonacci-202205051120 | 2022-05-06T00:42:14Z | https://www.fxstreet.com/analysis/technical-analysis-usdchf-bullish-bias-intact-despite-pullback-to-236-fibonacci-202205051120 | false |
WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX
657 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of western Caldwell and
southeastern Hays Counties through 745 PM CDT...
At 657 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Kyle, moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
San Marcos, Kyle, Lockhart, Luling, Martindale, Uhland, Mustang
Ridge, Niederwald, Brownsboro, Mountain City, Joliet, San Marcos
Regional Airport, Maxwell, Reedville, Lytton Springs, Dale, St John
Colony, Hays City, and Mendoza.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
LAT...LON 2970 9759 2980 9784 2981 9785 2983 9784
2985 9786 2985 9789 2983 9792 2988 9806
3006 9801 3005 9774 3002 9771 3005 9769
3004 9762 2997 9753
TIME...MOT...LOC 2357Z 282DEG 31KT 2996 9795
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.greenwichtime.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AUSTIN-SAN-ANTONIO-Warnings-Watches-and-17152446.php | 2022-05-06T00:48:45Z | https://www.greenwichtime.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AUSTIN-SAN-ANTONIO-Warnings-Watches-and-17152446.php | true |
WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
The National Weather Service in Austin San Antonio has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Central Guadalupe County in south central Texas...
Southeastern Comal County in south central Texas...
* Until 815 PM CDT.
* At 723 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Canyon Lake
Dam, moving southeast at 25 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...
New Braunfels, Seguin, Canyon Lake Dam, Canyon Lake, McQueeney,
Geronimo, Zorn, Hunter, Nolte, Zipp, Sattler, Freiheit, Gruene, New
Braunfels National Airport, Solms, and Redwood.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
Large hail, damaging winds, and continuous cloud to ground lightning
are occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is
one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder,
you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.ctpost.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AUSTIN-SAN-ANTONIO-Warnings-Watches-and-17152515.php | 2022-05-06T00:49:10Z | https://www.ctpost.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AUSTIN-SAN-ANTONIO-Warnings-Watches-and-17152515.php | true |
WFO HOUSTON/GALVESTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
625 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...A line of thunderstorms may produce strong wind gusts across
portions of Grimes, southeastern Brazos, Washington, northwestern
Montgomery, northwestern San Jacinto, eastern Madison, northern
Waller, southwestern Polk, Walker, northwestern Harris, southwestern
Trinity, north central Colorado, northwestern Austin and
southeastern Burleson Counties through 700 PM CDT...
At 624 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Riverside to near Navasota to near Round
Top. Movement was southeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Southeastern College Station, northwestern Conroe, Huntsville,
Brenham, Navasota, Hempstead, Willis, Prairie View, Pinehurst,
Washington, Shelby, Trinity, Panorama Village, Magnolia, Somerville,
New Waverly, Pine Island, Coldspring, Point Blank and Montgomery.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
LAT...LON 3020 9674 3024 9673 3025 9669 3030 9664
3030 9667 3031 9668 3104 9538 3063 9509
3015 9583 2982 9668 2983 9668 2996 9657
3004 9662 3013 9665 3015 9665 3016 9669
3015 9671 3014 9677 3016 9679
TIME...MOT...LOC 2324Z 328DEG 22KT 3082 9541 3037 9600 3008 9675
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.ctpost.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-HOUSTON-GALVESTON-Warnings-Watches-and-17152367.php | 2022-05-06T00:49:22Z | https://www.ctpost.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-HOUSTON-GALVESTON-Warnings-Watches-and-17152367.php | true |
WFO HOUSTON/GALVESTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
AREAL FLOOD ADVISORY
Flood Advisory
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
649 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Urban and small stream flooding caused by excessive
rainfall is expected.
* WHERE...A portion of southeast Texas, including the following
counties, Grimes, Madison, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Trinity and
Walker.
* WHEN...Until 1000 PM CDT.
* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Water over roadways.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 648 PM CDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges
indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This will cause
urban and small stream flooding. Between 1 and 3 inches of
rain have fallen.
- Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected
over the area. This additional rain will result in minor
flooding.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Huntsville, Trinity, Point Blank, Riverside, Bedias,
Anderson, Huntsville State Park, Sebastopol, Iola, Crabbs
Prairie, Richards, Roans Prairie, Oakhurst and Carlos.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
In hilly terrain there are low water crossings which are potentially
dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find
an alternate route.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.greenwichtime.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-HOUSTON-GALVESTON-Warnings-Watches-and-17152424.php | 2022-05-06T00:49:23Z | https://www.greenwichtime.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-HOUSTON-GALVESTON-Warnings-Watches-and-17152424.php | false |
DELAWARE, Ohio (AP) _ Franchise Group, Inc. (FRG) on Thursday reported first-quarter earnings of $12.3 million.
The Delaware, Ohio-based company said it had net income of 25 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, came to $1.29 per share.
The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.08 per share.
The tax preparer posted revenue of $1.14 billion in the period, which also topped Street forecasts. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.1 billion.
Franchise Group expects full-year earnings to be $5 per share, with revenue expected to be $4.45 billion.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on FRG at https://www.zacks.com/ap/FRG | https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Franchise-Group-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17152375.php | 2022-05-06T00:49:52Z | https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Franchise-Group-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17152375.php | true |
DETROIT (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday evening's drawing of the Michigan Lottery's "Poker Lotto" game were:
QC-JS-8C-6H-7H
(QC, JS, 8C, 6H, 7H)
DETROIT (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday evening's drawing of the Michigan Lottery's "Poker Lotto" game were:
QC-JS-8C-6H-7H
(QC, JS, 8C, 6H, 7H) | https://www.seattlepi.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Poker-Lotto-game-17152433.php | 2022-05-06T00:51:32Z | https://www.seattlepi.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Poker-Lotto-game-17152433.php | true |
WFO HOUSTON/GALVESTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
706 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...A line of thunderstorms will produce strong wind gusts across
portions of southern Grimes, southeastern Brazos, Washington,
Montgomery, San Jacinto, Waller, southwestern Polk, southeastern
Walker, northwestern Harris, southern Trinity, northern Colorado,
Austin and northwestern Liberty Counties through 745 PM CDT...
At 705 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Onalaska to 6 miles southwest of Todd
Mission to 7 miles northwest of Fayetteville. Movement was southeast
at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Conroe, southeastern Huntsville, Brenham, Tomball, Cleveland,
Navasota, Hempstead, Willis, Prairie View, Livingston, Bellville,
Columbus, Pinehurst, The Woodlands, Spring, Washington, Shelby,
Hockley, Oak Ridge North and Waller.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
LAT...LON 2996 9657 3013 9665 3089 9509 3049 9473
3041 9470 2995 9560 2963 9687
TIME...MOT...LOC 0005Z 312DEG 36KT 3082 9502 3021 9592 2997 9677
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.ourmidland.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-HOUSTON-GALVESTON-Warnings-Watches-and-17152468.php | 2022-05-06T00:52:18Z | https://www.ourmidland.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-HOUSTON-GALVESTON-Warnings-Watches-and-17152468.php | false |
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series looking at what voters say are the biggest problems facing Oregon right now, and what Oregon’s next governor might do about them.
In the days and weeks following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, there appeared to be a moment of shared concern nationwide. Deep divisions, conspiracy theories and lies that the 2020 election was stolen had tipped political extremism into an act of domestic terrorism, according to the FBI.
Long before the events of Jan. 6, Oregonians had witnessed numerous acts of political violence. In 2016, armed anti-government extremists took over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Far right groups like Patriot Prayer and the Proud Boys frequently sparred with anti-fascist activists in Portland and elsewhere in the state during the Trump presidency. In 2020, more than 100 nights of racial justice protests in Portland resulted in property destruction and a violent federal crackdown. And not long before the attack on the U.S. Capitol, far right activists led a similar breach at Oregon’s statehouse.
But heading into Oregon’s May primary election, voters are less concerned about the political violence in recent years than they are on some of the root causes: partisanship and politicians they believe are responsible for deepening those divisions.
According to a February poll conducted by DHM Research for OPB, 15% of voters said partisanship in politics was the most important issue facing Oregon today, while 22% of voters said the most pressing issue was government leadership. Those are among the top concerns, according to the poll, along with homelessness and public safety.
The poll included 600 registered voters contacted by DHM on Feb. 17-23. The poll’s margin of error was +/- 4%.
While voters are concerned about political leadership and partisanship, they’re less concerned about extremist violence that can emerge from those foundational issues.
“Extremism rates lower than a number of other issues we asked about: forest fires, violent crime, cost of living, drug addiction,” said John Horvick, senior vice president for DHM Research.
What do you think is the most important problem facing Oregon today?
Source: DHM Research survey of Oregonians commissioned by OPB, overall margin of error 4%
Voters blame both sides
Voters contacted for the poll tended to see people from other parties as the most extreme in Oregon’s current politics.
Peter Senger, 66, lives in Beaverton and changed his party affiliation recently from Independent to Republican.
“For me, the Democrats have gotten farther away from the center than Republicans have,” he said. “The Democrats have moved so far to the left on a plethora of issues I just can’t.”
Senger pointed to Democratic policies as evidence of extremism in the state. He cited Portland’s liberal politics as a factor that’s exacerbating the region’s homelessness and housing issues.
“Oregon is too blue,” he said. “I want Oregon to be taken back, to have a more neutral, fair platform and not always these extreme decisions that have extreme outcomes.”
Chuck Holbert, an 86 year-old Democrat, believes “there are crazies on both ends” of the political spectrum. Holbert is the former mayor of Coos Bay and worked as a co-campaign manager for former Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski.
When he thinks of political extremism, he envisions the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. He believes everyone who organized, promoted or took part in the mob violence, “including the congressmen — are all traitors.”
“I don’t like the extremism on the other side either,” Holbert said. “The kind of groups that destroy things, trying to make an environmental point or something like that, I don’t support that either.”
How serious is the problem of right-wing political extremism in Oregon?
Source: DHM Research survey of Oregonians commissioned by OPB, overall margin of error 4%
Isaac Montoya, 49, is a community health worker in Bend who responded to the DHM poll. He identifies as Latino and said he grew up a “blue collar Democrat,” but has grown “disgusted on the way both parties have been acting.” He’s an unaffiliated voter, but supports The People’s Party, a progressive political party that advocates for free public college and single-payer health care.
“I’m super concerned about political extremism,” Montoya said. “When I grew up, if anyone were to verbally say they were going to cause violence on anyone, let alone a public official that has been voted in by the people, it was addressed — either by a church official, by law enforcement, it was addressed somehow.”
While Montoya said he has Republican friends who he believes “would stand up to any type of racism,” he said because he is a person of color, he’s primarily concerned about the far right and white supremacy.
How serious is the problem of left-wing political extremism in Oregon?
Source: DHM Research survey of Oregonians commissioned by OPB, overall margin of error 4%
Candidates acknowledge extremism
Almost all of Oregon’s gubernatorial candidates who responded to an OPB questionnaire, expressed some concern about partisanship and extremism.
Jessica Gomez, a Republican candidate for governor, said political extremism is a product of a polarized society.
“It is a growing challenge for the state because there appears to be far too many voices promoting extremism and far too few voices advocating for unity,” she wrote. “I believe the governor, along with all political leaders from both parties, need to lead by example and reject all forms of political violence if we are going to have any hope of reversing this trend.”
Democratic frontrunners Tina Kotek and Tobias Read both said people who engage in hate and violence around politics should be punished. Meanwhile, Republican candidate Bill Sizemore excoriated the media for protecting “the woke left,” and said white supremacy is a smaller issue than described in the press.
Patrick Starnes, who ran for governor in 2018 as the Independent Party’s candidate, is running this year in the Democratic primary. He said if elected he would set up a task force to address political violence and threats, which he said can also lead to bullying in schools.
“Extremism is the number one domestic terror threat today,” Starnes wrote. “As January 6th has shown, the rising influence of groups like the Proud Boys in Oregon should not be ignored. Their campaign to recruit soldiers from our rural communities to further their stated objective of instigating civil war through threats of violence cannot be tolerated.”
One consequence of a polarized electorate is that Oregon’s next governor will likely have a harder time addressing other key issues on the minds of voters, such as homelessness or wildfires.
“We hope that we can move forward statewide across the party lines to resolve some of those issues,” said Paul Gronke, a professor of political science at Reed College in Portland. “It’s hard. It makes it hard for political leaders, very difficult.”
Gronke noted that in recent history Democrats have “muscled” policies through the Legislature by holding their caucus together and using supermajorities to pass laws. By contrast, Republicans’ only tool has been to walk out.
“That’s also quite damaging,” Gronke said. “Walking out, that’s not a governance mechanism. That’s really stopping governance and it makes it hard for any kind of leaders.”
Researchers say the effects of hyper-partisanship and extremist actions have already seeped into the mainstream of Oregon’s politics in a way that the next governor will need to address.
During the last decade, Oregon has experienced the sixth highest number of domestic violent extremism incidents in the country, according to a report released last month by Oregon’s Secretary of State.
The mainstreaming of extremism
“The last few years have seen a really troubling rise in bigoted and anti-democracy activity in our society, in our politics,” said Lindsay Schubiner, with the Western State Center, a regional organization that researches extremism. “What’s particularly troubling is that we’ve seen explicitly and overtly bigoted and anti-democracy figures and groups fairly successfully working to mainstream their ideas.”
Those “ideas” are often opposed to an inclusive democracy that grants equal access to protected rights, Schubiner said.
“Bigoted and anti-democracy groups have intentionally been working to build political power, taking advantage of disruptions and all the anxiety and fear created by the pandemic, really focusing on the local level,” she said.
On Dec. 21, 2020, former Republican state Rep. Mike Nearman supported protests over pandemic restrictions. Video showed him planning and later opening a locked door for a group of far-right protesters gathered outside the Oregon Capitol. The building was closed to the public during a special legislative session because of COVID. Five protesters were ultimately arrested and charged.
Schubiner said while Oregon has been in the national spotlight because of violent extremists, the Nearman incident is also a demonstration of how democratic institutions can respond.
Nearman was expelled from the Legislature by his fellow lawmakers, and criminally charged with two misdemeanors. He pleaded guilty to one count of official misconduct.
“Oregon is one of the few places that in a really strong way has held an elected official at the state level accountable in a bipartisan manner for promoting political violence and attacks on democracy,” Schubiner said. “The fact that Mike Nearman paid a political cost for supporting political violence is really important.”
Copyright 2022 Oregon Public Broadcasting. To see more, visit Oregon Public Broadcasting. | https://www.ijpr.org/politics-government/2022-05-05/oregon-voters-worry-about-deep-divisions-while-blaming-political-rivals | 2022-05-06T00:58:50Z | https://www.ijpr.org/politics-government/2022-05-05/oregon-voters-worry-about-deep-divisions-while-blaming-political-rivals | false |
- Q1 2022 Net Loss of $1.3 million, a $2.2 million Improvement Compared to Q1 2021
- Q1 2022 Renewal Premiums Increased 2% Year-Over-Year to $36 million, Driven by Growth Across Life Insurance and Home Service Insurance Segments
- Q1 2022 Total Claims and Surrenders Decreased 7% Year-Over-Year
- $1.7 billion of Total Assets at March 31, 2022 with No Debt
- Book Value per Class A Share at March 31, 2022 of $3.91
AUSTIN, Texas, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Citizens, Inc. (NYSE: CIA), today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022.
Net loss for the first quarter of 2022 totaled $1.3 million, or $0.03 per fully diluted class A share, an improvement compared to net loss of $3.6 million, or $0.07 per fully diluted class A share, in the prior-year quarter. The improvement in net loss was primarily due to decreased death claim benefits, as well as lower federal tax, general expenses, and property claims, partially offset by investment related losses.
Management Commentary
"Our overall performance in the first quarter validates the strategic direction of the company and the effectiveness of the initiatives we have implemented to enhance sales practices, expand our network of independent consultants and mitigate surrenders," said Company vice chairman and CEO, Gerald W. Shields. "Operationally, our insurance premiums have continued to grow, claims and surrenders have continued to decline, and we have introduced new, innovative, and high-quality products to our current and potential customer base. Additionally, we have remained committed to geographic expansion and enhanced distribution capabilities, which we believe will enhance our revenue and policy diversification and overall reach in our key target markets. Looking ahead, we believe continued execution on our strategic plan will translate to sustainable growth and profitability over the long term."
First Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights
Total insurance issued for the first quarter of 2022 increased by over 2% compared to the prior year quarter, to $97.3 million, driven by increases in the Home Service Insurance segment. Average face value per policy issued for the first quarter of 2022 in the Life Insurance and Home Service Insurance segments increased by 15% and 44%, respectively, compared to the prior year quarter, reflecting the Company's strategic shift toward higher face value policies.
Total premium revenue for the first quarter of 2022 increased 1% compared to the same year-ago period, to $39.4 million. The increase was driven by higher renewal premiums in the Life Insurance and Home Service Insurance segments, partially offset by lower first year premiums. The first quarter of 2022 marked the second consecutive quarter of year-over-year premium growth and was driven by the Company's ongoing strategic initiatives.
Renewal premiums for the first quarter of 2022 increased 2% compared to the same year-ago period, to $36 million, with contributions from the Life Insurance and Home Service Insurance segments. The increase in renewal premiums was primarily due to continued retention and collection efforts, and strong prior year quarter first year sales that increased the Company's policy base.
First year premiums for the first quarter of 2022 were $3.4 million, compared to $3.9 million in the same year-ago period. The decrease in first year premiums was primarily due to lower first year premium revenues in the Life Insurance segment.
Total claims and surrenders for the first quarter of 2022 decreased 7%, compared to the same year-ago period, driven by decreases in death claim benefits and surrenders, which more than offset higher matured endowment benefits. Overall, death claim benefits decreased 22% or $1.9 million, primarily due to a lower volume of reported death claims, including COVID-19 related deaths. Surrender benefits decreased by 4% or $0.5 million, a continuation of the improving trends from the second half of 2021.
General expenses for the first quarter of 2022 decreased by $0.4 million or 3% year-over-year, driven by lower legal expenses and consulting fees, partially offset by higher expenses at our principal offices.
First Quarter 2022 Segment Performance and Highlights
Life Insurance
Overall premium revenue in the Life Insurance segment for the first quarter of 2022 decreased by less than 1% compared to the same year-ago period, as strong renewal premiums were more than offset by lower first year premiums.
First year premiums for the first quarter of 2022 decreased by $0.5 million, compared to the same year-ago period. The decrease in first year premiums was primarily related to reduced sales of existing products in anticipation of the Company's new Whole Life 360TM product, as well as continued premium declines in Venezuela due to the departure of a top distributor. As a result, the amount of insurance and number of policies issued decreased by 16% and 27%, respectively. The Company continues to focus on enhancing its distribution through recruitment efforts, adding 185 new independent consultants across key regions in the quarter.
Renewal premiums for the first quarter of 2022 increased 1% compared to the same year-ago period, primarily resulting from the Company's strategic initiatives focused on reducing early withdrawals, and strong first year sales in the same year-ago period.
Total claims and surrenders for the first quarter of 2022 declined 8% year-over-year, driven by lower volumes of death claims and surrenders, partially offset by higher matured endowments. Death claims decreased 63%, compared to the prior year period, which was negatively impacted by elevated claims, including COVID-19 related death. Policy surrenders decreased 5%, compared to the same year ago period, driven by the Company's recent strategic policy initiatives aimed at improving retention, and mitigating and limiting surrenders.
Home Service Insurance
Total premium revenue in the Home Service Insurance segment for the first quarter of 2022 increased 4% compared to the prior year quarter, driven by higher renewal premiums, and continued strong collections. Notably, there has been strong interest in new product offerings, including Critical Illness and Security Plan Plus™.
Average policy face amount for the first quarter of 2022 increased by 44%, compared to the same year ago period. The increase in average policy face amount was primarily due to the Company's targeted sales campaigns and introduction of the new Security Plan Plus™ whole life product, which has a higher maximum face value.
First year premiums for the first quarter of 2022 decreased by 1%, compared to the prior year quarter. The slight decline in first year premiums was driven by a risk-based curtailment of first year property insurance premium revenues, which more than offset the increase in life insurance premiums. Despite the overall decline in first year premiums, life insurance issued increased by $10.2 million or 23%.
Renewal premiums for the first quarter of 2022 increased 5%, compared to prior year period, due to improvements in our collection and payment processes and strong collection efforts by our independent agents.
Claims and Surrenders benefits for the first quarter of 2022 decreased 5%, compared to the same year-ago period, primarily due to a lower volume of reported death claims, including COVID-19 reported claims. Property claims declined 56%, compared to the first three months of 2021, due to fewer hurricane related claims.
Investments
Net investment income for the first quarter of 2022 was $15.5 million, an improvement compared to $15.2 million in the prior year period. The increase in net investment income was driven by higher income from limited partnerships and lower investment expense, partially offset by lower fixed maturity income resulting from one-time call redemption income that benefited the first quarter of 2021. The average pre-tax yield on the investment portfolio was 4.2%, which was consistent with the first quarter of 2021.
Investment related losses were $0.6 million for the first quarter of 2022 compared to a $0.3 million gain in the first quarter of 2021. The decrease was primarily due to changes in the fair value of equity partially offset by the fair market value increase in the Company's limited partnership portfolio.
The carrying value of the Company's fixed maturity securities investment portfolio at March 31, 2022 was $1.4 billion compared to $1.5 billion at December 31, 2021. This decline reflects interest rate sensitivity on fixed maturity securities.
About Citizens, Inc
Citizens, Inc. is a financial services company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CIA. The Company utilizes a three-pronged strategy for growth based upon worldwide sales of U.S. dollar denominated whole life cash value insurance policies, life insurance product sales in the U.S. and final expense and limited liability property product sales in the U.S. For more information, visit www.citizensinc.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by words such as "future," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "will," "would," "could," "can," "may," and similar terms. Such forward-looking statements may relate to the Company's expectations regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, business performance, operational strategy and other financial and operational measures. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those matters expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are involved in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the risk factors discussed in our most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law. You should be aware that factors not referred to herein could affect the accuracy of our forward-looking statements and use caution and common sense when considering our forward-looking statements.
Contact Information
Investors
Matt Glover and Matthew Hausch
Gateway Group, Inc.
(949) 574-3860
CIA@gatewayir.com
Definition of Reported Segments
The Company operates in two business segments as detailed below.
Life Insurance – The Life Insurance segment primarily issues U.S. dollar-denominated ordinary whole life insurance and endowment policies predominantly sold to non-U.S. residents, located principally in Latin America and the Pacific Rim. These products are sold through independent marketing consultants. A new whole life product was introduced in Florida in 2021.
Home Service Insurance – The Home Service Insurance segment provides final expense life insurance and property insurance policies marketed to middle- and lower-income households, and whole life products with higher allowable face values, in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. These products are sold through independent agents and funeral homes.
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SOURCE Citizens, Inc. | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/citizens-reports-first-quarter-2022-financial-results/ | 2022-05-06T01:02:49Z | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/citizens-reports-first-quarter-2022-financial-results/ | false |
Can Kirk Cousins be lifted up like Matthew Stafford did when he went from the Detroit Lions to the LA Rams!; Four areas where …
Can Kirk Cousins be lifted up like Matthew Stafford did when he went from the Detroit Lions to the LA Rams!; Four areas where … | https://www.skornorth.com/four-reasons-kirk-cousins-can-improve-like-matthew-stafford-did-with-the-la-rams/ | 2022-05-06T01:02:50Z | https://www.skornorth.com/four-reasons-kirk-cousins-can-improve-like-matthew-stafford-did-with-the-la-rams/ | false |
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — The Federal Trade Commission has approved a $69 million settlement with Frontier Communications over allegations the tech company misrepresented internet service speeds to customers in Riverside and Los Angeles counties, officials said Thursday.
The deal resolves a civil enforcement action alleging deceptive business practices by Frontier in connection with the sale of residential internet services, Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin said in a statement.
Frontier does not admit wrongdoing. The settlement requires Frontier to pay nearly $9 million penalties and build up to $60 million worth of fiber optic internet infrastructure in Southern California, the statement said. (backslash)
It now goes to U.S. District Court for final approval.
The negotiated settlement will prohibit Frontier from misrepresenting internet service speeds, from “provisioning” or “capping” internet speeds below certain thresholds, Hestrin's statement said.
Frontier officials did not immediately respond to an email Thursday seeking comment on the settlement.
The investigation and prosecution of the case was conducted by Riverside and Los Angeles county’s district attorneys, in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission. | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Frontier-settles-allegations-over-California-17152394.php | 2022-05-06T01:11:14Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Frontier-settles-allegations-over-California-17152394.php | true |
WFO HOUSTON/GALVESTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
AREAL FLOOD WARNING
BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Flood Warning
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
653 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...The West Fork of the San Jacinto River at Highway 30 in
Walker County has risen above banks due to heavy rainfall.
* WHERE...A portion of southeast Texas, including the following
county, Walker.
* WHEN...Until 1000 PM CDT.
* IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying
and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 649 PM CDT, Gauge reports indicated heavy rain due to
thunderstorms. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly in the warned area. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain
have fallen.
- Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in
the warned area.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
mainly rural areas of Southwestern Walker County
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR HAYS AND NORTHEASTERN COMAL
COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 700 PM CDT...
The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However small hail
is still possible with this thunderstorm.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.theintelligencer.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-HOUSTON-GALVESTON-Warnings-Watches-and-17152439.php | 2022-05-06T01:12:12Z | https://www.theintelligencer.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-HOUSTON-GALVESTON-Warnings-Watches-and-17152439.php | true |
Keeping your personal data safe from cybercrime
Cybersecurity is more important than ever for the average individual. A bad actor gaining access to your personal information can lock you out of email accounts, take money out of your bank accounts and even steal your identity. Don’t think it can’t happen to you, because it absolutely can without taking the right steps. Luckily, those steps aren’t too difficult.
What is hacking?
Hollywood’s interpretation of hacking usually involves someone sitting in front of one or several computer screens, running esoteric programs and executing complex processes to gain access to secured systems.
Today, most hacking is centered around tricking the user or the online systems into handing over their credentials or allowing for illegitimate password resets. Some also rely on intercepting sensitive data, called a man-in-the-middle attack. With that in mind, some relatively easy steps can protect your personal details from prying eyes.
How to stay safe from hackers
Keep your devices updated
Download and install every security update for your computer and smartphone as soon as they become available. You might need to restart a PC a few times and manually click the “Check for updates” button in Windows update to complete the process. Also, check your smartphone settings occasionally to ensure the latest patches are installed.
Don’t share sensitive personal data
Only input information such as your social security number and banking details on authenticated, secure websites. Don’t include sensitive info in emails or text messages. Don’t tell anyone your login information, even if you’re talking to a supposed customer service agent. Websites store an encrypted version of your credentials and will likely never directly ask you for your password.
Be careful on public Wi-Fi networks
Any time you connect to a network you don’t personally own, you’re potentially putting yourself at risk. Avoid sharing data wirelessly between devices on public networks, and be especially wary about unsecured Wi-Fi networks you’re unfamiliar with. One method of harvesting data is to start up a seemingly innocent Wi-Fi hotspot but secretly record all transmissions.
Use a VPN
A VPN essentially creates a tunnel between you and a remote server. The VPN software encrypts all the data that goes through this tunnel. At the other end, you’ll also share an IP address with many other users, which makes you considerably harder to identify on the internet.
Enable HTTPS-Only mode in your browser
Your browser encrypts data using the HTTPS protocol and enabling this setting forces the protocol into use at all times. Your browser will alert you to any sites that don’t use HTTPS, which is a clear sign of danger if you think you’re accessing a legitimate site such as your online banking service.
To enable HTTPS-Only mode, open your browser’s settings and type “HTTPS” into the search box. In Chrome (and other Chromium-based browsers, including Edge), you’ll have to navigate to the security menu and select an option resembling “Always use secure connections.” In Firefox, HTTPS-Only mode is activated once you use the search function.
Don’t mess with Windows Security features
Windows Firewall, Windows Defender and Windows Antivirus are all remarkably powerful tools for keeping you safe from attackers. In fact, most experts agree that Windows’ built-in antivirus is the only one most consumers need.
Changing any settings within these programs can make it that much easier for opportunistic hackers to gain control of your PC.
Beware of phishy emails
Ever since email first became widespread, hackers have used scam emails to access users’ accounts. This process, called phishing, involves sending a spoof email that claims there’s an issue with the receiver’s account, and they need to log in to fix it. The email offers a login link that looks legitimate but actually funnels the user’s credentials to a third party. Giving the hacker complete control of accounts inevitably leads to some sort of fraud.
To avoid becoming the victim of a phishing scam, always login to your accounts by navigating to the correct website using your browser and then logging in. Never log in directly from links in emails.
Don’t download unknown email attachments
This is particularly true if you don’t recognize the sender. Even if you do, though, it could still be a spoofed email. If there’s an attachment you don’t recognize, don’t download it. Even if you download but don’t actually run a nefarious attachment, some can still infect your PC or smartphone just by existing on the storage.
Use two-factor authentication
When you log into an account on the website and have to provide a code sent to your email address or phone, that’s two-factor authentication or 2FA. Most hacking involves only one set of compromised credentials, and it’s unlikely that bad actors will have access to multiple of the same person’s accounts (as long as you take the right precautions).
Note that different forms of 2FA offer different levels of security. SMS authentication is the least secure due to the unfortunately relative ease of SIM card spoofing, which can give a hacker access to your text messages. Email authentication is better, as long as your email account isn’t also compromised.
Some services use smartphone app-based key generators, which are highly secure due to the level of encryption on most phones. The most effective form of 2FA is the physical security key, a device that stores your personal encryption key on a USB stick.
While two-factor authentication might seem like a hassle, it’s one of the best ways to keep yourself safe from cybercrime.
Don’t share passwords between sites
You probably don’t want to memorize different passwords for every site you need to log in to. No one blames you. There’s a simple way to do this while also using incredibly secure passwords.
Use a password manager
You log into a password manager using an encrypted master password that you can remember but is hard for others to guess. The password manager assigns a separate, complex password to each new account you create. This way, you only have to keep track of one password for many services.
Each new password is encrypted based on your master password, using a powerful encryption method known as AES-256. On top of that, new passwords are randomly generated, long strings of characters, so there’s essentially zero risk of brute-force hacking being an issue.
This is the most full-featured physical security available, and it supports the common USB-A connection as well as NFC connectivity for use with smartphones.
Sold by Amazon
Available in capacities from 8 to 128 gigabytes, this thumb drive sports a physical keypad for entering your passcode and boasts AES-256 encryption for dependable security.
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If you have large amounts of data to keep safe from prying eyes, there’s no better choice than this fingerprint-protected option from a top manufacturer.
Sold by Amazon
SightPro Laptop Privacy Screen
This premium privacy screen ensures that no one sitting to your left or right can see what you’re doing, and it also cuts down on glare.
Sold by Amazon
More so than most routers, it lets you fine-tune your network security settings, control each client’s access and manage guest networks to keep your home PCs safe from intruders.
Sold by Amazon
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Chris Thomas 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://fox59.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/internet-streaming-br/how-you-can-protect-yourself-from-hackers-and-improve-your-cybersecurity/ | 2022-05-06T01:12:25Z | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/internet-streaming-br/how-you-can-protect-yourself-from-hackers-and-improve-your-cybersecurity/ | false |
Aracari Biosciences is headquartered at University Lab Partners, the premier life science incubator, located in UCI Research Park.
IRVINE, Calif., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aracari Biosciences, Inc. announces a grant award from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to further develop Aracari's proprietary human bone marrow technology that models in vivo drug responses.
The most common adverse drug effect on the human bone marrow is compromised production of neutrophils, which is manifested clinically as neutropenia. The Aracari human bone marrow model ("VMBM") has the unique ability to reproduce the bone marrow microenviroment and show neutrophils exiting the bone marrow and entering the peripheral blood circulation, thereby modeling the clinical signs of neutropenia.
Using small animals to model the human bone marrow's response to chemotherapies or other drugs is resource intensive and can be misleading due to fundamental differences in leukocyte biology between humans and rodents. For example, neutrophils normally comprise 75%-90% of the leukocyte population in human peripheral blood, but only 10%-25% in mice.
"We are very excited that the NIH recognizes the power of Aracari's bone marrow model to predict human responses to the wide array of drugs that either inhibit or stimulate human bone marrow," shares Steven C. George, MD, PhD, Co-founder of Aracari Biosciences.
About Aracari Biosciences, Inc.
Aracari's mission is to increase the success rate of pre-clinical trials and reduce the cost of drug development by using an advanced microphysiological platform of naturally-induced human vascularized tissues to predict drug reactions more accurately in humans.
About University Lab Partners
University Lab Partners (ULP) is a premier, nonprofit, wet lab incubator located in UCI Research Park in Irvine, CA. ULP is a professionally-managed and equipped wet lab facility along with the benefits of peer-to-peer interactions among a life science-focused entrepreneurial community.
Media contact: Ming-I Huang, (718)669-0464, ming-i.huang@aracaribio.com
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SOURCE University Lab Partners | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/national-institute-health-nih-awards-aracari-biosciences-grant-further-develop-proprietary-human-bone-marrow-technology-that-models-vivo-drug-responses/ | 2022-05-06T01:15:49Z | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/national-institute-health-nih-awards-aracari-biosciences-grant-further-develop-proprietary-human-bone-marrow-technology-that-models-vivo-drug-responses/ | true |
Labour MP who made 'racist comments' to British-Chinese journalist in a Commons bar allowed to campaign for party at local elections despite being suspended and under investigation
- Neil Coyle, the suspended MP, campaigned for Labour at the local elections
- Mr Coyle is under investigation for making racist comments about a journalist
- Labour said it was 'absolutely' appropriate for Coyle to be canvassing
- He boasted of his step count while door-knocking for the party which suspended him for comments made in a foul tirade at Parliament's Strangers' Bar
Labour MP Neil Coyle campaigned for the party in the local elections - despite having the party whip removed and his membership suspended for a racist rant at a British-Chinese journalist
Mr Coyle, 43, the Bermondsey & Old Southwark MP, posted pictures of his constituency on his official Twitter account bragging of his 'step count' while seemingly out campaigning.
The suspended MP then posted a picture of a former Bermondsey councillor who was canvassing, saying it was great to have him out for Bermondsey Labour and that he hoped the party would win in south London again.
Neil Coyle (pictured) has been suspended from Labour since February 11 after allegations he made racist comments to a journalist at Parliament
A Labour spokesperson told MailOnline that it was 'absolutely' appropriate that Mr Coyle should be allowed to campaign, adding that they were grateful for all those who has been out campaigning for Labour today.
Mr Coyle has been suspended from the Labour Party as an MP and a member since February 11 - when a Business Insider journalist alleged that he had joked about 'Fu Manchu' and made disparaging remarks about his Chinese heritage during a conversation in Strangers' Bar at Parliament on February 1.
Henry Dyer, a British-Chinese journalist for Insider, said that the MP had told him that he looked as though he had 'been giving renminbi [the Chinese currency] to Barry Gardiner.'
Labour's Barry Gardiner, a former member of the Shadow Cabinet, has previously been revealed to have unwittingly received donations from a Chinese spy.
The Bermondsey & Old Southwark MP apologised after his suspension - saying he was 'very sorry' for his 'insensitive comments' and would cooperate fully with an investigation launched by the party.
Henry Dyer, a political journalist for Insider, has said Mr Coyle joked about 'Fu Manchu' and made disparaging remarks about his heritage during a conversation in Strangers' Bar at Parliament on February 1
Mr Dyer, 24, claimed he had also witnessed Mr Coyle 'angrily shouting at a Labour staffer' in the bar the previous evening in a row over Labour's disastrous 2019 General Election campaign.
The political journalist claimed that Mr Coyle had been suspended from the bars on the Parliamentary estate while an investigation was ongoing because of the incidents.
Neil Coyle declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.
In a statement on the day of his suspension, Mr Coyle said: 'I'm very sorry for my insensitive comments, have apologised to everyone involved and will be co-operating fully with the investigation.'
At the time of the suspension, a Labour spokesman said: 'The Labour Party expects the highest standards of behaviour from all our MPs and we take allegations of this sort very seriously. Accordingly the Chief Whip has now suspended the Labour whip from Neil Coyle pending an investigation.' | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10787479/Labour-MP-racist-comments-journalist-allowed-campaign-party-local-elections.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | 2022-05-06T01:22:32Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10787479/Labour-MP-racist-comments-journalist-allowed-campaign-party-local-elections.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | true |
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Video footage from a bus of the bridge collapse in Pittsburgh this year shows one end of the structure had already fallen when an expansion joint at the other end was pulling apart, federal investigators said Thursday.
The National Transportation Safety Board issued an update on the Fern Hollow bridge collapse, saying the video is giving them more information about the sequence of events.
So far there’s no evidence of “widespread deficiencies” in the “rigid K-frame superstructure types” that form the bridge’s basic structure, the report said.
The investigative update said that all aspects of the disaster are still being looked at and that the cause has yet to be determined. Investigators plan mechanical and chemical testing on material samples and will examine plate dimensions and weld quality.
A preliminary report issued less than two weeks after the Jan. 28 collapse had found the collapse began at the structure’s west end and noted there had been no primary fractures in sections of welded steel girders considered “fracture critical.” A fracture critical area in a beam is the part most likely to show damage if the bridge has suddenly given way.
When the Forbes Avenue bridge gave way, it sent a city bus and four passenger cars down some 100 feet (30 meters) to a ravine carved by Fern Hollow Creek. Another vehicle drove off the east bridge abutment and landed on its roof.
Although the preliminary report had said a total of 10 vehicle occupants had been injured, the agency has now concluded that there were nine people in six vehicles. Two were injured seriously, two had minor injuries, four were not hurt, and the injury status of one person is uncertain, the agency said Thursday. No one was killed.
Natural gas lines ruptured and required the evacuation of nearby homes.
The 447-foot-long (136-meter) bridge, about 50 years old, showed some deterioration during an inspection in September, but not enough to require its closure. The bridge has had a 26-ton (24,000 kilogram) weight limit since 2014.
The future of the bridge is the topic of a virtual meeting Thursday night in which city officials and neighbors are expected to participate.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has said up to $25.3 million in National Highway Performance Program funds is being used to rebuild the structure. The contractor began gearing up for construction last month, and early foundation work is about to begin, PennDOT spokesperson Alexis Campbell said Thursday.
The state agency has posted images of thereplacement bridge’s “overall design concept.” | https://www.wowktv.com/news/u-s-world/bus-video-gives-more-info-about-pittsburgh-bridge-collapse/ | 2022-05-06T01:25:55Z | https://www.wowktv.com/news/u-s-world/bus-video-gives-more-info-about-pittsburgh-bridge-collapse/ | true |
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Best-selling author Dave Eggers is offering high school seniors in South Dakota’s second-largest city free copies of his book “The Circle” and copies of four books by other authors that were removed from the district’s schools.
School administrators in Rapid City deemed the books inappropriate for high school students and and marked the district’s copies as surplus to be destroyed.
“The mass destruction of books by school boards is an unconscionable horror, and the freethinking young people of South Dakota shouldn’t be subjected to it,” Eggers said. “Every high school student should have unfettered access to literature, so if you’re a Rapid City high school senior, email our office and ask for any of these titles. For every copy the school board destroys, let’s add a new one to the local circulation.”
Valerie Brablec Seales, Rapid City Area Schools’ director of Teaching, Learning and Innovation, told the Board of Education that teachers requested the books and were considering using them in a new 12th-grade English course.
Seales didn’t say why administrators objected to “The Circle,” which satirizes cultures and values that have emerged in the internet age. But she said the first concerns about one of the five books were raised in August, the Rapid City Journal reported.
“The first question arose when one of the three high school principals sent me an image of a page in one of the books, an excerpt, and expressed concerns about not wanting it in their classrooms,” she said Tuesday.
She said the books were ordered and sent to a warehouse before being distributed to the district’s three high schools. Copies of the five books in question were then listed as surplus and marked “to be destroyed.” The Board of Education on Tuesday voted to delay a decision to destroy the books in order to seek legal advice.
Eggers said Rapid City seniors can receive any of the books that were pulled from the high school at no cost to them by emailing Amanda Uhle at amanda@daveeggers.net. He said the books will be shipped to students by independent bookstores.
The other books that the district pulled are “How Beautiful We Were: A Novel” by Imbolo Mbue, which follows a young woman from a small African village who starts a revolution against an American oil company.
Also removed was “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic,” a graphic memoir about author Alison Bechdel’s fraught relationship with her late father, and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, which some schools elsewhere have banned because of its references to drug and alcohol use and sexual content.
The other book removed is the Booker prize-winning “Girl, Woman, Other: A Novel” by Bernardine Evaristo, which follows the lives and struggles of twelve characters, many of whom are Black British women. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/u-s-world/eggers-offers-replacements-for-south-dakota-banned-books/ | 2022-05-06T01:26:53Z | https://www.wowktv.com/news/u-s-world/eggers-offers-replacements-for-south-dakota-banned-books/ | true |
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.wowktv.com/news/u-s-world/hong-kong-reopens-beaches-beijing-relaxes-quarantine-rules/ | 2022-05-06T01:28:37Z | https://www.wowktv.com/news/u-s-world/hong-kong-reopens-beaches-beijing-relaxes-quarantine-rules/ | true |
NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rowley Law PLLC is investigating potential securities law violations by Black Knight, Inc. (NYSE: BKI) and its board of directors concerning the proposed acquisition of the company by Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE). Stockholders will receive a mix of cash and Intercontinental Exchange common stock valued at $85.00 for each share of Black Knight stock that they hold. The transaction is valued at approximately $13.1 billion and is expected to close in the first half of 2023.
If you are a stockholder of Black Knight, Inc. and are interested in obtaining additional information regarding this investigation, please visit us at: http://www.rowleylawpllc.com/investigation/bki/. You may also contact Shane Rowley, Esq. at Rowley Law PLLC, 50 Main Street Suite 1000, White Plains, NY 10606, by email at info@rowleylawpllc.com, or by telephone at 914-400-1920 or 844-400-4643 (toll-free).
Rowley Law PLLC represents shareholders nationwide in class actions and derivative lawsuits in complex corporate litigation. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://www.rowleylawpllc.com.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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SOURCE Rowley Law PLLC | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/alert-rowley-law-pllc-is-investigating-proposed-acquisition-black-knight-inc/ | 2022-05-06T01:31:25Z | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/alert-rowley-law-pllc-is-investigating-proposed-acquisition-black-knight-inc/ | false |
Morning Consult poll shows 91% of Arizona voters want the Arizona State Legislature to address water issues this legislative session
WASHINGTON, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A poll conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the Walton Family Foundation shows 91% of voters in Arizona believe it is important the State Legislature take action this session to address Arizona's water issues – with 70% saying it is very important. Sixty-six percent of Arizonans also report they are more likely to vote for their state legislator in the upcoming midterm elections if they take action on water issues this legislative session.
"Arizonans believe urgent action is needed to ensure a stable water supply now and in the future and they want to see that same sense of urgency from state leaders," said Moira Mcdonald, Environment Program Director of the Walton Family Foundation. "Arizona is contemplating an historic $1 billion investment in water-related issues. This kind of funding can make a critical difference, but only if state leaders act quickly to prioritize the kinds of conservation and restoration projects that can have a long-term and large-scale impact."
Since Jan. 1, Arizona is receiving nearly 20% less water from the Colorado River (the state's primary water source) due to long-standing drought and climate change. The United States Department of Interior also announced this week it would reduce the amount of water released from Lake Powell to Arizona, California, and Nevada by 480,000 acre-feet – an amount equivalent to the water used by 1 million U.S. households for a year. These cuts come as the West faces the driest two decades the region has seen in the last 1,200 years.
The immediate impact of the drought and these dramatic cuts to the available water supply is felt most severely by Arizona farmers, but creates a ripple affecting the entire state economy. Eighty-four percent of Arizonans believe substantial investments in water conservation are key to the state's economic well-being for the next five years.
Poll results showed Arizona voters want to see the Arizona State Legislature prioritize funding for conservation, restoration and reuse and recycling projects over other potential funding options.
Issues selected in order of priority:
- Conservation projects that will protect water reserves available in Lake Powell and Lake Mead (35%);
- Restoration projects that will improve river and stream flows to maximize available water resources (33%);
- Local water reuse and recycling projects (33%);
- Agricultural water conservation strategies (20%);
- Preventing new industrial users from depleting water supplies (20%);
- New large-scale infrastructure to import and treat water from Mexico (19%).
To read the full poll results, visit New Poll: Arizona Voters Want Action.
Polling Methodology:
This poll was conducted between April 25 – April 27, 2022 among a sample of 423 Registered Voters in Arizona. The interviews were conducted online and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of Registered Voters based on gender by age, educational attainment, race, marital status, home ownership, race by educational attainment, and 2020 presidential vote. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.
About the Walton Family Foundation
The Walton Family Foundation works in three areas: improving K-12 education, protecting rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and investing in our home region of Northwest Arkansas. The Walton Family Foundation's Colorado River Initiative supports work that promotes sustainable management of the Colorado River to benefit people and nature. The Walton Family has provided more than $200 million in funding for grantee and water projects in Arizona and other basin states. To learn more, visit waltonfamilyfoundation.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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SOURCE Walton Family Foundation | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/arizonans-seek-immediate-action-by-state-legislature-water-issues/ | 2022-05-06T01:31:54Z | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/arizonans-seek-immediate-action-by-state-legislature-water-issues/ | true |
- Lynn Good says company 'leading largest clean energy transition' in U.S.
- Customer focus, energy affordability remain key priorities.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) in 2021 continued to make rapid progress in its multi-year transition to clean energy sources, Chair, President and CEO Lynn Good told investors during the company's annual shareholders meeting today.
"Our more than 27,000 teammates rallied behind our mission to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050," she said. "Our promise is to continue this momentum. Our five-year enterprise capital plan includes $63 billion of investment, and 80% is directed to our clean energy transition."
Good cited several milestones:
- "We surpassed 10,000 megawatts of owned, operated or purchased renewables on our system, and remain on track to reach 16,000 megawatts of renewables by 2025 and 24,000 megawatts by 2030.
- "We filed for Subsequent License Renewal of Oconee Nuclear Station – our largest nuclear plant – and we plan to file requests for our remaining units to maintain this vital source of carbon-free energy for another 20 years.
- "We worked with stakeholders to help achieve bipartisan support in what's been called the most comprehensive piece of energy legislation in North Carolina history – setting the course for carbon reduction and regulatory reform.
- "We look forward to delivering a Carbon Plan to the North Carolina Utilities Commission later this month that will map out a variety of paths to achieve a 70% carbon reduction.
- "We continued to oversee the largest planned retirement of coal in our industry. We retired almost 1,000 megawatts of coal between the Carolinas and Indiana – bringing us to 7,500 megawatts retired since 2010."
"Already in 2022, we've taken aggressive action, expanding our net-zero emissions goal to include Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 emissions. We also announced we're targeting energy from coal to represent less than 5% of our total generation by 2030, and a full exit by 2035," she said.
"We look forward to continued progress on our goals across our jurisdictions – retiring coal units, adding renewables and battery storage, investing in the grid, advocating for new zero-emission technologies, and collaborating with state and federal policymakers, regulators and stakeholders to meet the unique needs of each state," Good said.
Customer focus, energy affordability
In 2021, "we continued to surpass our benchmark targets for our internal customer satisfaction metrics, and improved our J.D. Power rankings, year over year, in nearly all of our jurisdictions," she said.
Duke Energy also continued to actively work to keep energy affordable for customers.
The company offered energy-saving tips and innovative efficiency programs to help customers manage and reduce their energy use. For example, the Home Energy House Call is a free in-home energy assessment that provides customers with comprehensive information about how they use energy – and strategies to save money on their monthly energy bills.
In addition, Duke Energy worked aggressively to assist financially struggling customers – offering customized bill-payment programs, connecting customers to financial assistance programs run by government agencies and nonprofit organizations, and donating funds to community organizations that help individuals and families in need.
The company in 2021 established a dedicated team of customer advocates to partner with government assistance agencies and nonprofit organizations. Through this model, the company helped customers receive more than $100 million in financial support to help pay their energy bills.
Duke Energy also assisted low-income customers with utility bills, providing $3.2 million through the Share the Light Fund and other donations.
Other business
Also at today's meeting:
- Good fielded shareholder questions on a range of topics. The company will post responses to questions on its website.
- Shareholders elected all 14 nominees to the company's board of directors.
- A nonbinding shareholder proposal did not receive a majority of shareholder votes cast.
A replay of the meeting will be posted on Duke Energy's investors page.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 28,000 people.
Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business and at least a 50% carbon reduction from electric generation by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The 2050 net-zero goals also include Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 emissions. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2022 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Media contact: Neil Nissan
800.559.3853
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SOURCE Duke Energy | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/duke-energy-making-rapid-clean-energy-progress-ceo-tells-shareholders-annual-meeting/ | 2022-05-06T01:33:06Z | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/duke-energy-making-rapid-clean-energy-progress-ceo-tells-shareholders-annual-meeting/ | false |
Police: Father charged with first-degree murder in 17-year-old daughter’s death
TINLEY PARK, Ill. (Gray News) - Authorities in Illinois are investigating a deadly incident where a 17-year-old girl was killed.
The Village of Tinley Public Safety Department reports police were called to a home about 40 minutes north of downtown Chicago regarding a possible death investigation on May 1.
Officers said they discovered the body of a 17-year-old girl, later identified as Mia Maro, on the lower level of the house. They also found her father, Mohammed Almaru, 42, with self-inflicted wounds to his wrist and throat.
Almaru had ingested pills and was taken to Christ Hospital, where police said he was able to be stabilized.
A medical examiner determined Maro died as a result of multiple injuries and ruled her death a homicide, according to the public safety department.
Police said they could not speak to Maro’s father as he was being treated at the hospital. However, once he was able to be questioned and based on the evidence found, Almaru was charged with first-degree murder.
“I’d like to offer my sincerest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Mia,” Mayor Michael Glotz said. “By all accounts, she was a lovely young woman at the very beginning of her life, a life that she will now never get to fulfill. To her family, friends and fellow students at Andrew High School, we mourn her passing with you.”
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kbtx.com/2022/05/06/police-father-charged-with-first-degree-murder-17-year-old-daughters-death/ | 2022-05-06T01:37:39Z | https://www.kbtx.com/2022/05/06/police-father-charged-with-first-degree-murder-17-year-old-daughters-death/ | true |
WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX
756 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 815 PM CDT
FOR CENTRAL GUADALUPE AND SOUTHEASTERN COMAL COUNTIES...
At 756 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Geronimo, or 7
miles north of Seguin, moving southeast at 25 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...
New Braunfels, Seguin, McQueeney, Geronimo, Zorn, Freiheit, Nolte,
Zipp, New Braunfels National Airport and Redwood.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
Continuous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading
killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to
be struck by lightning.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.lakecountystar.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AUSTIN-SAN-ANTONIO-Warnings-Watches-and-17152599.php | 2022-05-06T01:43:04Z | https://www.lakecountystar.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AUSTIN-SAN-ANTONIO-Warnings-Watches-and-17152599.php | false |
PPC Survey: Adoption of Google Ads automation high, marketers unhappy with recommendations
A detailed new survey uncovers the most pressing issues of PPC experts as well as sentiment around the platforms and their features.
PPCsurvey.com has just released a new State of PPC Global Report for 2022. It includes input from more than 500 PPC specialists from around the globe.
The findings cover search marketers’ largest concerns, top priorities, spend data, automation insight and a wealth of information about the most pressing trends in paid search.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the largest findings.
High adoption rate of automations in Google Ads. Two eye-opening metrics in the survey:
- 97% of respondents use Responsive Search Ads.
- 95% have implemented Smart Bidding (tCPA).
Most surprisingly a whopping 78% of respondents have used Auto-applied Recommendations.
The time has passed when advertisers could compete without adopting automation.
Adoption of automation is high, but marketer satisfaction is mixed. The least satisfying automation, according to respondents, was Auto-applied Recommendations.
- 83% of respondents reported that they were dissatisfied with the Auto-applied Recommendations feature.
Another surprise came from one of Google’s biggest pushes as of late: The Recommendations Tab. The feelings on Recommendations were 63% negative, according to PPCsurvey.com.
Why so negative? Top complaints about the feature include “the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach and the obvious push for smart bidding, broad match, and budget increases.”
Respondents were more satisfied with other automation.
- 51% of search marketers reported being satisfied with scripts.
- 48% said they were satisfied about tROAS Smart Bidding.
- 47% of respondents were satisfied about tCPA Smart Bidding.
The most pressing priorities for PPC Specialists. What are their clients’ top priorities? Some new concerns appeared this year.
- Priority #1: improve goal-setting beyond traditional metrics (e.g., conversions, revenue). This includes the consideration of margin, including new versus traditional customers and Lifetime Value (LTV), with 62% of respondents stating that these were a top priority.
- Priority #2: Tracking improvements including cookieless concerns, GA4 and server-side tagging came in second with 56%.
Unsatisfactory scores for Optiscore. Google now requires Google Partners to maintain a 70% Optiscore, PPCsurvey.com took a look at the satisfaction levels for the metric. Respondents could rate from 1-10 and the results were turned into a Net promoter score (NPS) to gauge how many participants would recommend.
Only 15% of respondents value a high Optiscore with 41% of respondents considering a high Optiscore a detractor in an account.
Using NPS methodology, this would give a high Optiscore an overall negative NPS of -26, which is a very undesirable score.
- You can download the full report (PDF) here. It includes more information including global yearly ad spends, ad platform adoption, time-consuming activities, the top challenges for agencies and much more.
Why we care. While the adoption of automation is considerable, the satisfaction is a mixed bag. Some standouts include Smart Bidding and scripts, but recommendations racked up high dissatisfaction numbers.
Additionally, practitioners aren’t fans of having a high Optiscore, with more considering it a detractor than a positive. If you rely on these scores and use these metrics as a barometer for account health, you are going against the collective thought of the PPC experts who participated in this survey.
Lastly, advertisers are looking for better performance tracking. Folks are looking outside simple conversions and to more meaningful performance data while also figuring out better tracking options as ad platforms and analytics platforms are changing. | https://searchengineland.com/state-of-ppc-global-report-2022-384950 | 2022-05-06T01:48:52Z | https://searchengineland.com/state-of-ppc-global-report-2022-384950 | false |
Pig virus may have been factor in death of man who received pig heart transplant, researchers say
A major worry about animal-to-human transplants is the risk that it could introduce new kinds of infections to people
A pig virus may have contributed to the death of a man who was the first person to have received a heart transplant from a pig, though the evidence is inconclusive, researchers say.
David Bennett Sr., 57, of Maryland, died in March, just two months after the groundbreaking experimental transplant. University of Maryland doctors said Thursday they found viral DNA inside the pig heart. They did not find signs that this bug, called "porcine cytomegalovirus," was causing an active infection.
The animal virus was first reported by MIT Technology Review, citing a scientific presentation from Dr. Bartley Griffith, the surgeon who performed Bennett's transplant.
A major worry about animal-to-human transplants is the risk that it could introduce new kinds of infections to people. Griffith told The Associated Press that some viruses can be a "hitchhiker" because they lurk without causing diseases. Now, researchers are pursuing more tests to ensure they don’t miss these kinds of viruses.
SINGLE DAD RECEIVES KIDNEY DONATION FROM TOTAL STRANGER WHO REPLIED ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Doctors have for decades tried using animal organs to save human lives without success. Bennett, who was dying and ineligible for a human heart transplant, underwent the last-ditch operation using a heart from a pig genetically modified to lower the risk that his immune system would rapidly reject such a foreign organ.
The Maryland team said the donor pig was healthy, had passed testing required by the Food and Drug Administration to check for infections, and was raised in a facility designed to prevent animals from spreading infections.
Griffith said his patient, while very ill, had been recovering fairly well from the transplant when one morning he woke up worse, with symptoms similar to an infection. Doctors ran tests to try to understand the cause, and gave Bennett a variety of antibiotics, antiviral medication and an immune-boosting treatment. But the pig heart became swollen, filled with fluid and eventually quit functioning.
"What was the virus doing, if anything, that might have caused the swelling in his heart?" Griffith asked. "Honestly we don't know."
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Meanwhile, doctors at other medical centers around the country have been experimenting with animal organs in donated human bodies and are anxious to attempt formal studies in living patients soon.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. | https://www.foxnews.com/science/pig-virus-death-man-received-pig-heart-transplant-researchers | 2022-05-06T01:57:18Z | https://www.foxnews.com/science/pig-virus-death-man-received-pig-heart-transplant-researchers | false |
A recent survey showed that recently graduated college students believe they will make six figures in their first job.
But the reality is that they'll make about $50,000, according to a survey conducted by Real Estate Witch.
Although wages have increased 4.5% since December 2020 — the most significant rise since 1983 and starting salaries have increased 8% in the last five years, the soon-to-be graduates across all majors are overstating their starting salaries by 88%, the survey showed.
According to the survey, journalism graduates believe they'll make more than $107,000 when they're going to make below $45,000.
However, those who majored in computer science overestimated their starting salary by 27%. They projected they'd make more than $95,000 when paid more than $75,000.
USA Today reported that the National Association of Colleges and Employers conducted a salary projections survey in February, which showed salaries for math, sciences, agriculture, and natural resources majors increased 5.4%. Still, the salaries for humanities majors decreased 14.8%. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/survey-shows-college-grads-overestimating-starting-salaries | 2022-05-06T02:05:51Z | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/survey-shows-college-grads-overestimating-starting-salaries | false |
Ruvu Shooting - Yanga SC
Tanzania Premier League (Ligi Kuu Bara) video highlights of the match Ruvu Shooting - Yanga SC. Watch highlights of Ruvu Shooting - Yanga SC for free on Football Highlight. Enjoy highlights and all goals of every Tanzania Premier League (Ligi Kuu Bara) match.
Ruvu Shooting - Yanga SC Highlights Tanzania Premier League (Ligi Kuu Bara)
Follow us on Facebook to stay updated with the latest football highlights. | https://football-highlight.com/en/africa/tanzania-premier-league/2022-05-04-ruvu-shooting-yanga-sc.html | 2022-05-06T02:13:37Z | https://football-highlight.com/en/africa/tanzania-premier-league/2022-05-04-ruvu-shooting-yanga-sc.html | false |
POTOMAC, Md. – Sergio Garcia appeared to let his anger over a ruling, which was later deemed incorrect, during the opening round of the Wells Fargo Championship boil over into the game’s most divisive issue.
After pulling his tee shot into a hazard area at TPC Potomac’s 10th hole, the Spaniard was able to find his golf ball after a lengthy search. However, he was informed by a PGA Tour rules official that he had exceeded the time limit allowed under the Rules of Golf. According to Rule 18.2, players have three minutes to search for golf balls, but Garcia was told he’d exceeded that limit by a minute and a half.
“That’s absolute bulls--t,” he told the official.
Garcia has been linked to the Saudi-backed super league and according to various reports is among at least a dozen players who have requested conflicting event releases from the Tour to play the first LIV Golf invitational event in June.
Full-field scores from Wells Fargo Championship
Garcia’s anger over the ruling prompted him to suggest that his time on the PGA Tour is coming to an end, although he did not mention either LIV Golf or the super league.
“I can’t wait to leave this tour. I can’t wait to get out of here,” Garcia said before playing his third shot on the par-5 10th hole. “A couple of more weeks and I won’t have to deal with you anymore.”
Earlier this week, Lee Westwood and Richard Bland confirmed that they asked for releases to play the LIV Golf event in London and at last month’s Zurich Classic Robert Garrigus also confirmed he’d requested a release.
Garcia made par at the 10th hole and then on the par-4 15th, he holed out for eagle from 161 yards — his longest hole-out on Tour since the 2012 Genesis Invitational — to get to 3 under, two shots off the lead.
Garcia, who declined to speak with the media after his round, was later informed that the rules official had not considered the time he needed to cross the water hazard to reach his tee shot and that he did not exceed the time limit. “The ball would have still been ‘in play’ if not for the error,” a statement from the Tour read.
Because Garcia had already signed his scorecard and the round was completed, his score on the 10th hole did not change. | https://www.golfchannel.com/news/after-exceeding-ball-search-time-sergio-garcia-says-i-cant-wait-leave-tour | 2022-05-06T02:18:14Z | https://www.golfchannel.com/news/after-exceeding-ball-search-time-sergio-garcia-says-i-cant-wait-leave-tour | true |
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte smile and chat of their love of burgers and mango shakes on the election trail in a carefree YouTube video before breaking into a short rap penned for their campaign for president and vice president of the Philippines by a popular singer.
Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator who bilked the country out of billions and ruled for years with an iron fist, and Duterte, daughter of outgoing populist President Rodrigo Duterte, whose brutal anti-drug campaign has brought an investigation of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, like to keep things light.
Their carefully choreographed campaign whitewashes the past and is short on specifics about their vision for the future, but it appears to be resonating with the average Filipino, with the latest polls showing both with seemingly insurmountable leads in their races, which are held separately, in Monday’s elections.
The campaign has made deft use of social media, primarily TikTok and YouTube, to push the simple slogan of “unity” — “Uniteam" as they put it — and frame them as beyond politics and disagreements, said Adele Webb, a lecturer at the Queensland University of Technology and author of ”Chasing Freedom: The Philippines’ Long Journey to Democratic Ambivalence.”
“His message really is very well crafted with this avoidance strategy,” Webb said. “Let’s stop talking about the past, let’s stop fighting about what those martial law years really looked like, and let’s look forward, let’s move forward.”
Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was ousted in 1986 as millions of people took to the streets in the largely peaceful “People Power” uprising to force a return to democracy.
Some of the assets obtained by Marcos, wife Imelda and their cronies were later seized and sold, with the money remitted to the Philippine government. The Presidential Commission on Good Government, created to recover ill-gotten gains, says it has so far collected more than $3.3 billion.
U.S. & World
But rather than apologize for his father's excesses, Marcos Jr., who goes by his childhood nickname “Bongbong” or “BBM” in campaign posters, embraces his image. The 64-year-old portrays his father’s decades in office as a time of prosperity and national pride, glossing over the corruption and years of martial law with a harsh crackdown on dissent that scarred generations of Filipinos.
“He's just projecting a youthful version of his father, because he's really banking on the Filipinos '... nostalgic craving of Marcos rule,” said Andrea Chloe Wong, a political scientist. “They want to visit the golden age of the Philippines — and that's what Marcos is propagating.”
With the median age in the Philippines of about 25, Marcos has taken advantage of the fact that many voters have no personal memory of his father's rule. He's avoided confrontation by refusing head-to-head debates, hand-selecting the journalists for the sole press conference he has held since his campaign started, and has limited the number of interviews he has given.
In one of those — with CNN Philippines a week ago — Marcos defended his family's opulent lifestyle, saying his parents always reminded him that “any comfort or privilege that we enjoy comes from the people, and that's why we have to serve.” He brushed aside criticism of martial law, saying “there were people who wanted to bring down the government and the government had to defend itself.”
“This is actually true, that was what really happened,” he said emphatically.
The rehabilitation of the Marcos name started decades ago, with the family returning to the Philippines — and politics — only a few years after Marcos died in 1989 in exile in Hawaii.
Imelda Marcos — whose expansive collection of jewelry and 1,220 pairs of shoes shocked the world after they were discovered in the presidential palace that was stormed in the uprising — ran for president herself in 1992 and 1998, losing both times.
The 92-year-old, who still lives in Manila, had faced some 900 civil and criminal cases after her return — from embezzlement and corruption to tax evasion. Most were dismissed for lack of evidence, and the few convictions were overturned on appeal. A 2018 graft conviction remains on appeal.
Marcos Jr. has held several political offices, including being elected to the House of Representatives in 1991 and the Senate in 2010, despite ongoing legal issues.
He has been dogged by a past conviction for failure to file his income tax papers and a government demand for a huge estate tax payment, which opponents unsuccessfully tried to use to disqualify his bid for the presidency. The petitions against his candidacy remain on appeal and could reach the Supreme Court.
Outside the Philippines, a U.S. District Court in Hawaii in 2011 found him and his mother in contempt of an order to furnish information on assets in connection with a 1995 human rights class action suit against Marcos Sr., fining them $353.6 million. That has never been paid, which could complicate any future possible visits to the United States if he is elected.
Rodrigo Duterte, in the first year of his presidency in 2016, helped the family gloss over its past, allowing the burial of Marcos in the country's heroes' cemetery, which had been blocked by previous administrations. The funeral with full military honors was condemned by human rights and left-wing groups.
By pairing up with 43-year-old Sara Duterte, Marcos has been able to combine his family's support in their northern home province and hers in the south to both of their advantage.
At the same time, there have been allegations — which Marcos denies — that he has enlisted an army of online trolls and commentators to smear his opponents and revise his family's history.
The approach has worked so far, with Marcos and Duterte, who is the mayor of Davao city, each with about 55% support in the most recent polls.
Marcos' biggest challenger, Leni Robredo — the current vice president who defeated Marcos in his bid for that office in 2016 — has mobilized a groundswell of support against him and has drawn huge crowds with a message of reform and corruption-free governance, but she is still polling at less than half his number.
The vast majority of the country's 67 million registered voters are working class, and despite both being part of longtime political families, both Marcos and Duterte have been polling as well — or better — among them as with the upper classes.
Many have bought into Marcos' version of history, and also feel that the reform-oriented governments that came after Marcos Sr. failed to deliver, Wong said.
About a quarter of the population lives in poverty, government agencies and courts are seen as too weak to prosecute corruption and the gap between rich and poor remains wide. For many, good education is unaffordable and decent jobs found abroad.
Many of the ills besetting the Philippines can be traced to Marcos, who took huge loans that he could not repay to keep the country afloat while his regime imprisoned and tortured opponents and spurred rebellions — but that is carefully avoided in his son's election narrative.
“People are fascinated, not of him per se but of the memory of his father's rule,” Wong said. “A lot of the young people didn't experience it but because of the propaganda being repeated over and over again, they think the Philippines was better off before.”
At a recent rally in a Manila suburb, Shirley Quirit, a 38-year-old mother of five, was one of several thousands who turned out to see Marcos Jr. in a rally heavy on glitz with giant television screens, celebrities and a rock band.
She brushed off concerns about his past as being from people “just trying to destroy them” and said there was nothing that could change her mind to vote for him.
“If the allegations they are hurling against BBM are true, they should have raised them a long time ago, not now when he's running," she said despite longstanding cases involving Marcos. “The Marcoses have accomplishments from before that still benefit people, like hospitals, schools, foot bridges ... and he may do so much more.”
Even though challenger Robredo's ”pink revolution" movement, named for the color worn by her volunteers, is trailing in the polls, it does show that if Marcos wins and slides into his father's old ways, a significant portion of the population could push back, Webb said.
“There's a lot of energy in the country, there's a lot of spirit, there's a lot of hope and a sense of people power resurrected, where people aren't willing to give up on the democratic project yet," she said.
___
Rising reported from Bangkok. Associated Press journalists Joeal Calupitan and Aaron Favila contributed to this report. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/marcos-redux-dictators-son-may-win-philippine-presidency/3675906/ | 2022-05-06T02:36:01Z | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/marcos-redux-dictators-son-may-win-philippine-presidency/3675906/ | true |
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MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte smile and chat of their love of burgers and mango shakes on the election trail in a carefree YouTube video before breaking into a short rap penned for their campaign for president and vice president of the Philippines by a popular singer.
Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator who bilked the country out of billions and ruled for years with an iron fist, and Duterte, daughter of outgoing populist President Rodrigo Duterte, whose brutal anti-drug campaign has brought an investigation of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, like to keep things light.
Their carefully choreographed campaign whitewashes the past and is short on specifics about their vision for the future, but it appears to be resonating with the average Filipino, with the latest polls showing both with seemingly insurmountable leads in their races, which are held separately, in Monday’s elections.
The campaign has made deft use of social media, primarily TikTok and YouTube, to push the simple slogan of “unity” — “Uniteam" as they put it — and frame them as beyond politics and disagreements, said Adele Webb, a lecturer at the Queensland University of Technology and author of ”Chasing Freedom: The Philippines’ Long Journey to Democratic Ambivalence.”
“His message really is very well crafted with this avoidance strategy,” Webb said. “Let’s stop talking about the past, let’s stop fighting about what those martial law years really looked like, and let’s look forward, let’s move forward.”
Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was ousted in 1986 as millions of people took to the streets in the largely peaceful “People Power” uprising to force a return to democracy.
Some of the assets obtained by Marcos, wife Imelda and their cronies were later seized and sold, with the money remitted to the Philippine government. The Presidential Commission on Good Government, created to recover ill-gotten gains, says it has so far collected more than $3.3 billion.
But rather than apologize for his father's excesses, Marcos Jr., who goes by his childhood nickname “Bongbong” or “BBM” in campaign posters, embraces his image. The 64-year-old portrays his father’s decades in office as a time of prosperity and national pride, glossing over the corruption and years of martial law with a harsh crackdown on dissent that scarred generations of Filipinos.
“He's just projecting a youthful version of his father, because he's really banking on the Filipinos '... nostalgic craving of Marcos rule,” said Andrea Chloe Wong, a political scientist. “They want to visit the golden age of the Philippines — and that's what Marcos is propagating.”
With the median age in the Philippines of about 25, Marcos has taken advantage of the fact that many voters have no personal memory of his father's rule. He's avoided confrontation by refusing head-to-head debates, hand-selecting the journalists for the sole press conference he has held since his campaign started, and has limited the number of interviews he has given.
In one of those — with CNN Philippines a week ago — Marcos defended his family's opulent lifestyle, saying his parents always reminded him that “any comfort or privilege that we enjoy comes from the people, and that's why we have to serve.” He brushed aside criticism of martial law, saying “there were people who wanted to bring down the government and the government had to defend itself.”
“This is actually true, that was what really happened,” he said emphatically.
The rehabilitation of the Marcos name started decades ago, with the family returning to the Philippines — and politics — only a few years after Marcos died in 1989 in exile in Hawaii.
Imelda Marcos — whose expansive collection of jewelry and 1,220 pairs of shoes shocked the world after they were discovered in the presidential palace that was stormed in the uprising — ran for president herself in 1992 and 1998, losing both times.
The 92-year-old, who still lives in Manila, had faced some 900 civil and criminal cases after her return — from embezzlement and corruption to tax evasion. Most were dismissed for lack of evidence, and the few convictions were overturned on appeal. A 2018 graft conviction remains on appeal.
Marcos Jr. has held several political offices, including being elected to the House of Representatives in 1991 and the Senate in 2010, despite ongoing legal issues.
He has been dogged by a past conviction for failure to file his income tax papers and a government demand for a huge estate tax payment, which opponents unsuccessfully tried to use to disqualify his bid for the presidency. The petitions against his candidacy remain on appeal and could reach the Supreme Court.
Outside the Philippines, a U.S. District Court in Hawaii in 2011 found him and his mother in contempt of an order to furnish information on assets in connection with a 1995 human rights class action suit against Marcos Sr., fining them $353.6 million. That has never been paid, which could complicate any future possible visits to the United States if he is elected.
Rodrigo Duterte, in the first year of his presidency in 2016, helped the family gloss over its past, allowing the burial of Marcos in the country's heroes' cemetery, which had been blocked by previous administrations. The funeral with full military honors was condemned by human rights and left-wing groups.
By pairing up with 43-year-old Sara Duterte, Marcos has been able to combine his family's support in their northern home province and hers in the south to both of their advantage.
At the same time, there have been allegations — which Marcos denies — that he has enlisted an army of online trolls and commentators to smear his opponents and revise his family's history.
The approach has worked so far, with Marcos and Duterte, who is the mayor of Davao city, each with about 55% support in the most recent polls.
Marcos' biggest challenger, Leni Robredo — the current vice president who defeated Marcos in his bid for that office in 2016 — has mobilized a groundswell of support against him and has drawn huge crowds with a message of reform and corruption-free governance, but she is still polling at less than half his number.
The vast majority of the country's 67 million registered voters are working class, and despite both being part of longtime political families, both Marcos and Duterte have been polling as well — or better — among them as with the upper classes.
Many have bought into Marcos' version of history, and also feel that the reform-oriented governments that came after Marcos Sr. failed to deliver, Wong said.
About a quarter of the population lives in poverty, government agencies and courts are seen as too weak to prosecute corruption and the gap between rich and poor remains wide. For many, good education is unaffordable and decent jobs found abroad.
Many of the ills besetting the Philippines can be traced to Marcos, who took huge loans that he could not repay to keep the country afloat while his regime imprisoned and tortured opponents and spurred rebellions — but that is carefully avoided in his son's election narrative.
“People are fascinated, not of him per se but of the memory of his father's rule,” Wong said. “A lot of the young people didn't experience it but because of the propaganda being repeated over and over again, they think the Philippines was better off before.”
At a recent rally in a Manila suburb, Shirley Quirit, a 38-year-old mother of five, was one of several thousands who turned out to see Marcos Jr. in a rally heavy on glitz with giant television screens, celebrities and a rock band.
She brushed off concerns about his past as being from people “just trying to destroy them” and said there was nothing that could change her mind to vote for him.
“If the allegations they are hurling against BBM are true, they should have raised them a long time ago, not now when he's running," she said despite longstanding cases involving Marcos. “The Marcoses have accomplishments from before that still benefit people, like hospitals, schools, foot bridges ... and he may do so much more.”
Even though challenger Robredo's ”pink revolution" movement, named for the color worn by her volunteers, is trailing in the polls, it does show that if Marcos wins and slides into his father's old ways, a significant portion of the population could push back, Webb said.
“There's a lot of energy in the country, there's a lot of spirit, there's a lot of hope and a sense of people power resurrected, where people aren't willing to give up on the democratic project yet," she said.
___
Rising reported from Bangkok. Associated Press journalists Joeal Calupitan and Aaron Favila contributed to this report. | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Marcos-redux-Dictator-s-son-may-win-Philippine-17152773.php | 2022-05-06T02:42:18Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Marcos-redux-Dictator-s-son-may-win-Philippine-17152773.php | false |
WFO LAKE CHARLES Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
907 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of northwestern Cameron,
northwestern Jefferson Davis, southern Beauregard, Calcasieu and
southwestern Allen Parishes, northeastern Jefferson, southwestern
Newton and Orange Counties through 945 PM CDT...
At 907 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Bancroft to 6 miles southwest of Fields to
Starks to near Mauriceville to near Lakeview. Movement was southeast
at 55 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Beaumont, Lake Charles, Port Arthur, Sulphur, Orange, Nederland,
Groves, Port Neches, Vidor, Bridge City, Westlake, West Orange,
Vinton, Iowa, Reeves, Singer, Moss Bluff, Johnsons Bayou, Fields and
Grand Lake.
This includes the following highways...
Interstate 10 in Texas between mile markers 880 and 854.
Interstate 10 in Louisiana between mile markers 1 and 43.
Interstate 210 between mile markers 1 and 12.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
LAT...LON 2987 9392 2982 9393 3017 9417 3024 9391
3035 9378 3069 9363 3068 9298 2997 9303
2987 9324 3005 9329 3005 9333 2985 9335
2986 9344 2981 9335 2971 9385 2969 9385
2971 9386
TIME...MOT...LOC 0207Z 300DEG 50KT 3060 9366 3046 9365 3031 9369 3018
9388 3016 9413
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-LAKE-CHARLES-Warnings-Watches-and-17152788.php | 2022-05-06T02:44:31Z | https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-LAKE-CHARLES-Warnings-Watches-and-17152788.php | true |
Floyd County bridge closed due to crash damage
FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - One bridge in Floyd County has been closed for repairs after it was damaged in a crash earlier this week, according to officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
A crash Tuesday night on the KY-550 Joseph Gearheart Bridge, crossing Brush Creek, significantly damaged a guardrail. The bridge has been closed at mile point 2.05.
The bridge has been barricaded by officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet with warning signs and message boards placed at each end of the road.
The 90-year-old bridge was scheduled for replacement this summer, but the project will now start ahead of schedule next week.
Drivers can take a detour provided by KY-80 via KY-7 at Garrett or KY-550 at Eastern.
The new bridge is expected to open in August.
Copyright 2022 WYMT. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2022/05/06/floyd-county-bridge-closed-due-crash-damage/ | 2022-05-06T02:47:10Z | https://www.wymt.com/2022/05/06/floyd-county-bridge-closed-due-crash-damage/ | false |
Blue jays first. Raimel Tapia strikes out swinging. Bo Bichette singles to left field. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homers to left field. Bo Bichette scores. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. strikes out swinging. Matt Chapman strikes out swinging.
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Blue jays 2, Guardians 0.
Guardians third. Richie Palacios pops out to shortstop to Matt Chapman. Austin Hedges singles to shallow center field. Myles Straw flies out to shallow center field to Bradley Zimmer. Steven Kwan homers to right field. Austin Hedges scores. Jose Ramirez flies out to shallow left field to Lourdes Gurriel Jr..
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Blue jays 2, Guardians 2.
Guardians fourth. Josh Naylor grounds out to shallow infield, Matt Chapman to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. Franmil Reyes singles to left field. Andres Gimenez singles to left field. Franmil Reyes to third. Amed Rosario grounds out to shallow infield, Santiago Espinal to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. Andres Gimenez to second. Franmil Reyes scores. Richie Palacios pops out to shallow infield to Matt Chapman.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Guardians 3, Blue jays 2.
Guardians fifth. Austin Hedges grounds out to shortstop, Bo Bichette to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. Myles Straw doubles to left field. Steven Kwan walks. Jose Ramirez lines out to shallow infield to Santiago Espinal. Josh Naylor singles to left field. Steven Kwan to third. Myles Straw scores. Franmil Reyes singles to center field. Josh Naylor to second. Steven Kwan scores. Andres Gimenez doubles to left field. Franmil Reyes to third. Josh Naylor scores. Amed Rosario walks. Richie Palacios grounds out to first base, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to Casey Lawrence.
3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Guardians 6, Blue jays 2.
Blue jays sixth. Bo Bichette singles to center field. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit by pitch. Bo Bichette to second. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. strikes out swinging. Matt Chapman flies out to right field to Steven Kwan. Zack Collins doubles to deep right field. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. scores. Bo Bichette scores. Santiago Espinal pops out to shallow left field to Amed Rosario.
2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Guardians 6, Blue jays 4.
Blue jays seventh. Alejandro Kirk homers to left field. Bradley Zimmer singles to shallow infield. Raimel Tapia grounds out to second base, Andres Gimenez to Josh Naylor. Bradley Zimmer to third. Bo Bichette pops out to shortstop to Andres Gimenez. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. walks. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. reaches on a fielder's choice to third base. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. out at second.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Guardians 6, Blue jays 5. | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/sports/article/Toronto-Cleveland-Runs-17152671.php | 2022-05-06T02:51:04Z | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/sports/article/Toronto-Cleveland-Runs-17152671.php | true |
WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden on Thursday named Karine Jean-Pierre to be the next White House press secretary, the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve in the role, with incumbent Jen Psaki set to leave the post next week.
Jean-Pierre takes on the role as the White House faces an uphill battle to help Democrats hold onto the House and Senate in this fall's midterm elections, and as the administration struggles to address Americans' concerns about soaring inflation and the state of the economy. She also comes into the job as Biden faces a daunting array of foreign policy challenges, including the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating nuclear testing program. Biden is set to visit South Korea and Japan later this month and Europe in June.
Biden is also bringing back longtime Democratic strategist Anita Dunn as his senior adviser. She had served in the Biden White House last year for several months after Biden was sworn into office.
"Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris administration on behalf of the American people," Biden said in a statement praising Jean-Pierre, who has served as his principal deputy press secretary since Inauguration Day.
Psaki, who leaves the White House on May 13, praised her successor as a "partner in truth," noting the significance of the history-making appointment.
"Representation matters and she is going to give a voice to so many and show so many what is truly possible when you work hard and dream big," Psaki said.
Taking the lectern briefly while Psaki briefed the press Thursday, Jean-Pierre said she was "still processing" the significance of her hire, calling it "an honor and privilege to be behind this podium."
"This is a historic moment, and it's not lost on me," she said. "It's a very emotional day."
Psaki said Biden offered the job to Jean-Pierre Thursday in the Oval Office. White House staffers were gathered after the offer and greeted Jean-Pierre with applause, an official said. Two "warm bottles" of champagne were procured for a toast in White House paper cups, the official added, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe the internal gathering.
Jean-Pierre had occasionally took the lectern in the press briefing room instead of Psaki and more frequently held off-camera "gaggles" with reporters when Biden was traveling on Air Force One. She traveled with Biden to Europe last fall and in March instead of Psaki, who had tested positive for COVID-19 before both trips.
Before joining the Biden presidential campaign, Jean-Pierre was the chief public affairs officer of the progressive group MoveOn.org and a former political analyst for NBC and MSNBC. She also worked in political affairs in the Obama White House and on his reelection campaign.
The press secretary is responsible for holding daily briefings with the news media and leading a department of more than a dozen staffers who help address queries from the press.
When she took the job, Psaki, who has two young children, said publicly she aimed to remain in the job for about a year. She is expected to be joining MSNBC later this year.
Biden said Psaki "has set the standard for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White House briefing room."
"I want to say thank you to Jen for raising the bar, communicating directly and truthfully to the American people, and keeping her sense of humor while doing so," Biden said. "I thank Jen for her service to the country, and wish her the very best as she moves forward."
Dunn is a partner at the Democratic consulting firm SKDK, and was a senior adviser on Biden's 2020 campaign and previously chief strategist and communications director for President Barack Obama. The White House said she is returning to "assist in advancing the President's policy and communications objectives."
Jean-Pierre takes on the role as the White House faces an uphill battle to help Democrats hold onto the House and Senate in this fall's midterm elections, and as the administration struggles to address Americans' concerns about soaring inflation and the state of the economy. She also comes into the job as Biden faces a daunting array of foreign policy challenges, including the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and North Korea's escalating nuclear testing program. Biden is set to visit South Korea and Japan later this month and Europe in June.
Biden is also bringing back longtime Democratic strategist Anita Dunn as his senior adviser. She had served in the Biden White House last year for several months after Biden was sworn into office.
"Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris administration on behalf of the American people," Biden said in a statement praising Jean-Pierre, who has served as his principal deputy press secretary since Inauguration Day.
Psaki, who leaves the White House on May 13, praised her successor as a "partner in truth," noting the significance of the history-making appointment.
"Representation matters and she is going to give a voice to so many and show so many what is truly possible when you work hard and dream big," Psaki said.
Taking the lectern briefly while Psaki briefed the press Thursday, Jean-Pierre said she was "still processing" the significance of her hire, calling it "an honor and privilege to be behind this podium."
"This is a historic moment, and it's not lost on me," she said. "It's a very emotional day."
Psaki said Biden offered the job to Jean-Pierre Thursday in the Oval Office. White House staffers were gathered after the offer and greeted Jean-Pierre with applause, an official said. Two "warm bottles" of champagne were procured for a toast in White House paper cups, the official added, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe the internal gathering.
Jean-Pierre had occasionally took the lectern in the press briefing room instead of Psaki and more frequently held off-camera "gaggles" with reporters when Biden was traveling on Air Force One. She traveled with Biden to Europe last fall and in March instead of Psaki, who had tested positive for COVID-19 before both trips.
Before joining the Biden presidential campaign, Jean-Pierre was the chief public affairs officer of the progressive group MoveOn.org and a former political analyst for NBC and MSNBC. She also worked in political affairs in the Obama White House and on his reelection campaign.
The press secretary is responsible for holding daily briefings with the news media and leading a department of more than a dozen staffers who help address queries from the press.
When she took the job, Psaki, who has two young children, said publicly she aimed to remain in the job for about a year. She is expected to be joining MSNBC later this year.
Biden said Psaki "has set the standard for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White House briefing room."
"I want to say thank you to Jen for raising the bar, communicating directly and truthfully to the American people, and keeping her sense of humor while doing so," Biden said. "I thank Jen for her service to the country, and wish her the very best as she moves forward."
Dunn is a partner at the Democratic consulting firm SKDK, and was a senior adviser on Biden's 2020 campaign and previously chief strategist and communications director for President Barack Obama. The White House said she is returning to "assist in advancing the President's policy and communications objectives."
Read More News on
(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)
...moreDownload The Economic Times News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News. | https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/us-president-joe-biden-taps-1st-black-woman-lgbt-white-house-press-secretary/articleshow/91360563.cms | 2022-05-06T02:52:48Z | https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/us-president-joe-biden-taps-1st-black-woman-lgbt-white-house-press-secretary/articleshow/91360563.cms | true |
It doesn’t make much sense for one of your friends to make plans for the entire group, then not be around to see those plans through. It’s annoying when the consensus of the group would have gone with something different without that person anyway.
Yet that is exactly what politicians tend to do and how legislation appears to work to a degree. Call it a legacy or whatever you want, but the fact is many politicians are quite a bit older than the average population they represent. There appears to be an obsession with power, an obsession with keeping things exactly the way they are.
A lot of politicians are older, with some bordering on being elderly. That is a fact. Two United States senators are 88 years old: Dianne Feinstein from California and Charles Grassley from Iowa. Thirty members of the Senate are in their seventies. Many high-ranking politicians have had long political careers, so it would make sense they would be older, with extensive backing from supporters in their regions. As a side effect, many have extensive fortunes to fund their political campaigns.
It is not an issue that politicians are old, but when the average American is 38 years old, it brings into question who exactly is being represented here.
One key issue that illustrates this is the issue of legalizing cannabis on a federal level. Despite many Americans supporting its legalization — a majority of whom are under the age of 40 and despite their political orientation — it’s still an extremely contentious issue. It probably will be until more people from Generation X are elected into office, at least.
One would be hard-pressed to find anyone from Gen Z who thinks of cannabis negatively. Regardless whether one actually cares for its use, there is a general understanding in my generation of its risks and benefits. It’s not seen as this destructive drug. Perhaps younger generations are more open and discerning due to growing up in an age of information.
Despite well-argued cases that the federal classification of cannabinoids as a Schedule 1 narcotic is baseless, with further argument that the Nixon-era war on drugs was racially and socially motivated to marginalize certain groups, we hold onto old viewpoints through our laws. States have proven the drug can be a stable and positive contribution to society. Colorado has had legal cannabis for 10 years.
Still, our politicians cling onto this fear of change and moving forward. The bill for legalizing cannabis went through the U.S. House by an incredibly close margin. Now, a lot of the issue is some sort of partisan-related idiocy, but I see a bit more of an issue of old beliefs holding back progress.
Older politicians appear to be afraid to change their perspectives and be open to new and different ideas. It is an attitude of constantly saving face and sticking to one’s agenda, even if it is antiquated. Many political careers are based entirely upon drumming up fear about change. It’s destructive and unproductive for our society. That isn’t right. Perhaps political careers should be shortened, or more younger people should run. | https://www.santafenewmexican.com/life/teen/when-political-momentum-becomes-stale/article_26c6fbba-cc15-11ec-bf30-8b9a754f19cd.html | 2022-05-06T03:05:38Z | https://www.santafenewmexican.com/life/teen/when-political-momentum-becomes-stale/article_26c6fbba-cc15-11ec-bf30-8b9a754f19cd.html | false |
By AARON BRACY
Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The New York Mets erased a six-run deficit with seven runs in the ninth inning, capping the rally with Starling Marte’s tiebreaking double to beat the flabbergasted Philadelphia Phillies 8-7 Thursday night.
With the Mets trailing 7-1, Marte led off the inning with an infield single against James Norwood and scored on Francisco Lindor’s two-run homer. Mark Canha added an RBI infield single that clanked off pitcher Corey Knebel, and J.D. Davis had a pinch-hit RBI double to rally the NL East-leading Mets.
Brandon Nimmo then lined a tying, two-run single to center off Knebel. He came around to score when Marte ripped a double off the wall in center field.
It’s the first time New York trailed by at least six runs in the ninth and won since Sept. 13, 1997, when Carl Everett hit a tying grand slam with two outs in the ninth and the Mets went on to beat the Montreal Expos in extra innings.
Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos homered for the Phillies, and Aaron Nola pitched seven sharp innings. The Phillies have lost five of six.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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/mets-floor-phillies-with-7-run-9th-marte-caps-8-7-win/ | 2022-05-06T03:27:48Z | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/05/05/mets-floor-phillies-with-7-run-9th-marte-caps-8-7-win/ | true |
SEMINOLE, Okla. (AP) — A storm system spawned several tornadoes that whipped through areas of Texas and Oklahoma, causing damage to a school, a marijuana farm and other structures.
There were no reports of serious injuries following the Wednesday night tornadoes, but the system caused flooding in parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas, and more stormy weather took place Thursday.
Significant damage was reported in the Oklahoma city of Seminole, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) southeast of Oklahoma City, where Gov. Kevin Stitt said damage assessments were underway after he toured the area Thursday.
“(We’re) getting all the resources and supplies that the city wants and needs,” including generators, Stitt said. “Thank the Lord that nobody was hurt” and no deaths have been reported.
The National Weather Service said it found damage in Seminole from an EF2 tornado, which has winds speeds of up to 135 mph (217 kph).
More than 2,900 customers remained without power in Seminole late Thursday afternoon, according to Oklahoma Gas & Electric, more than 63% of the utility customers in the city.
The Academy of Seminole took a direct hit but no one was injured, the school said on Facebook.
Video footage from Oklahoma TV station KOCO showed a tornado hit a marijuana farm in the nearby town of Maud.
Several roads and highways were closed Thursday morning in parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas because of flash flooding.
In Bixby, Oklahoma, located south of Tulsa, officials opened a temporary shelter at a church after thunderstorms flooded some homes and streets in one neighborhood.
In East Texas, a tornado on Thursday damaged several campers and buildings at an RV park in Rusk County, Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez told KTRE-TV. The Rusk County Office of Emergency Management reported one person was injured after being hit by a tree.
On Wednesday, a “large and dangerous tornado” was spotted in the rural community of Lockett, about 170 miles (275 kilometers) northwest of Dallas, said the National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma.
The weather service said it found damage near Lockett from an EF3 tornado, which has winds speeds of up to 165 mph (265 kph).
There were no significant injuries or deaths to residents in Wilbarger County, where Lockett is located, Sheriff Brian Fritze told KAUZ-TV. He said several homes and barns appeared to sustain extensive damage.
In Washington County in northwest Arkansas, officials performed more than 30 water rescues as heavy rainfall flooded homes and streets in the cities of Fayetteville and Johnson, KHBS/KHOG-TV reported.
The storms on Wednesday and Thursday were the latest in several rounds of severe weather in the central United States. Last week, a tornado damaged more than 1,000 buildings in the Wichita suburb of Andover, Kansas. Three University of Oklahoma meteorology students died in a car crash while returning from storm chasing.
The storms, which were moving east into other southern U.S. states, could bring more tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds, and the threat of severe weather will continue Friday in parts of the South and over the weekend in the central Plains and Midwest, the weather service said.
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/tornadoes-strike-texas-oklahoma-cause-widespread-damaged/ | 2022-05-06T03:28:42Z | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/05/05/tornadoes-strike-texas-oklahoma-cause-widespread-damaged/ | true |
Blair Lawhead Music Commons dedicated
Published 4:55 pm Thursday, May 5, 2022
To those who knew Blair Lawhead, he was an energetic supporter of music and those who took part in musical endeavors.
Those attributes were on display Thursday afternoon during the dedication of The Blair Lawhead Music Commons in the Austin High School annex.
Lawhead passed away unexpectedly on Mary 14, 2018, but his legacy continued long after. The remembrances during the dedication were rich and meaningful and wove a story of the love and spirit Lawhead lived with each day.
“You are the people that meant the most to him,” Brandon Lawhead told those in attendance Thursday through tears. “If he was here he would be conveying his gratitude to you. You meant so much to him.”
Blair Lawhead was a musical prodigy during his time at AHS and that carried on with him after graduation. He was a Broadway violinist and played in a number of nationally-recognized things, including Barbara Streisand’s “The Mirror Has Two Faces” and “Higher Ground” albums.
“He was a big thinker,” Brandon said. “There came a time in high school where he would think big things like, ‘I want to be the first person to win the concertmaster seat as a sophomore.’”
Blair’s former AHS music teacher Dick Larson remembered Blair as a student in a tireless pursuit of greatness and more often than not people would go with.
“He would set a path and other people would follow,” Larson said. “He was an icon.”
For those sitting in on Thursday’s dedication, the moment felt light with the knowledge that Blair’s example could now be read by students of today, who may follow in the same footsteps he did.
“I’ve tried, with Blair’s concerts, to execute on things we discussed about handing things off to the next generation,” Brandon said, referring to the series of concerts in Blair’s name that raises money for the AHS music departments.
Regardless of the joy felt Thursday, however, it can’t take away the legacy that was cut too short.
“Blair left us too early,” Larson said. “He had so much to give.” | https://www.austindailyherald.com/2022/05/blair-lawhead-music-commons-dedicated/ | 2022-05-06T03:41:13Z | https://www.austindailyherald.com/2022/05/blair-lawhead-music-commons-dedicated/ | true |
WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
1011 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...Temporary gusty winds will impact portions of Grant, Caldwell,
Natchitoches, northern La Salle, Sabine and Winn Parishes,
southeastern Angelina, southeastern San Augustine and Sabine
Counties through 1045 PM CDT...
At 1005 PM CDT, Doppler radar and observations were tracking gusty
winds, potentially up to 50 mph, along a line extending from near
Buckner to 6 miles southeast of Many. Movement of the area of
gusty south to southwest winds was east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Natchitoches, Winnfield, Columbia, Milam, Jena, Many, Zwolle, Colfax,
Olla, Hemphill, Clarks, Pineland, Montgomery, Grayson, Browndell,
Midway, Rosevine, Urania, Florien and Provencal.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
LAT...LON 3193 9190 3193 9201 3173 9201 3148 9270
3151 9272 3152 9272 3136 9303 3136 9339
3128 9344 3128 9353 3117 9358 3116 9391
3107 9428 3149 9413 3215 9241 3215 9231
3228 9205 3227 9199 3217 9198 3216 9189
TIME...MOT...LOC 0305Z 261DEG 20KT 3227 9201 3152 9338
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern
Galveston and east central Brazoria Counties through 1045 PM CDT...
At 1015 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Santa Fe, moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph.
Galveston Causeway, Galveston Island West End, Texas City, La Marque,
Santa Fe, Hitchcock, Bayou Vista, Jamaica Beach, Tiki Island, Pelican
Island, Offatts Bayou and Scholes Field.
LAT...LON 2919 9523 2943 9517 2934 9477 2911 9510
TIME...MOT...LOC 0315Z 285DEG 28KT 2933 9512
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.theridgefieldpress.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17152941.php | 2022-05-06T03:41:40Z | https://www.theridgefieldpress.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17152941.php | false |
WFO SHREVEPORT Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, May 5, 2022
_____
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
1011 PM CDT Thu May 5 2022
...Temporary gusty winds will impact portions of Grant, Caldwell,
Natchitoches, northern La Salle, Sabine and Winn Parishes,
southeastern Angelina, southeastern San Augustine and Sabine
Counties through 1045 PM CDT...
At 1005 PM CDT, Doppler radar and observations were tracking gusty
winds, potentially up to 50 mph, along a line extending from near
Buckner to 6 miles southeast of Many. Movement of the area of
gusty south to southwest winds was east at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Natchitoches, Winnfield, Columbia, Milam, Jena, Many, Zwolle, Colfax,
Olla, Hemphill, Clarks, Pineland, Montgomery, Grayson, Browndell,
Midway, Rosevine, Urania, Florien and Provencal.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
LAT...LON 3193 9190 3193 9201 3173 9201 3148 9270
3151 9272 3152 9272 3136 9303 3136 9339
3128 9344 3128 9353 3117 9358 3116 9391
3107 9428 3149 9413 3215 9241 3215 9231
3228 9205 3227 9199 3217 9198 3216 9189
TIME...MOT...LOC 0305Z 261DEG 20KT 3227 9201 3152 9338
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southwestern
Galveston and east central Brazoria Counties through 1045 PM CDT...
At 1015 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Santa Fe, moving east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph.
Galveston Causeway, Galveston Island West End, Texas City, La Marque,
Santa Fe, Hitchcock, Bayou Vista, Jamaica Beach, Tiki Island, Pelican
Island, Offatts Bayou and Scholes Field.
LAT...LON 2919 9523 2943 9517 2934 9477 2911 9510
TIME...MOT...LOC 0315Z 285DEG 28KT 2933 9512
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17152941.php | 2022-05-06T03:42:51Z | https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-SHREVEPORT-Warnings-Watches-and-17152941.php | true |
Morning Digest | India to contest WHO figures on COVID-19-linked deaths in country; CAA will be a reality, says Amit Shah, and more
A select list of stories to read before you start your day
WHO estimates 4.7 million COVID-19-linked deaths in India
There were likely 4.7 million deaths, directly or indirectly attributable to COVID-19 in India in 2020 and 2021, according to a report by the World Health Organisation on Thursday. These are the highest, by far, for any country and comprise nearly a third of the 15 million such deaths globally.
India to contest WHO’s COVID-19 excess deaths report
India will take up the “glaring anomalies’’ in the report by the World Health Organisation on excess mortality estimates associated with the COVID-19 pandemic at the highest and appropriate forum, said sources in the Health Ministry on Thursday.
Citizenship Amendment Act was, is, and will be a reality: Amit Shah
On the day the third Trinamool Congress government completed a year in power in the State, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday exchanged barbs on a host of issues including the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA), law and order situation, and jurisdictional issues of the Border Security Force (BSF).
Four terror suspects held in Haryana, explosives seized
The police, in a press statement, said the four were supplied the weapons and explosives by gangster-turned-terrorist Harinder Singh Rinda, who is based in Pakistan, through drone. The explosives were to be taken to a location about which directions were to be given to the accused through an online application. Harinder was to be informed after the weapons and explosives were taken at the designated location.
J&K delimitation panel makes final report public, reserves two seats for Pandits
The Jammu and Kashmir Delimitation Commission made public on Thursday its final draft on redrawn constituencies, seven additional segments, and the names of constituencies.
Jignesh Mevani, 9 others get jail term in 2017 case
A local magisterial court in Gujarat’s Mehsana court sentenced them to three months’ imprisonment for taking out an ‘Azadi march’ from Mehsana to Dhanera in Banaskantha district without police permission in July 2017. Besides Mr. Mevani, NCP leader and former member of the Patidar agitation Reshma Patal has also been convicted under section 143 of the Indian Penal Code.
Stalin handled challenges in a mature manner, say DMK allies
When he took oath of office on May 7, 2021, the challenges were too many: the State coffer was empty; the medical infrastructure was inadequate to handle the pandemic and he had to deal with a government at the Centre, led by the BJP, with a diametrically opposite political view.
Collegium recommends two names for Supreme Court
The Supreme Court Collegium led by Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana has recommended Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Gujarat High Court judge Justice Jamshed Burjor Pardiwala for appointment as apex court judges.
Peace is now permanent in Kashmir Valley, says senior Army official
Lieutenant General D.P. Pandey, the outgoing General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the strategic Srinagar-based 15 Corps, has questioned the use of the term “Kashmir problem”, saying the problem in Kashmir has been largely overcome.
Over 1 lakh trees to be felled for proposed coal mining in Odisha
The Union Coal Ministry has sought to rush through the forest diversion process for proposed opencast coal mining, which would require the felling of more than one lakh standing trees in a reserve forest and cause significant disturbance to elephant population in Odisha’s Angul district.
Sri Lanka police tear gas student protesters outside parliament
Police fired tear gas on students attempting to storm Sri Lanka’s Parliament Thursday as the protesters demanded the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over the country’s worst-ever economic crisis.
Israel tightens grip on West Bank with planned restrictions
A policy released by Israeli military body COGAT imposes new restrictions on foreigners who marry Palestinians or who come to the West Bank to work, volunteer, study or teach.
LIC IPO fully subscribed on day 2; offer closes on May 9
Against 16,20,78,067 shares on offer, 16,25,35,125 bids were received, making the public issue fully subscribed, as per data on stock exchanges as of 6.24 p.m.
Jet Airways takes to skies after three years for test flight
Jet Airways could be inching closer to restarting flights with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) expected to schedule its proving flights next week following which the airline will be granted an aircraft operator’s certificate (AOC).
IPL 2022 | The Warner-Powell show sets up Delhi Capitals’ win over Sunrisers Hyderabad
Aussie slams a record 89th half-century in T20s while the West Indian smashes a 35-ball 67 to take Delhi to 207; the target proves too steep for Hyderabad.
IPL 2022: GT vs MI | It’s table-topper versus basement-dweller
In this game of glorious uncertainties, one of the few constants of the season has been the underwhelming show by Mumbai Indians.
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Macon-Bibb County files lawsuit against hotel due to public nuisance
Between March 2016 and February 2022, more than 600 emergency calls were placed regarding Bridgeview Inn and Suites on Harrison Road.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Macon-Bibb County filed a lawsuit in Superior Court Wednesday against the owners and management of the Bridgeview Inn and Suites on Harrison Road.
County leaders say between March 2016 and February 2022, more than 600 emergency calls were placed regarding Bridgeview, including drug crimes, pandering, armed robbery, rape, and other illicit activity.
“There must be action taken by the owners here and at properties just like it to end the illegal activity. To stop being a breeding ground of violence and drug usage,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “We can’t keep continuing to respond to the same spot repeatedly and having our public safety resources constantly diverted from other areas of town.”
Macon-Bibb County is asking the Court for the following relief:
- that this matter be scheduled for a hearing before in Superior Court;
- that the property be declared a public nuisance;
- that the Court temporarily and permanently enjoin and restrain Defendants from continuing to maintain this nuisance;
- that the Court award judgment in favor of Plaintiff and against Defendants for the requested equitable and declaratory relief sought in the Complaint; and
- that Plaintiff have such other and further relief as this Court deems just and equitable.
“Improving public safety is our community’s top priority, and we have the legal basis to force businesses to take the necessary steps to stop being centers of this dangerous activity,” said Mayor Miller.
Georgia law states that any nuisance which tends to the immediate annoyance of the public in general, is manifestly injurious to the public health or safety, or tends greatly to corrupt the manners and morals of the public may be abated by the order of a judge of the superior court of the county in which venue is proper. | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-bibb-county-files-lawsuit-against-hotel-due-to-public-nuisance/ | 2022-05-06T03:53:13Z | https://www.41nbc.com/macon-bibb-county-files-lawsuit-against-hotel-due-to-public-nuisance/ | false |
Edmonton high school students create company upcycling masks into jewelry
A group of 17 students at Lillian Osborne High School formed a company that crafts jewelry from used masks to help reduce the impact the disposable items have on landfills.
Participating in the Junior Achievement Program, the Grade 10 to 12 students created the original idea, incorporated their business — calling it Gaia after the Greek word for 'Mother Earth' — and are now manufacturing and selling necklaces and ear rings online.
After seeing masks as litter or filling garbage cans around their school, Harriet Li, company president and Grade 12 student, said the group was inspired to find a way to reuse them.
"We were thinking about the major global issues and COVID was a big one," Li told CTV News Edmonton. "So we decided to focus more on the environmental side of that and, if you really think about it, everyone wore masks.
"You have to think about where these masks go when you throw them out," Li added. "So, we decided to upcycle them into jewelry."
Students gather single-use non-surgical or N95 masks, sanitize them, and then disassemble them into their individual layers to encase in resin.
So far, the company has crafted around 250 pieces, with around half already sold.
"All the masks students use for the production of the products are effectively ones that are found laying on the ground," said Naveed Chaudhry, a career pathways counsellor.
"They're basically garbage," he added. "(But), these students have found an innovative way to make sure they just don't end up in the landfill."
Gaia team members recently competed at the Junior Achievement big pitch and trade show competition and took the top prize for their innovative idea.
For Chaudhry, having students participate in the Junior Achievement Program allows them to learn about being an entrepreneur, how to communicate and be a leader.
"A program like Junior Achievement," Chaudry said, "only enriches the learning experience. They're in charge of the learning and getting a chance to be creative and take the bull by the horns and run a company."
Through the program, students lead the entire process but are guided by mentors from the Edmonton business community, like Mark Tamagi.
"The students all came up with it," Tamagi said. "Their ideas is fabulous. The finished product is incredible.
"It is high-end looking, and they've done a great job, worked hard, and put it all together in a matter of three or four weeks," he added.
While the school year is coming to an end, Li said the group is considering keeping the business running through the summer.
For more information, visit Gaia's website.
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NEW YORK, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Consolidated Edison, Inc. (Con Edison) (NYSE: ED) today reported 2022 first quarter net income for common stock of $602 million or $1.70 a share compared with $419 million or $1.23 a share in the 2021 first quarter. Adjusted earnings were $522 million or $1.47 a share in the 2022 period compared with $491 million or $1.44 a share in the 2021 period. Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share in the 2022 and 2021 periods exclude the effects of hypothetical liquidation at book value (HLBV) accounting for tax equity investments in certain renewable and sustainable electric projects of Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses, Inc. (the Clean Energy Businesses) and the net mark-to-market effects of the Clean Energy Businesses. Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share in the 2022 period exclude the tax impact on the parent company of HLBV accounting and mark-to-market effects of the Clean Energy Businesses. Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share in the 2021 period exclude the impact of the impairment loss related to Con Edison's investment in Stagecoach Gas Services LLC (Stagecoach).
"Our innovative and engaged employees are enabling us to lead the transition to a clean energy future while delivering safe, reliable service to our customers and providing strong, stable returns to our investors," said Timothy P. Cawley, the chairman and chief executive officer of Con Edison. "During the quarter, we helped our customers surpass 400 megawatts of solar capacity, placed another battery project into service, and continued installing curbside chargers with New York City. We are building transmission lines under our Reliable Clean City program to support renewable energy in New York City and proposing solar investments to benefit our low-income customers."
For the year of 2022, Con Edison reaffirmed its previous forecast of adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $4.40 to $4.60 per share. Adjusted earnings per share exclude the effects of HLBV accounting for tax equity investments in certain renewable and sustainable electric projects of the Clean Energy Businesses and the related tax impact of such HLBV accounting on the parent company (approximately $40 million or $0.11 a share after-tax) and the net mark-to-market effects of the Clean Energy Businesses and the related tax impact of such mark-to-market effects on the parent company, the amounts of which will not be determinable until year end. Con Edison is considering strategic alternatives with respect to its Clean Energy Businesses. Con Edison's forecast of adjusted earnings per share for the year of 2022 does not include the impact, if any, that may result from such evaluation.
See Attachment A to this press release for a reconciliation of Con Edison's reported earnings per share to adjusted earnings per share and reported net income for common stock to adjusted earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. See Attachment B for the estimated effect of major factors resulting in variations in earnings per share and net income for common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the 2021 period.
The company's 2022 First Quarter Form 10-Q is being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A first quarter 2022 earnings release presentation will be available at www.conedison.com. (Select "For Investors" and then select "Press Releases.")
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are intended to qualify for the safe-harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations and not facts. Words such as "forecasts," "expects," "estimates," "anticipates," "intends," "believes," "plans," "will," "target," "guidance," "potential," "consider" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements reflect information available and assumptions at the time the statements are made, and accordingly speak only as of that time.
Actual results or developments might differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements because of various factors such as those identified in reports Con Edison has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, that Con Edison's subsidiaries are extensively regulated and are subject to substantial penalties; its utility subsidiaries' rate plans may not provide a reasonable return; it may be adversely affected by changes to the utility subsidiaries' rate plans; the failure of, or damage to, its subsidiaries' facilities could adversely affect it; a cyber-attack could adversely affect it; the failure of processes and systems and the performance of employees and contractors could adversely affect it; it is exposed to risks from the environmental consequences of its subsidiaries' operations, including increased costs related to climate change; its ability to pay dividends or interest depends on dividends from its subsidiaries; changes to tax laws could adversely affect it; it requires access to capital markets to satisfy funding requirements; a disruption in the wholesale energy markets or failure by an energy supplier or customer could adversely affect it; it has substantial unfunded pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities; it faces risks related to health epidemics and other outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic; its strategies may not be effective to address changes in the external business environment; and it also faces other risks that are beyond its control, including inflation and supply chain disruptions. Con Edison assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
This press release also contains financial measures, adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share, that are not determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP). These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to net income for common stock or net income per share, respectively, each of which is an indicator of financial performance determined in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share exclude from net income for common stock and net income per share, respectively, certain items that Con Edison does not consider indicative of its ongoing financial performance such as the impairment loss related to Con Edison's investment in Stagecoach, the effects of the Clean Energy Businesses' HLBV accounting for tax equity investors in certain renewable and sustainable electric projects and mark-to-market accounting and only for the 2022 period exclude the tax impact on the parent company of HLBV accounting and mark-to-market accounting. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to facilitate the analysis of Con Edison's financial performance as compared to its internal budgets and previous financial results and to communicate to investors and others Con Edison's expectations regarding its future earnings and dividends on its common stock. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are also useful and meaningful to investors to facilitate their analysis of Con Edison's financial performance.
Consolidated Edison, Inc. is one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy-delivery companies, with approximately $14 billion in annual revenues and $64 billion in assets. The company provides a wide range of energy-related products and services to its customers through the following subsidiaries: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (CECONY), a regulated utility providing electric service in New York City and New York's Westchester County, gas service in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens and parts of Westchester, and steam service in Manhattan; Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), a regulated utility serving customers in a 1,300-square-mile-area in southeastern New York State and northern New Jersey; Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses, Inc., the second-largest owners of solar electric projects in North America, which, through its subsidiaries develops, owns and operates renewable and sustainable energy infrastructure projects and provides energy-related products and services to wholesale and retail customers; and Con Edison Transmission, Inc., which falls primarily under the oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and through its subsidiaries invests in electric transmission projects supporting its parent company's effort to transition to clean, renewable energy. Con Edison Transmission manages, through joint ventures, both electric and gas assets while seeking to develop electric transmission projects that will bring clean, renewable electricity to customers, focusing on New York, New England, the Mid-Atlantic states and the Midwest.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/con-edison-reports-2022-first-quarter-earnings-301541411.html
SOURCE Consolidated Edison, Inc. | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_stocks/con-edison-reports-2022-first-quarter-earnings/article_0dcbdafa-1fde-5873-9985-9e30d28e40ce.html | 2022-05-06T03:58:23Z | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_stocks/con-edison-reports-2022-first-quarter-earnings/article_0dcbdafa-1fde-5873-9985-9e30d28e40ce.html | false |
Postmaster General DeJoy says Americans should get used to 'uncomfortable' rate hikes
WASHINGTON - Americans should get used to "uncomfortable" postage rate increases in coming years as the U.S. Postal Service seeks to become self-sufficient, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said Thursday.
The Postal Service Board of Governors sets postage rates, but DeJoy said he'll advocate for raising prices until "we have accomplished our objective of projecting a trajectory that shows us being self-sustaining."
"I believe we have been severely damaged by at least 10 years of a defective pricing model which cannot be satisfied by one or two annual price increases, especially in this inflationary environment," he added.
RELATED: US inflation report: Consumer prices jumped 8.5% in past year, highest since 1981
DeJoy made the remarks at a Board of Governors meeting in which the Postal Service reported a loss of about $1.7 billion for the latest quarter.
A sweeping overhaul meant to shore up the Postal Service's financial future will be reflected in the next quarter's results. The long-delayed law also ensures six-day-a-week mail delivery.
The bill was signed by President Joe Biden on the same day the Postal Service announced plans for the latest rate increase.
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If the increase wins final approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission, then the cost of a first-class "forever" stamp will grow by 2 cents to 60 cents, effective July 10. | https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/postmaster-general-dejoy-says-americans-should-get-used-to-uncomfortable-rate-hikes | 2022-05-06T03:59:00Z | https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/postmaster-general-dejoy-says-americans-should-get-used-to-uncomfortable-rate-hikes | true |
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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The previous 330 times the New York Mets trailed by six runs in the ninth inning, they had lost.
“I’m sure everyone counted us out,” Brandon Nimmo said. “These guys, they don’t give up. With that mentality, anything is possible.”
The Mets staged a most remarkable comeback Thursday night, erasing a six-run deficit in the ninth inning to beat the flabbergasted Philadlephia Phillies 8-7.
Nimmo delivered a tying, two-run single, then scored on Starling Marte's tiebreaking double to end a string of 857 consecutive losses by MLB clubs when trailing by six runs or more in the ninth, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
“I’m an optimist, I just keep going until they blow the whistle,” Nimmo said. “You just never give up. The stats can say all they want. They can say it can’t be done. But that’s why you play the game.”
With the Mets trailing 7-1, Marte led off the inning with an infield single against James Norwood and scored on Francisco Lindor’s two-run homer. Mark Canha added an RBI infield single that clanked off pitcher Corey Knebel (0-2), and J.D. Davis had a pinch-hit RBI double before Nimmo and Marte finished off the high point of the NL East-leading Mets' season so far.
“Just strung a lot of good at-bats together by good hitters,” Mets manager Buck Showalter said.
It’s the first time New York trailed by at least six runs in the ninth and won since Sept. 13, 1997, when Carl Everett hit a tying grand slam with two outs in the ninth and the Mets went on to beat the Montreal Expos in extra innings. It was just the third time in Mets history they have come back from at least six runs down in the ninth to win, according to Elias.
Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos homered for the Phillies, and Aaron Nola pitched seven sharp innings. The Phillies have lost five of six.
“That’s about as hard as I’ve been through,” Phillies manager Joe Girardi said. “This is as tough as it gets.”
Marte also had a solo homer in the sixth.
The Mets avoided consecutive losses for the second time this season in amazing fashion, continuing the optimism in New York after a fast start.
“Nights like tonight make you realize what it can be,” Showalter said.
It looked like Nola was going to earn his second victory when the Mets came to bat in the ninth having scored just one run on three hits.
Edwin Diaz pitched a scoreless ninth for his sixth save in seven chances. Adonis Medina (1-0) allowed one hit in 2 2/3 scoreless innings.
PHILLY’S FAST START
Philadelphia jumped on Taijuan Walker for four runs in the first inning.
Harper had an RBI double, J.T. Realmuto and Jean Segura added RBI singles and Castellanos had a run-scoring groundout. The Phillies were helped by a costly error by shortstop Lindor on Alec Bohm’s grounder early in the inning.
Philadelphia went in front 7-0 in the fourth on back-to-back homers by Harper and Castellanos.
WALKER’S NIGHT
Walker, making just his third start due to a stint on the injured list with a shoulder injury, lasted just four innings and surrendered six earned runs on nine hits with two strikeouts and two walks. All three of his outings have been against Philadelphia.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Phillies: Castellanos left the game in the sixth inning after getting hit by an 86-mph changeup from Medina. Castellanos has a right wrist contusion. X-rays were negative and he is day-to-day, the Phillies said.
UP NEXT
Mets RHP Max Scherzer (4-0, 2.61) is scheduled to face Phillies RHP Kyle Gibson (2-1, 2.93) in the second game of the four-game set on Friday night.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/Mets-floor-Phillies-with-7-run-9th-Marte-caps-17152837.php | 2022-05-06T04:08:04Z | https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/Mets-floor-Phillies-with-7-run-9th-Marte-caps-17152837.php | false |
ROCKY HILL, Conn. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday evening's drawing of the Connecticut Lottery's "Cash 5" game were:
07-10-14-15-33
(seven, ten, fourteen, fifteen, thirty-three)
ROCKY HILL, Conn. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday evening's drawing of the Connecticut Lottery's "Cash 5" game were:
07-10-14-15-33
(seven, ten, fourteen, fifteen, thirty-three) | https://www.theintelligencer.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Cash-5-game-17152915.php | 2022-05-06T04:11:01Z | https://www.theintelligencer.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Cash-5-game-17152915.php | false |
Dubai: The newly opened Gold Souk Extension is about adding more glitter to Dubai’s status as a global hub for precious metals, stones and jewellery. At the same time, the marketplace is giving a timely high-profile lift to the city’s precious legacy – the district of Deira.
In many ways, Deira’s sprawling commercial and residential areas are seeing increased resident activity as new buildings and communities are delivered. The Dubai government owned wasl has had multiple successes with recently completed projects in the area, and there have been those from private developers that have met with equal fervour from tenants.
It is to this mix that the stores and buildings of the Gold Souk Extension has been added. One-bedroom apartments of 1,000 square feet plus have rents starting at Dh60,500, while two-bedroom units (of a near 1,200 square feet and over) are from Dh79,000. More residential and office units, as well as stores, are to be delivered. (In all there will be 468 premium apartments within the hub.)
Dubai’s historical districts – and Deira is right up there – will be going through their own transformation as part of the 2040 Urban Master Plan. The Gold Souk Extension – all 1.181 million square feet of it – fits right into that strategy. According to Issam Galadari, Director and CEO of Ithra Dubai, the developer, “The Gold Souk Extension is a tribute to Dubai’s legacy of trade. The historic significance of this area has been lifted to provide an enriched experience while accommodating the increasing number of visitors.”
Ithra’s portfolio features the aptly titled ‘Deira Enrichment Project’ across an entire stretch bordering the Corniche.
A process of revitalising
As more of Dubai’s emerging locations catch the attention of property buyers and tenants, it is equally vital to give varying shades of makeover to the legacy areas. The stretch of prime land in Deira along the Corniche is getting all of that, with destinations such as the Souk and the already popular Waterfront Market as part of it. There are the set of hotels and resorts at Deira Island.
“These will prompt existing landlords to give an extensive quality upgrade to their properties,” said an estate agent who has multiple listings in and around Deira. “Each new residential building in the area generated heavy leasing interest, even when the rates were higher than the average in that area. The same demand will happen for the residential buildings at Gold Souk Extension, more so because the rental market is ticking up.
“There is a flight to quality – and landlords are getting the message loud and clear.”
New listings, new benchmarks
A brand new tower in Al Mamzar is listing two-bedroom apartments for Dh70,000 a year, with two-month rent-free and payments in six cheques. Another two-bedroom unit, this one in Hor Al Anz and next to the Metro, is offering it for Dh55,000 – and with no commission.
“Deira hasn’t seen the kind of year-on-year increases of high-demand destinations such as Dubai Marina, Business Bay or Downtown,” said the agent. “Even so, there are buildings – new and old – that are able to ask higher rentals because demand is coming back nicely. Anything with space and delivered to a quality are leasing without any difficulty.”
That message is being delivered to landlords, and many of them will start on their own property makeovers. For inspiration, they need to look at the new and sparkling attractions that make up the Gold Souk Extension. | https://gulfnews.com/business/property/dubais-deira-district-is-reinventing-itself---and-with-a-little-help-from-all-new-gold-souk-extension-1.1651808680810 | 2022-05-06T04:14:23Z | https://gulfnews.com/business/property/dubais-deira-district-is-reinventing-itself---and-with-a-little-help-from-all-new-gold-souk-extension-1.1651808680810 | false |
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US: Next battle over access to abortion will focus on pills
Use of abortion pills has been rising in the U.S. since 2000 when the Food and Drug Administration approved mifepristone - the main drug used in medication abortions. More than half of U.S. abortions are now done with pills, rather than surgery, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - It took two trips over state lines, navigating icy roads and a patchwork of state laws, for a 32-year-old South Dakota woman to get abortion pills last year.
For abortion-seekers like her, such journeys, along with pills sent through the mail, will grow in importance if the Supreme Court follows through with its leaked draft opinion that would overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision and allow individual states to ban the procedure. The woman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because she was concerned for her family's safety, said the abortion pills allowed her to end an unexpected and high-risk pregnancy and remain devoted to her two children.
But anti-abortion activists and politicians say those cross-border trips, remote doctors' consultations and pill deliveries are what they will try to stop next.
"Medication abortion will be where access to abortion is decided," said Mary Ziegler, a professor at Florida State University College of Law who specializes in reproductive rights. "That's going to be the battleground that decides how enforceable abortion bans are."
Use of abortion pills has been rising in the U.S. since 2000 when the Food and Drug Administration approved mifepristone - the main drug used in medication abortions. More than half of U.S. abortions are now done with pills, rather than surgery, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights.
Two drugs are required. The first, mifepristone, blocks a hormone needed to maintain a pregnancy. A second drug, misoprostol, taken one to two days later, empties the uterus. Both drugs are available as generics and are also used to treat other conditions.
The FDA last year lifted a long-standing requirement that women pick up abortion pills in person. Federal regulations now also allow mail delivery nationwide. Even so, 19 states have passed laws requiring a medical clinician to be physically present when abortion pills are administered to a patient.
South Dakota is among them, joining several states, including Texas, Kentucky, Arkansas, Ohio, Tennessee and Oklahoma, where Republicans have moved to further restrict access to abortion pills in recent months.
Those moves have spurred online services that offer information on getting abortion pills and consultations to get a prescription. After the woman in South Dakota found that the state's only abortion clinic could not schedule her in time for a medication abortion, she found an online service, called Just The Pill, that advised her to drive across to Minnesota for a phone consultation with a doctor. A week later, she came back to Minnesota for the pills.
She took the first one almost immediately in her car, then cried as she drove home.
"I felt like I lost a pregnancy," she said. "I love my husband and I love my children and I knew exactly what I had to say goodbye to and that was a really horrible thing to have to do."
Besides crossing state lines, women can also turn to international online pharmacies, said Greer Donley, a professor specializing in reproductive health care at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. Some women also are having prescribed pills forwarded through states without restrictions.
"It allows for someone to have an abortion without a direct role of a provider. It's going to be much harder for states to control abortion access," she said, adding, "The question is how is it going to be enforced?"
Abortion law experts say it's an unsettled question whether states can restrict access to abortion pills in the wake of the FDA's decision.
"The general rule is that federal law preempts conflicting state law," said Laura Hermer, a professor at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. "There is no question that the FDA has proper authority to regulate the drugs used in medication abortions. The question is whether a state can make a viable, winning argument that, for public health purposes, it needs to further regulate access to the relevant medications."
Hermer said she doesn't think there is a valid public health reason because the published evidence is that the drugs are "exceptionally safe." But if the Supreme Court overrules Roe v. Wade and a state gives embryos and fetuses full rights as people "then all bets would be off."
The Planned Parenthood regional organization that includes South Dakota doesn't believe it can legally mail abortion pills to patients there.
Telemedicine providers have to abide by the laws of the state where the patient is, said Dr. Sarah Traxler, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood North Central States in St. Paul. She acknowledged that some organizations disagree. "But," she added, "we don't feel like we have liberty to mail pills from Minnesota to other places in the country where it's illegal to provide medication abortion."
Sue Leibel, the state policy director for Susan B. Anthony List, a prominent organization opposed to abortion, acknowledged that medication abortions have "crept up" on Republican state lawmakers.
"This is a new frontier and states are grappling with enforcement mechanisms," she said, adding, "The advice that I always give - if you shut the front door, the pills are going to come in the back door."
Leibel maintained women should not be prosecuted for seeking abortions, keeping with a long-standing principle of many abortion opponents. She suggested the next target for state enforcement should be the pharmacies, organizations and clinics that provide the abortion pills. She also said abortion-rights opponents should focus on electing a presidential candidate who would work to reverse the FDA's decision.
The FDA said a scientific review supported broadening access to the drugs and found complications were rare. The agency has reported 26 deaths associated with the drug since 2000, though not all of those can be directly attributed to the medication due to existing health conditions and other factors.
However, with new legal battles on the horizon and abortion seekers going to greater lengths to obtain the procedure, Donley, the law school professor, worried that state lawmakers will turn their attention toward the women who get the pills.
Indeed, a Louisiana House committee advanced a bill Wednesday that would make abortion a crime of homicide for which a woman ending her pregnancy could be charged, along with anyone helping her.
"Many anti-abortion legislators might realize the only way to enforce these laws is to prosecute the pregnant person themselves," Donley said.
___
Associated Press writer Steve Karnowski contributed from St. Paul, Minnesota.
The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday relieved Madurai Government Medical College's Dean Dr A. Ratnavel over MBBS students of the college taking 'Maharshi Charak Shapath' instead of the traditional Hippocratic oath. | https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/us-next-battle-over-access-to-abortion-will-focus-on-pills/91359630 | 2022-05-06T04:16:30Z | https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/us-next-battle-over-access-to-abortion-will-focus-on-pills/91359630 | false |
EDMONTON - Kaiden Guhle scored and added an assist as the Edmonton Oil Kings opened their second-round WHL playoff series with the Red Deer Rebels with a 4-0 blanking Thursday.
Sebastian Cossa stopped all 18 shots he faced to pick up the shutout as the Oil Kings coasted to a series opening win.
Dylan Guenther opened scoring in the game at the 10:18 mark for his fifth of the post-season and the other three Oil Kings goals came in the second, including Kaiden Guhle's at the 14:49 mark of the frame.
Chase Coward stopped 23-of-27 shots for the Rebels before he was replaced by Connor Ungar in the third period. Ungar made eight saves in relief.
Game 2 goes between these two teams goes Saturday in Edmonton again.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2022. | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Edmonton-Oil-Kings-blank-Red-Deer-Rebels-4-0-to-17153011.php | 2022-05-06T04:18:18Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Edmonton-Oil-Kings-blank-Red-Deer-Rebels-4-0-to-17153011.php | true |
Name : M’hiri Fadhel
Title : Engineer, Director, Transfer and Innovation technologies
Organisme : Tunis International Center for Environmental Technologies (CITET)
Tunisia. e-mail : fadhel.mhiri@yahoo.com
Education :
1997: Master degree in hydraulic and environmental modeling (ENIT)
1995 : Civil Engineer ; Hydraulic speciality (ENIT / Tunis National School of Engineers)
Professional Experience:
1995 -1996: Research program for transport sediment (ENIT)
1997 - 1998: Hydrological Department (CITET)
1999 - 2004: Research development department
*Biological treatment of olive mill waste water
*Decontamination site polluted by hydrocarbon
*Biological evolution study of municipal solid wastes landfills
*Composting
*Energetic valorisation of organic waste from wholesale market
2005 – 2008: Chief of transfer and innovation technologies department
*Innovative treated waste water process in rural zone
* Network for environment in the cement sector
2009-2014: Director of transfer and innovation technologies department
*LED Lighting street by renewable energy from sun and wind
* Network for environment in the recycling organic wastes | https://viadeo.journaldunet.com/p/m-hiri-fadhel-869420 | 2022-05-06T04:21:42Z | https://viadeo.journaldunet.com/p/m-hiri-fadhel-869420 | false |
Police: Father charged with first-degree murder in 17-year-old daughter’s death
TINLEY PARK, Ill. (Gray News) - Authorities in Illinois are investigating a deadly incident where a 17-year-old girl was killed.
The Village of Tinley Public Safety Department reports police were called to a home about 40 minutes north of downtown Chicago regarding a possible death investigation on May 1.
Officers said they discovered the body of a 17-year-old girl, later identified as Mia Maro, on the lower level of the house. They also found her father, Mohammed Almaru, 42, with self-inflicted wounds to his wrist and throat.
Almaru had ingested pills and was taken to Christ Hospital, where police said he was able to be stabilized.
A medical examiner determined Maro died as a result of multiple injuries and ruled her death a homicide, according to the public safety department.
Police said they could not speak to Maro’s father as he was being treated at the hospital. However, once he was able to be questioned and based on the evidence found, Almaru was charged with first-degree murder.
“I’d like to offer my sincerest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Mia,” Mayor Michael Glotz said. “By all accounts, she was a lovely young woman at the very beginning of her life, a life that she will now never get to fulfill. To her family, friends and fellow students at Andrew High School, we mourn her passing with you.”
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wistv.com/2022/05/06/police-father-charged-with-first-degree-murder-17-year-old-daughters-death/ | 2022-05-06T04:25:32Z | https://www.wistv.com/2022/05/06/police-father-charged-with-first-degree-murder-17-year-old-daughters-death/ | true |
UTA has announced a new curated live series, Hear This, launching at The Grace in London on Tuesday, May 10.
The inaugural event at the Highbury Corner venue showcases women in R&B and soul, and features Claudia Valentina (pictured), Mnelia and Tolü Makay.
With performances for an audience of selected industry figures and new music fans, the series is designed to provide early amplification for exciting newcomers during the early stages of their careers.
Future events, set to take place every three months, will continue to “spotlight the most vibrant emerging talent, genres and cultures surrounding the leading international agency’s London operations”, according to a statement.
Rebecca Prochnik, UTA’s director of growth and strategy for UK music, said: “The true strength of an agency is measured equally by its ability to develop new talent, as it is in elevating established acts.
“The more we proactively cultivate spaces for showcasing the artists, scenes and cultures that we’re most excited about, and the more we work on bringing game-changing opportunities to the table, the better equipped our new artists are for success.”
This month’s headliner, Claudia Valentina, was named MTV’s UK Push Artist in 2021. Signed to EMI and Republic, she has racked up over 13 million streams for her debut single Seven.
Tickets for Hear This are priced at £6 plus booking fees, available directly from The Grace venue website. Industry figures can reach out to UTA with guestlist requests.
Subscribers can read our UTA feature here. | https://www.musicweek.com:443/live/read/uta-launches-curated-live-series-to-showcase-new-artists/085740 | 2022-05-06T04:27:45Z | https://www.musicweek.com:443/live/read/uta-launches-curated-live-series-to-showcase-new-artists/085740 | true |
SAN DIEGO, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TuSimple (Nasdaq: TSP), a global self-driving technology company based in San Diego, California, today announced its participation in the following investor conferences.
- On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, management will present in a panel at the Bank of America 2022 Transportation, Airlines and Industrials Conference in Boston, MA.
- On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time, management will present in a virtual track presentation at the Morgan Stanley Virtual China Summit 2022.
- On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 2:50 p.m. Eastern Time, management will present in a fireside chat at the J.P. Morgan 50th Annual Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference in Boston, MA.
- On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, management will virtually participate in the 2022 UBS Global Truck, Commercial Vehicle and Powertrain Conference.
- On Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 1:05 p.m. Eastern Time, management will present in a virtual panel at the Wolfe 15th Annual Global Transportation & Industrials Conference.
Management will be available for one-on-one or group meetings with institutional investors at all the conferences above. Portfolio managers and analysts who wish to request a meeting should contact their institutional sales representative at each sponsoring bank.
About TuSimple
TuSimple is a global autonomous driving technology company headquartered in San Diego, California, with operations in Arizona, Texas, Europe, and China. Founded in 2015, TuSimple is developing a commercial-ready, fully autonomous (SAE Level 4) driving solution for long-haul heavy-duty trucks. TuSimple aims to transform the $4 trillion global truck freight industry through the company's leading AI technology, which makes it possible for trucks to drive safely autonomously, operate nearly continuously, and reduce fuel consumption by 10%+ relative to manually driven trucks. Global achievements include the world's first fully autonomous, 'driver-out' semi-truck run on open public roads, and development of the world's first Autonomous Freight Network (AFN). Visit us at www.tusimple.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE TuSimple Holdings, Inc. | https://www.wistv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/tusimple-participate-upcoming-investor-conferences/ | 2022-05-06T04:28:07Z | https://www.wistv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/05/tusimple-participate-upcoming-investor-conferences/ | false |
Building collapse in central China kills 53 people
The building collapsed a week ago but Chinese state media confirmed a final number of deaths, as the search for survivors was called off.
Friday 6 May 2022 05:02, UK
Fifty-three people are confirmed to have died after the rear of a six-storey building suddenly collapsed in China.
The residential and commercial building caved in on 29 April and it was initially thought that five people had died.
But the number of casualties was updated in the early hours of Friday by the Associated Press, citing Chinese state media.
Ten people have been rescued from the building in the city of Changsha, in Hunan province, and the search operation has been called off.
The last survivor was pulled from the rubble on Thursday, five-and-a-half days after the collapse.
The woman had spent about 132 hours in the debris.
Survivors are reportedly being treated in hospital where they are in good condition.
It is thought that rain over the last few days may have helped them survive without food or water.
At least nine people have been arrested on suspicion of ignoring building codes or similar violations.
They include the building's owner, three people in charge of design and construction, and five people who allegedly gave a false safety assessment for a guest house between the fourth and sixth floors of the building. | https://news.sky.com/story/building-collapse-in-central-china-kills-53-people-12606382 | 2022-05-06T04:39:18Z | https://news.sky.com/story/building-collapse-in-central-china-kills-53-people-12606382 | true |
APPLETON, Wisc. (WANE) – After getting shut out three games in a row the TinCaps finally broke through on Thursday night, topping Wisconsin 4-3 for their first victory against the Timber Rattles in game three of their current six-game series.
TinCaps outfielder Corey Rosier broke a scoreless tie with a solo home run in the top of the sixth.
The TinCaps added three runs in the top of the ninth, with Anthony Vilar stroking a two-run single followed by an RBI single from Ripken Reyes.
TinCaps starting pitcher Noel Vela struck out ten in five scoreless innings while scattering three hits.
The TinCaps and Timber Rattlers are scheduled to play game four of their series on Friday at 7:40 p.m. | https://www.wane.com/sports/tincaps/tincaps-snap-scoring-drought-in-win-over-wisconsin/ | 2022-05-06T04:40:20Z | https://www.wane.com/sports/tincaps/tincaps-snap-scoring-drought-in-win-over-wisconsin/ | false |
If you play Powerball regularly, maybe you’ve pondered how the prize for matching a white ball and a Powerball in the game is the same as matching the Powerball alone. These are the two most common winning tickets, have significantly different odds, appear on separate lines in the prize table, yet yield the same prize. What fun is that?
Big jackpots get all of the glory. Two weeks back, a visit to a QuickTrip in Arizona netted someone a $473 million winner, $283.3 million in a lump sum, to split with the taxman. Had the ticket holder missed the Powerball they’d have walked away with a million-dollar consolation prize.
Those numbers make sense. Matching six white balls and a Powerball is a 1-292 million event, the odds of matching six white balls are 1-11,688,053. The less probable event yields a better payout.
Now lower your expectations to the likeliest prizes — the break-even winners — and the logic of the game fizzles along with some of the fun. The odds of matching just the Powerball are 1-38 while the odds of matching a white ball and a Powerball are 1-92. The prize table says the two events are equal, they both pay $2. It’s a let down.
The game would be more entertaining if each of the very finite combinations of matching numbers yielded a unique prize in line with its probability, even if in aggregate that might shave a few million off the occasional life-changing windfalls of jackpot winners.
Powerball is run by the Multi-State Lottery Association (musl.com), a non-profit consortium that runs lotteries for 38 states and territories. It designs the games, managing the gambling operation that New Hampshire has a stake in and returning a share. Assuring the money keeps flowing is critical for our state — about 29 cents out of every dollar spent in our New Hampshire lottery aids education — but we can also be an advocate for making the game more fun.
Holding the powerful to account is one of the most important functions of the press. This is often accomplished by asking tough questions of politicians or exposing government wrongdoing.
The new state voter confidence commission (see related editorial today) may face a challenge or two. Consider the latest proposal to entirely redraw New Hampshire’s two congressional districts.
New Hampshire Democrats and their teacher union affiliates have officially set their hair on fire in yet another attack on Gov. Chris Sununu and Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut. The latest offense? It’s a coin toss between their protest that new federal rules would harm public charter …
Give him credit for intent, but new Secretary of State David Scanlan may be selling himself a little short regarding concerns about the integrity of New Hampshire elections. Apart from political haggling over redistricting, we think the great majority of Granite Staters have faith in our ele…
Voting once wasn’t good enough for Alton’s Todd Krysiak. So in the 2016 election, he cast a ballot in Leominster, Mass. too. For that crime, he’ll pay nearly $5,000 in fines and penalties. He’ll also no longer be able to vote legally in New Hampshire. Let’s see if that stops him.
We hope the full state Senate will agree with last week’s unanimous committee vote and spike the idea of using state-operated stores as supermarkets for marijuana. | https://www.unionleader.com/opinion/editorials/powerball-buff-the-prize-table/article_c1b23a8e-4929-5e79-9a50-83ac84218e18.html | 2022-05-06T04:52:49Z | https://www.unionleader.com/opinion/editorials/powerball-buff-the-prize-table/article_c1b23a8e-4929-5e79-9a50-83ac84218e18.html | true |
CANTON, Mass., May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Massachusetts Nurses Association Board of Directors – nurses and healthcare professionals elected by their MNA colleagues – have released the following statement in response to the leaked draft U.S. Supreme Court majority decision to reverse longstanding abortion rights precedents, including Roe v. Wade.
"The ability to exercise bodily autonomy is a fundamental human right. The draft majority Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade would radically disrupt healthcare in the United States and disproportionately place low-income, under-resourced and traditionally marginalized people at risk. The ruling would add additional unfair obstacles to women and all child-bearing people who face heightened barriers to exercising their reproductive rights and autonomy. There has been increasing recognition and validation of healthcare inequality, particularly along racial and economic lines. A reversal of Roe v. Wade would codify that inequality, further harming communities whose health are already endangered by these disparities. This decision would mean significant backward movement in our nation's efforts to address healthcare inequality and would open the door to additional erosion of individual choice."
"Legal experts have predicted this decision, if enacted, could trigger dormant abortion bans in many states and lead to abortion restrictions being implemented across the country. The Roe reversal as drafted could result in the targeting of caregivers, physicians, nurses, and nurse practitioners who provide abortion services. A Texas law allows members of the public to pursue civil lawsuits against providers, and an Alabama law would subject physicians to criminal prosecution, including a life sentence in prison. The criminalization of providing essential healthcare services is a dark vision of our future that cannot stand. We must also resist returning to a time when child-bearing people were forced to take health risks to exercise their right to bodily autonomy. If implemented as drafted, the decision could additionally threaten federal rights to same-sex marriage and access to contraceptives.
"As union members, nurses, and healthcare professionals, we believe everyone should have equal access to healthcare. Where you live and how much money you have should not determine if you can receive safe, legal abortion services. No one's race or any other aspect of their identity should be used to restrict their health choices. We deliver care based on best practices. As nurses in Massachusetts, we are responsible for the "health maintenance, teaching, counseling, collaborative planning, and restoration of optimal functioning and comfort" of our patients. Healthcare decisions should be between patients and their providers, without the interference of government or political ideology.
"The anticipated Roe reversal and other laws seeking to curtain individual rights and freedom will perpetuate our country's cycle of racism, sexism, and inequality. This is something we must all stand up against. As our union has taught us time and time again, an injustice to one is an injustice to all. MNA nurses and healthcare professionals supported passage of the Commonwealth's Roe Act and have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to ensuring equitable access to all healthcare services, including the termination of a pregnancy. We are fully dedicated not just to our individual patients but to advancing the cause of universal healthcare that meets the needs of everyone equally. The progress that has been made in the United States to broaden and equalize healthcare access should not be halted and reversed. We must unite in opposition to the erosion of human rights and fight for healthcare justice for all."
MassNurses.org │ Facebook.com/MassNurses │ Twitter.com/MassNurses │ Instagram.com/MassNurses
____________________________________________
Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.
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SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/elected-nurses-healthcare-professionals-mna-board-directors-respond-dangerous-unjust-draft-us-supreme-court-decision-reverse-roe-v-wade/ | 2022-05-06T04:54:43Z | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/elected-nurses-healthcare-professionals-mna-board-directors-respond-dangerous-unjust-draft-us-supreme-court-decision-reverse-roe-v-wade/ | false |
Hannity breaks down new bombshells in the Durham probe
Durham wants jurors to hear about the, quote, intersection of Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussman's work, said Hannity
Fox News host Sean Hannity was joined by Republican Rep. Jim Jordan and Fox News contributor Jason Chaffetz on Thursday's "Hannity," to discuss the latest revelations in the Durham investigation.
SEAN HANNITY: We have major updates in special counsel John Durham's long investigation into the origins of the Russia probe. He now wants the jurors to hear about the, quote, intersection of Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussman's work. Remember, he's the one that is charged here, against President Trump and with that of Christopher Steele and his dirty disinformation dossier that Hillary paid for. Now, during a pretrial hearing, one of Durham's lawyers argued that the jurors should be made aware of a July 2016 meeting between Sussman and Steele, calling it probative and relevant. Now, this came on the heels of the presiding judge ruling in Durham's favor, agreeing to review dozens of the records which were withheld on claims of attorney client privilege by Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign to see if they were improperly concealed.
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…
Now, Durham wants jurors at this trial to know that Clinton's attorney, Michael Sussman, in 2016, about this intersection of his work against former President Trump and that of the author of the debunked Steele dossier.
WATCH THE FULL SEGMENT BELOW: | https://www.foxnews.com/media/hannity-breaks-down-bombshells-durham-probe | 2022-05-06T04:59:11Z | https://www.foxnews.com/media/hannity-breaks-down-bombshells-durham-probe | true |
A new initiative aimed at increasing the number of Black Americans registered as organ donors and combating disparities among transplant recipients was announced Thursday by a coalition that includes the four medical schools at the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities.
The collaboration follows a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report, “Realizing the Promise of Equity in the Organ Transplantation System,” that found significant disparities in the nation’s organ transplant system. It wasreleased earlier this year and commissioned by Congress, which wanted to examine equity within the donor organ procurement, allocation and distribution system.
The initiative — which was created by the Consortium of HBCU Medical Schools, the Organ Donation Advocacy Group and Association of Organ Procurement Organizations — plans to create new opportunities for Black medical and nursing students to shadow organ procurement organizations and transplant centers and collaborate with partner HBCUs that offer programs in nursing, public health, public policy and health care administration. The initiative announcement was shared with The Associated Press first.
The HBCU consortium behind the initiative includes the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Sciences in Los Angeles, Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, and the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta.
The initiative will have health professionals speaking to K-12 students in Black communities about the field and career pathways. It will also focus on community education, including creating accessible materials about transplantation for dialysis patients and hosting health fairs and blood drives.
Concerns about equitable access to organ transplants have existed for decades in America. But attention has increased in recent years after the global COVID-19 pandemic exacted a disparate toll among Black Americansand laid bare the nation’s long-standing racial health inequities caused by structural racism, unequal access to care and bias within the nation’s medical system.
“At the heart of all this is the profound disparity in transplants that are given and performed on African Americans versus whites in our country, and it’s a long-standing problem and issue,” said Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, president and CEO of Meharry Medical College, in an interview with The Associated Press.
“And some of this messaging has to come from trusted organizations, which is another one of the reasons that we believe that the four Black medical schools have a very important role to play that quite honestly could not be filled by any other organizations in the country,” Hildreth said.
HBCU medical schools have historically served as a necessary pipeline for Black doctors and other medical professionals. Hildreth said the initiative will increase those numbers. The HBCU Medical School Collaborative was formed in 2020 to address health equity amid the pandemic. But Hildreth said the schools have a legacy of working together, often on disparity areas that the medicine and health systems historically have ignored.
But the HBCU collaboration has since grown and they have identified kidney transplants and donations as an area of concern because Black nephrologists — doctors who diagnose and treat acute and chronic kidney problems — account for less than 7% of the industry and only 5.5% of transplant surgeons are Black.
About 80% of Meharry graduates go on to work in underserved communities, Hildreth said, and 85% are Black. The vast majority of them come from households with lower incomes than a typical white medical student would have.
“Minorities and people of color have been consistently underrepresented throughout medicine, and the field of organ and tissue donation and transplantation is no exception,” said Dr. Clive Callender, a transplant surgeon and medical professor at Howard University College of Medicine, who is seen as a trailblazer for organ donation equity. “This collaboration will allow us to save thousands of lives across the country by strengthening relationships between health care workers, Black and minority patients, and organ and transplantation professionals.”
According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, Black Americans make up the largest group among people of color in the United States who are in need of organ transplants. Black Americans are almost four times as likely as white Americans to develop kidney failure, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
And while Black Americans make up about 13% of the U.S. population, they account for 35% of people with kidney failure, which accounts for the majority of transplants. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine — or NASEM — report set a benchmark to increase organ transplants to 50,000 annually by 2026; 41,354 transplants were performed in 2021, an increase of 5.9% over 2020.
However, while 28.5% of the total candidates currently waiting for transplants are Black Americans, they only comprised 12.9% of organ donors in 2020. The total number of white Americans on organ transplant waiting lists is about 1.4 times greater than that of Black people, but the number of candidates waiting for a kidney transplant is almost the same between the two groups.
“By the time they get on the list, there’s a great deal of urgency. And because of the long waits, many of them, of course, don’t make it to get a transplant,” Hildreth said of Black candidates.
Annual transplant records were set last year across three major areas including 24,669 kidney transplants, 9,236 liver transplants and 3,817 heart transplants. And out of 57 organ procurement organizations nationwide, 49 saw increases over 2020, and 45 set all-time records for donors recovered in a single year.
But the disparities still exist.
Jill Grandas, executive director of DCI Donor Services, an organ procurement organization that serves Tennessee, New Mexico and California, said DCI will be working with the HBCUs on the ground in communities and among health sectors to raise awareness about transplants and becoming organ donors. She said her team encounters levels of mistrust among Black Americans and other people of color that is rooted in a historical lack of confidence in a health system that has exacted harm upon their families and communities.
A lack of industry leaders working to break down “barriers of trust” through education and direct programming is another factor, Grandas said. There also needs to be a lens of accountability placed on organ procurement and transplant centers to ensure they’re working to address disparities, Grandas added.
“Equity is an issue that must be addressed,” Grandas said.
Renée Landers, former deputy general counsel for HHS who was on the authoring committee for the NASEM report, said she hopes the initiative spurs more action to address transplantation and donor disparities but also ones across the health field.
“Having this particular focus on building or encouraging people of color to go into the health professions as physicians and other kinds of caregivers is really important,” said Landers, a law professor and faculty director of health and biomedical law at Suffolk University Law School in Boston. “And Black medical schools can play a really significant role in that.”
___
Stafford is based in Detroit. She is a national investigative race writer for the AP’s Race and Ethnicity team. Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/kat__stafford. | https://www.koin.com/news/national/hbcu-medical-schools-to-tackle-organ-transplant-disparities/ | 2022-05-06T05:03:05Z | https://www.koin.com/news/national/hbcu-medical-schools-to-tackle-organ-transplant-disparities/ | true |
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday evening's drawing of the Texas Lottery's "Pick 3 Night" game were:
5-1-7, FIREBALL: 1
(five, one, seven; FIREBALL: one)
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday evening's drawing of the Texas Lottery's "Pick 3 Night" game were:
5-1-7, FIREBALL: 1
(five, one, seven; FIREBALL: one) | https://www.sheltonherald.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Night-game-17152985.php | 2022-05-06T05:03:11Z | https://www.sheltonherald.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Night-game-17152985.php | true |
Tamar Valley Discovery Trail new footbridge open
- Published
A new footbridge is enabling people to watch wildlife at a recently flooded wetland.
The bridge at Calstock, Cornwall, spans 1.2km (0.7 mile) and is the "jewel in the crown" of the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail, according to project leaders.
It was created over a newly-flooded wetland, as a part of the River Tamar Walkway and Wetland Project.
The bridge is the final part of a £3.1m flood defence scheme in the village.
A spokesperson said the bridge would "enable the local community and visitors to enjoy the wildlife that is flocking to the recently flooded wetland area".
It is described as "the final piece of the jigsaw" in a £3.1m flood defence scheme, delivered by the Environment Agency, Tamar Community Trust, Calstock Parish Council, Calstock Footpath Society and Tamar Valley AONB.
It was designed and constructed to span a breach through an old flood embankment and to maintain a well used footpath.
The spokesperson added: "The community's new footbridge is an integral part of the works, maintaining the 1.2km stretch - described as a jewel in the crown - of the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail."
Jane Kiely, chairwoman of Tamar Community Trust, said there was an "increasing abundance of wildlife beginning to use the wetlands", including an otter, Canada geese, shelducks, moorhens, and a heron.
Follow BBC News South West on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-61337033 | 2022-05-06T05:06:15Z | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-61337033 | true |
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday evening's drawing of the Indiana Lottery's "Cash 5" game were:
08-19-32-36-39
(eight, nineteen, thirty-two, thirty-six, thirty-nine)
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday evening's drawing of the Indiana Lottery's "Cash 5" game were:
08-19-32-36-39
(eight, nineteen, thirty-two, thirty-six, thirty-nine) | https://www.ncadvertiser.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Cash-5-game-17152980.php | 2022-05-06T05:07:13Z | https://www.ncadvertiser.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Cash-5-game-17152980.php | true |
HS Soccer: District scores & highlights (Thursday, May 5)
Published: May. 5, 2022 at 11:12 PM CDT|Updated: 54 minutes ago
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - HS Soccer Scoreboard
Thursday, May 5
Boys:
Omaha Bryan 3, Lincoln Southeast 2
Gretna 3, Millard North 0
Girls:
Omaha Westside 2, Elkhorn South 0
Gretna 4, Papillion-LaVista 0
Copyright 2022 KOLN. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2022/05/06/hs-soccer-district-scores-highlights-thursday-may-5/ | 2022-05-06T05:07:20Z | https://www.1011now.com/2022/05/06/hs-soccer-district-scores-highlights-thursday-may-5/ | true |
ED raids multiple locations in Jharkhand & other states in connection with mining case: Officials.
- Country:
- India
ED raids multiple locations in Jharkhand & other states in connection with mining case: Officials.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
- READ MORE ON:
- Jharkhand &
Advertisement | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/Newsalert/2027270-ed-raids-multiple-locations-in-jharkhand-other-states-in-connection-with-mining-case-officials | 2022-05-06T05:10:26Z | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/Newsalert/2027270-ed-raids-multiple-locations-in-jharkhand-other-states-in-connection-with-mining-case-officials | true |
PHOENIX, May 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital mental health company, Bezyl, Inc. is collaborating with Ukrainian-based developer, Sigma Software for a world-wide release of the latest version of the Bezyl app, which builds mental strength and provides resources for assistance. The app will offer digital avenues for Ukrainians to build personal networks of support and find access to much needed humanitarian relief.
In response to the recent ruthless Russian attack on Ukraine and the resulting 10 million Ukrainian citizens being displaced from their homes who are now coping with extraordinary loss, both mentally and physically, Bezyl and Sigma collaborated on the development of a Ukrainian specific version of the Bezyl app to help Ukrainians get the help they need from each other and their global network of supporters.
Esther Howard, President and CEO, founded Bezyl in 2020 in response to the growing mental health crisis in the United States among military Veterans and first-responders suffering from PTSD. Ms. Howard, who has over 20 years in the clinical research industry, also adapted the app earlier this year to support cancer patients suffering from Cancer Related Depression (CRD), drawing upon her extensive career experience to address this issue, and giving clinical trial participants a digital platform to get the help they need and ultimately improve their mental strength as they navigate their health journey.
Howard comments, "The original plan was to globalize the company in 2023, but when the war started and Bezyl's entire development team was displaced from their homes, the right thing to do was get the app translated into Ukrainian and available in every country possible."
"After traveling to Ukraine last November to work with the Sigma team and build the 2022 product roadmap, we were able to witness firsthand, not only the beauty of Ukraine, but even more so, the genuinely friendly and passionate Ukrainian people."
"Helping and supporting Ukraine to keep their economy stabilized is just as important as their ability to win the war. Aside from government support for the military, everyone can support Ukraine by continuing to do business with the country and finding ways to expand scope of work, thus injecting money into the Ukrainian economy."
Bezyl's collaboration with Sigma expands their development and global outreach capabilities and taps into Sigma's broad expertise in design and business knowledge. Bezyl's goal is to be the leading digital mental health company—a game-changing tool with a secure communication platform, enabling easier access to mental help. It's a simple solution with massive potential for ending the mental health pandemic in our world.
Learn how the app works here
Learn more about founder, Esther Howard here
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SOURCE Bezyl, Inc. | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/bezyl-inc-diversifies-mental-health-support-app-major-global-launch-aid-humanitarian-crisis-ukraine/ | 2022-05-06T05:20:55Z | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/05/06/bezyl-inc-diversifies-mental-health-support-app-major-global-launch-aid-humanitarian-crisis-ukraine/ | true |
WASHINGTON (AP) — A spokesman for the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol says Rudy Giuliani, who led Donald Trump's court efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, has withdrawn from an interview that was scheduled to take place Friday.
Committee spokesman Tim Mulvey released a statement to multiple media outlets Thursday night saying: “Mr. Giuliani had agreed to participate in a transcribed interview with the Select Committee. Today, he informed committee investigators that he wouldn’t show up unless he was permitted to record the interview, which was never an agreed-upon condition."
Mulvey continued: “Mr. Giuliani is an important witness to the conspiracy to overthrow the government and he remains under subpoena. If he refuses to comply the committee will consider all enforcement options.”
Giuliani's attorney, Robert Costello, told CNN that even though Friday’s meeting is off, talks between the two sides continue.
In January the committee issued subpoenas to Giuliani and other members of Trump’s legal team who filed bogus legal challenges to the 2020 election that fueled the lie that race had been stolen from the former president.
Giuliani also spoke at the rally in front of the White House that preceded the Jan. 6 insurrection. Like Trump, he suggested the certification of Biden’s victory was an existential crisis for the country and used rhetoric that alluded to violence.
“Let’s have trial by combat,” Giuliani said. “I’m willing to stake my reputation, the President is willing to stake his reputation, on the fact that we’re going to find criminality there.” | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Giuliani-withdraws-from-interview-with-Jan-6-17152995.php | 2022-05-06T05:21:58Z | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Giuliani-withdraws-from-interview-with-Jan-6-17152995.php | false |
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NEW YORK (AP) — Elvis Costello, Patti Smith and Mavis Staples will be among the dignitaries expected in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this weekend for the opening of the Bob Dylan Center, the museum and archive celebrating the Nobel laureate's work.
Dylan himself won't be among them, unless he surprises everyone.
The center's subject and namesake has an open invitation to come anytime, although his absence seems perfectly in character, said Steven Jenkins, the center's director. Oddly, Dylan was just in Tulsa three weeks ago for a date on his concert tour, sandwiched in between Oklahoma City and Little Rock. He didn't ask for a look around.
“I don’t want to put words in his mouth,” Jenkins said. “I can only guess at his reasoning. Maybe he would find it embarrassing.”
It's certainly unusual for a living figure — Dylan is due to turn 81 on May 24 — to have a museum devoted to him, but such is the shadow he has cast over popular music since his emergence in the early 1960s. He's still working, performing onstage in a show devoted primarily to his most recent material.
And he's still pushing the envelope. “Murder Most Foul,” Dylan's nearly 17-minute rumination on the Kennedy assassination and celebrity, is as quietly stunning as “Like a Rolling Stone” was nearly a half-century ago, even if he's no longer at the center of popular culture.
The center offers an immersive film experience, performance space, a studio where visitors can play producer and “mix” different elements of instrumentation in Dylan's songs and a curated tour where people can take a musical journey through the stages of his career. The archive has more than 100,000 items, many accessed only by scholars through appointment.
Museum creators said they wanted to build an experience both for casual visitors who might not know much of Dylan's work and for the truly fanatical — the skimmers, the swimmers and the divers, said designer Alan Maskin of the firm Olson Kundig.
The museum hopes to celebrate the creative process in general, and at opening will have an exhibit of the work of photographer Jerry Schatzberg, whose 1965 image of Dylan is emblazoned on the building's three-story facade.
Since Dylan's still creating, “we're going to continue to play catch-up” with him, Jenkins said.
So for a figure who was born and raised in Minnesota, came of musical age in New York and now lives in California, how does a museum devoted to his life's work end up in Oklahoma?
He's never seemed the nostalgic type, but Dylan recognized early that his work could have historical interest and value, Jenkins said. Together with his team, he put aside boxes full of artifacts, including photos, rare recordings and handwritten lyrics that show how his songs went through revisions and rewrites.
With use of those lyrics, two of the early displays will focus on how the songs “Jokerman” and “Tangled Up in Blue” took shape — the latter with lyrics so elastic that Dylan was still changing verses after the song had been released.
Dylan sold his archive in 2016 to the Tulsa-based George Kaiser Family Foundation, which also operates the Woody Guthrie Center — a museum that celebrates one of Dylan's musical heroes and is only steps away from the new Dylan center.
Dylan likes the Guthrie museum, and also appreciates Tulsa's rich holdings of Native American art, Jenkins said. Much of that is on display at another new facility, the Gilcrease Museum, which is also the world's largest holding of art of the American West.
“I think it's going to be a true tourist draw to Tulsa for all the right reasons,” said Tulsa Mayor G. T. Bynum. “This is one of the great musicians in the history of humankind and everyone who wants to study his career and see the evolution of his talent will be drawn to it.”
Bynum hopes that it also encourages others who may someday want to put their archives on display, and make Tulsa a center for the study of modern American music.
Dylan designed and built a 16-foot high metal sculpture that will be displayed at the entrance to the museum. Otherwise, he had nothing to do with the museum's design and declined, through a spokesman, to offer a comment about the opening.
“If Bob were telling us what we could or couldn't do, it would have felt like a vanity project, in a way,” Maskin said. “It was a tremendous relief not to have to satisfy Bob Dylan.”
Still, it's safe to assume the lines of communication are open if necessary: Jenkins, the center's director, is the brother of Larry Jenkins, Dylan's long-time media representative.
In addition to a dinner to celebrate the opening this weekend, Costello, Smith and Staples will all perform separate concerts at Cain's Ballroom. Costello was asked to program a jukebox that will be on display at the museum and, within a day, submitted his suggestions for 160 Dylan songs and covers, Steven Jenkins said.
The Bob Dylan Center is open to the public on May 10.
Maskin has no expectation that Dylan will ever see the designer's work. Still, he indulges himself in a fantasy of a slow summer day, a security guard dozing in the corner, and someone slipping in wearing black jeans, sunglasses and a familiar mop of hair to wander among the displays.
“To be honest, I don't think that's going to happen," he said. “I think he's interested in the work he's doing, and not the work he's done.”
___
Online: https://bobdylancenter.com/ | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/How-does-it-f-e-e-e-e-l-Bob-Dylan-museum-opening-17153020.php | 2022-05-06T05:22:06Z | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/How-does-it-f-e-e-e-e-l-Bob-Dylan-museum-opening-17153020.php | false |
EDMONTON - Kaiden Guhle scored and added an assist as the Edmonton Oil Kings opened their second-round WHL playoff series with the Red Deer Rebels with a 4-0 blanking Thursday.
Sebastian Cossa stopped all 18 shots he faced to pick up the shutout as the Oil Kings coasted to a series opening win.
Dylan Guenther opened scoring in the game at the 10:18 mark for his fifth of the post-season and the other three Oil Kings goals came in the second, including Kaiden Guhle's at the 14:49 mark of the frame.
Chase Coward stopped 23-of-27 shots for the Rebels before he was replaced by Connor Ungar in the third period. Ungar made eight saves in relief.
Game 2 goes between these two teams goes Saturday in Edmonton again.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2022. | https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Edmonton-Oil-Kings-blank-Red-Deer-Rebels-4-0-to-17153011.php | 2022-05-06T05:22:31Z | https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Edmonton-Oil-Kings-blank-Red-Deer-Rebels-4-0-to-17153011.php | true |
SpaceX brings 4 astronauts home with midnight splashdown
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX brought four astronauts home with a midnight splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico on Friday, capping the busiest month yet for Elon Musk’s taxi service.
The three U.S. astronauts and one German in the capsule were bobbing off the Florida coast, near Tampa, less than 24 hours after leaving the International Space Station. NASA expected to have them back in Houston later in the morning.
NASA’s Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron, and the European Space Agency’s Matthias Maurer, embraced the seven astronauts remaining at the station, before parting ways.
“It’s the end of a six-month mission, but I think the space dream lives on,” Maurer said.
SpaceX brought up their U.S. and Italian replacements last week, after completing a charter trip to the station for a trio of businessmen.
That amounts to two crew launches and two splashdowns in barely a month. Musk’s company has now launched 26 people into orbit in less than two years, since it started ferrying astronauts for NASA. Eight of those 26 were space tourists.
“Welcome home,” SpaceX Mission Control radioed at splashdown. “Thanks for flying SpaceX.”
“That was a great ride,” replied Chari, the capsule commander. As for the reintroduction to gravity, he noted: “Only one complaint. These water bottles are super heavy.”
The newly returned astronauts said their mission was highlighted by the three visitors and their ex-astronaut escort who dropped by in April, opening up NASA’s side of the station to paying guests after decades of resistance.
On the down side, they had to contend with a dangerous spike in space junk after Russia blew up a satellite in a missile test in mid-November. More than 1,500 pieces of shrapnel spread across Earth’s orbit for years to come.
While the war in Ukraine has caused tensions between the U.S. and Russia, the astronauts have stood by their Russian crewmates, and vice versa. Flight controllers in Houston and Moscow also continued to cooperate as always, according to NASA officials.
As he relinquished command of the space station earlier this week, Marshburn called it “a place of peace” and said international cooperation would likely be its lasting legacy. Russian Oleg Artemyev, the new commander, also emphasized the “peace between our countries, our friendship” in orbit and described his crewmates as brothers and sisters.
Up there now are three Russians, three Americans and one Italian.
It was Marshburn’s third spaceflight, and the first for the three returning with him. Chari and Barron’s next stop could be the moon; they are among 18 U.S. astronauts picked for NASA’s Artemis moon-landing program. Two others in that elite group are now at the space station.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kait8.com/2022/05/06/spacex-brings-4-astronauts-home-with-midnight-splashdown/ | 2022-05-06T05:23:10Z | https://www.kait8.com/2022/05/06/spacex-brings-4-astronauts-home-with-midnight-splashdown/ | true |
"Activating Divine Help in My Life" from Christian Faith Publishing author Ikechukwu C. Abraham is a heartfelt argument for the importance of an active and fulfilling spiritual life.
MEADVILLE, Pa., May 6, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- "Activating Divine Help in My Life": a potent reminder of the blessings provided by God. "Activating Divine Help in My Life" is the creation of published author Ikechukwu C. Abraham, a loving husband and doting father of two. Abraham holds a Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership and a higher national diploma in public administration. He studied pastoral theology at the Redeemed Christian Bible College and has a certificate in Christian care and counsel from the Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is also a certified life and relationship coach.
Abraham shares, "Activating Divine Help in My Life reminds us that everyone, irrespective of achievements, needs help at one point or the other in life. While some need help to arrive at their destinations, others may just need help to arrive early enough. God is the source of all the help that anyone could receive, but unfortunately, many seek for help where there is none. Man could never give help; he is only an extension of God's hand to do the miracles of God.
"However, while the help of God is freely given to all, not everyone that really needs help gets it. This book is very carefully written to show that anybody can access help to live a meaningful and purposeful life. Irrespective of the kind of help a person needs—physical, financial, or spiritual—help is actually nearer than is imagined. This book is a guide on how anybody can unlock help and be immensely blessed to live a joyful life."
Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Ikechukwu C. Abraham's new book offers a motivating opportunity for growth and spiritual reconnection.
Abraham shares in hopes of empowering others on their walk of faith in order to aid in nurturing a strong connection with God.
Consumers can purchase "Activating Divine Help in My Life" at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or inquiries about "Activating Divine Help in My Life," contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Media Contact
Christian Faith Publishing Media Department, Christian Faith Publishing, 8665540919, media@christianfaithpublishing.com
SOURCE Christian Faith Publishing | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_pennsylvania/ikechukwu-c-abrahams-newly-released-activating-divine-help-in-my-life-is-about-how-we/article_0d267f09-ae0e-5ea1-a387-790917ec0d2f.html | 2022-05-06T05:29:10Z | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_pennsylvania/ikechukwu-c-abrahams-newly-released-activating-divine-help-in-my-life-is-about-how-we/article_0d267f09-ae0e-5ea1-a387-790917ec0d2f.html | true |
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. - Colonial League tournament preview between Southern Lehigh and Pen Argyl. The Spartans walking it off at home for their 14th win of the season.
The Green Knights tied this one up in the seventh, down 3-2, Jillian Bradley drives in the tying run. Then in the bottom of the frame, Kaley Hoffman with game winning knock, an RBI single.
Southern Lehigh sits at 14-3 with the postseason looming, Pen Argyl is 12-5. | https://www.wfmz.com/sports/southern-lehigh-walks-it-off-over-pen-argyl/article_ae9d530a-cce1-11ec-b0fb-473e22ec711a.html | 2022-05-06T05:31:27Z | https://www.wfmz.com/sports/southern-lehigh-walks-it-off-over-pen-argyl/article_ae9d530a-cce1-11ec-b0fb-473e22ec711a.html | false |
A spokesman for the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol says Rudy Giuliani, who led Donald Trump's court efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, has withdrawn from an interview that was scheduled to take place Friday.
Committee spokesman Tim Mulvey released a statement to multiple media outlets Thursday night saying: “Mr. Giuliani had agreed to participate in a transcribed interview with the Select Committee. Today, he informed committee investigators that he wouldn’t show up unless he was permitted to record the interview, which was never an agreed-upon condition."
Mulvey continued: “Mr. Giuliani is an important witness to the conspiracy to overthrow the government and he remains under subpoena. If he refuses to comply the committee will consider all enforcement options.”
Giuliani's attorney, Robert Costello, told CNN that even though Friday’s meeting is off, talks between the two sides continue.
More January 6 Committee Coverage
In January the committee issued subpoenas to Giuliani and other members of Trump’s legal team who filed bogus legal challenges to the 2020 election that fueled the lie that race had been stolen from the former president.
Giuliani also spoke at the rally in front of the White House that preceded the Jan. 6 insurrection. Like Trump, he suggested the certification of Biden’s victory was an existential crisis for the country and used rhetoric that alluded to violence.
“Let’s have trial by combat,” Giuliani said. “I’m willing to stake my reputation, the President is willing to stake his reputation, on the fact that we’re going to find criminality there.” | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/politics/giuliani-withdraws-from-interview-january-6-committee/3230185/ | 2022-05-06T05:33:40Z | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/politics/giuliani-withdraws-from-interview-january-6-committee/3230185/ | false |
Statistically speaking, in Malta, there has never been a better time to be a woman in politics and enhance one’s chances of becoming an MP than now. But simply counting the number of women in political office does not provide a full picture of women’s political power. In fact, doing so distorts perceptions of progress and reinforces the flawed assumption that simply increasing the number of women in the House of Representatives is a silver bullet for women’s political empowerment.
In political institutions such as our parliament, where patriarchal exclusion has long been the norm, women’s presence does, of course, represent a meaningful change. That is why our national gender equality index, among other criteria, measures women’s political empowerment by tracking women’s share of legislative and ministerial positions over time.
At the same time, there are clear limits to merely adding women to formal political spaces while institutions, norms, and practices remain unchanged. For one, individual women’s presence within parliament and government does not necessarily translate into meaningful political influence. Given the limitations of using women’s presence in legislatures as a proxy for empowerment, what does a more nuanced approach to gender equality in politics look like?
For one thing, gender equality in parliament cannot be addressed separately from other axes of social and political exclusion. In theory, gender quotas may appear to be an insufficient but necessary concept to realise gender equality in our society. Despite the drawbacks, having a gender quota is definitely an improvement and brings women closer to true gender equality.
But even though women as a group share experiences of discrimination, they also confront intersecting identities, such as class, age, ethnicity, race, sexuality and political affiliation, that can serve both as catalysts of and barriers to their political advancement. The driver of inequality may not only be patriarchal dynamics but also the intersection of gender with other vectors of social inequality and political exclusion.
Measures of gender progress in politics need to take better account of changes in gender norms. To date, policymakers and practitioners often hope or assume that increases in women’s political representation will automatically transform patriarchal attitudes and behaviours.
Instead of assuming that the advancement of some women will naturally pave the way for others, it makes more sense to ask which women are politically empowered in a given political context and why. Doing so can help policymakers and advocates uncover more nuanced explanations for women’s continued political disempowerment. I seriously question whether being in a place of power is sufficient on its own to empower and achieve meaningful equality.
I desperately want to believe that gender quotas are a good idea- Mark Said
Generally speaking, when arguing in support of gender quotas, one can approach the concept from two different angles. On the one hand, it can be argued that gender quotas are important in terms of social justice, emphasising the notion that they help to realise the right of women to be represented in parliament.
On the other hand, focusing on a democratic perspective, it can be argued that gender quotas are needed to increase a democracy’s quality because the more representative a parliament is of its citizens, the higher its legitimacy is among its population.
It can be argued that women’s symbolic representation in parliament matters and is likely to represent the start of meaningful change for women because the presence of females in politics can lead to the increased presence of so-called female issues in politics, such as childcare, in the related discourse.
Indeed, gender quotas and, hence, women’s symbolic representation in parliament might, in the long term, result in the formation of a society that takes female topics more seriously and engages in a profound debate that might lead to meaningful policy outcomes in the long run. While symbolic representation might lead to positive development for women, it is highly significant to differentiate between symbolic and substantive representation.
Substantive representation is relevant because symbolic representation alone, the mere presence of women in parliament, is a first step that can have a positive impact but is unlikely to result in meaningful change directly. In this sense, it is important to distinguish between two techniques, namely when female legislators “stand for” women as a group (symbolic representation) and when they “act for” women as a group (substantive representation).
The gender quota itself will not be directly translated into meaningful change for women if ‘change’ refers to actual outcomes in terms of policies. Gender quotas will not directly alter institutional rules, however, one might argue that they could help to induce institutional change in the long term.
For instance, if party leaders’ agenda control represents an obstacle, it could surely be argued that gender quotas and the consequential increase in the presence of women and women’s issues in parliament are likely to, at least, modify politicians’ perception regarding these topics and make the passage of women’s rights bills more likely in the future.
I desperately want to believe that gender quotas are a good idea. Women, particularly women who are mothers, have long been missing out on career opportunities in the political and legislative world and if there is a fix for that I am in. But with gender quotas, I am still on the fence.
Independent journalism costs money. Support Times of Malta for the price of a coffee.
Support Us | https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/was-the-gender-corrective-mechanism-enough-mark-said.952690 | 2022-05-06T05:34:06Z | https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/was-the-gender-corrective-mechanism-enough-mark-said.952690 | false |
US BTS reports 745.8k US airline employees for Mar-2022
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Membership also provides full access to our Analysis Reports, in-depth Research Publications and comprehensive Data Centre. Premium CAPA Members can also access add-ons such as our exclusive Fleet Database, Airline Cask Data tools and more, to enjoy the full capabilities of our global platform. | https://centreforaviation.com/news/us-bts-reports-7458k-us-airline-employees-for-mar-2022-1134830 | 2022-05-06T05:36:06Z | https://centreforaviation.com/news/us-bts-reports-7458k-us-airline-employees-for-mar-2022-1134830 | false |
VICI Properties Inc. Announces First Quarter 2022 Results
VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE: VICI) ("VICI Properties” or the "Company”), an experiential real estate investment trust, today reported results for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. All per share amounts included herein are on a per diluted share basis unless otherwise stated.
First Quarter 2022 Financial and Operating Highlights
- Total revenues increased 11.3% year-over-year to $416.6 million
- Net income attributable to common stockholders and FFO were $240.4 million, or $0.35 per share
- AFFO increased 19.8% year-over-year to $305.5 million
- AFFO per share decreased 5.1% year-over-year to $0.44
- Weighted average shares outstanding increased 26.3% year-over-year
- Completed the $4.0 billion acquisition of the land and real estate assets of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
- Entered into a new $3.5 billion unsecured credit facility, consisting of a $2.5 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility and a $1.0 billion senior unsecured delayed draw term loan
- Entered into $2.0 billion of forward-starting interest rate swap agreements during the quarter to hedge a portion of interest rate exposure
- Subsequent to quarter-end, issued $5.0 billion of investment grade senior notes and completed the $17.2 billion strategic acquisition of MGM Growth Properties LLC
CEO Comments
Edward Pitoniak, Chief Executive Officer of VICI Properties, said, "At VICI, we made 2021 a year of initiating transformation through $21 billion of transaction announcements and $5.4 billion of related equity raising. We have made the beginning of 2022 a period in which we’ve completed this transformation through the final financing and closing of these transactions. In February, we closed on our $4 billion / 6.25% cap rate acquisition of The Venetian Las Vegas, one of the largest and most dynamic real estate assets in the world. Last week, we announced the closing of our $17.2 billion strategic acquisition of MGM Growth Properties, through which we added 15 Class-A real estate assets to our portfolio and created a new partnership with MGM Resorts, one of the world’s foremost leisure and entertainment companies. Additionally, with the ongoing support of our equity and credit investors, we have been able to transform our balance sheet and recently received investment grade ratings from S&P and Fitch, enhancing our overall access to debt, as evidenced by our inaugural investment grade notes offering of $5.0 billion to fund a portion of the MGP acquisition. Today, VICI owns 43 of the highest-quality Las Vegas and Regional gaming assets, has grown to an estimated enterprise value of $43 billion and has over $2.6 billion of annualized contractual rent and income from loans. We look forward to continuing to pursue accretive growth opportunities within the gaming space and non-gaming experiential space.”
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Total Revenues
Total revenues were $416.6 million for the quarter, an increase of 11.3% compared to $374.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. Total revenues for the quarter included $44.0 million of non-cash items, comprised of $35.6 million of non-cash leasing and financing adjustments and $8.4 million of other income.
Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders and Funds from Operations ("FFO”)
Net income and FFO attributable to common stockholders was $240.4 million for the quarter, or $0.35 per share, compared to $269.8 million, or $0.50 per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. The year-over-year decline in aggregate net income was primarily related to (a) on an absolute basis, the $80.8 million increase in the CECL allowance for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, which was driven by the initial CECL allowance in relation to the Venetian Las Vegas Acquisition (as defined below) and the estimated future funding commitments under the Company's Property Growth Fund Agreement with the Venetian Las Vegas tenant, and (b) on a per share basis, a higher weighted average share count in the first quarter of 2022.
Adjusted Funds from Operations ("AFFO”)
AFFO attributable to common stockholders was $305.5 million for the quarter, an increase of 19.8% compared to $255.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. AFFO per share was $0.44 for the quarter compared to $0.47 per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2021. The year-over-year increase in AFFO attributable to common stockholders was primarily related to (i) increased rental income from escalation provisions in our leases and (ii) lower interest expense as a result of our repayment of the Term Loan B in September 2021, while the year-over-year decrease in AFFO per share was primarily related to a higher weighted average share count in the first quarter of 2022. The higher weighted average share count was due to the Company's advance funding through equity offerings in connection with the closings of the Venetian Las Vegas Acquisition on February 23, 2022 and the MGP Transactions on April 29, 2022, prior to such closings and the receipt of rental revenue pursuant to the lease agreements with respect to the transactions. Furthermore, the Company's total revenues and net income, FFO, and AFFO attributable to common stockholders for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 only reflect the impact of the Venetian Las Vegas Acquisition for the period from February 23, 2022 to March 31, 2022 and do not reflect the impact of the MGP Transactions, which closed subsequent to quarter-end.
First Quarter 2022 Acquisitions and Portfolio Activity
Acquisitions and Investments
On February 23, 2022, the Company completed the previously announced transaction to acquire the land and real estate assets of the Venetian Resort Las Vegas for $4.0 billion in cash (the "Venetian Las Vegas Acquisition"), with an affiliate of certain funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. ("Apollo") acquiring the operating assets of the Venetian Resort Las Vegas for $2.25 billion. The Company financed its portion of the acquisition with proceeds from the settlement of an aggregate 119,000,000 forward equity shares, $600.0 million of borrowings under the Company's new unsecured revolving credit facility and cash on hand.
Subsequent to quarter end, on April 7, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement with BigShots Golf, a subsidiary of ClubCorp Holdings, an Apollo portfolio company, to provide up to $80.0 million of mortgage financing for the construction of certain new BigShots Golf facilities throughout the United States. Currently, no funds under the loan agreement have been disbursed. In addition, the Company entered into a right of first offer and call right agreement, whereby for so long as the BigShots loan remains outstanding and the Company continues to hold a majority interest therein the Company has a call right to acquire the real estate assets associated with any BigShots Golf facility financed by the Company, which would be structured as a sale leaseback, subject to certain terms and conditions. In addition, for so long as the BigShots loan remains outstanding and the Company continues to hold a majority interest therein, the Company will have a right of first offer on any additional mortgage, mezzanine, preferred equity, or other similar financing that is treated as debt to be obtained by BigShots Golf (or any of its affiliates) for any multisite financing related to the development of BigShots Golf facilities.
Subsequent to quarter end, on April 29, 2022, the Company closed on the previously announced acquisition of MGM Growth Properties LLC ("MGP") for total consideration of approximately $17.2 billion, inclusive of the assumption of approximately $5.7 billion of net debt (the transactions contemplated by the MGP Master Transaction Agreement, the "MGP Transactions”) in accordance with the Master Transaction Agreement entered into by, among others, the Company, MGM Resorts International and MGP on August 4, 2021 (the "MGP Master Transaction Agreement”).
Under the terms of the MGP Master Transaction Agreement, MGP stockholders received 1.366 shares of the Company's newly issued common stock in exchange for each Class A common share of MGP, resulting in the company issuing 214.5 million shares. The fixed exchange ratio represented an agreed upon price of $43.00 per share of MGP Class A common shares based on our trailing 5-day volume weighted average price of $31.47 as of July 30, 2021. MGM received $43.00 per unit in cash for the redemption of the majority of its MGP OP units, which were converted into units of VICI Properties OP LLC, the Company's new operating partnership ("VICI OP"), in connection with the closing of the MGP Transactions, for total cash consideration of $4.404 billion. MGM retained approximately 12.2 million VICI OP units following the closing of the MGP Transactions. The MGP Class B share that was held by MGM was cancelled and ceased to exist.
Simultaneous with the closing of the MGP Transactions, the Company entered into an amended and restated triple-net master lease with MGM (the "MGM Master Lease"). The MGM Master Lease has an initial term of 25 years, with three 10-year tenant renewal options and an initial total annual rent of $860.0 million. Rent under the MGM Master Lease escalates at a rate of 2.0% per annum for the first 10 years and thereafter at the greater of 2.0% per annum and the annual increase in the consumer price index ("CPI"), subject to a 3.0% cap. Additionally, the Company retained MGP’s 50.1% ownership stake in the joint venture between MGP and Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, Inc. ("BREIT JV"), which owns the real estate assets of MGM Grand Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay. The BREIT JV lease remained unchanged and provides for current annual base rent of approximately $303.8 million, of which approximately $152.2 million is attributable to our investment in the BREIT JV, and an initial term of 30 years, with two 10-year tenant renewal options. Rent under the BREIT JV lease escalates at a rate of 2.0% per annum for the first 15 years and thereafter at the greater of 2.0% per annum and the annual increase in CPI, subject to a 3.0% cap. On a combined basis, the MGM Master Lease and BREIT JV lease will deliver initial attributable annual rent to us of approximately $1,012.2 million. The tenant’s obligations under the MGM Master Lease and BREIT JV lease continue to be guaranteed by MGM. Initial rent under the MGM Master Lease will be reduced by $90.0 million upon the closing of MGM's pending sale of the operations of the Mirage Hotel & Casino (the "Mirage") to Hard Rock International ("Hard Rock"). In connection with the sale of the operations of the Mirage, the Company will enter into a new separate lease with Hard Rock related to the land and real estate assets of the Mirage, which will have initial annual base rent of $90.0 million with other economic terms substantially similar to the MGM Master Lease. MGM's sale of the operations of the Mirage, which remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the second half of 2022. Additionally, subject to certain conditions, the Company may fund an up to $1.5 billion redevelopment plan of the Mirage by Hard Rock following closing through its Partner Property Growth Fund. Specific terms of the redevelopment and related funding remain under discussion and subject to final documentation between the Company and Hard Rock.
First Quarter 2022 Capital Markets Activity and Subsequent Activity
On February 8, 2022, the Company entered into a new unsecured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") in the amount of $2.5 billion, scheduled to mature on March 31, 2026, and a delayed draw term loan facility (the "Delayed Draw Facility" and together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the "Credit Facilities") in the amount of $1.0 billion, scheduled to mature on March 31, 2025. The Credit Agreement is consistent with certain tax-related requirements related to security for the Company's debt. Concurrently, the Company terminated its existing secured revolving credit facility and related credit agreement. On February 18, 2022, the Company borrowed $600.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility to fund a portion of the purchase price for the Venetian Las Vegas Acquisition. On April 29, 2022 the Company utilized a portion of the net proceeds from its April 2022 Notes Offering (as defined below) and cash on hand to pay down the $600.0 million outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Facility.
On February 18, 2022, the Company settled (i) the September 2021 forward sale agreements by delivering 50,000,000 shares of common stock to the forward purchasers in exchange for total net proceeds of approximately $1,390.6 million and (ii) the March 2021 forward sale agreements by delivering 69,000,000 shares of common stock to the forward purchasers in exchange for total net proceeds of approximately $1,828.6 million. The aggregate net proceeds of $3,219.2 million were used to fund a portion of the purchase price for the Venetian Las Vegas Acquisition.
From December 2021 through April 2022, the Company entered into five forward-starting interest rate swap agreements having an aggregate notional amount of $2,500.0 million and two U.S. Treasury rate lock agreements having an aggregate notional amount of $500.0 million, each with third-party financial institutions. The interest rate swap transactions and treasury locks were intended to reduce the variability in the forecasted interest expense related to the fixed-rate debt the Company expected to incur in connection with the closing of the MGP Transactions. Subsequent to quarter-end, in connection with the April 2022 Notes Offering, the Company settled the outstanding forward-starting interest rate swaps and treasury locks for total proceeds of $206.8 million. Since the forward-starting swaps and treasury locks were hedging the interest rate risk on the April 2022 Notes, the unrealized gain, which was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income on the Company's consolidated balance sheets, will be amortized over the term of the respective derivative instruments, which matches that of the underlying note, as a reduction in interest expense.
Subsequent to quarter-end, in connection with the closing of the MGP Transactions on April 29, 2022, the Company issued (i) $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.375% Senior Notes due 2025, (ii) $1.25 billion in aggregate principal amount of 4.750% Senior Notes due 2028, (iii) $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 4.950% Senior Notes due 2030, (iv) $1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.125% Senior Notes due 2032, and (v) $750.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2052, in each case under a supplemental indenture to an indenture, each dated as of April 29, 2022 (the "April 2022 Notes Offering"). The weighted average interest rate for the senior notes issued in the April 2022 Notes Offering is 5.0%, and the adjusted weighted average interest rate, after taking into account the impact of the forward starting interest rate swaps and treasury locks, is 4.51%. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to (i) fund the consideration for the redemption of a majority of MGM's outstanding MGP OP units, which were converted into VICI OP units received by MGM in connection with the closing of the MGP Transactions, for $4,404.0 million in cash on April 29, 2022, and (ii) along with cash on hand, pay down the outstanding $600.0 million balance on our Revolving Credit Facility.
In connection with the closing of the MGP Transactions on April 29, 2022, the Company issued approximately $4.1 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in exchange for, and with the same interest rate, maturity date and redemption terms as, notes originally issued by MGP OP pursuant to the settlement of the exchange offers and consent solicitations. Following the settlement of the exchange offers and consent solicitations, approximately $90.0 million of the MGP OP notes remain outstanding.
The following table details the issuance of outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, including restricted common stock:
The following table reconciles the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding used in the calculation of basic earnings per share to the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share:
Balance Sheet and Liquidity
As of March 31, 2022, the Company had approximately $5.4 billion in total debt and approximately $3.5 billion in liquidity, comprised of $568.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, $1.9 billion of availability under the Revolving Credit Facility and $1.0 billion of availability under the Delayed Draw Facility (subject to continued compliance with the financial covenants of the facilities). In addition, the Credit Facilities include the option to increase the Revolving Credit Facility loan commitments by up to $1.0 billion and increase the Delayed Draw Facility commitments or add one or more new tranches of term loans by up to $1.0 billion in the aggregate, in each case, to the extent that any one or more lenders (from the syndicate or otherwise) agree to provide such additional credit extensions.
The Company’s outstanding indebtedness as of March 31, 2022 was as follows:
Dividends
On March 10, 2022, the Company declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.36 per share. The Q1 2022 dividend was paid on April 7, 2022 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 24, 2022 and totaled in aggregate approximately $269.3 million.
2022 Guidance
The Company is updating AFFO guidance for the full year 2022. The Company’s updated guidance incorporates the expected impact on operating results of the recently announced completion of the MGP Transactions, including the issuance of approximately 214.5 million shares of common stock to former stockholders of MGP, and the issuance of $5.0 billion of senior notes in April 2022. The Company's guidance does not include the impact on operating results from any possible future acquisitions or dispositions, capital markets activity, or other non-recurring transactions. The Company estimates AFFO for the year ending December 31, 2022 will be between $1,660.0 million and $1,690.0 million, or between $1.89 and $1.92 per diluted share.
The following is a summary of the Company's updated full-year 2022 guidance:
In determining AFFO, the Company adjusts for certain items that are otherwise included in determining net income attributable to common stockholders, the most comparable GAAP financial measure. For more information, see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” The Company is unable to provide a reconciliation of its stated AFFO guidance to net income attributable to common stockholders because it is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the amount of the change in non-cash allowance for credit losses under ASU No. 2016-13 - Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) ("ASC 326”) for a future period. The non-cash change in allowance for credit losses under ASC 326 with respect to a future period is dependent upon future events that are entirely outside of the Company's control and may not be reliably predicted, including its tenants’ respective financial performance, fluctuations in the trading price of their common stock, credit ratings and outlook (each to the extent applicable), as well as broader macroeconomic performance. Based on past results, the impact of these adjustments could be material, individually or in the aggregate, to the Company's reported GAAP results.
The estimates set forth above reflect management’s view of current and future market conditions, including assumptions with respect to the earnings impact of the events referenced in this release. The estimates set forth above may be subject to fluctuations as a result of several factors and there can be no assurance that the Company’s actual results will not differ materially from the estimates set forth above.
Supplemental Information
In addition to this release, the Company has furnished Supplemental Financial Information, which is available on our website in the "Investors” section, under the menu heading "Financials”. This additional information is being provided as a supplement to the information in this release and our other filings with the SEC. The Company has no obligation to update any of the information provided to conform to actual results or changes in the Company’s portfolio, capital structure or future expectations.
Conference Call and Webcast
The Company will host a conference call and audio webcast on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The conference call can be accessed by dialing 646-904-5544 (domestic) or 929-526-1599 (international) and entering the conference ID 442076. An audio replay of the conference call will be available from 1:00 p.m. ET on May 5, 2022 until midnight ET on May 12, 2022 and can be accessed by dialing 929-458-6194 (domestic) or +44 204-525-0658 (international) and entering the passcode 921441.
A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available in listen-only mode through the "Investors” section of the Company’s website, www.viciproperties.com, on May 5, 2022, beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET. A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the call on the Company’s website and will continue for one year.
About VICI Properties
VICI Properties Inc. is an experiential real estate investment trust that owns one of the largest portfolios of market-leading gaming, hospitality and entertainment destinations, including Caesars Palace Las Vegas, MGM Grand and the Venetian Resort Las Vegas, three of the most iconic entertainment facilities on the Las Vegas Strip. Following the closing of the MGP Transactions on April 29, 2022, VICI Properties’ national, geographically diverse portfolio consists of 43 gaming facilities comprising over 122 million square feet and features approximately 58,700 hotel rooms and more than 450 restaurants, bars, nightclubs and sportsbooks. Its properties are leased to industry leading gaming and hospitality operators, including Caesars Entertainment, Inc., Century Casinos, Inc., the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Hard Rock International Inc., JACK Entertainment LLC, MGM Resorts International, Penn National Gaming, Inc., and The Venetian Las Vegas. VICI Properties also has an investment in the Chelsea Piers, New York facility and owns four championship golf courses and 34 acres of undeveloped and underdeveloped land adjacent to the Las Vegas Strip. VICI Properties’ strategy is to create the nation’s highest quality and most productive experiential real estate portfolio.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Our Business
Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, among the broader public health, societal and global impacts, the pandemic has resulted in governmental and/or regulatory actions imposing, among other things, temporary closures or restrictions from time to time on our tenants’ operations at our properties and our golf course operations. Although all of our leased properties and our golf courses are currently open, without restriction in some jurisdictions, they remain subject to any current or future operating limitations or closures imposed by state and local governments and/or regulatory authorities. While our tenants’ recent performance at many of our leased properties has been at or above pre-pandemic levels, they may continue to face additional challenges and uncertainty due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as complying with operational and capacity restrictions, ensuring sufficient employee staffing and service levels, and the sustainability of maintaining improved operating margins and financial performance. Due to prior closures, operating restrictions and other factors, our tenants’ operations, liquidity and financial performance have been adversely affected, and the ongoing nature of the pandemic, including emerging variants, may further impact our tenants’ businesses and, accordingly, our business and financial performance. We continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our tenant's businesses, including with respect to their respective business performance, operations, liquidity and financial results.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. You can identify these statements by our use of the words "anticipates,” "assumes,” "believes,” "estimates,” "expects,” "guidance,” "intends,” "plans,” "projects,” and similar expressions that do not relate to historical matters. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control and could materially affect actual results, performance, or achievements. Among those risks, uncertainties and other factors are: risks associated with the MGP Transactions, including our ability or failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the MGP Transactions; the impact of changes in general economic conditions and market developments, including rising inflation, low consumer confidence, supply chain disruptions, unemployment levels and depressed real estate prices resulting from the severity and duration of any downturn in the U.S. or global economy; our dependence on our tenants as tenants of our properties and their guarantors as guarantors of the lease payments and the negative consequences any material adverse effect on their respective businesses could have on us; the anticipated impact of the Partner Property Growth Fund; our borrowers’ ability to repay their outstanding loan obligations to us; our dependence on the gaming industry; the impact of extensive regulation from gaming and other regulatory authorities; the ability of our tenants to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals in connection with the operation of our properties, or the imposition of conditions to such regulatory approvals; the possibility that our tenants may choose not to renew their lease agreements with us following the initial or subsequent terms of the leases; restrictions on our ability to sell our properties subject to our lease agreements; our tenants and guarantors’ historical results may not be a reliable indicator of their future results; our substantial amount of indebtedness, including indebtedness assumed by us in connection with the MGP Transactions, and ability to service, refinance and otherwise fulfill our obligations under such indebtedness; our historical financial information may not be reliable indicators of our future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows; the impact of a rise in interest rates, which have begun increasing from historic lows, on us; our inability to successfully pursue investments in, and acquisitions of, additional properties; the possibility that we identify significant environmental, tax, legal or other issues that materially and adversely impact the value of assets acquired or secured as collateral (or other benefits we expect to receive) in any of our recently completed transactions; the effects of our recently completed transactions on us, including the future impact on our financial condition, financial and operating results, cash flows, strategy and plans; the impact and outcome of potential future litigation relating to the MGP Transactions; the possibility of adverse tax consequences as a result of our recently completed transactions; increased volatility in our stock price as a result of our recently completed transactions; our inability to maintain our qualification for taxation as a REIT; our reliance on distributions received from VICI Properties L.P. to make distributions to our stockholders; our ability to continue to make distributions to holders of our common stock or maintain anticipated levels of distributions over time; and competition for transaction opportunities, including from other REITs, investment companies, private equity firms and hedge funds, sovereign funds, lenders, gaming companies and other investors that may have greater resources and access to capital and a lower cost of capital or different investment parameters than us.
Currently, one of the most significant factors that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from our forward-looking statements is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our and our tenants’ financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and performance. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic continues to adversely affect our tenants, and ultimately impacts our business and financial condition, depends on future developments which cannot be predicted with confidence, including the impact of the actions taken to contain the pandemic or mitigate its impact, including the availability, distribution, public acceptance and efficacy of approved vaccines, new or mutated variants of COVID-19 (including vaccine-resistant variants) or a similar virus, the direct and indirect economic effects of the pandemic and containment measures on our tenants, the ability of our tenants to successfully operate their businesses, including the costs of complying with regulatory requirements necessary to keep their respective facilities open, such as reduced capacity requirements, the need to close any of the facilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects of the negotiated capital expenditure reductions and other amendments to the leases that we agreed to with certain of our tenants in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our tenants’ ability to satisfy their obligations under their leases with us, including their continued ability to pay rent in a timely manner, or at all, and/or to fund capital expenditures or make other payments required under their leases.
Although the Company believes that in making such forward-looking statements its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, such statements may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected. The Company cannot assure you that the assumptions upon which these statements are based will prove to have been correct. Additional important factors that may affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial position are described from time to time in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release presents Funds From Operations ("FFO”), FFO per share, Adjusted Funds From Operations ("AFFO”), AFFO per share and Adjusted EBITDA, which are not required by, or presented in accordance with, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP”). These are non-GAAP financial measures and should not be construed as alternatives to net income or as an indicator of operating performance (as determined in accordance with GAAP). We believe FFO, FFO per share, AFFO, AFFO per share and Adjusted EBITDA provide a meaningful perspective of the underlying operating performance of our business.
FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure that is considered a supplemental measure for the real estate industry and a supplement to GAAP measures. Consistent with the definition used by The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT), we define FFO as net income (or loss) attributable to common stockholders (computed in accordance with GAAP) excluding (i) gains (or losses) from sales of certain real estate assets, (ii) depreciation and amortization related to real estate, (iii) gains and losses from change in control and (iv) impairment write-downs of certain real estate assets and investments in entities when the impairment is directly attributable to decreases in the value of depreciable real estate held by the entity.
AFFO is a non-GAAP financial measure that we use as a supplemental operating measure to evaluate our performance. We calculate AFFO by adding or subtracting from FFO non-cash leasing and financing adjustments, non-cash change in allowance for credit losses, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, transaction costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of real estate investments, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, other non-cash interest expense, non-real estate depreciation (which is comprised of the depreciation related to our golf course operations), capital expenditures (which are comprised of additions to property, plant and equipment related to our golf course operations), impairment charges related to non-depreciable real estate, gains (or losses) on debt extinguishment and interest rate swap settlements, other non-recurring, non-cash transactions and non-cash adjustments attributable to non-controlling interest with respect to certain of the foregoing.
We calculate Adjusted EBITDA by adding or subtracting from AFFO contractual interest expense and interest income (collectively, interest expense, net) and income tax expense.
These non-GAAP financial measures: (i) do not represent cash flow from operations as defined by GAAP; (ii) should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities; and (iii) are not alternatives to cash flow as a measure of liquidity. In addition, these measures should not be viewed as measures of liquidity, nor do they measure our ability to fund all of our cash needs, including our ability to make cash distributions to our stockholders, to fund capital improvements, or to make interest payments on our indebtedness. Investors are also cautioned that FFO, FFO per share, AFFO, AFFO per share and Adjusted EBITDA, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other real estate companies, including REITs, due to the fact that not all real estate companies use the same definitions. Our presentation of these measures does not replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP.
Reconciliations of net income to FFO, FFO per share, AFFO, AFFO per share and Adjusted EBITDA are included in this release.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220504006119/en/
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Jetzt informieren! | https://www.finanzen.at/nachrichten/aktien/vici-properties-inc--announces-first-quarter-2022-results-11314439 | 2022-05-06T05:53:41Z | https://www.finanzen.at/nachrichten/aktien/vici-properties-inc--announces-first-quarter-2022-results-11314439 | true |
Unlocking the secrets of life on the peatlands
By Louise Cullen
BBC NI Agriculture & Environment Correspondent
- Published
Peatlands play a critical role in the fight against climate change.
They lock away carbon, stopping it from damaging the atmosphere any further.
And now scientists from Queen's University Belfast have been unlocking the secrets of the Antrim Plateau peatlands.
Cores from the peatlands of Slieveanorra Forest have shown that not only did people live in what appears an inhospitable environment, they adapted to the effects of climate change over time.
Graeme Swindles, a professor of Physical Geography at Queen's said peatlands can be considered as "natural time capsules, and as the peat is forming, over time they can lock in information about climate change, about ecosystems and also about human impacts on the landscape".
"So that is another reason why we must do all we can to protect and conserve our peatlands," he added.
The peat locks this information away in layers that the scientists can analyse - reading it like chapters in a book, using markers in the samples like microscopic volcanic ash from recorded eruptions to link sections of each core to specific points in time.
Although the scientists have not drilled to the base of the bog at Slieveanorra, they believe it goes back to the previous ice age, about 12,000 years ago.
However, this study focused on a much shorter timeframe.
Dr Gill Plunkett, reader in Archaeology and Palaeoecology at Queen's University Belfast's School of Natural and Built Environment said they "looked at a core that was going back 1,000 years".
"We reconstructed a climate record, because the peat is telling us about what the bog was like, responding to climate, and we reconstructed what the environment was like, the landscape surrounding the bog, from the pollen record.
"We combined these two records to find out what the relationship between humans and their environment was like. And to our surprise we found that people have been living here for many centuries, right back to about 1200.
"They have been farming the area, and the pollen from the cereals they were growing, for example, can't have travelled very far, we know it doesn't travel very far.
"So they must have been living very, very close to the bog.
"And they lived here through plagues, epidemics, climate change, and they seem to be able to withstand all these different pressures people were feeling elsewhere, but they managed to get by."
The question for the scientists is: How were these ancestors able to adapt?
"We think they were able to adapt because they weren't relying on one crop," said Dr Plunkett.
"We also think that they weren't growing food for a profit, they were growing what they needed.
"They couldn't grow wheat in this area for example, but they could grow things like oats and rye, which are adapted to the environment.
"So just growing things that will grow, knowing what is suitable for a particular area, and keeping it diverse, I think, helps us to withstand the issues of climate change.
"We can't prove that, but that's how we hypothesise it. What we can see is that they managed to get through and they continued to grow crops through most of the worst of the climate in the last 1,000 years.
"Today, if we try to grow things for excess production and we're trying to maximise production, then we're more susceptible to economic issues when crops don't do so well."
"With climate change accelerating as a result of human activity, learning the lessons of the past could be important to future survival, wherever people are living.
"The lesson for today is that it would be better to grow what we need locally - sustainably - it would be good if we could support local farmers to produce food for us, rather than importing food from the other side of the world where we're reliant on market forces," said Dr Plunkett.
And Professor Swindles agrees.
"The rate of climate change is absolutely incredible," he said.
"And one of the things we need to do is think about nature-based climate solutions, so planting trees, looking after our peatlands, the things that are going to help us along the way to slow down climate change.
"They're not going to stop climate change, but they're going to help us slow it down."
- 12 November 2021 | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-61336008?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA | 2022-05-06T06:20:07Z | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-61336008?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA | false |
HUNTINGTON — A California man has been indicted on a murder charge stemming from the 2019 death of his 94-year-old grandfather in Huntington.
Seth Ellis Donald, 37, has been indicted in the death of Maurice “Moe” Sill on June 6, 2019. Police say Donald admitted killing his grandfather two years after Sill’s death.
At the time of Sill’s death, first responders assumed he died of natural causes at the Woodlands Retirement Community in Huntington where he lived. More than two years later, however, Donald walked into the Beverly Hills, California, police department and confessed to killing Sill, Huntington police said.
During a preliminary hearing in August 2021, Sgt. Jason Davis said Huntington police officers and EMS responded to an unattended death report Donald made the day Sill died.
Once officers arrived, Donald led them to the nearby lake area where he said Sill had suffered a medical episode, which Donald said caused the elderly man to fall face-first to the ground. Donald said he tried to revive Sill and drag him back to the retirement community but was unable to do either, Davis said.
Davis testified that Sill’s wounds matched Donald’s story so well that medical examiners decided to not respond to the scene and Sill’s body was released to a funeral home.
But in January 2020, local police received a call from a friend of the family, who said Sill’s death was questionable. The investigation into that claim was delayed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The case was reignited July 25, 2021, when officers received a call from California police, who said Donald wanted to turn himself in for the crime.
Donald told Davis he waited to confess until he completed a presentation on why he killed his grandfather. He created several so-called “presentations” — one for family, one for “intellectuals” and one for the general public.
Davis testified that Donald made a 9-minute-long video of the killing, starting with him and Sill talking about life and other things on a bench near the Huntington-area retirement community.
Donald told Sill he made the decision to kill him, to which Sill said his life was in God’s hands. Donald said Sill’s life was in his hands, Davis testified.
“Mr. Donald told him basically we were wasting resources on him and people like him,” Davis testified. “… When he tried to stand up, the camera drops to the ground and is facing upward. You can hear a struggle ensue.”
Donald is accused of sending the video of the killing to his family members and friends.
An indictment is a formal charge made against a person by a grand jury. It does not establish guilt or innocence. | https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/man-indicted-on-murder-charge-in-grandfather-s-death/article_ef9f4a0c-0b44-51bb-a319-5ecd10e65595.html | 2022-05-06T06:20:12Z | https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/man-indicted-on-murder-charge-in-grandfather-s-death/article_ef9f4a0c-0b44-51bb-a319-5ecd10e65595.html | false |
French left-wing parties seal coalition deal to take on Macron
PARIS, May 6 (Reuters) - France's Socialist Party on Friday sealed a coalition deal with the hard-left La France Insoumise (LFI) party to run together in June's parliamentary elections to try to deprive newly re-elected President Emmanuel Macron of a majority.
"From now on, we are going to campaign together," said Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure.
The coalition pact, which the French Greens and Communists approved earlier this week, will be the first time the broader left wing of French politics has united in 20 years - but with the eurosceptic LFI in the driving seat this time around.
Parties on both the left and right wings of France's political spectrum are eyeing alliances to try to beat Macron's party - which has been renamed Renaissance - in the June 12 and June 19 votes for the lower house of France's parliament.
Macron won a second presidential mandate last month, but he will need a majority in parliament if he is to push through policies including raising the retirement age to 65 from 62 currently, opposed by both the left and right.
The left-wing bloc's alliance has taken shape under the leadership of LFI's firebrand chief Jean-Luc Melenchon, who narrowly missed out on making it to the final round of the French presidential election run-off vote last month.
Melenchon came third with around 22% of votes in the first round of the election, just behind far-right candidate Marine Le Pen. The Socialists' presidential candidate, Anne Hidalgo, only claimed around 1.7% of votes. (Reporting by Camille Raynaud and Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell) | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-10788441/French-left-wing-parties-seal-coalition-deal-Macron.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-05-06T06:23:08Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-10788441/French-left-wing-parties-seal-coalition-deal-Macron.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | true |
NEW YORK (AP) — Some small businesses are still struggling to hire qualified workers, even as Americans return to the U.S. job market in droves.
Hiring and retaining employees remains the top challenge for small businesses, according to a survey of 1,100 businesses by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Voices out last week. Ninety percent of businesses that are hiring are finding it difficult to recruit qualified candidates for open positions.
In general, the U.S. job market is sizzling. An unexpectedly strong recovery from the brief but devastating coronavirus recession left companies scrambling to recall workers they had laid off in the spring of 2020 and to find new ones. Over the past year, U.S. employers have added an average of more than 540,000 jobs a month. The Labor Department is expected to report Friday that employers hired another 396,000 last month, according to FactSet.
But small business owners believe the job market is a tale of two recoveries. Eighty-eight percent of respondents in the Goldman Sachs survey say small businesses are struggling relative to larger companies in their local communities. Forty-two percent say they have lost employees to larger businesses that are paying more.
“Small businesses are struggling to compete with larger employers on pay and benefits and cite a lack of qualified workers,” said Joe Wall, National Director of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voices.
Data from payroll processing firm ADP show a widening gap in hiring between businesses with 500 or more employees and businesses with less than 50 staffers. Those smaller businesses have lost jobs in three of the past four months.
In March, employers advertised a record 11.5 million job openings. The United States now has two job openings for every unemployed person. But a large number of smaller businesses say they’re having trouble getting candidates to even apply for openings, particularly in the hard-hit leisure and hospitality industry. Owners are taking on more work themselves and improvising other ways to get by.
“I’m worried about burnout. … It’s frustrating, very frustrating,” said Shirley Hughes, owner of Sweet Cheats bakery in Atlanta.
Sweet Cheats had nine staffers at the pre-pandemic peak. Now Hughes has two plus herself. She’s curtailed business hours — closing time has gone from 8:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and now 4 p.m. — giving her and her two bakers more time in the kitchen. Still, Hughes says she now works 80 to 90 hours a week.
Inflation is another challenge. Higher expenses not only hurt businesses’ bottom lines, but also affect how well they can retain and attract workers. Before the pandemic, Hughes would get hundreds of applicants for openings. Now, she says she’s lucky to get one or two, and they tend to want $18 or $20 an hour, when she offers $14 or $15 for experienced bakers.
Hughes has had to add benefits for her two long-time staffers to hang onto them.
Teresa Depola is also taking on more work herself because of a lack of available help. She opened Betty Boops Diner in Albany, New York, 10 years ago, with her husband and son, and kept running it after she and her husband divorced.
While she ideally would have three staffers to run the place, lately she’s been a one-person workforce: cooking, waitressing, and even running deliveries.
“It’s small enough so I can do it myself, it’s not bad,” she said. Still, she would like to add some staff so she could serve dinner again. She’s been serving breakfast and lunch only and closing at 3 p.m. since the pandemic started. And she doesn’t see the job picture improving anytime soon.
“I don’t think it’s going to change for a while,” she said. “I’m going to keep it the way it is right now, people are not willing to work just yet. I’m still having a lot of trouble finding staff.”
While most major U.S. industries have regained the jobs lost to the pandemic, employment in leisure and hospitality is down by 1.5 million, or 8.7%, since February 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Many in the industry faced burnout after being on the front lines during two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Rob Wilson, president of human resources provider Employco. Some who stayed in the industry switched to larger restaurants where wages might be higher. Others left and looked into new opportunities.
“There’s nobody to hire, there’s nobody out there looking for jobs,” said Anesh Bodasing, who opened Tiffin Box, a fast-casual Indian restaurant in West Palm Beach, Florida, in 2019 with 20 staffers.
Last year in April 2021, Bodasing temporarily opened a second location in a food hall. But then the staffing shortage began to hit home.
“Your standard of employee went down and pay you’re paying people went up. From an employers’ standpoint, that’s the wrong equation,” he said.
Bodasing shuttered the food hall stall and is down to three staffers at the West Palm Beach location. He is considering changing the business to use less staffers.
“Let’s assume the employment shortage is not going to change,” Bodasing said. “You can sit around and struggle or pivot and change the business in a way that will get us ahead even during the shortage.”
One option is to replace the cashier position with an automated kiosk, which lets customers order and pay. Another possibility: introducing meal plans, where customers order a minimum of five meals in advance that they can eat or freeze.
“You just have to think outside the box; literally nothing is off the table,” he said.
Matt Ensero, founder of Wing it On! chicken restaurants, faced the challenge of keeping a full staff of 35 employees at the company’s two corporate restaurants in Waterbury, Connecticut, and Raleigh, North Carolina. (The chain also has nine franchise locations with more in development.)
“We thought, this is pervasive across our industry, we have to change our strategy,” he said. Ensero realized he was competing with other restaurants just to get applicants in the door — people would schedule an interview and then not show up 90% of the time. So, the chain started offering people a free lunch or dinner if they showed up. The ratio “flip-flopped” he said, and most applicants came for the interview.
Meanwhile, at the Raleigh location, which is near North Carolina State University, the company started offering scholarships to workers: $1,000 if they worked for a full year, or $500 if they worked one semester. The program was a success, and the company plans to increase the amount for full-year workers to $2,000 next year.
“It’s not something that’s a foregone conclusion anymore that you can put up an ad and people will walk through the door, and you hire them,” Ensero said.
—-
This article has been corrected with the correct spelling of Matt Ensero’s last name. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/business/small-businesses-still-struggle-to-find-enough-workers/ | 2022-05-06T06:23:52Z | https://www.cbs42.com/news/business/small-businesses-still-struggle-to-find-enough-workers/ | true |
US Senate committee passes antitrust bill pressuring OPEC
A US Senate committee passed a bill on Thursday that could expose the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and partners to lawsuits for collusion on boosting crude oil prices.
The No Oil Producing or Exporting Cartels (NOPEC) bill sponsored by senators, including Republican Chuck Grassley and Democrat Amy Klobuchar, passed 17-4 in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said the administration has concerns about the "potential implications and unintended consequences" of the legislation, particularly amid the Ukraine crisis. She said the White House is still studying the bill.
Versions of the legislation have failed in Congress for more than two decades. But lawmakers are increasingly worried about rising inflation driven in part by prices for US gasoline, which briefly hit a record above $4.30 a gallon this spring. Read more
"I believe that free and competitive markets are better for consumers than markets controlled by a cartel of state-owned oil companies … competition is the very basis of our economic system" Klobuchar said.
NOPEC would change US antitrust law to revoke the sovereign immunity that has long protected OPEC and its national oil companies from lawsuits.
The bill must pass the full Senate and House and be signed by President Joe Biden to become law.
If passed, the US attorney general would gain the ability to sue OPEC or its members, such as Saudi Arabia, in federal court. Other producers like Russia, which works with OPEC in wider group known as OPEC+ to withhold output, could also be sued.
Saudi Arabia and other OPEC producers have rebuffed requests by the United States and other consuming countries to boost oil production beyond gradual amounts, even as oil consumption recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic and Russian supply falls after its invasion of Ukraine.
OPEC+, which cut production when oil prices crashed to historic lows when the pandemic slashed oil demand, agreed on Thursday to stick to its existing plans to reverse the curbs with modest increases for another month. Read more
NOPEC is intended to protect US consumers and businesses from engineered spikes in the cost of gasoline, but some analysts warn that implementing it could also have some dangerous unintended consequences.
In 2019, Saudi Arabia threatened to sell oil in currencies other than the dollar if Washington passed NOPEC, a move that could undermine the dollar's status as the world's main reserve currency, reduce Washington's clout in global trade and weaken its ability to enforce sanctions on nation states.
Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from the top US oil producing state Texas, opposed the bill, saying it could prompt OPEC to restrict shipments to the United States.
"If we really want to deal with price at the pump we ought to produce more oil and gas here in America," Cornyn said.The bill is also opposed by the American Petroleum Institute, the top US oil and gas lobbying group.
In a letter to the committee's leaders, API said NOPEC "creates significant potential detrimental exposure to US diplomatic, military and business interests while likely having limited impact on the market concerns driving the legislation."
Some analysts have cautioned that NOPEC could ultimately harm domestic energy companies if it pressures Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members to flood global markets with oil, because they produce oil much more cheaply than US companies do. | https://www.tbsnews.net/world/global-economy/us-senate-committee-passes-antitrust-bill-pressuring-opec-414190 | 2022-05-06T06:25:06Z | https://www.tbsnews.net/world/global-economy/us-senate-committee-passes-antitrust-bill-pressuring-opec-414190 | false |
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged international donors to sustain funding for humanitarian operations in Africa and across the world even as they respond to the Ukraine crisis.
Addressing reporters in Nigeria as he wrapped up his three-nation tour of West Africa, the U.N. chief said donors should actually increase funding for global aid so as not to “undermine” development activities in Africa and other parts of the world.
With the Russian invasion of Ukraine now a full-scale war, many countries have sent relief aid to Ukraine, which its leader President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said needs $7 billion in relief funding per month.
“My appeal is for those that support financially the United Nations not to divert funds from other humanitarian and development forms of cooperation to the Ukraine crisis,” Guterres said. He urged donor nations to “put additional contributions for that (Ukraine) crisis and not undermine the efforts in humanitarian and development cooperations that are taking place all around the world.”
Earlier this week Guterres visited the West African countries of Senegal and Niger.
In northeastern Nigeria where the impact of the 12-year Islamic extremist insurgency in the country’s northeast has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, 8.4 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, U.N. data shows.
However, there are already signs that the war in Ukraine has caused a decline in donations for relief operations in Nigeria, according to Priscilla Bayo Nicholas, a nutrition specialist with the U.N. children’s agency.
“The situation in Ukraine is affecting us here. (It is) affecting the program in Nigeria because now most of the funding is diverted to respond to Ukraine’s crisis … meanwhile, we also have a nutrition crisis here,” said Nicholas in Borno state, the center of Nigeria’s humanitarian crisis.
A key step in responding to humanitarian crises globally would be to “reform the global financial system … designed by the rich, for the rich,” said Guterres in Abuja.
”As we face a situation that requires urgent action, we must make greater use of all available mechanisms for the benefit of developing countries, including middle-income countries, especially in Africa,” he said.
While in Nigeria, Guterres visited the northeast region where he met with former extremists who have defected from the camps of the Boko Haram jihadi group and its offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province.
The jihadi insurgency in northeast Nigeria is blamed for the deaths of 35,000 people and displacing 2.1 million, according to U.N.
In Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Guterres laid a wreath Wednesday in honor of the 23 people who died in 2011 when Boko Haram bombed the United Nations office building in the West African country. Many of those killed were U.N. staffers.
“Today, the U.N. family stands in solidarity with the victims’ families, as well as the women and men who work at U.N. House every day, to serve and support the people of Nigeria,” Guterres said. “And we stand in solidarity with all Nigerians who have endured similar violence in their own communities.” | https://www.cbs42.com/news/international/un-chief-urges-donors-to-sustain-aid-amid-ukraine-crisis/ | 2022-05-06T06:26:22Z | https://www.cbs42.com/news/international/un-chief-urges-donors-to-sustain-aid-amid-ukraine-crisis/ | true |
Defenders inside Ukrainian steel mill refuse to surrender
LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian fighters battling Russian forces in the tunnels beneath Mariupol’s immense steel plant refused to surrender in the face of relentless attacks, with the wife of one commander saying they had vowed to “stand till the end.”
The battle, in the last Ukrainian stronghold of the strategic port city reduced to ruins by the Russian onslaught, appeared increasingly desperate on Thursday.
“They won’t surrender,” Kateryna Prokopenko said after speaking by phone to her husband, a leader of the steel plant defenders. “They only hope for a miracle.”
She said her husband, Azov Regiment commander Denys Prokopenko, told her he would love her forever.
“I am going mad from this. It seemed like words of goodbye,” she said.
GRAPHIC: Videos used may contain disturbing content.
The bloody battle came amid growing speculation that President Vladimir Putin wants to present the Russian people with a battlefield triumph — or announce an escalation of the war — in time for Victory Day on Monday. Victory Day is the biggest patriotic holiday on the Russian calendar, marking the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany.
Some 2,000 Ukrainian fighters, by Russia’s most recent estimate, were holed up in a maze of tunnels and bunkers beneath Mariupol’s sprawling Azovstal steelworks. A few hundred civilians were also believed trapped there.
“There are many wounded (fighters), but they are not surrendering,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said late Thursday in his nightly video address. “They are holding their positions.”
He said the attack was preventing the evacuation of remaining civilians.
“Just imagine this hell! And there are children there,” he said “More than two months of constant shelling, bombing, constant death.”
The Russians managed to get inside with the help of an electrician who knew the layout, said Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine’s Internal Affairs Ministry.
“He showed them the underground tunnels which are leading to the factory,” Gerashchenko said in a video posted late Wednesday. “Yesterday, the Russians started storming these tunnels, using the information they received from the betrayer.”
The Kremlin denied its troops were storming the plant.
The fall of Mariupol would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, allow Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops to fight elsewhere in the Donbas, the eastern industrial region that the Kremlin says is now its chief objective.
Capt. Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of the Azov Regiment, pleaded on Ukrainian TV for the evacuation of civilians and wounded fighters from the steelworks, saying soldiers were “dying in agony due to the lack of proper treatment.”
The Kremlin has demanded the troops surrender. They have refused. Russia has also accused them of preventing the civilians from leaving.
The head of the United Nations said another attempt to evacuate civilians from Mariupol and the plant was underway. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: “We must continue to do all we can to get people out of these hellscapes.”
More than 100 civilians were rescued from the steelworks over the weekend. But many previous attempts to open safe corridors from Mariupol have fallen through, with Ukraine blaming shelling and firing by the Russians.
Meanwhile, 10 weeks into the devastating war, Ukraine’s military claimed it recaptured some areas in the south and repelled other attacks in the east, further frustrating Putin’s ambitions after his abortive attempt to seize Kyiv. Ukrainian and Russian forces are fighting village by village.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Russian forces are making only “plodding” progress in the Donbas.
The head of Britain’s armed forces, Chief of the Defense Staff Adm. Tony Radakin, said Putin is “trying to rush to a tactical victory” before Victory Day. But he said Russian forces are struggling to gain momentum.
On Thursday, an American official said the U.S. shared intelligence with Ukraine about the location of a Russian flagship before the mid-April strike that sank it, one of Moscow’s highest-profile failures in the war.
The U.S. has provided “a range of intelligence” that includes locations of warships, said the official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The official said the decision to target the missile cruiser Moskva was purely a Ukrainian decision.
Fearful of new attacks surrounding Victory Day, the mayor of the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk urged residents to leave for the countryside over the long weekend and warned them not to gather in public places.
And the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, a key transit point for evacuees from Mariupol, announced a curfew from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning.
Mariupol, which had a prewar population of over 400,000, has come to symbolize the misery inflicted by the war. The siege of the city has trapped perhaps 100,000 civilians with little food, water, medicine or heat.
As the battle raged there, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Russian bombardment Thursday hit dozens of Ukrainian military targets, including troop concentrations in the east, an artillery battery near the eastern settlement of Zarozhne and rocket launchers near the southern city of Mykolaiv.
Five people were killed and dozens injured in shelling of cities in the Donbas over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian officials said, with shells hitting schools, apartments and a medical facility.
Ukrainian forces said they made some gains on the border of the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv and repelled 11 Russian attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas.
The war has devastated the country’s medical infrastructure, Zelenskyy said in a video link to a charity event in the U.K. Nearly 400 health care facilities have been damaged or destroyed, he said.
“There is simply a catastrophic situation regarding access to medical services and medicines,” in areas occupied by Russian forces, he said. “Even the simplest drugs are lacking.”
With the challenge of mine-clearing and rebuilding after the war in mind, Zelenskyy announced the launch of a global fundraising platform called United24.
At the same time, Poland hosted an international donor conference that raised $6.5 billion in humanitarian aid. The gathering was attended by prime ministers and ambassadors from many European countries, as well as representatives of nations farther afield and some businesses.
In addition, a Ukrainian cabinet body began to develop proposals for a comprehensive postwar reconstruction plan, while Zelenskyy also urged Western allies to put forward a program similar to the post-World War II Marshall Plan plan to help Ukraine rebuild.
___
Anna reported from Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. Associated Press journalists Yesica Fisch in Zaporizhzhia, Inna Varenytsia and David Keyton in Kyiv, Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and AP staff around the world contributed to this report.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wistv.com/2022/05/06/defenders-inside-ukrainian-steel-mill-refuse-surrender/ | 2022-05-06T06:29:39Z | https://www.wistv.com/2022/05/06/defenders-inside-ukrainian-steel-mill-refuse-surrender/ | false |
Jill Biden to meet Ukrainian refugees during border visit
WASHINGTON (AP) — For weeks, first lady Jill Biden has been transfixed by the news coming out of Ukraine, by the bombings and scenes of “parents weeping over their children’s broken bodies in the streets,” as she said in a recent speech.
Now Biden is using her second solo overseas trip to get an up-close look at the Ukrainian refugee crisis by visiting Romania and Slovakia, where she will spend Mother’s Day meeting with displaced families in a small Slovakian village on the border with Ukraine.
Biden, who opens the visit Friday in Romania, told reporters traveling with her Thursday night, “It’s so important to the president and to me that the Ukrainian people know that we stand with them.” She said earlier in the week she wants the refugees to know “their resilience inspires me.”
NATO allies Romania and Slovakia border Ukraine and have taken in some of the millions of mostly women and children who fled after Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, triggering Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War II.
Biden also will use her four days in Europe to highlight issues she promotes at home, such as support for U.S. service members, education and the welfare of children.
After flying overnight from Washington, Biden was to arrive at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base in Romania, near the Black Sea, in time to help serve Friday dinner to U.S. service members stationed there. Some of the several thousand U.S. troops that President Joe Biden deployed to eastern Europe in the leadup to the war were sent to the base, which is about 60 miles (100 kilometers) from Romania’s border with Ukraine.
The centerpiece of the first lady’s trip comes Sunday — Mother’s Day — when Biden, a mother of three, meets with displaced Ukrainians who sought refuge across the border in Slovakia.
Biden’s daughter, Ashley Biden, had planned to accompany her mother to Europe, but backed out after learning Thursday that she was a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19, said Michael LaRosa, the first lady’s spokesperson. Ashley Biden tested negative, LaRosa said.
“I can only imagine the grief families are feeling,” Jill Biden said this week. “I know that we might not share a language, but I hope that I can convey, in ways so much greater than words, that their resilience inspires me, that they are not forgotten, and that all Americans stand with them still.”
The first lady also will meet during the trip with humanitarian aid workers, educators, government officials and U.S. embassy personnel, the White House said.
Nearly 6 million Ukrainians, mostly women and children, have fled their country since Russia’s invasion, according to the U.N. refugee agency. Many have resettled in next-door countries, like Romania and Slovakia, or have gone elsewhere in Europe to try to rebuild their lives.
More than 850,000 Ukrainians have entered Romania since the invasion, while nearly 400,000 have crossed into Slovakia, according to government figures from those countries.
Biden has long displayed an interest in the plight of refugees around the world.
In 2011, when her husband was vice president, she traveled to drought-stricken east Africa to visit with Somali famine refugees at the Dadaab camp in Kenya. In 2017, she visited refugees in Chios, Greece, as part of work by the aid organization Save The Children, on whose board she served.
Some refugee advocates said Biden’s trip will send the message that the United States takes seriously its humanitarian commitment to the Ukrainian people.
“Every first lady has a far-reaching platform to raise awareness and this trip will be an important tool for mobilizing additional support for those forced to flee their homeland,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and formerly a policy director to first lady Michelle Obama.
Jill Biden’s trip will be the latest to the region by a U.S. government representative following recent visits to Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
President Biden visited Ukrainian refugees during a stop in Poland in March. That’s the closest he’s been to Ukraine. The White House has said there are no current plans for him to visit Kyiv.
After her time with the U.S. service members, the first lady was set to spend Saturday in Bucharest, Romania’s capital, being briefed on humanitarian efforts, meeting with Romanian first lady Carmen Iohannis and touring a school where Ukrainian refugee students are enrolled before she departs for Slovakia. Biden is a community college English professor.
On Sunday, she heads to Kosice, Slovakia, to visit a city-operated refugee center and a public school that also hosts Ukrainian refugee students, where she will spend time with Ukrainian and Slovakian mothers and children as they participate in Mother’s Day activities. Afterward, she will travel to the Slovakia-Ukraine border crossing in Vysne Nemecke, Slovakia.
The White House declined to comment on whether she will cross the border and enter Ukraine.
She’ll also visit a small Greek Catholic chapel in Vysne Nemecke that serves refugees.
Monday brings a meeting with Slovakian President Zuzana Caputova, the country’s first female president, before Biden heads back to Washington.
The first lady has shown her support the Ukrainian people in several ways. She wore a sunflower — Ukraine’s national flower — on her mask and a dress sleeve, and traveled to a Tennessee hospital to visit with Ukrainian children flown there for cancer treatment.
She had Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, sit with her during President Biden’s State of the Union address in March, and went to the Army’s Fort Campbell in Kentucky to visit with the families of U.S soldiers who were deployed to Europe to assist with the Ukraine crisis.
The trip is the first lady’s second overseas by herself. She flew to Tokyo last year to represent the United States at the opening of the Olympic Games.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/05/06/jill-biden-meet-ukrainian-refugees-during-border-visit/ | 2022-05-06T06:30:22Z | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2022/05/06/jill-biden-meet-ukrainian-refugees-during-border-visit/ | false |
Midnight protests rock Sri Lanka’s Parliament
Government ‘squeezing people’s necks’, says student leader
Several hundred people gathered outside Sri Lanka’s Parliament late on Thursday night, hours after police tear-gased students who marched to the spot as part of the ongoing citizens’ protests against the ruling Rajapaksas.
They chanted anti-government slogans through the night, in the latest escalation of agitations demanding that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resign, taking responsibility for the economic meltdown in the island. For months now, citizens’ groups have been holding street protests in different parts of the country, as they battle acute shortages of essentials and long power cuts.
On Thursday night, the crowd continued to swell well past midnight, as families, including children, arrived in the area, in a show of support to the protesting youth. Most waited for hours, listening to student leaders, activists, trade unionists slamming the government for its “arrogance” and “failure”, as a live band played music, mostly songs of resistance, on a temporary stage erected on top of the road.
Convener of the Inter-University Student’s Federation Wasantha Mudalige said the government is “squeezing people’s necks” as there is “no food, no fuel, nothing!”. “In such a situation, university students must speak up. Police tear-gased us, but we will continue agitating here, to tell Parliament that its members are not representing us, or our concerns,” he told The Hindu.
Civil activist Gamini Viyangoda described the protest as “a very important step forward”. Observing that society now has “many new avenues” to express themselves, he said “rulers have not understood” that, and think in the same, “old methods”. He was referring to the Parliament electing a Deputy Speaker on Thursday. The Rajapaksas’ ruling party, along with its former allies who claim to be independent now, voted together for the former Deputy Speaker, who had recently resigned, effectively re-electing him. They cast 148 votes in total, while the Opposition managed to garner less than half the number. The move exposed both, the firm loyalty of apparent deserters to their former political bosses, and the Opposition’s weakness in the legislature, where it hopes to pass trust votes against the government and President.
Meanwhile, thousands of worker unions have said they will join a massive hartal on Friday, in one of the largest strike actions in Sri Lanka in recent history. Urging protesters to remain “peaceful”, police warned of “action” against those engaging in violence, hours after student protesters accused the police of unleashing tear gas despite their peaceful assembly outside Parliament.
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Hill bargainers seek Ukraine aid deal, COVID aid in question
WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers are working toward compromise on President Joe Biden’s $33 billion Ukraine aid request, even as signs emerge that Democrats may need to swallow another COVID-19 setback and drop their goal of wrapping pandemic spending into the package.
Bipartisan talks among House and Senate Appropriations committee leaders are underway in hopes of producing legislation Congress could vote on as soon as next week, members of both parties say. Changes in Biden’s proposal are likely — the price tag, particularly for military spending, could rise — but there’s wide agreement on the urgency of helping Kyiv and regional allies resist Russia’s 10-week-old onslaught.
Republican budget-writers “are probably knocking some things out and adding some things. But I think by and large, everybody agrees we’ve got to do all we can to help,” said No. 2 Senate GOP leader John Thune of South Dakota. He said some Republicans believe “this package may not be robust enough, but I think it probably strikes close to the right balance.”
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., cited broad backing for the measure Thursday but warned, “This isn’t about battling climate change.” McConnell aides said he was objecting to some proposed funding to international organizations that Republicans have criticized for spending money on alternative energy initiatives.
“If the Senate is serious about helping Ukraine win, we need to show it by passing supplemental assistance. Clean, no strings attached, and soon,” McConnell said.
One participant said bargainers must resolve details of Biden proposals to provide health care, food and other benefits to Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. and to strengthen government powers to use assets seized from billionaire friends of Russian President Vladimir Putin to help Ukraine. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to describe the talks publicly.
When Biden sent his $33 billion proposal to Congress last week, he wrote that “to avoid needless deaths in the United States and around the world,” Congress should include additional billions for COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines. Democrats have hoped doing so would pressure the GOP to accept the pandemic spending, which Democrats say is needed to prepare for the virus’ all but inevitable next curveball.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has resorted to more lawyerly language, not specifying that the two issues should be combined. “We need to figure out the best way to get both done, and that’s what we’re going to try to do in the next few weeks,” he told reporters Tuesday.
Minutes earlier, McConnell spelled out his view of the best way forward.
“There is overwhelming bipartisan support for getting the Ukrainians as much help as they need as quickly as possible,” McConnell said. “For that to happen here in Congress, that package needs to be moved without the other extraneous issues.”
While combining Ukraine and pandemic money into one package has broad Democratic support, bargainers say party leaders haven’t made a final decision on that yet. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said in an interview that he wants funding for Ukraine and COVID-19 tied together because both are crucial.
“It may” fall out of the bill, Leahy said of the pandemic money, “and I think that would be a mistake.”
Biden’s overall proposal is anchored by $20 billion to help Ukraine and nearby countries defend themselves and replenish U.S. arms shipped to the area. There’s $8.5 billion to bolster Ukraine’s economy and government and $3 billion for refugees and to supplement food supplies around the world disrupted by the war.
The proposal’s fine print, contained in White House documents sent to Congress, adds texture to Biden’s plans.
It would make it easier for Russians with advanced degrees in more than two dozen sciences — including missile propulsion, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and cybersecurity — to get job-based visas and come to the U.S. Besides strengthening the U.S. in those fields, the move would “undercut Russia’s innovative potential, benefitting U.S. national security,” according to the materials accompanying Biden’s proposal.
The documents, which break down Biden’s defense request by each branch of the military, include $800,000 for the new U.S. Space Force. The expenditures are described as covering intelligence analysis, flying hours, weapon system sustainment and other costs, but no other details are provided. The overall U.S. defense budget is around $800 billion.
There’s nearly $600 million for Patriot anti-missile systems in Europe, money to care for wounded Ukrainian troops at an American military medical center in Germany and a proposal to let Afghan refugees who’ve fled to this country since the U.S. withdrawal become lawful permanent residents if they qualify.
Rapid approval of Ukraine aid would let both parties avoid an election-year display of dysfunction by spiraling into a spat over the widely popular cause of helping Ukraine avoid being overpowered by Russia.
Passage of Ukraine aid separately would also preserve GOP hopes of boxing Democrats into a corner on border security, an issue Republicans are banking on in November’s elections for congressional control.
Should Senate Democrats press ahead with a separate pandemic bill, Republicans plan to force a vote on retaining a Trump-era order citing the pandemic as justification for quickly removing asylum-seekers crossing the Mexican border into the U.S. The Biden administration has planned to let that rule expire May 23, and Democrats are divided over whether to extend it.
Already this year, a White House request for $30 billion for the pandemic was cut in half and ultimately dropped by the House. A bipartisan Senate compromise then trimmed it to $10 billion, but stalled over GOP demands for a vote on immigration.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/06/hill-bargainers-seek-ukraine-aid-deal-covid-aid-question/ | 2022-05-06T06:35:52Z | https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/06/hill-bargainers-seek-ukraine-aid-deal-covid-aid-question/ | false |
Delhi-Centre row: SC refers to five-judge bench dispute over control of services in national capital.
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Delhi-Centre row: SC refers to five-judge bench dispute over control of services in national capital.
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USDA finds multiple violations at NCFL exotic animal attraction
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MELROSE, Fla. (WCJB) - Single Vision is known for having exotic animals, but a USDA inspection found multiple violations.
Including an obese jaguar and a list of new species that have not been updated for more than two years.
“I can’t go into major details about it because we are under a relicensing and kind of investigation process,” said owner Carl Bovard.
Other violations include a Geoffroy’s Cat with hair loss and more than twenty instances where visitors took images of animals over 12 weeks old without any restraints.
TV20 was not able to take any video inside but was given a tour to see all the animals.
“We’re not hiding anything, we had a vet that actually lives in this neighborhood and she kind of just threw us under the bus. she wasn’t helping us she said she didn’t support us,” said Board.
PETA representatives said inspectors also found a hyena was living at Bovard’s home and that multiple enclosures needed repairs.
Bovard added the docu-series Tiger King has damaged private owners like him.
“With this whole documentary that came out at the beginning of the pandemic has shed a really bad light on people in the united states that are privately licensed to have big cats.”
Tiger King star Carol Baskin herself said Single Vision is on her watch list and said animals six to sixteen weeks old can bite a child’s finger off.
“And yet people will still pay to do those kinds of things and Single Vision holds itself out as a sanctuary, but no sanctuary allows people to have public contact with any wild animals. It’s shocking to be that places like Single Vision still exist and that people still patronize them.”
Single Vision has until May 14 to make those significant changes.
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GOP works to get out the vote after calling elections rigged
ATLANTA (AP) — Republican David Perdue has made election fraud the centerpiece of his run for Georgia governor. But if he hopes to win in this year’s midterm elections, his supporters will have to use the same democratic system he says they shouldn’t trust.
The only way to win a rigged election, he says, is to turn out in such high numbers that the Democrats can’t get away with cheating.
“If we get out the vote, if everybody votes, we will win,” Perdue told his audience at a campaign speech last month.
Across the nation, Republicans who have embraced discredited conspiracy theories about the 2020 election are attempting a similar high-wire act: campaigning for votes by preaching skepticism about elections.
For GOP contenders, it’s a tricky calculus. If they continue spreading former President Donald Trump’s lies that the election was stolen, they risk undermining faith in democracy and having their supporters stay at home. But those who reject Trump’s false claims face the wrath of the former president and his supporters, who wield sizable influence in many GOP primaries.
The tactic of campaigning on a distrust of democracy can confuse voters on whether their vote matters or not. Joe Kent, a Republican running for Congress in Washington, said voters sometimes ask him why they should bother voting at all, if elections are rigged. Kent said he believes Trump won and has said he would work to overturn President Joe Biden’s win if elected, even though there is no legal mechanism for doing so.
“I don’t have a perfect answer for you,” is what Kent said he tells voters who say they no longer trust voting. “I wish there was a remedy. If you buy into ‘It’s all rigged’ and ‘I’m not going to vote,’ we are 100% going to lose.”
In the 18 months since Biden defeated Trump, other issues have bubbled up to compete for the attention of candidates and voters: inflation, the bloody exit from Afghanistan, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and debates over vaccines and masks in schools.
Trump’s false statements about the election, meanwhile, have been roundly disproved — by courts, law enforcement, elected election officials from both parties, and independent investigations.
“We need to move on to solving problems for citizens,” said Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, the Republican from southwest Washington state facing a primary challenge this year from Kent. Beutler has said she supported Trump’s right to bring legal challenges, but there’s no evidence of widespread voter fraud.
Beutler is one of 10 House Republicans who supported Trump’s second impeachment. She also voted to certify Biden’s election victory, making her a major target for Trump and his supporters.
The former president began spreading doubts about the 2020 election years before the first votes were even cast, saying he would only accept the results if he was the victor. He’s spent the last year and a half repeating those same claims, despite an absence of evidence. Now, he’s using his power within the GOP to punish candidates for being insufficiently loyal.
When Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama, a stalwart Trump backer, told a crowd of Trump supporters that it was time to move on from 2020, he was jeered. Trump ended up pulling his endorsement of Brooks in Alabama’s Senate race.
“He wanted the election rescinded and a do-over,” Brooks later said. “But there’s no legal way to do it.”
Many Republicans have leaned into Trump’s conspiracy theories. In Missouri, Rep. Billy Long, who is running for the U.S. Senate, released a 30-second ad claiming the “Democrats rigged the election.” YouTube later removed the ad from its platform for violating its rules on misinformation.
In Texas, one survey of 143 Republican candidates for Congress this year found that only 13 stated that Biden was the election’s rightful winner.
Georgia is perhaps the best example of how Trump’s self-serving conspiracy theories continue to resonate with Republican voters, and the candidates hoping for their support.
Republican turnout in Georgia dropped in the January 2021 runoffs amid Trump’s barrage of voter fraud claims in his own election defeat, leading many Republicans to conclude that Trump’s messaging cost their party control of the Senate when Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock beat Perdue and fellow Republican Kelly Loeffler.
Perdue, now running for governor at Trump’s behest, has made election fraud the centerpiece of his challenge to incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp. Perdue and Trump blame Kemp’s refusal to attempt to overturn Trump’s defeat in Georgia during the 2020 campaign for their losses.
In his campaign speech, Perdue pledged to eliminate Georgia’s Dominion voting machines, which Trump has falsely accused of flipping votes against him. But Perdue also said concerns about the machines shouldn’t discourage Republicans from voting, noting that Democratic-leaning Virginia elected Republican Glenn Youngkin with votes recorded on Dominion machines.
“Let’s give you some hope. In Virginia, we just elected a Republican governor using these same machines,” Perdue said. “How did we do it? Well, Trump told people, he said: ‘Look, they fixed some rules. We still use the machines. It’s not perfect yet, but we can overwhelm it if we all get out and vote.’”
Perdue has also touted Republican efforts to recruit more poll watchers, saying they will help prevent fraud, although Perdue’s accusations have focused on the disproven claim that fraud in Georgia centered on absentee ballots that were returned in drop boxes.
Running for the U.S. Senate in Georgia, Herschel Walker has taken a different tack, saying he doesn’t want to look backward at the 2020 election. During an April 20 interview with radio station WDUN-AM in Gainesville, Georgia, Walker acknowledged concerns about election fraud among Republican voters. He sought to reassure voters that Georgia’s restrictive 2021 election law will put to rest worries about absentee ballots by requiring driver license numbers on ballot applications and by limiting ballot drop boxes.
“I don’t know if there are problems with the 2020 elections,” Walker said. “One thing I have to worry about right now is that I’m going to have a fair election, and that people can believe in our election when I run.”
Surveys indicate that many Republicans have harbored doubts about Biden’s win, skepticism that has been encouraged by Trump and his allies on cable TV and talk radio, along with conspiracy theories and misinformation spreading online.
Distrust of American institutions was already increasing when Trump began telling his supporters that the election was rigged if he lost. The COVID-19 pandemic then prompted many states to rush out new vote-by-mail rules that alarmed some conservatives and prompted even more falsehoods from Trump.
When the votes were counted, large numbers of those mail-in ballots helped tilt the outcome in states like Pennsylvania and Georgia toward Biden.
“They view what happened in Pennsylvania and Georgia with suspicion,” said Daron Shaw, a former campaign strategist and polling expert who now teaches at the University of Texas. “But it was their guy who said don’t vote by mail. Voters take their cues from partisan elites, but instead of pushing back on this (voter fraud claim), the party elites have acted as an accelerant.”
___
Klepper reported from Providence, R.I.
___
Follow AP for full coverage of the midterms at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ap_politics.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kait8.com/2022/05/06/gop-works-get-out-vote-after-calling-elections-rigged/ | 2022-05-06T06:55:39Z | https://www.kait8.com/2022/05/06/gop-works-get-out-vote-after-calling-elections-rigged/ | false |
Singara Chennai 2.0: Around one lakh poor families to get modern sports infrastructure in OSR lands
The development of modern infrastructure for sports for the young residents will be taken up under Singara Chennai 2.0 in the OSR lands in the apartment complexes for the poor
Children from over 99,000 homes for the poor in the city will get modern sports infrastructure and parks in OSR lands in the tenements developed by the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUHDB).
At the first meeting of the city’s Urban Habitat Development Committee headed by Chennai Corporation Commissioner Gagandeep Singh Bedi held in Ripon Buildings, officials including Commissioner of Police Shankar Jiwal stressed the need for initiatives to prevent drug abuse and crime among the youth in some of the 99,000 homes in various parts of the city.
The development of modern infrastructure for sports for the young residents will be taken up under Singara Chennai 2.0 in the OSR lands in the apartment complexes for the poor.
The slum areas in the city are also expected to get a makeover with better civic infrastructure, modern parks in OSR lands, children’s play area to promote creativity, improved source of livelihood for residents and better coordination between various line agencies.
All MLAs in the city participated in the meeting, demanding improvement in the urban habitat of such low income neighborhoods. They stressed the need for better management of sewage, waste and improved water supply for the 99000 families in various parts of the city.
A total of 15 zonal committees for urban habitat development in slum areas will be formed in Chennai to facilitate growth and development of such areas with better services for all residents including welfare schemes for the residents. According to the data shared during the meeting, 99032 apartments have been maintained by the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board in Chennai. Some of the public health issues including vector borne diseases and other communicable diseases reported in various residential areas have been reportedly caused because of poor maintenance in such slum areas in each of the 15 zones. So the State government has planned to improve the infrastructure in such areas with better coordination between the Greater Chennai Corporation, police, TNUHDB and other line agencies.
The coordination among various line agencies is expected to be strengthened by the formation of the zonal committees headed by the zonal officers in each of the 15 zones.
Tondiarpet zone has 7428 apartments, Manali 288, Tondiarpet 12938, Royapuram 1119, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar 6680, Ambattur 496, Anna Nagar 6484, Teynampet 17521, Kodambakkam 6856, Adyar 8754 and Sholinganallur 30468 apartments for the poor families.
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- Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name, to avoid rejection. | https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/singara-chennai-20-around-one-lakh-poor-families-to-get-modern-sports-infrastructure-in-osr-lands/article65385932.ece | 2022-05-06T07:02:54Z | https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/singara-chennai-20-around-one-lakh-poor-families-to-get-modern-sports-infrastructure-in-osr-lands/article65385932.ece | true |
Law professor Rachel Moran commented for Courthouse News Service on the report created by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights following their probe of the Minneapolis Police Department. She offers possible actions that the MPD could take to create change within the department.
From the article: “I think the report does a pretty thorough job of memorializing what a lot of people already know,” Moran said, but that city leadership “haven’t done anything about, or haven’t done enough about.”
A consent decree, she said, could bring real change only if its requirements were strict and specific. “A meaningful consent decree would have time limitations and specific changes rather than regurgitating jargon about how we need to change,” she said. | https://news.stthomas.edu/in-the-news-rachel-moran-on-the-probe-into-mpd/ | 2022-05-06T07:14:30Z | https://news.stthomas.edu/in-the-news-rachel-moran-on-the-probe-into-mpd/ | true |
Tornadoes strike Texas, Oklahoma, cause widespread damage
SEMINOLE, Okla. (AP) — A storm system spawned several tornadoes that whipped through areas of Texas and Oklahoma, causing damage to a school, a marijuana farm and other structures.
There were no reports of serious injuries following the Wednesday night tornadoes, but the system caused flooding in parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas, and more stormy weather took place Thursday.
Significant damage was reported in the Oklahoma city of Seminole, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) southeast of Oklahoma City, where Gov. Kevin Stitt said damage assessments were underway after he toured the area Thursday.
“(We’re) getting all the resources and supplies that the city wants and needs,” including generators, Stitt said. “Thank the Lord that nobody was hurt” and no deaths have been reported.
The National Weather Service said it found damage in Seminole from an EF2 tornado, which has winds speeds of up to 135 mph (217 kph).
More than 2,900 customers remained without power in Seminole late Thursday afternoon, according to Oklahoma Gas & Electric, more than 63% of the utility customers in the city.
The Academy of Seminole took a direct hit but no one was injured, the school said on Facebook.
Video footage from Oklahoma TV station KOCO showed a tornado hit a marijuana farm in the nearby town of Maud.
Several roads and highways were closed Thursday morning in parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas because of flash flooding.
In Bixby, Oklahoma, located south of Tulsa, officials opened a temporary shelter at a church after thunderstorms flooded some homes and streets in one neighborhood.
In East Texas, a tornado on Thursday damaged several campers and buildings at an RV park in Rusk County, Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez told KTRE-TV. The Rusk County Office of Emergency Management reported one person was injured after being hit by a tree.
On Wednesday, a “large and dangerous tornado” was spotted in the rural community of Lockett, about 170 miles (275 kilometers) northwest of Dallas, said the National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma.
The weather service said it found damage near Lockett from an EF3 tornado, which has winds speeds of up to 165 mph (265 kph).
There were no significant injuries or deaths to residents in Wilbarger County, where Lockett is located, Sheriff Brian Fritze told KAUZ-TV. He said several homes and barns appeared to sustain extensive damage.
In Washington County in northwest Arkansas, officials performed more than 30 water rescues as heavy rainfall flooded homes and streets in the cities of Fayetteville and Johnson, KHBS/KHOG-TV reported.
The storms on Wednesday and Thursday were the latest in several rounds of severe weather in the central United States. Last week, a tornado damaged more than 1,000 buildings in the Wichita suburb of Andover, Kansas. Three University of Oklahoma meteorology students died in a car crash while returning from storm chasing.
The storms, which were moving east into other southern U.S. states, could bring more tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds, and the threat of severe weather will continue Friday in parts of the South and over the weekend in the central Plains and Midwest, the weather service said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kswo.com/2022/05/06/tornadoes-strike-texas-oklahoma-cause-widespread-damage/ | 2022-05-06T07:24:23Z | https://www.kswo.com/2022/05/06/tornadoes-strike-texas-oklahoma-cause-widespread-damage/ | true |
HOTTER than Ibiza! Britain set for its warmest day of the year today with temperatures pushing 75F... with glorious early summer weather to last into next week
- Temperatures are expected to soar into the mid-20Cs (mid-70Fs) today with warmest weather in South East
- If peak highs aren't seen today, it is 'likely' that 2022 record will be broken at some point in the coming days
- Current high of the year so far was 23.4C (74F) recorded at St James's Park in London on Good Friday, April 15
- Meteorologists have also issued a warning to Britons to wear sun cream and not be in the sun for long periods
Britain could enjoy its hottest day of the year so far today with some areas forecast to be hotter than Majorca.
Temperatures are expected to soar into the mid-20Cs (mid-70Fs) this afternoon - and forecasters said that if peak highs aren't seen today, it is 'likely' that this year's record will be broken at some point in the coming days.
A high of 23.4C (74F) was recorded at St James's Park in London on Good Friday, April 15, which is the hottest of 2022 so far – and if that is beaten anywhere in the UK today, then it will probably be in South East England.
It will also make the UK hotter than many European holiday destinations today, with highs including 19C (66F) in Nice, 20C (68F) in Barcelona and Ibiza, 21C (70F) in Malta, 22C (72F) in Corfu and 23C (73F) in Majorca.
Meteorologists have also issued a warning to Britons who might be looking forward to making the most of the hot weather over the coming week, advising them to wear sun cream and not be in the sun for long periods.
Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said: 'It's possible we could see the warmest day in parts of the South East. If we don't see it on Friday, we'll likely see it at least on one day next week.'
She said temperatures this month are expected to be 'much warmer than average', adding: 'Average temperatures at this point in early May is about 17C (63F) for London and somewhere around 15C (59F) outside of that.
'It's quite likely we'll see those warm and much warmer than average temperatures across the UK.'
The high temperatures are forecast to stay consistent for at least the next week. Ms Shuttleworth added: 'UV levels will likely be high. Some protection is advised, and long periods in the sunshine not recommended.'
The mercury is expected to peak at 25C (77F) or 26C (79F) in the South in the latter half of next week – and the warm weather should continue into the following weekend, with the North experiencing highs in the low-20Cs.
MeteoGroup forecaster Donal Considine said a surge of warm air would be drawn up from the south as a result of high pressure hovering over central Europe.
'We'll get a day-on-day increase in temperatures as warm air is pulled up from North Africa and Spain because of the direction of the winds,' he added. 'So next week there is the potential for maximum temperatures 4C to 5C above average.'
London and the South East can expect at least 24C (75F) from Wednesday onwards and it could keep getting hotter, with 26C (79F) possible.
Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna predicted it could even get 'very warm' towards the end of this month.
The Met Office's three-month summer outlook predicts an 'increase in the likelihood of warmer-than-average conditions in the month ahead'.
It adds: 'Predictions are consistent in suggesting an increase in the likelihood of temperatures being above average overall.
'While this doesn't necessarily mean heatwaves will occur, it does increase the likelihood of heatwaves compared to normal.'
The Met Office defines a heatwave as an extended period – at least three consecutive days – of much hotter than normal weather. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10788583/UK-weather-Britain-set-warmest-day-year-today.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | 2022-05-06T07:31:56Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10788583/UK-weather-Britain-set-warmest-day-year-today.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | false |
IUIU bounce back with win over Busitema
Islamic University In Uganda kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the Pepsi University Football League (UFL) alive after edging visitors Busitema University 1-0 in a tightly contested game played at the IUIU campus in Mbale yesterday.
With only the group winner guaranteed qualification from the group which consists three teams rather four for the rest of the groups, IUIU were in danger of putting themselves out of contention having lost their opening game to Bugema.
But they managed to bounce back using Ismail Tambula’s 38 minute goal converted from close range to get all three points from the game.
The result moves IUIU to second in Group F with 3pts from 2 games while Bugema remain on top of the group also with 3pts but with a better goal difference and a game in hand as Busitema remain without a point. Action continues tomorrow today with Kumi University hosting defending champions Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Kumi.
Both teams have previously defeated Victoria University with UCU running out 2-0 winners while Kumi recorded a 2-1 win over the same opponents.
The two sides have met once before in 2020 with UCU winning that tie 0-1.
Pepsi University Football League - 10th Season
Result - Yesterday
IUIU 1-0 Busitema University
Today’s fixture
Kumi University vs. UCU | https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/iuiu-bounce-back-with-win-over-busitema-3806080 | 2022-05-06T07:34:50Z | https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/iuiu-bounce-back-with-win-over-busitema-3806080 | true |
FDA restricts J&J’s COVID-19 vaccine due to blood clot risk
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Thursday strictly limited who can receive Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine due to the ongoing risk of rare but serious blood clots.
The Food and Drug Administration said the shot should only be given to adults who cannot receive a different vaccine or specifically request J&J’s vaccine. U.S. authorities for months have recommended that Americans get Pfizer or Moderna shots instead of J&J’s vaccine.
FDA’s vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks said the agency decided to restrict the vaccine after taking another look at the data on the risks of life-threatening blood clots and concluding that they are limited to J&J’s vaccine.
“If there’s an alternative that appears to be equally effective in preventing severe outcomes from COVID-19, we’d rather see people opting for that,” Marks said. “But we’ve been careful to say that-- compared to no vaccine-- this is still a better option.”
The problem occurs in the first two weeks after vaccination, he added: “So if you had the vaccine six months ago you can sleep soundly tonight knowing this isn’t an issue.”
The FDA authorized J&J’s shot in February last year for adults 18 and up.
The vaccine was initially considered an important tool in fighting the pandemic because it required only one shot. But the single-dose option proved less effective than two doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Moderna and Pfizer shots over J&J’s because of its safety issues.
As of mid-March, federal scientists had identified 60 cases of the side effect, including nine that were fatal. That amounts to 3.23 blood clot cases per 1 million J&J shots. The problem is more common in women under 50, where the death rate was roughly 1 per million shots, according to Marks.
Marks said the FDA spent extra time analyzing the problem to be sure it wasn’t connected to a separate issue, such as women taking birth control medications that raise their risk of clotting.
The J&J vaccine will carry a starker warning about potential “long-term and debilitating health consequences” of the side effect.
Under the new FDA instructions, J&J’s vaccine could still be given to people who had a severe allergic reaction to one of the other vaccines and can’t receive an additional dose. J&J’s shot could also be an option for people who refuse to receive the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, and therefore would otherwise remain unvaccinated, the agency said.
A J&J spokesman said in an emailed statement: “Data continue to support a favorable benefit-risk profile for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in adults, when compared with no vaccine.”
The clotting problems first came up last spring, with the J&J shot in the U.S. and with a similar vaccine made by AstraZeneca that is used in other countries. At that time, U.S. regulators decided the benefits of J&J’s one-and-done vaccine outweighed what was considered a very rare ri sk — as long as recipients were warned.
COVID-19 causes deadly blood clots, too. But the vaccine-linked kind is different, believed to form because of a rogue immune reaction to the J&J and AstraZeneca vaccines because of how they’re made. Clots form in unusual places, such as veins that drain blood from the brain, and in patients who also develop abnormally low levels of the platelets that form clots. Symptoms of the unusual clots include severe headaches a week or two after the J&J vaccination — not right away — as well as abdominal pain and nausea.
The New Brunswick, New Jersey-based company announced last month that it didn’t expect a profit from the vaccine this year and was suspending sales projections.
The rollout of the company’s vaccine was hurt by a series of troubles, including manufacturing problems at a Baltimore factory that forced J&J to import millions of doses from overseas.
Additionally, regulators added warnings about the blood clots and a rare neurological reaction called Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Pfizer and Moderna have provided the vast majority of COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. More than 200 million Americans have been fully vaccinated with the companies’ two-dose shots while less than 17 million Americans got the J&J shot.
___
This version corrects the rate of blood clots reported with J&J’s vaccine. It is 3.23 cases per 1 million vaccinations.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2022/05/06/fda-restricts-jjs-covid-19-vaccine-due-blood-clot-risk/ | 2022-05-06T07:36:14Z | https://www.kold.com/2022/05/06/fda-restricts-jjs-covid-19-vaccine-due-blood-clot-risk/ | false |
Big changes in how public transport is planned and delivered could be in the pipeline, after receiving backing from Waikato regional councillors.
During the late April meeting, a report to council said making changes to public transport in a timely way was limited due to "overly complex structures for funding and decision making".
That effectiveness was further affected by a lack of coordination with investments in supporting infrastructure like bus stops and shelters, transport policies around things like parking, and decisions about land use and urban form, the report said.
To look at these issues, an independent review was commissioned by the council to assess its current public transport business performance and develop a set of prioritised, practical and actionable recommendations.
Waikato Regional Council Chair Russ Rimmington said, "To be an attractive alternative to single occupancy vehicles, public transport must be accessible, efficient, comfortable and reliable. On top of that, urban form must be conducive to efficiently providing public transport services.
"But it’s clear there are challenges that make introducing improvements to public transport really difficult, and this has to change to meet the needs of our communities," Cr Rimmington said.
Stemming from the review, an implementation strategy presented to council identified four actions to improve public transport in the region, starting with work with Future Proof partners towards a sub-regional entity to govern, plan, fund and deliver an aligned programme of public transport services.
The three other actions involve:
co-designing a consistent regional funding model with all willing territorial authorities working with territorial authorities outside the Future Proof sub-region to explore opportunities to enhance engagement in public transport being more proactive in public transport and integrated transport/land use planning clarifying public transport key performance and infrastructure expectations through the Waikato Regional Public Transport Plan.
Regional Connections Committee Chair Angela Strange said, "These could be groundbreaking changes, but necessary if we’re to deliver the services people need to make public transport a more attractive travel option.
"There’s a lot of detailed planning that now needs to be carried out, and some of this will need to be confirmed with partner councils. But it’s envisaged most of the work will be undertaken to enable implementation through the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan.
"The Regional Connections Committee will continue to play an important role in this process, engaging with territorial authorities on public transport and being a clearing-house for advice on next steps," Cr Strange said.
The strategy presented to councillors had been informed by benchmarking current public transport performance to a range of New Zealand and international comparators, a series of workshops with technical staff, executives and governance representatives from Waikato Regional Council and Hamilton City Council, as well as written feedback from most of the region’s territorial authorities and several other stakeholders.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has allocated funding for the review of the Waikato Regional Public Transport Plan, which has been identified as a good starting point for aligning planning across partners. The review of the plan is underway and will be consulted on with the public this year.
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Voxy: Your Voice | http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/5/401900 | 2022-05-06T07:36:22Z | http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/5/401900 | false |
S. Korean Bond Yields on May. 6, 2022
All News
16:38 May 06, 2022
Today (%) Previous Session(%) Change (BP)
1-year TB 2.017 2.023 -0.6
2-year TB 2.925 2.953 -2.8
3-year TB 3.146 3.178 -3.2
10-year TB 3.431 3.434 -0.3
2-year MSB 2.964 2.998 -3.4
3-year CB (AA-) 3.873 3.887 -1.4
91-day CD 1.720 1.720 0.0
(END)
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(LEAD) Chinese VP known as Xi's right-hand man to attend Yoon's inauguration | https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20220506008300320 | 2022-05-06T07:49:26Z | https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20220506008300320 | false |
WFO HOUSTON/GALVESTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Friday, May 6, 2022
_____
DENSE FOG ADVISORY
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
207 AM CDT Fri May 6 2022
...DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CDT THIS MORNING...
* WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.
* WHERE...Houston, Trinity, Madison, Walker, Burleson, Brazos,
Washington, Grimes and Montgomery Counties.
* WHEN...Until 9 AM CDT this morning.
* IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of
distance ahead of you.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.lakecountystar.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-HOUSTON-GALVESTON-Warnings-Watches-and-17153284.php | 2022-05-06T07:53:32Z | https://www.lakecountystar.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-HOUSTON-GALVESTON-Warnings-Watches-and-17153284.php | false |
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